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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/25/2003 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 1APPROVED MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE: June 25, 2003 TIME STARTED: 6:33 P.M. TIME ENDED: 10:37 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Toler Halen, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O’Connell, Mary Jo O’Dea MEMBERS ABSENT: Nikki Schneider STAFF PRESENT: Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson 1.CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. 2.APPROVAL OF MINUTES May 28, 2003 Page 3, fifth paragraph: “Donlin expressed concern that the City would be responsible for administering the Plan, and suggested an outside entity should review the document.” Page 6, fourth paragraph: The Board requested the deletion of -- “8:28 p.m. Halen excused herself.” Page 6, fifth paragraph: The Board requested the deletion of -- “8:30 p.m. Halen returned.” Page 8, third paragraph: “Grundhofer sent an E-Mail to Joan Galli that there were 20-30 Great Egrets on the South end of Goose Lake.” Page 8, eleventh paragraph: “The area from County Road J to the Interstate 35W Intersection had been experiencing considerable growth recently, and road updates were discussed... She noted that the City had contributed $7,000 for a feasibility study in relation to the Sports Complex area” Donlin moved to approve the May 28, 2003 meeting minutes. Halen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3.APPROVAL OF AGENDA • Discuss Heron Video in 6A. • Discuss Ryan/Target Site Update in 6B. • Discuss Poor Fen Building Prairie in 7C. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 2APPROVED MINUTES • Discuss Shoreland Ordinance in 7C. • Discuss Special Meeting for EAW reviews in 7D. 4.OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 5.ACTION ITEMS A.Surface Water Management Plan Comments and Recommendation Asleson stated that the City wanted to begin the document review process and introduced Jim Jacques from TKDA. Jim Jacques was present to answer questions and listen to comments. Table 6.1 was updated according to estimates given by Grochala and distributed to the Board. He indicated the City was spending $140,000 per year at present. New activities would add $44,000. He stated the community was growing and changing. In addition, every 5 years more money was required to update policies. O’Connell noted that on page 89 the Shoreline Practices was to educate homeowners and trail users. She suggested adding businesses. Mr. Jacques responded that it could be more specific with commercial users or more generic to educate the citizenry. Donlin indicated she preferred commercial and business entities. Grundhofer added that the word 'residents' was more inclusive than 'homeowners.' Kukonen inquired if the City had storm sewer pipes less than 24 inches in diameter. Asleson answered that there were many storm sewers less than 24 inches. Mr. Jacques stated that 24-inch sewer pipe was a reference to the MPMS standards, and was the minimum to consider. Chair Kukonen questioned if it could be amended, if needed. Mr. Jacques answered it could be amended. Chair Kukonen noted on page 85, the need to develop a program to address the stormwater. He inquired how that would be implemented. Mr. Jacques indicated it was an expansion of the GIS system. Illegal dumping was a special program. Asleson stated that the MPCA required businesses to obtain a permit to store hazardous waste. Mr. Jacques added that permits were required for many materials, which might be located near stormwater, and would be a good addition to the GIS system. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 3APPROVED MINUTES Asleson submitted the example in the City where 1300 lbs. of fluorescent bulbs were dumped near the fen site. Chair Kukonen inquired the meaning of injection wells. Mr. Jacques indicated that they were illegal in Minnesota. O’Connell questioned what was involved in illegal dumping, and did businesses know what items were illegal. She cited the example of cleaning vent hoods on the rooftop with a grease stripper. She had witnessed in other cities it entering the storm sewer system as a regular practice. Mr. Jacques responded the MPCA was the point agency, and he would simply report them. He added that a public education program could address the issue. Asleson stated that when staff discovered a dump or spill site, the standard practice was to notify MPCA, the fire department and the police. O’Connell suggested a note in advance would be helpful. Mr. Jacques affirmed that the City could choose to be more restrictive. He cited the example of car washes and other users that use a lot of water, might be required to use non- stormwater discharge. The manner in which it was written, enabled the City to interpret the language. Chair Kukonen inquired about water quality on page 86, under objective H, the meaning of water based recreation with public access. Mr. Jacques responded that the City was not required to provide a public access, but the language tied it to the statewide policy. Chair Kukonen noted page 86, under Objective IB on the table, and questioned the meaning of C for policies. Mr. Jacques answered it was the scoring system of Metropolitan Council. He stated it was important that the City dispute whether some were lakes according to the stated definition. Asleson indicated that C was passing, analogous to school grading system. Mr. Jacques cited Table 3.17 on page 71 lake status, where several agencies including Rice Creek Watershed District reviewed the definition. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification on policy 1A Water Resources discussing technical gaps that could not be filled by the City. Mr. Jacques answered that it could add to the database, but there were some minimum requirements. Asleson cited that Rice Creek addressed parcels larger than 2.5 acres, anything under that amount the City could fill the technical gap. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 4APPROVED MINUTES O’Connell inquired about the claim on the chart that significant improvement was possible for Centerville Lake. Asleson responded that Chuck Johnson the Biologist with Rice Creek Watershed District stated all had been done. Mr. Jacques stated that it was a summary of the opinions. Asleson stated that Chuck Johnson suggested the implementation of fish traps for carp could greatly improve the City’s lakes. Mr. Jacques indicated that there would be commonalities and differences, but it was good to have it on paper in one location when it is reviewed. Chair Kukonen inquired if it would be appropriate to state the implementation in the technical gaps on page 188. Mr. Jacques answered that it was indirectly, but inquired if something more formal was desired. Chair Kukonen requested for implementation be more formally addressed. Mr. Jacques assured the Board that he would reword the section, and indicated he assumed it would be in the minutes. Chair Kukonen inquired if the DNR should be consulted in section 3B on page 89. He noted that the phrase “technical gaps” appeared again on page 90 under the Wetlands section. Mr. Jacques answered the first was a good addition, and the latter would be deleted. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification for Objective 1B, “enforce the restoration sites.” Mr. Jacques indicated he might rework the section to be more specific on the wetland planning. He noted that Rice Creek Watershed District was working with Blaine in protecting the fen areas. It was meant to integrate resource planning with development planning. Chair Kukonen inquired about the meaning of Public Education on page 92. Mr. Jacques responded it was a reference to the MPES annual report on the program. O’Connell cited on page 93, section 2A, “establish stormwater advisory committee,” and inquired the identity of the committee. Mr. Jacques answered that the Environmental Board could fill that role. Chair Kukonen requested that the DNR should be consulted with for information, and the County should be Anoka instead of Hennepin on page 94. He also inquired about where the City was at in relation to the 20 % level on page 95, Objective 1A. Mr. Jacques indicated that the 20% was a requirement of the MPES. Asleson stated the City exceeded 20%. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 5APPROVED MINUTES Mr. Jacques complimented City staffs that they were already implementing many of the requirements, and only the organization and documentation of the data were needed in many cases. Chair Kukonen inquired about funding sources on page 97. Mr. Jacques answered that the majority came from property taxes, but stormwater utilities should also be added. Asleson questioned the role of wildlife protection. Mr. Jacques responded it was aimed at groundwater protection, but it crossed over to surface water protection as well. Asleson stated the City had been working on a Wildlife Protection Program. Mr. Jacques indicated that he would inquire about its applications. Asleson expressed concern about the Applebaum references in the Handbook. Mr. Jacques assured staff that he had him documented as well. Typically the plans dealt with surface water, but he believed it was appropriate to also mention the groundwater. Halen made a motion to pass on the recommendations to Council. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B.Bruggeman Properties/330 Birch Street/Rezone/Preliminary Plat/Site Plan Review/CUP/New Application This item was discussed later in the meeting. C.Frank Feela Inc., Hailey Manor/NE Portion of Mardon Acres/Rezone/Preliminary Plat and CUP This item was discussed later in the meeting. D.Fogerty Investments/Lino Lakes Sportatorium/NW Corner of 35E and Cedar Street/Site Plan Review and CUP Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He instructed the Board to pass on recommendations as if it was a preliminary plat. O’Dea asked if there were any Amur Maple trees on site. Asleson indicated there were some on site. O’Connell inquired about the lighted billboard. She did not want it to shine to Clearwater Creek. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 6APPROVED MINUTES O’Dea noted that the numbers increased on the lighting chart. Donlin stated the City had a policy against billboards. Grundhofer stated the number of fixtures could not be determined, however the light candles increased at the small parking lot. Asleson added that there was no information on the property lines. Donlin referred to the memo from Bill Bross. Councilmember Carlson indicated there was a brief discussion of the item, with no conclusions. The Council stated no also. Mrs. Duellman of 2162 Cedar Street W. stated there was a portable billboard on the West side. Councilmember Carlson indicated she was unsure if a portable billboard was allowable either. Donlin stated she did not want a precedent to be set. She also expressed concern that they did not follow protocol at the work session. Halen submitted she was against the building of a sportatorium. Councilmember Carlson referred to the Racino discussion, and commented that citizens and businesses often addressed Council at a work session. Donlin expressed concern that the process would be rushed by businesses, to the detriment of the review. Asleson noted the State rushes on a 30 day review, and he was surprised they were not present. On the 200-foot buffer, they were planting to restore the wetlands. Donlin indicated she wanted to prevent a piecemeal with other projects. She recalled the area had been stripped of the woods at the location five years ago. Asleson answered they could do that. O’Connell inquired if there was more parking than was required. Asleson noted the number conformed to the required parking spaces. O’Connell stated according to 3.63, that they were not over 2,000 square feet. O’Dea referred to Attachment 7 was where they did the calculations. Chair Kukonen referred to the number of stalls being 492, and suggested they could make some of the parking pervious. He believed the calculations were correct. Mr. Duellman inquired if the sportatorium was going to have hockey. Grundhofer questioned if the lights would ever be off, because the neighbors could possibly never see night. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 7APPROVED MINUTES Mrs. Duellman expressed concern about the lighting, noise and traffic. Both entrances were on Cedar Street, and would both be routed past their house. Mr. Duellman suggested a loop flow for traffic. Mrs. Duellman suggested a fence on the freeway. Asleson added more screening on Cedar Street to prevent wandering onto private property. Donlin stated 20th Avenue S. was not prepared for the increase in traffic. She expressed concern that both roads would be overtaxed with the project. She indicated people would be coming from White Bear also. Asleson stated it was an engineering issue. Donlin mentioned that Birch Street would be the next option. She asked if the other neighbors had been notified. Mrs. Duellman responded she did not know who was informed other than the Wallsons. Donlin indicated the notification should be in writing. Asleson indicated that was standard practice for a public hearing. O’Dea noted that Centerville would also be impacted. Grundhofer asked the Duellmans if they would be interested in landscaping their property. Donlin stated she did not think they were at that point, because they needed finished plans, and the hours of operation. She suggested that all neighbors have written, even certified letters when a public hearing takes place. O’Dea expressed concern about the 90-foot height of the building. Asleson noted it averaged 45-feet high. Donlin mentioned there would be constant white noise from the blowers to keep the dome inflated. Asleson addressed the lighting standards. Grundhofer stated the level would need to be considered also for safety. Chair Kukonen suggested that they strictly follow the City requirements on lighting. Donlin suggested the Duellmans go to the White Bear Tennis Dome to obtain information, then to speak with all the Boards and Council. Chair Kukonen called for a motion. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 8APPROVED MINUTES The Board recommended not to approve based on the lack of information, the recommendations and attachment: • Lighting should be downward focused, shoe box style, not forward throw more than .4 light candles, the number of lights should be kept to a minimum and the locations denoted. • No billboards, including the existing portable. • Increase the vegetative buffering to lower the impact of light and noise on the neighbors. • Revise the landscaping plan. • Limit hours of operation. • Address the maximum height, not the average height. • Make an exit other than on Cedar Street. • Denotation of septic or sewer system. • Address the impact on adjoining properties, referring to Section 9C under Special Districts, “Loud, boisterous,...excessive light.” • Include staff recommendations. • Needs to architecturally reflect a rural quality. Grundhofer made a motion to pass on the above recommendation. Halen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. C.Frank Feela Inc., Hailey Manor/NE Portion of Mardon Acres/Rezone/Preliminary Plat and CUP Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He introduced Frank Feela. Mr. Feela stated the plan had 14 lots instead of the original 16 lots. He was hoping to obtain water and sewer by fall. Donlin expressed concerns about the need to rezone, the change in MUSA allocation, and the Comprehensive Plan amendment. Mr. Feela answered that all had been applied for the R-1, and would be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board on July 10, 2003. O’Connell inquired if the whole development would be rezoned down Lois Lane. Mr. Feela responded that the City was deciding the answer. Donlin questioned what was the time frame to change the zoning from Rural to R-1. Councilmember Carlson inquired if it was a Stage 1 or Stage 2 growth area. Asleson answered that he did not know. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification if the pond area excavation was to be cultivated with a native seed mix. Mr. Feela responded in the affirmative. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 9APPROVED MINUTES Donlin stated that it was premature, but had the neighbors been contacted. Mr. Feela answered that all neighbors wanted MUSA except for one neighbor. O’Connell raised the issue of the site being located in a rural service area. The Board discussed Planned Development in relation to the item. O’Dea inquired if the lots would have single-family homes or townhouses. Mr. Feela responded single-family homes. Asleson mentioned maintenance issues and methods to prevent mowing of the native planting areas, such as conservation easements and signage. Mr. Feela answered that it could be in the development agreement. Asleson indicated the need to access the pond for maintenance. Some ponds had so much sedimentation accumulated, but without access they had to go through residents’ yards. He stated that engineering would probably discuss it with him. Mr. Feela noted that Highland Meadows did not have storm sewers. Donlin stated that she was looking for more diversity in the lot layout and encouraged interesting plantings. Mr. Feela answered that the lots were laid out in the 1970’s. He had used more variety in the layouts and landscaping in other sites. Donlin reminded Mr. Feela that the area was not yet zoned. Mr. Feela responded that it would match Arlo Lane. Chair Kukonen stated that the Board was looking for something besides a cookie cutter approach. O’Connell suggested a townhouse or duplex to open up space. Mr. Feela answered that he was unsure of the sewer and water requirements. O’Dea inquired about the species of trees proposed. Mr. Feela responded that they were almost all pines, specifically on Lot 12 in the Northeast, but there were some oak. Grundhofer urged the saving of the oak, because they were native. O’Connell asked for confirmation that there were three homeowners who were involved in the development. Mr. Feela agreed, but they had sold the land to him. The Board recommended approval based on the environmental issues with the following recommendations: • Provide access to the pond for maintenance. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 10APPROVED MINUTES • Create a buffer around the pond. • Work with the City Forester to save the oak trees. • Work on the design. • Address staff recommendations. The Board expressed concerns due to the site location in a rural zone, the required Comprehensive Plan amendment, and the MUSA allocation. The Board recommended that a precedent not be set. O’Dea made a motion to pass on the recommendations. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B.Bruggeman Properties/330 Birch Street/Rezone/Preliminary Plat/Site Plan Review/CUP/New Application Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. Chair Kukonen inquired if the service station was still proposed. Halen responded it was not. Donlin questioned what was involved in the commercial expansion area for Phase II. Councilmember Carlson responded that Outlot B was Phase II. Asleson clarified that Phase II included the Park and Playground area. Donlin added in the Northwest corner. Councilmember Carlson indicated the next work session would be in July, and would be addressing a longer commercial area on Hodgson Road and the removal of the service station. The proposal included unattached, one-story townhouses. The commercial on Hodgson Road had become a ponding and recreation area. Donlin inquired if the zoning was dense. Councilmember Carlson answered that it was medium density with 3-6 units per acre. Previously, 1-4 units per acre was considered low. Grundhofer questioned if the infiltration areas were walkable. If they were there should be signage, especially in the common areas. Halen inquired about a monument sign. O’Connell recommended that because it was commercial, the sign should be lit only during business hours. Chair Kukonen suggested that the density could free up open space. Another issue was that the development could have no more than 65% impervious. Donlin asked if the infiltration area was shallow. O’Connell responded that G1 infiltration basin was not a depressioned area. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 11APPROVED MINUTES Donlin noted there would be seven businesses totaling 5,000 square feet. Halen added there were 42 parking spaces proposed. Councilmember Carlson indicated the proposal included an upscale liquor store and an Italian restaurant. Chair Kukonen requested more buffering on Ware Road, Birch Street and Hodgson Road for the residential and commercial. Grundhofer stated that more information was necessary. Councilmember Carlson stated that there could be no landscaping in the right-of-way. There would also be a daycare or office space. O’Connell mentioned there were not committed clients. O’Dea inquired about the size of the County easement on Ware Road. Chair Kukonen requested a redesign of the lot layouts to free up more open space. Councilmember Carlson indicated that some of the townhouses were single story, while the blocks of eight were two-story. O’Connell questioned the meaning of Hampton and Chestnut. Halen added and the mini Hampton. She recommended the reduction of the parking spaces to a minimum and use pervious materials where possible. O’Dea stated if there was a visitor parking area, it could utilize pervious materials. Asleson referred to Highland Meadows as an example where pervious parking was used for visitor parking. Halen made a motion to recommend approval extending the previous recommendations throughout the entire development, with the following additional recommendations: • Address staff recommendations and work with staff on landscaping and transitions. • Include more buffering on Ware Road, Birch Street, and Hodgson Road. • Redesign the lot layouts to free up more open space. • Reduce the number of parking spaces to the minimum and use pervious materials where possible. • Use pervious materials in the visitors’ parking area. • If using a lighted monument, keep lit only during business hours. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6.DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Heron Video ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 12APPROVED MINUTES The segment from WCCO highlighting Joan Galli and Art Hawkins discussing the herons on Lake Peltier was shown to the Board. It called for undisturbed habitat, because the birds were running out of options. There were only five nesting pairs in Fridley from 200 pairs last year. The Coon Rapids Dam had 27 nests. There was a No Wake Zone on Lake Peltier and 300 herons were sighted this year. Nearby a Megachurch and Senior Housing were proposed. Only the heron numbers at Pig’s Eye were thriving. Asleson noted that the nests were checked on Lake Peltier and 60% of the nests had chicks. He noted Jeff Perry expressed concerns about the joint powers' agreement. The intern working on the project was in the process of gathering historical data and doing research on a parasite hypothesis. O’Dea requested that the intern make a presentation to the Board. Grundhofer stated the WCCO segment had several good points, and the Council should see it as well. B. Ryan/Target Site Update Asleson visited the site today. They had blown off the siphon tubes to the ponds. The infiltration ponds were at the 100-year event level. The Maintenance Supervisor was going to contact the corporate office to alert them. Halen stated she goes by frequently, and noticed the native plantings looked more like weeds. Asleson responded that the area should be killed off and replanted, however the contractor wanted to wait until August. Donlin inquired how the tamaracks were faring. Asleson answered that they were doing fine. 7.OTHER DEPARTMENT REPORTS A.Forestry Asleson indicated that the catalpa trees had difficulty with the previous winter with the cold and lack of snow. B.Solid Waste Recycling This item was tabled to the July 30, 2003 meeting. C.Environmental ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETINGJUNE 25, 2003 13APPROVED MINUTES Asleson stated that the Poor Fen site located off Tart Lake Road had been restored to some extent due to the removal of the drain tiles. There was a need to continue to work on buffering to reduce the impact of Nitrogen, because it would displace natural plants. He noted that in a thousand years, the poor fen would develop into a Tamarack Swamp. Donlin inquired if the nearby neighbors were aware of the fragility of the site. Asleson responded that letters were going to be sent out because deposited materials were found next to the sign. Asleson noted that a memo from the Planning and Zoning Board indicated that the 10-foot high grasses were an eyesore. Asleson stated that the recent Buckthorn removal had allowed for new growth. Grundhofer noted that for the Shoreland Ordinance, a Natural Environment Lake was defined as 40,000 square feet if sewered, and 80,000 square feet if not sewered. Donlin inquired about the setbacks. Asleson stated he had received a copy of the new data. D.Special Meeting for the EAW Reviews Asleson indicated a special meeting would be necessary to review the EAW’s for the Village Expansion and the Rehbein Light Industrial Site. The Board agreed that the meeting would take place on July 9, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. 8.ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on July 30, 2003. There being no further business, O’Dea moved to adjourn at 10:37 p.m. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSavers Off Site Secretarial, Inc.