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City Council Minutes September 7, 2004 Page 4 ~---------------------------- Mr. Barth indicated that the District has indicated a willingness to retire the $1.5 million debt on the Elk River ice arena. He explained that under this scenario, the District would assume ownership of the arena and be responsible for the capital improvements while the city would continue to manage, maintain, schedule the ice arena, and be responsible for its operating budget. He stated that the Elk River Senior High would receive ice time at no cost. Councilmember Kuester questioned if other communities have activity centers. Mr. Barth stated that yes, most communities do have an activity center. Councilmember Dietz stated that there is also money in the District's referendum to construct a Roger's ice arena and so in order to be fair, the District should retire the $1.5 million debt on the Elk River Ice Arena. Councilmember Tveite stated that he liked the financial aspect of the District assuming the arena debt. He also stated that he believes the partnership between the city and the School District is worth pursuing. Councilmember Motin stated that he agrees that the partnership may be worth pursuing but has some concerns about the details of the proposal. Mr. Barth stated that the details of the field house would be worked out after the referendum is passed. 5.1. Consider Schuer Gravel Mine Conditional Use Permit Case No. CU 04-23 Environmental Assistant Rebecca Haug stated that Schuer, Inc is requesting approval of a Conditional Use Permit for mineral excavation. Ms. Haug stated that the applicant has an existing mining permit that allows them to mine 14.81 acres of a 66.06 acre site. The applicant is requesting approval to mine an additional 5.5 acres of the same site. Ms. Haug explained the ttaffic, groundwater, wetland, and setback issues as presented in her staff report. Ms. Haug also noted that gravel from the J&B Mining site will be hauled through the Schuer site to Elk River Bituminous and in order to keep this haul route open, this 5.5 acres of the Schuer site will not be restored for 5-10 years. City Attorney Peter Beck suggested that the requirement to keep the haul route open should be included as a condition with the Conditional Use Permit. Mr. Rohlf indicated that a condition could be added to the J & B Mining permit that requires them to have an agreement with Schuer Mining for the haul route to remain open. Building and Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohlf stated that the public hearing on this issue is scheduled for September 20, 2004 and Council action will be required at that time. 5.2. Consider Schuer Gravel Mine Wetland Conservation Act Decision Case No. WCA 04-07 Environmental Assistant Rebecca Haug stated that the applicant is proposing to impact 8,280 square feet of Type 2 wetland, all in one location, to accommodate the excavation of gravel. Ms. Haug indicated that the applicant is proposing to expand a gravel mining operation adjacent to the J & B Mining site, which also has wetland impacts. She stated that