HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/14/2010 P&Z Minutes
APPROVED MINUTES
CITY OF LINO LAKES
JOINT MEETING
CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING & ZONING BOARD MINUTES
City Council and P&Z Board Members discussed the ap proach of the council to consider
amending the zoning ordinance regarding accessory s tructures. Council and board members
agreed that a variance was not appropriate for the recent application that was reviewed, as the
request was too varied from the allowances in the e xisting city ordinance. In addition, the issue
of leased land posed a unique situation, as well as the fact that the structure would be somewhat
temporary. Council and board members agreed with t he use that was proposed, but that a
variance was not the right approach to allow the us e.
Members discussed how to address substandard proper ties within the city. One suggestion was
to adopt a regulation that any building that has be en vacant for a number of years could lose its
grandfather status. Staff explained that under sta te law, a non-conforming use loses its
grandfather status if the use ceases for one year. However, the same use can reopen as long as
they meet current city requirements. If the use ch anges, however, the state building code may
require upgrading to meet current requirements.
Members discussed possible improvements to the city ’s gateway areas. It was noted that one
issue with the 49/J area is the presence of multipl e property owners involved in future
development. Other problems with this area include the size of proposed users, road issues, and
access issues.
Members discussed the idea of the city purchasing c ertain properties in order to improve the
sites. It was noted, however, that this is currenl ty not a financially feasible option for the city.
Members added that land within the Legacy at Woods Edge needs to be addressed as well.
Members discussed options of what could be done wit h the property. It was noted that other
communities sometimes offer financial grants or par tnerships in order to improve properties or
building façades.
DATE : April 14, 2010
TIME STARTED : 7:25 P.M.
TIME ENDED : 8:25 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT : Mayor Jeff Reinert, Kathi Gallu p, Jeff O’Donnell,
Rob Rafferty, Dave Roeser
ABSENT : None
P&Z BOARD PRESENT : Elizabeth Brady, Michael Hyde n, Perry Laden,
Robert Nelson, Brian Pogalz (Vice Chair), Michael
Root, Paul Tralle (Chair)
ABSENT : None
STAFF PRESENT : Dan Tesch, Jeff Smyser, Dawn Bug ge
Joint Meeting: City Council and Planning & Zoning B oard
April 14, 2010
Page 2
APPROVED MINUTES
Members agreed that there are areas of the city tha t need improvement. However, sometimes
developers need encouragement in order to provide g ood development. The lack of city sewer
and water is a big hinderance to development of cer tain properties. When utilities are
unavailable, development is minimal.
Members discussed how to open up lines of communica tion between the council and boards.
Council member emails are now available on the webs ite. P&Z Board Members agreed to
provide additional information to the council in si tuations where there is disagreement between
the board members on an issue. Staff reminded boar d members to avoid violating the open
meeting law via email between the boards and counci l. The majority of the group cannot be
involved in a two-way conversation and cannot email a reply to all of a group at one time.
Mayor Reinert considered the P&Z Board to be a very functional group and commended their
work as a board. He added that they seem to cover all the pertinent questions through their
review of items.
P&Z Chair Paul Tralle stated that residents often a sk him when the bicycle trail in Pine Glen will
be completed. He noted that the trail was started but never completed. The neighborhood is
developing and residents are wondering when trail d evelopment will continue.
Members would like to see more biycle trails throug hout the city, especially for safety reasons.
Cul de sacs and dead-end roads can cause problems f or bikers. Members discussed whether
more could be done to increase the development of t rails. Mayor Reinert noted that trails are
funded either through the general fund or park dedi cation. He added that park dedication must
be equitable and follow state law. Park dedication can be given to the city in dollars or in land.
Park dedication dollars can be used for park land o r trails throughout the city in any necessary
location.
It was noted that the Federal Government does give away money for shovel-ready projects. Staff
has been asked to look into available grant money. The Council will revisit the “grant
challenge” that was discussed with staff.
Council and board members agreed that an annual joi nt meeting is a good idea.
Elizabeth Brady will be resigning from the P&Z Boar d due to a move out of state. Ms. Brady
commended the communication she has had with the bo ard and with city staff.
Mayor Reinert adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Bugge
Community Development Assistant