02/23/2005 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 23, 2005 Bor stated that the process was very important. Grochala indicated that the review process would continue, but if a development was according to the AUAR it would not require an EAW. The area was currently rural, unsewered. Any development would be shaped by the Metropolitan Council allocating MUSA. The process was actually doing an environmental review regionally. O’Dea noted it needed to be stated that the process was not the final decision. Asleson clarified that the Board would still be evaluating landscaping and infiltration on each development. O’Connell mentioned that she saw what people want to do with their sites, stating “I can do it because you said I can.” Grochala responded most of the area would stay rural, until someone wanted to change it. He added that the AUAR does not change the zoning or Comprehensive Plan. Bor inquired if the Board was going to be reviewing the final document, similar to an EAW Review. Grochala responed that they would. Chair Kukonen submitted an example of a large furniture company wanted to build a warehouse in the City. Grochala answered that if the proposed development exceeded the thresholds established in the AUAR it would be required to go through a separate environmental review process. O’Connell inquired if soil borings were being done in the area for the AUAR, because it would assist in making decisions on land use. Grochala responded soil borings would not be required as part of the AUAR but would be with a site review of a specific project. Asleson stated that the soils were 85% hydric soils, with reduced permeability so it needs infiltration. Bor admitted she began with positive attitudes, but because there was no knowledge of the present plans, and many attendees at the open houses were developers. Grochala clarified the process. The AUAR evaluates all four scenarios, and develops a mitigation plan for all scenarios. The developers were still subject to the Comprehensive Plan. The AUAR would tell what to do to minimize the negative effects. A process would be necessary, if a change in the Comprehensive Plan was desired. Within a framework, the City or landowners could begin the Comprehensive Plan Amendment process. O’Connell asked staff to state that is was not proposing rezoning the area. Grochala stated the AUAR process does not rezone or change the land use plan. The intent of the AUAR is to evaluate the potential for environmental impacts based on different development scenarios. 10 APPROVED MINUTES