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Discussion among members and staff included how to integrate and improve <br />storm water treatments and their design; problem drainage areas and issues as <br />previously identified and specific options reviewed; pathway connections still <br />under discussion; materials and grading of the pathway at driveway connections <br />and their ongoing maintenance; and incorporating recycling and green aspects as <br />part of the project goals. <br />Further discussion included ADA requirements for pathway construction and <br />standard crossover slants; decision making process in determining the location of <br />pathways and sidewalks based on connections to existing facilities, location of <br />power poles, driveways and their existing slopes; utilities; safety concerns for <br />crossing and intersection areas; and public feedback. <br />Ms. Bloom noted that there were many and varying opinions among residents <br />throughout the planning and informational process; however, she advised that the <br />residents had achieved consensus for the recommendations going forward to the <br />City Council in the Feasibility Report. <br />Additional discussion included shoulder and boulevard width between the <br />roadway and pathway depending on existing grade and drainage challenges and <br />snow storage considerations; and concerns in snow storage and freeze /thaw cycles <br />creating hazardous and icy conditions of pathways and sidewalks. <br />7. Presentation: Trees and Water Quality by Randy Neprash <br />Acting Chair Stenlund introduced Randy Neprash, former member of the PWET <br />Commission, for a presentation entitled, "Integrating Trees for Water Quality in <br />Your Community or A Reason for Public Works Engineers to Hug Trees." Mr. <br />Neprash introduced the presentation in the context of his employment as a Civil <br />Engineer with Bonestroo, and his involvement in the Minnesota Cities <br />Stormwater Coalition. Mr. Neprash provided the content of his presentation as a <br />bench handout, attached hereto and made apart thereof. <br />Mr. Neprash concluded his presentation by noting that large trees needed large <br />root space, not a large root ball, but space for root growth; and that stunted trees <br />often found in parking lot islands and along boulevards were stunted due to <br />stunted root space. <br />Discussion among Mr. Neprash, staff and Members included interest by <br />regulatory agencies in providing potential credits for increasing trees on private <br />property as well as public property; incorporation of design standards for the <br />Twin Lakes Redevelopment Area to incorporate trees in parking lot islands to <br />break up and shade the asphalt and the need to provide incentives to developers <br />for credits toward their overall storm water management plans, not just for <br />aesthetic purposes, and impacting their bottom line financial through those <br />incentives through the "power of enlightened self interest." <br />Page 7 of 11 <br />