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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/05/2003 Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : March 5, 2003 TIME STARTED : 5:30 p.m. TIME ENDED : 10:55 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT : Councilmember Dahl, Carlson, O'Donnell, Reinert and Mayor Bergeson MEMBERS ABSENT : None Staff members present: City Administrator, Linda Waite Smith; Community Development Director, Michael Grochala (part); City Engineer, Jim Studenski (part); Chief of Police, Dave Pecchia (part); and NAC Principal, Al Brixius QUAD CITIES POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION Mr. Mike Delmont, City Administrator for Lexington, advised the City Administrators in the four cities have been meeting for the past year and a half to discuss various issues including the loss of state aid and police services. The goal of the discussions is to provide the best possible services at the most effective cost. Information will be presented this evening regarding a possible joint police department. He noted the City Administrators are not prepared to answer questions this evening. If the four cities would like to proceed, there will be many more meetings. Mr. Jim Keinath, City Administrator for Circle Pines, distributed and reviewed information on costs of police service for each City per capita vs. the cost of services for a Quad Cities police department. He noted the numbers are based on three variable factors including work load, population and valuation. Mr. Keinath also reviewed information on proposed expenditures and revenues for a Quad Cities police budget. He noted the salaries proposed are based on the salary schedule for the City of Lino Lakes. The number of CSOs and officers would have to be balanced at some point in the future. He advised there would be potential start-up costs that were listed in the amount of $93,370. Ms. Linda Waite Smith, City Administrator for Lino Lakes, distributed and reviewed a floor plan of the current Lino Lakes police department. She noted the police department's total space is approximately one-third of the Lino Lakes Civic Complex and was designed with expansion in mind. In the event that the department outgrows the current space, there is another one-third of the Civic Complex that is currently being leased to Centennial School District. That lease will be up in 2009 and that space would 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED • be available. It was noted that tours of the Lino Lakes police department are available by • • contacting Chief Dave Pecchia. Ms. Kim Moore Sykes, City Administrator for Centerville, advised the City Administrators also discussed the elements of governing a joint police department. She distributed and reviewed information regarding the Elements of Public Safety Joint Powers Agreement. She noted the elements have just been suggested and could be modified by the four cities. Also distributed were list of advantages of a Quad Cities police department, additional issues that were considered, and an organizational chart. Ms. Moore Sykes noted that the biggest advantage to a Quad Cities police department is the financial savings and maximization of officers on the street. Mr. Keinath distributed and reviewed a proposed timeline noting the goal is to have the department begin operation January 1, 2004. The timeline included tentatively scheduled meeting dates to allow for citizen input, Council decisions, appointments, etc. Mr. Delmont advised the first presentation of the Quad Cities police department was made to elected officials, the Police Board of Commissioners and the current Police Chiefs. There was a lot of input and it was a very positive meeting. This portion of the meeting was recessed at 6:45 to move to the Lino Lakes City Hall. The meeting was reconvened at 7:14 p.m. QUAD CITIES POLICE FOLLOW UP DISCUSSION Councilmember O'Donnell stated he thought the Quad Cities report was a great presentation and he is very open to further discussion and investigation. Councilmember Carlson stated she thinks the timing is right. She added she does have a lot of questions and believes a presentation should be made to the public. City Administrator Waite Smith advised some of the involved cities have already scheduled public hearings. She noted the City needs a 10 day notice in order to schedule a public hearing. She also suggested that a presentation could be made on cable TV. The City Administrators need to know if all four City Councils want to move forward with the project. She added that a public presentation could be made prior to scheduling a public hearing. That issue will be discussed further at the next Council work session. City Administrator Waite Smith stated the Annual Goal Setting meeting needs to be scheduled. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED • The Council directed staff to try to schedule the Annual Goal Setting meeting on April 2nd, 16th or the 30th. City Administrator Waite Smith advised she will talk to the facilitator and schedule the meeting on one of those dates. • • ZONING ORDINANCE, MICHAEL GROCHALA Review Changes and Final Draft/Review Tree Services as CUP in Rural Districts — Community Development Director Grochala advised the first reading of the Zoning Ordinance was approved at the February 24, 2003 Council meeting. Last Friday a draft with the proposed changes was distributed. He reviewed the following important changes: • Requirements for traffic impacts on streets adopted for subdivisions were added for conditional use permits (page 2-6) and site plan reviews (page 2-29). • Community Development Dept. will provide reports to the City Council regarding site plan reviews (p 2-28). • Attached garage size maximums: whichever is greater of 1120 sf or house footprint (pp 3-23 through 3-28). • Confusing passage on screening of commercial vehicles deleted (p 3-37). • A single-family lot in a residential zoning district shall not have more than one driveway accessing a public street (p 3-60). • Sec. 3 Subd. 13, existing farms are permitted uses, retained (p 3-86). • For cell tower applications, the search radius for other structures will be two miles instead of one mile (p 3-91). • The concept plan for a planned unit development (PUD) will be voluntary to avoid deadline problems. Various statements have been deleted, starting on page 50. • The NB district is to be retained, not deleted (p 4-1). • Corrected lot width minimum in R -EC district (p 6-11). CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED • Requirements added for R-2, R-3, R-4 districts to require that they occur only in the appropriate land use category according to the comprehensive plan, and that city sewer and water must be available (pp 6-17, 6-23, and 6-29). • Clubs and lodges have been deleted from the R-4 conditional uses (p 6-33). • There is a minimal amount of land in the city designated for high density residential use. • Motor fuel stations have been deleted from the NB district (p 7-4). • Bulk propane sales have been added to motor fuel stations in the LB, GB, LI, and GI districts (pp 7-22, 7-41, 8-12, 8-34). • Lighted canopy fascia will be allowed at motor fuel stations. Prohibiting this was intended for only the NB district and should not have been included in the LB, GB, LI, and GI districts (pp 7-19, 7-21, 7-38, 7-40, 8-9, 8-11, 8-31, 8-33). • Outdoor sales lots are distinguished from outdoor storage (pp 7-43, 8-14, 8-36). • Mini -storage facilities will not be allowed in the LI district (p 8-6), only in the GI. • • Rural cluster deleted from R -BR zone, since it's intended for future industrial development (p 9-11). • • Billboards (advertising signs) removed as interim use from R -BR (p 9-14). Councilmember Carlson asked if the lighted canopy fascia should also be included in LB districts. Community Development Director Grochala advised that will be considered and more information will be distributed prior to the meeting on Monday. Community Development Director Grochala also reviewed the following outstanding issues: 1. Should tree service businesses be allowed in the Rural zoning district as a. conditional use? The ordinance as it is written allows contractor shops and offices, without outdoor storage of equipment or materials, as conditional uses in the GB district (p 3-36). The ordinance allows them in the LI and GI districts (pp 8-3 and 8-20) as permitted uses without outdoor storage of equipment or materials: such outdoor storage would require a CUP (pp 8-14, 8-36). Therefore, a tree service, landscaping or other similar use is provided for in the new ordinance: in the industrial zones. • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED Community Development Director Grochala advised the City of Hugo allows contractor yards in industrial zones and in a commercial zone that is for land without city sewer and water. Outdoor storage requires a CUP in commercial and industrial zones. He distributed a handout on what other communities do relating to "Tree Care/Tree Servicing" zoning information. Councilmember Reinert excused himself from the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Community Development Director Grochala stated the City has the option of saying no or adding the tree service as a conditional use within that district and to provide for that type of operation. The applicant that made the request described what he would be storing on the property and indicated he would provide screening. He advised the Council he provides tree consulting and trimming/removal of trees and shrubs. He stated he only has one employee. He did speak with the neighbors and they are agreeable to his request. He noted he has outlets for the stumps and wood chips from the trees that are removed. Planning Associate Brixius stated the City could rezone the parcel to GB and that would not be spot zoning because it abuts a GB district. The applicant could then go through the conditional use permit process. However, that would not allow for any outdoor storage. Mayor Bergeson stated he would have less of an issue changing the zoning than changing permitted uses. Planning Associate Brixius stated the City can clearly define allowable outdoor storage by a percentage of the building square footage. Community Development Director Grochala stated there is also a septic issue on the property. The septic needs to be tested to make sure the system is working properly. The request was for rezoning and a comprehensive plan amendment. The Planning and Zoning Board just requested tree services be added to the rural zone. He noted the rezone to GB will be prohibited when the new ordinance is approved due to the lack of city services. Planning Associate Brixius suggested allowing a minimal amount of outdoor storage in the GB district under contractor yards. The question is if the Council wants to rezone this small parcel to GB. If the Council gives that direction, staff will continue to work on the request. More information could be provided in the Friday update. Mr. Greg Schlank, representative for Bruggeman Homes, came forward and stated he would like to discuss the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. He gave the history • of the property in question indicating they would like to develop the land according to the comprehensive plan. An application was submitted under the GB zoning district. The Planning and Zoning Board tabled the application for additional information. He CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED indicated he does understand the changes the City is making to the NB district and the elimination of gas stations. Bruggeman Homes feels there has to be a convenience store and gas station at the corner of the property in question. Also, if drive-throughs are eliminated from the NB district development on that corner is no longer viable. Mr. Peter Helger, architect for the project, stated that when he first looked at the site he did indicate what will have to be developed for the retail site to be successful. Councilmember Reinert returned to the meeting at 9:02 p.m. Mr. Helger continued, stating that based on their evaluation of the proposed changes to the NB district, their original plans for a bank, coffee place or any successful business with a drive through would be prohibited. He referred to a drawing of how he perceives the City sees the site developing noting it is on a very small scale and is characteristic of a NB district. He also presented a limited business zoning scenario as well as a GB scenario. He stated the corner in question should be zoned GB. The City needs to decide how they want that area developed. The NB district, as defined by the City, is not viable on that property. The property should be all residential or general business. Mayor Bergeson stated he does not think the City can rezone a property if it has not been requested. The City has to deal with the request that has been made. Councilmember Carlson stated this reminds her of discussions the City had about Carl Street. She stated she does not see herself telling the Planning and Zoning Board what decision the Council wants them to make. Community Development Director Grochala stated Council direction is needed regarding this issue. It is very difficult for staff to do their job when it is not known what the Council is trying to accomplish. Councilmember Reinert stated the only option the Council has heard is a gas station or houses. Community Development Director Grochala stated the whole discussion came about because of the proposed changes to the NB district. The request that went to the Planning and Zoning Board was for a 12,000 square foot multi -tenant building with a concept plan for a gas station. He indicated staff will discuss this further with the applicant and determine what the next step is. Community Development Director Grochala referred to the staff report for the zoning ordinance and reviewed the following clarifications: 1. Domes: There was a question about whether or not to allow tennis domes, golf • domes, and the like. Such uses should be considered a recreational business, a commercial use. Recreational businesses are allowed in the GB and LI districts. • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED A dome would need a conditional use permit because of the height, as regulated by Sec. 3, Subd. 4.C. on pages 3-16 to 3-17. In addition to those requirements, the standard CUP requirements would apply (p 3-6). Staff has spoken with the community development director in White Bear Lake about the tennis dome there. Some people didn't like to see the glowing dome at night. However, it did not cast light on other properties and there were no noise or traffic issues. The issue of whether or not it needed a sprinkler system was difficult. This is a building code issue to be determined by the building officials and fire chief. 2. Gymnasiums, Dance Schools: We have been asked where these fit in. They would be considered recreational businesses, which are allowed in the GB and LI zones. 3. Pole Buildings: The confusing passage regarding the expansion of pole buildings has been completely deleted (p 3-15). Commercial/industrial buildings must now meet the requirements on page 3-14. 4. Exterior Storage on Residential Lot: The exterior storage of personal property is adequately addressed in the ordinance, on page 3-36. Little has changed from the existing ordinance. This item has been discussed with the City Attorney, and it is staff's opinion that this passage covers the issue. Community Development Director Grochala stated the issue of Motor Vehicle Parking in Residential and Rural Zoning Districts also has to be discussed. Councilmember Carlson stated she is concerned about there not being a limit on the number of vehicles in rural districts great than 2 1/2 acres. She stated there does need to be a limit Community Development Director Grochala advised in the old ordinance there were no restrictions whatsoever in rural district. The 21/2 acres was an addition. Planning Associate Brixius suggested language that could be added to the ordinance to eliminate the concern regarding motor vehicle parking. The Council directed staff to change the language from the 21/2 acres to 10 acres with a limit of two vehicles to rural districts and one vehicle to residential districts. Councilmember Carlson reviewed the draft ordinance and asked for clarification in regard to her questions about several issues. • Staff made the appropriate changes and indicated more information will be included in the Friday update. • • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, March 10, 2003. SSR&W WILLARD MORTON SUBDIVISION, MICHAEL GROCHALA Community Development Director Grochala advised Mr. Willard Morton's firm, SSR&W Development, LLC, owns property in Lino Lakes. The SSR&W property includes 80+ acres in Section 9. The application is to split off 11 acres from an existing 40 -acres parcel, and combine the new 11 -acre piece with a one -acre strip that connects to Main St. SSR&W would then sell the new lot to allow for a new home site. Staff understands that Mr. Brad Racutt wants to buy the property and build a new home. The application raised numerous important issues regarding implementation of the long- range plan for the City, as represented in the comprehensive plan. The City Council discussed this application at its work session on November 20, 2001. Staff prepared an option that included the dedication of a partial right of way. Mr. Racutt rejected that option, and both he and Mr. Morton waived the statutory deadlines for City action on the application. On January 9, 2003, the City received a letter than rescinded that waiver and restarted the period allowed for City action. On January 21 the City received a request for approval of the minor subdivision with the partial easement. The proposal was again reviewed by the City Council on February 11, 2002. City staff, citing issues raised during the revision of the City's subdivision ordinance and possible public safety issues recommended that the application be denied. The City Council tabled the application and requested that it be sent back to the Planning and Zoning Board for further review. However, following additional discussions with the Public Safety Department and the City Attorney, staff is requesting Council action on the application. Community Development Director Grochala advised that due to those discussions, several issues have been resolved and staff is recommending approval of the application based on conditions. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, March 10, 2003, 6:30 p.m. 62ND /ELM STREET RECONSTRUCTION — PROJECT OPTIONS, MICHAEL GROCHALA Community Development Director Grochala distributed a memo outlining the City's options for the 62nd /Elm Street reconstruction projects. This issue will be discussed further at the next Council work session. • REGULAR AGENDA, MARCH 10, 2003 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 5, 2003 APPROVED • Councilmember Carlson requested Item 8A, Approval of January 8, 2003 Council Work Session Minutes be removed from the agenda for clarification from City Clerk Blair. There were no other changes to the regular Council agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 10:55 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on March 24, 2003. a_ Ann Blair (// ity Clerk Transcribed by: Kim Points TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. • • 9