01/26/2022 EB Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enivornmental Board January 4, 2022 Page 3 DRAFT MINUTES 9. Foundation landscape standards have not been met. An additional 4 large trees and 5 large shrubs will be required for the northeast building face, east of the retaining wall. 10. Buffer and Screen requirements have not been met. The plants added for the foundation landscape standards will also satisfy the buffer and screen requirements. 11. MnDOT 34-27, a wet meadow seed mix, is specified for the east perimeter. A seed mix, such as 35-221 Dry Prairie General, should be more suitable to the high, dry conditions in this specific area. 12. All native seeding is subject to the City Native Plant Establishment Requirements. This should be noted in the landscape specifications. 13. Mulch used for stabilization should be type 3, with MCIA tags provided to the City at time of install. This should be noted in the landscape specifications. Mr. Parsons inquired if it is typical for surmountable curbs to be installed in parking lots, noting that it seemed like added risk to provide a path across the parking lot. Mr. Nelson described the potential for turtles to use the surrounding area due to wetland and upland locations, adding that turtles will always find their way down into parking lots but standard curbs do not allow for turtles to safely leave. Mr. Nelson did state that the applicant is looking for flexibly in buffer location, proposing to add area to the west of the wetland to accommodate the parking lot as planned. This is under review by Rice Creek Watershed District. The wetland buffer with an average width of 50 ft. and minimum width of 25 ft. is required per RCWD rules. Mr. Schwartz asked which specific buffer and screen requirements had not been met. Mr. Nelson replied that buffer and screens are required between different land use types and to screen roads, parking, screening utility and loading areas. The area that required more screening is the east perimeter. Mr. Sullivan wanted to know if the parking was below ground. Mr. Nelson responded that the parking is at-grade. Mr. Sullivan asked who was responsible for installing the retaining wall on the property. Mr. Nelson stated that the developer will be constructing the retaining wall. Mr. Sullivan asked for clarification on the native seed recommendation for east of the retaining wall and on irrigation. Mr. Nelson responded that the native seed plantings will not be irrigated but the other landscape improvement areas with turf and landscape plants would.