12/14/1978 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 96 December 14, 1978 2) there is an increase in the rate of run -off. The reasoning behind the ponding areas is to control the run -off in both the amount and the rate. One other concern is the quality of water - this should be as good, if not better, than before the development occurred. This is why the Board asks for weirs to be placed at the out flow of these ponding areas. It is an ideal device to control the trash that could spill from a p ond- ing area. The question of the authority of the Rice Creek Watershed Board was asked and the Council was informed that the authority of the Board is clearly stated in the State Statutes, Chapter 112. Theo point of taking any pro- blems or ideas to the Rice Creek Watershed Board was emphaized. The mem- bers of that Board said they have rules and regulations that are followed, but are willing to listen to a better way of solving any of the problems they are faced with. There was discussion of the ditches and of the problems encountered in the cleaning and maintenance of those ditches. The matter is governed by a very outdated law that needs to be changed. Mayor Karth asked, if the ditches were operating properly, would ponding be necessary? It was felt that, since this area is so flat, that water in ditches would merely stand and the ponding areas provide a cleansing action plus controlling the water flow. A new idea being considered by the Rice Creek Watershed Board is to hold the water in the Chain of Lakes, They are working with the Anoka County Park Department and the Saint Paul Water Department on this matter. The repair of the ditches may also be undertaken by petition of the affected land owners. The work would then be done and the cost assessed to the property owners. The Rice Creek Watershed Board has initiated a study group to present recommendation on the ditches. Mr. McLean asked for a target date for the completion of this study. Mr. Goyer said this was a high priority item and will request this study be completed within the next six months. Mr. Goyer said that as soon as the City Council is aware of a problem they should contact the Rice Creek Watershed Board. They have the staff and the personnel to assit in solving the problems. Mr. Robert Burman, Anoka County Commissioner, was in the audience and agreed on the problem with the maintenance of the ditches. Mr. Goyer, Presindet of the Rice Creek Watershed Board, apoligized for not having met with this Council before this date. He said he appreciated the opportunity to meet with them and should have been here before now. Mr. Mobley explained the program he enforces in relation to the building program and expressed his concern on the additional costs that are in- curred by the developers due to delays by the Rice Creek Watershed Board. It was generally felt that if the developer presents the items required by the Board, there are few, if any, delays. Mr. Mobley was interrupted when Me. Dimkd asked on what basis he was paid for building inspections. It was brought out that he is paid on a fee basis and the Board suggested that his criticism of the delays might have had some effect on the fees that he was paid. The problems result when projects are presented in- complete. Some of the problems that can be created by ponding areas was discussed. 1 1