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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandfill update dnr request for conversion Parks Commission Date: 7/18/11 Item: 4 ITEM: Landfill remediation project update for “Sunfish Lake Park West” and DNR request for “conversion” of loss in parkland. SUBMITTED BY: Carol Kriegler, Project Assistant ___________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY LANDFILL PROJECT SITE GRADING, LANDSCAPING AND FENCE ALIGNMENT At the request of the Park Commission, MPCA landfill remediation project engineer Peter Tiffany provided a project update to the City Council at their May 10 Council Workshop. The request for a project update was made by the Parks Commission out of concern over the latest proposed grading plan for the area of the landfill that is to be turned back to the City as park land. Several members of the Parks Commission attended the council workshop and provided comment. Since the Council Workshop, City staff has followed up with MPCA staff and requested a response to the following concerns: 1. Fence Realignment – MPCA to forward a revised fence alignment 2. Land Use Plan to allow clean fill to be deposited in the low area – PCA has been requested to develop and forward an agreement that will allow for the future deposit of fill to the area. 3. Native Seed Mix – The PCA has been requested to utilize a diverse seed mix similar to the native seed mix specified in the concept plans developed by TKDA landscape architect. 4. Shrubs plantings along the road frontage - to supplement the current tree planting plan– 5. Landscaping of the parkland area to be turned back to the City that is consistent with the landscape plan that was developed by TKDA landscape architect and selected by the Parks Commission (Concept Plan A). DNR REQUEST FOR “CONVERSION” OF LOSS PARKLAND The Minnesota DNR, acting on behalf of the federal govt., is requesting a “conversion” of loss park land resulting from the landfill MPCA remediation project. In short, the DNR is requesting the acquisition of replacement lands of at least equal fair market value. Since Sunfish Lake Park received federal Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars, the entire park must be maintained as outdoor recreation and open space areas for public use into perpetuity. Apparently any conversion to non-recreational use requires the acquisition of replacement lands of at least equal fair market value. The DNR is requesting that the City begin working with the MPCA to make this a reality. Apparently the DNR brought this issue to the City's attention back in 1993, but without knowing what remediation action would be taking place (or knowing the associated loss of park land) has let it go until now. The DNR did an audit of the park last summer which prompted the renewed attention to the need for conversion. DNR staff is aware that the landfill remediation project is now nearing completion and that the actual loss of park land for public use will soon be determined. On June 30 a meeting was held to address this issue and was attended by City Staff and representatives of the DNR and MPCA. The Parks Commission was represented by Marty Dobbs. Marty is being asked to provide an overview of the discussion.