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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />JANUARY 10, 2008 <br />Benning reported that the individual lots will be custom graded as each <br />home is developed, rather than clearing all the trees from the property. <br />Homes will be located in the middle of each lot. Tree removal will occur <br />only as necessary. This custom-grading approach makes it difficult to come <br />up with a specific landscape plan. <br />Benning noted that there will be tree clearing for the first 10 to 12 feet along <br />the west boundary line of the plat in order to get proper drainage. Once the <br />infiltration pond is installed, trees and shrubs that can survive the conditions <br />will be replanted in this area. <br />Benning noted that there are clusters of trees that will be retained between <br />the homes. He also noted that every effort will be made to save trees in <br />front yards as well. These bees will be tagged so that they are not removed. <br />Benning reviewed the landscape plan noting the various areas where trees <br />will remain. <br />Duray asked if there was a specific percentage of trees that will remain on <br />each lot. Benning replied that this was difficult to answer given that some <br />areas of the plat are heavily treed and others are not. <br />Knudsen asked the City Planner for his opinion on the landscape plan. The <br />Planner stated that he was initially concerned when no landscape plan was <br />submitted. He felt, however, that the developer has done a good job with <br />the landscape plan that the City now has. He noted that the developer will <br />have to enter into a Development Agreement with the City and that the <br />landscape plan will be an exhibit to that agreement. The developer will also <br />have to put up the proper security to ensure that landscape plantings <br />survive. <br />Knudsen asked if it was the City Planner's recommendation that the Final <br />Plat be approved with the landscape plan as submitted. The Planner replied <br />that that was his recommendation. <br />Barraclough asked about the ditch along the west boundary line in the <br />vicinity of Lots 4 and 5. Benning replied that this will be an infiltration <br />pond about 12 to 14 inches deep. The Planner indicated that the pond will <br />have the appearance of a gentle swale. Benning reported that the <br />appropriate trees and shrubbery will be planted in the vicinity of this pond. <br />The Planner indicated that the type of plantings that will be installed will <br />not impede drainage. <br />Knudsen stated that he would like to commend the developer on his <br />commitment to save as many trees as possible, and felt that the existing <br />trees add to the character of the area. <br />-2- <br />