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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/29/2003 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 1APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE: January 29, 2003 TIME STARTED: 6:35 P.M. TIME ENDED: 9:46 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Donlin (arrived at 6:41), Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Toler Halen, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O’Connell, and Nikki Schneider MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES December 4, 2002 O’Connell moved to approve the December 4, 2002 meeting minutes. Halen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. January 15, 2003 The following corrections were requested: Page 3, sixth paragraph: “Mr. Brixius directed the Board to Subdivision 4 on p. 2- 12.” Page 5, fourth paragraph: “Chair Kukonen recommended that it state, “may be allowed in R-1 and R-1X.” Page 8, fourth paragraph: “Chair Kukonen added that according to his calculations, it would free up 20% for open space if 30% of all individual lots were 15,000 square feet.” Page 8, seventh paragraph: “Chair Kukonen recommended that for (3,C,1)(p.6- 12) ‘no fewer than’ be scratched, and that 25-30% of the lots would be at 15,000 square feet.” “Mr. Brixius noted for (C,2)(p.6-12) ...no lot shall be less than 80 feet in width.” O’Dea moved to approve the January 15, 2003 meeting minutes with the above corrections. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Discuss Council meeting update on Growth Management Plan in 7C. • Discuss Heron Rookery update in 7D. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 2APPROVED MINUTES 4.OPEN MIKE Jerry Berg of 6480 Totem Trail stated he has been a resident for 9 years and is the Assistant Coordinator for the Lino Lakes History Project. He defined the word history, and indicated that the environment was a part of that history. He noted there were changes in species and numbers from 1860’s and they were looking for help to obtain information on the natural history of the area. He noted the anecdote where the post office called the Kettle River Junction was the first name, and was soon thereafter changed to Lino. Halen inquired if he was interested in landmarks as well. She suggested that St. Joseph’s Church had documented their history. Mr. Berg responded that they had received information from the Church. He indicated that they had a target date of 2 years for a book and possibly a video. Asleson mentioned that the City had information available on presettlement and other historical data that could be pulled together. Mr. Berg stated that he had three copies of a book written on the area by Steve Lee called Circle Pines and Lexington-- A History of the 1800’s to 2000. He stated that the past needed to be preserved and that it was an ongoing attempt. Donlin questioned if the history would include Native American contributions. Mr. Berg answered that it did include the Native American experience. There were Dakota, Ottawa, and Hurons in the area. Donlin stated that it was a place of convergence of several groups, so it was a battleground for food due to the diversity. Mr. Berg agreed that they had found evidence of permanent and temporary settlements around the lakes. Halen mentioned that Lino Lakes used to have another name. Mr. Berg responded that it was a part of Centerville. Grundhofer inquired about how to contact him. Mr. Berg responded that he had not mastered E-Mail, but could be reached by telephone. He provided his telephone number to the Board. He expressed concern that someone wanted to develop part of Peltier Lake in an area where it was documented to have archeological significance. He indicated there were documents that expressed concerns about the Peltier Lake area. He noted the significance of research by telling the story of the Centerville Cemetery that had been moved twice, but the second time only the headstones were moved. Asleson stated that a good resource to speak with was Marilyn Anderson the former City Clerk. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 3APPROVED MINUTES Donlin mentioned that another family to speak with would be the Cardinals, who owned a farm for 100 years. O’Connell submitted that Dan Waldoch may be a helpful resource to contact for information. Mr. Berg answered that he would appreciate it if those names were written down for him, and thanked the Board for their time. 5.ACTION ITEMS A.Living Waters Lutheran Church/Site Plan Review/CUP Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. The church submitted an application to build a new sanctuary onto the existing building. The building met all setback requirements but was approximately 160 feet from a wetland and 600- 700 feet from the lake. Chair Kukonen inquired about emergent vegetation. Asleson responded that there was emergent vegetation present. The site was inside the area classified as very sensitive to groundwater pollution, determined by factors such as soil permeability and water and soil chemistry. Two maples 3” and 6” were proposed for removal. The trees would be replaced with two 2.5” maples and one 6-foot spruce. Other maples and spruce would be used for screening. The church spire would be moved to the new location and was 40-45 feet long. There was no additional lighting proposed. Soils in the area were sandy and pervious. Surface water management should accommodate the extra volume if not the entire site. He noted that there was additional ponding in the turf areas, but they were not included on the maps. The surface water management information was being reviewed by the City Engineer. Pervious areas should be protected against compaction, and native plants should be planted to act as a buffer. Sodded areas should have four inches of topsoil tilled as deep as possible. NAC made the recommendation that there should be more foundation plants. More oaks were recommended in the surface water treatment areas, and sugar maples should be replaced with red maple or oak. If additional lighting was necessary, it should be downward focused, and no spill-type lighting. He introduced Kevin Tappan the Landscape Architect for the project. Mr. Tappan explained the infiltration train on the grading plan, and noted it used RCWD criteria. Chair Kukonen inquired if RCWD believed the plan was adequate. Grundhofer added if it was adequate for the 100-year event. Asleson asked Mr. Tappan to address future plans for growth. Mr. Tappan responded that it was a phased project, which would also include adding to the back of the church. They were providing infiltration ponding, and that the site met current criteria. Future additions would involve viewing the site as a whole. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 4APPROVED MINUTES Asleson stated that the ponding would accommodate the future ponding as well. Grundhofer noted that there was no additional parking proposed at the present time, and inquired of staff if it would be enough. Asleson answered that the engineers were reviewing the needs, and the analysis would be more comprehensive in the next phase. Donlin expressed concern that the site was a high priority protection area. Asleson responded that the wetlands and lake had two kinds of soils and classifications, and the plan honored those zones. Donlin stated that at times the treatment train focus undermined the other goal that water should not move off the site. Asleson assured the Board that the plan would manage the surface water. Donlin indicated that she would like to see some language in terms of parking to guide the next phase when the church began to grow. Dan Ernabreck from the church Building Committee introduced himself and stated the Church planned to remain a community church at about 500 people. The proposed ponding would be utilized if growth occurred and native plants would be on the other side of the path. Chair Kukonen inquired if there would be any additional parking. Mr. Ernabreck indicated that there would be none. Chair Kukonen inquired about the lighting proposal. Mr. Ernabreck answered that there would be lighting only at the exits. Grundhofer mentioned that in the future, the Board would like more parking as green space, in order to reduce the amount of impervious. Donlin added that developers in the area were experimenting with various pervious parking options. Asleson explained the most promising pervious parking option available was Netlawn. Donlin made a motion to approve with the suggested environmental recommendations made by staff in addition to the recommendations made by the Board including: • Ensure that the area northwest of the path remain undisturbed due to its classification as a high priority protection area. • Recommend that the Landscape Committee get information from staff on plant species and other landscape best practices. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 5APPROVED MINUTES Halen made the motion to accept the amended recommendations. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B.Bruggeman Properties, LLC/Rezone/Preliminary Plat/Site Plan Review/CUP/PUD This item was discussed later in the meeting. 6.DISCUSSION ITEMS A.Guest Speaker Grundhofer introduced the guest speaker as Rueben Moreno from Colombia who was at Oak Hill Amity teaching the children Spanish and Columbian culture. He would be speaking about environmental issues in Columbia. It was noted that Mr. Moreno was preparing his presentation with the equipment. Grundhofer continued the introduction, indicating that recently she had asked questions about the decline of birds in the area. She had noticed fewer birds than in past years and wrote to Minnesota Ornithology. They responded that with the lack of snow, the birds would rather feed in the fields than at feeders because of predators, in addition to habitat loss throughout the world. She noted that the shy woodthrush had decreased by 80%. She then went to the National Wildlife Federation’s model of migrating from breeding to winter grounds. The osprey example started in Washington then flew to San Diego, through central Mexico, stopped on the West Coast of Colombia, then ended in West Central Bolivia. The warbler went to Peru according to Cornell Lab Ornithology. The condor went to Peru, Ecuador and Colombia and the numbers had dropped drastically. For this reason, Mr. Moreno was asked to present any information he could find that would be helpful. Halen indicated that similar things were happening everywhere. O’Connell added that it was happening with fallen trees, which become habitat for many species. Chair Kukonen recalled he had read information on how to create a snag. The Handbook stated on p. 512 that the indicator species of the health of an ecosystem were the bird populations. Asleson and Mr. Moreno excused themselves at 7:43 p.m. to reformat a disk for the presentation. Several comments were made by the Board on various topics. Schneider indicated that March 21-22, 2003 was the Midwest Environmental Conference held at the Rosemount Community Center, and she was willing to E- Mail the information to anyone interested in attending. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 6APPROVED MINUTES Various residents present stated that they were from the neighborhoods around Hodgeson Road, Birch Street, and Ware Road. They had come for the Neighborhood Meeting concerning the Bruggeman development and that the two meetings were scheduled at the same time. The concerns about a meeting with the Environmental Board three times was brought up to the representatives of the developer. They were concerned about traffic and wanted to know if it was possible to table the topic until the next meeting. Chair Kukonen noted that if the Preliminary Plat was tabled for one month, it might not come back to the Board. He explained that the Plat Review was only going to involve the commercial section, because of the moratorium. After the moratorium, they would have to apply for a rezoning, and then the residential portion would be brought to the Board. He explained that the Environmental Board passed on recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Board. It was noted that the room was filled with residents. The presentation by Mr. Moreno was tabled because of technical difficulties. 5.ACTION ITEMS B.Bruggeman Properties, LLC/Rezone/Preliminary Plat/Site Plan Review/CUP/PUD Asleson reviewed the background and staff’s analysis. The applicant proposed to rezone the property at Birch Street and Highway 49 to commercial and would include a gas station and other businesses. The eastern half of the site was guided for medium density residential. The GIS base map included non-native vegetation and no substantial environmental concerns. The City Engineer was reviewing the Surface Water information. There was no information available from RCWD or the DNR at this time. No unique resources were located on the site, but the NWI showed 3 wetlands in the southeast corner. Other wetlands were delineated by the developer. Asleson continued with his analysis, noting the biggest issue would be the environmental lake across the street, and the entire area was in a Lake Protection Zone that flowed and was ditched into Baldwin Lake. There were concerns that the pipe might not be functioning. He indicated that it would be necessary to contain the runoff from the gas station. He noted the Landscape Plan did not include landscaping for the proposed pond. It might be in the next phase, but should include the use of the City of Lino Lakes Native Pond and Drainage area seed mix, to be established and maintained by an experienced landscape company. The Tree Inventory was difficult to read, it needed to show the size and number present, and clearly delineate those oaks proposed to be removed. The Lighting Plan did not meet the basic requirements and needed revision. Post development ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 7APPROVED MINUTES should lower the volumes, maintain required rates, and reduce nutrient loading in the Surface Water Management because of its location in a Lake Protection Area. He indicated that there was no opportunity to infiltrate and that NURP ponding might be best. The developer should do a model on phosphorus. There was also a concern about erosion with infiltration. The site was sensitive to groundwater pollution due to the high water table of only 2-4 feet. He did not know if infiltration could take place anywhere on site because it needed a 3-foot minimum separation between the seasonally high water table. The concern could be minimized if the proposed pond could contain all the water in a 100-year event. An agreement for development and post-development should be required and would address soil and tree protection, maintenance for the parking area, and pond maintenance. All topsoil should remain on site. Importing soils must have City approval and be reviewed by the RCWD. He introduced John Johnson the Project Engineer who represented the developer. Mr. Johnson indicated that he was at the meeting to receive input from the Board. The site included 33 acres of land, five of which were planned for commercial purposes. There was already a right-of-way present. He distributed updated maps to the Board. He stated with the existing ditches, 29-30 acres end up in Baldwin Lake, while after the development under 18 acres would flow into the lake. The ponds would improve water quality, control the rate water left the site, and separate the commercial and residential areas of the site. Asleson noted that the second pond was not on his maps. Mr. Johnson stated that 1.25 acres of wetland would be created. In terms of rate control, Pond B presently had a rate of 73 cfs, while after development it would drop to 5 cfs. Pond C had similar rate decreases. He pointed out that even though there was more water, the rate had decreased. In terms of water quality, Pond B went from 92% total suspended solids to 68%, again with similar numbers for Pond C. Mr. Johnson outlined the options available. First the rate of flow to the west could be decreased. Second, they could take the water north then west. Third, more water could be directed into Rice Lake. Asleson inquired about the possibility of taking the water north and keeping it there. Mr. Johnson indicated that he could not answer that question. Asleson stated that if more was done with infiltration, there would be concerns with erosion with a trough. Catch basins were suggested as an option. He inquired about the plans for water treatment in the residential areas. Mr. Johnson answered that if rezoning went forward, the common areas would be significant areas for infiltration. He addressed the possibility of using Netlawn with the experts did not believe it would work in the long-term. He indicated that the two trees discussed were in the residential section, and the tree suggestions were acceptable. He assured the Board that the bluegrass areas would be irrigated. The ornamental lights in the lighting plan were the concern, and would be addressed. The gas station canopy would have recessed lighting. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 8APPROVED MINUTES Asleson expressed concern for the surface water management of the site as a whole. Mr. Johnson responded that he would work with RCWD. Asleson clarified that he had concerns in the east. Mr. Johnson answered that the management in the residential area would compensate. Asleson inquired about the depth of the pond. Mr. Johnson answered the pond depth would not exceed 2 meters. Asleson questioned the depth at which the water stabilized. Mr. Johnson responded at 889.5 elevation or about 6 feet. Asleson stated the water needed to be clean, because if the pond was too deep it could turn anaerobic. He suggested grit oil traps could possibly be used. Mr. Johnson answered that traps could be used and maintained by the gas station. Chair Kukonen noted that there were 175 proposed parking stalls, and the City requirement was 125. Mr. Johnson stated that it was the maximum depending on the types of businesses. He assured the Board that if the spaces were not needed, they would not be built. Asleson inquired about input from the DNR. O’Connell inquired the reason for not deciding between an office or a daycare. Mr. Johnson responded that Greg could better answer that question, but they wanted to get the City’s approval first, and to keep options open. Chair Kukonen inquired about any comments from the RCWD. Mr. Johnson answered that he had a preliminary discussion and they had concerns with the water quality and therefore the rates also. They wanted clean water before it left the property. The meeting would take place next week. Donlin stated that the site was on a Lake Protection Zone and with no information provided from the DNR and RCWD, doing their best was not good enough. Members of the audience applauded. Donlin continued that they were not able to review it adequately without the information from those agencies, and indicated that it had not been rezoned. She stated that Lino Lakes was different from other cities, and expressed concern for the high water table. Schneider asked for clarification that there would be 3.9 acres of impervious area out of 5 acres on a Lake Protection Zone. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 9APPROVED MINUTES Donlin stated that residents were happy with the rural use, and she was in full agreement. She noted the City charted the area for development but emerald green lawns were destructive. She found a gas station with a car wash was troublesome. She noted that the Board was an advisory board that tried to minimize the impact on the environment. Grundhofer added that it was a premature development. Asleson indicated that the surface water was the most important issue, but other options could be explored regarding water quality and volumes. Grundhofer stated that a gas station and a car wash did not belong on the site. Chair Kukonen indicated that it was General Neighborhood Business or B-3, in which he was outvoted to allow a gas station in a neighborhood business. O’Dea mentioned that the Board would have liked to review the entire site. Mr. Johnson responded that they were advised not to bring concept sketches. Donlin inquired if there was one spokesperson for the group, and found that there was none. Greg Schlink introduced himself and indicated that he represented the developer. He apologized to the Board concerning the rezoning applications and the concept sketches. He stated that the neighbors were concerned with the runoff and volumes. The proposed plan was in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the gas station was important for the livelihood of the other businesses on the site. Grundhofer pointed out there were other malls with no gas stations, and they did survive. She expressed concern that a gas station/car wash on Baldwin Lake might disturb the wildlife habitat and she knew that Bald Eagles fed on the lake. O’Connell inquired if there were any commitments for the gas station. Grundhofer mentioned if there was a good restaurant, a gas station would not be necessary. Mr. Schlink responded that market researchers indicated that gas stations were the best choice. Donlin stated that strip malls tended to look alike, and that Lino Lakes wanted it different. The 2020 Vision was developed so that Lino Lakes would not be like every other suburb, but to encourage creativity. She noted the example of the J- Mart near her home that had to be closed for a while due to the runoff. She stated that they were assured there would be no runoff, but there was. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 10APPROVED MINUTES Asleson indicated that everyone spoke about rates, but the volumes were the real concern. This site would be another drop in the bucket into Baldwin Lake, which was already beginning to back up. Grundhofer reiterated that the concern was for water quality and volumes. Schneider made a motion to recommend denial due to the car wash and gas station because it was on a Lake Protection Area and an area with very high soil sensitivity to groundwater pollution, and insufficient information was provided from the RCWD and DNR. If approved, the Board would forward the following recommendations: • Follow staff recommendations. • Work with staff on trees and bedding plants. • Provide catch filters, traps, or scrubbers if gas station is approved. • Use lighting guidelines from the Draft Zoning Ordinance. • Evaluate surface water to determine impact. • Correct canopy enclosure language and follow the new zoning ordinance. • Work with environmental staff to vegetate both sides of Pond B. • Reduce impervious parking to meet the City’s minimum requirements. O’Connell expressed concern about the setback from the street. Mr. Johnson responded, the setback was 15 feet between the street and parking. The building setback was 30 feet and there would be four trees in front. O’Connell inquired if there would be open parking depending on the daycare or office. Mr. Johnson introduced Peter Hilger the Landscape Architect for the project. Chair Kukonen expressed concern about the lighting. Mr. Johnson responded that the plan met the criteria, except for the ornamental lighting on the street and parking lot. Mr. Hilger stated that some ornamental lights could be directed and might meet the requirements. Chair Kukonen asked for a clarification on the number of ornamental fixtures. Mr. Hilger responded he did not have the exact number. He referred the Board to the diagram with the perimeter dots. Those depicted the fixtures, while others would be in back. He explained they had the same illumination but were different fixtures. He stated that shoebox was not a standard, and they were chosen from the utility company’s list. Chair Kukonen inquired about the hours of operation in terms of spillage. Mr. Hilger answered that there would be no lighting on the exterior of the canopy. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 11APPROVED MINUTES Asleson clarified that the requirement meant no advertising in the fascia. Donlin stated that an example of lighting that was excessive was on Interstate 35E and Main Street. Grundhofer recommended that the light fixtures be recessed, and that both sides of the pond be landscaped. Mr. Johnson admitted his hesitation, because that was on the residential portion of the site, although the timing of implementation probably would not change. Asleson stated that it would have to be vegetated. Mr. Johnson added that vegetation would inhibit erosion. Asleson indicated that it would cost less to landscape it right away, then to redo it later. Grundhofer mentioned that chemicals would again be introduced to the system. Mr. Johnson responded that they could resolve to put in native vegetation around the pond. They agreed it would not pose a problem. Schneider agreed to the amended motion. Grundhofer seconded the amended motion. Motion carried unanimously. Schneider excused herself at 9:19 p.m., and returned at 9:21 p.m. 7.DEPARTMENT REPORTS A.Forestry This item was tabled to the February 26, 2003, meeting. B.Solid Waste Recycling This item was tabled to the February 26, 2003 meeting. C.Council Meeting Update on Growth Management Plan This item was discussed later in the meeting. D.Heron Rookery Update Asleson stated that the project had been approved and read the letter concerning an intern which he had forwarded to the Task Force. The hope was that the student could pull the information together, and possibly working with the raccoon population, and work with Art. The funding was available, but they still needed cameras and a laptop. Target tended to focus their grants on Arts and ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 12APPROVED MINUTES Education. He indicated he was encouraged to see the University of Minnesota showing interest in the project. He asked Donlin if her father would be willing to work with a student. Donlin responded he probably would be interested. Chair Kukonen inquired about the date of the next Task Force meeting. Asleson answered that it would be next Thursday or Friday at Wargo Nature Center. Chair Kukonen asked about the members of the Task Force. Asleson reviewed the names of those attending, although he admitted that he believed time was running out. Donlin stated that the birds should be back March 16, 2003. Grundhofer inquired if someone could check the water quality. Asleson answered that Chuck Johnson was checking the water quality, and there was funding for it. E.Council Meeting on Growth Management Plan Donlin stated that she wanted to know when the Council was going to discuss growth management, but was assured on the Task Force that they would get to it. She indicated she had written a letter but Smyser disagreed with her. Donlin indicated she had concerns over Sections 5 and 16. She asked them not to pass it as it was, because it would reach 30,000 (and she feared up to 50,000) population. Donlin stated she did not believe staff fairly represented the Board’s recommendations. She stated that the Council allowed her to speak on behalf of the Board. Asleson indicated that all the recommendations were addressed and passed on to Mr. Brixius. Councilperson Carlson responded that Sections 5 and 16 were mentioned. She suggested obtaining the memo to see if it was accurate. Chair Kukonen expressed concern over Section 2. Asleson answered that Section 2.5 was in the memo. O’Dea stated that someone should attend the Council meetings. Donlin responded that sometimes the agenda did not address topics pertinent to the Board. Chair Kukonen mentioned that there were two items and one tabled item on the next meeting agenda, the second Wednesday of the month. Asleson indicated that they needed a reason to deny such as incomplete information. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJANUARY 29, 2003 13APPROVED MINUTES Chair Kukonen called for a motion to adjourn. 8.ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board would be on February 26, 2003. There being no further business, O’Dea moved to adjourn at 9:46 p.m. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver OffSite Secretarial, Inc.