Agenda - Council - 06/26/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairperson McDilda asked if EPB members were aware that the Municipal Wetland Management Classification Map was now available and approved by the City Council on April 24, 2007. He stated that he and Board Member Sibilski attended the City Council meeting. There was quite a bit of discussion on the wetlands means and values analysis. There were some misunderstandings about what the map was versus the ordinance that had to be cleared up. Mr. Ron Peterson, of Westwood Professional Services, attended the City Council meeting. There was also a fair amount of discussion around the delineation of a wetland versus what the EPB was doing in determining the value of a wetland. There are guidelines around delineation of wetlands. This wasn't a delineation process such as when development occurs. There was still confusion about when these regulations are applied and it had to be clarified that buffer requirements only apply if a proposed is proposed to be developed. On a vote of 5 -1 the City Council ratified the map and directed Staff to find the funds to complete the ground - truthing of those wetlands that only underwent a partial MnRAM analysis. The topic of pulling water from the Mississippi was discussed along with the ground - truthing. Board Member Freeburg asked if Westwood Professional Services would be involved in the next round of ground - truthing. Chairperson McDilda stated they would not be involved, but he was unaware of who contractor might be. Board Member Freeburg stated that while attending the Planning Commission meeting he observed there was more discussion than expected. Board Member Max stated there was a lot of background provided on issues to bring new commissioners up to speed. Chairperson McDilda stated this issue has been around for a long time with a lot of input from residents. He found it difficult to grasp how it could be represented, from a majority opinion, that there would even be issues in putting forward an initiative to preserve wetlands in the environment. - Board Member Max concurred, adding that there will always be that minority of naysayers, but others will be real vocally supportive. Chairperson McDilda explained that there are a few more things to follow up on before implementation. It was a more difficult process because it affects no current developments, but it was similar to the Tree Ordinance in that it is written with the intent that it is going to evolve as things move forward. He stated the intent was never to draw a hard line. OLD BUSINESS Presentation on the Economic Value of Open Space (May 14, 2007, 6:30 pm) Chairperson McDilda reminded EPB members that a speaker has been scheduled. Environmental PolicyBoard/May 7, 2007 Page 2of6 -24-