The massive dirt piled in the Tonka Bay City Hall parking lot is not unnoticed. In fact, it was a topic for the Sept 28 Tonka Bay Council Meeting where an impressive resident-council-consultant conversation addressed every question and concern in a full-blown “community conversation.” Responses were thorough, with mutual respect and without time limitations for speakers.
For background, the soil is from the Brentwood street project and parts of Pleasant Avenue. The city has learned that this is a designated Native American burial site and is considered sacred (no remains have been found). The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) preferred that the soil be removed and repatriated nearby. For now, until a site is confirmed, the soil is stored at city hall.
The area north of Wedgewood Drive (Shorewood) and south of Pleasant Avenue has been identified as a possible location for placement, but needs approval from MAIC, along with a cultural assessment for more burial sites at this location and a wetland delineation.*
Should all the steps to site approval be completed as planned, the city’s goal is to start moving the soil in January, 2025. A haul route has not been determined pending confirmation of the site as viable. Options for the haul are Pleasant Avenue, Lilah Lane or Wedgewood Drive.
Tonka Bay officials made a strong effort to accommodate the residents who appeared to have their questions answered to their satisfaction. Watch the meeting here.
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* A wetland delineation in Minnesota is a process that establishes the boundaries and existence of a wetland for the purposes of local, state, and federal regulations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses wetland delineations to understand the water resources in an area and to protect wetlands during recreational system expansion.
