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Home My WebLink About09-09-2024 - Council Meeting MinutesLINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES DATE: September 9, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:30 PM TIME ENDED: 7:17 PM LOCATION: City Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty, Councilmembers Ruhland and Stoesz MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmembers Cavegn and Lyden Staff Members Present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton, City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Public Safety Director John Swenson, Deputy Public Safety Director/Police Kyle Leibel, Community Development Director Michael Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, and Human Resources/Communications Manager Meg Sawyer. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:30 PM. Mayor Rafferty provided an overview of the Rules of Decorum. The City Administrator announced that due to a limited number of Councilmembers present this evening, the Council determined at the Work Session held earlier this evening not to consider the Work Session Agenda Item, "Complaint Re: Email Sent by City Councilmember". PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Rafferty opened the public comment period at 6:35 p.m. Salat Tuke, 14171 Drake Street NW, stated that while he was here to talk about the Complaint Re: Email Sent to City Councilmember, he is not here to ask for the City Councilmembers resignation. He instead asks that the City Council be fair and represent everyone. He proposed a challenge to take a break from hate for 24 hours, starting tonight. Setting aside any letters that are negative and encourage attendees this evening to say something positive about the City Council and Zikar Holdings representatives. Mr. Tuke thanked everyone who participated in the recent clean-up event in Lino Lakes, Jaylani Hussein, CAIR-MN Executive Director, 1821 University Avenue, St. Paul, said that there has been a lot said about him, partially because of what he stands up for. He stated that Islamophobia is a real thing with real impacts. He doesn't believe that things happen by accident. He stated that Councilmember Lyden's email checks every box about Islamophobia. He is disappointed in the response by the Council to this. He questioned what the response by the Council would have been to a similar message about another group. He stated that tonight he continues to make a call for Councilmember Lyden to resign. Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, read the minutes from the Rice Creek Watershed District meeting held on August 28, 2024. Focusing on the discussion with Chris Stowe of 426 Pine Street regarding the water issues on and near his property created by Anoka County Ditch Lino Lakes City Council Minutes 10-22-32, which is a combination of three ditches. He was reported as having noted the issues he was having since the district lowered the ditch in Columbus. The district recognized they oversaw the ditch and that they have been discussing it with the DNR. The district stated that they would be meeting with Mr. Stowe. Chris Stowe, 426 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, reported that the Rice Creek Watershed President has said that the ditch near his home is a mess. He said that now as he reviews the City of Lino Lakes plans to budget for water and sewer extensions for new development, he questions why when there is already an issue. He said that the sod farm property owners, that are looking to sell to the Madinah Lakes and Pulte Development, can sell their land as currently zoned, but the zoning should not be changed to allow for residential and commercial development as proposed. He stated that the Council is on notice that the stormwater system will have worsened issues if additional development is permitted through re -zoning the property. Luke Walter, Love Lino Lakes Group Representative, 7800 Maryland Drive, Lino Lakes, stated that hate has no place, whether that's in the form of an email or a developer recorded admitting that he was marketing his homes to a specific religious group that don't want to live amongst people that don't look, talk or pray like them. A phobia is an extreme or irrational fear of something. He asked if CAIR-MN would condemn Zikar Holdings. He stated that the Love Lino Lakes group is against segregation. They want mixed neighborhoods, and they welcome anyone in any religious building in Lino Lakes. Scott Jenkins, 420 Asbury Street, St. Paul, provided an overview of his personal background. He stated that he is in favor of the Madinah Lakes development. He said that he struggles with the hate and oppression of groups in society. Angella Coil, 7672 Sunset Avenue, Lino Lakes, said that she just wanted to thank the council members who have taken a stand against all of the false accusations, the name calling and the overall bad behavior. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to bullies. As a Lino Lakes resident she is grateful to have council members who defend our city, she asked that they please not back down or give in to the threats and continue to stand strong. She stated that many people don't realize serving on City Council is a part-time job on top of your full-time positions elsewhere. She said the last few months have required the council to put in full-time hours reading and responding to emails, taking hundreds of phone calls and conducting due diligence. She said she is sure the Council doesn't hear thank you often enough. Cole Ford, 6401 Hodgson Road, Lino Lakes, stated that his property backs up to Hodgson Lake. He stated that his home is set close to the lake, unlike his neighbors who have their homes set away from the lake. He stated that he would like to build a shed but does not meet the set -back requirements. He asked what steps were needed to seek a variance. Mayor Rafferty said that his request for information has been noted and staff will contact him. Jon Hermann, 7859 Lois Lane, Lino Lakes, stated that his comments are regarding Councilmember Lyden's email response. He said that he has read both the original email sent to Councilmember Lyden and Councilmember Lyden's response. He questioned why Councilmember Lyden was sent the email or why he responded. However, to the question of Page 2 of 5 Lino Lakes City Council Minutes whether Councilmember Lyden is anti -Muslim, he does not believe so, as he has stated that his opposition is to CAIR-MN. The City Administrator announced that concludes the list of people present at this time, who requested to speak at public comment. Motion to close the public comment period at 6:59 p.m. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Ruhland SECONDER: Stoesz AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz SETTING THE AGENDA Motion to amend the agenda to include Item 8A, Professional Services Agreement with Citygate. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz PROCLAMATION Mayor Rafferty proclaimed the week of September 17 through 23 as Constitution Week and urged all citizens to study the Constitution and reflect on the privilege of being an American with all the rights and responsibilities which that privilege involves. 1. CONSENT AGENDA Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items #1A through 1K as presented and to adopt Item 1L as amended to change the individual assessment amounts from $165 to $205 for a total of $615. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz 2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT No Report 3. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Item 3A, Appointment of Police Sergeant Page 3 of 5 Lino Lakes City Council Minutes Motion to Approve the Promotion of Katie Kraemer to the position of Police Sergeant. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz 4. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT No Report 5. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT No Report 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT Item 6A, Watermark 8th Addition The City Planner provided a PowerPoint presentation overviewing the Watermark 81h Addition project and current planning -related items for action this evening, Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 24-115, Approving Watermark 8th Addition, PUD Final Plan/Final Plat, RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 24-116 Approving Watermark 8th Addition Development Agreement and Planned Unit Development Agreement. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 24-117, Resolution Approving Watermark 8th Addition Open Space Easement Agreement, RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz Page 4 of 5 Lino Lakes City Council Minutes 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 8. NEW BUSINESS Item 8A, Professional Services Agreement with Citygate. Mayor Rafferty stated that this item had been tabled at his request at a prior meeting, and since that time he has had an opportunity to review the contract further. He reported that Councilmembers Cavegn and Ruhland served on the task force that went through the RFP process. He stated that both police and fire services are included in the professional services agreement scope of work. Motion to approve the professional services agreement with Citygate, with the amendment that the City Administrator be the point person named in the contract. RESULT: CARRIED [3-0] MOVER: Stoesz SECONDER: Ruhland AYES: Rafferty, Ruhland and Stoesz 9. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS Item 9A, Community Calendar: A Look Ahead Planning & Zoning Board Meeting, September 11th at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Absentee Voting for the November 5th General Election, begins Friday, September 20th. Visit the Secretary of State's website to request to have a ballot mailed. In -person absentee ballots will be available at City Hall during the absentee voting period. III. City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting, September 23,d at 6:00 PM at City Hall. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m. These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on September 23, 2024. x ; Roberta Colotti, CIVIC Rob R fferty, City Clerk Mayor�� Page 5 of 5