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. . . WORKSHOP MEETING NOTES ELK RIVER PLANNING COMMISSION HELD AT ELK RIVER CITY HALL TUESDAY, JANUARY II, 2004 Members Present: Chair Ropp, Commissioners Anderson, Lemke, Offerman, Scott, Stevens and Westgaard Members Absent: None Staff Present: Michele McPherson, Director of Planning; Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner; Chris Leeseberg, Planner; Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician Also Present: Councilmember Motin 1. Review /Discuss Wetland Buffer Ordinance Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician, was present to provide an overview of the draft Wetland Buffer Ordinance. She stated that adopting a wetland buffer ordinance was a recommendation from the Natural Resources Inventory. The City's Technical Evaluation Panel (fEP) met and researched ordinances from other communities. In the proposal for the City, the City's ordinance is less restrictive than those of other cities. The proposed ordinance would require a 45-foot setback from wetlands, which would allow for a 20-foot rear yard and a 25-foot vegetated wetland buffer. The buffer would be included in the drainage and utility easement, and would prohibit placement of structures, compost, etc. and only native, non-invasive species could be planted in the buffer. She stated that the requirements would apply to future residential, commercial and industrial plats in the future, and that they would not apply to plats currently approved or currently in the approval process. Commissioner Stevens asked how the "creeping yard" syndrome would be enforced. Ms. Haug stated that the developer will be required to place signage at the edge of the wetland buffer and that the developer will be required to plant native, non-invasive species in the buffer area, particularly if invasive, non-native species are present. Commissioner Stevens asked where residents could obtain information about proper vegetation. Ms. Haug noted they could contact her, information will be posted on the website, and the City's newsletter would be utilized on a regular basis. Commissioner Anderson asked if other communities had "wetland buffer officers". Ms. Haug stated that the City of Chanhassen has a staff person dedicated solely to wetland protection. She stated that enforcement will occur through complaints and the education of citizens. Commissioner Offerman asked what the definition of a structure was. He was particularly interested in whether dock-type structures would be allowed to traverse the wetland buffer area in order to access open water areas of larger wetlands. Ms. Haug stated that typically no structure including footings for docks would be allowed within the buffer area, but she would bring this issue back to the TEP for further review.