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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/03/2001 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : January 3, 2001 TIME STARTED : 6:39 P.M. TIME ENDED : 10:18 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Amy Donlin, Connie Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, Dave Mach, Theresa O'Connell, and Mike Trehus. MEMBERS ABSENT : Chair Scott Lanyon Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson, Ci and Economic Development Director Brian Wessel (part). CALL TO ORDER Engineer John Powell, Chair Lanyon was not present, so Acting Chair Dave Mach presided andcalled the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A.November 29, 2000 — The following corrections; were requested: Page 2, 5th paragraph, "No other citizens hacteornments." Page 4, 1St paragraph, " less than before." on stated 'the amount of runoff after the project would be Page 6, 3`d paragraph, "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." Trehus moved to approve the November 29, 2000 meeting minutes as amended above. Kukonenseconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to the meeting agenda: ® Introduce Board Member Connie Grundhofer • Discuss Public Safety Citizen's Academy January 11 - February 22 — Mach • Discuss Tree Ordinance Update ® Discuss Grant Applications in City - Asleson The agenda was approved as amended above. 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 CITIZEN COMMENTS Donlin read a letter written by Art Hawkins, a concerned resident, concerning growth of adjacent communities and their impact on open spaces. He requested action on the part of the Environmental Board in voicing the perspectives of the citizens of Lino Lakes in the issue of proposed changes to open spaces. He urged a comprehensive plan be formulated to bring the vision, the citywide survey, park plan and natural resources inventory, GIS system, the interface study, and committees together. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR/VICE CHAIR Trehus recommended that because Chair Lanyon was not present, the appointments be temporary for the night only. The Acting Chair was Dave Mach and the Acting Vice Chair was Mike Trehus. Regular appointments will be made at the January meeting.. PROJECT REVIEW A. Dellwood LLC/ N.E. Quadrant of 35W and Lake Drive Update- Wessel explained that Mr. Payton had presented this project at the last meeting. Since then, the Planning and Zoning Board and City Council have discussed it A neighborhood meeting has been held. The project is going through the informal discussion process prior to a formal application. He then introduced Mr Payton and Mr. Palmquist the Vice President of Research and Development of Ryan Companies who was working on the SuperTarget concept. ' �• "� Mr. Palmquist explained that recently, there had been a neighborhood meeting where the primary challenge to the project was addressing the traffic needs. TKDA and Mr. Powell were dealing with the issue. "The Environmental Board was assured that the traffic could be managed with lanes and -signals.'' Also discussed, was adequate buffering on the northern part of,the property He noted an EAW would be done which would be finished in the first part of July Mr. Payton ,presented several maps and explained that the final topographic survey has been completed so more of the spatial relationships have come together. He indicated that there was a small group of tamarack trees, which could be protected by a retaining wall in the west. Asleson explained that the area has been disturbed more than once. He noted a 1953' topographic map that showed tamaracks throughout the area. The freeway went through in the 1960's and greatly impacted the tamaracks. Donlin inquired what plans Target had to address the tamarack trees in the area. Mr. Payton answered that the standing water is only intermittent for 48 hours in a 100 -year event. He noted that there is an aquatic bench planned, with canary grass plantings to reduce the presence of geese. He continued, they were waiting for the results of the soil reports to determine the size of the ponds. The maps presented showed them at the maximum possible size, but in all probability they would shrink. Target representatives were preparing to submit the plan to the City by January 15th 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Mr. Palmquist stated that they were working with staff on the site design and architecture using prototypes on the elevations of the Target site. Describing the site, they were planning some articulations, bench plaza areas, and various plantings in front of the store. There are also planned bays in 20 -foot increments. The whole project would be of similar colors and materials. He continued there would be two doors, with the employee entrance in the center. As is typical, the eastern part would be the grocery, while the western part would hold the discount store. There are plans to screen the truck docking, and to bury the utility lines so that more plantings could be located there. He assured the Board that they would have the elevations available next time. Trehus indicated the land in the southern entryway that the City owns was mentioned last time, and inquired what were the plans for the property adjacent to it. Mr. Palmquist answered that there would be no grading in the area, and there were plans for a retaining wall to protect the trees. The specifics would be answered when the tree survey is overlaid with the aerial photograph. Trehus pointed out that it looked like a lot of parking and no, trees. and suggested that a shift to the west may enable them to make it appear more nestled among the trees. Mr. Payton stated that the building was pushed as far to the west as possible within the required parameters because of site geometry problems Mr. Palmquist note that there were stale groupings of 68, 644, and 910 parking spaces, and indicated that the users could share parking Donlin mentioned that it did not, appear,, aesthetic, and advised that vegetation, billboards, signage, and lighting would need to be addressed more specifically. Mr. Palmquist responded that there were no bill board` requirements, and the lighting would be explained further in the plan. Donlin inquired about the role the Environmental Board would play. Mr. Payton answered that they wanted to know their recommendations. Wessel added that the proposal will be available at the January 31, 2001 meeting, and assured the Board that there were several open issues remaining. Donlin commented that it appeared the typical standards that Target was used to implementing were played out in this plan concerning lighting and signage. Mr. Palmquist answered that there were many parties' interests to balance, that of the City, the community, the developer, and Target which can be met to provide goods and services and civic pride. Mach advised that environmentally speaking specific recommendations include: ® Increase the number of native trees in groupings not standing alone and decrease the number of parking places. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 ® Smaller form of Target, not Superstore. • Location not so near the highway. • Ponds should be fruitful; the water levels need to be controlled so that they could sustain diverse life. ® The City needed to set land aside designated as open space for every development approved. Mr. Payton asked if this project would be used merely to change zoning, ordinances, and laws. Trehus assured him that Target would be welcome in the community, then inquired about the percentage of impervious surfaces. Mr. Payton stated that if a Target would be on site it would be a Superstore,because that is the primary means of expansion. Other regional locations would be Rochester, MN, Rogers, MN, Lakeville, MN, and Eau Claire, WI. The reason given was economic, because it increased the store's bottom line by 50% Mr. Palmquist stated that at the neighborhood sheeting„135 to 140 invitations were sent out with 36 residents in attendance. There was no 'opposition. He noted that the land was zoned commercial. Donlin commented that Vadnais Heights' residents protested Target with signs in their yards, and questioned the reason there was no opposition in Lino Lakes. Mr. Payton inquired, short of no,.develppment, what accommodations Target could make. Asleson noted that growing larger trees would be possible through the use of structural soils. Donlin offered that the wetlands needed to be more than a monoculture. Trehus added that the areas in the west needed to be preserved. O'Connell suggested bringing the building south and changing the configurations to make the buildingmore narrow to allow for more parking on the side. Mr. Payton indicated that people did not use side parking, and restated that the size and shape of the building are configurations that will not change. Mach asked about the possibility of removing a couple of the retail sites. Mr. Payton answered that Target needs a certain number of retailers and square footage to attract customers. He continued that there would be issues on Lake Drive even if Target would not be present, and Target would provide the funding and the tax base to initiate the upgrades needed. Mr. Palmquist assured the Board that the project would be worked out with staff. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Donlin indicated that with each development, residents' taxes have increased so the businesses should have to pay more. Wessel answered that Target would pay over one million dollars annually for taxes. The area was zoned commercial, and would provide tax relief for residents. He indicated that Powell could also address the issue. Wessel excused himself to bring Powell to the meeting at 8:48 p.m. Donlin addressed the lighting, and stated that there should be an attempt to minimize the glare. She expressed her dislike for the cream color chosen for the building. Mach urged the Target representatives to use their services to improve other areas of the City. Mr. Palmquist offered that if some wetlands were affected by .the project, Target could contribute money for preserving trees or wetlands in the City. Donlin noted that there were three school districts in the City, and submitted that Target could contribute money for environmental education, specifically the Teachers of Vision program. Mr. Palmquist stated that the contribution would flow from a financial model. Donlin stated that there would be a need for upland and wetland mitigation. Wessel stated that the discussion would continue and the specific recommendations from the Environmental Board were helpful. ' He indicated that the City Council would ultimately make the decision. Asleson stated the question was how to mitigate environmental impact. Mach reiterated: ® Move the building to the west: ® Avoid monoculture.: in the ponds ® Reduce bounce in the`ponds ® Decrease the number of parking spaces and increase plantlife Kukonen explained that one way to increase the plantlife would be through buffering. Mr. Palmquist asked if a model existed, so they could work from that and put it into an economic model. Donlin requested that minimal lighting be used, especially at night. Trehus agreed and asked if the lights would be turned off at night. Donlin inquired if the 38 -foot pole height was necessary, or if it could be reduced. Mr. Palmquist stated that if the pole height was reduced, there would be an increase in the number of lights. The Board was assured that the lights would be shoebox lights, to aim the light down, not out. 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Mr. Payton noted that in the site plan, the nighttime team leader would have all the lights off, except for a corridor of lights for the employees. After the employees left, all lights would be turned off except for security lights. Trehus said that there should be a vote on the recommendations that include the following as well as the recommendations previously stated by Mach: ® Set aside property off site for open space. ® Lighting issues were a major concern. • Maximize the green in groupings, rather than in straight lines. Mach moved to approve the recommendations of the Environmental Board. Trehus seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B. CSAH 49 Update/John Powell — Powell explained that the City passed a,resolution because it was concluded that a joint meeting between the cities was necessary. With a reduced speed limit the City supports it, then the project goes to Mn/DOT for reviewal. The County Commissioners set the speed limits. Typically speed studies are done and the speed that 85% of the motorists travel determines the speed limit. In addition, the plan calls for more linear areas for standing water, rather than in ponds at Hodgson Road. Mach asked if there was a map of the design. Powell stated that there was a map from County Road J to Lake Drive. Powell pointed out that with a higher speed limit, there was a need for a straighter road for adequate reaction time. A lower, speed limit would allow for more curves, and a narrower area for the road with 45` m.p.h. Grundhofer inquired about -the necessity for four lanes. Powell indicated that the road was being expanded to meet the regional need, but there was some flexibility for local concerns. He noted that the road in the past was a state highway and changed to a regional roadway. '11e ,indicated that the pond adjacent to Fox Trace(??) would not be eliminated in the expansion of Highway 49. Grundhofer;;: explained that the pond was a breeding area for three species of frogs. Powell indicated that the pond was landlocked and it stayed wet all year. Mach asked if an environmental impact report had been done. Powell responded that one was in process, and an archeological dig found the presence of hot chards. Donlin expressed the need for the EIS (Environmental Impact Survey). Grundhofer stated that the bridge was a breeding ground for birds, and asked if it was going to be affected. Powell answered that the widening of the bridge was essential. He 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 indicated that a water main was adjacent to the bridge. The bridge would hold the four lanes of traffic, a pedestrian way, and a median. Grundhofer responded that the median would present a problem and asked if the curbs could be made shallower to protect the animal crossing. Mach asked the distance of the proposed widening. Powell stated that by 2004-2006, it would be from Lake Drive to the intersection of Target. The growth in traffic would be present and that signals would be placed at County Road J and Birch Street. The county would help pay for the lighting. At County Road J and Hodgson there would be a need for two twin lanes. Mach asked how they determined the need. Powell answered that the proposed growth rates determined the need. He noted that many times, the proposed rates have been exceeded. Mach inquired if the comprehensive plans of the cities had been reviewed. Powell responded that the roads needed to be constructed for 20 years, and regional impact and growth determined the need instead of individual cities. Usually the roads were obsolete by the time construction was finished. Trehus asked about the rationale for the need to expand Highway 49. Grundhofer questioned the possibility of Main Street expanding to a 4 -way. Powell answered that the County did a study to keep it a two-lane road by controlling access. Technically, Main Street was the only road -that Mn/DOT did not have jurisdiction. C. 12th and Holly — Asleson explained that a standard subdivision approach is being planned. They could do infiltration' of soils, and the wetlands did have a good possibility of the rare ecosystem found near the school. The possibility of the rare ecosystem needed to be investigated, as well as, possibly moving some of the pine trees in the pine plantation. He stated that the watershed district was considering properties to the north for a water holding area and the use of greenway has been discussed for this area in the past. Grundhofer recommended removing Lots 4 and 5, which would shorten the street. Asleson commented that the developer was trying to pay for infrastructure. He also mentioned that the greenways needed to be better defined. Mach commented that several driveways were proposed on 12th which was a through street. Asleson responded that there would be five because two lots would share a driveway. Grundhofer noted that the house on Lot 4 was a few feet from a wetland. 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Asleson stated that the standard recommendations were applicable, in addition to concerns over Lots 4 and 5, and Lot 9 mitigation. Mach urged a balance of development with wetland mitigation. Asleson suggested that it would be good to address the water quality issues and encourage the use of natural plants with unique high quality rather than a monoculture. Grundhofer expressed concern over the pines in the southwest on Lots 9 and 10. Asleson responded that the pine trees on Lots 1, and 8 to 10 had several trees that were too large to move. He noted that pines are not native here, but are planted sometimes to enhance the winter scene. The project was going to the Planning and Zoning Board next. D. City Hall Park QWEST Communications Tower — Aslesonintroduced the format of the Project Tracking Form, then addressed the project stating that the, proposed tower would hold the hockey light as well. The lease money would then go into the general fund. Kukonen asked if lights were required if the tower was no in use in the future. Asleson stated that the dimensions were lights., at 150 feet, 135 -foot tower, and a need for 25 x 25 square foot plot of land. Grundhofer stated that the pole would be an eyesore, and recommended that it could be put further back on the property:- mentioned that the goal was to keep the location of the pole nearby other facilitiesalready present. Donlin suggested that another existing' tower could be used instead of erecting a new one. Asleson answered that there had to be a tower in the specified location. Mach asked if there was a plan for future towers. Asleson responded that a tower study was being done by Rick DeGardner. Donlin urged that the tower not be erected at the proposed location, due to a nearby eagle's nest and duck pass. Asleson stated that the area needed to be rezoned from Rural to Public/Semi-Public. Grundhofer stated that the citizens needed to be notified. Donlin inquired as to whether the DNR had studied the impact. She noted that the local hunt club recommended that the tower not be placed at the proposed location. Trehus concurred. Asleson stated that the location was chosen due to the communication radius necessary. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Mach asked what process determined the proposed location of the tower. Asleson answered that the City chose the site. Donlin noted that there was a tower off Birch Street and Centerville, also off Birch Street and near the Saddle Club. She inquired if those locations were considered. Asleson explained that it needed to be 135 feet, and in the future either more towers or a taller tower would probably be necessary in a 3-5 mile range. Trehus indicated that the water towers could hold the pole. Asleson mentioned that the water towers were probably too far away. Donlin inquired if the possibility of two towers on existing towers had been considered. O'Connell suggested that there might be interference with the telephone poles. Trehus stated that by unanimous vote the Board recommended that the tower not be built in that location. Asleson stated that Rick DeGardner from Public Works was working on the project. He then inquired about the format of updates. Donlin urged not too much paper. Asleson agreed and decided to only hand out the front page. Key points could then be presented to the City Council. The former mayor recommended the format of the updates. E. Behm's Park/Lot Creation — Asleson reyiewed the background information. Nine years ago, an existing park was approved for the creation of parks for wetlands. It would be planted with native vegetation that would create a buffer against adjacent Kentucky Bluegrass and increase filtration. The park would be paid for by the development of 9 lots, although no houses are on site at present. There would be a bituminous trail on its perimeter that would require periodic burns. Trehus noted that the area was purchased in 1985 for development and only now plans were proposed. Asleson noted that trails were planned in the southwest section with native vegetation. He desired the Board's input on options for the area. He pointed out that a buffer strip had not been put in. O'Connell suggested that the wetland could extend up to the area, but not into it. Donlin submitted that if houses were present, residents would not want a periodic burn, and inquired about the DNR being apprehensive. She also asked about obtaining burn permits. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 Mach stated that a precedent should be set, and it would acquaint people with burns of native vegetation. He urged the City to notify residents before a burn took place. Asleson stated that no permit would be given if there were trees larger than 2 -inches in diameter. Mach pointed out that it would burn at a low temperature. Asleson noted that the vegetation was not touched in the north and it provided a good opportunity for education. O'Connell reviewed that it was a public park for all to use, and yet the only parking would be located on the street. F. Saddle Club Project Update — It was noted that the project went to the Planning and Zoning Board with recommendations concerning lot size, sothe applicant came back with a new proposal. Staff talked with the DNR who indicated that hydroelectricity it could be restored. Greenways do a number of things like creating buffers, open space and most importantly connections between ecosystems and open space areas for wildlife and people. Staff requested comments 'on the latest proposal, which would be passed on to the Planning and Zoning Board. The greenway needed to be preserved in the long term for the good of the public.Through private or public means, it needed to be managed. Donlin asked the number of houses;.in the latest proposal. Asleson stated that there were 40, which were more spread out than before. Trehus noted that the original lots were larger but the detached townhomes shrank the lots. Asleson stated that because they are considered conservation developments, the elements must take on long-term importance. Donlin expressedconcern.for the term "conservation development" because it implied that stringent guidelines were applied, when there were none. Asleson stated that Peregrine Pass needed a zoning variance, and part of the Saddle Club property was in MUSA. Donlin pointed out that Grant Township and other communities make it a requirement to follow the conservation models. Asleson noted that they have copies of the Surface Water Management Plan and the Conservation Planning Ordinance. He restated that he wanted recommendations from the Environmental Board concerning conservation and the greenway. Donlin stated that the traffic from the development would be about 400 trips/day. It would have a significant impact on traffic and the quality of life. Asleson urged the Board to narrow the scope to preserve the greenway. 10 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 O'Connell indicated that the DNR study on greenway space could be used as a model. Trehus agreed that Saddle Club should correspond with the model. Donlin noted that historically, since 1992, the City has had a goal of a greenway project with a wetland border. Kukonen inquired how could it be approved with 50% of the property in MUSA. Asleson urged the Environmental Board to make a formal statement. He noted that most of the trees were on the greenway. The area may someday need boardwalks, if a trail is desirable through this area, because of the hydrologic conditions present. Mach suggested making the wetlands public property and to reduce the size of the lots. He continued that in the third plan, the lots went right through the wetlands. Donlin stated that it did not keep with the vision for the City and the City should not merely chose the least objectionable. She stated it should not violate the Greenway Project, had to be permanently conserved, and not privately held. Asleson identified that it could be put into a land trust. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD BUSINESS A. Minnesota DNRJ Vildland Interface Project=This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. B. Development Concerns/Birch St. and Centerville Rd. — This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. PROGRAM /PROJECT UPDATES A. Environmental Education — This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. B. Forestry Updates This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. C. Solid Waste / Recycling Updates — This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Introduce Board member Grundhofer — It was indicated that Grundhofer had been a resident of Lino Lakes for 24 years and has been active in the local environmental issues. The Board members introduced themselves to Grundhofer. 11 I ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 3, 2001 B. Public Safety Citizen's Academy — Mach introduced the program which would run from January 11 -February 22, 2001. 0' Connell stated that she would like to attend. C. Tree Ordinance Update — This item was tabled to the January 31, 2001 meeting. D. Status of Grant Applications — Asleson noted that two grants were being applied for at the present time. The first was an acquisition grant, and he has been speaking with the present owner. He stated that there might not be enough time to meet the application deadline. The second is a matching grant CLOSE MEETING AND CONFIRM NEXT MEETING DATE It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on January 31, 2001. There being no further business, Kukonen moved to adjourn at 10:18 p.m. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 12 City of Lino Lakes December Environmental Board Meeting Lino Lakes City Hall January 3, 2001 6:30 PM Agenda 1. Call To Order/Pass Sign -In Sheet 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Citizen Comments 5. Appointment of Chair/Vice Chair 6. Project Review A. DellwoodLLC Update B. CSAH 49 Update/John Powell C. 12th and Holly D. City Hall Park QWEST Communications Tower E. Behm's Park/Lot Creation F. Saddle Club Project Update. 7. Environmental Board Business A. Minnesota DNR/Wildland Interface Project/Updates B. Development Concerns/Birch St. and Centerville Rd. S. Program/Project Updates A. Environmental B. Forestry Updates C. Solid Waste/Recycling Updates 9. Close Meeting and Confirm Next Meeting Date