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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/29/2003 Environmental Board Minutes_ ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE October 29, 2003 TIME STARTED 6:33 P.M. TIME ENDED 9:52 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, Mary Jo O'Dea, and Teresa O'Connell MEMBERS ABSENT : Patrice Toler Halen 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 September 10, 2003 Page 4, sixth paragraph: "Grochala noted the NURP ponds would also filter the water."- Page 8, tenth paragraph: "At present, the site could use improvement." O'Dea made a motion to approve the September 10, 2003 meeting minutes as amended. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Board approved the agenda. 4. OPEN MIKE Barbara Bor, 7707 20th Avenue North, thanked the Environmental Board and staff for speaking with the recent Russian delegates.. Donlin indicated there were 12 people from Siberia who came to learn about local government. Ms. Bor addressed the Church proposal, appealing to the Board to keep in mind issues of land use, the Comprehensive Plan, and the desires of the residents. The members of the group HERON believes the neighborhood would be impacted by the megachurch. They support the mission of Eagle Brook Church. In light of the heron rookery, the group believed a timeline for soil movement, construction, and the parking lot in terms of the spring runoff should be a priority. She also requested an answer to the question did the plan fit into the Phosphorus budget. A 1 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 handout was distributed. She urged the Board to speak with the other Boards and Council concerning the plan in terms of soil compaction, the rookery, and the impact on the lake. Jeff Klemmer of the Eagle Brook Environmental Stewardship Committee stated that the committee was formed several months ago and met with Rice Creek Watershed District, Peltier Lake Association, HERON, Department of Natural Resources, Anoka Parks and Recreation, and neighborhood members. A handout was distributed that outlined the church's attempt to alleviate the negative impacts of the development. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Eagle Brook Church, 7709 20th Avenue N., Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit. Asleson reviewed the background and the agency comments from the Environmental Assessment Worksheet. He opened the topic up for discussion. Grundhofer stated the concern for the heron rookery should be extended into the long-term, not merely during construction. Chair Kukonen indicated there should be a coordination of observers to monitor the birds. Asleson added the issue needed to be addressed before April 1, 2004. O'Connell expressed concern that the sound level would be higher than acceptable for humans after construction during changeover times. Walter Eschenaur referred to the EAW noting up to 10 decibels after 2010 during peak periods on Sunday. Grundhofer indicated noise outside from services as well as traffic could disturb the birds. David Scheer, Eagle Brook Environmental Stewardship Committee, addressed the conservation easement, indicating the church was in the process of developing a management plan for the southeast region with plantings for nesting materials for the heron habitat amounting to 17 acres. They plan to educate the congregation on the issues. At present, the non-native plants would be replaced with native plantings that would be water tolerant. The intent was to maintain the natural setting. Barb Bauman, another committee member, stated that it was hoped the wet prairie restoration would increase diversity. She had spoken with Jeff Perry for information. Grundhofer stated the noise level would extend through March. She noted that the new herons of the year would not be able to move until August. 2 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 Mr. Scheer assured the Board the committee would continue indefinitely, addressing any issues that might arise. The church had a proactive history in the neighborhood. At the present site; the White Bear Township City Manager was impressed with how Eagle Brook responded to the concerns of neighbors. Chair Kukonen inquired if the easement would have at least a 500-foot buffer from the island. Mr. Scheer responded that 14.5 acres would be included in the -f easement. He referred to a map that indicated that there was about a 600 -foot buffet. Chair Kukonen questioned if there were plans for a trail. He also inquired if there would be one in the easement. Ms. Bauman responded there was an existing trail on site, and it would be maintained. There were no further plans for any other trails. O'Dea inquired about the difference between Conservation Area and Conservation Easement. Mr. Scheer answered the Conservation Area was located adjacent to the Conservation Easement on the West, and would be used as an observation area. O'Dea questioned where was the church in the process of the Conservation Easement. Ms. Bauman assured the Board that the Conservation Easement would occur. Chair Kukonen asked for clarification there would be seating for 2 100 and potentially 2800 people. Katherine Leonidas, church architect, indicated the additional seating would be obtained within the existing building, but would require additional 7,000 square feet for nursery space and additional services. Donlin admitted that it was clear the church committee had good intentions, but the church still wanted a megachurch on the site. The church body might not necessarily see things as the committee did. She added that the current church campus used to be a good birding site. She found it difficult to believe that the monitoring would continue. The parking was an additional concern with the salt and runoff potentially flowing through the watershed. The herons return in mid March, when the construction was planned to begin with projected decibel levels up to 10. She expressed grave concerns over the mound septic system. The Phosphorus budget improvement was projected at a 16-19% improvement, falling short of the 30-58% preferred goal. She stated the size was not in harmony with the neighborhood, the city would receive no tax benefit from the development, and there would be considerable noise. Asleson asked -the church representatives to address the Phosphorus loading. He wanted them to explore other areas where one could decrease the phosphorus. He suggested one way could be to use the woodlands to further filter the water. 3 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 Donlin inquired about the runoff from the parking lot. Asleson responded that they were planning to use swales, ponds and rain gardens before the water flowed into the ditch. He urged them to consider other additional options. Donlin stated that a conservation easement takes the land out of development forever. She noted the high water level was not addressed on the maps. She asked for clarification if the Rice Creek Watershed District would oversee the easement. Ms. Bauman confirmed the Rice Creek Watershed District was the regulating unit, and would do their own monitoring. Mr. Scheer indicated the conservation easement was legally binding. Donlin recommended delineating the high water level on the map showing the buildable land. Chair Kukonen addressed the City minimum parking spaces would be about 930 stalls. Ms. Leonidas answered the numbers were derived from the congregation and support staff such as nursery help. She added that pervious parking usually provided fewer spaces, because of the lack of markings. Grundhofer inquired about a school on the premises. Ms. Leonidas answered that it was a nursery for the kindergarten age during the services. There were no plans for a school. Grundhofer questioned the numbers 60,000 square feet and 88,000 square feet for the building. Ms. Leonidas responded the numbers were from the EAW, but the figure at present was closer to 84,000 square feet. Grundhofer questioned the reason for grading and drainage for merely a 3/4 inch rainfall event. Mr. Eschenaur explained the ponds were designed addressing three criteria. First, 1/3 inch needed to be completely infiltrated. Second, a 2-1/2 inch event would need to be completely treated. Third, the 100 year event is calculated at 6 inches would be discharged at a certain rate. Donlin inquired about a design for a 6 inch rainfall. Mr. Eschenaur answered that the discharge would not be completely treated from 2-1/2 inches and larger rainfall event. The rate would be controlled, so it would not be a deluge. He indicated this was a typical practice. Asleson added that skimmers would also be required. Ms. Bor stated they met with RCWD and were told that the ponding was considered good. Ditch 72 flowed directly into the lake. She was told that the City had to require pond maintenance, because the RCWD could not require APPROVED MINUTES - ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 regulation. Protection of the fragile wetland and rookery had to be stated in writing. She pointed out that there was no stated pond maintenance plan in the EAW. Asleson noted that RCWD wished to comprehensively plan the upstream drainage that has a vast system of established pipes draining water. O'Dea inquired about any other options for the pipe. Asleson suggested an open grassy swale. Chair Kukonen summarized the recommendations from the Board. ® Decrease the parking stalls to the City minimum. • Design a management plan for the ponding areas. • Work with staff on soil compaction issues. • Make a legal commitment to the conservation easement. ® Design a plan, to monitor and stop construction if the herons were found to be impacted. • Work with staff on native plantings and maintenance of those areas. a Work with staff to screen noise and light. ® Implement additional effective screening in parking areas for residents that will be affected by the development. ® Investigate additional options to reduce Phosphorus loading. Donlin inquired about trees dying as a result of using the woodlands for added infiltration. Asleson stated a decrease in Phosphorus would be worth the risk, and the area might go back to native. • The City should address the Phosphorus issue in terms of budget as stated in the policy 2.3 in the Water Management Plan. • Develop a management plan in writing concerning the herons. • The rookery should not be disturbed during construction and the life of the church. Mr. Eschenaur asked for the meaning of the Phosphorus budget. Donlin answered that the City required a 38 -50% reduction of Phosphorus leaving the site after development. Ms. Bor stated it was in the Water Management Plan section 2.3. O'Dea inquired about the pipe ditch alternative. Asleson answered that he trusted Steve Hobbs opinion, and that they were going to do a comprehensive plan for the entire upstream area and the section of pipe in Eagle Brook would be part of it. Again, stating that RCWD is obtaining a 50' easement on both sides of the pipe. Grundhofer suggested that the lights be turned off after hours. I ) • Lighting should conform to the City's Lighting Ordinance. 5 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 O'Connell questioned the church representatives about a steeple, and its dimensions. Ms. Leonidas answered that it had been scaled down to the City's requirements. Pat Smith indicated he understood the Phosphorus levels were goals, but not requirements. The conservation easement would be legally binding, because a draft would be established and would be a condition for construction. Grundhofer inquired if the runoff from the overflow parking would go into neighbors' land. Asleson answered it would go into the ponding area. Ron Marier introduced himself as a landowner and resident. He stated that the area proposed for planting nesting materials, was being used for that purpose already. He had cultivated the area for nesting materials. The area could be put in the plan at the present time in concrete language. He asked that the line be moved for the conservation easement to include the conservation area. He believed that Ditch 72 and Ditch 55 were connected. He also disputed the figure of 675 acres for the watershed, and believed it to be closer to 1400 acres. He noted that the drain tiles were not on the maps. The rainfall ponds were not addressing the water from upstream. He suggested someone should investigate the situation further. Asleson responded that the system had been designed for about 600 acres. Mr. Eschenaur stated he had spoken with several people that confirmed the watershed consisted of no more than 650 acres. Asleson inquired if the recent drain tiles all went to the South. He noted that Ditches 55 and 72 were not connected. Ms. Bor suggested that the numbers be confirmed, because she believed the church would flood. Asleson inquired about pipe stands in the area. Mr. Marier responded that when the system reached capacity, the water would run over the land. Sylvia Marier noted from the neighborhood meeting there were 17 branches to Ditch 72. Mr. Eschenaur agreed it was an extensive system. Grundhofer questioned the impact from the tiles. Mr. Eschenaur responded the function could not change because those upstream would be affected. Grundhofer clarified if there was a problem, she wanted to know who would be responsible. Mr. Eschenaur responded the RCWD was the legal authority. Asleson stated the RCWD intended to look at the entire system and the impact the development would have. 6 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29,2003 O'Dea inquired if Steve Hobbs would go back to 1933 to look at the system in terms of tiles, the impact, and the flow. Mr. Eschenaur answered the present levels in the ditch system needed to be maintained at the present levels for the sake of those upstream. Donlin stated she was very protective of the downstream, especially in light of the parking lots. She believed the lake and parks would be negatively impacted. She admitted she could not see past the size of the plan. With the conditional use permit, the plan must be in harmony with the neighborhood. It does not meet that requirement.. Chair Kukonen recommended the conservation easement include the conservation area, which would affect three homes. Grundhofer questioned the plan if the septic system froze. Mr. Eschenaur responded that there was a possibility that it could happen. One feature to prevent it from happening was the overburden would be thickened. Many times the pipes freeze, not the mounds so the pipes would be deeper in the ground. Another feature was the monitoring system would be connected to the phone system, so there. would be an immediate E-Mail if a failure occurred. Ms. Bor inquired if the mound septic system could accommodate a 30% growth. Mr. Eschenaur answered that it could handle the 1400 gallons/day, but was set up for 2800 gallons/day. • Once the sewer is hooked up in the neighborhood, the church would have two years to hook up to it. Ms. Bor stated the Comprehensive Plan had the area rural low density if it was changed from agricultural. The road would need to be expanded to a four lane roadway. She believes the neighborhood was at a crossroads for two reasons, would the buffer be maintained, and would there to be the infrastructure required to accommodate the growth. • Planning and Zoning Board and the City should look at the size of the project for an area zoned to be rural. • Timely sweep impervious areas, in addition to weekly maintenance of exterior areas. Asleson stated that weekly sweeping of impervious areas has a very beneficial effect on reducing the Phosphorus loading to the lake - and that if the church would commit to this practice, the estimated phosphorous export reduction number could be increased. 7 APPROVED MINUTES - ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 A discussion ensued concerning the effects of snow plowing. Ms. Bor requested a maintenance plan for the native plantings. • Submit a management plan for native plantings and seed areas. Donlin stated there was a native vegetation plan schedule, that might be able to be adapted for the church. Asleson answered the management sequence would be similar. Ms. Bor indicated there was a lack of trust on the part of the neighbors, between, what was presented at the meeting and what might actually happen. A church representative admitted that the message ' had been conveyed. The committee had been established to rebuild that trust. On Sunday at 7 p.m. there would be an open house for the community. D . onlin inquired if Scott Anderson represented the church or the committee. A church representative stated the project was too large for one person, and the committee would now represent the church. Chair Kukonen stated that there needed to be a balance of values. He used the image of a three legged stool representing economy, ecology, and culture. Culture was defined as the values of the community. He called for a motion. Donlin made a motion to recommend denial, but if it does go forth, with the recommendations from the Board. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Kukonen called for a 5 minute break at 9:05 p.m. Chair Kukonen resumed the meeting at 9:10 p.m. B. Circle-Lex VFW Post, 7868 Lake Drive, Site Plan Review and CUP Asleson reviewed the background. Donlin inquired the reason for non conformance with the lighting requirements. Asleson responded there would be a lit flagpole, but it could be buffered. Grundhofer indicated she had a difficult time finding light fixtures. Mike Thomas of ESW Architects answered that the fixtures would be submitted at a later time. The Photometrics were their recommendations derived from the city specifications. APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 Donlin stated the light candles on the perimeters and in other areas exceeded the i requirements. Our goal was to reduce the levels. Mr. Thomas answered they were open to that. • Conform to the City lighting requirements. Grundhofer stated that the plant list had Summit Ash. A better option might be Northern Pin Oak. O'Dea asked for a reduction in the parking spaces. Mr. Thomas responded there could be up to 400 people with 89 parking spaces, but they were looking into using some pervious parking. Due to the ponding placement, some parking spaces might be reduced. Grundhofer inquired about using Netlawn on the site. Chair Kukonen summarized the recommendations thus far. • Reduce the number of parking spaces and utilize pervious parking. • Use parking islands. • Increase landscaping and buffering. • Lighting should be downward cast. O'Connell inquired about any lighted monuments or signage. The Commander of j the Post indicated that the sign off the street could be removed. Grundhofer asked for the location of the flagpoles.. Mr. Thomas responded that the three flagpoles would be near the entrance. Grundhofer inquired about the height of the poles. Mr. Thomas stated they would be 16 feet high, but not higher than the building: Donlin inquired about any options to aim the light. She referred to an example where a blue light shined directly into traffic. Grundhofer questioned the Commander of the Post on the hours of operation. The Commander responded that it should close at midnight, with the lights turned off at one or two o'clock. Grundhofer asked for clarification that there were two entrances. Donlin answered there were, one on Lois Lane and one on Lake Drive. O'Connell recommended that no vent hood cleaning outside, because the runoff would go directly into the storm sewer. • Resolve all City Requirements. • Recommendations from the Board from the sketch plan review. 9 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29, 2003 • Adhere to City Lighting Ordinance. • Parking reduced to City Requirements and use pervious parking. • Change ash trees to Northern Pin Oak. • Work with staff on landscaping. • Remove existing sign. Donlin made a motion to approve the plan with recommendations from the Board. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. 2004 Goals This item was tabled to the November 26, 2003 meeting. A. Forestry This item was tabled to the November 26, 2003 meeting. B. Solid Waste Recycling /Recycling Day The Fall Recycling Day was a success, with numbers similar to the Spring. C. Environmental/Heron Issues The next Task Force meeting would be on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Wargo and wanted to address the sunset clause. The graduate student had finished the report in draft form. It was a successful nesting year. It appeared to be in the upward swing. They want to maintain the no wake zone. The Phosphorus loading was lower than was first thought. In 1998 the levels increased dramatically, which coincided with the permit for water skiing. O'Dea stated the citizens should be notified of the positive and negative consequences of the no wake zone. Asleson responded the Task Force would first go to the councils, then to the citizens. Donlin asked if the impact of Phosphorus was defined. Asleson answered the graduate student had the entire history of the area and the birds. He recommended the biologic abstracts found in the document, and assured the Board that after the Council was updated it would be released to the public. 10 APPROVED MINUTES _ ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 29,2003 It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on i November 26, 2003. There being no further business, O'Dea moved to adjourn at 9:52 p.m. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 11 APPROVED MINUTES