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, '. , , , , , , I ,e , , , , I , I ,e I ,ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MARCH 27. 1995 5 City Administrator Fritsinger indicated the use of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) gives the City greater control of the development than single family plat process. He noted the Planning Commission approved the PUD with a number of conditions at it March meeting. City Administrator Fritsinger stated the DNR has tabled its review of the proposal until Rice Creek Watershed District has completed its review. He added, Rice Creek Watershed District has also tabled action due to questions about the location of other potential wetlands on the site. City Administrator Fritsinger indicated the neighborhood has petitioned the State Environment Quality Board for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA W). He explained the Council cannot approve this project until it has taken action on the petition for an EA W in which the City has 30 days to respond. Mr. Fritsinger suggested the Council could take action regarding the petition at their April 10, 1995 meeting. City Administrator Fritsinger indicated the Environment Quality Board has determined that the City is the appropriate governmental unit to decide the need for an EA W. Mayor Probst reiterated no action will be taken until findings have been established regarding the EAW. Mayor Probst noted the site is zoned R-l Single Family residential, the land is not owned by the City or County and is not a park. The property is owned by Bethel College, who currently holds a purchase agreement with Mr. Dan Ogren. Mayor Probst indicated the Planned Unit Development (PUD) procedure will allow the City to enforce additional requirements on the site. Mayor Probst explained to the audience that Staff is in the process of reviewing the EA W petition and the City has 30 days to respond and will most likely forward formal action regarding this at its April 1 O. 1995 regular meeting. Mayor Probst indicted there will be a closed Public Hearing tonight with a second Public Hearing occuring after the DNR and Rice Creek Watershed District have made their recommendations, which is expected to be sometime in May. Mayor Probst hearing no comments or questions of the Council, opened the floor for those in favor of the project. Mr. Thomas Steele of 3570 Ridgewood Road, wished to address the basic issue of property rights, and the ability to legally dispose of property. Although it is his personal preference that the property remain undeveloped, he does not want the rights of private property owners ignored. He indicated if a group of individuals are able to purchase the property for this purpose, that is also an option.