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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/15/1998 Council Minutes• CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JUNE 15,1998 • • CITY OF LINO LAKES MINUTES Staff Members Present: Interim City Administrator, Dave Pecchia; Community Development Director, Brian Wessel; City Engineer, Dave Ahrens; Finance Director, Mary Vaske; Assistant to the City Administrator, Dan Tesch; Parks and Recreation Director, Rick DeGardner, Pete Kluegel, Building Official; Marty Asleson, Environmental Coordinator; Mary Kay Wyland, Planning Coordinator; Al Brixius, Planning Consultant; Jean Viger, Administrative Secretary COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE Mayor Sullivan apologized for the late start. She stated that Al Brixius and Brian Wessel were present to discuss the Comp Plan Update and answer any questions. She explained that the next step in the comp plan update is to look at any changes that have come out of the last work session and discuss thoughts people have about where we are and the comp plan in general. Al Brixius presented a map showing the current zoning districts with the overlay outlining the MUSA expansion areas, the Greenway Corridors and the projected staging dates. Mike Trehus stated that the city has used valuable resources for the comp plan, one of them being Brauer and Associates. He asked if Brauer had received a copy of the draft and if the city would send a letter asking them to respond to the draft. Mr. Brixius reported that the draft has not changed because he is still receiving comments. Kim stated that all comments regarding the policy plan should be in by Friday, June 19th so that Al can assemble the draft and be ready for the June 25th comp plan meeting. Mayor Sullivan addressed the board members that were present. She advised them that if they did not fully understand any portion of the proposed comp plan or had questions about it, to contact their task force representative immediately for clarification. She reminded them that they, as a Board, will be representing the city. Donna Carlson voiced her concern that the citizens did not have enough time to respond with their comments and that there wasn't enough coverage (details) of the comp plan in the Quad Press or anywhere else. Mayor Sullivan responded that she was satisfied with the coverage and believes that the citizens had every opportunity to become involved, attend meetings and respond with any comments or questions. Don Dunn expressed his feelings that Al and the Task Force did get people involved to the extent that citizens were allowed to go to the drawing board and request changes. He believes the opportunity was provided to those citizens who care. Brian Wessel presented a copy of the memo that Al put together for the task force members on May 14th prior the May 21st meeting. This memo includes the draft of the policy plan. Brian invited everyone who did not get a copy to take one for review. Diana Turner expressed concern about highland as well as lowland being included in the preservation for open space and agricultural land. She added that there is a need for agricultural because organic farming is the future in farming. Mayor Sullivan, at this time, asked for comments from the council about any issues they may have. In discussing economic development goals, John Bergeson related that the city is moving as fast as it can, given the tools authorized by the City Council. To move any faster would require the City to reevaluate its incentive program for TIF etc. He also spoke of the preservation concept. He stated that we need to start with what already exists after we set aside the Anoka County Park and all of the wetlands. We must make wise decisions in light of what is left. John also commented that the Environmental Focus Committee seems to have a concept of what is environmentally important and now we must make decisions of what is most important. He stated that environmental protection is not the sole responsibility of the city. John commented that there was a lot of input in the comp plan and the majority has come up with an acceptable plan which he is willing to support. Mayor Sullivan touched briefly on the issue of consensus. She stated that sometimes if you can't agree with the majority and you are not part of the solution, you must step back and look at the overall picture and let majority rule. She also shared some of her thoughts about the Anoka County Regional Park. She said that people talk about the Park and the fact that half of our city is made up of parks. We have to understand what that means as taxable purposes. If we were 33 square miles of upland we would have a different tax basis that we could use than we have now- 50% of what we could have, we don't. She goes on record as saying that she does not consider the Anoka County Park open space because of the way we have developed around the lakes. We have a bunch of lake property homeowners who can enjoy that. We have no other access so it is not an amenity to the rest of us. • • • 0 • Mayor Sullivan feels there are questionable areas in the transportation plan. She also wants everyone to be clear that this is the policy plan and that all details are not completed so if there are any questions or concerns please contact Al. Council Member Caroline Dahl expressed that she also has concerns with the transportation plan, that industrial/commercial is her number one priority with residential being second. She is worried that a 15% tax base is not enough. She thinks that it is important to preserve green space and encourages agricultural and rural spaces. She feels it is mandatory to put in place an ordinance to protect this, right along with the comp plan. She reminded everyone that growth has always been an issue for her -that she is for slow growth. Mayor Sullivan responded that there may be consequences with slow growth and that we need to find a balance. Council Member Lyden stated that he will be submitting his comments and concerns in writing by the June 25th Comp Plan meeting. Council Member Bergeson had questions about cluster housing. He asked Al if he had talked to other cities to get there input on the concept of cluster housing. Al will discuss this at the June 25th meeting. REGULAR WORK SESSION MUSA POLICY Brian distributed a handout updating the MUSA reserve criteria. He stated that if there were any questions regarding the policy he was here to answer them. Mayor Sullivan had questions and concerns about MUSA and Linda Avenue. She stated that when something regarding MUSA comes up council needs policy to fall back on and we need to follow that policy. She told Brian that council would review the policy and come back with any questions. Council Member Lyden asked whether the policy states a 4/5's vote is not needed for MUSA bank. Alan Brixius replied that a 4/5's vote is not needed for the Interim MUSA Reserve (MUSA Bank). Mayor Sullivan asked Brian to review policy and Linda Avenue issue and report back to council. VARIANCE REQUEST, PAUL MUNOZ Mary Kay reported that Mr. Munoz lives at the corner of Ash Street and Baldwin Lake Road. As a result of widening Ash Street Mr. Munoz has lost approximately seventeen feet of property and has requested a variance to install a 6" high fence in his front yard. Our ordinance allows for a 4" high fence. Mayor Sullivan asked if the requirements of the ordinance have been met and would the two feet make a substantial difference. Mary Kay replied that this is a unique situation and that Mr. Munoz has literally no front yard. The Mayor questioned whether this was unique or has this happened all along Ash Street. Council Member Bergeson responded that there may be a few homes in this situation but certainly not every house. Many homes are set back on there lots. VARIANCE REQUEST, JAMES BRANDL Mary Kay reported that Mr. Brandl is requesting a variance to allow the construction of a detached garage 19' from the property line. The ordinance requires a set back of 30". Mr. Brandl removed his barn and then discovered he needed a variance to rebuild. Mayor Sullivan asked if the barn could be located anywhere on the property and be within the guidelines. Mary Kay stated that it could be moved closer to the house but that he did not want it any closer. Mayor Sullivan stated she is not convinced that this is a unique situation beyond the control of the homeowner and that he may come to the council and plead his case. HOLLY ESTATES, PRELIMINARY PLAT & PUBLIC HEARING FOR PDO Al Brixius reported that K.C. Development has applied for plat approval for Holly Estates. Al explained that four of the 11 lots are not in compliance with the required R - 1X standards. Mr. Lund asked for approval of the plat with 11 lots. Mayor Sullivan asked him to take a good look at the plat and be prepared to come to council with all lots in compliance with the set standards. CONCEPT PLAN, FUTURE PDO FOR SHOPPING CENTER NE CORNER OF I -35W & LAKE DRIVE Brian handed out the information memo prepared by NAC in which JADT requested PDO concept plan for the proposed retail commercial development at the corner of1-35W and Lake Drive. He explained that this will be our first shopping center and it is both important and exciting. He also informed council that the developer would be at Monday's council meeting to give a presentation. 1999 GENERAL FUND BUDGET • • • Mary Vaske reported that the city is starting the 1999 budget and would like the council budget requests up front. Per city charter, she quoted, "a schedule is to be adopted by city council". She stated that the schedule is attached and reminded council that blue sheets are due on July 6th. She also told council that the city has tentatively set the all day budget meeting for August 6th at a place yet to be determined. She asked council to look over the budget carefully and reminded them that State Statute requires proposed budget set by September 15. CONTROLLED SEPTEMBER GOOSE HUNT AT CHOMONIX Dave Pecchia reported the county has approved the goose hunt for this September athe the Chomonix Golf Course. CONSIDER HAY STUDY Mayor Sullivan stated that in her opinion the process did not work, the timing was bad and does not reflect an appropriate job rating. For that reason she is not willing to do anything other than accept the study and proposed that council accept the Hay Study at Monday's meeting. _ REGULAR AGENDA EDA Brian Wessel reported that Jerry Shannon will be at the Monday night council to give the presentation - consideration of Resolution No. 98-02 awarding sale of Lease Revenue Bonds (Civic Complex). ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Dan Tesch reported that the city updated the Expense Reimbursement Policy and adoption will be considered at Monday's meeting. PARKS AND RECREATION DEPT REPORT Rick DeGardner reported that he would be presenting the bids for the Playground Equipment Structures at Monday's meeting. He also informed council that Tim Anderson resigned only weeks after his hire to take a position at Ramsey County Parks & Recreation and recommended council approve Steve Gilbertson as the new Parks and Recreation Maintenance worker. NEW BUSINESS • Dave Pecchia reminded council to be aware of the date on minutes they will receive in their packets. Marilyn is "catching up" on minutes from the past few years. He also reported Andy Neal received a $300 donation from the VFW for bicycles that were destroyed in the May storm. Council Member Bergeson would like to discuss the Lake Reshanau trail issue at a future work session. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Transcribed by Jean Viger Administrative Secretary These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at a regular meeting of the City oy.Margyn G. derson, City Clerk Mayor Council on July 27, 1998 • • •