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with DNR personnel, it is our conclusion that there is not sufficient evidence to determine that <br />significant environmental effects could be attributed to the proposed project. As such, the City <br />need not order an EAW". Mr. Schroeder noted the letter from the DNR which states "there are <br />no known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the area searched." He then <br />noted that a findings from Hakanson Anderson is enclosed with the additional materials given <br />Council at the table. <br /> <br />Councilmember Zimmerman stated he would like the absent members of the City Council be <br />able to look at these findings. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Beahen and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to extend the <br />time limitation by a 15-day period. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Mayor Gamec stated that the information received from Hakanson Anderson <br />and the DNR appears to answer all the questions that have been asked. Terry Hendriksen pointed <br />out that when Mr. Schroeder read from Chapter 4410, Subdivision 6, he left out the portion about <br />other persons being able to request an EAW. He felt with that in mind, a public hearing should <br />be held on this issue. Mayor Gamec noted that this is one of the most cut and dried reports he <br />has seen. If Ms. Landwehr, who submitted the petition, has any more questions, he was certain <br />she could direct them to Hakanson Anderson or the DNR. Mr. Hendriksen understood that when <br />the City was presented with the petition to do the EAW, that one would be done. Therefore, <br />nothing more has been done at this point to support these statements made by Ms. Landwehr. <br />This allows very little opportunity to review our challenge. By Mr. Schroeder leaving out the <br />statement about other persons, it means that the Council would be acting prematurely. Mayor <br />Gamec reiterated that based on this findings, there is no significant environmental effects and <br />this just appears to be a delay tactic. Residents may contact Hakanson Anderson with questions. <br />Mr. Hendriksen stated that Ms. Landwehr brought up a number of points that were new to him <br />and he felt the law should be followed. City Attorney Goodrich stated that the law/process has <br />been followed and the rules do not call for a public hearing. He commented on the 15-day limit <br />and noted that the petition should contain everything the people are concerned with. John <br />Peterson, Good Value Homes, stated that this process has become almost unbelievable with no <br />sense of reasonableness. He agreed this is a stall tactic - taking the maximum amount of days the <br />EAW process allows. He expressed disappointment in this delay but added that they are <br />determined to see Apple Ridge go through. Council is able to stall the development, however, <br />the data collected seems cut and dried. He re-read the portion of the letter from the DNR that <br />stated there are no known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the area searched <br />and added that this land is no different than 99% of the rest of Ramsey. Good Value Homes will <br />move forward and we will try to work with you. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that the <br />City was looking to extend 153rd and we were told by the DNR that there were Blanding Turtles <br />in the area. They should be all over that area. The City was told they could not build 153rd <br />without doing something to preserve the turtles. Mr. Peterson pointed out that the area <br />Councilmember Zimmerman is referring to was wetland. Councilmember Zimmerman argued <br />that Mr. Peterson will be dealing with wetland also. Mr. Peterson stated he will not be grading or <br />filling even one inch of wetland. <br /> <br />City Council/July 8, 1997 <br /> Page 8 of 15 <br /> <br /> <br />