HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04-2021 Council Work Session Minutes i
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
t CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : January 4, 2021
5 TIME STARTED : 6 : 00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 6 : 45 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland,
8 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty
9 MEMBERS ABSENT : None
to Staff members present: Community Development Director Michael Grochala; Director of
t 1 Public Safety John Swenson; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner, City Engineer
'r
12 Diane Hankee; City Cleric Julie Bartell
13
r 14 1 . Storm Water Utility Proposal — Community Development Director Grochala
15 recalled the council' s direction to seek a proposal to establish a storm water utility for the
16 City. He noted that WSB & Associates has submitted a proposal to prepare a report on
17 the feasibility of a project. He introduced Bob Barth, WSB & Associates, who was
18 present to answer questions.
f' 19
20 Mayor Rafferty asked for general information on storm water utility and its use by other
21 jurisdictions in the area. He is aware that the Vadnais Lakes Area Water Management
22 Organization (VLAWMO) does have a storm water utility.
23
24 Community Development Director Grochala said, if the council approves the completion
25 of a study, more specific information will be provided to the City. He noted other cities
26 in the area that have the utility. The study will look at the budgetary cost for the City' s
27 storm water system and converting that cost so it is charged based on impervious surfaces.
28 A fee would be established and would have different levels, i. e . single family would be
29 different fi•om industrial use.
30
31 The mayor asked for more information on costs that will and could be identified, i.e. the
32 cost of a street sweeper. Mr. Grochala replied that the utility would have a budget for
33 capital costs . Mr. Barth pointed out that the cost of pond dredging is something that
34 could be covered ; that is not currently being done and it is something that he expects will
35 soon be mandated by the State. Mr. Grochala noted the high number of storm water
36 ponds present in the City and associated costs; adding dredging will be an expensive
37 addition. Mr. Barth remarked that establishment of a utility allows the City to charge for
38 use/impact on the system. Further Mr. Barth noted that the utility is generally funded in a
39 transparent manner that is clear because it is a separate fund .
40
41 Councilmember Ruhland asked about maintenance of ponds when they go quite dry.
42 Some elements of pond maintenance are storm water maintenance.
43
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i
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
44 Councilmember Stoesz asked if there is a precedent on any charges to people who have
f 45 wells. Mr. Grochala said he believes that generally charges apply when they do
46 something like a ditch project . Mr. Grochala added that currently any property that is tax
47 exempt is not paying the City for storm water maintenance but they would generally be
48 included in a utility. Mr. Bauch pointed out that government entities such as MnDOT and
49 Anoka County would usually be exempt. Mr. Barth explained that land use is a part of
50 consideration but an appeal process is also usually included . Councilmember Stoesz
51 asked if there is an estimate of revenue and Mr. Grochala replied that years ago that figure
j 52 was $500,000 annually.
53
54 Councilmember Lyden asked how ditches would be impacted and also noted that he has
55 an expectation that the City' s fee will be in line with surrounding area charges. Mr.
56 Grochala explained that there are different types of ditches so some would be included in
57 maintenance (new improvements would not be covered by this utility) .
58
59 The council will consider an action at the next council meeting.
60
61 2. Zoning Ordinance Update — Consultant Services — Community Development
62 Director Grochala noted the completion of the City' s comprehensive plan update. It
63 would be appropriate to now move forward in updating the City' s zoning code
64 accordingly. He reviewed areas that would be included in an update process (see staff
65 report) . In the past the City has used the services of Landform but he would like to know
66 if staff should approach that company or do a request for services. Councilmember
67 Stoesz asked why the process can't be done in house and Mr. Grochala explained the
68 complexity of the process and his recommendation to get outside help; staff would
69 however work hand in hand with a consultant throughout the process.
70
71 Councilmember Stoesz asked if staff has an idea of a not to exceed amount for the work;
72 Mr. Grochala offered that there is $25 ,000 in the current budget .
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74 Mayor Rafferty asked if there any danger in seeking additional quotes for the service.
75 Mr. Grochala noted that the biggest thing to consider in that area would be familiarity.
76 Mayor Rafferty said he' s comfortable with Landform; there was no objection from the
77 council.
78
79 3. Annual Appointments — Mayor Rafferty noted that the list coming forward is
80 concurrent with the past year. The council did not have any questions. Councilmember
81 Stoesz noted that he is employed by US Bank although he understands that he can vote
82 for the depositories because he doesn't have any direct consideration in his job duties.
83
84 4. Annual EDA Appointments — Mayor Rafferty suggested that the council
85 continue with the past practice of moving council members up through these positions,
86 which would mean the following EDA appointments :
87
88 Chris Lyden — President
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
89 Michael Ruhland — Vice President
90 Tony Cavegn - Treasurer
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92 5. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions — There were no updates.
93
94 6. Review Regular Agenda of January 11 , 2021
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96 Item 5A, Vacating Oaks of Lino Lakes Park Property - Director DeGardner explained the
97 recommendation to vacate a strip of property that is no longer needed. A
98 recommendation to do so comes forward from the Park Board. The adjacent property
99 owners will split the vacated land .
100
101 Item 6A, Denying a Setback Variance for Deck at 842 Lois Lane — Mayor Rafferty noted
102 that the property owner should be aware that this is coming forward.
103
104 Not on Printed Agenda — Community Development Director Grochala had sent a
105 message to the council including the YMCA's notice of their intent to convey the Lino
106 Lakes facility back to the City by March 1 , 2021 . He reminded the council that the City
107 will be receiving the results of a study soon that evaluates future operations of the facility.
log Staff will continue to work with Isaac Sports Group on that study as planned. In the
109 meantime staff will be keeping the council aware and providing information on what is
no involved in the facility transitioning from YMCA ownership to the City. Councihnember
111 Ruhland asked if there is any recourse for the City other than taking ownership of the
112 property and Mr. Grochala indicated that is the recourse that is allowed under contract.
113 Mayor Rafferty remarked that the City' s elected officials that dealt with the development
114 of the facility along with staff at that time (in particular Mr. Grochala) made sure the City
115 was covered and it' s important this council does the same good work in this process.
116
117 Councilmember Lyden asked that the council continue to attempt to establish a time for a
118 goal setting session.
119
120 The meeting was adjourned at 6 :45 p.m.
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122 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
123 January 25 , 202It
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128 Ju ann Bartell, City Cleric Rafferty, Mayor
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