Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 06/20/2005

Home

to fight to be able to make any changes to their property through a variance process noting that with this proposal he stands to lose approximately one full lot and not get anything for it. Acting Chairperson McDilda stated that the City listed a notice to the public in both the Ramsey Resident and the Anoka County Union. He clarified that the Planning Commission has reviewed this in rough draft form but it has not gone before the Council yet. He stated that the only thing he can say is that the typical process Ramsey follows adheres to the process in place for the buffer ordinance. He stated that there is still time for residents to provide input. Mr. Schelkoph clarified that he doesn't doubt that a small notification was posted in the local newspapers but a small article in the local paper is not adequate communication. He stated that this is what causes many of the problems adding that the city would be better off if they brought all of the landowners together at the beginning of the process. Acting Chairperson McDilda acknowledged Mr. Schelkoph's concerns stating that the proposed ordinance would be reviewed before going to Council for final approval. He assured Mr. Schelkoph that it is not their intent to use the proposed ordinance to go into areas that have not been designated as wetlands and re-designate them. He stated that they would begin with the DNR designated wetlands first. He explained that the 50-foot buffer is the maximum amount for buffering of any wetlands and the maximum would be reserved for very unique and specific wetland areas in Ramsey with the rest probably having considerably less. He explained that the buffer would be an averaged buffeting system around the wetland areas, dependent on the topography and type of wetland, not a stagnant line. He clarified that the city is not taking land; they are only creating buffers to help protect the wetlands and provide a safety buffer zone for the properties surrounding the wetland areas. He stated that property owners would not be prohibited from using the land but any use would have to be reviewed first. He suggested having Mr. Anderson review his property to determine where it would fall in terms of the wetland type and topography. Mr. Schelkoph stated that he is not only concerned about himself, he is also concerned about the impact this would have on all of the residents. He stated that it is his opinion that this is a land grab adding that the wetlands do not need a buffer. He stated that it is his understanding that the wetlands were created to help break down the pollutants, that is what they are meant for and they don't need to be protected with a buffer. Board member Sibilski arrived at 6:45 p.m. Acting Chairperson McDilda stated that some of the properties that abut wetland areas are commercial areas that should be managed and buffered. He stated that the city does not want a car dealership abutting a wetland with chemical runoff going directly into the wetland area. He agreed that the wetland does have the ability to take care of natural pollutants but they do not have the ability to take care of the artificial pollutants and this is a big concern tight now. He restated that it is not the intent of the ordinance to go in and dictate a 50-foot buffer for all properties abutting a wetland area. He stated that the intent is to protect the natural wetlands adding that the actual intent is to provide guidelines for areas that have not been developed and for new developments within Ramsey. Mr. Schelkoph asked if they understand the safety issues, specifically with the wild fires. He indicated that the grass along the roadways is not mowed very often and can get as high as 18- Environmental Policy Board / Jtme 20, 2005 Page 2 of 9