August 25, 1994 Steering Committee Minutes

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Steering Committee Minutes August 25, 1994 ------------------------ n NP��`tO 16811� 0 Chairman Minton agreed that it is important point for the City to maintain a good balance between residential and industrial development. Pat Dwyer responded that the committee has discussed the importance of industrial development at an earlier meeting. He also stated that the EDA's Business Park Task Force has been meeting for the past year to identify industrial opportunities within the community. Robert Holland, 21375 Brook Road, stated it was his understanding that the Federal government made a recommendation quite some time ago that homes drawing their own water and dissipating sewer not be built on less than two and one-half acres. Mr. Holland expressed his concern that the Elk Park Center property contained wetlands. Steve Ach stated that the State Wetland Preservation Act is designed to encourage avoiding wetlands; however it also provides for the relocation of a wetland when it cannot be avoided during development. Discussion followed regarding the Wetlands Act and enforcement in the City. Mr. Gruys stated that he was told by the local game warden that if he finds one cattail on a property, the proper permits must be obtained if you plan to do anything that would be considered disturbing wetlands. Marion Nemeth, 21566 Highway 169, expressed her concern as to why the government wants all the wetlands. She stated that geese from these wetlands are destructive in that they pick up the alfalfa and other grain seeds. Committee Member Chris Kreger stated that the City of Elk River is bound by the Wetland Preservation Act and strictly enforces it. There were comments from the audience that there were instances of homes built in wetland areas in the City. Chairman Minton explained that he could not speak for past actions, but was also aware that the City strictly enforces the wetlands ordinance at this time. Mr. Kreger encouraged persons opposing the restrictions in the Wetlands Preservation Act to contact their state and federal representatives. Gene Thompson, 22017 Elk Lake Road, expressed his concern the Committee take measures to preserve the farmland. Jim Hansen stated that he understands the need to preserve farmland but some of the land in the agricultural zone is not suitable for farming because of soils. Mike Fox, 11747 197th Avenue N.W., questioned why the City wanted the property developed as 10 acre lots, rather than 2'h acre lots. Steve Ach stated that there have been studies conducted that indicated larger tracts of land are easier to develop when sewer and water are extended. The principal behind this concept is to maintain these larger tracts of land so that sewer and water can be extended cost effectively.