HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/23/2000 Council MinutesCITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
DATE
TIME STARTED
TIME ENDED
MEMBERS PRESENT
MEMBERS ABSENT
CITY OF LINO LAKES
MINUTES
: August 23, 2000
. 5:37 p.m.
. 9:20 p.m.
Council Member Carlson, Dahl, O'Donnell,
Reinert, and Mayor Bergeson
: None
Staff members present: City Administrator, Linda Waite Smith; Cit Engineer, John
Powell; City Planner, Jeff Smyser, Community Development D. • ; rian Wessel;
Economic Development Assistant, Mary Divine; Planning C�+; ator, ary Kay
Wyland (part); and Public Services Director, Rick DeGar
AENON PLACE POND LEVEL, JOHN POWEL
Staff distributed and reviewed a memo regar.. a Place pond level. Staff
advised in order to provide a pond water lev E con T s ent with the resident's expectations,
the City would have to place about 900,000 lops` water in the pond. This estimate
assumes no absorption into the grouns, the value of this water is about
$1,500. Assuming 274 gallons per so4•k , this amount would serve nine (9)
houses for one year. The RCW
n� d that the ground water levels throughout
the district are down. Staff r nded the City not add water to this pond.
Staff added if the City is goi
it because of ground
ground to see if it hold
will occur.
add water, summer or late summer is the best time to do
The City could put a small amount of water into the
ter. Staff advised it is probable that some water absorption
Mayor Bergeson stated that it is really unclear as to why the water level is down. If there
are no environmental concerns, placing a small amount of water in the pond as a test
would be appropriate.
Council Member O'Donnell inquired about the amount of weeds and cattails in the pond.
He asked if the pond will be usable for skating in the winter. Staff advised the
Environmental Specialist has indicated the plant life in the pond is not dying off. Staff
noted it is unclear whether or not a small amount of water will allow for a smooth skating
surface in the winter.
A resident from the audience stated the neighbors have discussed mowing the area if the
City fills the pond. It was noted that an estimate of $500 was received to fill the pond.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
Staff advised the City can add a small amount of water within the next two -(2) weeks.
The City has a certain amount of water it uses to flood rinks. The water would be taken
from that fund. Staff recommended adding 300,000 gallons of water as a test to see if the
pond will hold the water.
Council directed staff to proceed with putting approximately 300,000 gallons of water in
the pond as a test to see if the pond will hold water. The filling of the pond is a result of
correcting a problem from de -watering due to construction in the area.
6316 HODGSON ROAD WATER CONNECTION, JOHN POWELL
Staff distributed a map indicating the property in question. This issue involves
construction of a new home. The property owner is building a house on a lot where there
was an existing home and well. The property owner assumed he could use the existing
well. There is a trunk water main that runs through the lot. Howe., < the house is set
way back forcing utility service from Hodgson Road. Staff rec' en d allowing the
property owner to use the existing well. The well has been n working
condition.
Council Member Dahl inquired about the size of th- lot. St vised the lot is 650 x
100.
Council Member Reinert asked where the e .sting e is located on the lot.
The property owner advised the exis ' me was approximately 50 feet from the road.
Council directed staff to proce ng the property owner to hook up to the
existing well.
TOWN CENTER U '..DAT : • RY ALICE DIVINEBRIAN WESSEL
The Community Devel eine t Director advised that over the next six -(6) weeks several
issues will be discussed '"_arding the Town Center. Staff reviewed the background of
the Town Center project noting the similarities between the north and south quadrant.
One of the common issues between the two -(2) quadrants involves traffic.
The Economic Development Assistant clarified the use of TIF for redevelopment.
Council Member Carlson stated that she thought that one of three parcels owned by
Rehbein would fall under Highway Commercial and is being requested for a zoning
change. The plan also shows it as a possible gas station/food store. The idea of tax
abatement money has also been discussed.
The Community Development Director advised tax abatement is not part of the City's
incentive at this time. Staff noted all current plans for the Town Center are concept plans.
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
The City Planner advised a request has not been received for a zoning change to that
property. The property is located at one of the sites that need clarification. Staff
explained the Highway Commercial designation.
The Community Development Director advised there is the possibility of mitigation on
the northern quadrant. There is a purchase agreement for this property. The closing date
is later this fall. There is a question of access to the parcel. A closed meeting has been
scheduled on Monday before the regular Council meeting regarding this issue. There has
not yet been a definitive plan. A definitive plan is expected in the next six -(6) weeks.
The Economic Development Assistant reviewed the two -(2) concept plans for the Village
noting the differences. She stated the Village has always been intended to be more of a
neighborhood, pedestrian friendly area.
The Community Development Director reviewed the land owners
Village area. Staff advised the City has the opportunity to purs
Livable Communities. The Council needs to indicate their
and design standards. Staff referred to a map pointing o
relating to infrastructure. Staff noted the grant would
what is needed to complete the infrastructure.
Council Member Carlson asked if there will
unknown at this point, however, 40 acres of
will also apply to housing.
volved with the
nt from the
o the concept
would fund
ately one-half of
ing o 40 acres. Staff advised that is
as presented. The design standards
TRAIL CONCERN — 6601 LA Y KAY WYLAND
Mr. Patronick, 6601 LaCas
last year. He discovered
the following conce regar
orward and stated he moved into the development
ail $"1 be placed adjacent to his home. He expressed
e trail:
1. Lack of ``tifi ° ation
2. Undesirey neighbors
3. No strategic significance
4. Safety
5. Grading
Staff referred to a map showing the line between Clearwater Creek 2nd and 3rd. This
particular block is longer than the ordinance allows, which is why the trail was platted.
The Public Services Director stated the trail came about in July 1998. Staff indicated
they are interest in what Mr. Quigley has to say about the trail. Approval for the project
was based on developing a trail on that property due to the long block.
3
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
Council Member Carlson inquired what the City hopes to accomplish by developing the
trail. Staff advised the trail will be for pedestrian access. The trail is not a trail
connection to the major trail loop or a park.
Council Member O'Donnell clarified that the trail is a City trail and was required to meet
the ordinance. Staff added the whole plat is a PDO. The block is 200 feet longer than a
normal block. When the second addition was platted, the developer did not own the
property. When the third addition came through it was determined that the block was too
long. The City owns the land. The developer must grade the trails.
Council Member O'Donnell inquired about the main objections to the trail.
Mr. Patronick advised his main objection is privacy. He stated he would not have bought
the lot if he had known the trail would be placed there. The trail also has a steep incline
that raises safety issues. The trail does not tie into the main trail 1 • • � He added that the
house is approximately 15-20 feet from the trail.
The Public Services Director stated the City has the optio
development or vacate the trail. Staff recommended
standpoint, it has been very clear that the trail woul
not an important trail connection.
with the trail
trail. From a City
d there. Staff noted it is
Council directed staff to contact Mr. Quigle co ent. Council will consider the
request to vacate the trail.
This item will appear on the Cou - ion agenda Wednesday, September 6,
2000, 5:20 p.m.
TOWN CENTER DESI `A ARDS, JEFF SMYSER
Staff advised this items �.ivation of the discussion at the last Council meeting.
Council endorsement o e esign standards would show support for the concepts in the
Town Center.
Council Member Dahl asked if the Metropolitan Council has indicated to the City that an
endorsement is needed.
The Economic Development Assistant reviewed the process for the application of the
Livable Communities grant noting there are two (2) phases. Phase 2 will be much more
detailed and include a presentation. The Advisory Committee wants to know that the
concepts can be implemented. The Committee has not seen the design standards.
Council Member Dahl asked if the grant is contingent upon mixed use or the amount of
multiple housing within the Town Center.
4
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
The City Planner advised the grant does depend on more than single family housing. The
grant does not depend on the amount of housing. The boundaries of the land uses can be
changed. The plan calls for a minimum of 10 units per acre and a maximum of 30 units
per acre.
Council Member O'Donnell clarified that the Metropolitan Council is looking for an
endorsement of the vision. The way to do that is to endorse the design standards. The
City is not endorsing any particular development plan or details of the plan.
Council Member Reinert clarified that prior to endorsement of the standards, the design
standards can be changed.
Council Member Carlson inquired about the time frame regarding completion of the final
draft. The City Planner advised the Metropolitan Council has not given a cut off date.
The City is coming dangerously close to the cut off.
Council Member Carlson expressed concern regarding com
lot of work has been put into the design standards but it
if any action has been taken regarding the concerns sh
meeting.
final draft. A
g time. She asked
the last Council
The City Planner advised the City is not invo 'th ne tiations with Mr. and Mrs.
Tagg.
TOWN CENTER CONCERNS, D S. TAGG/LARRY MARTIN
Mr. Martin, Attorney for Mr.
concern tied to the process
is with the design standar
standards go too far i e lockin
better that the market
Ta came forward and stated there is a lot of
things go from here. He stated the biggest concern
he is in support of planning but the design
e property without knowing the marketability. It is
w to develop the property. There is no finance package
in place to make the prct "ork. He asked how long will the property be in limbo if
financing isn't available.. , he plan right now has too many missing pieces. He stated he
sees the Council making a commitment to how the land will look without knowing if it
will work.
Mr. Martin continued stating the City needs a solid business plan. The design standards
may have a negative impact on the value of the land. The City will be locked in if it
receives the grant. With no solid plan, the City does not know if this is the best tax
capacity for the City. Does the City need the $1.5 million or is there enough market
support to go in another direction?
Mayor Bergeson advised residents will have the opportunity to address the issues of the
design standards at the Planning and Zoning Board public hearing in September, 2000.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
Mr. Martin stated that once the City gets the grant, the design standards cannot be
changed.
Council Member Reinert inquired about specific problems with the standards.
Mr. Martin stated the commitment the City is making to the design standards is the
biggest problem. There may not be a market for the design standards. The City has no
evidence that the market will support construction costs based on the design standards.
Council Member O'Donnell stated a developer has come in and indicated he can support
the standards.
Mr. Martin stated the developer has not bought the property and indicated to the City how
much financial support is needed. No development will occur until a financial package
comes through.
Council Member Carlson clarified that the grant money wo r one-half of the
infrastructure costs for the project.
The Economic Development Assistant stated the C. y ng the design standards
together to get a grant. The City has been works: �� tandards since 1996. The
design standards would have been brought b �• e Cou ``cil anyway. It is possible that
the City would not have any zoning if the C market determine development.
The whole City is defined by zoning.
Mr. Tagg inquired about which h structure would be completed with the
grant money.
Staff advised the infrast ou1R.e phased if the project proceeds.
Mrs. Tagg stated she
standards are too restrictive.
Mr. Martin stated that if `k ere is no business plan, there is no evidence of immediate
development. The City is not ready to go because they do not have the land. He stated he
recognizes that there is zoning all over. He indicated he is very uncomfortable with the
Council locking into the standards for the grant money.
Mrs. Tagg stated they have been put in the position by the Planning Department that it is
up to them to get to the grant money. These issues should have been resolved before the
City applied for the grant.
Staff advised the City is not trying to get the grant. The funding is for developers.
Mayor Bergeson stated he finds it hard to believe that the City and the property owners
would not be better off with the grant money if there is a way to do it. He stated that his
6
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
view of the design standards includes a concept plan of the Town Center area. The Town
Center is important to the community and is a cut above regular development.
Mr. Martin stated it makes sense to have sound planning and standards. It does not make
sense to have standards before it is known if there is market support for the project. The
City needs to know how it will make up for the cost of the rest of the infrastructure.
Mayor Bergeson stated the timing of these issues is unfortunate. Mr. and Mrs. Tagg do
not have a specific proposal and the City is on a deadline for the grant.
Mrs. Tagg inquired about the revisions to the standards.
The City Administrator advised she will give Mr. and Mrs. Tagg copies of the revisions.
Staff noted the revisions are an ongoing process.
Council Member Reinert asked Mr. and Mrs. Tagg what the
the project.
Mr. Martin stated there are three (3) elements Mr.
1. Mixed use is acceptable.
2. Design standards need to be yore fl= 'ble and subject to revision.
3. A business plan is neede c « n_ �''ng and additional funding.
for relating to
are looking for:
Mrs. Tagg asked why the standar r Hall area are not acceptable for her
property.
The Community Develo_ irecr advised the City did not have the design
standards in place wh
all was constructed.
Mayor Bergeson stated 'e f •' lowing question needs to be addressed: How do the
proposed standards com
e to what has already been built?
Council Member Carlson stated she supports mixed use and commercial but she does not
think the City has the plan together. The City has a plan with the idea that it will be
changed. She expressed concern regarding the time frame allowed in changing the
standards. She stated she has concerns that this project is special enough and how much
it will cost the City. There is a definite economic gap. She also expressed concern
regarding losing the things the City had originally planned. She stated she does not
believe the City is making progress regarding the project. She stated she does not want to
lose the funding but does not see how the City can put the plan together in time.
The Community Development Director stated this is the first time he has heard a comfort
level with mixed use. There are all kinds of questions relating to economics. Revisions
7
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
are being made in response to various City Boards and landowners concerns. The City
Council has the prerogative to take more time to review and revise the standards.
Mr. Martin referred to a February 9, 2000, correspondence to the City that supports mixed
use. He stated he hopes the Council does not lock in before a proper review period.
Market evidence of support and a financial package is needed.
Mayor Bergeson encouraged Mr. and Mrs. Tagg to keep the lines of communication open
with the City.
Council Member Carlson asked what the City is locked into if the grant is accepted.
The Economic Development Assistant advised part of what the City is locked into will be
negotiated. The City will have to meet the criteria of the Livable Communities. The
design standards will say there will be a minimum of 10 units per with a maximum
of 30 units per acre.
Council Member Carlson stated the design standards sho
than the application that was made for the grant. Staf
calls for more housing. Revisions in the standards . ho
it meets the intent of the standards.
using numbers
f the concept plans
les are flexible provided
The City Planner advised a specific number < ill be'` moved from the design standards.
Mayor Bergeson asked if the City h
standards. Staff advised a clarifi
standards.
Council Member O'Don
30 units per acre if 11 nits p
go forward and the M
arding the specific numbers in the
ade regarding the numbers in the design
e Metropolitan Council can force the City to build
e is not feasible. Staff advised the project would not
Council enforced that.
Mr. Martin advised once .a agency gets a guiding document, that document will dictate
their decisions. They may not be flexible on the issue of density. The flexibility of the
Metropolitan Council has not been explored.
Mrs. Tagg asked when she can get a comparison of the City Hall standards as opposed to
the proposed design standards.
The Economic Development Director advised a comparison of standards will be
presented at the Council meeting and the public hearing at the September 2000, Planning
and Zoning Board meeting.
This item will be added to the regular Council agenda Monday, August 28, 2000, 6:30
p.m.
8
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
UPDATE ON 77TH STREET, JOHN POWELL
Staff advised when the right-of-way was vacated it was expected there would be more
traffic. A connection to Lake Drive is needed. The City may want to consider a cul-de-
sac on Carol Drive. Truck traffic may continue to use 77th Street depending on which
way they are going.
Mayor Bergeson advised the Police Department could also restrict the traffic. A cul-de-
sac was developed on Sunrise Avenue when the intersection was redone. At that time
there were a lot of complaints. Eventually residents were very happy with the cul-de-sac.
He suggested the same type of arrangement be used for 77th Street.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE, LINDA WAITE SMITH
Staff advised the minutes from previous meetings would be dis
will be scheduled when the Council reviews the Council cal
MINNEGASCO FRANCHISE, LINDA WAITE S
Staff advised two (2) weeks ago a confirmation f
the Minnegasco franchise. Staff distributed a •
explaining the new fee. Staff asked for Cou
information sheet and setting a public heari
oon. Meetings
ou ' it was requested regarding
ati heet to be sent to residents
ack and direction regarding the
Council Member O'Donnell sugge a nt indicating that the funds will be used
to reduce future assessments sh+ �� a•�<;� to the information sheet.
The City Engineer sugges ate t that the fee will help the City meet the City's
current needs for road recon ction costs.
Mayor Bergeson adde
is already being collecte
fund.
ssion should be had regarding the other franchise fee that
He suggested that fee be added to the road reconstruction
Staff advised the City will also be receiving a fee from NSP in the future.
This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, August 28, 2000, 6:30 p.m.
REGULAR AGENDA, AUGUST 28, 2000
Item 7C, CSAH 49 Update — Council directed staff to not move forward with a citizens
task force and hot line at this time. Another neighborhood meeting will be scheduled
after the City's joint meeting with Shoreview.
9
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 23, 2000
The City Administrator advised a closed Council meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.,
Monday, August 28, 2000, prior to the regular Council meeting.
The following was added to the Community Calendar:
Comprehensive Plan Work Session, Saturday, September 9, 2000, 8:00 a.m. — 10:00 a.m.
Comprehensive Plan Work Session, Saturday, September 16, 2000, 8:00 a.m. — 10:00
a.m.
Comprehensive Plan Work Session, Saturday, September 23, 2000, 8:00 a.m. — 10:00
a.m.
Staff advised advance notice is needed if staff member should be present at any of the
meetings.
Council directed staff to contact Mr. Brixius regarding his a . $ ►= he September 9,
2000, meeting. Staff will schedule a meeting on Septem 8, 00� " . Brixius
cannot be present on September 9, 2000.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
These minutes were considered, corrected
September 11, 2000.
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Transcribed by:
Kim Points
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
10
ed at the regular Council meeting held on
Joh
erg on, Mayor