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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2001 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES : September 26, 2001 : 6:35 P.M. : 8:40 P.M. : Constance Grunhofer, Rod Kukonen, Theresa O'Connell, and Mike Trehus. : Amy Donlin. Ash MVOAN. Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson, Coiniuny Development Director Michael Grochala. CALL TO ORDER VtgfliA, r1 j.-÷' Acting Chair Kukonen presided and called the meeting to ordeifat APPROVAL OF MINUTES clPrz, Altri?ft A. June 27, 2001 — The following corrections were reqiid 411MMOW, Page 9, second paragraph: "Kukonen mentiogdif that $,Moratorium would inhibit arguments with developers he was in favor of a moratorium on radential development, but did not want to inhibit the Economic Developmelit.Draifilail by including businesses." B. August 26, 2001 — The follow: Page 6, twelfth paragraph: "Trek! cugg4ted connecting asked about the vacated 77th gc,p, e„..c.Nyere requested: Street" Trehus moved to approvethe A.ugiist 26,2001 meeting minutes as amended above. Grundhofer seconded tfillilnotion43Motion caiTied unanimously. VAN,TIPY APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following item s:li .ereicadded to the meeting agenda: • Discuss Update ceMolin Concrete under Project Update 8D. • Discuss Quarterly stipend. The agenda was approved as amended above. CITIZEN COMMENTS No citizen comments were made. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 PROJECT REVIEW A. Appointment of New Chair — The Board discussed the positions of Chair and Vice Chair. Trehus nominated Kukonen for Chair of the Board. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Grundhofer nominated Trehus for Vice Chair. Kukonen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B. Market Place Update — Grochala stated that due to the legislature lowering the required votes to pass a motion, the Ryan/Target Market Place project is active again. There were actions discussing subsidies and Lake Drive traffic issues, as w4as Wetland Y .14ay* replacement. Grundhofer inquired about the wetland mitigation at the golf cORAe did.ihave a buffer zone and would it be affected. Asleson indicated that he had.not-ccn.4anything, but would obtain a copy of the plans and check on it. ,4 0' Connell stated that at the present time there were& b , r ,k F a Grundhofer asked if a buffer was required. GrOi.a4arrepponded that it was in the jurisdiction of the Rice Creek Watershed Distrfee''''" Trehus inquired about the PDO, was it dila orTaur ivotes. Grochala answered that it was three votes, and was reviewed and supottcd by steral government agencies. He ....4., continued that the issues Asleson wo , tifoRyan/Target were based on the best management practices practices and mainte concerning catch basins to reduce phosphorus loading The The intention of the Citywas, put infiltration operation and maintenance best practices in the agreement to ' ce impact. Ito Asleson mentioned the off si equi • that the on site wouldfirer ease. "iv r :.tre n would reduce the phosphorus the same amount Trehus questioned abatement for the project. Grochala responded that tax abatement was linked: ih husiness subsidies of $519,000 from on site, while the existing 1is ori thc site otal 522,000 annually. If the estimated 5 -year at $500,000 would be cceeded thetilhota of time could be reduced for the tax abatement. C. Raske Building !,Systems, Apollo Business Center, Minor Subdivision, Site Plan Review — Asle,reviewed the background that the site was one of two buildable sites left in the Apollo' Business District, and the area was zoned Light Industrial. The main environmental issue had been surface water, however it was noted that an isolated artificial pond was adequate to deal with the surface runoff from the two sites. One concern was that a mixed hardwood stand in the west might be affected by the drainage swails. He identified the options to recommend denial, or to recommend approval with the standard staff and any added Board recommendations. The use of natural vegetation in the drainage and swail areas with a transitional area including a possible flower garden. A flower garden could also be added in the northwest corner. A change in the 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 trees near the freeway to Oak species was recommended, or if pines were needed Austrian Pine should be used with mulch to separate from the native plantings. A contract to install the plantings with a company specializing in native landscape construction needed to be submitted. A three-year maintenance agreement with a landscape company specializing in native plantings needed to be submitted. Finally the use of low impact lighting would be recommended. Chair Kukonen inquired about the possibility of another proposed site between the two sites. Grundhofer responded that the whole four acres would be developed. Asleson suggested that the red cedars could be moved around bedMettliey were small. Chair Kukonen indicated that the pond had sand on the open eriOnd theIiiwale was clean. O'Connell questioned whether the six acres included thOr:She illmmended that a tree inventory be submitted, because the road to the site iiicWdedNorthern Black • Cherries, ash, and several others. Trehus posed the question of where the swails wereA*d and asked how much water cavv-; flowed through there. Asleson answered that tnethielm120% impervious, and there was a need to increase the infiltration rates on *pprvious areas. t Chair Kukonen inquired if the plaimed 55, parkingq0aces were the maximum allowed, and whether it could be reduced. Akte§on'tkOded that it could be reduced to the minimum. A Trehus asked if there was a i,sibiUtY.ofsunkdn islands in the middle of the parking lot. Asleson explained that it coactbe rcomni ended if feasible. ,v,WItArts9 Grundhofer clarified tljgj":e„;yv dikm e would be leased to another company with the option to buy. She igRpliectiOetliate company produced or stored cleaning supplies. Asleson indicated that: e company was a distributor. Grundhofcr addresscdair: issue of spillage of any kind. Asleson pointed out that OSHA and MPCAstandards regtilatcd chemical use and clean up, while the Department of Agricu1turcioiilicked pesticide use. Grundhofer addrcssed the recently developed hardwood trees, would the water impact the trees. Asleson indicated that grading would remove the trees. Chair Kukonen reviewed the recommendations to be attached to option 1. • The use of low impact lighting focused down to the ground with no spill. • Attempt to decrease the number of parking spaces to the minimum possible. Grundhofer added another recommendation: • A tree preservation plan should be submitted. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 O'Connell made a motion for option 1 to recommend approval with recommendations from the staff and the Board. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. D. Pheasant Hills Preserve le Addition, Preliminary Plat/PDO, Comp Plan Amendment — MUSA — Asleson stated that this was a formal application with a preliminary plat as a planned development overlay, and he reviewed the background. The site would be on an island on Wards Lake which was public water. A bridge would be constructed for access and has already been granted a permit with stormwater outfalls by the DNR. The DNR stated that the permit did not mean supasfor the project. The site was under the Shoreline Ordinance with a setback of 150 fee building, while the shore impact zone was 75 feet from the shore where no veg(' ''..4allowed to be removed. The plan showed the entire island would be graded, andall vegetation be removed. The areas to the north and west and toward the south ei e i ery sensitive to aquifer contamination. Additionally, the entire area was40:.:v 641300 -year floodplain. Two recommendations of Mr. Hovey of the DNR were to redit, e Apervious areas to maintain the runoffvolumes and rates, and to enact covenants „ i'5,ithe homeowners. Finally the Lino Lakes Management Handbook recden tIrmuch buffering as possible. Trehus pointed out that there were no mappA maps submitted. Asleson located the bridge on a City map, and distributed a liatt)f shoreline terms to clarify the comments. tr$ 4..?4 Trehus asked whether water or wetlaurr up. ea the island. Asleson reviewed that it was a sensitive area on a floodpl indicated that the definition of b uff while the island had only a 29„, that part of the City. On theAnd while the recommended buV"' e island was just under 1000 feet long. He here there was a 25 -foot change in elevation, angeAr'1- hich was the largest change in elevation in was a periodic tree kill from the water changes, odd be on the perimeter. 4 Chair Kukonen stated thdt wereseveral roadblocks to the project, and there was no Comprehensive P Asleson concurred that the slopes were steep and the developers would be aslung for variances on all the shorelines. Gundhoferificired.ipoiit the j,ossibility of two houses, with no variances. Chair Kukon Adicated that he had walked the property and recalled that there were very mature tre Viat created an oak savanna, and that the wetland flags appeared to be inaccurate. Asleson stated that economics were driving the plan. He mentioned the developer tried to preserve trees. Chair Kukonen suggested that the City might want to acquire the land to preserve as a park or open space. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD 1VIEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 Grundhofer asked if the owner was the same person as all of Pheasant Hills. Asleson responded.that it was. Chair Kukonen inquired about the need for variances, and would it necessitate adaptation of the ordinance to the variances. Asleson responded by reading the Surface Water Management Ordinance, adding that Mr. Hovey recommended buffers. O'Connell noted Mr. Hovey's letter to Mr. Smyser concerning the grading plan. It appeared everyone agreed that it was a disaster. Trehus concurred, noting that a recommendation to deny could be based on: f*, • The Shoreline Ordinance. • The grading of the entire island. 249' • The island was described as one highly sensitive for aquifer 0tam*ion of hours to minutes range due to the soil types. Grochala addressed Mr. Hovey's letter to Mr. Smyser stating thai the proposal was not consistent with the building setbacks. He pointed ouL t1iit-19,0at the PDO the intent would have a cluster with a common area. Asleson c.iAgreenating that it was a standard cookie cutter approach. 4.27,71 Trehus inquired if the shoreline zone coulgth�. inaiitairied for two to three homes. Asleson answered that they would still neVil varianccs. Grochala noted that a variance was thr4the gaillogituations where the ordinance denied a reasonable use of the land. O'Connell asked if there were eLe gtandards. Grochala explained that the Shoreline Overlay was based on state,t4s, andSe project was not an example of it. Trehus stated that the/AIMOce 5., „.: enerous, and there was no need to allow for a variance for this projeit?..4 '1/4,,„`A ',,,,-.2•Y dak 't-.4 , - 'P Grundhofewle a motp*trrecommend to City Council deny Pheasant Hills 12th inconsi with the shoreline ordinance and statewide standards for the manrm,eorelme areas. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimousl' ' '2- 4.4, . ENVIRONMENTAUPARD BUSINESS A. Joint Meeting /City Council — Grochala indicated the meeting would take place on October 17, 2001, from 7-9 p.m. in the Community Room. Grundhofer inquired about the reason for waiting until after the meeting for new members of the Board. Grochala answered it was because the Council wanted the Board to come to agreement of the goals and responsibilities of the Board before new members 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 came on. In addition, the Council desired to have new members with an environmental background due to the technical nature of the information the Board dealt with. B. Wildland Urban Interface Update — Asleson stated the joint project ended in September, with final reports due at the end of the year. They were not able to accomplish all their goals, however "where to go from here" was discussed. Project reports such as the evaluation natural resource guidance checklist and G.I.S. land classification would be finished at the end of the year. The G.I.S. application of impervious surfaces could be applied to a build up analysis, or the percent cover of trees, even the health of the stand. Cooperative efforts between Hugod Lino Lakes on Wildfire assessments would continue in conjunction with the D ' `. clinance revision would continue with the help of the State. Chair Kukonen inquired about whether it was too late to assess ea ea ehind the .1 .0 elementary school, and noted it was not in the original r!rort i leson responded that the land classification assessment was going to be finished bth f f the year, and could address issues such as the Saddle Club site and the away areas much more e accurately than before G.I.S., but their staff was red` Trehus questioned the status of the Surface Wapent Plan. Asleson indicated that and the moratorium issues needed to geto ,but they needed the personnel and funding. Trehus indicated that he thought it ws`suia°et po the Metropolitan Council, but saw no copy.Asleson responded that th.erxe issues in compliance to state law and the p � ,� Conservation Development, an e''' eeded on it was similar to that of the Shoreline Management Ordin ' Trehus inquired whether thdcac ' I' ater Management Plan had been submitted. Grochala answered that t had n batt John Powell was attempting to contact Rice Creek Watershed District nd (7'4— awi Environmental Board. He sent a memo to the Metropolitan Coun'_onceriug his intentions. He wanted to begin with the Board and keep in contact through t i p7rticess, and hopefully have it finished in three meetings. C. Xcel Energy a "lxrde a Tree" Program/Sara Smith — Asleson explained g��T're "' ° � � a that there wee ral areas in the City where tree removal would be desirable. Xcel Energy neede U 6 trim trees near the high voltage lines, which resulted in unsightly trees, and some had been trimmed so the trees became unhealthy. He introduced Sara Smith who was repres siting the Trade a Tree program. Ms. Smith distributed general information on the program and pointed out that the program was a part of Tree Trust, a nationally recognized non-profit organization. She identified the locations in the City which were eligible for the program, and indicated that the jack pines had been topped on busy roads. The residents would be contacted through two mailings with a return postcard enclosed, and would be able to choose the species of tree or shrub, based on several staff choices. The program is flexible and could be 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 adapted to meet the needs of the City and the residents. The reimbursement was based on the size of the trunk removed, and there was usually two trees given for each tree removed. She stated that the trees would be trimmed be Xcel Energy in the near future, so Tree Trust comes to the cities prior to the trimming to offer the program. Trehus inquired if Xcel was locked into trimming, and was she thorough in reaching the residents. Ms. Smith answered that the program would be run through staff. Trehus asked the number of people who staffed the program. Ms. Smith responded that she was the only staff member for Trade a Tree program wit t. e Tree Trust. Chair Kukonen expressed concern about the cost of the stump rcmva1 M s. Smith Akt indicated it averaged 50 dollars. She recommended that the money is usetf for stump V4V,It5.1 414 removal or for the planting of the trees, or there would not be,eentkg.,mfoythe trees. 5biTh, ,41:1L.47,5,r Chair Kukonen questioned if it was a real cost for the Cit.y. Asleson answered that the City planted trees each spring, and that the planting ou Id notadded cost, and the trees would be free with the two for one program. eeA' Grundhofer asked if there would be assistance With t1i,chipping of the trees. Ms. Smith stated that Xcel would be reimbursed for c nitg, the trees through the program. - O'Connell posed the question would the homeownerbe allowed to choose the tree replacement. Ms. Ms. Smith responded that she.:had afguide that listed the species the program would accept. Staff would1:cyppse about five different species that the homeowner could choose from. :w .,:-1.'City would choose the species for the boulevard. Asleson stated that Xcel Ene change its image. to keep the clearances, but was attempting to Trehus asked if thef,(64 wou., ay for the stump removal. Asleson pointed out that the ,-:„i stump removal cost n'W41&hiliitir expense. ,4.410fA, Grundhofer ,e aou any requirements for the location of the replacement trees. X ..Iff7 Ms. Smith iri le-gted that the first tree would be at the location of the removed tree, and Nil'e'ee would need tothelless than 25 feet under the wires, however the second tree could be any . size, and wouldtOgiven to the City. The program was trying to branch out and has recently included a mini -arboretum at an elementary school for educational purposes, so they were trying to meet all the needs. Trehus asked where the City would be planting the trees. Asleson explained that they might be put in open spaces, or wherever a tree was needed. Chair Kukonen called for a motion. 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 Grundhofer made a motion to pass on a recommendation to the City Council to participate in the Trade a Tree program. Trehus seconded the motion. Motion carried irnrniimously. D. Project NEMO — Asleson expressed his desire to the Board to bring in the technical expertise of NEMO into the City as a pilot project. Trehus inquired about the factors which would increase the chances of this becoming a reality. Asleson responded that it should be brought up to the City Council. - . O'Connell asked about the costs involved. Asleson answered thatest-faM"- he City participated as a pilot project it would be minimal. He stated that they sirnpl:ifi�d iUeS, and used G.I.S. as a tool and even NASA remote sensing. He also indica* thatNresentatives from Rice Creek Watershed District were represented. Chair Kukonen questioned if there was an opportuni anyone who had an interest was welcome. Asleson stated E. Quarterly Stipend — The Board discussed thalpe4fhd was overdue. Asleson noted that he would check on it. PROGRAM /PROJECT UPDATES A. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates planned Recycling Day from 9 a. out with three semi trucks filled Trehus asked if the City rec,, last year the City received a - credit for all their dated that October 6, 2001 was the .m. He stated that there was usually a good turn yd. dumpster. as a result of Recycling Day. Asleson stated that 5 for recycling steel. The Lions deserve the figeeded the tonnage requirements for last year. B. Forestry — Asleso tilted thatil8 trees were slated for removal due to oak wilt, but were still standin because thewcllin' e broke down this past summer. The City was scheduledto. v: a p1pughin October to November, but if the ground freezes up before then, it wo not be e. . TheCityplans to plant 200 trees still this fall, with more next spring. St iidnot keep up with the plantings so it was contracted out. The trees used were sota Grown. There was a discussion of the boulevard trees. ! - .,. C. Other Environmental Project Updates — Asleson noted that there were prairie areas where the Fire Department and the City were planning to bum at the end of next month. There were three areas where prairie seeding would occur this fall. D. Molin Concrete Update — Grochala indicated that the recommendation had passed, and there was a meeting with the residents on the topic. The developers had submitted a landscaping plan to the City. They were given their TWAFA, or have been approved but were based on the submission of technical details to be worked out with staff. They were 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 26, 2001 addressing the noise generation with the residents. Grochala also found that there were 1 no new chemicals used on the site, however to prevent environmental impact from accidental spills, they were enclosing more of their work area. CLOSE MEETING AND CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on October 24, 2001. There being no further business, Trehus moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 9 City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting Lino Lakes City Hall September 26, 2001 6:30 PM Agenda 1. Call To Order/Pass Sign -In Sheet 6:30 PM 2. Approval of Minutes (6:30-6:35) 3. Approval of Agenda (6:35-6:40) 4. Citizen Comments (6:40-6:45) 5. Appoint new Chair/Vice Chair 6. Project Review A. Market Place Update /Michael Grochala. B. Rasky Building Systems, Apollo Business Center, Minor Subdivision, Site Plan Review. C. Pheasant Hills Preserve 12th Addition, Preliminary Plat/PDO, Comp Plan Amendment — MUSA. 7. Environmental Board Business A. Joint Meeting/City Council B. Wildland Urban Interface update. C. Xcel Energy/Tree Trust/ "Trade A Tree" Program/Sara Smith D. Project NEMO 8. Program/Project Updates A. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates. B. Forestry C. Other Environmental Project Updates 9. Close Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date