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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 16 Mr. Salzer stated in his opinion the metal panels were superior to aggregate stone. Councilmember Holmes commented her view would be to support the expertise of the developer and she did not need to look at the building materials in order to move this item forward. Councilmember McClung explained the aesthetics and other concerns led him to believe the project should not move forward tonight. Councilmember Scott stated he supported the project moving forward but recommended the Council wait in order to have enough votes to approve the request. He encouraged the developer to have a building that was not monolithic in appearance. Councilmember Holden supported the Council postponing action on this item. City Administrator Perrault recommended the Council provide the Applicant with feedback on how to proceed if the item were tabled for future consideration. Mayor Grant understood this would be important. He noted the Council did still have several other items to address regarding the flexibility requests. He requested staff speak to the tree flexibility. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla discussed the tree preservation ordinance requirements and noted new buildings were to plant a certain number of trees based on the gross overall floor area. He explained this project required 624 2” caliper trees. He commented this site was limited as has been previously discussed due to wetlands and site impacts, which led the Applicant to propose to place 110 trees. Councilmember Holden questioned if money should be donated by the Applicant to allow for additional trees to be planted elsewhere in the City. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated the City could work with the developer on this. He commented the east side of the building did have open space that would allow for more tree plantings. He indicated he would have to review this matter further. Councilmember Holden reported she could support allowing the flexibility regarding the trees. She noted this was a barren site and she wanted it to be showcased. Councilmember Holmes indicated it appeared there were additional spaces on the site that would allow for more tree plantings. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the site plan in further detail with the Council and noted several locations where additional trees could be planted. Councilmember Holmes commented she would like to see the number of trees on the site increased.