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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 25, 2021 15 Councilmember Holmes understood the City did not favor these types of trees on City right of way, but explained these trees were counted within the tree survey. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was the case noting cottonwoods, ash and boxelder were considered significant trees. Councilmember Holmes noted this was a heavily wooded area that the developer was looking to cut down. She believed residents valued trees no matter what their species. She wanted to see the developer follow City Code caliper for caliper. Councilmember McClung commented he understood why the developer was trying to pin one section of Ordinance against another. However, this does not apply in this situation. He reported the trees being mitigated were in the middle of the property and not on City right of way. He discussed the Ordinance that covers tree mitigation and commented on how the City valued trees, no matter its species. He explained he agreed with Councilmember Holmes and recommended City Code be followed for this matter. Councilmember Holden stated she was going to play devils advocate and noted this was private property. She indicated Bethel University could have gone in and removed all of the cottonwood trees at any point in time. She appreciated the fact that Bethel and Country Financial have allowed citizens of Arden Hills to walk on the private trails. She commented the developer was also proposing to construct a trail on private land. She stated in an effort to keep the trails open to the public was it worth charging the developer fully for the tree loss. Councilmember Holmes agreed Bethel has been very good to the community to keep the trails open. She questioned if Bethel University could have removed all of the cottonwood trees on the site. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported Bethel University could have removed up to 10% of the trees on the site prior to the subdivision. Mayor Grant commented the Council could land on either side of this issue. He indicated he believed the $20,000 payment for the trees was reasonable for this development. Councilmember Holden disagreed with this statement because she didn't know what the actual amount should be. Mayor Grant stated this was a PUD. Councilmember Holmes also disagreed with the Mayor and stated she too would like to have the actual numbers for the tree loss and subsequent payment amount. She questioned why the City would give up the right to the actual payment amount. She stated she would like staff to bring this number back to us. Mayor Grant questioned how much time the Council had to render an approval on the PUD.