04/30/2003 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGAPRIL 30, 2003 3 APPROVED MINUTES Asleson stated half of the dogwoods were on the property line. There were visibility issues for the police, so groupings were suggested. He also indicated that there was parking in the back of the site. Donlin inquired about a trail, and expressed concern about the traffic. Asleson responded that the trail was a good idea for alternative transportation. Chair Kukonen asked for confirmation of 38 parking spaces. He suggested in accordance with the zoning ordinance that the number should be reduced and replaced with pervious surfaces. He also recommended that the developer follow the current lighting standards. Grundhofer expressed difficulty in defining the number of fixtures on the site. Asleson stated that there was no direction in the ordinance on the number, but there were directions for spillage. O’Dea stated she found nine locations for lights. Steve Swanson spoke to the issue but indicated that he was a civil engineer not in charge of the lighting. He promised to bring the issues to the developers’ attention. The lighting fixtures were in the form of wall packs and free standing lights. There were three poles on Lake Drive and one pole on the opposite side. Donlin indicated one of the goals of the Board was to minimize the lighting. For this reason, all the lights should have hoods. Asleson clarified that the fixtures should be flush mounted. Donlin stated that fixtures should be recessed. Landscaping was important to make the site visually aesthetic. Mr. Swanson stated that the developer was open to any recommendations in the area of landscaping. Asleson noted that the landscaping issues were visibility and use of salt tolerance species. Mr. Swanson gave the name Gordon Anderson as the contact for landscaping on the project. Donlin expressed concern for the big box industry, that the buildings could be softened with ivy and shade trees. Grundhofer inquired of staff on the appropriateness of woodbine or the honey locust at that location. Asleson responded that it was a good urban tree. Minneapolis had trouble with the honey locust. Grundhofer suggested that the New Jersey Tea for the trail. Donlin added that native species were a standard recommendation.