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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/19/2001 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : December 19, 2001 TIME STARTED : 6:35 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:29 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, Theresa O'Connell, and Mike Trehus (arrived at 7:48 MEMBERS ABSENT : None. Staff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleso Development Director Michael Grochala. 1. CALL TO ORDER Co ,ffunity - 4 Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. tt45 40-?regbaP 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 28, 2001 Donlin moved to suspend approval of thge e d November meeting minutes. Grundhofer seconded the motion. MotteVrieaunanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA -4( The following item was added Mhe • Discuss new memberoVelco The agenda wapprove 4. OPEN 1SiE No citizen commaritawere made. 5. ACTION ITEMS eeting agenda: ettee, A. Pheasant Hills Preserve 12th Addition — Asleson introduced the developer, Mr. Vaughan, and the civil engineer, Mr. Shopek. He encouraged the Environmental Board to focus their attention on the environmental issues. Staff reviewed the background material. The developer intended to build seven lots on Wards Lake Island connecting them to the Quail Ridge Development via a bridge to connect the northern end of Ruffed Grouse Road. Since the review in September, a different ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 grading plan/preliminary plat was submitted. The first plan should not have been reviewed. Two lots in the southeast would require fill in the new plan. Two items not included in the plan are the DNR ordinary high water line (OHW), and future soil disturbance issues within the "Tree Preservation Limits." Staff stated that the site was located in a Lake Protection Zone where no suggested development should occur, and a High Ecological Zone where protection strategies should be used to protect the surrounding resources. These zones are defined in the Lino Lakes Environmental Management Plan. The island is land cover classified as a recently developed forest in the Lino Lakes Environmental Managementpan. This classification does exist on the outside perimeter of the island. upland portions of the island are however covered with older growth burr and whrc oak, ash, hackberry, and northern black cherry. The island is surrounded1, cattai1nmrsh and shrub thicket. The island was surrounded by a PSS1/EM Cd and. Wards Lake is public waters and is situated in a Natural Environment Basin. Wat on all directions flow into Wards Lake and then go into Rcshaniu LakeAT basin area of the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park is static. Water ho . lap ty of the basin is thus also limited. There was a discussion about a 290 foo ecommendation on the island. The buffer recommendation is suggested .irthe'Lind Lakes Environmental Handbook. There was a discussion of surface w teLniftngement and trying to reduce 44"., Ve144.1-241The,' hydraulic pulsing. It was suggested that the deve techniques such as those described in the Barr Engineering/Met Co, *delineg. It was suggested that the same Barr Engineering/Met Council guidiines cold be used to reduce surface water volume evacuation, and pollution reduction, as wd ' ',as for site protection. There was a discussion of the need for the pond to b�.c1:.ed for infiltration reasons. There was I discussion of the northern p ; ed swale. It was stated that the swale should ,NErf be moved to the South side of ;is .CE , ere was a discussion of lot reduction on the East Side of the island so ctiolial infiltration area might be designed. There was a discussion ofc>1iisteringuses as an alternative design. It was suggested that lots should be designed infiltration as much as possible. Suggested guidelines for this are‘sT,ipa sin the Barr Engineering/Met Council Guidelines. There yis idisciissidh ab. t the not yet defined soil disturbance areas on the island with esen . A tree inventory is required according to the Tree Ordinance. The.wisdiscussion of the need to plant natural vegetation, and that a R4-1' Ian would need to be submitted. A protection and _ manageme eloped for all tree, natural vegetation, infiltration, and water areas. 0'erwas discussion about the desire to develop a natural environment information s cct for all new residents moving on to the island. The need to regulate the use of buffel*d protection areas was discussed. Staff recommendations followed: 1. Redesign Surface Water Plan. Use techniques such as are suggested in the Barr Engineering BMP Manual. Reduce hydraulic spiking and increase infiltration in ponding situations. Use infiltration/ponding design in areas where they would be effective and non-polluting. Ponds 1 and 2 do not work as designed. 2. Reduce lots/or cluster houses. Use rest of the Island for surface water treatment including buffering. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 3. Move the swale idea to the South side of the Island. Incorporate rainpond idea into treatment train along proposed road to flow water to the infiltration area on East end of the Island. 4. Produce Tree Inventory. Needed for planning. 5. Replace frees lost in areas of disturbance. 6. Restore all areas disturbed for road/bridge and surface water treatment/infiltration areas with native tree shrub and ground story vegetation. Materials replaced to be determined by the tree inventory, and species list specified by the City. Site should be restored to pre -disturbance vegetation densities. 7. Incorporate on -lot filtration practices such as are describethieOarr Engineering Nitg BMP Manual. 8. Use BMP's for sequencing such as are described in the B Manual. Develop a management plan. Plan should includ‘i,„ for trees, vegetation, swale and infiltration areas, and enslcglie 9. Submit a three to 5 -year management plan that uses • experienced in native plant re-establishment. Show.' management. 10. Initiate covenants with homeowner association f and the prohibiting of vegetation removal. 11. Place areas of the Island in land trust as an Iternati ve to covenants. 12. Develop an education program for newijfeWpAls moving onto the Island. Brochure information at the least sho lit be atf loped describing vegetation ,t4 ineflia: ,,1 ss of die packet, and expressed concern. over lcsonv dicated that was a question for the Planning neeHn BMP v4044, otecttonymeasures 061rneasures. 'ces of a company Dmmitment for this he profettion of vegetation, a management. Donlin thanked staff for the thoroe the 100 -year storm elevation. and Zoning Board. Donlin stated that she believed heasilit Hills was a supreme development, and there have been steps takenlt, Vilral, but this development addition appeared to be a departure from the eve ,,, Is Alibis work. There were four issues with the plan '• ''',' she had concerns about. First, it was located in a lake protection zone. Second, it was located in a ' Vc 80 al zone and needed a 200 -foot buffer according to the Enviro ot , db o olt-FThir--- d the surface water and any pollutants would reach Agg--gf xa:Kr ' the ground%-ater m houmAo riimutes. Fourth, the entire Island would be graded. She indicated tb'itts, e.could not see the plan going forward because it was contrary to the spirit of everktAinance. Kukonen inquired about the red flags or markings on the property when he visited the site in September. Mr. Vaughan responded it marked off the property in the northwestern portion that was County property and would not be developed. Asleson stated he needed to know the locations of the proposed ponds. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Mr. Vaughan indicated he had a court settlement stating that the land could be developed and the City should help him. He assured the Board that he would save as many trees as possible. Asleson explained that Mr. Vaughan had been fun to work with in tree preservation, but Phase 1-11 was different from the 12th Addition. Mr. Vaughan answered that the lot prices alone would be $200,000. Originally there were eight lots, but the number had been reduced. Mr. Shopek stated that the City application required a completeetsign to submit to the Watershed District. He indicated the stormwater issues were to the Watershed District. The project had the permit from the bridge, which would go from upland to upland so that no well destroyed. It was intended to be a preliminary plan. He hra,,Orw Vaughan since 1991 and assured the Board tree preserva There was a discussion of Rice Creek Watershed revie reviews. Mr. Shopek went on to explain Pheasant 11s Med according d the woultie Mr. . pnonty. ct. environmental vc,kr: .-A94 -eseV12 design. Mr. \ ° Shopek discussed houses, garages and driveways werpaloi t m uded n the plan. Mr. Shopek discussed legally binding covenant reqpileme' Nthat would be required of the homeowner, andwould cover tree preserva "15 liZer and pesticide use. Grundhofer inquired about the width oft1buff Kukonen asked about the ordinary was the ordinary high water level. elevation of 880.3 feet, Peterso were not touching the norm - Donlin inquired if the lots Donlin stated the buj zone it was pushedAY:a*,,,, ev maintained She also rake. close to • -.41f and if the solid line on the map Shopek responded the DNR required an ental did the wetland delineation, and they erldvels. plans in Mr. Shopek cif sed the proposed NURP ponds and stated the design as standard practice. Mr. Vaughan showed his concem for wetlands by noting that Phase 8 had been delayed because of his reluctance to remove cattails. Donlin explained that setting a precedent concerned her. She indicated the Board needed to do anything it could to minimize the pollutants entering the groundwater. She acknowledged Mr. Vaughan attempted to be sensitive to environmental issues, evidenced by former Chair Scott Lanyon choice to live in that development. 1. Mr. Shopek indicated that they were. 0 fek, 'ut because of the status of a high ecological e ore. She indicated the ordinances must be sgEd concern over the pond elevations being located so stated the need for caution in designing surface water 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Mr. Shopek submitted that they were willing to have a joint meeting to discuss options between the City and the Watershed District, and possibly change the standard. He pointed out the developer's willingness to modify the plan to meet all of the requirements. Grochala stated if the moratorium ordinance was approved by the City Council, it would be effective February 21, 2001. Mr. Vaughan stated the plan would be reviewed at the Planning meeting of January 12, 2001. The Council would have one mon project. Grundhofer inquired how much vegetation would be removed. responded that about 50% of the vegetation would be rein infrastructure. d Zoning Board en to vote on the ek 5-20% for Mr. Shopek noted there would be a three-foot pai hb would try to decrease the tip swan, and instead of ponds have infiltration bas � s:� - .: �aughn stated only 10% would be left for the house if the houses wer q -foot deep and 70 -foot long. Asleson discussed the possibilities for L Donlin asked for clarification if s indicated that the lake was ac previous sedimentation that island may be beneficial. at something like this. on in this area. As suggesting filling the lake. Asleson 41. _ and as it exists,and that removing as a a g P ei.used'or shoreland buffer enhancement on the eson s `at`e,1 a feasibility study would be needed to look Italy . kxi�u+ fi Donlin inquired about{irlie Trehus noted. Mr �Sb�q ek and they were two feet not have +ose e-ncerence from the 100 -year flood level that ered that Wards Lake had never bounced five feet, at. It was five feet, not five inches. Older homes did d have not been affected. Kukonen e r eta concern that water on the bridge would end up in the pond. Mr. Shopek indicgOtthat it would. Kukonen asked what was catching the water on the opposite side of the bridge. Mr. Shopek responded the water would go into the existing storm sewer in Quail Ridge. Asleson stated that he was comfortable working with tree preservation. The critical issue was the surface water treatment, which included the backyards. Mr. Shopek pointed out it could be done with covenants. 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Grundhofer inquired about swimming pools if they were allowed. Mr. Vaughan stated he did not think so. Asleson explained it would be important to design the lots so that the water would not go into the next door neighbor's basement. Mr. Shopek responded that they would do that when they knew what the house looked like. Kukonen noted that there would be a request for a Shoreline Ordinance variance and asked if there was any way to avoid it. Mr. Shopek answered that it would give just 30 feet down the middle with which to build. Mr. Vaughan stated that he needed some kind of answer tom 'honditional approval. O'Connell inquired if road salting was going to be hauls Is Trehus arrived at 7:48 p.m. O'Connell asked if it would be possible to havearkiiin one side of the Island and walk home. Mr. Vaughan indicated that he wanted to over sop of the recommendations staff had put forth. He suggested that on itT,. d 8, they would work with staff and the Watershed District. He wou ikwor leson on items 4 and 5. He could address items 9-12 with a residenti#c.yenant but item 2 was not economically feasible. Mr. Vaughan stated helip.d planned to do item 6. 1,4 Trehus stated that the variams exten 044 7ti Grundhofer asked Asl 6Tibi � 70n on the plan. Asleson responded it was going - . • in the right direction ty ause,,,„py wewnstemng to recommendations He pointed out that the City n ttL the tbIlinventory. ould be established. Kukonen agreed. 4approach was to take the path of least variances. Asleson ad ey needed to keep as much water on site as possible. Donlin stated s eeded to respectfully abstain from the vote because it was in a Lake Protection Zone, the variance issue, and the sensitivity of the northwestern portion of the Island. She held that some areas should not be developed. Trehus concurred and echoed her statement. He agreed some areas should not be developed. There were too many areas of concern and it did not fit into the model of development adopted by the City economically, culturally, or environmentally. Mr. Vaughan corrected that it worked economically. The Island was 3.5 to 4 acres, with three-fourths of an acre lots. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Kukonen indicated the concerns needed a recommendation. He inquired about the possibility of purchasing the property. Grundhofer asked if anything could be passed on if only three members were voting. Grochala stated the Board needed to recommend approval or not recommend approval. He noted there were many legal issues and while Staff recommendations would enhance the plan., recommendations from the Board should be included. Councilmember Donna Carlson noted to abstain from a vote woifl ;e,rcounted as a no vote. Asleson urged the Board to add qualifying statements to the_reco midtion. Kukonen submitted that residents might be interested intaL system, and could seek funding. Trehus added that residents could band togth:11:4,H110a,,to purchase the site. Mr. Vaughan answered that the homeowner dtics„iwere h i gh enough so there would be no support for it. At0/5 T Kukonen asked asked for a motion. Grundhofer made a motion not to reco five reasons for not recommending Oto • It is in a Lake Protection Zoiketi.,h1 • The site is in a high ecologifi 7:::Oht where "no development should occur,” • A high ecological value ierkietequfres a 200 -foot buffer from it. • The West end is senf, according to the EnvirocOont)Ilttadbook and Shoreline Management. bnndwater contamination, going from minutes to hours to the waterqg; e • The catch basin dif- ;gide should be met with a high level of scrutiny. O'Corme 4 0 1 , ei- ., 1 fribyes forward, all the recommendations submitted by , -, wr,,r staff must NI° Q,, 6 .Staff should be involved with the Rice Creek Watershed District and 1--'1- developers in dealing with future stormwater management issues. t4, r val as it is now. Donlin added O'Connell secoted the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. NEMO/GTS — This item was discussed later in the meeting. B. Peltier Island/Ordinance Update — This item was discussed later in the meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 C. WUI/Fire Risk Assessment — Mr. Bennett announced the assessment of fire prone areas was finished and high-risk concerns centered on four areas. Evergreen Trail was the highest risk area because the houses were set into the trees. .Mr. Bennett stated he was going to work with the residents to try to retain the landscape atmosphere but increase safety. If a grant could be obtained, he would host meetings and discuss trimming trees and removing the surrounding underbrush to prevent fire from topping the trees. He needed to see if the grant money could come through. Asleson explained that there were pathological issues that affect the integrity of the pine stands and add to fire risk. Mr. Bennett stated the Andover fire and the Carlos Avery fire gi �n�bstance to the need for both the ecological and defensible issues. There vvab'no es- route on Evergreen Trail, and he would not put the lives of the firefl,yy�gJJht� tryryeo?�ne for a ...xLCit�.ir. ' S't house. Trehus inquired about the need for fire hydrants locaf� defensible. Mr. Bennett responded that they tank the".q need to inform people of the issues, that he wa 4i j, had to be within 150 feet from the structure, wititlit pines were the highest risk in dry seasons, have fire top them. es to make it er. He reiterated the void a tragedy. By law he law. He added that the or oaks with leaves left on them can A. NEMO/GTS — Grochala stated at'anning and Zoning public hearing approval was recommended, with a 3-2 v • - tc a • ve. Kukonen asked about the m.0 answered the second reagin Charter. Usually onlyi with preliminary pl t app the City controlled -aof th that do notueed MUS' 411 common permits stiioiila e first and second readings. Grochala e place at least 14 days later by the City anges. It would not apply to the developments 's reason for exempting the Village was that nd. Other exemptions included minor subdivisions subdivisions of four lots or less, plats with 4-plex, and t break into separately owned residences. Building The number oj` is not affected by the moratorium would be about 400, however they . would be built ta'ifferent times because there is a lag time between approval and construction. During the moratorium, the Council and the Planning and Zoning Board will be working on the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. There was a strong desire to not extend the moratorium. To attempt a complete overhaul on both is an aggressive schedule, and they will not be revisiting the Comprehensive Plan. A task force was being established with equal representation from each of the Boards, and an Advisory Committee with O'Donnell from the City Council chairing it. He was going to set ground rules, and agree to disagree, but to move forward. If a board member impedes progress, there is the possibility of removal. Staff would be 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 facilitating the meetings. All the work would need to be done in about ten months. Each Board would choose the members for the task force. Kukonen inquired about the possibility of alternates if someone was unable to attend. Grochala responded that he was trying to build continuity and consensus. He would be returning to the Board in January. A land use workshop would be held and Council is strongly urging attendance. NEMO would be making a presentation in the beginning on January 26, 2002, food would be provided, and the workshop would run from about 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. The task force would probably begin in February. Kukonen asked who would be conducting the workshop. Groc, unsure who would conduct the workshop. ed he was y7 Trehus inquired if the Conservation Handbook on geenw ysmwould a coming into la Grochala stated it would playa bigpart in setting u` the csidential PDO. The play. � g p �,f greenways would be in the Subdivision part. He atteinp ed; to reak out the policies in the areas of the Environmental Board, the greenways4, and the Park Board. Trehus stated the suitable land use for greenway"woual, and the City should attempt to correlate it with the buffers. Hp, e the memo dated April 11, 2001 had useful information to incorporate, or to use as a s wing point. Grochala indicated it would be benefit iate,if a developer follows a given list of rules, the project would probably Vele ommended. It would avoid the conflicts of the past. Trehus noted the most imp circles. Kukonen asked if thosco Conservation Subd ii on in the Handbook was the three intersecting ing *workshop knew that a goal was to establish a ante. Grochala assured the Board that they knew. Donlm e pressedreonceni o cr,the two numbers in the Comprehensive Plan, 147 new households/veal a'ka and aa20,500 population cap assuming 2.5 people/housepl`Grochala answered that household sizes could fluctuate over the 20 year plana%" period. Donlin reiterated that the two numbers meant everything. Grochala noted that Pheasant Hills was the only development that could be approved if the moratorium went through. January 14, 2002 was the deadline to be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board in February, and go to Council in March. The Moratorium will probably cover only residential developments. The Metropolitan Council had not signed off the Comprehensive Plan. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Kukonen asked if the number was an average rather than a cap. Grochala answered that for the Village alone there would be 300 units. Kukonen noted an article in the Friday edition of the Pioneer Press that ranked Lino Lakes llth highest, Centerville was 2nd highest and Circle Pines 13th highest for tax rates based on a $130,000 home. He believed it was due to the Centennial Schools. Grochala stated that Lino Lakes was a large city, and one of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan was to broaden the tax base. 473:: Trehus indicated the Pioneer Press probably obtained the inforrrAlp4,from the League of Cities. Donlin asked if the meetings were going to be held in the ey.enin -.1),:_ikodyJne meeting per month. Grochala indicated extra meetings would pr e sd&duled if they get behind schedule. Donlin inquired if the Park Board would be involve Board was occupied with park improvement ref:: n_ as a resource for the task force. ochala responded the Park .and would only be involved B. Peltier Island/Ordinance Update — As1-00. staiiitthat residents of the area expressed interest in a January meetin ir6 ' e regia n al park concerning posting q„, signage indicating no water skiing. ‘br, 174, Donlin mentioned her father ha&rece invitation to attend January 9, 2002. Grundhofer inquired if it w_ be Ject by spring. Asleson responded that was the goal. Donlin asked if Wa involved. Asleson answered he was. Asleson stated that th terface Inventory was completed. He believed it would redfi shoiEOprotected. In many cases, the previous inventory matches u-,kone iut the updated inventory was more defined. Rare species wer He thinks it was sound data to move on. By Tom Johnson's home there w und a unique high quality poor fen sedge subtype. It was also found on Roun Island in Roundeau Lake. There were also native grasses found off Genie Drive. Asleson stated he was one of five people who had seen a certain plant with small fruiting structures on the stem. It needed to be classified and there should be an attempt to preserve them. The rest of the City would be classified next year. Trehus inquired who was applying for the grants. Asleson stated that he and the Watershed District applied for the grant for land classification. The impetus was to bring the land classification into a standardized statewide system. 10 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 19, 2001 Grundhofer asked if the Board could view the land classification on the computer. Staff responded that it could be arranged. D. New Member Welcome Letter — Kukonen posed the question if a letter stating the Board's goals and direction would be appropriate. He urged the Board to forward any ideas on the subject. 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry — Donlin inquired the reason for the same species of oak:s,, o hpld their leaves at varying times. Asleson responded it was a matter of ggfi 03 A • B. Solid Waste Recycling — This item was tabled to the Janua imeetmg. 8. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental 2002. . There being no further business, Trehus moved"-0.ifi'djourn at 9:29 p.m„ Donlin seconded 4f -t- ?-1\ the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 11 City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting December 19, 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. Pheasant Hills Preserve 12TH Addition 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. NEMO/GTS/Mike Grochala B. Peltier Island/Ordinance Update C. WUI/Fire Risk Assessment/Milo Bennet 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Waste Recycling 8. ADJOURN