HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-04-2018 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
June 4, 2018
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE June 4, 2018
5 TIME STARTED 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 8010 P.M.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Rafferty (arr. 6:08,
8 Manthey, Stoesz and Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT Council Member Maher
10
11 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Public Safety Director John
12 Swenson; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; Finance Director Sarah
13 Cotton; City Planner Katie Larsen; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; City
14 Engineer Diane Hankee; City Clerk Julie Bartell
15
16 1. Community Solar Gardens —City Planner Larsen noted the application received
17 from an organization wishing to develop solar gardens in the city. The city has no
18 regulations in the area at this time. She introduced consultant to the City, Kendra Lindahl
19 of Landform, to review options.
20
21 Ms. Lindahl noted the Planning and Zoning report and pointed out some key areas for the
22 council.
23 - Energy is cheaper to subscribers, through different models;
24 - Xcel Energy is required to work on solar; Connexus is not required;
25 - There are limitations to the amount of solar produced;
26 - Solar facilities is exempt from taxation, but not a complete loss;
27 - Application does not identify specific sight but applicant requests that the city clarify
28 that it will allow solar gardens;
29 - City should consider such things as minimum lot size, amount of time a garden could
30 function; are certain areas more appropriate for this use; full screening is not possible but
31 there are things to help; is permit process appropriate.
32
33 Staff wishes to get feedback from the council on the possibility of moving forward with a
34 text amendment to allow solar gardens.
35
36 Mayor Reinert remarked that this isn't an area where there is much common knowledge.
37 He wonders about the current state of the technology.
38
39 Council Member Stoesz remarked that there can be glare and that was discussed by the
40 Planning and Zoning Board. Ms. Lindahl explained that there are mitigations for the
41 glare situation but only to eliminate the damaging glare.
42
43 Council Member Manthey remarked that he has also heard stories about some types of
44 alternative energy and the amount of subsidies that can be involved to develop and he
1
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 4, 2018
APPROVED
45 wonders, if that weren't available to energy companies, the impact it could have on their
46 development plans. Ms. Lindahl said her knowledge is exclusive to the fact that Xcel is
47 required to have solar.
48
49 Mayor Reinert said he'd like to see the numbers; statistics about Minnesota solar
50 community gardens (energy produced year around, economics on how the money flows
51 and what kickbacks are involved). The council can educate and then decide if they want
52 to see the topic again.
53
54 A representative of applicant, Lino Lakes Solar LLC, explained that the Minnesota
55 Legislature has provided this program so that people can use solar even if they don't have
56 a home that facilitates it. These farms are developed by a third party but will be owned
57 by the subscribers. The energy is eventually purchased from the subscriber by Xcel at a
58 bonus to the subscriber. The "kick -back" is renewable energy credits that the energy
59 company is required to maintain. He explained the amount of energy generally produced
60 by the facilities over a period of twenty years after which time the farm is removed.
61 Some communities require a bond to ensure the funds will be there for demolition at the
62 end.
63
64 Council Member Rafferty asked the developer if there is a specific location in mind. The
65 representative pointed out on a map the area of Lake Amelia and Molitor Drive.
66
67 Mayor Reinert said he is requesting additional information. He added that one question
68 in his mind is locking up developable land.
69
70 Council Member Stoesz asked if individual solar panel units are allowed under city code.
71 Ms. Lindahl said that is allowed today. Ms. Lindahl added that she will work with the
72 applicant and get together as much additional information as possible.
73
74 Council Member Manthey added that he'd like more information on how communities
75 have reacted and have been impacted by this type of development. The developer
76 explained that he is heavily involved in this process as far as attending and participating
77 in government as they consider and plan for this type of activity and he has seen that
78 government restrictions and involvement are across the board; he would be happy to work
79 with Ms. Lindahl on best practices in that area.
80
81 Council Member Rafferty asked for locations of other facilities.
82 2. Comprehensive Plan Update —Community Development Director Grochala
83 reviewed his written report. He noted the April Open House and comments and
84 suggestions received. Input was generally positive. There were certain specific requests
85 (Noren and Lundgren family) that that will be individually evaluated. Mr. Grochala
86 added that the city has been officially granted an extension for submission to the
87 Metropolitan Council and he reviewed the proposed schedule going forward (as included
88 in the staff report). Staff will return at the July work session. The Mayor indicated that
2
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 4, 2018
APPROVED
89 he has requested additional information from staff and is awaiting that. Mayor Reinert
90 said he doesn't want to see the process rushed as it's too important.
91 3. Review 2011 Annual Audit, Redpath &Company, Ltd. -Finance Director
92 Cotton introduced Andy Hering of Redpath & Company to share the results of the 2017
93 City Audit.
94
95 Mr. Herring reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlining:
96
97 - City received Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (Mayor asked if any cities
98 that apply and pay $500 are ever turned down; Mr. Herring remarked that there could be a
99 situation of denial; Ms. Cotton added that part of the value of the process is that the City
100 gets coinments and can use that for the future;
l01 - Follow Up on 2016 Findings (internal controls and Minnesota Legal Compliance);
102 - Reports Issued by Auditor (internal control, legal compliance, letter to council);
103 - Opinion on Financial Statements — based on financial statements, audited in accordance
104 with accepted standards, given with reasonable assurance;
105 - Report on Internal Controls - the controls were found suitable;
106 - Report on Minnesota Legal Compliance;
107 - Communication to Those Charged with Governance.
108
109 The findings are as good as it gets for audit reporting.
110
111 Mr. Hering continued with his presentation:
112 - Pension liabilities; Mayor Reinert asked if there is a point where there is enough
113 information to show a level future; Public Safety Director Swenson explained that the
114 pension fund set up for the firefighters is administered by PERA but there is no state
115 money involved;
116 - Summary of Financial Activity — snapshot of 2017;
117 - General Fund Summary & 5 Year History;
118 - General Fund Monthly Cash Balance;
119 - Special Revenue Funds (special notice of the federal narcotics funds that arrived in
120 2017; Mayor Reinert asked that staff provide a list of how that money is being used);
121 - Debt Service Funds;
122 - Capital Funds;
123 - Enterprise Funds — Change in Net Position & Cash Flow.
124
125 Mr. Hering added that the audit process was with everything well prepared by staff.
126
127 Council Member Rafferty noted a past City contribution to the Beyond the Yellow
128 Ribbon group that was eventually found to be inappropriate use of public funds and he
129 wonders how that is best rectified; what plan would be appropriate to return that funding.
130 Mr. Herring didn't offer a plan but concurred that the funds should go back.
131
3
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 4, 2018
APPROVED
132 Council Member Stoesz asked about the real cost of running a city for one year? Ms.
133 Cotton said it's about context and those things that are unique to cities.
134
135 The4council will see the report for action at an upcoming council meeting.
136 4. Watermark Update - Community Development Director Grochala asked to give
137 an update on the project with some requests coming forward soon to the council. He
138 reviewed the written staff report which outlines current status and what's anticipated
139 going forward. Mayor Reinert asked for a rendering of current first phase plans.
140
141 On Monday night, the council will be asked to approve a grading and trunk improvement
142 agreement. Mayor Reinert asked how much that commits the city to the development
143 plan. Mr. Grochala explained that the city has approved a preliminary plat and the final
144 plat will be held against that; staff doesn't anticipate any changes except conditions
145 needed to receive approval.
146 5. City Website Redesign —Administrator Karlson noted that the council had
147 requested additional information on what a new website design would bring to the City.
148 He noted the example of three cities included in the staff report. Some benefits are
149 mobile friendly applications, enhanced image slider, more navigation friendly, and more
150 opportunity to put information on front page. The question is if the council wishes to
151 spend additional funds to upgrade the City website. The cost difference is about $2,500
152 annually for three years, and it could be paid through cable television funds. If the
153 council wishes to move forward, he will execute a contract with Gov Office on the
154 project.
155
156 Mayor Reinert suggested that he believes a majority of the council supports an update but
157 he recalls that Council Member Maher (who is absent tonight) asked for additional
158 information and that turned out to be very helpful. She will be contacted by staff on the
159 matter.
160
161 Council Member Stoesz noted his support for the improvements; Council Members
162 Manthey and Rafferty did as well. Council Member Stoesz added that he wants to see a
163 previously discussed URL change as well.
164 6. Council Direction on Park Board Opening —Administrator Karlson reviewed
165 the written report on a vacancy that has occurred on the Park Board.
166
167 The council would like to see the applications again; there were many good candidates
168 that were interviewed. Mayor Reinert asked that a ballot sheet be provided at the next
169 meeting for council decision.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 4, 2018
APPROVED
170 7. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council — No report.
171 8. Monthly Progress Report — Adininistrator Karlson reviewed the written report.
172
173 Mayor Reinert asked that Mr. Karlson email the final offer (on the matter that is going to
174 arbitration).
175
176 Review Regular Council Agenda of 2018 —
177
178 Item 6A, Grading and Trunk Utility Agreement (Watermark) — City Engineer Hankee
179 briefly reviewed the staff report. The council had discussed the requested action as part
180 of the Watermark Update (regular work session agenda)
181
182 Item 6B, Nature's Refuge: City Planner Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that
183 included information on:
184 - 62 residential subdivision application;
185 - Rezoning, PUD and preliminary plan under review;
186 - Location was described;
187 - Site conditions;
188 - Many high quality wetlands included in the area;
189 - Changes from the original site plan; concerns that brought those changes;
190 - Flexibility called for under PUD;
191 - Planning and Zoning Board review and action reviewed.
192
193 The council brought forward questions the changes requested in right/of/way, road width,
194 setbacks,
195
196 Mayor Reinert expressed concern that the plans are substandard as far as the city
197 requirements; a design change could address that. Community Director Grochala noted
198 other (conservation) developments in the City that have been treated similarly and the
199 benefits to being flexible.
200
201 Item 6C, Saddle Club, 4th Addition —City Planner Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint
202 presentation that included information on the proposal:
203 - Rezoning and PUD;
204 - Noted development of developer, Mr. Eibensteiner; Royal Oaks Reality is still in
205 place so staff is proceeding with consideration;
206 - 8 lot subdivision; last piece of the Foxborough Development;
207 - Density reviewed;
208 - Transportation connections and overall corridor;
209 - Concerns heard from residents that this will create a thoroughfare; staff attempted
210 to show why that shouldn't happen;
211
212
E
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 4, 2018
213
214 Item 61), Ordinance on Airpark Standards — Community Development Director Grochala
215 reviewed the proposed ordinance. Staff has worked through the zoning ordinance —
216 establishing driveway standards, moved hanger performance standards that were located
217 in another area of the code, adding in surfacing of driveway requirements, reducing
218 standard driveway setback, providing an exception to allow for shared driveways,
219 allowing driveways within utility easements, still must meet drainage requirements and
220 easements must be engineering approves, and impervious surface requirement change.
221 Public hearing was held at Planning and Zoning Board and this was approved by a
222 unanimous vote. People from both airparks came to the hearing and there was much
223 support. Staff is recommending approval.
224
225 The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
226
227
228
229
These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held o
n
June 25, 2018.
230
231
232
233 Ju i e Bartell, Cityklerk
234