02-24-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 3, 2014 DRAFT 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 1 MINUTES 2 3 DATE : February 3, 2014 4 TIME STARTED : 5:30 p.m. 5 TIME ENDED : 6:30 p.m. 6 MEMBERS PRESENT : Councilmember Stoesz , O’Donnell, 7 Rafferty (arrived at 6:25), Roeser and 8 Mayor Reinert 9 MEMBE RS ABSENT : None 10 11 12 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Environmental Coordinator 13 Marty Asleson; City Planner Katie Larsen; Public Services Director R ick DeGardner; 14 City Engineer Jason Wedel; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Community 15 Development Director Michael Grochala; City Clerk Julie Bartell 16 17 1. Civil Complex Island – Environmental Coordinator Asleson presented a conceptual 18 landscaping plan f or the island located directly in front of City Hall. He explained the 19 original concept of the island was an attempt to blend the new construction of the city 20 complex with the existing natural environment. The concept he is presenting now would 21 maintain a low impact design but provide more visual interest through use of some 22 perennial and some annual plants. There is an irrigation system in place as well as a trail 23 that would be opened up. The conceptual plan include s some eco -grass that could be 24 mowed or left to grow to about five or six inches (w ithin the city’s regulations) and 25 would set a good example for environmentally responsible landscaping. He expects that 26 the area garden club may be willing to help with the planning and planting of the island . 27 28 The mayor noted that the island has been a topic of public discussion and rightfully so 29 since it’s really the first thing people see when they come to city hall; he’s hearing that 30 it’s time to try something other than the natural grass concept. Mr. A sleson said that the 31 trees have grown on the island so they now provide the shade needed to balance growing 32 and make it more comfortable for relaxing on benches . He estimates the cost of the 33 la ndscaping change at approximately $5,500, not including additi onal irrigation. Council 34 Member Roeser said he likes the idea of a demonstration project (eco grass). Public 35 Services Director DeGardner noted that he isn’t certain that the conceptual plan presented 36 is necessarily what people are looking for; he belie ves the desire is for a more maintained 37 look . Mayor Reinert suggested that the new concept could be tried and then more 38 mowing or maintenance be included if that becomes necessary. Council Member Roeser 39 suggested that staff should look for grant funding if this is going to be a demonstration . 40 The mayor suggested that staff continue to develop the plans, update Council Member 41 Rafferty and get his thoughts, and report back at the next work session . 42 43 2. Met Council Thrive MSP 2040 Update – City Planner La rsen noted that the 44 Metropolitan Council is starting the process for their long -range plan for a regional vision 45