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Mounds View Planning Commission June 4, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 12 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Kaden stated he walked through the area and looked for a wetland delineation flag. He saw one surrounded by water and with 5 to 10 feet of water on either side. He also reported he drove into Longview Drive and looked for high water levels. He did notice one yard that was mostly wet and spongy. Commissioner Kaden stated he would be interested in learning Rice Creek Watershed’s opinion of the area. Commissioner Kaden questioned who spot checks the lots once they are developed to make sure no one has added an extra five feet of dirt. Director Ericson responded that is difficult to enforce. The City does try to keep on top of activities such as this. He mentioned the residents are very watchful. Commissioner Kaden inquired if dirt is taken out of the property, and put back in, whether it will make a difference to the water level. Director Ericson explained that is one issue that will be considered. Additionally, there are years of data to study to determine what happens when certain soils are used. Commissioner Hegland stated he understood everyone seemed to be concerned about the water and how it would affect their property. He explained if he was a resident in that area, he would be concerned with which agency to trust in their findings. He questioned what could be done to gather as much information as possible to be a source for the citizens. Commissioner Hegland said that Mr. Harstad, the building engineers, and Rice Creek Watershed may all have different findings. Though if they all came to the same general evaluation, it would help citizens feel more comfortable. He asked if Mr. Harstad would consider an avenue to put this kind of information in the citizens’ hands. Mr. Harstad stated he has put a lot of time into informing the residents thus far. He asked if the Planning Commission and Council could give him a general idea of whether the concept would be accepted so he could move forward. He added that he would like to learn the Rice Creek Watershed District’s findings before he hired the engineers. Commissioner Hegland stated the Planning Commission may need direction from the Rice Creek Watershed and the building engineers to help make a decision. An unidentified citizen suggested one of the deciding points be whether losing a pristine area of Mounds View was worth losing. Director Ericson explained this is a two-step process. There is the preliminary plat and then the final plat. Approval of the preliminary plat does not give any right to develop property; it is only approval of a concept. There are issues to discuss as far as loss of trees and water table issues, and they will be taken into consideration. He stated the Planning Commission does not need to wait for Rice Creek Watershed’s evaluation. Minnesota Statutes dictate the timeframe for projects, and this project must keep moving forward.