HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-2021 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE August 2, 2021
5 TIME STARTED 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED 8:35 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT Council Member Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland,
8 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty
9 MEMBERS ABSENT None
10 Staff members present: Human Resources Manager Meg Sawyers Community
11 Development Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Director of
12 Public Safety John Swenson; Environmental Coordinator Andy Nelson; City Cleric Julie
13 Bartell
14 1. Public Works Facility Tour, Rick DeGardner
15 The Council will reconvene at the Civic Complex followiug the Public Works Facility
16 Tour at approximately 6:15 p.m.
17 2. NE Drainage Area East/ Otter Lake Road —Wetland Delineation —
18 Community Development Director Grochala reviewed his written report. He reviewed
19 map information indicating the need to work through some issues related to wetlands in
20 NE Drainage Project area. Staff is asking for WSB & Associates to provide wetland
21 delineation services to assist in project planning. The cost would be covered from the
22 Surface Water Management Plan.
23
24 Mayor Rafferty asked about the timing of the work (holding off) and if that would hold
25 up any development. Director Grochala noted development that would be delayed and
26 added information on the implications of delaying the construction of Otter Lake Road.
27
28 Councilmember Lyden asked about wetlands within the project area that have already
29 been delineated. Mr. Grochala noted on the map areas where that has occurred. Mr.
30 Grochala also explained the sequence of wetland delineation.
31
32 Councilmember Lyden discussed the capacity of the pipe going under the highway,
33 receiving assurance that it will be large enough to accommodate needs now and in the
34 future.
35
36 Councilmember Stoesz asked if property owner permission will be needed and that was
37 confirmed; if a property owner refuses, something will have to be worked out. Mr.
38 Grochala indicated that he has already spoken with some of the large property owners.
39
40 Councilmember Ruhland asked about the need for wetland credits. Director Grochala
41 suggested that some credits will be needed; he is working with property owners on
1
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
42 possible areas that would work.
43
44 The council and staff discussed the time frames City Engineer Hankee explained that it is
45 a quick project but can't be done right away due to crops. The council also discussed
46 street plans.
47
48 The council concurred that the delineation project should proceed.
49 3. Environmental Board Annual Worlc Plan —Environmental Coordinator Andy
50 Nelson and Environmental Board Chair John Sullivan were present. Mr. Nelson
51 reviewed his written report that included the Environmental Board's work plan.
52
53 Mayor Rafferty noted the statement on water and water aerators; how would the
54 ordinance change? Mr. Nelson said that aerators don't appear in ordinance now so it
55 would actually be adding language. The mayor noted recycling and asked how the
56 current program is going and the thought behind the recycling goal. Mr. Nelson noted
57 that the organics program is one of the most popular and by adding new drop off sites, the
58 City can add capacity and growth resulting in a major impact on reducing waste. Mayor
59 Rafferty asked about the doggie waste station item and noted that he would like to see
6o availability as much as possible; how are stations added? Mr. Nelson suggested that the
61 sites are added based on need; expansion is somewhat limited by staff time required.
62
63 Councilmember Cavegn asked, regarding organics recycling, how much is that being used
64 now? Mr. Nelson reported that the four sites generally get serviced once a week and they
65 are mostly full. Councilmember Cavegn asked for more information on the item dealing
66 with recycling at businesses properties. Mr. Nelson noted that haulers have to provide the
67 capacity to recycle three materials as determined by the businesses. The businesses can
68 get funding assistance from the County to increase their recycling and staff would
69 propose to share information on that opportunity.
70
71 Councilmember Lyden asked if there is anything the Council can do to support the
72 Environmental Board. Chair Sullivan suggested that the Board is generally composed of
73 environmentalists and they see their role as providing advice to the council in that area.
74 One of the things that bothers them as environmentalists right now is that some residents
75 of the City are not following the watering restrictions. That calls for more enforcement.
76 Mayor Rafferty explained that staff has been directed to move from warnings to a fine
77 when that is appropriate. Chair Sullivan added that ignoring watering restrictions impacts
78 the City's situation with manganese in the water and the need for a treatment facility.
79
80 Councilmember Stoesz asked about proposed ordinance changes (in the area of natural
81 resources). Mr. Nelson noted that would be a part of zoning ordinance updates that are in
82 progress; there are aspects within zoning law that apply to environmental areas and so the
83 Board will have the opportunity to looks at the changes.
84
85 Councilmember Stoesz remarked that the aerator idea is a good one if it will help with the
2
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
86 smell problem that develops with some ponds. Mr. Nelson explained that adding an
87 aerator doesn't cure problems but may provide some relief from the homeowner aspect.
88 Staff explained that the management of the aerator would be a volunteer situation and
89 also there will be parameters for ponds that can have an aerator.
90
91 The council discussed situations where aerators have been installed ah•eady and how the
92 City approaches that. Director Grochala explained that the City has generally allowed
93 those to exist as long as they aren't causing a problem; also there are some water bodies
94 that aren't officially part of the City's storm water system.
95
96 Councilmember Ruhland asked if aerators cause a faster rate of evaporation and staff
97 concurred.
98
99 Mayor Rafferty asked for an update on the City's emerald ash borer (EAB) program. Mr.
100 Nelson noted that this year there will be some treatment of City trees and it will be as
101 aggressive as possible. Mayor Rafferty asked about stumps; it seems like there are quite a
102 few; Mr. Nelson confirmed that the stump grinder comes out when there are enough that
103 it makes sense.
104
105 Councilmember Lyden asked if there is any possibility of adding greenways to the area
106 freeways, something that would grow up in 20-30 years as a beautiful addition. Director
107 Grochala noted the regional park along I-35W.
108 Mr. Nelson remarked that the Board has a history of good work and there has been great
109 environmental work accomplished. Adapting to change is an important role the Board
110 takes seriously.
111
112 The council is open to accepting the work and goals of the Environmental Board.
113
114 Councilmember Lyden remarked that the tree preservation process that's included in
115 development doesn't seem to be preserving enough trees. Mr. Grochala suggested that
116 process will be included in the zoning ordinance update
117 4. 77t' Street Realignment —Land Acquisition —Community Development Director
118 Grochala noted a purchase agreement and sub -agreement. He reviewed property that has
119 been acquired and what is still needed, utilizing a map that showed the corridor. Staff is
120 asking if the council supports discussion with the remaining property owners. The cost of
121 preparation of offers is estimated at about $5,000 per property. Councilmember Cavegn
122 noted the Carpenter property and asked if a land swap would be possible. Mr. Grochala
123 reviewed the access needs and how staff envisions things moving ahead and finally noted
124 that anything could be on the table at this point. Councilmember Stoesz asked about the
125 possibility of negotiating without the $5,000 price tag. Mr. Grochala remarked that staff
126 will work out the best deal possible but the City has some inherent responsibilities.
127 Councilmember Lyden said he can see this needs to happen and wonders what role timing
128 plays in the process; Mr. Grochala concurred that he is concerned with timing.
129
3
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
130 Mayor Rafferty asked about the funding source. Mr. Grochala said right now work is
131 being funded by Municipal State Aid (MSA) dollars. Mayor Rafferty asked
132 Councilmember Cavegn (who lives in the area) if he's heard comments from the area
133 residents; Councilmember Cavegn said no.
134
135 The council concurred with staff s proposal.
136 4. POC Firefighter Wages —Human Resources Manager Sawyer read her written
137 report recommending amendments to the Paid On -Call Firefighter Wage Plan,
138
139 Mayor Rafferty remarked that there are different positions within the department for paid-
140 on call personnel. Ms. Sawyer explained that the wage level is based on years of service
141 and also wage steps. Mayor Rafferty noted that he sees this as an important step; there
142 are minimum wages being paid for very important work. He is supportive of the change
143
144 The council concurred to move forward with the changes.
145
146 Councilmember Cavegn asked about Centennial Fire District POC wages (they are less)
147 and received confirmation that the stipend isn't new.
148
149 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the changes could be implemented earlier than 2022 and
150 Public Safety Director Swenson explained that staff proposes that the wage schedule be
151 reviewed on a timeline so early approval would fall outside that plan.
152 5. Woods Edge Master Developer Concept —Community Development Director
153 Grochala noted the 9.5 acres that the City still owns at Woods Edge. The City originally
154 owned 20 acres but there was land sold for the townhome development. Staff has been
155 looking at the master plan for this vicinity and seeing some areas that perhaps should be
156 discussed. Councilmember Lyden remarked that the main 6+ acres must be held for
157 commercial. Director Grochala said that some land within that acreage is guided for
158 mixed use. At this point, Mr. Grochala noted, developers don't generally want the whole
159 site but the City isn't wanting to parcel it off. Most interest seen is for multifamily
160 development and that is creating a question about where the most value is. He reviewed
161 information in the written reports staff is suggesting that the City work with a master
162 developer who could review the options and come back with a report.
163
164 Councilmember Stoesz asked about parameters of a development agreement. Mr.
165 Grochala said that isn't clear at this point but there would certainly be some.
166
167 Councilmember Cavegn said he is in favor of a partnership but he does also support
168 commercial development as was originally planned. If development needs some division
169 of the property to get commercial started, perhaps that should be considered.
170
171 Mayor Rafferty said he is hesitant to move toward more housing units. He sees the value
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
172 in splitting to get things going but that depends on what's coming in. The mayor noted
173 the empty clinic space and asked if that could be coordinated with the availability of the
174 YMCA facility.
175
176 Staff was directed to have the developer look and report at no cost to the City.
177 Councilmember Lyden remarked that the council is responsible for a vision.
178 6. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council
179
180 Parade Committee: Councilmember Stoesz updated the council on plans for the parade
181 and other events.
182
183 Anoka County Fire Protection Council — Councilmember Ruhland and Director Swenson
184 reported on committee work for CAD improvements and updating or replacing the fire
185 record management system on a county wide basis.
186 7. Adjourn
187 The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
188
189 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
190 August 23, 2021.
191
192
193
194
195 u ' e Bartell, City Clerk ob Rafferty, Mayor
196 L)
5