HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-03-09 Evironmental Quality Commission Meeting MinutesAGENDA
Edina Environmental Quality Commission
Monday, March 29, 1976, at 7:30 P.M.
Edina City Hall
I. Roll Call.
II. Approval of the February 23, 1976, EQC Minutes.
III. Old Business:
IV. New Business:
A. Buchanan's Addition
B. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan - Metram Properties
V. Reports:
A. Committee Reports.
1. Criteria Committee Report.
B. Watershed District Proceedings.
VI. Other Business:
A. Meeting with Mayor VanValkenburg
B. Noise Regulations
VII. Others Wishing to be Heard
VIII. Adjournment.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION MEETING
HELD MONDAY, MARCH 29, 1976
EDINA CITY HALL
I. Roll Call: James Bentley John Telfer
Barbara Casselman Astrid Wang
Paul Mucke Donald Johnson
Clifford Johnson James Poehler
Ronald Hays
Also present was Mayor James Van Valkenburg.
II. APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 23, 1976, EQC MINUTES.
Mr. C. Johnson moved approval of the February 23, 1976, EQC Minutes.
Mrs. Casselman seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
II. OLD BUSINESS: None.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Buchanan's Addition.
Mr. Hughes presented plans for a 14 lot subdivision located west of Cahill
Road and south of Dewey Hill Road. He noted that the proposed lots were similar
in size to single family lots in adjoining neighborhoods. Mr. Hughes explained the
site was generally devoid of important environmental factors which would be
affected by the subdivision. He noted, however, that the southern portion of the
property would tie into the southwest Edina storm sewer ponding system. Mr. Hughes
presented plans for the proposed ponding system and recalled that the system had
been previously reviewed by the EQC in conjunction with other developments in the
area. He also noted that several wildlife management techniques would be employed
to encourage the use of the ponding areas by waterfowl. Mr. Hughes recommended
approval of the plat.
Following discussion concerning the desirability and location of the cul-de-
sac street proposed for the plat, Mr. C. Johnson moved to recommend approval of the
subdivision. Mrs. Casselman seconded the motion. All voted aye.
B. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan - Metram Properties.
Mr. Hughes recalled that the EQC had reviewed and recommended approval for
the Metram Properties project in 1974. He noted that a 60 unit apartment was
proposed for the site which is located south of W. 70th Street and west of the west
frontage road of Highway 100. He explained that an erosion control plan was
requested for the project due to its proximity to Nine Mile Creek.
Mr. Hughes presented the erosion control plan. He noted that the site will
be rough graded to divert runoff from the construction area to the south end of the
property where a drainage swale would be constructed. He explained that hay bale
dikes would be constructed across the swale to filter sediment from the runoff.
Mr. Hughes also noted that the City controls through ownership and easements
a 100 foot wide strip of land adjacent to and east of Nine Mile Creek. He explained
that the proponent is also requesting use of 25 feet of the easement area for
3-29-76 EQC Minutes, page 2
construction purposes. Mr. Hughes noted that because of the building's location,
use of this easement area is probably necessary. He also referred to a letter from
the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District stating no objections to the use of the ease-
ment area.
Mr. Hughes recommended approval of the erosion control plan with the following
conditions:
1. The storm sewer outlet at the south end of the property must be
adequately rip-rapped.
2. The easement must be restored to original grades and adequately reseeded
following construction.
3. Any fill temporarily placed on the easement must be adequately isolated
with hay bale dikes to prevent sedimentation of the creek.
Mr. Telfer requested that the third condition should be re-worded as
follows: ". . . the easement must be adequately isolated with hay bale dikes or
whatever means necessary to prevent sedimentation of the creek."
Mr. Hays requested that in the second condition, the word "re-vegetated"
should replace "re-seeded".
Mr. D. Johnson moved approval of the erosion control plan and use of the
easement with the changes requested by Mr. Telfer and Mr. Hays. He also noted
that the Watershed District should be notified when the grading is performed so
it can make inspections of the project. Mr. C. Johnson seconded the motion. All
voted aye.
V. Reports:
A. Committee Reports: Criteria Committee Report.
Mr. Telfer reported the results of a second criteria committee meeting held
on March 11, 1976. He noted that the committee had expanded somewhat on the land
usage/development and population limit areas as were discussed at the first committee
meeting on January 8, 1976. Mr. Telfer explained that, with regard to land usage,
concerns regarding traffic, effects on surrounding neighborhoods, wildlife,
vegetation, aesthetics, cut and fill, soil erosion, and extent of land development
were discussed.
Mr. Bentley noted that specific standards had not been developed and noted
the difficulty in writing such standards. All generally agreed.
Mr. C. Johnson expressed concern regarding the ability to control the
population of the City. He suggested that the committee should drop consideration
of a population limit for Edina. All agreed.
Mr. Hays noted the difficulty in establishing standards regarding aesthetics.
Mr. Telfer agreed that specific standards were•not possible but that perhaps
general guidelines could be established.
Mr. Telfer indicated that the committee would welcome any suggestions regarding
criteria. He noted that the committee would hold additional meetings and present
further reports at up-coming EQC meetings.
3-29-76 EQC Minutes, page 3
B. Watershed District Proceedings.
Mr. Hughes reported that the State EQC would consider the Minnehaha Creek
Cooperative Projects at its April meeting.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Meeting with Mayor Van Valkenburg.
Mr. Bentley welcomed Mayor Van Valkenburg to the meeting. He recalled
that the EQC reviewed at its last meeting a letter dated December 8, 1975, from
Mayor Van Valkenburg regarding the relationship between advisory boards and the
Council. He noted that the EQC had invited Mayor Van Valkenburg to attend the
March, 1976 EQC meeting to discuss the letter.
Mr. Bentley reviewed the points contained in Mayor Van Valkenburg's letter.
Among these points were matters to be considered by the boards, open meetings,
minutes and the advisory nature of the boards.
Mayor Van Valkenburg noted that he and the Council were interested in
obtaining the EQC's comments and suggestions regarding its relationship to the
Council. He explained that under Edina's form of government, boards must be
strictly advisory in nature and that the Council must make the final decision on all
matters. He cautioned, however, that this is not meant to prohibit statements of
contrary views on issues after action by the Council. He encouraged the EQC to relay
any dissatisfaction or suggestions regarding Council action to him to ensure proper
communication.
Mrs. Casselman asked whether the EQC should be an advocacy body for the
environment or strictly advisory. Mayor Van Valkenburg responded that the commission
should limit itself to an advisory role.
Mr. Hays noted that the ordinance establishing the EQC indicated that it
should inventory the resources of the City. He noted that this had not been done
due to its anticipated usefulness and cost. He asked if such a survey were now
desirable. Mayor Van Valkenburg responded that it should be done only if necessary
and useful. He noted that as a result of the Mandatory Planning Act presently before
the legislature, such surveys may be required to formulate comprehensive plans.
Mayor Van Valkenburg also stressed the necessity of proper communication
among the advisory boards of the City. It was agreed that the chairman of the EQC
should receive minutes of the Park Board, Open Space Committee, Recycling
Commission, and Planning Commission to ensure proper communication.
B. Noise Ordinance.
Mr. Bentley recalled that several months ago, it was agreed to review the
need for a noise ordinance in the city. Following short discussion it was agreed
that: 1. noise complaints were not common problems in the city; 2. standards
would be difficult to establish; and 3. complaints were adequately resolved at
present. Thus, it was agreed that a noise ordiriance was not presently necessary.
VII. OTHERS WISHING TO BE HEARD: none.
VIII. Adjournment: Mr. C. Johnson moved adjournment of the 3-29-76 EQC meeting.
Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. All voted aye.