6.2. & 6.3. SR 05-19-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. Trees/Oak Wilt Staff is recommending that the trees south of the existing drive along the south property line in Phase 3 not be cut and this portion of the site not be excavated. This is the only location where tree removal affects a wooded area. Additionally, staff recommends that trees that are cut not be removed between April 15th and July 15th of any year. Further, it is recommended that the roots of trees that are to remain not be left exposed. In its permit, the city should also allow flexibility to require additional measures be taken to combat oak wilt and other diseases, as warranted. 9. Reclamation Although the description of the reclamation in the petitioner's application is not very specific, it is adequate with the stipulations proposed in the attached CUP. The petitioner is proposing to return the site to pasture after the mining operations cease. Unlike most gravel pits, this one will not leave a hole. Basically, hills on the site will be cut down, ending up at the same elevation of the surrounding land. 10. Blanding's Turtles Sightings of Blanding's Turtles have been documented in the area of the proposed operation. Blanding's Turtles are classified as a rare species. The petitioner has stated in his EAW that Department of Natural Resource flyers containing an illustration of a Blanding's Turtle will be distributed to all site workers. The petitioner further proposes that turtles sighted that are in danger will be moved to a safe location and turtles not in danger will be left undisturbed. It is proposed that all construction areas be surrounded by silt fencing to keep turtles from entering and no wetlands are proposed to be altered as a result of the mining operation. 11. Dedication Sheet on Conditional Use Permit Mr. Schmidt, the petitioner for the request, is in the process of incorporating. Whatever the corporation name ends up being will be placed on the signature sheet for the conditional use permit. Also, a Mrs. Lefavor will be the fee owner of a portion of the area that will be mined. She will also have to sign the dedication sheet Recommendation 1. Rezoning to Mineral Excavation Overlay District Staff is recommending approval of the request for rezoning to Mineral Excavation Overlay District. There is no need to amend the city's Land Use Map, since the Mineral Excavation Zoning District is an overlay zone and the under laying zoning and land use will remain unchanged. In its Comprehensive Plan, the City of Elk River anticipated allowing gravel mining as an interim use in areas of the city where it does not conflict with surrounding land uses or other natural resources.