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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-07-2023 Council Work Session Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE: August 7,2023 TIME STARTED: 6:03 PM TIME ENDED: 9:45 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Stoesz,Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn Mayor Rafferty Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Finance Director Hannah Lynch; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Engineer Diane Hankee; Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika. 1. Watermark PUD Amendment#4-PUD Development Stage Plan/Preliminary Plat City Planner Katie Larsen presented on an application by US Home, LLC for the Watermark PUD Amendment#4: The applicant proposed an adjustment to the north end of the Watermark development regarding lot sizes and housing products, consistent with feedback previously received from Council. This amendment also reflects the removal of townhomes, again consistent with Council feedback. Planner Larsen noted that the proposed amendment meets all zoning and planning requirements; further,that a public hearing was held on July 12, 2023 where no public comment was received, and that the Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval of the amendment. Josh Metzer of Lennar Homes was present to answer questions from Council. Councilmember Stoesz asked for school district information. Mr. Metzer confirmed that the homes in the Watermark Development are within the Forest Lake Area school district. Councilmembers Lyden and Ruhland and Mayor Rafferty noted appreciation for Lennar Homes working with Council to modify according to Council feedback. 2. 440 Park Court-Lino Lakes Tech Center Concept Plan City Planner Katie Larsen presented a concept plan which has been proposed by Lariat Companies, Inc. Bruce Hellier, the architect for the applicant, was present to answer questions from Council. The concept proposed a multi-tenant industrial and indoor self- storage building on the parcel located at 440 Park Court; it was noted that this parcel already contains outdoor self-storage on Phase I of the site. Originally Phase II contemplated additional outdoor self-storage; however, changes to the zoning ordinance now prohibit that use in the Light Industrial (LI) district. Planner Larsen reviewed a PowerPoint which provided visuals of the building concept, including the 11 multi-tenant industrial units and indoor self-storage space, and screening along the lot line on Lake Drive. Following comments received by the Planning and Zoning Board,the developer has increased parking stalls for this project. Councilmember Ruhland commented that he would prefer to see the plans changed so that any garage doors are not viewable from Lake drive and that the proposed fencing along Lake Drive is not aesthetically pleasing; Mayor Rafferty concurred. Council collectively voiced concerns about outdoor storage issues and with the industrial spaces being used as mini-storage. Mr. Hellier noted that there may be challenges with relocation of the garage stall doors due to spacing and wetlands. He also commented that this plan anticipates a developer's agreement which would prohibit any use of the industrial spaces as storage units. He added that the developer does not wish to rent out more storage spaces; that the vision is to create incubator spaces for small businesses. Planner Larsen also confirmed that exterior storage is prohibited, including storage of vehicles. Councilmember Cavegn inquired of what types of small businesses can be expected to use these spaces as he has concerns about noise and the neighboring residential area. Mr. Hellier replied that in other locations, small construction companies, landscaping companies, and similar businesses rent out the spaces. He added that other similar developments owned by this developer have not experienced a lot of manufacturing use. Mr. Hellier responded to Council questions for clarification on the indoor mini-storage. He clarified that the indoor storage will be single-level and will consist of premanufactured units ranging in size, similar to various sized lockers. He does not anticipate that the space will allow for vehicles to be driven indoors. Councilmember Stoesz asked of ADA compliance. Mr. Hellier stated that each unit would be ADA accessible and that ADA restrooms would also be onsite. Councilmember Cavegn also asked of signage considering multiple businesses are contemplated. Mr. Hellier said the applicant works within the limits of the city ordinance and also that the building plans may include an awning over the entrance doors which would allow for a small space above the windows for a small sign. Council asked that the developer return with updated exterior plans as there were concerns noted from Councilmembers Lyden, Ruhland, Cavegn, and Mayor Rafferty as to the exterior visual of the proposed building. Council also asked the applicant to return with more information on the layout of the interior storage unit. The applicant will return to a future work session with an updated concept plan for further consideration. 3. Otter Lake Road Extension Plans & Specs Community Development Director Michael Grochala presented the plans and specifications for the Otter Lake Road extension project. He noted that this project has been on the books since the mid 2000's, was incorporated in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and was continued into the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the road will eventually will link Highway 97 in Columbus with Highway 96 in White Bear Lake sot the project is significant. The preliminary estimated costs is $8.4 million and WSB has proposed plans and specs at $468,000. Director Grochala also stated that the funding for the project would primarily come from municipal state aid, the trunk utility fund, and from the surface water management fund; though staff will also explore grant opportunities. Councilmember Lyden asked of residential landowners impacted. Director Grochala stated that six (6) land owners have been identified and that as the process moves forward, it will be determined the impact on those land owners. He added that open houses will be held as the project moves forward,though the open houses would not be held until the fall or possibly into next spring as substantial planning needs to get underway before the open houses are held. Following Council's direction, Director Grochala confirmed he will place the proposal for plans and specs on the agenda for consideration on August 14, 2023. 4. Apollo Business Park Business Expansion Community Development Director Michael Grochala updated Council that two (2) businesses in Apollo Business Park have contacted the City about expansion: Rice Industries and Mountain Manufacturing. As a potential solution staff is evaluating the use of adjacent city owned and state owned (tax forfeited) properties. These properties were originally created as borrow pits for grading in the development and subsequently used for stormwater runoff Director Grochala believes there is capacity in the lots that would allow for some building expansion and/or use for additional stormwater from new construction. He noted that this was discussed at the most recent EDAC meeting and that group is very much in favor of the concept. He also advised that no specific Council direction is needed at this time, he simply sought Council's receptiveness to the idea of land transfers to accommodate these expansions. Council voiced a favorable opinon of the idea of land transfers to allow for the expansion of the manufacturing businesses. 5. Cannabis in Public Spaces Deputy Director of Public Safety/Police Division, Kyle Leibel, discussed with Council the option of amending current ordinances to prohibit the use of cannabis in public parks, on public property, and in public spaces. He noted that while the recent legislation at the state made cannabis use legal effective August 1, 2023, the legislation failed to address use of cannabis in public areas. He further noted that current laws at the state level only address smoking in indoor spaces; addressing outdoor prohibitions is left to the local levels of government. Council concurred that addressing the use of cannabis in city parks, on city property, and in public spaces is important and encouraged staff to work to bring forward ordinances for consideration. 6. Q1 and Q2 Public Safety Update Deputy Director of Public Safety/Police Division, Kyle Leibel, and Deputy Director of Public Safety/Fire Division, Dan L'Allier, provided an update to Council of public safety statistics for the first two quarters of 2023. 7. Fire Services Discussion Councilmember Lyden read a written statement to Council which outlined his position on the current status of fire service in the City of Lino Lakes and his request to allocate state public safety funding to hire a consultant to address the concerns he believes the City is facing: The challenges with the current model of fire service in the City. That statement is attached to these minutes in full for reference. Councilmember Ruhland stated that because the public safety dollars do not have an expiration date, he does not believe that allocating those dollars at this time is necessary; he further state that he believes that staff is currently evaluating costs and before any decisions are made about hiring any consultants, he would like to hear staff recommendations as they are evaluating the two-year plan which is set to expire at the end of this year. Councilmember Ruhland also stated that he is not opposed to use of a consultant in the future, but he believes it is too soon to commit to that plan of action. Mayor Rafferty concurred with Councilmember Ruhland: At this time, he is not in favor of moving forward with an allocation of the public safety funds to hire an outside consultant until there is more information obtained and that he wants to fully understand the (2024) budget first. Councilmember Lyden voiced concerns with not moving forward with hiring a consultant: he said that he believes if Public Safety Director Swenson believes it is a good idea(to hire a consultant) then that is what should be done. Other members of the Council noted that Director Swenson was absent and could not comment on the matter at this time. Councilmember Cavegn asked if it would be prudent for staff to gather some basic details on the costs and scope of a consultant. Council concurred and directed staff to gather basic information. Council also directed staff to pull together a summary of current costs of fire service. Councilmember Stoesz noted that any discussion needs to include what is down the line for the City, what will be the needs in 10-15 years. Councilmember Lyden stated, for the record, that"We didn't answer the call, didn't get a dial tone, we got an answering machine."Mayor Rafferty stated that he disagreed. 9. Driveway Access Agreements Community Development Director Michael Grochala advised Council that there are a number of private driveways within the City that use unimproved public right-of-way to access City streets. In two specific situations that staff is aware of,the City had entered into driveway access agreements that included, in part,the property owners indemnify the City against any claims related to the use of the right-of-way and also that the property owner provide evidence of insurance and name the City as an additional insured. After discussion with the City Attorney, it has been deemed unnecessary to continue to require these property owners to provide insurance naming the City as an additional insured as the chance of any liability issue is very remote. Council concurred that the insurance requirement can be dropped. Director Grochala confirmed no further action is required by Council. 10. Carole Estates 2nd Addition Land Sale (Closed Discussion) Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 13D.05, Subd. 3(c)(3), a closed session of the Council was held from 9:26 PM to 9:45 PM to discuss the sale of real property. 11. Adjourn The Work Session was adjourned at 9:45 PM. These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on August 14, 2023. /I( I\ "(\•• Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk ob afferty, Mayor City of Lino Lakes Work Session agenda item#7 Fire Services Discussion Councilmember Lyden/Cavegn August 7, 2023 Ladies and Gentlemen our agenda item is"Discussion of Fire Services". Specifically,on how a portion of our allotted"Public Safety Aid Dollars"from the State of Minnesota can be the used as the initial driving force to support potential collaboration discussions as it relates Fire and public safety. The spirit of these discussion is best summed up in the following quote from John F Kennedy. "LET US NOT SEEK THE REPUBUCAN ANSWER OR THE DEMOCRATIC ANSWER,BUT THE RIGHT ANSWER. LET US NOT SEEK TO FIX THE BLAME FOR THE PAST.LET US ACCEPT OUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE." I believe everyone in this room is very appreciative of our gift from the State of Minnesota of what is called "Public Safety Aid Dollars"This is a timely,and unique opportunity to use"free"money(If there is such a thing)to save our tax payers money on an annual basis as we move forward. Although We-City staff and Councilmembers have done an excellent job of being prudent financial stewards for our Lino Lakes residents.Our most significant challenge our"Achilles' heel"as they say is the cost and other challenges of our Fire and First Responders. A word about our first responders is appropriate here.In the recent year or so social media has not always been kind to our first responders the men and women who put on the uniform.These are the men and women I respect!These are the people I hold in the highest regard! In your hour of need or your son's or daughter or the neighbor across the street these men and women in a moment come to your aid. Maybe even to save your life!Their lens is clear,their strength of purpose is keen. In your moment of need they don't ask what religion you are?They don't ask what race you are,and they don't ask if you're a Republican or Democrat. Folks,social media is not going to save you! Let us demonstrate the same laserfocus.Let our leadership demonstrate this same strength of purpose here tonight. It should be noted"loud and clear"that the challenges facing Lino Lakes are not unique.For example Lino Lakes and all of or neighboring communities have seen the same fire truck and equipment jump hundreds of thousands of dollars in the past year,We are all feeling the same"sticker shock". What I am looking for from this Council tonight is to take the all important"first"step. Specifically, I'm asking Council support to use"Public Safety Aid"dollars from the State of Minnesota to hire and independent outside consultant to explore/analyze potential collaboration models.The single goal being of strengthening everyone's service levels while reducing tax payer costs. I am not naive. I have no illusion that you don't run a marathon with one step. Second John F Kennedy quote"WE CHOOSE TO GO TO THE MOON IN THIS DECADE AND DO OTHER THINGS, NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE EASY, BUT BECAUSE THEY ARE HARD." Now for whateverdirection we may or may not go,you can not get there unless you are well grounded in knowing where you are at.We need to know the true cost of Fire Services.These would include Operational, Capital, Debt Service,facilities..and others? The good news is these are all items/numbers currently in our finance director's wheelhouse.Timely as we are currently preparing for our next budget cycle. We would be asking Hannah to just compile data she already has. Let me end by stating loud and clear that the most important aspect of this conversation is centered on looking forward. In Kennedy's second quote again it said "Let us accept our own responsibility for the future"This conversation is about looking forward--it is about possibilities! For those inside these walls and for within walls that stretch across our neighboring communities let it be know in these conversations EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE.I repeat EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE! Any and all conversations will be grounded in TRUST. Lino Lakes will have no conditions or pretenses again EVERYTHING IS ON THE TABLE. In first responder speak it's time for us in this room "TO ANWSER THE CALL" Let us demonstrate our leadership with the same courage and strength of purpose of our first responders! Let's answer the call!!! Councilmember Lyden