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Mounds View Planning Commission August 4, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 18 Mr. Collis stated that he had contacted the Department of Natural Resources, who stated that digging holes was not considered mitigation. He stated,when 100 feet of wetland is taken, it must be replaced with 100 feet of wetland. He added that if the area is more than two acres, it must be replaced to 100 percent. He stated that if the City had contacted the Department of Natural Resources, they might not have been allowed to do this. Acting Chair Stevenson stated the Department of Natural Resources was contacted,and there are records regarding this. He added they were concerned as a Commission as they did not desire to lose any wetlands either, and they were satisfied as a Commission that the development was indeed properly mitigated, and allowance was made for the reclamation of the wetland. Lindsey Little, 5389 St. Michael Street, stated he and his family had resided in their house since 1982. He stated he would not be able to see the proposed development from his home. He stated that he had an airplane and he enjoyed flying, and would like to show the Commission the area from that perspective. He stated that it was remarkable, and noted the difference from one month to the next. He inquired,aside from the money, would they be in favor of this proposal. He stated he had grown up in the southwestern portion of the state and liked the open spaces. He stated he would like this area to remain natural, and did not want to see it developed. Commissioner Berke inquired regarding occasions where the neighborhood purchases the land from • the developer or property owner, and creates an association in which all the neighbors own the land, and if anything had been investigated in this regard. Ms. Gryzmala stated she had spoken with the original developer in that regard, who indicated that she would have to come up with the back taxes on the property. She stated that, at that time, the delinquent taxes were$1,699.49, and that she was told by the developer to wait, as the property would come up for public auction in 1998. She stated that, once they got the information that they could not build upon it,they decided, as a neighborhood, not to proceed. She stated, at that time, the property was determined to be unbuildable. Commissioner Berke inquired if that was not what they desired. Ms. Gryzmala stated,at that time,they were considering the construction of a playground. She stated that it could not be built upon, and a playground could not be constructed there, and therefore, she never dreamed that they could build homes upon it. Commissioner Laube asked Commissioner Miller, in light of her membership with the Charter Commission, if they had started the Charter in regard to storm sewer drainage issues, and that the citizen's wanted to leave the wetlands as the drainage areas within Mounds View. Commissioner Miller stated that this was correct. She explained the citizens did not want all of the water to be confined underground, and to provide places above ground for storage and drainage. Commissioner Laube further clarified this was the reason that they started the Charter, which was voted upon by the citizens. Commissioner Laube inquired if staff had requested an engineering firm review the proposal in regard • to the construction of a holding pond. Ericson stated that the City's Engineer, SEH, Inc.. was consulted in 1997. He stated the plans were reviewed and found to be acceptable, in that there would not be an issue of impact to the wetland, as the filling would occur outside the delineated area, and