HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-02-26 - City Council Work Session MinutesLino Lakes City Council
Work Session
Minutes
DATE: March 2, 2026
TIME STARTED: 6:00 P.M.
TIME ENDED: 10:34 P.M.
LOCATION: Community Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Rafferty Councilmembers Lyden, Nelson, Ruhland and Rennaker
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
Staff Members Present: City Administrator Karen Anderson, City Clerk Roberta Colotti, Human Resources
& Communications Manager Meg Sawyer, Finance Director Tracy Thoma, Community Development
Director Mike Grochala, City Planner Katie Larsen, Public Services Director Rick DeGardner, Chief of
Police Curt Boehme, and Fire Chief Dan L'Allier.
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
Mayor Rafferty called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Setting the Agenda: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items
The City Clerk requested to move Item #9, Anoka County Real -Time Crime Center and Flock, to
immediately following Item #4, Review of Bond Issuance Process.
The agenda was adopted as amended.
3. Presentation of 2025 Polco National Community Survey Results
The Human Resources and Communications Manager introduced Sonya Wytinck with Polco.
Ms. Wytinck presented the results of the 2025 Lino Lakes community survey.
The City Council reviewed the survey methodology and results. They requested that the survey
be posted to the website.
4. Review of Bond Issuance Process
Ehlers & Associates Representative Keith Dahl provided the City Council with an overview of the
bonding process, in preparation for the issuance of bonds for the Otter Lake Road Project and
Public Works Facility. He provided information on how the bonds would be structured and the
payment plan. He will be at the March 23rd Regular Meeting to formally present the bond sales.
5. Anoka County Real -Time Crime Center and Flock
Anoka County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant Mendoza presented information on the proposal that
will be presented to the Anoka County Board for consideration. The City of Lino Lakes is part of
the Anoka County Joint Law Enforcement Council and that entity will be asked to contribute to
the cost of the system in future years. The system includes drones, license plate readers and
other technology focused on public safety. The Council was generally in favor with clarification
that privacy and management of the data be addressed. Mendoza outlined the data
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management, access, oversight and data retention periods that would be put in place to address
these concerns.
6. Valvoline, Clearwater Commons, Auto Repair — Minor Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
The City Planner reviewed the Valvoline Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application, noting that
this application is required in order to have auto repair at the site. The Planning & Zoning Board
held the public hearing on Feb. 11, 2026, and there were no public comments. This item will be
presented at the March 9th City Council meeting for formal action.
7. City Recreation Complex Land Development: Tower Park
The Community Development Director reviewed the site. He stated that in 1999 the City
acquired approximately 63 acres in the southeast quadrant of Birch Street and Centerville Road
for future construction of a community recreation complex. While there has been some interest
in this site, it has not seen the recreational development fully realized.
Council Consensus
It was the consensus of the City Council to direct the Community Development Director to
investigate the feasibility of marketing a portion of the property for sale.
8. North Oaks and White Bear Township JPA Updates
The Community Development Director reported that Joint Powers Agreements (JPA) are being
worked on between the City of Lino Lakes, City of North Oaks and White Bear Township to
support the development of the North Oaks Company planned Wilkinson Waters Development in
Lino Lakes. It is anticipated that the agreements will be presented at the March 23rd Lino Lakes
City Council meeting for formal action.
9. Ash Street and Centerville Road Roundabout Landscaping
The Community Development Director reported that Anoka County is proposing the construction
of a roundabout at the intersection of Ash Street and Centerville Road. This project is planned for
construction in 2027. Anoka County's typical landscaping is a grass center island. The City would
be responsible for any additional proposed landscaping features. The City Council identified that
this is a gateway to the city.
Council Consensus
The City Council provided consensus direction to staff to design the landscaping similar to other
key locations with a higher level of landscaping.
10. 2025 Street Reconstruction Project
The Community Development Director reported that staff have been working with WSB and the
City Attorney on a resolution agreement for proposed corrective action related to the 2025
Street Reconstruction project. This item will be brought back for formal approval at a future
meeting.
11. Fire Department, Paid On Call Firefighter Update
The Fire Chief presented information on the percentage of calls that Paid -On -Call firefighters are
required to make in accordance with the department policies. The number for Officers is 30%
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and Paid -On -Call Firefighters is 20%. He reviewed the percentages for the past several months.
He stated that this number is being tracked by the department, using a report generated as part
of the countywide system.
12. City Administrator Update
The City Administrator reported that the Human Resources Department is working on the job
posting for four Part -Time Fire Lieutenants with a planned start date of July 1, 2026. This is
included in the 2026 budget.
The City Administrator reported that the City is working to finalize the reclassification of the Fire
Lieutenant/Fire Inspector position title. This reclassification is intended to better reflect the
administrative, command, and supervisory responsibilities of the role. Funding for the
reclassification was approved as part of the 2026 budget.
13. Adjournment
Mayor Rafferty adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the regular Council Meeting on March 9, 2026.
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Roberta Colotti, CIVIC R afferty,
City Clerk Mayor
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