HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2004-58 - Policy of Not Fencing Storm Water Ponds and Wetlands - 04/13/2004 CITY OF EDEN PRAIRIE
HENNEPIN COUNTY,MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2004-58
RESOLUTION REGARDING A POLICY OF NOT FENCING
STORM WATER PONDS AND WETLANDS
BACKGROUND
A. The City of Eden Prairie Storm Water Management System includes a large number of
natural and man-made holding ponds and wetlands, which serve to control both the
quantity and quality of surface water drainage.
B. There is a risk that children and trespassers may enter the holding ponds or wetlands and
be injured or killed. If this occurs, there is a risk that the City could be sued for damages.
C. Building fences around the holding ponds and wetlands would decrease the likelihood of
people accidentally stumbling into ponds, but no ordinary fence will stop a determined
child or trespasser.
D. A fence sufficiently constructed to defeat a determined child or trespasser would be
expensive to construct and maintain, would be unsightly, and would create dangers of its
own such as children injured by falling off the fence, being tangled in the fence, or being
trapped inside and unable to get out. In addition, a fence would delay rescuers in
reaching a victim.
E. Many holding ponds and wetlands are located in drainage easements on private property
rather than property owned by the City. Obtaining permission from landowners to build
a fence across their backyards could be expensive, and constructing a fence would disturb
the property owners= views of their backyards and may decrease private property values.
F. Having numerous fences around the holding ponds and wetlands in the City would be
contrary to the natural feeling which Eden Prairie elected officials have sought to
preserve and which the citizens treasure. In addition, numerous fences would be
disruptive of the neighborhood=s continuity,harmony and sense of openness.
G. For the reasons noted above, the City has a long-standing policy of not fencing around
ponds and wetlands. The City wishes now to formally recognize this policy in writing.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EDEN PRAIRIE CITY
COUNCIL THAT:
1. The City Council finds that the social, economic and political factors involved in
constructing and maintaining fences around surface water holding ponds and wetlands are
outweighed by the social, economic and political reasons not to build such fences;
2. The City Council declares that the City of Eden Prairie has not and will not build
fences around holding ponds and wetlands for which the City is responsible.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Eden Prairie this 13th day of April,2004.
cy a- ns,M o
(Seal)
ATTEST:
Kat Teen Porta, City Clerk