01-08-1996 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 8, 1996 ( #8) #2059 MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT, W ILLIAM K. • PEARCE PROPERTY. 1485 SIXTH AVENUE NORTH - VARIANCE/CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT - RESOLUTION #3664 Tom LaBounty was present representing the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). Gaffron reported that the application was for the construction of a 2 -cell pond located on the William Pearce property, south of CoRd 6 and east of Dakota Avenue. The pond straddles the creek flowing from Medina through Orono to Long Lake. The purpose of the 2 -1/2 acre retention pond, which includes a peninsula, is to reduce the level of phosphorus flowing into Long Lake. The creek will flow into the northwest end of the first cell, then into the second cell, discharging via a weir system and into type 3 and 4 wetlands. Access to the pond will be from a driveway off of CoRd 6 to the east. During review in November, the Planning Commission considered whether the pond was both necessary and appropriate and what the best solution was to the phosphorus problem since it is the City's philosophy not to disturb wetlands. The Planning Commissioners said it would be necessary for the Wahlfors pond to be created in Medina in order for this project to be worthwhile. LaBounty reported that the Wahlfors pond construction began on January 8. Gaffron continued to report that the Planning Commission reviewed the environmental • impact of the pond. Variances are required due to the protected tributary status where no trees are allowed to be removed nor vegetation disturbed, nor any excavation within 75' of the existing creek. A conditional use permit is necessary as the excavation exceeds the 100 cubic yards allowed with removal of 25,000 cubic yards. The environmental impact was reviewed on the developed land use in the 2 -acre non - sewered zone and on vegetation in lowland area with tree removal creating open water. The Planning Commission required photo enhancement to be completed to depict what the completed project would look like. Gaffron reported that a fish barrier will be installed at the outlet to bar fish from going upstream. The improvement in water quality should aid the fish population in Long Lake. Gaffron said the potential for soil erosion was addressed by revegetation and plantings. It was determined that surface runoff would be improved, and no problem was expected with the ground water. • 4