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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/29/2000 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : November 29, 2000 TIME STARTED : 6:34 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:25 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Maurene Davidson, Amy Donlin, Rod Kukonen, Scott Lanyon, Dave Mach, Theresa O'Connell, and Mike Trehus (excused at 7:56 p.m.) MEMBERS ABSENT : None. Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson, Community Development Director Brian Wessel (part), and City Planner Jeff Smyser. CALL TO ORDER Chair Lanyon called the meeting to order at 6:34 p. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. October 25, 2000 — The following corrections were requested: Page 2, 6th paragraph, "Kukonen moved to recommend avoidance of piecemeal development, and does not support continued road expansion or development until a comprehensive plan for thearea to the north is completed and approved. Page 3, 8th paragraph, correct spelling of the word "habitat." Davidson moved to approve the October 25, 2000 meeting minutes as amended above. Kukonen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA' The following items were added to the meeting agenda: • E -Mail Discussion The agenda was approved as amended above. CITIZEN COMMENTS Connie Grundhofer, 235 Linda Avenue, asked if the Board is aware that plans are being made to expand Highway 49 into a four lane highway, which would double its current size. She stated her concern about the potential loss of the beautiful country atmosphere in Lino Lakes. Ms. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Grundhofer commented on the importance of maintaining highway ditches to protect wildlife including frogs and birds. She urged the Board to consider construction methods that assure the protection of the natural habitat and environment. Chair Lanyon stated this highway project has not yet come before the Board. Ms. Grundhofer stated this potential project has been considered by Anoka County for several months and the Lino Lakes City Council has also discussed it. Wessel suggested that City Engineer John Powell attend the next Board meeting to provide a project update. Mach asked if Anoka County is open to compromise when designing this road project. Wessel stated he believes there will be the opportunity for compromise, noting the County Engineer is concerned with addressing road safety issues. No other citizens had comments. PROJECT REVIEW A. Dellwood LLC/NE Quadrant of 35W. and Lake Drive- Asleson explained this project had been reviewed previously by the Environmental Board who indicated a desire for implementation of tree preservation practices including moving trees from the site that may be saved by tree spading, stockpiling, and moving back onto the site; to promote infiltration as much as possible; to use native materials from upland to wetland; and landscaping consistent with:the Village 'Town Center design. Asleson presented this project fora Target SuperStore and requested general comments from the Board concerning'`; environmental preservation and restoration. He advised that Target has taken a strong initiative with environmental protection and reviewed the awards they have'received including specifics of their successful recycling program. Wessel explained that Dellwood LLC is the developer and Ryan Construction is the entity that will build the project. He reviewed the other firms involved with the project, noting that Target is ,driving the project. He reviewed the permitting schedule which indicates Target would break ground in May of 2001 and be open 2002. Wessel emphasized the need to raise the major issues of concern early in this process and encouraged the Board to contact staff should other concerns arise. John Payton, Parsons Transportation Group, Minneapolis, introduced his company and background with Target Stores. Mr. Payton then introduced Jeff Fulner and his background in development. He acknowledged that this site contains serious environmental concerns and stated he wants to assure everything is appropriately designed and engineered. Mr. Payton noted the many meetings that will be held where this project will be discussed to assure all concerns are resolved. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Mr. Payton stated preliminary wetland delineation will be started next week and done again in the spring to assure the correct boundaries are identified. Tree tagging to identify species and caliper inch will be conducted as well as a survey of the locations. He stated they will also survey the boundaries of the property. Wessel advised that the exact location of Apollo Drive is in litigation and a court opinion will be rendered in about a month. He reviewed the projects proposed for that area and that of the Dellwood LLC project under consideration tonight. Mr. Payton presented a diagram of the subject site, noting the location of the roadways and City right-of-way. He advised of the Target Superstore concept for 174,000 square feet that includes an Archer Farms grocery component, deli, bakery, pharmacy, photoshop, Starbucks Coffee, Crispy Cream Donuts, and a fast food such as Burger King. He stated he was involved with the Target Store in Forest Lake which was also developed on a difficult site. Mr. Payton pointed out the loading dock area to the back of the building and screening in that area. Mr. Payton addressed the storm water issues by explaining the stormwater analysis and how they will assure adequate pond capacity. He advised of the existing soil types and explained the predevelopment condition for a 100 -year storm event. He stated a two - pond system with a NURP and bounce component was considered and drainage would be handled with the incorporation of a berm to meet Rice Creek Water Management Organization (WMO) standards for graduated outfall. He estimated a four -foot bounce during a 100 -year event which will be accommodated by the surrounding berms to assure the correct rate of discharge He:estimated it would take 48 hours for that bounce retainage to dissipate Mr Payton stated after the wetlands are delineated and trees surveyed, they will be ableto prepare a better topographical map. Wessel stated staff has met three to four times with the developer and Ryan Construction made a preliminary presentation at the Council worksession last Wednesday. Discussion by staff has related to the architectural expression of these structures to assure it is consistent with the, Town Center. Wessel advised that staff has also discussed the location of the buildings in relation to Lake Drive. Asleson explained an option raised by the City Engineer to use biofiltration along the pond edge along Apollo Drive to create a natively planted and aesthetically pleasing feature. Another option raised was underground power lines. Mr. Payton stated they will do an air quality sampling and a traffic analysis. He stated they are excited about the concepts being raised for parking lot depressions and islands, on-site pond infiltration, and native pond vegetation. Mr. Payton noted the location of a remnant parcel that cannot be developed and stated staff is determining if it could be utilized in some fashion. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Trehus noted that 14 cubic feet per second would be going into the third pond and asked if that runoff would leave the site. Mr. Payton stated it would not leave the site and the water would back up behind the berm. Davidson asked if the goal is to keep the rate of runoff to the level it is prior to development. Mr. Payton stated the amount of runoff after the project would be less than before. Chair Lanyon stated it is important to the Board to not increase runoff and to also improve water quality. Other concerns relate to requiring down focused lighting to eliminate night time spill, minimizing impervious surfaces in general, and creating green spaces. Mr. Payton explained that the longitude and latitude of the store are submitted to a security agency who reviews the incidents of theft, homicide, etc. and uses a master formula to determine the security level which relates to the intensity of the lighting plan. He stated their willingness to work with the City to assure adequate lighting while also assuring security for their customers. Mr. Payton stated they will present a sample of the downlit lighting fixtures which Target uses along with the foot-candle calculations. Chair Lanyon agreed that safety is paramount and asked that the lights be kept as low as possible while assuring safety is addressed. Donlin stated it is admirable that Target has a;major recycling effort but she is crestfallen that a big box project is being considered in Lino Lakes. She stated she is supportive of a Target rather than a Wal-Mart and that TIF is not involved. Donlin asked what type of greenway corridor is being proposed. Asleson stated a standard NURP engineered pond will be required on this site no matter the type of development. He noted the creative ideas being discussed with biofiltering, parking lot depressions and islands. r.. Trehus stated the Board wants to see natural preservation within Lino Lakes while areas develop and encouraged innovation to preserve trees, etc. Mr. Payton stated this is a preliminary plan and more cannot be done until the tree survey is completed. Also, the site must meet the Rice Creek WMO requirements for a runoff rate of two cubic feet. Mr. Paton stated that he believes they have presented a worse case scenario and the numbers will be lower once the project is designed. Donlin asked how this site can be "green" once the drainage is acceptable to the Rice Creek WMO and City. She reviewed the previous effort made to assure Lino Lakes remains a green city and asked how this project can be developed to assure those goals are met. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Mr. Payton explained every project has "needs" and "wants" that have to be quantified. The "needs" are a requirement of the project and one need is to provide five parking stalls per 1,000 square feet. A retailer's needs and the City's needs also relate to the number of parking stalls. Donlin commented on the importance of assuring balance in all developments including economics, culture, and environment. Kukonen asked if pervious parking surfaces have been considered for this project. Mr. Payton stated that would have to be looked at in relation to high volume of traffic and the need to assure emergency vehicle access. Chair Lanyon asked if the current site plan impacts existing wetlands. Mr. Payton stated it does. Mach stated his concern with impacting the type and amount of vegetation that will survive. He stated his agreement with Donlin and Trehus related to the lack of green space and high volume of drainage that would be directed into these ponds. Asleson noted the location of significant trees. Mr. Payton commented on the importance of this type of dialog and assured the Board that following the tree survey and wetland delineation, they will be better able to design a project to resolve the concerns being expressed tonight. He stated that this project will impact the wetland but they will work towards a goal to preserve the natural elements present on this site. Chair Lanyon stated it has been alluded to that Lino Lakes would not consider big box projects due to the difficulty of imagining how a Target Superstore could be consistent with that City image He noted that this will be the challenge to the developer, to develop a project that matches the City's image, which will take a lot of creativity and green spaces. Davidson stated she walked this property several years ago and knows there are significant trees on this site. She recommended that as part of the green feature, all trees possible be preserved. Wessel stated those trees are located on property that is not part of this project. He suggested that if the Board believes this is a critical entryway parcel, the Board may want to consider whether the parcel should remain under City ownership to assure the trees and trail connections are preserved. Trehus asked if there is some leeway in building design to eliminate the long straight wall design. Wessel stated that issue was raised by the Council as well and during the Council worksession, the architect presented some architectural designs including building 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 materials that better match the Town Center and pedestrian environment. He stated they found the Target representatives and development team have been very willing to discuss those options. Wessel stated there will be more building articulation but agreed it will be a major challenge to deal with this big box concept. Chair Lanyon raised the issue of native plantings and the Board's desire to assure they are included in the planting plan. Mach suggested that the oak savanna be incorporated and intermingled into the parking areas along with native plantings. O'Connell stated all logos for Target stores have a lit logo (a red bullseye) including the billboard on Hwy. 35 and asked if it is being proposed. Mr. Payton stated this project will meet the City's sign ordinance requirements. Smyser stated staff has not yet looked at the signage plan but agreed it will be reviewed during the project review process. Trehus left the meeting at 7:56 p.m. O'Connell asked about signage that would face Lake Drive. Mr. Payton stated that he does not have specific sizes but monument signs will be designed that meet the sign ordinance. Wessel noted this is the Lino Lakes Town Center and the objective will be to identify that aspect and assure the lighting, signage, etc. all tie together. Donlin asked if the sign ordinance had been completed. She pointed out that everyone will know of the location of this Target and she does not believe a large sized bullseye or "TARGET" sign is needed. • Chair Lanyon summarized that the Board has many concerns about how this project can meet the image they have for. Lino Lakes and encouraged the developers to continue their work to resolve those concerns and bring this project closer to that image. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD BUSINESS A. Minnesota DNR / Wildland Interface Project / Peggy Sand — Asleson reviewed the City's involvement with the Wildland Interface Project which incorporates smart growth. He introduced Peggy Sand, Metro Region Forestry Manager and Wildlife Interface Project Manager. Ms. Sand explained the DNR has a reputation of managing its own land and placing regulations on other land but, in the metro area, the DNR owns very little land and is not as effective as they'd like to be to provide guidance and assistance to communities. She commented on the different regulations of local communities and explained they are trying to create cohesive, consistent, and well-timed assistance to communities and landowners. In that effort, a guidebook is being created for landowners. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Ms. Sand stated the other component of this project is the local unit of government project to establish a set of materials and determine what they would recommend for various projects. She stated they received federal funding for this component and decided to work with the cities of Hugo and Lino Lakes on this project. Ms. Sand noted the information provided to the Board which detailed a permitting process time line indicating this project would be completed in August or September of 2001. She reviewed their primary activities will include the development of a checklist for natural resource guidance, conducting natural resource inventory and assessments, and to provide information and assistance to local communities. Ms. Sand asked if the Board is working on other plans and policies on which they would like DNR involvement. She stated they would also like to provide some voluntary input to work with developers. Ms. Sand provided a detailed list of what the DNR would like to produce as part of the Wildland Interface Project to help local units, a checklist for natural resource inventory and analysis checklist, a checklist for addressing natural resources in the City's Comprehensive Plan, and a checklist for a site based management plan for natural areas. Ms. Sand also provided a copy of the Best Management Practices in Minnesota booklet entitled Conserving Wooded Areas in Developing Communities. Ms. Sand displayed a digital aerial photograph of the Saddle Club property depicting land cover classification data including different vegetation communities, imperviousness, forest, non-native, and wetland areas. She also provided maps identifying the level of disturbance and map of tree canopy cover which creates environmental benefits. Ms. Sand stated they intend to do mapping for the site by the elementary school that may be developed. Asleson reviewed the site to the west of the Lino Lakes Elementary that is currently under a purchase agreement for development. He noted the trail corridor alignment and advised of the uses of the property to the north. Ms. Sand stated Metro Greenway staff reviewed the site to consider the potential for a planning grant and land acquisition assistance. She presented Chair Lanyon with copies of that information. Asleson advised of possible involvement with the Anoka Conservation District to assist with grant writing. Mach stated this property by the school is valuable and asked if the Board can do anything to assure it is protected. Asleson stated the Board can support a statement encouraging that preservation. Chair Lanyon stated in the past, the Board has not made specific recommendations about particular sites that need to be saved. He indicated support to move toward that position and suggested the development of a statement to the City Council emphasizing the importance of preserving this site, noting it contains an almost pristine wetland and abuts a school. 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Smyser stated it is admirable to look at areas to protect. He explained that as the City Planner, he needs to address many different aspects and one of the first things the City Council will want to know is "why." Smyser noted the City operates on a lean budget so a list of very good reasons should accompany such a recommendation. Chair Lanyon stated he would like the Council to be made aware of the fact that there are areas in Lino Lakes that are environmentally valuable and should be preserved. Asleson advised that the planning and land acquisition grant applications are due January 20, 2000. Ms. Sand noted it may not be fee title ownership but, rather, easement acquisition. She stated it may be appropriate to talk with the land owner since the grant may not be approved if the project does not have the support of the land owner. Kukonen stated he believes there are many in the community who believe this area is more important with its variety of plant life and wildlife than even the Wargo Nature Center. Asleson suggested a dialogue between the developer and land owner to determine the intent of the developer. Ms. Sand reviewed her conversation with the developer and stated the developer was provided with conservation easement information. Smyser suggested this topic be discussed at the next Council worksession to determine if they will entertain the idea of purchasing, this site., If the Council does not support a purchase, it may not be prudent to continue the process. Chair Lanyon noted the City's indication that it wants to be a "green community" and suggested there is no better way than to save such a site with endangered species. Davidson suggested that representatives of the Board attend the Council worksession. Chair Lanyon and O'Connell, stated they will plan to attend. Smyser stated that Asleson will present this issue before the Council. B. Lino Lakes Population / Amy Donlin — Donlin distributed a written statement on the growth of Lino Lakes, noting it was 74% during the decade of the 1990s. At this rate of increase, the population of Lino Lakes jumped from 8,807 in 1990 to 15,324 at the end of the decade. She explained that to avoid surpassing the City's published goal of not exceeding 20,500 by the year 2020, no more than 5,176 new residences can be added, or an average of 257 newcomers per year for the next 20 years. She indicated support to assure the population goal is not over reached. Davidson stated she shares the concern for population growth. She noted the comment indicating "city officials adopted another figure" may not accurately reflect what occurred during the process of drafting the Comprehensive Plan, which has not yet been adopted. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Donlin stated the Board sees projects first and, thus, should say things first if it thinks something is awry. Smyser updated the Board on the progress of the Comprehensive Plan. He advised that this population data is well known by the staff and Council. Chair Lanyon requested quarterly reports on housing starts and commented on the difficulty of managing growth that is too rapid. C. Development Concerns / Birch Street and Centerville Road - This item was tabled to the December 27, 2000 meeting. D. Property North of Lino Lakes Elementary - This item was discussed as part of Item 6A. PROGRAM / PROJECT UPDATES A. Environmental Education — This item was tabled to the December 27, 2000 meeting. B. Forestry Updates — This item was tabled to the December 27, 2000 meeting. C. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates — This item was tabled to the December 27, 2000 meeting. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS A. E -Mail Discussion - Since Trehus:was not in attendance, this item was tabled to the December 27, 2000 meeting B. Status of Sign Ordinance `O'Connell inquired regarding the status of the Sign Ordinance. Asleson stated that while there was discussion as part of the McDonald's project, the City has not formally addressed a revision to its current Sign Ordinance. He explained this is a very large task but he believes a Sign Ordinance overhaul is needed. Asleson advised that a Lighting Ordinance revision has been included in the 2001 budget. He reported the Tree Preservation Ordinance was reviewed twice by the Planning Commission and they have directed major revisions on which staff is working. O'Connell requested a copy of the Sign Ordinance. C. December Agenda Items - Chair Lanyon requested the December agenda include a discussion of the Highway 49 Expansion, Elementary School property, Environmental Board Authority, and the Dellwood LLC/Target Project. Chair Lanyon stated the Board wants to establish a relationship with developers to provide basic general guidelines that can be incorporated into their project design prior to presentation before the Environmental Board. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 29, 2000 Smyser stated the Environmental Board's responsibility does not include giving direction to developers. Rather, that direction should be given to staff so they can work with developers and that information will then be reported back to the Board. Mach asked that an agenda item be included to discuss the process under which the Board operates so it can assure environmental issues are incorporated into the plan. Chair Lanyon agreed with the benefit of being more proactive than reactive, which may be helped by becoming involved with the ordinances. Smyser encouraged the Board to keep staff informed of their concerns so ;they can be raised and resolved by the developer. CLOSE MEETING AND CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on December 27, 2000. Chair Lanyon advised that he is not available on December 27, 2000. There being no further business, Donlin moved to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Davidson seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Carla Wirth TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.. 10 City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting Lino Lakes City Hall November 29, 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. Dellwood LLC/NE Quadrant of 35W & Lake Dr. 6. Environmental Board Business A. Minnesota DNR/Wildland Interface Project / Peggy Sand B. Lino Lakes Population / Amy Donlin C. Development Concerns/Birch St. and Centerville Rd. D. Property North of Lino Lakes Elementary 7. Program/Project Updates A. Environmental/Grant Update B. Forestry Updates C. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates 9. Close Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date