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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/12/2025 P & Z Minutes CITY OF LINO LAKES PLANNING &ZONINGBOARD MINUTES DATE: November 12, 2025 TIME STARTED: 6:30 P.M. TIME ENDED: 10:14 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT:Isaac Wipperfurth, Nathan Vojtech, Neil Evenson Michael Root, Suzy Guthmueller, Perry Laden, Patrick Kohler MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Michael Grochala, Katie Larsen, Diane Hankee, Jessica Eller, Marissa Ertel 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Root called the Lino Lakes Planning & Zoning Board meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. onNovember 12, 2025. 2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3.PUBLIC COMMENT Chair Root declared public comment open at 6:34 p.m. Diane Barber, 8031 Danube Street NE, spoke on traffic. Ms. Barber had worries that potentiallyincreased traffic on Danube would be dangerous for children. Stephanie Falkers, 154 Pine Street, spoke on the concept plan. Ms. Falkers lives on the border of the Del Webb-Pulte Homes and wanted to make sure the value of the property is taken in mind. Julie Schwartz, 2140 Otter Lake Drive, spoke on the Del Webb – Pulte Homes concept plan. Ms. Schwartz hopes their properties willbe taken into consideration with this concept plan tomake sure property value is considered. Ms. Schwartz had concerns about density. Ms. Schwartz had hoped the city would have reached out to have them be in talks regarding development. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 2 Angela Coil, 7672 Sunset Avenue, spoke on overall city planning. Ms. Coil believes the City should market luxury homes. Ms. Coil stated that residents do not want high density,and the City should marketmore retail. Chris Stowe, 416 Pine Street, had concerns regarding water. Mr. Stowe is concerned about flooding along Pine Street. Mr. Stowe believes the pipes need to be lowered and flow south. Mr. Vojtech motioned to close public comment at 6:46 p.m. Motion was seconded by Mr.Kohler. Motion carried 7-0. 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was approved as presented. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Vojtechmoved to approve the September 10, 2025 and October 8, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 7 – 0. 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Continued Public Hearing: Peltier Ponds Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, PUD Preliminary Plan and Preliminary Plat The applicant, U.S. Home, LLC (aka Lennar), is proposing a master planned residential development located west of CSAH 54 (20th Ave N) across from Watermark, east of Peltier Lake, and north of the City of Centerville border. The development contains four (4) parcels totaling approximately 125 gross acres and 246 housing units. The proposed development is called Peltier Ponds. The Planning & Zoning Board held a public hearing on July 9, 2025 and recommended continuing the public hearing to allow the applicant time to provide additional information. The Board continued the public hearing again on August 13, 2025, September 10, 2025 and October 8, 2025. The applicant submitted revised PUD Preliminary Plans/Preliminary Plat on November 3, 2025. Mr. Evenson moved to continue the public hearing to the next Planning and Zoning meeting to allow the developer time to address staff concerns. Motion seconded by Mr. Laden. Motion carried 7-0. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 3 B.Public Hearing: Main Street Master Plan Comprehensive Plan Amendment Kendra Lindahl presented the staff report. The City of Lino Lakes has initiated a Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) to implement the adopted Main Street Master Plan that was completed as part of an Alternative Urban Area Review (AUAR) process in the northwest corner of Lino Lakes. The CPA area totals approximately 934 acres of land. The City of Lino Lakes is proposing amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan to implement the Main Street Master Plan. The Main Street Master Plan project area is guided appropriately for the planned development and that the utility staging plan reflects the master plan staging. Mr. Root had questions about the figures being changed. Specifically, 3-3. Mr. Grochala stated he would get back to that for Mr. Root. Mr. Root spoke on changes regarding the densities; Mr. Root asked if the text be changed as well to reflect the density. Ms. Lindahl stated that the language will be reviewed by the City Council and the Metropolitan Council. The language will not need to change, since this language will be included in the Master Plan, which will be included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Vojtech wanted to understand why the acreage changed. Mr. Grochala stated it was just shifting acreage to fit with what the requirements from Metropolitan Council. The public hearing was opened at 7:01 p.m. Chris Stowe, 416 Pine Street, wanted to look at the map and believes it does not match what was proposed. Mr. Stowe is worried about flooding and the speed of development. Stephanie Falkers, 154 Pine Street, believes there are inconsistencies in the utility staging map. Ms. Falkers understands there are Metropolitan Council requirements that need to be met. Ms. Falkers wanted to address the utility staging for the area. Julie Schwartz, 2140 Otter Lake Road, agreed with Ms. Falkers. Ms. Schwartz wants the properties to be moved into similar utility staging. Angela Coil, 7672 Sunset Avenue, stated the residents do not want high density. Ms. Coil believes the City should require high-density to be near the highway. Ms. Coil stated again that the City should market to luxury home developments. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 4 The public hearing was closed at 7:11p.m.Moved by Evenson, seconded by Vojtech. Mr. Root addressed the drainage issues in the northwest quadrant. Mr. Grochala stated that the drainage goes through 10-22-32, built to drain agricultural land. When development happens, the drainage will be addressed. The watershed district currently does not have concerns about that area. The City is having conversations with the watershed district. Mr. Root wanted to address the density concerns, how new development impacts taxes, and public transportation. Mr. Grochala stated we did not change the density to the area with the master plan, rather just moved the density around, like moving the high density towards the border with Blaine. Mr. Grochala stated that we do not have the density to justify having public transit. Mr. Grochala explained that there is not an economic study done with each development regarding taxes. Mr. Grochala stated that rooftops generate commercial coming in and would generate revenue. Mr. Grochala stated that having a diverse tax base would make it so that we do not rely on one tax base. The City does not go out and look for developers; we have statutes to meet through the state. The City cannot dictate what is built, only that the proposals that come in meet City requirements set by the City Council. Mr. Root asked what would happen if the City were to opt out of the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Grochala stated Ham Lake does not have sanitary sewer. Lino Lakes has sanitary sewer which services our commercial and industrial districts. The City is required to be in conformance with the Metropolitan Council since we do utilize sanitary sewer. Mr. Root wanted to address the phase changes, specifically the utility phasing. Mr. Grochala stated that only one property was changed into a different phasing district. This is not to say that it cannot change moving forward. Mr. Root wanted to know what property owners that want their utility staging to be moved up can do. Mr. Grochala stated that property owners who want to be moved up need to speak with the City. Mr. Wipperfurth wanted to address the watershed district issues and what the City can do. Mr. Grochala stated the City has reached out to the watershed district, and that the watershed district has stated they do not see an issue. The City is having additional meetings with the watershed district and additional studies are being considered. The City is replacing the Andall Street culvert. Mr. Grochala stated that ditch law is complicated and is created by the state. Mr. Wipperfurth wondered if the watershed is waiting for development before addressing issues in the area. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 5 Mr. Wipperfurth asked when the City willstart to work on the 2050 Master Plan and if that would be the time for resident concerns. Mr. Grochala stated that the process will start in mid-2026 and needs to be completed by 2028. Mr. Ladenmotioned to approve the Main Street Master Plan Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Motion seconded by Mr. Evenson. Motion carried 7-0. C. Public Hearing: Waldoch Farm Agritourism Conditional Use Permit Amendment Ms. Larsen presented the staff report. The applicant, Waldoch Farm, submitted a land use application for Waldoch Farm Agritourism. A conditional use permit is required for agritourism. The property address is 8174 Lake Drive. Mr. Wipperfurth had questions regarding parking and if there would be a parking setback. Ms. Larsen stated that the applicant will have to meet City requirements regarding parking. Mr. Kohler wanted to know who would oversee traffic control and who would pay the police department. Ms. Larsen stated that the farm would be responsible for paying for police time if this became necessary. Mr. Root wanted clarification regarding the uses in the applicant narrative. Jeff Joyer, 8174 Lake Drive, the applicant was available for questions. Mr. Joyer stated that since the application was completed,they had a neighborhood meeting with question-and-answersection. Mr. Joyer stated that most residents who attended the meeting stated that they wanted to make sure the farm did not go anywhere, that is not to say that there are no people who don’t want them there. Mr. Joyer wants to preserve the farm and continue to educate future generations on farming. Mr. Joyer wants to know what public concerns would be. Mr. Vojtech wanted to confirm that the gate to Elbe Street would not be opened for any reason other than emergency access. Mr. Joyer confirmed that there are no plans to use Elbe Street for anything other than emergency services. st and Elbe Mr. Vojtech had questions about whether there have been issues with 81 Street. Mr. Joyer stated that there has not been. Mr. Vojtech also wanted to know about the parking lot setbacks and how that is enforced. Mr. Joyer stated that there is a fence in place. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 6 Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know what a corn box is. Mr. Joyer stated that it would be a sandbox with corn instead of sand. Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know what they would use the commercialkitchen for. Mr. Joyer stated it would be items that they make using their crops including sour krautand salsa, with hopes to expand the menu of items provided. Mr. Root stated that the farm is an asset to the City and appreciates that a neighborhood meeting was held. The public hearing was opened at 8:08 p.m. stst Street, states the applicant has a gate on 81 Street where the James Carr, 954 81 st future parking is located. Mr. Carr would like to know why he does not have 81Street gate listed. Mr. Carr would like the gates to be removed from their neighborhood. st Street. Diane Barber, 8031 Danube Street, spoke on the two openings on Elbe and 81 Ms. Barber wants a definition of an emergency and when the gates would be opened by the police. st Street, worries about the children playing on the streets. Ms. Julie Pearson, 945 81 Pearson stated that once lights went in and people started speeding. Ms. Pearson stated that the applicants have opened gates before. Ms. Pearson reiterated her worries for the kids since there are no parks or sidewalks. Tere O’Connell, 1000 Main Street, has been going to Waldoch’s for years. The farm is a treasure and is a business that started without taxpayer dollars. Ms O’Connell hopes we can figure out parking. Matt Gilbertson, 154 Pine Street, spoke in favor of permit. Mr. Gilbertson stated that his family loves going to the farm. Mr. Gilbertson encouraged others in the community to visit the farm. Mr. Gilbertson believes we need to study drainage and parking. Chris Stowe, 426 Pine Street, spoke on conditional use permits and his worries about the City. Mr. Vojtech motioned to close the public hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kohler. Motion carried 7-0. Mr. Root wanted to address public concerns regarding the gates on the property at Elbe st Street. Mr. Wipperfurth stated that a recommendation should be not Street and 81 st using the gate at 81 Street along with the Elbe Street gate. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 7 Mr. Root wanted to address the concerns regarding the parking lot. Ms. Hankee stated that they do have stormwatermanagement in place. Mr. Joyer addressed the board regarding the overflow parking area. The overflow lot is also used for ponies on siteandused for agriculture.Mr. Joyer stated that the overflow lot is really used about six weekends a year in the fall. Mr. Joyer addressed the drainage issues and stated he has not witnessed oil in the overflow lot himself. Mr. Laden wanted to address the future parking area. Mr. Joyer stated that there are st Street gate would not be an currently pine trees that are falling over. The use of 81 issue since they do not plan to use it. Mr. Kohler asked if there would be potential for them to add a driveway along 14. Mr. Joyer stated that the street would go over wetlands and would not be viable. Mr. Joyer stated it would be easier to manage one entrance and train the public to use one entrance. Unless Lake Drive were to be closed again,they would not consider using another entry point. Mr. Wipperfurth stated that the Christmas Tree Farm was a conditional use permit. Mr. Wipperfurth had questions about the Conditional Use Permit and if there was a way to limit the scope to normal business hours. Mr. Wipperfurth motioned to approve the Conditional Use Permit for agritourism with the staff recommendations and board recommendations including language to stop st drivers going through Elbe and 81Streetand staff looking into hours of operation, language that the public safety department are the ones to determine when the emergency access would be used, tohave signage regarding special eventsand that Lake Drive only accessto the site for visitors. Motion seconded by Mr. Evenson. Motion carried 7-0. D.Del Webb-Pulte Homes PUD Concept Plan The applicant, Pulte Homes of MN LLC, is proposing a master planned development in the northwest area of the City. It is located north of Main Street (CSAH 14), northeast of Sunset Ave NE (CR 53), and south of Pine Street. The development contains approximately 260 gross acres and consists of a mix of 735 residential housing units. The proposed development will be referred to as Del Webb-Pulte Homes. The proposal consists of three (3) different development areas. The Del Webb neighborhood is in the northwest area of the site. The Pulte Homes neighborhood is in the southeast area of the site. A future Planned Residential/Commercial area is in the southwest area of the site. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 8 Paul Heuer with Pulte Homes presented along with Ms. Larsen. Mr. Wipperfurth wanted to know if the streets were private or public. Mr. Heuer clarified that the townhome streets are private. Mr. Kohler wanted to know if the other Del Webb locations were sold out in the state. Mr. Heuer stated that they are sold out in both locations. Mr. Evenson stated that the applicant did a great job matching the Master Plan and would be in favor of the garage size flexibility in the Del Webb portion of the development. Mr. Evenson wondered if the thirty percent open space was a large amount. Mr. Kohler would be in favor of the flexibility the developer was asking for. Mr. Wipperfurth had questions about the Pulte Homes R-2 zoning and whether they are hitting the lot size requirement. Mr. Wipperfurth believes that this is changed from the Master Plan regarding where the density is placed. Mr. Wipperfurth is in favor of wider single-family lots. Mr. Wipperfurth had questions about where streets will be stubbed. Mr. Wipperfurth also spoke about the trails and wants the trail to extend to the park. Mr. Wipperfurth wants to see the trail put in before the road connection. Mr. Vojtech would not be in favor of the smaller lot sizes for the single-family homes. Mr. Vojtech also is not in favor of the smaller lot sizes for the Del Webb neighborhood. Mr. Vojtech wanted to know if other cities approved of the smaller lot sizes. Mr. Heuer stated that Chaska and Corcoran both approved them for their Del Webb neighborhoods. Mr. Evenson liked the arterial streets leading to the parks. Mr. Laden agrees with Ms. Larsen’s comments in the staff report. Mr. Laden thinks we should consider what future development will look like, especially regarding the potential future connection to Pine Street. Mr. Laden thinks the cul-de-sacs should be shortened and provide premium lots. Mr. Laden does not like the idea of a 55+ only neighborhood. Mr. Laden also does not like the idea of a gated community that is not actually gated. Mr. Laden would like to see more open spaces along the public facing spaces. Mr. Laden believes if we have smaller garages they should have more house frontage. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 9 Ms. Guthmueller had questions regarding the missing space at the top of the concept plan. Ms. Larsen stated that those lots are currently owned by different property owners and currently have homes on them. Ms. Guthmueller agreed on house frontage in regard tothe garage size. Mr. Vojtech had questions about the open water space in the Pulte Home portion. Mr. Heuer stated that this would not be used for recreation. Mr. Root had comments about the corridors and the green space. Mr. Wipperfurth wondered if the green spaces were a public benefit. Mr. Wipperfurth thinks the public benefit would only be allowing for different housing options. Mr. Root wanted to know how realistic the yield plan is. Mr. Heuer stated they would much rather build the PUD Plan, if they did not use the PUD plan, they would not be able to provide what the market is looking for. Mr. Root had concerns about the five-foot setbacks. Mr. Heuer stated that this is becoming more common with the market and they have not had issues with this. Mr. Root worries that if we allow the smaller lots in the Del Webb neighborhood that we would be setting a precedent for future developments. Mr. Root wanted to make sure the Board comments were listed out regarding pocket parks, the cul-de-sacs, and connector streets. E. Lake Amelia Woods Final Plat Ms. Larsen presented the staff report. The applicant, TJB Homes, Inc, submitted a land use application for Lake Amelia Woods Second Addition final plat. This is a replat and easement dedication of the existing four (4) lot rural subdivision east of Amelia Lake. On October 13, 2025, the City Council passed Resolution No. 25-141 approving the Lake Amelia Woods Preliminary Plat Application Amendment. The amendment revised the grading plan to remove the stormwater ponds related to the existing four (4) lot rural subdivision. Tom BudzinskiwithTJB Homes, the applicant, was present to answer questions. Mr. Wipperfurth motioned to approve the Lake Amelia Woods Second Addition Final Plat. Motion seconded by Mr. Laden. Motion carried 7-0. Planning & Zoning Board November 12, 2025 Page 10 7.DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Met Council 2050 System Statement Mr. Grochala let the Board know that during an upcoming City Council Work Session, a Metropolitan Council representative will be presenting the system statement and encouraged them to attend. B. Project Updates Mr. Grochala provided project updates to the Board. Mr. Vojtechmoved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Kohler. Meeting adjourned at 10:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marissa Ertel – Community Development Administrative Assistant