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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/29/2002 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 CITY OF LINO LAKES DRAFT MINUTES DATE : May 29, 2002 TIME STARTED : 6:38 P.M. TIME ENDED : 8:45 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Halen, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O'Connell, Mary Jo O'Dea, and Nikki Schneider (arrived at 6:42 p.m.). MEMBERS ABSENT : None. STAFF PRESENT : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson. 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to ordei 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. April 24, 2002 The Environmental Board postponed the approval of the April 24, 2002, meeting per the memo from Dawn Bugge. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA; A. The following items,were\added to the agenda: • Anoka Conservation District • Change order of Discussiodtems to: A. Interni B. Zoning Code Task Force Update C. Goals • Landscape packs The amended agenda was approved unanimously. 4. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 1 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Russian Baptist Church, Site Plan Review Chair Kukonen indicated that he spoke with representatives from Rice Creek Watershed District. They had issues that were essentially administrative, there was no planned site visit, and the issues concerned infiltration and the two ponding areas. Asleson reviewed the background, analysis and recommendations from the green sheet. The Church was asking for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) on 4.61 acres because it is in a rural zone on Ash Street and Baldwin Lake Road. A portion in the Southern part of the site had been filled, while the Northern part was hydric. The Land Classification Inventory indicated Long Grasses and Sparse Tree Cover in the North with a flood plain encroaching,=and Aspen Forest Saturated in the South. Donlin inquired if the Church was responsible for'the filling the Southern areas. Asleson responded they were not responsible Asleson stated the Rice Creek Watershed District was waiting for the wetland delineation to be submitted. Chair Kukonen stated that it was received on April 15, 2002, and included two infiltration ponds Grundhofer asked if the propertywas adjacent to the Indian Hills backyards. Asleson pointed out that it was, but that the dralnfield for the Church's septic system separated them. Asleson continued with reviewing the'green sheet. The proposed septic system would be located -on the: Western boundary, and staff had discussed alternatives with the Church representatives; but were considered not economically feasible to hook up to sewer. Staff discussed additional infiltration, and protecting the wet aspen buffer In addition, future'parking lot would have impervious surfaces in the area of the buffer Donlin expressed concern about several issues. Did the septic system include a primary and secondary system. Impervious surfaces should be minimized. She did not understand why the Church refused to accept grant money for a better system. Asleson indicated the landscape plan needed modification with changes necessary for the Sugar Maples and Colorado Green Spruce. The lighting plan conformed to the City standards. Staff recommended approval with changes including: • The submission of a tree inventory and preservation plan, maintaining the buffer around the wetland. • Increase infiltration around the parking areas. 2 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 • Change the Colorado Spruce and Sugar maples to different species, with plantings out of the water areas in the infiltration areas. • Use green parking in future expansion areas and out of tree area around wetland. • Use sand or organic filtration with the septic system. • Use the native seed mixture used in the City of Lino Lakes. O'Connell inquired about a sewer on Ash Street. Asleson responded that they would have to run a pipe. Grundhofer asked if the zoning allowed for a Church. Asleson answered that it was presently zoned rural. Donlin mentioned that it was important that the development was consistent with its surroundings, and questioned if they were,seekng any additional variances. Asleson responded that they were not. Asleson stated there was one wetland that would, be left. Grundhofer pointed out that it was a very important wetland. Asleson suggested that they could pit t in Netlawn, or,remove seven stalls from the plan Donlin indicated that a precedence needed:to beset. Asleson assured the Board that changes had been initiated due to the recommendations made by the Board. A discussion ensued concerning zoning versus negotiating and encouraging developments to'do better Grundhofer inquired if the two; adjacent lots combined were smaller than the site. Staff indicated that,he believed they were. O'Connell explained she was concerned about church functions in relation to the septic system. Asleson-responded that the septic system would be able to accommodate any functions taking place in the building. Donlin noted the project was not finished. She was concerned about the use of the building. She indicated it was not researched well. Chair Kukonen inquired about another chance to review the site plan. Asleson stated that there would probably be another chance. O'Connell stated the plan had loosening of the soil, she questioned if the depth was enough. Asleson stated that the subsoil should be uncompacted, fencing off infiltration areas. Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 O'Connell asked about the necessity for concrete curb and gutter. Chair Kukonen inquired about the sand septic systems, were they mound systems. He asked for additional recommendations from the Board. Schneider questioned if there was a twelve-month guarantee that the plants would live. Chair Kukonen summarized the recommendations he had noted from the discussion: • Deep till seven to eight inches to protect soil areas, while fencing all infiltration areas and the use of low impact equipment. • Schedule landscape installation and maintenance for.. -5 years. • Elimination or reduction of future parking, and use pervious parking. (Donlin) • On the NW side preserve and protect the wetland and aspen stand. (Donlin) Donlin encouraged the developers to accept the grant offered from RCWD. She inquired about the amount. Staff responded.. that the:addtional cost was seen to be prohibitive by the developer. Chair Kukonen inquired if the Board could review again at the Preliminary Plat approval. Asleson indicated that it could be requested. Donlin asked if they still needed to submit the Tree Inventory. Asleson indicated that they still needed to, submit_ on Grundhofer asked if Rice Creek Watershed District was doing the delineation. Staff responded they were. Donlin expressed concern foi the reputation of the consultant. Donlin made a motion to pass along the staff and Board recommendations. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Anoka Conservation District Mr. Biske gave a background on greenways. He had done an open space design. Cumulatively, to put the data into a binder format for easy reference would be beneficial. He then distributed to Board members a brochure and the grant plans for further explanation. 4 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 Chair Kukonen asked if they needed an open house before the end of the month. Mr. Biske indicated that a meeting was planned for June 17, 2002. Asleson stated that the location was yet to be determined, but it would be a joint meeting with officials from the City of Lino Lakes and the City of Centerville. Mr. Biske explained that he did not have the raw data, but would have them identified by the end of the summer. He inquired about the availability of a couple of Board members to identify the process. He pointed out that there were good examples in Anoka County. Much of the raw data would be obtained from Mr. Huvseth, with the next step to identify the parcels, which could then be built upon. His goal was to identify the greenways, which could go beyond open space. Chair Kukonen questioned the success rate in dealing with landowners. Mr. Biske responded that the success had been good, the' ownerswere very receptive to open space design, easement, or transferring development rights A discussion concerning dates to meet with the Board members ensued. It was agreed that a meeting would take place Tuesday, June 11,.2002, at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Biske inquired about the feasibility'of involvement by July 1, 2002. Asleson asked if it was to meet grant requiremen' Mr. Biske noted he wanted to(get-on the Ci? both the City of Lino Lakes and the City of at the June 17, 2002,meetmg ouicil agenda. Asleson stated that enterville council members would be O'Dea inquired about the completion .6f -the data by that date. He indicated the data wouldnot'have the necesSaty' detail at that point. B. Intern Position Asleson stated that the City was seeking to fill an intern position for the summer, with the minimum qualification of a tree inspector license, environmental course work, and knowledge of plants. The wages would be $10.00 per hour. The duties included inspecting, answering calls, follow-up, creating public infoulliation, perform basic tree maintenance, and public relations. Chair Kukonen inquired about the funding for the position. Asleson responded that the City was funding it for 40 hours per week, with no benefits. He added that it would be nice to study the health of the wetlands in the City. Haien inquired about the status of the house on Birch Street, was it preserved. Asleson stated that the owner still resided there. 5 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 C. Zoning Code Task Force Update Donlin stated the group had been having positive group discussions on conservation planning, although there were various definitions, and was unpopular with some members. She and Chair Kukonen were standing for preservation. Chair Kukonen gave an example of the differences of the R-1 plan with 70 lots on 34 acres. The R -1X plan had 58 larger lots on 34 acres. The final plan R-1XC had 58 lots that had been shrunk to the size of R-1, to allow for open space. It still fell short of the 50% goal that had been established. In addition, it would not be economically feasible because of the cost of the utilities, and the examples found were not confined to city water and sewage. This=reality.intensifies the need to seek out land acquisition. Asleson stated one way to attain the goal was through the Greenway Grant Program. He also wanted to know who should beat the meeting on June 17, 2002. Chair Kukonen responded that he spoke with the consultant Alan Brixius who indicated that R-1XC did not provide,enough open space. A discussion ensued regarding examples of development with open space, Mr. Applebaum's Surface Water Managementithat Alan Brixius was working with, and Quigley's 3rd Addition which was closer to:tle 50% goal. Mr. Huvseth's project brought detailed information to the topic Chair Kukonen stated that larger parcels were easier to plan_.for open space and corridors than smaller sites. Chair Kukonen.noted he received an E Mail from O'Dea on stadium lighting. D. Goals Chair Kukonen noted a request to prioritize the goals, and stated that he agreed it was a good idea He passed out a compilation of the goals and urged the Board members to rank them Oh a scale of 1-5. He reviewed the goals. Halen suggested a listing of native plant landscaping companies. Asleson responded that he has infaunation of many companies, they needed to be compiled into a list and put on the website. He stated that a neighborhood restoration was taking place in Birchwood Acres located East of Mustang Lane and the South side of Palomino Drive. Within a week a planned kill would take place. Grundhofer suggested showing the steps in the restoration of a wetland with pictures and to put it on the website. 6 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 Asleson stated he was planning to meet with four fourth grade girls who wanted to discuss water quality, lakes, and prairie plantings in Lino Lakes. He indicated that there were opportunities at the Middle School also. Donlin mentioned she had an interview with Wargo Nature Center for a part-time naturalist, so if she was offered the job, she could be a link between the Board and the Nature Center. O'Dea questioned the licensing of tree trimmers or certified arborists, because she had contact with a company that was going through her neighborhood trying to trim oaks. Asleson responded that some cities did license them, but in the yellow pages some tree trimmers stated that they were certified arborists. Grundhofer indicated that she looked for certified,, censed, bonded, and insured. O'Dea suggested another project for the intern could be to deal with the buckthorn. Asleson answered that he knows of -an -eagle scout who was willing to work with the buckthorn issue. O'Dea submitted that people like buckthorrt because it created a thick hedge. Grundhofer added that the berries attractedbiids Donlin mentioned that her farm could be an example, because they had every non- native, invasive species in theDepartment of Natural Resources booklet. Asleson stated that Birchwoo education. cres would be a starting point for restoration and Donlin pointed out the bite remove all of it. din was so overwhelming, that one scout could not Chair Kukonen stated;that thegoals should be focused to 5 or 6. Asleson inquired about the greenway issue and the Anoka Conservation District, because there were several education opportunities through them on greenway planning. Donlin noted the Lake Peltier monitoring was ongoing. Chair Kukonen indicated it could be listed as a sidebar. He stated that the work on ordinances was already happening with the Task Force. O'Connell pointed out that the fall City Newsletter should be on buckthorn. Kukonen summarized the goals that ranked as most important: • Work with the Anoka Conservation District • Public education on non-native, invasive species. • Seek funding for land acquisition. 7 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 Asleson stated that Target would give money for public education. Donlin expressed dismay at the removal of the oak stand. She pointed out there were guidelines to follow, and saw no evidence of Target following through with the recommendations. She urged the City to seek retribution. Asleson noted there was a need for an explanation of what happened. Mitigation would have to take place off site. Schneider questioned if the goals of public information and a project could be combined into one goal, because the project was already taking place, it just needed to be publicized. F.. Asleson urged E-mails when meeting with groups, so' attend. 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry Asleson stated that they have the plo dealing with the oak wilt. at Board members could next 2-6 weeks they would be B. Solid Waste Recyclin Recycling Day was successful. The fees were raised, and it was noted that the City almost broke even' '. C. or Day and Recycling Day Asleson noted it was a unique'Arbor Day at Lino Lakes Elementary, with the Fire Department, the Police Department and Paramedics invited to an Arbor Day dedicated to September 11, 2001. Smoky the Bear also made an appearance. D. Landscape Packets Chair Kukonen inquired if any were still left, because they were being advertised on the cable station. Asleson responded that there were some packets. He added that he recently received a call from a resident requesting infoiluation on landscaping for wildlife, and he could give her a packet. Chair Kukonen asked the Board if anyone had an interest in contacting the speakers from Living Green Expo. Asleson stated he would check into it. 8 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MAY 29, 2002 Chair Kukonen suggested that Asleson ask the speakers if they required funding, because some had a fee. . ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on June 26, 2002. There being no further business, Donlin moved to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. Halen seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 9 Draft Minutes City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting May 29, 2002 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. OPEN MIKE 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Russian Baptist Church/Site Plan Review 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals B. Intern Position C. Zoning Code Task Force Update/Rod Kukonen, Amy Donlin 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Waste Recycling C. Arbor Day and Recycling Day 8. ADJOURN