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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/2004 Environmental Board MinutesENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 CITY OF LINO LAKES APPROVED MINUTES DATE : January 28, 2004 TIME STARTED : 6:45 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:35 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Barbara Bauman, Barbara Bor, Constance Grundhofer, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O’Connell, Mary Jo O’Dea MEMBERS ABSENT : Dennis Smith STAFF PRESENT : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. Board members Constance Grundhofer, Barbara Bauman and Barbara Bor read the oath. Mayor Bergeson distributed to new members two copies of the oath and instructed them to sign the copy and give to staff. O’Dea made a motion to nominate Kukonen for Chair. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. O’Connell made a motion to close nominations for Chair. O’Dea seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Grundhofer made a motion to nominate O’Dea for Vice Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Grundhofer made a motion to close nominations for Vice Chair. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES O’Dea made a motion to postpone approval of the December 17, 2003 meeting minutes. Grundhofer seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Board approved the agenda as amended. 4. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 5. ACTION ITEMS 1 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 A. Marshan Estates Asleson reviewed the background and analysis. The developer initially wanted to save as many trees as possible, but it should be thinned. He recommended that they use the FireWise recommendations. He indicated that there should be no importing or exporting of soils. O’Connell asked for clarification if the unsewered would be sewered. Grundhofer added if the rezone would affect the existing homes. O’Connell inquired if it was zoned commercial. Asleson responded the developer was asking for sewer and water, and the site was zoned multi-use. O’Dea questioned if there was any commercial on the site. Asleson answered that presently there was nothing. Grundhofer inquired if the proposed change would affect the existing houses. Asleson responded that for many existing homes the septic systems were at the end of their life span and were failing. The homeowners would have to fix if there was a failure. O’Dea asked for clarification for the symbol denoting the trees. Bauman answered that the tree types were found on Attachment 8. Asleson noted that the trees listed as spruce were actually pines. He mentioned that it should comment on his intentions. He has the perimeter trees and native vegetation because it went directly into Marshan Lake. The amount impervious was not going to increase much. Grundhofer questioned if 50% vegetation was a requirement, and if 100-foot buffer could be recommended. Asleson referred to the map and noted the lots were not large, and that 100-feet would bring the line up to the houses. He indicated there was already a 50-foot drainage easement. Bor inquired if that was a Rice Creek Watershed District or City requirement. Asleson noted that Rice Creek Watershed District recommended a no cut zone. Chair Kukonen added with a 50-foot buffer. Grundhofer inquired about the distance of the house farthest East from the lake, and would it be within the 1000-foot Shoreland District. Asleson responded that it would be within the Shoreland District. He recommended that the courtyard could include a rain garden. Grundhofer stated that the courtyard already existed. 2 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Asleson questioned if the courtyard was gravel. O’Connell answered that it was snow covered so she could not identify the composition. Asleson indicated that the roof water should be directed into the yard, instead of impervious areas. O’Connell mentioned that the courtyard appeared farther from the road than shown on the map. O’Dea recommended no importing or exporting of soils without City approval. Chair Kukonen added that downspouts from the rooftops be directed to pervious yard areas rather than impervious areas. O’Dea recommended that Rice Creek Watershed District gives input on impact mitigation. Bor added that they comment on the ditch easement. Chair Kukonen mentioned that he would like to see a minimum 50-foot buffer covering the existing drainage and signage. Asleson responded that the area needed bushes and shrubs, while the trees would be between Lot 1 and Lot 2. Bauman inquired about the drainage easement would prohibit the removal of vegetation. There were concerns with the slope of the ditch. Asleson stated there were pines with no ground cover in the area. O’Dea added that it was unknown if they were planning to add ground cover. Asleson indicated a conservation easement could be recommended. Bauman stated it was not shown that the county MPDES rules were followed. O’Dea stated that signage was recommended. Grundhofer expressed concern that it not only concerned removal, but also prohibit filling in the area. She added that they needed to follow the requirements of the Shoreland Management Overlay Ordinance. O’Dea noted in the Background section the plan was to plat 4 lots. O’Connell stated that it was zoned for multi-use. Councilmember Carlson indicated that Rehbein owned the land, and could develop there. She recalled a gas station was mentioned. O’Connell remarked the road was in such close proximity to the road to the City Hall that they could come through. She inquired if it was possible to state the recommendations were for the three homes, but there were no comments for on the multi-use. Asleson answered that the Board was not addressing the issue of mixed-use and at that point was only concerned with its proximity to the lake. 3 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Grundhofer asked for clarification on the total amount of land the site included. Bauman responded that each lot was about .5 acres. O’Dea recommended approval with recommendations from staff and the Environmental Board. • No importing or exporting of soils without City approval. • Downspouts from rooftops should be directed into pervious yard areas rather than impervious areas. • Desire input from Rice Creek Watershed District on impact mitigation and ditch easement. The Board recommended a minimum 50-foot buffer covering existing drainage easement. Signage should be posted to inform property owners not to cut, remove or throw debris or put in fill of any kind within 50- feet of the ditch. • Inform developer regarding restrictions on the drainage easement to follow NPDES rules. • Ensure that the Shoreland Management Overlay Ordinance is followed. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Asleson stated that stock trees were present on the entire site. Chair Kukonen noted that the Board recommended only three of the residential lots. Grundhofer made a motion the recommendations are only in the three residential lots. O’Dea seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. B. Justin’s Preserve Asleson reviewed the Background and Analysis sections. He explained that a homeowner wanted to subdivide his lot. The City wanted to obtain it for open space, but it was sold. He recommended it should state no importing or exporting of soils without City approval. Grundhofer mentioned that she had seen bald eagles sitting on site. She expressed concern that another house might distract them. Asleson recommended additional pervious for rain gardens. Grundhofer recalled that at a recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting they suggested a shared driveway. Asleson recommended the Wetland Delineation needed to be verified with Rice Creek Watershed District. 4 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Asleson recommended if there would be additional impervious, they would need to put in rain gardens. Grundhofer noted that vegetation was important for wildlife. Asleson responded that in the tree ordinance the City could tell them not to cut trees. It could be recommended that it be left as natural as possible. The Shoreland Ordinance indicated a minimum of cutting. O’Dea recommended that property owners allow currently existing tree stands to remain for wildlife habitat such as bald eagles. Grundhofer inquired if the property owner was notified of the Shoreland Ordinance. Councilmember Carlson asked for verification of the floor elevation to show the amount of separation on C-1. O’Dea made a motion to approve with staff and Board recommendations. • No importing or exporting of soils without City approval. • The Wetland Delineation needs to be verified with Rice Creek Watershed District. • If additional impervious, utilize rain gardens on site. • Property owners should allow currently existing tree stands to remain for wildlife habitat such as bald eagles. • Need correct floor elevation. • Submit tree preservation plan. • Information should be given to property owners concerning the Shoreland Ordinance. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Guest/RCWD/New Environmental Education Coordinator/7:30 PM Asleson introduced Dawn Dubats, the new Environmental Education Coordinator at Rice Creek Watershed District. She stated that she was eager to work with the Board, and would like to collaborate when possible. She indicated that some of the Board names were different on the website. Her job included working with the 27 cities on various issues, one being their comprehensive plans. Asleson requested that she go down the list. He had given a copy of the list to Grochala. 5 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Grundhofer inquired if she would visit the Board more often. She confirmed that she would. Asleson stated her position was created to meet a requirement. Environmental education was a large component of the position. He inquired how the City was doing on addressing the components of the NPDES. Ms. Dubats responded she would work on the NPDES regulation and basic education information at many different levels. Asleson indicated the new Rice Creek Watershed District administrator wanted a more large-scale plan and qualify wetlands based on their value. The local issues would be left to the municipalities. Ms. Dubats stated the goal was to minimize the fragmentation of the wetlands. Grundhofer requested that she come to speak to the Planning and Zoning Board and Council. Asleson noted that Lino Lakes was a NEMO city. Ms. Dubats stated that NEMO had wonderful information on land use planning, impervious, and stormwater runoff. Asleson mentioned that the City could do a follow-up workshop. Ms. Dubats indicated that J. Michaels was trying to contact Asleson. She stated that the engineers in the City to be involved in the NEMO follow-up. The first priority would be the City’s Comprehensive Plan for 2003. Councilmember Carlson answered the City had adopted the Comprehensive Plan in 2001. Dubats inquired about the issues for the City. Chair Kukonen stated the loss of open space and the desire for its preservation. Grundhofer added the fragmentation was a major concern. Asleson recalled from the last meeting about updating the trails plan they were ready to begin the process to limit the fragmentation. He invited Ms. Dubats to be a part of it. The Environmental Board and the Park Board would come together to create greenways with differences in use. He noted that Century Farms had the native grasses. Ms. Dubats questioned if the City had ever done community visioning. It was a way to incorporate all aspects so that it resulted in a sustainable long-range plan. Bor inquired if the Comprehensive Plan was going through a renewal. She mentioned that the City was building out, but various municipalities needed to be integrated. Ms. Dubats agreed, that it was a different way of thinking of things that made sense. 6 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Asleson stated the City did a visioning called the 2020 Vision, with an enormous number of residents participated. People needed to be reminded of the concepts that resulted from the process. Ms. Dubats indicated she would like to put it in the newsletter. Asleson assured her that he would notify her when there was a newsletter deadline. It was important to include the ramifications of development, and the implications for planners, elected officials, landowners and developers. O’Connell inquired if she would be willing to do something for Earth Day. Grundhofer added the date was April 24, 2004. O’Dea questioned if information could be available to farming landowners intending to sell. Asleson inquired if she would be willing to work with the City to inform the small landowner. The Wildlife Urban Interface Manual and Beyond the Suburbs were some materials the City used. He noted another audience was the builders. In the past, it was a broad interface of staff and builders in February. It could eliminate conflict in the future to inform them of changes in the regulations. Bauman questioned if homeowners were aware of drainage easements, issues with ponding, and the Shoreland Ordinance focusing on the interconnections localized to their cul-de-sac. Ms. Dubats responded that she was hoping to develop some snazzy brochures. Bauman recommended that there be a listing of resources for homeowners. Asleson noted there was a website link available. Ms. Dubats stated there was someone in the office who specialized in website design and internet links. Ms. Dubats mentioned that her background was in schools, and #4 addressed her responsibilities to schools. She noted there was considerable material for that audience. O’Dea inquired if she had worked with Wargo Nature Center. Ms. Dubats answered that she had not previously. She inquired if there were any programs that the Board would like to see. She asked for a copy of the permitting to understand the City’s focus. Asleson stated he could obtain that for her. He believed that Grochala signed off on them. He mentioned the Board would like to begin three extension courses, and invited her participation. 7 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Grundhofer indicated there were volunteers monitoring Peltier Lake. Ms. Dubats stated it was a good start, but they would like to get more people involved. There was wetland monitoring for other areas as well. They obtain reliable data because the volunteers were trained well. Grundhofer added there were also opportunities for prairie monitoring. Ms. Dubats inquired when the Board met. Asleson answered the last Wednesday of the month. Grundhofer expressed concern for the ecosystems. She mentioned that some people needed things in black and white. The ecosystem and its surrounding area were important. Asleson stated that the DNR looked at the National Heritage Database, but the information was not public. Grundhofer stated she did not necessarily believe it should be shared, but the Board should generally know for delineating the surrounding areas in the City. Ms. Dubats indicated that her office was developing maps. O’Connell expressed concern for the Legacy at Wood’s Edge. Ms. Dubats admitted that the Kohl’s and Target shocked her. Asleson stated that she should work with Chuck Johnson because he had a wealth of knowledge in lake water biology, but he was not an environmental educator. Ms. Dubats inquired about getting the group together for NEMO. Chair Kukonen mentioned that Robert Lockyear was good with planning for the Comprehensive Plan and NEMO. Asleson stated that they worked together, complimenting each other. One possibility was to work with the Open Space and Trails Project, involving greenways and preserving open space. Ms. Dubats planned to prioritize then strategize. Instead of trying to retrofit after development, she wanted to incorporate sustainable aspects. O’Connell inquired about restaurants with their vent hood cleaning. The vents were on the outside, and were mandated by the state to be cleaned two times per year. Asleson clarified that it would be a business outreach. Ms. Dubats distributed her card. O’Dea stated that she should speak with Amy Donlin. B. Goals 8 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Asleson stated he wanted to set up a day to present the goals to Council, suggesting February 9, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. The Board amended the wording of the minutes to clarify the goals. O’Connell suggested in addition to information available on various topics, perhaps five copies could be available so that they would not have to ask for assistance from staff. Chair Kukonen inquired what the Environmental Board could do. Grundhofer mentioned a shelf might be helpful instead of a rack. Asleson noted that it would be helpful to include information on native plant suppliers and algae blooms in ponds, because he often receives calls from residents concerning those issues. Chair Kukonen suggested a master binder and a display. C. Peltier Lake Ordinance Update/ Heron Task Force Update Asleson distributed the tabulated nest counts. He noted the City would be working toward addressing the sunset clause at a later date, although they needed to leave at least 2.5 months for the process assuming there would be no controversy. He stated that Joan Galli submitted a grant proposal to the U.S. Fishery and Wildlife Service for the Heron Rookery. A portion of the grant would be used to fund cameras out on the island. The committee would do a nesting owl inventory while waiting for the grant approval. He admitted there were still many questions left unanswered. The cities were concerned. He considered last season a success, and added that the Pig’s Eye rookery had 1600 nests from an aerial photograph. D. Earth Day Asleson indicated the next meeting for Earth Day was 6:30 p.m. on Thursday February 5, 2004 at Wargo Nature Center. He was trying to find out the amount of money remaining in the non-profit account. Wargo would coordinate the activities. The costs for the event would be for the activities and vendors. O’Connell inquired if the money from last year would be divided among the participating cities. The Fire Department, VFW, and other vendors would need to be reimbursed. 7. OTHER DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry 9 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 Asleson reviewed the status of the FireWise Program. The numbers had been figured for fire risk. He reported he was encouraged that property owners were active in the program. They want to do the work while the ground was still frozen. It had been arranged for the Saint Paul Energy Plant to take the material. B. Solid Waste Recycling/Recycling Day Asleson spoke with the principal of Blue Heron concerning a recycling program called Trish and the Toons and planned for the program in March. Chair Kukonen inquired if SCORE grant was a matching grant. Asleson responded that it was based on the percentage that the goal was met. The funding had been cut back by 20%. C. Environmental This item was tabled to the February 25, 2004 meeting. D. New Member Orientation Asleson explained the value and significance of the Handbook for Environmental Planning and the Wildland Interface Project. Chair Kukonen reviewed the history of the Environmental Board beginning with the 2020 Vision process as a community forum to understand the process in January of 1995. Five advisory groups were formed as a result. One recommendation was to develop an environmental advisory Board and a staff position of Environmental Coordinator. In addition, to develop a classification of the City. Mr. Quigley’s Clearwater Creek 3rd Addition was the first conservation development. The Environmental Board was established in April 1998. Asleson added that it was important to remember that over the years, many small steps lead to major changes. O’Dea reminded the Board how far they had come. Asleson mentioned that the next step was the Open Space Plan. 8. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental board will be on February 25, 2004. There being no further business, O’Dea moved to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. O’Connell seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi 10 APPROVED MINUTES ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING JANUARY 28, 2004 TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 11 APPROVED MINUTES