02/27/1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 1 COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 1995 Strecker noted that there are no trees on the neighbors side of the easement that would be disturbed by the construction. Mr. Powell presented an overhead showing an engineer's rendering of the proposed area of construction. He noted White Pine Road going west out of the Woods of Baldwin Lake, the road shifts six (6) feet to the south and continues on this alignment to the intersection of Baldwin Lake Road. He said he disagreed with Mr. Strecker noting that his proposal is a major two (2) direction change in the roadway. Mr. Powell said he is more concerned about the utility construction for the area. He explained that if the utility lines are constructed as they normally are, they would be centered underneath the roadway. Where the roadway is shifted south, the reconstruction of the slope would bring the area of construction to the base of the trees located on the corner. Mr. Powell explained that with the amount of utility excavation that will take place at the base of the trees, particularly the two (2) trees on the corner, they would not survive and would have to be removed in the future. He further explained that he has looked at keeping the roadway shifted to the south as planned but keeping the utilities in the center of the right-of-way. However, the utility trenches will require a certain slope and construction will still be within four (4) or five (5) feet of the trees. This is still not enough distance to preserve the trees. He said that the placement of utilities require the use of the entire right-of-way. This makes it more imperative that the roadway be constructed with only one shift to the south. Mr. Strecker said he disagreed with Mr. Powell's comments about the change in direction of the road. He felt the "curvy" road would help in slowing down traffic and would add aesthetic appeal to the area. He felt that the road to the south was much more "curvy" than what he has proposed for White Pine Road. Mr. Strecker explained that the roadway has in part kept the tree roots from growing underneath the roadway because roots are always seeking water. He felt the trees would not be greatly affected by the excavation because the roots are growing away from the road. Mr. Strecker said preserving trees is important on any project. He said trees in North Oaks and Minnetonka are left within the roadway. He also noted that "curvy" roads are constructed in these two (2) areas. Mr. Strecker agreed that the trees were not on his property, they are on the right-of-way. He felt that the City should consider saving the trees to preserve the nature of the area. Acting Mayor Neal asked if the City has a tree board. Mr. Powell noted that all projects of this nature are reviewed by the City PAGE 24 1 8 (�