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6.a) Big Marine Development, LLC. Revised Landscape Plan for Tii Gavo Meeting Date: 1/8/2008 Agenda Item: ��� �� �`� Plannin Commission/Cit Council �' �� �� 9 Y Agenda Report City of Scandia 14727 209`�St. North Scandia, MN 55073 (651)433-2274 Action Requested: Consider the request by Big Marine Development, LLC for approval of a revised landscape plan for the Tii Gavo Open Space Conservation Subdivision. Deadline/Timeline: N/A Background: • The revised landscape plan would replace the plan approved on June 5,2007. • A revised wetland buffer plan was also submitted,which is currently under review by the watershed district. It is not recommended for approval at this time,but will be brought back for any approvals that may be required at a future date. Recommendation: The planner has recommended approval of the revised landscape plan, with conditions that have been incorporated into a draft resolution for use by the Commission and City Council. Attachments/ • Draft resolution(No. 01-08-08-01) Materials provided: . TKDA memorandum dated 12/28/07 • Revised landscape plan dated January 2, 2007 Contact(s): Ken Amdt, Cridcal Connections Ecological Services, Inc. (651)433-4528 Sherri Buss,TKDA(651)292-4582 Prepared by: Anne Hurlburt,Administrator (tii gavo landscape plan) Page 1 of 1 O 1/02/08 �` " .. CITY OF SCANDIA,MINNESO�,,'1�A RESOLUTION NO. O1-0&0�01 ��. , `�. TII GAVO MAJOR SUB��S�ON, APPROVAL OF REVISED � SCAPE PLAN��`; �, �, _ � WHEREAS, on June 5, 2007, the Ci Cot�cil ado��.Resolution No. �16-OS-07-03, approving the application of Big Marine Lake Develop en��/LLC�' for a final pYat and planned unit development conditional use p t for "Tii Gavo"�� Space Design and Planned Unit Development to allow subdivision of 1�5`4�es into 37 mdivi ��,�,,lots and common open space, located at 12595 Lakamaga Trail; and , � � WHEREAS,the property is legally 'cnb�s t�ll�vvs.r >,� ,,�-` _ All that part of�v en�,Lot 2, Secti ",33,Township 32 North,Range 20 West, Washington�unty, M esota which lie �vesterly of the following described line: Com�in�cu�g at th r�brtheast corn ��aid Section 33;thence North 89 degrees �, 25 minutes 27 sec��nd��:�,V, t�be`ar��gs are o ented to the Washington County Coordinate S y st '���T$3,alo�ri g th�north`line9f said Section 33,a distan c e o f 1 6 1 0.5 2 f e e t t o t h e 'of be ��`Qf sas�tl tlescribed line; thence South 12 degrees 56 minutes 27 seconds ,t,a distance ���,'�.feet `or�car�less to the shoreline of Big Marine Lake and said � �r�bed line there �ninatin : AND �;� '�I �`�:� - -�� Governmeni�x, � ection 28,Township 32 North,Range 20 West,Washington County, Minnesota. AND Government Lot 5, Section 28,Township 32 North, Range 20 West, Washington County, Minnesota. AND Resolution No.:01-08-OS-01 , • Page 2 of 3 � That part of Government Lot 6, Section 28,Township 32 North, Range 20 West, Washington County, Minnesota, lying Westerly of the center line of Newgate Avenue North. AND That part of Government Lot 7, Section 28, Township 32 North, Range 20 West, Washington County, Minnesota, lying Westerly of the center lin�of Newgate Avenue North and lying Southerly of the following described line: ;�� � ': Commencing at the Northwest corner of said Govern�m,�nt I�t�7;thence on an azimuth from South 179 degrees 18 minutes 23 seconds,onented to the V�ashington County Coordinate System,North Zone, along the West 1� �f said Gove�`mm,ent Lot 7, a distance of 780.18 feet;thence on an azimuth of 101 d�,�rees 5 minutes 18 s�`e,co�ds(deflecting to the left 77 degrees 21 minutes OS seconds�c�istance of�60.92 feet to a point;-side point being on the center line of Newgate Avenue l�fi h�then,�on an azimuth o�207 degrees 23 minutes 17 seconds, along said center line,a "st��of�300.00 feet to the point of beginning of the line to be described; thence on an ° th of 284 degrees 07 minutes 16 seconds a distance of 722.83 feet�t\�a_.}�oint on the W li�,e of said Government Lot 7 distant 1045.56 feet South of said�Tt� \��s.t corner of ���nt Lot 7 and said line there terminating; and ; � � ' _ ,..�,. WHEREAS, the�e�eloper has now \� ted app ;��of a revised landscape plan for the project, to integra e the� d�caping plan �ith plans or conservation of the open space outlots and to incor�rate more n tive species in ;_ plan; �, NOW,THEREFORE;�B IT RESOL +�BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE � MINNESOTA that it should and hereb CITY OF ��1I��.,WAS'HINGTON�C-O% � , , Y � does ap ;.ve the re ` ` �ands�pe plan and accompanying Tu Gavo Prairie Restoration Memo and C .��stimate dat ���rnber��,20U7, as revised and received by the City on January 2, 200 ;s`��'�t to the follo ,g�_cl,ondi�ns: � " 1. �°I�at the Appl cant plant or transplant trees of the same size or lazger than those proposed m the a� aeoved 1 �cape plan for the site. � ' � 2. That th�;��iplicant meet the Landscape Guarantee requirement of the City's ordinance: All trees at�ri plant materials that do not survive for at least two full growing seasons must be replaced by the owner. This would include the transplanted trees. 3. That the Applicant bear the cost of the first three years of landscape planting, establishment and maintenance, and that the HOA be required to bear the cost of subsequent years. . � Resolurion No.:01-08-08-01 � Page 3 of 3 4. That the Prairie Restoration plan for the site follow the steps outlined for planting and maintenance described in the project plans, sheet LS-4 of 13. 5. The Applicant shall provide an annual report to the City in each of the first three years detailing the activities completed and results of the restoration and planting activities. The report shall be completed at the end of the first three growing seasons. 6. That the City shall inspect the plantings annually after the first three growing seasons,including prairie and savanna restoration areas, to evaluate �s`uCcess of the plantings, at the Applicant's expense. �,.� � 7. That the Applicant provide the planting and m�atenan �an included in the site plans(sheet LS-4 of 13),including the Five Year Maint ance a�d Mana ement Program, and a maintenance and management program for the wetl buffer�areas and oth�ti�ntings on the site,to the Homeowners Association for Tii Gavo � 8. That the Applicant hire a professional�lo '_ , .sit�anager to ov ' ee the plantings,maintenance and management of the prairie an�``5avanna restorations and wetland buffer plantings on the site. � ; � � 9. That the Applicant install p � ' '.sig�,s or mon� entation on the site that identify the boundaries of the prairie and sav ' a r ora�ioi�:azea�s. 10. That the �p�1ic��levelo and �iver educa 'on materials to the Hom�wners P Association and fu � ��idents a��discuss the�'�ive landscapes used at the site, and requirements for ma�int'���ce of �Se areas. The p o�sed materials should be provided to the City for review and appro�v �. �- � Ado ted�c ndf V-Ci Co p y a� ty r��l tlus 8th day of January, 2008. f"�� � '���� Dennis D. Seefeldt, Mayor � ATTEST: Administrator/Clerk . . ' TKDA 444 Gedar Street,Suite 1500 SaiM Paul,MN 55101-2140 ENGINEERS•ARCHITECl'S•PLANNERS (651)292-4400 (651)292-0083 Fax wwar.tkda.com MEMORANDUM To: City Council Reference: Tii Gavo Final Plat--Landscape Planning Commission Revision Anne Hurlburt,Administrator Scandia File Number 2007009 Copies To: Mark Sandercott,Applicant Ken Arndt, Critical Connections Richard Thompson,AICP Proj. No.: 13812.000 From: Sherri Buss,R.L.A. Routing: Date: December 28,2007 SUBJECT: Tii Gavo Landscape Plan Amendment MEETING DATE: January 8,2008 LOCATION: Part of Section 28 and Part of Section 33,Township 32 North, Range 20 West 12595 Lakamaga Trail APPLICANT: Big Marine Lake Development, LLC 21080 Olinda Trail North New Scandia,Minnesota 55073 ZONING: Agriculture(AG)District and Shoreland Overlay ITEMS REVIEWED: Revised Landscape Plan dated 12/14/07 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE REQUEST: Construction has begun on the Tii Gavo development. After further intemal review,the developer has requested modifications to the Landscape Plan(dated June 6,2007) approved by the City on June 5,2007. The developer is suggesting that the proposed modifications are a better alternative for the ecological health of the site than the initial landscape plan approved by the City. The original landscape plan mixed two approaches: 1) azeas of native and non-native ornamental plantings and 2) areas of native landscape creation or restoration. The revised landscape concept removed the proposed areas of omamental plantings, and proposes the use of native trees, shrubs, and the ereation or restoration of native plant communities throughout the site. An Employee Owned Company Promoting A�irmative Action and Equal Opportunity ' Scandia Planning Commission Page 2 December 28, 2007 Tii Gavo Amended Landscape Plan EVALUATION OF THE REQUEST: The Developer has worked with the City over the course of two years to come to agreement on the subdivision and its related documents. As part of the approval of the final plat, the developer is required to follow the landscape plan dated June 6, 2007,regarding provision of general landscaping including seeding, planting of shrubs and trees. The original plan included planting a total of 422 overstory, evergreen and ornamental trees on the site. The deciduous trees proposed ranged from 2" to 2.5"caliper size,and the proposed coniferous trees ranged from 6-8' in size. The original plan exceeded the City's requirements for the number of trees to be planted on the site. The generous planting was proposed to give a"special"character and value to the proposed development. It was part of the package of elements that the City considered in approving the PUD for Tii Gavo. The basis for evaluating the proposed changes to the Landscape Plan is the original adopted Landscape Plan. Any changes from this plan must satisfy the spirit and intent of the original landscape plan, and the requirements of the City's ordinance at the time of approval. The specific proposed changes aze outlined below and aze illustrated on the attached revised Landscape Plan: Change 1: Reduce the number of trees and shrubs proposed for planting,from 422 to 249. The Applicant has stated that the change is proposed to increase the long term ecological health of the plantings on the site,by replacing the"ornamental"landscaping with native plant communities, including prairie and savanna communities. Change 2: Change the species, sources, and sizes of trees to be planted on the site. The Applicant has proposed replacing some of the non-native species used in the original plan with native species. He is proposing to use a large number of transplanted trees from within the site,rather than nursery materials. The sizes of the materials will also vary from those originally proposed. The Applicant has indicated verbally that the original size proposed will be the minimum size of materials used on the site--that the transplanted trees will be of the proposed size identified in the original landscape plan or larger. Change 3:Replace the oYiginal "ornarrcental"tree and shf-ub plantings with approximately 22 acres of created prai�ie and savanna communities. The Applicant proposes that these areas will be ecologically healthier in the long term than the original plan. His analysis indicates that the monetazy value of the prairie and savanna communities will be equal to the value of the trees and shrubs that have been removed from the original plan. Change 4: The plan includes the planting of several wetland buffeY aYeas. These include some buf�j`'er "averaging"--buffers have been reduced in some areas below the average requirement, and increased in other aYeas. The revised wetland buffer plan has been submitted to the Washington Conservation District and Watershed District and is under separate review. Scandia Planning Commission Page 3 December 28, 2007 � Tii Gavo Amended Landscape Plan The Planner's Evaluation of the Requested Changes is as Follows: � The Applicant's rationale for a change from "ornamental"plantings to creation of native plant communities on the site is reasonable,particularly given the character of the site and natural resources in the area. • The Applicants proposed approach to establishing and maintaining the plantings follows standard practices for native plant community creation or restoration. • The costs identified for the plant materials and plant community restoration and maintenance are within the range of typical costs for these items. • The proposed number of trees meets the minimum requirement of the City's Ordinance. • The Applicant is proposing that he be responsible for the first two years of prairie and savanna planting and maintenance. After the first two years,the proposed Homeowners Association will be responsible for ongoing establishment and maintenance of these plant communities. o Issue: Prairies and savannas typically require 3-5 years far successful establishment and to "look like a prairie."By comparison,the"ornamental"plantings originally proposed would have been established in 1-2 growing seasons. The Council should consider whether the equivalent costs identified for the two plans is sufficient to determine that the plans are comparable,or whether the Applicant needs to assure the same level of landscape establishment(for example,by financing the cost of at least the first three years of establishment and maintenance) in order to meet the spirit and intent of the original plan and PUD approval. o Issue: The Applicant's plan relies on the Homeowners Association to value the proposed landscape approach, and provide sufficient resources to assure its establishment. However, those who aze not ecologists or native plant enthusiasts often do not recognize a prairie restoration in-process, and may consider it a"weed patch."This could include future residents of the site,as well as other City residents who will view the site. A lack of value or understanding could lead the Homeowners Association(HOA)to discontinue establishment or maintenance efforts,or lead homeowners adjacent to the restoration areas to mow or otherwise alter them. The Applicant should identify how he will educate the HOA and future residents about the proposed landscape plan so that they are aware that they are buying into a"non-traditional" landscape, and to increase the likelihood that it will be valued and cared for by the future residents of Tii Gavo. Some approaches to education on similar sites have included 1)landscape markers,monuments, and or signs that identify the boundaries of the prairie/savanna areas and direct no mowing, cutting,herbicide or other alteration; 2) developing brochures provided to all prospective residents that provide education and information on the landscape approaches and requirements for the site; 3)providing a"site , manager"who provides or directs landscape maintenance and provides direct education/information to the Homeowners Association. ' Scandia Planning Commission Page 4 December 28,2007 Tii Gavo Amended Landscape Plan ACTION REQUESTED: The Planning Commission can recommend: 1. Approval 2. Approval with conditions 3. Denial 4. Table the request PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: The Planners recommend approval of the Tii Gavo Revised Landscape Plan dated December 14,2007,and accompanying Tii Gavo Prairie Restoration Memo and Cost Estimate(attached)with the following conditions: 1. That the Applicant plant or transplant trees of the same size or larger than those proposed in the approved landscape plan for the site. 2. That the Applicant meet the Landscape Guarantee requirement of the City's ordinance: All trees and plant materials that do not survive for at least two full growing seasons must be replaced by the owner. This would include the transplanted trees. 3. That the Applicant beaz the cost of the first three years of landscape planting, establishment and maintenance, and that the HOA be required to bear the cost of subsequent years. 4. That the Prairie Restoration plan for the site follow the steps outlined for planting and maintenance described in the project plans, sheet LS-4 of 13. 5. The Applicant shall provide an annual report to the City in each of the first three yeazs detailing the activities completed and results of the restoration and planting activities. The report sha11 be completed at the end of the first three growing seasons. 6. That the City shall inspect the plantings annually after the first three growing seasons,including prairie and savanna restoration areas,to evaluate the success of the plantings, at the Applicant's expense. 7. That the Applicant provide the planting and maintenance plan included in the site plans(sheet LS-4 of 13),including the Five Year Maintenance and Management Program, and a maintenance and management program for the wetland buffer areas and other plantings on the site, to the Homeowners Associadon for Tii Gavo. 8. That the Applicant hire a professional ecologist/site manager to oversee the plantings, maintenance and management of the prairie and savanna restorations and wetland buffer plantings on the site. Scandia Planning Commission Page 5 December 28, 2007 ` Tii Gavo Amended Landscape Plan 9. 1'hat the Applicant install permanent signs or monumentation on the site that identify the boundaries of the prairie and savanna restoration areas. 10. That the Applicant develop and deliver education materials to the Homeowners Association and future residents that discuss the native landscapes used at the site, and requirements for maintenance of these areas. The proposed materials should be provided to the City for review and approval.