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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240131 Environmental Board Packet Combined CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, January 31, 2024 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers Please be courteous and turn off all electronic devices during the meeting. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 27, 2023 5. OPEN MIKE 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Centerville Lake Alum Treatment Matt Kocian, Lake and Stream Manager, Rice Creek Watershed District B. 2024 Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List 7. GENERAL UPDATES 8. ADJOURN Meeting guidelines on reverse side. City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board MEETING GUIDELINES Open Mike—The purpose of a Board Meeting is to accomplish the business of the city. When presenting at a meeting please remember to be respectful and follow these guidelines: • Please address the meeting chair. • State your name and address for the record. • Please observe a 4-minute limit. • The topic must relate to city business. • Open Mike is for items not on the agenda. • A spokesperson must represent a group of five or more—groups will have 8 minutes. • The Presiding Officer may limit duplicative presentations. • Remember,the meeting is to discuss city business only. Public Hearing—Held as a separate item of business on the agenda. The public hearing segment is your opportunity to tell the Board how you feel about issues scheduled to be heard. Typically, a hearing follows these steps: • The Presiding Officer(Chair or Vice-Chair)will announce the proposal to be reviewed and ask for the staff report. The presiding Officer shall maintain strict order and etiquette at all meetings. • Staff will present their report on the proposal. • Board members will then ask City Staff questions about the proposal. • The Presiding Officer will then open up the public hearing for anyone present who wishes to comment on the proposal. This is the time for the public to make comments or ask questions about the proposal. Comments should be limited to four(4)minutes unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer. All comments should be directed to the Board as a body and not to any individual Board Member or City Staff Member unless permission is granted by the Presiding Officer. No person shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Board without the permission of the Presiding Officer. • After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given his/her comments,the Presiding Officer shall close the public hearing. • The Board will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed. • The Board will then make a recommendation(s)and/or a decision. When you are called upon for your comments, please step to the microphone at the podium and state your name and address for the record. Occasionally, the Board may continue a hearing to another meeting before taking action. Meeting Etiquette The Environmental Board must preserve order and decorum while the meeting is in session. A resident shall not, by conversation or otherwise, delay or interrupt the proceedings or the business of the Board, nor disturb any resident or Board Member while speaking or refuse to obey the orders of the Board. Environmental Board December 27,2023 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DATE: December 27, 2023 TIME STARTED: 6:31 p.m. TIME ENDED: 7:55 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Cassie Cavegn,Alex Schwartz,Lindsay Buchmeier MEMBERS ABSENT: Shawn Holmes,Jonathan Parsons Julia Nelson STAFF PRESENT: Andrew Nelson,Dana Rozan 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Sullivan called the Environmental meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. on December 27, 2023. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Schwartz made a motion to approve the November 29, 2023 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Ms. Cavegn. Motion carried 4—0. 5. OPEN MIKE Chair Sullivan declared open mike at 6:33 p.m. There was no one present for open mike therefore it was closed at 6:33 p.m. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Jansen Addition Preliminary Plat Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator,presented the staff report. Environmental Board December 27,2023 Page 2 The applicant, Boulder Contracting, submitted a land use application for preliminary plat for Jansen Addition. The proposal is to subdivide the existing parcel located at 523 Lois Lane into three single family lots for the purpose of constructing two new single-family homes. The Board discussed the proposed Jansen Addition. Mr. Nelson clarified to the Board that recommendation 8 is subject to be removed since the area to the North has low elevation change; therefor the silt fence would not be necessary there. Mr. Nelson also recommended removing the sentence on page three of the staff report under Stormwater Pollution Prevention, which reiterates recommendation 8. There was also an error on the Tree Preservation and Mitigation table in the staff report, so Mr. Nelson will add the correct table that was presented. The Board accepted the seven recommendations. Motion made by Mr. Schwartz and seconded by Ms. Buchmeier. Motion carried 4—0. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. 2023 Forestry Review Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, presented the staff report. Forestry in 2023 was mainly focused on Emerald Ash Borer response and clearance. Staff applied for the Tree City program that included information about the City's forestry work for 2023. A summary of that data was included in the report. The Board discussed how many trees were planted, sold at the Tree Sale, removed, pruned, and Ash injected. Staff also presented a few goals for 2024, which included continuation of treating Emerald Ash Borer trees, pruning for clearance, expand management in natural areas and wetland banks, increased chlorosis treatment, continue tree inventory updates, and Tree City and Growth Award. B. Drive for 75,Water Conservation Initiative Mr. Nelson, Environmental Coordinator,presented the staff report. DRAFT MINUTES Environmental Board December 27,2023 Page 3 In 2022, Lino Lakes residents used approximately 80 gallons of water per person per day. In an effort to conserve freshwater resources, the City has initiated the Drive for 75 outreach campaign. The Board discussed strategies to encourage the community to conserve water. Chair Sullivan suggested the possibility of putting a table up at Blue Heron Days as well as submitting an article in the Quad newspaper. Mr. Nelson brought the Board's attention to the Water Usage Calculator on the City website. Ms. Cavegn suggested changing how the meter reading on the water bill reads since it can be misleading to residents regarding the units of how much water they are actually using. For example, under"Cons" says 20 and that can be unclear to residents regarding just how much water they are using every quarter. "20 cons" can be misleading, however "20,000 gallons consumed" is clearer. Chair Sullivan also suggested bringing water bills to educational workshops so that residents could better understand what their bill means. Ms. Cavegn also suggested what St. Paul does with the watershed district which gives residents signs that show what kind of seed mix their lawn is made up of. Mr. Nelson replied that these programs V be added to the City's Water Conservation webpage. Ms. Buchmeier asked if residents who receive their water bills electronically get the ads that the City sends; she will check and let the Board know at the next meeting. 8. ADJOURN Ms. Buchmeier made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion was seconded by Ms. Cavegn. Motion carried 4 0. Respectfully submitted, Dana Rozan—Office Specialist DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator Matt Kocian, Lake and Stream Manager with Rice Creek Watershed District MEETING DATE: January 31", 2024 REQUEST: Recommendation to City Council TOPIC: Centerville Lake Alum Treatment INTRODUCTION Rice Creek Watershed District(RCWD) has been awarded grant funding to be used for improving water quality in Centerville Lake. The majority of these funds will be used for alum treatments that will address internal phosphorous loading that has been responsible for algae blooms and other water quality issues. Matt Kocian, Lake and Stream Manager with RCWD, will be present to discuss the project and answer questions from the Board. BACKGROUND Centerville Lake is an approximately 474 acre lake that has shoreland in Lino Lakes, Centerville, and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park. The lake was added to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's impaired waters list in 2002 due to high levels of phosphorous and chlorophyll-a. While this lake is used for boating, fishing, and swimming, recent water quality issues have been impacting these uses. One symptom of the poor water quality has been blooms of toxic blue- green algae fueled by high levels of phosphorous. Through a series of diagnostic studies, the RCWD determined that internal phosphorus loading(i.e. recycling) from lake sediments was a major driver of the algae blooms. RCWD has been awarded grant funding in the amount of$954,500 from the Clean Water Fund to address water quality issues in the lake. The Clean Water Fund is used to protect, enhance, and restore water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, and to protect groundwater from degradation. The majority of the grant amount will be used for an aluminum sulfate ("alum") treatment to address internal phosphorous loading. Alum is a commonly used tool for managing internal phosphorus loading, and has been successfully used on many lakes in Minnesota and across the country. Additional funds may be used for monitoring, engineering, and potentially reestablishing some native species in the lake. The alum treatments could begin as early as spring 2024. 1 RCWD is requesting a financial contribution from each project partner to assist with meeting grant match requirements. Partners on this project include the City of Centerville, Anoka County, and the City of Lino Lakes. RCWD is requesting approximately 3% of the total project budget from each partner, not to exceed $35,000. The request is the same for each project partner. The RCWD will contribute approximately 5% of the total project budget, estimated at $50,000. ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION An Environmental Board recommendation on whether to contribute up to $35,000 towards an alum treatment and associated water quality improvement efforts will be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration. Staff recommends supporting the Centerville Lake alum treatment project and associated water quality improvement efforts. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Centerville Lake Aerial Photo 2. Centerville Lake Alum Treatment Frequently Asked Questions 2 Centerville Lake Aerial Photo 1 r*4' r r +46. 1 't 74 t t a, r� R Syr �rti�` ,r -� - - - _ '�_ -;r..:,�`p _ •_- � - j "�,deer,' �� � � { � a n.� �..-+^ •_ �_ +.�.J..�� ".�!"_- .��C.Ii!of u. �.' r • '�. —r—�'°� '4• H� •w r �w --' J 3,�:. � '{u aryl.�� � y���* `' Y'1 i �'P �,.., �+s1E sx• W' 94- -tit� -.y' x '' kft -awF��,�5 .#�."`►�. �°�".' �'S+ � 'L'•'� FF��,`�f-.-}�3�.:' 1.. ','.R..�"n� v��b`T„°�-,fr� a��`,���,�� r ��' - � y Y��, Parcels 1 in = 1,000 Ft N c i T Y o f January 23, 2024 LNO KES Map Powered By Datafi WSO I CENTERVILLE LAKE ALUM TREATMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED I QUESTIONS ALUM TREATMENT What is Alum? Aluminum sulfate("alum") is one of the most widely used substances in water and wastewater treatments(USA EPA). It's often used to address issues related to excessive nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, and has been used in lakes across the United States and Europe to improve water quality for decades. How does Alum work? When applied to water,alum forms a "fluffy"aluminum hydroxide material called "floc".As the floc settles, it removes phosphorus and particulates(including algae)from the water column by binding to it.The floc settles on the sediment (aka lake bottom)where it forms a layer that acts as a barrier to phosphorus. Phosphorus that would release from the sediments on the lake bottom, is"locked" in place by the alum and can't go back into the water to fuel algae blooms. Why are we doing this Alum treatment? Alum reduces phosphorus,which is a significant contributor to the Jake's poor water quality and harmful algae blooms (see photo below). Algae blooms like this can produce toxins that are dangerous to animals and people.Alum will improve water clarity and create a healthier lake.Alum is cost-effective and has a proven track record in restoring water quality in lakes facing similar challenges. How long will the application take?About a week and a half When will the treatment begin?Either early spring or late fall What will the lake look like during treatment?Milky-white but changing to clear water very quickly. How long will the effects last? Since Centerville Lake doesn't receive much phosphorous from outside the lake,this treatment is expected to last about 20 years. Figure 1 Harmful Blue Green Algae Bloom on Centerville Lake �r Does an alum treatment fix all water quality issues? While an alum treatment can significantly improve water clarity/quality by reducing phosphorus levels, it may not address all issues. Continuous monitoring and long-term management strategies such as water quality monitoring, restoring shorelines with native plant communities,controlling invasive species, and installing other stormwater management practices ,. around the lake are needed to protect and keep the water quality good. = What happens after the alum treatment? _ You'll see an improvement in water clarity right after and into the following •�•. � -�"'� months.This improved clarity WILL support the regrowth of native aquatic Figure z txample of the native aquatic plant communities that will regrow on Centerville plants.These plants are essential to providing habitat for aquatic life and Lake to further improve water quality.A decrease in phosphorus will also help control algae blooms in the future. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Can I swim?Can my dogs swim?What if my dog drinks lake water? The short answer is yes,you and your dogs can swim. Health risks from alum are VERY low. • Alum sinks quickly to the bottom. Coming in direct contact with the alum is very low. • There are no restrictions on swimming or using water to water plants/lawn • No permit is needed from Minnesota Department of Natural Resources or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to apply alum Other Considerations: • Alum is used often in our drinking water treatment plant process.St. Cloud,St. Paul, and various other cities across Minnesota use this in the process of clean drinking water • Alum is the primary ingredient in the OTC antacid Maalox • Aluminum is found in many foods Are there any long-term health concerns for humans? The American Alzheimer's Association says there's no link between aluminum sulfate and memory loss(a common myth).Sources: https://www.aLz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers/myths and https://www.atzdiscovery.org/cognitive-vitality/blog/is-there-a-link-between-aluminum-and-alzheimers Does it hurt fish and aquatic life? When used appropriately,there is a VERY low risk to fish. Aluminum toxicity is a concern for fish when too much alum is applied too fast. RCWD will make sure this is not an issue and alum is applied correctly. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidelines for alum application require that the pH remain within the 6.0-9.0 range. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT How can I support this project and other water quality work? Attend all public meetings regarding this project. Let city and county staff know you support this project and support improving water quality on Centerville Lake. Contact staff at RCWD to do your own water quality project such as a rain garden or shoreline restoration with help from RCWD's Grant Programs, https://www.ricecreek.org/grants/water- auality-grants/ Contact Information • Project Contact: Matt Kocian RCWD Lake and Stream Program Manager mkocian(a)ricecreek.org • Kendra Sommerfeld RCWD Outreach and Communications Coordinator ksommerfeld@ricecreek.org ,_R0 0`, CLEAN1 f WATER RCWD LAND & R€CE CREEK WATERSHED XTRICT LEGACY A Ni F.N D41[_\T ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: January 315t, 2024 REQUEST: Motion on Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List for 2024 TOPIC: Environmental Board Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List BACKGROUND The Environmental Board serves to provide aid and advice to the Council in its efforts to encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between people and their environment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and stimulate the health and welfare of people; to enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to the city; to advise the city in the use and management of its natural resources in order to preserve and enhance the environmental amenities for present and future residents, and to improve and ensure a lasting quality of life within the city(City Code Chapter 217.01). Each year, the Environmental Board prepares an annual work plan that will be presented to the City Council for approval. This plan includes a list of initiatives concerning current environmental issues in the major areas of focus of the Environmental Board, including forestry, natural resources, water, and solid waste management. Staff also prepares a list of ongoing tasks to highlight the distinction between the Annual Work Plan and standard operating procedures/ongoing tasks. When the Board has approved the Annual Work Plan, it will be presented to the City Council for their consideration. ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION Staff is seeking Environmental Board approval of the Annual Work Plan and Ongoing Tasks List for 2024. Staff recommends approval of these documents. ATTACHMENTS 1. Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2024 2. Environmental Board Ongoing Tasks List 2024 1 Environmental Board Annual Work Plan 2024 General 1. Continue to review proposed development projects and provide recommendations to the City Council. The recommendations are based upon compliance with the landscaping section of the Zoning Ordinance, and current accepted practices on topics including urban forestry,natural resource conservation,water quality,utilizing native plants where feasible, and protecting wildlife. 2. Improve and enhance environmental content on the City website, social media, and the local newspaper. 3. Promote workshops on water conservation, alternative lawn cover types, and native plants on the city website and social media platforms. Forestry 1. Continue implementation of the City's Emerald Ash Borer response. This includes removal of boulevard trees and replacement with a diverse mix of species,a partnership with Rainbow Tree Care to offer a discount rate on private tree injections, and continued removals of ash trees in natural areas and parks. 2. Promote tree planting through the City tree sale and Anoka Conservation District seedling sale. Natural Resources 1. Review proposed changes to Landscaping Ordinance as part of the zoning ordinance update. 2. Support the pursuit of additional wetland bank establishment opportunities. 3. Continue to recommend implementation of Greenway System improvements where applicable in development projects. Water 1. Continue to improve educational outreach materials on water conservation,both on the city website and in newsletters. Continue the smart irrigation controller program. 2. Increase outreach on smart chloride use(deicing salt)use for both residents and commercial properties. Recycling/Solid Waste 1. Identify ways to increase recycling tonnage. This may include expansion of the organics program, addition of programs to accept materials not currently included in city programs, and coupons for items dropped at Recycling Saturdays. Environmental Board Ongoing Tasks List 2024 General 1. Promote environmental stewardship through participation in the Earth Day event held at Wargo Nature Center. Forestry 1. Continue to enhance the urban forest through education and outreach,participation in the Tree City USA program,boulevard tree management and inventory updates, diseased tree management, and the City tree sale. Natural Resources 1. Monitor the heron rookery on Peltier Lake. Collaborate with volunteers and Anoka County on work to benefit the herons, including flashing trees,performing an annual nest count, managing invasive species such as buckthorn,and planting trees to replace the many ash trees on the island that will succumb to emerald ash borer. 2. Perform maintenance on conservation easements and wetland bank areas as time and budget permit. Water 1. Collaborate with Rice Creek Watershed District,Vadnais Lake Area Watershed Management Organization, and other agencies to promote water conservation,water quality improvements/protections,and native plantings through outreach materials,workshops, and webinars. 2. Distribute outreach and education materials on water conservation,water quality, and stormwater management. 3. Continue to protect water resources through stormwater management, ensuring construction site compliance,and stormwater pollution protection plan reviews. Recychng/Solid Waste Management 1. Participate in and promote monthly Recycling Saturday events. 2. Strive to achieve recycling tonnage goals. 3. Monitor organics sites to determine service levels and potential program expansion needs. 4. Continue to distribute outreach materials related to recycling and organics in collaboration with Anoka County.