03-27-2013 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MARCH 27, 2013 dedicated from 2966 LaBore Road by Harriet Brown, who was the owner of this property. At the time the City required a 66 -foot easement for roads, therefore, Brown dedicated half of the required easement. Howe pointed out that Masterpiece Homes has been paying property taxes on this easement property. Howe stated that he needs the easement to make the project work, and indicated that he is asking for the easement vacation. Dave Brausen pointed out that Howe cannot request the easement vacation. Howe then stated that when he talked to the Kupferschmidt's when he purchased his property and told them it was his intention to save as many trees as possible. However, he did not guarantee that he would save the trees. Howe noted that the City Engineer presented information earlier in the meeting about the trees that are outside the easement area. Montour noted that there was discussion that Howe would be willing to add trees on the Bilek property for screening. Montour also noted that that the landscape plan meets or exceeds the requirements under the City's "free Preservation Ordinance. Bilek acknowledged that the City Engineer did discuss trees and drainage and indicated that the trees on proposed Lot 11 must be removed in order to develop the lot. Bilek indicated that her concern is with screening and space and the fact that they will now have houses looking into their backyards. Bilek reported that she and her husband have maintained the easement area adjacent to their property for the past 27 years. There are over 100 trees on the edge of their property. Bilek felt that the City's Tree Preservation Ordinance does not require much, and indicated that the Pinetree Pond development will totally change their property. Montour indicated that the City Engineer can work with the Bilek's on the landscaping issue. Pam Brausen reported that she heard the phone conversation between Howe and Dave Brausen wherein Howe offered to buy the Brausen lots for $100,000 each. She indicated that Dave Brausen was confused by this call given Howe's position against the bulb plan. Dave Brausen questioned the City's motivation with the Pinetree Pond development. Montour pointed out that the City has kept an open mind in considering the Pinetree Pond development as well as the conflicting interests and has worked diligently on behalf of the entire City. Dave Brausen stated that he was compelled to speak after receiving the 34 -page report from the City Administrator which he felt took apart the alternative plans that he drafted. Brausen stated that he felt the road easement should not be vacated until the Pinetree Pond Final Plat is approved. He felt that vacating the easement prior to final plat approval reduced other options 19