By Patrick Tepoorten

The Rush City Council was unable to act on a recommendation by the planning commission (PC) regarding the final plat for Anderson Estates at its regular meeting on May 22, due to the discovery of more wetlands than had been delineated originally.

Formerly Anderson Acres, the 56-lot Anderson Estates, located on a triangular piece of property between Rush Point Drive and South Jay Ave., had been sent to the council with a recommendation of approval by the PC. However, that approval was noted to be contingent upon the receipt of a wetlands approval that had yet to be completed.

In a memo to the city council from Deputy Clerk Amy Mell, the inspection of wetlands was completed on May 17, the day after the PC meeting. In doing so, the Technical Advisory Panel (TEP), responsible for confirming the accuracy of wetland delineations, discovered more wetlands on the site than had been mapped.

ìThey found additional wetland sites on the property that were not included in the delineation, and are located within lots and streets on the proposed final plat. It appears that the plat may have to be changed, possible quite a bit,î Mell advised.

Mell also noted that the city has yet to receive any documentation to that effect, but rather verbal indication that such is the case.

City Administrator Daniel Hoffman explained to the council that, because of the discovery, the final plat for Anderson Estates could not be approved by the council, even with a contingency related to the wetlands.

The council tabled any action on the plat.

According to Chisago County wetland specialist Jeff Fertig, TEP is a multi-jurisdictional body comprised of representatives from the DNR, the Army Corps of Engineers, county representatives, and the State Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Fertig said the next step in the process will be for Hult and Associates, which was hired by the developer, to redraw the wetland delineation to include the additional wetlands. Depending on how the additional wetlands affect the plat, the developer may or may not decide to proceed, dependent on profitability.

PC restructure?

In non-related PC news, councilman David Bengtson suggested that the council scrutinize the current status of council members on the planning commission. As it stands, a council member sits on the commission as a voting member. Voting status, rather than the former ex-officio status, was enacted by the council after former councilman Bill Schneider was appointed to the body. In fact, Bengtson believes it was a change that Bengtson himself encouraged at the time.

Now though, he believes it was ìprobably a bad idea.î

ìIt is easier to say no when you are not an elected official,î he explained, before advising that the council consider changing the position back to a non-voting role.

Councilman Mick Louzek agreed that it made more sense for council representation to be advisory only. Bengtson responded that he could resign his current position on the PC and then be reinstated in an advisory role.

ìIíll expect your letter of resignation at the next meeting,î chided Mayor Mike Skalsky.

ìTyped,î added Louzek.

Crunch time at Countryside

On the subject of the new community center, Hoffman warned that the completion of the parking lot by June 1 is not written in stone. The unacceptable fill has been replaced, but there is still work to be done. Gravel is expected to be brought in this week, followed by the construction of the curbs. Hoffman thought there could be at least one layer of blacktop on the lot by next Wednesday ìif all goes smooth.î

ìIt could be close. Very close,î he concluded.

Because the facility must be handicap accessible before an occupancy permit can be issued, the timing of the lotís completion is critical, especially for those who must move in on June 1, the date promised by the Chisago County HRA/EDA. That department is planning to canvass lease holders over the next couple of days to determine how many absolutely must move in on that date. In the event that the June 1 occupancy date is delayed, HRA/EDA is prepared to make other arrangements for residents.

In other city news:

ï Although they took no formal action, the council discussed changing the Rush City polling place from the current community center to the newly constructed center. It is expected that the city will make the change official at the next meeting.

ï It was suggested by Hoffman that another construction issue may be brewing at Countryside Apartments, concerning the bay windows. Apparently the windows are sagging and may require repair, which would necessitate the removal of siding and the structure above and below the windows.. ìLawyers are writing letters back and forthî on the subject, he said.