HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-12-25 - Council Meeting MinutesLINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
DATE:
May 12, 2025
TIME STARTED:
6:30 PM
TIME ENDED:
8:03 PM
LOCATION:
City Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mayor Rafferty, Councilmembers Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland
and Stoesz
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
Staff Members Present: Interim City Administrator Dave Pecchia, City Clerk Roberta Colotti,
Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer, Community Development
Director Michael Grochala, City Engineer Diane Hankee, Public Works Superintendent Justin
Williams, Chief of Police Curt Boehme, and Fire Chief Dan L'Allier.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rafferty at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Rafferty provided an overview of the Rules of Decorum.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Rafferty opened the public comment period at 6:32 p.m.
The City Clerk reported that written comments had been submitted by 14 residents regarding
the M/I Homes of Minneapolis, LLC and the proposed Nature's Refuge North (Phase II) housing
development consisting of approximately 93 homes. They stated that they are residents of Phase
I of the Nature's Refuge development, consisting of approximately 60 homes. They are concerned
about the increase in automobile traffic, particularly as it relates to access and traffic safety on
Haywood Drive. They requested the City Council require that Stret B become a second fully
accessible public entrance and exit for the Phase II development vs. being designated as an
emergency vehicle only street.
The City Clerk stated that there was a second letter submitted for public comment this evening.
The letter was from Catherine Decker, 614 Pine Street, Lino Lakes. She reported that her property
borders the northern side of the proposed Natures Refuge North Development. She expressed
her strong opposition to the rezoning request from Rural Executive (R-X) to Planned Unit
Development (PUD) with 1/3-acre parcels as it is currently proposed. She stated that Pine Street
and the Arena Acres neighborhood to the southwest are characterized by larger and 10-acre
minimum lots creating a rural environment that many value deeply. She stated that several of
her neighbors on Pine Street keep horses, and Arean Acres itself is so -named after the 30,000
square -foot horse riding arena, a landmark that highlights the rural, agrarian nature of the
community. The proposed dense, small -lot development completely undermines the established
rural charter. She described the wildlife that inhabits the area. In conclusion she urged the City
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
Council to stop prioritizing development for revenue's sake and to instead consider the long-term
consequences of altering the rural landscape, culture, reputation and competitive advantage of
Lino Lakes. A zoning change to at least 1-acre lots is far more responsible, sustainable approach
that would allow us to grow while still preserving the open spaces, wildlife and natural beauty
that makes Lino Lakes a place worth living.
Scott Featherstone, 631 Andall Street, Lino Lakes, requested that the City limit the new road
connecting Natures Refuge North to the existing Andall Street development to emergency
vehicles only. He referenced that the Planning and Zoning Board and Environmental Board both
supported an emergency vehicle only restriction. He noted that in the future if the residents of
the new development wanted to open the access up to traffic the Council could consider that at
that time as it is easier to increase access then to limit it.
Chris Stowe, 426 Pine Street, Lino Lakes, spoke about Natures Refuge Development. He stated
that in the letter from Catherine Decker she referenced Arena Acres development, and he owns
a horse -riding facility in the area. He stated that the City has the road blocked off by his property
with a sign that says, "No Through Traffic". He stated that he has hundreds of cars, during rush
hour, speeding past his property. He also questioned the enforcement of the overnight parking
ordinance. He said that he has requested in the past to have the speed limit reduced and to post
a caution sign alerting drivers to the horse riding in the area.
Mr. Stowe stated that regarding the Natures Refuge Development the total land available is less
due to the utility lines in the area. He recommended a lower density development, like the
development to the south of the project area. He stated that the planned density will result in
excess traffic for the existing residential areas of the Pine Street and Area Acres.
Mr. Stowe stated that the other concern this evening is that he is still getting flooded. He spoke
with the Rice Creek Watershed District representatives, and they are blaming the issue with the
culverts on the City.
Mr. Stowe stated that he had recommended the City move from a Public Safety Department to
a Police and Fire Department, yet the City hired a consultant to tell them the same thing. He
stated that he supports the police and fire department but wants to see the City plan things out
better to save taxpayer money.
Lou Jungbauer, 679 Andall Street, Lino Lakes, reported that one of the property owners on Andall
Street is located so the traffic lights would shine on his home if the connection to the new
development is made. He questioned if the developer had considered alternatives for emergency
access from the proposed road development.
It was noted by the City Clerk that Matt M. signed up to speak but was no longer present.
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
Motion to close the public comment period at 6:49 p.m.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Stoesz
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
SETTING THE AGENDA
The Community Development Department requested to move Item 6E "Lino Lakes Main Street
AUAR Distribution" ahead of Item 6D "Consider Resolution No. 25-62, Approving Joint Powers
Agreement with Anoka County for the 1-35E/County Road J Interchange Improvements".
Motion to approve the agenda as amended to move Item 6E before Item 6D.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Stoesz
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
Motion to waive full reading of Ordinance No. 06-25 Repealing City Code Chapter 208: Public
Safety.
RESULT: CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER: Ruhland
SECONDER: Cavegn
AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS.___— --- None -- -- ----- ---- -
Motion to provide first reading of Ordinance No. 06-25 Repealing City Code Chapter 208: Public
Safety.
RESULT: CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER: Ruhland
SECONDER: Cavegn
AYES: Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS: None
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
Motion to Dispense with the Full Reading of Ordinance No. 07-25 Providing for a Police
Department.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Lyden
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
Motion to provide first reading of Ordinance No. 07-25 Providing for a Police Department.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Lyden
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
Motion to Dispense with the Full Reading of Ordinance No. 08-25 Providing for a Fire
Department.
RESULT:
MOVER:
SECONDER:
AYES:
NAYS:
CARRIED [5-0] -- -— -_- -- ---
Ruhland
Cavegn
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
None
Motion to provide first reading of Ordinance No. 08-25 Providing for a Fire Department.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Ruhland
SECONDER:
Lyden
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
Motion to approve the promotion of Curt Boehme to the position of Chief of Police within the
Police Department, at Step 10 of the Chief of Police wage scale, effective May 12, 2025.
RESULT: -
_ -CARRIED [5-0] - - -- - -----
MOVER:
Ruhland
SECONDER:
Cavegn
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
Mayor Rafferty administered the Oath of Office for Chief of Police Curt Boehme.
Motion to approve the promotion of Dan L'Allier to the position of Fire Chief within the Fire
Department, at Step 8 of the Fire Chief wage scale, effective May 12, 2025.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Lyden
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
Mayor Rafferty administered the Oath of Office for Fire Chief Dan L'Allier.
1. CONSENT AGENDA
Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Items 1A through 1G as presented.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
2. FINANCE DEPARTMENT REPORT
None
3. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT
A. Restructuring of Police Department
Motion to Approve the restructuring of the Police Department and eliminating the
positions of Deputy Director of Police and Police Captain.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
B. Consider Appointment of Part -Time Firefighter
Motion to Approve the appointment of Benjamin Miller to the Part -Time Firefighter
position, at Step 1 of the Part-Tiem Firefighter wage scale, with a start date of May 19,
2025.
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
C. Consider Appointment of Police Officer
Motion to Approve the appointment of Kayla McKinney to the Police Officer position,
at Step 1 of the Police Officer wage scale, with a start date following her POST
licensure.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
4. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT REPORT
None
5. PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPORT
A. Resolution No. 25-59 Replacement of 2004 Olympian 30kW Generator— Lift
Station 53 Backup Power
Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 25-59, Replacement of 2004 Olympian 30kW
Generator— Lift Station 53 Backup Power
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Ruhland
SECONDER:
Cavegn
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT
A. Natures Refuge North
Motion to Dispense with the Full Reading of Ordinance No. 09-25, Rezoning Certain
Real Property from R-X, Rural Executive to PUD, Planned Unit Development.
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
Motion to provide first reading of Ordinance No. 09-25, Rezoning Certain Real
Property from R-X, Rural Executive to PUD, Planned Unit Development.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Stoesz
SECONDER:
Cavegn
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoes;
NAYS:
None
The Community Development Director provided an overview of the project and noted
changes to the draft resolution as presented for consideration this evening.
Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 25-61, Approving Preliminary Plan and Preliminary
Plat for Natures Refuge North, with the amendments noted by staff and the
requirement that the Andall Street connection be limited to emergency vehicle use
only.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Lyden
SECONDER:
Ruhland
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
B. Resolution No. 25-60, Approve Change Order No. 1, 2025 Street Rehabilitation
Project
Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 25-60, Approve Change Order No. 1,for 2025 Street
Rehabilitation Project.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Lyden
SECONDER:
Cavegn
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
C. Resolution No. 25-57, Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specs, Andall Street
Culvert Project
Motion to Adopt
Resolution No. 25-57, Authorize the Preparation of Plans and Specs,
Andall Street Culvert Project
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Cavegn
SECONDER:
Stoesz
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
D. Lino Lakes Main Street AUAR Distribution
Leila Bunge, from Kimley Horn, provided an overview of the draft Alternative Urban
Areawide Review (AUAR), schedule and process for receiving public comments. On April
14, 2025 the City Council ordered preparation of the AUAR. The draft document is being
prepared for submittal to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for publication. This
will start a 30-day comment period.
E. Resolution No. 25-62, Approving Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka County for
the 1-35E/County Road J Interchange Improvements
Motion to Resolution No. 25-62, Approving Joint Powers Agreement with Anoka
County for the I-35E/County Road J Interchange Improvements.
RESULT:
CARRIED [5-0]
MOVER:
Ruhland
SECONDER:
Cavegn
AYES:
Rafferty, Cavegn, Lyden, Ruhland and Stoesz
NAYS:
None
7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
None
9. NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. City Council Closed Meeting, Wednesday, May 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the Community
Room
B. City Council Special Work Session, Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the
Community Room.
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Lino Lakes City Council Minutes
C. Planning and Zoning Board Meeting, Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the
Council Chambers.
D. City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 26th for the Memorial Day holiday.
E. The May 26th City Council Meeting has been moved to Tuesday, May 27th.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the City Council Meeting on May 27, 2025.
4:�� 0 -1 , il--
Roberta Colotti, CIVIC R R erty,
City Clerk Ma r
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