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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974-08-26 Evironmental Quality Commission Meeting MinutesAGENDA Edina Environmental Quality Commission Monday, August 26, 1974, at 7:30 P.M. Edina City Hall I. Roll Call. II. Approval of the July 29, 1974, LOC Minutes. III. Old Business: A. Minnehaha Creek Cooperative Project B. Aquatic Weed Control IV. New Business: A. Survey of Vacant Lands V. Reports: A. Committee Reports. B. Watershed District Proceedings C. Melody Lake VI. Other Business: VII. Others Wishing to be Heard. VIII. Adjournment. MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 26, 1974, EDINA CITY HALL I. Roll Call Donald Johnson, Chairman Barbara Casselman Virginia Scott Paul Mucke Ron Hays Cliff Johnson Bob Sandilla John Telfer Jim Bentley - arrived 8:45 p.m. II: Approval of July 29, 1974 Minutes After correcting the minutes to indicate that there is not a committee for Air Pollution and that this is covered under the Aid, Noise & Transportation John Telfer moved and C. Johnson seconded that 'the minutes be approved. voted aye. III. Old Business A. Minnehaha Creek Cooperative Project Committee, All Mr. Hughes referred to several questions raised at the last meeting concerning the project. He reported Mr. John Holmquist of Hickok and Associates was contacted and clarified many points concerning the dredging of Minnehaha Creek in the 44th Street area of Edina. Mr. Telfer also questioned "who will do the montoring of the dredging?" Mr. Hughes replied Minnehaha Creek Watershed. The public hearing on this project will be on September 11, 1974 and a report will he given at the next meeting. No further action was taken. B. Aquatic Weed Control Mr. Hughes reported that staff has met with aquatic weed specialists from the Minnesota Department of Natural resources concerning Edina's aquatic weed problem. Among the points discussed were the reasons for denying a chemical treatment permit, alternatives to chemical treatment, the severity of our aquatic weed problem and future programs for Edina lakes and ponds. DNR personnel indicated that permits were denied in that none of our lakes are used for recreational activities, such as boating or swimming, which require weed free conditions. During the following discussion many comments were made regarding the use of our lakes and ponds. Mr. D. Johnson stated that many people have used the lakes for boating and Mr. C. Johnson commented that the lakes were used for other recreational purposes. After further discussion about cutting of aquatic weeds rather than chemical treatment or other treatments, the following motion was made by Bob Sandilla that the EQC recommend to the City Council that a program of gathering some basic water chemistry data on City ponds be initiated for the purpose of documenting trends in water quality in the City and to provide a sound basis for various management and treatment steps in the future. Mrs. Scott seconded and the motion was carried. Mr. Hughes was directed to prepare a plan for water testing including the lakes to be tested, the test to be made, and so forth. Minutes - EQC - August 26, 1974 V. New Business A. Survey of Vacant Lands Mr. Hughes reported that at the last meeting a discussion was held regarding solid erosion and surveying vacant lands prior to development. After some discussion, Mr. Hughes indicated that an environmental supplement could be prepared for the west, southwest and south Edina plans. The Commission agreed that this approach would be desirable and would provide a basis for making various decisions on land use. Mr. Hughes will begin work on these plans. V. Reports A. Water Resource Committee Melody Lake - Mr. Telfer reported that he had talked to an insurance company about getting liability insurance or performance bonds for construction pro- jects. He reported that the companies checked had never provided this type of "environmental" liability insurance. Mr. Telfer stated he would pursue the matter further. B. Solid Waste Committee Recycling Center. A discussion was held on the Edina Recycling Center. No action taken. Mr. Bentley indicated that he would ask someone from Hennepin County Solid Waste to talk to the commission at its next meeting. C. Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Mr. Hughes reported on the progress of the Cooperative Powers Agreement. The public hearing will be held on September 11. D. Melody Lake Project Mr. Hughes reported that the dam which failed at Melody Lake was built according to specifications shown in the plan. He also stated that the engineers felt that these dams weren't being under-designed. Mr. Hughes was asked by Mr. Telfer to further investigate the matter of designing erosion control measures. VI. Other business Mrs. Scott brought up the situation of no lights between France Avenue and Normandale Road on 70th Street and questioned the requirements for lighting on the street. Mr. Hughes was asked to follow up on this and see why there are no lights. Mr. Telfer raised the question about behind the fire station. Mr. Hughes reported that "No Dumping" signs have been placed behind the station and there will be snow fences placed across the road into the area. Mrs. Casselman asked about dumping in the area of Arbour Lane and Arbour Avenue. She explained this seemed to be a problem and asked Mr. Hughes to check it.' Directions Mr. D. Johnson stated that he felt the commission should look into what direction they should be taking and what our goals and efforts should be in the up- coming months. Minutes - August 26, 1974 - EQC Mrs. Scott recommended that possibly we could review certain city ordinances and see where, they could be strengthed. Mr. Hays said we should take a look at future committee works in that Mr. Hughes assumed some of the work formerly done by the committess. Mr. C. Johnson indicated that perhaps a noise ordinance should be enacted. He indicated that this will be investigated. It was the consensus of the Commission that all matters of environmental importance should continue to be brought before the EQC for its recommendations. After further discussion Mr. C. Johnson moved and Mrs. V. Scott seconded that the meeting be adjourned. Meeting adjourned 10:15 p.m. Respecfully submitted, Debby Donley, Secretary dd