2011-04-26_PWETC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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erosion/sediment control as part of the permit process were reviewed and updated and moved into the realm of the Public Works Department, in conjunction with the Community Development Department; including the obsolete drainage section. Ms. Bloom reiterated the need to fast track the Erosion Control Ordinance, in consideration of MPCA audit findings, to address construction permits coming in now, and staff's need to continue their approval based on the existing and outdated ordinance. Ms. Bloom noted the MPCA's recommendation that the City use a digital process in the field as much as possible, through providing laptops for field staff, however, she noted the challenge of attempting to make that happen within existing budget constraints. Recess Chair DeBenedet recessed the meeting at approximately 8:10 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at approximately 8:18 p.m. 7. Erosion Control Ordinance Updates Ms. Bloom provided a draft and staff s recommended changes to the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance, Chapter 1017, as detailed in the staff report. Ms. Bloom noted that the revisions, additions and deletions were from tracking actual use and experiences with erosion/sediment control since the ordinance was enacted in 2006; what was intended and identifying any unintended consequences or other practical application issues; as well as other housekeeping issues found. As previously noted by Ms. Bloom, another reason for this rewrite is that, during the recently City Zoning Code rewrite, the Planning Commission recommended removal of Section 800 from the Zoning Code, and included in the Erosion Control Ordinance. Ms. Bloom identified the yellow highlighted ordinance revisions as recommended by the City Attorney. Chair DeBenedet noted that several years ago, the PWET Commission had already been discussion a comprehensive storm water ordinance, rather than the patchwork permitting and approvals currently being used; and similar to that recently completed by the City of Maplewood. Ms. Bloom suggested, from her perspective, that many items suggested over the course of the rewrite and previously comment upon by staff and Commissions, may be more appropriate as educational pieces and done as a manual rather than incorporated into the ordinance itself. Ms. Bloom suggested that these items be incorporated and adopted by reference in the ordinance; allowing for more frequent updating and revisions, and a less complicated process than required for ordinance enactment and the public hearing and publication requirements. Page 11 of 18