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Environmental Board <br />August 26, 2020 <br />Page 3 <br />APPROVED MINUTES <br />The northeast portion of the site containing the senior housing building falls within <br />the AUAR boundary. <br /> <br />There is an area on the site that is part of the City’s Greenway System in the 2040 <br />Comprehensive Plan and that should be established. <br /> <br />A detailed tree inventory and preservation plan will have to be submitted and as well <br />as a detailed landscape plan. <br /> <br />Mr. Eric Luth, civil engineer with Sambatek, Inc. followed up with his concerns <br /> <br />- The majority of the trees are low quality trees, but will do a full tree survey <br /> <br />- Wetlands in our opinon in our review is low quality wetlands. So wondering <br />what the reason for the 50 foot wide buffer, the development to the north does <br />not seem to have the same setback. Is the buffer to a builing, to a lot line or what. <br /> <br />- Also the trail adds another layer of difficulty. <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala stated that several years ago the City partnered with Rice Creek <br />Watershed District and for the comprehensive wetland management plan that <br />covered the entire city. Assessments of all the wetlands and was looked at from a <br />number of factors such aswhether they were under single ownership, importance for <br />flood management, their importance as a water quality corridor, storm water <br />retention, wildlife habitat, soil characteristics and so forth. This area was identified <br />as having high priority wetlands. <br /> <br />Given that it is in our greenway corridor and a high priority wetland in our <br />comprehensive wetland management plan it would include a requested to follow <br />buffer setback <br /> <br />Mr. Luth would like to have further discussion about #3 the wetlands buffer <br />requirements <br /> <br />Mr. Grochala since developer is looking for flexibility in their design to allow for <br />smaller lot size in our typical R1. Smaller lot size as an offset to the open space <br />requirement. Put some of these trade offs in the concept level. And let the designers <br />figure out best way to manage it. <br /> <br />Mr. Schwartz stated he knows the importance of greenways corridor and also <br />understand the restrain of having the setbacks or buffers. If the city can give a bit <br />on the buffer and builder can restore or improve the wetlands, that would be an <br />equitable trade off. And would like this to be added to the recommendations. <br /> <br />Ms. Holmes would like clariffication on the board reviewing a concept plan. She <br />wanted to know if this plan will come back to us.