Loading...
2001-09-24 EC Agenda PktAGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Conference Room Monday, September 24, 2001 7:00 P.M. Call to Order II. Approval of Minutes — August 27, 2001 III. Wetland Inventory, Private Wetland Easements and Aerial Photos IV. Natural Resource Inventory Scope Discussion V. Other Business VI. Adjourn GAEnvironmental Commission\Agendas\092401.doc GOLDEN VALLEY ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION Regular Meeting Minutes August 27, 2001 Present: David Fellman, Sue Hess, Dawn Hill, Alan Kuentz, Jessica Roe City Staff: Al Lundstrom, Environmental Coordinator; Jeff Oliver, City Engineer; Tracy Pharr, Administrative Secretary Absent: Richard Baker, Alicia Brown Guests: Glen Helgeson, Golden Valley Resident and Friend of Twin Lake; Joseph Osowski, Minneapolis Resident and Park User; David Stack, Minneapolis Resident and Friend of Bassett Creek; Karen Stiles, Interested Observer I. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Introductions were made by all to Jessica Roe, new Commission Member. Roe told of her employment background and interests that led her to seek appointment on the Environmental Commission. II. Approval of Minutes — July 23. 2001 No changes. MOTION: Moved by Hess, seconded by Kuentz, approve the minutes of the July 23, 2001 meeting as submitted. Although not an official agenda item, David Stack, Minneapolis resident and Friend of Bassett Creek, asked Chairperson Hill, in an earlier telephone conversation, if he and several other individuals could address the Commission about the Hidden Lakes issue. Hill explained that she advised the Commission has no authority to speak to Council regarding development proposals. Stack stated that the group would like to be on record with some commission about their concerns for Hidden Lakes. Hill noted that the Commission would not entertain questions, or provide a resulting action from the comments. She allowed ten minutes at the beginning of the meeting for this item. David Stack of Minneapolis spoke regarding Hidden Lakes. He feels it is a valuable resource that should be preserved as a natural area by the City of Golden Valley. He wants to make sure motorized boats are not allowed on Twin Lake, and that the high water quality is preserved. Karen Stiles stated she was present to support Stack and the others who were speaking. Joe Osowski of Minneapolis addressed the Commission regarding Hidden Lakes. He stated that Twin Lake is a clean lake for a metropolitan area, and it is an environmental treasure. He added that developing the peninsula would probably destroy the lake, and that the lake should not be destroyed for some millionaires' homes. Glen Helgeson of Golden Valley also addressed the Commission regarding Hidden Lakes. Mr. Helgeson commented on how precious and unique he feels the lake is, and that it is a great resource for Golden Valley and the greater Minneapolis area. He wanted to know what the forum would be for expressing concerns about the PUD. Mr. Helgeson asked if the Met Council could intervene to help with the PUD process. He reiterated that he would like to see the area protected. Hill asked if Stack had any additional comments. Stack spoke again regarding public trail, which he wants to see remain free and open public access through the peninsula. He also stated concern for erosion control of an area adjacent to a wetland. Helgeson questioned canoe access in this area. Oliver commented that in the original PUD the City Council designated Twin Lake as a non -motorized lake. There is no thought this will change in the future. He continued that the trail through Hidden Lakes is a public trail, and will potentially be connected with the rest of the trail system, coming out of French Park through the community and up through the trail system in St. Louis Park. Canoe access will be possible after the bridge is reconstructed. Utilities will be placed under the channel through carrier pipes. He concluded that the City Council will be addressing this on September 19, 2001, and any member of the public is free to come and speak for or against any development project during this public hearing. Fellman commented that most of the issues brought up by the guests at the meeting did not really involve Hidden Lakes. He wondered if it would be appropriate for the Commission to comment on public access to trails, non -motorized designation, existing erosion control, lake ambience, etc. Fellman desired to make a motion to comment to City Council on preserving this as a natural area. Hess seconded the motion. Hill stated that she had concerns about the motion. She felt that, as a Commission, these issues would need far more study than could be accomplished before the September 19, 2001 meeting. Fellman responded that he felt given the presentation had been made to the Commission; there was a responsibility to reflect the environmental values of the community as much as possible. Hess shared Fellman's feelings. She stated she thought Theodore Wirth's original vision was for Hidden Lakes to be a true "hidden" lake. She commented that, as Minneapolis residents, perhaps approaching Minneapolis' mayoral candidates about this issue would be appropriate. She said that she was unsure she could comment for the Golden Valley community as a whole without knowing the community's desire was to preserve Hidden Lakes as a natural area. Helgeson asked if he might comment on this. He stated that in 1997, 724 Golden Valley citizens signed a petition urging Golden Valley to preserve the environment surrounding Twin Lake. They urged no new homes or roads on the peninsula between Twin and Sweeney Lakes. He hoped this gave a sense of what the Golden Valley community wanted. Hill asked for Fellman's motion. MOVED by Fellman, seconded by Kuentz, with motion for Hill to address City Council to preserve as naturally as possible the public lands in Golden Valley adjacent to Twin Lake, excluding Hidden Lakes. Fellman, Kuentz, Hess and Roe voted in favor. Hill opposed the motion. The motion carried. Hill will present to the City Council on September 19, 2001. III. Discuss Possible Change of Meeting Day The Commission, per a request by Kuentz, revisited the possibility of changing the meeting day so that members could attend Park, Recreation and Open Space meetings held on the same days. Staff presented a calendar example of a standard four-week month, listing all regularly scheduled meetings of other boards and commissions. Other available days were found to be the first Thursday of the month, Wednesdays or Fridays. Roe and Hess stated they would be unable to attend Thursday meetings. Hill also suggested scheduling quarterly joint meetings with Park, Recreation and Open Space. Oliver asked if the Commission would be interested in receiving copies of the minutes from Park, Recreation and Open Space meetings. Kuentz said he would really like to be able to attend the meetings, but that this, and setting up a quarterly meeting, would suffice in the meantime. Staff will acquire minutes for the monthly packets, and inquire about possible meeting dates. IV. Draft Wetland Ordinance Discussion Lundstrom passed out a booklet containing the Department of Natural Resources public waters permit rules and the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) rules as administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. Kuentz stated he isn't sure what the needs are for an ordinance yet. Most wetlands in Golden Valley are on public lands. The Commission looked at an inventory with locations of the wetlands in Golden Valley. Hill asked if it would be possible for a developer to hide a wetland that does not show up on the inventory. Oliver stated that typically Public Works would do a site visit when a development proposal comes in. Lundstrom added that delineation could be required to 3 prove that a wetland does not exist on a particular parcel of property. Both Lundstrom and Oliver are trained in delineation of wetlands. According to the WCA, it is the prerogative of the LGU to require delineation. Kuentz commented that he wasn't sure Golden Valley could really use a wetland ordinance similar to Plymouth's, as Golden Valley does not have much land that is totally undeveloped. He stated that his first thought was for the Commission to first identify those areas remaining for development, and then try to come up with ordinances that address issues associated with those areas. Kuentz suggested walking around the City to get an up close look as to what is currently there, and what might be needed. Oliver offered to provide aerial photographs to review. Commission members thought this might be helpful. Staff to bring these photographs to the September meeting. V. Future Projects The future projects agenda item was tabled until the September 24, 2001 meeting. VI. Other Business Items of Other Business: Lundstrom stated he would bring project information on the purple loosestrife control measures to the September meeting. He would like the Commission to comment on this. Lundstrom also reminded the Commission of the upcoming Natural Resources Inventory Grant. He asked the Commission members to discuss the scope at the next few meetings. Fellman added that the Bassett Creek Citizens Advisory Group would be sponsoring a clean up of Bassett Creek on September 8, 2001 at 9:00 am. No additional business was addressed. VII. Adjourn The next scheduled meeting will be on September 24, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tracy Pharr Administrative Secretary Department of Public Works GG — Ivt 0+n °g127 /0-1 Name o(A Pl ed 0001 f I � �- ICAnnl s5 �c M�b� -�y� -'►2�� 7� j ePt�&,n �` � � � � 1i �� 7b3-�9� k' ell AVOeL �5, oi4 Minnesota DNR - Financial Assistance Directory 1999-2001 http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/omb/fmancial_assistance/metro_green.html CONTENTS Land Protection Programs Metro Greenways Planning Grants Program Metro Greenways Planning Grants Program Program Purpose: To support implementation agencies in carrying out comprehensive natural resource inventories and local greenway plans in order to create a regional network of protected, restored, and connected lands. Eligible Projects: Baseline comprehensive natural resource inventories; development of greenway/natural area plans which involve public input and which protect, connect or iestore high quality habitats; additional survey or planning work to complete or revise existing natural resource plans; community workshops to identify and prioritize locally and regionally important natural resources; development of management plans for high quality natural areas. Minnesota Native Prairie Who May Apply: Cities, counties, townships, watershed districts, Bank Conservation watershed management organizations, soil and water conservation Easement Program districts, and special park and conservation districts. Native Prairie Tax Priorities: Project proposals should address the following elements: Exemption Program 1. Demonstration of how the proposed project will help protect, restore, or connect natural areas and open spaces Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program 2. Discussion of the regional and local ecological significance of the project area Reinvest in Minnesota 3. Collaboration with other public and private entities (RIM) Critical Habitat 4. Public support Match Program 5. Sound methodology and inclusive planning processes. Level of Assistance: Up to 50% of eligible costs with a maximum grant amount of $50,000. Average grant amounts will be about $25,000. Currently, the program has $200,000 annually to distribute throughout the seven county Metro area. General Information: The Metro Greenways Planning Grants Program, established by the 1998 Minnesota Legislature, identifies and plans sensitively for natural areas requiring protection, restoration, or buffering from future encroachment. Recreational opportunities may be accommodated in these areas if appropriate. How to Apply: For more information or to receive a grant application, contact: 1 of 2 12/08/2000 11:10 AM NATURAL AREAS INVENTORY PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA Owner . City of Plymouth Parks and Recreation Department and Open Space Committee Features • Field evaluated 800 acres (30 sites) of privately owned lands • MNDNR ecological grading and ranking system • Recommended natural areas management needs • Recommended highest priority sites for protection • Advised open space committee, staff, and council on integrating the ecological inventory into open space social and cultural issues • Guided naturalist tour of best remaining natural areas inventoried citywide Cost . $10,000 SEH Services • Public involvement • Natural areas preservation recommendations • Off-site delineation of native plant communities • High priority upland and wetland areas determination • Plant species inventory • Natural areas inventory summary report with site maps L xA-mo�� AV A'WAAWA WR1033 002 NATURAL RESOURCES MASTER PLAN BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA C Ez/+mPcE� GIS DETERMINED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT UNITS (BOLD LINES) OVERLAID ON WATERSHEDS AND THEIR DRAINAGE AREAS Owner . City of Burnsville, Minnesota Features . Botanical inventory of upland natural areas . Goals and strategies . Ecologically based site assessment criteria . ArcView GIS mapping and Resource Management Unit identification . SEH functional assessment and site priority method . 5 -year capital improvement plan . Public meetings and Council approval process . Integration into public works and planning practices Cost . $30,000 SEH Services . Updated inventory of the wetlands in the City . Function and value analysis of each wetland basin or complex . Rank and grade of each wetland basin or complex . Development of regulatory and non -regulatory options for wetland preservation and protection . Identification of wetland restoration opportunities in the City . Development of a GIS -based wetland management system WR1033 014 Natural Communities Inventory Goodhue County, MN — Lower Wells Creek Watershed Inventory Guides Land Use Planning, Zoning and Natural Resources Protection Efforts Situated between the continually growing ares of the Twin Cities and Rochester, Goodhue County set out to protect its natural resources in the face of impending development. In 1998, the County chose Bonestroo to conduct an inventory of the natural communities in the Lower Wells Creek Watershed. This project is the first phase of a much larger project Bonestroo will begin in July 1999, in which the natural communities for all of Goodhue County — more than 488,000 acres of land — will be inventoried. This is one of the largest inventories ever to be conducted by a private company in the Upper Midwest. The Lower Wells Creek Watershed includes 13,500 acres Bonestroo's services included: • Infrared aerial photo delineation • On -the -ground inventory • Report preparation that included site descriptions Natural areas management/restoration recommendations • Opportunities for additional farm income that would be compatible with maintaining quality natural communities The inventory provides the Goodhue County Land Use Management Office with the technically sound information it needs to proactively identify and address potential concerns related to zoning, land use, and protection of sensitive natural resources that include quality bluff prairies and a large tract of forest. The inventory will also provide the Wells Creek Watershed Partnership and the Mn/DNR with information to identify potential land uses that will help to diversify the local agricultural economy and strengthen the integrity of existing natural communities. A secondary goal is to restore a self-sustaining trout habitat. The project came with an extremely aggressive schedule. Work began on Sept. 15, 1998, and was completed by Dec. 15. Bonestroo also helped write the Conservation Partners Grant that helped fund the inventory. Bonestroo NEIN Rosene "Anderlik & Associates Engineers 6 Architects Natural Resources Management Plan Bluff Creek—Chanhassen, MN Future Generations Will Be Able To Enjoy Trees, Wildlife and Nature of Bluff Creek The City of Chanhassen implemented its citywide Comprehensive Stormwater Management plan in 1993. The plan identified the Bluff Creek Watershed as the only natural watershed in the City unaffected by urbanization. To protect this watershed's unique natural features for future generations, the City hired Bonestroo to develop an in-depth Natural Resources Management Plan. The Natural Resources label reflects the goal of a holistic approach to the integration of the stream, the riparian and upland vegetation and wildlife. The Bluff Creek Watershed is approximately 9.6 square miles. The creek winds approximately seven miles from a large wetland north of Highway 5, through rolling hills, and descends through bluffs more than 70 feet before discharging into Rice Lake and the Minnesota River. Seminary Fen, located in the Bluff Creek Watershed, was identified as the most important fen site in all of Hennepin, Scott and Carver counties in 1995 by the Minnesota County Biological Survey. We worked closely with a Steering Committee and a Technical Committee. The Steering Committee developed the following statement as part of its vision for the Bluff Creek Watershed Natural Resources: 'The design is one where people and nature mix spanning multiple ecosystems. Development in Bluff Creek is designed ecologically, built around natural features. The Creek and its tributaries are preserved to ensure sufficient habitat for wildlife and recreation...... The Technical Committee identified implications of this vision. Bonestroo integrated a primary and secondary environmental corridor boundary to define different levels of protection and management techniques for the Creek, the riparian areas, the upland vegetation and the wildlife supported by the stream. Bonestroo 0 Rosene Anderlik & Associates Engineers & Architects `Golden Valley Open Space & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes July 23, 2001 Members Present: Linda Loomis, Chuck Cahill, Liz Elder, Jim Johnson, Roger McConico, Jim Vaughan, Jerry Sandler and Tom Zins. Also present were Rick Jacobson, Director of Parks & Recreation; Sheila Van Sloun, Administrative Secretary; and Tom Klatt, Public Works Maintenance Manager. AGENDA CHANGES OR ADDITIONS The following sites were added to the Agenda's Park and Open Space Tour Briarwood Bird Sanctuary Meadowbrook Community Center APPROVAL OF MINUTES — May 29, 2001 Approval of minutes moved by Chuck Cahill and seconded by Liz Elder. Motion carried. PARK & OPEN SPACE TOUR Golden Oaks Park Wesley Park Medley Park Pennsylvania Woods Honeywell Little League Area Hampshire Park Seeman Park St. Croix Park Scheid Park Gearty Park Briarwood Bird Sanctuary It was pointed out to the Commission that the location of the Hwy. 100 pedestrian bridge overpass, which is scheduled for construction in 2002, will be extending from Bassett Creek Park in Crystal on the West side of Hwy. 100 and touching down in Golden Valley just East of Hwy. 100 and South of Dawnview Terrace. Stockman Park Rice Lake Trail Hidden Lakes Mary Hills Schaper Park Arts School Soccer Field Meadowbrook Community Center Lions Park Western Avenue Marsh Brookview Park At the conclusion of the tour, the Commission complimented the staff on the outstanding condition of parks and the quality of the programs offered. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Jim Johnson and seconded by Tom Zins to adjourn. Motion carried. SEP -19-2001 15:39 CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY 5938109 P.01/01 september 19, 2001 To: Golden valley Environmental services Attention: Tracy proms sue Hess, Environmental commission Member Subject: Environmental project Wish List 1. A nature interpretive center focused on wetland preservation and restoration. one possible location could be the low land at Regent and westbend Blv. There is a pond there behind Plinnequa. The drainage area to the west of the street has a stream like atmosphere except when it floods the road. The low land to the east is open and can bo very wet. The three areas might be tied together for a passive study area. I would like to see the project financed by wetland contributions from developers. The contributions could come directly to Golden Valley instead of wetlands in Plymouth. 2. A buckthorn removal and comprehensive educational community action plan. 3. A wetland creation project chat could be part of an environmental curriculum in the schools. Perhaps the water could be diverted from golf course runoff and sold to the golf tourees for recirculation and watering. A project of this type was done in Tucson. A wetland was created in about five years with full vegetation. It was a project of the schools' talented and gifted program, but would not have to be limited to gifted children. TOTAL P.01 TOTAL P.01