2004-02-25 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council explained that they directed the engineering Staff to review the ponds and make recommendations on those that needed dredging and that is why the pond at hardwood ponds was done. Council Member Broussard Vickers indicated she was not pleased that Rice Creek had said they would do the dredging but has not done so. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that this SWPPP was put together with the help of Bonestroo as part of the NPDES Phase II which covers small municipalities and contractors or anyone that disturbs from one acre to five acres of land and became effective March 10, 2003. She then indicated that the City is now required by law to have an annual report submitted to the MPCA and to hold this public hearing to allow residents the opportunity to come and discuss the SWPPP. As a part of this that was new, as a result of an appeal to a challenge to the MPCA, the City also had to have a 30-day notice statewide so anyone in the state could come to the City to discuss the SWPPP at this meeting. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that as part of the requirements, this is the public hearing and the public hearing has been opened up to anyone that wants to comment and the City is open to receiving written comments or comments via email or phone calls. Comments made this evening will be taken down and submitted as part of the annual report and as a record of this hearing. Council Member Broussard Vickers asked whether the City is required to conduct an annual pond inspection. Ms. Sykes indicated that the City needs to do an annual report based on the BMPs. Some is outreach programs and education on how to keep pollution out of the waters. Council Member Lee commented that it is talking to people about keeping leaves and pesticides and fertilizers and grass clippings out of the gutters. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated the City has spring clean up day as well as a lot of information on the website. Council Member Broussard Vickers asked whether the City has to have an engineering inspection of the ponds once per year. Ms. Moore-Sykes indicated that Public Works has assessed all 35 ponds this last year and that is ongoing. She also indicated that the City instituted the watering ban this past summer and talked about and changed the sump pump ordinance and these things are ongoing things to improve the quality of the storm water runoff into the lakes. The City received a grant to establish better drainage along LaMotte Drive before it enters the lake. Council Member Capra asked if the City has heard from the Metropolitan Council with regard to the infiltration of storm water into the sanitary sewer. Page 9 of 14