08-07-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION — July 10, 2024 5 Commissioner Erler reported if the fee were charged, this would be another expense that would fall on Arden Hills taxpayers. Chair Weber asked what the fee the Applicant was requesting to be waived would be. Community Development Director Jagoe stated she did not have an estimate but reported a couple caliper inch tree may be estimated to cost $400 to $500 plus the fee would need to include the cost for installation, plus 10%. Chair Weber reported the fee that was being waived would be substantial. He explained the City Council recently voted to not maintain the trees along Old Highway 10. Councilmember Rousseau indicated the shrubs in this area would not be maintained and staff was looking into a sprinkler system for the trees in this area. Chair Weber commented on how the landscaping fee loss would be born completely by the City of Arden Hills. He was of the opinion the City needed a portion of this fee in order to properly maintain the trees in the community. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the contour lines within the site plan stating 30% of the property was within a flood zone. He understood this would be reduced to 15% through the water retention plans. He explained the footing for the building would be five feet above the floodplain. He questioned if these plans had been studied enough to ensure the building elevation was high enough to ensure it does not flood. Fire Chief Boehlke explained he was working with the City Engineer and the watershed district on this project. He then deferred this question to the project architect. Mod Feders, architect for the project, introduced himself to the Commission. He reported Rice Creek Watershed has to approve the proposed site plans. He discussed how the City requires completed drawings by a civil engineer for watershed review. He indicated these plans were provided to the watershed district and after receiving City approval, the next step would be to receive approval of these plans with the watershed district. Commissioner Bjorklund stated he was very concerned with the loss of trees on this property. Mr. Fetters explained he worked to save as many trees as possible, but stated the proposed trees loss was necessary in order to accommodate the fire station and surrounding paved areas for the maneuverability of the vehicles. Commissioner Bjorklund commented on the stringent tree regulations that have been upheld by the City and discussed how Arden Hills worked to remain a heavily forested community. While he admired what the architect was doing, he believed that the tree loss on this site was too significant. He stated he would not vote to approve this proposal unless more trees were saved. In addition, he encouraged the architect to reconsider where the proposed trees were being planted because they were within the 100 year floodplain. Chair Weber asked if the waiving the tree mitigation fee in lieu of was a condition for approval.