08-07-24 PC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION — July 10, 2024 7 Fire Chief Boehlke reported this station would be replacing the existing station at Victoria and County Road E. Commissioner Mitchell inquired if additional trees could be planted on this site. Fire Chief Boehlke explained the City of Shoreview owned the Fire Station #4 property. He stated the fire department could opt to pay the fee in lieu of planting more trees. He indicated he was not against trees and noted the department has spent a great deal of time planning for the new fire station. He commented he would plant as many trees as possible on this property. He stated there wasn't another location for the fire station, nor would the project get any cheaper. He explained the request for flexibility was to try and minimize taxpayer cost. Commissioner Mitchell asked if this PUD could be structured in such a way that the other cities could be asked to pay for trees. Community Development Director Jagoe commented all of the project costs would be split between Shoreview, Arden Hills and North Oaks. Fire Chief Boehlke indicated Shoreview would pay 61% of the project costs, North Oaks would pay 14% and Arden Hills would pay 25%. He explained the fire department secured $6.3 million from the State of Minnesota and additional federal dollars were being pursued to assist with the expense of the project. Chair Weber stated his concern was with the fact Shoreview and North Oaks would not be taking a loss on the trees, but rather this loss would be felt by the City of Arden Hills. He stated he would like to see the tree replacement required to be somewhere around 66%. Commissioner Bjorklund reported this would require the applicant to plant 300 caliper inches of trees. Commissioner Erler explained he understood this project had to move forward, but he suggested the City apply the ordinance as written and that the City pay its fair share and that North Oaks and Shoreview be required to pay their fair share. He recommended the loss be shared between the three cities. Commissioner Stromberg believed a lot of great points had been shared. She indicated she was sympathetic to the residents at New Perspective that would lose trees in their area, but she supported the project moving forward without the City being forced to pay for more trees. Commissioner Bjorklund anticipated the applicant could install larger trees onsite and in order to meet the 300 caliper inches and the building plans could move forward as proposed. Commissioner Mitchell stated she was uncertain if it would be possible to plant 300 caliper inches on the fire station property. Commissioner Bjorklund commented he was also uncertain if this would be possible, but noted he wanted to see more trees on this property.