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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/1975 Council MinutesA special meeting of the Lino Lakes City Council was called to order at 9:10 A.M., Saturday, March 8, 1975 by Mayor Bohjanen. Councilmen present; Jaworski, Marier, McLean, Zelinka. Mr. Locher, Mr. Gotwald, and Mr. Starr were also present. Mrs. Opal Peterson from the Metropolitan Council and Mr. Howand Neison, District Representative were also present. Mayor Bohjanen stated that the purpose of this meeting was to make the Metropolitan Council and our Representative aware of the problems that Lino Lakes is facing. The fact, that despite Lino Lakes' compliance with Metropolitan requirements, the City is at a stand still. Mayor Bohjanen felt that the main hangup is with the Metropolitan Council. He asked Mr. Locher to fill in from the last hearing. Mr. Locher reviewed the history of the problem of the interceptor giving the facts breifly. The basic system had been designed in 1950 with a gravity flow to the Southwest. These plans are documented and are on file. In 1969-70 the Chomonix system was designed with an on -site treatement plant. These plans were approved by all agenciesand would have prevented the problems that exists in that area at the present time. The Metropolitan Council at that time instructed the City that Lino Lakes was to become a part of the Metropolitan Sewer system and that the interceptor to that area would be completed by 1972. This plan was approved by the Metropolitan Sewer Board. After very thorough and extensive studies, construction was allowed. The system was approved by the Metropolitan Council and at the present time must be pumped daily. In addition, Lino Lakes has contributed 2500 acres of land for a regional park. There is possibly 2500 acres of water connected with this Park. Lino Lakes needs development, the Youth Center needs sewers, Shenandoah was built on the theroy that Metropolitan Council would honor their committment and install the interceptor and is now at a standstill because the interceptor has not been installed, there are at least 200 lots in the Country Lakes area platted and more lands to be platted, Lino Lakes cooperated when they were told a Comprehensive Land Use Plan was necessary, the Planning and Zoning Board worked hard and presented a plan that was approved by the Metropolitan Council, from March 1973 to Feb.12, 1975, Lino Lakes has paid some $20,575.00 to the Metro Sewer Board. A fee is paid for every unit constructed within the City limits of Lino Lakes. The Metropolitan Waste Control, which is an arm of the Metropolitan Council, approves the full flow gravity system as the most feasible and least costly in the overall plan. Mayor Bohjanen felt that the several committees should get together and make a decsision on the construction of this interceptor. They have tied the hands of this community by inaction. Mayor Bohjanen felt that the Metropolitan is no longer advising, they are now dictating. If this is the planned course of action for that Council, then they should be abolished. Mr. Emil Jandric said that he had been told that a Metropoliean system could be started within 30 days. What is the story on that statement? Mr. Gotwald told Mr. Jandric that this is a statement bu an individual but the Metropolitan Council has not made any kind of a committment to Lino Lakes. This would be a temporary system and would be open for much critisim. Mr. Jandric said a few years ago, this system was all set to be installed. Where did it get off the track? What happened to cause all this delay? • Mr. Gotwald said the Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission are in direct conflict as to how this area should be severed and when. Mr. Jandric asked if the South portion of the City is classified as Urban and was told, Yes. Mayor Bohjanen introduced Mrs. Peterson, and asked if Mr. Weaver was present. Mrs. Peterson said that Mr. Weaver was supposed to be here but must have _:been delayed. Mr. Jandric reiterated that Lino Lakes must have sewers in order to move. Mayor Bohjanen said the City had submitted a Comprehensive Sewer Plan to the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission and it had been approved by that body. The Plan has not been approved by the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Neison said that the conference with Mr. Boland and the City Council at which Mrs. Peterson was present, he felt the plans to sewer Centerville through Hugo at the present population with an allowance for about a 10% increase was a temporary thing. He felt that enough money had been wasted on temporary solutions. Lino Lakes' problem could be solved by the Comprehensive Sewer Plan designed by the City Engineers. He flet that the temporary plan for Centerville would cost much more in the long run than a permanent system. Mr. Neison thought the plan submitted by Carley Enginnering is a tremendous plan and he will do anything he can to assist in solving the problem. Mr. Neison couldn't understand why this area should be left out, it is much more accessible with the two freeways that#many areas nearer the core cities - he would much rather drive to Lino Lakes than to, say, Shoreview. Mr. Zelinka said there was an agreement with the Metro Sewer Board for the installation of the interceptor and funds were available for the constructioi Since that time the cost have increased and monies have been spent on studies. The added cost of these two areas alone would have paid for the installation of the interceptor. Four or five months after the City purchased the sewer truck, final plans were submitted for approval. It was decided that they were preliminary and were sent back to another committee for study. Mr. Karl Burandt wanted another plan - he really doesn't care what kind, just so it is different. Mr. Zelinka further stated, that any time a meeting was arranged before the Council for dis- cussion of this problem, Mr. Burandt would take up the entire alloted time going over the backgroud and the Council was denied any input to the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Zelinka also felt that the maps and date used at the Metropolitan Council level are outdated and were made by people who have never been in the area. Mrs. Peterson explained how long she has been connected with the Metropolitat Council, how large her District is and how many communities it encompasses. She said she has followed the Pine Vista hearings from the beginning. She, promised she would do everything she could to be a good liasion between the local communities and the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Bohjanen told her she was the first person from the Metropolitan Council to show any concern for Lino Lakes and it was greatly appreciated. Mr. Marier returned to Mr. Jandric's question as to where the plans for the interceptor stopped. He said that the Council really didn't even know where it began. The Metropolitan Council was created as an advisory board to assist the State Legislature in mak ng knowledgable decisions but today (1? it is the controlling factor. The existence of the Council is costing local communities money with no concern for the people. The Metropolitan Council is not serving the people, they are stifling them and the Legislature should be aware of this. Mr. Marier asked just how much does it cost to keep that Council in operation? He felt that it is time to see what the structure really is. Mr. Neison said that he is on a committee that is going into the Metropolita2 budget for the first time. They are looking for information as to just where the monies are being used. They will also be looking that the staff ratio. Mr. Neison agreed with Mr. Marier in that he felt that only 1%, or maybe 2% of the Legislatures have any idea of what the Metropolitan Council is doing. Mr. Jaworski returned to the 'sewer in 30 days' statement. He asked just how did Mr. Burandt think that Lino Lakes could have sewer in 30 days. He supposedly can show Lino Lakes (he can show the City - not the M.C.) how this can be done at no cost to the City by assessing affected property owners for the cost of the sewer, this would force the property owner's to put large land acreage on the open market. The people have a right to service for money contributed. If the City informed Metropolitan Council that they would install their own sewer, the Metropolitan Council would not allow it. Mr. Gotwald siad the underlying policy issue is the Development Framework Guide Policy and making sure it works. In the process, the Metropolitan Council is dictating the Lino Lakes policy to Lino Lakes in not allowing the City to develop until 1990 as the Guide says. Mr. Jaworski said that according to Mr. Burandt and others, the Metropolitan Council has no powers - If they do not have power, how can they bring a community to a standstill as they have done with Lino Lakes? Mr. Neison said they are not supposed to have any power and they cannot direct what Lino Lakes doeSbut can/hake to so hard that you cannot develop. As a past Mayor he feels that their power is too dictative. If it were an elective body, then there would be the power and then they could direct the systematic development of the area. Mr. Zelinka said that no one community can possibly have the Public Relation power of the Metropolitan Council. This area must have sewer and the City would reject a temporary solution for the Southern protion. Mr. Locher pointed out the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission is in complete agreement with the City Engineer's plans and these plans would have been approve except for Karl Burandt. The funding was available and was for the interceptor to run to Centerville not just to Lino Lakes' Southern border. Mrs. Peterson asked if it were possible for Lino Lakes to construct the line from the border to Centerville and Mr. Jaworski told her, No. Mr. Gotwald said the letter that Mr. Jandric had recieved from Mr. Burandt had never been recieved at the City offices. The Copy that Mr. Jandric had received was used by the City. Mr. Jaworski felt that if Lino Lakes did install a temporary system, it would have to meet Metro Guidelines, then as soon as it became a part of the Metro system and gained Metro status, the line would have to be bought by the Metro system. Since this would be a temporary line, it would then have to be rebuilt. He felt that this is a waste of money and time. Mr. Jandric said that at the present time there is only some 30 homes on the lines that are being pumped - what would happen if 150 more homes were built in that area ? Could the City possibly handle that situation? Mayor Bohjanen said the City could not possibly handled that situation. Mr. Marier siad at the present time, the Metro Waste Control will assist with a maximum of 50 homes, after that number is exceeded, the City assumes the cost. Mr. Jandric asked how this can be eliminated and how soon? Mr. Gotwald said that even if a contract was called for tomorrow it would take 6 months to 1 year to clear the Enviornmental Commission and another 1 year for construction. Mayor Bohjanen said the Council has the position paper completed and felt that this should be read at this time. Mr. McLean read the paper prepared by The Council. Mr. Jandric asked who Mr. Boland's boss was. Mr. Zelinka said he is appointed by the Governor and approved by the Legislature. Mr. Robert Herbst felt that sewer had been promised to this area and this committement should be honored. The said the sewer system is subsidized 75% by Federal Funds. This is discrimination and these funds should be held until this matter is settled. Mayor Prahcer of Centerville said he agreed with the position paper. That City has received no answers since the last propsal to sewer that City to the East. Financially they cannot handle this solution. It does not leave an room for expansion. Centerville concurs with the original plans of a full flow gravity system to the Southwest. Metropolitan Council has the money to work with, Centerville does not. Mr. Neison said in order for the interceptor to be jacked under 35E, the size must be kept down. If it gets too large, there is the possiblity of having to bridge 35E at that point. The comparison in cost were discussed and the discrepancies between Mr. Burandt's cost figures and the City Engineer's figures. Mr. Neison asked for a copy of those figures. Mr. Gotwald said his office has just completed new cost comparaisons. Thes figures are available at his office. There is another factor that should be considered in the study of sewering Centerville to the East. The Little Canada lift station, which handles the sewerage from the North is at capacity and must be remodeled by 1978. If Centerville is put into the Hugo line, this lift station would have to be completely rebuilt. Mrs. Peterson brought up the subject of Pine Vista and the points that the Metropolitan Council wants the City to adopt; 1) Tests on existing wells; 2) Soil tests; 3) a Resolution that the City will solve any pollution problems without asking for an interceptor. Mr. Marier asked Mrs. Peterson to expand on item #3. Mrs. Peterson said the problem exists because this is a designated rural area. The problem could fr be solved by revising the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan to designate this area as urban. Mayor Bohjanen asked Mr. Starr if this could be done. Mr. Starr it could be, but, that must also have Metropolitan Council approval. Mr. Locher said the Metropolitan Council staff doesn't check the areas. They have the facilities and staff to do this work - The City doesn't. There was some question in Mrs. Peterson's mind about the soil tests done in the Pine Vista area. She had asked for copies and had not received them. Mr. Jaworski said that soil test had been taken . The City has an Ordinance that requires this and Mr. Jaworski felt that the Metro Council should have accepted the City's word on that point. Mr. Marier assured Mrs. Peterson that she will receive a copy of the soil tests. Mr. Locher said that care should be taken in where the water for testing is drawn from the wells. If taken from inside the house, it could show contamination - but if taken from the well head, would not.. Mr. Gotwald felt that Lino Lakes has a strong Ordinance that takes care of pollution problems. It is a very up-to-date Ordinance and very comprehensive. Mrs. Peterson asked how much it cost a home owner to support the Metro Coucnil. Mrs. Peterson said according to the figures she had seen, on a $25,000.00 home the cost is approximately $2.25 per year. Mr. Jaworski felt this was out of line - a relative of his owns 20 acres and there is a $10.00 regional tax for the Metropolitan Council on this land. Mr. Neison said at the present time the Metropolitan Council levies .233 mills but are requesting an increase to .5 mills for the coming year. This request is more than double the present rate. Mayor Bohjanen thanked the officials for attending this meeting. Their presence was very much appreciated as was the presence of the citizens. Mr. Jandric asked what had been accomplished? Mrs. Peterson thought it had been a good meeting. Mr. Rivard said he had been attending meetings such as this for the past ten years and so far there have been no results. uNNEr2 ik' oak<oL/rl Mr. -' -4felt that the State Legislature created a monster without a soul in the form of the Metropolitan Council. Four years ago there was a program, money for that program and a committment to develop that program. This City is at the same point in time as it was then. The Metropolitan Council has no moral responsibility. Mr. Jaworski said that at the regular Council meeting scheduled for Monday March 10, 1975, he plans to introduce a Resolution instructing the City Attorney to start preparing for legal action against the Metropolitan Council and the Metropolitan Waste Control Commission. Mr. Zelinka agreed with what had been said. He felt that the Metropolitan Council has a lot of authority and no responsibility. Some action must be taken. He felt the Resolution was not strong enough, but will vote to approve. He would recommend that copies be sent to all communities in the seven county area, the Governor's office, Mr. Bolaird, and all Senators and Representatives from the Metropolitan area. Mayor Bohjanen asked the people present to write any recommendation they might have to this Council for consideration. Some action is necessary to get things moving. Lino Lakes is at an impasse. Mayor Bohjanen felt the problems with the Pine Vista plat is just a smoke screen. The real problems here lie in the area of sewer, transportation, housing development, authority withour responsibility. Mr. McLean agreed and felt the position paper was a place to start. He also felt that the mountains of paper generated by the Metropolitan Council was unnecessary. He also thought that very few conclusions are reached by the Metropolitan Council, mostly political answers. You get a pat on the back and are told that all things night balance in due time - but no answers Mr. Jaworski recommended that before the Development Framework Guide Policy is approved, by the Legislature, a good hard look at some of the paragraphs and their implications should be taken. Mrs. Peterson said that some of the wording has been changed as a result of the Public hearings held on this document. Mr. Jaworski insisted that before any piece of work from the Metropolitan Council is passed by the Legislature, there should be an intensive study. Mr. Marier said the time is past when this Council can condone discriminatio2 against the City of Lino Lakes. Mr. Zelinka remarked the 'sewer in 30 days' proposal was an improper proposal, made to the wrong people and as such, was illegal. Mr. Marier moved to adjourn at 11:00 A.M. Seconded by Mr. Jaworski. Aye.