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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/2003 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 1 APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE: February 26, 2003 TIME STARTED: 6:34 P.M. TIME ENDED: 8:40 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Toler Halen, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O’Connell, Mary Jo O’Dea and Nikki Schneider MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 29, 2003 The following corrections were requested: Page 5, eighth paragraph: “Chair Kukonen recalled he had read information on how to create a snag.” Page 9, tenth paragraph: “ 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.” Page 11, seventh paragraph: “Asleson indicated that it would cost less to landscape it right away, then to undo it later.” Schneider moved to approve the January 29, 2003 meeting minutes with the above corrections. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Discuss Planning and Zoning’s action on fuel stations and Environmental recommendation to Zoning in 7C. • Discuss City Newsletter in 8C. • Discuss Earth Day in 8D. 4.ELECTION OF OFFICERS Donlin nominated Kukonen for Chair. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Schneider made a motion to close the nominations for Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Kukonen was elected Chair unanimously. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 2 APPROVED MINUTES Donlin nominated Grundhofer for Vice-Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. Donlin made a motion to close the nomination for Vice Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Grundhofer was elected Vice-Chair unanimously. 5.OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 6.ACTION ITEMS A.Anoka County Parks/Presentation/County Open Space Acquisition Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He introduced Jon Von Delinde and Ronda Sivarajah, County Commissioner. She stated that she was glad to meet the Board concerning this opportunity. Mr. Von Delinde asked the Board to consider the resolution. He referred to a seven county map with the color green depicting the pristine areas. He indicated that the County Biological Survey showed that Anoka County had considerable green areas or forested areas. Anoka County had 9,000 acres of parks. The corridor for acquisition included the areas from the Lamprey Pass, Howard Lake, and Rice Creek Chain of Lakes. The County’s document, called the 2020 Vision, helped define the land for acquisition. The greenway would link the area from the Mississippi River in Fridley through to Lino Lakes. The other area was around land owned by the Army. The Army was planning to release 60 acres to the County to link the entire greenway, to total 4,300 acres, and would be the largest park in Anoka County. The land for acquisition was 600 acres currently owned by Saint Paul Utilities. The transaction would have to go to the Metropolitan Council. He then introduced Jeff Perry, a Natural Resource Specialist for Anoka County Natural Resource Department. Mr. Perry displayed the aerial photograph of the area slated for acquisition. He stated that the Biological Survey showed the area contained upland maple and bass forests along with oak forests with diverse water communities. The communities were important for the region and state. Some species located in the region were the herons, three eagle pairs, trumpeter swans, ruffed grouse and others. There were also islands of forested areas that had been protected from fires. Recreationally speaking, a canoe route could be expanded from Howard Lake to an expanded culvert system enabling a critter crossing under Interstate 35W. He noted that 90-95% of the land for acquisition was considered wetland. Mr. Perry referred to Mr. Von Delinde to continue the presentation. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 3 APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Von Delinde noted that the final stop for the Parks and Recreation Committee would be the Commission on March 11. The land was appraised at $300,000, but Saint Paul dropped the price to $200,000 with the Metropolitan Council assisting with $90,000, so the County portion would be $110,000. Because the cost was low, there would probably be no need for city funding. The land had been publicly owned for 100 years, and was purchased to ensure the City’s drinking water. There would not be a loss of tax revenue for the cities because it was already non-taxable land. Donlin stated that she was refreshed to see a positive plan, and believed it was in concert with the goals of the Environmental Board. The critter corridor was of special interest to her. Asleson concurred, adding that wildlife crossings were beginning to be studied over highways in Europe. Chair Kukonen inquired if the property was entirely owned by the City of Saint Paul. Mr. Von Delinde answered that it was, and that the land was undeveloped. Adjacent private landowners might find a conservation easement appealing. Chair Kukonen mentioned in the future, it could be an opportunity to educate the landowners on the value of the corridor. He then asked for a motion to support the resolution. Schneider made a motion to support the resolution put forth by Anoka County, and to pass it on to City Council. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B.Dairy Queen Grill and Chill/PDO/Plan Review Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He introduced Rick Reese from Rick Reese Architects. Mr. Reese expressed his desire to comply with the recommended changes. Grundhofer inquired about several specific areas including islands and other areas on the site for the purposes of landscaping. Mr. Reese agreed to add appropriate plantings. Chair Kukonen referred to the number of parking spaces and noted that they were slightly above the minimum City Ordinance. He mentioned that the Board liked to keep the parking spaces to the minimum. Donlin stated that the plan did not connect with the other businesses with lush landscaping. The plan was barren with 54 parking spaces. Mr. Reese assured the Board that they were willing to adapt the plan to comply with the initial approved plan. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 4 APPROVED MINUTES The Board discussed their concerns on impervious surfaces. Mr. Reese answered that it was close to 20% impervious for the site. Asleson added that impervious surfaces were addressed comprehensively for the entire Market Square. Donlin expressed concern over the need for mitigation for the trees lost prior to development. O’Dea inquired if they had stick trees for the replacement trees in the original plan. Donlin responded that the trees were stick trees. In addition, the parking lot had been turned and there was less vegetation in the present plan. O’Connell expressed concern about the possible cleaning of the vent hoods, and wanted to make sure that the runoff would not go directly into the storm sewers. She inquired if it went into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer. Mr. Reese responded that the roof drained into the storm sewer. Asleson added that sweeping and litter pick-up were important to keep the storm sewers clean. Tom Lehman of Crown Hospitality responded that they were sealed and welded, with only the aluminum shrouds were on the exterior. The rest of the system was cleaned from the inside. The roof would be a rubber membrane and would be damaged if exposed to the cleaning agents. Donlin inquired about where the parking runoff would go. Mr. Reese answered it would be directed into the storm sewers. The Board discussed lighting in terms of the new zoning code, and the concern about glare. Mr. Reese responded that they would be willing to adjust the specifications to meet the requirements. Donlin expressed concern that she saw no sign of native plantings. Mr. Reese responded that other areas might be better suited, because of the harsh environment. Mr. Reese stated that they would be open to it if they would be successful. Chair Kukonen called for any other questions or concerns, then recapped the recommendations: • Address staff recommendations. • Work with staff on plantings. • Landscape the islands in drive-thru with trees. • Landscape the exit island. • Use the City minimum lighting standards, and reduce the height of lighting fixtures without increasing the number of lights. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 5 APPROVED MINUTES • Reduce the number of parking spaces to the City’s minimum requirement. The Board discussed the lighting in terms of signage on the Marquis, display items and the use of neon lights. Mr. Lehman indicated they would be used for product promotion and special events, with a low-key, warm approach. An example could be found on Round Lake Boulevard and Highway 10. O’Dea made a motion to approve the plan with the above recommendations. Schneider seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. C.Mueller Office Facility/Plan Review Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He stated that there were no soil borings submitted at the time, although he had received a letter with proposed lighting fixtures. Robin Mueller introduced himself as the owner of the property. He indicated that Rehbein would handle the engineering concerns. He stated that he was in insurance and would occupy one of the sites. He assured the Board that it would be maintained and attractive. Chair Kukonen inquired about plans for infiltration. Asleson clarified the definition and that soil borings were required to show that infiltration would be adequate. The Board discussed the lighting requirements in terms of excessive spill, the possibility of reducing or turning off the lights at night, and reducing the height of the fixtures. Donlin referred to an example in North Oaks where native plantings added residential appeal. She believed that the site could be a great example in Lino Lakes. Mr. Mueller stated that he wanted trees, grasses, and shrubs on the site. His goal would be to have a low profile, attractive building. The people going to the site would know where they were going, so there would be no need for high profile signage or lighting. Grundhofer stated that the Dental Clinic in Maplewood near Cub and Rainbow was all native. There would be no watering or mowing, and it looked beautiful. Chair Kukonen stated that a small restoration would be attractive on the site, and recommended they consult with Asleson on ponds and landscaping. Mr. Mueller noted the pines that were a cushion with the residential property. Asleson responded that there were seed specifications for new developments. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 6 APPROVED MINUTES O’Dea made a motion to approve the plan with staff recommendations. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 7.DISCUSSION ITEMS A.Heron Rookery Asleson stated the Heron Task Force had hired a student intern through the CAP program. They were now on the University of Minnesota payroll and would first do a nest count. The student intern would also pull together the background material such as public hearing proceedings. Joan Galley would work with her on other issues relating to the herons. Donlin stated that the birds would be back by all calculations on March 16, 2003. B.Open Space Public Education Project/RFP Submittal Chair Kukonen spoke with them on educating the public. Asleson added that they would help the City develop public education materials. He had plans for a brochure and a packet of materials, in addition to enhancing the City website with needed links to other pertinent sites. Asleson inquired at Wargo Nature Center if they would like to collaborate on the project. They informed him they would, and mentioned a woodland restoration project that Wargo would like to collaborate with the City. He received a postcard stating that they had received the application. C.Planning and Zoning Draft Zoning Ordinance Councilperson Carlson stated that the Planning and Zoning Board had a public hearing on the draft zoning ordinance and voted to recommend approval. It allowed for gas stations in the three Business Districts. The Planning and Zoning Board recommended removing gas stations from the Neighborhood Business district because of the Bruggeman site. She informed the Board that the Council takes two actions on the Zoning Ordinance. The first time it passed, but allowed for changes to take place. There was no consensus, but it was agreed not to have it in the book. Legal council confirmed it was allowable. Chair Kukonen inquired if the Council received the Environmental Board recommendations. Councilperson Carlson stated that she did not have the recommendations with her, but it was noted that the Board recommend it not be approved due to the presence of the gas station. Chair Kukonen inquired if the recommendations of the Board on the draft Zoning Ordinance had been noted. Councilperson Carlson noted there was a copy of it. She assured the Board that if it was not in the packet, she would bring up the ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 7 APPROVED MINUTES recommendations. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended the removal of gas stations from the Neighborhood Business District. O’Dea made a motion that because the Bruggeman site was in a Lake Protection Zone, the Environmental Board supports the Planning and Zoning Board’s recommendation first to remove gas stations from the Neighborhood Business District, and second to specifically designate the locations of Centerville Road, and Birch Street and Hodgson Road to ensure that no gas stations be built at those locations. Halen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 8.DEPARTMENT REPORTS A.Forestry Asleson noted a bill was submitted for the removal of high risk trees to stop the spread of oak wilt. B.Solid Waste Recycling Asleson stated that the state budget cuts would affect SCORE money available for the cities. The County had informed staff that the money was covered for the present year. The cuts would probably mean no more recycling days. C. City Newsletter Asleson reminded the Board that April 15 would be the deadline for submitting articles. D.Earth Day Asleson stated there were questions about the E-Mails going out. Donlin noted there were four at the first meeting. The Board discussed that the next meeting would be on Thursday March 6, 2003 at Circle Pines City Hall. Donlin indicated the theme would be “wetlands.” Earth Day would be celebrated the Saturday before Easter on April 19, 2003. She informed the Board that the offices would be closed, and all the exhibits needed to be stationed at the tables. Grundhofer encouraged the exhibitors to remain at their stations for the duration of the event. She gave the example of an entomologist last year who left his table and children came by and were handling the insects. The Board had reserved a table again this year in the left classroom. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING FEBRUARY 26, 2003 8 APPROVED MINUTES Donlin stated that she hoped there would be more people at the event this year. She was looking for a means to increase involvement, so that it would not be reduced to a free meal. 9.ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on March 26, 2003. There being no further business, Donlin moved to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.