Agenda - Council - 09/28/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I September 13, 1982 Page 2 2) The removal of a significant amount of fill from the slope in conjunction with the design method is not justified to gain riparian access. While the right to riparian access is fully recognized, the design method did not minimize alteration of the natural amenities of the Rum River. The resultant access is highly visible and contrasts sharply with the surrounding landscape, by imparting a 'notch' in aH otherwise level slope. It is our opinion, that reasonable access could have been achieved by installing the steps at angles to the slope instead of perpendicular to it, and that a narrower step width could have been utilized. 3) Proper erosion control methods were also lacking at the site, since it was obvious that soil had washed into the river due to recent rains. 4) Preliminary inspection of the City of Ramsey's Flood Boundary-Floodway Map, Panel 2706810010B (enclosed) reveals that the parcel may be inside of the City's designated floodway for the Rum River. Since material was removed from the top of the slope and possibly spread within the floodway, a conditional use permit pursuant to the City's Flood Plain Ordinance would be required to determine if the activity would cause stage increases to the lO0-year flood. To our knowledge no such permit has been applied for. III. In order to properly resolve the points as outlined above, it is our recommendation that the City con-sider the following items: l) Methods to control erosion at the site be in.stalled immediately. This could be accomplished by sodding, bdt dependent on the subsequent reivew and approval of plans to be submitted by the landowner, straw mulch could be spread over the soil and hay bales placed at the perimeter of the site, as a temporary measure. This would allow for future restoration and refilling of excavated slope areas if the City wishes to pursue that option. 2) Mr. Potter should be required to furnish the City with a site development landscaping plan that would fully address the conclusion of Section II of this letter. The plan should offer methods that can effectively screen the house and the top portion of the slope, when viewed from the river in summer months. The installation of trees, shrubbery and a better blending in of the steps on the slope are major items of consideration. 3) A conditional use permit under the City's flood plain ordinance should be applied for if it is determined that fill was graded into the floodway. (Staff from the Metro Region, Division of Waters can assist the City in administration of the flood plain requirements).