Title
Resolution to Waive Site Plan Review Fee for the Thurston Pond Restoration Site Plan Petition
Memorandum
The Thurston Pond Restoration Project is a continuation of the restoration of Thurston Pond that began in 2005. A 2005 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) assisted Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS), in coordination with the Thurston Nature Center Committee (TNCC), in preparing an engineering plan, obtaining a permit from the MDEQ and doing work to protect the pond and improve the quality of stormwater entering the pond. However, all work that was in the plan was not completed due to the need for additional funds. Additional information about the project is attached.
Late last week, City staff met with Beckett-Raeder, the consultants hired by AAPS to assist the TNCC in the final phase permitting and bidding process. In the course of reviewing the proposal, staff learned that a portion of the proposed work would occur on property owned by the Orchard Hills Athletic Club. After reviewing the proposal with the City Attorney's Office, staff concluded that the natural features ordinance requires a site plan and the wetland ordinance requires a wetland use permit. Both of these actions require City Council approval.
The proposed restoration work will address long-standing drainage and sedimentation issues in the pond and improve the overall health of this natural feature. Staff has identified a schedule that will compress the site plan review, with a goal of bringing the site plan to City Council at the April 20, 2015 meeting. This timeframe will still allow for TNCC and AAPS to finalize bids and begin construction by the target of May 15, 2015.
The amount of staff time reviewing this project will be minimal, and the required submittal fee is in excess of that necessary to cover staff costs. Staff recommends that the site plan fee of $8,445 be waived. A wetland use permit fee of $470 will continue to be re...
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