04-16-07 Full Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 13, 2006 6 She indicated the other two concerns regard tree removal and replacement throughout the neighborhood. First, the residents are requesting that at least an equivalent amount of trees are replaced throughout the neighborhood as were removed. The other concern about trees was the stability of the slope along the west side of Siems Court on the 1600 Lake Johanna Boulevard property. The residents are requesting that a landscaping plan is prepared and the hillside is revegetated. She reviewed her analysis and recommended the intersection of Siems Court and Lake Johanna Boulevard remain as constructed, with the possible addition of striping and a stop bar to delineate the lanes. She recommended that additional trees and shrubs be added, but suggested that staff receive additional quotes in an effort to get lower prices. Councilmember Larson stated he believed the width of the intersection slowed people down. He stated he was not sure they should add yellow striping to the street because this was a residential street. Councilmember Holden noted she had driven this street and it was intimidating to drive this prior to the bituminous being brought up to the curb. Councilmember Grant stated he also did not think striping should be added. He believed it would destroy the look and feel of the neighborhood. He stated he was in favor of adding additional trees because the loss ofthe trees changes the character ofthe neighborhood. Kathy Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, read from a prepared statement outlining her opposition to the intersection. She noted the road would be even narrower in the winter when there was snow on the ground. She stated her replaced driveway was not what they had previously. She indicated they had an electrical cord cut which had not been fixed. She stated she previously had an aggregate sidewalk, which she did not have now. She requested that Council approve the staff recommendation of additional trees. She asked the City to consider putting in additional trees as well. Bill Thornton, 3510 Siems Court, stated he has lived on Siems Court for 20 years. He stated the problem was not two parked vehicles approaching each other from opposite direction, but rather the traffic moved fast in this area. He noted they had to slow down fairly dramatically now to make the turn. He suggested they widen the intersection so they did not have to make such dramatic turns. He stated he would not be in favor of striping the road and did not believe it would improve the condition of the road. He stated they did need more trees added also. He stated the neighborhood wanted to see as much replanting done as possible. He stated he wanted a nice mix and variety of trees put in. He stated from his personal perspective he would rather see additional trees added than the road widened. He requested staff review the re-forestation for the hillside. He did not believe six trees were sufficient. Steve Erickson, 3442 Siems Court, stated he shared the same concerns. He asked Council to consider the geometry of this intersection and that they tried to make the 90 degree connection in ~'-"""''''