HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2017 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
August 7, 2017
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE August 7, 2017
5 TIME STARTED 6*00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 10000 P.M.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Rafferty, Kusterman,
8 Maher, Manthey and Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT None
10
11 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Public Safety Director John
12 Swenson; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; Public Services Director
13 Rick DeGardner; Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson; City Clerk Julie Bartell.
14
15 1. Arlo Lane and Bald Eagle Boulevard Traffic Review —Chuck Rickert, WSB &
16 Associates, reported on the traffic study that was completed for the area. A speed count
17 was done and the speeds were found to be within the 30 mph threshold. They did a full
18 week of counts. They had a couple of peaks (speeders in the morning rush) that came in
19 over 50 mph. Based on existing conditions and overall study results, they are still
20 recommending no stop sign. He explained that putting in a stop sign where it isn't
21 warranted actually causes a less safe situation. They recommend that monitoring
22 continue and direct police efforts based on study data.
23
24 Mayor Reinert suggested that it seems that it is a couple a people in the neighborhood that
25 are causing the problems.
26
27 Crystal Lynn, original requester of a stop sign, asked if the study data can be released.
28 She is currently taking down license numbers and watching herself. She is seeing kids on
29 phones driving and it is frightening.
30
31 Mayor Reinert asked Public Safety Director Swenson if those license number reports are
32 followed. Director Swenson said there is a visit if they live in the city or a phone call if
33 they don't.
34
35 Another resident reported that it's difficult to determine who was driving (car can be
36 registered to someone other than the drive) or where they are from. Some of the actions
37 that have been taken seem to slow things down. He agrees that a stop sign probably isn't
38 the best approach but he favors the communication and enforcement recommended.
39
40 Community Development Director Grochala noted the community education element of
41 the staff recommendation; that will get the word out.
42
43 Mayor Reinert noted his neighborhood experience. The best approach to the problem has
44 been direct communications with the neighbors.
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45
46 Staff was directed to proceed with the communication aspect, including a reminder to
47 speak to teenage drivers in the family.
48
49 Bald Eagle Boulevard -Community Development Director Grochala explained the
50 history of traffic issues in the area.
51
52 Chuck Rickert, WSB & Associates, reported on the results of their traffic study. They
53 found traffic speeding on a consistent basis. Their recommendation is installation of
54 driver dynamic signs to inform on speed. The other recommendation is to clear brush to
55 improve the sight line. He admitted that they don't have a good idea of the pedestrian
56 situation because it wasn't active during the study period. They are additionally
57 recommending a pedestrian advisory sign.
58
59 Community Development Grochala remarked that staff proposes to follow the
60 recommendations of the study and to return with information on the cost of the signs.
61 The cost is proposed to be funded through the Council contingency account.
62
63 Mayor Reinert suggested that staff inform the neighborhood on the project.
64 2. Comprehensive Plan Update —Kendra Lindahl , Landform, reviewed a
65 PowerPoint presentation, including:
66 - Open house feedback (including a meeting in a box result); receipt of a few requests for
67 specific actions on people's property;
68 - Community Survey Results — safety came through very strong; top three are more retail,
69 upgraded trails and parks, and preserving public safety;
70 - Review of current comp plan, including future build out;
71 - Potential Land Use Study Areas — working with the Planning & Zoning group now;
72 some areas included are the checkerboard in the northwest corner of the city, sewer
73 staging issues in the south west quadrant where they will work with White Bear Lake, a
74 piece of property on the north edge of town for sewer staging, northern Lake Drive area,
75 the Waldoch area where there is interest in utilities to continue developing the current
76 use, the border on Elmcrest as far as what's happening with the neighboring city and also
77 if the current mix makes sense, Peltier Lake property land use mix in light of the water
78 plans in the area, and the west side of 20th Avenue.
79 - EDAC has reviewed and that information will be returned to P&Z;
80 - Next Steps — participate at Blue Heron Days to get more engagement, back to Park
81 Board consideration, transportation review at Planning & Zoning Board,
82 environmental/surface water; Environmental Board review.
83
84 The mayor remarked that the difficult work has been done in the past and this round of
85 comp plan updating is really about tweaking.
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86 3. Water Tower No. 3 Siting Report — Community Development Director
87 Grochala recalled that the city has a model predicting future public improvement needs.
88 The last plan identified the need for a third water tower in the city. The City's
89 consultant, WSB & Associates, has been working on the plan and will present the study
90 results.
91
92 Greg Johnson, WSB & Associates, reviewed a PowerPoint presentation, outlining:
93 - Projections and growth for the city; additional water storage is recommended now;
94 - Existing and future storage needs — basis for evaluation was reviewed and also a chart
95 indicating demand and required storage;
96 - Current storage and recommendation to add more;
97
98 Council Member Kusterman noted that it appears that the usage has been decreasing.
99 Mr. Johnson suggested that less use is the new normal based on more efficiency and
100 conservation efforts; it will probably get to a point where those efforts bottom out
101 however. Mr. Grochala explained that there has been some new development that has
102 increased capacity.
103
104 Mayor Reinert noted that the recommendation pretty much doubles capacity and he
105 received confirmation that it would bring capacity to 35,000.
106
107 - Storage Types (about 75% of new towers being built are composite most likely because
108 of lower long term maintenance needs);
109 - Benefits of added storage (fire protection, water pressure, emergency storage);
110 - Storage Type Cost Comparison;
111
112 When the mayor asked how a project like this would be funded, Mr. Grochala said it
113 would be paid from through the Trunk Water Fund and the city would probably use
114 bonds. Mayor Reinert said that it could be a good situation to utilize the self -bonding that
115 has been discussed. He asked staff to bring that idea to the Finance Director,
116
117 - Site Evaluation — a map was shown with four possible sites. The city would be looking
118 at purchasing the necessary property so should think about ideal site characteristics. Staff
119 will seek more geotechnical information if the council directs moving forward. That will
120 include shadow studying to understand impact on residents;
121
122 Community Development Director Grochala explained that the cost of borings would be
123 in the range of $20,000 and he would bring that forward for council consideration later in
124 August.
125
126 Council Member Manthey remarked that the treatment of the city's water needs to be
127 geared toward the best result for this community. Community Development Director
128 Grochala said the city's water quality is very good.
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129 4. Watermark-Lennar Revised and Use Plan- City Planner Larsen recalled the
130 presentation in June of Lennar's revised land use plan. There was some discussion of the
131 elimination of 40 foot lots and elimination of larger lots before. (A map of the revised
132 plan was shown on the large screen). The changes from the Mattamy to Lennar proposal
133 are included in the staff report and were reviewed by Ms. Larsen.
134
135 Planner Larsen said the development would like to submit their PUD Amendment plans
136 soon and staff felt the council should have the opportunity for review. Lennar is
137 interested in getting the project moving this fall. She introduced Joe Jablonski
138 representing Lennar Homes who was present to answer questions. A book of Lennar
139 home styles was submitted.
140
141 Mayor Reinert recalled that he had asked which products are anticipated for this
142 development. Mr. Jablonski explained that the color zones on the plan are tied to the
143 products in the booklet. For example, the townhomes would be tied to "colonial manor"
144 home styles.
145
146 When the council discussed the townhouse element, City Planner Larsen explained that
147 the city's requirements will be in force for all elements.
148
149 Mayor Reinert said he'd like to discuss timing and scope. He feels that there is some
150 loss in no longer having a developer grabbing this as a whole who would start with a
151 community center and nice entrance. He sees this proposal as more of a vision than will
152 be chipped away at and there is some risk that it wouldn't get finished. Mr. Jablonski
153 explained that Lennar Homes has contractual obligations with Mattamy that require
154 Lennar to purchase property in segments. They'd like to get going on that first segment
155 this year.
156
157 Mayor Reinert remarked that he'd prefer to take a step back and figure out the whole
158 project. He'd like to hear about any challenges that concern Lennar. He wants to go at
159 this all out with everything in place and mutual agreement.
160
161 Mr. Jablonski said he appreciates the comments but this is a big project for Lennar and
162 there's little change that they can take on the whole thing at once. Knowing that markets
163 and other things can change. They are committed to an HOA amenity.
164
165 Community Development Director Grochala noted that the first purchase is about 130
166 acres, or one third of the site. Mr. Jablonski said the reason they are starting where they
167 are is related to sewer and water; he suspects that in year two there would be more room
168 for discussion about moving ahead to the middle (and the entrance features).
169
170 Mayor Reinert said he doesn't feel the urgency to move on the development as presented.
171 He added that he doesn't care for the back to back townhome element.
172
173 Mr. Jablonski explained the idea of embedding those units where they make sense. They
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
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174 do allow for some diversity. City Planner Larsen reviewed the Mattamy proposal briefly.
175 It was a large first phase but staff understands the mayor's concern; she added that the
176 build out on the area is and has been estimated at ten years.
177
178 Council Member Maher asked if the park shown in Phase 1 is the plan and Mr. Jablonski
179 said not this year but in Phase one, yes.
180
181 Council Member Kusterman remarked that this is a reputable firm who wants to work
182 with the city. He wonders if the risk is not greater with a smaller piece starting this year
183 than having half of the development done and then walk away.
184
185 Council Member Rafferty noted the example of NorthPointe and the size of the phases
186 that worked there — they were quite small. He is leaning to an understanding that the
187 smaller phases can work.
188
189 Council Member Manthey said he is looking at the investment involved here; he would
190 like to have a whole project as well but isn't understanding how that can be guaranteed.
191
192 Council Member Maher asked why Lennar hasn't purchased the entire site and Mr.
193 Jablonski said their business plan doesn't call for those huge purchases and financially it
194 isn't feasible. The business' purchase agreement is for the whole property and they are
195 requesting approval of the plan for the whole thing. He added that Lennar is the biggest
196 homebuilder in the area so he'd wonder if there would be a company that could take on a
197 larger commitment than them. He is being honest about plans. He noted the park and
198 suggested that if it was built first, there would be no one to utilize it not to mention that
199 getting input on what people want in their park is an option if you wait until the people
200 are there.
201
202 City Planner Larsen explained Mattamy's first phase plan in comparison to the Lennar
203 proposal.
204
205 Staff explained that the purpose of the discussion was to receive council comments on the
206 Lennar plans; they will take the comments received and more information will be
207 forthcoming.
208 5. City Paths and Planning for Them- Council Member Rafferty noted that the
209 council recently received a letter from some citizens who reside along a path in the city.
210 There was concern about plant growth along the path. He thought that it would be
211 appropriate to have an update about that type of vegetation situation from responsible city
212 staff. He's also suggesting communication to developers who include paths in their work
213 to clarifiy what's required.
214
215 Public Services Director DeGardner introduced Mike Hoffman, Parks Supervisor.
216 Director DeGardner noted that there are 30 miles of trails in the city and they are
217 inspected at least twice a year. There are some situations inherent to trails where
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218 encroachments can occur; staff takes the position that encroachments are reported to
219 residents with time to rectify and, if not settled, it is done by the city. He noted that there
220 could be some confusion about property lines due to the non -exact nature of
221 encroachments that sometimes occur when the trails go in; that isn't happening any more
222 with the current planning staff and use of outlot establishment for the trails but it has
223 happened in the past.
224
225 When Mr. DeGardner explained how staff manages the situation, Mr. Hoffinan added
226 that staff attempts to educate residents through use of articles in the newsletter.
227 6. Natural Resources Revolving Fund Plan- Community Development Director
228 Grochala and Environmental Coordinator Asleson reported. Mr. Grochala explained the
229 process that has brought the city forward to this point of having a revolving fund plan.
230 The plan includes maintenance as well. He reviewed the goal of the plan.
231
232 Mayor Reinert asked if there is a way to see how this ends or reaches the goal. What's the
233 perspective?
234
235 Director Grochala said the concept has been to get the ball rolling. There is a bank now
236 and next the city will have to decide on an appropriate price. The plan is based on the
237 city's existing greenway plan. It consists of two banks — Otter Lake and Woolan's park.
238 He reviewed the site selection objectives and then six potential additional sites. The
239 report also identified options for wetland credit compensation.
240
241 Mayor Reinert asked about the maintenance liability and Director Grochala explained that
242 there is a plan in place (required) for long term maintenance and funding for that work is
243 included in the plan.
244
245 Director Grochala requested council approval to proceed with the plan (to next council
246 agenda). Mayor Reinert asked if the council is giving up any authority by passing the
247 plan and Mr. Grochala said no.
248
249 7. 2018 Street Reconstruction Project Update — Community Development
250 Director Grochala updated the council on the current state of the project (no petition was
251 received). This will be a very involved project (sewer and water, culvert replacement,
252 right of way acquisition) coming forward. Initially data collection will move forward
253 (i.e. well information, data from property owners). On LaMotte, there will be sump
254 pump information gathering connected to the high water level and the possibility of a
255 storm sewer in the project. He then reviewed the WSB & Associates proposal to prepare
256 the plans and specifications for the project.
257
258 Mayor Reinert asked if this is a feasibility study and Director Grochala said no, this
259 would be design (plans and specs) and engineering right up to the bidding. Mayor
260 Reinert recalled discussion with residents about when their input would occur and he
261 understands this is it. Director Grochala said part of the process will be meeting with
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 7, 2017
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262 the residents, including in the field, and that will help to inform the design process.
263
264 Council Member Rafferty asked about administrative costs. Director Grochala said there
265 will be another contract proposal after the project is bid; that is standard process that
266 allows more understanding of what will be needed as far as administration.
267
268 Director Grochala continued to explain the process for this project that lays ahead. This
269 anticipates a 429 process for sewer and water if that is the way it goes; he feels there is an
270 expectation that sanitary sewer will be included.
271
272 Council Member Maher noted that the staff report includes language indicating that the
273 project design will include culvert replacement and a stormwater lift station on West
274 Shadow. She knows there is resident questions about those elements. Director Grochala
275 explained that the contract includes the cost of designing the lift station but that's just to
276 ensure the cost is anticipated if it is needed and that hasn't been decided and actually is an
277 element that staff would like to avoid. Mr. Grochala added that staff is working with the
278 watershed district and the state to explore opportunities for grant funding and also with
279 Anoka County since they own the golf course in the area.
280
281 The council concurred that staff will bring the matter forward for council consideration.
282 8. Centennial Fire District Unemployment Case Update —Administrator Karlson
283 reviewed his written report. The matter of unemployment benefits for a certain former
284 employee of the Centennial Fire District has been litigated and appealed.
285
286 The council discussed the history of the legal consideration of the matter, the financial
287 impact to the taxpayers of all involved, and the request of the Centennial Fire District
288 administration that the City pay a portion of the costs. The council concurred that the
289 City will not elect to pay for any of the unemployment costs.
290 9. Peddler/Solicitor/Transient Merchant Ordinance —City Clerk Bartell reviewed
291 her written report updating the council on the city's regulations regarding door to door
292 sales. Council Member Maher asked if the city would be able to restrict the number of
293 licenses issued for a certain type of sales and the city clerk pointed out the League of
294 Minnesota Cities memorandum on this type of licensing that seems to guide cities away
295 from that type of restriction.
296
297 The council reviewed the information on license fees and discussed the possibility of
298 charging an investigation fee. Public Safety Director Swenson commented a very large
299 number of backgrounds have been performed by his staff recently, with a lot of staff time
300 involved, so he sees it is appropriate to charge something for that service. The council
301 will discuss the license and possible addition of an investigation fee when the city fee
302 schedule comes forward for consideration in the fall.
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303 10. Public Works Facility =Mayor Reinert explained that he has met with
304 staff and has received much more information on this subject and will be receiving more.
305 Perhaps that information will includes what he felt was lacking earlier. He feels it could
306 be beneficial for city officials to look at other facilities.
307
308 Council Member Manthey asked about the goal of touring other facilities. Administrator
309 Karlson can work with other city staff to arrange visits. Council Member Kusterman said
310 he'd be happy to share some documents that he has from the City of Shoreview and their
311 process of phasing improvements.
312
313 The council agreed on the date of Tuesday, August 22, 5:30 p.m.
314 7. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council
315 8. Monthly Progress Report —Administrator Karlson reviewed the progress report.
316 This item included an update on the Laserfiche project by the City Clerk.
317 9. Review Regular Agenda —The agenda for the August 14, 2017 council meeting
318 was reviewed and there were no changes.
319
320 The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
321
322 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
323 August 28, 2017.
324
325
326
32 ` �-•-�
328 Julia e Bartell, City Clerk
329
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