CCP 10-10-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER I I, 2000 ~, 15 established. He noted that the assessment rate is intended to be established based on a typical 32- foot wide street and the width of a street does not affect the assessment rate, Mayor Probst pointed out that, although reconstruction of Hamline Avenue would not be assessed, it would still be the City tax payer's money paying for the project. Mr. Brown presented the Fernwood Channel considerations and options as being to improve water quality add a pond; landscaping, picnic area, pathway, weirs; Lake Josephine Hills Association's needs; or to do nothing. Staff recommends permanent ponding with possible weir structure used to improve the water quality going into Lake Josephine. This includes addressing the needs of the Lake Josephine Hills Association and appropriate landscaping. The Task Force has opposition to any change in the land in and around the Fernwood channel. If there is something done, the landowner's needs have to be addressed. An audience member suggested that the proposed weirs should be placed higher up the channel rather than near the lake because the water drains both ways. He indicated that at this time the holding pond is dry, however, there normally is water in the pond. He stated that the rain storm that occurred a week ago had drained into the wetlands. Mr. Brown stated that the weir would be connected to the wetland via a pipe system. He stated that the interaction between the wetland and the lake would be maintained. An audience member asked if Mr. Brown had read the recommendations of the Association. Mr. Brown responded affirmatively. An audience member asked if the idea of a grit chamber had been rejected. Mr. Brown stated that a grit chamber could be considered to enhance the water quality. An audience member noted that there was a small distance between the existing channel and the wetland and the wetland is currently a large reservoir for the runoff. He stated that the existing run off from the roads runs into the wetlands. At this time there does not appear to be any water running into the lake. Therefore, the proposed changes would essentially be duplicating the existing situation, which requires no maintenance. He asked if a study has been done on the current quality of the water. He indicated that most ofthe run off water comes from the backyards and he believed that this water is relatively clean. He noted that there are fish in the channel, which means the oxygen level in the water must be sufficient. Mr. Brown stated that a specific study of the water quality has not been done. He stated that the water that runs from yards and impervious surfaces can be polluted. He acknowledged that it would be possible to construct a weir higher up stream. An audience member asked if the notion of diverting the water frorn the channel to the wetland and then to the lake had been explored. Mr. Brown stated that, although this may be a possibility, the elevation of the wetland is generally one foot above the level of the lake. He stated that the intent is to filter the water as many times as possible before it reaches the lake.