HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-01-2022 Council Work Session Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
1 CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : August 1,2022
5 TIME STARTED : 5:30 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 10:15 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Councilmember Stoesz,Lyden,Ruhland,
8 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty
9 MEMBERS ABSENT
10
11 Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Community Development
12 Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen; Rookery Activity Center Manager
13 Lisa Lamey; Director of Public Safety John Swenson; Public Services Director Rick
14 DeGardner;Public Safety Deputy Director of Fire Division Dan L'Allier; City Clerk Julie
15 Bartell
16
17 1. Hugo Public Works Facility Tour—8220 140tb Street North Hugo, MN
18
19 Community Room
20 Following Public Works Facility Tour
21
22 2. Robinson Sod Farm Environmental Assessment Worksheet(EAW)—
23 Community Development Director Grochala reviewed a PowerPoint presentation that
24 included information on the following:
25
26 -Relevant terms that are included in these reviews;
27 -EAW questions are standards set by the state; does not approve or deny a project;
28 -EAW Process—City is proper unit to complete the document;process includes
29 distribution and comment period; City can respond to comments; City makes
30 determination based on need for Environmental Impact Statement(EIS); environmental
31 review is done if no EIS is needed;
32 -Topics covered by an EAW;
33 -Project Background—yield or PUD (concept plan by developer calls for PUD);
34 (developer spoke to their desire to build something unique—yield plan is more common);
35 -Project Impact Analysis—includes surface water,public utilities,traffic;
36 -EAW Document—is available in full.
37
38 Staff will be asking for council action to put the EAW out for comment(30 day comment
39 period)
40
41 3. Water Treatment Plant—Design Services Proposal—Community
42 Development Director Grochala noted that WSB &Associates, Inc. has come forward
43 with a proposal for design services and staff is comfortable with the fees proposed. He
44 explained the elements that would be included—for water mains,treatment facility.
45 There would be an architectural partner on the project. Funding sources and possible
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
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46 grants were noted. He added, regarding the hope of state funding to assist with a facility,
47 that the state did not pass a bonding bill. Director Grochala also noted the White Bear
48 Lake water agreement situation and what is happening with North Oaks and their water
49 needs.
50
51 Mayor Rafferty spoke to the benefit(for state bond funding) of having a project shovel
52 ready.
53
54 Councilmember Cavegn expressed some concern about devoting funds to a project that
55 hasn't been authorized yet.
56
57 The funding source for this proposed contract would be the trunk utility fund(utility
58 revenue). Utility fees would also be the funding source for the project itself.
59
60 The council will consider an action authorizing the service contract.
61
62 4. Villas on Vicky PUD Concept Plan—City Planner Larsen reviewed a
63 PowerPoint presentation that provided information on the following:
64
65 -Land Use Application—23 detached townhome project, varying lot sizes, PUD
66 flexibility;
67 -PUD Concept Plan;
68 -Revised PUD Concept Plan(post Zoning and Planning review);
69 - Staff comments, including some concerns;
70 -Zoning requirements for R-2 medium density/comparison to proposal (does not indicate
71 amendments to plan proposed by developer);
72 -PUD Requirements;
73 -Building design;
74 -Park plans;
75 -Addition comments—Public Safety;
76 -Environment and Planning&Zoning Board comments;
77 - Staff concerns—noted other R-2 projects.
78
79 John Blattman, Ranger Development, noted submission of a revised concept and
80 reviewed posters showing the new concept photos. He spoke about the product which is
81 generally cost driven.
82
83 Councilmember Ruhland asked about parking and the developer noted that parking is
84 planned on one side only. Public Safety Director Swenson noted that when staff evaluate
85 a project,they look at it based on the possibility of an aerial truck being required for an
86 emergency. Councilmember Ruhland asked what other developments Mr. Blattman has
87 done and he noted a similar developments in Otsego, Club West and The Lakes (the latter
88 two both in Blaine).
89
90 Councilmember Cavegn asked what the development would bring to the City if a PUD is
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91 considered by the council and the developer suggested that the development would
92 provide for the extension of Vicky Avenue. City Planner Larsen noted that the
93 realignment of Vicky Lane will happen ultimately in any case so not a direct benefit.
94
95 The developer asked about the green space requirement(confirmed at 50%). Ms. Larsen
96 noted that the green space proposed is generally privately owned space.
97
98 Councilmember Lyden asked if changing road access could provide more green space.
99 Or perhaps losing the cul-de-sac for a stubbed road?.
100
101 Land owner Jeff Joyer, 8174 Lake Drive (Waldoch Farm). He has sold real estate in
102 Lino Lakes for 40 years. This particular project he recognizes as a viable and marketable
103 product. It may not fit the City's standards because that's not who will live there—
104 probably seniors who don't want big yards. He feels it is compatible with the
105 neighborhood and a nice diversification of what is generally offered in Lino Lakes. He
106 hopes the council will see this as unique and encourage staff to work with the developer
107 to create a neighborhood here. He feels this single family home development would be
108 preferred to townhouses by area residents.
109
110 Councilmember Lyden said he supports the concept but there are certainly hurdles.
111
112 Mayor Rafferty noted that he has driven to the other developments done by this
113 developer. He can live with some of the things he's seen. He has concerns about
114 driveways and a minimum lot size of 50 feet. Mayor Rafferty asked about the proposed
115 cost of the units and the developer explained that nothing would be under$400,000.
116
117 Mayor Rafferty suggested that more information be forwarded to the council (such as
118 additional data on previous developments) and then come back at another work session
119 and discuss.
120
121 Councilmember Cavegn explained that the lot size is an issue for him.
122
123 Councilmember Lyden said garage size is a concern.
124
125 Councilmember Stoesz said he doesn't like the look of the four structures right in the
126 middle; he'd like more green space.
127
128 5. Rookery Update—Rookery Manager Lamey provided an update on the Child
129 Watch Program. Staff would like to have that cost included in family membership. The
130 council concurred with the recommended change. The council recognized Director
131 Lamey for her hard work in the past months.
132 Other Updates:
133 - Membership and Use numbers;
134 - Daily check-ins;
135 - Swim lessons are starting up;
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136 - Grand Opening on September 24.
137
138 6. Tax Increment Financing Request,Ryan Companies 35E & Main Street—
139 Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the request for tax increment
140 financing included in a development proposal of Ryan Companies. The developer sees
141 extraordinary costs associated with the proposed development and is requesting tax
142 increment assistance from the City. Mr. Grochala discussed the utility elements and
143 maximizing the project by extending certain utilities. The current tax increment request
144 exceeds the City's benefit so therefore requires additional work. The council is being
145 approached on their interest in considering a land use change (comp plan amendment)
146 and on a tax increment term.
147
148 Council comments:
149 - EDAC has supported tax increment use on the land in the past;they will be
150 reviewing this proposal at their next meeting; the council will receive more
151 information at their September work session(see proposed schedule in staff
152 report);
153 - An Amazon facility is a portion of the project;
154 - Anticipated job growth will be analyzed and included in future documents;
155 estimate of 150,000;
156 - The infrastructure improvements will benefit the City;
157 - Pursuit of this project is good idea; more information is important;
158 - Commercial to business land change is acceptable.
159
16o 7. 5—Year Street Reconstruction Plan Amendment—Community Development
161 Director Grochala reviewed his written report requesting council feedback on a proposal
162 to amend the current Street Reconstruction Plan to include the addition of Pheasant Run
163 as an additional project in 2023. Current project funds would allow the addition of this
164 street.
165
166 8. Public Safety Department Employee Wellness—Public Safety Director
167 Swenson reviewed the written staff report. There has been a significant increase in work
168 related injuries within the department. In an effort to reduce those injuries and the
169 impacts they cause, staff is recommending certain enhancements to current wellness
170 efforts, including participation in programming provided through a contractor(Provicta).
171 The cost of the enhancements could be covered by available funding(forfeiture and
172 training funds) and future grants.
173
174 9. Water Tender Replacement—Public Safety Director Swenson and Deputy
175 Director Fire L'Allier reported. The staff report includes detailed information on the
176 department's work in analyzing the matter of replacing two water tenders. A staff
177 committee was comprised and has provided detailed specification recommendations for
178 replacements. If replacement is authorized by the council,the department is
179 recommending that it be done with the assistance of Sourcewell a municipal contracting
180 agency.
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181
182 10. Q2 2022 Public Safety Update-Public Safety Director Swenson reviewed the
183 Quarterly Report. The report is included in the council packet.
184
185 11. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions, City Council
186
187 12. Review Regular Agenda
188
189 The meeting was adjourned.
190
191 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
192 August 22, 2022.
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194
195
196.
197 Ju ne Bartell, Ci Cler Rob Rafferty, Mayor
198
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