Minutes - 2000/08/28 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Mounds View City Council August 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 7 9. RESIDENTS REQUESTS AND COMMENTS FROM THE FLOOR Richard Sonterre, 5060 Red Oak Drive, stated he was appointed as liaison between residents and Rice Creek Watershed District related to the Greenfield ponding project. He reported he took his first official action in communicating his appointment to the residents and advising of his intention to serve as a neutral party to decipher information and misinformation. He stated this issue, to date, has been full of misinformation and they have addressed a number of concerns of residents as well as the emotional issue of a sound wall and involvement of State and City agencies. He stated this project is pushing the limits of resident’s patience and requested the ability to communicate clearly with the residents. Mr. Sonterre explained that one issue brought to his attention by a resident was that during a telephone conversation between a resident directly impacted by the project, Council Member Stigney indicated this project was approved and moving forward. Council Member Stigney corrected that he did not make that indication. Mr. Sonterre thanked Council Member Stigney for his clarification and explained that he wants to emphasize this is a project where the Rice Creek Watershed District has only been authorized to make a presentation to the City that while it is a potential project, no determinations have yet been made. Council Member Stigney stated this is only a proposed project. Mayor Coughlin stated he has been very pleased with the communication that has come to him from a variety of residents via e-mail or telephone calls to request clarification. He commented on the large amount of time he is spending on the noise wall issue and stated his appreciation to Mr. Sonterre for stepping into the role of liaison to promote open communication with residents. Mayor Coughlin excused himself from the meeting at 7:59 p.m. and turned over the chair to Acting Mayor Stigney. Tom Kosel, 8120 Jackson Drive, stated he lives adjacent to the pond area and requested residents be kept aware of what is going on with this proposal. He stated there has been a lot of facts floating around about this project, one of which was just clarified that Council Member Stigney did not state this was a “done deal.” He stated he just became aware of this proposal on July 10th. Mr. Kosel reviewed that residents were told the proposal would be discussed at the meeting that started at 7:00 p.m. However, upon arrival they discovered the meeting actually started at 6:00 p.m. He stated the residents were told at that meeting that this project was just in the planning phases. Council Member Quick clarified the meeting being referred to was a Council Work Session and no decision was reached or vote was taken.