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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/31/2005 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE : August 31, 2005 TIME STARTED : 6:31 P.M. TIME ENDED : 8:31 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Barbara Bor, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, and Mary Jo O’Dea MEMBERS ABSENT : Barbara Bauman, Teresa O’Connell, and Dennis Smith STAFF PRESENT : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair O’Dea called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES July 27, 2005 Page 2, seventh paragraph: “Chair O’Dea stated the Board would like to see walkable and bikable trails connecting the parks and open spaces within the site, but also with City and County parks outside the site.” Kukonen made a motion to approve the July 27, 2005 meeting minutes. Bor seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Discuss Distribution Alternatives visit under 6C. The Board approved the agenda as amended. 4. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Apollo Landing Landscaping Review/Hampton Inn/Site Entry Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He introduced Craig Piet, a representative for the Hampton Inn. Mr. Piet indicated the lighting plan was the same, so he was looking for recommendations from the Board on the entry and landscaping. 1 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Grundhofer questioned staff if Black Hills Spruce was a good choice. Staff indicated they were a good choice because they were resistant to disease. Grundhofer inquired about plans for recycling. Mr. Piet responded the containers would be located inside the building on the map C-2. Grundhofer asked about the size and location of the doorway. Kukonen added the door needed to have a mechanism that was trouble free in the winter. Mr. Piet assured the Board there would be adequate accommodations for waste disposal and recycling. B. Village of Hardwood Creek/Comp Plan Amendment and PUD Consideration Asleson clarified the application was for the land use plan. He reviewed the background and analysis. Greg Hayes introduced himself and Kendra Lendrahl, stating they were from Hardwood Creek and Landform. Mr. Hayes began with an explanation of the land use plan proposal, and that they were looking for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The plan had 1120-1250 housing units with 80-95 acres of open space. The goal was to integrate and reshape the neighborhoods. He presented a map with adjacent property owners and the connections. They were concerned with the phasing, because with a development of this size, it would probably take more than five years. The utilities were coming from the South to the North. There were just under four miles of trails planned in the development, for over five miles of sidewalks and trails. Ms. Lendrahl added that the blue were heavily used trails, while magenta were trails along the roads were blacktop, and did not include the concrete sidewalks. She indicated they were trying to preserve the agricultural heritage, and were not wanting a hard, clean, urban look. Grundhofer inquired about plans for the native plantings and perennials. Mr. Hayes responded that the details would come later. Grundhofer questioned the representatives about the size of the largest open space. Ms. Lendrahl answered that it would be about 2.5 acres. Mr. Hayes stated they desired to provide what the community would want. He also briefly reviewed the presentation from the last meeting. 2 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Asleson inquired if they were going to integrate the surface water train. He also asked if Rehbein was still working on the plan. Mr. Hayes responded that they were still working with Rehbein. Bor questioned if the conservation inventory indicated an area was a wetland. Mr. Hayes answered that the area was on a 100-year flood plain, but there were about 14.7 acres of wetland on site. He referred to a map of the current wetlands on site. Asleson stated that before ditching, it was all wetland. O’Dea added that the Board attempts to preserve the natural environment, and make sure the wetlands were accounted for. Grundhofer mentioned the wetlands and open space attract wildlife. Ms. Lendrahl responded they have incorporated wildlife corridors within the plan, such as culverts under paths. Asleson stated rare plants have come up in sites where disturbance has occurred. He restated that the stormwater treatment was critical, and the buffer areas were important for songbirds and deer. Mr. Hayes mentioned his front yard was a natural prairie, so he was familiar with the benefits of native plantings. Kukonen stated in the Handbook, the City had expressed the value of continuous wildlife areas. Asleson mentioned that the size of the site was comparable to Clearwater Creek. Bor inquired about the acreage conceptually designated for open space. Mr. Hayes answered the open space would be 80-95 acres, or about 26%. Kukonen indicated a conservation development would have 50% open space. Bor stated that the residents were very invested in the community, and she encouraged them to work with everyone to make the development different than other cities. Mr. Hayes agreed, and indicated that he understood that they were a gateway, and wanted cohesiveness within the community. Asleson stated the open space was designed to meet the standards in the AUAR, and the details were not yet apparent. Mr. Hayes answered they were constrained by the process. Grundhofer inquired of the 26% designated for open space, how much would be open for wildlife. Mr. Hayes mentioned it could be designed into the project. Bor questioned staff about the PUD. Asleson responded it would go from strictly industrial to mixed use. 3 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Bor inquired the units per acre, and how many of each was planned. Mr. Hayes defined the general values, and guidelines allowing for 1500 units. The mix was not yet decided. He was hopeful that some new and intriguing things could be done. Ms. Lendrahl stated she would address the planning and landscape portion. They had a range of units for the City. The first step was to go through the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, then the details would be worked out with Rehbein to reduce the runoff. Kukonen inquired if there were any existing homes in the Northwestern area of the property. Mr. Hayes indicated there were two existing homes, and they had been dialoguing with residents. One resident indicated she would like to live in one of the townhomes in the development. Kukonen questioned staff if the Board was to discuss buffering at a later date. Asleson answered that the AUAR would look at the connectedness. Mr. Hayes stated that he believed the AUAR process should be completed, and clarified that they were looking for a comment of support of the concept. The Board discussed plans for County Road 14. Grundhofer inquired if the plan had been discussed with Council. Mr. Hayes answered that they had been to all units of government, held neighborhood meetings, the City of Centerville and Open Houses. He believed that bringing the theme forward would assist in showing the details that were planned. After a brief discussion, the Board made a statement that it is supportive of the general environmental direction the plan is heading. C. Legacy at Woods Edge/Betty’s Pies Asleson stated that the plan had already been through the EAW Review process, and addressed the surface water issues. The Board would now review the Landscape Plan and Lighting Plan. He reviewed the background and analysis. Kukonen inquired if it would be a retail establishment. Frank James with the Hartford Group answered it would be a restaurant and bakery. O’Dea expressed concern for the accessibility of the waste area. Mr. James responded the waste area would be in the Northwest corner, and that there was a sidewalk in the back. He said all the commercial area would have a single provider with a covenant and a city bid process. 4 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Bor clarified that the concern was for general functionality. O’Dea added that the size of the area needed to be large enough to handle expanding recycling. Mr. James stated that their engineers were working with City staff. He added there would be recycling in the residential apartments, and assured the Board he would explore the area. O’Dea expressed concern about the lighting in the parking lot, because it appeared that the C-41 did not meet City requirements. Asleson answered that it was a flush mounted light, and would be uniform throughout the project. He indicated that the Type B wall mount did not meet the City requirements. Mr. James assured the Board that they would meet the City requirements for lighting. Kukonen asked Mr. James to address the parking details. Mr. James responded the hotel had its own parking, and met the requirements for the City. The other commercial sites would have shared parking. The apartments would have shared parking, while the assisted housing would have underground parking. Grundhofer inquired if there were plans for a gas station. Mr. James answered there were no plans for one at this point. Grundhofer questioned if Green Velvet Boxwood was a good choice. Asleson responded that it was not very hardy. Mr. James stated they would work with staff on the vegetation. Asleson added that there was a general plan submitted, but staff had not yet addressed it. It would be traffic calming and consistent throughout the village. Grundhofer inquired about the roof drainage. Asleson responded that there would be opportunities for innovative ideas in this area. It would go into the surface water train, and would be directed onto pervious areas. O’Dea expressed concern about the vent cleaning of the building. Asleson clarified that it should drain into the building. He questioned if there were plans for litter pick-up in the parking lot. Mr. James answered that the association would be responsible for upkeep in the common areas. Bor asked the developer to look at the HVAC systems to ensure that the food smells did not escape, and also the air intake in the buildings. Grundhofer questioned if the building designs would support rooftop gardens. Kukonen made a motion to recommend approval with staff recommendations and the following Board recommendations: 5 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 • Work with staff on the lighting. • Work with staff on venting the restaurant for odors per ordinance requirements. • Work with staff on landscaping. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. D. Legacy at Woods Edge/Lakewood Apartments Asleson stated the situation was similar to the previous site. They should work with staff on landscaping. The topsoil should be incorporated for water penetration, and thereby needing less chemicals. O’Dea indicated the same comments would apply for lighting and landscaping. Grundhofer made a motion to recommend approval with staff recommendations and recommendations from the Board • Work with staff on lighting. • Work with staff on landscaping. Bor seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. E. Legacy at Woods Edge/Woods Edge Hotel Asleson stated that the hotel would be Country Inn Suites. He indicated that they should work with staff on lighting and landscaping. Grundhofer made a motion to recommend approval with staff recommendations and the following recommendations from the Board: • Work with staff on lighting. • Work with staff on landscaping. • Establish a recycling plan. • Work with provider for functionality on trash facilities. Bor seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Blue Heron Days Discussion Asleson stated there were no people by the announcer. Most of the people were at the beginning of the parade route. O’Dea inquired if there were any tables at the beginning. She asked if participating was out of the Board’s focus. 6 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Bor questioned if signage would be better. O’Dea suggested handing out popcorn. Asleson mentioned the Board could make a float for the parade. Bor stated that she believed Earth Day might be a better forum for Board participation, because people would take more time to discuss things. Asleson noted the Historical Society had a nice table. Grundhofer inquired about the number of posters used. Asleson responded that the low number was because of their location. Kukonen noted they were only there for three hours. Bor questioned staff if a thank-you note could be sent to Andy from the Board. Asleson mentioned his study took a turn from Industrial Studies to Environmental Management. B. 2005 Goals O’Dea addressed the environmental boards in other cities. There might be several other organizations working within the cities, and they could be added to the list. C. Distribution Alternatives Visit Bor stated that a report could be compiled of a self-evaluation of past sites. Asleson added that the lighting had been inaccurately implemented. The Pannetoni people were dedicated to native plantings. A responsible company was contracted for maintenance. He was also was encouraged by the use pervious parking. O’Dea indicated that it was helpful to see if the recommendations were implemented. Asleson noted the lighting at the Dairy Queen site was not in compliance with City requirements. O’Dea mentioned that a summary of whether recommendations had become reality might be helpful. Grundhofer questioned if developers were required to comply with the ordinances, and was there any enforcement mechanisms to encourage compliance. Asleson responded he would look into the issue. O’Dea mentioned she would like to do a site visit of a residential development, for instance Stoneybrook. 7 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING AUGUST 31, 2005 Bor stated that if a report was compiled, the Planning and Zoning Board should receive a copy, because they had voting power. O’Dea wanted to know if Stoneybrook was notifying homeowners of the surface water issues, mowing, preserving the wetlands. The meeting time for a review of Stoneybrook was set for 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 before the next Environmental Board meeting. Kukonen reviewed the recommendations from the Board for Distribution Alternatives: • Tabulated impervious • Parking stalls to the minimum. • Submit Tree Preservation Plan. • Work with staff on landscape plan. • Comply with lighting ordinance. • Submit pH level models. • Increase number of trees and oaks in back. • Ensure adequate separation with groundwater. Kukonen inquired about the pond on the South side. Asleson answered the pond was a part of Schwan’s and was going from formal to native plantings around the pond. He was encouraged because they did what they said they would do. They had a three-year contract with a reputable landscape company for maintenance. O’Dea noted that October 1, 2005 was the Fall Recycling Day and would be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. She saw a nice article about it in the City Newsletter. Grundhofer commented on the Community Wildlife habitat. She expressed her frustration on taking a course on-line. 8. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on September 28, 2005. There being no further business, Kukonen moved to adjourn at 8:31 p.m. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 8 APPROVED MINUTES