Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/01/1997 - Public Hearing @ 7:41

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Mr. Jankowski indicated that Mr. Kurak has estimated that the excavation would take out approximately 800,000 yards of material. Generally a belly-dump truck can haul 10,000 to 15,000 yards of material per load. At this point, City staff distributed copies of letters to the Planning Commission from four area residents that have some concerns and opposition to the project. Mr. Jankowski noted that it has also come to staff's attention that a mandatory environmental assessment worksheet will be required for an operation of this size. CITIZEN INPUT Bob Murray, 500 Riverview Drive, Monticello, stated that he is the developer of the Fox Knoll subdivision. He noted that, at this point, there is little information for him to base an opinion on but he did take some aerials of the area on the previous Thursday. Mr. Murray stated that he is concerned with what happens on the common property line between Fox Knoll and Mr. Kurak's property. Mr. Murray stated that removing 800,000 yards of earth material from that area would result in a hole 30 feet deep; however, it does make a difference if it is native or transported soil. He said that they also have a concern as to how this project affects the marketability of Fox Knoll, although he feels that they can work with Mr. Kurak in putting grades together. Mr. Murray stated that he is concerned for the safety of the children from Fox Knoll and that he has made provisions in the utilities on that property for a continuation onto the Kurak property for residential development. He went on to say that his basic concern is questions that have yet to be asked and answered. For the Planning Commission's information, Mr. Murray noted that his company developed a former mine site in Monticello that was an eye sore at the entrance of the City. His company reconstructed that, following three intensive engineering reviews with a realistic cost factor and it amounted to having to utilize tax increment financing funds for a portion of the construction funds before the project became viable. Mr. Murray stated that he is concerned with the end use of Mr. Kurak's property after the operation and final grades. He is also concerned with restoration and phasing. Mr. Murray stated that he is willing to work with Mr. Kurak for the best use of his land that doesn't compromise theirs. Joel Anderson, 6080 - 151 st Lane NW, Ramsey, stated that he lives in Fox Knoll and there is a lot of wildlife living in the tree line between Fox Knoll and Mr. Kurak's property. He has seen bald eagles and geese there. Mr. Anderson stated that everybody in his neighborhood is most concerned that the tree line not be taken down. He stated he came to Ramsey to get away from the city because Ramsey is a beautiful area and if the City allows the natural beauty of Ramsey to be taken down, then he has no reason to stay here. John Peterson, Good Value Homes, 9445 East River Road, Coon Rapids, stated that the Planning Commission is aware that Regency Pond was an abandoned mine when Good Value Homes bought it two years ago. There were steep vertical cuts and there was an awful lot of correction work put into that site and, as part of that, it was best for everyone to remove some of the soil and Good Value Homes received a permit from the City to do so. Mr. Peterson stated that he doesn't know enough about the Kurak application yet, but he does own adjacent property and Planning Commission/Public Hearing/Kurak/April 1, 1997 Page 2 of 3