Agenda - Council - 10/28/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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states that no grading, mining or filling operation shall occur at below an elevation six feet above the elevation of the water table on the work site. The recommendation of the Planning Commission indicates they do not have an inherent problem with the construction of ponds and suggested the provision in the ordinance may have been the result of a model ordinance obtained from a state agency when the ordinance was established in 1987. Mr. Jankowski could not provide a reason for this provision to be in the code. Another issue was how excavation/creation of that pond would affect the water tables. In Mr. Jankowski's opinion, this pond would have little, if any impact on the local hydrology. He based his conclusion on the fact that the groundwater system contains a vastly larger volume than that which will be created by the excavation. The Lower Rum River Water Management Organization Engineer and the Anoka Conservation Service Manager concurred with his opinion. The DNR area hydrologist acknowledged that the conclusion could be true but was reluctant to categorically concur. Mr. Jankowski summarized some of the other concerns and the proposals to deal with them. He stated that the Planning Commission recommends approval of the permit contingent upon the City Engineer resolving the discrepancy in City Code regarding the "no excavation". It is staff's recommendation that the City Code be amended to allow for excavation below groundwater table with requirements for professional geologic analysis when ponds exceed a threshold size or certain geologic conditions may warrant further investigation. John Enstrom, 8702 - 181st Avenue NW, Ramsey, stated all he is doing is digging a simple pond. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt Resolution #97-09-285 adopting Findings of Fact #0442 relating to a request from John Enstrom for a conditional use permit to grade and export soils. This is contingent upon the City Attorney and the City Engineer determining whether or not the strict language of the ordinance needs to be followed. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Beyer, Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to Adopt Resolution #97-09-286 approving the issuance of a conditional use permit based on Findings of Fact #0442 and declaring terms of permit to grade and export soils. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Beyer, Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #8: Request for a Conditional Use Permit to Grade and Export Soils; Case of Good Value Homes City Engineer Jankowski explained that the City had received an application from Good Value Homes, Inc. to grade and export soils from the proposed plat of Apple Ridge in accordance with the grading plan approved at the time of preliminary plat approval, which was granted on June 24, 1997. The plan submitted will require exporting approximately 120,000 yards of material from the site. The applicant has indicated it will take about 24 months to complete the grading City Council/September 23, 1997 Page 14 of 23 I I I I I: I I I i I: ! I I I I '1 I i I