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5. Program_Project Updates - MarchPROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES TMDL On February 27, 2012 the public comment period began on the South Metro Mississippi River Total Suspended Solids (TSS) draft TMDL report. This TMDL study is intended to improve water quality in the Mississippi River and Lake Pepin. The report calls for a 25% reduction in TSS originating from 159 cities upstream of Lake Pepin. These cities currently contribute 5.8% of the total load. The public comment period for this draft report ends on May 27. Following that, MPCA will submit the report to EPA for approval. I/I No updates PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS Starbucks Remodeling – Golden Valley Commons The Golden Valley Commons Starbucks Café has applied to amend the PUD permit for the shopping center in order to allow for the construction of a new vestibule entryway. The vestibule would be part of a larger renovation and remodeling project. Starbucks is anticipated to receive approval from the City Council on April 3, and begin construction shortly after. During construction Starbucks will be closed; however, Starbucks will operate a temporary trailer facility in the shopping center to serve customers. Breck School Remodeling Breck School has applied to amend its PUD permit to allow for the demolition of a small portion of its existing building (which currently houses the “upper school” and the media center) and construct a new section of building in its place. The new section of building, which would measure 70 feet in height at its tallest point, is proposed to house general upper school classrooms as well as the science department. Breck School has received preliminary approval for the PUD amendment and will be going before the Planning Commission and City Council for final approval in April. If approved, Breck School hopes to begin construction in June. Residential Subdivision/PUD Application – 4900 Triton Drive North The owner of 4900 Triton Drive is proposing to construct five single family homes on the 2.2 acre site. Under the proposal, the existing home would be demolished and a short cul-du-sac would be constructed. The developer received preliminary approval for the PUD, and is now seeking final approval. The matter is expected to go before the City Council and the Planning Commission in late April. Residential Subdivision Application – 15 Meadow Lane North The owner of 15 Meadow Lane North is proposing to retain the current single family home on site and build three additional single family homes. There are no additional streets being proposed for this project. The developer received preliminary approval for the lot subdivision from the Planning Commission and will seek final approval from the City Council in April. DECOLA PONDS Plans are underway for a Tri-City Council meeting tentatively scheduled for May 7, 2012 at the Crystal Community Center. The agenda includes an update on the feasibility of a back-up water supply and an update on surface water issues in the vicinity of Winnetka Ave and Medicine Lake Rd, Terra Linda Dr. and the DeCola Ponds neighborhood. RECYCLING UPDATE Staff has received and reviewed the recycling tonnage report from the City’s new hauler, Allied Waste, for January and February 2012. Recycling tonnage increased 16.45 tons (10.6%) comparing January 2011 with 2012. Comparing February 2011 to February 2012 the tonnage increased by 26.76 (20.3%). Put another way, on average homes are recycling between 5 and 7 pounds more material each month. This increase in recycling is a good indication that all the planning and communication with the new recycling program is paying off. In the coming months staff will continue to work to address a few issues that have come up. First, residents are recycling more materials and they are overfilling their carts. When loose items are placed at the top of the cart and the lid cannot close, these items can fall out due to wind or when the cart is emptied. Second, residents are incorrectly placing items next to the carts, all items need to be in the cart for service. Finally, some residents are placing their carts in the street for collection. Carts in the street can pose a safety hazard as well as an operational challenge for snow plowing or street sweeping operations. All carts should be placed outside of the traveled roadway. WETLAND MANAGEMENT The City received a wetland delineation report for the potential subdivision of property located at 15 Meadow Lane North. The wetland is an excavated pond and the plan is to preserve and protect it during development. The City reviewed the delineation report and concurred with its findings. The Technical Evaluation Panel had no comment and thus the Notice of Decision was approved on March 7, 2012.