HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230628 EB Meeting Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING
DATE: June 28, 2023
TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m.
TIME ENDED: 7:37 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Cassie Cavegn, Shawn
Holmes, Julia Nelson, Lindsay Buchmeier,
Jonathan Parsons
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alex Schwartz
STAFF PRESENT: Andrew Nelson, Grace Good,
Julie Whitney
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Sullivan called the Environmental meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on June 28, 2023.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The agenda was approved as presented.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Sullivan approved the April 26, 2023 meeting minutes.
Motion carried 6 – 0.
5. OPEN MIKE
Mr. Sullivan declared open mike at 6:32 p.m.
There was no one present for open mike and it was closed at 6:32 p.m.
6. ACTION ITEMS
A. Watermark PUD Amendment #4 Preliminary Plat
The applicant submitted a land use application for a Preliminary Plat Amendment for the
Environmental Board
June 28, 2023
Page 2
Watermark project. The site is located just northwest of the intersection of 35E and Main
Street (County State Aid Highway 14). Revisions to the northeast corner of the site
include reduced lot sizes, increased open space area, and improved connectivity to a
private park.
The Board discussed the amended preliminary plat, and Mr. Nelson explained there are
many environmental benefits of the revised submission, suggesting that it shrinks the
footprint of the buildings, adds 2.7 acres of open space, increases native plant area, and
improves connectivity to a park.
Ms. Buchmeier made a motion to approve the Preliminary Plat with the recommendations
presented by the Board. Ms. Cavegn seconded. Motion carried 6 – 0.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center Site Plan Update
Mr. Nelson reviewed the updates to the Landscape Plan and the Tree Survey with the
Board. Questions were asked and answered regarding placement, amount of trees and the
types of trees being planted.
Ms. Holmes addressed the restrictiveness of the Boards ability to require more from new
businesses regarding recycling. Mr. Nelson responded that City Code requires that
haulers provide the opportunity to recycle for residents and businesses, but it doesn’t
require residents or businesses to recycle.
B. Residential Recycling Service Frequency
The Environmental Board revisited the benefits of weekly recycling pickup. Currently the
ordinance requirement is bi-weekly pick up. The Board requested staff to research for
more information.
Mr. Nelson found that most, if not all, cities in Anoka County have bi-weekly recycling
pickup. The haulers operating in Lino Lakes offer additional bins or larger bin options
for low cost if residents are exceeding capacity. He also stated that garbage haulers
expressed concerns that they would struggle to make weekly pickups due to staff
shortages, high cost and wait times for new trucks, and other logistical reasons.
Mr. Nelson noted that the MPCA has issued a draft version of the Metropolity Solid
Waste Management Policy Plan. Weekly recycling is listed as one of the requirements
for haulers and cities to achieve by 2025. Public comment is accepted on this plan. The
th
MPCA is holding a public meeting on July 11 asking for feedback.
APPROVED MINUTES
Environmental Board
June 28, 2023
Page 3
Mr. Nelson recommended waiting for the findings of the final report to act on weekly
recycling, because it may be a requirement for the entire metro shortly. In the meantime,
residents can get larger or additional bins from their haulers.
Mr. Sullivan would like the information in the draft sent to the Board members after the
meeting.
8. UPDATES
A. Forestry Updates
Mr. Nelson provided an update on the forestry program. They planted 51 developer trees,
48 city trees, 21 warranty trees, and 120 boulevard trees total. They did 33 bare root
replacements related to a DNR grant, and sold 143 bare root trees at the City Tree Sale.
They also arranged 70 EAB treatments with Rainbow Tree Care.
Mr. Sullivan asked about the dead ash trees at businesses. Mr. Nelson said at this time
the City is not marking trees on private property.
B. Recycling Updates
Ms. Gracie Good provided an update on the recycling program. She stated at the recent
recycling Saturday they had 152 cars for appliance disposal, 53 visits for paper shredding
and collected 17 tons of materials. This is the highest taken in so far this year. The
organic site at Marshan Park was paved, and the enclosure should be ready in two to
three weeks. She also said there are 498 people signed up for the organics drop off
program.
9. ADJOURN
Ms. Holmes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Motion was seconded by
Mr. Parsons. Motion carried 6 – 0.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Whitney – Community Development Administrative Assistant
APPROVED MINUTES