05-13-2004 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MAY 13, 2004 Highway 36 which drain into the existing ditch. DeBennet stated that it is evident that the culverts along County Road B-2 will need some work, and this will be addressed as part of the engineering design. DeBennet indicated that they are working with the Watershed relative to the wetland designation to determine if this is a regular wetland or an incidental wetland. Barraclough expressed concern about the location of the existing drainage area in relation to proposed house pads. The City Planner noted that the Parks & Recreation Commission has reviewed the proposed plat and has recommended a cash park charge in lieu of land with the stipulation that they want to be able to continue the trail along County Road B-2. The Planner indicated that another issue identified in his report relates to the City's tree replacement requirements. The developer is proposing to grade the entire site in order to accomplish the project; therefore all existing tree cover will be removed. The City's tree replacement requirements call for the replacement of 165 caliper inches of trees, which results in the need to add 50 to 75 trees on the site. The Planner recommended that a landscape plan be required showing tree replacement as well as landscaping of the proposed pond areas. It was noted that this tree replacement would have to be done by the developer, and not the individual homeowners as lots are developed. Knudsen asked about increased noise from Highway 36 as the result of tree removal. The City Planner replied that MN DOT studies conclude that tree cover provides for very little noise attenuation. Therefore, the removal of trees should not substantially increase noise levels in the area. Knudsen commented that given the lack of substantive information relative to drainage issues, action on the Preliminary Plat should be tabled until the June Planning Commission meeting. Jim Engstrom, 670 County Road B-2, asked if the County Road B-2 lift station will be able to handle the increased volume that will result from this development. Engstrom noted that he lives adjacent to the property in question, and reported that there is a great deal of water and sand that comes down from Highway 36 to County Road B-2 on both sides of his property. Engstrom suggested that a holding pond be installed on Lot 1 of the proposed development to take the run-off and sand that comes from the south. Engstrom noted that years ago this area was Lake George and was filled. Duray asked where the water is coming from. -14-