3. April 1, 2008 minutes April 1, 2008
The Scandia Planning Commission held their regular monthly meeting on the above date. The
following were in attendance: Chairman Chris Ness, Commissioners Tom Krinke, Christine
Maefsky, Susan Rodsjo, Peter Schwarz and TKDA Planner Sherri Buss. Channian Ness called
the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA, MINUTES
Commissioner Schwarz, seconded by Commissioner Maefsky, moved to approve the
agenda as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Maefsky, seconded by Commissioner Krinke, moved to approve the March
5, 2008 Planning Commission minutes with a correction to the discussion of siding
materials concerning Willowbrook Community Church. The motion passed unanimously.
GRAVEL MINING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS — CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS
Public hearings were opened on March 5, 2008 to consider new Conditional Use Penults for
three mining operations: Bracht Bros., Inc., Dresel Contracting, Inc. and Tiller Corporation. City
Planner Sherri Buss reported on the current status of the applications. TKDA has subcontracted
with LBG, a fi that is analyzing the groundwater issues and will provide recommendations to
the City throughout the CUP process. LBG has requested additional information from the
applicants to complete their final hydro-geologic analysis. Comments received from John
Lindell, 11240 2181h Street, will also be addressed by LBG in its analysis of the applications.
Planner Buss also reported on the progress of key issues identified at the March 5th meeting. The
Watershed Districts' review of surface water issues are in process. Washington Conservation
District and Car-Mar-St. Croix Watershed are working with the City to address the wetland study
on the Dresel site. TKDA's traffic engineer is reviewing traffic and roadway issues to determine
the needs and options for signage and other safety improvements. The applicants have been
directed to provide concept-level reclamation plans to show that future allowable uses will be
feasible. Staff will conduct field visits in April to establish a photo log of existing conditions at
the three sites. The photos will provide a record for comparison in future years. The Planners are
recommending a continuation of the public hearings to the May Planning Commission meeting,
at which time it is proposed that a full review will be complete and recommendations on the
peimits can be made.
Commissioner Schwartz asked for clarification of what the reclamation plan must define.
Planner Buss stated that the Ordinance requires that reclamation be feasible for its allowed use in
that district, ultimately approved by the Planning Commission and Council. Commissioner
Maefsky asked if the photo compilation will be used to reference reclamation. Planner Buss
explained that a GPS unit will be used to identify the photo locations. This photo log will be used
in the Annual Operators Review to evaluate whether screening, benning and other conditions are
being met. Commissioner Rodsjo asked if John Lindell's comments and questions will be
addressed. Planner Buss stated that these questions have been directed to LBG and TKDA will
research the remaining concerns.
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Scandia Planning Commission
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Chairman Ness asked for public comments.
• John Lindell, 11240 218th Street, would like Tiller Corporation to establish a 20-foot high
berm along the south border of the Tiller property so that it continues easterly along the
full length of the Stevens property. Mr. Lindell feels that this is a safety condition that
should be met in the final CUP approval. Mr. Lindell also feels that it is important to
revisit the environmental impacts of Tiller's mining operation through a complete EAW.
• Tim Brown, 23110 Manning Trail, asked what financial guarantees the city holds if the
operator were to abandon the property prior to reclamation, and what guarantees will be
in place regarding water protection for surrounding residents. Administrator Hurlburt:
The amount of the financial guarantee will be determined in the CUP process. LBG is
studying all groundwater issues and will have a report available at the next meeting.
• Jerry Vecchiollo, 10421 230111 Street, asked how long the proposed "mining into the water
table" will last. Mike Caron, Tiller Corp.: This process would continue into the last year
of the project, estimated to be 20 to 30 years.
Chairman Ness continued the public hearings to May 6, 2008.
Possible dates for the Planning Commission and Council to conduct site visits of all three
operations were discussed. It was decided to meet at the Bracht pit on April 22, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
to begin the tours, travel to Dresel for a 5:45 tour, and arrive at the Tiller pit at 6:15 p.m. This
will be posted as a public meeting, open to anyone who wishes to attend. Liability issues were
brought up. City Attorney Hebert does not anticipate it will be a problem as long as safety
controls are put in place at the sites.
OLD MARINE ESTATES — FINAL PLAT, RESOLUTION 04-01-08-01
The preliminary plat for a minor subdivision/preliminary plat to create three lots at 11980
Lakamaga Trail known as Old Marine Estates was approved on November 6, 2007. Applicants
John and Sandra Swanson have submitted the final plat.
City Planner Sherri Buss presented the staff report. The final plat and associated plans are in
substantial agreement with the approved preliminary plat. The planners recommend approval
with conditions which were outlined in draft Resolution 04-01-08-01. Regarding the Woodland
Preservation Plan, the applicant may remove the trees for the driveway and must complete the
deferred maintenance on the remainder of the pine plantation. By removing the dead and
diseased trees, the value of the existing plantings will be protected, in keeping with the intent of
the ordinance. Drainage easements to the City will include the raingardens and access to the
raingardens, in the event that the City needs to provide any maintenance to the raingardens.
April 1, 2008
Scandia Planning Commission
Page 3
The Carnelian-Marine-St. Croix Watershed has placed additional conditions concerning buffer
requirements and management standards which will not stand in the way of the City's approval.
Modifications in wording of Conditions #2 and #3 of the draft resolution were made to better
clarify the intent.
Commissioner Schwartz, seconded by Commission Maefsky, moved to recommend to the
City Council to approve draft Resolution 04-01-08-01 Approving Old Marine Estates Final
Plat as revised. The motion passed unanimously.
City Attorney Hebert will proceed with drafting the Development Agreement.
RECOGNITION OF FORMER PLANNING COMMISSIONERS MALMQUIST AND
NICKELSON
Commissioner Maefsky recognized former Planning Commissioners James "Moose" Malmquist
and Kevin Nickelson for their many years of service and experience they contributed to the
Planning Commission. Both Moose and Kevin thanked the Council for allowing them the
privilege to serve.
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE
Commissioners Maefsky and Ness offered to fill the openings on the Capital Improvement
Committee which serves as an advisory committee to the Council.
Commissioner Krinke, seconded by Commissioner Maefsky, moved to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
City of Scandia Deputy Clerk