Consider Grading and Excavating IUP at Ramsey Elementary School - 15000 Nowthen Blvd. NW

The purpose of this action is to consider a request for an Interim Use Permit to allow for the excavation and grading of a stormwater pond in excess of 400 cubic yards of earth material located on the property generally known as 15000 Nowthen Blvd NW.

Staff attempted to notify property owners within 350 feet of the Subject Property, as reflected in the Anoka County Property Records, of the request for Interim Use Permit and the Public Hearing to be held by the Planning Commission on May 26, 2022.  A notice of the Public Hearing was also published in the Anoka County UnionHerald, the City's official newspaper.

Mr. Bill Diede of Bolton & Menk, Inc., representing Anoka-Hennepin Schools, is requesting an interim use permit (IUP) to excavate up to approximately 7,300 cubic yards of material from the Ramsey Elementary School grounds.  The project is proposed for Ramsey Elementary as a result of a building and parking lot addition project at Fred Moore Middle School in Anoka.  Storm water infiltration is not possible at that location due to the site being in a wellhead protection area.  In working with the Lower Rum River Watershed Organization, the school district identified an alternative site to create an infiltration basin.  Ramsey Elementary was identified as a close site with available space. 

City Code requires large grading projects (over 400 cubic yards) that are not associated with a development project or building permit to receive approval on an IUP.  Grading and excavating may not last longer than three years by City Code.  The applicant has stated that this project is expected to occur over the 2022 summer months when school is not in session and finished before school starts this fall, including vegetation restoration.

The applicant has indicated that the plans have two alternatives—one that allows the bare minimum to satisfy the current Fred Moore Middle School project and another larger one that allows the district to “bank” the volume to offset any potential future projects, dependent on bid estimates.  The two alternatives are very similar in surface area.  In either case, engineering staff noted that a safety bench is required near the water’s surface and some modifications to existing site storm water pipes are needed. 

The material excavated will be transported to sites in the COR owned by the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA).  The EDA authorized a not-to-exceed payment of the material at its meeting on May 12, 2022.  The City Council gave final consideration of the not-to-exceed payment at their May 24, 2022 regular meeting.  Many of the COR sites lack needed material for development.  The EDA is responsible for final grade and turf restoration of the COR sites. 

Staff requested a haul route from the contractor chosen to do the work.  This route will be monitored for cleanliness.  If material is being tracked off-site or spilled in the street, the school district will be responsible for timely street sweeping at the district’s or contractor’s expense.  The current proposed route avoids City roadways except for Sunwood Drive west of Bunker Lake Boulevard to the receiving site near City Hall. 
 

ISD 11 is responsible for costs associated with this permit application and construction activities. 

The EDA has committed to purchasing the material in a previous approval.  The City is taking advantage of the opportunity to purchase local fill material.  Should the City not purchase the material, ISD 11 would be responsible for trucking costs to another location.

At its meeting on May 26, 2022, the Planning Commission recommend approving Resolution #22-123 approving an interim use permit for grading and excavating at 15000 Nowthen Boulevard NW and declaring terms of same.  The Planning Commission also asked for input from the Fire Department about requiring a fence around the basin.  The Fire Department stated that a fence should not hinder any emergency response, but did not choose to take a position on requiring a fence.  Staff's position is that the School District will know what is in its best interest to maintain safety on their grounds.  Nothing will prohibit the School District from erecting a fence if it sees necessary to do so in the future.  

Recommend approving Resolution #22-123 approving an interim use permit for grading and excavating at 15000 Nowthen Boulevard NW and declaring terms of same.