06/27/2001 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 30, 2001 Trehus stated that the original recommendation from the Board was to work with staff using conservation practices. Donlin concurred explaining the zoning and ordinances were not what they should be, and expressed concern over the area being of high ecological value. Mr. Schmidt indicated he was working with the present zoning and ordinances and were compliant. Trehus inquired if there had been a response from the Watershed District concerning runoff and surface water. Mr. Cooper responded that the appropriate forms had been submitted and rates for stormwater had been approved. Asleson explained the rates were inconsequential, the greatest impact was the water volumes. He indicated the City could go beyond the standards of the Watershed District in terms of water volumes. Discharged water was regulated by the MPCA. Mr. Cooper noted there were flatter swales in the backyar of the lots. Mach mentioned the vegetation in the swales was important. Asleson pointed out the Watershed District used F e umbe uncompacted sandy soils, and had concerns over the compaction. le w that a bobcat compacted the soil 18 inches, and urged the plowing to restor:e soil. Mr. Cooper indicated he planned to disc the area. Asleson stated using a disc would will probably be reworking the adding a maintenance plan. h, and explained the watershed district the next tree to five years in addition to Trehus reviewed the fin .i that ; cluded: • The proposed developm not using conservation development principles. • Significant tree loss could e avoided. • The developer had not provided adequate information on surface water management. Donlin inquired about the swale in the Southwest comer of the property and the feasibility of a swale with the trees present. Mr. Cooper answered the area would be left as it is presently. Asleson indicated the native grasses had deep roots, and there have been studies that it takes 70 years for the plants to recover if the soil is compacted. Chair Lanyon reviewed the soil needs to be loosened so that the numbers in the model being used work. Mach added there should be an attempt to preserve the trees unless it needed to be graded. 6