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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 17, 2008 Page 21 Applicants Mark Fabel and Bake Baker with McGough Development Councilmember Ihlan sought clarification on the oak grove natural area to the north, and the developer's intent with the proposed expansion area. Mr. Fabel advised that they were currently in discussions with the individuals owning the property; and at such time as they may move forward with the next design aspect, they would want to incorporate that area into their site plan for a preliminary development plan, at which time a tree study could be performed to determine species and condition for preservation consideration. Mr. Fabel clari- fied that the approval being sought tonight was in Concept, and included incorpo- ration of potential build-out areas and infrastructure impacts. Councilmember Ihlan opined that this area had been identified as a rare opportu- nity to preserve a decent, natural oak forested area, and was important to preserve. Councilmember Ihlan sought the developer's intention if they acquired the prop- erty, and if they intended to preserve the area as an area for park dedication or city acquisition for design and/or environmental purposes or to wipe it out. Mr. Fabel advised that the area was currently reserved as a final expansion oppor- tunity, and had as-yet to be determined. Mr. Baker advised that, if they were able to acquire the property, a tree survey could be done in the area to determine species and boundary areas for preserva- tion, but opined that additional information was needed, in addition to actual ac- quisition of the property by the developer. Mr. Baker advised that, at the Coun- cil's discretion, the applicant would welcome stipulation of a condition that the developer work with staff, the City's Parks and Recreation Commission and the Metropolitan Council on potential preservation of the natural oak grove area. Mayor Klausing referred the developer to the AUAR mitigation area. Councilmember Roe requested that the developer keep in mind the Council's de- sire that this corporate campus integrate with the community, specifically through park and pedestrian connections, and that they consider pedestrian facilities as amenities for the property users, as well as the public, so that the project didn't serve as an island to itself, but attempted to reach out to the rest of the commu- nity. Mr. Baker noted meetings to-date with the City's landscape architect and the Parks and Recreation Commission, and pending work as the corporate campus developed. Mr. Baker assured Councilmembers, and the public, of their willing- ness to continue working with staff to provide amenities where they can be, such as pathway connections, with consideration to inner-campus security. •