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11-10-03 PC Agenda AGENDA GOLDEN VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION Regular Meeting Golden Valley City Hall, 7800 Golden Valley Road Council Chambers Monday,November10,2003 7pm I. Approval of Minutes - October 27,2003 Planning Commission Meeting II. Presentation of Capital Improvement Program 2004-2008 - Don Taylor, City Finance Director III. Review and comment on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Proposed General Mills Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Project -- Short Recess -- IV. Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings V. Other Business VI. Adjournment . . . Regular Meeting of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held at the Golden Valley City Hall Council Chambers, 7800 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, Minnesotq, on Monday, October 27, 2003. Chair Pentel called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Those present were Chair Pentel and Commissioners Eck, Groger, K Rasmussen and Shaffer. Also present were Director of Planning a . Mark Grimes and Administrative Assistant, Lisa Wittman. Com . absent. I. Approval of Minutes - October 13, 2003 Planning C MOVED by Eck, seconded by Keysser and motion October 13, 2003 minutes as submitted. II. Informal.Public Hearing - Conditi Applicant: Home Run Hitters Address: Purpose: all/softball training facility in the Grimes pointed out the loc recreational facilitie proponents have be a need for this laid out an sa a site map and explained that the City Code permits I use in the Industrial zoning district. He stated that the d in Golden Valley Baseball and that they feel there is ~. showed a site plan of howthe interior space would be re proposing to use the north one-third of the building. Grimes est issue. of consideration is parking. He explained that primarily th .propo ill occur when other businesses in the building are not in use and that th are a t 8 parking spaces for the entire site and the applicant has indicated a nee r 30 es for their use. He explained that there might be some issues with signageii'f Id need to be worked out with the other tenants in the building and that he has suggested to the applicant that a bike rack be installed near the front entrance. Grimes reviewed the conditions of approval listed in his staff report dated October 23, 2003 and added that if doors are left open loud music could be.a concern. Pentel asked if there would be any provisions regarding smoking either in the building or in front of the building. Grimes stated he didn't think the applicants would allow smoking at their facility. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 2 . Pentel referred to the site plans and noted that the applicants are proposing a workout fitness area. She asked if the licensing for a fitness area would be different then the softball area. Grimes stated that the fitness area shown on the plans is more specific to baseball training such as pitching and reflexes. Pentel referred to the pro shop shown on the plans and asked Grimes what he thought about amending the City Code to allow pro shops in these types of proposals. Grimes said that he agreed and that he thinks the expectation is that this is a pia where people could go and buy something related to the activity being done. . Rasmussen stated that the summer hours of the baseball trainin with the regular business hours of the other uses in the same he is not sure there would be a lot of use of the baseball fa .. summer time and that the peak time for the proposed use w February right before baseball season starts. He adde that would be enough for the applicants use and that 58 s of the site. Pentel said that daytime use by corpo possibility. Grimes said that 30 parking spaces . rlap that the nd rking spaces ough for the rest ues might be a ate. Steve Kitsis, 1297 Castle Court, applican plans and said that he is not trying to b treadmills, a stationary bike and a sma clients to improve baseball perfor ess area shown on the site esaid they would have two site. Coaches would work with xercise machines. Kitsis said he would like to 0 resided in Golden Valley f community. He said thei Golden Valley because 0 Golden Valley Littl u a clean, safe and fri ity in ruary of 2004. He said that they have that they want to be a growing part .of their i will be 8-18 year olds and that they've chosen ralloca Ion and because he has worked with the ization for eight years. He added that he wants to open mployees would be going through classroom training before that 40% of the time or more parents would be dropping their IC congestion should not be a problem. He discussed signage d they are planning to have an illuminated sign as permitted by the d be visible from Winnetka. He stated that they are a training facility nt center and that there would be no loitering, tobacco or controlled wed on the site. Eck asked the applicant about the sign being visible from Winnetka. Kitsis clarified that the sign would be visible when turning from Boone Avenue to 10th Avenue. . Shaffer asked the applicant if he has talked to the landlord about parking. Mary Kitsis, applicant, stated thatthelandlordhas reserved eight parking spaces in the front of the building for their use. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 3 Shaffer asked how many employees would be on the site at a time. Steve Kitsis said there would be three on hand at all times. Mary Kitsis added that the coaches (trainers) are contracted out. Steve Kitsis said as many as six people with the employees and coaches could be on the site at once. Eck asked the applicants how the fee structure would work. Mary Kitsi$ explained that there would be an hourly charge or people could buy tokens to use the batting machines. Steve Kitsis added that they would have several different packages avail Ie for people to choose from. Pentel referred to the applicant's narrative and pointed out that d they are proposing the hours of operation be 3 pm to 10 pm. they would like the hours to be noon to 10 pm. Mary Kitsis s extended hours, especially when there are school breaks. think there needed to be conditions on the hours of op ration Keysser asked the applicants if they are comfort stated that customers are going to have to sign employees will receive first aid training. 'ty factors. Steve Kitsis iver and that Pentel opened the public hearing. TerrySteen, 1149 Orkla Drive, st that he is concerned about noi enough that he. can hear noi Commission to consider t IS ctly to the north of this site and f operation. He said his house is close I e a he encouraged the Planning rking issues. Wally Sellman, 1290 Yuk that he can hear n games or if it w uld I state he .is concerned about unlimited hours. He said . dustrial park and asked if there would be any video ade. plans for some vending machines, but not video games. She ed Industrial and that there could potentially be three shifts in s stated he wants to be sure that the doors are kept closed at thinks setting a 10 pm closing time would be a good idea. Grimes said if the app ere going to have an all night event they could notify the City first. Shaffer recommen Ing adding a condition that says staying open beyond 10 pm requires permission from the Director of Planning and Development. Seeing and hearing noone, Pentel closed the public hearing. Groger said that the proposed use is acceptable and that he doesn't think the parking seems like a significant problem. He said he understands the neighbors concerns but as long as the doors are kept shut there shouldn't be any conflict. . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 4 Keysser suggested keeping the doors shut at all times be made a condition of approval. MOVED by Eck,secondep by Keysser and motion carried unanimously to approve the request fora Conditional Use Permit to allow for an indoor baseball/softball training facility at 8300 10th Avenue North subject to the following condi~ions: 1. The site plan of the 8300 10th Ave. N. building prepared by HTG Architects and dated June 8, 2001 shall become part of this approval. This plan indic sparking spaces on the site. 2. The interior plan for the 8300 10th Ave. N. building prepared and dated Sept. 26, 2003 shall become a part of this appr layout of the interior space for Home Run Hitters. 3. All signs shall meet the requirements ofthe Sign C 4. A bike rack for at least 10 bikes shall be plac Hitters. 5. No outside music, loud speakers or p . 6. At least 30 parking spaces shall be . s will be permitted. 7. Operating hours shall be as 10 pm, Saturday 9 am to Monday-Friday 9 am t chool Year - Monday-Friday 12 pm to unda am to 6 pm. Summer Hours - ay 9 am to 10 pm, and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm. 8. 9. to be open after 10 pm with approval from the lopment. d federal requirements shall bernet. with one or more of the above conditions shall be grounds for CUP. III. Informal Public Hearing - Minor Subdivision - (SU08-07) Applicant: The Golden Valley HRA Address: Lot 1, Block 1, North Wirth Parkway 5th Addition Purpose: To create Outlot A (.57 acres) in order that it may be sold to Room and Board, the property owner to the west. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 5 . Grimes referred to the preliminary plat and showed the area that is being used to create the outlot that will be sold to Room and Board. Keysser asked if the City is selling the land at market price. Grimes stated that a price was negotiated between the HRA and the Developer. Shaffer stated that the land can't really be used for anything else. . Pentel opened the public hearing. Seeing and hearing no one Pentel hearing. MOVED by Shaffer, seconded by Eck and motion carried una minor subdivision for Lot 1, Block 1, North Wirth 5th Additio IV. Informal Public Hearing - Planned Unit Dev.:1iD" No.2) Applicant: Room and Board Address: Purpose: To amend PU of the Roo and allow sales. Id allow OutlotA to become a part , reduce overall parking requirement, ening per week, in addition to weekend I site plan and showed the triangular piece of osing to purchase from the HRA. He explained that this this piece of property for future additional parking and outlet sales one evening per week. ance recently passed regarding accessory retail sales being ing district and asked if the City could restrict the applicants . Gn es stated that since this is a PUD they can't have the advantages the zoning district they are in. He said that the applicant may choose Ir ours and that they are trying to provide some relief from their . Grimes stated that the applicant is requesting a reduction in the number of parking spaces and that some of the spaces they have now are proof of parking. He said that there is adequate parking on the site during the day but parking on Saturday morning may be tight due to the outlet store. He said he thinks that the weeknight sale should start after 6. pm so that people could .stop by the outlet store. on their way home from work. However, the outlet sales on weeknights should not start until the great majority of the Room and Board employees leave for the day. He clarified that there is no parking allowed on the frontage road. . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 6 Eck stated that there are confusing and conflicting statements in the applicant's narrative. In one sentence it says there is no parking or traffic difficulties and in another sentence it says the parking lot is effectively full on occasions and traffic can get rather congested. Rasmussen asked Grimes to show where the proof of parking is. Grimes showed on the site plan where the proof of parking is located. . Shaffer stated that he~has been at the site on a Saturday morning an could not get through their parking lot. He stated that people park on they can park near the front door and get in line right away. Grim t Board is on a dead end street and that makes it difficult totur nd has suggested to the Public Works Department and the Poli parking" signs be put in along the frontage road. He stated t be responsible for making sure their customers aren't arkin parking". He suggested putting a sign at the parking I on the frontage road. engine road so m and the ew"no ard should ed "no ebple not to park Groger said that he is reluctant to have all of th would rather avoid that. He said that ther sides of the building and that it seems their employees. king paved and that he ing on the north or east additional parking spaces for Rasmussen stated that the pro would seem to alleviate the spaces. e north side of both of the buildings ive them approximately 50 more parking ,1804 pring Valley Circle, Architect for Room and and Board wanted to buy the whole lot from the HRA, termined to buy only part of the property for added Board has looked at other sites for their corporate t to stay in Golden Valley. However, they are exploring the tlet part of their business. He said that he is trying to show at he has been working with Minncomm and the Railroad to ir properties to use for parking. t they could use the proof of parking on the north side of the buildings. Fortier could but that they've only noticed difficulties with parking with their weekend sa es. He said they've engaged the services of transportation engineers Benshoof & Associates, and then discussed the report he received from them. . Pentel asked if Room and Board has said what time they would like the weeknight sales to begin. Fortier said they would like to have the weeknight sale start at 5:30 pm and that he agreed with putting a sign atthe entrance of the parking lot that tells their customers not to park on the frontage road. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 7 . Groger asked Fortier to clarify what he is proposing for proof of parking. Fortier said he is looking to reduce the overall parking on site (including proof of parking spaces) from 400 to 323. He said the Golden Valley's parking requirement for warehouse space is excessive. Fortier said that they don't have daytime parking problems and that if they have a w~eknight sale it might help offset the Saturday parking problem and they would not have to turn soil into pavement. . Eck stated that the issue seems to be for the City to keep the cars out of that the rest of the problems are theirs. Fortier agreed. Grimes stated Board could enter into a parking agreement with Edina Reality for af street and and ing. Rasmussen said that the City has a proof of parking policy an time to say. we have a problem let's use the proof of parkin parking on the site would not stop people from parking on th be close to the front door or to be able to get in line ri tawa the d itional o be able to Pentel opened the public hearing. Hearing and s hearing. Groger clarified that the site has 202 park" would add no additional parking. Grim are adding is for proof of parking and t provide 323 parking spaces. and that the proposal rect and that the land they they would have the ability to Groger stated that the use of that building the proof of Q of the building. Ing sees they have now is notworking and ack of the buildings is not going to affect the look Rasmussen asked other business s in Grimes stated ot Building I ec added. ss of requiring that proof of parking be paved and if have been asked to pave their proof of parking. Sl es have had to pave their proof of parking and thatthe ment or Police Department decides if parking needs to be the City shouldn't be responsible for policing the area, Room and said he doesn't see the point in paving the far north proof of parking 3 proof of parking behind the northwest warehouse building would be Id he would like to add a condition of approval that a sign be added atthe e Room and Board parking lot that says "no parking on the street". . Groger said he would be content with Shaffer's suggestions and added that right now Room and Board is in violation with their PUD permit in regard to the amount of parking they have. Shaffer stated that he thinks the applicant's request of 1 parking space for every 1 ,500 square feet of warehouse space is reasonable. Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 8 . MOVED by Shaffer, seconded by Rasmussen and motion carried unanimously to approve the request to amend PUD No. 79 with the following conditions: 1. All requirements of the PUD Permit for Amendment NO.1 to PUD No. 79 shall remain in full force except as noted in these recommendations. 2. The master plan for the Room and Board campus prepared by Fortier and 3. The Room and Board campus consists of the folio those uses: Office-32,449 sq. ft. Outlet stor Warehouse areas-168,797 sq. ft. Support 14,970 sq. ft. The amount of office space a with an amendment to the PUD. Associatesand dated 9/24/03 shall become a part of this approval. (T plan replaces the master plan approved by Amendment No.1.) Th' designation of "proof of parking" areas. However, the 23 proof of adjacent to the northwest warehouse building shall be constr d 1, 2004. At any time City staff determines that the existing ing to meet the needs of the on-site uses, the Chief of Fire any or all of the "proof of parking" spaces be constructed . master the s July ate order er. n ce dedicated to ,200 sq. ft. as rcise space)- space shall only change . 4. The memo and recommendations fr Grimes dated October 20, 20 PE, City Engineer, to Mark rt of this approval. 5. The memo and recomme Grimes dated October derson, Deputy Fire Marshal to Mark become a part of this approval 6. ed to t e 4680 building and can occur only on es shall be limited to overstock and "scratch and dent" res. During the remainder of the week, the 4768 warehouse purposes. For one year after the approval pproval to Amendment No.2, PUD No. 79, Room and 4680 building for similar sales on one additional weeknight. all not begin any earlier than 5:30 pm and end by 9:30 pm. If ity Council that the weeknight sales has functioned in a manner as e tive impacts on the site and surrounding area, the one weeknight tinue. 7. A revise plat adding the 25,400 sq. ft. at the northeast co~ner of the campus shall be prepared and submitted for approval by the City Council after approval of the General Plan of Development. The preliminary plat of Amendment No.2 is attached. It was prepared by Lot Surveys Company and dated 9/22/03. . 8. Room and Board shall install a sign at the entrance to their parking lot informing customers that there is no parking allowed on the street. . . . Minutes of the Golden Valley Planning Commission October 27, 2003 Page 9 V. - Short Recess -- Reports on Meetings of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, City . Council, Board of Zoning Appeals and other Meetings Pentel reported on the October 21,2003 City Council Meeting. VI. Other Business The City Council has requested a joint meeting with the Plann' November 10, 2003 at6 pm (before the Planning Commis . the Single Family Residential Zoning Code text changes is me the previously scheduled November 11, 2003 Council e Grimes told the Planning Commissioners that the joint meeti discuss the Single Family Residential Zoning Code te November 24, 2003 at 6 pm. The Commissioners discussed Draft #7 of the VII. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:5 . . . " Memorandum Public Works 763.593.8030 I 763.593.3988 (fax) 1 alley Date: November 5, 2003 To: Planning Commission From: Jeannine Clancy, Director of Public WOrk~ Subject: Environmental Assessment Worksheet for Proposed General Mills Wetland and Floodplain Restoration Project The expansion of the General Mills World Headquarters required that certain public improvements relevant to transportation be undertaken. These projects are documented in the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for the expansion of Headquarters Campus at One General Mills Boulevard. The first project, installation of traffic signals on General Mills Boulevard at Betty Crocker Drive; and at the north and south 1-394 ramp termini has been completed. The second project, the reconstruction of the intersection of TH 55 and General Mills Boulevard/Boone Avenue North, is scheduled for 2004. Along with increasing the vehicular capacity of the intersection as required by the EAW and making other access and safety improvements, the project will remove Boone Avenue north of TH 55 from the 1 OO-year floodplain. In order to accomplish this, compensating flood storage in the amount of 26 acre feet must be created (a quantity of water to a depth of one foot). In partnership with General Mills, the City undertook a wetland and floodplain study. The study identified that flood storage in excess of 26 acre feet could be created on property owned by General Mills located north of Betty Crocker Drive. In addition, this site could also accommodate flood storage for future General Mills expansion at their headquarters campus and at the Bassett Creek building located at the northwest corner of Betty Crocker Drive and General Mills Boulevard. Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules state that projects in which five acres of wetland are disturbed require that an EAW be completed. The City's project consultant, WSB & Associates, Inc. has prepared a preliminary draft of the EAW and has presented. this draft to the City's Environmental Commission and Open Space & Recreation Commission. Staff would like to present the document to the Planning Commission at its November 10 meeting, and SUbsequently to the City Council in November. After the Council determines thatthe EAW is complete, the document will be distributed to the G:\Projects\TH55-Boone-GMBlvd (02-5)\Memos\EAWtoPlanning.doc . . . " review agencies established by the EQB. The City Council is scheduled to review the comments and hold a public information meeting in January 2004. Given the scope of the project, it is most likely that staff will recommend that the City Council conclude that there is a finding of no significant impact. Staff recommends that the Planning Commission review the draft EAW. The Commission has an opportunity to provide comments from now through the duration of the EAW comment period. Attachment C: Mark Grimes, Director of Planning & Development Ron Nims, Public Works Project Coordinator Andrea Moffatt, WSB & Associates, Inc. Jupe Hale, WSB & Associates, Inc. Pete Willenbring, WSB & Associates, Inc. G:\Projects\ TH55-Boone-GMBlvd (02-5)\Memos\EAWtoPlanning.doc 2 .. . . . ~. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Note to preparers: This form is available at www.mnplan.state.mn.us. EA W Guidelines will be available in Spring 1999 at the web site. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. The EA W is prepared by the Responsible Governmental Unit or its agents to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared. The project proposer must supply any reasonably accessible data for - but should not complete - the final worksheet. If a complete answer does not fit in the space allotted, attach additional sheets as necessary. The complete question as well as the answer must be included if the EAW is prepared electronically. Note to reviewers: Comments must be submitted to the RGU during the 30-day comment period following notice ofthe EA W in the EQB Monitor. Comments should address the accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that warrant further investigation and the need for an EIS. . \{\'3.'N ?~e\\'({\ ~ \)\\~f TOO (for hearing and speech impaired only): (651) 282-5332 Printed on recycled paper containing 30% fibers from paper recycled by consumers . . . Tables, Figures, and Appendices attached to the EA W: · County map showing the general location of the project; · United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute, 1 :24,000 scale map indicating project boundaries (photocopy acceptable); . Site plan showing all significant project and natural features. The City of Golden Valley has prepared an EA W for the proposed TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain and Wetland Mitigation project. This project involves excavating 10 acres of existing Type 2/7 wetlands and grading 11 acres of upland to create up to 72 acre-feet of floodplain storage and 9 acres of wetland mitigation. This EAW focuses on the City's proposal to excavate 10 acres of Type 2/7 wetland and grade 11 acres of upland adjacent to Bassett Creek to provide up to 72 acre-feet of floodplain storage and 9 acres of wetland mitigation (Area 1 C.1 and 1 Co2 on Figure 1). This project is needed to provide the floodplain mitigation required for various projects including road improvements and general development. The intersection improvements are needed to address public safety and traffic concerns at TH55 and Boone Avenue. This intersection routinely floods when Bassett Creek is high, causing the road to close. This safety concern is required to be addressed by the City. By removing this intersection from the 100-year floodplain, approximately 26 acre-feet of compensatory floodplain storage is required to be created. Additionally, approximately 1.35 acres of wetland impact is also anticipated to construct the improvements needed to remove the floodplain from the intersection. The road improvements themselves are not the focus of this EA W; nor do these improvements require an EA W. This information is provided in this EA Was supporting information as to why the floodplain and mitigation project are needed. To remove the intersection from the 100-year floodplain, a berm will be created on the City-owned parcel located in the northeast comer of Golden Valley Road and Boone Avenue (Area 3 on Figure 1). The berm will prevent the back flow of flood waters from Bassett Creek into the intersection. Additionally, a lift station will be installed to pump water that drains to this area over the berm. By constructing the berm and lift station, the intersection ofTH55 and Boone Avenue will be removed from the floodplain and compensatory floodplain storage will be required. It is anticipated that the Type 3 wetland on this parcel will also be impacted by the project; therefore, mitigation for this impact is included in the project. The existing IOO-year floodplain is shown on Figure 2. The proposed IOO-year floodplain is shown on Figure 3. The City is proposing to provide the required floodplain storage and wetland mitigation within the General Mills property north of Betty Crocker Drive (see Appendix B). It is anticipated that construction will occur this winter. Excavated and graded material will be removed and disposed of in a non-wetland, non- floodplain area. TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 2 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . The newly created floodplain and wetland will be designed to have varying water depths to create a variety of habitats including upland buffer, sedge meadow, floodplain forest, shallow marsh, and deep marsh. The existing vegetation on the site includes primarily box elder, cottonwood, buckthorn, and reed canary grass. The project is anticipated to enhance the existing wetland, remove the invasive species, and create new wetland. The project will be carried out by the City. The project will provide benefit by creating floodplain and wetland mitigation that is required various public safety and general development projects. . Unit of Government Type of Application Status Federal Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Approval To be obtained . State MPCA NPDES Storm water permit To be obtained TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 3 Environmental Assessment Worksheet Minnesota DNR Water Appropriation To be obtained, if needed . CitylLocal City of Golden Valley City of Golden Valley Bassett Creek WMO WCA Permit Grading Permit Project Approval To be obtained To be obtained To be obtained The project site was purchased by General Mills in the 1950's and is located north of the General Mills headquarters complex. The site has been zoned for business and professional office use. The site has been used for passive recreation and open space use by residents and General Mills staff. A trail is located immediately south of Bassett Creek. Historical records do not indicate any previous uses of the site which could have created environmental hazards. No storage tanks or pipelines are situated on the site. A utility corridor exists on the site and is located on the north side of Bassett Creek. This corridor will be avoided or relocated as part of this project. . *The acreage was detennined using GIS aerial photo interpretation and is an approximation. The wildlife on this site is a result of the plant community present. The three prominent plant communities on the project site include wetland, brush/grassland, and wooded/forested areas. Wetland The site lies within the I OO-year floodplain of Bassett Creek and contains two separate wetland lobes approximately 10 acres in size. The Type 2/7 palustrine emergentlbroad-Ieaved deciduous forested seasonally flooded drained (PEM/FOICd) wetlands support plant species consistent with an urban floodplain wetland. . MnRAM 2.0 evaluations completed in October 2003 determined that the dominant species within the western lobe of the complex were reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), boxelder (Acer negundo), and Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). The plant communities within the area were determined to be wet meadow, which was estimated to be 40% of the TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 4 Environmental Assessment Worksheet assessment area, and floodplain forest, which was estimated to be 70% of the assessment area. The results of the MnRAM 2.0 evaluation with the functional level of each functionlisted below: . FUNCTIONS FUNCTIONAL LEVEL Wet Meadow Vegetative Diversity Low Floodplain Forest Vegetative Diversity Medium Maintenance of Hydrological Regime Medium Flood/Stormwater/ Attenuation High Water Quality Protection High Shoreline Protection Medium Wildlife Habitat High Fishery Habitat N/A Aesthetics/RecreationlEduc.lCu ltural Medium The MnRAM 2.0 evaluations completed in October 2003 for the eastern lobe of the wetland complex determined that the dominant species within the wetland were reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea), white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), ash trees (Fraxinus spp.), boxelder (Acer negundo), and Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides). The plant communities within the area were determined to be wet meadow, which was estimated to be 44% of the assessment area, and floodplain forest, which was estimated to be 60% of the assessment area. The results of the MnRAM 2.0 evaluation with the functional level of each function listed below: . FUNCTIONS FUNCTIONAL LEVEL Wet Meadow Vegetative Diversity Low Floodplain Forest Vegetative Diversity Medium Maintenance of Hydrological Regime Medium FloodlStormwater/Attenuation High Water Quality Protection High Shoreline Protection Medium Wildlife Habitat High Fishery Habitat N/A Aesthetics/RecreationlEduc .ICu ltural Medium For both MnRAM 2.0 evaluations for the entire wetland complex, it was estimated that 50% of the area was determined to be occupied by common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). The estimated percent cover in the herbaceous layer consisted of reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) with an estimated cover of25% in the western lobe and 30% cover in the eastern lobe. Brush/Grassland The brush and grassland areas within the project site were located next to Bassett Creek on the north side of the creek and in the northwest comer of the site along the highway. The dominant vegetation within the grassland consisted of reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). One goal of the proposed project is to remove the non-native species within the project site and maintain the site as a wet meadow, floodplain forest, shallow marsh, and deep marsh habitat. One aspect of the goal is to remove the existing reed-canary grass and the soil containing seed bed and revegetate the area with native species that would be consistent with the above mentioned habitats. . TH 55/Boone A venue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 5 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . Wooded/Forest The upland wooded areas within the project site exist north and south of the surrounding grassland and make up the majority ofthe central and northern project area. The dominant species within the tree strata are ash (Fraxinus spp.), boxelder (Acer negundo), Eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides), and common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). The primary understory species within the project site is common buckthorn with little or no native tree species regeneration occurring. The floodplain forest provides an important ecological function to the area by providing habitat for wildlife dependent on floodplain forest conditions. However, the area does not function as a significant ecological corridor for other species due to the fragmentation that has occurred due to residential and commercial development. Wildlife Wildlife observed within the entire project area during the MnRAM 2.0 evaluations was consistent with an area enclosed by urban development. Wildlife observed withinthe site included white tailed deer (3), egrets, mallards, sparrows, warblers, and gray squirrels. The open water along the creek attracts ducks, egrets, and herons. Reptiles and amphibians likely to be found on the site include garter snakes, ring necked snakes, snapping and painted turtles, as well as frogs and toads. The expansion of the wetland as part of this project is not anticipated to deter wildlife from the area but only wildlife that has already adapted or is capable of adapting to the proposed habitat will remain. The creation of a larger wetland complex that contains a diverse assemblage of native vegetation will enhance the habitat needed by migratory waterfowl/shorebirds for breeding, resting, and feeding. The area may promote significant amphibian breeding sites that do not currently exist within the project site. . Based on the DNR Natural Heritage Database Blanding's turtles have been reported from the area in the past. The recorded date of the last observed Blanding's turtle within a one mile radius of the site was not disclosed in the letter. Based on a site evaluation, this area does not appear to be prime Blanding's turtle habitat. However, if these turtles are encountered during construction, they will be moved out ofhann's way ifin imminent danger. If turtles are not in danger, they will be left undisturbed. The contractor will be provided with the DNR's flyer identifying the turtle. Additionally, silt fence material will be removed at the conclusion of the project. The letter from the DNR is included in Appendix C. . TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 6 Environmental Assessment Worksheet " . Berm and Lift Station To remove the TH55 and Boone A venue intersection from the I OO-year floodplain, a berm and lift station are proposed to be constructed on the City-owned parcel located in the northeast corner of Golden Valley Road and Boone Avenue (Area 3) as shown on Figure 1. The berm will prevent the Bassett Creek flood waters from backing up into the intersection. The lift station will pump water that drains to Area 3 over the berm and into the Creek. This will result in removing 26 acre-feet of floodplain storage and impacting approximately 1.35 acres of wetland. This concept plan has been reviewedwith the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Organization and has generally been accepted. Floodplain and Wetland Mitigation Area This project involves the excavation of the existing 10 acres of Type 2/7 wetland and hydrologically connecting the graded area to Bassett Creek located within the General Mills property immediately north of Betty Crocker Drive (Area 1 C.l and 1 C.2 on Figure 1) to provide mitigation for removal of 26 acre- feet of floodplain storage. Bassett Creek is identified on the DNR Public Waters Map as a Public Stream. However, information from the DNR Area Hydrologist indicates that the DNR does not have jurisdiction over Bassett Creek and that the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Organization (BCWMO) is the permitting authority for the Creek. The excavation will occur in 10 acres of the existing wetland. New wetland will be created north of the existing wetland by grading this area. It is anticipated that a wooded buffer along the Creek will remain intact to screen the construction activities as well as maintain a portion of the wooded habitat. Excavation of the existing wetland will be from 1 - 6 feet deep. This will result in the creation of a variety of wetland habitat including sedge meadow, shallow marsh, and deep marsh. Revegetation of the area will consist of removing the reed canary grass seed bank, seeding and planting with native wetland species, as well as replacing floodplain forest vegetation in some areas. . The project involves the lOO-year floodplain for Bassett Creek Watershed District. Bassett Creek Watershed District is a minor watershed district for the Mississippi River major watershed district. All activities associated with the project will have the appropriate permits and approvals obtained. The existing and proposed 100-year floodplain is shown in Appendix B. . TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 7 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . . . '. *The acreage to be graded and change. amount of material to be moved is a preliminary estimate and subject to The Soil Survey of Hennepin County, Minnesota (Index Map Sheets46) indicates that no steep slopes or highly erodible soils exist within the project area. Best Management Practices (BMP) will be used to control the sediment and erosion concerns during and following the construction activities. Measures will be taken to control the temporary and permanent sediment and erosion problems that occur during construction projects. Some of these measures include: · The installation and maintenance of silt fences . Inlet tllters · Vegetation establishment schedules · Erosion control fabrics . Mulch · Hay bales or silt fence checks . Diversion channels · Use oftemporary cover crops It is anticipated that the creek channel will be protected by a sediment barrier while excavation is being completed. In addition, efforts will be made to complete the grading on the creek bed during low water level periods to minimize erosion and disruption to users. The City of Golden Valley and the Bassett Creek Water Management Commission will have final approval on all details pertaining to erosion and sedimentation. controls. As part of the City of Golden Valley permit approval, street cleaning on adjacent local roads will be required. It is anticipated that the proper use of the appropriate BMP's will be used on the project and the potential adverse effects of construction related erosion and sedimentation issues will be minimized to the greatest possible extent. No additional impervious surface is being created by this proposed project and storm water is not being redirected to the site for treatment. Therefore, the quality of water leaving the site is anticipated to remain the same or improve. . The purpose of this project is to create floodplain storage and wetland mitigation. No additional runoff will be generated by the project therefore no increase in discharge is anticipated by this project. TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 8 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . . . Water from the site is discharged into Bassett Creek. Bassett Creek discharges into the Mississippi River. This project will create additional floodplain storage and therefore is not anticipated to have a negative impact on downstream water bodies. No wastewater will be generated by this project. Not Applicable . Not Applicable Not Applicable Based on the information from the Hennepin County Soil Survey, there are no known sink holes, shallow limestone formations, or karst conditions within the site. Groundwater in the area generally flows to the southeast. Information about groundwater and bedrock depths came from the Geological Atlas of Hennepin County, MN. . TH 55/Boone A venue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 9 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . . . Based on the information from the Hennepin County Soil Survey, the description for the Marsh (Ma) soils within the site consists mostly of areas with deep Peaty muck over loam, Peaty muck over sand, Glencoe soils, and depressional Isan soils occur. Marsh soils are found in areas that are wet the entire year. Most marsh soil areas border lakes, streams, and rivers. Based on the information from the Geologic Atlas of Hennepin County, MN, the sensitivity of the uppermost ground water resource is high for an area that contains outwash, other sandy deposits, and organic material in the unsaturated zone. The sensitivity of the Prairie Du Chien-Jordan Aquifer to potential groundwater contamination is moderately low for the area that contains Glenwood Formations and St. Peter Sandstone for its bedrock geology. The proposed floodplain mitigation within the project site is not anticipated to create the potential for groundwater contamination as hazardous waste will not be present on-site. It is not anticipated that any type of solid or hazardous wastes will be produced during or after the proposed construction within the site. . During construction, vehicles containing gasoline will be present on site. However, the potential for contamination is low andno toxic or hazardous materials will be present after construction. All waste and unused building materials shall be properly disposed of off-site and not allowed to be carried by runoff into receiving water systems. Not Applicable The proposed project is not anticipated to impact the regional transportation system within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. . TH 55/Boone A venue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 10 Environmental Assessment Worksheet '. . The proposed project will no generate changes in traffic and therefore is not anticipated to effect the air . quality or carbon monoxide levels. No stationary sources of air emissions will be constructed as part of the project. Noise Noise from construction activity is anticipated to temporarily increase, However, upon completion of construction of the site, only normal noise levels associated with the current levels of activity surrounding the area are anticipated. . Dust During construction, particulate emission will temporarily increase due to generation of fugitive dust. The following dust control measures will be undertaken as necessary: 1. Minimize the period and extent of area being exposed or regraded at anyone time. 2. Spraying construction areas and haul roads with water, especially during periods of high wind or high levels of construction activity. 3. Minimize the use of vehicles on unpaved surfaces. 4. Covering or spraying material piles and truck loads. Odors The construction and/or operation of this project is not anticipated to involve any processes or materials that would generate odors. . TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 11 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . . . Archaeological, Historical, or Architectural Resources There are no known historical, archaeological, or architectural resources within this site according to the letter received from the Minnesota Historical Society. This letter is included in Appendix C. Designated Trail A trail connecting the bus stop located on Betty Crocker Drive that crosses the bridge and is connected to the apartment complex to the north of Bassett Creek is owned by General MilIs Corporation and is maintained by the City of Golden Valley may be impacted by the project. It is anticipated that the trail will be replaced upon completion of the project to its original condition. Further, additional trail facilities are anticipated to increase the passive recreation opportunity within the area. . This site has been zoned from business and professional office use and may be rezoned for this project. The project incorporates the objectives in the City's Open Space Plan such as the maintenance of open space and green space, the creation of flood storage capacity, re-establishment of native plant species, and enhancement of wetlands. . This EAW reviews the environmental impact associated with excavating the existing Type 2/7 wetland and grading upland to provide floodplain storage and wetland mitigation for road improvements projects and general development. The road improvements were identified as a result of a past EA W for the General Mills site. Between the past EA W for the General Mills site and this EA W for the floodplain storage project, the cumulative impacts have been evaluated. TH 55/Boone Avenue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 12 Environmental Assessment Worksheet . . . . . The primary issue outlined in this EA W is the excavation of the existing Type 2/7 wetland and adjacent upland to create additional floodplain storage and wetland mitigation for the City of Golden Valley. The project is anticipated to remove the invasive plant species within the site and provide for a variety of wetland habitat including sedge meadow, shallow marsh, floodplain forest, and deep marsh. The City anticipates monitoring and conducting vegetation maintenance within the site as needed following the conclusion of the project. Permits from the US Corps of Engineers, Bassett Creek Watershed Management Organization, and the City as the LGU for the Wetland Conservation Act will be required. RGU CERTIFICATION. I hereby certify that: · The information contained in this document is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. · The EA W describes the complete project; there are no other projects, stages or components other than those described in this document, which are related to the project as connected actions or phased actions, as defined at Minn. R. 4410.0200, subps. 9b and 60, respectively. . · Copies ofthis EA Ware being sent to the entire EQB distribution list. . Date: ~~ .~ r>'>>~'Y' L__~ <(\'rJ ~ ~~ Name and Title of Signer: The format ofthe Environmental Assessment Worksheet was prepared by the staff of the Environmental Quality Board at Minnesota Planning. For additional information, worksheets or for EA W Guidelines, contact: Environmental Quality Board, 658 Cedar St., St. Paul,MN 55155, 651-296-8253, or attheir Web site http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us. TH 55/Boone A venue Floodplain Mitigation EA W Golden Valley, Minnesota 13 Environmental Assessment Worksheet LEGEND FUTURE FLOODPLAIN BOUNDARY WETLAND BUFFER .. EXISTING WETLAND .. PROPOSED ADDITIONAL WETLAND AREA 1 B .. PROPOSED STORM WATER POND 1 C. 1 AREA NAME LABEL DISCLAIMERS CONCEPTUAL PLAN ONLY - NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION ALL PLANS TO BE IN CONFORMANCE WITH CITY STANDARDS & ORDINANCES STORAGE VOLUMES IN AREA 1A SUBJECT TO CHANGE WETLAND LOCATION FOR AREA 1C HAS BEEN DELINEATED. ALL OTHER LOCATIONS ARE APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE FIGURE 1 TH 55 / BOONE A VENUE WETLAND MITIGA TION PROJECT GOLDEN VALLEY MN 300 150 0 300 Feel ~ ~~lley ... WSB & .h'y"dulll~. /tI~.. Legend 300 _ WETLANDS/PONDS _ 100 YR FLOODPLAIN 30OF,,1 t 150 o FIGURE 2 EXISTING WETLANDS & FLOODPLAIN GENERAL MILLS PROPERTY & AREA 3 GOLDEN VALLEY, MN v.: ... ttol~lley ~~~