Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-05-2018 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 MINUTES 3 4 DATE March 5, 2018 5 TIME STARTED 6:00 p.m. 6 TIME ENDED 9*45 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; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City 14 Clerk Julie Bartell 15 16 (Clerk's note: Some agenda items were postponed due to inclement weather.) 17 18 i0 Presentation regarding City of nos . ___e 7T Co_ _ees , Terre re Heiser- 19 2. 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Mixed Use Land Use Designation — Community 20 Development Director Grochala noted that staff was last directed to include the land use 21 change related to the Winter's property as mixed use (50% residential, with density at 22 4.0-5.9 units per acre; rest of land business guided). Staff did bring that proposed change 23 to the Planning and Zoning Board where it was reviewed and the broader discussion of 24 mixed use designations occurred. Staff is seeking the council's review of the additional 25 information that will be provided on the topic. 26 27 Kendra Lindahl reviewed the history of the Comp Plan update process to date. She 28 provided additional information on the mixed use designation, changes proposed for that 29 use, and the individual mixed use designated areas. The Powerpoint presentation is on 30 file. It included information on: 31 32 -Each mixed use area is unique; 33 -Expanded description of each mixed use area is included in the Comp Plan 34 document; 35 - May mean a mix of land uses (i.e. different types of residential), 36 - May mean a mix of land uses in a single structure; 37 - May be horizontal or vertical; 38 - Helps the city meet is affordable housing goals. 39 4o Mayor Reinert noted that he prefers to have more definition up front. It casts too broad a 41 net, knowing what can generally be done within a mixed use area but not specifics. 42 43 Community Development Director Grochala pointed out that the mixed use designation 44 currently included in the plan represents opportunity for a development that would meet 45 the city's established goals but specific plans for such a development would have to come 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 46 forward for council review. 47 48 Ms. Lindahl pointed out on a map the mixed use that was included in the last update and 49 those that would be new in the proposed plan (a map comparison from 2030 Plan and 50 2040 proposed plan was included). She also pointed out that, in her experience, 51 developers don't actually prefer a mixed use scenario (they want the quickest path to 52 approval and that designation doesn't necessarily provide that). 53 54 Council Member Rafferty asked about the request that's been received on the Waldoch 55 property. Mr. Grochala responded that the request relates to moving up in staging. 56 57 Ms. Lindahl then reviewed how staff proposes that the 2040 Comp Plan update is 58 scheduled to move forward to the implementation stage. Staff is requesting now that they 59 get confirmation of the ten existing mixed use guided areas and the two new proposed 60 mixed use areas. 61 62 Mayor Reinert said he'd like to eliminate mixed use and discuss a more specific 63 designation. He doesn't like to see questions marks on the map to avoid future surprises 64 for the council and residents. 65 66 Community Development Director Grochala noted the table included in the land use plan; 67 for each mixed use area, there is identification and further specifics, including a vision for 68 each of the areas. 69 70 Council Member Manthey suggested that he has a similar concern about what could 71 occur. For instance what about acreage that remains after development of a portion of a 72 mixed use area — what could happen there? He asked if the city will meet its density 73 requirements for the Met Council if changes are made in the Plan now. 74 75 Director Grochala noted the figure of 3-5 units per acre and that he always keeps that as 76 low as possible. Also noted is that density is calculated only on areas with sewer. 77 78 The mayor asked if the City will have to go higher density because of what exists now. 79 Ms. Lindahl explained that current low density (that isn't changing) doesn't have to 80 count. The density calculation is based on moving forward. 81 82 Mayor Reinert said he's asked for information and wants to use that for further study. 83 His gut tells him the plan is moving toward more density and he doesn't approve. 84 85 Council Member Stoesz asked if the City can change designations in the future or add a 86 new designation based on their decision at that time. Director Grochala explained how 87 zoning can be changed by ordinance, including by creating a mixed use based on the 88 specifics of the site. The comp plan is intended only to guide. 89 90 Mayor Reinert said he isn't comfortable with 650 acres being a free for all. Director 2 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 91 Grochala pointed out that a big part of that is the Watermark land and then the Winter 92 property. 93 94 Mayor Reinert asked that the process be slowed a month. Staff indicated that could be 95 accommodated except for changing the open house. The council concurred. 96 97 Council Member Manthey asked about the industrial designations — he only sees light 98 industrial and wonders what would be included in heavy industrial. Director Grochala 99 explained that general industrial is the heaviest use included in this City's zoning. 100 Adjacent to residential would be light industrial with restrictions that go with that. Also 101 business campus designation was explained. Mayor Reinert suggested calling that type of 102 area a data center, a type of business that would be highly desirable. Ms. Lindahl said it's 103 prudent to be careful not to be too limiting. Council Member Stoesz remarked that he 104 works in a data center so he understands the use; he'd like to see the city attract that type 105 of development. 106 107 Ms. Lindahl suggested that the city will communicate with those impacted by the 108 discussion of mixed use. Mayor Reinert said, since he has proposed a change, he would 109 welcome the calls of those impacted. 110 111 Council Member Stoesz asked if staff would be able to provide a map for the open house 112 where individuals could plug in their address see all information about their property. 113 Ms. Lindahl explained how the current system can be interactive. 114 115 1 465 Ash Street Sewer Connection — City Engineer Hankee and property owner 116 Lance Unger were present. Ms. Hankee reviewed her written report outlining Mr. 117 Unger's request to connect with City water. Since City plans don't include municipal 118 utilities for his property any time soon, he is proposing to connect to the City of 119 Shoreview system. Ms. Hankee reviewed the research that has been done to date and 120 implications to the City. She explained that the Met Council would require a Comp Plan 121 amendment for the utility change but one that could be handled administratively. During 122 that consideration period, the City wouldn't allow issuance of the building permit that 123 Mr. Unger seeks to build an addition. 124 125 Mr. Unger added that he has spoken with utility staff for Shoreview and determined that 126 all residents west of Hodgson are hooked up to Shoreview water and sewer. They must 127 have come to some sort of agreement and he'd like to do the same. He has a unique 128 property with quite a bit of wetland. One of the reasons that Shoreview is motivated to 129 do this hook-up is because any new septic system would have to be located in the front 130 yard and that would not be a positive change. He explained how the installation could be 131 done with minimal road intrusion. 132 133 Council Member Manthey said he doesn't have a problem based on the information 134 provided at this point but he anticipates more information. He asked the homeowner if 135 he is prepared to cover the cost of the work. Mr. Unger said he has received estimates 3 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 136 and does have knowledge as a home builder himself; for him this connection to 137 Shoreview makes the most sense. Mr. Unger added that he is trying to remodel the home 138 and needs a building permit to do so. He showed the council his plans for the property. 139 140 Mayor Reinert suggested that the concern for the City would be interference of this 141 system in future city utilities. He'd ask the homeowner to commit to that hookup if that 142 comes to pass; it probably wouldn't be before twenty years. Mr. Unger concurred. 143 144 On the matter of the building permit, Mayor Reinert said he sees that this must move 145 ahead in order. Mr. Unger can work on his plans but actual work should wait. Mr. 146 Grochala said he either needs to have a septic system design approved or be connected to 147 a utility in order to be issued a building permit. Mayor Reinert asked if the owner can 148 move on any areas that aren't actually connected to the septic/sewer system. The 149 property owner offered to enter into a contract promising to install septic if the sewer, for 150 any reason, doesn't go through. Mayor Reinert asked if staff can work with Mr. Unger 151 on the matter. Council Member Stoesz added that he's checked out the property and can 152 testify that any improvement would be welcome on this property. 153 154 1 West Shadow Roadway Reconstruction Project — City Engineer Hankee briefly 155 overviewed that the city will be doing this project and it includes a culvert under West 156 Shadow Lake Drive, connecting Rice Lake to Reshenau Lake. This culvert is proposed to 157 be replaced as it is but currently it is blocked and a replacement wouldn't be so there 158 could be some resulting change in the lake level. Staff has received a letter from 159 residents asking for alternative methods for controlling the water flow between the lakes, 160 especially during low water times, perhaps through damming or multiple pipes. Such an 161 idea was presented to the agencies involved and they suggested leaving the plans as is. 162 163 Resident Brian Fosse explained the possible implications of having that culvert flowing 164 back and forth between Rice and Reshenau lakes. There could also be a change in the 165 flood plain maps based on the changes. He has been disappointed in the reaction of the 166 agencies; the residents are proposing a piping solution and they think it should be 167 considered. The council asked if they could provide a message to the agencies 168 concerning the unknown impact of having the culvert open. The mayor remarked that the 169 piping solution makes sense because it provides more flow when it is needed; Council 170 Member Stoesz added that it seems like the lowest cost option as well. 171 172 Mayor Reinert requested that the agencies be invited to the next work session to hear the 173 resident's idea of piping (there should be a model put together to explain the idea). A 174 rough cost estimate of the options would be good if that is possible. Staff will continue 175 to work on a solution. 176 177 Ms. Hankee updated the council on another matter included in the staff report, the 178 temporary by-pass road through the golf course. 179 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 180 3. Variance Process for Construction Activity - Public Safety Direction Swenson 181 reviewed his written report regarding the council's request to institute a process for 182 requesting a variance to the noise regulations in the future. A possible ordinance is 183 included in the staff report. He would recommend consideration of a change in the 184 timeline to allow more time since the council only meets every two weeks. Director 185 Grochala noted that he wouldn't foresee very many of these requests. Council Member 186 Stoesz said he requested this process consideration because he'd like the council to have 187 some control in these situations. 188 189 The council concurred that the proposal should be reviewed by the city attorney. Also 190 staff should ask about limiting the variance to commercial and not residential property. 191 192 4. Code of Conduct and Social Media Policies —Administrator Karlson reviewed 193 the proposed changes (a redlined copy that showed specific changes had been emailed to 194 the council). 195 196 Council Member Maher noted the section on advocacy and suggested a change different 197 from proposed that would be less personally intrusive, to read "when presenting their 198 personal feelings or positions, council members shall take care not to identify themselves 199 as a city official". 200 201 Mayor Reinert noted the fourth Whereas clause, requiring adoption of the Code of 202 Conduct after elections. It hasn't been done so perhaps it should come out. Also 203 regarding the Social Media Policy, third paragraph, it seems to indicate that the city owns 204 his website. 205 206 Mayor Reinert indicated that the council should review the proposed changes more 207 closely, provide change ideas to the administrator, and the council will discuss again. KIN 209 5. Proposals for Civil Legal Services —Administrator Karlson had provided the 210 council with a summary of the RFP's received. The council had requested a better 211 breakdown on the rates and that is provided in the report. 212 213 Mayor Reinert noted that there are eight proposals. He asked the council how they'd like 214 to proceed. 215 216 Council Member Maher commented on the Flaherty Hood hourly billing basis; she's 217 never seen anything but a tenth of an hour. 218 219 Council Member Stoesz asked about getting a comparison of what a certain type of 220 service would cost from each. 221 222 Council Member Rafferty recalled that he had a good experience in the past dealing with 223 Attorney Jay Squires when he filled in for a period. 224 5 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 225 The council eliminated Kelly & Lemmons, Leum, Hofstede, Troth and Fleming, Eckberg 226 Lammers, and Flaherty & Hood. 227 228 The council will interview Kennedy & Graven; Ratwik, Roszak and Maloney; Rupp, 229 Anderson, Squires & Waldspurger; and Campbell Knutson. 230 231 8. Allowance for Wider Driveways — Director Grochala reported. The matter 232 came forward after the council's review of the resident request for a wider driveway. 233 The report includes information on where other cities are at. He noted that the City 234 hasn't received very many variance requests or concerns about the current regulations. If 235 the council wants to amend the regulations, staff would put together an ordinance change. 236 237 Council Member Stoesz remarked that he first of all wanted to ensure that the ordinances 238 are in sync and past that he feels there is interest in the community in having wider 239 driveways. 240 241 Council Member Rafferty says he can see the merit in 45 feet. 242 243 Council Member Manthey said he thought he would be very much in support of a larger 244 allowance but, with more thought and a look at his own driveway, he can see the 245 arguments on both sides. 246 247 The Council concurred that the current regulations are fine. 248 249 , 250 251 7* Ri^Lake Elementary Playground Equipment Proj eet Follow up, Riek 252 DeGardne 253 254 9. Nature's Refuge Park Dedication — Public Services Director DeGardner 255 reviewed his written report that outlines both city communications regarding the Arena 256 Acres park facility and discussions (including by the advisory boards) on the possibility 257 of joining with the school district on some improvements at Lino Lakes Elementary park 258 facilities. 259 260 Council Member Manthey remarked that there were some emotions about the past when 261 the council reviewed this last. He is at a different place now and he has a good 262 understanding about people using school facilities and the possibility of the city 263 collaborating. 264 265 Director DeGardner noted the Park Board's recommendation to look at a collaboration. 266 He came forward to the council with that recommendation to see about interest. 267 268 Council Member Rafferty noted that this type of proposal from a school district seems 269 unusual based on past experience and now there are actually a couple of proposals CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 270 coming to the city from the school district. It can't be about what the relationship has 271 been between the city and the school district but it seems odd to have these requests. 272 273 Mayor Reinert remarked that when there is a half million dollars for parks put up by the 274 council, that gets attention. 275 276 Director Grochala explained that the plans way back on Nature's Refuge included the 277 idea of using the school district's land. 278 279 Mayor Reinert noted the size of the school district's budget and even just their capital 280 budget in comparison to the city's budget. It is many millions of dollars. He wonders 281 how much other cities in the district are giving. He'd like to work with the district but 282 does it always have to involve the city's funds. 283 284 Council Member Manthey noted that Nature's Refuge is in the Forest Lake school 285 district. He wonders if the city would be able to go to that district and see if they are 286 willing to contribute to the project as well. 287 288 Director DeGardner explained the rationale of joining with the school district on existing 289 facilities; the money does go farther. Mayor Reinert remarked that he's somewhat 290 concerned with setting that precedent however. Director Grochala remarked that it 291 hasn't been a common situation. 292 293 Mayor Reinert asked if there is a way to set aside some of park dedication funds received 294 for the future of the recreation center land. Director DeGardner said it could be 295 accomplished but there are caveats. Mayor Reinert said he'd like to know that could 296 work. 297 298 The council will wait for the Park Board and Planning and Zoning Board to complete its 299 review process of Nature's Refuge before deciding which direction to take. 300 301 8. Public Services Administrative Assistant Position — Council Member Stoesz 302 said he thought this may be a good opportunity to review the job description and 303 qualifications since t. 304 305 Director DeGardner said he is interested in filling this position. He noted that the job has 306 already been posted and applications received. A change in the process for the future 307 could be reviewed. 308 309 Council Member Rafferty remarked that the job could be repo sted. No one has been 31 o hired. 311 312 Council Member Manthey suggested that hopefully there are good applicants in the pool 313 that have already been submitted. 314 II CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 315 Council Member Stoesz suggested that openings in positions could be a good time for the 316 council to review the organization and see if changes are needed. 317 318 Council Member Maher remarked that the best time to look at jobs is while they are filled 319 because the best information on the job comes from someone in that position. 320 321 Council Member Stoesz said perhaps the council should receive a copy of all job 322 descriptions. Although the council members probably won't examine every one they 323 may want to see some. Questions about jobs are good. 324 325 a, r .,+„ ��„r � r rT+;i;�., u;n;,,.� turf u�rir�. 326 10. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council 327 11. Monthly Progress Report —Administrator Karlson had left the building. Director 328 Grochala noted the matter of the lease of the day care center within the city complex; the 329 term of the lease is an issue to be considered. The tenants want to continue their lease 330 but there is the question of a five or ten year lease. 331 332 12. Review Regular Agenda —There were no changes to the council agenda. It was 333 reviewed. 334 13. Adjourn 335 336 1. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m. 337 338 339 340 341 342 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on March 26, 2018. �4�J�lialnne Bartell, City Cleik 345 E�3