2016.09.07 EDC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Response Action Plan (RAP) a commitment was made to monitor soil gases (methane) migrating sub‐ surface from the dump on a quarterly basis. Through this quarterly monitoring, we’ve discovered methane is very unpredictable and can be non‐detectable one quarter than spike the following quarter (and vice versa). Levels near VM‐5A and Block E are much higher than VM‐20A simply due to their proximity to the dump and the depth of dump debris in the area. As a requirement under the RAP, the City has notified our development partners (CSI & Pulte) of methane concentrations above our action level noted in our current RAP. CSI is in the process of determining whether they proceed in testing for methane at their roof stacks, however previous readings have been non‐detect even when the City’s vent is elevated. CSI’s building is equipped with a passive (no fan) soil gas venting system designed to mitigate this very concern. Pulte has determined they are not required under their RAP to do anything being all their housing units have active (with fan) soil gas venting systems within their units. While concentrations above our noted action level of 1.25% sounds concerning, this has happened with previous quarterly monitoring and adjacent developments are mitigating for this very concern based on the type of construction. Vents near Block D continue to read non‐detect, which is positive in terms of future development opportunity. Prior to NBE, soil gases were being produced and not mitigated at all. New Brighton Exchange (NBE) RAP Amendment On another matter related to the NBE dump monitoring, the City has requested the MPCA review and approve an amendment to our RAP (Response Action Plan) that would increase the action level of concern for methane. This request is based on new industry information on soil gas, specifically methane, which suggests our current action level of 1.25% is far too low. At this time, the MPCA has signaled they will not approve the amended plan. The City’s environmental consultant will continue to communicate with MPCA staff on this issue. New Brighton Lion’s Park The park at the north end of Pulte’s Enclave development was renamed New Brighton Lions Park from North Park at the May 10, 2016 City Council meeting. This was done in recognition and appreciation of a $100,000 donation from the New Brighton Lion’s Club, who celebrated their 100th anniversary by challenging each local chapter to support a centennial project. The Lions will donate $25,000 every year for the next four years. Additionally, the Lions have committed to contributing $5,000 per year in years 2020 thru 2029 to assist in maintenance expenses for the park. The park plans will be presented to the City Council for approval on September 13, 2016, which will initiate the public bidding process. APi Option APi has an option to construct a third building consisting of a two story building of up to 30,000 SF on the two acres immediately north of their Training Center building that was completed last year. Under the terms of the option language, APi has until December 31, 2016 to provide notice to the City of their intent to exercise the option. Staff communicated verbally with a representative of APi over a month ago regarding this deadline. Staff has not heard anything since regarding APi’s intentions with the option parcel. Staff will consider preparing a more formal notification in the coming month. Commissioner Allen questioned how much staff time was being spent on the dump monitoring. Gundlach explained the City was responsible for quarterly monitoring. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 9:00 am Respectfully submitted,