02-03-25 - Council Work Session Agenda

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13. Page 22, Rare Features. Given the number of Blanding's turtles documented in and near the project area, it is likely this species uses the area for summer activities - nesting, feeding, basking, and/or travel - and/or for overwintering. Direct impacts to wetlands will be minimized but conversion of uplands to housing and associated infrastructure will make those areas of little use to Blanding's turtles and will likely make them more dangerous to these turtles as they will have greater exposure to the cars and other potentially harmful activities. A Blanding's turtle avoidance plan is required for this project, and should be described in this section of the EAW. Response: A Blanding's Turtle Avoidance Plan will be prepared prior to the any construction activities taking place. 14. Page 23, Visual. Given the proximity of the development to a sensitive natural area, development lighting is an important consideration, especially since tall multistory buildings are proposed. Animals depend on the daily cycle of light and dark for behaviors such as hunting, migrating, sleeping, and protection from predators. Light pollution can affect their sensitivity to the night environment and alter their activities. In addition to the undesirable effects of upward facing lighting, the hue of lights can also affect wildlife. LED lighting has become increasingly popular due to its efficiency and long lifespan. However, these bright lights tend to emit blue light, which can be harmful to birds, insects, and fish. The DNR recommends that any projects using LED luminaries follow the MnDOT Approved Products for luminaries, which limits the Uplight rating to 0. A nominal color temperature below 2700K is preferable for wildlife, and so we recommend choosing products that have the lowest number for backlight and glare (all approved products should already be 0 for Uplight). Response: These recommendations will betaken into consideration during the city site plan review process. Local ordinances including visual and lighting were reviewed and followed in the development of the current plan. 15. Page 24, Dust and Odors. DNR recommends that dust suppressants containing chloride not be used in areas that drain to public waters. Response: These recommendations will be taken into consideration. Chloride reduction is a priority of the development moving forward and will be incorporated into the final design. PUBLIC COMMENTS i DOVE FAMILY COMMENTS- January 15, 2025 Upon review of the proposed development information and the studies that were conducted we had a few observations. The traffic study which was conducted was performed on a Thursday in mid -July. We don't feel this is representative of normal traffic during a school/ work week in say April or September/October. I believe there would be more traffic in and out of Rapp Farm with the many parents and student drivers leaving and entering the neighborhood in morning and afternoon commutes. It would be more appropriate than picking a day in mid summer when school is out and many people are on vacations. 12