Laserfiche WebLink
Mark Banwart noted that in 1989, a great deal of time was spent dealing with F&R's <br />application for a burning permit to dispose of the trees. Council's conclusion was that <br />there are better alternatives for the disposal of the trees than burning. That decision was <br />based on the safety aspects as they relate to the proximity of Hwy.//10, Gateway Airport <br />and a nearby Pine tree plantation. Two months ago, a formal decision was received from <br />PCA and DNR which indicated that no burning permit would be issued unless the volume <br />of trees to be burned was significantly reduced. <br /> <br />Chairman Zimmerman stated that in his opinion, F&R's proposal to conduct the burn in <br />pits during the winter season was reasonable. <br /> <br />Mr. Banwart noted that the burn period was estimated at 3 weeks and there is no way to <br />assure that there will be no smoke generation causing safety hazards on Hwy. 4/10 in that <br />time frame. <br /> <br />Commissioner Hendriksen stated that he also believes that F&R's proposal for burning the <br />trees was reasonable. <br /> <br />Fire Chief Hoeke noted that DNR has estimated that over 50% of the stockpiled trees could <br />be chipped; F&R has not made any attempt towards chipping efforts or any other method <br />of reducing the volume of trees to be burned in order to obtain a burning permit. <br /> <br />Mark Banwart indicated that at this time, City Council is requesting input from the Planning <br />Commission and Fire Chief regarding areas of the City that should be required to develop <br />fire breaks and whether or not that requirement should be established through an ordinance. <br /> <br />It was the consensus that areas needing fh'e breaks are: property along the Burlington <br />Northern railroad tracks; the F&R property; that area in the vicinity of Green Valley Road <br />and Variolite Street; and the Rum River Boy Scout Camp. Mr. Hoeke stated that residents <br />can also reduce the possibility of grass fires spreading to trees by trimming the trees of their <br />lower; clearing brush away from tree groves; maintaining a building setback from trees of <br />at least 30 feet and preferably up to 100 feet. <br /> <br />The Commission directed City Staff to draft an ordinance that would allow the City to <br />require the construction of fire breaks in certain areas; that draft ordinance should be <br />forwarded to affected property owners for their review and comment. <br /> <br />Commissioner Terry suggested that Bruce Hoeke place an article in the Ramsey Resident <br />regarding those methods that can be used to reduce the possibility of grass fires spreading <br />to trees. <br /> <br />Case #6: Status Of Culvert Under County Road #57 (Sunfish Lake <br /> Blvd.) Across From Hunter's Hill Addition: <br /> <br />Mr. Banwart noted that the County has unblocked the culvert under County Road//57 <br />across from Hunter's Hill. However, Public Works Superintendent Mevissen has <br />determined that there are some grading needs on Lot 9, Block 4, Hunter's Hill, because the <br />walkout elevation on that lot is lower than the culvert elevation and there is an 8-10 inch <br />rise in the lot elevation in front of the culvert. In addition, City Engineer Raatikka has <br />found that the only easement on Lot 9, Block 4, Hunter's Hill is a 10 foot drainage utility <br />easement over the back of the lot. <br /> <br />Planning & Zoning Commission/June 5, 1990 <br /> Page 7 of 9 <br /> <br /> <br />