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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JULY 14 1997 7 C-5. Determination of Adequacy of Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Gateway Center. Mr. Ringwald stated that during the public hearing process, five public agencies commented on the environmental assessment worksheet. They were the Minnesota Historical Society, the Metropolitan Council, Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNIDOT), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Minnesota Department of Health. The Minnesota Historical Society requested additional information which was provided to them. No further response from that agency was received by Arden Hills. The Metropolitan Council comments were related mainly to ecological resources in the area. In regards to Blanding's Turtles, Mr. Ringwald referred to the memo from Madeleine Linck, which stated she found no turtles of these species in the area. In reference to the "urban forest" statement, Mr. Ringwald stated this site had some mature trees, but most were younger "pioneer" trees, and the property does not qualify to be named an urban forest. He stated the applicant was using various conservation easements to preserve trees in the area. In regards to concerns regarding traffic, Mr. Ringwald stated the applicant had provided directional patterns for this area. Furthermore, MNIDOT comments stated that the proposed traffic numbers seem estimated high, and should in fact be lowered. Mayor Probst inquired regarding the suggestion by MN/DOT to further analyze the intersections of Highway 96 and I-35W and/or Highway 96 and Highway 10. Mr. Ringwald stated that MNIDOT was merely trying to get a better idea of the scope of the area in question. The Milmesota DNR comments included a suggestion to double the shoreline setback from Round Lake. However, the Arden Hills Shoreline Ordinance, which was approved by the DNR, is the one that the City will be abiding by, and therefore the shoreline setback will remain the samc. Regarding water quality issues brought forth by the Minnesota Department of Health, the applicant has been approved by the Rice Creek Watershed District. The Health Dept. was under the impression that water to this property would be delivered via wells, which is not the case as it will be hooked up to City services. Mr. Ringwald stated there were no public comments received for this Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Staff recommendations regarding the Environmental Assessment Worksheet are as follows: I. The City Council adopt the responses to the public comments; 2. The City Council adopt the Findings of Fact; 3. The City Council adopt a negative declaration on the need for an EIS; 4. The City Council authorize staff to distribute the responses to the public comments; and