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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/2002 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 DATE TIME STARTED TIME ENDED MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT CITY OF LINO LAKES DRAFT MINUTES : April 24, 2002 . 6:37 P.M. . 9:30 P.M. : Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O'Connell, Mary Jo O'Dea and Nikki Schneider : Patrice Halen : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson, Community Development Director Michael Grochala 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order a 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. March 27, 2002 Page 4, eighth paragraph: "Kukonen suggested more open area, where 50% or more should be preserved as open space not including wetland mitigation. He proposed an additional 17 acres should remain undeveloped, and encouraged clustering." rundhofer inquired about when Met Council was ocatlon O'Connell moved to approve,..- the March 27, 2002 meeting minutes. O'Dea seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA' • Greenway Grant Land Classification with Chris Ward to be discussed under Other Discussion Items. • Living Green Expo to be discussed under 7D. • Acceptance of Prairie Burns discussed under 6E. • Livable, Ecological Housing that is affordable discussed under 6F. The agenda was approved unanimously. DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 4. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Village Hills Preliminary Plat Asleson reviewed the background material. The project proposal was a 3.75 -Acre commercial development located east of Hodgson Road on Birch Street. The developer was proposing to build three commercial buildings on the site. A tree preservation plan was submitted because there were some trees off site. The f., developer had been denied an exemption of an incidental, wetland, and had not received a permit with the RCWD. The wetland -lad been degraded and is considered very low quality, caused by ditching and mowing. The discussion centered on slowing the drainage by adding_ ditchblocks or swales RCWD had deteumined that staff would resolve remaining inconsistencies wwith the developer. A lighting plan had been submitted. The extensive use.,of Netlawn was planned and an organic wetland, as well as depressions in the parking lot areas, and filtration design in the swale areas. Manyxatives were proposed in the landscape plan such as blue flag iris. Donkin inquired about the proposed` sidewalk location. Asleson showed the location of the sidewalk on the map. Chair Kukonen questioned the;winter viability of the Netlawn, and the timeline issues involving the 907d-ayrriocli2.ASle.son responded to the Netlawn was being marketed by the,developer, and the`s0cwplow would need to be pulled up in the area, but otherwise it did well in the winter. Asleson continued that there was a 200 -foot buffer. in the surface water design. The area off site behind the houses was in a fake protection zone and a high ecological value zone. Donlin stated she needed clarification for the future Ware Road extension. Asleson answered that-Ahe,road was the entrance to Spirit Hills 1st Addition and would connect to Hodgson Road. Donlin pointed out it appeared that the Attachment 2 Erosion Control Plan used the same key for all the items. Asleson indicated that it was difficult to read. Donlin inquired about the lighting, asking for confiimation that it was low impact and no spill. Asleson answered yes, but that the Board should still make the recommendation. Grundhofer noted that the plan called for 40 lights on site, and considering the number of lumens it would be equivalent to 900 light bulbs. She asked how high 2 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 the poles were going to be. Chair Kukonen stated that the standard was 15 -foot poles. Donlin mentioned that she could not clearly identify the locations of the lights, and that she was dissatisfied with the lighting plan. She also inquired whether on meant on at all times, or something else. Asleson indicated that she and the Board should make a statement of their concerns. O'Dea stated that there would have to be enough light for parents to drop off and pick up their children in the dark. Donlin suggested that the track record of the developer might show that excessive light was a concern. Chair Kukonen stated that the number of parking spaces; was near the City minimum. Donlin submitted she was not pleased with the architectural design elements of the corner building, because it looked like.a.gas station., Planning and Zoning should look at this. Grundhofer inquired about the possibility of the plan coming back to the Board. Asleson stated it probably would not Donlin asked who the ow -net anddeveloper were: O'Connell inquired about the desi ofthe building fitting into the neighborhood. Grundhofer questioned if the neighborhood and design would be acceptable for a gas station. She also expressed concern about runoff in the parking lot. Asleson responded that filtration capabilities were built into Netlawn and were 2.5 times the cost of the standard, it maybe worth it if there was a big enough difference. Donlin indicated she appreciated the use of natives. The day care site however would be near a natural environment lake and an important watershed area. Asleson stated that the Board could show concern over the gas station at that location. Chair Kukonen submitted that perhaps vegetative buffering could minimize the impact of a possible spill. Donlin inquired about the City's requirement of effective buffering and its application in the northern edge. Asleson stated there were no other plans other than on the Landscape Plan, because a sidewalk will be there. 3 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 Asleson noted the use of hackberries along the Northern edge. Donlin responded that they were not thick enough to block the view and suggested berming. Asleson explained that hackberries take 3-4 years to become established. Schneider liked the hackberries because they were good for wildlife, and were a good long-term choice. Grundhofer noted that they were planning to use maples on site. Grundhofer mentioned landscaping fennel reed grass, but she could not find any information on it. Asleson indicated he did not think it would be a problem, but would check. Chair Kukonen reviewed the recommendations e'Board that included: • Work with the RCWD and City staff on the Stormwater Management Plan. • Lighting should have no spillage, be downward focused,' and the reduction of the number of fixtures. Work with City staff to create buffering on the perimeter. • Replace maple with some other appropriate species .- • Reduce impervious parking spaces to a„mimmum, and maximize the use of Netlawn pervious parking. • Concern over the gas station, and the possibility of a spill into the area defined as a lake protection zone and'having high ecological value. Schneider made amotion to pass onstaff recommendations along with the Board recommendation Don1in seconded the,motion. Motion passed unanimously. Schneider stated there nee ded:to:be a number in the recommendation to ensure compliance with the spirit of therecommendation, and not to leave it at the obscure term reduce. • B. Raske Building Systems, Inc. Asleson reviewed the background. The Board had reviewed the plan at the October 1, 2001, meeting, so the recommendations made at that time still apply. The only item left to review was the landscaping plan. His only concern was the small cedars on the site, they were going to be removed, but he would like to see then used elsewhere on the site. He highlighted the standard recommendations, and the Board recommendations on Attachment 1 Options. Donlin expressed concern over the surface water, inquiring if the owners of the two lots were going to work together. Asleson indicated that the wetland was a pond. 4 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 Chair Kukonen stated that the pond was very large. Donlin explained that the concern was for the nearby trees, and the possibility that the pond will increase in the swale to the trees, and they would be lost. Chair Kukonen suggested a replacement schedule if the trees were lost. Donlin indicated that in the October 1, 2002, recommendations, the 5th bullet asked for a replacement schedule to the expanded wetland. Chair Kukonen commented on reducing the number of parking spaces to the lowest number possible. He asked if anything changed. Asleson stated he would look into it. Schneider inquired who was going to ensure "at the recommendations were implemented. Asleson stated that staff was responsible.il Money is held until the plan was completed satisfactorily. Donlin made a motion to pass staff recommendations and the replacement tree schedule from the Board. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals Schneider commented on the:issue of lighting. Donlin added that there was a group called the Dark Slay Society, and,urged the City to work in that area until it becomes a non -issue. .................... Chair Kukonen recalled that Schneider made the suggestion to prioritize the goals. He also indicated members should list their goals to be discussed later. E. Acceptance of Prairie Burns Donlin expressed concern about the prescribed burns not accepted by all the officials. She received a permit, and made calls an hour before the burn to ensure that there was no fear or false alarm. Apparently there were many 911 calls. O'Dea inquired about the possibility of signage to warn people. Donlin stated that the Fire Departments from White Bear Township and Centennial came to her house, while the permit was through Centennial. Grundhofer indicated she also had a permit for burning through Centennial Fire Department for the same day. She was also confronted by the firefighters, and she stated she had a permit. Evidently no note was written at the station to warn the firefighters on duty of the two prescribed burn permits. 5 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 Donlin expressed concern for her septic tank, because it was driven over by the fire truck. She added there was a need for better coordination on the permit process. Chair Kukonen mentioned that prescribed burns might be a good topic for public education in the City Newsletter. Schneider added the issue could also be featured on the website. D. Greenway Grant Land Classification with Chris Ward Mr. Ward reviewed the history of the project. 1.5-2 years ago the City received a grant to do the land classification. Recently theY,Iiav9reqpived another grant. Once the Landcover was completed, the balatinet-Of-the project would need to be finished by June 30, 2002. The applications!Oail.,19toiheCityinclude Landcover inventory, G.I.S. analysis, and\Oolititing.i'pulilicontreaok He introduced Rich Biske who would also be presenting. Mr. Biske presented a slide show to illustrate the possibilities with the Metro Greenways Program. He indicated the challenge was to,find significant communities and develop management plans based on the systems. He showed an example of presettlement vegetation. and tfie-ireinaljning natural communities. The difference was dramatic. Mr. Ward stated that the Chain of Lakes was an aquatic corridor, but terrestrial corridors -were agn-inipiii-fant for many species. Mr. Biske noted that the mapping Tresources provided the groundwork to identify greenway links, development areas, priority areas and probable encroachment issues. . - Mr. Ward indicated that they were working with other municipalities to coordinateefforts. -. One issue on the corridors is people often conceptualize them as very narrow, if_theyare.tbo narrow, animals would not be able to use them. Mr. Biske identified the greenway corridors and hubs. He indicated the linking of those greenways across municipalities was a challenge. Mr. Ward explained that the green areas were open to interpretation. Mr. Biske pointed out that there was a need to establish options for restoration or easement. The goal was to move development to presently disturbed sites. They could also provide technical assistance to enhance and restore land. People needed to come together to protect a corridor. He asked the Board if there was a citizen forum that they could address. Donlin appreciated their efforts, because many greenways were located in developed areas. She noted a recent series called green growth that received a lot 6 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 of interest and several letters to the editor. Mr. Biske concurred and added that native grasses needed more exposure. Mr. Ward stated that they needed the most effective means to connect with residents and to satisfy the grant requirements as well. Grundhofer pointed out at the Earth Day celebration, children came to the booths to receive stamps, while the adults were not involved or asked questions. She suggested that perhaps fliers could be put in newspaper boxes of the targeted areas. Mr. Ward responded that another option was at the community -wide level. In Blaine, they found the concept scared people because they thought the government wanted to take their land. The groundwork needed to be laid slowly. Asleson reviewed the history of the process. for the Board. First there was the 2020 vision, followed by the establishment of the Environmental Plan. The City participated in the Wildlife Urban Interface; but now is the step of implementation of the Metro Greenways. The City Plan had antiquated planned _greenways, but could be updated. In addition, he was encouraged; with the implementation of restoration programs and work on agricultural land Mr. Ward discussed an example of their involvement in Burns Township, where the program failed at first, but then it; passed Oil'a second attempt. Donlin indicated that the Citylhad'ma.de connections with Centerville on the Peltier Lake Heron Colony issue :which could lay the groundwork for the two cities to collaborate on this project Grundhofer stated that ,Councilperson, Carlson could give the name of the councilmeinber interested in preservation from Centerville. Councilperson Carlson responded it was Councilperson Capra. Asleson explaineeneed to create incentives for the stakeholders. Councilperson Carlson indicated that the City of Centerville had asked for a meeting with the City of Lino Lakes. Schneider asked for clarification, if they wanted help with education. Grundhofer inquired whom they wanted to have for a first contact. Mr. Ward stated that if there was enough interest, it could be a discussion of what is a Greenway, which could be geared to the landowner. Asleson responded that the elected officials could be brought together. Mr. Ward indicated that the beginning of June would be a good time. 7 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 Schneider suggested that the topic for discussion should draw people, and urged the use of a word other than Greenways. Asleson suggested the public hearing forum as a possibility. He inquired about the need for more funding. Mr. Ward discussed the need to clarify that the City was not interested in taking someone's land, but land acquisition through purchasing chunks in a proposed greenway was a possibility, as well as several other options. Asleson proposed an example that the City required a preliminary plat. The question then becomes can the same number of units be fit into the site in light of the identified wetlands. Mr. Ward agreed that the commitment required a plan, but the tools were better now than ten yearsa Chair Kukonen stated that the City had deternuned the arnount-of land required for a septic system that determined the size 'of the lots. 'Y Mr. Ward indicated that concentrated communities could result leaving larger open space, if perpetual conservation easements were put into effect. The Board discussed possibilities for public education: Donlin suggested that the general public probably would..not come, unless a specific corridor was identified. Mr. Ward stated that new maps would need to becreated from the layers already prepared, because the one available lacked' the -detail necessary. He was planning direct mailings in the fall. Asleson asked if they could prepare a statement for the City Newsletter that would be going to the publisher, andtsomething for the television station. O'Dea suggested: that if the topic to be discussed was greenway corridors, a better teiun might be Wildlife Corridor Connections. A discussion ensued concerning the logistics of a meeting with elected officials and possibly representatives from the City of Centerville, before the deadline of June 30, 2002, but leaving enough time to finish the Landcover Classification. B. Peltier Island Update Asleson stated that a joint powers' agreement had passed, and was now in the 30 - day waiting period. Donlin stated that the birds were back. Before the big snowstorm, there were 16 pairs, but they have left. The DNR did a fly over and counted 70 egrets. She indicated there were misconceptions. There was no ordinance, so the only 8 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 compliance was peer pressure. She added that there was a nesting eagle sighted, and there appeared to be harmony among the various species, not competition. Asleson noted that the Bell Museum was interviewing several people for an article in the Bell Museum newsletter. Donlin mentioned that she was going to participate in a DNR sponsored crane count in Carlos Avery tomorrow. Asleson suggested that they should count in the City, because he had seen several pairs. Grundhofer indicated that she had visited the nature center in Detroit Lakes. C. Recycling Day Recycling Day was planned for Saturday, Al at the Old City Hall on Main Street. til 27, 2002, at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Donlin stated she had picked up the ditches, but the. bags had not been taken away. Asleson answered that he would take care of it. D. Other (Greenway Grant Land Classification with Chris Ward) This item was discussed earlierin. the E. Acceptance of Prairie urns This item was: diseussed'carlie nl e meeting. F. Liable, Ecological Housing that is affordable This item will be tabled to the meeting tomorrow. 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry Trade -A -Tree plantings under the wires will take place at Lino Lakes Elementary around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.. No trees could be planted on county right-of-way. B. Solid Waste Recycling This item was discussed under 6C Recycling Day. C. Environmental 9 DRAFT MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING APRIL 24, 2002 Councilperson Carlson noted a report handed to Council at the April 17, 2002, work session relating to the reduction of Phosphorus in Hardwood Creek that flows into Peltier Lake. D. Living Green Expo Chair Kukonen mentioned that this was going to be held on Saturday at the Armory. Topics included organic gardening, housing alternatives, water quality, and others. The website was www.livinggreenexpo.org. The phone numbers were (612) 331-1099 and (651) 296-7242. 8. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board would be on May 29., 2002. There being no further business, Grundhofer moved to adjournat9:30 p.m. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion passed unax imously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial 10 DRAFT MINUTES City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting April 24, 2002 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 27, 2002 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. OPEN MIKE 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Village Hills Preliminary Plat B. Raske Building Systems Inc. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals B. Peltier Island Update C. Recycling Day D. Other 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Waste Recycling C. Environmental 8. ADJOURN