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Mounds View Planning Commission November 7, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 3 ________________________________________________________________________ Commissioner Miller indicated she was not in favor of granting such a large variance, especially for the two 80 foot lots. She then commented that the lot width requirements were in place when the property was platted. Director Ericson explained that the minimum lot width requirement when this division was platted was 75 feet. He further explained that the additional wetland requirements came into play in 1992. Commissioner Hegland questioned the reasoning behind the 125-foot lot width requirement. Director Ericson indicated he did not work for the City in 1992 but said it is his opinion that the City added the extra wetland restrictions to further protect the wetlands during a time when there were not such strict regulations. He then commented that the City does not have storm water sewers in most areas and utilizes the wetland for providing surface and storm water management thus allowing the City to maintain some of its rural flavor with the ditch systems rather than the curb and gutter. Commissioner Hegland indicated that the residents in attendance at the public hearing were concerned with water issues for the development if the wetland were filled. Director Ericson indicated he was not a hydrologist or an engineer but said it is clear that drainage flow comes down from the north from County H2, feeds into the area and the elevations are such that it flows away from properties to the east through an outlet by Woodcrest Park and feeds into the southwest corner of Woodcrest. He then indicated that residents should not be affected by the proposed development but said he understands their concern. He further indicated that the City Engineer and Rice Creek Watershed District have approved the plan. Commissioner Miller asked if curb and gutter would be needed. Director Ericson indicated that curb and gutter would not be needed. He then explained that all the trees within the right of way would remain and a natural drainage swale would handle storm water in the area. Chairperson Stevenson asked if a hydrologist would look at water pressures on the neighborhood for the development. Director Ericson explained that there is someone at Rice Creek Watershed District who reviewed the plan and determined that the impact of filling the wetland is limited to the close proximity of the house pad itself. Chairperson Stevenson indicated that one of the residents had expressed concern that the area may not be able to support house pads due to the peat soil and had asked that the City require that soil borings be done prior to removal of trees.