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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/27/2000 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : September 27, 2000 TIME STARTED : 6:30 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:08 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Maurene Davidson, Amy Donlin, Scott Lanyon, Dave Mach, Teresa O'Connell (arrived at 6:43 p.m.), and Mike Trehus. MEMBERS ABSENT : Rod Kukonen. Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson and City Planner Jeff Smyser (part). CALL TO ORDER Chair Lanyon called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 30, 2000 Davidson moved to approve the August 30, 2000 meeting minutes as presented. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion earned unanimously. - , APPROVAL OF AGENDA Chair Lanyon announced that he would have to leave the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and if the agenda is not completed at that point in time, Vice Chair Davidson would preside over the rest of the meeting. The following items were added to the meeting agenda: ® Open Space Design Tour ® Plant Comrnunity,Groupings O Landscape Firrn--- Premier Services The agenda was approved as amended above. CITIZEN COMMENTS No comments were made. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 PROJECT REVIEW A. North American Composites / Apollo Drive — Asleson introduced City Planner Smyser and indicated he would present the details of this project. Smyser presented a map depicting the subject site and reviewed the uses surrounding this site. The application is for a minor subdivision and site plan review. North American Composites wants to construct a distribution facility for their products of polyester resins, fiberglass, and related products to the composites industry as well as some repackaging into different sized containers. However, it is not a manufacturing facility. Smyser presented the site plan identifying the building footprint, points of access, and exterior elevations. The structure will be constructed of precast concrete and brick with those details discussed when the project is presented to the P&Z Board. O'Connell arrived at 6:43 p.m. Smyser noted the requirement for shoebox fixtures to assure downcast lighting. He presented the proposed landscape plan and stated staff will review it and the ponding areas in more detail. Smyser stated he received a list ofseeding for the site for some natural plantings around the pond area. Davidson asked if outdoor storage is being requested. Smyser stated it is not. Donlin inquired regarding the percentage sof impervious surface. Smyser stated it is 60% impervious and the City allowance for, industrial areas is 90%. Donlin stated she is glad to hear of the lighting proposed and hoped the lighting was not on the higher "giraffe" type poles. Donlin stated she does not see any native plant species being proposed for use. Asleson stated the landscaping in this,. commercial area has evolved into using native plantings in ponding and drainage areas. He explained the business people prefer more formal landscape in the front areas with native elements incorporated into flower gardens or infiltration pond areas. Asleson suggested working with the commercial community to do as much as possible with native plantings. He stated the important issues to address are to control peak flow rates and increase to volume runoff. Donlin stated she finds this landscape plan to be standard for the industry and she does not see where native species are being incorporated. Asleson stated staff will review the landscape plan with those comments in mind. Donlin stated that use of some native plant species around the perimeter is encouraging and asked if there is a commitment to follow it. Asleson stated it would be included in the development agreement. Chair Lanyon stated the City will need to work with the industry to determine the types of plantings that work well in front commercial areas. He stated there is clearly concern there is too much impervious surface not to address runoff and how it will be managed. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 Chair Lanyon stated that a formal lighting plan has not been submitted but the Board can pass on their concern for downcast, shoebox light fixtures. Smyser clarified the impervious surface is actually 54%, not 60% as previously stated. Trehus stated in looking at the site plan, it appears that there is impervious surface of 75% or more. Smyser explained the site plan being reviewed is not to scale and reviewed the setback distances. Donlin stated the trees being proposed for use are heavy water users which suggests they will need to irrigate frequently. However, the Board is trying to encourage lower water usage. Chair Lanyon suggested the use of more native species to reduce the irrigation requirement. In response to questions related to drainage and on site treatment, Asleson reviewed the location of the drainage easement and suggested it could be designed for better infiltration than impacted soils would provide. Smyser stated staff will address these concerns with the applicant. Trehus suggested the incorporation of vegetated swales to address infiltration and on-site treatment. Chair Lanyon agreed the water; treatment policy and water quality issue needs to be addressed as well as the landscape plan. Davidson moved to recommend approval of the Northern American Composites application subject to the plan addressing retention of as much storm water runoff on site as possible, include noncompacted soils in the drainage easement, landscaping plan revisited after water retention plan is in place, increased use of native grasses and trees that require minimal irrigation, and the City's standard for lighting. Donlin seconded the motion.'` Motion carried unanimously. B. Mueller-Bies Funeral Home — Smyser presented a map depicting the location of the subject site and a site plan identifying the building footprint, parking, and storm water ponding. The request is for a minor subdivision. Smyser stated staff needs more information on the utilities and alignment of the utilities as well as the drainage areas. He explained the setback is problematic since part of the area has been filled so it is difficult to determine the Ordinary High Water (OHW) mark. Chair Lanyon asked about trees on the site. Asleson stated there are some grade C3 trees, meaning a degraded, invasive tree species. Chair Lanyon asked about the lighting plan. Smyser stated there are a few lighting contours that seem to go over the property line that will need to be addressed. He stated 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 the Ordinance indicates 0.4 foot-candles at the property line if abutting residential property. He noted the area to the south is residential property and the air base is also zoned residential. Asleson presented a computer graphic identifying the site and surrounding uses. Smyser reviewed how the DNR determines the OHW if there is land at a higher elevation than the OHW. He noted this site is a long distance from the water and there is high land between the site and lake so the setback will probably not be an issue. Russell Karasch, applicant, pointed out the location of the proposed building and pond. He stated they have delineated the wetland which is not within their building pad and would not be impacted. Asleson noted the location of a wetland within the subject parcel according to the National Wetlands Inventory. Mr. Karasch stated Metro Survey did the civil engineering on this project. Asleson suggested staff verify the location of the wetland since, sometimes, the National Wetlands Inventory is not correct. Chair Lanyon asked how this wetland relatesto the on site retention pond. Mr. Karasch stated none of the drainage will leave the site. He explained how the drainage will be directed into the ditch line, through a culvert to the grassland, and then enter the holding pond itself He stated they had showed using a swale, not a culvert, but he is unsure what the watershed district will require as part,of their approval. Asleson stated it appears the site has been designed for zero volume water. loss. Mr. Karasch stated that is correct. Mr. Karasch stated there, should be no overflow of the parking lot lighting and the foot- candles would be lower than the City. requirement. He reviewed the surrounding uses, noting there is no abutting single family residential. Smyser stated he stands corrected, and had thought the sublect:site was on the southern parcel rather than the northern parcel. Mr. Karasch reviewed:: their parking stall arrangement and landscape treatments. Trehus asked if they will use landscape plantings to screen the parking areas from the street. Mr. Karasch explained they are using the swale area along the street for drainage. Asleson reviewed the recommendation of the Watershed District and requirements related to ponding. Mr. Karasch stated they have received that information and revised the plans to address each requirement. Chair Lanyon questioned whether the Watershed District has found this site can handle 100% infiltration of all on-site drainage. Donlin addressed the issue raised by Trehus related to screening from Lake Drive. She explained that screening is an important issue to the Board in an effort to assure aesthetically pleasing developments. Donlin stated it is important to screen this use from 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 the road to screen the view of vast parking lots and large buildings. Mr. Karasch stated the parking lot is 15 feet from the property line. He stated they will be giving a 20 -foot easement so they can widen Lake Drive. Donlin asked if the swale and landscape can both be accommodated. Mr. Karasch stated it could be accommodated now but when the road is widened, it may need to be removed. Mach asked about the current landscaping. Mr. Karasch stated there are only a few scrub - type trees. Trehus explained the City is drafting a landscape ordinance. Mr. Karasch stated he is aware of that activity and they attempted to mesh the City's requirements with this landscape plan. Trehus noted that the ordinance will require the screening of all off street parking lots if over six stalls. He stated it is a concern of the City to screen parking lots from streets, especially main thoroughfares like Lake Drive. Asleson stated this is a business situation and the environmental water concerns can be integrated into natural urban plans. He stated the applicant desires a manicured landscape treatment in the front areas. Mr. Karasch stated that is correct. Davidson asked if the swale can accommodate both the drainage and landscape screening. Asleson stated he thinks it can be done with the upper areas used for landscaping. Chair Lanyon stated it is important for' the `drainage plans to address water treatment. Mr. Karasch stated that will be addressedandreviewed the site plan to explain the number of parking stalls. He noted: there is no other on -street parking in this area so they need to assure adequate parking for large funerals. O'Connell asked if it is possible to remove the two trees in the parking lot islands so parking can be added to that location. Mr. Karasch stated that would result in the loss of more parking stalls than would be gained. Chair Lanyon stated the major issue is to assure water quality and if there is a way to add additional landscape screening of the parking lot, that would make it a better project. He suggested the applicant work with staff to address those issues. Donlin noted there will be an illuminated sign, which is a concern to her. She stated there was discussion to eliminate all illuminated signs, which can be over lit and offensive. Donlin stated she thinks they can also be quite dangerous. Mr. Karasch stated he understands that concern and noted their intention for a country -theme development. He stated they will assure the illuminated sign provides a softer, non -glaring, effect. 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 Chair Lanyon stated the Board supports a country feel for this project and, wherever possible, to use native plantings. Another representative of the applicant noted the speed is 55 mph so if the sign is not illuminated, drivers will not even be able to see the sign as they pass by. Asleson stated it was discussed to eliminate the landscape islands and use that area for infiltration, or the islands could be lowered to provide infiltration. Donlin asked about the setback from the lake and stated she would like that setback distance verified to assure the setbacks do not deviate from the guidelines. Davidson moved to recommend approval of the Mueller-Bies Funeral Home subject to providing a visual buffer between the parking lot and Lake Drive without jeopardizing the drainage ditch, finding a resolution to the on-site wetland identified on the National Wetland Inventory Map, that the OHW question be resolved before Council consideration, including the standard recommendation related to lighting, and to minimize the light emanating from the illuminated sign. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. C. Saddle Club — Smyser reviewed the preservation development process which Lino Lakes is trying to use in an urbanized area. He explained the project is being discussed with the citizen boards and staff continues to discuss concepts with the applicant. Smyser presented a map depicting the subject 40 acre,site and reviewed the surrounding uses. He explained the Saddle Club does not have direct access to the public road so they have an easement in order to obtain, access to Old Birch Street. Smyser stated staff has recommended this one.parcel;not be split by a zoning district line. He noted the forested and large wetland areas : Smyser stated staff visited the site and discovered an historic oak savanna in the southern area of the parcel. Smyser presented several concepts for street and lot layout. He used a map to point out the location of available utilities and explained this is why they have acquired land to the east, to align and connect the road to Killdeer Drive. Smyser stated a conservation easement would be needed for the wetland areas plus a wetland management plan. Chair Lanyon stated he does not remember this project being previously presented to the Environmental Board. Asleson used a computer program to display the GIS information on this site. He explained the original concerns related to vegetation as he reviewed the various areas within the site. Asleson stated that due to the soils present on this site, the potential exists that it could be a habitat for some endangered species. Smyser reviewed the area where the flood plain cuts through the site and stated it may actually follow the creek and flood plain area, which would impact the northeast corner of 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 the proposed plat and would have to be addressed. Asleson reviewed the direction of the drainage on the site Chair Lanyon stated it appears the areas of concern are to mesh this project with the greenway trail system and the habitats of interest and concern which need to be protected during design and implementation of the project. Asleson reviewed the types of soils expected to be contained within this site. In response to Donlin, Ross Fairbrother stated they propose 66 housing units on the 17 acres of upland, or 3 units per acre. He explained they are proposing a small lot residential development with lots being 50 feet wide and 110 feet to 135 feet long, similar to detached townhomes. Mach stated it appears this proposal would use most of the upland area. Mr. Fairbrother stated that is correct. Chair Lanyon excused himself from the meeting at 8:02 p.m.' and asked Vice Chair Davidson to chair the remainder of the meeting. Trehus asked about the trees on the site. Mr. Fairbrother stated they would have a conservation easement. Smyser stated a conservation easement is typically over the larger wetland and open space areas. He noted this plan is at a conceptual level. John Hill stated they looked at ways to maintain the wetland areas and requested a PUD for townhomes so they could have, a townhome owners association to maintain and protect those areas outside of the lots. The conservation easement would be place on those areas outside of the lot. Mr. Hill explained the concept being displayed was created before they addressed shortening the depth of the lots with a conservation easement being on the areas outside of the lots. Donlin stated this is being deemed as a conservation development but she is not comfortable with that because all know that you cannot develop wetlands and they are already federally and locally protected. The danger of encroachment is usually at the edge where residents dump grass clippings, etc. Donlin stated the likelihood of being able to police that type of activity is difficult, however, it may be possible that the homeowners association can hold each other accountable. Donlin stated she is interested in conversation planning with the new urbanism and asked what makes this a conservation development since all of the upland area is being divided into "cookie cutter" lots. 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 Trehus noted the area is zoned R-1 with the southern part being rural but the proposal for townhomes is at a higher density than single family homes. He stated it appears they are trying to increase the density to townhomes by calling it a conservation development. Smyser stated he told the applicant they would need to justify that question. He noted the proposal is for detached townhomes which is really smaller sized single family homes on individual lots. Trehus asked about the distance between the walls of the houses. Mr. Fairbrother estimated ten feet from the building wall to the property line, or 20 feet between the houses. Mr. Hill stated the homes are 1,400 to 1,500 square feet and will sell for about $150,000 with empty nesters and first-time home buyers being their market.' Asleson asked if the applicant also owns the southern part,. and if they will consider developing the southern part when MUSA expands. Mr. Hill stated this is the full 40 acres and they may consider development in several phases to develop the lots within MUSA first. Smyser advised that staff believes the zoning district line on the draft plan should be moved so this entire parcel is within one zoning district. Vice Chair Davidson stated the, trade off for preservation development is that not all of the upland is developed, however ,that aspect is missing from this project. Donlin concurred and commented on the important aspects that need to be included in a preservation development. Asleson noted the Board needs to address what is important beyond this 40 acres in terms of how it will be developed in the future. He reviewed the alignment of the greenway corridor and explained that such a corridor is to be a green area with buffering and provide connections with people, wildlife, and ecosystems while preserving natural features. Smyser stated more buffer beyond the back yards is desired. The Board agreed. Donlin reviewed the conservation development charrette that had been presented and desire for open and visual viewsheds. She stated the proposed site plan does not provide for that aspect since it only provides a view into another home due to the smaller sized lots and higher density. Trehus concurred and stated a trailway plan will also be needed. He reviewed another project that involved the creation of viewsheds and trails. Trehus asked what incentive the City has to consider higher density townhomes. Smyser stated this proposal would require a PUD since it does not fit any of the actual zoning district criteria. He stated the 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 developer will need to answer the question about what the City would receive as incentive for considering this higher density proposal. Mach stated he believes the increased upland would be the incentive if views can be provided. Trehus suggested they consider 45 lots which provides better views and would command a higher price for the lots. Trehus asked if the current draft includes impervious calculations. Mr. Hill stated they have not. Smyser stated there is a per lot impervious percentage limitation. Asleson stated it is not always true that the most important area to retain is upland, it could be other areas as well. Donlin asked who addresses the flood plain. Smyser stated the Rice Creek Watershed District addresses the flood plains. Mr. Fairbrother explained it deals with contours, and that information and a full set of plans is submitted to the Watershed District for their consideration. The Board stated the issues they would like addressed are the creation of a buffer, providing more conserved upland, viewshed retention, greenway retention, stormwater issues, and if a special habitat exists which needs to be verified by Asleson. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD.. BUSINESS A. Landscape OrdinanceReview — Smyser stated the consultant is requesting direction before she can proceed further. Vice Chair Davidson stated the time is late, and she would like the ability to fully discuss the ordinance and suggestions of the members. Asleson stated there would be time to consider this discussion at the next meeting. Trehus asked staff to notify the Board if the timeline changes and a decision is needed before the next meeting. Consensus was reached to table discussion to the October 25, 2000 meeting. B. Litter Ordinance — Asleson stated he spoke with the Police Chief about this ordinance and the ordinance language was included in last month's meeting information. He reviewed the tonnage of waste that is picked up and the determination that there is a litter problem. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 Police Sergeant Rausch explained that they have found some garbage and litter flies off the garbage truck so they have talked with the garbage haulers about keeping their load down. He stated they have also looked at how to deal with residents who do not clean up their garbage if it is dumped over before it is picked up by the hauler. Another generator of trash is along Main Street to and from Waterworks during certain days following events. Sergeant Rausch stated they will look into how people put out their trash and what they can do to address littering. Asleson asked if there are any successful, low cost anti -littering programs that can be considered. Sergeant Rausch stated that if a citation is issued, community service can be required. Vice Chair Davidson reviewed an article about a program that provides the ability to turn in a person littering via a web site and then a letter is sent to them.: She stated that she thinks a telephone call from the Police Department would make an impact. Asleson stated some of the businesses who sell the items commonly littered could help with this issue. Sergeant Rausch advised that the penalty for littering is 90 days and a $1,000 fine. Mach stated if a license plate can be called into the Police Department, then a call can be made to the offender. Vice Chair Davidson agreed and suggested an article be placed in the newsletter to alert residents. She noted that the article could also encourage businesses to place signs in their business to discourage: littering C. DNR Project / Updates - Asleson presented copies of the Rice Creek Corridor Expansion meeting minutes and advised of the upcoming DNR meeting on October 3, 2000. He stated he will ask Consulting Engineer Wedel to provide a DNR and Anoka Conservation District update. D. Other Business None. PROGRAM / PROJECT UPDATES A. Restoration Updates — Noting new to report. B. Forestry Updates — Asleson advised of the extensive hours spent addressing oak wilt. C. Solid Waste / Recycling Updates — Asleson noted the upcoming Clean Up Day scheduled for October 7, 2000. He stated the vendors are set up and the event will be advertised in the newspaper. 10 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2000 D. Open Space Design Tour - Asleson asked if anyone is interested in attending this tour which is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2000. O'Connell stated she would like to attend and will provide a report at the next meeting. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Plant Community Groupings - Mach reviewed his conversation with several DNR staff members about the option of developing groupings of trees that would have evolved together naturally. He suggested this could be an alternative to native prairie plantings. He stated he had provided that information to staff and suggested it be considered in future projects rather than singly planted trees. B. Landscaping Firm — Premier Services - Donlin stated she is associated with the Pheasants Forever organization and Jim Helseth of Premier Services who does prairie restoration work. She provided staff with that information. CLOSE MEETING AND CONFIRM NEXT MEETING' DATE It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on October 25, 2000. There being no further business, Donlin moved to adjourn at 9:08 p.m. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 11 City of Lino Lakes Enviromnental Board Meeting Lino Lakes City Hall September 27, 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 A. North American Composites/Apollo Drive B. Mueller-Bies Funeral Home C. Saddle Club 6. Enviromnental Board Business A. Landscape Ordinance Review B. Litter Ordinance D. DNR Project/Updates C. Other Business 7. Program/Project Updates A. Restoration Updates B. Forestry Updates C. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates 9. Close Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date