08-23-00 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL AUGUST 23, 2000 Sharon Sculley asked for additional explanation of the issue. Fahey pointed out that based on aerial surveys done in the early 1940's, the Watershed's position is that the wetlands have not changed much since that time. It has also been pointed out that the berm work done in Maplewood was initially done without permits, but was then permitted by the Watershed and Army Corps of Engineers after the fact. Fahey noted that the Watershed is the body of government that is responsible for wetland preservation. Fahey indicated that City staff is continuing to gather records on this matter. These records will be reviewed by the City Engineer to determine the impact on the wetland area, and then with the City Attorney to determine if the City has a course of action against the Watershed, Maplewood, and/or the Army Corps of Engineers. Any additional information that the property owners have should be submitted to the City Administrator. Sharon Sculley indicated that it is their position that the wetland on the Sculley property has increased as a result of development that occurred in the City of Maplewood. Sculley asked for a timeline as to when the review process wilt be completed. She asked for some time to review personal records to determine if they have any which will support their position. Fahey suggested that as soon as all the information can be gathered, it will be reviewed by the City Engineer and then with the City Attorney. Fahey agreed to give property owners a period of time to conclude their research before moving the matter on to the City Attorney. He also suggested that a workshop will be held with the property owners at the conclusion of staffls review to inform them of the results of that review. John Sculley pointed out that there was a meeting held with the representatives of the Cities of Little Canada and Maplewood as well as the Watershed. At that meeting everyone agreed that there was more water on the property. The City Administrator agreed that the indication is there is more water on the property. However, the position of the Watershed is that the wetland area has not been substantially increased. Their position is that more water does not mean more wetland. Tom Roycraft, 2910 Arcade Street, asked about the grant program for preserving the wetland. The City Administrator explained that program pointing out that a substantial portion of the wetland would have to be available in order for a grant application to be considered. Roycraft suggested surveying the property owners involved to determine their interest in the program. 19