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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-EAC CITY OF LAKEVILLE ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE December 12, 2001 ITEM 1: Call to order. The meeting was called to order by Chair Rosselit at 6:00 p.m. in the Orchard Conference Room. ITEM 2: Roll call of members. Roll call of members was taken. Present: Rosselit, Goodwin, Kline, McManus and Skeps. Also in attendance were Barbara Moeller, Environmental Resources Coordinator; and Karla Hartmann, Engineering Secretary. Absent: Member Schmitt. ITEM 3: Approval of the October 2, 2001 Environmental Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes. Committee members approved the October 2, 2001 Environmental Affairs Committee meeting minutes as submitted. Chair Rosselit recessed the Environmental Affairs Committee to adjourn to the Council Chambers for a joint Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting. ITEM 4: Review and Discuss Proposed Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee Goals, Responsibilities and Membership. Mr. Steve Michaud, Parks Director, introduced Mayor Robert Johnson. Mayor Johnson reviewed the history of the Environmental Affairs Committee, and the advantages of combining the natural resources function with the Parks and Recreation Committee. He stated that the motivation for this proposed committee stems from the fact that development within Lakeville is made more difficult because of the layered review process. Combining these two similar committees would help streamline the process. Mayor Johnson indicated that this item would be formally considered at the December 17 City Council meeting. Mr. Michaud discussed the process of the new committee and stated that the environmental affairs items would be added to the agenda and the process would transition as it progressed. Discussion occurred regarding public hearings. Chair Rosselit stated that one major function of the EAC was the review of plats for environmental protection issues such as wetlands, tree preservation and erosion control. He asked if these functions would continue as part of the new committee.- Mayor Johnson stated that a new position has been created on City Staff for an Environmental Technician who is trained to perform these functions. EAC Minutes December 12, 2001 Page 2 Member Skeps stated that one of the benefits of the EAC was to protect the concern of citizens, and asked that the Council consider that environmental review continue to be a part of citizen review. Mayor Johnson indicated that additional information could be provided upon inquiry. Member Goodwin asked if the Environmental Resources Coordinator would continue to present environmental impacts at the meetings. Mayor Johnson stated that due to the addition of staffing (Environmental Technician) it might not be necessary. Member Goodwin gave the example of Wetland Mitigation, and asked if this committee will have an opportunity to review the proposed plans. Mayor Johnson explained that if the city ordinances and regulations are met, that there would be no purpose for further review. Member McManus stated that since it doesn't sound like plat review would come before the committee on a routine basis, does that mean that additional information would have to be requested if needed. Mayor Johnson stated that the same information and reports would still be made available. Member McManus stated that there is a synergism amongst the EAC. She indicated that the EAC asks for additional efforts that makes the developer go the extra mile to protect the environment. Member Rosselit agreed noting that staff does a good job of information sharing, but that some motivation is still needed to make plans the best possible. Member Kline expressed concern about the size of the committee (10 members) being too large to effectively deal with issues. Mayor Johnson stated that the Council is attempting to preserve as much of the expertise as possible to roll into the new committee. (Parks person) asked if the tenth position would actually be an alternate. Mayor Johnson responded affirmatively. Member McManus asked how the nine members would be chosen. Mayor Johnson responded that any interested members, would have to apply. Steve Michaud clarified that there is currently 6 members on the Parks Committee, which leaves 3 vacancies available. Bob Boldus commented that it appears that this proposal eliminates duplication of efforts and helps to cut down on paperwork. Jon Volimas asked if this proposal had not come forward, wouldn't there have been changes to the EAC as a result of the additional staff position. The Mayor responded that the Environmental Technician would perform some reviews of plats. Chair Rosselit asked if the Council is asking for a recommendation. Mayor Johnson stated that the Council would appreciate a recommendation in the form of a motion from both the EAC and the Parks and Recreation Committee. Member Goodwin asked for specifics on how the meetings would be conducted, and whether or not plats would be presented. Mr. Michaud responded that the EAC would continue to be a regular part of the agenda, but that since the reports evolve from staff meetings, staff is pretty well briefed by the time it reaches the advisory committee. He stated that discussion on the Parks and Recreation Committee is typically brief and disagreements are very rare. Chair EAC Minutes December 12, 2001 Page 3 Rosselit asked if staff is suggesting that there is an incompatibility of interests of members. Mr. Michaud stated that Parks and Recreation has been conserving parks, wooded areas, wetlands, bluffs, pond areas, lakeshore property and waterways for years, but that obviously members from both committees would require a change in roles. Member Goodwin stated that the implication of the new committee name is that the focus is on parks with natural resources being subsidiary. Mr. Michaud assured Member Goodwin that natural resources would not be a diminished role in the new committee, but rather an added function. Mr. Michaud stated that Pat Messinger, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee member, could not be present this evening, but that she supports streamlining of the two committees and looks forward to the EAC expertise. Member McManus asked if the new committee would have access to the developer. Mr. Michaud stated that has not been decided, but that all reports are reviewed by both the developer and staff prior to advisory review. Mr. Michaud asked Ms. Moeller if details of plats are discussed with developers at the EAC meetings. Ms. Moeller reviewed the format of a typical EAC meeting and stated that developers and engineers are present at the meetings to answer any questions. Mr. Michaud stated that developers are not present at park and recreation committee meetings now unless invited to discuss a particular issue. Chair Rosselit stated that not always does even the best intended staff member think of all the questions. Member Skeps agreed and stated that he supports streamlining except when the end result product is not as good. Member Goodwin stated that many issues would not be addressed in public view, but rather in private offices. He expressed concern that water quality would diminish and that parks would become more important. Mayor Johnson responded that the City Council has a vested interest in the area lakes because of all the work that has been put forth in order to preserve them. He added that Lakeville has always been environmentally conscious and that nothing has been hidden from the public. The mayor reiterated that if an item meets the city ordinance that it doesn't make sense to further review. He added that if an item has additional issues that need to be addressed outside of the ordinance, then further review might be necessary. Chair Rosselit stated that one of the EAC members is not a Lakeville resident and asked if he would be precluded. Mayor Johnson affirmed that the new Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee requires that members be citizens of Lakeville. Member Rosselit noted that special consideration was made in order for this member to be on the EAC, and stated that he has been a faithful member. Mr. John Hennen stated that any interested members should send a letter to the Mayor at City Hall no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2001. EAC Minutes December 12, 2001 Page 4 The joint meeting recessed. The EAC reconvened in the Orchard Conference Room. Discussion occurred regarding the merging of the two committees, and the consensus of all was that they were in agreement with streamlining the process but were concerned about diminishing the environmental review aspect, and therefore would like to see review of the plats continue. Member Kline stated that he likes the idea of reviewing parks and greenways as part of natural resources. Member Goodwin asked Barb Moeller what her role would be in the new committee. Ms. Moeller stated that she was not aware of the details, but that it was her understanding that she would still do reviews. Member Kline stated that he would like to recommend that environmental issues be reviewed by Ms. Moeller and that the specifics of each plat be made available to the committee (i.e. tree preservation). Ms. Moeller stated that it seemed that the Mayor said when you get your packets that you could call staff with questions. Member McManus wondered how would people know what questions to ask. Member Rosselit stated that he felt this was a poor method of communication with regard to the committee member who was not present this evening, and felt it was a slap in the face. Member McManus asked how the Environmental Resources Coordinator (ERC) position would be affected. Ms. Moeller stated that she didn't think her position would change, but that an additional staff person would be working on review. Member McManus asked if this person would be responsible for review of wetlands. Ms. Moeller stated that WCA review and mitigation most likely would still be the responsibility of the ERC position. Tree preservation review would be a part of the new position. Member McManus stated that the term "technician" implies "non- engineer" and asked if this position would report to the ERC. Ms. Moeller stated that the position would report to the ERC, and would require a 4 year degree with a science background. Member Goodwin asked who would supervise the ERC position. Ms. Moeller stated that staff discussed the possibility of the ERC reporting to the Parks Director, but that because of the stormwater issues it seemed to make more sense to remain under the City Engineer. Member Goodwin expressed concern that the natural resources issues would be diminished in value with the new committee. The committee members agreed. Chair Rosselit called for a motion. Discussion of the wording of the motion took place. EAC Minutes December 12, 2001 Page 5 01.38 Motion by Member Kline, Second by Skeps, while we regret the loss of the Environmental Affairs Committee with emphasis on natural resources and its interaction with Lakeville citizens and developers, we support the new Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Committee in the interest of streamlining with the following recommendation: That the Environmental Resources Coordinator continue to present to this new committee with each plat those environmental issues of: Tree preservation Wetland conservation Soil erosion Stormwater management Water quality and other natural resources concerns. Roll call vote was called on the motion. Ayes: Rosselit, Goodwin, Kline, McManus and Skeps. Nays: 0. Motion passed. IT EM 5• Wetland Management Plan Update (Andrea Moffatt, WSB and Mac Caff erty, Wetland Technician). Ms. Moeller introduced Andrea Moffatt and Mac Cafferty. Ms. Moffatt provided an update stating that 300 wetlands have been assessed with approximately 100 -150 wetlands remaining to be assessed. The members discussed the various management classes and how this information would be helpful for developers in plat designs. Chair Rosselit stated that he appreciates the work of Ms. Moffatt and Mr. Cafferty and encouraged them to keep a good heart in what they do, and to continue to do their best. Member Skeps added that this is a perfect example of what may be left out of any new committee, and that while this information is not directly related to plats it is very valuable. Chair Rosselit stated that he would not be reapplying to the new committee because he feels he has worn out his welcome. Member Kline stated that he had been considering resigning from the EAC due to the logistics of traveling from his downtown office, and so therefore will also not be reapplying. Member McManus stated that as a courtesy to Member Schmitt, she feels the City Council should personally inform him. EAC Minutes December 12, 2001 Page 6 ITEM 6: Other Business. Member Skeps initiated discussion regarding appreciation for the members who would not be reapplying, and Chair Rosselit asked if he would like to put it in the form of a motion. 01.39 Motion by Member Kline, Second by Skeps, stating that he would like to thank Members Rosselit, Kline and Schmitt for their years of service to the EAC. The committee unanimously voted in favor of the motion. ITEM 6: Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, K.4 la Hartmann Recording Secretary ATTEST: Tom Goodwin Secretary