05-21-1997 Council Packet Special Meeting

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sensitive areas. The density is significantly lov er in the Big Woods. Fairway design is as narrow as possible in sensitive areas such as Big Woods and wetlands. In addition, an area (0.64 acres) has been set aside as upland buffer area, for protection under the Wetland Conservation Act. In total, this area is approximately 4.6 contiguous acres of Big Woods. This portion of the property lies adjacent to other Big Woods tracts of residential property. Another area where fairways were designed to minimize impacts, allow for a 2 acre parcel of Big Woods. Most Big Wood tracts are connected .so as not to leave “islands ” of isolated areas. The historical evaluation of the site did not reveal any historic significance to this tract of Big Woods. The clearing process on this golf course will go thru many stages. The first stage will be a clearing, 30 feet either side of the center line of the golf hole. After this initial clearing is completed, all of the clearing from that point on will be flagged. Any tree that is in question to remain or be removed will be left until the golf hole has been roughed in, at that point a decision will be made on the trees. Item 18. Water Quality Comment: “This section cites a study written by John Barten, Suburban Hennepin County Park District, regarding the storm water runoff from golf course sites. As the Barten study concentrated only on four metropolitan area golf courses, was conducted over a limited period (one year) of time, and the courses were self-selected, the RGU should be cautious in applying the conclusions of that study on the proposed golf course’ (Metropolitan Council letter, March 4, 1997, page 2) Response: The study by John Barten represents the only local research available on the pollutant loadings of golf course stormwater runoff known to this author. The data from the study gives a good estimation of some actual pollutant loadings from well managed golf courses. It is this authors opinion that using data from a reputable source, even though the research period was limited is better than using the broad range data found in the other literature used to approximate nutrient budgets and loadings. The proposed stormwater management plan includes three large NURP basins which are expected to reduce the off-site pollutant loading levels to below existing pollutants loading to Long Lake. Best Management practices are being used throughout the design of the project. The golf course grounds will also be managed to reduce the pollutant levels leaving the site. Item 28. Compatibility with plans Comment: “As proposed the golf course would remove a substantial part of the forest tract. This appears to be incompatible with the city of Medina ’s Comprehensive Plan, Sections 2 and 4.