Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/30/2021 Environmental Board Minutes APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mr. Sullivan called the Lino Lakes Environmental Board meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. on June 30, 2021. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Sullivan stated to approve the Agenda as it stands. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 26, 2021 Mr. Sullivan asked for a motion for the May 26, 2021 minutes. Mr. Schwartz MOTIONED to approve the minutes. Ms. Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. V. OPEN MIKE Mr. Sullivan declared Open Mike at 6:37 p.m. Open Mike declared closed at 6:37 p.m. VI. ACTION ITEMS A. Concept Plan for Huntson Addition DATE : June 30, 2021 TIME STARTED : 6:34 P.M. TIME ENDED : 7:58 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : John Sullivan, Cassondra Cavegn, Ella McNulty, Wendy Nelson, and Alex Schwartz MEMBERS ABSENT : Shawn Holmes STAFF PRESENT : Andy Nelson, Phillip Davis Enivornmental Board June 30, 2021 Page 2 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Nelson provided a detailed overview of the site characteristics for the Huntson Addition concept plan. He discussed the different types of erosion and stormwater management plans required to begin construction on the site, and indicated that the east side of the site may require a larger wetland survey if impacts are proposed. Staff would recommend that the Huntson Addition Concept Plan Review be forwarded on to the Planning & Zoning Board and City Council with the additional comment that the buffer and screen will be required between the single family lot to the east of the Huntson Addition. Mr. Schwartz inquired about what the storm water drainage is like on the site, and if it would affect the greater wetland complex. Mr. Nelson responded that the engineering department will be reviewing the Concept Plan and will be able to comment on it, but he will look into the question in further detail. Mr. Nelson commented that many of the larger questions the Environmental Board had would be answered in the preliminary plan if the concept plan were to be approved. This was more of an early glance to see if it would be worth going through future steps. Mr. Sullivan MOTIONED to approve the Huntson Addition Concept Plan review with staff comments, and pending favorable results from the required reports and agency reviews that will be submitted if project goes on to the preliminary plat phase. Mr. Schwartz seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Environmental Board Annual Work Plan – 2nd Review Mr. Nelson provided an overview of the updated Environmental Board Annual Work Plan with revisions based on comments from the last meeting. Ms. Cavegn was curious to find out what the purpose of updating land cover would be. Mr. Nelson responded that having more refined data would be helpful for the city in helping identify rare plants and features that would aid in making informed decisions for development. He provided an example of the coarseness of the data currently available to illustrate. Ms. Cavegn added some comments on how using stencils on newly implemented storm drains would be a better management option compared to traditional Adopt-a-Drain practices, such as painted signage. Mr. Nelson responded that a conversation he had had with the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) supported Ms. Cavegn’s comments. Mr. Sullivan mentioned that he would like the Environmental Board to consider requesting that the city find a way to enforce the city’s lawn watering restrictions. Mr. Nelson responded that the city has enforcement policies within ordinance, but added that Enivornmental Board June 30, 2021 Page 3 APPROVED MINUTES most staff members do not have the ability to write citations or penalties. He also stated that education is always a good first step, and new door hangers are being prepared that explain the potential fines. He stated that a motion could be made to recommend stronger enforcement of watering ban restrictions. If a motion were made recommending stronger enforcement, Mr. Nelson would be able to pass the recommendation on to the relevant parties, but it would probably not belong within the Environmental Board Annual Work Plan as it would be other individuals who are responsible for implementation. The city has a new electronic sign that can be used as an additional educational tool to provide residents with reminders about the lawn watering restrictions. This is in addition to a newly hired communications position to help revamp many of the city’s educational outreach tools. Mr. Nelson and the recycling intern are working on evaluating the current business recycling situation in Lino Lakes. There is potential for growth, especially in outreach to businesses, and they will be working with the county to explore options. Mrs. Nelson inquired about whether or not the bags provided in dog waste stations are biodegradable. Mr. Nelson responded that he would look into that. Mr. Schwartz stated that he thinks it would be useful to research the feasibility of using compostable bags for dog waste stations. Mr. Nelson asked if ‘continuing to add dog waste stations’ should be added to the Environmental Board Annual Work Plan due to the fact that this is already being handled by the Public Services Director and Parks staff, who evaluate requests for additional stations as residents send them in. Ms. Cavegn stated that she would prefer that the Board motions to have the topic sent to someone in the Parks Board, because the project pertains closer to the work that the Parks Department does, rather than including the topic in the Environmental Board work plan. She agreed that the feasibility of compostable bags would be worthwhile to look into. Mr. Sullivan made a MOTION to add to the work plan that the city will continue to place new dog waste stations in areas where highly requested by residents. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Nelson. Motion passed 4-1. Ms. Cavegn dissented. Mr. Nelson asked if the Board would be interested in approving the Annual Work Plan if it were amended with a statement supporting additional dog waste stations in the city. Mr. Sullivan MOTIONED to approve the Annual Work Plan with this amendment. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schwartz. Motion passed 5-0. VIII. UPDATES A. Recycling Update Enivornmental Board June 30, 2021 Page 4 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Davis discussed the transition from the city’s previous waste hauler to Walter’s for the city hall and the organics drop off program. He also provided an update on June’s Recycling Saturday event and an Association of Recycling Managers workshop. Mr. Sullivan was interested in knowing if any programs discussed at the Association of Recycling Managers workshop could be implemented in Lino Lakes. Mr. Davis replied that he was not aware of the current expansion efforts for any of the businesses and programs but could research further. Mr. Sullivan also inquired about where the organics from the drop off program went to. Mr. Davis replied that he doesn’t currently know where the material goes but will spend the time to find out. Mrs. Nelson asked about the communities and businesses that participate in the Forever Ware program mentioned in the ARM workshop. Mr. Davis responded with the names of a few businesses spread throughout the metro area. Mr. Sullivan asked about when the SCORE report was due and if the Environmental Board would hear any updates about the results. Mr. Nelson responded that the reimbursement portion of the report will be finished by the end of July and reported to the Board. B. General Updates Mr. Nelson announced that he had no General Updates for the Environmental Board this month. IX. ADJOURNMENT Mrs. McNulty made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m. Motion was supported by Mr. Schwartz. Motion carried 5 - 0.