Review Natural Resources Aspects related to a Plat and Site Plan for Anderson Dahlen (Project No. 19-109)

The City has received as application from Anderson Dahlen (the "Applicant"), an existing Ramsey business, for a proposed Plat and Site Plan for a new manufacturing facility at the southeast corner of Jaspar Street and 143rd Ave (the "Subject Property").  The Subject Property is owned by the City and the Applicant is presently negotiating a purchase agreement to obtain fee title.  The Subject Property would be about nine (9) acres in size.  The remainder of the property would be retained by the City for a future Public Works Campus. 

Anderson Dahlen has recently expanded their existing facilities at 6850 Sunwood Drive.  However, they are once again in need of additional building space but their existing campus cannot accommodate another expansion.  Thus, they are looking at this site as it is just down the road from their existing facility and is within the same zoning district (E-2 Employment), which allows for manufacturing.

No notification is required at this stage of the review.  However, a Public Hearing will be required to address the Preliminary Plat at Planning Commission.  At that time, Staff will attempt to notify all Property Owners within 700 feet of the Subject Property, as listed in the Anoka County records, via Standard US Mail of the Public Hearing, and will also publish a notice in the Anoka Union Herald.

Natural Areas or Features
Adjacent to the Subject Property is Foster Cemetery, which dates back to about the mid-1800s.  There is a moderate quality Oak Forest within the cemetery that appears to extend slightly onto the Subject Property.  It would be preferable if the perimeter of this wooded area could be protected, if possible.  It appears that the northern portion will be but the western extent will be impacted to accommodate full access around the building for their purposes as well as for fire safety. 

If any clearing within an oak stand is to occur, it must not commence until after July 15 to reduce the chances of oak wilt being introduced.  If clearing is to occur prior to July 15, an Oak Wilt Management Plan will need to be prepared and submitted to the City to ensure that adequate measures are implemented to protect against the potential introduction of oak wilt.

There is a non-native low quality wetland on the overall property as well, but it is south of the area proposed for current development.  This is not considered to be a natural area and does not warrant any additional consideration for protection.

Tree Preservation
There are trees that would be defined as significant (oaks and evergreens four [4] inches or greater in size and all other deciduous trees eight [8] inches or greater in size) on the Subject Property.  While the removals sheet does indicate that trees will be removed, it does not provide the necessary information to determine whether the project is subject to any reforestation standards.  Furthermore, as previously noted, there is a portion of a moderate quality Oak Forest adjacent to the Subject Property but those trees are not reflected anywhere on the plan set other than a note to grub and clear trees in that general vicinity.

At least thirty percent (30%) of significant trees are to be retained on site or reforestation measures must be implemented.  If fewer inches are retained, then reforestation is required at a rate of 1.25 inches of newly planted trees for every one (1) inch removed beyond the allowable threshold. While the standard landscaping requirements can count toward the reforestation, depending on the the overall quantity removed, additional plantings (or a cash payment equal to $125.00 for every one (1) inch removed beyond the allowable threshold) will be required.

Landscaping
The City is in receipt of a Landscape Plan and it appears that the proposed plantings generally satisfy the requirements for the E-2 Employment District.  There is a thirty-three (33) foot wide access easement along the eastern boundary of the Subject Property to ensure public access to Foster Cemetery.  Staff has requested that no plantings be located within this area to avoid any future obstructions.  As an advisory comment, Staff also suggested the Applicant consider increasing the number of species on site to add more diversity (not increasing the number of plantings, just spreading out the proposed number of trees and shrubs between more species).  This will help to avoid large scale losses due to pests or pathogens.  Otherwise, Staff is generally supportive of the proposed landscaping.

All costs associated with this request are the Applicant's responsibility.

Motion to recommend approval of the Landscape Plan contingent upon compliance with the Staff Review Letter.