07/30/2003 Environmental Board Minutes

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJULY 30, 2003 10 APPROVED MINUTES Grundhofer referred to p.9, #12, third paragraph, the fertilizer stated phosphorus, but should nitrogen be included. Asleson answered that nitrogen would reduce biodiversity, but phosphorus was the limiting factor. O’Connell inquired about how well rain gardens work, and was the goal to slow the water movement. Grochala stated the development would not produce more water, but it was concentrated. Asleson indicated it would change the hydrologic cycle. The rates would not be exceeded, but the volumes might be. Grundhofer referred to p. 10, #13 and stated that dewatering 50 million gallons would have an impact. She inquired if it would be necessary to mention again in section 12. Asleson noted it was in the DNR’s area, not for bridge abutments for the sanitary sewer. Grochala indicated it was covered in #12 where it addressed physical changes. Grundhofer inquired where the water would be diverted. Grochala answered that it would go back in right next to it. Grundhofer referred to p.11, #14 The “minimum lot area" was stated as 20,000 square feet, but was it supposed to state 40,000 square feet under the Shoreland Ordinance. • Verify the minimum lot area. • Verify the Zoning requirements. Grochala stated they were seeking a PUD for flexibility from the ordinance. The recommendations had been out for a year. O’Connell indicated that they applied for a PUD but it had not yet been issued. Chair Kukonen inquired if it should be stated that it did not comply with all the zoning requirements. Grochala answered that the Council would decide. It might not be necessary for it to meet the strict Shoreland requirements. • Although the proposed project complies with the lot area and width requirements, it does not meet the setback requirements, because the island is less than 300 feet wide. (p.11, #14, third paragraph) Grundhofer referred to p.12 #16 inquired the extent of the compaction of the soil. Asleson responded the roads and housing pads would be compacted, but everything else would be protected, not disturbing the plants. Chair Kukonen inquired if discharge should also be discussed in p. 12, #17, item P. Grochala answered that the discharge path would go from the pond to the wetlands to Wards Lake. He indicated that The Rice Creek Chain of Lakes all Northeast from the site to Wards Lake and on to George Watch Lake.