11/29/2000 Environmental Board Minutes

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ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Smyser stated it is admirable to look at areas to protect. He explained that as the City Planner, he needs to address many different aspects and one of the first things the City Council will want to know is "why." Smyser noted the City operates on a lean budget so a list of very good reasons should accompany such a recommendation. Chair Lanyon stated he would like the Council to be made aware of the fact that there are areas in Lino Lakes that are environmentally valuable and should be preserved. Asleson advised that the planning and land acquisition grant applications are due January 20, 2000. Ms. Sand noted it may not be fee title ownership but, rather, easement acquisition. She stated it may be appropriate to talk with the land owner since the grant may not be approved if the project does not have the support of the land owner. Kukonen stated he believes there are many in the community who believe this area is more important with its variety of plant life and wildlife than even the Wargo Nature Center. Asleson suggested a dialogue between the developer and land owner to determine the intent of the developer. Ms. Sand reviewed her conversation with the developer and stated the developer was provided with conservation easement information. Smyser suggested this topic be discussed at the next Council worksession to determine if they will entertain the idea of purchasing, this site., If the Council does not support a purchase, it may not be prudent to continue the process. Chair Lanyon noted the City's indication that it wants to be a "green community" and suggested there is no better way than to save such a site with endangered species. Davidson suggested that representatives of the Board attend the Council worksession. Chair Lanyon and O'Connell, stated they will plan to attend. Smyser stated that Asleson will present this issue before the Council. B. Lino Lakes Population / Amy Donlin — Donlin distributed a written statement on the growth of Lino Lakes, noting it was 74% during the decade of the 1990s. At this rate of increase, the population of Lino Lakes jumped from 8,807 in 1990 to 15,324 at the end of the decade. She explained that to avoid surpassing the City's published goal of not exceeding 20,500 by the year 2020, no more than 5,176 new residences can be added, or an average of 257 newcomers per year for the next 20 years. She indicated support to assure the population goal is not over reached. Davidson stated she shares the concern for population growth. She noted the comment indicating "city officials adopted another figure" may not accurately reflect what occurred during the process of drafting the Comprehensive Plan, which has not yet been adopted. 8