HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-26-2017 Council Special Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
June 26, 2017
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
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4 DATE June 26, 2017
5 TIME STARTED 6:55 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 7:40 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Rafferty, Kusterman,
8 Maher, Manthey and Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT None
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11 Staff members present: Public Safety Director John Swenson; Community Development
12 Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Katie Larsen; City Clerk Julie Bartell.
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14 1. Watermark Development Update —Community Development Director
15 Grochala reviewed the history of the site and staff s work with Mattamy Homes on the
16 Watermark Development. Mattamy Homes is now stepping out of the Minnesota
17 housing market and is seeking new ownership of the site and Lennar Homes is looking at
18 stepping into that role. Lennar has provided a preliminary site plan that is currently
19 under staff review and that has been provided to the council. He noted some basic
20 differences in sizes, numbers and styles from the original plans. Staff provided the
21 council with product books provided by Lennar that highlight their home style offerings.
22 Mr. Grochala introduced Joe Jablonski representing Lennar Homes.
23 Mr. Jablonski explained Lennar's background and history; originally the company was
24 Orin Thompson Homes and, through several acquisitions, has evolved into Lennar since
25 about 2000. The entire executive team of the company has more than 20 years of
26 experience, some going back to the 1950's. They are awell-established builder in the
27 area. He noted the styles book that was distributed, highlighting the many types of
28 products they offer. They do have other developments in the area that could be viewed by
29 the council. Mr. Jablonski noted that the Watermark Development elements would
30 mostly be maintained by Lennar as indicated by their preliminary proposal (site plan on
31 file). They propose a variety of home styles, including townhome varieties, in their
32 developments. They are still learning about the community as they further develop their
33 proposal.
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35 Council Member Rafferty asked if the clubhouse element is still included. Mr. Jablonski
36 explained that they are first concentrating on lot layout and development timeframe.
37 They are taking the opportunity to introduce themselves and hear feedback on the plans
38 presented at this point. They are interested in taking the council's comments into
39 consideration.
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41 Mayor Reinert said there are obviously more of the smaller homes/lots than the previous
42 plans. He likes the single family one level housing element and that is a positive within
43 the development. He thinks that Lennar is just starting their process so there is still
44 planning to be done.
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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION June 26, 2017
APPROVED
45
46 A Lennar representative said they are trying to stick with much of the original plan.
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48 Mayor Reinert suggested that it seems as if fewer homes will back up to water or open
49 space also. Community Development Director Grochala remarked that he thinks it's
50 about the same as proposed by Mattamy.
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52 Council Member Rafferty asked if the papers are signed on Lennar's ownership of the
53 property. They responded that there is a contract in place but there is due diligence in
54 working with the City and the watershed. They are interested in being the master
55 developer for the whole site.
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57 Mayor Reinert remarked on amenities that seem to be missing — the community center,
58 the entryway, etc.
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60 Council Member Rafferty remarked that the city has experienced some issues in the past
61 with associations that aren't real strong and he asks that the developer watch that. He is
62 also concerned that the club house element should be done well. Mr. Jablonski explained
63 that Lennar has many developments that include amenities like clubhouses and when they
64 come in and say it will be included, they are good for their word.
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66 Mayor Reinert added that, as this development proposal sits right now, he wouldn't vote
67 for it. Some lot sizes are an issue for him as well as an HOA amenity undefined. The
68 look and feel of the entire development isn't the same.
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70 Council Member Manthey remarked that a crown jewel %J the previous development was
71 inclusion of a park that was to be attached to the club house element and that would be
72 done early.
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74 Council Member Manthey said he likes the multiple product. He is seeing a trail that
75 isn't complete that was included in the original plans and staff remarked that they will
76 work to have connections included.
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78 Mr. Jablonski remarked that he anticipates a first phase of the project that would be small,
79 to get things rolling quickly. If more people are living in the development when an HOA
80 amenity is developed, there are more people to choose that amenity and actually fund that
81 element and in their experience that works best.
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83 Council Member Rafferty remarked that he is glad to see the loss of the 40 foot lots but
84 concerned about the larger lots being left out.
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86 Mayor Reinert said that council members will look over the information and pose
87 questions to staff as necessary. Staff will update the council at the next work session.
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89 The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION
June 26, 2017
APPROVED
90
91 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
92 July 10, 2017.
97 Julia'rme Bartell, City Cler
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