04/09/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 9, 2003 APPROVED heron rookery wetlands traffic and roadways wastewater stormwater management visual issues City Planner Smyser reviewed the staff responses to the main issues raised in the EAW. For reasons discussed in the response document and summarized in the staff report, staff is recommending a negative declaration: a decision that an EIS is not justified. The EAW analysis and the public comments do not raise the potential for significant environmental effects. Possible impacts are not extensive or irreversible, and they can be addressed through ongoing public regulatory authority of various jurisdictions including the City of Lino Lakes, the Rice Creek Watershed District, Anoka County, MN Department of Transportation and others. Therefore, an EIS is not warranted. City Planner Smyser advised declaration of the need for an EIS does not in any way imply an application for the Church will be approved. The City has not yet received an application for the Eagle Brook Church. Councilmember O'Donnell asked if making a negative declaration of the need for an EIS is saying that there are no environmental impacts. City Planner Smyser stated that making a negative declaration of the need for an EIS is saying there are not significant impacts. He reviewed the criteria in deciding whether a project has the potential for significant environmental effects. Councilmember Reinert asked for clarification regarding the statements made about traffic and roadways. City Planner Smyser stated the resolution is only saying that an EIS is not necessary. It does not endorse the church or imply that traffic issues are not important. Traffic issues would be addressed through a cooperative study of the involved agencies. Traffic is one of the items that are listed on the EQB worksheet. Councilmember Carlson asked if public comment would be taken at the Council meeting Monday night. City Planner Smyser advised that is a Council decision. Councilmember O'Donnell stated he does support public input but would like to go through the whole posting process so all residents are informed. City Administrator Waite Smith stated the City usually gives a ten-day notice on public hearings. The public hearing could be posted and Council could act at the Council meeting on April 28. City Planner Smyser advised there is no strict deadline for action. The City has a lot of discretion. However, the public comment period ended in November. Mayor Bergeson stated the process for public comment is laid out in regulations. That process was published. The City received many comments and letters that are a part of