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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/03/2003 Environmental Board Minutesr � ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE December 3, 2003 TIME STARTED 6:37 P.M. TIME ENDED 9x02 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT Amy Donlin, Constance Grundhofer, Teresa O'Connell, and Mary Jo O'Dea MEMBERS ABSENT Patrice Toler Halen and Rod Kukonen STAFF PRESENT Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson and Community Development Director Michael Grochala 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Grundhofer called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 29, 2003 Page 3, seventh paragraph: "She added that the current church campus used to be a good birding site." O'Dea made a motion to approve the October 29, 2003 meeting minutes as amended. O'Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. November 6, 2003 Page 7, third paragraph: "Donlin admitted at the present time there was surface runoff, but she was looking for no net change in quality or quantity." Page 10, fifth paragraph: "She suggested it state that the plan be improved to protect the night sky." 3. O'Dea made a motion to approve the November 6, 2003 meeting minutes as amended. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ® Discuss 5B the Marshan Townhomes 2nd Addition, prior to 5A Legacy Holdings/Legacy at Woods Edge/Planned Unit Development/Application Review The Board approved the agenda as amended. I - ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 -4. OPEN MUM Jim Crawford of 614 Aqua Circle, is President of the Marshan Lake Townhomes Homeowners' Association. He explained the residents were concerned, about the density of the plan. Their complex was 6.4 units per acre. The Planning and Zoning had denied the change from medium to high density. The homeowners' association concurred it should remain medium density. Mr. Hokanson had built the homes, and November 30, 2003 the ponding area had not been approved by Rice Creek Watershed District. He had no idea if the pond had been approved. The two factors should impact the Board's decision to recommend approval or denial. Asleson responded that he did not know if it had been approved, and had heard of no confirmation from Rice Creek Watershed District. Donlin stated she recalled some lack of follow-through. She noted that the parcel was designated for 4-6 units per acre. 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Legacy Holdings/Legacy at Woods Edge/Planned Unit Development/Application Review This item was postponed until after the discussion of the Marshan Townhomes 2nd addition. B. Marshan Townhomes 2nd Addition Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. He noted the Lake Protection Zone had not been declared in 1995. The amount of impervious had been amended because of the square footage to 50% per the updated letter to the City. He also explained his recommendation to replace the Black Ash, because that species was not doing well in that area of the City. O'Connell questioned the choice of sumac. Asleson answered that it was a native species. Donlin inquired who was paying for the tree replacement nearby. , Asleson indicated the City would pay for the trees at $20-30 each. Donlin questioned if the City escrowed for boulevard trees. Asleson responded that it did but the time ran out. Ron Fox from Hokanson Development was present to respond to comments and questions. He stated the area was purchased, and infiltration was implemented to meet the requirements up to a 100 -year event. The infiltration plan was approved on November 17, 2003 by Rice Creek Watershed District. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 O'Dea asked for confirmation that Rice Creek Watershed District had approved the infiltration plan. Mr. Fox responded that it was being reviewed. It was initially zoned high density, but at present it was medium density. Asleson stated the definition for medium density was 3 -6 units per acre. Mr. Fox indicated they were asking for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Asleson clarified that the site was rezoned for medium density. From an' environmental standpoint, the density was determined by how it affected the natural resources. He noted that there were certain situations where higher density could provide more open space. Donlin stated that there was a tendency to have cookie cutter development, and there were reasons for the current zoning. She indicated there were unresolved issues, and the present plan appeared incompatible with the prior development. Mr. Fox responded the third tier of development located farthest from the lake had lower density. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired about the amount of impervious. Asleson responded that the plan had 50% impervious and was allowed up to 65 %. Donlin noted the parking was 80 spaces over the minimum. Mr. Fox answered the spaces were counted four per unit because of the double garages and additional spaces for the driveway. Asleson questioned if it was possible to narrow the driveway by the street. O'Connell inquired if there was parking on the street. Mr. Fox responded there was no parking on the street. O'Dea asked for clarification on the lighting plan. Mr. Fox answered there would be one light by each entrance. Donlin noted the density change would affect the lighting. Vice Chair Grundhofer added there was a Lighting Ordinance. Asleson mentioned there was no photometric plan, and no picture submitted of the lighting fixtures. Donlin stated the plan was not concrete enough. If the plan was not complete, the Board could not recommend approval. O'Dea inquired about the issue of infiltration. Asleson noted the NURP pond was j a requirement. APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 Donlin expressed concern that it was in a Shoreland Protection Zone. O'Connell indicated that there was a definite visual difference before the development and after for those canoeing and kayaking the lake. Asleson answered that native plantings along the shore would be beneficial. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired about any soil testing that might have been done. Mr. Fox stated the City did borings on site. Vice Chair Grundhofer called for recommendations. O'Connell recommended denial because the plan was incomplete, and was incompatible with the Comprehensive Plan in relation to parking, lighting, and impervious. If the plan goes forward, the Board recommended the following: • Address staff recommendations. • Narrow the driveways and parking areas. • Address lighting as a function of density, to include a photometric plan. • Submit storrawater calculations and volume sizing to Rice Creek Watershed District. • Retain the medium density zoning as stated in the Comprehensive Plan. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. A. Legacy Holdings/Legacy at Woods Edge/Planned Unit Development/Application Review Asleson reviewed the background information. He assured the Board the plan would be seen again. It would also go to the Planning and Zoning Board more than once. Grochala stated he met with the hydrologist, who confirmed that the site was good for infiltration because of the sandy soil. He indicated there might be an opportunity to work with the county to bring back the tamaracks that were lost when the ditches were deepened for Interstate 35W. There were 84 acres of basin. The aerial photographs of the site in 1953 showed the area was farmed. O'Connell inquired if the rim could be restored to the natural state. Asleson responded that it would not be possible within the project, but it would be done in conjunction with Anoka County. Grochala stated that the Surface Water Plan rate requirements and infiltration on site needed to be completed to promote tamarack growth. The water might be directed into the tamaracks to keep them moist. APPROVED MINUTES _ ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 Donlin indicated that an injustice was done on the Target site. Grochala noted the existing wetland consisted of 7 -8 acres, with no irrigation planned. It would join with the wetland Asleson was speaking o£ He distributed a handout depicting the present street and streetscape plan that remained in progress. It showed the landscape from a cross - section. The traffic and community square would create a. garden and entertainment area. The last page showed the lighting. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired if the herons would be there. Asleson asked for clarification on the definition of an interactive water feature. . Grochala responded they were basically squirt guns. He continued that the lights would be typically 14 -16 feet high. O'Connell inquired who was responsible for maintenance. Grochala answered that the City would do the majority of the maintenance, except for the storefronts. The plow and plant waterings would be the responsibility of the City. There would be an incentive to keep them low labor. There would be a cost associated with low labor. Asleson questioned how it would be maintained. Grochala answered the City would have more control. The Hartford Development Team would address it more fully. Bill Griffith with the Hartford Development Team introduced himself. It was a local company, and could be more responsive to the City's vision and to the market. Their approach was to continually comeback for discussion. A key was the environmental aspect. They came into the project accepting the fact that there was to be no impact on the wetlands. There would be a balance with the entire district, as opposed to a microcosm approach. The vision came out of the CalThorpe design, also known as a new urbanism. It would not merely commercial, but a community where one could work shop and recreate. It would also be intergenerational. Examples where the company had worked were in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and several others. The center on the master plan would be a pedestrian environment. He showed the proposed pedestrian linkages and skyway. There would also be varying rooftops, with the homes being located close to the street. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired about the townhome parking. Mr. Griffith noted there was no design yet, but it would either be tuck under or underground parking. The larger building would have underground parking. O'Dea questioned the YMCA parking area. Grochala responded the YMCA was initially building 17, but they wanted a suburban plan, not an urban plan. The Hartford Development team had worked with the YMCA to agree to shared s APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 parking with the commercial and residential. There would be varying peak times with the mixed use. O'Dea suggested that the townhome residents could have guaranteed membership that could reduce the need for parking spaces. Grochala answered that when the greenway was established; it would be connected with the YMCA. Vice Chair Grundhofer asked for a comparison between the plans for the YMCA and the Shoreview YMCA. Grochala indicated it would be larger than the one located in Shoreview. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired if the roundabout would be one or two lanes. Grochala answered it would be counter-clockwise, two-lane with accommodations for emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles. The use of pavers would be low enough to allow extra room for the larger trucks, but still keep the impervious down. He added that turnabouts were effective for traffic control. Vice Chair Grundhofer asked for clarification if the medians if the medians were pervious or impervious. Grochala responded there would be a combination of pervious and impervious surfaces. O'Dea inquired if there were examples. Grochala responded there were examples of the mixed development in Burnsville, St. Louis Park, and Excelsior, but Lino Lakes would be unique because it would integrate commercial and residential. O'Dea inquired about maintenance costs. Grochala answered the cost to the City would be offset by the cultural and tax base. The goal would be maintenance friendly and be beneficial to the City in the long-term. Moving trees on site was another option. Vice Chair Grundhofer questioned the locations of the native plantings and wetlands. Grochala indicated the native areas and regional park areas. The YMCA should maintain the vegetation and trees as much as possible. Initially the YMCA was looking for a 10 -acre site, however they now would have 7 acres of more usable space. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired about the impervious with the density. Grochala indicated that the site was approaching 65% impervious, but approximately 8 acres would remain untouched. Donlin recommended that the white buildings be softened, and allow a more rural design and feel. She expressed concern that there was a lot of manicure, with no grassy hills or native plantings. Grochala admitted it was a very cultured landscape on the site. He indicated that the seasonal gardens would need to be ENVIRONMENTAL BOARID 1V1L+'ET1NU Luuj chosen carefully to ensure various colors throughout the seasons. Plantings would not work well on the medians: Asleson mentioned that black -eyed susans could look nice in a formal setting. Donlin gave examples of other species that would add to the viewscape in texture and color. G h 1 d th b d en areas for native lantin s within the roc a a state ere were no Loa op p g plan. The natives would be fit in where possible, but had to remain marketable. He admitted that there would have to be some middle ground. Donlin responded that Target and Kohl's did not use natives. Grochala indicated that there was a different perspective in establishing natives. There have not been many success stories, and it would take 3 -4 years to establish them. Vice Chair Grundhofer stated that it was in the eye of the beholder too. Grochala noted that the perimeter of the site was very appropriate for native plantings. O'Connell expressed. concern over cobblestone use. The University of Minnesota used cobblestone and found the elderly had difficulty using their walkers. Donlin suggested ivy on the buildings to cover up the white color. O'Connell added murals could be used. Grochala stated the EAW review would be finished on December 24, 2003. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals This item was tabled to the December 17, 2003 meeting. Vice Chair Grundhofer mentioned the National Wildlife Federation had begun a program where entire cities could be certified as backyard wildlife habitats. In addition, they had funds available for educational purposes. Asleson asked for copies of the information. Vice Chair Grundhofer answered she could get a copy to staff, however due to technical difficulties, it might be better to check the website at www .nwforg/backyardwildlifehabitat /community. Asleson noted the poor fen areas in backyards were a good possibility to begin the process in the City. 7 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2003 Vice Chair Grundhofer stated that there was a form to fill out to qualify for the designation. Asleson asked if everyone could obtain a copy of it. * The Board discussed Earth Day, and the interested parties who might sponsor the event such as the Adopt-a-highway program, the boy scouts, the girl scouts, and 4-H. 9�� 104 Fe 151167,15 13 155 8 Ragnm A. Forestry Asleson noted the boulevard plantings were finished. B. Solid Waste Recycling/Recycling Day This item was tabled to the December 17, 2003 meeting. C. Environmental/Heron Issues Asleson *stated the Heron Nest Survey had been completed and mailed. There was an increase of 20 nests this year. Jeff Perry wrote a letter addressing the sunset clause. Vice Chair Grundhofer inquired about the exact number of successful nests. Asleson responded he was unsure of the exact number. They needed to also check on predator impacts such as raccoons, and mice. The Phosphorus level was a big issue, along with the algae and chlorophyll levels, as they relate to fall algae blooms. Wayne LeBlanc had a limnologist from the Metropolitan Council working on the issue. Donlin inquired if it would be helpful for the Environmental Board to write a letter addressing the Sunset Clause. The Board discussed the fate of the turkeys previously on site at City Hall. O'Connell questioned the deadline for the next newsletter. Asleson answered it would be just before Earth Day and the Recycling Day. It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on December 17, 2003. There being no further business, O'Dea moved to adjourn at 9:02 p.m. Donlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 9 APPROVED MINUTES City of Lino Lakes Environmental. Board Meeting DECEMBER 3, 2003 6:30 P.M. This meeting is not televised. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. OPEN MIKE 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Legacy Holdings /Legacy at Woods Edge /Planned Unit Development/Application Review B. Marshan Townhomes 2nd Addition 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals 7. OTHER DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Waste Recycling /Recycling Day C. Environmental /Heron Issues 8. ADJOURN