HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2020 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE September 8, 2020
5 TIME STARTED 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 10:05 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland,
8 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty
9 MEMBERS ABSENT None
10 Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Community Development
I 1 Director Michael Grochala; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; City Planner Katie
12 Larsen; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City
13 Clerk Julie Bartell
14 1. Birch Street Roundabout Landscaping — Communit�� Development Director
15 Grochala noted that the council recently discussed landscaping options for the
16 roundabout. Two design possibilities were presented to the council at a past meeting.
17 The council requested rock be replaced with grass and reconfigure the planting beds to
zn
18 allow better access to the grass area. Irrigation and electrical will be included. Bedding
19 will be brown. Those components will be submitted to Anoka County to be incorporated
20 into plans.
21
22 Councilmember Stoesz asked if expenses can be kept lower by wiring only where
23 necessary.
24
25 Councilmember Lyden noted that Washington County just put in a roundabout on
26 Highway 61 and Highway 8 and it includes a pedestrian flasher that merits a look
27
28 Mayor Rafferty asked the Public Services Director if he has reviewed the plans and is
29 comfortable that the resulting roundabout and landscaping will be maintained and remain
3o aesthetically pleasing.
31 2. Lyngblomsten at Lino Lakes PUD Final Plan/Final Plat —City Planner Larsen.
32 reviewed a PowerPoint presentation including information on the following:
33 - Background on the project and previous council actions;
34 - Site location map;
35 - Planning and Zoning Board actions (including final);
36 - Project overview (cottages, main senior building, independent living, additional
37 phases);
38 - Change in the overall unit count for senior building (218 to 223 units); no change
39 to cottages; other unit number changes reviewed; density remains appropriate
40 under City guidance;
41 - Site Plan Comparison (comparing initial plan to current);
42 - Building Envelope and Setback Review;
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43 - Master Plan for Area Review;
44 - Transportation Plan;
45 - Buffering and Screening Plans (that was thoroughly reviewed with the
46 neighborhood);
47 - Architecture; Footprint; Floorplan; Views;
48 - Revised plans reviewed; continue to meet City requirements;
49 - Park Dedication Fees;
50 - Findings of Fact;
51 - Planning and Zoning Board and staff recommendations.
52
53 Staff anticipates bringing the request for approval to the council at the second meeting of
54 the month to allow for staffs final review of the development agreement.
55 Mayor Rafferty received concurrence that the Planning & zoning Board request be
56 honored with the action.
57
58 Councilmember Stoesz asked for an explanation of the "public road" component. Ms.
59 Larsen explained that the road will be constructed through the development but will then
60 become public property and City maintenance will be required. Councilmember Stoesz
61 asked if there is Phase 11 parking planned. Ms. Larsen explained that parking elements
62 are tied to the different buildings/facilities; all elements were analyzed independently.
63
64 Councilmember Lyden said he thinks this will be a great project for the City. He asked
65 about the nearby highway interchange and if that will be an improved situation with these
66 plans and other plans to improve that intersection. Community Development Director
67 Grochala noted that area road improvements are probably pushed into 2022 with this
68 development schedule; the County is trying to put together the most complete package
69 and there could be a little offset.
70
71 Councilmember Cavegn asked about the south end buffer; will that be maintained by the
72 City. Ms. Larsen noted that all landscaping, retaining walls, etc will be maintained by
73 Lyngblomsten.
74
75 Councilmember Ruhland asked about the size of the commercial element; Ms. Larsen
76 couldn't answer specifically but suggested 12,000 sf. It was noted that there is privacy
77 fence included to deal with a possible future of headlights entering the commercial
78 property. Councilmember Lyden asked about the construction of the privacy fence; Ms.
79 Larsen said that is yet to be determined but staff will attempt to steer the developer in the
80 direction of high quality.
81
82 Staff will be bringing a final and somewhat more refined action request to the Council in
83 the coming weeks.
84
85 Mayor Rafferty remarked that the site has been something of an eyesore for the City and a
86 quality development is a welcome addition; thanks to staff for their work.
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87 3. Otter Crossing — City Planner Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint presentation
88 including information on the following:
89
90 - Aerial view of site and area;
9] - Zoning and Preliminary Plat;
92 - Vacant commercial land; wetlands; current zoning;
93 - Site plan (including one outlot);
94 - Additional comments on signage, surface, traffic and public land dedication;
95 - Findings of Fact;
96 - Public Safety comments;
97 - Environmental Board and Planning & Zoning Board recommendation of approval.
98
99 The council discussed how a drive -through will be handled as they will obviously be a
100 part of restaurant. The council also discussed how trails in the area will be included.
101
102 Councilmember Ruh]and asked about the timing for development of Otter Lake Road.
103 Community Development Director Grochala explained the process to this point to plan
] 04 that extension; they are looking at connecting to Main Street.
105
] 06 Mayor Rafferty noted the benefits that this development will bring.
107
108 4. Lois Lane Traffic Evaluation —Mayor Rafferty thanked staff for working on this
109 matter that was brought forward by property owners a few weeks ago. City Engineer
110 Hankee explained that she will review the engineering side of the issue. Since the
111 original concerns were brought to the council, additional information has come to light
112 and the residents will address that in their comments. Ms. Hankee said the matter has
113 been reviewed by the City's traffic committee and an information flyer was sent to the
114 neighborhood. The recommendation from the committee is included in the staff report
115 (including center lane stripe, installation of 30 mph speed limit signs, and four "curve
116 ahead" warning signs.). Staff will work to gain post evaluation data after these changes
117 occur. A cost estimate is included in the staff report. She suggested that there are funds
118 available in the current sign budget to cover those costs.
119 Ashley Johnson, 7834 Lois Lane, said she's impressed with the police and neighbors
120 looking at this issue. She personally has been yelled at by motorists (she had audio of
121 cars racing). She has reported problems to the police department as appropriate. Mayor
122 Rafferty asked if those who are causing issues have been approached and Ms. Johnson
123 explained how emails have been sent. She is not comfortable going to speak with them
124 in person. Mayor Rafferty indicated he will remain in contact with her.
125 Angie Sandvold, 624 Lois Lane, has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years. She has a
126 teenager and she doesn't believe her daughter is causing issues because she has spoken
127 with her. She lets kids know when they are driving too fast. She also feels that 30 mph
128 is too fast for this road. She is against striping the road and is aware of a road in Blaine
129 that has been striped and she feels it represents a busy road and portrays a problem.
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130 While there is emphasis on young drivers and they can be a problem, she doesn't think it
131 is only that age group.
132 Bob Bennett, 7829 Lois Lane, has been there for 25 years. He has seen improvement
133 since the last time he raised concern. He's seen police and radar and the garbage truck
134 situation has improved. It is frustrating. Some of the young people causing a problem
135 may be good kids but their actions are not conducive to more harmony in the
136 neighborhood. He recently experienced a situation where someone did not stop at the
137 stop sign and then came up onto the grass and almost hit him. Mayor Rafferty asked
138 about the time of the problem and Mr. Bennett said it generally starts at 7:00 a.m. and
139 goes all day. He also thinks 30 mph is too fast.
140 Kevin Murphy, 583 Lois Lane, explained that working on this plan anal addressing the
141 problem, he's seen a marked improvement but some of the situation remains. That
142 portion he sees is not just about regulations but perhaps the need for a process to bring
143 people together.
144 Mayor Rafferty asked the City Engineer to comment on the addition of striping to the
145 roadways. Ms. Hankee explained that this road is considered a collector and so it
146 wouldn't be unusual to see striping. She added that the striping is seen as a way to
147 address the concerns that the City is hearing from the neighborhood. She also added that
148 sometimes striping has helped with traffic calming.
149 Councilmember Ruhland asked if it also keeps people in line when they are going around
150 curves. He feels that sometimes the striping may make people think it's a faster road and
151 cause them to up their speed perhaps subconsciously. He confirmed that 30 mph is a
152 state standard and the signage would just confirm that. Ms. Hankee also discussed that
153 some cities in Minnesota are moving to a 25 mph and some have put up signage to
154 indicate it.
155 Councilmember Cave" asked asked if just this street could be a lower speed limit. Ms.
156 Hankee said staff could Iook at it but a change would set a new precedent and she
157 suspects that many areas will want the same change.
158 Public Safety Director Swenson asked the council to be mindful that this is a matter that
159 interests many residents and neighborhoods. He explained the seasonal nature of the
160 complaints received. He recommends a larger conversation about changing speed limits
161 rather than piecemeal. The data collected for this area is actually seen in many residential
162 areas of the City. If the council isn't going to entertain speed limit changes then it doesn't
163 make any sense to put up a sign because that is a basic understanding - if a road isn't
164 posted then the speed limit is 30 mph.
165 Councilmember Lyden asked about the possibility of adding rumble strips? Director
166 Swenson remarked that one of the complaints in this area is noise and those strips would
167 actually cause more noise.
168 Mayor Rafferty noted changes suggested and suggested that some probably wouldn't
169 work. There also appears to be a problem of verbal abuse. He doesn't think the striping
170 will work. Common sense tells him that the nature of the street dictates even 25 mph
171 may be too high.
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172 Councilmember Stoesz noted that Night to Unite is coming up and that could be a good
173 opportunity to bring people together.
174 A resident suggested going ahead with the signage. He will take responsibility for
175 working on the verbal abuse problem. Mayor Rafferty suggested that it would be
176 valuable to take away the neighbor vs. neighbor situation; maybe a councilmember
177 working with the problem would work better.
178 Public Safety Director Swenson remarked that it isn't a good idea for residents or the city
179 council to mediate this. He supports looking at the signage and having the public safety
180 department continue to work on the issues around the confrontations. They will work
l81 with all the people on Lois Lane to get through this problem.
182 The mayor polled the room and the residents concurred that some signs are desirable.
183 The council concurred on the addition of cautionary signs and will see an action proposed
l84 by staff. The council discussed the possible precedent and the mayor suggested that if
l85 it's something that's needed then that fear shouldn't stop it from happening. The mayor
186 asked about the possibility of a flashing speed sign (measures and announces speed).
187 City Engineer Hankee explained that the driver feedback signs are most helpful where
188 there is a commuter car problem or adjacent to parks; perhaps a portable driver feedback
189 sign is an option that can be discussed with the public safety department.
190 A resident suggested athree-way stop at the t-intersection at Country Lane. Community
191 Development Director GrochaIa explained the process needed to install a stop sign and its
192 importance in order to avoid creating a worse situation.
193 Mayor Rafferty confirmed that the council direction is to proceed with the signs discussed
194 with the exception of the 30 mph, as recommended by the Citys traffic committee.
195 Road striping is not included. Public Safety Director Swenson confirmed signs are
196 advisory only and also suggested that residents be contacted if a sign is planned in front
197 of their home. Mayor Rafferty asked that the council receive an update at the next
198 council work session unless it is available earlier. Director Swenson suggested that there
199 seems to be comfort level at this point so he would anticipate reporting back to the
200 council only if that's necessary.
201 5. County Road J and Hodgson Rd Trunk Utility Project — City Engineer
202 Hankee reviewed her written report. The project was first considered to improve water
203 services to the area as well as to serve future development in the area. She noted
204 properties that would be impacted and that staff has been working with them on
205 easements. Staff is preparing to let bids on the project but awaiting final approval of the
206 Lyngblomsten project.
207
208 Councilmember Cavegn asked if there is funding available for the project or will bonding
209 be necessary and staff said that bonding would be necessary.
210
211 Councilmember Stoesz asked if properties will be forced to connect and Ms. Hankee said
212 it would be optional.
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213 6. 7831 Lake Drive, Variance for Roofing Materials — City Planner Larsen reviewed
214 a PowerPoint presentation including information on the following.
215 - Planning and Zoning Board will consider the matter after the council because the
216 property owner would like to proceed quickly; staff will report back again after
217 the advisory board reviews;
218 - Requesting metal roof with exposed fasteners;
219 - Would duplicate another structure;
220 - Property owners had purchased the materials previous to applying for a permit;
221 - City code allows for metal roof but not exposed seams;
222 - The materials were purchased as customized;
223 - Pictures of metal roofs shown;
224 - Staff recommends denial.
225
226 Councilmember Ruhland recalled the granting of a similar variance during his tenure on
227 the Plamung and Zoning Board. Staff pointed out that in that case the roof was already
228 installed. Councilmember Lyden remarked that this situation exists in an area where it's
229 not aesthetically a problem even though in some situations he would prefer the allowed
230 metal roof. The mayor remarked that the exposed vs. not exposed is distinctly different
231 and he doesn't think he can support a variance in this case. Councilmember Lyden
232 remarked that to him it's not a question of better or worse and there really is no impact on
233 the neighborhood. Councilmember Ruhland added that a metal roof lasts a very long
234 time so that's another consideration.
235
236 The council recognizes that this will still go to the Planning &Zoning Board. The
237 council has been informed and will await the advice of that board. Councilmember
238 Ruhland asked that staff provide the minutes from the previous similar variance approval.
239 Staff explained that the recommendation coming forward to the council will be the action
240 of the Planning and Zoning Board.
241 7. Election Judge Salary — City Clerk Bartell reviewed her written report. Staff
242 has looked at salary levels in the area and is suggesting that the council consider raising
243 the hourly wage for the election judge and head election judge positions. Ms. Bartell
244 reviewed considerations such as the current state minimum wage, the difficulty of the job,
245 and possible difficulties recruiting judges in a pandemic situation. She noted the
246 proposed increase to $12 per hour for election judges and $14 per hour for head election
247 judges
248 Mayor Rafferty noted information indicating that special temporary workers in some
249 areas are paid at a rate around $15 per hour; what are those positions. Ms. Bartell
250 explained the prevalence of the Anoka County hiring temporary workers as well as most
251 cities now hiring temporary workers to assist with pre -election duties and especially
252 absentee voting which is partly administered at city halls and is becoming more and more
253 popular; those positions are generally being paid in the $15 per hour range.
254 Mayor Rafferty recalled his experience as an election judge. Understanding what the job
255 entails is helpful. He is supportive of a salary increase and would propose also
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256 consideration of the difference between working at a municipal/primary election and
257 working at a state general election where turnout is much higher. He proposes the staff
258 recommended salary levels for those municipal or primary elections and a bonus of $1 per
259 hour for election judge and $2 per hour for head election judge for the state general
260 elections.
261 Councilrrrember Stoesz asked about the possty of increasing the salary for November
262 as a bonus related to current conditions. Mayor Rafferty expressed concern at tying any
263 increase to the pandemic; he believes the increase is merited in general.
264 Councilmember Lyden expressed support for increasing the wages especially in
265 consideration of the importance of the position.
266 Councilmember Ruhland expressed support for the increase proposed.
267 Councilmember Cavegn noted that he has reservations because he'd prefer to see the
268 additional cost go toward staff at city hall.
269 8. Advisory Board Application — Park Board — the council concurred that Mr.
270 Kustennan be appointed to the board as soon as possible.
271 9. Lino Lakes YMCA —Community Development Director Grochala addressed the
272 council on the matter of the closing of the community's YMCA. Working with the
273 YMCA leadership, staff understands that the YMCA has long and short terms needs
274 they'd like to address. One is to address a void that exists for distance learning — serving
275 as a place where children can reach their distance learning needs. Their bigger process is
276 a visioning process they are undertaking to identify opportunities to serve the
277 communities in ways that are valued and needed. There is a steering committee and
278 there will be four meetings and Mr. Grochala said he is a member and will keep the
279 council appraised of their work. He noted that the City invested in a wellness facility and
280 expects that he will carry that message through the process. The City should be prepared
281 to look at other options for the facility if that becomes necessary and he suggests putting
282 together an RFQ to put together information necessary for that type of discussion.
283
284 Mayor Rafferty asked if he would be able to join the steering committee. Ms. Cotton
285 indicated that her discussion with the YMCA resulted in their offer that a member of the
286 council be included in the charrette process. Mayor Rafferty said he would prefer to be
287 on the steering group.
288
289 Councilmember Lyden suggested that the process should probably begin with a letter to
290 the YMCA that explains their violation of contract with the City. If there is a need to
291 spend funds to gain information, they should be asked to pay that cost.
292
293 Community Development Director Grochala suggested that there are two options as he
294 understands it. One is to notify the YMCA that they are in default (the City has already
295 informed them of that situation and at the end of the day a financial analysis is needed).
296
297 Councilmember Lyden expressed his strong concern that this YMCA was chosen for
298 closure when there is a contract in place with the City.
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299
300 Mayor Rafferty said he feels strongly that the City will need to understand the situation.
Ni Community Development Director Grochala remarked that the City making it clear that
302 the YMCA has a commitment and contract in place and he feels they can be a partner in
301 moving forward.
304
305 Councilmember Ruhland said he supports the RFQ proposal. He understands there is
306 much concern in the community and so the City needs to take a strong stand.
307
308 Councilmember Stoesz said he supports the RFQ proposal but he is concerned that the
309 city doesn't have control of the situation even though there is a legal partnership in place.
310 He wants to see a strong message sent from the City about that obligation.
31l
312 City Administrator Cotton suggested that the YMCA leadership could be invited to a
313 council work session so they could hear the council 's voice. Councilmember Stoesz said
314 that would have to be televised.
315
316 Councilmember Stoesz noted the Moundsview YMCA facility. They had a community
317 center and wanted to get away from operations and so it went to the YMCA. It could be
318 an interesting business model.
319
320 The council concurred on the RFQ proposal. Staff will provide more information on
321 inviting the YMCA to a council meeting.
322 10. North Metro Television (NMTV) CARES Act Funds Request — City
323 Administrator Cotton said the City has received a request from NMTV. They have
324 incurred some expenses related to COVID. Staff has reviewed the costs presented and it
325 appears they that they meet CARES Act funding requirements however there is
326 conflicting information when discussing funding for a joint powers organization. She is
327 now seeking further guidance on the former question. She would like to know if the
328 council is in favor of granting this funding if guidance shows it is CARES eligible.
329
330 Ms. Cotton added that it would seem that member cities would have to cover the costs
33l ultimately so CARES Act funds would seem a good idea. She will continue to seek
332 guidance on the appropriateness of that. She would also like to see that all member cities
333 sign on to this.
334 11. 2021 Budget Update —City Administrator Cotton noted her staff report and
335 information on a updated gap analysis. The gap represents the amount necessary to
336 maintain a flat tax capacity rate. Also the City has received updated tax information
337 from Anoka County that brings an additional $146,000 to the City in property taxes
338 estimate. Therefore the gap is eliminated and funds remain if the council wishes to
339 maintain that flat tax capacity rate. The council could look at funding proposals that
340 were removed. She noted that there is additional information coming in that impacts the
341 budget figures so she asked the council to keep that in mind.
342
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343 Mayor Rafferty noted some recreation fund decisions that he'd like to reexamine.
344 Councilmember Lyden remarked that the City is looking at no staff for the recreation
345 program and recreation facilities so that is something that should be discussed before
346 investing in facilities. Ms. Cotton pointed out funding included in the budget for Blue
347 Heron Days and the lack of staff to manage that so it brings up the same question. Mr.
348 DeGardner suggested that some cities have festivals managed by outside entities or
349 persons but he isn't sure that is a role that can be assumed and where you can expect a
350 great product. Mr. DeGardner added that the investment in staff allows the City to
351 consider recreation options. Councilmember Stoesz noted the insurance involved in a
352 festival and he wonders where that coverage comes from if an independent entity is
353 running it.
354
355 Mayor Rafferty asked if the council needs to set another time to discuss the budget
356 specifically. Staff noted a special council meeting on August 21 ' and suggested a budget
357 review work session occur that evening as well. The council concurred.
358 12. Temporary Wage Increase —City Administrator Cotton is asking the council to
359 consider a temporary wage increase for the City's Accountant Tracy Thoma. Ms. Thoma
360 will be taking on greater responsibilities when the Human Resources Manager position is
361 vacated this week. She is recommending a 15% temporary wage increase. The council
362 is open to the wage increase and also the amount of time required after the vacant
363 positions is filled.
364 13. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council
365 Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization update from Mayor Rafferty. He
366 will be sharing pertinent information with Mr. DeGardner.
367 14. Review Regular Agenda of September 14, 2020 —The agenda was reviewed
368 and there were no changes.
369
370 The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
371
372
373
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These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
September 28, 2020.
c78 Jul 6e Bartell,
e9
Rob Rafferty, Mayor