03/23/1998 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • COUNCIL MINUTES MARCH 23, 1998 Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 45 in Support of Land Exchange with Anoka County - Mr. Wessel stated that Resolution No. 98 - 45 summarizes the history of the land exchange with Anoka County, and reviews negotiations with the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission. As a part of the final agreement, it was determined that 9 of the original 25 acres be declared excess land (4.5 wetland and 4.5 upland) and remain in the regional park. Through use of visual aids, Mr. Wessel pointed out the proposed delineation. He then reviewed the four points of the Resolution, and requested Council approval. Council Member Bergeson moved to adopt Resolution No. 98 - 45, as presented. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Resolution No. 98 - 45 can be found at the end of these minutes. Consideration of Resolution No. 98 - 44, Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the "Village", Brian Wessel - Mr. Wessel explained that in December of 1997 the City prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for The Village, which is required by law for construction of a mixed use development of this size. The purpose of an EAW is to set out the basic facts necessary to determine if a project has the potential for significant environmental impact. It is distributed to interested agencies for comment. An EAW for The Village was prepared by TKDA in January and sent to all required agencies. The period for comment expired on February 25. Following this exercise, Mr. Wessel stated that it was determined there is no need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for The Village, as sufficient planning has been provided throughout the course of this project. The four commenting agencies were MnDOT, the Minnesota Historical Society, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the DNR. MnDOT indicated concerns regarding access issues at The Village and Lake Drive, traffic volume impacts on the 35W ramps, and signialization at Lake Drive and 35W. The DNR had concerns about ecological impact on the park reserve/wooded upland, wetland impact, and use of native vegetation. Meetings with these agencies allayed these concerns. Mr. Wessel commented that Council is required to make a formal declaration as to whether an EIS is needed within 30 days of the close of the review period, or by March 27. Mayor Sullivan asked if the City continues to pursue the test project for Rice Creek Watershed. Mr. Wessel responded in the affirmative. Additionally, Mayor Sullivan pointed out concern expressed in the March 17, 1998 correspondence from the DNR regarding early consultation in the project planning cycle, and asked for assurances that this will be accomplished in the future. Council Member Lyden moved to adopt Resolution No. 98 - 44, as presented. Council Member Neal seconded the motion. Motion carried 4-0. Resolution No. 98 - 44 can be found at the end of these minutes.