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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 22, 2024 12 <br /> Councilmember Monson stated she appreciated Councilmember Holden's comments and stated <br /> in the spirit of working with three cities, she recommended the City keep costs as low as possible <br /> for all three cities. For this reason, she recommended that Condition 19 be removed. <br /> Councilmember Holden agreed with this recommendation. She indicated she watched the <br /> Planning Commission meeting and understood a comment was made about making Shoreview <br /> pay 60% for the trees. She explained there was a topic of putting in bigger trees, but noted this <br /> was difficult because the trees do not always survive. <br /> Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained he was not a tree expert but noted <br /> when the City plants trees, they were typically two to three caliper inches. <br /> Councilmember Holden reported she was shocked by the discussion the Planning Commission <br /> had regarding the trees the City had planted and were not taking care of and that the City voted to <br /> no longer pursue maintenance on the trees that were planted. She indicated she must have missed <br /> this conversation. She asked what this conversation was in reference to. <br /> Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this statement was inaccurate. He <br /> indicated the City was continuing to water trees. He noted the only change was that there were <br /> several dead or diseased trees along Highway 96 that when removed, they would not be replaced. <br /> He explained the Council had approved irrigation along the TH 10 retaining wall. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned why the Council liaison had not corrected the Planning <br /> Commission. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau stated she let the Planning Commission speak and work through the <br /> application. She indicated she tries not to advise. <br /> Councilmember Holden supported the City Council reviewing the duties and roles of the <br /> Council liaison. She commented further on how New Perspective demolished the trees on their <br /> lot and she believed the Fire Department owned this lot before they built on it. She explained she <br /> did not support forcing Shoreview and North Oaks to pay for additional trees because this was a <br /> public safety use. She supported the removal of Condition 19. <br /> MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a <br /> motion to approve Planning Case 24-009 and the adoption of Resolution 2024- <br /> 037 for the Lake Johanna Fire Department Master Planned Unit <br /> Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and <br /> Site Plan Review for a proposed project on 3535 Pine Tree Drive based on the <br /> findings of fact, the submitted plans including 19 conditions as listed with the <br /> renumbering of Condition 20 and striking Condition 19 as listed in staff <br /> report in its entirety. <br /> Councilmember Holden commented on the staffing levels at the fire station. She asked if the <br /> staffing levels would change or increase in the future. <br /> Fire Chief Boehlke explained this building was never designed for today, but rather was <br /> designed for the future. He indicated additional bedrooms had been incorporated. He stated there <br /> would be five full time staff members working Monday through Friday along with three <br />