HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 307-04 •
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; the
potential number of housing units; and for mixed residential and industrial-commercial projects
(Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, subp. 32); and,
WHEREAS, a certain development which is planned and under construction, known as
Spring Brook Valley within the City of Rochester meets the criterion established for preparation
of an EAW; and,
WHEREAS, an EAW was prepared for the Spring Brook Valley 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 June 9, 2004, and during such period seven
written comments were received; and,
is WHEREAS, the Common Council is required by law to make a finding on the adequacy
of the EAW and to determine whether or not an environmental impact statement should be
prepared.
WHEREAS, the Common Council met at a regularly scheduled meeting on June 21,
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 Spring Brook Valley
Development:
1. The anticipated environmental effects of this project are found to be the same as
those experienced with any residential 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 and other issues when a development is proposed. In addition, the
Rochester Zoning Ordinance and Land Development Manual includes regulations
for minimum open space, setbacks and buffers, maximum noise and lighting, as
• well as floor area ratio. Other local, state and federal agencies regulate
development activities and unique natural resources, such as the Calcareous Fen
• wetland.
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 residential 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 or permanent stormwater
detention ponds and sediment traps. 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. Expansion of the Plant is planned to
begin in the fall of 2004. Upon completion of the Plant improvements, the Plant
will be capable of accepting the estimated amounts of wastewater generated by
this project at full build out. A Fen Management Plan will need to be prepared as
part of the next stage of development review as addressed in the requirements for
site capacity calculations.
• 4. Dust and noise which will be generated because of the construction of this project
will be no more than typical for other residential development. The City of
Rochester has a noise ordinance which will protect nearby 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 Spring Brook Valley 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 2/,3r DAY OF , 2004.
WZt= w.1
SIDENT OF SKID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST:
ITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS 2?*l,=f DAY OF G�G�� , 2004.
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MAYOR OF SAID CITY
• (Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)
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