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072798 CC Ws AgPSC4 11f CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONDAY, JULY 27, 1998 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING REGULAR AGENDA A GENDA 1. CONVENE WORK SESSION A. Roll Call B . Review Agenda 2. DISCUSSION ON NATURAL RESOURCES PORTION OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (Att.42 Planner's Memorandum) 3. ADJOURN No official action is taken at Work Sessions. Natural Resources - Chapter Outline I. Introduction II. Goal and Objectives III. Issues IV. Policies V. Natural Resources Plan A. Soils B. Slopes C. Tree Preservation/Reforestation D. Wetlands E. Surface Water Quality F. Shorelands and Flood Plains G. Air and Noise Pollution VI. Chapter Summary 10/94 Introduction Perhaps above all other characteristics of the community, Shorewood residents value the natural setting in which it is located. Lakes, wetlands and woods all combine to make Shorewood a very attractive place to live. Ironically, this attraction creates pressure for new development which can threaten natural amenities. Shorewood is committed to all efforts at maintaining the high quality of its natural environment. Substantial progress has been made in recent years to reduce environmental problems related to Lake Minnetonka, but problems the area is to face in the future are far more difficult to resolve. Reducing the amount of pollution caused by storm water runoff, for example, will be a difficult problem. Shorewood has gone far in preserving its wetlands, having adopted protective regulations over 20 years ago. These rules are in need of updating, however, to address reeent state and fiederal reqttirements. have been recently updated to include the provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). The City has also adopted regulations protecting natural buffers adjacent to wetlands and establishing building setbacks from these buffers. Proper attention to sensitive features such as wetlands, shorelands, flood plains and wooded areas is recognized as having aesthetic, economic, health and even psychological benefits to the community as a whole. 6/98 NR -1 Natural Resources Goal and Objectives Natural Resources Goal The City will establish guidelines and adopt regulations to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. Natural Resources Objectives 1. Development which occurs is to be compatible with features of the natural environment and preserve environmental features and natural amenities. 2. The natural and aesthetic quality of Shorewood's lakeshore is to be maintained and where feasible improved. 3. Creative development design to ensure the protection and enhancement of those portions of the community containing unique physical features (e.g. topography, woodlands, etc.) is to be encouraged. 4. Natural wildlife habitats are to be provided protection to ensure against loss. 5. The environmental balance between natural and man -made physical features is to be maintained through proper land use development policy. 6. Shorewood's trees and vegetation are valuable assets and consideration is to be given to their preservation and protection. 7. All environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. wetlands, shorelands and floodplains) are to be protected. 8. Area lakes' ecological systems are to be conserved and protected for future generations. 9. Where feasible, control over natural open space areas shall be obtained through conservation easements, acquisition or development regulation. 6/98 NR -3 Natural Resources Issues Soils Many of the soils in Shorewood are characterized by high water tables and excessive moisture content. This can have a variety of effects, including frost heaving, poor filtration of on -site sewer systems, and slow drainage following peak storm periods. There is a concern that vacant land on poor soils will be developed with inadequate restrictions on appropriate uses. Regulations pertaining to filling and excavating land will be reviewed and updated. Slopes There are several areas with slopes in excess of 12 percent. Of special concern is development on slopes adjacent to water bodies. When vegetation is not replaced following grading, clearing and construction activities, sedimentation may occur in lakes and streams. City policies establishing a maximum slope of 3:1 for disturbed slopes in new development will be formalized Tree Preservation/Reforestation Virtually any development, regardless of size, can result in the destruction of natural vegetation. Shorewood recognizes the scenic, environmental and even economic value of preserving its wooded areas. While some loss of vegetation may be unavoidable as undeveloped land is converted to its ultimate use, efforts will be made to preserve existing trees where possible and to replace trees where necessary. Wetlands A substantial portion of Shorewood consists of marshes, wet basins and wet flats. These marsh areas must be protected because they play an important role in the storm drainage system, as well as providing habitat for wildlife. Shorewood has made substantial progress in the protection of wetlands, as it passed its first Wetlands Ordinance in 1970. These rules are in need of updating, however, and will address the requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991. 10/94 NR -5 Surface Water Management Inasmuch as Shorewood borders on the southern shore of Lake Minnetonka and contains six other lakes within its boundaries, surface water management is a critical issue. Although in the past, the discharge of sewage effluent into Lake Minnetonka was the primary contributor to poor water quality, this practice has been curtailed and storm drainage is the largest source of water pollution. Where past storm water control efforts concentrated on the quantity of water, there is increasing concern over the quality of water which finds its way into wetlands and lakes. In this regard the use of chemicals for such purposes as lawn fertilizing and widespread mosquito control has been called into question, both in terms of surface water quality and ground water quality. The adoption of National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards is viewed as one measure to improve surface water quality. Non - native aquatic species such as Eurasian Water Milfoil, Purple Loostrife and Zebra Mussels are increasingly choking out lakes and wetlands, raising concerns over the effectiveness of current control efforts. Air and Noise Pollution Due to the lack of industrial operations or heavy vehicular traffic, air and noise pollution have not been identified as a problem in Shorewood. Although traffic volumes have been increasing on Highway 7, part of which runs through Shorewood, noise levels are still within State guidelines. The lack of significant air and noise pollution is a positive environmental factor in Shorewood. Efforts will be made to maintain this quality. 10/94 NR -6 Natural Resources Policies All development in naturally or environmentally sensitive areas shall conform to local, metropolitan and state regulations. 2. Environmental regulations shall be formulated, updated and enforced to ensure the proper protection of natural environmental resources. 3. Environmental assessment worksheets and, when required, environmental impact statements, shall be prepared for developments of the type described in Minnesota Environmental Quality Board's Environmental Review Program, as may be amended. 4. The location, condition and species of existing vegetation shall be indicated in all development requests. Er.5. New development and the expansion of existing activities shall be restricted and regulated where environmental damage may result. 776. Development on or near shorelands, wetlands, flood plains and other natural features which perform important environmental functions in their natural state shall be restricted or prohibited. 8-.7. Natural drainage patterns shall be preserved whenever feasible. 9-8. Development on, or alteration of, natural drainage system components shall be restricted so that the need for construction of storm sewer will be minimized. +0-9. Any adverse impact from increased surface water runoff to adjoining properties shall be prohibited. 6/98 NR -7 X10. A drainage plan shall be established which utilizes intermediate ponding areas and provides municipal procedures for the acquisition, dedication, or control of areas so designated. -111. Environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and wooded areas are to be acquired or publicly controlled, when necessary to preserve their integrity. 12. Conservation easements and similar methods of preserving open space shall be pursued to ensure that such areas remain in open space indefinitely. 13. The natural and aesthetic quality of Shorewood's Lakeshore environment is to be maintained and where possible improved. 14. Support shall be given to efforts aimed at reducing lake pollution. 15. Water bodies and watercourses shall be classified and zoned for specific uses giving due consideration to DNR and LMCD recommended regulations. 16. State and federal environmental regulations shall be incorporated into local policy. 17. All reasonable measures shall be taken to mitigate adverse impacts resulting from development on natural wildlife habitats. 18. Programs designed to protect Shorewood's trees through disease control measures and reforestation shall be encouraged. 19. Protect surface and ground water quality by establishing programs to educate the public and regulate the use of chemical lawn fertilizers. 20. Preserve existing wooded areas and develop programs and regulations to replace lost tree cover. 21. Update current development regulations to address water quality as well as quantity of stormwater runoff. 6/98 NR -8 Natural Resources Plan Soils Shorewood has numerous areas where soil conditions impose limitations on development. As prime land becomes developed, there is increasing pressure to develop on more marginal parcels. Most of the on -site sewer systems which pose environmental problems due to poor soil conditions have been connected to the public sanitary sewer system. Only a few such systems remain out of reach of city sewer, and all new development is required to connect to the city system. Bearing capacity for construction has been, and continues to be, an area of concern. The City will not hesitate to require testing in areas known for poor soil conditions or where poor soils are discovered during construction. Areas found to have questionable soils will be subject to the recommendations of qualified soils engineers, as well as the requirements of the State Building Code. The City's requirements for filling and excavating will be updated. In addition to reevaluating the threshold at which filling or excavating require special approvals, standards will be adopted for the control of erosion and sedimentation. In this regard the Hennepin Conservation District has prepared an Erosion and Sediment Control Manual which will serve as a guide for the development of Shorewood's own local controls. Slopes The type of slopes, along with surficial soil types, should be taken into consideration in the review of all development requests. Each site should be examined for problems of this nature, and in identified problem areas, the City Engineer should test soils to determine if soil types are a problem on lesser slopes. The Metropolitan Council has established two policies relative to development on erodible slopes: 12/94 NR -9 • Slopes which because of their surficial soil type are susceptible to severe erosion should be maintained in a natural state. Counties and municipalities should adopt regulations to maintain or replace vegetative cover of these slopes to reduce erosion and slippage. • Slopes subject to moderate erosion should be managed to minimize erosion and slippage; management may include special design and construction methods for development or appropriated vegetative or other cover. In light of the amount of sloping land in Shorewood, 12 percent grade will be considered a "warning flag ". While development may be allowed on slopes greater than 12 percent, such development shall be subjected to special scrutiny and examined for any potential environmental impact which might occur as a result of the proposed development. The City shall adopt its own regulations relative to steep slopes based on the following criteria: • Development on slopes greater than 12 percent must be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer. • On large projects development activities shall be conducted and staged to minimize soil erosion. The smallest practical increment of land shall be developed at any one time; that increment shall be subjected to erosion for the shortest period of time, not to exceed a single construction season. • Sufficient control measures and retention facilities shall be put in place prior to commencement of each development increment to limit soil loss. • During construction, wetlands and other water bodies shall not be used as sediment traps. • Except in extraordinary situations, development which results in disturbed slopes exceeding 3:1 (three horizontal to one vertical) shall not be allowed. Where unavoidable, steeper slopes must be designed by qualified professionals and will be subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. Tree Preservation and Reforestation Shorewood's zoning regulations contain provisions for limiting the removal of vegetation in shoreland areas and requirements for landscaping of certain new developments. These - rtrles-�tre in need of ttpdafing and expansion. A three p&ft prog� am is . Recently the City has adopted a tree preservation and reforestation policy which establishes a three -part program: Preservation determine which developments require tree preservation (e.g. subdivisions of three lots or more) • identify size and species of trees to be saved • adopt construction protection measures 6/98 NR -10 �Ai►��n�n �a:�a:►��i�:�i�•n��:�a�nn���i &iMi.K �I GVA.M4 2. Replacement • require replacement of those trees identified for preservation which must be removed for road and buildings • establish a required ratio between removed and replacement trees 3. Landscaping • update existing regulations to increase the types of development where landscaping is required • increase size specifications for required landscaping • establish minimum quantity requirements • amend subdivision regulations to require tree planting for all developments During the development process developers will be required to submit tree inventories, from which tree preservation and replacement plans will be prepared. In certain instances where it is impractical or undesirable to replace trees on site, an alternative should be provided that would allow developers and builders to contribute to a City fund. This fund would be used for placing trees on public property (e.g. City parks). Wetlands Shorewood adopted wetland protection regulations over twenty years ago. As illustrated on the map on page NR -13, nearly 10 percent (312 acres) of Shorewood's total land area exists as designated wetlands. Also, the City has begun enforcing the no- net -loss requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act of 1991 (WCA91). Numerous steps are recommended to enhance Shorewood's wetland protection program: 1. Adopt the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wetland classification system. 2. Require that all development proposals locate, identify and classify both City- designated wetlands and WCA91 wetlands. 3. Wetland delineations shall be prepared by qualified professionals approved by the Watershed Districts. 4. The Watershed Districts will continue to be the Local Governing Unit (LGU) for administering the standards of the WCA9 L 5. The City will continue to work with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, the Riley - Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District, and the Department of Natural Resources to enforce wetland protection laws. 6/98 NR -11 6. The City wil4 has established minimum setbacks for construction adjacent to wetlands. zoning Setbaeks from wedands shall be at minimum 30 feet or eqttiyalent to the rear Yard setback for the is leeated, whiehever is greafert. Shorewood's wetland regulations have been revised to include a 35 foot natural buffer adjacent to wetlands in new development, plus a 15-foot building setback from the natural buffer area. 7. Require retention ponds upstream of wetlands to collect and filter pollutants in storm water runoff before it reaches the wetlands. Surface Water Quality No point sources of water pollution have been identified in Shorewood. A more generalized problem is surface runoff and runoff from storm drainage systems, which have resulted in high levels of phosphorus in some small lakes. Phosphorus is one of the major plant nutrients required for plant growth and the eutrophication process, which is the process by which a lake ages and fills with algae and weeds. The major sources of phosphorus are surface runoff and effluent from tile liners. In Shorewood, Silver Lake, Galpin Lake and Lake William have all been affected by high levels of phosphorus. This is because these lakes capture a major portion of storm drainage waters. Christmas Lake, on the other hand, has excellent water quality and low phosphorus levels. One reason for this is that Silver Lake catches most of the storm water runoff and therefore serves as a settling basin for pollutants. Phosphorus levels in Lake Minnetonka are also a cause for concern, although a number of methods are being considered by DNR and the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District to reduce this form of pollution at its source. Depending on jurisdiction, the Minnehaha Creek or Riley- Purgatory -Bluff Creek Watershed District reviews all development proposals for more than one single - family dwelling for their impact on the storm water drainage system and water quality. A number of measures have been suggested to reduce the pollution from storm waters: Install catch basins and oil skimmers in storm drainage systems. 2. Control the rate of storm water runoff. 3. Place rock rip -rap (a material used to prevent shore erosion) at storm water outlets, subject to the following restrictions: • The rip -rap shore protection shall consist of natural rock only • The rip -rap shore protection shall conform to the natural alignment of the shore • The minimum finished slope shall be no steeper than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical (3:1) • No materials shall be placed more than five feet waterward of the ordinary high water level 6/98 NR-12 Whereas wetlands have been used as filtering basins in the past, all new developments shall be required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards, or contribute toward the construction of subregional NURP facilities. Given the number of wetland and shoreland areas in Shorewood, consideration should be given to adopting maximum impervious surface requirements for all lots. Currently, shoreland lots are restricted to a maximum of 25 percent impervious surface. It is recommended that a similar requirement be adopted for lots not located within the shoreland zoning district. These lots should be limited to a maximum of 30 percent impervious surface. The City will continue to work with the Watershed Districts and the Department of Natural Resources to address recent increases in Eurasion Water Milfoil, Purple Loostrife and Zebra Mussels which choke out lakes and wetlands. While these problems are best handled on a regional level, the City can contribute by continued educational efforts aimed at preventing the spread of these nuisances. Similarly, the City should begin air continue and expand its educational program regarding the use of chemical lawn fertilizers, particularly in high impact areas adjacent to lakes and wetlands. If education of the public proves unsuccessful in reducing the nutrients being introduced into these natural systems, the City may have to consider regulations banning the use of chemical fertilizers. Shorelands and Flood Plains Shorewood first adopted shoreland regulations consistent with Department of Natural Resources standards in 1985. In 1992 the Shoreland Zoning District was amended to reflect recent changes in state guidelines. Land within 1000 feet of lakes or 300 feet from Purgatory Creek (see the map on page NR -13) have been included in a shoreland overlay zoning district which imposes shoreland requirements in addition to the underlying zoning requirements. These water bodies have been classified by the Department of Natural Resources as Natural Environment (NE), Recreational Development (RD), or General Development (GD), based upon their development characteristics. Lake Minnetonka, Lake William, Galpin Lake, and Purgatory Creek are all classified GD. The remaining lakes are classified RD with the exception of Silver Lake which has a NE classification. Having been among the first of the Lake Minnetonka communities to adopt shoreland regulations, Shorewood is committed to keeping the shoreland areas as natural as possible. Development in the "S" District is closely monitored for compliance with site alteration requirements, hard cover restrictions and building setbacks. Shorewood's flood plain regulations date back to 1979. These rules are intended to protect life as well as property in areas which are subject to periodic flooding. Shorewood's code is in need of updating to reflect recent changes in federal requirements. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has proposed a flood insurance restudy. As part of this effort the City should ask that Christmas Lake be included on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). 6/98 NR -15 Air and Noise Pollution The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency sets the standards for permissible levels of noise and air pollution. The only source of noise or air quality problems in Shorewood is vehicular traffic. Recorded levels have not exceeded state or federal standards. Air quality standards as set by the State of Minnesota are more restrictive in several cases than federal standards. Two sets of standards have been adopted. The "primary standards" are those ambient air quality levels necessary to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety. Secondary standards refer to those ambient air quality levels necessary to protect public welfare, such as prevention of air pollution damage to crops, natural vegetation, materials and structures. State standards for noise levels suggest that decibel measures of 65 dBA are the point at which action may be taken to reduce noise. No permit system has been established to control noise resulting from existing or future sources. While the State has in the past installed noise berms on Interstate highways with high noise levels, a moratorium has been placed on further construction of such items. Noise berms have not been used to control levels on State or County roads. Although the sources of noise and air pollution in Shorewood are limited, the City can regulate these pollutants through adoption of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards by reference in the zoning ordinance. NR -16 Chapter Summary Shorewood is committed to all efforts at maintaining the high quality of its natural environment. The City's goal in this regard is: The City will establish guidelines and adopt regulations to ensure preservation and protection of the natural environment. Although Shorewood has in the past made considerable progress in natural resource protection, certain elements are in need of attention. This chapter contains objectives and policies which are incorporated into the following summary of recommendations: 1. Soil conditions will be taken into consideration in all types of development proposals. 2. Ordinances related to filling, grading and excavating will be updated, incorporating Hennepin Conservation District standards. 3. The City will adopt standards regulating development on steep slopes. For example, grading or construction which results in disturbed slopes of 3:1 (three horizontal to one vertical) shall be restricted. 4. In order to limit the loss of vegetation the City will amend existing codes to include tree preservation and replacement and site landscaping for all developments. 5. The requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act will be ' ' eede. actively enforced. 6. A 35 foot buffer shall be required adjacent to all wetlands in new developments. A 15-foot building setback from the natural buffer shall be required. 6/98 NR -17 7. New developments will be required to construct sedimentation ponds designed to National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) standards. 8. The City will take a role in examining the benefits versus potential damage of various chemical treatments, such as lawn fertilizers and mosquito spraying. 9. Shorewood's shoreland regulations will continue to be enforced in order to preserve and restore the natural character of area lakes. 10. Shorewood's flood plain regulations will be updated to reflect changes in federal requirements. NR -18 CITY OF SHOREWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 16,1998 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Chair Borkon called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD 7:00 P.M. Present: Chair Borkon; Commissioners Bailey, Callies, Collins and Anderson; Planning Director Nielsen; Council Liaison O'Neill. Council Liaison O'Neill introduced Erica Johnson who is completing an internship with the City of Shorewood. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Planning Commission Minutes - June 2, 1998 Collins moved, Anderson seconded approving the Planning Commission Minutes of June 2, 1998, as amended on Page 3, Paragraph 3, Sentence 2, insert a period after "requirement" and delete the remainder of the sentence; Item B, Paragraph 6, Sentence 2, change "Limited" to "Special'. Motion passed 4/0. (Chair Borkon abstained.) Chair Borkon asked for nominations to fill the position of Vice Chair. Collins moved, Anderson seconded nominating Commissioner Callies to the position of Vice Chair. Commissioner Bailey inquired whether Commissioner Collins would be interested in the position since he is the next senior member of the Commission and noted he did chair the previous meeting. Commissioner Collins declined. Vote on Motion: Motion passed 510. STUDY SESSION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - NATURAL RESOURCES CHAPTER Planning Director Nielsen distributed a revised copy of the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and reviewed the changes which have been made by the Council. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES JUNE 16, 1998 - PAGE 2 NR -3 With respect to Item No. 9, Chair Borkon suggested utilizing a word other than "control." Nielsen suggested: "Where feasible, preservation of natural open space areas shall be achieved through conservation easements, acquisition or development regulation." The Commission was in agreement with this change. ["I'T:3 In discussing Item No. 12, Commissioner Callies did not feel it beneficial for the Commission to be reviewing the Plan addressing language issues. She felt the Commission should be looking at the big picture as it relates to the goals of the City and providing input relative to those goals. Chair Borkon commented the Commission is going through verbiage since it has already been decided this is the route the City will be taking. The actual plan to make these goals work is currently being considered by the Ad Hoc Committee which has been developed. Commissioner Callies stated she disagrees, as may others, that the City have a policy that all open space shall be kept as open space indefinitely or that the City should do something about the open space since some of this open space may be adequately protected by other regulations. Council Liaison O 'Neill pointed out the reference to conservation easements and noted this has nothing to do with the City, but would be something an individual property owner could do to preserve green space. Commissioner Callies felt perhaps the term "open space" should be defined. Council Liaison O`Neill stated before any taxpayer money would be spent, the Ad Hoc Committee will investigate the possibility of conducting a referendum to determine whether the taxpayers would be in favor of the City acquiring green space. Commissioner Anderson noted this is the policy of the Council and the goal is to begin to preserve green space going forward. Council Liaison ONeill stated the Council wishes to pursue this. Commissioner Anderson felt there to be a risk in that it is implied development in the community will be stopped by stating the City is pursuing this goal by keeping the remaining spaces green. He expressed concern relative to a land owner who might have property and this would ultimately reduce the value of the property by in some way putting a moratorium on the property. Council Liaison O'Neill stated the trail survey reflects there is interest in the community in preserving green space. Commissioner Bailey felt this to be a general expression of policy and was not opposed to this item. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES .TUNE 16,1998 - PAGE 3 NR -17 Chair Borkon was opposed to Item No. 5 which states, "The requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act will be actively enforced." Commissioner Callies suggested changing the wording to, "The requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act have been incorporated into Shorewood's wetland code." Chair Borkon noted her agreement with this suggestion. Commissioner Collins felt this language should be consistent with the reference on NR -1 to "the provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act." Nielsen suggested changing the language in Item No. 5 on NR -17 to be consistent. It was agreed Item No. 5 will be rewritten to read, "The provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act have been incorporated into Shorewood's wetland code." Commissioner Bailey commented he is sympathetic to the idea of a ratio, however, he stated he is unable to evaluate whether or not this is a good number. He felt this to be a good method to use in preserving green space. Nielsen explained 30 percent was the prior requirement for shoreland, however, this was reduced to 25 percent by the DNR. He noted the 25 percent requirement has worked well. NR -9 Commissioner Anderson questioned whether there are regulations relative to filling and excavating soils. He noted some sites have a history of problems with soils or there may be a need for fill. He asked if there are regulations relative to the type of fill which is used. Commissioner Anderson also questioned what the City does to be aware of the existence of petro stations or if there is a bad site which could potentially run on and contaminate other properties. Nielsen explained there is an inventory of old petro sites. He explained two instances of leakage within the City and the corrective measures which were taken in that regard. Nielsen explained the City periodically receives reports from the Fire Marshall's office relative to leaks or spills. Commissioner Anderson felt there should be a policy by which the City is notified of any new tanks which are installed in the City. In addition, he felt there should be an inventory of any existing sites within the City. Nielsen also explained the City routinely receives reports from the PCA relative to fills. These are generally on a case by case basis, as they are discovered. Commissioner Anderson noted Shorewood is a community with numerous private wells and expressed concern relative the spread of contamination. Nielsen pointed out as a part of the stormwater management plan, cities are required to have a well head protection plan which would cover the deep wells of the City. He noted there is also a provision relative to residential wells. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES JUNE 16,1998 - PAGE 4 Commissioner Anderson felt the City should be notified when a new tank is installed and that contaminated sites be addressed in such a way that the City strongly encourages immediate clean up of identified sites and attempts to find mediation solutions. Nielsen will investigate this issue. Commissioner Anderson inquired whether the City has an inventory of hazardous waste generators. Nielsen pointed out there are no hazardous waste generators within the City. NR -12 Council Liaison ONeill pointed out relative to NR -12, Item No. 7, that ponds are used to control the volume of runoff rather than to collect and filter pollutants. He also expressed concern relative to the efficiency of NURP ponds. He asked the Commission to provide any suggestions they may have relative to rewording of this provision. Council Liaison O'Neill stated he would like to explore alternatives which may be more effective. Nielsen pointed out some of this will be addressed through the stormwater management study which is being undertaken. Commissioner Bailey suggested, "Require methods to collect and filter pollutants in stormwater runoff before it reaches the wetlands." Nielsen will review this and make some revisions to this item. 2. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR - None 3. REPORTS Erica Johnson reported on the Ad Hoc Committee and stated it is the goal of the committee to recommend a process for the City to utilize in obtaining green space. The committee met once to date and has discussed conservation easements as well as the possibility of obtaining land through bond referendum. Nielsen reported there will be a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a Special Home Occupation coming before the Commission on July 7, 1998. In addition, the Commission will also be considering a request to divide an approximately 6.8 acre site into five single family lots on Christmas Lake Road. Nielsen inquired whether the Commission is interested in expanding the notice area. He noted he did advise the developer to contact the neighborhood association to notify them of this request. The Commission was satisfied with utilizing the notice area which is contained in the ordinance. Nielsen also supplied the Commission with copies of the recent survey which was completed by Decision Resources, Inc., relative to a trail plan in the City. PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES JUNE 16,1998 - PAGE 5 Commissioner Collins felt it important the Council recognize Commissioner Lizee for her years of service on the Commission. Council Liaison O 'Neill expects a plaque will be presented to Commissioner Lizee from Mayor Dahlberg in appreciation for her service. Commissioner Callies stated although she did not know Commissioner Lizee well, she did a fine job on the Commission. Commissioner Bailey suggested the plaque should read, "It is better to live on your feet than to die on your knees." Chair Borkon stated she respects and admires Commissioner Lizee and that she had the resolve to leave, it being better to die on her feet than to live on her knees, which she felt she would be doing if she did otherwise. 4. ADJOURNMENT Anderson moved, Callies seconded adjourning the meeting at 8:47 p.m. Motion passed 5/0. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED Cheryl Wallat Recording Secretary TimeSaver Off -Site Secretarial, Inc.