05/31/2000 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 31, 2000 Mr. Uhde stated at the site plan review the Board will have the opportunity to identify acceptable plantings for the user to put into place. However, if the berm is not identified until that point, it would be quite costly to import the soil needed for the berm. Kukonen asked if the residents want a berm. Mr. Uhde stated when the property was rezoned they were told a berm would be put into place. Another neighborhood meeting will be held next Tuesday and the issue will be raised again. Acting Chair Lanyon stated he thinks there will be support for a visual barrier but he would encourage them to consider options other than a berm. Mr. Johnson stated a berm is beneficial at ground level and may be more perceived than real. Mr. Johnson stated he thinks residents will perceive a need for a vertical component that is morethan a row of trees. Donlin stated when the theater property was developed, a six-foot berm was created to buffer their property from night-time vehicle lights. She commented on the psychological benefit of having a visual screen and not being able to see the use. Trehus asked if the Board needs to stipulate a buffer on the west side of the site, or if it is a "given." Mr. Johnson stated they will listen to the residents. Trehus suggested a berm be required and then the applicant can assure it is properly designed and appropriate. Mr. Johnson stated he would like to hear, about two issues: 1) have they done what they can with the drainage plan or is there something more they should evaluate; and, 2) the nature of the buffer/screening on the west side of the project. Mach stated he thinks the Board should advise people of the benefits of vegetative screening as opposed to a,mound of dirt and recommended a mix of red oaks and white pine. He stated his intent to support vegetative screens as opposed to berms. y �r Davidson stated her agreement and suggestion that a woodland buffer, which is environmentally more'sound and beautiful, be presented to the residents. Trehus asked if the ponds can be made deeper. Asleson stated that will not matter due to the level of the water table. Mr. Johnson advised of their monitoring well findings. Kukonen stated he believes the drainage issues have been satisfied but he would support further investigation of staffs proposal for a pipe under Apollo Drive. O'Connell asked if the applicant would object to a Board Member attending the neighborhood meeting next Tuesday to present the option of a vegetative berm. Mr. Johnson stated they would welcome that opportunity. O'Connell stated she will plan to attend that meeting. 6