05/30/2001 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 30, 2001 Kukonen inquired if the runoff problem present on the old plan was no longer an issue on the redesigned plat. Mr. Cooper stated the configuration was redesigned because of the wetland being nonexistent where one was thought to be, and the presence of a new wetland, with the new plan there was zero impact on the wetland. The present plan was in compliance with subdivision ordinances, and no variances would be sought. Asleson noted in terms of groundwater elevations, the FHA states the bottom of the houses had to be at least 4 feet, but the City zoning says 6 feet. Donlin submitted the development was against the vision of the City, with its cookie cutter plan, and speculations concerning the water levels and flood stages. Schmidt disagreed that the water levels and flood stages were, based on conjecture, indicating the groundwater was measured at seven locations on site, and the elevations would correspond to those numbers. Asleson stated more trees could be lost if the soil was compacted. Mr. Schmidt indicated there was a cash escrow for the trees requiring 4 hardwoods per lot, and that he would be willing to try to save the Pin Oak. The spade to be used has a diameter,of 90 inches. So far, 40 Norway Pines have already been planted on site. O'Connell indicated she had visited another development ;at -Noble 'and 97th Avenue N. and asked the name of the development. Mr. Schmidt explainedaythe name was St. Gerard's, where 500 trees were moved, and they lost 20tr'ees'mostly: to wind damage. Asleson expressed concern over the clearcutting, and indicated;other areas developed without clearcutting were Park Grove, parts ofPheasant Hills; and Clearwater Creek. He asked to be shown on the map where treesVere not to be`emoved. Mr. Cooper pointed out two areas. <K O'Connell stated she observed a .land mover was -parked over many small trees, and inquired if those trees were cons04d saved °' Mr. Schmidt responded the area would be set aside, with no traffic. a,; '',ETV's ntrsarhJ.. Mach asked what werethe expenses' incurred by the developer that would make it better i�7i..Ka" to grade the land:than.to work around the trees. Mr. Schmidt indicated the loss of lots was the issue, because the number of lots makes a development economically feasible. Chair Lanyon'`poiited out the Southwest cul-de-sac on the plat tree map had about 7 trees not locatedwhere the pad would be, and asked why those had to be removed. Mr. Cooper answered it was a drainage issue, where the water would be trapped and would not flow. 5