3.a) January 8, 2008 Regular Meeting .r��y s,Zoos 3 _ �
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regulaz monthly meeting on the above date. The
following were in attendance: Chairman Chris Ness, Commissioners Christine Maefsky,James
Malmquist, Kevin Nickelson, Peter Schwarz and TKDA Senior Planner Shem Buss. Chairman
Ness called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA.MINUTES
Administrator Hurlburt added to the agenda a brief verbal report on floodplain ordinance
information. James Malmquist, seconded by Peter Schwarz, moved to approve the agenda
as amended. T6e motion passed unanimously.
Peter Schwarz,seconded by James Malmquist, moved to approve the December 4,2007
Planning Commission minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
BIG MARINE DEVELOPMENT,LLC—REVISED LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR TII GAVO
Big Marine Development, LLC has requested approval of a revised landscape plan for the Tii
Gavo Open Space Conservation Subdivision. The original plan,prepazed by Putman Planning&
Design,was approved on June 5, 2007. The developer is proposing modifications which they
feel are a better alternative to the ecological health of the site.
Jason Husveth and Ken Arndt, Critical Connections Ecological Services,were present to discuss
the revised plan. The new plan reduces the proposed amount of native and non-native ornamental
plantings, increases the use of native trees and restores the native plant communities,including
about 22 acres of created prairie and savanna. Specifically,the number of trees and shrubs will
be reduced from 422 to 249,with many being transplanted from on-site. The intent of reducing
the number of trees was to take the monetary value of these trees and put it toward establishing
native prairie in several on the outlots. The outlots currently aze old fields with disturbed
wetlands that are overgrown with non-native grasses such as brome and reed canary grass. A 5-
yeaz restoration plan is proposed to return the fields to na.tive plantings. The developer is
committing to covering the costs for the first three years, after which the Homeowner's
Association would cover the maintenance costs.
TKDA Senior Planner/Landscape Architect Sherri Buss presented her report on the evaluation of
the request. Ms. Buss recommends approval of the plan with a number of conditions. These
conditions were incorporated into draft Resolution 01-08-08-01.
Commissioner Maefsky inquired how the transplanted trees aze selected from the site. Mr.Arndt
stated that selective thinning of healthy trees from the edges of the woodland are being
transplanted into the savanna. A higher success rate can be obtained by using native trees that aze
adapted to the site. Councilmember Harneriy asked Mr. Husveth to explain the five year
restoration plan. Mr. Husveth stated that the first year will involve herbicide and controlled
buming, followed by seeding and installation of a forb enhancement mix. Wildflowers should
bloom by year 3, with seeding throughout year 4. By year 5 the acreage should be well
established.
The commissioners and councilmembers discussed the revised plan and suggested changes to the
resolution which would guarantee the financial costs of the restoration plan for five years or until
the restoration is complete(rather than three years), and allow for inspection reports by a
qualified landscape architect for the first five growing seasons(a change from three growing
seasons). Commissioner Schwarz felt satisfied with the presentation and stated that it may be
better than the prior plan. Regarding a question of what if at the end of five years,things are not
January 8, 2008
Scandia Planning Commission
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going satisfactorily? Staff advised that the letter of credit can be extended and retained until the
city inspector is satisfied that it is complete. Currently there is a$177,000 landscaping letter of
credit being held by the city. Commissioner Maefsky stated her approval of the plan and the need
to carry out the plan as sta.ted. Councilmember Peterson stated her approval of the plan.
Councilmember Harnetty asked for Ms. Buss' opinion of the plan. Ms. Buss felt it to be a very
good plan that fits the chazacter of the azea and benefits the long-term health of the land,but the
"devil is in the maintenance". Mayor Seefeldt felt that this plan is consistent with restoring
native habitat and a good move on the developer's part.
Peter Schwaiz,seconded by James Malmquist, moved to recommend to the City Council to
adopt draft Resolution 01-08-08-01 Approval of Revised Landscape Plan,Tii Gavo Major
Subdivision with changes to conditions#2,#5, and#6 in which financial guarantees and
inspection reports are egtended to five years. The motion passed unanimously.
2008 MEETING SCHEDULE
The Planning Commission reviewed the 2008 meeting schedule. Meeting dates for the months of
February and November were rescheduled due to conflicts.
Chris Ness,seconded by James Malmquist, moved to approve the 2008 Planning
Commission meeting schedule as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
REPORT ON FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE
Administrator Hurlburt was recently notified that it is necessary for the city to adopt floodplain
regulations in order to retain flood insurance for homeowners.Administrator Hurlburt is working
with the DNR to select a model ordinance that will apply to Scandia. A draft ordinance is
anticipated to come before the Planning Commission in March.
PLANNING SERVICES
Upon the retirement of City Planner Richard Thompson, Sherri Buss, Senior Planner for TKDA,
introduced herself and welcomed any questions that the Commissioners or Councilmembers had
of the services provided by TKDA. Replying to an inquiry on experience, Ms. Buss stated her
natural resources experience with conservation and preservation ordinances and the fact that she
is a certified landscape architect. Berry Farrington will continue to be involved with Scandia's
planning issues and a representative of TKDA will be in attendance at monthly Planning
Commission meetings. The council appointed Sherri Buss as Scandia's City Planner.
James Malmquist,seconded by Christine Maefsky,aioved to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City of Scandia Deputy Clerk