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I I. I I I I I I I I- I I I I , I I ,e I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 26. 1996 12 Colleen A venue as an example of a street that may be in need of reconstruction suddenly, after the winter moisture heaved the street badly. Discussion was held on the assessment calculation formula. Councilmember Malone stated an assessment meeting will be held prior to construction beginning. Mayor Probst stated the residents should identify volunteers to work with the engineers on an alternate plan, with the goal of either approving reconstruction or removing Oak Avenue from the street improvement proj ect list on March 11, 1996. Mr. Smith stated that he is confident a compromise can be reached. D. Planning Case #95-23. Bart Buetow/RLS Kevin Ringwald, Community Development Director, reviewed for the Council that the applicant is requesting approval of a preliminary Registered Land Survey (RLS) consisting of three tracts on a 1.11 acre parcel zoned R-l Single Family Residential district. Mr. Ringwald noted the Planning Commission has received considerable discussion and concern from the neighborhood regarding compatibility of the request with the adjacent neighborhood. He stated that concerns were primarily with substantial mature tree loss and lot sizes being smaller than the average lot sizes in the neighborhood. Mr. Ringwald noted the applicant had made several modifications to the RLS subsequent to the Planning Commission meeting, including providing required drainage easements, rock structure, trees to be preserved around the silt fence, and an additional snow fence located outside the tree drip line. He noted that Staff and the Planning Commission recommended approval of the application. Mayor Probst asked if there was anyone who wished to address the Council. Dorothy Pedersen, 1407 Forest Lane, stated she understood the Planning Commission's job to enforce ordinances, but noted that the ordinances were established in 1969. Ms. Pedersen stated the trees on the applicant's lots are approximately 100 years old, and are sensitive to soil compaction. She stated she is not opposed to one home being built on the land, but is opposed to two homes. Ms. Pedersen continued that 24 percent of the trees will be lost due to construction of a driveway, and 40 to 50 percent of the trees will be lost over the entire site. She noted she is a master gardener by trade, and was dismayed to learn that Arden Hills does not have a tree preservation policy. Ms. Pedersen volunteered to assist in the implementation of such a policy. She also noted that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) states oak wilt is four times more likely in an area where development has occurred and trees are damaged.