The primary focus of the meeting was the landscaping plan for 315 27th Avenue Northeast, which sparked a discussion about tree placement and environmental considerations. Staff member Aaron Hanauer presented the site plan, which originally included seven existing trees and proposed 19 additional ones, falling short of the required 80 canopy trees for the six-acre lot. Subsequent discussions revealed that there were actually 30 existing trees, 11 of which were evergreen, and the total proposed tree count would reach 57, including 46 canopy trees. The applicant sought alternative compliance, citing site constraints such as a bridge embankment and a stormwater pond, which limited further tree planting.

Commissioners expressed interest in potentially increasing the number of trees on-site to enhance ecological benefits. They engaged in a dialogue with Cathy Osborne, representing the applicant, who emphasized the need to consider existing utilities and maintain visibility for their signage while planning additional trees.

Further examination of the site plan revealed challenges related to the existing stormwater pond, utility placements, and tree spacing. The site plan’s engineering company was tasked with updating water calculations to determine water levels during different rain events, which would guide the selection of appropriate tree types for areas prone to saturation. The discussion included the addition of five canopy trees to enhance the landscape, with considerations for screening as the grade of University Avenue descends towards 27th Avenue.

The commission also addressed the layout of the parking area, where there were currently four trees on a central island. Concerns arose about the space being insufficient for substantial tree growth, prompting suggestions to involve a qualified landscape architect to avoid future issues. The conversation underscored the potential impact of urban heat islands and the role of landscaping as infrastructure, with proposals to incorporate green roofing as a sustainable option for the building.

They acknowledged that the applicant would need to collaborate with staff to determine suitable placements for the trees, considering existing stormwater management systems and site constraints. The flexibility in tree placement was emphasized, allowing the applicant to return to the commission for amendments if necessary.

In addition to the landscaping discussions, the commission adopted the 2026 transition calendar without debate, swiftly passing the motion with affirmations. The meeting concluded without further comments or updates. The absence of a Committee of the Whole session for the week was noted due to a lack of agenda items.