09/27/2000 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 the road to screen the view of vast parking lots and large buildings. Mr. Karasch stated the parking lot is 15 feet from the property line. He stated they will be giving a 20 -foot easement so they can widen Lake Drive. Donlin asked if the swale and landscape can both be accommodated. Mr. Karasch stated it could be accommodated now but when the road is widened, it may need to be removed. Mach asked about the current landscaping. Mr. Karasch stated there are only a few scrub - type trees. Trehus explained the City is drafting a landscape ordinance. Mr. Karasch stated he is aware of that activity and they attempted to mesh the City's requirements with this landscape plan. Trehus noted that the ordinance will require the screening of all off street parking lots if over six stalls. He stated it is a concern of the City to screen parking lots from streets, especially main thoroughfares like Lake Drive. Asleson stated this is a business situation and the environmental water concerns can be integrated into natural urban plans. He stated the applicant desires a manicured landscape treatment in the front areas. Mr. Karasch stated that is correct. Davidson asked if the swale can accommodate both the drainage and landscape screening. Asleson stated he thinks it can be done with the upper areas used for landscaping. Chair Lanyon stated it is important for' the `drainage plans to address water treatment. Mr. Karasch stated that will be addressedandreviewed the site plan to explain the number of parking stalls. He noted: there is no other on -street parking in this area so they need to assure adequate parking for large funerals. O'Connell asked if it is possible to remove the two trees in the parking lot islands so parking can be added to that location. Mr. Karasch stated that would result in the loss of more parking stalls than would be gained. Chair Lanyon stated the major issue is to assure water quality and if there is a way to add additional landscape screening of the parking lot, that would make it a better project. He suggested the applicant work with staff to address those issues. Donlin noted there will be an illuminated sign, which is a concern to her. She stated there was discussion to eliminate all illuminated signs, which can be over lit and offensive. Donlin stated she thinks they can also be quite dangerous. Mr. Karasch stated he understands that concern and noted their intention for a country -theme development. He stated they will assure the illuminated sign provides a softer, non -glaring, effect. 5