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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240828 Environmental Board MinutesEnvironmental Board August 28, 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 Wednesday August 28, 2024. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENT (sign in prior to start of meeting per Rules of Decorum) Luke Walter, 7800 Marilyn Drive, wanted to talk about the Love Lino Lakes Facebook group. He wanted to advocate for the group during a time of large developments being proposed. Carol Featherstone, 631 Andall Street, want to talk about the proposed Nature’s Refuge North development. She wanted to express approval of the new project, but she did not approve of the proposed Street C Road because it will have to cut down about 81 trees. Also, she wanted to emphasize the importance of preserving the older trees. Lori Anderson, 551 Andall Street, wanted to express that she is also opposed to the proposed Street C Road on Nature’s Refuge North project. She also bought attention that there are no parks, sidewalks, or shoulders in the area, so a new road will create traffic and eliminate wildlife. Raoul Anderson, 551 Andall Street, wanted to express that he agreed with the two previous speakers, and that he was also opposed to the proposed Street C Road. He DATE: August 28, 2024 TIME STARTED: 6:30 p.m. TIME ENDED: 8:46 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: John Sullivan, Shawn Holmes Julia Nelson, Alex Schwartz Lindsay Buchmeier, Jonathan Parsons MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Dana Rozan Environmental Board August 28, 2024 Page 2 DRAFT MINUTES explained that the environment and the residents have evolved and taken a liking to the wildlife in the location of the proposed road. 4. SETTING THE AGENDA: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items The agenda was approved as presented. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 31, 2024 Ms. Holmes made a motion to approve the July 31, 2024 minutes. Mr. Schwartz seconded. Motion carried 6 – 0. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Slater Addition Preliminary Plat Review Mr. Grochala presented the staff report. The applicant, Boulder Contracting, submitted a land use application for preliminary plat for Slater Addition located at 7869 Meadow View Trail. The applicant proposed to subdivide the existing parcel into three single family lots for the purpose of constructing two new single-family homes. Chair Sullivan asked for clarification that if there are trees in the Basic Use Area, then no replacement trees are needed. Mr. Grochala agreed that is correct. The Board discussed where the two mitigation trees should be located. Mr. Schwartz suggested to require at least one of the mitigation trees to be located on Lot 2. The Board agreed to make an edit to recommendation number five to include that at least one of the required mitigation trees should go on Lot 2, Block 1. Mr. Schwartz made a motion to approve the recommendations by staff, including the addition to recommendation five to require at least one mitigation be located on Lot 2. Ms. Nelson seconded. Motion carried 6 – 0. B. Natures Refuge Concept Plan Review Environmental Board August 28, 2024 Page 3 DRAFT MINUTES Mr. Grochala presented the staff report. Natures Refuge North is a proposed residential subdivision on approximately 59 acres located north of the Natures Refuge development on Main Street. M/I Homes refocused design efforts on minimizing impacts. The revised concept plan prioritizes open space preservation, minimizes the development footprint and results in a substantial reduction in tree removal. Mr. Grochala wanted to point out that Street C will be evaluated through a traffic study. The Board discussed the proposed development. Chair Sullivan expressed concern for the number of trees that would be removed for the road going south to north, from the current development into the new one. Mr. Schwartz asked if it is possible to preserve the right of way as an unofficial outlet into the street. Mr. Grochala stated that the board could make that recommendation noting that the city would possibly put up a sign for a future road. Mr. Parsons asked for clarification on who would pay for the 3 trees planted per lot. Mr. Grochala clarified that is a responsibility of the developer. Ms. Holmes recommended that a tree management plan should be included since there are many trees being preserved. Mr. Grochala said that would be something they can continue to discuss with the developer. Mr. Schwartz recommended to require the open space areas should remain in the ownership of the HOA with a Conservation Easement granted to the city rather than as a deed. The Board agreed to add that as a recommendation number 12. The Board also agreed to add a recommendation number 13, which states that the street right of way (Street C Road) be dedicated to preserve the corridor for future use, if necessary, but don’t construct the street with the development. The Board also made an addition to recommendation number 11, which states that the street location entering the site should be shifted to minimize tree impact if possible. Environmental Board August 28, 2024 Page 4 DRAFT MINUTES Ms. Holmes made a motion to approve the 13 recommendations along with the additions to recommendation 11. Ms. Buchmeier seconded. Motion carried 6 – 0. 7. DISCUSSION A. Main Street Corridor Master Plan Public Engagement Process The city would like to seek assistance from the advisory boards with the planning process regarding the moratorium on residential development around the Main Street corridor between Sunset and 4th Avenue, specifically in community engagement. Chair Sullivan suggested that the most reliable source to spread the word is the Quad Newspaper. Mr. Schwartz also suggested social media outlets would work since residents would not have to subscribe to a certain newspaper. He also mentioned an interactive map in some way where people can comment and view each other’s comments. Mr. Grochala mentioned some ideas are public comment period at board meetings, as well as open houses for residents have a chance to ask questions. The Board discussed the process of a master plan and Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR). Chair Sullivan suggested a board where residents can go and write the questions that they have. Mr. Schwartz also suggested that the city produces a video where staff answers the questions of residents. Ms. Holmes also suggested creating a page on the city website where residents can ask their questions and staff can respond. B. Environmental Coordinator and Recycling Intern Vacancy Updates Mr. Grochala updated the Board that they city has hired a recycling intern, who will start Thursday August 29. Also, there were about 30 candidates who applied for the Environmental Coordinator position and second interviews will be later in September. C. Wilkinson Waters Concept Plan (verbal update) Mr. Grochala introduced the Wilkinson Waters Concept Plan, which is a proposed mix- use development. This will be discussed at the Environmental Board meeting in September. Environmental Board August 28, 2024 Page 5 DRAFT MINUTES 8. ADJOURN Ms. Holmes made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Motion was seconded by Mr. Schwartz. Motion carried 6 – 0. Respectfully submitted, Dana Rozan – Office Specialist