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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24/2002 Env Bd PacketCity of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting April 24, 2002 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 27, 2002 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 4. OPEN MIKE 5. ACTION ITEMS A. Village Hills Preliminary Plat B. Raske Building Systems Inc. 0 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Goals B. Peltier Island Update C. Recycling Day D. Other 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry B. Solid Waste Recycling C. Environmental 8. ADJOURN • • • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 CITY OF LINO LAKES DRAFT MINUTES DATE : March 27, 2002 TIME STARTED : 6:37 P.M. TIME ENDED : 9:04 P.M. : Constance Grundhofer, Patrice Halen, Rod Kukonen, Teresa O'Connell, Mary Jo O'Dea, and Nikki Schneider MEMBERS ABSENT : Amy Donlin STAFF PRESENT : Environmental Coordinator Marty Asleson and Associate Planner Tanda Gretz 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kukonen called the meeting to order`a1 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. February 27, 2002 - The following corrections *ere requested: Page 1, introductory paragraph: "MEMBERS ABSENT : Patrice Halen and Nikki Schneider." Page 2, second paragraph: factors were water supply and waste disposal." Page 2, seventh para opportunity to let resi+ "O'Connell noted that Earth Day would be an tow about the website." Grundhofer coved to approve the February 27, 2002 meeting minutes. O'Connell seconded the lotion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. APPROVAL OF A. The agenda was approved unanimously. OPEN MIKE No citizen comments were made. 1 Draft Minutes ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 • 5. ACTION ITEMS • • A. Stoneybrook, Preliminary Plat, Rezone, MUSA/Comp Plan Amendment Asleson indicated that there were three development areas. He reviewed the background material. The property was guided for low- density sewered residential development in the Comprehensive Plan. The developer was requesting MUSA allocation, and rezoning from R -Rural to R -1X -Low Density Residential, and approval for a 111 -lot subdivision. There were 19.2 acres of wetland, with 2.06 requiring mitigation, which would be accomplished on site, and 58.87 acres of upland. The site was very wet, and infiltration techniques were limited, so water quality design was important. The water basin areas should be protected from compaction and planted with a buffer of native plants. Basin filtration capacities should be enhanced with organic bed establishment in flow areas, such as an organic pond area. Schneider inquired if the recommendations were binding. Asleson responded that they were only recommendations. Grundhofer pointed out that there was a development on Ward's Lake adjacent to this development, and asked if they were both aware of each other's impact and the combined impact. Asleson indicated they were being dealt with individually. Asleson continued review' n tfhe background material. The soil was very insensitive to ground water pollution, except for a small area in the South East corner that is in the Vadnais Lake Area Watershed District. Additional water volume discharges should beminirniz'ed A sequencing plan and a management plan including a 3 -year contract with a landscaping company should be submitted. He urged that no soils should be hauled off the site or brought on the site without permission from the City. The sequencing plan should indicate responsibility for cleanup after the last house was completed including the fencing. The landscape screening plan was submitted for Birch Street, but staff had concerns about Colorado Spruce and the maple was not hardy for the soil. Grundhofer questioned if there were any acceptable conifers. Asleson stated that the only native conifers were white pines located in northern Anoka County, but were not native or adapted to this area. He conceded that a white spruce might grow if they wanted a spruce. O'Connell inquired about whether willows were native. Asleson indicated the water willow was possible. Asleson stated water filtration was important. In addition he recommended the developer should escrow money. 2 Draft Minutes • • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 Chair Kukonen reviewed the Site Plan Review process. First there was a staff review, then the developers would present, followed by a dialogue with the Board. Concerns he had were buffering in the North East corner near Lots 4 and 5 in C, and the greenway should not be encroached upon. Asleson said the areas of buffering should have signage and be covered in the covenants. He noted that they needed to be careful of the water table. Chair Kukonen identified an inconsistency in the wetland inventory possibly due to the draining and ditching. He attempted to walk the site, but it had no trespassing signs and barbed wire fences. Halen asked for a brief description of buffering. Chair Kukonen responded that it could be several things such as a berm for noise pollution as in the intersection of Highway 96 and Lexington, but it could also beawetlatd for water absorption. Asleson noted that the number of houses duced to Grundhofer inquired about the effort to have hoes Flood Plain. 2; orated in the Stoneybrook Halen questioned if the houses located in the flood plain needed to be approved. Asleson responded the approval would be.b.sed on the soil and the housepads. Chair Kukonen explained the Amy. Corps o , Engine flood plain in relation to the elevation and the 4 -foot leeway. Asleson advised the Board to allow the Army Corps of engineers to deal with the issue. He added that no one raised the issue of importing soils. ers would be looking at the Chair Kul outlots. as no requirement for park designation due to the id not believe so, if not land possibly money. Schneider inqu' answered that they out the direction that the watershed flowed. Asleson it ..into ditches. Grundhofer expressed concern over the preservation of the oak savanna area. Asleson explained that it was actually off site and should not be impacted by the changes on the property. Chair Kukonen submitted that they should ask for an overlay or a PDO, and ask for more open space. He was concerned about the streetlights, but the City cannot ask for a light site plan for residential. Grundhofer stated that because of the presence of wetlands, the City should ask for low impact shoebox lighting. Chair Kukonen read comments submitted by Donlin who could not attend. She pointed out that the site plan appeared to fit into the premature subdivision 3 Draft Minutes • • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 designation. She also expressed concern over the number of houses, in light of the 147 goal for the year. Donlin also submitted that it could cause traffic concerns on Centerville Road. She mentioned the Saint Paul Pipeline area should not be developed. Finally, she stated the site was one of the remaining agricultural lands, and inquired about other options. Schneider inquired about it being a reasonable option. Chair Kukonen answered that legally the time clock begins when a developer begins the process, if the City does not respond within the 60 or 120 -day period, it would pass. The Board could ask for it, but the City could not require it. Schneider asked for confirmation that it would be better to make recommendations on the plat than to deny it Chair Kukonen indicated that most often it was. Chair Kukonen stated that a road was proposed oyr the culvert owned by the St. Paul Water Utility. He thought the plan should be;denied with recommendations. He added that things had been approved in the pas Asleson indicated that the City decides aft for reviewal. goes to the Planning and Zoning Schneider questioned if the culvert with the proposed street over it was referring to Street B. Chair Kukonen responded that the culvert was from Vadnais. Asleson clarified that the Pi connection. sement was not a greenway, but a trail Chair Kukone be added tai called for �r staff recomm on. He reviewed the Board recommendations to tions: 1) Deny and conlcfe S Paul Regional Water Utility and the Vadnais Lake Watershed Dist 2) Provide Buffering for pipeline easement in the northeast corner lots. 3) Street lighting should be downward focused, no spill. O'Dea suggested more open area, where 50% or more should be preserved as open space not including wetland mitigation. She proposed an additional 17 acres should remain undeveloped, and encouraged clustering. Asleson submitted signage on the buffer areas and language in the association's covenants. 4 Draft Minutes • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 O'Dea addressed the screening on Birch Street, and inquired about the possibility of promoting non - linear plantings. She also asked if the ditch was going to remain or if it would be altered. Chair Kukonen inquired if would he consider asking for a PDO to preserve a 17- acre additional open space, as long as the developers were requesting a re- zoning, and follow the principles of development from the Handbook for Environmental Planning and Conservation Development. Asleson noted that signage should be placed on the buffer boundaries to indicate that buffers did exist, and covenants should be established with the homeowners' association prohibiting encroachment. Schneider asked about the site's chance for a the site plan would go the Planning and Zo added that the Environmental Board was revie submitted prior to the moratorium taking effei hair Kukonen responded then to Council. He cause it was .................. Asleson pointed out the Rice Creek Watershed District` usually met the same night as the Environmental Board, so he had tried to meet with them earlier. Schneider asked for more inforrnation about the role of the Army Corps of Engineers. Asleson answered they would be involved if there was a headwater located on site. Schneider asked for a definition of MUSA allocation. Chair Kukonen responded that it was City water and sewage; d vas dictated by the Metropolitan Council. Asleson added that it affected. the capacity to deal with sewage. Grundhofer; inquired about when it was going to be approved. Chair Kukonen stated that he Surface Water Management had already been approved. Asleson added the Rice Creek; Watershed District had yet to be approved. O'Connell posed the question about the possibility of asking the developer to communicate with Ed Vaughn. Asleson spoke concerning the combined impact of the two developments. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency controlled the discharge rates. The developer was going to try to keep the water on site, or to use filtration. O'Connell made a motion to pass on the denial and the staff and Board recommendations: • Contact the St. Paul Regional Water Utility and Vadnais Lake Watershed District. • Buffering for Pipeline easement in the northeast corner lots. • Street lighting should be downward focused, no spillage. 5 Draft Minutes • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 • As long as the developer was requesting a re- zoning would he consider a PDO to preserve an additional 17 acre additional open space. • Signage should be placed on buffer boundaries to indicate buffers exist, and covenants should be established with the homeowners' association prohibiting encroachment. Halen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Development Regulations Task Force Update Chair Kukonen presented the update. They were asked about their desire to have development patterned after non- sewered, Jackson` -Me ows and apply the principles used there. The Comprehensive Plan requires 1 -2,5 houses per acre. Asleson stated that the issue was economics, r and the lots were nc tnecessarily variable within the development, but closer to the street that achieved open space in the back. The costs effecting infrastructure were narrowing the roadways, reducing the length of the pipes, and tihi , costs. Grundhofer questioned economic incentives as a Activation. Asleson answered if the market supported the change, the developers Would do it. Chair Kukonen urged the Board to take pictures of attractively designed neighborhoods and parks, so that a)slide presentation could be compiled. Asleson stated that vista creation an were popular. loses closer to the streets with porches Chair Kukonen noted that the City had considered making it a three step process, with the Environtiental Board receiving a sketch plan to work with the developers earlier on in the process. Gretz answered that it was not going to pass, because it would not allow for enough time for the City to respond within the 120 day period. Instead, it would be rolled into the preliminary plat requirements. Asleson addressed the ownership of buffer areas and greenways. He urged the use of covenants in buffer areas. The greenways needed to be public ownership, not for maintenance purposes, but for the good of the public with no encroachment of easements or property lines. B. Goals /2003 • Asleson stated the Board was very active with the Task Force and it was still involved with the Landcover Classification. 6 Draft Minutes • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 O'Connell noted the goal from 2001 #4 was helpful and should be done again. The Board assigned various members specific aspects of development to address on site plans. A second was to create a list of landscape companies for developers to hire. She wanted to revive the goal of intern assistance for staff, as well as tie into a budget request for education and promotion. O'Dea inquired about the possibility of a Phosphorus Ordinance. O'Connell added the question to Chair Kukonen whether Phosphorus levels were being covered by an ordinance. Chair Kukonen responded there was no ordinance covering Phosphorus levels, and none was being planned. He added to the list, money for land acquisition and staff help was important, as well as to monitor the, Peltier Lake situation, and to educate the community. Asleson noted that invasive species with buckthorn, and earthworms, as examples, would be good topics for the newsletter. The topics would need to be repeated for people to remember the issues. Grundhofer responded that it was necessary to indicate an alternative species to buckthorn because it was often chosen because the birds feed on the berries. Asleson urged the Board to focus on education, and to develop a working plan for public education, including the ebsite with links with the Bell Museum. A coordinator would be needed to ubmit to the newsletter, and to tap into local experts. Kukonen distributed his top 10 goals ' and encouraged the other Board members to list theirs. He noted in terms of tree preservation, the City was ahead of most cities. Asleson concurred an d explained that the reason was that the systems supported the polici Chair Kukonen inquired about the issue of tree replacement. Asleson answered that the issue was not active due to the legal issues. He stated negotiation for moving and replacing trees on the original site was promoted because of the genetic banks with 8,000 years of adaptation would otherwise be lost. Chair Kukonen posed the question concerning staffs' need for a time limit for goals. He would like to revisit the goals at another meeting. Schneider indicated it would be helpful to prioritize the goals. O'Connell asked staff for a dollar figure for an intern. Grundhofer questioned the amount of space the Board could use in the newsletter. Asleson answered he would find out how much space was available. 7 Draft Minutes • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 C. Earth Day /Arbor Day Chair Kukonen indicated the theme for Earth Day was Your Backyard, however the Backyard Habitat brochures had not yet been received. Asleson stated that it was important to include the issue of exotic species. He added that two Girl Scout Troops wanted to participate, and that the budget for the celebration was good, and all supported by donations. O'Dea inquired about the need to help on Friday, May 3, 2002. Asleson answered that with the Trade -A -Tree program, where the homeowner received a tree to replace a tree under the wires, the City would receive an additional tree. Staff planned to plant some of the City's trees under the wires at Lino Lakes Elementary in honor of Arbor Day, and to qualify for the Tree City U.S.A. Award. He called for suggestions on species that were not rare or endangered. D. City Newsletter Schneider suggested the topic for the next newsletter be buckthorn. O'Dea suggested a tips section with the topics oflawn watering, and looking for a zero for the middle number when choosing fertilizer to reduce phosphorus loading. Grundhofer added unrestrained cats halm the bird and other wildlife populations. Chair Kukonen advised the Board that April 1, 2002, was the deadline for submissions. He also commented on the Blaine Village being excessively lit at night. Asleson pointed out the City been contacted about conne members should begin cop laine now had an Environmental Board, and had greenways. Chair Kukonen stated that Board ing with Blaine's Environmental Board members. O'Connell stated that the newsletter needed to be forwarded by E -Mail. She volunteered to coordinate the suggestions and send them to staff and Board members for comment, then the final draft to staff no later than Saturday, March 30, 2002. Asleson identified for areas of interest that could be covered. Recycling issues, forestry such as oak wilt, common environmental issues, and soil topics such as compaction and runoff were staff concerns and would be topics of interest for the newsletter. 8 Draft Minutes • • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 E. Environmental Board Ordinance and Job Description Chair Kukonen gave a brief history of the Environmental Board. In the early 1990's, there were several grassroots groups meeting throughout the City who were not satisfied with the City, so it decided to do a 2020 project. Two hundred people wanted to participate. They tabulated their likes and dislikes of the City and envisioned what it would look like in the year 2020. There were five areas of focus being growth, parks, educational systems, commercial development, and environmental issues. As a result, the City developed Boards and a staff position to address the issues. Environmental Affairs began in spring 1996, and became an official Board in 1998. 7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS A. Forestry This item was tabled to the April 24, 2002 B. Solid Waste Recycling Asleson noted that Score funds were approved fpt environmental education in Rice Lake Elementary using Trish and Toois. One area that needed to be adjusted was the cost structure for Recycling Day. He did not have a set date for it but it would be on a Saturday in May. Chair Kukonen indicated the indicated `the fours wer show up at 8 a.tn ded,3 to food. C. or volunteers to help with Recycling Day. . to 3 p.m., and usually the volunteers ho would attend so that he could plan for Asleson addressed tho Heron issue. The ordinance has been finished and passed. There was a sunset clause included that needed to be addressed. The no wake zone was 200 feet from the southernmost part of the island. The herons have begun returning. Centerville did not like the sunset clause. Channel 4 was going to do a public awareness segment on the herons. Peltier Lake's heron rookery was an important cultural land use issue. A related factor was that nearby land was previously illegally drained. It impacted the food chain because the birds feed on frogs, insects, and fish. Kukonen addressed the issue absences. According to the Bi -laws the Board member is supposed to contact the Chair or Vice - Chair, but members could contact Chair Kukonen and/or Asleson. 9 Draft Minutes • • ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD MEETING MARCH 27, 2002 Councilperson Carlson updated the Board on the City of Centerville meeting. They had passed the no wake zone ordinance. They also passed a motion to meet with the City of Lino Lakes to discuss the sunset clause. 8. ADJOURN It was noted that the next meeting of the Environmental Board will be on April 24, 2002. There being no further business, Schneider moved to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. O'Dea seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Transcribed by: Brigette Blesi TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc. 10 Draft Minutes • Agenda Item 6B Environmental Board Meeting Date: April 24, 2002 Topic: Peltier Island Update Summary: We are still trying to get all the Ordinance information together for the final review by the State of Minnesota. I will try to get everything in the mail tomorrow (April 19). In the mean time, a number of folks have been watching for the birds. Please find information on the Custer Study and email messages from Wayne and Joan. Attachments: 1. Christine Custer and Joan Galli, Feeding Habitat Selection by Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets Nesting in Central Minnesota 2. E -mail Correspondence • • • • • AGENDA ITEM STAFF ORIGINATOR: Marty Asleson DATE: September 26, 2001 TOPIC: Raskey Building Systems Inc. BACKGROUND: This parcel and the parcel to the west of Raskey Building Systems Inc., are the last buildable sites left in the Apollo Business District. Raskey Building Systems Inc. is a building cleaning supply business. The site is zoned Light Industrial. The Environmental issues have been extensively discussed in the past concerning this area of the Apollo Business District. Surface Water from this building site and the adjacent buildable site flows to the artificial pond to the west. This is an isolated pond, has high infiltration potential and is more than adequate size to contain all of the surface water from the two remaining sites. There is a 90% allowable impervious for light industrial areas. Raskey falls within the guidelines for this. There is a recently developed mixed hardwood stand to the west. Drainage swails may effect a portion of this stand. OPTIONS: 1. Recommend Approval with standard conditions to include: • The use of native materials in drainage and swail areas, as well as any portions of the property the owner may be open to the use of these materials such as the southwest corner of the parcel. This area would be nice to plan a transitional area from cultured sod to natives through the use design tools such as formal hedge separation, transitional alternative sod mixes, and formal flower gardens that may include both native and non native annuals. The northwest corner could carry the same flower be idea. • Change tree species on the freeway side to Oak species, preferably a mixture of Burr, Red, and Swamp white oaks. If evergreens are desired in this area, then a change to a salt tolerant species such as Austrian pine should be used. All evergreens in this area be grouped and mulched in to separate native plant maintenance concerns. • Ground cover is designed using the City schedules. • A contract is submitted to have the native materials installed by company specializing in native landscape construction. • • • • A 3 -year maintenance agreement with a landscape company specializing in native landscape maintenance should be submitted, and dollars escrowed for this purpose. • Use of low- impact lighting. • Other suggestions of the Environmental Board 2. Recommend denial RECOMMENDATION: Option 1 • • Council Member its adoption: RESOLUTION WHEREAS, , AND WHEREAS, ; introduced the following resolution and moved CITY OF LINO LAKES RESOLUTION NO. 98 - NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA: 1. Adopted by the Lino Lakes City Council this xxth day of xxxxxxx, 1998. Kimberly A. Sullivan, Mayor Marilyn G. Anderson, Clerk- Treasurer The motion for adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Council Member and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: The following voted against same: Whereupon said resolution was duly passed and adopted. • • CERTIFICATION I hereby certify that the above is a correct copy of a resolution duly passed, adopted and approved by the City Council on date. Marilyn G. Anderson, Clerk- Treasurer • Memo To: Jeff Smyser From: Marty Asleson CC: Michael Grochala Date: October 1, 2001 Re: Environmental Board Recommendations Raske Building Systems Inc. • Motion to recommend option one in Environmental Board Report including: • • Parking stalls be reduced to a minimum • Use depressional islands in the parking lot if possible • Use downward directed no spill lighting on site • Submit a tree preservation plan for the site. Option 1 1. Recommend Approval with standard conditions to include: • The use of native materials in drainage and swail areas, as well as any portions of the property the owner may be open to the use of these materials such as the southwest corner of the parcel. This area would be nice to plan a transitional area from cultured sod to natives through the use design tools such as formal hedge separation, transitional alternative sod mixes, and formal flower gardens that may include both native and non native annuals. The northwest corner could carry the same flower be idea. • Change tree species on the freeway side to Oak species, preferably a mixture of Burr, Red, and Swamp white oaks. If evergreens are desired in this area, then a change to a salt tolerant species such as Austrian pine should be used. All • Page 1 • evergreens in this area be grouped and mulched in to separate native plant maintenance concerns. • Ground cover is designed using the City schedules. • A contract is submitted to have the native materials installed by company specializing in native landscape construction. • A 3 -year maintenance agreement with a landscape company specializing in native landscape maintenance should be submitted, and dollars escrowed for this purpose. • Use of low- impact lighting. • Other suggestions of the Environmental Board Motion made by Tere O'Connel /Second by Connie Grundhoffer/ All in favor. Pheasant Hills Preserve 12th Addition, Preliminary Plat/PDO, Comp Plan Amendment -MUSA Motion to recommend that the Council deny the application because it is not consistent with the State -wide standards for the management of shoreland areas, or the City of Lino Lakes Shoreland Management Plan. Made By Connie Grundhoffer /Second by Tere O'Connel /AII in favor. 0 Trade A Tree Program /Excel Energy/Twin Cities Tree Trust • Motion by Connie Grundhoffer to support the Trade A Tree program/ Second by Mike Trehaus/ All in favor • Page 2