HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-02-2012 Council Work Session Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Jule 2, 2012
APPROVED
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : July 2,2012
5 TIME STARTED : 5:33 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 8:15 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Stoesz, Rafferty, Roeser
8 and Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT : Council Member O'Donnell
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12 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development
13 Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Jason Wedel; City Planner Paul Bengtson;
14 Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Clerk Julie Bartell
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16 1. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Industrial Zoning Districts-City Planner
17 Bengtson reported that the City engaged a consultant to review the industrial zoning
18 regulations and ensure consistency with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and ensure the
19 quality of future industrial development. He introduced Kendra Lindahl of Landform
20 who conducted the review and prepared the proposed ordinance amendments.
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22 Ms. Lindahl explained the process used to coordinate the ordinance changes including
23 meetings with staff for background and discussion of how to implement the city's
`-- 24 Comprehensive Plan vision and address non-conforming situations, keeping in mind the
25 city's short and long term goals. She noted that the council expressed interest in
26 receiving information on outside storage in industrial districts, including what other cities
27 do; she explained that generally such storage is accepted as an interim use, is a typical use
28 and she has included recommendations on allowing the use with increased setback and
29 screening requirements and not within the gateway zone (adjacent to the interstate).
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31 Regarding screening and setback, Council Member Roeser expressed some concern that
32 the requirements enforced between industrial properties could be an extra and
33 unnecessary expense to business owners. The mayor suggested that the change to allow
34 outside storage at all is business friendly and he recognizes the need to have some
35 protections included; perhaps there could be some language that allows consideration
36 based on the situation. Ms Lindahl added that it is not unusual to have the requirements
37 and there are certainly a lot of different uses that could occur. Community Development
38 Director Grochala expressed some concern about inequities that could occur but staff can
39 try to develop some language for council consideration; he noted that the screening
40 language is included in the landscaping ordinance. Also noted was concern about
41 creating a cluttered look by adding barriers and screens and also a definition that includes
42 a limit of 24-hours on storage.
43
44 2. Establishment of Cartway, Otter Lake Drive—Community Development
45 Director Grochala recalled the city's receipt of a petition for a cartway submitted by
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2012
APPROVED
46 Adam Johnson, 2055 Otter Lake Drive. The council was required under statute to set a
47 hearing date. Mr. Grochala reviewed the hearing process as set forth in his report and
48 also reviewed a map of the proposed vicinity and cartway. It appears from everything
49 staff has seen that Mr. Johnson meets those minimum statutory requirements for
50 establishment of a cartway. The next question then becomes damages. The city has
51 escrowed funds from Mr. Johnson for the city expenses. Damages to other landowners is
52 another consideration and while there is not a lot of guidance on the subject included in
53 state statute, Mr. Grochala suggests that it could be construed like an easement situation.
54 The question is whether or not there is any reduction in property value with the addition
55 of the cartway. The council may receive appraisal information presented at the hearing.
56 The mayor confirmed that, if the statutory threshold for a cartway is met in this case, it is
57 not a case of if but how. Mr. Grochala noted the third area of consideration as
58 maintenance-would Mr. Johnson have the same maintenance responsibility/costs as the
59 current owners? Mr. Grochala noted that the City Attorney will assist the council in the
60 hearing process and added that it is within the council's prerogative to table the item as
61 long as the public hearing is opened. He also added that the involved parties have been
62 informed that they may provide a brief on their position to the city before the hearing.
63 Also council members could visit the site if that would be helpful.
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65 2a. Proposal on Otter Lake Road—Community Development Director Grochala
66 introduced Bruce Miller, MFC Properties, owner of the northeast quadrant property. Mr.
67 Miller noted that since the benefit appraisal for the Otter Lake Road improvements came
68 in under estimate and since he'd like to see the improvements go ahead so that
69 development in the area can proceed, he is offering to cover the difference as a loan. His
70 company is in jeopardy of losing a client interested in a business in the quadrant because
71 the process is not moving.
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73 The mayor noted that he understands that the analysis came in low but also recognizes
74 that it is simply an estimate and the real value is what people will pay. He asked if
75 obtaining another appraisal would be appropriate. Mr. Grochala noted that there is the
76 possibility of scaling back the improvements to cover the gap of$80,000 but reducing the
77 scope could also reduce the benefit. He sees a stalemate position; the appraisal was done
78 by a well recommended organization so he doesn't see the benefit of a redo. He's heard
79 Mr. Miller's offer to finance the gap but that would leave assessment questions. Mr.
80 Grochala said he would intend to further explore the opportunity with the city attorney.
81 The other alternative he mentioned is to prepare a tax levy covering the gap, a step that
82 hasn't been used by the city in the past.
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84 When Council Member Roeser asked if the developer(s) could go ahead and do the
85 improvements on their own, Mr. Grochala explained that there are property acquisitions
86 questions involved. Mr. Miller discussed the option of changing the location of the
87 proposed bus park and ride. Mr. Grochala suggested that the situation seems to present a
88 struggle no matter how you look at it. The council directed staff to continue discussions
89 with the involved parties and see what can be worked out.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2,2012
APPROVED
91 3. Traffic Signal Project Update—Community Development Director Grochala
92 noted that TKDA is finishing up the plans and specifications for the projects and approval
93 requests for the different elements of the project will proceed starting in July and
94 culminating with construction time in the fall (functional lights in winter). The city
95 engineer is speaking with residents and businesses impacted by either acquisition or other
96 elements including utilities, and responding to residents' questions as necessary. Mr.
97 Grochala explained the plans to deal with right of way at Main Street and Lake Drive and
98 how the business will be impacted.
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100 4. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Landscaping Standards—City Planner
101 Bengtson noted that this is not the first time the council has seen this language as it was
102 reviewed as part of the Comprehensive Plan process; the language was completed
103 previously and reviewed by the council and the Planning&Zoning Board. Staff has
104 pared down language that was more suggestion than material in order to reach a standard
105 of compliance that is clear. There are still five distinct areas for landscaping: canopy
106 coverage, foundation and open area, buffering and screening requirements and boulevard
107 trees.
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109 Council Member Roeser suggested that there's been a trend to go more "wild" in
110 landscaping but he-sees that being more appropriate in some areas than others; do the
111 standards address that? Mr. Bengtson noted that separate guidelines will be maintained
112 that indicate types of plantings that are acceptable, basically though for commercial and
113 industrial, anything in the front is expected to be more manicured. The intent isn't to
114 dictate what people will plant in their yards; it's more directed to new development.
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116 The ordinance will be considered for first reading at the next council meeting.
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118 5. Charter Commission Budget Request- The mayor suggested that the
119 Commission has about$1,200 left in their 2012 budget. He isn't clear from reading their
120 communication why the funding is requested. He attended the commission meeting
121 when this was discussed and determination that they would require eight hours of
122 attorney work seemed to be arbitrary and the amount seems extensive; it would more
123 make sense to get an estimate of the legal costs.
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125 Council Member Roeser added that a bid would be appropriate when considering
126 expending public funds. Also he is concerned about granting funds to a group that he
127 believes misappropriated funds in the past. He also doesn't understand the need for
128 opposing attorneys and suggests that the commission and the council should be getting an
129 open and fair opinion from the same attorney;to act otherwise is seeking a differing
130 opinion and makes for an awkward and more costly process.
131
132 Council Member Rafferty expressed that he is confused about the amount being
133 requested. There is a budget in place not fully expended.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2012
APPROVED
135 The council concurred that both staff and an attorney were present at the last commission
136 meeting to provide information and answer questions on the city council's proposal.
137 Council Member Roeser pointed out that much of the legal involvement comes in
138 preparing the wording for the amendment and that is the responsibility of the council.
139
140 There was no support indicated by the City Council to provide additional funds to the
141 Charter Commission at this time. The council is aware that the commission has funds
142 remaining in their 2012 budget.
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144 6. Revised Personnel Policy—Administrator Karlson distributed and reviewed
145 survey information indicating what other cities (similar in size to Lino Lakes) offer in the
146 area of tuition reimbursement. The mayor suggested an annual incentive of$2,000
147 including tuition, fees and books with a requirement of a"C" or better and a percentage
148 of 50%. Council Member Stoesz suggested language that requires a payback if the
149 employee leaves within two years; Administrator Karlson clarified that the proposed
150 policy would require repayment if leaving within a year. It was clarified that courses
151 required to maintain licensure or accreditation related to job duties are paid one hundred
152 percent by the city.
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154 Administrator Karlson also noted that the council previously expressed interest in
155 understanding what sections of policy are covered by collective bargaining. In response
156 he has provided in his report an index that highlights those sections.
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158 Administrator Karlson will include the updated information in the policy and will bring
159 the revised personnel policy to the council for consideration of approval at the next
160 council meeting.
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162 7. Social Media Update—There was no written report. Administrator Karlson
163 remarked that the key focus of the discussion at-this point has been development of a
164 communications plan for critical incidents. The city's emergency management plan is
165 already in place to cover disaster situations. He basically sees three different levels:
166 using social media(i.e. Facebook, See/Click/Fix)to communicate on a-regular basis
167 about items of interest in the community; a critical incident communication system that
168 will get information out quickly;the highest level would be the emergency management
169 plan. The mayor suggested that the city may want to stay on top of advancements in
170 technology that are occurring continually; at minimum an annual review is required. It
171 will be important to give residents the opportunity to participate in the city's social media.
172 Council Member Roeser suggested coordinating involvement with the school district or
173 through the election process.
174
175 REVIEW REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
176
177 The council agenda for the July 9, 2012 meeting was reviewed. There were no changes to
178 the agenda as presented.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 2, 2012
APPROVED
180 The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
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182 These minutes were considered. corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
183 July 23, 2012.
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185 ,
188 Julianne Bartell. Cii Cler Jeff R; n- , Mayor
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