Minutes - 2001/12/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council December 10, 2001 Regular Meeting Page 7 Director Ericson indicated that it was Staff's recommendation that, potentially, there are grounds for approving a variance but noted the property is covered more than 50% by wetlands. He then noted that Mr. Harstad had made his request to Rice Creek Watershed District and had been approved pending receipt of title documents. Director Ericson indicated that the variance would allow 11 lots versus the eight lots that would be allowed by Code. Director Ericson commented that Staff feels that there is sufficient justification to approve the variance, however, given the sensitive nature of the property Staff would stop short of wholeheartedly saying the variance should be approved. Acting Mayor Stigney opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Martin Harstad addressed Council and indicated he was there representing his father, Keith Harstad, who owns the property and has owned the property for the better part of 30 years. Mr. Harstad indicated that the local governing unit that governs wetland conservation has given its approval of the project. He also indicated that the Army Corp of Engineers as well as the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, the DNR, and Ramsey Soil and Water Conservation District were notified and none of these agencies has expressed any concern with the proposed development. Mr. Harstad indicated that, if the property did not have the wetlands, he would be able to get approximately 30 lots developed. Mr. Harstad indicated that the neighbors have suggested that the property is in a flood zone and that the houses will sink. He then indicated that soil correction issues would be handled prior to the first house being built because he has no interest in building a house or selling a lot to have a house built on where it would sink. He also indicated that the FEMA map does not show any of the lots proposed on Longview Drive as being in a flood zone. Mr. Harstad indicated he was not denying the fact that there are wetlands on the property but noted there are seven (7) acres and the wetlands have been delineated and a formula used for filling them. Mr. Harstad indicated that tree preservation is important and explained that the watershed uses a formula for filling the wetland of two to one but noted he had asked to stop a little short of the two to one in favor of leaving an outlot to be dedicated to the City in order to save as many trees on the site as possible. Mr. Harstad indicated there would be no development on the Silver Lake Road portion due to the proposed deed restriction and said, if he were to propose lots on both sides, all the trees would be wiped out.