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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 30. 1997 6 . stated the owner had agreed to this amount. He further stated the developer had requested to pay these fees as the lots are sold. . . Councilmember Hicks inquired if a landscaping plan had been received by the City. He stated this applicant had a history of not following through, and asked if the City could require a letter of credit from the applicant. Mayor Probst inquired if this action could be taken by Staff. Mr. Ringwald stated he was unsure of how that would work. Councilmember Hicks stated that at least some trees would be lost in the development process, and inquired if a method existed to require the applicant to maintain or re-establish a certain amount. Mr. Fritsinger stated the City requires a bond for landscape improvement pmposes. He stated he could discuss the language with the City Attorney, and Council to determine whether similar language could be attached as a condition regarding this issue if it wished to. Mayor Probst asked ifthis condition could be attached to the development agreement. Mr. Fritsinger stated this could be done. Mr. Ringwald brought up the question of liability for damage once the property was sold and had work being performed by an independent contractor Mr. Fritsinger stated the other contractors, such as for road construction, would have specific conditions under which they would be required to work. Councilmember Malone stated that as the City had no specific tree preservation ordinance, the applicant could legally clear the entire lot. Mr. Ringwald suggested adding an easement for the trees which are located to rear of the property. Mayor Probst suggested approving the plats and directing Staff to research alternatives. Councilmember Malone stated his beliefthat government should not control people's property to this extent. He stated it was in the developer's best interest to retain as many trees on the lot as possible, as this raised the value of the lot. MOTION: Hicks moved and Malone seconded a motion to approve Planning Case #95-16, Preliminary Plat for Oakridge Homes, with the four Planning Commission recommendations, and payment ofthe park dedication fee in five equal amounts. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). See amendment in Council Comments on Page 8. D. Highway 96 Task Foree Recommendation, Request for Technical Expertise Mr. Ringwald stated that as the Highway 96 Task Force had discussed possible improvements to Highway 96, the inclusion of entryway signage and landscaping had been a recurring theme that the Task Force believed should be included as part of the Highway 96 improvements,