7/29/2019 St. Croix River Association letter to Scandia mayor and city council

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PO Box 655 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 www.stcroixriverassociation.org

Advocating for conservation throughout the watershed

January 22, 2013

To the Mayor and City CouncilCity of ScandiaC/O: Ms. Kristina HandtCity AdministratorScandia City Office14727 209th Street NorthScandia, MN 55073

Dear Mayor Simonson and Council:

On January 7, 2013, the Scandia Planning Commission evaluated the evidence it had

received from multiple public hearings and written EIS comments (including from ourorganization and several SCRA board members) and the standards for conditional usepermits contained in the Scandia development code. It then by a vote of 4-0, with oneabstention, recommended to the city council to deny a permit to the Tiller Corporationto mine for gravel in the Zavoral abandoned gravel pit.

On January 15, 2013, the Scandia City Council essentially ignored the report of itsPlanning Commission and instead devoted your meeting to reviewing what conditionsshould accompany a permit for this project, and, started the wheels in motion to issue apermit. It was as if the Planning Commissions report did not exist.

I believe I echo the reaction of many in your community in labeling your January 15deliberations as outrageous. That may be too strong a term, but deeply disappointingcertainly is not. I refer not only to your apparent decision to issue a permit but also tothe process you followed at your January 15 meeting. I am advised the agendapublished for the meeting indicated the subject was the Planning Commission report.Yet you never discussed your Planning Commissions work, instead going over theconditions for a permit.

The Scandia Planning Commission put a considerable amount of effort and thoughtinto their assignment. Their recommendation to deny the permit was based on facts inthe public record and the requirements of the Scandia mining ordinance anddevelopment code.

Our organization believes the Planning Commissions findings should be reviewed inpublic. We also believe you owe it to the many Scandia residents who provided inputto the process through TA-COS and other local organizations, the multiple individualswho presented information and argument and to the National Park Service - - to beopen and forthright in a public forum about why you are prepared to grant this permit,in spite of the overwhelming testimony you received in opposition to this project.

7/29/2019 St. Croix River Association letter to Scandia mayor and city council

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PO Box 655 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 www.stcroixriverassociation.org

Please remember that the burden is on the applicant for a CUP to demonstrate howmining will not be harmful to the community. It is the position of our organization thatTiller Corporation has not met that burden. Indeed substantial evidence was providedof threats to traffic safety, to devaluation of neighboring properties, and, to potentialimpairment of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, and tributary streams.

There is evidence aplenty to invite reversal in a court of law should you approve this

permit. Do not underestimate the potential for a coalition of local, regional and nationalcitizen organizations to seek that review.

In addition, we urge you to not be misled by the debate over which comprehensive planis applicable. The controlling language on the prerequisites for a CUP is contained inthe Development Code language that was in effect for both comprehensive plans.

The St. Croix River Association urges you to reconsider your position and actions ofJanuary 15.

Sincerely,

Peter L. GoveChair, Board of DirectorsCC: Scandia Planning Commission

Deb Ryun, SCRA Executive DirectorSCRA board of directorsChris Stein, Superintendent, St. Croix National Scenic RiverwayMike Reynolds, Regional Director, National Park Service

TA-COSFriends of Scandia Parks and TrailsSierra Club, North Star and John Muir ChaptersIsaak Walton LeagueMinnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP)Minnesota Parks and Trails CouncilMinnesota Center for Environmental AdvocacyRiver Alliance of WisconsinWisconsin EnvironmentAmerican RiversEnvironmental Defense FundNational Parks and Conservation Association

Natural Resources Defense Council