Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/10/2012

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS INQUIRIES RECEIVED BY STAFF BEFORE THE MAYORS TOWN HALL MEETING Q1: Is the City considering to sell Peltzer Park or has the decision already been made? A: The City Council has not formally voted on the sale of Peltzer Park. However, this topic was discussed at the January 17th City Council Works Session and there is a desire amongst the City Council to close down Peltzer Park and sell the remaining parcel. Any time the City wants to sell land an ordinance needs to be adopted, which requires notice to surrounding property owners and a public hearing (this would be the case for Pelzter Park). An ordinance will not be brought forward to the Council until March 27. The City realizes that closing and selling Peltzer Park is a potentially contentious decision and would like to further inform/notify the public of the Council's intentions; and to provide the public with greater opportunity for input (i.e. the mailing you received, the Ramsey Resident article, the website article and the Mayor's Town Hall meeting next week). Q2: What considerations as far as changing the park lot into a one acre single dwelling property are being taken as far as well and septic concerns with respect to the surrounding wetlands? A: the City would regulate future development of Peltzer Park like any other property in the City. If the new property owner wishes to install a septic system a permit would be required by the City, at which time State and local regulations would be applied. You are probably correct, the elevation of the property and the surrounding water table is a concern, However, I can't speak for the City's Building Official and I don't know the specific regulations. Regardless, your concern would be addressed at the time a permit is applied for. If you would like to see what specific regulations are in place, regarding septic systems, I can get you that information — please let me know. General feedback from staff on wetlands, the water table and drainage (Peltzer Park): Depth to groundwater (GW) — this would affect the siting of a septic system, but it is always possible to construct a mound system as long as there is adequate separation from the drainfield and GW. I'm guessing this wouldn't be a problem in that we have a similar condition along most of our rivers and streams in the City. Look at Bowers Drive; they have to maintain separation from GW and the 100 yr flood elevation of the river — they place a water tight tank and pump up to a mound or drainfield near the street. Fill — all homes must be built a minimum of 18" above street grade, unless the Building Official and/or City Engineer agree that this requirement can be waived. Fill will likely be required adjacent to the street, but I bet you can get a nice lookout/walkout lot and