HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/28/2001 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
DATE : November 28, 2001
TIME STARTED : 6:37 P.M.
TIME ENDED : 9:18 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT : Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen,
Theresa O'Connell, and Mike Trehus.
MEMBERS ABSENT : None. •Th.
eStaff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson,% ngin er
John Powell. t5:9tk,
on;
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.4
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. October 24, 2001
Trehus moved to approve the October 24,4?,
the motion. Motion carried unanimous10
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
1.
eetifj minutes. Grundhofer seconded
The following items were adde41., 0 the meeting agenda:
• Discuss meeting minutr% e
• Discuss the Pheasgi Thlls Pre 12th Addition Update under 6G.
• Discuss thitakes.Newi1etter under 7D.
• Discuss the ethber meeting date under 7E.
The agenda was apptOved unanimously.
4. OPEN MIKE
No citizen comments were made.
5. ACTION ITEMS
A. No new formal applications received.
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Clearwater Creek 3rd Addition — This item was discussed later in the meeting.
B. Surface Water Management Plan Discussion — Powell distributed and referred
to the Infiltration Checklist from the Rice Creek Watershed District, and a memo
from Richard Thompson. He stated that they were in the process of assembling
information so that they did not have to refer to the project files later. The
Infiltration Checklist is distributed to developers to be com ed and address all
points on the checklist. Any inconsistencies between the chec071nd present City
policy must be reconciled. There were times that the Water&irflii
requirement, but but the City removed it. He noted an examplek*that wts- othe
,.,.;',0'.I.4.=,
Watershed District required raised islands in a cul-de-sacwnt
-......4, 'qty needed
the streets to accommodate emergency vehicles. Po '. d fhttboth the needs
of the Watershed and the City could be met with sm and lower plants.
Trehus inquired if the items were binding, or were-the--tVtibpers required to
address the issues. Powell answered that the lo were required to address
--,--,,, ,. _.
each issue, and continued with the examplc' thetAiWi,onted 28 -foot street widths,
while the Watershed wanted 26 -foot • ere Were no sidewalks in the City,
only trails, however the Village could erawhere sidewalks might be
desired.
Trehus posed the question if a
that a trail was not a sidew
change in right-of-way fo
as considered a sidewalk. Powell responded
pnsider sidewalks would be a dramatic
.•-top
IlLir
Powell continued to revitioIhe Chcckhst. The issues of parking stalls and shared
parking were consi ill e City and Watershed District Staff noted that
car t.,
businesses were g oge4to overflow parking, shared parking and
parking waivers'!3-1 he Cily rcquired natural vegetation as stated in the Act;
howeverr covenantIt required as in the Watershed District.
xur
Donlin
uL thc needs for fire, snow removal and storage. Powell
.4-.--
answere d Ttt. .e issue could be resolved with a raised island. However, residents
usually we-vtoncemed about the need to see children playing in the street, but he
assured the Bard that it was not insurmountable with low plants. If snow would
be piled on the islands the plants would be crushed.
Powell identified in the area of vegetated swales, and noted that education was the
biggest obstacle. In the past the City did not allow swales, and developers wanted
a catch basin. The major issue was the prevention of compaction, so either the
developer could not compact the soil, or must loosen the soil if compaction
occurred. The need for imported soils presents another concern because the
2
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
compaction would be different with the imported and the native soil. He pointed
out ideally the soil should be moved around on site.
Asleson added that once the developer had finished establishing the soil, no heavy
machinery should be used on site, or different, smaller machinery could be used.
Powell described that the Watershed District wanted short crowned driveways to
increase infiltration. The City required a 30 -foot setback from the right-of-way
according to the Zoning Ordinance, and allowed 46 -foot long driveways to reduce
the concentrated flow on the sides of the driveway which wal ultimately
increase erosion.
Trehus inquired about a reduced slope on the driveways. Pow 11 re;onaed the
City would consider shorter driveways, but not crowned beat , taiiveways
were over 10% and most were between 4-8%.
Staff explained the difference between urban and ralrroadsi fd noted that rural
roads were being used in a new subdivision. The `W['atershedDistrict recommends
storm sewer inlets to be set back from the curbsw
storm sewers have the inlets in the curbs.
would have an effect on infiltration. The
road going into ditches on both sides.
Grundhofer posed the question if
Powell stated that in an urban seth
right-of-way with ditches.
to make the ditch narrower`
the parts of the City with
nogconvinced that this item
sections of the City had a crowned
Trehus inquired about
indicated that the Ci
needed to be in then
":i=ii
Grundhofer pointe
curb-t$;.�c,,
to freezeran
difficult
scauld'incorporate more curbless streets.
curbless streets consume too much of the
a slope of 3:1, the slope can be slightly changed
pint ` l e right-of-way.
Chair Kuko>4equestioned the pros and cons of swales as an outlot. Powell
admitted that it would need to be wide enough, and that an alley would probably
form behind fences in the backyards. He agreed it would be an upfront way to
deal with drainage and would ensure against surprises for residents. Powell
indicated that some have an easement for drainage or ponding.
ave the ditch in the right-of-way. Powell
%control the ditch to maintain it, so the ditch
vay otan easement.
at a rural road used less right-of-way space than the
st"ted;.that the rural road works well in the township, but due
wnsilam, sitting water made the ditches and culverts
ain. He added that there were no dry swales in the City.
Trehus inquired about what was presently being done, and expressed the desire to
exceed the requirements of the Watershed District. Powell responded that
infiltration galleries are being used in Bluebill Ponds with capped,12-inch tubes,
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
but expressed concern over the possibility that the caps could be removed, and
safety issues surrounding that situation.
Trehus questioned if the tubes were perforated. Powell answered that they were.
He added that he was concerned about small children falling into them as can
occur with uncapped wells. There is no requirement for disclosure, but the buyer
needed to know if they were located on their property.
Donlin posed the question about who would be liable. Powell responded anyone
who had contact with the property including the Watershed Atrict, the developer,
the City Engineer and others.
Asleson added that there was a concern for toxins entering
Donlin stated that she thought it would be an eyesore-Ghi4 er agreed and
questioned if they were not much higher than groundlOv, **Meson stated that he
was not sure what the cap looked like.
1:$-•
Powell stated that there was usually four inchesof soil, and rocks around the
tube to keep it in place.
•
O'Connell inquired about the City no
indicated that he thought the City s o
for infiltration.
dents of its presence. Powell
ormation about the opportunity
Donlin expressed concern for theron colony and noted in the October 24
meeting outline of the Sur, agement Plan had inconsistencies in the
deadline of January 31. ell ihdIiated that the differences between the
Watershed District's seco Ion plan needed to be reconciled with the
Surface Water Mana mentPJanby the end of January for the Metropolitan
„
Council.
Trehus ipted that
the SuJJ,
eron colony was mentioned in the Rice Creek Plan, not
went Plan.
DonlinFait was too late to discuss concerns, maybe to make a paragraph
statement : , orward it to staff. Asleson responded that Wayne LeBlanc was
working to Oar;d: a joint ordinance between Lino Lakes and Centerville to limit
boating in the northern section of the island, because people were water skiing
there.
Trehus questioned what was to be discussed at the meeting next month. Powell
answered that he would address infiltration standards and pond analysis, but try to
avoid a long dialogue. The ordinances would be overhauled next year.
4
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
Trehus expressed concern over erosion control and site inspections. Asleson
stated that at present, the City had what it needed for enforcement. Powell added
that there was nothing in the building permit process.
Trehus stated concerns over runoff volumes leaving sites, and the desire to go
beyond the Watershed's requirements. Powell answered that at the present time
the City did exceed the Watershed's requirements, because the Watershed gives
credits to developers for their efforts, while the City does not, but required
compliance in ponding.
Trehus indicated that Peggy Sand had mentioned that runoff nAtA Comprehensive
Plan should take into consideration the tolerance of an area as afactor. Powell
stated that upstream runoff volumes might not matter to the Rice Cr,
Watershed, but downstream volumes could cause standing watc whicli would
a!!
create more wear and tear on culverts and ditches, possibly`e need to replace
culverts to control the volume rate.
Trehus pointed out that the City should go beyond for the sake of the
overall health of surface water and groundwft Pe11 responded that it may be
a matter of trading volume for quality.
411 -
Trehus submitted that the City should "Ian development away from areas that are
W,6
sensitive. Asleson concurred indicating at residents lose if the ecological system
rx.v
is disturbed.
71'
A. Clearwater Creek Third Additi -sleson indicated that the Clearwater Creek
development was the &stabil 'tpatitSbevelopment for the City. Staff reviewed
past correspondence w AolhangEnvironmental Services Company and North
American Prairies, in ad ,43494016.I.S. map showing the prairie restoration on
the site. The overflow IP V.7as implemented on site.
ky.4
Donlin stated that vuch of t1c greenways were wetlands and noted that the park
was not,Ajptural ii4;:rAgleson responded that the residents were excited about it.
Donlin inc1iatcda ere ere too many visual barriers. Kukonen stated that the
density rilte ..to be adjusted when the Subdivision Ordinance was established.
Asleson not at the ditch was raised per the request of the Environmental Board
and the Watershed District, and the natural area was coming back. The oak
woodland was surviving well. The area on the map E1 -E5 had been sprayed,
burned, sprayed again, seeded and will probably be burned again in the spring due
to reed canary grass. Area A4 needed to be taken care of and in areas A -B,
Buckthorn had been eradicated. Nothing had been done in greenways B or C, and
they had been notified that the City needs to be informed on what had been done
and when.
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
Chair Kukonen inquired about the results of the application of Roundup on the
prairie grasses. Asleson stated that it was a recommendation, but they would
probably bum the area.
Grundhofer added that the plants would only be affected if they were actively
growing at the time of application, and expressed concern over certain early
growing plants.
Donlin asked if Asleson had been involved in the burn in greenway A. Asleson
responded that he had not, but it was a springtime bum.
Trehus 'inquired about the location of any restoration mana nte esbeding.
Asleson answered the reseeding followed the eradication of ckthon the
greenways including mesic and wetland grasses.
Donlin questioned if mowing the buffer strips was d s or on the
.
perimeters, and what the response was ofthe residents:On answered he did
not know, but most people understood following*flerillistributed by the
developer.
44-'-'",m •
Donlin posed the question about the resOrateing notified of planned burns.
Asleson pointed out that it was diflicult to predict prescribed bums because of
changing environmental factors. d thalahere was a need for data
collection.
Donlin asked who was to pay k. Asleson responded that Mr. Quigley
had escrowed dollars.
Donlin stated that the city4 y for the maintenance. Asleson answered that
the canary grass needdto8 icp in check. Staff admitted that, although the site
was not the best ,406.--nCarAP ation Development, some had been done.
C. Wildlancl Urban
i) j..Assei6 ent Milo Bennett — Asleson stated that Mr. Bennett
siPh'e would summarize the discussion. The reason for the
:.Assessment was so the Fire Department would know the risks
in a call, and future renovations could incorporate changes to
red,
ule risk for residents. Staff noted that the Fire Department would
invir
not send firefighters into certain areas because of the high heat fire risk.
Mr. Bennett will be holding neighborhood meetings to talk about reducing
fire risk and increasing biodiversity. Pines were not native to the area, but
if pines were introduced in yards, the result would be an increased fire risk.
It is possible to obtain grant money from the DNR to talk with residents
about decreasing risk.
6
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
Chair Kukonen inquired if staff had visited Evergreen Trail. Asleson
stated that there was deplotia blight and pine bark beetle present. White
pines were the only ones native to the area. Staff indicated that the risk
needed to be reduced and stands needed to be thinned.
Donlin commented that the push for red pines may have been a mistake for
the DNR.
Grundhofer stated that in the southwest comer of the map there was a stand
of oaks, and expressed concern about fire risk. Asle4gnswered that the
risk was not as high as for pines. He added that the Ineso4a land
classification that the DNR was putting together wo4d 1fitke issues.
Donlin inquired regarding how much credibility.1.fad who was
contracted to do the project for the DNR. Aste4.61,02nded that he was
an astute botanist, and had the trust of the DNR. andCity staff.
Donlin questioned his years of experience,: AsicSOn-Inswered that he had
years of researching, and had worketfgr4irikon Environmental. The
DNR found that Lino Lakes had ve7IliritWOosystems, the most of any
in the local area. The project resCWIRQ helig'determine the locations of
the greenways, and identify locitfion'illoegotiate protection. Staff noted
that the proposed deadline for W61,clw?) 81,: -Ls November 7, and he was in
0- • tti,m+P-,,,,-4;47 .
the process of organizing,th.. inIoimthon, which mcluded Carlos Avery
and probably Hugo.
Grundhofer prese R; b6�1 that was available through the DNR
regarding opportunities thAtain funds to purchase land. Asleson
responded that hettt the grant book, had applied for a 50/50 cost
share grant,. and DNR.stated that it would pay 100%. But, because it
was to be ,e was no rush to purchase, they decided to
wait. .0
ofer adc1eSsed the issue of the land behind the elementary school.
eseitif Wred mat the City needed a Conservation Ordinance. He
a ;#the College of Natural Resources was doing a wetland
0.4t
ass -ssment of the area, looking at hypothetical wetland protection.
O'Connell inquired about whether the older developments with fire risk
had been shown to the Economic Development people. Asleson stated Mr.
Bennett was going to take the lead on the project, and staff would be a
resource. He indicated that it could be incorporated into zoning laws.
Donlin expressed concern about discussing prescribed bums and the fear
that might surround the issue due to the assessment. Asleson noted that the
areas were small and easy to contain, and prescribed bums would actually
7
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
reduce the fire risk overall. Staff agreed that there was a need to be
careful.
Grundhofer stated that she filled out the questionnaire and mentioned the
confusion between spruce and pines.
Minnesota Land Classification/Update — Asleson noted that a date had
not been set, but he would like to have a presentation on Wildl and Urban
Interface for the entire City. Dorilin added that the City Council needed to
be present.
Asleson stated that reviewing the Management Plans a asisor for the
project All Boards and Council needed to agree ontavingNiacity.
Asleson noted the Osprey pole location on th
,410
D. Trade A Tree — Asleson indicated the database ot afTte :eds on GPS was 240.
He referred to the maps that many were jack mesjie would then be given
to Ms. Smith so she could speak with affecty.,4490 Tits. The species and locations
would be identified with the updated 2001 S ably work would be done
this winter and replanting done in the s
E.
Chair Kukonen inquired if there was
would be approached which were
NEMO — Asleson stated thata da
Zoning and Council to attr
will be funded by sever
organization which beg
a GIS build out mo 0117 -With
be used to show
indicated that it
also a ed for dat
a bac sys
t. Asleson indicated that all
es.
uary needed to be set for Planning and
fion on surface water management, which
e gave a brief background on the
Fversity of Connecticut. The City has to have
, land use and percent of impervious that will
act thrOjith the use of comparative photography. He
oo bpportunity for environmental education. There was
on on a calibration study resulting in volumes causing
Donlin stiltditiat she was enthusiastic about the opportunity. Asleson added that
the purpos - NEMO was to simplify the process so it was easily understood by
the average Len. They would also volunteer to assist in writing ordinances.
Grundhofer asked how the Board could stress the importance of the presentation.
Asleson stated that this was the most important opportunity to promote that will be
occurring in the next year.
Chair Kukonen inquired when it would happen. Asleson stated he tried for
January, but they were already booked with other mnnicipalities.
8
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
Donlin stated that she was hoping water volumes could be explained and not
merely a discussion held on surface water management. Asleson assured the
Board that NEMO would be able to address water volumes.
F. Residential Moratorium - Asleson stated he spoke with Mr. Smyser who
indicated public hearings were planned for December 17, 2001 and January 14,
2002 on the residential moratorium covering residential lots and MUSA. Minor
subdivisions and the 400 units on the books would not be affected.
.4
Trehus stated that the Planning and Zoning Board had tableollIrding
Metropolitan Council's decision on the Comprehensive Plan. 's1cson responded
that they were not linked, but had already been pursued. Do , 0 Ahis was a
'IV ,4F
direct result of the Environmental Board's actions.
Asleson indicated that it would give the Board one yqat;.:46L as a good time for
NEMO and Wildland Urban Interface.
114)
r4,1r51
E. NEMO (continued) - Donlin stated that NEMO,
' 0 about the 2020
vision as it relates to carrying capacity. Aslespn,urg0 the Board to focus on the
Tok,
44:11
final result, not the timeline. ,1
F. Residential Moratorium (continued)-rre' usTipointed out that the City adopted
the goal, and yet was doing the oppisttkIley,Mriiited guidance on policies that
were sound or unsound. He state 'it wa MO related and inquired about a
possible parallel to North Oaks
eY.1
G. Pheasant Preserve Upda ,t,porestated the application had been submitted
and was being processed0,4e ad1id they received the acceptance for the bridge.
41,07,3
Trehus stated that itla o. 4_1 of character for this particular developer.
•-\14,1
,4-
Asleson noted that1he develop& ' ad a concern for tree preservation, and the
critique would 08114,on Shoreline Management.
_.
7. DEPFIVENT,REPtiRTS
A. Fore ,Asleson stated that the rams had to be repaired to work in the area
of oak*
B. Solid Waste Recycling - Asleson announced that SCORE money was
available which needed to be used for recycling education.
C. Meeting Minutes - Asleson indicated there were some issues on the August
minutes after they had been accepted as a final draft.
Chair Kukonen inquired about the route of the minutes after they left were
completed by the recording secretary. The recording secretary indicated that
ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD IN/FETING NOVEMBER 28, 2001
the minutes went to the TimeSaver Secretarial offi.ce, and after being reviewed
were submitted to the City. Asleson added that after Ms. Bugge receives
them, they go to his mailbox for reviewal, then to the Environmental Board
for final approval, and compiled in the minute book.
D. Newsletter — Donlin pointed out recreation made up a large portion of the
newsletter, but it was lacking in community news features. Asleson explained
that recreation programs generated revenue for the City and program
information needed to get out to residents.
Donlin noted that the newsletter from North Oaks was mc:
believed the issue of Buckthorn should be included in the.,
Asleson responded that she or anyone could contribute
stated that there was a cougar sighting in Peregrineps.
being confirmed by a conservation officer for the4
bobcat sightings in the City.
E. Next Meeting — Chair Kukonen suggested D
meeting date.
Grundhofer inquired about the mee
between Rice and Baldwin Lakes.
curbs. Asleson stated the projpt
bounds of the City, the Shor,..'
AO y
City had not received any pl"
,121
anced and she
atewsletter.
IV>
e new'sittter. He
&47
tins was
ere were also
e 2001 for the next
way 49 concerning the bridge
e qu oned the issue of curbs versus no
St thkgounty level, but within the
vice and others aren't factors. The
et.
O'Connell stated that
8. ADJOURN
ogai
mons were advertised.
P-4
There being no furtti-ss lidhofer moved to adjourn at 9:18 p.m.
O'Connell secondtie min Motion passed unanimously.
4t!ly
Transc
Brigette
TimeSaveit e Secretarial, Inc.
10
(
City of Lino Lakes
Environmental Board Meeting
November 28, 2001
6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. OPEN MIKE
5. ACTION ITEMS
A. No new formal applications received
6. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Clearwater Creek 3rd Addition
B. Surface Water Management Plan Discussion
C. Wildland Urban Interface
i) Fire Risk Assessment/Milo Bennett
ii) Minnesota Land Classification/Update
D. Trade A Tree
E. Nemo
F. Residential Moratorium
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
A. Forestry
B. Solid Waste Recycling
8. ADJOURN