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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-07-2022 Council Work Session Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES 2 MINUTES 3 4 DATE : February 7,2022 5 TIME STARTED : 5:30 p.m. 6 MEMBERS PRESENT : Councilmember Stoesz,Lyden, 7 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty 8 MEMBERS ABSENT : Councilmember Ruhland 9 Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Finance Director Hannah 10 Lynch; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane 11 Hankee; City Planner Katie Larsen; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; Public 12 Services Director Rick DeGardner; Environmental Coordinator Andrew Nelson; 13 1. (5:30 pm) The Rookery Activity Center(visit facility) 14 2. EDAC Advisory Board Interview 10 minutes(Council Workroom) 15 3. NorthPointe 8th Addition and NorthPointe Garden Estates—City Planner 16 Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint presentation on an application that has been received from 17 Lino Lakes 72,LLC, for final platting of a 4.5 acre parcel for the purpose of constructing 18 a 72 unit, 55+age restricted independent senior housing building called NorthPointe 19 Garden Estates. The presentation included information on the following: 20 - Elements of the land use application; PUD final plan/final plat; 21 - Site Location and Aerial Maps; 22 - History, senior building was approved for site in 2014; 23 - Renderings of proposed development; 24 - Applicant's project description; 25 - Density proposed; 26 - Preliminary and final plat drawings (they are consistent); 27 - Site plan and setbacks; 28 - Review of exterior details and interior layouts; 29 - Review of parking, stormwater,utilities, and landscaping; 30 - Comments—impervious surface,public land dedication; 31 - Detailed information on traffic study and implications to roadways;traffic study 32 conclusions; 33 - Information on noise study; 34 - Fire and police division comments; 35 - Planning and Zoning Board discussion review; 36 - Agreements, Comprehensive Plan consistency and findings of fact. 37 38 Councilmember Cavegn noted the reduced setback from the highway and wondered if 39 that creates any safety issues. Ms. Larsen said she doesn't see an issue with safety but 40 the change reduces the separation from the highway; there will be a visual buffer. 41 1 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 42 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the City could restrict signage on the retaining wall 43 (facing the highway) and Ms. Larsen explained that wouldn't be allowed and the wall 44 wouldn't be visible from the highway due to height. 45 46 Councilmember Lyden asked if this building clearly fits height allowance in the zoning 47 district and Ms. Larsen explained that the ordinance allows four stories. Councilmember 48 Lyden also received information on parking stalls and having an appropriate number of 49 sheltered spaces for older residents and visitors. 50 51 The council discussed tree selection, size and placement with staff. 52 53 Lisa Olson, 306 Carl Street, noted the accessible parking places allotted and suggested 54 that they may not be adequate considering this is a senior development. 55 56 Ryan Hoffnagle, 175 7th Av S, Waite Park,part of the development,management and 57 ownership team. He explained reasons that a 55+development for perpetuity works. 58 There is demand in the area for this type of property and they like the area for its features 59 also. They would have on site management(a resident) and there would be monitoring. 60 There is currently a similar development in Cambridge (that is fully leased). The range of 61 rent would be $1,100 to $1,500 per month. 62 63 Mayor Rafferty reviewed information about the development and stressed that 64 requirements such as landscaping and screening must be met. 65 66 The architect for the building reviewed plans that address safety concerns. 67 68 The council will consider action at the February 14th council meeting. 69 4. Robinson Property PUD Concept Plan—City Planner Larsen explained that 70 Integrate Properties, LLC,has submitted a land use application for PUD Concept Plan 71 review. The proposed development is a master planned residential community located on 72 the Robinson property south of CSAH 14 (Main Street)and east of CR 53 (Sunset 73 Avenue). Ms. Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that included information on 74 the following: 75 ■ This is a concept plan and it is high level, not as many details at this point; 76 ■ Map indicating the area under discussion;; 77 ■ Site conditions—sod farms, ditches draining site,wetlands, flood plain,pipeline 78 easement, utility easement; 79 ■ Historical—larger property considered for development in 2006 (680 acres)but 80 project did not move forward; 81 ■ Mix of Housing Types/Lot Sizes (707 total); 82 ■ Comprehensive Plan Implications—several types of land guidance is involved; 83 no commercial shown in this development; falls within the appropriate density 84 range; 85 ■ Gateway at Main St and Sunset; 2 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 86 ■ Zoning—currently rural; PUD would be required and additional public benefit 87 would be required; 88 ■ Setbacks—standards reviewed; 89 ■ Housing Renderings, including multi-family; 90 ■ Greenways and Trail System —staff recommendation for upgrades; park 91 dedication fees; 92 ■ Transportation—roadway extensions reviewed; Main Street Access Management 93 Study;traffic distribution needs; Carl Street identified as connector street; review 94 by public safety divisions; 95 ■ Utilities—municipal utility connection; 96 ■ Comments—Anoka County, Environmental Board, Planning and Zoning Board; 97 ■ Need for master plan, commercial component. 98 99 Mayor Rafferty received confirmation that if the commercial element isn't included in a 100 south of Main Street project, it would have to be included when the area north of Main is 101 developed. 102 103 Councilmember Cavegn remarked that he'd prefer to see the commercial included 104 because there's no guarantee the north will develop. He is not encouraged by some of 105 the small lot widths. He acknowledges that traffic study discussion would be premature 106 at this point but he is aware that added traffic to the area would be a concern. 107 108 Councilmember Lyden said he concurs with many of the remarks of the Planning and 109 Zoning Board. Regarding commercial, he wonders if creativity is necessary. He echoes 110 Councilmember Cavegn's concern about lot widths; he isn't excited about the look of the 111 townhomes. He doesn't like the idea of having housing so close to the roadway that 112 sound walls are needed; that doesn't fit the character of the City. 113 114 The mayor questioned the concept of a"gated community". Also what would a 115 commercial element look like? Green space proposed isn't well received. 116 117 Randy Rennaker, 379 Carl Street,resident of community for about 50 years. He will 118 speak for a group of neighbors (all 15 Carl Street residents). They would like to express 119 concern about the street connections proposed. They object to having a quiet 120 neighborhood street turned into a busy thoroughfare serving 1,000+cars per day. That is 121 not sustainable because Carl Street is a local roadway and was not designed to carry that 122 amount of traffic. Carl Street regularly serves many pedestrians, bicycles,rollerbladers, 123 etc. They propose a different roadway route to serve a new development. There is also 124 concern about costs being passed onto residents. They have additional concerns. 125 126 Tom Schmelzer, 398 Carl Street,part of the Lino Air Park community, recalled that when 127 Behm's Century Farms was originally developed,there was a requirement for disclosure 128 of the presence of the airpark to new residents; he wonders if that can be included if this 129 development goes forward. Also he wonders if Carl Street would be included in sewer 130 and water service improvements. 3 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 131 132 Bill Perry, Carl Street, asks if improvements will ultimately require a larger culvert under 133 the airpark. 134 135 A resident of Carl Street noted that the lots on her street are generally one to ten acres. 136 This dense development would be quite change for the area. She asked that the council 137 keep in mind the life style changes that will impact existing residents. 138 139 Mayor Rafferty remarked that he's witnessed three comprehensive plan updates and he'd 140 like more information on how this area has changed in that view. City Planner Larsen 141 reviewed previous maps and noted that municipal utilities becoming available can impact 142 the low density; she noted that Century Farms is actually medium density. 143 144 Councilmember Lyden remarked that he is hearing residents explain that Carl Street is a 145 neighborhood and they don't want it to be changed by development of another 146 neighborhood. He sees that the connection of new development to Carl Street is the big 147 concern. City Planner Larsen remarked that there are things that could be done and 148 things that should be done. 149 150 A resident explained that before they purchased their home, they contacted the City, 151 spoke with the City engineer and they were told that Carl Street would not be connected 152 to development as is being proposed now. Another resident concurred adding that there 153 is a drainage ditch that would seem prohibitive as well as protected species living in the 154 area. 155 156 Mayor Rafferty added that it's a good thought to be fully open about the presence of an 157 airpark. He asked if staff could comment on the question about enlargement of the air 158 park culvert. City Engineer Hankee said at this point she could only offer that the storm 159 water regulations dictate that the amount of water staying on the site not exceed what is 160 moved away from the site. 161 162 Councilmember Lyden noted that he will continue to be leery when discussions begin on 163 water volume and rate. 164 165 Ian Peterson, development team, addressed the council. They wanted to get feedback on 166 the concept(noting density). They are working to update plans on comments received 167 from the advisory boards, etc. The big picture is that there are a lot of jurisdictions that 168 would be involved. As the federal government agency regulations change with 169 administrations,they are monitoring changes and those regulations have a great impact on 170 what can and can't be done. He remarked that what is being presented is a concept and 171 they are open to conversation. When asked if he could submit a plan that doesn't 172 connect to Carl Street,he said the original plan did not call for that connection. From his 173 perspective,the Carl Street connection is a public safety issue more than connected to the 174 developer's plans. 175 4 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 176 Mayor Rafferty thanked Mr. Rennaker for presenting comments from the residents and he 177 appreciates the openness of the conversation. He hears the council's concern about lot 178 size. He noted staff s indication that a new park would not be included because the 179 Century Farms Park site (undeveloped) is nearby. City Planner Larsen explained that the 180 long standing plan has been to develop the Century Farms Park when the sod farm 181 property is developed. 182 183 Mr. Peterson pointed out what he sees as a public safety(fire)benefit to having a Carl 184 Street connection (less turns for a truck going to an emergency). Public Safety Director 185 Swenson explained that, for delivery of public safety services,thru-streets (grids) are 186 preferred to cul-de-sacs; and Carl Street would open up two neighborhoods and allow 187 better staging of necessary emergency equipment. When asked if emergency vehicle only 188 road access would be a possibility, Chief Swenson indicated that type of restriction is 189 difficult to enforce. A resident remarked that he feels that enforcement of speeding on 190 the street would become a much bigger problem. 191 192 Mayor Rafferty remarked that this is a conceptual review and he appreciates comments 193 including from the Public Safety Department. 194 195 Mike Iverson, 352 Carl Street, suggested a connection with Robinson Drive going all the 196 way to 4t'that could be expedited and perhaps help with the concern about Carl Street. 197 198 Mayor Rafferty summarized concerns on density,park access and trails, 199 200 Community Development Director Grochala noted, on the matter of parks, that the intent 201 is to build out the existing park and to design trail and connectivity without additional 202 publicly dedicated land through this project. 203 204 Clark Robinson, owner of the property north of Main Street, said he's heard staff say that 205 a certain amount of commercial development is a requirement and that could end up 206 being a requirement attached to his property. He wonders if there is or will be 207 opportunity to amend that requirement in case it becomes infeasible. City Planner Larsen 208 noted that the commercial element could be delayed; the idea is to be flexible. 209 Community Development Director Grochala explained the comprehensive plan direction 210 and its inherent flexibility. 211 212 Councilmember Lyden expressed concern that the park plan may no longer be appropriate 213 if you're asking parents to send kids to a park far away;perhaps more open space should 214 be a consideration. 215 216 Community Development Director Grochala noted comments about the "gated 217 community" aspect and asked for more discussion from the council. The developer 218 noted that one concept is to gate the whole community but that is just one. There were 219 no specific concerns noted; a councilmember indicated he is opposed to the gated concept 220 unless he is convinced otherwise. 5 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 221 222 5. Fire Division Donation—Public Safety Director Swenson explained that staff is 223 reporting back and seeking direction on a purchase of wildland fire suppression 224 equipment. A donation was received that would fund the purchase. He noted that there 225 is equipment similar to the requested purchase in the Public Safety garage,that unit being 226 assigned to the police division. 227 228 The council visited the Public Safety garage to view the equipment. 229 230 6. Irrigation Controllers - Community Development Director Grochala and 231 Environmental Coordinator Nelson reported. Mr.Nelson reviewed his written staff 232 report. He reminded the council of last year's action authorizing the purchase and resale 233 to the community of irrigation controllers. He reviewed with the council facts supporting 234 a continuation of the program, including the possibility of future grant funding. Staff is 235 recommending purchase/distribution of 110 controllers. The mayor asked if there was 236 any feedback from individuals who received the controllers and Mr.Nelson said there 237 was limited positive feedback. 238 239 The council is supportive of continuing the program and continues to be interested in data 240 on the effectiveness of the units and the program. 241 242 7. Capital Asset Policy—Finance Director Lynch reviewed her written staff report. 243 Staff is recommending that the City adopt a formal policy. Ms. Lynch explained that the 244 proposed policy only effects auditing and reporting. The recommended policy follows 245 the current standard. If the council directs, staff will bring the policy forward to the next 246 council meeting requesting formal approval. 247 248 The council concurred. 249 250 8. Blue Heron Days Discussion—Public Services Director DeGardner recalled that 251 those involved with last year's Blue Heron Days activities suggested that a group be 252 formed to discuss events moving forward. He mentioned that one topic should be 253 location and perhaps moving activities to The Rookery Activity Center. He is seeking 254 council direction on this topic. 255 256 Councilmember Cavegn stated that he supports the idea of the group and would like to be 257 a member. Mayor Rafferty expressed support for looking at elements of the event and 258 for the group discussion. 259 260 Mayor Rafferty asked how staff who are being hired in conjunction with the City activity 261 center(The Rookery) and the communications staff can be involved in this event 262 planning. City Administrator Cotton explained that she sees a developing theme of 263 community leaders and people that want to be involved and the question of this becoming 264 a community led event. She added that City employees will probably always have a role. 265 Mr. DeGardner added that City staff hired for The Rookery will have their hands full with 6 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 266 the opening of that facility this year so he would intend to represent the City in Blue 267 Heron Days discussion for 2022. 268 269 Mayor Rafferty offered a suggestion that street closing and similar that involve the 270 attention of the Public Safety Division be coordinated so they don't stretch to more than 271 one day. 272 273 Councilmember Stoesz remarked that he's noticed in other communities that having a 274 neighborhood parade route (rather than major road route) seems to make for a more 275 community based event. Mayor Rafferty expressed concern about that type of change. 276 Councilmembers concurred that tying the event to The Rookery is important. 277 278 Councilmember Cavegn and Stoesz will participate with the group. 279 280 9. Coss Family Foundation—Public Safety Director Swenson reviewed the written 281 staff report outlining the availability of a donation that would fund the purchase of patrol 282 rifles for the police division. He is seeking council direction to bring the matter to the 283 next council meeting. The council concurred. 284 285 10. Shield 616 Donation—Public Safety Director Swenson explained that this 286 donation would be tied to the Guns and Hoses Hockey event. He provided history on the 287 event started by the department's volunteer arm and the donations they've made in the 288 past. This year the group wishes to donate proceeds to the Shield 616 organization that 289 provides a higher level of body armor to police and fire fighters. The organization's 290 intent is to provide the new body armor to individuals who are playing in the hockey 291 game and,past that,to other officers as funds raised will allow. There would ultimately 292 be a donation offered to the City and staff would intend to request council authorization 293 at the next regular meeting. The council concurred that they would consider the matter at 294 the February 14'meeting. 295 296 11. Public Safety Department Q4 Update—Public Safety Director Swenson 297 reviewed the statistics included in the report. The full report is included in the council 298 packet on file. The report included a staffing update. 299 300 12. Goal Setting—City Administrator Cotton noted the council's interest in 301 scheduling a session to strategically plan and set goals. She noted the last effort in 2017 302 that wasn't fully completed. In reviewing goals from the past, she noted progress and 303 some accomplishments. At this point she'd like to understand the council's interest in 304 doing some formal goal setting with or without a facilitator. 305 306 The majority of the council indicated support for having a facilitator. The council 307 directed staff to look for an appropriate facilitator and forward some recommendations. 308 309 13. Rookery Update—City Administrator Cotton reported. There was discussion 310 about the current fitness equipment and tenant(Endurance Fitness); staff is exploring 7 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APPROVED 311 possibilities to provide a no interest loan for additional equipment especially since more 312 will be needed as membership expands. 313 314 Ms. Cotton updated the council on discussion of the advisory board, including 315 membership rates, hours of operation, and additional facility improvement. At this time 316 they would like to move forward with an official action on rates and hours. 317 318 The council also heard an update on initial marketing plans. 319 320 The council will consider official action on the rates and hours at the next regular council 321 meeting. 322 323 14. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council 324 325 There were no updates. 326 327 15. Adjourn 328 329 The meeting was adjourned. 330 331 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on 332 February 28, 2022. 333 334 335 _ {, 33 337 n4�e Bartell, City lerk Rob Rafferty,Mayor 338 8