07-10-07 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mayor Johnston recognized correspondence with comments on the Lake Elmo Airport from Susan Dunn-11018 Upper 33rd St. N, Robert Eischen-11674 Stillwater Blvd., Mary Jean Dupuis, Richard Smith-11514 Stillwater Blvd. N. and Paul Nielsen, 4819 Lily Avenue N. The Council discussed the increased air traffic and noise pollution and impacts on current land uses, existing homes and on future developments. Most concerning was the zoning recommendations calling for a trapezoidal area beyond the end of all runways to be kept clear of buildings and other obstacles as a safety precaution and the ramifications this zoning would have on the city's village master plan. Bridgette Rief explained that any zoning issues related to expansion of the airport would be addressed by a 9 member zoning board that would include an independent chairperson, two representatives from MAC, and two representatives each from Lake Elmo, Baytown Township and West Lakeland Township. Ms. Rief added that she didn't know if the group would be the final authority on zoning issues or would function merely as an advisory body. Council member Smith indicated her opposition to the plan in that any of those zoning areas would reduce the value of existing homes by limiting future development of the property. In answer to her question if something would happen to one of those homes would they be able to rebuild or who would compensate the families, Ms. Rief responded she could not address the liability issue. Kent Grandlienard, 4477 Northbrook, Baytown Township and Chairman of the Baytown Board, stated Baytown Township is opposed to the runway extension and believed installation of sewer was not necessary, but development driven. He said the township has been talking to MAC about their plan for a long time. Paul Nielsen 4819 Lily Avenue, encouraged the council to not accept the airport expansion proposal and have the city attorney write a letter incorporating everyone's concerns and, if necessary, engage our legislatures to support the city's decision. Dave and Nicole Mathes, 12456 401h Street N., Baytown Township, indicated they moved to Baytown seven months ago and live directly south of the airport. They are concerned about how the airport noise, safety concerns of the runway extension which will affect their land values and the possibility of getting a loan. Ms. Mathes asked how MAC would address noise abatement on existing homes and Ms. Rief explained she could not comment until an environmental assessment is done. Dave Schultz 1440 Norcrest Avenue N., West Lakeland Township, question the time weighted average--dvl level because according to his estimate there would be takeoff and landings every nine minutes, 24 hours a day. Ms. Rief pointed out this was a projection based on the runway length type of operation at the Crystal and Anoka airport. LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES JULY 10, 2007