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COUNCIL MINUTES APRIL 28, 2003 APPROVED 1005 concern. He expressed he moved to Century Farms for the beauty, and it has been filled with 006 pheasant, fox, deer; all of which will have no home if the City lets this development continue. He 1007 explained that when he bought his home, he was told there would be no homes behind them, as it was 1008 wetlands. There have been many changes to what they have been told would happen over the last 1009 several years, and meanwhile they have become accustomed to the natural beauty the wetlands 1010 provide. He expressed disappointment that the neighborhood meeting was held over Easter break, but 1011 stated that in spite of that they have received significant neighborhood support. At the meeting, a site 1012 meeting was suggested, and they also expressed concern about an urban development where all they 1013 will see is vinyl siding. 1014 1015 Mr. Almich indicated they had heard tree scrubbing would start, although an approved plan was not 1016 done. He stated that one thing they have learned is that it is all about money. Much of the wetland is 1017 being considered upland, because it is easier to fill and access. He thinks the reason for this pond 1018 expansion is to get enough fill, and it does not allow room for trees to remain. He expressed that the 1019 100 year flood line may be lower than they calculated, dictating that the pond could be smaller, but 1020 they were told the time and money to recalculate would be too significant to be done. He questions 1021 why they would make the pond larger than it needs to be without an evaluation being done. He also 1022 expressed concerns, outlined in his handout, about taking away the trees they are accustomed to, 1023 which takes away the noise buffer and wildlife as well. He stated the proposed plan not only does not 1024 take away their concerns, it does not even address them. He is asking the Council not to approve the 1025 plan for the next phase, which affects the prior phases, until a commitment is made by the developer 1026 on the trees and pond. He indicated the prior plan and proposed plan are very different, and they are 1027 now taking out a huge portion of trees that was not originally planned. .28 29 Mr. Johnson, representing the developer, stated it is unfortunate the residents feel they are not being 1030 heard, but noted a neighborhood meeting is not required. He indicated this was not a new project, 1031 they are trying to finish what was approved before. He acknowledged the pond has changed, but they 1032 have been working with the Rice Creek Watershed District to address the concerns. He indicated 1033 work was supposed to start this week, however they have delayed it until these issues are resolved. 1034 He stated these plans have been scrutinized since 1994, and agreed the pond has undergone a shape 1035 change, with reforesting that will be discussed on Wednesday. He indicated it was their intent to 1036 discuss this with the neighbors, and they are not trying to hide anything. 1037 1038 Mr. Johnson further indicated there may be some error in the flood plain levels, as the consultants 1039 made several assumptions, and it may be off 2-3 feet; however that will not affect the ponds in the 1040 central core of the project. He demonstrated on the site plan opportunities for additional screening, 1041 which will be discussed in detail as they work out a plan. He reiterated they were trying to finish 1042 what they agreed to do, and are doing it in a sincere fashion. He stated the homes will be 600 to 1000 1043 feet away, but yes, there will be fewer trees in that area. He hopes the Council will support the staff 1044 recommendation. He noted that in Resolution 03-60, the number of units is incorrect, and should be 1045 corrected if passed. He agrees the parkland dedication is proving to be more difficult than 1046 anticipated, but they will work that out with staff also. 1047 1048 Councilmember Carlson asked which additions this was approved on. Mr. Johnson stated the 2"d, 4th 1049 and 5th. Councilmember Carlson indicated that this was the first time the City Council was hearing of 1050 the issue with the trees, as it did not go out in the report nor was it brought up at the work session. 51 She is surprised about the petition, first hearing of that on Thursday, at which time she suggested they W52 either call the City Engineer to discuss or it would be on the agenda. 22