11-20-06 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 20, 2006 one acre is not much property. The City Administrator pointed out that it is one acre of disturbed area; therefore, the site would likely be larger. The City Planner noted that there are provisions in the Watershed rules that require payment to the District's stormwater impact fund if these rules cannot be complied with. The Planner suggested that any regulations adopted by the City could be considered on a case-by-case basis to allow a variance for site conditions that make compliance difficult or impossible. The Planner stated that the City could wait and see what surrounding cities do, or it could be a leader in this area. The Planner suggested that applying the NEMO model standards down to 20,000 square feet of disturbance might be more realistic than the Watershed standards. The Planner felt that the Watershed may have difficulty in applying their standards in certain cases. The Planner suggested thaC variances could be considered for soil conditions and/or the demonstration that a standard could not be meet. Blesener noted that the Watershed standards could apply to disturbed areas of one acre or greater, unless the City adopted tougher standards for this amount of disturbance. Any standards that the City might adopt for disturbed areas under an acre would apply. If a variance process is considered, then the applicant would have to demonstrate that the standard could not be met. Keis noted that a variance cannot be granted on the basis of economics. Allan noted that there are a lot of options for meeting stormwater standards; however, some might be expensive. Blesener felt that a standard adopted by the City could be used as a guideline and that Che property owner would have to make an effort to meet Che standard. Keis again noted that cost will be a factor. The Planner suggested thaC compliance may not be perfect, but perhaps the amount of volume could be reduced and/or water quality improved. Keis asked if these ponding areas would become the City's maintenance responsibility. The City Administrator replied that the City would take over the maintenance given that once a project is built, the developer is gone. Blesener asked how often a pond needs to be cleaned. Allan replied ChaC it is dependent on each individual situation. The City Engineer noted that the City just installed its first rain gardens last year, so does not have an experience in ongoing maintenance of these gardens. Allan asked about the cleaning of Gervais Mill pond. The City Administrator estimated that it was developed in 1993.