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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260128 Environmental Board Minutes Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 1 CITY OF LINO LAKES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DATE: January 28, 2026 TIME STARTED: 6:31 p.m. TIME ENDED: 7:24 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Kelli Damiani, Lindsay Buchmeier, Mary Jo Stevenson, Danielle Berger, Jonathan Parsons, Elizabeth Larkin MEMBERS ABSENT: Alex Schwartz STAFF PRESENT: Thomas Hoffman, Jennifer Alderink 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Ms. Buchmeier called the Environmental Board meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. on January 28, 2026. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. PUBLIC COMMENT Ms. Buchmeier declared open mike at 6:32 p.m. There were no public comments. Ms. Buchmeier closed public comments at 6:32 p.m. 4. SETTING THE AGENDA: Addition or Deletion of Agenda Items th Ms. Buchmeier took a motion to approve the January 28, 2026 agenda. Jonathan to approve agenda. Ms. Buchmeier seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ms. Buchmeier took a motion to set the December 17, 2025 minutes. Ms. Stevenson motioned to approve the meeting minutes. Ms. Larkin seconded the motion. Motion carried 6-0. APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 2 6. ACTION ITEMS A. Environmental Board Appointments The Environmental Board is responsible for recommending a chair, vice chair, and secretary to council for approval. Once new board appointments have been made, board members will recommend appointments for the three positions. Ms. Buchmeier nominated Mr. Schwartz to be chair. Mr. Parsons seconded that nomination. Mr. Parsons nominated Ms. Buchmeier to be vice chair. Ms. Buchmeier motioned to approve Mr. Schwartz as chair, Ms. Buchmeier as vice chair, and Ms. Alderink (or successor) as secretary for 2026. Ms. Stevenson seconded the motion. Motion approved 6-0. B. Harvest Grange Preliminary Plat Harvest Grange is a proposed residential subdivision on approximately 24.55 acres located north of Nadeau Acres development, west by existing farm fields, north by existing industrial th buildings, and easterly along 20 Avenue S. It was originally reviewed as a concept plan as Nelson Rehbein Property in April of 2025. The site is comprised of three (3) land parcels, one (1) single family home on the southern as wetlands within the exhibits, along with the rest of the site as agricultural fields. The land parcel currently owned by the Nelson family, was acquired by Jim Nelson in 1987. Shortly thereafter, he began construction on his home. The property had historically been vacant agriculture land prior to Jim purchasing the property. Jim then constructed a pole barn in 1995 and is currently residing at the property. The two (2) Rehbein land parcels were purchased by the Rehbein family in 2008. No structures or dwellings were ever constructed on the property by the Rehbein family, and both land parcels have been utilized for agriculture purposes, specifically raising hay. Per discussions with both property owners, they confirmed there are no historically important landscapes or archeological features to note. Twin Cities Land Holdings, LLC is currently proposing an 86-residential lot subdivision (down from 90), that includes (31-family homes and (55) attached townhomes. Tom Hoffman, Environmental Coordinator for the City of Lino Lakes, presented and was available for questions. Ms. Larkin inquired about the depth of the stormwater ponds in the development. Mr. Hoffman answered that the depths will vary but noted that they will be similar to the design - APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 3 Mr. Parsons inquired about the Blanding Turtle. Mr. Hoffman said that they already provided a plan as a part of their submittal, which is why it Mr. Parsons noted that there was no green space or park in the plans. Mr. Hoffman said that they would still get the park dedication fees for the development. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan shows a community neighborhood park on the adjacent parcel to the west, along with the existing park facilities in the Northpointe development to the east. Some of that funding would most likely be used to improve our pedestrian facilities for crossings along th 20Avenue and when we do the development to the west. Mr. Hoffman went on to say that there is not that much space on the Harvest Grange development with the wetlands. Mr. Parsons asked about the age demographic that could be purchasing these homes in Harvest Grange. Mr. Hoffman said that the development is not geared towards any age demographic like the Del-Webb community. He noted that it could be anyone from new couples to the elderly. The developers are proposing a few different housing styles. He noted that with the townhomes, the development could attract younger couples that could eventually upsize to one of the single- family homes. Mr. Parsons noted that the reason he asked about the age demographic is because he wanted to know if it would be possible to connect a sidewalk to those parks. th Mr. Hoffman said that there would eventually be pedestrian facilities crossing 20 Avenue to the Northpointe community park. He said that the issue with connecting those sidewalks to the west is the potential drainage ditches that are currently there. Ms. Larkin asked how much distance is between the proposed homes. Mr. Hoffman responded that the map shown is not a Planning Unit Development (PUD) map and -sized residential lots for the requirements. He believes there is 50% green/open space in this development. Ms. Stevenson asked why there is only one right-in and right-out of the neighborhood. Mr. Hoffman said that it was based on the traffic study and the requirements of the county road. Ms. Berger asked if the elm trees that were listed to be saved are resistant elm trees or are at higher risk for developing a disease and declining. Mr. Hoffman anything that has a 2, 3, or 4 health rating, he would recommend leaving. He also noted that if the ash trees are not dead already, they will be dead unless they are being treated. He said that APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 4 Ms. Larking asked if the entire development would be under a HOA or just the townhomes. Mr. Hoffman said that only the townhomes would be under a HOA. Ms. Larkin asked if the townhomes would be required to meet the City requirements for maintenance. Mr. Hoffman said that they would be required to meet the City requirements for maintenance. Ms. Larkin asked if there will be any part of this development that the City will take over. Mr. Hoffman the public drainage going to it which will be used for water re-use and irrigation. The City will also most likely have conservation easements over the out lots along with the private ditch in case there needed to be maintenance. Ms. Larkin inquired if the water would be re-used for the irrigation by the HOA. Mr. Hoffman agreed that the HOA is proposing to re-use the water for the green space. Mr. Parsons asked who would ultimately be responsible for removing the Ash trees if the developer does not remove them. Mr. Hoffman said that it would depend on where the ash tree falls. If they fall within city property, the city will take care of the removal. If the tree falls within HOA property, the HOA would be responsible for taking care of it. If the tree falls on private property, it would be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the tree. Ms. Larkin asked if the HOA in Harvest Grange will be required to follow city recommendations for fertilization on HOA property. Mr. Hoffman responded that the City does not have guidelines for fertilization and pesticide use. He did note that the state has requirements of their own, but the City does not manage how much fertilizer can be put down. Mr. Hoffman also noted that the properties are only connected to the wetland and drainage ditch through overflow, so the storm water ponds are sized to catch and hold that water. He said that there should be very minimal water leaving the site unless there is a large water event. The drainage ponds are designed to catch, hold, and treat those nutrients and will get recycled back to those lots. He also commented that one of his recommendations is to look at the low maintenance turf and ulterior plantings tha Ms. Larkin commented that she thinks the City should have some recommendations for ways to mitigate the fertilizers and pesticides from getting into drainage ponds. Mr. Hoffman said that the City provides educational materials, but there are no requirements that the City can enforce. He said it is best practice and outreach. He also said that these ponds in the proposed Harvest Grange are larger than you would typically see in an HOA because it is for the entire development. Ms. Berger wanted to know if the ash trees that are recommended to stay will have mitigation. APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 5 Mr. Hoffman replied that there would be no mitigation for the ash trees. Mr. Parsons asked where the park to the east of Harvest Grange is. Mr. Hoffman said it is to the northwest of where the new apartment building went in. He said there is a sidewalk system and trails going to that park. Ms. Buchmeier moved to approve with no additions or edits. Ms. Stevenson seconded the motion. Motion passes 6-0. C. Valvoline (Clearwater Commons) Conditional Use Permit The site was plated as a 3-lot commercial development located on the NW corner of I-35 and Main Street. Per the December 19, 2024 Preliminary Report of Geotechnical Exploration prepared by American Engineering Testing, the site is an existing agricultural property with a fairly flat terrain towards the center and higher banks on the northwest and southeast corners. Elevations at the soil borings ranged from 911 feet to 904 feet. Wetlands exist on site. th The Environmental Board reviewed the preliminary plat at its April 30, 2025 meeting and was approved by City Council in October of 2025. Mr. Hoffman presented and was available for questions. Mr. Parsons asked about the background of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). He wondered if it means that it could change from an oil change facility to something totally different 10 years from now. Mr. Hoffman said that this CUP is for the facility to be operated as automotive repair. It could go from automotive repair to something else, such as a body shop, but they would have to go through another CUP for that. It cannot be turned into a junk yard or salvage car place, for example. Mr. Parsons asked if a CUP moves from one use to another, does the developer has to go through an additional environmental review. Mr. Hoffman said that it would be similar to all of our other sites. If a new development is proposed, the developer would typically ask for records or fire response calls, spills, leaks, or contamination. That way, if the current structure were to get demolished and rebuilt, the proposed developer would likely need to have soil borings completed. Mr. Hoffman also noted that Valvoline is not providing or proposing any underground storage or tanks on this site like they would for fuel, but having oil on site, there could potentially be some spills that would most likely be within the storm water system, so they will be required to be registered with the Pollution Control Agency. Ms. Burger asked if Valvoline is applying for both a major and minor CUP as stated in the notes. Mr. Hoffman clarified that it would be for a minor CUP. He noted that if they wanted to come back for major repair, they would have to go through another CUP, public comment, and public hearing through the Planning and Zoning board. APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 6 Ms. Stevenson Commons as listed. Mr. Parsons seconded the motion. Motion passes 6-0. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Environmental Board Members Mr. Hoffman presented the Emerald Ash Borer program and was available for questions. Ms. Buchmeier asked if the City is thinking about offering a tree planting program for residents. Mr. Hoffman said the City does the tree sale every year for residents, which is going on right now. There are 13 different species that are offered. The trees are bare root and are sold to residents at a cost since they are bought in bulk from the nursery. He also noted that the City and Environmental Board talked about doing a gravel bed for tree seedlings and providing those to residents. Mr. Hoffman also noted that the Anoka County Conservation District also has a tree sale that the City tries to promote to get more trees in Lino Lakes. Ms. Berger noted that the Rice Creek Watershed District as mini grants currently available for native species planting that is available for the public. Ms. Buchmeier inquired about the status of the Water Conservation Rebate Program that was brought up in the November 2026 Environmental Board Meeting. Mr. Hoffman said that the City Council approved the Water Conservation Rebate Program in January 2026. The City is currently working with the finance department on how the program will be run. The program is not up and running yet, but they are hoping to start taking applications in the next 2-3 weeks. The rebate program will be advertised in the spring newsletter and on the city website. Mr. Parsons asked if City staff is doing the tree removal. Mr. Hoffman said that it will depend on a combination of staff time, budget, and location of the trees. For larger, more hazardous trees, the City contract that work out. Mr. Parsons asked who removes the trees at Chominox Golf Course. Mr. Hoffman answered responded that the county takes care of those trees. Mr. Parsons asked Mr. Hoffman if he knew what Chominox Golf Course is going to do with all the logs that are stockpiled there. Mr. Hoffman said that Chominox stock piles as much as they can and eventually they haul it out, or it gets pulped or chipped. He also noted that it is hard to get lumber companies to be intersted in the downed ash trees because it has a lot of knots and kinks. Ms. Berger asked if there is any potential for the downed trees to become bio-fuel. APPROVED MINUTES Environmental Board January 28, 2025 Page 7 Mr. Hoffman answerd that the supply far outreaches the demand, so they are looking for new facilities specifically for that type of use. A lot of places that currently take the wood are turning down due to oversupply. Mr. Hoffman also noted that there are things like biochar that is being studied for stormwater ponds, so that is something the City has thought about exploring. 8. ADJOURN Ms. Buchmeier took a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Ms. Stevenson seconded the motion. Motion passes 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Alderink Office Specialist APPROVED MINUTES