2006.03.23 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes — March 23, 2006 Page 3 FEMA program. Minimization of impacts to wetlands was reviewed by Federal Army Corp of Engineers, State Board of Soil and Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources, Rice Creek Watershed District, and the City of Hugo. The City would require four feet of separation between highest observed ground water level and the lowest floor elevation of structures. There would be one foot of separation of low floor to the high water level of the spill-over point at the crossing of highway 61. Ponds would have regulation of three feet separation from high water level of homes on site. Significant analysis would be done on all ponds and wetland on the site. Bill Slowkowski, 15470 Goodview Avenue North, was concerned about preserving the tress along the south of the site. Bruce Discher, 6302 165th Street North, said there are approximately 45 turkeys living and breeding on the property as well as deer and pheasants, and he did not want to see their habitat and the trees wiped out. He said he had seen the 500 year flood plain flooded within the last five years. He questioned the traffic on 165th and wondered how tractors and hay wagons would maneuver around on a round -about. He wondered why they were finally getting notice since the project had been around since November. Paul Courneya, 6122 Goodview Trail Circle North, said he did not want to see the trees removed; they would create a natural sound barrier and it would be a loss of habitat. He wanted to see the plan be restructured to accommodate pathways through there, and felt removal of the trees would reduce his property value. He showed the Commission pictures of the large pines on the site. Nina Huffman, 6136 Goodview Trail Circle, reiterated the others' comments on water and wildlife. She did not want to see the trees lost. Brian Ludvick, 6361 165th Street North, said there were beautiful oak woods to the south of his property and development brings oak wilt, though he did not know why. Andi Moffatt, WSB Consultant, said there was evidence that disturbance and damage to trees or their root system does increase the chance of oak wilt. Berry Larson, 15450 Goodview Avenue North, said the floodplain issue and water should not be underestimated. He had seen it backed up from holding ponds into their back yards. He said if the same criteria were used for ponds and wetlands, it would be insufficient. Gary Williams, owner of industrial property south of the project, asked why the south portion could not be preserved as a City park for a buffer, and why the project needed to be so large. Sharon Dierkhising, 6515 170th Street North, said she had lived on their five acre parcel for about 25 years and has experienced flooding on their property and was concerned about more water flowing on their property. She said there are deer, fox, and wolves on the site and geese land on the field and pond while migrating. She was concerned about the possibility of the road being reconstructed in front of her house and said plans for sewer and water in the area should be shared with those along their road. There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. Phil Belfiori said the wetland habitat would be protected to the highest extent possible. The wetland and surrounding area have been classified according to habitat and all agencies would be reviewing it and working to avoid any impacts.