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MINUTES <br />PLANNING COMMISSION <br />FEBRUARY 14, 2013 <br />also reported that there is a row of 50- year -old pine trees on the former <br />Kupferschmidt property along the road easement. She noted that as part <br />of Howe's agreement to purchase the Kupferschmidt property, Howe <br />agreed to retain the trees along the easement. However, it appears these <br />trees are going to be removed. Bilek expressed additional concerns <br />relative to drainage impacts on the lake as well as that the proposed plat <br />will change the environment of the neighborhood. Bilek also indicated <br />that there are blind driveways on this stretch of LaBore Road, and felt that <br />the proposed road connection would add to traffic safety concerns. <br />The City Planner reported that the City Code does talk about retaining <br />30% of existing tree canopy. The Planner indicated that in reviewing the <br />proposed landscape plan it appears less than 70% of the tree canopy is <br />being removed. Ile also noted that there are some invasive species that <br />will be removed, and these do not count in calculating the tree canopy. <br />The developer has submitted a tree replacement plan and will be replacing <br />more trees than is required under the Code. <br />The City Engineer indicated that given perimeter trees would be saved, <br />trees 30 feet or more into the proposed plat were not shown on the <br />landscape plan. The pine trees referred to by Mrs. Bilek were not shown <br />on the plan; however, the Engineer reported that the developer has <br />indicated that he will try to save these trees as well as any other trees that <br />can he saved. The Engineer thought that the first group of pine trees <br />closest to LaBore Road could he saved, but the others would have to be <br />removed because of grading and to maintain drainage. The Engineer <br />noted that when pine trees grow in a group, the exterior trees look good, <br />but the interior trees do not. Therefore, when some of the trees need to be <br />removed, the ones left may not he worth keeping. <br />Knudsen asked about drainage. The City Engineer indicated that drainage <br />would be retained within the proposed development. He indicated that <br />due to the grading necessary to do this, more trees will be lost. <br />Howe indicated that the pine trees nearest LaBore Road would remain, <br />and more would be planted, if necessary. Bilek again stated that part of <br />the purchase agreement with the Kupferschmidt's is that the pine trees <br />along the easement would remain. <br />Gail Acosta asked if there would be any new plantings added to screen her <br />property pointing out that the development is proposing four new lots <br />abutting her property. Acosta stated that she was concerned about her <br />privacy. Howe replied that the trees adjacent to the Acosta property line <br />would remain. Acosta noted that these trees do not provide screening as <br />they are bare from the ground to about 15 feet in height. Howe indicated <br />that he can add new plantings adjacent to the Acosta property. <br />-8- <br />