Agenda Packets - 2001/04/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 9, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 10 Stigney questioned whether Rice Creek Watershed would be conducting an environmental impact study. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative stated they have not performed one and could still do so but stated that decision is left up to the discretion of the board. She then stated that all of the elements that would be analyzed in an impact statement will be looked at as part of the design process. Council Member Stigney asked if the City would receive an acre per acre wetland credit. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative stated wetland credits are based on how much wetland is created and there is no discretion. Council Member Stigney stated that the pond seemed quite large to him and questioned whether something smaller could be done. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative explained that at 3.7 acres they would begin losing the cost effectiveness for the project. Council Member Quick asked what it would take to remove the pond once it is in place. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative indicated the pond is filled in with dirt. Council Member Quick asked if the City wanted to fill in the pond to develop the property if it was expensive to do so. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative stated if the District does grant wetland credits to the City it would be virtually impossible to develop the property as there are restrictions and covenants that go along with the granting of wetland credits. Council Member Quick questioned if approving the pond would prevent future development in that area. The Rice Creek Watershed District representative stated the wetland area and upland buffer would not be able to be developed. Council Member Thomas stated she felt there were so many advantages and disadvantages that this matter was hard to prioritize. She then stated she felt that a smaller pond may be worth building but stated she did not feel she could support a large pond. Mayor Sonterre stated it was his understanding the Resolution is in favor of the proposal based on Council preference for size of the pond. He then explained there was a beneficial meeting with MNDOT where it was discovered that there may have been an inappropriate decision made when it came to determining Mounds View was not eligible for the sound wall. He further stated that a representative from MNDOT had indicated that if the City were to put in an earthen berm