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<br />.... <br />< <br />~ <br />c <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION -JUNE 6, 2007 <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />completion of the project. The escrow shall only be released upon successful <br />inspection of the trees by the City Planner and City Forester. The inspection shall <br />only take place during the growing season. <br />8. Any other dead or dying trees on the property shall be replaced upon completion of <br />the project and prior to the release of the financial surety. <br />9. Any excess dirt shall be removed from the property within two weeks of completing <br />the project. Permanently storing or dumping the dirt on the subject property shall not <br />be permitted without prior approval from the City. <br />10. The City Attorney shall draft a conditional use permit that shall be signed by the <br />applicant prior to the start of any site preparation or issuance of any permits. <br /> <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman asked if they had calculated what the maximum number of <br />parking spaces were needed. Mr. Lehnhoff responded it was variable because there were <br />two uses in the building (office/warehouse). <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman asked if the berm was specified as part of the landscape plan <br />when originally constructed and if they moved the berm would that modify the existing <br />landscaping plan. Mr. Lehnhoff responded it likely was on the original landscaping plan, <br />but it is ok to modify the original plan because they were asking for a Conditional Use <br />Permit Amendment. <br /> <br />Commissioner Larson asked if they would want to guarantee the relocated trees make it <br />through a couple of years and replace them if they do not. Mr. Lehnhoff responded that <br />the recommended conditions do include a one year guarantee requirement, but they could <br />change the one year condition to a two year condition. <br /> <br />Chair Sand opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. and invited anyone for or against the <br />Planning Case to come forward. <br /> <br />Alan Kretman, Engineer for the applicant, stated he was involved in the original project. <br />He noted the intent for the berm and landscaping was to create a visual buffer with what <br />was potential loading docks and the potential of a high-rise building to the south. He <br />indicated at the time this structure was put up, Welsh did not have control of the land in <br />between, so the City wanted a guarantee of a vegetative screen. He stated when the <br />development happened they looked at this comprehensively and that was partially why <br />they have come forward with wanting the variance. He stated in terms of placement of <br />trees on the property, there were a few locations where they could put some new trees, <br />but on the west side of the property, there would be slopes anywhere and while they <br />could put trees under the power line, Excel had certain restrictions with respect to <br />species. He recommended they look at an overall approach. He stated this property was <br />unique and they did not want to create precedence, but with this approach, he believed it <br />would not do that. With respect to the easement for the landscaping south of the <br />property, another thing that could occur was that if there was landscaping transferred to <br />that property, it would be their requirement to maintain it. He stated they were <br />suggesting that the easement probably lies with this property and they should maintain <br />the trees. He indicated being environmentally sensitive was important in land <br />