Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Councilmember Look asked when the wetland buffer ordinance was put into effect. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson replied the ordinance was adopted in October of 2005 with <br />an effective date of November 14, 2005. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated his understanding is that to meet wetland criteria there are three <br />criteria that have to be met. One has to do with the proximity of water to the surface, a plant <br />re~uirement, and soil type. His understanding is that this survey was done between September <br />15 and November 15th. <br /> <br />Environmental Coordinator Anderson indicated the field verification was conducted from June <br />through November 15th. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated there is a state requirement for this to be done within a certain time <br />period. As far as determining plants around a November timeframe, plants have lost their leaves <br />or are in the process of preparing for winter and it is difficult at that point to define the <br />vegetation in the wetlands. His question is when the study was done and the accuracy in light of <br />that timeframe. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen requested an explanation of delineation versus the functions and <br />values study that was conducted. <br /> <br />Mr. Ron Peterson, Director of Environmental Services of WPS, stated Councilmember Look's <br />comments regarding the delineation timeframe is correct. It is supposed to be done during the <br />growing season, but there is supposed to be flexibility. WPS did not perform any wetland <br />delineations as part of this project. They were simply looking at the functions and values; there <br />is no definite timeframe for doing that kind of work. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look questioned if an analysis conducted of a wetland in early spring might not <br />have accurate information. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson replied there may be a parameter missing and that area would not be determined <br />wetland and would not have a buffer associated with it if the property were subdivided and <br />developed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look questioned the necessity for the wetland buffers. <br /> <br />Mr. Peterson replied the purpose of a buffer is to protect wetlands from water quality impacts <br />associated with the adjacent development. It is not uncommon for city councils to be concerned <br />about issues associated with "taking", but the purpose for the buffer is to protect the wetland <br />from development related impacts such as erosion and sedimentation from grading activities that <br />could send material into the wetland, fertilizers, etc. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen asked whether the DNR regulates things such as wetland buffers. He <br />explained he is trying to understand the City's role in regulating this. <br /> <br />City Council / April 24, 2007 <br />Page 18 of 38 <br />