10/29/2003 Environmental Board Minutes

Home Search

ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 Mr. Scheer assured the Board the committee would continue indefinitely, addressing any issues that might arise. The church had a proactive history in the neighborhood. At the present site; the White Bear Township City Manager was impressed with how Eagle Brook responded to the concerns of neighbors. Chair Kukonen inquired if the easement would have at least a 500-foot buffer from the island. Mr. Scheer responded that 14.5 acres would be included in the -f easement. He referred to a map that indicated that there was about a 600 -foot buffet. Chair Kukonen questioned if there were plans for a trail. He also inquired if there would be one in the easement. Ms. Bauman responded there was an existing trail on site, and it would be maintained. There were no further plans for any other trails. O'Dea inquired about the difference between Conservation Area and Conservation Easement. Mr. Scheer answered the Conservation Area was located adjacent to the Conservation Easement on the West, and would be used as an observation area. O'Dea questioned where was the church in the process of the Conservation Easement. Ms. Bauman assured the Board that the Conservation Easement would occur. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification there would be seating for 2 100 and potentially 2800 people. Katherine Leonidas, church architect, indicated the additional seating would be obtained within the existing building, but would require additional 7,000 square feet for nursery space and additional services. Donlin admitted that it was clear the church committee had good intentions, but the church still wanted a megachurch on the site. The church body might not necessarily see things as the committee did. She added that the current church campus used to be a good birding site. She found it difficult to believe that the monitoring would continue. The parking was an additional concern with the salt and runoff potentially flowing through the watershed. The herons return in mid March, when the construction was planned to begin with projected decibel levels up to 10. She expressed grave concerns over the mound septic system. The Phosphorus budget improvement was projected at a 16-19% improvement, falling short of the 30-58% preferred goal. She stated the size was not in harmony with the neighborhood, the city would receive no tax benefit from the development, and there would be considerable noise. Asleson asked -the church representatives to address the Phosphorus loading. He wanted them to explore other areas where one could decrease the phosphorus. He suggested one way could be to use the woodlands to further filter the water. 3 APPROVED MINUTES