08-04-25 - City Council Work Session Agenda

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Item 10 - Land Use (Emma Dvorak, 651-602-1399) The land uses presented in Scenario 1 appear consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Scenario 2 proposes high and medium density housing, and commercial development around Main Street and Sunset Avenue, with low -density on the eastern side of the subject site. Any changes to land use, density, or intensity that deviates from the adopted comprehensive plan will require a comprehensive plan amendment process independent of the AUAR and will be subject to additional Council review. Item 12 - Water Resources, Surface Water (Maureen Hoffman, 651-602-8026) Chloride management best practices should be considered and implemented during the winter months to limit impacts to surrounding water bodies and wetlands. Item 12 - Water Resources, Water Supply (John Clark, 651-602-1452) The AUAR states that the city's current water appropriation is not sufficient to meet the additional demand required by either scenario 1 or 2, and that additional water supply will be needed. Before developing, the city should work with the Minnesota DNR (DNR) and surrounding communities to assess the potential impacts of additional pumping on source water aquifers, connected ecosystems, and surrounding wells and ensure water will be available to meet future demands associated with this and other developments. Potential wellfield expansion in Lino Lakes and by nearby communities could impact each other and nearby private wells. The current use of the Prairie du Chien and Jordan aquifers as the sole source of water may need to be evaluated. Increasing the efficiency of water use by commercial, institutional, and industrial users may help eliminate or delay the need for additional water supply infrastructure, and lower costs for the city utility and its rate payers. Estimated water demands for scenarios 1 and 2 are equivalent to about 36% of the city's current water demands and 23% of demand in 2040, per the Lino Lakes 2040 Comprehensive Plan. If new wellfields are developed in the area, the city should consider the compatibility of these and additional development scenarios with Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs) and Wellhead Protection Plan goals. Any wells that are identified and abandoned during development should be sealed according to Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) standards. Capturing and storing water to be used for residential or commercial irrigation (or other purposes) would lessen flood risks for both development scenarios, while offsetting the demand for outdoor water uses. Using treated source water for outdoor purposes is costly, inefficient, and generates additional stress on sources and surrounding ecosystems during the summer months. Lessening these stressors improves the sustainability of supply sources and water supply systems. Much of the proposed development for scenarios 1 and 2 is in areas mapped as flood prone. Drainage ditches, pipes, and culverts are currently used to drain and route water out of the area for sod farming, lessening infiltration and altering near surface hydrology. However, as development proceeds, any new infrastructure including roads, homes, business, and utilities will contend with flood risk. The removal of drain tiles, ditches, etc. creates an opportunity for the city to restore wetland function in the area, thereby increasing infiltration and potential aquifer recharge and improving ground and surface water quality, with the added benefit of additional habitat and green space. The reduction of flood risk through nature -based water management can help to improve the longevity of developed infrastructure, with added climate adaptation and mitigation benefits. The Anoka Co. Geologic Atlas reference on page 31 section 11 is out of date. An update to the Anoka Co. Atlas part A was completed in 2013, with part B following in 2016. The AUAR should be updated to reflect and consider modern mapped geologic and hydrogeologic conditions. The AUAR should also consider water table information included in the geologic atlas's and estimated by the DNR in 2014. Soils in this area are either hydric or formerly hydric (drained hydric). These areas were wetlands prior to drainage and development for commercial agricultural purposes. New developments would contend with high water tables seasonally and during periods of increased precipitation. Item 18 - Greenhouse Gas (GHG) (Shawn James, 651-602-1233) The anticipated greenhouse gas emissions are reasonable and the proposed mitigation measures are appropriate. An additional mitigation measure to consider is the orientation of new homes and overhang Page - 2 1 June 26, 2025 1 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL Page 562 of 617