HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/14/2026 P & Z Minutes
CITY OF LINO LAKES
PLANNING &ZONINGBOARD MINUTES
DATE: January 14, 2026
TIME STARTED: 6:30 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 8:01 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:Isaac Wipperfurth, Nathan Vojtech,
Michael Root, Suzy Guthmueller, Perry Laden,
Patrick Kohler, Neil Evenson
MEMBERS ABSENT:
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 6:30 p.m.
onJanuary 14, 2026.
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Root declared public comment open at 6:31 p.m.
There was no one present for public comment.
Mr. Vojtech motionedto close public comment at 6:31p.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. Kohler moved to approve the December 10, 2025 meeting minutes. Motion
seconded by Mr. Wipperfurth. Motion carried 6 – 0, with one abstention.
6. ACTION ITEMS
Planning & Zoning Board
January 14, 2026
Page 2
A.2245 Tele Drive 3-Season Porch Setback Variance
The applicant, Todd Wanka, is requesting a setback variance for the purpose of
constructing a 3-season porch. The property address is 2245 Tele Drive.
Mr. Wipperfurth had a question about the setback on the survey and if this was
encroaching into the drainage and utility easement. Ms. Larsen confirmed that this
would not in the drainage and utility easement.
Ms. Guthmueller wanted to know if the neighbors needed to be notified. Ms. Larsen
confirmed that only the City needed to be notified.
Mr. Evenson motioned to approve the setback variance with staff recommendations.
Motion was seconded by Ms. Guthmueller. Motion carried 7 – 0.
B. Pine Oaks PUD Concept Plan Review
The applicant, M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC, is proposing 82 single family villa
lots in a conservation subdivision. The development is approximately 75 gross acres. It is
located northeast of Natures Refuge North and is called Pine Oaks. Ms. Emily Becker
was available for questions.
Mr. Evenson wanted clarification on the PUD flexibilities and whether these were the
same as both Natures Refuge developments. Ms. Larsen stated that not all of the
flexibility would be the same between Pine Oaks and Natures Refuge.
Mr. Evenson believes bringing onsite sewer to the surrounding areas would be a positive
benefit to the City and residents.
Mr. Wipperfurth likes the idea of connecting the neighborhoods and would appreciate
the street connection being made with the surrounding neighborhoods.
Mr. Kohler would like to see the road on the east be connected to Pine Street.
Mr. Laden agrees with the comments made by the Board. Mr. Laden likes the amount of
open space being considered. Mr. Laden would like to explore a road connection to the
west for potential future development.
Mr. Vojtech is wary of the connection between a high-density neighborhood to a low-
density neighborhood. Mr. Vojtech worries about the traffic going through the existing
neighborhood.
Planning & Zoning Board
January 14, 2026
Page 3
Mr. Root spoke on the flexibility for the 5-foot forward flexibility. Mr. Root is also in
favor of the sewer and water availabilityto the area. Mr. Root is also in favor of the
neighborhood connections to distribute traffic.
Mr. Root would like to see the trail system be incorporated as a public benefit. Mr. Root
is unsure of the idea of life-cycle housing. Ms. Larsen stated this would benefit towards
the end-of-life cycle due to cost.
Mr. Root believes that a neighborhood meeting should be required.
Mr. Laden agreed that allowing the garage flexibility would help prevent the monotony
of all garages looking the same.
Mr. Vojtech wanted to know the approximate housing costs. Ms. Becker stated that the
starting point would be around $450,000 to $500,000.
Mr. Root restated the suggestions from the board, emphasizing the trail system, street
connections between neighborhoods and requiring a neighborhood meeting by the
developer.
7. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Metropolitan Council 2050 System Statement
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
The Board discussed affordable housing that is currently available in the area and what
changes are being made from the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and Imagine 2050.
B. Public Works Design Update
Mr. Grochala presented the staff report.
C. Project Updates
Ms. Larsen provided project updates to the Board.
Mr. Wipperfurth moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Mr. Vojtech.
Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Board
January 14, 2026
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Respectfully submitted,
Marissa Ertel– Community Development Administrative Assistant