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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-02-2024 Council Work Session Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES DATE: January 2, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:00 PM TIME ENDED: 8:18 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Lyden, Stoesz, Ruhland, Cavegn, Mayor Rafferty Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Public Services Director Rick DeGardner; Community Development Director Michael Grochala; City Planner Katie Larsen. 1. 424 Apollo Drive (Rice Industries) Appeal to Exterior Materials Interpretation City Planner Katie Larsen discussed a formal land use application received from TS Miller(Rice Industries) appealing City staff's interpretation of the zoning code related to building type, construction, and exterior wall finishes. The City Council serves as the local board of appeals, so a formal resolution will be presented at the January 8, 2024 Council Meeting for Council's interpretation of the appeal. The applicant is planning an addition with exterior insulated metal panels (IMPs) which are insulated metal panels. Planner Larsen reviewed the Zoning Ordinance with regard to exterior finishes. She advised on staff's interpretation and reviewed the details provided in her staff report, including defintions of Class 1, 2, and 3 materials. She advised that staff does not recommend treating the proposed IMPs as Class 1 or 2 materials. Planner Larsen also presented a sample of the builing material propsed by the applicant. Aaron Sundeen the contractor working with Taylor (TS) Miller, spoke to Council of the details of the product and of what specifically the applicant is appealing. He advised that what the ordinance reads in 1007.043 2(d)(5) about metal wall panels speaks to pole buildings; their prouject isn't a pole building, it's an addition to an existing building in an industrial area. He also commented on similar projects in other communities where the city allowed the same material being rejected here as it's looked at as a Class 1 or 2 material; he added that is the main intent of the appeal. Community Director Grochala advised that at the most, staff would be willing to agree that this material falls under the Class 3 classifications. Discussion was held with the applicant who adamently objected to this. Director Grochala stated that the City would not want to see this material on more than 25% of the building. Council discussed concerns with the materials and asked questions of Mr. Sundeen. Council concurred that they would approve the material being used as a Class 3 material. 2. Sport Dome Proposal Community Development Director Michael Grochala and Public Services Director Rick DeGardner, discussed a proposal by SFDMG, LLC. to partner with the City to construct a 92,000 square-foot sports dome. Staff sought Council's appetite to pursue this agreement; and, if interested, staff inquired of any additional public benefit options to be considered by the Council. Mark Beigelbach of SFDMG was also present and discussed the potential project with Council. He also provided some information on sports domes in the metro area. Mr. Beigelbach also provided information on the limited locations that a dome could be constructed in the metro area; that Lino Lakes is one of the few remaining cities in the metro where a dome could be constructed according to their group's standards. Council discussed the proposed location and concerns about the City potentially needing to take on the full responsibility of the dome in the same manner of the former YMCA. Council also discussed safety concerns with regard to weather. Public benefit options including hours, a walking track, tying in the Rookery membership, pickleball courts, roads, and the potential of two (2) domes were discussed. Council also discussed reorienting the positioning of the proposed dome as well as the addition of a restaurant. Christina Glasgow: Coaching Director for the Centennial Volleyball Club and Lino Lakes resident stated she is very interested in the dome complex and hopes that there would be consideration given for volleyball space as the program has grown substantially. Mr. Christopher Stowe,426 Pine Street, stated that he did work in the Eden Prairie dome and when he lived in Vadnais Heights, his daughter participated in Dome Ball (indoor softball); he is for this project. But he voiced concerns about the possiblitiy of the dome collapse and the financial responsibility that would be on the city much as it was in Vadnais Heights. He also asked if the process is being followed as this was not brought to Planning and Zoning. Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, asked of the zoning for the proposed area. Director Grochala closed out by speaking to the Comprehensive Plan and the long-term vision for the property. 3. Minnesota Public Safety Aid Public Safety Director John Swenson provided an update to Council on the status of Public Safety Aid received by the City of Lino Lakes. He advised that to date, $610,525 of the funding has been allocated with $318,769 remaining. Director Swenson advised that there is no expiration dates on the funds. Discussion was held on staff use of the funds for retention (of public safety staff) purposes. Director Swenson discussed retention concerns, and current hiring trends and issues. He stated that retention decisions with regard to financial incentives need to be looked at long- term as well, not just short-term. Staff will bring forward some proposals for retention in the future for Council's consideration. Mr. Christopher Stowe, 426 Pine Street, stated that when he lived in Vadnais Heights, they did not have their own police department and also commented on other communities in the county which do not have their own police departments. He asked if it would be more cost- effective to have police services covered by the Sheriff's Office. Ms. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, added comments expressing concerns about retention benefits and the need for any new employees who receive retention pay benefits to be employed for a specified amount of time. 4. Annual Appointments City Administrator Sarah Cotton presented the proposed annual appointments for Council consideration and discussion. Containined within the staff report were all recommended annual appointments. Staff will bring a formal recommendation for consideration at the next regular Council meeting. Councilmember Cavegn noted that the schedule for the Joint Law Enforcement Council is difficult for him; he asked if another Councilmember could be appointed in his place. Councilmember Stoesz indicated a willingness to step in. Councilmembers Ruhland and Lyden will be added to the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization after they complete their training requirements. Council concurred with the remaining recommendations. 5. Board and Commission Appointments City Administrator Sarah Cotton advised Council of pending board appointment term expirations and the applicantions received for appointment. Council indicated they would like to conduct interviews with all applicants. Tentative interview schedules were discussed. Adjourn The work session concluded at 8:18 PM. These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on January 8, 2024. Rob RdrMayor Jolleen Chaska, City Clerk ty, Y