HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-03-2014 Council Work Session MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
DATE
TIME STARTED
TIME ENDED
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
November 3, 2014
: November 3, 2014
: 6:00 p.m.
: 10:40 p.m.
: Council Member Stoesz,
Rafferty, Roeser and Mayor Reinert
: Council Member Kusterman
Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development
Director Michael Grochala; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Public Safety Deputy
Director of Police Services Kelly McCarthy; Public Safety Deputy Director of Fire
Services Dan L'Allier; City Planner Katie Larsen; Public Services Director Rick
DeGardner; Finance Director Al Rolek
1. Fire Station Preliminary Design — Present were Quinn Hutson of CNH Architects
and firm representative Brooke Jacobson. Ms. Jacobson reviewed a presentation
document (on file). She indicated that much of the design information is the same as
what was presented to the council on October 13 and there is some new information on
options as well. She reviewed the revised space needs program, a site development
update, a revised preliminary site plan, in -station training features and revised floor plan
options. They are also requesting council review of couple of exterior options. There
will also be review of the revised cost estimates.
Regarding training elements, Chief Swenson noted infolination requested by the council
on the cost of outsourcing fire personnel training (through a cooperative); the cost is $200
per member plus consumables and instructor fees, for an estimated total of $9,000 per
year base rate plus the extras and the cost of staff time. Ms. Jacobson noted benefits of
having on-site training (having staff on site for emergencies, cost savings, ability to train
at any time, possible revenue) and then reviewed the training elements possible in a new
station.
Ms. Jacobson reviewed the revised floor plan. It includes office space for the new chief
and space for administration related to paid on-call employees working out of the facility.
Ms. Jacobson reviewed two exterior options. There were suggestions to include some
additional architectural features to the training tower. Ms. Jacobson discussed how plans
would minimize the view of rooftop utilities.
Ms. Jacobson reviewed the new price estimate and noted that it includes site work around
the station, the minimal soil corrections identified, the actual building itself, some design
contingency and inflation. The difference in the two designs is approximately $10,000,
with one design having more glass view. The council discussed the need to plan for
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2014
APPROVED
46 adequate storage. The quality of the product will be an important element also; the
47 station must last a long time.
48
49 The council discussed paying for the station. The city will have funds available that were
50 being paid to the Centennial Fire District.
51
52 la. Presentation from Scott Bocklund, TetraKO- Council Member Roeser noted that
53 became familiar with this company through a business recognition program; this
54 company of excellence was a winner of the competition. Mayor Reinert noted that this
55 city council is forward -thinking and makes decisions based on education and what's right
56 for this city. The council is interested in knowing more about this company.
57
58 Mr. Bocklund noted his familiarity with fire departments and how they are set up. He's
59 looked at Lino Lakes and see its character and its interest in the environment. His
60 company has been recognized for its innovation. He gave a presentation showing the use
61 of his product (in the city of Blaine), the basics of stopping a fire, the benefits of using the
62 product, the science of the product, it's biodegradability and environmental safety, and
63 what is involved in using the product with fire equipment.
64
65 2. PUD Concept Plan for Watermark Residential Subdivision — City Planner Larsen
66 introduced Rick Packer, representing the developer. Ms. Larsen indicated that the
67 council is being asked to review this development as a formal concept plan. The council
68 and advisory boards have already reviewed the preliminary concept. She reviewed the
69 elements — number of units, aerial of location, concept of plans, transportation, parks,
70 storm water management, trails and other amenities. This plan (as compared to the
71 former Hardwood Creek plan) adds a ten acre parcel and may require a comp plan
72 amendment. She noted that density plans are included in the city's comp plan and the
73 densities planned for this area. The density calculation for this development is 2.35
74 (gross density) and 3.04 (net density). There is no commercial components, as was
75 included in the original Hardwood Creek proposal. She reviewed the proposed lot sizes
76 and some views of how the lots sizes work out with home footprints. There was
77 discussion about:
78 the ability to market townhomes;
79 - value elements to buyers (according to Mr. Packer, backing up to woods and
80 trails);
81 the varying lot sizes;
82 street, sidewalk and trail plans;
83 - commercial possibilities in the development and in the area.
84
85 Mayor Reinert expressed concern about the lack of change from the last review of the
86 project. The project looks "off weight" for Lino Lakes. Community Development
87 Director Grochala noted that the area is generally guided for medium density and that is
88 what the plans indicate.
89
90 The council discussed:
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CITY COUNCIL, WORK SESSION November 3, 2014
APPROVED
91 - Commercial development possibilities;
92 - Townhome location;
93 - Lot sizes, street widths and setbacks;
94 - The parkland should be developed early and there is funding in first phase to do
95 so; trails would be included;
96 - Density requirements are linked to Comp Plan but that can be amended;
97 - 20th Avenue traffic; a traffic analysis will be included;
98 - Noise walls.
99
100 Council members expressed interest in a tour of the type of properties being proposed.
101
102 Mr. Packer asked for further direction from the council: Council Member Stoesz is
103 cognizant that the market drives development and he wants project that is viable long -
104 teini. Council Member Roeser prefers bigger lots throughout but can understand that
105 isn't always possible; he agrees with the Mayor that the models are not correctly located
106 for the long teiiil. Council Member Rafferty said he has to actually see what proposed lot
107 sizes looks like when built (he will participate in a tour). There was concurrence that
108 commercial will not be included.
109
110 3. 2015 Budget Discussion — Finance Director Rolek noted information provided in the
111 council packet updating the proposed 2015 budget based on council discussions to date.
112 A new gap analysis is included with changes highlighted. He explained the impact that
113 the transfer from the Closed Bond Fund would have on the tax rate and tax levy.
114
115 Administrator Karlson indicated that staff has sought to fmd recommendations for
116 reducing the start-up costs for the new fire department. They are recommending
117 reductions in consultant fees and salary costs (incentives), a reduction of about $48,000.
118 He noted possible savings of $40,000 by delaying the hiring of the Assistant City
119 Administrator position. Those savings would close the unfunded gap.
120
121 Mr. Rolek moved to review of the Water and Sewer Funds. The rates for 2015 have
122 already been approved by the council and they will adequately cover budget needs. Mr.
123 Rolek provided a review of the funds noting capital needs in the future. Tim
124 Hillesheim, Utilities Supervisor, explained the capital needs, and funding and grant
125 possibilities. The council concurred with the budget plans for the funds.
126
127 The council concurred on the adjustments proposed by staff to the General Fund. Based
128 on tonight's discussion, Director Rolek will start preparing for the budget public hearing
129 in December without returning for additional direction.
130
131 4. Review Regular Agenda of November 10, 2014 —
132
133 Council Member Roeser noted a brochure from the Minnesota Department of Economic
134 Development regarding possible grant funding for the city.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 3, 2014
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135
136 The agenda was reviewed and there were no changes.
137
138 The meeting was adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
139
140 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
141 November 24, 2014.
142
143
144
145
146 u i. e Bartell, City Clerk
147
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