01/03/2001 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Mr. Payton noted that in the site plan, the nighttime team leader would have all the lights off, except for a corridor of lights for the employees. After the employees left, all lights would be turned off except for security lights. Trehus said that there should be a vote on the recommendations that include the following as well as the recommendations previously stated by Mach: ® Set aside property off site for open space. ® Lighting issues were a major concern. • Maximize the green in groupings, rather than in straight lines. Mach moved to approve the recommendations of the Environmental Board. Trehus seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B. CSAH 49 Update/John Powell — Powell explained that the City passed a,resolution because it was concluded that a joint meeting between the cities was necessary. With a reduced speed limit the City supports it, then the project goes to Mn/DOT for reviewal. The County Commissioners set the speed limits. Typically speed studies are done and the speed that 85% of the motorists travel determines the speed limit. In addition, the plan calls for more linear areas for standing water, rather than in ponds at Hodgson Road. Mach asked if there was a map of the design. Powell stated that there was a map from County Road J to Lake Drive. Powell pointed out that with a higher speed limit, there was a need for a straighter road for adequate reaction time. A lower, speed limit would allow for more curves, and a narrower area for the road with 45` m.p.h. Grundhofer inquired about -the necessity for four lanes. Powell indicated that the road was being expanded to meet the regional need, but there was some flexibility for local concerns. He noted that the road in the past was a state highway and changed to a regional roadway. '11e ,indicated that the pond adjacent to Fox Trace(??) would not be eliminated in the expansion of Highway 49. Grundhofer;;: explained that the pond was a breeding area for three species of frogs. Powell indicated that the pond was landlocked and it stayed wet all year. Mach asked if an environmental impact report had been done. Powell responded that one was in process, and an archeological dig found the presence of hot chards. Donlin expressed the need for the EIS (Environmental Impact Survey). Grundhofer stated that the bridge was a breeding ground for birds, and asked if it was going to be affected. Powell answered that the widening of the bridge was essential. He 6