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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 30, 2000 <br />C. Solid Waste / Recycling Updates — Asleson reported the Recycling Day is scheduled for <br />October 7, 2000. He noted the grant information was also included in the meeting packet. <br />Highland Meadows Off Site Wetland Mitigation - Kukonen explained the location of a <br />rich plant and wildlife area and stated he has received some comments asking why heavy <br />equipment has been in that area. He stated that residents called City Hall and it was <br />indicated it involved an off site mitigation project for the Highland Meadows/Bluebill <br />Ponds project. Kukonen stated he visited the site and found a sand -based roadway has <br />been made and a pond constructed. However, there has been a lot of cutting and clearing. <br />Kukonen stated when he first looked at it, he wondered if it was a Savanna restoration <br />project. <br />Asleson stated this off site mitigation project was previously reported to the <br />Environmental Board. He stated it involves private property rights and native seed will <br />be planted. <br />Kukonen asked if the Environmental Board should be advised of mitigation projects such <br />as this. Asleson stated he had raised the option of a greenway on this site. <br />Trehus asked if the City can become involved in wetland mitigation projects. Asleson <br />stated the City can become involved and he will advise the Board of any upcoming <br />mitigation projects. <br />Mach asked if mitigation projects Can be somewhat destructive, especially of wooded <br />areas. Asleson reviewed the agencies that have review over mitigation projects, noting it <br />is anticipated to result in..increasing a better area. <br />Trehus asked what type of guidelines the City, State, or watershed district have and what <br />controls a mitigationproject into a pristine forest. Asleson explained the watershed <br />district is trying to address water resources, flow rates, etc. Trehus questioned the <br />validity of a wetland, mitigation at the cost of losing wooded habitat, all for the sake of <br />development. <br />Asleson stated in some cases, the habitat has been so drastically impacted that a <br />mitigation project provides an opportunity to do wetland and hydrology restoration. He <br />agreed this particular project should have been looked at more closely. <br />Chair Lanyon asked if the Board can encourage locations of wetland restoration to assure <br />they are located within greenway corridors, etc. <br />Lighting Ordinance - Trehus asked if any feedback has been received on the Board's <br />memorandum recommending a Lighting Ordinance receive higher staff priority. Chair <br />Lanyon stated he is not aware of any response. <br />6 <br />