03-24-10 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COiINCIL MARCH 24, 2010 Himmelbach reported that he has been trying to get the State Archeologist to come out and look at the property. The State Archeologist has informed him that he should bring in The artifacts for review. Without the looking at the artifacts first, the State Archeologist will not come out to visit the property. Himmelbach reported that he informed the State Archeologist that he was formally requesting an EAW, and the Archeologist reported that if an EAW were granted, he would conduct an archeological survey of the property. Keis asked how long an EAW took and what was the cost. The City Administrator estimated the process would take 3 months or so. He noted that St. Jude Medical did an EAW on their site. The Administrator reported that there is a process that includes published notices and review and comment periods. The Administrator asked if the artifacts that Himmelbach found were found on his property. Himmelbach reported that they were found on the Richie property on the south side of the ridge about half way up. The Administrator noted that in 2007 or 2008, Himmelbach mentioned an EAW as part of the previous development proposal for the Richie property. At that time the City did not choose to proceed with an EAW, nor did the City of Maplewood. The Administrator pointed out that the Watershed has done their review of the Gervais Woods development proposal and has issued their permit. The City Administrator indicated that based on his review of the requirements, he did not believe an EAW was triggered for the Gervais Woods development proposal and felt that the development was likely exempt. The Administrator indicated that if it is exempt, an EAW cannot be ordered under the law. Himmelbach did not believe a 3 to 6 month delay due to the ordering of an EAW was out of the ordinary, and suggested that it may not take that long. Himmelbach stated that there is no question that the artifacts exist or any of the other issues that he has raised in his correspondence with the City. McGraw pointed out that the State Archeologist will not come out to the property of his own accord. McGraw noted the correspondence submitted by Mr. Himmelbach from the former State Archeologist Alan Woolworth as well as Kevin Callahan, an anthropologist. McGraw noted that these letters have been submitted to the State Archeologist who reviewed them, yet still did not see any value or any evidence of the Richie property being a historical archeological site. McGraw stated that these are knowledgeable individuals. McGraw stated that Himmelbach has presented no evidence that would convince him to order an EAW. 5