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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes June 9, 1998 Page 15 1 Emmett Swanson, 3020 Silver Lake Road, stated he has been a resident of the City of St. 2 Anthony for 30 years. He and his wife enjoy the neighborhood, hav_a no intention of moving, 3 and are upset that-the City's plan for their property includes a flood basin in their backyard. He 4 stated he has spoken individually with the Mayor, City Manager and Councilmember Cavanaugh 5 and informed them that he has no interest in selling the property. He would prefer that the plans 6 for his property stop. He noted that at the last meeting there was a resolution passed that 7 authorized the City Engineer and the Engineering Firm to acquire his property. He suggested 8 there are a number of people who should have been brought into the process earlier to determine 9 the viability of the plan. He noted a resolution for consideration this evening which talks about 10 the financial burdens and emotional trauma of the flood victims and stated he is now feeling this 11 burden and trauma over the acquisition of his land and having no input. He stated that at the last 12 meeting his land was identified as Problem Area#5. He asked what needed to be improved and 13 stated the plan was not an improvement but it was destruction. 14 Mayor Ranallo asked Mr. Swanson how many acres of property he owned behind his home and 15 when he purchased the property. 16 Mr. Swanson stated there is one acre of property which he mows, keeps well-groomed and uses 17 within the Ordinances of the City. He expressed concern that the City was telling him what he 18 had to do with his property. He purchased the property approximately 4-5 years ago from an 19 absentee owner. He asked why his property is defined as Problem Area#5. • 20 Cavanaugh explained that this is a misnomer. There is no problem with the property. 13 areas of 21 the City that play various roles in solving the water problem have been identified. Area#5 is 22 seen as part of the solution to the City's problem of water containment. The area has been 23 identified as a critical area to hold water for a critical amount of time and then let the water out. 24 Mr. Swanson noted this plan would bring storm water onto his land,his home, and then let the 25 sediment out in his yard, and eventually let the water move on. 26 Cavanaugh stated the neighbors have indicated that the property presently holds water during 27 heavy rains. 28 Mr. Swanson stated this is due to the inadequacy of the street. Water runs down his driveway 29 into the backyard. 30 Cavanaugh explained that this property is part of the solution to managing the storm water in the 31 City. It is hopeful that the property can be dealt with to expand its holding capacity. The 32 occurrences will not be frequent. 33 Mr. Swanson stated the area is dry 99%of the time. It is wet during the spring. ated it will still bed for Mr. Swanson. • 34 Cavanaugh stated dry _