October 3, 2006 CCP - Laserfiche WebLink

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APPROVED AS AMENDED SEPTEMBER 19, 2006 E. Xcel Fly Ash Landfill Siting: The City Planner stated that Xcel is preparing a voluntary Environmental Impact Statement for a fly ash fill in West Lakeland Township. The first step in that process is the preparation of a Scoping Environmental Assessment Workshop (SEAW). Mayor Johnston stated that as a result of the ground water contamination issues in Lake Elmo, which could also result from the fly ash fill, it is recommended that the City support any efforts with West Lakeland Township to defeat the Xcel efforts to place the land fill in their township, as they are in a leadership position. Council Member DeLapp questioned what zoning authority the County and the Township have respectively regarding a use like this. The City Planner reported that West Lakeland Township has the authority, along with the County, to regulate land fills but Xcel's strategy is to process their fly ash project permitting as a mine reclamation CUP amendment through the County (which has authority regarding the mining CUP covering the proposed site) instead to avoid dealing with a township that is clearly opposed to the project. The County would have to amend its miring regulations to include a fly ash landfill as a permissible mine reclamation strategy. He stated that the SEAW pretty clearly spell out that Xcel strategy, in apparent belief that the County Board would support what the township would not. The City Planner stated that Staff is requesting direction regarding if the City desires to comment to MPCA/ECO regarding the SEAW City Council directed the City Planner to pursue a response to the SEAW and present alternatives or beneficial use of fly ash. F. METC Update: Council Member DeLapp requested clarification regarding the delay in meeting with the METC. He noted that the Council had agreed two months ago to set up a meeting once some issue had been resolved. He couldn't recall the issue. Council Member DeLapp said he has heard nothing about a meeting since then. Mayor Johnston stated that the City would meet with METC only when a constructive agenda was developed. The City is still working on the zoning issues, and it is not yet ready. Council Member DeLapp reminded Council that a vote was taken two months ago, that the City would meet with METC. It has not yet occurred and he asked what the delay was for. Council Member Conlin reminded Council Member DeLapp that the City voted to meet with the METC, but would not go into the meeting without a set agenda. She also remembered that Mr. Georgecas would be setting the meeting. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES SEPTEMBER 5, 2006 im