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Mounds View City Council December 13, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 22 event of such a flood, therefore, it would not impact the proposed house to be constructed on the site. • Planning Associate Ericson stated although a public hearing is not required for the Wetland Buffer Permit, staff has notified the residents on Ridge Lane of this impending action, and has received a letter from a neighbor who is very concerned, and does not want the buffer permit to be approved. Planning Associate Ericson stated that given the information provided by the City Engineer, and the Rice Creek Watershed District, and the grading plans that have been supplied, staff has drafted a resolution approving the Wetland Buffer Permit request. He indicated that if the Council chooses to act upon this matter at this time, there is language on Page 2, Item 5 of the resolution, which indicates "No grading shall be allowed within the City's drainage easement along the property's western boundary," and this language requires revision. He explained there is there is a storm sewer pipe in this area, and staff was concerned that the applicant not bring fill in over the exiting pipe, however, it is located on the adjoining property, and there would be no problem bringing in some fill from this location. Planning Associate Ericson stated there is sufficient concern with this proposal that if the Council feels it is necessary, staff could attempt to obtain additional input from the City Engineer, and the Council could hold over action until a later date. He indicated the property owner and the prospective homeowner were present to answer any questions. . Mayor Coughlin stated there were many issues presented with this proposal, and some of the information contained in the packet may not have been quite germane to the Wetland Buffer Permit request. He explained that he would like the opportunity to discuss this matter in a Work Session environment, where they can attempt to resolve some of the issues. He indicated that the property owners have property rights, and a vested interest in this discussion, however, he would rather ere on side of caution, than rush forward without fully addressing the issues. Council Member Stigney stated the letter submitted by Susan Hugglestead indicates there is a culvert running under the lot, and inquired regarding the significance of this. Planning Associate Ericson explained that the City has a 45-foot wide drainage easement along both 2551 and 2555 Ridge Lane, under which there is a storm sewer that connects to the wetland, and empties out onto Ridge Lane. He commented he was uncertain why this was such a large easement, as there would be no overland drainage at this point, and because of the change in elevation, any water or run off from this site would occur toward the corner of Ridge Lane and Long Lake Road. He explained that the easement is in place for the underground storm sewer, which acts as an outlet for the wetland. Council Member Stigney inquired if the culvert would be disturbed. Planning Associate Ericson stated it would not, however, there is some concern that the culvert is not operational, and that any activity on the site could create additional problems in this regard. He indicated that he believed this was simply a matter of the City insuring that the culvert stays open and operational. He stated it has come to his attention that this culvert has not been properly maintained by the City, however, this is something that staff can examine on an ongoing basis in the future.