HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-01-2018 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2018
APPROVED
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : October 1, 2018
5 TIME STARTED : 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 9:50 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; Finance Director Sarah
13 Cotton; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; City Engineer Diane Hankee.
14 L Watermark
15 a. First Addition Final Plat —City Planner Larsen first corrected the figures in her
16 staff report to indicated 692 single family and 172 townhome units.
17 She reviewed a PowerPoint Presentation including information on:
18 - Proposed project schedule;
19 - Preliminary layout overall and first phase.
20
21 Mayor Reinert asked about the size of the single family lots. Ms. Larsen pointed out the
22 lot sizes on the map. The mayor said he is also interested in what is planned past the first
23 phase. Is there a commitment from Lennar on anything past the first phase? Ms. Larsen
24 pointed out the land that is owned by Lennar; that is a part of the development agreement
25 discussion. She added that staff understands it is important to keep Watermark as one
26 development as it was originally master planned. She noted that grading is underway on
27 the site and for the first and second addition.
28
29 b. Master Development Agreement —Community Development Director Grochala
30 reviewed the information in the council packet. Staff, including the city attorney, are
31 proposing a master development agreement encompassing the entire site with individual
32 development agreements coming in the future for each phase.
33
34 City Attorney Squires noted that his involvement has not been from the beginning. He
35 explained that for the reasons noted, it is important to lock in a master agreement to lock
36 in the vision as a whole. The master development agreement is intended to define the
37 entire puzzle with the pieces of a puzzle coming in with the development phases in the
38 future; the master agreement maintains most of the main details. He indicated that the
39 document is still being structured but he'd like to review the larger concepts of the
40 agreement with the council. First pointed out was the storm water connection to Peltier
41 Lake, seen as a necessary element by both the developer and the City. Secondly, funding
42 of storm water management will be a large number and that would include funding for
43 certain storm water improvements to connect Peltier Lake. The third detail being worked
44 on is open space, identifying requirements to establish such and assurances for future
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APPROVED
45 maintenance. The biggest issue is the unusual timing of this and its PUD tag that allows
46 flexibility on certain elements such as density; this document must provide the City with
47 some assurance that the overall project will be want was intended and desired. He noted
48 that there are two owners of the property so there is some difficulty in that situation.
49
50 c. Plans & Specs for NE Peltier Drainage Outlet - On the matter of storm water
51 funding, Community Development Director Grochala added that the city's fee will be
52 applied over the whole property, attached to a special assessment, for both Mattamy and
53 Lennar properties. The storm water improvement project is expected by the developers as
54 part of their plans. Mayor Reinert expressed some concern about assessments; the City
55 risks being liable for the debt even though the economy could go bad. Attorney Squires
56 indicated that the alternative would be to require full payment of the fees up front by the
57 developer.
58
59 Council Member Rafferty asked what protections will be included in the agreement for
60 future property owners. Attorney Squires noted declarations of restriction and covenants,
61 master and for each neighborhood, all to be approved by the city attorney. He also
62 explained that there are provisions that allow the City to step in on behalf of the property
63 owners when the case calls for that.
64
65 Director Grochala noted that pending all elements noted coming together, staff would like
66 to start the design process for the NE Peltier Drainage Outlet Project.
67
68 Council Member Stoesz asked if the assessments trigger any City Charter requirements
69 and Director Grochala said they would not because this will be fully assessed to the
70 property owners at their request.
71
72 Council Member Rafferty asked when development is apt to begin and a Lennar
73 representative said they are trying hard to have something open in February.
75 2. Residents Request for 12th Avenue Trail —Director DeGardner reviewed his
76 written report regarding residents' request for a trail in the Trapper's Crossing
77 neighborhood.
78
79 Ashley Swenson, resident, reviewed a PowerPoint presentation including information on:
80
81 - Safety of 12th Avenue (neighborhood impacted);
82 - introduction to her family;
83 - Accessibility to parks for residents;
84 - A view of use on the 12th Avenue trail;
85 - Beauty of trail but drastic ending of trail, onto busy roadway, and eventual
86 reconnection to trail;
87 - Safety is a huge issue for youngsters;
88 - Testimonial of Bonnie and Terry Moore, Kaufenberg's, Heather Hoecke, Vicki
89 Koivisto, and Eckmann family, regarding the path;
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2018
APPROVED
Stairs are an accessibility issue at Trappers and Birch park;
- Testimonials on accessibility issues from Julie Cutts, and Jessica Friedman;
The benefits of safety to everyone.
94 Mayor Reinert thanked the many residents who attended the work session. He noted his
95 long residency in the City and how trail systems have developed. He sees there is a sense
96 of urgency on this matter.
97
98 Director DeGardner said this is identified in the parks and trails capital program, with
99 safety being the primary driver. He has discussed the situation with the City Engineer
100 and hears there are drainage issues and paving involved. He'd ask the council to consider
1 o i funding.
102
103 Mayor Reinert asked for review of where parks and trails funding from the area
104 development(s) were used. Mr. DeGardner noted Holly Drive trails, stairs from the park,
105 and he recalls a park shelter.
106
107 Mayor Reinert remarked that the council is very conscious now that developers need to
l08 build park amenities, including trails, up front so residents don't end up waiting too long
109 for promised facilities.
110
111 Director DeGardner noted that staff is looking at the 2019 improvements budget for
112 possibilities. City Engineer Hankee noted that included in a project would be some
113 property acquisition (past the right/of/way).
114
115 Council Member Stoesz said he walked the property and he concurs that improvement is
116 very much needed. He also noted an option that would straighten the trail in the area of a
117 triangle.
118
119 Mayor Reinert noted that property discussions would have to occur, drainage be
120 considered, engineering is involved and funding must be secured.
121
122 The council concurred that seeking a solution is important and makes sense. They
123 anticipate more information at the November work session. Residents will be kept
124 informed.
125
126 Park Board Chair Heulman added that the Park Board did consider all the needed projects
127 and tried to prioritize appropriately. This would be an expensive project but he agrees
128 with the concern and need.
129
130 2a Kids Cooking School - Tiffany Cavegn, Executive Director and Founder of Kids
131 Cooking School, reviewed a PowerPoint including information on:
132 - Proposal to integrate the cooking program into the City's existing programming;
133 - Asking the City to consider doing what it will take to integrate the program as part
134 of the Parks and Rec programming;
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135 - A review of the school's business profile;
136 - Benefits for the City of Lino Lakes;
137 - Testimonial from Lino Lakes resident about the need for the school;
138 - Positive media focus for Lino Lakes;
139 - Potential revenue for the City.
140
141 Ms. Cavegn explained her passion for the program as it is really needed. Her goal right
142 now is to hear how interested the city council is and move toward that.
143
144 Mayor Reinert said he would like to hear from staff about how they think this would fit
145 into the City's programming. Initially, it seems more school oriented but he wants staff
146 take a look.
147
148 Council Member Stoesz said he's been following the program on Facebook and he thinks
149 it's a good fit for the City. He has met with Ms. Cavegn.
150
151 Council Member Manthey remarked that the level of professionalism provided in the
152 classes probably wouldn't be met by the school district. He knows the City is losing
153 programming to the school district, perhaps this would be a good fit. He has interest in
154 more information.
155
156 Ms. Cavegn said she originally taught cooking through the school district's community
157 education program but found that was limiting (to school district boundaries and days of
158 school) so she has broken off. She also explained their classification as an E business so
159 they do not have certain requirements but they do follow every food safety measure
160 recommended by regulations.
161
162 Administrator Karlson noted that he has met with Ms. Cavegn and Director DeGardner
163 and they did discuss possible drawbacks, including space needs at the Senior Center,
164 impact on current uses, future tenants and facility improvement needs. He also expressed
165 concern that the investment is pretty much around this cooking school and that use need
166 could change in the future. There is also consideration that overall renovations are being
167 considered for the facility.
168
169 Council Member Rafferty noted that is cooking popular right now but this school seems
170 very much linked to Ms. Cavegn's participation and things could change with her life.
171 Ms. Cavegn said she has five instructors that would love to have her job; she has built a
172 cohesive unit as a team and there is talent to step up if needed. She further explained how
173 well the multi -talented team would be able to fill roles as needed.
174
175 Council Member Stoesz said he encourages more discovery.
176
177 Mayor Reinert reiterated that he needs more information, including on financials and not
178 just revenue but costs. The council will get more information from Director DeGardner
179 so they will discuss this further.
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180
181 Later in the meeting, Director DeGardner was present. He asked that the council think
182 long term if they want to proceed; there would be implications for other uses such as
183 elections. Cooking isn't something normally connected with parks and recreation
184 probably because of the facilities needed.
185
186 3. 49 & J Trunk Utility Improvements —Easement Acquisition —Community
187 Development Director Grochala reviewed his written report. Historically the city studied
188 the possibility of extending trunk utilities to the specific area noted in the report. He
189 reviewed a PowerPoint presentation including information on:
190 -site location map of sanitary sewer connection;
191 - easement locations on three parcels that would be required;
192 - discussions with property owners (one property is up for sale though);
193 - would the council entertain acquiring the piece of property for easement for the
194 property for sale;
195 - there is an implication of a second easement that will be needed on another of the
196 properties and should WSB put together numbers to allow sale discussions with that
197 property.
198 Mayor Reinert remarked that two access points in the future would probably be needed.
199
200 The council discussed how future roadways will be planned in conjunction with Anoka
201 County.
202
203 The council concurred to tie up the easement on the property for sale.
204 4. Lake &Market Place Drive —Land Acquisition —Community Development
205 Director Grochala reviewed a PowerPoint presentation including information on:
206 - General location map showing proposed roadway connection;
207 - City owned property involved;
208 - Recent contact from property owner of one of the needed properties;
209 - Appraisal would be needed;
210 - EDAC has expressed support;
211 - Future development concept.
212
213 Mayor Reinert suggested going forward with exploring the idea; more information on
214 cost is needed.
215 5. Comprehensive Plan Update —Community Development Director Grochala
216 reviewed a PowerPoint presentation including information on:
217
218 -Background on past discussion and council's concern about mixed use category;
219 - Review of mixed use definitions and purpose;
220 - Mixed use areas included in the draft 2040 plan (new and existing);
221 - Proposed changes in mixed use;
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222 - Establish Office/Medium Density Residential District;
223 - Density changes reviewed;
224 - Implementation changes that would be built into the plan. Mayor Reinert expressed
225 some concern about definitions (PUDs and mixed use); he'd like to see a mixture of
226 flexibility but remaining true to the city's plans.
227
228 The discussion will continue before the Planning and Zoning Board.
229 6. Anoka County Regional Economic Development Memorandum of
230 Understanding (MOU) — Community Development Director Grochala provided an
231 update on the effort underway to set up a regional economic development imitative. He
232 noted the cost to the City and the benefits that will be provided as part of involvement in
233 the group. Staff will be bringing forward a Memorandum of Understanding for council
234 consideration. Director Grochala added that he is a sitting member on the executive
235 board for the group.
236 7. Arena Acres Park Update- Public Services Director DeGardner reviewed his
237 written report updating the council on progress in planning improvements for Arena
238 Acres Park. He is requesting authorization to begin construction on the tennis court
239 component.
240
241 Council Member Rafferty asked Director DeGardner to provide additional information on
242 the costs the city has experienced in improving the courts. He also wants to make sure
243 the soil is compacted properly and that the most appropriate material is used for long life
244 and to prevent future cracking. Council Member Rafferty will share information on his
245 research with staff.
246
247 Director DeGardner will begin his process.
248 8. West Shadow Lake Drive Rezoning —City Planner Larsen reviewed her written
249 staff report on the matter of subdivision of lots in the project area. There is interest
250 among residents. Staff is proposing that the first step in the process would be a zoning
251 change. Ms. Larsen reviewed the schedule for a rezoning process.
252
253 The council concurred with the request to proceed with the process.
254 9. City Council Compensation —City Administrator Karlson noted that the council
255 reviewed information at the last work session on city council compensation. He provided
256 information comparing the city's compensation with other cities of similar size. He is
257 now providing additional information on those comparisons relating to compensation for
258 special meetings. He provided the council with the results of the city council salary
259 survey (2019 rates).
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2018
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260
261 Council Member Stoesz remarked that losing special meeting pay in lieu of increasing
262 council salary seems to follow the norm.
263
264 Administrator Karlson suggested that would be a good alternative from the perspective of
265 administering special pay.
266
267 Mayor Reinert recalled the Administrator's suggestion that the council revisit the salary
268 every two years and look at the lowest wage settlement for employees.
269
270 Mayor Reinert suggested $50 for special meetings and percentage increases of 25%
271 (mayor) and 50% (council). That would bring salaries more to middle.
272
273 Council Member Stoesz suggested salaries of $10000 (mayor) and $8,000 (council) and
274 lose the special meeting pay.
275
276 Council Member Rafferty expressed support for having special meeting pay. He also
277 suggested, when looking at employee salary increases, the council should always consider
278 the lowest.
279
280 The council to drop the special meeting pay and set the salary at $11,000 (mayor) and
281 $8,500 (council). Special pay would still be given for the Economic Development
282 Authority meetings. The council will review the salary every two years and receive
283 information at that time on employee salary increases. In the meantime the council will
284 consider language to take effect sooner to make the meeting minutes proof of meeting
285 attendance for any payments for special meetings.
286 10. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions —There were no updates from the
287 Council.
288 11. Monthly Progress Report —Administrator Karlson noted that the arbitration
289 decision for Police Officers is anticipated by the end of the next week. The Sergeant's
290 Union arbitration has been scheduled.
291
292 Mr. Karlson also updated the council on the Digital Scanning project. With the
293 resignation of the scanner operator, staff is considering if temporary scanner position will
294 be needed for the future.
295
296
297
12. Review Regular Agenda —the agenda was reviewed and there were no changes.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2018
APPROVED
298 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
299 October 22, 2018.
300
301
302
3 03
304 �Lrli�r�'ne Bartell, City Clerk
305
J
Mayor