08-23-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 23, 2000 bought and paid for by private property owners and development in Maplewood is increasing the size of the wetland area. Pogreba pointed out that there is another Maplewood development commencing on County Road D. Pogreba asked how long Little Canada property owners have to accept the fact that Maplewood will direct run-off however they wish. Pogreba also pointed out that he and other Little Canada property owners may not wish to sell their property under the DNR grant program. Fahey indicated that the property owners would not be forced to sell their land. He pointed out that the City staff is still gathering information on this issue and will be presenting that information to the City Attorney to determine if there is any recourse against the City of Maplewood or the Watershed. It is hoped that the Council will have further information by its next meeting. Fahey also suggested that if any of the property owners have any pertinent documents, to get those to the City Administrator for review. Fahey indicated that based on the information and the recommendation of the City Attorney, the Council will either pursue the issue or will determine that it is a civil matter. The City Administrator reported that the position of the Watershed is that the wetland area has not changed much since 1945. The Watershed agreed that there is more water on the property, but again the wetland area itself has not increased. Therefore, if the property owners have information to the contrary, that would be helpful in refuting the position of the Watershed. Pogreba indicated that he understands the three different classifications of wetland which are dependent on vegetation. However, he disagreed that the wetland area has not increased as a result of Maplewood development. Fahey suggested that once all the information is gathered, it would be helpful to have a workshop with the neighbors. That workshop should include both representatives of the Watershed and the City of Maplewood. The City Administrator agreed. He suggested that the next step is to gather and examine additional information and then review it with the City Attorney. The Administrator noted that any position the City takes on this matter does not preclude individual property owners from pursuing the matter on a civil basis. The Administrator pointed out that the development that has occurred in Maplewood has all been permitted by the Watershed and the Army Corps of Engineers. Pogreba pointed out that some of the work was permitted after the fact. 18