06-09-25 - Council Meeting Agenda

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Page 1 of 9 LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: May 27, 2025 TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM TIME ENDED: 8:15 PM LOCATION: City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty, Councilmembers Cavegn, Lyden, and Stoesz MEMBERS EXCUSED ABSENT: Councilmember Ruhland Staff Members Present: Interim City Administrator Dave Pecchia, City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Interim Finance Director Kelly Horn, Community Development Director Michael Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, City Engineer Diane Hankee, Environmental Specialist Tom Hoffman, Chief of Police Curt Boehme, and Fire Chief Dan L’Allier. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Rafferty provided an overview of the Rules of Decorum. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Rafferty opened the public comment period at 6:33 p.m. The City Clerk stated that Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, Lino Lakes submitted a letter for public comment. This was in follow up to her May 12, 2025 letter regarding the Natures Refuge North proposed development. Ms. Decker stated that she strongly opposed the re-zoning from R-X to PUD and the grading approval that would pave the way for irreversible environmental and community damage, without compromise, credibility or honest public engagement. Ms. Decker referenced another letter submitted at the May 12th meeting by 18 nearby residents in opposition to the project, noting that according to ICMA data that represents up to 1,800 silent opponents. She reviewed the wildlife and natural resources within the project area. She stated that the narrative that the development will be for those 55+, which would have a lower impact on traffic, is false as there are not any legal restrictions to require buyers to be 55+. She stated that there is still time to pivot to a better plan – one that doesn’t make Natures Refuge North stick out like a sore thumb. A development that reflects its surroundings, not steamrolls them. She stated that she had previously proposed this project include one-acre minimum lots, similar to the neighborhoods on all sides. Alternatively, if the City is unwilling to amend the lot sizes, then proceeding with Phase 1 only and abandoning Phase 2 would bring the overall density closer to being in line with what residents have called for and would also abandon the connection to Andall Street, resolving yet even more concerns. This would be a meaningful compromise that could address many of the concerns raised by residents in Arena Acres, Nature’s Refuge, and Pine Street alike. She concluded her letter by stated if resources truly aren’t a concern for this development, then why is the city enforcing a water restriction starting May 15th. Page 13 of 353