HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2017 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
November 6, 2017
1 CITY "r LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE November 6, 2017
5 TIME STARTED 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 10*45 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Kusterman, Maher,
8 Rafferty, Manthey and Mayor Reinert
9 MEMBERS ABSENT None
10
11
12 Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Public Services Director Rick
13 DeGardner; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; Public Safety Director
14 John Swenson; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Finance Director
15 Sarah Cotton
16
17 1. Air Park Hanger Access — Mayor Reinert explained that he added this item to the
18 agenda. The City includes an air park that is somewhat unique in nature. Historically
19 there has been some tension with things that residents there need relative to living at and
20 using an airpark and the city regulations. He wonders if it's time to look at the city's
21 ordinances as they function for the situation or if special consideration is needed for a
22 unique neighborhood.
23
24 Community Development Director Grochala said he understands that the current issue is
25 access to hangars. He explained that there are actually two components to the airpark,
26 platted at different times and with different types of access to the runway. The question
27 of vehicle access and the number of driveways allowed arises occasionally also and some
28 time comes into conflict with the zoning ordinance. There is also a five foot setback
29 requirement that comes up. Also there can be some maximum impervious surface
30 coverage conflicts. The mayor pointed out that there have been some changes in surface
31 requirements included in recent comprehensive plan updates and he is recommending that
32 they may have been too aggressive and should be amended in the next update (he'd like
33 to discuss that at the December work session). Mr. Grochala also mentioned that paving
34 type has been an issue. Basically, the properties on the east side of the development
35 don't experience the issues. There have also been some drainage and utility issues.
36 Council Member Maher asked how many lots have run afoul of the city's zoning code
37 and Mr. Grochala noted four properties and suggested there could be some additional
38 driveway situations. He added that out of the forty some lots, he suspects there could be
39 ten with various issues. When Council Member Maher asked what is sought to be
40 accomplished on the situation at this time, Mayor Reinert responded that the development
41 agreement includes a provision for "reasonable" access to the hangar; in most cases he
42 feels that should be achievable without too much difficulty. Mayor Reinert understands
43 that staff is doing their job in enforcing the code but with the assumption of reasonable
44 access in that agreement, maybe the city has to have a reasonable approach to
45 accommodate. He is interested in hearing from the area residents.
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November 6, 2017
46
47 Tim Collins (7784 Arabian Circle) addressed the council and noted 25-30 other people
48 from the airpark. He suggested that the mayor's comments are correct in that the airpark
49 can be something of a square peg in a round hole. He feels that staff has worked hard to
50 make things work and Mr. Grochala has outlined the issues well.
51
52 Tom Schmauzer, President of the airpark board, reviewed some history of how the
53 airpark development came to be whereby people interested in an airpark worked directly
54 with developer Gary Uhde. They admittedly struggled with a lot of different design
55 options, with an ultimate decision to word requirements to be somewhat vague but meet
56 city essentials with the idea that when homeowners arrived they could have more input on
57 access to their hangars. The issues have evolved.
58
59 The council discussed the situation of shared access and Mr. Grochala said that city
60 regulations do include provisions for it but it can be situational.
61
62 The mayor mentioned that the city needs to be creative in looking at this situation. There
63 are regulations that make perfect sense for other areas but not necessarily for this airpark
64 (noting shared access).
65
66 Council Member Manthey said he recognizes the uniqueness and the value of having this
67 in the city. It's fair to think that people should understand the regulations and their
68 impact.
69
70 Mayor Reinert asked if wider driveway access, second hangars or second driveways (if
71 sharing not possible) would solve the problem. Mr. Grochala said there are different
72 situations. Mayor Reinert suggested that each property owner should have the ability for
73 reasonable access.
74
75 On the matter of surface issues, information was received on what is pervious and what is
76 impervious; the city is open to the many types of pervious products available these days.
77
78 Ultimately, Mr. Grochala said, changes will require certain actions of the city —planned
79 unit development amendment, ordinance amendment, etc. and moving forward is based
80 on council's direction.
81
82 Mayor Reinert said he'd like to tackle all the conflicts that have arisen. He sees the
83 airpark group presenting what they'd like to deal with and staff working on that. It will
84 probably take a few discussions, including with the council, but he'd like to see an end
85 result of a fully functioning development. He is willing to sit in on a meeting with the
86 airpark group and staff as the discussion evolves.
87
88 2. Resolution of Support for Anoka County's Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park
89 Reserve Master Plan Amendment — Public Services Director DeGardner introduced
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90 Karen Blaska of Anoka County Parks and Recreation to provide a presentation on the
91 master plan amendment being proposed for the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve.
92
93 Mayor Reinert first mentioned a recent discussion with Anoka County staff about
94 mountain biking trails. There is a sort of covert system of trails in the park now and
95 there's work underway to make them an official park amenity, and plan some
96 improvements with the involvement of a bike group.
97
98 Ms. Blaska reviewed the master plan amendments, including within the park. There is a
99 master plan in place for Wargo Nature Center and that is appended to the proposed
100 amendment. She reviewed a list of improvements planned for the Wargo area. She
101 reviewed the anticipated cost of improvements ($10.7 million) (The amendment is
102 included in the council packet for the meeting). They are asking for input on the plan
103 from the council and ultimately a resolution of support.
104
105 The council concurred to consider a resolution of general support at the next regular
106 council meeting.
107
108 3. County Lakes Park Remaster Planning Proposal - Public Services Director
109 DeGardner introduced Candace Amberg of WSB & Associates.
110
i 11 Director DeGardner offered comments on Country Lakes Park, noting that staff has
112 considered it an underutilized park but one with a lot of potential. One issue has been
113 the amount of overgrown vegetation on the 22 acres. Staff has found a service provider
114 that may be able to help with that, including removal of ash trees in lieu of the Emerald
115 Ash Borer problem.
116
117 Ms. Amberg noted a map of the park area included in the packet. An important element
118 of any plan would be communication with area residents on what to expect and the
119 benefits of the work planned. The work will open up the view of the water. The
120 thought was that this is a good time to do a master plan for the park which would also
121 include public input.
122
123 Director DeGardner explained that staff is asking now for authorization to proceed with
124 the overgrowth removal plan. With that authorization, they will start talking with the
125 neighborhood in the spring and looking ahead to more plans for the park.
126
127 Council Member Kusterman received additional information on what the $2,500
128 mobilization fee will cover, how wetland will be considered and the intended benefit of
129 removing overgrowth.
130
131 4. ACE Program Update - Mayor Reinert remarked that the city has a successful ACE
132 program that is popular with the residents but there are some changes occurring at the
133 state level that could impact that program. Public Safety Director Swenson updated the
134 council with current information: in talking with other cities, he finds there is interest in
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135 approaching the legislature on the change that was passed in the 2017 special session.
136 That legislation restricts cities very strictly according to state law and does not provide for
137 education that was the foundation of the ACE program. Director Swenson said he feels
138 the city's program was good but it has gotten caught up with some issues elsewhere in the
139 state. The change means that ACE can't continue within the city as it has existed. The
140 city's criminal attorney, Robb Olson, added comments on how this city has done a good
141 job handling the responsibility of the program while some cities may not have done as
142 well. Mr. Olson suggested that there should be a way to work out the option that has been
143 ACE under some new rules.
144
145 The council discussed the benefit of having an educational program as well as the
146 possibility of continuing with some type of system. Mayor Reinert said he has heard
147 much positive feedback from city residents on the program and so he'd like to see the
148 concept continue somehow; he will be talking to State Representative Runbeck about the
149 legislative end of that.
150
151 5. Comprehensive Plan Update — Community Development Director Grochala
152 introduced representatives from Landform (Kendra Lindahl), the city's consultant on the
153 Comp Plan update project. The current update is on the Land Use and Housing plan
154 elements. Ms. Lindahl distributed updated information, explained that staff has been
155 working with the Planning and Zoning Board on the report to this point, and indicated
156 that there is little change recommended from the previous update. She discussed
157 proposed changes and how they are consistent with the Metropolitan Council policies:
158 - three areas proposed to the 2040 full build map (reviewed on map);
159 - a business campus in the northeast quadrant;
160 - changes to utility staging plan;
161 - neighborhoods that could be added to MUSA in the future (but not now due to
162 density calculations);
163 - population forecasts (very close to 2030 estimates);
164 - trying to accommodate additional commercial/industrial growth;
165 - compliance with density requirements;
166 - affordable housing calculations.
167
168 Ms. Lindahl said they will have a complete draft of the Plan in 2018. Mayor Reinert
169 asked what residents are saying and Mr. Grochala noted a survey and a blog that generally
170 indicate resident satisfaction and interest in parks and traffic.
171
172 6. Surface Water Management — a. Local Water Management Plan; b. Northeast
173 Lino Lakes Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan — Community
174 Development Director Grochala and Katy Thompson of WSB & Associates reported.
175
176 Ms. Thompson gave a slide presentation reviewing the two plans.
177
178 Local Water Management Plan:
179 - Watershed organizations will be updating their plans driving local update;
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180 - Elements of plan reviewed;
181 - Water types in the city and impaired water;
182 - Well data;
183 - Resource management units;
184 - Groundwater resources;
185 - Future potential issues;
186 - Projects the city is working toward now;
187 - General and other implementation activities.
November 6, 2017
188
189 Director Grochala indicated that the council will see the plan again in December in
190 preparation of submission.
191
192 Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan
193 - For NE area, required to be submitted;
194 - Ditch system in area is at capacity;
195 - 1300 acres to be served;
196 - Limitations on future development;
197 - Proposed flow route (system);
198 - Conceptual design of the system;
199 - Conceptual BMP locations;
200 - Anticipated allocation increases;
201 - Next steps — city council consideration.
202
203 Mayor Reinert discussed now the system would be funded; he assumes it is developer
204 funded as development occurs. Mr. Grochala explained that it would generally be based
205 on a charge factored over the area, interim financed and ultimately paid by the developer.
206 Mayor Reinert asked about the cost of the initial project and staff noted a feasibility study
207 and estimated cost of $2.5 million. Mayor Reinert asked questions about what happens
208 down the line if the system doesn't function as planned. Ms. Thompson pointed out
209 ponds that can be activated during peak periods. Council Member Kusterman asked
210 about water quality assurance for water going into Lake Peltier. Ms. Thompson
211 explained that development will still be required to meet the rules of the watershed
212 related to water quality.
213
214 Resident Les Winter noted that the storm sewer pipeline seems to cross three gas pipe
215 lines and that concerns him. Also, near the freeway right of way, the pipe seems to
216 terminate short of the culvert. Ms. Thompson indicated that there will be design
217 refinements and the plans are conceptual at this point.
218
219 The council will consider the plan at the next regular council meeting.
220
221 7. Proposal to Replace ACU's and Controller at Civic Complex — Public Services
222 Director DeGardner reviewed the written staff report and his recommendation to replace
223 two ACU units and controllers at the Civic Complex. He introduced Utility Supervisor
224 Tim Hillesheim and representatives of contractor NAC who work on the city's system.
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225 Mr. Hillesheim reported on the current status of the city's equipment and the benefits of
226 replacing units. On the question of funding, staff is recommending use of 2017 budget
227 surplus for the units and funding of controls from the building maintenance fund. The
228 NAC representative spoke to replacement/down time if the units were to fail. The
229 council discussed replacement brand proposed as well as energy savings as a result of
230 replacement.
231
232 8. Public Works Facility — Administrator Karlson explained that, as a result of
233 questions that came up during a previous presentation by Quinn Hutson of CNH
234 Architects, an addendum is being presented further outlining the option of remodeling
235 and expanding the existing public works facility. He is asking if the council has further
236 direction on the matter.
237
238 Mayor Reinert feels opinions on this project are subjective. To address that, he thinks
239 that more information and different perspective is needed. Perhaps an opinion from
240 someone who doesn't specialize in government projects would be appropriate.
241
242 Council Member Manthey suggested that the council should give more detail on what is
243 wanted in order to get additional information. He suggested he'd prefer more discussion
244 for the whole council of possibilities and stages.
245
246 Mayor Reinert noted a Hugo facility that cost $2 million. His concern is that there's no
247 better level of services offered to the constituents with a more expensive building. He
248 wants to get the best for the residents' money.
249
250 Council Member Manthey warned against oversimplifying. It isn't just putting trucks in
251 a garage. He recommends the council review the whole situation and decide of what
252 should be spent, including what the facility can provide in the future. Mayor Reinert said
253 he is oversimplifying to make a point.
254
255 Council Member Rafferty remarked that the conversation should be held with the
256 upcoming council. Council Member Maher added that she isn't certain all the
257 information has gotten to the architect that needs to and that can be solved by more
258 discussion and direction.
259
260 9. 2018 West Shadow Lake Drive and LaMotte Drive — City Engineer Hankee
261 explained that staff is continuing to work on the project design. They are still planning on
262 holding a neighborhood meeting at the end of November. Communication is underway
263 with the webside and phone calls being taken. Drainage, a critical component, is being
264 worked on. Ms. Hankee was informed that residents have contacted the mayor with
265 questions about lake level and she explained that she is working to address those
266 questions with the DNR and watershed district.
267
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268 Council Member Maher asked if there is any additional information on the lift station
269 proposal. Ms. Hankee said that work is underway and will provide needed information
270 for the design proposal.
271.
272 Council Member Rafferty remarked that he is concerned that an element of the project is
273 still proposed to this winter and Ms. Hankee indicated the schedule has changed and that
274 work is now planned at the end of 2018.
275
276 10. Park & Trail Management Plan — Mayor Reinert asked if there is a direction for
277 the plan. Public Services Director DeGardner did not have an update.
278
279 Mayor Reinert recalled that the council discussed emulating the pavement management
280 plan, including an inventory of trails, play structures, whatever is in the parks.
281 Administrator Karlson suggested that there's some confusion and he wonders if the
282 council is requesting more information than is being provided by staff; is the council
283 looking for outside assistance?. Council Member Kusterman remarked that the
284 information seems to be there and it becomes a question of what the council wants to
285 fund; funding could be included in the 2018 budget.
286
287 Mayor Reinert likened the need to the city's experience with developing a pavement
288 management plan. When the knowledge became available of what was needed, the
289 council could then act to fund a comprehensive plan. There is data on this need but what
290 is missing is a recommended amount on an annual basis so that there can be a plan in
291 place and implemented. He'd like to see staff come up with a number and if an outside
292 consultant is needed that would be the next move. Mr. DeGardner remarked that the
293 park system is large and has lots of future and current needs, and he's looking for
294 priorities and a funding level the council comfortable with in order to move ahead.
295 Mayor Reinert suggested that the approach is to look at the costs and a program to bring
296 the system to a place where the council wants it to be and then establish a plan to get
297 there. Council Member Kusterman suggested the council receive options of what can be
298 done with different levels of funding.
299
300 Public Services Director DeGardner said staff will pull something together.
301
302 11. 2018 Budget — Finance Director Cotton noted her staff report that includes updated
303 valuation data from Anoka County. That is the basis for what residents will see in their
304 tax statements. The rate shown in those statements will be 42.756%, based on that value
305 change. Ms. Cotton also noted the council authorized $100,000 for parks and trails in a
306 previous discussion and also had discussed a budget surplus. She also noted tonight's
307 discussion of funding the air conditioning and controls project. While there is a building
'I and facilities fund, she doesn't believe there is adequate funding for both elements of that
.3 project. She is seeking direction on the remainder of the projected surplus. She noted
310 the upcoming budget hearing to consider final passage of the budget.
311
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November 6, 2017
312 Mayor Reinert said the council will have an opportunity to review the final numbers at
313 the December work session. Ms. Cotton confirmed that the council is authorizing the
314 $90,000 expenditure of surplus for the air conditioning project.
315
316 12. Concept Plans Woods Edge and 49J. Community Development Director Grochala
317 remarked that the item is forwarded for review by the council. It is a very preliminary
318 development discussion.
319
320 13. Item 13 had been pulled from the agenda.
321
322 14. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions — There were no reports from the
323 council.
324
325 15. Monthly Progress Report — Administrator Karlson reviewed his written report.
326
327 16. Review Regular Agenda — The regular agenda was review, staff reported on some
328 items and there were no changes.
329
330 There were no other changes to the regular Council agenda.
331
332 The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
333
334 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
335 December 11, 2017.
336
337