Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/06/2019

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Commissioner Johnson stated that if the land is donated for a park, people would most likely not want a park on contaminated soils. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that development of a park would still trigger the need to clean-up the site. Commissioner VanScoy asked for details on the nature of the contamination and the reason it is important to remove the material. Jim Crowl stated that they have learned that there was uncontrolled dumping on the site between 1953 to 1970. He stated that there is about 32,000 cubic yards of material and about 16,000 cubic yards of that material is debris. He noted that because of the nature of the dump materials there is additional soil that would need to be removed because of the leaching that occurs over time. He stated that there are impacts to groundwater that can occur and in some test pits on the site the waste material is in contact with the water table. Commissioner VanScoy stated that there have been comments from residents stating that this is not an issue for them because they cannot see visual impacts. He noted that he is very concerned with the contamination. Jim Crowl stated that they will also look at soil vapor during this process to determine if there are potential vapors being generated. He stated that this is not just the consultant/engineer working with the bank and City. He explained that all the clean-up activities are being completed in conjunction with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). He noted that a Response Action Plan has been developed and approved by the State of Minnesota. Commissioner VanScoy referenced a comment that was made relating to the Mississippi Trail and the segment that goes down this street. He asked if there is any consideration to installing a bike trail or adding a sidewalk to the existing neighborhood. City Planner McGuire Brigl stated that the City will require a sidewalk on one side of the development, noting that staff recommends that it be added to the southside of the development. She noted that a bike trail has not yet been discussed. Commissioner VanScoy stated that when the trail exits the new neighborhood it would still empty onto the existing street. He asked what could be done to resolve that issue for the existing neighborhood. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that the Public Works Committee could review that element. He explained that the Mississippi River Trail is a combination of off-road trail and on-road trail. He stated that staff can solve and make requirements for the proposed development and speak with public works for the segment through the existing neighborhood. Commissioner VanScoy stated that the prior recommendation from the Commission was 12 lots, while the City Council supported 14. He asked for input on that decision. Planning Commission/ June 6, 2019 Page 10 of 21