05-01-26 - City Council Special Meeting Minutes

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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes Rick Gobell, 7840 Lois Lane, questioned if the trees and shelter building in the city park, within the easement, were going to be allowed to stand. The Environmental Coordinator stated that when GRE gets to that section of the project, the trees will likely be removed, and GRE would evaluate the structure at that time. He stated that the structure has been in that location since 1979 and GRE would have LiDAR information on the height. He noted that the original project that was completed for the structure is from 1979 and the project files would need to be reviewed for any further details on this matter. Kristi Jokela, 642 Lois Lane, Lino Lakes, stated that she was told by GRE that they want to increase the voltage of the transmission line and if they do they would look to buy her home and others. She stated that messaging has since changed. She would like to know from GRE what the future is regarding the possible need to purchase her home. She also questioned the impact of this on the value of her home if they do not buy it. Ms. Jokela stated that they were told by the tree contractor for GRE that two trees needed to be cut and her husband did that. Then GRE identified more trees and the fence for possible removal as a potential hazard. She stated that she had to share the tags for the dwarf lilacs within the easement with GRE, to keep them. She questioned how it was safe for her family if the transmission lines presented such a potential hazard if a tree causes them to arc. She questioned how her house was allowed to be built if the lines were that dangerous. Ms. Jokela stated that the stumps of the trees that were cut down were treated with an herbicide by the contractor for GRE. She reported that they did not receive advance notice that this was going to be applied and that they were told it would be safe (with caution that the dog should not chew on the bark) once dried in 15 minutes or so after application, however, it was not dry when they were outside that day. The Environmental Coordinator concurred that an herbicide would be safe once it was dry. That while he did not know the timing of the application, however, it could have been the tree weeping not that the herbicide was not yet dry. He noted that typically this type of herbicide is painted on as well to prevent any drift. Patty Miller 476 Lois Lane, Lino Lakes, stated that her home is one lot away from the transmission line easement. She noted that in the past GRE has used an herbicide spray that has drifted to her property. She said that she contacted GRE regarding why they were using herbicide when in the past they only cut the trees/shrubs to remove them from the easement. GRE has told her that the herbicide was safe, however, she still has environmental concerns with it's use. She said that GRE plans to remove all the greenery Page 6 of 8