Laserfiche WebLink
LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL <br /> WORK SESSION <br /> MINUTES <br /> DATE: November 6, 2023 <br /> TIME STARTED: 6:00 PM <br /> TIME ENDED: 8:25 PM <br /> MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Cavegn, Mayor <br /> Rafferty <br /> Staff members present: city Administrator Sarah Cotton; Human Resources and Communications <br /> Manager Meg Sawyer; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Community Development Director <br /> Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen. <br /> 1. Kavan Christmas Tree Farm (1415 Ash Street) CUP for Agritourism <br /> City Planner Katie Larsen presented a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for <br /> Agritourism to operate a Christmas Tree Farm at 1415 Ash Street. The full application will be <br /> presented for full Council consideration at the next regular meeting. Present with Planner <br /> Larsen was the applicant, Steve Kavan. <br /> Planner Larsen reviewed the application,the relevant Zoning Ordinances, and confirmed that <br /> the Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the application on October 11, 2023 at which time <br /> a public hearing was held. During the public hearing, a resident from 1443 Ash Street spoke <br /> and provided general support for the project but stated some concerns for traffic impacts, <br /> signage, and property taxes. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended <br /> approval of the CUP with recommended changes as provided in Planner Larsen's staff report. <br /> Council held discussion on the application, including signage and traffic flow. Councilmember <br /> Stoesz inquired of potential adjustments to time and date. Planner Larsen advised if time <br /> adjustments are needed in the future, the proposed resolution for this CUP authorizes staff <br /> to make those changes at an administrative level rather than brining back the full CUP for <br /> formal amendment by Council. <br /> Councilmember Cavegn inquired about DNR regulations related to pre-cut Christmas trees <br /> which the applicant proposes to sell on site in addition to cut-your-own trees. Mr. Kavan <br /> responded to inform Council that precut trees are indeed regulated by the DNR to prevent <br /> the spread of any invasive pests; he envisions all trees brought in from areas in Minnesota <br /> and Wisconsin but if trees are brought in from other states such as North Carolina, the DNR <br /> will conduct testing and will destroy any trees with pests. <br /> Councilmember Lyden expressed excitement for the project and encouraged the applicant to <br /> think big in regard to other uses including an event venue. <br />