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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/26/2000 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : July 26, 2000 TIME STARTED : 6:34 P.M. TIME ENDED : 8:30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Maurene Davidson, Amy Donlin (arrived at 6:37 p.m.), Scott Lanyon, Dave Mach, Teresa O'Connell (arrived at 6:38 p.m.), and Mike Trehus MEMBERS ABSENT : Rod Kukonen Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson and Community Development Director Brian Wessel (part). CALL TO ORDER Chair Lanyon called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 28, 2000 - This item was tabled to ;the August 30, 2000 meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to'the meeting agenda: ® Lighting Ordinance Update The agenda was approved as amended above. CITIZEN COMMENTS No comments were made. PROJECT REVIEW — None. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD BUSINESS A. Commercial Area Landscape Discussion — Asleson reviewed that the Environmental Board has reviewed several landscape designs for new commercial development areas coming into the City of Lino Lakes. Recommendations have been made to integrate native plantings into the landscape design of the projects reviewed. There are sound ecological reasons behind these recommendations. There is however, the "cultural" part 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 of the three-ring model adopted for Conservation Development that needs to be looked at more closely in the commercial development areas. He advised that recently, staff has experienced a business community that reflects a different cultural view of landscape design. He suggested the Board look more closely at this, address the concerns of the business community, and look at the ecological concerns in relationship to these cultural views. Donlin arrived at 6:37 p.m. and O'Connell arrived at 6:38 p.m. Asleson stated the City needs to look at its site resources and sometimes go beyond the boarders with historical vegetation types. He stated it seems to him that the important ecological principals to look at are preserving remnant historic vegetation, types, protecting and minimizing or eliminating resource impacts, and restoring ecological systems where the opportunity exists. The principals of "Surface Water Treatment Train" and water retention/hydro-restoration in conjunction with soil management are very important issues to look at for the restoration/buffering'and or preservation of development sites. Water resources are looked at from a flow rate -control standard yet tremendous additional volumes of water are leaving different sites. Plant communities that have developed over time are adapted to certain historic water requirements. The City's lake ecosystems are adapted to certain naturalwater schedules. Asleson explained the question is how the City can address the cultural landscape design issues of the business community and at the same time address ecological concerns. Asleson stated the business coma unity is reacting in way that would express a different cultural view but he believesall want to be good stewards of the land. He reported on his conversation with a landscape architectwho supports the use of native plants, has worked with business community design for 20 years, and agrees their view is different from the residential view. Chair Lanyon asked what the Board is being asked to consider. Asleson presented a map identifying the commercial areas of Lino Lakes and commented on the types of landscaping at several of the businesses. He noted the business park section developediby the City over the last several years with traditional landscaping of sod and irrigation. Asleson then pointed out the areas where the landscaping has been transitioned with natural plantings. Chair Lanyon noted that residential developers also have a perception of traditional landscaping which is similar to that expressed by commercial owners. Asleson agreed. Asleson stated the landscape architect he spoke with talked about the need to also address water drainage issues including run-off rates and water quality. He stated the City needs to be cautious to review models and assure water drainage issues are addressed. He asked what the Board would like to do with the commercial district properties that do not want to follow these guidelines. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 Chair Lanyon asked if they are resistant because they do not like the appearance or because they don't know what to do. Asleson stated it is that as well as the cultural image of approaching a business and how that should appear. Donlin stated some business owners may have the impression that natural and prairie plantings are too "wild" and not conservative enough. Davidson concurred and noted that natural and prairie plantings can be groomed to have a more typical business appearance. Chair Lanyon agreed that nine out of ten business properties have conventional landscaping and asked how close Lino Lakes is to develop a standardized response to landscaping in business areas. He suggested a list of natural plantings be developed by the City so the business community understands what is being requested. Asleson agreed with the need to identify in the landscape ordinance'what the City wants to see in the business community. Chair Lanyon suggested the City be more specific about planting type requirements and specific guidelines so that information can be'presented to a landscaper and assure it is implemented. Asleson stated the other issue that needs to be addressed is surface water, drainage, flows, and ponding. He explained the business wants something that looks nice and ties together. Trehus noted whatever is required in the future needs to blend with the existing landscape conditions. Chair Lanyon agreed with the need for consistence today in setting a standard in the hope that the past landscaping will come along. Asleson stated he will talk again with the landscaper to see if a policy can be drafted for development and business landscape designs with the ecological resources being taken into consideration as well. Wessel stated the resistance to this new approach is probably universal whether commercial or residential, and that is not to be unexpected He suggested there could be more education and a need to better present the vision of the City. He stated the landscape ordinance is one of a series of ordinances being prepared in concert with the Comprehensive Plan, which is not yet adopted. Wessel stated the issue is now under voluntary compliance since it is not yet an adopted ordinance. However, the issue is with implementation. Wessel stated there is one project where the company became so discouraged with the weedy environment, that they responded by plowing it under and 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 installing irrigation. He noted it should have been better communicated to that company that the natural vegetation is a several -year process. Wessel explained that with light industrial, it usually involves smaller companies that cannot afford a complete professional design team. He stated these companies have been using a landscaper to help them put together a landscape plan. Wessel stated it has also been suggested that the City do that for them, but that would have to be further discussed since the City does not have a professional landscaper on staff. Chair Lanyon asked how the business community would receive draft design guidelines and specified plantings. Wessel stated he thinks it would be well received but the business owner may ask for assistance on implementation. He stated a fmancial incentive could be offered via TIF to help with the long-term maintenance. Asleson stated he thinks the business cultural view of landscapes include a certain specific perception. Wessel stated the City suggested a pilot project in a park as a demonstration and the City has also worked with a commercial property. However, his concern is that it does not appear nice so the perception of that concept is not good and may jeopardize that entire vision. Asleson reviewed the landscaping with Lakeland Bank and the problem with the installation of plant materials by a general contractor. He stated the clinic is impatient with their landscaping but staff has been working with them to add more flowering plants. He stated the native landscaping on the property next to the clinic is doing very well. Wessel stated the only posibti ve perception is with the landscaping around the City Hall. He stated it may be beneficial to have a video presentation of what it will look like in several years to demonstrate the positive final result. He reported on a Council tour of a native prairie restoration project. Mach askedif the only plan is for prairie or if it also includes trees. Asleson stated native trees are also part of .the plan. Mach noted these projects are being started from seed, but if started from plants it would appear nice much sooner. Wessel stated that is a good idea and could be. considered. Trehus agreed that it will be hard to convince the business community to support a native prairie landscape plan that looks like weeds for the first few years. Chair Lanyon asked how the City would go about hiring a design/consulting firm to prepare native landscape plans and a recommendation. Wessel stated that is not budgeted for now but if it is considered a priority by the Board, he will revisit the budget and see if it is possible to find funding. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 Donlin suggested the next agenda include an item for discussion with different interested firms. Mach stated the DNR has several staff members involved with native plantings and suggested they be contacted as a resource. Chair Lanyon agreed and suggested staff contact DNR and Arboretum staff to make a presentation at the August meeting on what elements the City should include in the plan. The design/consulting firms can be invited to make a presentation at the September meeting. Trehus suggested that information be compiled into a booklet and provided to developers. Chair Lanyon stated it may be that the City is not seeing all the needs of the commercial business owners which needs to be specifically addressed to assure the landscape presentation is attractive to customers of the business. Hestated a design/consulting firm could assist with developing a general plan and guidelines which can be provided to the developer. Then, if they want more detailed plans for their specific property, they can hire their own consultant to do so. Davidson asked what the City can do to better educate the business community about these issues. She suggested it would help for staff to have an early conversation with the owner to explain the surface water issues that need to be addressed. Asleson agreed that discussion needs to occur during their design process. Chair Lanyon suggested a seriesof five-year pictures could be displayed to show the beginning, during, and, end`'landscape appearances. Asleson stated the landscaper he spoke with made the same suggestion. Chair Lanyon suggested thata list of successful business sites also be compiled so they can visualize how it will look. Mach suggested one of the parks be used as a prototype for the business community. He also suggested that plants be used rather than seeds to expedite the process. Donlin commented on the landscaping of a Lake Elmo chiropractic business that contains a garden and winding pathway to the front door. Mach stated he also knows of a residential property with prairie landscaping that is beautiful. He offered to get pictures of examples for light industrial and commercial as well as depicting the appearance each of the first five years. Wessel thanked the Board for their input and suggestions on this important issue. 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 Chair Lanyon asked staff to communicate with developers that their concern of appearance is understood by the Board and will be addressed. Trehus suggested the City envision as a goal the need to address surface water runoff and storm water treatment. He stated that, as well as the landscaping issue, needs to be resolved. Asleson clarified that storm water treatment and management is being addressed now but the issue of surface water needs to be addressed. O'Connell asked how the City will respond to the business community since the information may not be finalized until November. Wessel stated two plans are already in the works and there is a potential for one more. There are also three to four more projects that staff will be working with next spring after that information is in place. Until that time, Wessel stated staff will do the best they can. B. DNR Project/ Updates - Asleson presented an update on the DNR Wild Land Urban Interface Project, noting they have not held another meeting since the Environmental Board's last meeting. He advised their next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2000 if anyone is interested in attending. Asleson also reported on a grant that was received which will cover part of Lino Lakes and the recent finding of a rare habitat that has been identified. G. Environmental Education Packett Webpage/Newsletter - Asleson reviewed efforts to develop the environmental education packet and webpage. He noted the article prepared by staff for inclusion in the fall issue;>of the Lino Lakes News regarding the website that the Environmental Board and the Bell Museum of Natural History have collaborated together to create for; environmentally responsible homeowners. Asleson stated this newsletter will be delivered to residents the last week of August. Trehus suggested that the information in the article be rearranged to present the webpage address at the end of the article. The Board agreed. Donlin suggested the sentence from the article: "Here you will find numerous options to explore ways to keep our environment healthy through your own back yard" be included in the webpage. Chair Lanyon stated he will include that statement on the webpage. Davidson presented an update on the Environmental Education Packet and a DNR publication that can be included. D. Letter of Recommendation / Brauer & AES - It was noted that Davidson had volunteered to put this information together based on the Board's input. Trehus stated he found the letter to be well written and clearly stated. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 Asleson stated staff will ask for a legal review as well. Donlin commented on the letter from a DNR employee and her evaluation of the Lino Lakes Technical Report product which was not favorable. Donlin noted the evaluation criticizes the City's plan as it does not integrated the DNR ways of doing business into the product. Donlin stated if Lino Lakes wants connecting corridors and links, it should include the same classification system as used by other communities so they are not trying to be an "island." Donlin commented on the importance of working with its neighboring cities. Chair Lanyon agreed with the importance of using a consultant that will assure the plan is compatible with its neighbors. He suggested Donlin ask the DNR employee for permission to share her comments with others. Trehus suggested this topic be included on the August 30, 2000 meeting agenda if the DNR employee grants permission to share the evaluation. PROGRAM / PROJECT UPDATES A. Restoration Updates — Asleson presented an update on the Town Center project and his concern with regard to maintenance and management issues. Mach advised that burning encourages the grasses while cutting encourages the flowering plants. B. Forestry Updates - Asleson reported on the oak wilt problem that has been identified which may be related to the past storm damage. He also reported on trees that have been planted. C. Solid Waste/ Recycling Updates -Asleson reported on staff's recent activity on the SCORE -grant application. He advised of his upcoming budget request for a part-time staff position. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS A. 4H Community Tree Plant Program - Chair Asleson asked if there is merit to become involved in this type of program. Asleson stated the 4H Community Tree Plant Program is an excellent program and there are local 4H groups that may be interested. He stated he will research this possibility. B. " Rescue Tree" Program - Mach reviewed his memorandum which detailed the creation of a "Rescue Tree" or "Adopt a Tree" Program. He commented on his activity to "rescue" trees from development projects and give them away. He suggested information be drafted to educate how to transplant a tree and to advertise when trees are available to be "rescued." 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JULY 26, 2000 C. Lighting Ordinance Update - Chair Lanyon distributed copies of the memorandum he prepared from the Environmental Board to advise the City Council of the Board's request for the City to create a lighting ordinance and consider it as a priority. Trehus suggested the other information on "Dark Sky" be included for the Council's review. Chair Lanyon suggested that be presented a month later and commented that it should not take long to draft a lighting ordinance since model ordinances from other cities are available. D. Heron Update - Donlin provided information on Herons including their nesting habitat and impact from predatory owls and development activities. CLOSE MEETING AND CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on August 30, 2000. There being no further business, Trehus moved to adjourn at 8.30 p.m. Davidson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 8 City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting Lino Lakes City Hall July 26, 2000 6:30 PM Agenda 1. Call To Order/Pass Sign -In Sheet 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Citizen Comments 5. Project Review 6. Environmental Board Business A. Commercial Area Landscape Discussion B. DNR Project/Updates C. Environmental Education PacketlWebpage/Newsletter D. Letter of Recommendation/Brauer&AES Program/Project Updates A. Restoration Updates B. Forestry Updates C. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates 7. Other Discussion Items A. 4H Community Tree Plant Program B. "Rescue Tree" Program 9. Close Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date