07-12-2004 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Nfinutes July 12, 2004 Page 2 Councilmember Dietz questioned why Ms. Schmeling did not speak at the Comprehensive Plan public hearings when concerns and opinions of citizens were being heard. Ed Dulak~ Dellwood MN - stated that he has heard rumors that the city has offered to trade density with a developer to relocate the school on another site. Mr. Dulak also stated that he is concerned that the proposed new elementary school will be built in Otsego rather than Elk River if the City Council does not extend the Urban Service District. Mayor Klinzing stated that there is no formal agreement with the city to trade density with any developer and that it may be the school district talking with a developer. There being no one else to speak, Mayor K]inzing closed Open Mike. 5.1. City Council Open Forum Councilmember Kuester questioned if anyone has heard anything on Ditch 31. Director of Planning Michele McPherson stated that there have been conversations between Parks and Recreation Commissioners and Building and Environmental Administrator Steven Rohlf and that the hope is to recharge and maintain the water in the wetland. She noted that it may take a while to figure out the best and most cost effective way to achieve this. Mayor Klinzing questioned how much the ditch law is suspended in Elk River because the city took over financing ditch improvements on behalf of residents. Staff noted that it had not resulted in any changes. She asked if changes in the channel or blockages would need to go back to the County Board for approval. Staff noted that it does. Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals indicated that he has had conversations with three property owners located up stream between the park and County Road 33 and they are very pleased with the ditch cleaning. Councilmember Kuester questioned if staff had continued contact with the County about ditch issues. Ms. McPherson stated that staff has been working with County Ditch Inspector John Norgren and that the DNR is also involved as the wetland is under their jurisdiction. 5.2. Erosion Control and NPDES Jay Michels from the Minnesota Erosion Control Association presented the Council with a brief presentation on Project NEMO (Nonpoint source pollution Education for Municipal Officials). Mr. Michels stated that Project NEMO is a nationally recognized educational program for land use decision makers that addresses the relationship between land use and natural resource protection. The presentation that Mr. Michels provided was D'nking Land Use to lg/ater~Qua/i(y and it explained the links between land use, water quality, and community character. Mr. Michels stated that the number one problem is coping with polluted runoff and that the three strategies for coping with it are 1) natural resource based planning, 2) site design, and 3) land stewardship. Mr. Michels also described how to obtain help through resources and agencies and also explained some follow-up programs. Mayor IClinzing thanked Mr. Michels for the excellent presentation. Environmental Assistant Rebecca Haug noted that staff is working on changing the current NPDES ordinances and information.