04-01-2024 Council Work Session Minutes

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LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE: April 1, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:00 PM TIME ENDED: 9:06 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Cavegn, Mayor Rafferty Staff members present: Finance Director Hannah Lynch; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Public Safety Deputy Director Kyle Leibel; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. 1. Anoka County Lake Drive Corridor Study Community Development Director Michael Grochala introduced Jack Forslund,Anoka County Planner, and Mike Nelson, Civil Engineer with Bolten & Menk,who discussed with Council the Lake Drive (CSAH 23) Corridor Study that was undertaken to identify a future design for Lake Drive between Main Street and Kettle River Boulevard in Columbus. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Forslund highlighted the timeline and noted that the actual project itself remains five-to-ten years out and that the project is still in the planning phase. The next steps in the process include determining the design final concept, holding an openhouse, then approval of the final concept. Council held discussion with Mr. Nelson and Mr. Forslund on the project. It was confirmed that a trail is part of the plan for the design, 2. Centerville Lake Alum Treatment Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson updated Council on the status of the pending aluminum sulfate treatment for Centerville Lake and related grant.The Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD) is seeking contributions not to exceed $35,000 from Lino Lakes to meet the grant requirements. A copy of the draft cost-sharing agreement was included in the packet for Council's review. Matt Kocian, RCWD Lake and Stream Manager, was present to answer questions from Council. Councilmember Ruhland raised concerns about the lack of financial contribution from the Centerville Lake Association, as noted by Councilmember Cavegn at the last work session where this was discussed, and the fact that there has not been a special taxing district established to cover future expenses for booster treatments. Mr. Kocian advised that the lake association will not be contributing to the local match funds. He also stated that RCWD Board did discuss a taxing district but due to board concerns about not having a known total for a booster treatment and not knowing when a booster mat be needed, the board decided against a special taxing district. Councilmembers Ruhland and Cavegn voiced concerns about the decision.