HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 259-04 •
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Minnesota require that an environmental assessment
worksheet (EAW) be prepared whenever a proposed development project results in the
permanent conversion of 80 or more acres of agricultural land to a more intensive use
(Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, subp. 36); and,
WHEREAS, a certain development which is planned and under construction, known as
Graham Woods Development within, the City of Rochester meets the criterion established for
preparation of an EAW; and,
WHEREAS, an EAW was prepared for the Graham Woods Development and reviewed
by the staff of the Planning and Zoning Department of Olmsted County, and the draft document
was circulated for comments to the required State and Federal agencies, as provided by law:
and,
WHEREAS, notice of availability of the EAW was published in the EQB MONITOR and
the thirty day period comment period expired on May 26, 2004, and during such period four
written comments were received; and,
• WHEREAS, the Common Council is required by law to make a finding on the adequacy
of the EAW and to determine whether an environmental impact statement should be prepared.
WHEREAS, the Common Council met at a regularly scheduled meeting on June 7, 2004,
and considered the EAW, the reports of its staff, and the comments received from the parties as
noted above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Rochester, that the Common Council makes the following FINDINGS with regard to the
environmental impact of the proposed development to be known as Graham Woods
Development:
1. The anticipated environmental effects of this project are found to be similar to
those experienced with other development in the City of Rochester. There are a
number of policies and plans adopted by the City of Rochester that require
detailed local review of traffic, storm water management and water quality,
wetland, floodplain management and other issues when a development is
proposed.
2. The anticipated cumulative loss of agricultural lands within the urban service
• area of the City of Rochester (where sewer and water service is available) to
urban land uses is an anticipated effect of the orderly growth of the City. Land
use policies direct development to growth centers such as Rochester to reduce
the pressure on agricultural lands in the outlying area to be converted to
residential uses. The more efficient use of land for development purposes where
increased densities can be realized because of sewer and water availability is
expected to help conserve truly prime agricultural areas.
3. Water quality of surface waters from runoff or waste waters from the site should
not be significantly degraded because of this project. Erosion and water quality
of runoff will be controlled by the installation of temporary stormwater detention
ponds. Regional storm water ponds are planned in the immediate areas. The
Rochester Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Manual provides for an
ongoing regulatory authority of the City over erosion control practices.
Wastewater from this project will be treated at the City of Rochester Wastewater
Treatment Plant, which is capable of accepting the estimated amounts of
wastewater generated by this project.
4. Dust and noise which will be generated because of the construction of this
project will be no more than typical for other residential or commercial
development. The City of Rochester has a noise ordinance, which will protect
area residents from unreasonable noise from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Methods
for controlling dust will need to be implemented by the developer. Detailed
grading and drainage plans will need to be approved by the City prior to
construction and will need to incorporate erosion control measures.
• 5. This property is within the City of Rochester 25 year Urban Service Area
according to the Olmsted County Land Use Plan. Cumulative effects of
development within the Urban Service Area will include the loss of prime
farmland and wildlife habitat. The loss of terrestrial habitat and prime farmland
caused by this development should actually help the efforts to retain more
significant habitats and farmlands in less developed areas of the County by
removing residential pressures and concentrating them in planned areas where
the density of development creates a more efficient use of land.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that based on the findings above, the Common Council
has determined that the development known as Graham Woods Development does not have
the potential for significant environmental effects and that preparation of an environmental
impact statement is not mandated in this instance.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that nothing in this determination that the EAW is
adequate should be interpreted in any way to suggest that the City approves of the proposed
development.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS DAY OF CZWE , 2004.
SIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST:
C TY CLERK
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 12004.
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
O(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)
Zone200C\Faw-eis.need.graham woods
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