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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-02-2018 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 APPROVED 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 MINUTES 4 DATE : January 2, 2018 5 TIME STARTED : 6:10 p.m. 6 TIME ENDED : 9:40 p.m. 7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Rafferty, Maher, 8 Manthey, Stoesz 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; City Planner Katie 13 Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; City 14 Clerk Julie Bartell. 15 16 Oath of Office — Jeff Reinert, Rob Rafferty, Dale Stoesz 17 18 1. Comprehensive Plan Update, Michael Grochala, Diane Hankee 19 a. Winters Property Land Use Change — Community Development Director 20 Grochala reviewed the location of the Winter's property. He noted that the property 21 owner, Les Winter, is requesting that the land use be redirected from industrial to mixed 22 use. He reviewed, on a map, land surrounding the Winter property and implications for 23 future development and infrastructure. The matter has been discussed with the Planning 24 and Zoning Board, including the fact that the area surrounding the property is all guided 25 industrial (it was pointed out that there is residential nearby in Hugo). Ultimately the 26 Planning and Zoning Board recommended converting the Winter property to mixed use 27 (residential 20% and 80% business mix) and property to the south would become 28 business mix. He reviewed the residential density concept that is being recommended. 29 He noted that there is a domino impact within the plan if a change occurs. The council 30 discussed the 8 —15 units per acre that is seen nearby in Hugo. The council reviewed the 31 ratio of wetland to buildable land within Mr. Winter's approximately 140 acres. 32 33 The mayor said he's not hearing council concern about the change to mixed use but he'd 34 like to see the plans for development; he pointed out that the Comp Plan update currently 35 under consideration doesn't have to be approved for a couple years. Mr. Grochala 36 explained that the land use guiding would occur through the Comp Plan Update process 37 while a rezoning would be considered as part of a development proposal. With the 38 mayor requesting a "ghost plat" for the development, Mr. Grochala explained that it 39 wouldn't necessarily be a part of this process; he fears that, timing wise, the owner's 40 needs and the city's needs may not mesh. 41 42 Les Winter introduced Mr. Pratt, his developer representative. Mr. Winter explained that 43 his property doesn't lend itself to an industrial use so that's why it's seen as more CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 APPROVED 44 attractive as residential. Mayor Reinert said his idea is to tighten up plans, without the 45 level of flexibility that's occurred, and he will call for that overall discussion. On this 46 property, the mayor said he'd like to see more conversation/definition on how this land 47 would be used. 48 49 Mr. Pratt said he knows that a ghost plat is being requesting but at this point he is going 50 to request that 20% of the property be designated residential with some latitude. He 51 understands the units per acre and he isn't proposing to pile in too much. 52 53 Mayor Reinert said he sees that the council generally agrees on the request to change how 54 the Winter property is guided for development. 55 56 Community Development Director Grochala explained the status of the Comp Plan 57 update and the schedule and information needed to send that document out for review. 58 Mr. Pratt used the map to show the amount of buildable land that could possibly be 59 needed for a residential development and he explained his vision in general for 60 commercial/industrial creeping up from the south. Mr. Grochala explained that the 20% 61 figure was intended to keep the number of units down so you can go less dense and more 62 land and end up with the same. 63 64 Community Development Director Grochala pointed out that the sewer and water is a half 65 a mile away so it's clear this development won't be coming quickly. 66 67 Mayor Reinert said there's no final decision being made tonight — but the council could 68 say medium density and 35 acres. 69 70 Council Member Rafferty said he is impressed with Mr. Winter's desire to work with 71 staff and commitment to that. 72 73 Staff and the council discussed with the land size and density calculations. Mayor 74 Reinert recommended 35% to be guided medium density to give the parameters necessary 75 to keep moving forward on both sides. The council concurred. 76 b. Sanitary Sewer/Water Plans — City Engineer Hankee reviewed the proposed 77 city's goals and policies on sanitary sewer. The existing sanitary sewer system was 78 overviewed. 79 80 Maps were reviewed indicating the existing sanitary sewer system and how it flows to the 81 Metropolitan Council main system, as well as future system build out plans. She noted 82 that the plans presented are draft at this point and public meetings are planned to be 83 upcoming. The mayor asked for a review of the plan compared to the last update. Ms. 84 Hankee said it is basically that the system has been modeled, so not changed but outlined 85 better. The mayor remarked that service to north Lino Lakes seems to be slowed by the 86 slower development that occurs in the City of Columbus. Council Member Stoesz asked 87 if there are plans for sewer on Lake Drive, from Trappers to City Hall. Ms. Hankee said 2 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 APPROVED 88 that would be served by a branch line eventually but ultimately the whole city would have 89 go get served. Mr. Grochala pointed out on the map that the entire city is planned to 90 have sewer service eventually, except park. 91 92 Ms. Hankee reviewed the water system plans, including goals. The city is working with 93 grant funds on an irrigation project. She reviewed the city's current water system and 94 how plans for the future are being developed. 95 2. Local Water Management Plan, Michael Grochala, Katy Thompson (WSB) — 96 Ms. Thompson reviewed the elements of the plan that the council will receive in their 97 packet next week. Mr. Grochala pointed out that staff is on target for turning the plan 98 over to the watershed district for the required review, and that should happen in January. 99 100 The mayor called for discussion of the maximum non -impervious service requirements lot that were set last update. It has been a problem as far as use of land. He believed that 102 staff would work that out for this update but understands that may not be recommended. 103 Community Development Director Grochala remarked that the city's concern is run off 104 (from development) and that is one area that is impacted by the impervious surface 105 discussion. In this plan, staff doesn't intend to call out impervious surface but rather 106 note that the city will be evaluating. To change the percentages, you would have to 107 change the zoning code. The mayor indicated he is supportive of a change. Director 1o8 Grochala explained that the comp plan comes before an ordinance amendment. 109 110 Mayor Reinert said he will meet with Director Grochala individually because he really 111 believes a change is warranted. 112 3. West Shadow/LaMotte Street Reconstruction Update —City Engineer Hankee 113 provided an update. She recalled the council's recent actions establishing public hearings 114 on utility projects. Public meetings have also been scheduled for property owners and 115 staff will be prepared to answer questions about that utilities. Information was sent out 116 with the cost specifics that are available. A survey was also sent out to WSL residents 117 with a deadline of January 5; the Lamotte neighborhood was surveyed earlier. Ms. 118 Hankee added that staff will be meeting with the one property owner who has storm water 119 questions later this week. 120 121 Council Member Rafferty asked why sewer and water is being proposed to the park area. 122 That could be very expensive. Ms. Hankee said there would be options on that and also 123 explained that a portion coming to the area would be funded by the city trunk fund. There 124 was discussion of the possible loop to Birch Street which would also serve to avoid 125 having a dead end to the water main; Mayor Reinert remarked that perhaps that element 126 could be included when development that would be served actually occurs. Public 127 Services Director DeGardner remarked that the intent is not now nor never to provide 128 utilities to the park. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 APPROVED 129 4. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon — Council Member Rafferty explained that he is 130 involved with this group. He doesn't think that when the council authorized funding for 131 the group, it was meant to be anything other than startup assistance. After meeting with 132 the group, he heard that city funding for the group may not be appropriate according to 133 what other cities have done. Mayor Reinert suggested that it isn't illegal but he 134 understands that the city should consider the situation. Council Member Rafferty 135 suggested getting a legal opinion on the situation, including if the past funding should be 136 returned. City Administrator Karlson concurred and said that he would seek legal 137 advice. Mayor Reinert suggested that the opinion should really be based on whether or 138 not the city can help 501(c)3 groups (including when there is a benefit to the city). 139 140 Council Member Rafferty said he's also curious about where the group's mail is delivered 141 — that location is currently city hall. Mayor Reinert remarked that the address here at city 142 hall was just a way to get started. The address can be the decision of group. 143 Administrator Karlson will investigate that also. 144 5. Advisory Boards — Administrator Karlson said that staff is ready to schedule 145 interviews with the applicants. Mayor Reinert recalled that the council decided to 146 interview all applicants. Council Member Rafferty concurred; he sees getting Planning 147 and Zoning members in place as a priority. 148 149 Mayor Reinert remarked that he'd like to have a joint meeting with the boards once again 150 (pizza, hand shaking, update, etc). 151 152 The times suggested for advisory board interviews— prior to every council meeting (one 153 hour). 154 6. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions - There were none. 155 7. Monthly Progress Report — Administrator Karlson reported on the video room 156 upgrade. He noted the situation of working into the video tech schedule the current 157 Scanner Tech person who has experience in the area. He reviewed the status of that 158 project and the schedule for completion. 159 8. 494 Sewer & Water Extension, Land Use discussion — Community 160 Development Director Grochala reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlining: 161 162 - Water and sewer options 163 - extending services to provide for future use; 164 - will require a city lead (right of way acquisitions, etc) to expedite; 165 - asking council if plans and specs should be authorized for improvements. 166 4 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 167 Mayor Reinert asked for an update on development plans for the area. Mr. Grochala 168 noted that a convenience store proposal has been broached in the area. The council did 169 not express interest in such a development. Mayor Reinert remarked that he envisioned 170 something on the site that would serve as a gateway to the city. Community 171 Development Director Grochala noted the master plan prepared in 2007. The council 172 asked about an estimate of the cost for WSB & Associates to prepare plans and 173 specifications. Staff explained that they would investigate costs further. 174 175 The council heard from residents of the area. Concern about noise and closeness to 176 residential properties remains a concern. The mayor remarked that it's the council's job 177 make sure that developments that occur in the city are appropriate to the city. 178 9. NE Drainage Area Land Acquisition — Community Development Director 179 Grochala reported. His report relates to the big channel project. The watershed district 18o has the project under review. He's seeking council direction to get a proposal from WSB 181 to move on land acquisition. This would be a corridor acquisition and potentially 182 acquisition relating to remnants. The Lennar project will be somewhat dependent on the 183 project. Council Member Rafferty asked how the city will recoup costs —Mr. Grochala 184 explained fees. 185 186 The council concurred with staff s request; Mayor Reinert asked about the wisdom of 187 going out for bids for something like this. Community Development Director Grochala 188 remarked that the city has pretty much stuck with WSB, for different reasons such as they 189 are already involved in the projects making their services generally more efficient. Mr. 190 Grochala explained his process that includes overview of the city engineer (already on 191 contract). 192 10. Review Regular Agenda 193 194 Regarding the consent agenda, Council Member Stoesz remarked that the expenditure list 195 can be difficult to read as far as how all the expenditures relate to the actual city budget. 196 For instance, how do the expenditures fit into the overall line items in the budget that they 197 represent? Mayor Reinert asked Administrator Karlson what he uses to follow the 198 budget as a manager. Mr. Karlson explained the budgeting document that each 199 department director receives. The council concurred that they'd like that made available. 200 201 Council Member Rafferty asked questions about expenditures to Century College for 202 training (law enforcement and fire). Public Safety Director Swenson remarked that one 203 is an annual training situation; for people that can't get into that class, they may be sent to 204 other classes. 205 206 Council Member Rafferty noted expenses related to utility bill envelopes and asked about 207 how to reduce those costs — is there a cheaper way to provide bills. He also asked about 208 range expenses for police shooting activity. And he asked about petty cash in the Police CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 2, 2018 APPROVED 209 Department and how much that is used? Public Safety Director Swenson explained that 210 the petty cash is used for parking, meeting expenses, etc. He assured the council that the 211 funds are tracked and coded to a line for budgeted funds. 212 213 Annual Appointments — Administration Karlson remarked that he has filled in the 214 appointments based on existing, except where that wasn't possible. He asked Council 215 Member Stoesz if he is interested in rejoining the North Metro Board and he was. 216 Council Member Manthey asked if he could join the fire advisory group; Mayor Reinert 217 concurred. 218 219 Council Member Stoesz remarked that he will abstain from voting on the list of 22o depositories since he works for US Bank. 221 222 Regarding the personnel issue, Administration Karlson explained that staff for the Parks 223 and Recreation program is the subject. The city has attempted to work with the school 224 district on their proposed rental charges for city parks and recreation activities, but no 225 avail. Mayor Reinert concurred. He has worked with staff on this issue and it's very 226 unfortunate that the school district is choosing to impose facility use charges and also that 227 they are duplicating city programming. The result is the need to make this very difficult 228 decision to eliminate city staff. 229 23o The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. 231 232 233 234 235 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on January 22, 2018. 236 23 238 Juli e Bartell, City lerk 239 Jeff i e , Mayor