Agenda Packets - 2000/02/14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council March 22, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 18 Director of Public Works Ulrich indicated the proposed project has received Park Board approval. He stated the previous Parks and Recreation Director had taken this proposal before the Board, which saw this as a good site for a passive park. Mayor Coughlin stated he had also spoken with Director of Public Works Ulrich regarding options of looking into the property that would be created with the realignment of Edgewood Drive. He pointed out that the Council has expressed a desire to relocate the holding pond to the other side of the street, and there may be some potential to work with this land in terms of mitigating the Community Center wetland as well. He stated he had brought this forward late in the day, therefore, the Public Works Director has been unable to obtain the opinion of the City engineers, however, this may be another option. He indicated although he would like to obtain as much public comment as possible at this time, he was inclined to continue the matter until staff has had the opportunity to explore other options. Council Member Marty stated the question regarding the use of this area has been put to the public in a survey, in the latest edition of the Mounds View Matters. He indicated that if the residents complete this survey, and return it to City Hall, it could assist in the decision regarding whether or not to have a wetland adjacent to City Hall, and possibly developing this area, or maintaining the area as green space. He stated public comments were welcome and necessary. Director of Public Works Ulrich advised that the reason the entire park was proposed for this project was the possibility that they could create approximately 1.5 acres of wetland bank. He noted there were some discussions with the Ramsey County Soil and Water Resource Board, as well as various engineering opinions and observations regarding this site. He explained that these observations, further research into the soil borings, and actual samples would be available in approximately two weeks. He indicated that if they determine the entire park could be turned back into a wetland, this would result in approximately 1.5 acres of wetland credit. He explained that this is very close to the amount of acreage that would be required in the future, if Silver Lake Road is reconstructed, and a trail placed along the entire length, from County Road H, to Trunk Highway 10. He stated the 1.5 acres of wetland credit could be utilized for this purpose, sold, or banked for other purposes. Mayor Coughlin pointed out that in light of the fact that the soil borings would be submitted in two weeks, it would behoove the Council to continue this discussion until this information is available. He indicated however, the Council would welcome the comments of the public at this time. Jerry Galvin, 5080 Long View Drive stated his home was approximately two houses from Woodcrest Park. He indicated that it was difficult on the weekend at any given time, not to see someone playing in this park. He stated the Woodcrest Park was supposed to have been completed 30 years ago, and some type of a fence was supposed to have been constructed along the ditch. He stated he understood there was a significant wetland problem in this area. He indicated he also understood the City was not completely prepared for the public hearing at this time. Mr. Galvin stated he had seen no drawings of this proposal, however, he expected to examine the drawings before the decisions were finalized. He indicated he has been a resident of Mounds View for 40 years, and his children play in Woodcrest Park. He stated there were four parks on the north side of Highway 10, and 2 to the south, however he could not see sending a 5 or 6 year-