08-07-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION — July 10, 2024 6 Community Development Director Jagoe stated the Lake Johanna Fire Department was asking for flexibility to be able to replace the 48 caliper inches of trees. She reported if there was a recommendation to waive the fee, this could be made a condition for approval. She explained at this time the applicant would be required meet City ordinance, which would require replacement to the full or flexibility for the 48 inches or other variation of an offsite location for the remainder of the caliper inches, or payment in lieu of. Chair Weber opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. Chair Weber invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Community Development Director Jagoe distributed to the Planning Commission a public comment received via email that was submitted to the City in advance of the meeting. There being no in -person comment Chair, Weber closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. Chair Weber reviewed each of the Applicant's requests for flexibility in further detail. Chair Weber commented on the building setback and asked if anyone had any concerns regarding the proposed 90 foot setback. There was no opposition. Chair Weber requested comment regarding the landscaping plan, noting the proposed tree removal would bring the site from 984 caliper inches down to 48 caliper inches. Commissioner Bjorklund suggested the 48 caliper inches be increased to at least 200 caliper inches. Chair Weber supported the applicant being responsible for replacing two thirds of the caliper inches. He believed the City needed these trees or funding to maintain the current trees in the community. Commissioner Mitchell commented the property was 3+ acres of undeveloped land and a large portion has trees on it. She discussed how difficult it would be to construct a building on this site without losing some trees. She stated if the City were to demand keeping more trees, she anticipated the fire station would not be able to be developed on this property. She indicated this land was chosen because it was central and provided good access to the City of Arden Hills. She reported a large portion of the land would be taken up by the building along with paved area for parking. She suggested the City encourage the applicant to plant as many trees as possible, but recommended the City not require the applicant to keep half the trees, because the fire station won't fit. Chair Weber stated he understood the trees would come down, but he wanted to see trees planted elsewhere or for the payment in lieu of the trees to be made to the City, which was required of every other development in the City. Commissioner Mitchell questioned if this new fire station would be replacing another fire station.