1997-10-22 - CC Packet - (Admin.)

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PETITIONS AND COMPLAINTS Councilmember Helmbrecht noted vehicles on Old Mill Road and 73rd are allegedly speeding up to hit a dip in the road. Officer Mike Jensen responded the road will be heavily monitored during the evenings hours. APPEARANCES Mr. Mike Black Lakeland Hills Mr. Black (Royal Oaks Realty) briefed the Council on a grading concern in the Lakeland Hills project. Mr. Black explained a common ditch on two abutting properties may cause drainage problems. Currently, a berm supports a roll of mature timbers and removal of the obstacles will allow for proper drainage. Therefore, Royal Oaks proposes to remove the present berm and timber to create a more sufficient drainage slope and replace lost timber at a 1:1 ratio. City Engineer Mr. Nyberg recommended a twenty feet drainage easement and staggering the new timbers 15 feet apart. Building Official Mr. Paul Palzer recommended creating a greater drainage swale and suggested the Council consider leaving the trees on the northwest lots since the trees do not hinder the drainage. Councilmember Powers questioned the height of the proposed replacement trees. Mr. Black replied the replacement evergreen trees would approximately be six to twelve feet in height. Councilmember Powers then questioned the number of trees that would be removed. Mr. Black estimated twenty -three trees would be removed. Councilmember Powers added the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources estimates, The loss of one 30" diameter tree, even at a 1:15 ratio, will still fail to compensate for the environmental benefit of one mature tree. Councilmember Brenner commented she would like to see the trees preserved, nevertheless, she felt there could be a future drainage concern. Councilmember Helmbrecht recalled earlier Council discussion on the timber line in question and understood Royal Oaks would try to save the trees. Also, Helmbrecht stated she would rather lose the trees than to have drainage problems. Mr. Nyberg referred to a January 30, 1997 - letter specifically addressing the particular roll of trees in question. In the letter, the developer and the city were aware of the potential drainage concern if the trees remained and mentioned how developer attempted to save the roll of trees. MOTION by Councilmember Helmbrecht to approve the revised grading plan of removing a roll of trees, keep 4 -6 trees on the northwest lot, replace the trees 30 feet apart, (staggered every 15 feet), twenty feet from the property line. Approval is contingent upon Administrator and Engineer review and approval. Motion seconded by Councilmember Buckbee. Wilharber aye, Helmbrecht 4