HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-06-28 Evironmental Quality Commission Meeting MinutesAGENDA
Edina Environmental Quality Commission
Monday, June 28, 1976, at 7:30 P.M.
Edina City Hall
I. Roll Call.
II. Approval of the May 24, 1976, EQC Minutes
III. Old Business:
A. Sewage Overflow at Creek Valley Road.
IV. New Business:
A. Election of Officers.
B. Floodplain PeLmit - Lot 1, Block 1, Gleason Third Addition.
C. Kirkpatrick Addition.
V. Reports:
A. Committee Reports.
B. Watershed District Proceedings.
VI. Other Business:
VII. Others Wishing to be Heard:
VIII. Adjournment.
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE EDINA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION
HELD MONDAY, JUNE 28, 1976
EDINA CITY HALL
I. Roll Call: James Bentley Paul Mucke
Barbara Casselman Ronald Hays
Del Johnson G. E. McCracken
Astrid Wang John Telfer
Wendy Weden Virginia Shaw
II. Approval of the May 24, 1976, EQC Minutes:
Mrs. Casselman noted that in regard to the Krahl Hill proposal, the
minutes should reflect that Mr. Gittleman stated that it was in his best
interests to preserve as many trees as possible on the site. All agreed. Mrs.
Casselman moved approval of the May 24, 1976 minutes as appended. Mr. Mucke
seconded the motion. All voted aye.
III. Old Business:
A. Sewage Overflow at Creek Valley Road
Mr. Robert Dunn, City Engineer, was present to discuss the sewage overflow
at Creek Valley Road on May 24, 1976. Mr. Hays inquired as to the cause of the
problem, city policies on such occurrences and future methods of handling such
problems. Mr. Dunn responded that the sewer crew periodically cleans sanitary
sewers by plugging a downstream manhole and forcing foreign material in the
lines to that manhole for pickup. He explained that during the course of cleaning
the trunk sewer lying under Creek Valley Road an unusual amount of construction
related sediment in the line was forced into the downstream manhole making it
impossible to remove the plug and causing the sewage to build up.
Mr. Dunn further explained that tank trucks were used for a time to
transport backed up sewage; however, this soon proved inadequate and pumps were
employed to pump sewage from the clogged line into the street. He noted that if
the sewage had not been pumped it would have flooded basements along Creek Valley
Road. Mr. Dunn also noted that this sewage overflow was the only such occurrence
in the 71/2 years that he has been employed with the City.
Mr. Hays asked why the sewage could not have been pumped to an adjoining
manhole instead of into the street. Mr. Dunn responded that the City lacks
adequate pumps, hose and manpower to provide a satisfactory by-pass. Mr. D.
Johnson asked if precautions could betaken in the future to prevent such problems.
Mr. Dunn noted that more caution should be taken in areas where construction
sediments are present. Of
Mr. Hays inquired if there is a need for an emergency crew at the Metro
level to deal with sewage overflow problems. Mr. Dunn noted that the cost of
such a crew may be prohibitive in relation to the frequency of such overflow
problems. He also noted that it would be difficult for such a crew to respond
soon enough to handle overflow problems.
6/28/76 EQC Minutes, Page 2
Mr. Hays stated that there should be a more satisfactory method of
handling overflow problems which would prevent sewage from being pumped into the
street and water bodies.
Following further discussion, Mrs. Casselman moved that staff,
1) contract the PCA to determine the frequency of sewage spills, 2) survey
other cities to determine their method of handling sewage problems, and 3) esti-
mate the cost of necessary equipment to deal with emergency spills. Mr. Hays
seconded the motion. All voted aye.
IV. New Business
A. Election of Officers
Chairman Bentley opened nominations for EQC officers.
Mr. Hays nominated Mrs. Casselman for the office of chairman. Mr. Telfer
seconded the nomination. Mrs. Casselman was elected by a unanimous ballot.
Mrs. Casselman nominated Mr. Telfer for the office of vice-chairman.
Mr. Hays seconded the nomination. Mr. Telfer was elected by a unanimous ballot.
Mrs. Casselman nominated Mr. Mucke for the office of secretary. Mr. Telfer
seconded the nomination. Mr. Mucke was elected by a unanimous ballot.
B. Floodplain Permit - Lot 1, Block 1, Gleason, Third Addition
Mr. Hughes recalled that the EQC had reviewed floodplain filling problems
on this lot about three years previously. He noted that at that time, the
Watershed District and the owner of the lot had agreed on a grading plan for the
site. He explained that the owner was presently requesting a floodplain permit
to construct a duplex on the lot. A wood deck built on posts was also proposed
and would extend into the floodplain on the lot.
Mr. Hughes recommended approval of the permit in that, 1) the proposed
grading plan for the site conformed with that agreed to by the owner and watershed
district and 2) the proposed deck would be constructed to allow passage of flood-
waters and would not cause an obstruction to flow. His recommendation was
conditioned on, 1) the bottom floor elevation of the structure must be 866 and
2) adequate erosion control measures must be taken during construction.
After short discussion, Mrs. Shaw moved approval of the permit with the
conditions recommended by staff. Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. Mr. Telfer urged
that the proposed deck be designed to prevent heaving problems. Chairman Casselman
recalled the motion. All voted aye. t7
C. Kirkpatrick Addition
Mr. Hughes presented a four lot subdivision located in the northeast quadrant
of Olinger Boulevard and Olinger Road. He noted that the subdivision bordered a
small strip of parkland on the north side of Olinger Boulevard which was purchased
as part of the Bredesen Park acquisition. He further explained that a small
wetland was situated partly on the park property and partly on the land proposed
for subdivision. Mr. Hughes noted that the proponent had expressed an interest
in "cleaning up" the portion of the wetland lying on his property.
6/28/76 EQC Minutes, Page 3
Mr. Hughes recommended approval in that:
1) building sites have been located to utilize areas of good soil conditions
and minimize encroachment into the wetland;
2) the wetland is properly used as a storm water retention area;
3) the natural character of the wetland will be adequately protected.
Approval was recommended conditioned upon approval by the Nine Mile
Creek Watershed District and the Department of Natural Resources if required.
The EQC discussed at length the desirability of cleaning up the edge
of the wetland as proposed by the developer. Mr. Telfer noted that the area is
very productive from the wildlife standpoint and it would be desirable to
maintain it in its natural condition. Mr. Hays recalled that the wetland was
mentioned specifically in the Mud Lake report prepared by Les Blacklock.
Mr. Hughes read the applicable portion of the report in which Mr. Blacklock
noted that the wetland was one of the finest wildlife ponds he had seen.
Mr. Hays questioned whether the subdivision should be redesigned
to provide access from Olinger Boulevard rather than Olinger Road. Mr. Hughes
noted that in preliminary discussions with the developer, this idea had been
discussed. He noted that the access from Olinger Road was thought more
desirable from a traffic and safety standpoint. Mr. Hays also noted that perhaps
lots 3 and 4 should be combined into one lot to better protect the wetland.
After futher discussion, Mr. D. Johnson moved to recommend plat approval
with the conditions noted by staff plus the condition that the wetland should be
left in its natural state and no improvement to its shoreline should be under-
taken. Mrs. Shaw seconded the motion. All voted aye except Mr. Hays, who voted
no.
V. Reports
A. Committee Reports
Mrs. Casselman reviewed the membership and chairmanship of the various
committees. She also explained to Miss Weden the history of the Education Committee.
Mr. D. Johnson also agreed to serve on the Criteria Committee.
B. Watershed District Proceedings
Mr. Hughes noted that the Creek Valley Road sewage problem had been
reported to the Nine Mile Creek WaterShed District.
ty
VI. Other Business
A. Mr. D. Johnson advised the EQC of the ECOL Library at the Minneapolis
Public Library. He explained many valuable environmental oriented reference
materials were housed there.
VII. Others Wishing to be Heard - none
VIII. Mrs. Shaw moved adjournment of the June 28, 1976, EQC meeting.
Mr. Mucke seconded the motion. All voted aye.