09/11/2001 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

Mr. Jeff Smyser August 7, 2001 Page 2 City Planner City of Lino Lakes • Condition 13c: The original planting plan was submitted along with our master plan in September 1997. The berm was only going to be five feet high along the north edge of our property with plants, shrubs, and trees to act as a visual screen. As the approval process moved along after the initial Planning & Zoning meeting, we had two meetings with the neighbors. During these meetings, the purpose of the berm changed. We subsequently agreed to increase the height of the berm to eight feet and move it in from the north property line by 150' to create a buffer area between the property line and our proposed storage area. We feel that the recommendation for two rows of trees was initially intended as a visual and sound screen based on the lower, five -foot high, berm design. As discussions with the neighbors progressed, it was determined that the trees would not do the job as either. We compromised by adding the 3' to the height of the berm and by changing its location. The increased height is a more substantial visual and sound screen than the rows of trees could have been. We cannot see any significant value in planting these rows of trees along the berm. • Condition 13e: The irrigation system was added as a condition for our permit because the neighbors were concerned that the plantings on the berm would be neglected. In the beginning, this condition made sense, but after meeting with Greg Buell from Buell Landscaping, who specializes in landscaping berms, he recommended substituting the originally proposed plantings with more drought resistant plants. He said that with the right plants in place, we would not need an irrigation system for the berm. The drought resistant plants are shown on the new planting plan that we are submitting to you at this time. Based on Greg Buell's recommendations, we planted these hardier plants last fall. They are almost one year old and have survived through a harsh winter, a very hot summer, and as of August 1, 2001 are doing very well. We have a water tank truck, which we use to help reduce the dust in our storage yard, and we are in the process of fitting it with a pump so we can water the plantings when necessary. I am respectfully submitting an application to have these last remaining conditions of approval removed from our conditional use permit. Sincerely, Randall r Molin Vice President / Facilities Manager MOLIN CONCRETE PRODUCTS CO 415 Lilac St. Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Enclosures: Letter from OSHA pertaining to Condition 11 c New planting plan Photographs taken August 1, 2001 of planting on the berm