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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2002 Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES : March 6, 2002 . 5:30 p.m. . 9:10 p.m. : Council Member Dahl, Carlson, Reinert and Mayor Bergeson : O'Donnell Staff members present: City Administrator, Linda Waite Smi Studenski; Economic Development Assistant, Mary Alice D'vi Dave Pecchia (part); Community Development Director, Jeff Smyser; Environmental Specialist, Marty Asleson (part) neer, Jim Chief of Police, rochala; City Planner, City Clerk, Ann Blair UPDATE ON FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL P: • YOR BERGESON Mayor Bergeson advised a memo was in memo indicated Finance has received th needs and other major impacts on th process of preparing a first draft of review with the Directors and through the draft to review o the term of the plan. A revis at the Council work packets regarding this item. The tors' projections for staff and capital r the coming five years and is in the ear Plan. The first draft will be ready for by the week of March 18. Staff will work d to assess tax and revenue impacts over 11 be prepared following this review for discussion Staff's goal is to have th ` we -Year Plan completed and adopted at the April 8 meeting, prior to the joint City Co q Charter Commission meeting scheduled for April 11. VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL, MICHAEL GROCHALA, MARY ALICE DIVINE Economic Development Assistant Divine stated the Beard Group, a real estate development firm, has indicated an interest in acting as master developer of the Village project. The group has experience in mixed-use redevelopment in Robbinsdale, Hopkins, Sauk Rapids and Oakdale. They are also the proposed master developers for the redevelopment project in downtown Circle Pines. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 Economic Development Assistant Divine continued, stating a draft of the preliminary agreement with the Beard Group was distributed at the last work session. She noted the various changes that have been made to the language in the agreement. Mayor Bergeson asked if Mr. and Mrs. Tagg have reviewed the agreement and the changes in the language. Mrs. Tagg stated she just read the agreement and inquired about the reference to the "third party" and the master plan. Economic Development Assistant Divine stated the City will not accept any applications for the City's portion of the property. If an application is received for the Tagg property, the application will go through the City process. Mrs. Tagg stated she wants to be clear that developers can wor City on her property during the agreement period with the Beard Grou Mr. Bill Beard, Beard Group, stated he would like the determine the economic feasibility of the project an involved. He distributed pictures and commented downtown Hopkins, Robbinsdale, Chicago and with Ryland Homes in Centerville this spring. e agreement allows to tify other issues that may be projects he has done in e stated he is starting a project Mr. Beard referred to the steps outlined i ' .e agreement noting that if the project does move forward, the next step is to sub ' : co ,pt plan. He distributed a sample of a concept plan that was used on ano profit. e stated he would like to break ground on the Village this year. Councilmember Reinert refe to E ibit ; in the agreement and asked if that is what the study will dete ne. Mr. Beard reviewed Ex ;gib;' ting the programming information listed would be investigated relating to v ue and costs. Recommendations relating to the project and mixed uses will also be ina.`ded in the economic feasibility study. This item will be on the regular Council agenda Monday, March 11, 2002, 6:30 p.m. LAKE PELTIER SURFACE WATER ZONING DISCUSSION, MARTY ASLESON Environmental Specialist Asleson stated this issue was discussed at the last work session. He reviewed the background of this issue noting the purpose of the no -wake zone is to minimize human disturbance to the adjacent nesting birds, aquatic vegetation and water quality around the island. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 The Peltier Lake Association met on March 4, 2002 to discuss this issue. Staff understands that the Association is proposing a modification of the proposed no -wake zone that would be acceptable to the Association members. Staff would welcome any modifications that alleviate Association member concerns while still addressing the stated environmental concerns. He noted the public hearing in Centerville will be held on March 13, 2002. Councilmember Reinert asked when the problem began and what has occurred that makes the lake different now than in the past. Mayor Bergeson noted a public hearing will be held regarding this issue Monday, March 11, 2002, 6:30 p.m. Mr. Jerry Linder, 7413 Peltier Lake Drive, came forward and t ,; ` ' the Council for the opportunity to speak regarding this issue. He gave a presentati °eluded his background, video from the American Water-ski Associat • ting to noise on the lake, habitat of the Blue Heron and a conclusion. He • : = d ' - does understand the importance of the Blue Heron for the Lino Lakes area g= d - on they are leaving needs to be determined. Once that reason is determ'q e '.whatever is causing the problem should be limited such as noise or shore restrictio ted he will move the slalom ski course from its current location. Councilmember Carlson asked why info liven about Goose Lake in White Bear Lake. Mr. Linder stated Mr. LeBlanc had slalom course on Goose Lake. He course can be shortened. him that he should practice skiing the ants to ski on Peltier Lake and the slalom Mr. Hal Wagner, 15 Peltier L dive, stated the Association met on March 4. He is making a proposal fo $` LL + is obecause he is fairly neutral regarding this issue. The Association has a _ a no- ake zone is needed. The Association is proposing a no -wake zone from the og poles north because that is already an existing barrier and that will keep the two homy -wners out of the no -wake zone. Councilmember Carlson clarified that approximately 500 feet would be beyond the bog poles and past the homeowners. Mr. Wagner stated the Association would like the ordinance to state that no other restrictions will be put on the southern portion of the lake. He stated the proposal is the Association's first proposal and they are prepared to present another option if necessary. Ms. Joan Galli, DNR, came forward and commented on the biology of the herons noting that this particular location is the second largest colony in the seven county area. It is also the only colony in Anoka County. She commented on the Herons nesting habits noting CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 the exact reason for the Heron leaving is still unknown. The DNR is continually gathering information but the current consensus is that a no -wake zone will minimize any potential disturbances. She stated the eagle and heron do get along together and almost every rookery has an eagle nest nearby. This particular colony has failed twice and everyone needs to do what they can to sustain the colony. The ordinance is a standard management concept that is often used. Utilizing the no -wake zone only on the north side of the lake will accommodate the recreation on the lake. Time is a factor because the birds nest in the spring, usually beginning in the middle of March. The quality of the lake is also an issue and the no -wake zone will help with the quality also. Mayor Bergeson asked if eagles could be competing with the birds for the same food. Ms. Galli stated she does not think that herons and eagles cost e for the same food because they hunt food differently and eat different -sized food. Councilmember Reinert asked if the herons have been on 's only 12 years. Ms. Galli stated the herons have only been on the isl. ; f. bars, but eagle nests have been there also. Eagles have nested on the island at ea ''twice. Some of the herons have left the island after being there only a few months uccessfully nesting. The birds have left the island two years in a row. Mr. Jeff Perry, Anoka County, stated the studies that were done in 1995. Studies resource. The 20/20 Vision also indi County but to residents as well. Th the north side of the lake and the is be protected. The rookery was the previous rookery location C. . pective on the island dates back to e island is a very significant island is not only important to the d put together a master plan that showed ing very important and an area that should d prior to 1989. Due to the disturbances in eltier Island. Mr. Perry stated the A °°n'. rem the importance of the rookery is very beneficial. The Coun doc ent d the heron's habits for quite some time. The County put together a tas $ force to determine how to sustain the rookery. After reviewing all the available informatio it was determined that a no -wake zone should be put into effect. It seems now that a detailed discussion of where the line should be is appropriate. Mr. Perry added that the County has agreed to post signs and buoys. A minimum of 300 meters is needed for a buffer. There are 530 nests on the island but the majority of them are on the northern half of the island. He recommended pushing the no -wake zone just a bit further than the bog poles and referred to a map pointing that line out. He also pointed out the portion of the area that is owned by the County. Mr. Art Hawkins, 6102 Centerville Road, stated he is present to answer any questions regarding the Blue Heron. He stated he has been observing the birds for three years and has information available regarding the desertion of the birds. He stated a rookery must 4 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 have a buffer around it to be sustained. There is some disagreement about the amount of the buffer. If the City wants to keep the herons in this area it must be buffered. He referred to a map and pointed out the rookeries that have been vacated. He commented on what he has observed relating to the habits of the birds. He read a quote form the St. Paul Pioneer Press regarding the DNR purchase of the Lamprey Pass rookery. It was quite expensive and the City of Lino Lakes has one without having to purchase it. He stated the City should not lose this valuable asset. Councilmember Carlson asked why the birds left Lamprey Pass. Ms. Galli stated there was a storm in 1987 and that caused the nesting season to fail. The birds did come back but there were continual disturbances with ATV vehicles and humans so they left. She noted mosquito control has been to • ® t to fly their helicopters over nesting areas. Fire fighters have also been told not to trai - area. The DNR will also be speaking to sea plane owners. The DNR is trying ad • all the disturbances to the birds. She commented on the feeding e herons noting they will go as far as 16 miles to feed but most often feed -2 miles of the nesting area. Mr. Rod Kukonen, Chair of the Environmental Bo e forward and stated that Lino Lakes had recently participated in some resear was one regarding the birds. The research indicated activity has to be limited i - ng area and the Environmental Board is recommending a 1,000 foot buffe Councilmember Reinert clarified the g _ a 'o ' the ski course in relation to the island and where the course may be move Ms. Connie Grundhofer, 235 L citizen. She distributed pic the island does have ee specie other birds. e forward and stated she is a concerned d egrets as well as other birds. She noted erons and the island is also used as a resource for Councilmember Carlson ked for the County's recommendation regarding the no -wake zone. Mr. Perry referred to a map and pointed out the County's proposal for the no -wake zone. The line will be 175-200 feet south of the island and angle north. That line will not effect the homeowners. The County also feels that boats at no -wake speeds will not adversely affect the area. It is not the County's intent to keep people out of the area but to limit the disturbances. This type of management practice has worked in the past. Councilmember Reinert stated he would also like to protect the birds. He asked what the outcome will be with a no -wake zone relating to the bird population. He also asked for clarification regarding what it means when the birds leave. 5 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 6, 2002 Mr. Perry stated the hope with a no -wake zone is the colony will come back and grow larger. Councilmember Reinert stated it seems that no one knows specifically whey the colonies have vacated. He asked what will happen if the birds do not come back. Ms. Galli stated the DNR will continue to keep track of the birds and how they are doing. It can take 2-3 years after the disturbances are minimized before the number of birds increases. Councilmember Reinert stated a no -wake zone with a time period has been utilized on other lakes. He asked if that has been considered in this case. Ms. Galli stated the timeframe is for when the birds are nestin to feed and the northern portion of the lake is a very important resources on the lake need to be protected for a larger time would like the no -wake zone to be in effect for the whole birds then move out ea. Other efore, the DNR Mayor Bergeson asked Mr. Perry to put the County' pry . osa in writing and give it to staff prior to the Monday night Council meeting. Mr. Wagner came forward and stated the Ass iatio . second proposal for the no -wake zone is to move the line up 100 feet from the t island and angle it north. He stated it is very similar to the County's p This item will appear on the regular ounea:enda Monday, March 11, 2002, 6:30 p.m. Mayor Bergeson called for a shy . �:0 p.m. Mayor Bergeson reconvened the ng at 8:15 p.m. UPDATE ON SPRIN " ' . ` N 1 UM, MAYOR BERGESON Mayor Bergeson referred t . memo that was distributed in the Council packets. The memo indicated all facets of the "Referendum 2002" committee is progressing well. At the last meeting the marketing plan was finalized to ensure all residents have several opportunities to become informed on all aspects of the upcoming referendum. The memo also referred to a draft copy of the informational brochure that will be delivered to all residents the first week of April. Some changes will be made to the brochure but it does include the most pertinent information relating to the April 27, 2002, referendum. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSIONMARCH 6, 2002 PHEASANT HILLS 12TH ADDITION, EAW PETITION, JEFF SMYSER City Planner Smyser distributed a memo regarding Pheasant Hills 12th Addition. The City has received a petition requesting the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). The City is responsible for supervising or approving the project as a whole. No final decision can be made on the project until either the City decides no EAW is needed, or the City decides an EAW is needed, and afterward decides no environmental impact statement is needed. The City has 30 days to decide if an EAW should be prepared. Staff is recommending Council discuss this issue more fully at the March 20 work session. He noted that the information that was included with the memo is the original staff reports on the project. City Planner Smyser added that the deadline is up on this prof =' q and without the EAW petition, the City would have had to take action on Monday ni This item will appear on the Council work session agenda March 20, 2002, 5:30 p.m. ST. PAUL REGIONAL WATER SERVICES PROR ICHAEL GROCHALA Community Development Director Grochala ell` St. Paul Water Services is trying to sell some of their property. He distributed ap p inting out the area in question. The State is trying to pursue a metro gee .��aY o purchase the property.The State would then have the County manage the The question is if the City has any objections to the County managing e majority of the land is wetland and not accessible or developable. The Council indicated no obj onsthe Minty managing the property in question. REGULAR AGENIC~ BRU • 11, 2002 There were no changes t ere lar Council agenda. Mayor Bergeson stated he received a call from County Commissioner Langfield regarding another Commissioner's suggestion that a casino be developed where 35E and 35W meet. Commissioner Langfield asked that the Council be polled regarding that idea. He suggested each Councilmember give their comments to the City Administrator to develop a letter to send to Commissioner Langfield. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on March 25, 2002 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. A*/ John B Ma or g , Y MARCH 6, 2002 8