CCP 02-10-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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----.----- - --- ~~v 'I Date: February 5, 1997 1 To: Planning Commission .. From: Lois Rem, 1670 Glenview Court Re: Ogren Development & Archaeological Issues - Background . In the early stages of this development, a group of residents petitioned city council for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet of I the site (March 22, 1995) . Council agreed because, at that time, the development's storm water retention pond was to drain into valentine Lake (Council minutes, 4/10/95) , One of the EAIV' s standard questions is: [26J "Are any of the following resources on 1 or in proximity to the site: la) archeological, historical, or architectural resources?" EAW guidelines require all questions be answered. Since no one was aware of any "archeological resources" I at the site, RLK Associates, the firm contracted by the city to prepare the EAW, contacted the state historical society to see if they had any relevant information. The EAW prepared by RLK I summarizes: The Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) reviewed records o f the I site area. The review yielded no reported historical or archaeological properties in the project's area of potential effect. (See Attachment 4) However, MHS recommended that an archaeological survey of the project area be completed. This .. is because of the site's location near a lake and the topography of the site. Settlements ar-e known in this region of the state to be found on hilltops overlooking water bodies. 1 The MHS recommendation is just that-- a recommendation-- and has no authority to mandate site resea!:'ch. (EAW p. 14 ) The referenced Attachment 4 is a letter from MHS to RLK dated I June 12, 1995, stating in part: "we believe that there is a good probability that unreported properties may be present. Therefore, . we recommend that a survey 0 f the project area be completed." A list of suggested consultants was attached. On August 14, 1995, MHS wrote directly to the city, again recommending a survey be done. I When no official seemed inclined to pursue this recommendation, a resident contacted a recommended consultant (from the U of MN) who visited the site and drew up a preliminary proposal for a modest 4- week survey to be accomplished for around $900. This information I was forwarded to the city. As you are aware, no survey ',;as ever done. I bring this information to your attention to correct a recent I "mis-recollection" of this site's recent history. It was not the residents who "dragged in Indian relics"-- the issue was raised in I the context of the city's request for an EAW and at the repeated request of the MHS. .. .