08/25/2021 Environmental Board Minutes

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Environmental Board August 25, 2021 Page 4 APPROVED MINUTES the lake. Recommendations should be made that preserve this area as much as possible, with special attention paid to wetland areas and areas that have species of special significance along the lake. He also noted that seeing the project only once with many of the reports not included or pending review by other agencies makes it difficult to make recommendations. Mr. Schwartz also noted having executive-style homes close to the interstate noise would make for difficult sales. Mr. Schwartz mentioned the rare, unique, and significance species survey would be the most important consideration. Mr. Nelson responded the DNR would be the authority involved if such species were found or impacted on site. Mr. Nelson responded to these concerns with a history of the previous plans for the Lake Amelia property. The property was going to be used for a large apartment building and senior center. The current project will have less impact than the ones that did not go forward, and many of the protections can be accomplished with a combination of wetland buffers and setbacks. Mr. Sullivan asked what future property owners would be doing with the lake access. Mr. Sullivan asked if the public had any comments they would like to make. The developer, Tom Budzynski, recounted some of the history of the site and the potential for about 300 units. He noted four houses on forty acres leaves the site wild and you would have to go up north to find lots with similar character. He also commented use of the lake would be low intensity, such as fishing and canoeing. The lake is shallow enough that putting in larger motorized boats would probably not be feasible. Mr. Schwartz asked if the trees as seen from the road would be impacted. Mr. Budzynski mentioned they want to preserve as many trees as possible. The engineer, Kent Brander, mentioned the stormwater treatment on the site, including the basins, is high level treatment and better than you would typically see on similar sites. Members of the Environmental Board discussed adding two additional recommendations: 7. Motorized boats should not be allowed on Lake Amelia. 8. The Environmental Board makes all recommendations assuming that all studies conducted by government agencies come back with positive results. Mrs. Holmes MOTIONED to approve the staff recommendations and additional Environmental Board recommendations. Mr. Schwartz seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0.