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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL <br />MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 8,1996 <br />(#8) #2059 MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT, WILLIAM R. <br />PEARCE PROPERTY. i485 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH - <br />VARIANCE/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - RESOLUTION #3664 <br />Tom LaBounty was present representing the Minnehaha Creek Watershed Distnct <br />(MCWD). <br />Gafiron reported that the application was for the construction of a 2-cell pond located on <br />the William Pearce property, south of CoRd 6 and east of Dakota Avenue. The pond <br />straddles the creek flowing from Medina through Orono to Long Lake. The purpose of <br />the 2-1/2 acre retention pond, whirh includes a peninsula, is to reduce the level of <br />phosphorus flowing into Long Lake. The creek will flow into the northwest end of the <br />first cell, then into the second cell, discharging via a weir system and into type j and 4 <br />wetlands. Access to the pond will be from a driveway off of CoRd 6 to the east. <br />During review in November, the Planning Commission considered whether the pond was <br />both necessary and appropriate and what the best solution was to the phosphorus <br />problem since it is the City's philosophy not to disturb wetlands. The Planning <br />Commissioners said it would be necessary for the Wahlfors pond to be created in Medina <br />in order for this project to be worthwhile. LaBounty reported that the WahJtors pond <br />construction began on January 8. <br />Gaffron continued to report that the Planning Commission reviewed the environmental <br />impact of the pond. Variances are required due to the protected tributary status where <br />no trees are allowed to be removed nor vegetation disturbed, nor any excavation within <br />75’ of the existing creek. A conditional use permit is necessary as the excavation exceeds <br />the 100 cubic yards allowed with removal of 25,000 cubic yards. The environment^ <br />impact was reviewed on the developed land use in the 2-acre non-sewered zone and on <br />vegetation in lowland area with tree removal creating open water. The Planning <br />Commission required photo enhancement to be completed to depict what the completed <br />project would look like. <br />Gatfron reported that a fish barrier will be installed at the outlet to bar fish from going <br />upstream. The improvement in water quality should aid the fish population in Long <br />Lake <br />Gaffron said the potential for soil erosion was addressed by revegetation and plantings. <br />It was determined that surface runofl'would be improved, and no problem was expected <br />with the ground water.