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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/30/2002 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES DATE : January 30, 2002 TIME STARTED : 6:38 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:56 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Haien, ryRod Kukonen, Theresa O'Connell,lyIa Jo O'Dea, and 3 Nikki Schneider. MEMBERS ABSENT : None. .Ti• • 3 3 . tyStaff members present: Environmental Coordinator Marty Aslesonn'ai ointhum Development Director Michael Grochala. .fqt4cLTY CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:38 pp. 47. Board members introduced themselves. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. December 19, 2001 — The follOing corrections were requested: Page 5, tenth paragraph: "KukonedaSIO w 0,Nvas catching the water on the opposite side of the island bridge." Page 10, second paragrapli'KiikoncnAoted an article in the Friday edition of the Pioneer Press that rankesztLino Lakes'011aighest from 15th and Centerville was 2nd highest and Circle PinesAlh hiihest for tax rates based on a $130,000 home." Page 10, elevciith paragrapl: Tom Johnson's home there was found a rare speciea called poor pli4i:1,1VIEliigh quality poor fen sedge subtype." Donlin moved to approve the December 19, 2001 meeting minutes. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motia:4rried unanimously. Chair Kukonen inquired about the previous unapproved minutes. Staff answered that they would be brought before the Board at a later meeting. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to the meeting agenda: ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 • Move Item 6A, Wildland Urban Interface/Completed Project Report/Peggy Booth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to follow Open Mike. • Move Item 6B, Peltier Lake/Proposed Boating Restrictions/Heron Nesting Area, to follow Open Mike. • Discuss Environmental Board Business under section 8 with: 8A. Goals 8B. Earth Day 8C. City Newsletter 8D. By-laws • Discuss the adjourn section under Item 9. The amended agenda was approved unanimously. 4. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Wildland Urban Interface/Co roject Report/Peggy Booth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — Asleson explained that two years ago the City joined with tlieland Hugo on a joint project which had been completed, the resuh*A4spthkgbod tools for the City. Peggy Booth headed the task force and 4son Sveth did the land classification with the maps. He introduced Peggy ridilihNqpnpihue the discussion. The results of the study were presented to egliZotthe tainbers of the Environmental Board by staff in bound folders. Ms. B9Athstated she -Worked with many people and cities that needed information, conflicting recommendations, even from within the DNR. The Forestryhad grant money available toward holistic and integrated managei900;!';This project received a $50,000 grant. She described the contents of the binilqiand noted the booklet, "Beyond the Suburbs" which covered issues such as gardOing, forestry, wetland management, and other topics aimed at landowners of smaller acreage. The bulk of the notebook contained the appendices. Ms. Booth highlighted the notebook as tools with reference materials and a series of five checklists, which provide a guide through the development of ordinances. The purple sheet indicated the overlays that were preserved. The blue sheet showed that Hugo did an environmental review for giving density bonuses, or a higher number of houses on a plat in exchange for compliance with certain conservation items. The green sheet showed how natural areas needed to be managed, and identified the types of things needed. 2 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Chair Kukonen stated the information was useful, and was what was needed right now. Ms. Booth responded that the case studies for the information would be the Tree Protection Ordinance and the Landscape Ordinance. Asleson indicated that the Board would be electing two members to sit on a panel for ordinance revision. Ms. Booth stated that the information would result in better Natural Resource Assessments. The Minnesota Landcover Classification SySteti)T:ixe\Feived some of the money dedicated to it and maps made up a large part of th64-'endices. Mr. Husveth stated he worked with Critical Connections Landscape Landscapc IIcology, and •noted that he covered 38,000 acres in Blaine, Ham La.ke7.- es; and Columbus Township. He found 40 rare species withiii the City. Some were significant in the State and had not been seen for .r ears. He was attempting to identify a greenway between the RiA of Lakes and Carlos Avery to guide development.He used thetrandcover Classification System's five levels, with land use as the logeS14.ebased on soil, vegetation, imperviousness and hydrology. An3exeple of Leve 1 was a forest, Level 2 would be a deciduous forest, Level:ifitciduous forest, Level 4 oak forest, and Level 5 was Oak forest dry sub,typt 1t detail, and field checked. The map used standard colors to dep 4'covers. The dark areas were residential and mostly impervi9igkrIgWas forest, brown was herbaceous and wetland areas, the beige .,arfak,„;,,grshrubs, and blue was open water. The second map showed the treecarqpy, and the darkest color was 80-100% land cover. Pely, Ms. Booth stated that earlo cover has been linked with air quality, heat affecting temperatures, ancV4thePfaleto „4. Mr. Husveth pointed third map labeled MLCSS which identified areas of high, niodei-ate, and Iow-tplity in the City, with white showing the areas which no longer signiticance. He credited Asleson with the discovery of the area of wel. meadow with rich fen along the pipeline corridor. He noted an unidentified Oecies of plant was found to be classified as the common name tooth cup and was last sighted in 1987 in Cedar Creek. Special interest sites were a residential area adjacent to the prison that could be a neighborhood project, and an aspen forest in the northwest even though there were no rare species found there. He added that the maps could be overlaid on other maps because of the G.I.S. Asleson stated that Mr. Husveth included notes that gave clarifications and greater detail that the maps could not show. 3 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Ms. Booth indicated that the data could be shown differently, depending on the issues they were linked to. She explained that Ham Lake and Columbus Township were going to be completed in the next month or so to Level 3. Asleson mentioned that it was helpful to review the Saddle Club with the maps. Chair Kukonen thanked Mr. Husveth and stated that the depth of the information would be very helpful. Mr. Husveth stated he would try to get it put together with aprief summary incorporating the school site. Chair Kukonen stated the study was timely for the zoning aordffi1i reviewal. Ms. Booth noted another assessment wildlife biologistsput togcthera report on wildlife habitats and corridors. The results showed Ofe'Weik,pve general areas: the Chain of Lakes up through a duck pass with irsti41,obn:04nd bald eagles; Elm Crest with Hardwood Creek, an area with birds ditigifail on grasslands; in the South two sites around Cedar Lake and I-Jolyprive; and Lake Amelia had 200 the Forest Health Assessment that identifimtkailf6-131At communities using reliable in developed areas. The DNgc*Tas working with others in thinning the species documented in the area, including tliiVart*gs Turtle. Appendix D was satellite imagery at Level 2 and was ay#61eStsing G.I.S., although it was not areas of high risk for oak wilt. ii•reRiskvasI;aliother application studied where firefighters assessed houses from ite streee'bf the 917 homes, 405 were high risk, and 35 were extreme risk Cor #i,e,Five neighborhoods were identified to be of high risk. Asleson addeAffik:Feditqg fire risk would also increase the integrity of the woodlands and tile entire ecological community. riC0 Ms. Booth indicateslAli Ly. coiild apply the information in reviewing planning documents, and for the for the Comprehensive Plan. There were two applicaff0s at tfilisubdWision scale in Hugo but not an issue at the time for LinpLakes. itiOgm4a a development of the Alternative Urban Area Wide Review (AW)as an option instead of the standard Environmental Review that woulctiiiaiiii•aftraigitive impact assessment including a mitigation recomniknd#pn. Twelve hundred acres were evaluated in Hugo, resulting in a park and 6*n:space plan looking at trails and connecting with Elm Crest. The second was40 area south of Victor Gardens, a project of several hundred acres calling for the' protection of open spaces. An ecologist gave the recommendation of restoration and land use. Asleson explained the City of Hugo was in ordinance review during the project, and that the City of Lino Lakes had the benefit of the tools of the completed project to guide the review. Donlin stated there was nice detail, but she would like to see more information so that the City could preserve valuable areas. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Ms. Booth noted an area in Blaine would probably die out, so the issue now is mitigating the damage. Mr. Husveth added that the species in question require some disturbance, but when an area is developed, the area would be stabilized, and there would be no periodic bums occurring. To aid planning, Mr. Husveth had recorded the data as a point to indicate the central area. Mr. J. P. Houchins pointed out the information would be helpful to focus on the corridors, and urged the Board to identify bite -sized locations that need to be preserved, and the stakeholders. He recommended the Board come up with ways to compensate the stakeholders to be partners, and admittecrifigo4 was primarily a political endeavor at this point. 4\=;, Donlin inquired about Mr. J. P. Houchins' availability to pkyi:9t9Onical support to assist in choosing the bite -sized pieces, so that press could be made, and it could be made attractive to those involved. She Mr. Husveth to stay for the next discussion item on the maple basswood forst. B. Peltier Lake/Proposed Boating RestriFtionsltI eron Nesting Area — Asleson reviewed the background material. Otte0, Island was classified as the second largest nesting area for the qmt,phieltedn, but also a nesting site for Great White Egret. The birds have moved Zit two other nesting sites to this one, theoretically due to development. qer possible factors include aerial water pick up of water by the DNR ancl highway course Regulating use of lakes is delegated to local governments, namely the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Centerville through a jointlWqs‘a' *tient and ordinance. Another factor is water quality impact ofhigh-powered boat propeller causing unusual algae blooms and disturbanc6obnj ue''_.:.iAgetation along the shoreline in this area. The herons begin nesting in 4pril,there is a need to process the regulation as soon as possible. Way,te"een monitoring the area. Asleson handed out a letter frrMr..,045(on. s, DonlinDoiilin sta Lcd thut thc'CityCharter contained a provision to speed up the approval processi tIie-Vpifoprfateterms were used. Asleson stated that Centerville might not have [hat or a similar provision. Donlin stated giat the Minnesota Guidelines for water-skiing were not as strict as for hunters. Mr. LeBlanc discussed his concerns about intensive use of the lake on the north side of the island. In April of 1999, a meeting was held explaining the sensitivity of the area. In 1998, the sheriff gave water skiers a permit to set up a course in the southern part of the lake. A course could be set up daily without a permit. Mr. LeBlanc believed that everyone should have equal access. There is no regulation 5 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 for controlling the water skiing, and fishing had been disturbed as well. He would like to see: • A no wake zone from the island north to protect the birds. • No structures on the lake. • No trespassing on the island. Mr. LeBlanc requested the Board make a recommendation. He explained that Centerville did not have a provision for an emergencyordinrence, process. Centerville would meet February 13, 2002. The wording nee0d4o be identical between the cities but Centerville did not know if it would senil thc-:ordinance through Planning and Zoning, or Parks and Recreation. Asleson indicated that according to scenario # 2, thetwo ecies-Taii%%ared to coexist in terms of food quantity and food quality, sease. Donlin added that human disturbance was stated;!4 the-m_ostprobable. She stated that if a gentleman's agreement was not wo. r#197,14 ublic hearing process was probably necessary. Donlin believed the site4s24; totally protected and closed to all traffic. Asleson stated the City might not want totalll, close the site off due to the cultural aspect. Donlin explainedfithere 6B a terrible impact. Asleson submitted, for the sake of19* ediency, that the issue of regulation be limited to the issue of interis, O'Connell inquired if tlit disturbance could affect the food chain. Asleson answered that egrets7ergS64.4ifeeders, and the east side was an area where they gathered their niLllerials. County was working on ensuring there was appropriate nesiin'i4matefia, in the area. Donlin stated ,t e nemsary elements were present. nu,345,- Asieson nod mthe ordinance, the first part needed to be worded exactly. Mr. LeBlancVated that it had to be passed by the Anoka County Board. Asleson gave it to the Chief of Police, who indicated that the word "boating" in section 2 needed to be clarified and Section 4 and 6 needed to state exactly the same. Ms. Joan Galli assured staff that if the words were used exactly, the ordinance would get approved. Mr. LeBlanc pointed out that people did not want the ski course in the middle of the lake. 6 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Donlin noted another reason for the no wake zone was that the birds plunge dive to feed feet first, and they need to be able to see into the water. Mr. LeBlanc restated that they were looking for the regulation of structures on the lake. Asleson asked the Board for a recommendation for the next Council meeting. Chair Kukonen indicated the County owned the land, and could enforce a buffer. Asleson explained that the buffer would be only 300 feet, atid,thatajornt local level enforcement was also necessary. Donlin asked if the County would have jurisdiction becauseit4,yns,:te land and the course was attached to the bottom. Schneider answe.rcd.it was lIie regulation ,of the water, not the land, and the water goes with Mr. LeBlanc explained the surface water was notthe jurisdiction of the County, but local. The north side was clear because •;)f the aquatic plants present. Donlin agreed even if it was not about the birds, sdifilicate the water quality. O'Dea inquired if the no wake restricadiita separate from the structures on the lake. Asleson stated it would notrtippen'ilya. timely fashion. n1,14N7V 46, ,OF A discussion ensued on slalom courses o'firSter skiing. Mr. LeBlanc indicated thex‘csplenty f precedence for these requests on the size of the lake. It involkOivii8c: lies that were using the slalom course, but there were 40 other families in the Iake association. He believed the community cared about the issue--, Donlin asked iC there w rpiny concerns of the Council. Aslcsouslatedtliat the lbcus of the recommendation should be the resource issue. He asked.i'fee'ommendation. %L.. ... Schneiderree.,9mmended that a no wake zone be enforced 24 hours a day, and no structures btVut on the lake. O'Connell inquired if the structures or the actual water skiing caused the disturbance. Mr. LeBlanc responded that the structures cause intense activity in one area that created a channel at about 34 miles/hour. Asleson stated that it would not be in effect in the south part of the lake, from an environmental standpoint. 7 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Mr. LeBlanc mentioned in 2000, he did not see any birds. Donlin answered that it could have been due to the loss of the young. Asleson stated the lake could be regulated, but the value of the cultural uses of the people should receive consideration. Ms. Galli suggested a line east and west from the island. Mr. LeBlanc noted that a no wake zone would protect the site for now. Donlin inquired about Ms. Galli's willingness to assist witlli:719Tdinance. Asleson responded that she already had, and if the Board wapte4itcylreview the ordinance before it went to Council, a special meeting wouatiee sto be, called. 6::t', • v O'Dea noted they had pemiits to put up the structures 111 1998 mid 2001. Asleson stated that the Board had made a recommen: a tqn to:•eny the permit. Donlin pointed out that they had been in violatidp , A Asleson explained that an ordinance was needpenforce. He suggested Thursday, February 7, 2002 for a meeting,trpvie-Withe ordinance. Schneider ,,, added they needed to ensure the alternative section was not vague. Asleson pointed out the need for auser , Pcit' VaA ep_ y section line. Chair Kukonen asked for a motion to adopt the recommendation. Asleson stated it needed additional language-forMr LeBlanc's recommendation to direct staff to work with the City of Centervi11on February 7, 2002. O'Connell made a motion County ofAnoka.Cit the ordinance from the State of Minnesota, o es using section 3A and no alternatives: • Slowno wake spced 24'hours/day all year on that portion of the lake north of a east atci.),:west from (and including) the south end of the large • City starr works with the City of Centerville to draft a mutually acceptable ordinailei4hat will pass in the City of Centerville and City of Lino Lakes, so that it leaves no loopholes or misunderstanding of intent. • Addresses the placement of structures on the lake. Incorporates regulation - addressing structures on the lake. • Create a joint powers agreement between the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Centerville. Friendly amendments were made by Board and staff and accepted by O'Connell. O'Dea seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 8 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 Donlin submitted easy language for the Council. Grundhofer made a motion to pass on the letter to Council. O'Connell seconded the motion. Grundhofer stated she had lived in the City for 26 years, and had seen the birds' decline in numbers. A discussion ensued on the history of the project. Motion carried unanimously. Halen excused herself from the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Chair!; 5 -minute break, resuming at 9:30 p.m. The Board reconvened at 9:32 p.m. 4. ACTION ITEMS D. Election of Officers - Chair Kukonen ca Chairman. Grundhofer nominated Kukonen fo nomination. orittUalled for a a iii©urinations for the office of officeof Chairman. Halen seconded the Grundhofer made a motion to c Chairman. Halen seconde he nominations and elect Kukonen as the Motion carried unanimously. Chair Kukonen called fife no ina idns for the office of Vice Chair. Donlin nominated' the nomination Donlin'i Chair.` motion oto ersecorde'd the motion. Motion carried unanimously. i r tliPi,office of Vice Chair. O'Connell seconded dose the nominations and elect Schneider as the Vice 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS - continued A. Wildland Urban Interface/Completed Project Report/Peggy Booth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources — This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. B. Peltier Lake/Proposed Boating Restrictions/Heron Nesting Area — This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. 9 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 C. Development Regulations Task Force - Grochala gave a brief overview of the Development Task Force. In June 2001, the Comprehensive Plan was adopted. The next step was to review the ordinances to make sure they were in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. He needed two members for the Task Force that would be chaired by O'Donnell. Grochala explained that on February 21, the 12 -month residential moratorium would begin. Review of the Subdivision Ordinance would need to be finished by July, to go to Council in September. Zoning review would need to be completed by September. Grochala explained that more meeting times would be favored over extending the deadline. Growth management would be the major issue and the goal was to atiOpss the issues equally, and arrive at a consensus with the Boards. Chair Kukonen confirmed that the Board needed three nonnudes, wittfone being the alternate, and the delegates would report back to th.e;Bjd Jjea11ed for nominations. Donlin nominated Chair Kukonen. iiominatecl Donlin. O'Connell nominated Schneider. Grochala stated the meetings were open so aI.1 three-cofild attend if they so desired. Two would be active, but the i ertAttwould also receive all the information. It was indicated that Chair Kukonen and Don would be the delegates, with Schneider as the alternate. All accepted the nominations. N4-7 Grochala noted the entteldeve 61)Aent staff would be involved in the entire process. He thanked tli6,Boarmembers for attending the recent seminar. •,-NtkiPMJAN. 7. DEPARTMENTREPORTS A. Forestry was tabled to the February 27, 2002 meeting. B. SoIid WasteRecyclingtSolid Waste Report July 1, 2001 to December 31,2001 Thisitemwas tabled to the February 27, 2002 meeting. 8. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD BUSINESS A. Goals — This item was tabled to the February 27, 2002 meeting. B. Earth Day — Grundhofer suggested that the focus be on endangered plants and animals. Asleson stated there would be an Earth Day meeting on Friday. He asked for small project ideas for community projects. He suggested this be discussed at the next meeting. He expressed the desire to do a direct mailing for the booklet, "Beyond the Suburbs." 10 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 30, 2002 C. City Newsletter — Chair Kukonen noted the newsletter deadline was past, but suggested the Board be a regular contributor. D. By-laws — This item was tabled to the February 27, 2002 meeting. 9. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on February 27, 2002. There being no further business, Grundhofer moved to adjourn at alen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Offsite Secretarial, Inc. 11 City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting January 30, 2002 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1 CALL TO ORDER/WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. OPEN MIKE 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Election of Officers 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. IN.ildland Urban Interface/Completed Project Report/Peggy Booth, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources B. Peltier Lake/Proposed Boating Restrictions/Heron Nesting Area C. Development Regulations Task Force 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Wa§te::Recycling/Solid Waste Report July 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001 8. ADJOURN '