12-10-1975 Council Meeting Minutes Special Mtg

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• • � MINUTES OF A SPECIAL COtJNCIL N�ETING HELD DECII�3ER 10, 1975 - PAGE 2 � could then infiltrate the trench and go down. The disadvan- ORONO-LONG LAKE � tage was the possible draining of some of the ma.rsh areas. INTERCEP'POR, cont. �etro recognizes the problem and so is planning about thirty ,� ditch dams, which would be about 500 feet in length, although the length would more probably be determined during canstructian. � That could also pose a concern to the City. Another problem is the enormous amoimt of water to be used during the construction, • where dewatering is necessary. Searles stated that the Lake l��iinnetonka Conservation District approval was conditional upon r their inspectio� of the Fina.l Plans for the project but so far � had not received any such plans. Searles felt it was vexy dif- ficult to make decisions o� such a big issue without the proper investigation. Massengale felt the problem indicates that Orono has strang interests but we ha.v�e not aclmowledged our control � over these conclitions or interests. Searles felt Ordinance No. • 125 would be a protective rn�easure. Hickok felt that no single project in Orono would have a more potential effect than this � project an the Wetlands Ordinance. Searles noted that the jvatershed District wants all sewer plants taken off Lake Minne- � tonka. Hickok indicated that if, in fact, the new zaning maps were taken into consideration ma.ybe it would be foLuid that we � don't need the sewer. Brad Van Nest noted that that would be an the basic assu�nption that Metro would agree we c.an grow with a mininnnn lot size of two acres in unsewered areas. V4n. Nest felt we could design and regulate septic systems adec{uately, - ��ickok felt the shoreline for some distance should be sewered � �nd possibly other areas having soils creating great difficulty, xch as clay hills. Searles noted that in addition to zaning regulations, building peYmits were not just issued but condi- tions must meet certified engineering design standards. Hickok • felt that the area needed a better handle on haw we are effected • by marshes, such as hrnv much ma.rsh area do you need to success- fully treat storni water. Searles pointed out that the Environ- mental Assessment Report was actually prepared in 1971-72 and had missed this concern completely. Hickok said his impression � on review of the question was that the majority of ma.rshes needed, under present density, was at 100� right now. He noted that some • areas ha.ve surplus lowlands but not many. When asked wha.t this had to do with upland storage of water, Hickolc answered that they � did not want water to raise over six inches and it was preferable that there was not too much flexuation for a variety of reasons. Another reason why the present wetlands became more valuable was because so�ne municipalities had filled in their marshlands. Hickok was asked to project the level of urbanization possible � with existing swaaq�s. He felt that they would get so valua.ble that developer's �uld treat their storm water rather than expend • it and cited the Ridgedale Shopping Center as a present day ex- ample. Van Nest asked what the disadvantages were of a pressure main along roadways. Hickok felt prima.rily the cost of operating * lift stations because they are an on-going expense. Hick.ok was asked about effects on the Long Lake Creek on which the Long Lake '�reatment Plant was Iocated and stated he felt it would be very y. Concern was expressed as to the Long Lake and Orono Treat- ! �l�ent Plants if the project should fall thru. It was felt that Orono would be alright but that Long Lake was known to run at * twice capacity on bad days. It was �greed by all that there was not enough time to make a decisian. tiVhen asked why the Cotmcil � had not laoked into the alternates, they replied that the gravity line was the only one with an enviro�unental assessment an it.