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MINUTIJS <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />JANUARY 23, 2007 <br />would result in more trees being saved and would be more aesthetically <br />pleasing. <br />Dick Boss expressed concern about the project costs in the event that the <br />railroad contests the assessment. The City Administrator pointed out that <br />holding the assessment hearing early in the process will give the Boss's <br />and the City the advantage of knowing whether or not the railroad is going <br />to contest the assessment. If it is contested, then the Boss's will be able to <br />re-evaluate whether they want to proceed with the project. <br />There was discussion relative to the proposed 24 foot pavement width or a <br />20 foot pavement width. Jim and Dick Boss supported the 20 foot width <br />or less based on aesthetics and the ability to save more trees. The City <br />Administrator suggested that once bids are obtained, the pricing <br />differential can be reviewed in conjunction with tree impact. He again <br />pointed out that the assessment hearing would then be held to determine <br />the railroad position on their assessment. <br />Gene Leo asked the location of the proposed pond. The City Engineer <br />described the location as north of the proposed cul-de-sac for Boss Road. <br />He indicated that the pond would hold a maximum of three feet of water, <br />and the pond would be designed so that the water would drain away within <br />48 hours. The pond would be planted with a native seed mix including <br />wildflowers. <br />The Engineer was asked how many trees would be removed for the pond. <br />The Engineer replied that the pond would be shaped to save as many trees <br />as possible. Diane Hanson asked about the location of the pond relative to <br />her properly as well as tree loss alongside her lot. The Engineer explained <br />the location, and pointed out that some trees will be lost when the sewer <br />line is extended from LaBore Avenue. Again, an aligmnent will be chosen <br />that minimizes tree loss. The Engineer suggested that the City could <br />require the contractor to use a box when installing the sewer line. This <br />would minimize the trench area, thus saving more trees. <br />Montour suggested that in drawing plans, both the 24-foot and 20-foot <br />pavement width be drawn so that tree impact can be compared. <br />Jim Boss again suggested a less than 20-foot street width. The issues of <br />the need for a variance as well as establishing of precedent were <br />discussed. The Council felt there was no hardship to justify a variance and <br />were concerned with the number of similar requests that might be made as <br />the result of granting a variance in this case. Jim Boss felt that there were <br />no other properties abutting a railroad like this one; therefore, the concern <br />of precedent was limited. <br />11 <br />