Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-10 MINUTESCITY OF COTTAGE GROVE PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION December 10, 2001 Pursuant to due cail and notice thereof, a meeting of the Public Works Commission of Cottage Grove was duly held at the Public Works Garage, 8635 West Point Dougias Road, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, on December 10, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Ken Boyden called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ken Boyden, Robert Eddy, Dan Massarotti, Steve Ingram, Randy Eckstein, Jan Wuorenma Staff Present: Les Burshten, Public Works Director Harry Taylor, Public Works Supervisor Allan Larson, Public Works Technician Also Present: Jon Michaels, Washington County Senior Environmental Specialist 3. APPROVE MINUTES On a motion by Steve Ingram, seconded by Jan Wuorenma, the November 12, 2001 Public Works Commission minutes were approved unanimously. 4. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS Snowplowing, to be discussed later during the meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Aquifers, Groundwater Supply - - SpeakerJon Michaels, Washington County Because of a recent request made by this Commission regarding aquifers, generating water and water conservation, Jon Michaels was invited to give a brief overview of those topics this evening. Mr. Michaels has a degree in geology and has done advanced work in hydrogeology (study of groundwater) and has been with the county for 1-Yz years. Washington County began its groundwater/water quality program three years ago and works with local governments on these issues. Michaels explained that littie scientific work has been done to evaluate the sustainability of water suppiies in the metro area. Public Works Commission December 10, 2001 — Page 2 Mr. Michaels started his presentation by explaining that Cottage Grove's water is drawn from two sources: the Jordan aquifer (sandstone) and the Prairie du Chein-Jordan aquifer (limestone). He added that limestone makes good aquifers due to their porous, sponge-like quality. Sandstone is typically a good aquifer because they are basically sand grains that are in contact with each other so water can move through them fairly easily. It is believed by some that the two aquifers are connected and water can travel from one aquifer to the other relatively easily. Southern Washington County differs greatly than northern Washington County for two reasons with respect to water supply: • South Washington County has bedrock aquifers close to the surface. • Northern Washington County has bedrock literally at the land surface in road cuts and on top of hilis. Sediments, gravel and clay on top of the bedrock were deposited by glaciers that came through 10,000 years ago. Giaciers stayed in this area longer and didn't move down to this part of the county. Mr. Michaels primarily deals with the foliowing two issues: 1. To protect the health of the water for consumption. 2. Water quantity. To simplify things, Mr. Michaels presented the following analogy: Aquifers are like a "bank accounY'. Money going into the "bank" is called groundwater recharge whenever it rains or snows. When water lands on the land surface it either runs off as storm water and ends up in the river or soaks into the ground. When it soaks into the ground, it recharges the aquifers and thaYs where our water is coming from. So, using this banking scenario, you only have so much water going into the "bank" and you make "withdrawals" by pumping water out of wells. When you pump water out of the ground, you lower the level of aquifers and when you have lakes and streams in the area that are connected to the aquifer, it will start to drop those leveis in the lakes and streams as well. While Cottage Grove is in a good water supply position at the present time, it is still a good idea to begin planning for the future. it was noted at this time that a wellhead protection plan was started a couple of years ago, but has not been completed. Michaels explained that the state gives authority to counties to complete groundwater pians and implement them. The county, in turn, is encouraging communities to do water supply planning. Commission Chair Ken Boyden inquired at this time whether one community's water demands may impact another community. Michaels responded that yes, aquifers don't stop at the city boundaries and a rapidly developing community can drain down some of the existing older welis in neighboring communities. Boyden questioned whether water in holding ponds ever goes down to help feed the aquifer. Michaels explained that this scenario will take place if a pond is designed correctly. He noted in most of the Cottage Grove area, water will go down into the ground easily. Public Works Commission December 10, 2001 — Page 3 Mr. Michaels went on to state that county staff is in the process of completing the Cottage Grove Area Nitrate Study due to increased amounts of nitrate in the groundwater in the areas of Cottage Grove, Denmark Township and parts of Woodbury. Nitrate is essentially a nutrient put on farm fields, but can also come from septic systems and turt management. Commission Member Dan Massarotti asked regarding the buildup of nitrates, what length of time would it take to reduce them below the danger level? Michaels responded that the age of the water being pumped would have to be considered and they will try to address this in the study. Michaels went on to state that there is not a fiiter system for nitrates, but the water can be distilled through a process called reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is when water is directed through a pre-filter infiltration to remove sediment, chlorine and particles and is then forced by pressure though a semi - permeable membrane where most of the dissolved solids are rejected and flushed to the drain. Commission Member Jan Wuorenma asked what Mr. Michaels would recommend as far as planning for the next five years and the next 20 years. He responded that a water supply plan be included in the already-implemented wellhead protection plan. Michaels concluded his talk by stating that when the Groundwater Management Plan is complete, it will be presented to cities and will contain specific recommendations. The Commission thanked Mr. Michaels for attending tonighYs meeting. B. Technical Review 6.1 CASE MP07-082 Aggregate Industries. — North Central Region, Inc. has applied for the 2002 annual mining permit to continue mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island. 6.2 CASE V01-083 Maynard Wellman has applied for a variance to allow construction of a 156 square foot accessory structure in front of the principal structure at 8172 River Acres Road. Alian Larson explained that the Mississippi Rive building would block the view of the river. 6.3 CASES CUP01-084 and SP01-085 r is to the rear of the residence and a new Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church has applied for a conditional use permit and site plan review to allow construction of a new church with a pre-school on the northeast corner of Jamaica Avenue and 70�' Street. Larson stated city staff is concerned about the grading and storm sewer for the location. Plans must be redesigned and built to city standards for quality control of the water. Larson also stated phosphorus loads on the landscape going to the pond wili have to be controlled as well. Public Works Commission December 10, 2001 — Page 4 Access to the site will be via Jamaica Avenue where the median will have to be cut through. The church will be requested to provide a streetlight in the vicinity of the intersection, as the City is not proposing extending streetlight lighting system in this area. 6.4 CASE PP01-075 (continued from October 22, 2001) Heritage Development of Minnesota has applied for a preliminary plat for a proposed subdivision, Acorn Ridge, which would consist of 24 lots for single-family homes. This subdivision would be located on the south side of 70�' Street, west of Granada Avenue. 6.5 CASE ZA01-058, PP01-059, SP01-060 (continued from August 27, 2001) Thompson Land Development has applied for a zoning amendment to change the zoning from R-2.5, Residential, and R-5, Medium Density Residential, to PUD, Planned Unit Development; and a preliminary plat and site plan review with variance of a multi- family residential development consisting of 300 dwelling unit s to be located on the northwest corner of 70�' Street and Hinton Avenue. Larson stated the above two cases have been brought before the commission in the past. Staff had a number of concerns regarding the Acorn Ridge development including street grades, regional ponds and the access to the area. There wili also be regional pond needs for that site where culverts will have to be extended onto some lots. The Thompson Land Development at Hinton and 70�' Street will be developed as a PUD in order for the City to have some control regarding the development of that particular site. 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Thompson Grove Pavement Management - Update The second Thompson Grove Pavement Management Neighborhood meeting was held on November 28, 2001 at All Saints Lutheran Church and was attended by approximately 60 residents. Burshten stated representatives from Bonestroo did a very good job on the presentation of the feasibility report. Most of the questions raised at the previous meeting were answered in the study. The public hearing was held on the 5�' of December, however, was continued because of confusing information regarding meeting dates that was mailed to the residents. The public hearing was continued to December 19� An open house was held on December 18�' from 4:00 to 7:00 pm to address citizen concerns/questions regarding the upcoming project. A three-year project is still being considered, however the option of a one-year project wilt be discussed. Burshten concluded that there seemed to be an overwhelming acceptance of the project by area residents. Public Works Commission December 10, 2001 — Page 5 7. PUBLIG WORKS UPDATE Hockev Rinks Due to the mild winter weather. rinks have not been flooded. Causewav at Grev Cloud Burshten indicated the road has been opened at the steel bridge and causeway. It has been recommended by Council Member Hale that a boat launch be incorporated in the project. Salt Storaqe Shed Burshten reported the shed is 90+% complete. He went on to state that iYs a large structure that will be functional today, tomorrow and the future, noting the City shouid never need a larger facility. The project stayed within budget, will be painted when possible, and no negative comments have been heard from the neighbors. New Proiects: Countrv Inn and Suites/Walqreens/British Petroleum (formeriv Amoco): Construction has started on both the hotel and the new Walgreen's store. Jamaica Amoco will be torn down and replaced with a new British Petroleum Station which is thought to be completed during the summer of 2002. 8. ENGINEER'S REPORT No further discussion. 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None 10. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully submitted, Patricia Storby