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� DDO <br /> Steering Committee Minutes <br /> August 25, 1994 <br /> • Chairman Minton agreed that it is important point for the City to maintain a good <br /> balance between residential and industrial development. <br /> Pat Dwyer responded that the committee has discussed the importance of <br /> industrial development at an earlier meeting. He also stated that the EDA's <br /> Business Park Task Force has been meeting for the past year to identify industrial <br /> opportunities within the community. <br /> Robert Holland, 21375 Brook Road, stated it was his understanding that the <br /> Federal government made a recommendation quite some time ago that homes <br /> drawing their own water and dissipating sewer not be built on less than two and <br /> one-half acres. Mr. Holland expressed his concern that the Elk Park Center <br /> property contained wetlands. <br /> Steve Ach stated that the State Wetland Preservation Act is designed to <br /> encourage avoiding wetlands; however it also provides for the relocation of a <br /> wetland when it cannot be avoided during development. <br /> Discussion followed regarding the Wetlands Act and enforcement in the City. <br /> Mr. Gruys stated that he was told by the local game warden that if he finds one <br /> cattail on a property, the proper permits must be obtained if you plan to do <br /> anything that would be considered disturbing wetlands. <br /> Marion Nemeth, 21566 Highway 169, expressed her concern as to why the <br /> • government wants all the wetlands. She stated that geese from these wetlands <br /> are destructive in that they pick up the alfalfa and other grain seeds. <br /> Committee Member Chris Kreger stated that the City of Elk River is bound by the <br /> Wetland Preservation Act and strictly enforces it. There were comments from the <br /> audience that there were instances of homes built in wetland areas in the City. <br /> Chairman Minton explained that he could not speak for past actions, but was <br /> also aware that the City strictly enforces the wetlands ordinance at this time. <br /> Mr. Kreger encouraged persons opposing the restrictions in the Wetlands <br /> Preservation Act to contact their state and federal representatives. <br /> Gene Thompson, 22017 Elk Lake Road, expressed his concern the Committee <br /> take measures to preserve the farmland. <br /> Jim Hansen stated that he understands the need to preserve farmland but some <br /> of the land in the agricultural zone is not suitable for farming because of soils. <br /> Mike Fox, 11747 197th Avenue N.W., questioned why the City wanted the property <br /> developed as 10 acre lots, rather than 21/2 acre lots. <br /> Steve Ach stated that there have been studies conducted that indicated larger <br /> tracts of land are easier to develop when sewer and water are extended. The <br /> principal behind this concept is to maintain these larger tracts of land so that <br /> sewer and water can be extended cost effectively. <br /> • <br />