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04/07/2004 Council Packet
WORK SESSION AGENDA CITY OF LINO LAKES Wednesday April 7, 2004 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Community Room (not televised) 5:30 P.M. 1. Community Celebration 2. Street Light Requests 3. Holly Drive Trail Location 4. Lake Drive/I35W Interchange Study 5. Peltier Lake "No Wake Zone" 6. Pavement Management Plan — Street reconstruction 7. Hom Furniture Project 8. Community Builder's Collaborative I35E Master Planning 9. Sewer Service Request - Green Value Nursery Regular Agenda Items Adjourn • PAGE 1 • Community Festival Memo Ann Blair April 7, 2004 Page 1 MEMORANDUM DATE: April 7, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: Ann Blair, City Clerk RE: Proposal from civic group for first annual "Blue Heron Days" Weekend of August 21, 2004 A group of Lino Lakes business persons organized by Chad Wagner of Miller's on Main and Jason Anderson of First Bank have been meeting regularly since January with the goal of initiating an annual community festival in the City of Lino Lakes. Their plans would include a weekend -long event held in late summer, which they have tentatively named "Blue Heron Days." For this year, the weekend they are proposing is August 21, 2004. The festival committee has identified a number of activities which they would like to incorporate including a parade, a 5K race, a pageant, a classic car show, and several related activities. They have been working on securing community support for and sponsorship of the idea. The group is seeking Council direction and eventually, approval, of the permits necessary to conduct the festival activities. The committee is certainly open to, but not specifically requesting, City participation in or financial sponsorship of this event. Therefore, the proposed festival is not intended to be a City- sanctioned activity, nor use the "City of Lino Lakes" name or logo in any advertising. During a previous Council work session discussion regarding a related item, an application for a street dance at Miller's on Main that same weekend, this matter was briefly referenced. At that time, the Council requested a proposed timeline / outline for festival activities. Members of the committee requested an opportunity to address the Council at this evening's work session to respond to that request. From Staff s perspective, the festival concept presents both opportunities and challenges, as there is no similar event in existence in the city. After reviewing information from other cities as to how they address community festivals, Staff recommends that the request be implemented by applications for three specific permits: 1) a parade permit, 2) a 5K race permit, and 3) a community festival permit, which would encompass events such as the car show. Separate approval would be required from Anoka County for any activities that impact County roadways (i.e., the parade, potentially) and food booths, depending on their location. Receiving the requisite County approvals would be a condition of the City's permit process. • • Community Festival Memo Ann Blair April 7, 2004 Page 2 Staff would recommend that the process for this year be structured as follows: I. Applicant requests permit applications A. Parade, Race and Festival B. Receipt of any fees necessary II. Staff receives completed applications A. Review for completeness B. Distribute to affected departments for preliminary review III. Staff prepares reports / conditions of approval A. Compiles comments from affected departments B. Preliminary approval from affected departments IV. Council considers and acts on applications V. If approved, Staff meets with applicant prior to events to review checklist of conditions / receive any necessary County approvals A. Within two months before event B. Additional meetings if needed, report back to Council VI. Within 48 hours before event, head of affected City departments (i.e, Public Safety, Fire, Public Works) sign off on completed checklist of conditions A. Applicant is responsible for completeness B. City retains authority to require cancellation for noncompliance VII. Event takes place A. Ongoing communication with Staff as necessary B. Last - minute problem resolution VIII. Following event, Staff meets with applicants to review event and discuss possible problems, solutions, suggestions, changes A. Mechanism for addressing complaints B. Possible changes to checklist of conditions for future events • • • Community Festival Memo Ann Blair April 7, 2004 Page 3 For this year, the timeline for an approval process would be: April, 2004 — Application process May, 10, 2004 — Applications brought to Council for action June, 2004 — Preliminary checklist meeting with Staff July, 2004 — Follow -up on checklist, report back to Council, receipt of necessary approvals from Anoka County August 18 -19, 2004 — Staff sign off on final checklist August 20 -21, 2004 weekend — Event takes place Week of August 23, 2004 — Follow -up meeting If the festival becomes an annual activity, Staff recommends that the timeline be adjusted so that the approval process begins in January of each year, with Council consideration in February of each year. This gives the applicant more time to line up activities and entertainment, with a specific weekend in mind, and would allow the event the best opportunity for orderly expansion. In many communities with well- established festivals, application is made by an organization (rather than individuals) which meets year- round, and Staff would see this as an appropriate future step in a successful long -term community festival. Lino Lakes Public Services Department 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 (651) 982 -2440 Fax (651) 982 -2439 DATE: April 5, 2004 TO: FROM: Rick De Gardner, Public Services Director SUBJECT: STREET LIGHTS INFORMATION Mayor Bergeson and Council Members BACKGROUND Until 2001, the city had budgeted dollars in the street lighting line item budget to provide funding for the installation of 1 -2 streetlights each year. With the need to reduce the city's budget expenditures, the provision for budgeting for new streetlights has been eliminated since 2002. Consequently, there are not any 2004 general fund dollars available for new streetlights. STREET LIGHT REQUESTS • County Road 14 and Senior Center Parking Lot (2004 estimated cost - $1,400) • Holly Drive and County Road J (2000 estimated cost - $2,800) • Holly Drive and Holly Court (2000 estimated cost - $3,200) • 79th Street and Marilyn Drive (unknown) • Aqua Circle, middle of street (unknown) Installation costs for streetlights are expected to increase 30% - 40% through this Fall. Monthly maintenance and utility costs for streetlights that are installed next year are expected to increase from $6.00 per month to $15.00 per month. Obviously any additional streetlights require the monthly maintenance and utility costs which are budgeted in the Streets Department. 4/5/2004 J:\Ricks Folder\Public Works \Street Light requests to council.doc Memorandum DATE: April 5, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: James E. Studenski, City Engineer RE: Holly Drive Reconstruction A neighborhood meeting was held on March 23rd to discuss the project and receive feed back from the residents regarding the improvements. A concern was raised by several residents regarding the tree Toss and the buffer loss that will occur by installing the trial along the east side of Holly Drive between Cripple Creek Pass and South Trappers Crossing. The property owners suggested that the trail system should instead be run through the Trappers Crossing 2nd and 3rd Addition current street system. Following the meeting, staff has received concerns from other residents that don't want the trail to be eliminated and sending the traffic through the subdivision. Staff's review of eliminating this portion of the trail system still has generally the same impacts to the trees that currently exist in the right -of -way due to the grading necessary for the road construction and drainage issues. We have been able to adjust the street and trail design to almost completely eliminate any grading activity outside of the right -of -way. These changes will allow for preservation of some existing trees previously identified for removal. Marty Asleson, City Environmentalist, has reviewed the area and found most of the trees affected by the improvements to be of minimal value. Rick DeGardner, Parks and Recreation, supports following the City's Park and Trail System Plan which shows the trail following Holly Drive. Rick doesn't support using the subdivision streets as the route for the trail system. Public service has also proposed additional landscaping (tree replacement) along the trail corridor. It is staff's recommendation to leave the trail system along Holly Drive and to continue to try and minimize the tree Toss from the improvements. • • • • MEMORANDUM DATE: April 5, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: Michael Grochala RE: Lake Drive /I -35W Interchange Study April 7, 2004 City Council Work Session As part of the Legacy at Woods Edge development review process, a traffic study prepared by Short, Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc., identified the necessary improvements to Lake Drive that would be required to facilitate development. These improvements included the following: 1. Signalization of Town Center Parkway/Lake Drive intersection and both ramps to I -35W. 2. Realignment of the northbound I -35W ramp. 3. Construction of two southbound left turn lanes between the I -35W bridge and Town Center Parkway. 4. Construction of a southbound left turn lane at the northbound I -35W ramp. 5. Construction of northbound right and left turn lanes at the Town Center Parkway/Lake Drive intersection. While the feasibility study for the proposed improvements, both internal and external to the Legacy site, is just commencing, the very preliminary cost estimate for the Lake Drive improvements is approximately $2.4 million. It is anticipated that these improvements would be, for the most part temporary, until the reconstruction of the I- 35W interchange. Because of the estimated cost of the Lake Drive improvements and the recognized need for improving the I -35W interchange, staff is evaluating options to: 1) facilitate improvement of the interchange in conjunction with the Legacy project; 2) minimize the extent of reconstruction if the interchange is constructed at a later date; and 3) provide a planning base to pursue county, state and/or federal funding for interchange improvements. J:\mgrochala\Projects\ Village \Correspondence \4 -07 -04 Interchange Study Council Memo.dot • • • Staff has requested a proposal from SEH, Inc., to determine the needed lane configurations and geometry for the Lake Drive/I -35W interchange between Town Center Parkway and Apollo Drive. The proposal includes identifying width requirements and construction staging concepts for the bridge as well as investigating options to widen the existing bridge versus all new construction. Cost estimates would also be provided for the proposed improvements. SEH is proposing to perform these services at a cost not to exceed $22,500. Generally, the improvement of the interchange in its entirety would serve the broader public good and stimulate economic development efforts in the Town Center area both north and south of I -35W. Due to the limited availability of county, state and federal dollars for transportation improvements, and that the Lake Drive/I -35W interchange, has not scored well, historically, in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process, it is extremely important to try and maximize opportunities when possible. Given that Lake Drive improvements are necessary to facilitate the Legacy at Woods Edge and YMCA projects, it is staffs opinion that any possibilities to incorporate the improvements into a more comprehensive plan should be explored. Therefore staff is requesting City Council direction to pursue the study and to approach Anoka County regarding cost sharing. It is our intent to bring the proposal to the City Council for authorization at the April 26, 2004 City Council meeting. J:\mgrochala\Projects \Village \Correspondence \4 -07 -04 Interchange Study Council Memo.dot 04/05/2004 14:07 FAX 6514902150 SEH ST.PAUL IZ002 • SEH • • April 5, 2004 Mr. Mike Crrochala, AICP Community Development Director City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 -1182 Dear Mr. Grochala: RE: Lino Lakes, Minnesota CSAH 23 and I -35W Interchange SEH No. P- LINOL0404.00 10.00 This letter proposal forms the basis of an Agreement between the City of Lino Lakes and SEH for completion of a study to determine needed improvements to Lake Drive (CSAH 23) at I -35W in Lino Lakes. Background The City of Lino Lakes is completing plans to construct the Legacy at Woods Edge development adjacent to the existing Town Center. The site for this development is located in the southwest quadrant of the intersection of I -35W and CSAH 23 in Anoka County. Improvements to CSAH 23 and the I -35W exit and entrance ramps are needed to safely and effectively handle the expected increase in traffic. The anticipated limits for the improvements to CSAH 23 are from approximately 600 feet south of Town Center Parkway to Apollo Drive. Improvements are also anticipated for the northbound I -35W exit and entrance ramps. Scope of Services A detailed Scope of Services is attached to this proposal as Exhibit A. The Scope of Services identified is to determine needed lane configurations and geometry for CSAH 23 and the I -35W ramps to accommodate anticipated traffic growth within the project limits identified above. Impacts to the existing bridge over I -35W will be evaluated to determine width requirements and construction staging concepts. Bridge concepts investigated will include renovation by widening versus an all new structure. Our proposed Scope of Services is summarized below. 1. Determine the number of through lanes and the number and length of turn lanes needed on CSAI-1 23 between Town Center Parkway and Apollo Drive. 2. Determine what improvements are needed on the northbound I -35W exit and entrance ramps, including realignment of the entrance ramp to northbound I -35W. 3. Based on outcome of item one above, determine the typical bridge section required to accommodate the needed lanes across the bridge. Assess whether bridge improvements need to be made by widening or re-construction. Coordinate with Lino Lakes and Anoka County regarding sidewalks and/or trails across the bridge. 4. Recommend concepts for the staged construction of the proposed bridge section to allow for construction under traffic. 5. Develop preliminary construction cost estimates for the proposed improvements. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., 3535Vadnais Center Drive, St, Paul, MN 55110 -5196 SEH is an oqual opportunity employer www.sehinc.com 1 651.490.2000 1 800.325.2055 1 651,490.2150 fax 04/05/2004 14:07 FAX 6514902150 SEH ST.PAUL 003 Mr. Mike Grochala, AICP April 2, 2004 Page 2 6. Conduct a topographic survey of existing bridge and freeway under the bridge to assist with developing a preliminary bridge profile. Deliverables: Preliminary geometric layout showing proposed improvements; Typical sections for CSAH 23, I -35W exit and entrance ramps, and the bridge; Staged bridge construction concepts; Preliminary construction cost estimate. Schedule Tasks defined in the Scope of Work will be completed within sixty days of notice to proceed. Compensation Compensation for the tasks identified in the Scope of Services will be made on an hourly basis plus the cost of reimbursable expenses. Total compensation will not exceed $22,500 without prior authorization from the City Council. Agreement If this document satisfactorily sets forth your understanding of our agreement, please sign both copies in the space provided and return one copy to us. The signed agreement will serve as the accepted agreement and authorization to proceed. We look forward to working with the City of Lino Lakes on this project. Please feel free to call me at 651.765.2953 or Bob Moberg at 651.490.2147 if you have any questions. Sincerely, SHORT RI .IOTT HENDRICKSON INC. at/ Mark R. Dierling, PE Robert L. Moberg, PE Project Manager/Principal Principal/Director, Highway Design Services Attachment t: - pluilusenhrslierlinglp ,oposn4Uium 6100 1040204 grodwlaJoc Accepted this day of City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota By: Title: • . 2004 Memorandum Date: April 7, 2004 To: Lino Lakes City Council From: Marty Asleson Re: Ordinance No. 03 -02, An Ordinance Regulating The Surface Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake, Request to Remove Sunset Clause from Section 8 of Ordinance 03 -02. Ordinance 03 -02 (Attachment 1), Adopting Surface Water Zoning Requirements For Peltier Lake, contains a "Sunset Clause" in section 8 of the ordinance. Section 8 states the ordinance shall be repealed automatically on September 1, 2004. Since the implementation of the No -Wake Zone, it has been found that there has been a positive effect on the nesting habits of the Great blue herons on Peltier Lake (Attachments 2,3). Included with this memo is a letter from County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah (Attachment 4), an interest story in a recent Minnesota Volunteer Magazine, and information from the Peltier Lake Association President Mr. Wayne LeBlanc (Attachment 6). The purpose of this report is to inform the Council that it is the desire of staff and the Heron Task Force to Amend Ordinance 03 -02, Section 8 to exclude the Sunset Clause. The following schedule would be followed to achieve this amendment: May 10th, Council meeting, 6:30 PM 1st reading of the Ordinance May 24, 2nd Reading of the ordinance 30 day waiting period, ordinance is enforced. Attachments: The following attachments are included with this memo: 1. Ordinance 03 -02, An Ordinance Regulating The Surface Use Of Motorized Watercraft On Peltier Lake. 2. Peltier Island Heron Rookery, Summery Report, Spring /Summer 2003, Joan Galli, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and The Heron Task Force. 3. Letter, March 2, 2004 From Jeff Perry of Anoka County and Joan Galli of the Minnesota Department of Natural resources, Request For permanent Status 4. County of Anoka, Office of the County Board of Commissioners, Rhonda Sivarajah, County Commissioner District #6, Memo to Mayor John Bergeson regarding Ordinance No. 03- 02- Regulating The Surface Water Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake. 5. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, March-April 2004 pp. 48 -55, "Rookery Blues ". 6. Wayne LeBlanc, President of the Peltier Lake Association, Information Packet To: The City of Lino Lakes. • e • • Motion by Councilmember Reinert for Adoption of Ordinance No. 03 -02: STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF ANOKA CITY OF LINO LAKES ORDINANCE NO. 03 -02 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE SURFACE USE OF MOTORIZED WATERCRAFT ON PELTIER LAKE THE CITY COUNCIL OF LINO LAKES ORDAINS: Section 1: PURPOSE, INTENT AND APPLICATION: As authorized by Minnesota Statutes 86B.201.86B205, and 459.20, AND Minnesota Rules 6110.3000- 6110.3800 as now in effect and as hereafter amended, this Ordinance is enacted for the purpose and with the intent to control and regulate the use of the water of Peltier Lake in Anoka County Minnesota, said body of water being located within the boundaries of the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Centerville, to promote its fullest use and enjoyment by the public in general; to insure safety for persons and property in connection with the use of said waters, to minimize adverse impact on natural resources, to harmonize and integrate the varying uses of said waters, and to promote the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Lino Lakes, Minnesota. Section 2: DEFINITIONS: Terms used in this ordinance related to boating are defined in M.S.86B.005. Section 3: SURFACE ZONING OF PELTIER LAKE BY RESTRICTING SPEEDS AND AREAS OF ACTIVITY: A slow no -wake speed 24 hours per day all year over all that part of Peltier Lake lying northerly and northwesterly of the following described line (which line extends East and West from, and including, the south end of the large island): Commencing at the southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 31, Range 22, Anoka County, Minnesota; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 46 seconds East along the south line of said Southeast Quarter 2106.64 feet to a witness corner on the south line of Government Lot 1, Section 10, Township 31, Range 22; thence North 00 degrees 05 minutes 30 seconds West 150.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 30 seconds East 100.00 feet, more or less, to a point on the westerly shoreline of said Peltier Lake, said point being the point of beginning of the line to be described; thence continuing North 89 degrees 54 minutes 30 seconds East to the easterly shoreline of said Peltier Lake, and said line there teiiuinating. Section 4: ENFORCEMENT: The Primary responsibility for enforcement of this ordinance shall rest with the Anoka County Sheriffs Department and the Lino Lakes Police Department. This, however, shall not preclude enforcement by other licensed peace officers. Section 5: EXCEPTIONS: All authorized Resource Management, Emergency and Enforcement Personnel, while acting in the performance of their assigned duties, are exempt from the foregoing restrictions. Section 6: NOTIFICATION: It shall be the responsibility of the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department to provide for adequate notification of the public, which shall include placement of a sign at each public watercraft access outlining essential elements of the ordinance, as well as the placement of necessary buoys and signs. Section 7: PENALTIES: Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as defined by state law. Section 8: EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage and publication as provided in the Lino Lakes City Charter. It shall be repealed automatically on September 1, 2004. Councilmember O'Donnell duly seconded the motion for Adoption of the Ordinance. Motion by Mayor Bergeson, seconded by Councilmember Reinert, to amend the Ordinance to provide that Section 3 of the Ordinance call for a straight line, rather than an angled line for the no -wake zone. Upon roll call vote, this amendment passed unanimously, and the amendment has been incorporated herein. Vote on the motion to pass the amended Ordinance: The following members voted aye: Reinert, Bergeson, Carlson and O'Donnell. The following members voted nay: None. (Councilmember Dahl was absent). Whereupon the Ordinance was declared approved. • Passed by the Lino Lakes City Council this 25th day of March, 2002. John J. Bergeson, Mayor Ann Blair, City Clerk • • • Peltier Island Heron Rookery Summary Report Spring /Summer 2003 In summary: • During 2003, the Task Force met four times to plan activities and update members as the season progressed • Eagle Brook Church, with the assistance of the Rice Creek Watershed District is considering the establishment of a conservation easement for 167 acres of the property on the east shore of Peltier Lake. The easement area would include the "stick field " where the herons collect nesting material. • We conclude from all observations that at least some of the 300 + pairs of Great Blue Herons and a few of the 12 Great Egret pairs successfully nested at the Peltier Island colony this year. • Preliminary information from the 2003 season indicates noticeable improvements in water quality and nest success with the no -wake zone in place. Task Force Activities During 2003, the Task Force met four times to plan activities and update members as the season progressed. In August, Barbara Bauman joined the Task Force as a representative from Eagle Brook Church. Eagle Brook Church, with the assistance of the Rice Creek Watershed District is considering the establishment of a conservation easement for 16.7 acres of the property on the east shore of Peltier Lake. The easement area would include the "stick field " where the herons collect nesting material. The church will also work with the Task Force to develop a natural resource management for the easement area. The city of Lino Lakes hosted a meeting on March 29th for citizen volunteers who were advised how to monitor heron activity and where to report violations of the no -wake zone or disturbance to the heronry. In addition, the city sponsored a student intern from the University of Minnesota under the Community Assistance Program. Keely Dinse assisted us through the summer in the field with monitoring and spent considerable time compiling a compendium of information on the history of the colony, management actions, Task Force minutes, and related scientific literature. This compendium is available for review at Lino Lakes city hall — contact Marty Asleson. Recently, personnel from the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Program submitted a research grant proposal to the DNR in partnership with Anoka County Parks and the City of Lino Lakes. The proposal, entitled " Monitoring, Research and Management to Assess the Status of an Urban Population of Select Colonial Waterbirds and to Restore l e a Multi- • • • Species Breeding Colony" would cost $74,620.00 with a request for $44,080.00 in grant monies. Should the grant be funded, Peltier heronry is one of five sites on which work would be focused. Final decision on this request in pending and competition for the funds is great. Fieldwork in 2003 included a mid - winter nest survey conducted with 8 observers on Feb 27, 2003. This survey, conducted after the breeding season, reflects the nesting activity of the summer 2002. The survey team counted 284 intact nests and 23 partial nests. This count was in line with estimates from aerial surveys of a maximum number of 300 -400 adult Great Blue Herons in the colony during the 2002 breeding season. While an estimated 50 Great Egrets were noted in the colony on the 4/9/02 aerial survey, only 4 or 5 pairs remained to nest at this site in 2002, as noted in last year's report. This past spring and summer 2003, was an active period with many individuals keeping watch over this colony. The first reports of Great Blue Herons returning to Peltier Lake were submitted by Wayne LeBlanc on 3/15/03, Glenn Fuchs from Anoka Co. Parks reported to Art Hawkins that he had seen about 30 birds at nests on Sunday 3/23. Keely Dinse saw at least 20 Great Blue Herons on the island on March 24th and Rebecca Pecchia reported an estimated 60 to 70 Great Blue Herons over the island on March 30th Clearly, the herons had returned to the nest site during the last weeks of March. The first reported Great Egret was noted in the Twin Cities area at Diamond Lake in Minneapolis on March 20, 2003. Ron Marier reported seeing his first Great Egret over Peltier Lake the morning of April 6th. On April 13th, Wayne LeBlanc noted two Great Egrets landing on the island. A crew from Anoka County Parks again provided nest material for the herons at the stick field. Art Hawkins began monitoring the "stick field " on April 15th. A large number of Great Blue Herons were observed gathering nesting material through the remainder of the month. Mr. Hawkins monitored this site through June 19th. He noted that the birds' behavior changed about May 7th when he observed as many birds leaving the colony (presumably to gather food) and not going to the stick field as were visiting the stick field. Glenn Fuchs also monitored the birds coming and going when they traveled west from the island into the Park for nesting material or other activities. Mr. Hawkins also noted, for the second year, an absence of the plunge diving feeding behavior that he had first observed as a prevalent foraging strategy in the late 1990s. DNR biologist Steve Kittelson conducted the first aerial survey of the Peltier Island colony on April 29th. He estimated 300 -350 active Great Blue Heron nests and also observed 3 active Great Egret nests. Subsequent aerial assessments occurred on May 13, June 3, and July 1st. In all cases, things appeared to be proceeding normally Mr. Kittelson reported 12 active Great Egret nests observed on the June 3rd aerial survey for the maximum number of pairs of this species believed to have occurred in the colony this year. • • • We added a new aspect to the colony monitoring this season by employing a tree climber to assess nesting activity from tree top level. The climber and field team first visited the colony on May 29, 2003. The climber went to the top of five trees and was able to directly observe a total of 55 nests, including three Great Egret nests. He noted birds active in 32 of the 55 nests he observed, for an occupancy rate of 58 %. Two of the three egret nests contained eggs, the third had an adult in incubating posture. Many of the heron nests had chicks that were noticeably different in size from nest to nest indicating a range of ages. Colony monitoring indicated much activity by the birds during the month of June. This is in stark contrast to 2002 when then site had been abandoned by June 4, 2002. Glenn Fuchs reported, " On Sunday 29 June and again on Wednesday 2 July, Art H. and I conducted simultaneous observations of the activity on the island concentrating on flights to and from the island. On both days were observed flights averaging about one flight per minute over the course of a one hour time period." On June 20th, 2003, Steve Kittelson conducted a field visit to 15 trees and made observations of bird activity from below the trees. In these trees he observed 40 nests, 20 of which were occupied by Great Blue Herons with 33 live young and 4 dead young. He also observed three active Great Egret nests with 5 young. The remaining 16 nests were seemingly empty, although some occurred in trees below which there were eggshells or whitewash indicating hatching or the presence of young earlier in the season. The question then becomes, were young hiding in the nests and unobservable or had they already fledged (grown sufficiently to have flow away) or walked away from these nests as he approached? We do not know the answers, but June 20th seems just too early for successful fledging. Also, on June 20th, the resident pair of eagles was present over the colony and Steve noted one eagle young in the nest during his visit. None of the observers who watched the colony during the season ever reported any negative interactions between the eagles and herons or egrets. An aerial survey on July 1st indicated 100 —150 active heron nests and 3 -5 broods of Great Egrets present on the island. Empty nests were also noticeable from the air. The field team, including the climber, also visited portions the colony on July 3rd and the 10th. The field visit on the 3rd revealed that some portions of the colony were no longer active and nests were empty of young or adults. However, 20 young herons at the stage of short flights or "branching " were observed in one area east of the eagle nest. On July 10th, the climber and crew returned to the colony and checked nests that could be seen by the climber from the top of 4 trees. All 37 nests that the climber could see into from his tree top position were empty of live birds except one with one young Great Blue Heron. Eleven of the nests had at least one visible carcass. The field crew noted the presence of 18 herons flying, both adults and young of the year. It appeared as if most adults and young had left the colony. There would have been sufficient time for young • herons to have successfully fledged by this date. • • We conclude from all these observations that at least some of the 300 + pairs of Great Blue Herons and a few of the 12 Great Egret pairs successfully nested at the Peltier Island colony this year. Please recall that at its maximum size in 1996, however, that this colony was home to an estimated 1100 pairs of three nesting species including an estimated 250 pairs of Great Egrets and at least 12 pairs of Black- crowned Night Herons. The No -Wake Zone Human disturbance — boats and aircraft Wayne LeBlanc reported all ice was off the lake by April 12th and that the buoys were in the water demarcating the no -wake zone. This year, the no -wake line was set in place well before the Memorial Day influx of boaters to the lake. The information sign at the boat launch and the no trespass signs on the island were in place in a timely manner as well. A lakeshore resident reported people on the island on May 17t. For the most part, however, boaters seemed to respect the no -wake speed limits and the no trespassing restrictions on the island. Compliance with the no -wake zone was apparently good and no observations of speeding boats scaring herons were reported. Helicopters were twice noted over the lake by observers. Seaplanes seemed to be complying with the request not to use Peltier Lake and apparently have relocated their training activities to Big Marine Lake in Washington Co. The DNR received a report in early July of increased seaplane use of Big Marine Lake with the consequent death of loons which were reportedly being "runover" by the planes. This report of loon mortality is unconfirmed. In September, we had a request from DNR Forestry to use the lake for firefighting planes to scoop water if needed. Because the birds had finished nesting by this date, we concluded that such plane activity would not be a problem in late summer or fall. Water Quality and Aquatic Vegetation The water depth north, west and east of the island is shallow, being roughly 1 meter (3 feet) deep. Consequently, the submergant aquatic plants in this area are extremely vulnerable to disturbance from high speed boat traffic. This disturbance has been documented on aerial and other photos from previous years showing a roughly 2,000 foot by 200 foot area of reduced native aquatic vegetation north of the island where the slalom water -ski course was previously located. Observations in the summer of 2003 show native plants beginning to return to that area. We believe that the no -wake zone restricting boat speeds has been crucial to the recovery of these aquatic plants. • • • The sediments in this shallow area of the lake are very fine mud. Pulling a water quality device called a secchi disk from the bottom in this area of the lake results in a large cloud of black sediment rising to the surface. High -speed boats in this shallow water suspends those sediments causing nutrients to enter the water column (These nutrients would normally stay in the sediments). Water quality is diminished when nutrients and sediments spread throughout the water column. Water clarity (visibility) in Peltier Lake in 2000 through 2002 was noticeable poor. Task Force members noted that visibility in the lake was better in 2003 then in the three previous seasons. It was noted in the November Task Force meeting that a preliminary review of the water quality data on file for this lake indicated a marked increase in phosphorus levels in Peltier Lake first recorded in July 1998. The effect of the no -wake zone in reducing boat speed and the consequent impacts to water quality and aquatic vegetation seem positive as evidenced by the improving ecology of the lake and the behavior of the herons and egrets. Preliminary information from the 2003 season indicates noticeable improvements in water quality with the no- wake zone in place. Further monitoring and assessment will continue in 2004 and beyond. Prepared by Joan Galli, MN DNR and Task Force members 11/03 • • • March 2, 2004 The Honorable John J. Bergeson and City Council Mayor of Lino Lakes and City Council 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Re: Ordinance No. 03 -02 Regulating The Surface Use of Motorized Watercraft On Peltier Lake: A Request for Permanent Status Dear Mayor Bergeson and Members of the City Council, On March 25, 2002, the Lino Lakes City Council voted unanimously in support of Ordinance No. 03 -02 Regulating The Surface Use of Motorized Watercraft On Peltier Lake. This ordinance has been very effective in helping to protect and improve the unique natural resources on the north half of Peltier Lake, particularly the Peltier Island Heron Rookery. Unfortunately, this ordinance is scheduled to expire on September 1, 2004, unless further action is taken by the City Council to make the ordinance permanent. On behalf of the Peltier Lake Heron Task Force and based on the proven efficacy of the "Slow /No Wake Zone" ordinance, we are respectfully requesting that the Lino Lakes City Council amend the ordinance and remove the last sentence in Section 8 of Ordinance No. 03 -02 which currently states "It shall be repealed automatically on September 1, 2004 ". The removal of this sentence should result in changing ordinance 03 -02 to a permanent status and will help sustain and conserve the unique natural resources on and surrounding Peltier Lake in perpetuity. In 2003, several noticeable improvements were documented as a direct result of the "Slow /No Wake Zone ". First, over 300 pairs of Great Blue Herons and at least 12 pairs of Great Egrets returned to Peltier Island for nesting. Many of the birds were successful in raising their young. Secondly, water quality has improved in 2002 and 2003 since Centerville Lake's worst year on record in 2001. Thirdly, observations in the summer of 2003 indicated an increase in beneficial native aquatic plants around Peltier Island, especially in the area north of the island. Please refer to the attached 2003 Peltier Island Heron Rookery Summary Report for more specific details. Clearly, implementing the "Slow /No Wake Zone" ordinance as a best management practice has been an effective tool in our combined efforts to sustain the unique biological systems on Peltier Lake and the surrounding area. Therefore, we believe that if Ordinance No. 03 -02 is allowed to expire, there will likely be multiple negative implications that will result in an overall decline of the natural resources in and surrounding Peltier Lake. Thank you for your commendable leadership in establishing Ordinance 03 -02 two years ago. The Peltier Lake Heron Task Force appreciates your consideration and vision in making Ordinance No. 03 -02 a permanent measure. Doing so will harbor many long- term benefits to the residents of Lino Lakes and will contribute towards sustaining some of the City's most unique ecological treasures for the enjoyment of many future generations. Sincerely, Jeff Perry Natural Resources Specialist Anoka County Parks Peltier Lake Heron Task Force Attachments: Joan Galli Non -game Wildlife Specialist MN DNR Peltier Lake Heron Task Force Peltier Island Heron Rookery Summary Report 2003 cc: Gordon Heitke, Administrator, City of Lino Lakes Marty Asleson, Environmental Coordinator, City of Lino Lakes Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, Anoka County Board of Commissioners John VonDeLinde, Director of Parks and Recreation, Anoka County • RHONDA SIVARAJAH County Commissioner District #6 COUNTY OF ANOKA OFFICE OF COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS GOVERNMENT CENTER 2100 3RD AVENUE • ANOKA, MINNESOTA 55303 -2265 (763) 323 -5700 March 23, 2004 The Honorable John J. Bergeson Mayor of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Re: Ordinance No. 03 -02 - Regulating The Surface Water Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake Dear Mayor Bergeson: I am pleased to offer my support of the City of Lino Lakes efforts in amending Ordinance No. 03 -02 - Regulating The Surface Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake, thereby, making the ordinance perpetual. As you know, the ordinance is scheduled to expire on September 1, 2004, unless the City Council takes action to formally remove the repeal language. The unique natural resources found within and surrounding the north half of Peltier Lake are deeply valued by many stakeholders throughout the community and the greater region. Significant natural and scenic features such as bald eagles, otters, great blue herons, snapping turtles, leopard frogs, great egrets, wood ducks, wild turkeys, large -mouth bass, northern pike, emergent marshes and maple- basswood forests are just a few of the highlights that can be experienced at the present time Looking towards the future, a permanent No Wake Zone policy decision is clearly a prudent best management practice in an effort to sustain the quality and character of the land, water, and wildlife resources for tomorrow. According to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Anoka County officials, Peltier Island is a 30 acre island located on the north end of Peltier Lake and harbors the second largest heron colony in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area and also contains an active Bald Eagle nest. The island itself and the surrounding natural systems are biologically unique and contain rare plants and animals that are of local, regional and statewide significance. This resource area is considered to be the highest quality natural feature of the entire 3,100 acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve. A Peltier Island Heron Rookery Task Force was assembled in early 2002, with representatives from the City of Lino Lakes, City of Centerville, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Conservation FAX: 763- 323 -5682 Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer TDD/TTY: 763- 323 -5289 March 23, 2004 : Page 2 Officer, Non -Game Wildlife, Fisheries,: and Aquatic Plant Management), Anoka County (Parks and Recreation Department and Sheriff's Department), University of Minnesota, Peltier Lake Citizen, Anoka County Citizen at large, Rice Creek Watershed District, and the St. Paul Water Utility. Some of the priority topics that have been examined over the past two years are as follows: History and significance of the. Peltier Island Heron Rookery and surrounding natural communities Rookery abandonment observations and theories discussion Identification and discussion Of strategies and solutions to address the rookery abandonment and long term protection of the high quality habitat at the north end of Peltier • Lake • Roles and responsibilities to implement strategies • On-going monitoring: and research projects Based on the rookery abandonment observations and theories discussion and the ecological significance of the surrounding area, the Task Force unanimously supports the strategy of working with the Cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville, in cooperation with the State of Minnesota, to adopt a permanent "Slow / No Wake" ordinance on the north half of Peltier Lake: In addition;: Anoka County has recently received 1 a research grant from the MN DNR, to further conduct monitoring research on the Peltier Island Heron . Colony in 2004 and 2005. The Anoka County Parks and Recreation Committee, which is comprised of three appointed Anoka County Commissioners, have also had an opportunity to review and examine the justification for the proposed surface water, zoning restriction on Peltier Lake As a result, the Parks and Recreation Committee has expressed full support of a permanent "Slow/NoWake Zone" restriction on the north half of Peltier Lake Through a series of recent comprehensive planning efforts to include the "2020 Vision" Anoka County Parks and Recreation System Plan (1998) and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve Master Plan (1999), the Peltier Island Heron Rookery has been identified as a unique resource to protect and preserve into the future. Several management goals and strategies have been documented during these planning efforts which specifically includes controlling boat traffic around Peltier Island to prevent disruption to the herons. Therefore, special consideration in the way of supporting a permanent "Slow/No Wake Zone" on the north end of Peltier Lake is clearly consistent with :, various • comprehensive plans recently adopted by Anoka County. Thank you for your leadership and spirit, of cooperation in considering an amendment to Make the no zone- permanent on the north half of Peltier Lake :if Anoka County. can provide any further information or assistance, please contact; my office.at (763) 323 -5700 incerely, :.. onda Sivarajah Anoka County Commissioner • • • Memorandum Date: April 7, 2004 To: Lino Lakes City Council From: Marty Asleson Re: Ordinance No. 03 -02, An Ordinance Regulating The Surface Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake, Request to Remove Sunset Clause from Section 8 of Ordinance 03 -02. Ordinance 03 -02 (Attachment 1), Adopting Surface Water Zoning Requirements For Peltier Lake, contains a "Sunset Clause" in section 8 of the ordinance. Section 8 states the ordinance shall be repealed automatically on September 1, 2004. Since the implementation of the No -Wake Zone, it has been found that there has been a positive effect on the nesting habits of the Great blue herons on Peltier Lake (Attachments 2,3,4,5). The purpose of this report is to inform the Council that it is the desire of staff and the Heron Task Force to Amend Ordinance 03 -02, Section 8 to exclude the Sunset Clause. The following schedule would be followed to achieve this amendment: May 10th, Council meeting, 6:30 PM 1st reading of the Ordinance May 24, 2nd Reading of the ordinance 30 day waiting period, ordinance is enforced. Attachments: The following attachments are included with this memo: 1. Ordinance 03 -02, An Ordinance Regulating The Surface Use Of Motorized Watercraft On Peltier Lake. • • • 2. Peltier Island Heron Rookery, Summery Report, Spring /Summer 2003, Joan Galli, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and The Heron Task Force. 3. County of Anoka, Office of the County Board of Commissioners, Rhonda Sivarajah, County Commissioner District #6, Memo to Mayor John Bergeson regarding Ordinance No. 03- 02- Regulating The Surface Water Use of Motorized Watercraft on Peltier Lake. 4. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, March-April 2004 pp. 48 -55, "Rookery Blues ". 5. Wayne LeBlanc, President of the Peltier Lake Association, Information Packet To: The City of Lino Lakes. • To: The City of Lino Lakes A Community Treasure, Peltier Lake, DESPARATELY Needs Your Help Summary Government has demonstrated its effectiveness! It has stopped the destruction and abuse of an environmentally sensitive area in Peltier Lake by establishing a no -wake zone protection ordinance. Water quality has improved and wildlife is less threatened. However, this protection could be terminated because the City of Lino Lakes has a sunset clause that terminates their ordinance in 2004. The City of Centerville has the same ordinance but it is permanent. If the ordinance is not made permanent in Lino Lakes, Peltier Lake will almost surely face renewed damage and environmental abuse from a couple people waiting to resume damaging activity. PLEASE MAKE THE NO -WAKE ZONE ORDINANCE PERMANENT. Before 1998, there used to be more than 2,000 great blue herons, many black - crowned night herons and other birds on a large island in Peltier Lake. The area around and north of the island was thick with beneficial native mostly coontail aquatic plants. People respected the north area of the lake because it was shallow (only 3 or 4 feet deep), filled with aquatic plants, and home to thousands of birds. People used the south half of the lake for fishing and boating where it is deeper and mostly does not have aquatic plants. Very few people ventured north of the island, but those that did, did so slowly. The northern area of Peltier Lake is essentially wilderness. ,. Griot :pl or ?r, qi rFhdtou e. •ig 1. Ripped Out Native Beneficial Vegetation from Slalom Water -ski Course. Note CCW Turn around at Right. In 1998, a person set up a slalom water -ski course right next to the heron rookery and in the middle of the native coontail vegetation. This is the first time anyone had gone in this isolated area in a big way. Because there was great concern for the environment and the heron numbers seemed down, the Peltier Lake Association gathered experts and officials from Anoka County Parks, the Minnesota DNR, the city of Lino Lakes, the city of Centerville, and the sheriff. A large number of lake association people attended including the ski course owner. In a two hour meeting, experts explained the area was ecologically rare and sensitive. An agreement was reached and documented by Anoka Parks to stop water skiing by the island and north to protect the aquatic plants, herons and the environment. The ski course owner insisted the agreement be "informal." 1 Incredibly, in 2001, the slalom water -ski course was again in use, but it was rigged to submerge when not in use, to keep it hidden from view. The course was also used in 2000 but it is so isolated and wild back there that wobody noticed. When confronted in 2001, they said there was no agreement and they could do anything they anted. They flatly refused to stop using the course. The meeting with experts in 1999 and the agreement obviously didn't mean a thing and their insistence on an informal agreement seemed to be a trick. The March 2002 issue of the The Hugonian newspaper reported the attitude of the ski course owner, "For Lindner, moving the slalom course isn't an option." It is absolutely clear that informal agreements are totally useless. Beneficial native coontail aquatic plants in the course roughly 2,000 feet by 200 feet (400,000 square feet !!) were destroyed (Fig 1). In addition, the bottom is a very fine silty mud only 3 or 4 feet deep and the powerful high speed ski boat used in the slalom water -ski course kicked up sediment suspending huge amounts of nutrients in the water. Huge lake wide pea soup algae blooms were terrible. Coontail, normally never seen in the south part of the lake was all over the lake in large mats. The Metropolitan Council assessment of the water quality was "The lake's 2001 water quality was its worst recorded to date." Every single black - crowned night heron left. The entire species was wiped out from the island. Great blue heron nesting failed for the years 2000, 2001, and 2002. There were reports of activity in 2000. In 2001, the course was used heavily all summer. In 2002, there were reports of a high speed boat near the heron rookery on April 15, at ice out, a particularly sensitive time for the herons. With great effort, a no -wake zone was established on June 11, 2002, too late for the 2002 season. In 2003, with the no -wake zone in force the whole 2003 season, water quality returned. Normally, the lake has multiple algae blooms throughout the summer, but in 2003, with the no -wake zone in effect, there was only one algae bloom, which is very good for Peltier Lake. In addition, several hundred great blue herons returned, successfully nested 4fgd produced young. This was the first successful nesting in 3 years. Experts thought 3 years of failure in a row ry grave, but the no -wake zone may have done the trick. It is possible that there are other factors affecting the herons, but it is clear that high speed boats near the island disturbs the birds. I was with a DNR expert once and we witnessed that. It is also crystal clear that before 1998, black - crowned night herons were all over and nested on the island. The year after the slalom water -ski course was established, every single black - crowned night heron vanished. The black - crowned night herons are particularly sensitive to disturbance because they forage at night and roost in the daytime. Daytime disturbance such as use of a slalom water -ski course looks like it made them leave for good. The timing and cause and effect on the black - crowned night herons total disappearance is very difficult to explain any other way than human disturbance. There have been no sightings of black - crowned night herons since the slalom water -ski activity began. Even if there were no birds on the island, the plants and sediments in that sensitive part of the lake must be protected with a no -wake zone. The water quality of the lake is the most important aspect. There are people who just don't care and there could be others who do not understand. For everybody's benefit, the sensitive environment needs protection. The following groups and individuals have written letters stating the need for permanent formal protection: Minnesota DNR, Anoka County Parks, Rice Creek Watershed District, former Anoka County Commissioner Margarat Langfeld, current Anoka County Commissioner Rhonda Sivarajah, Minnesota Ornithologist's Union, Director of Bell Museum of Natural History, St Paul Audubon Society, the City of Centerville, and the Minnesota Lakes Association. The Minnesota Lakes Association is the only statewide 50103 non - profit organization working to protect and improve the quality of Minnesota's lakes. In early 2003, with many still uninformed, the Peltier Lake Association polled its 40 members and found 27 for the no -wake zone 6 against it, •nd the rest did not return the survey card. The support FOR the no -wake zone is overwhelming. PLEASE MAKE THE NO -WAKE ZONE PERMANENT. 2 Before 1998 - Detail Before 1998, aquatic plants west, north, and east of the island were native, abundant, healthy. They were mostly dikoontail. These beneficial plants protect the sediments, filter the water, and oxygenate the water, benefiting ater quality. Fig 2. Closeup of Coontail West of the Island Fig 3. Coontail West of the Island The images in Fig 2 and Fig 3 show what the coontail looked like all around the island. The image in Fig 2 was taken August 20, 2002 and the image in Fig 3 on August 21, 2003. Boat traffic did not occur west of the island •nd the coontail there has not been damaged. 1998 Through 2002 - Detail The image in Fig 1 clearly shows the damage done by the slalom water -ski course. The native coontail aquatic plants have been cut out in a path roughly 2,000 feet by 200 feet (400,000 square feet) with a counterclockwise "curl" turnaround visible on the right. No permit was issued to remove this aquatic vegetation. (From their experience with association harvesting of curlyleaf pondweed, they knew how to efficiently cut plants and they knew they needed a permit.) The image was obtained from the Internet at www.mapquest.com by viewing the aerial photo of northern Peltier Lake. Heron nesting mostly occurred at the north part of the island because virtually all -human activity was at the south end of the island. Notice the ski course was set right next to the heron rookery at the north end of the island. In 2000, I noticed a fair amount of coontail in the south part of the lake. I've lived there since 1979 and never saw much coontail in the south part of the lake before. I now realize, that the most likely reason is that coontail was being cut and ripped out at the north part of the lake by the slalom water -ski course and this cut coontail was drifting into the south part of the lake. This was in 2000. On July 7, 2001, I discovered and confronted people at the slalom water -ski course in heavy use north of the island. They said they could do anything they wanted. They said the herons were fine. In fact, there wasn't a heron to be seen anywhere. I later tried to work the issue by talking to other people on the lake because the agreement was very clear. On July 10, at 9:05pm, two people came to my house and threatened lawsuits and intimidated me to try to get me to stop pursuing the issue. I had to stop talking with others on the lake. What would they do next? Besides, the association had no enforcement power to change anything. The only hope to save the lake would be to get help from a government agency and establish some kind of enforceable ordinance. •he image in Fig 4 was taken July 14, 2001. It shows Coontail being pushed into large floating mats. The slalom water -ski course was in heavy use the summer of 2001. Coontail plants were ripped and or cut out and with only 3 or 4 feet of depth, the soft silty mud bottom sediments were being put into suspension. Terrible 3 algae blooms were everywhere. A report from the aquatic biologist at the Rice Creek Watershed District issued a letter stating "High speed boating in this area may cause sediment resuspension, nutrient release from the and severe damage to the existing aquatic macrophyte community. All of the above mentioned items S ediments, ould be detrimental to the overall water quality and biological health of Peltier Lake." Fig 5 shows a picture of the slalom water -ski course. Fig 5. Slalom Water -ski Course July, 2001 Figs 4. Slalom Water -ski Course in Coontail Vegetation, July 14, 2001 •uring the summer of 2002, I went north of the island and found most Coontail there was floating in large mats that were blown this way and that (Fig 6). Normally, this coontail is all just under the surface (Fig 2). With certain north winds, huge floating mats of coontail were getting blown into the south part of the lake. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE! I believe it was a result of the destruction done by the slalom -ski course the previous 2 years. Fig 7 shows a slug of coontail from north of the island blown into the south part of the lake. Fig. 6. Floating Coontail Stuck at Bog Poles Fig 7. Coontail Blown South 4 Fig. 8. Coontail Becomes Scum, August 6, 2002. Fig 9. Coontail Rotting, August 6, 2002 Fig 8 shows what happened to Fig 7. The coontail blown from north of the island was blown into the south part of the lake and to the south shore. It turned into "pea soup." Fig 9 shows a huge area of coontail rotting by Waterworks at the south end of the lake. The smell was not pleasant. Compare the scum of Fig 8 and Fig 9 with healthy coontail in Fig 2 — all taken in August of 2002. Fig 2 shows secure coontail on August 20, 2002 west of the island where there was very little boat traffic. Fig 10. Sediment Black Cloud —1 Meter Deep. Fig 10 shows a black cloud of sediment following the raising of a secchi disk off the bottom just north of the island. The water depth is 1 meter or about 3 feet. The disk was not jerked up, it was pulled up slowly from the bottom. It is absolutely clear to me that high speed boat traffic in the shallow sediments west, north, and east of the island causes terrible water quality. • 5 2003 - Detail On May 4, 2003, while paddling north of the island, I found an anchor and mid water level float from a slalom eater -ski course. In early spring of 1999, I saw 3 others. All structures must be removed from lakes. This emonstrates irresponsible behavior. Fig 11. Ski Course Structure Left in the Lake Fig 12. Coontail North of the Island Returning Perhaps there is good news. Fig 12 was taken September 1, 2003 and shows coontail returning north of the island. This coontail is not floating on the surface that way it was in 2002. Hopefully, the area will slowly recover However, there is danger that the area will be or already is overrun with curlyleaf pondweed (a nasty exotic). Fig 13 shows a rough map illustrating the location of curlyleaf pondweed. Before 1998, the area north of the island was mostly coontail. Now, from spring to June, much of it is curlyleaf pondweed. It's probably not clear which plant will dominate, coontail or curlyleaf pondweed. Harvesting curlyleaf pondweed north of the island is problematic because of the soft bottom and the sensitivity of the great blue herons. It is probably best to let the area west, north, and east of the island evolve on its own. Conclusion Peltier Lake has a very fragile environment and needs protection from those who would abuse it or those who do not understand it. The No -wake Zone ordinance needs to be permanent if this unusual and beautiful area is to be preserved now and for the future. Fig 13. Exotic Curlyleaf Pondweed, 2003 • Wayne LeBlanc, 651- 426 -0168, March 24, 2004 6 • Anoka County 0 Department of Parks and Recreation 550 Bunker Lake Boulevard NW . Andover, Minnesota 55304 Telephone (612) 757 -3920. FAX (612) 755 -0230 John K. VonDeLinde Director May 4, 1999 Wayne LeBlanc Peltier Lake Association 1677 Peltier Lake Drive Centerville, Minnesota 55038 Dear Wayne, Thank you for setting up the meeting with the Peltier Lake Assocation April 27. The turnout was exceptional. Everyone's comments were heard and they provided valuable background on • the use of the lake and the history behind the development of the Iakeshore. There is obvious passion for the lake and a strong desire to keep a sense of community. • Anoka County Parks and Recreation appreciates being a part of the meeting. As everyone is aware, Anoka County is a major landowner along Peltier Lake. We would also be glad to be a part of any future meetings. The St. Paul Waterworks is also a landowner on the lake. Everyone connected to the lake has an interest in issues that apply. This note is meant to provide a review of the decisions made at the April 27 meeting. The consensus was to try the following options: 1. Voluntarily keep any water skiing to the main body of the lake south of the island. There was agreement to avoid skiing in the area north of the island. The request is to keep fast moving boats at least 500 feet from the island. 2. Anoka County Parks and Recreation will work with the water skiing sub- committee to educate the general public in regards to the valuable natural resource the northern third of the lake provides and the importance of limiting any fast - moving water activity in that area. Initially, signs will be placed at the public access to inform and educate. Signs will also be placed on the island shoreline declaring the area as a bird sanctuary. 3. Mayor Kim Sullivan, of Lino Lakes, will approach the sea plane operation in order to educate the business about the heron rookery and the need to avoid the area from a safety perspective for both the planes and the birds. 4. The Department of Natural Resources will monitor the rookery and the behavior of the variety of nesting birds. Lakeshore owners will also monitor lake use and rookery activity. Perhaps this fall or winter all parties can reconvene to discuss their findings. The residents gathered that evening seem very genuine about working together to allow everyone the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the natural resources in and around Peltier Lake. Hopefully, they have a better understanding of the rookery and the importance of preserving the habitat needed to support the wildlife. Thank you again for organizing this meeting and for guiding the discussion. Please feel free to contact us with any further information about the water ski sub - committee. Let's hope for a wonderful summer season. Sincerely, Jon Oyanagi Park Operations Manager cc: Kim Sullivan, Mayor, City of Lino Lakes Jim March, City Administrator, City of Centerville Bruce Andersohn, Anoka County Sheriff Jeff Perry, Natural Resource Specialist John VonDeLinde, Director of Parks and Recreation • • • • • Rice Creek Watershed March 1, 2002 Dear Sir or Madam: Peltier Lake is a hypereutrophic lake located in the headwater region of Rice Creek. This lake has two different distinct water quality areas. The area to the south of the island is largely shallow water (mean depth 7 feet) with very few rooted aquatic macrophytes. This portion of the lake is very high in nutrients and experiences excessive growth of phytoplankton (algae). The growth of algae limits light penetration into the water column, therefore limiting the available habitat for rooted macrophyte growth. Large algal growths can also contribute to low periods of dissolved oxygen during low light conditions. This is caused by plant respiration or decomposition of the algal material. The area north of the island has a different water quality characteristic. This area of the lake is generally 3 to 5 feet deep and has extensive rooted aquatic macrophyte coverage (mainly coontail). The density of rooted macrophytes helps consolidate the lake bottom sediments and also consumes available nutrients, therefore leaving less available nutrients for algal uptake. The water clarity in the northern portion of Peltier Lake is generally much clearer than in the southern portion. During much of the growing season (May through September) the rooted macrophytes would consume nutrients from both the water column and also have some nutrient uptake through the root systems. Removal of aquatic macrophytes would have some impact on the water quality of the north basin. Some possible impacts would be redistribution of bottom sediments, and introduction of additional nutrients to the water column. Without adequate plant material to buffer wave action caused by boating and wind, bottom sediments would suspend and be transported either into the south basin or into the water column of the north basin. This action could increase the nutrient load to the water column, decrease water clarity, cause stress on resident fish populations, and potentially give algae the competitive edge to expand their range and have even more severe blooms. Rooted aquatic macrophytes benefit the water quality of lakes. There is evidence that healthy aquatic macrophytes do not excrete large quantities of nutrients into the water column during active growing periods (Barko and Smart, 1980). They do tend to concentrate sediment - supplied nutrients in their tissue. These nutrients are partially — 2 — March 25, 2004 recycled to the lake when the plant dies, decays, or goes into senescence. Management of extensive aquatic macrophyte growth may be beneficial to late season nutrient release. Generally we are not concerned with nutrient release over the late fall and winter months because algae blooms are dependant on water temperature at this time. The north basin also serves another important function to the lake ecosystem. This area is probably acting as a spawning area for many fish species and also as a nursery area for young fish. Many species of freshwater fish require macrophytes to lay eggs on. This keeps the fish eggs out of the anoxic sediments and allows oxygenated water to freely pass by the eggs. Northern pike spawning is very dependant on some type of plant growth to adhere their eggs to. High speed boating in this area may cause sediment resuspension, nutrient release from the sediments, and severe damage to the existing aquatic macrophyte community. All of the above mentioned items could be detrimental to the overall water quality and biological health of Peltier Lake. I feel that the area north of the island on Peltier Lake deserves some special protection. Sincerely, Charles Johnson Aquatic Biologist CC: Wayne LeBlanc City of Centerille City of Lino Lakes Correspondence Peltier Lake File • • • • Memorandum DATE: April 5, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: James E. Studenski, City Engineer RE: Pavement Management As part of the planning for the maintenance of the city streets, staff has updated the existing road conditions in order to plan ahead for the scheduling and budgeting of these improvements. A condition rating of the all streets has been performed and the streets were then placed into improvement categories depending on their level of deterioration. • Staff will present the updated information regarding the city streets and discuss the improvements necessary to maintain the current transportation system. This will be a preliminary review of what will be presented at the joint City Council and City Charter meeting scheduled for April 8th • • • • MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and Council From: Mary Divine Date: 04/05/04 Re: HOM Furniture proposal cc: Mike Grochala The president and the real estate director of HOM Furniture met with city staff on March 24. They are proposing to build a large distribution facility and a furniture showroom on approximately 67 acres owned by Gerald Rehbein on the southwest quadrant of 35E /County Road 14 (see map). Their initial concept plan shows approximately 1.1 million sq. ft. of distribution and showroom area. Initial estimates suggest the market value of this facility will be in the range of $30 million. This use qualifies under the city's Light Industrial zoning. The site is adjacent to existing sanitary sewer and water and is in the Stage 1 growth area. The developers propose to serve the site with a road extending from Main Street down 21st. Ave., and then turning west through Centerville's industrial park area. The road would not extend to Cedar Street on the south. Some of the major items that need to be addressed for this project: • The size of the facility meets the threshold for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will address surface water management, traffic impacts, etc. • The creek running through the property will have to be relocated and wetland mitigation will be required. • The site crosses the municipal boundary into Centerville. The city will need to work with Centerville to determine the most practical solution to this issue. • MUSA reserve needs to be allocated to the site. • The site is not within a TIF district. Creation of a TIF district may present an opportunity to use taxes generated from the project to fund the city's share of reconstruction of the 35E interchange. 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' 2ND 15 t� ADD O Km - �� ERSON iiii CI Po V v °oQ o m et. Ma lei °e ® ®aQ c�EP ow am • • MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and Council From: Mary Divine Date: 04/05/04 Re: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative cc: Mike Grochala John Feges of Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative met with city council at a special work session on March 17 regarding the 360 -acre site north County Road 14 and west of 35E. His goal at that meeting was to explain how his development company prefers to take a team approach, involving citizens and the city upfront, to develop a Master Plan for a site. This visioning process begins by bringing all the stakeholders together, and has similarities to the 1995 city visioning process. He has not completed any concept plans for the site. He is asking the council to consider 1) whether this area should be master planned; 2) whether is this the appropriate time to begin planning; and 3) what obstacles might impede the city's ability to master plan this site. Enclosed is an outline from Mr. Feges identifying the steps he typically follows to develop a Master Plan. If the council wishes to move forward, the next step would be to hold a joint meeting with the council and advisory boards. We have tentatively scheduled this for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 29. Staff requests that council members check their schedules and let us know if that day works. • • • DRAFT 4/5/04 E...•ENCHGiARK Community Builder Collaborative Building A Master Plan Vision The proposed Lino Lakes project will be significant to the entire community. Creating a comprehensive Master Plan is a way to achieve the best overall results for the project. There are several steps involved in developing a common Vision for a Master Plan. Those steps are outlined below. Identifying the site as an enterprise zone will establish its significance and kick -off our visioning pursuit, which will ultimately develop to the Master Plan. In subsequent pages, this document provides more detailed information on how Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative typically completes each step. • Identify Key Constituents in Visioning Process • Seek Input from City • Involve Citizens in Visioning Process • Visit Precedent Communities and Learn From Experts • Conduct Market Research • Communicate Progress • Share Findings and Build Common Vision All Rights Reserved 1 • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCHGiARK Community Builder Collaborative Identify Key Constituents in Visioning Process Purpose: A project of this magnitude will be significant for your entire community. It is important to involve a range of people in the Visioning process, from school leaders to business owners to the seniors in your community. In addition, you will need to engage many government constituents from road and traffic engineers to legislators to understand and support your project. During this phase, Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative ensures that the many key audiences are identified with an action plan for reaching out to these audiences. How This Step is Completed: • Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative will work with the city staff to brainstorm all of the many constituents that will be touched by this process to make sure that all key audiences are identified. From there, an action plan will be created to seek input and buy -in from these groups. This input is likely to come from a combination of face -to -face meetings with individuals, focus groups, charettes, written surveys, task forces and listening sessions. • Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative working with City leaders Outcome: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative and city officials will have a wealth of data as input to the overall Visioning process for the city. All Rights Reserved 2 • • e DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCHfuARK Community Buiider Collaborative Seek Input from City Purpose: The city has a comprehensive plan to guide its future. In addition, the city staff and council have been actively working on how this Vision will come to life. It's important to dearly understand all objectives, needs and requirements of the city early in the process. How This Step is Completed: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative interviews members of city staff, attends council meetings and holds other meetings as needed to gain an in- depth understanding of all of the various desires, needs, requirements and concerns the city has regarding the proposed project. An important detailed aspect of this step is to review and summarize the existing business mix so that gaps can be identified. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative Outcome: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative will summarize its understanding of the current opportunities and needs in written form to ensure a common understanding of the city's requirements. All Rights Reserved 3 • • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCHC"uARK Community Builder Collaborative Involve Citizens in Visioning Process Purpose: Citizens are what truly make a city so their involvement is a critical component in shaping a Vision. This involvement is reflected in Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative's overall business purpose as well — to be a Community Builder. How This Step is Completed: Important citizen audiences will be identified into distinct groups, including but not limited to: • Property owners • Business owners and managers • Civic leaders (School, Religious etc.) • Children • Teenagers • Families • Single, professional adults • Seniors From there, a detailed plan will be created to seek input from these various groups. This input is likely to come from a combination of face -to -face meetings with individuals, focus groups, charettes, written surveys, task forces and listening sessions. Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative will want to understand attitudes and preferences related to the patronage of current businesses and use of current amenities throughout the city. In addition, these various groups will provide input on the potential business types, uses and activities to create the "right mix" for a project. This group will also provide input on the appropriate forums for marketing to reach target audiences. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative working with city leaders Outcome: Clear understanding of citizen needs and desires. All Rights Reserved 4 • • • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCHGARK Community Builder Collaborative Visit Precedent Communities and Learn From Experts Purpose: Examples of good planning can be seen within the Twin Cities and throughout the country. Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative believes that it is important to take the best learnings from each of these projects and apply those best practices to each and every new project it embarks on. How This Step is Completed: Step one of this phase is to identify both local and national projects with precedent- setting elements that are applicable to the current Lino Lakes project. At the local level, a field excursion would be organized for city officials and community members to view these elements within precedent- setting communities. Being able to experience and view these communities is extremely helpful in the Visioning process to help create a true picture for the potential of Lino Lakes project. A second key element of this step is to engage industry experts with varied backgrounds to come in and share their perspective on the critical elements important to consider in the project. For example, Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative would arrange for a leasing company to come in and help educate the city staff about key considerations within a retailing environment to make it most successful. This approach has been extremely successful with other clients to help achieve a goal of more completely understanding all elements of a successful community. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative Outcome: Benchmark and city officials will have much broader picture of all elements of the project to be considered to determine what has worked and what has not worked for other communities across the country. All Rights Reserved 5 • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCH tC'iARK Community Builder Collaborative Conduct Market Research Purpose: Understanding the current market forces at play within and around the community as well as future trends will be vitally important. How This Step is Completed: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative will engage a third -party firm to a conduct detailed market assessment of the opportunity. For example, on another recent project, an international retail market research firm was engaged to complete a comprehensive assessment of the market opportunity. The firm studied the opportunities by category from durable goods to shoes to entertainment to provide an in -depth understanding of what a new development could support. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative Outcome: Tangible market research will provide the critical data required for fact -based planning decisions as well as some of the information that will be needed to reach out to potential investors and tenants further into the project. All Rights Reserved 6 • • • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCf- mCuARM. Community Builder Collaborative Communicate Progress Purpose: An important part of any project of this magnitude is to understand the important audience segments and communicate often to each one in a manner most appropriate to them. How This Step is Completed: After a detailed audience analysis is completed, a communications plan is put into place to make sure all vested parties are communicated to on a frequent basis. The types of tools that are used in this step include: a dedicated web site for the project, face -to -face meetings, input to the city's newsletter, direct mail, council meetings, one -on -one meetings, group meetings and phone calls. An important aspect of this communication is the opportunity for two -way dialogue. For example, the web site would be set up to allow people to send in questions they have and receive a response within a couple of days. If particularly hot topics were identified through this process, more detailed communication on the topic could be incorporated into the web site and other forums to reach out to a broader audience with the information needed to respond to communication needs. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative Outcome: Communication is frequent and ongoing so that all constituents are kept full up- to -speed on the project. All Rights Reserved 7 • • • DRAFT 4/5/04 BENCH t'rRRK Community Builder Collaborative Share Findings and Build Common Vision Purpose: After all of the preceding steps have been completed, the information is amalgamated into a comprehensive look at the opportunity. How This Step is Completed: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative will organize a series of detailed meetings to bring together all elements of the research and key learnings. These meetings will result in agreement on a plan that is genuine to the community's Vision and will weather the test of time. The Vision will be a testimony to all who come that Lino Lakes has been and will always be a great place to live and call home. Who Completes: Benchmark Community Builder Collaborative working with City leaders Outcome: Agreement on a common vision that can be translated into a Master Plan. ### All Rights Reserved 8 Memorandum DATE: April 5, 2004 TO: City Council FROM: James E. Studenski, City Engineer RE: Green Value Nursery The City received a letter from Green Value Nursery located at 8301 20th Avenue North requesting sanitary sewer be extended to their property. We have reviewed this request and have the following information to submit to you: - The Land Use Plan has this area defined as Rural Land Use. It is outside of the Stage Growth area. This area is outside of the existing MUSA boundaries. There isn't any sanitary sewer capacity for this area at this time The parcel is currently over three miles from any existing sanitary sewer line. It is staff's recommendation to send a letter to Green Value Nursery stating it is not feasible to extend sanitary sewer to their property at this time. GRIBEN VAWE NURSERY City Council City of Lino Lakes 600 Town Center Parkway Lino Lakes, MN 55014 3 -18 -04 For Public Record Dear City Officials, 4 It e;°) YU� 0 / 2 1 In light of the County Road 14/ 1 -35 .E &W study and other development along County Road 21, we are sending you this letter today. We wanted you to know and to have it on record how we are currently using our property and what our goals are for the future use. For you to have this knowledge is important to us because our property lies near or in the possible directional freeway connection. My wife and I own Green VaheNursery Which is located at 8301 20th Ave N. We farm our 40.50 useable acres, growing container nursery stock. The land was purchased for this reason as it drains well, has good topography and ponds to irrigate from. We have been working out of office trailers and using portable toilets for the past couple of growing seasons. Our main goal is to build a small office with real plumbing, so we can effectively manage our business. We do not have a septic system and have been looking toward one in the near future. Therefore, we are requesting that sewer be brought to the full extent of 20t Ave N. to the city border with Columbus Township Our future goals for the property are to continue growing plants for wholesale sales and build a small office. I ask that you consider our request today as you begin to develop this corridor. Your decision effects us greatly as our business continues to grow requiring us to invest time and money in the property. City. Officials, I also want to thank all of you for serving your commun Thank-you. Sincerely, Richard Swanson President Green Value Nurse 651- 483 -9855 . 8301 20th Avenue North St. Paul, Minnesota 55038 • MEMORANDUM April 5, 2004 to: City Council from: Jeff Smyser subject: Century Farm North 2nd Addn. Phasing Plan, Growth Management Policy I received the attached e -mail letter on Monday, April 5th. It refers to two issues. My staff report for the April 12th City Council agenda addresses the building materials issue. The other issue in the letter is the phasing plan for the project. Mr. Uhde is requesting to increase the number of units in the approved phasing plan for year 2004 by retaining a house that the City assumed would be removed when the phasing plan was approved. The phasing plan for Century Farm North, approved with resolution 03 -60, requires that no more than 65 units be final platted in phase two (year 2004). Here is the phasing plan table: year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 total MUSA acres to be Allocated 15.3 11.4 13.5 5.4 9.4 55.0 Lots to be final platted 56 65 52 43 33 249 There is an existing single family home on the site. During preliminary plat review, staff assumed this house would be removed to make way for the new development. Since then, Mr. Uhde has informed us he wants to keep the house. While this does not actually create a new house, it does add to the number of units in the development compared to what was approved. (Retaining what was assumed would be deleted is a net addition to the plan.) Staff directed the developer to remove one detached townhome from the final plat of the 2nd Addition to make up for the "added" house. This was done for the P & Z review of the final plat. Mr. Uhde wants to keep the house and put the detached townhome back on the plat. This would raise the number of housing units in the development to 249, one over what was reviewed and approved. As shown in the attached inventory, we now are at 19.7% beyond the annual 147 goal for year • 2004. One more unit would raise it to 20.4 %, exceeding the 20% flexibility factor in the growth management ordinance. J £ O a � N M F- r O O N O •� E 0 O) N T T(D O CY) N �r N O T r N O a0 CO O r 0 CO p CO 0 0 N CO 0 0 N 0 O 0 N CO Ce) M O O 0 N C) ACV 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 CO r Ln 0 0 N LO 0 0 O O T C N CO r- O 0 N x 0 0 0 T d ti T. NCO LO) L) T O O T L*) N N N T r CO r � r CO 0 T O (O LO O T C) N O T 'Ch N O T CO O r d CO N O 0 Jeff Smyser erom: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: CityCounci14- 3- 04.doc John Johnson [jcjohnson @ metrols.com] Monday, April 05, 2004 11:06 AM Jeff Smyser Jeff Smyser; Michael Grochala Century Farm North 2nd Add. Jeff, Attached is a copy of the letter sent request of Gary Uhde. The purpose of Uhde's position on the 2 issues that receive Planning & Zoning Board meeting and to get the Council before the workshop meeting. contact me. John C. Johnson Director of Engineering 763.428.5130 (Phone) 763.428.5172 (Fax) jcjohnson@@metrols.com to the City Council members at the the letter is to clarify Mr. d the most comment during the colored elevation drawings to the If you have any questions please April 3, 2004 Mayor and Member of the City Council City of Lino Lakes Lino Lakes, MN 55014 Dear Mayor Bergeson, Re: Final Plat for Century Farms North 2n Addition I am sending this letter and the attached materials to you and the members of the City Council on behalf of Gary M. Uhde and Avalon Homes so that you can have a chance to review them prior to the work session. The following two issues that came up during the review of the Century Farms North 2nd Addition by the Planning & Zoning Board. The two issues are 1) the exterior treatment of the attached town home buildings and 2) the need to include the existing Molitor homestead in the phasing plan, preferably the. Phase 2 plan. This would add 1 unit to the project for a total of 250 units. BUILDING EXTERIORS Attached are the colored elevation views of the proposed town home buildings that illustrate the proposed exterior treatments. s sample board will be brought to the Council work session and Council meeting for review and comment. Options A and B were presented to the Planning & Zoning Board. These two use a combination of brick, vinyl shakes, vinyl siding, aluminum soffit & facia on the exterior of the buildings to achieve the desired appearance and meet the requirements of the zoning code. The primary difference between options A & B are the reversal of the light and dark shades of gray on the shakes and vinyl siding. The Planning &Zoning Board requested evaluation of additional color treatments. Review by the building design experts and market studies by Avalon Homes indicates that the homebuyers prefer uniformity in color with some minor variation through out the project which is preferable to many colors on a building or each building being a different color. Avalon Homes is offering options C & D as a premium upgrade. The colors and stone materials add approximately $4,000 per unit or an increase of 3 — 5 % to the base price of $178,800 per unit. The new fire code that requires fire sprinklers added $4,000 per unit. These two costs are having an impact on the inclusionary component of the original plan. Options C & D would be available to the town homebuyer as an exterior premium upgrade and can only be done for an entire building not on unit -by -unit basis. MODIFY PHASING PLAN It is necessary to add the existing Molitor Homestead to the phasing plan, which brings the total number of units to 250. Mr. Uhde has determined the existing home is in good structural shape and that with exterior upgrades will blend in with the adjoining town homes. Because the existing home is basically a slab on grade 2 story home with attached garage, it is impractical to move. This will require modifying the phasing plan. The options are 1. Add 1 unit to phase 2, which increases the total number of units to 66. This is Mr. Uhde's preference. 2. Add the lot to Phase 2 and move 1 detached single - family unit into Phase 3 (or Phase 4 or Phase 5). This is the staff and Planning & Zoning Board recommendation. Mr. Uhde prefers option 1 for the following reasons: 1. It completes the original Phase 2 plan south of the major power line. 2. All of the necessary street and utility work will be in place for this unit. 3. It will allow the final landscaping and grading to be completed around the town home unit east of Century Trail and south of the power line and park trail. The existing home will have the exterior siding & roofing replaced with materials similar the adjacent town homes so that it will blend in with the project. The home will be similar to the detached town homes in the project and will have its own property owners association and will share in the private drive maintenance costs for the adjoining town home association. Access will be thru the private drive of the detached town home group and will connect the public sewer and water mains located in the common area Trudi Breuninger of Avalon Homes and myself look forward to discussing these issues with you at your April 7th work session. If you have any questions, please contact me. Sincerely yours, John C. Johnson, P.E. Director of Engineering Cc: Gary M. Uhde Trudi Breuninger, Avalon Homes