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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240731 Environmental Board Packet CombinedMeeting guidelines on reverse side. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA Wednesday, July 31, 2024 Broadcast on Cable TV Channel 16 and northmetrotv.com/lino-lakes-stream ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, 6:30 P.M. Council Chambers (televised) 1. Call to Order and Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Public Comment (sign-in prior to start of meeting per Rules of Decorum) 4. Setting the Agenda: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items 5. Approval of Minutes: May 29, 2024 6. Discussion Items A. MS4 Annual Report and Public Comment Opportunity B. 2024 Metropolitan Council Water Efficiency Grant 7. Updates A. Shenandoah Park Improvements ADJOURNMENT CITY OF LINO LAKES ADVISORY BOARD MEETING GUIDELINES Advisory boards are fact-finding bodies established to aid the City Council in specific areas. The decisions of any board are considered advisory only and all final decisions rest with the City Council. Board meetings shall operate in accordance with the procedures established by the City Council. The following meeting guidelines are derived from the City Council Rules of Decorum. Members of the Audience – No person in the audience shall engage in disorderly or disruptive conduct such as audible commentary during a meeting, hand clapping, stamping of feet, whistling, using profane language, yelling and similar demonstrations, which conduct disturbs the peace and good order of the meeting. Public Comment– Comments from the public will be accepted on any matter, whether on the agenda or not. Comments will not be accepted during specific agenda items unless a Public Hearing has been noticed. Please remember to be courteous and respectful and abide by the following guidelines: • Sign-in prior to the start of the meeting • Step up to the microphone when recognized by the Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) • State your name and address for the record • State the subject to be discussed • Limit comments to 4 minutes • Address comments to the board as a whole, not any specific member • No question may be asked of a board member or staff member without the permission of the Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) • Elect a spokesperson for a group of persons who wish to address the board on the same subject Public Hearing – A public hearing is a separate item of business on the agenda. It gives the public an opportunity to comment on the topic identified. Please remember to be courteous and respectful and abide by the guidelines outlined for public comment (although no sign-in required). Typically, a public hearing proceeds as follows: 1. The Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) will announce the agenda item and staff will present their report. 2. Board members have the opportunity to ask staff questions about the item. 3. The Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) opens the public hearing and will recognize those who want to speak. 4. The Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) shall close the public hearing. 5. The Board will then discuss the item. No further public comments are allowed. 6. The Board will make a recommendation and/or decision. After a motion has been made or a public hearing has been closed, no member of the public shall address the board from the audience on the matter under consideration. The Presiding Officer (Chair or Vice-Chair) shall maintain strict order and etiquette at all meetings. Environmental Board May 29, 2024 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Sullivan called the Environmental meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. on May 29, 2024. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (sign in prior to start of meeting per Rules of Decorum) Matt Duffy, 7760 France Ave S, attorney for Zikar Holdings. He requested that Environmental Board member Ms. Nelson recuse herself from voting on any matter that may pause the Madinah Lakes development. Dr. Abdirashid Shire, 2150 Watermark Way, wanted to remind everyone to be fair and provide constructive feedback on any development. The Watermark development took 4-5 years to build and is much larger than Madinah Lakes, and that development took so long because residents also did not want another large development going in, but there were not any moratoriums placed. Jaylani Hussein, 2511 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, agreed with the previous speaker. He wanted the development application to be treated fairly and as the same as any other. He also wanted to bring the comments on social media to the Board’s attention. DATE: May 29, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 8:53 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Cassie Cavegn, Shawn Holmes, Julia Nelson, Alex Schwartz Lindsay Buchmeier, Jonathan Parsons MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Andrew Nelson, Katie Larsen, Dana Rozan Environmental Board May 29, 2024 Page 2 DRAFT MINUTES Suleiman Adan, 2511 East Frankin Avenue, Minneapolis, he wanted to advise the Board to judge the project on the facts and merits, and not on the false narratives and harmful stereotypes that were shared. John Grattan, 202 Elm St, wanted to discuss the environmental impacts of the Madinah Lakes proposed development such as, the loss of greenspace, soil and water quality, groundwater depletion, habitat destruction, air quality, urban heat island effect, water runoff, and noise pollution. Salat Tuke, 14171 Drake St NW, Andover, wanted to express concerns for a fair process in favor of the Madinah Lakes project. Tim Randall, 458 Main St, expressed concerns for traffic control and cleanliness of the community if the Madinah Lakes development proceeds. Abdul Aleem, 128 2nd Lot, Blaine, appreciated that the proposed mosque is closer to many families than other ones. He also expressed concerns about the moratorium and would rather the Council initiate an AEW process as it allows a healthy environment as well as a diverse community. Mohammed Islam, 2815 117th Ln, Blaine, requested that the established processes on developments should be followed for the proposed project. Asking that the Boards follow the procedures and reduce the spread of misinformation. Kris Iverson, 352 Carl St, asked what effect the dewatering process will have on private wells if the development proceeds. Angela Coil, 7672 Sunset Ave, wanted to go over the definition of moratorium. She also wanted to express concerns about the way the developers went when proposing the project. Hodman Shire, 2150 Watermark Way, wanted to share that an environmental impact not mentioned are cars; people driving long distances to get to mosque. Expressed in favor of the development. She wanted to address many environmental concerns of other residents. Randy Rennaker, 379 Carl St, asked how the development will impact their homes, families, and life. Also asked if well owners are affected by water concerns, then who will pay for the wells to be prepared. Brian Robinson, 310 Main St, wanted to share his thoughts and clarify that there is only one proposed development on the lot. Environmental Board May 29, 2024 Page 3 DRAFT MINUTES Mr. Schwartz made a motion to close the public comments. Seconded by Ms. Cavegn. Motion carried 7 – 0. 4. SETTING THE AGENDA: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items Ms. Holmes made a motion to approve the May 29, 2024 agenda. Ms. Cavegn seconded. Motion carried 7 – 0. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 24, 2024 Ms. Buchmeier made a motion to approve the April 24, 2024 minutes. Ms. Nelson seconded. Motion carried 7 – 0. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Madinah Lakes PUD Concept Plan Review Mr. Nelson introduced Farraz Yussuf to present an introduction. Mr. Yussuf, Zikar Holdings, Mr. Dovolis, DJR Architecture Inc, and Mr. Johnson, Sathre Bergquist Inc, presented an overview of the project to the Board. Mr. Nelson presented his staff report. The Board discussed the recommendations with the following comments: Ms. Holmes asked if there is a different land use ordinance for mixed housing and commercial use for the lot. Mr. Grochala clarified that there is an area on the site that allows for multifamily and commercial use. It is consistent with the 2040 comprehensive plan, although it is still limited, for example, they could not put a gas station. Ms. Holmes referred to the environmental impact concerns that many residents had and was concerned that the commercial unit density is high. Ms. Nelson asked how many people would be living in the development. Mr. Grochala clarified that the city does not run population reports to show how many people would be living there. However, the average household size is 2.83. Mr. Schwartz commented on concerns about cumulative impacts that many developments have. Also, he expressed support for an Alternative Urban Environmental Board May 29, 2024 Page 4 DRAFT MINUTES Areawide Review (AUAR) to be submitted by every development in the northwest quadrant of the city and it should be a 15th recommendation. Chair Sullivan asked who completes the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). Mr. Grochala replied that the City Engineer reviews the worksheet and approves it to go out for public comment. Some EAW may develop into Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). This development is specific to an EAW. The council directed staff for a moratorium in the northwest quadrant to hold off on any projects to conduct more studies in some areas for this reason. Chair Sullivan asked if there is a map that shows water runoff from the site into Marshan Lake. Mr. Grochala replied Ditch 10-22-32 meets branch 2 to Carl St across Behm Century Farm through Molin Concrete and parallel to correctional facility crosses 35W and then meanders into Marshan Lake. Mr. Schwartz asked about recommendations 5, 8, 9, and 10 for semantic clarification. He also wanted to recommend an emphasis that the ditches running along the perimeters must be filled and mitigated in recommendation 11. He also suggested that the infrastructure plans include any recent state law changes, which would allow micro-unit dwellings on the development site. Ms. Buchmeier asked if the past recommendations for Promenade were included in these recommendations. Mr. Nelson replied yes that the previous Promenade recommendations are repeated in this project along with greenway recommendations. Ms. Holmes supported Mr. Schwartz recommendation 15 to require an AUAR. Mr. Schwartz made a motion to approve the 14 recommendations by staff, as well as the inclusion of recommendation 15 which states that an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) must be performed for the entire Northwest quadrant of Lino Lakes, an area defined as west of 4th Avenue, south of Pine Street, north of Carl Street and east of Sunset Avenue. Ms. Cavegn seconded the motion. Motion carried 7 – 0. 7. ADJOURN Ms. Holmes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Environmental Board May 29, 2024 Page 5 DRAFT MINUTES Motion was seconded by Mr. Schwartz Motion carried 7 – 0. Respectfully submitted, Dana Rozan – Office Specialist ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson MEETING DATE: July 31st, 2024 REQUEST: Discussion only TOPIC: MS4 Annual SWPPP Report and Public Comment Opportunity Background The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) general permit is mandated by federal regulations under the Clean Water Act and administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The permit allows owners of storm sewer systems to discharge stormwater into lakes, rivers, and wetlands provided certain regulatory requirements are met. The City of Lino Lakes has been operating the storm sewer systems under the MS4 permit since 2006. The City’s system includes approximately 288 storm ponds, 49.86 miles of storm sewer, and 128 outfalls into public waters. The permit requirements include the preparation of an annual Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) report. The City’s SWPPP report for 2023 activity is comprised of 6 components, referred to as Minimum Control Measures (MCMs), that provide for implementation of the permit requirements: 1. Public education and outreach to inform citizens about better stormwater management. 2. Public participation that includes citizen input in solving stormwater pollution problems, an annual report, and a required public meeting. 3. A plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the stormwater system (like chemical dumping and wastewater connections). 4. Construction-site runoff controls. 5. Post-construction runoff controls. 6. Pollution prevention and municipal “good housekeeping” measures, like covering salt piles and street-sweeping. Tom Hoffman, Engineering Technician with WSB, will provide an overview of the activities completed in 2023 at the meeting. Requested Environmental Board Direction Discussion only. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: July 31st, 2024 REQUEST: Discussion only TOPIC: Metropolitan Council Clean Water Fund Grant ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND The City of Lino Lakes has been promoting water conservation strategies in an effort to provide for reasonable use while recognizing that there is increased demand on finite water supplies. Utilizing water-saving devices is one important and effective strategy residents can utilize to reduce water consumption. The Metropolitan Council recently offered Water Efficiency Grant funds to help residents purchase United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) WaterSense certified products to enhance water conservation efforts in individual homes. Staff submitted a grant proposal for this program that has been approved for funding. The City Council approved Resolution No. 24-91, accepting the Metropolitan Council Clean Water Grant funds on July 8th, 2024. The $22,000 award must be met with a 20% match. For the program total of $27,500, the City match is $5,500. The program end date is June 30th, 2026. US EPA WaterSense products that would be eligible for rebates under this grant program include dishwashers, clothes washers, shower heads, toilets, and smart irrigation controllers. Staff is still evaluating how the rebate program would be structured, but we have had success with selling discounted smart irrigation controllers through the last Water Efficiency Grant award that the City received in 2022. One option under consideration is to provide rebates for WaterSense certified products at 80% up to a cap of $150. Including an upper limit on the rebate amount allows for a greater program impact as more water conserving devices can be purchased and installed in the City. An example of this option is provided as an attachment with hypothetical program impacts. Staff is seeking feedback from the Environmental Board on the proposed option or any adjustments staff should incorporate into the program (i.e. more device options, change to rebate cap, etc.). 2 Requested Environmental Board Direction Discussion only. ATTACHMENTS 1. 2024 Water Efficiency Grant program example 2024 Met Council Water Efficiency Grant Example Calculations 80% Rebate Up to $150 Cap option QTY Est. Cost/Unit Total Cost Rebate/Unit Total Rebate Resident Cost/Unit Total Resident Cost Irrigation Controllers 60 180.00$ 10,800.00$ 144.00$ 8,640.00$ 36.00$ 2,160.00$ Toilets 30 250.00$ 7,500.00$ 150.00$ 4,500.00$ 100.00$ 3,000.00$ Clothes Washers 30 600.00$ 18,000.00$ 150.00$ 4,500.00$ 450.00$ 13,500.00$ Dishwashers 28 500.00$ 14,000.00$ 150.00$ 4,200.00$ 350.00$ 9,800.00$ Totals:148 50,300.00$ Total Rebate 21,840.00$ Resident Total 28,460.00$ Program Impact Water Savings/Unit/Year Annual Water Savings QTY in Gallons in Gallons Irrigation Controllers 60 21,000 1,260,000 Toilets 30 13,000 390,000 Clothes Washers 30 1,800 54,000 Dishwashers 28 8,400 235,200 Total Items 148 Total Water Savings 1,939,200 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD ITEM 7A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Andy Nelson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: July 31st, 2024 REQUEST: Update only. TOPIC: Shenandoah Park Water Quality Improvements Project ______________________________________________________________________________ BACKGROUND In 2022 the City Council authorized a partnership with the Rice Creek Watershed District to identify potential water quality improvements to reduce volume and sediment/nutrient loading to Rice Lake. Rice Lake is designated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as an impaired water. The study evaluated potential improvements to Shenandoah Park. A private ditch system maintained by the City runs through the park, under Birch Street, and discharges into Rice Lake. The ditch serves as the primary stormwater outlet for the residential neighborhood extending south to Coyote Trail. Most of the park area is comprised of partially drained wetland. Staff is of the opinion that opportunity exists for a restoration project that would enhance water quality and provide an improved greenway element to the park. The City partnered with Rice Creek Watershed District to fund the final report, which was completed in December of 2022. The report included four alternatives of which two, options 3 and 4, were recommended by the Environmental Board for future consideration at the January 25th, 2023 meeting. Each of the concepts provided water quality and volume improvements, ecological restoration, and floodplain mitigation. Options for future trail connections were also evaluated. Due to the estimated cost of the projects, it was recommended that the City pursue grant funding through RCWD or other agencies. The City’s 5-year Capital Improvement Plan identified this project for implementation in 2025. The Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) has established the Watershed Based Implementation Funding (WBIF) Grant Program. The grant program allocates funding to each watershed area for allocation in a collaborative local process. City staff and RCWD have proposed the Shenandoah project for funding through this program. We are currently seeking funding that would include alternative selection and preparation of plans and specifications, estimated at $55,000. Once design is completed, the City and RCWD would pursue additional construction funding through the program. Depending on the alternative selected total project costs could range from $250,000 to $500,000. 2 REQUESTED ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD DIRECTION Update only. ATTACHMENTS 1. Shenandoah Park Concepts 2. Shenandoah Greenway Concept Shenandoah Improvements Feasibility Report City of Lino Lakes, MN WSB Project No. 018901-000 Page 8 This system is not optimized for the full benefits that the site has to offer. It does not use all the space available that the City has to work with and does not provide any improvements to the ditch system. Shenandoah Improvements Feasibility Report City of Lino Lakes, MN WSB Project No. 018901-000 Page 11 Shenandoah Improvements Feasibility Report City of Lino Lakes, MN WSB Project No. 018901-000 Page 14 Shenandoah Improvements Feasibility Report City of Lino Lakes, MN WSB Project No. 018901-000 Page 17 K: \ 0 1 8 9 0 1 - 0 0 0 \ G r a p h i c s \ 0 1 8 9 0 1 - 0 0 0 S h e n a n d o a h Shenandoah Drainage Concept Plan Lino Lakes, MN September 15, 2023 | WSB Project number: 018901-000 Scale in Feet 0’100’50’25’ ARROWHEAD DRIVE TO T E M T R A I L BIRCH STREET RICE C T HOKAH D R PROPOSED HIGH WATER LEVEL ELEVATION 891.31 WETLAND BASIN (TYP) COUNTY STORM WATER BASIN PROPOSED CHANNEL ROUTE EXISTING POND EXISTING PLAY AREA SHENANDOAH PARK IRON ENHANCED SAND FILTER TRAIL TRAIL BOARDWALK