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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/16/2015 Env Bd Packet City of Lino Lakes Environmental Board Meeting December 16, 2015 6:30 p.m. AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 4. Open Mike 5. Action Items There are no action items 6. Discussion Items A Environmental Board Goals 2016 B. Meeting Dates for 2016 C. Recycling Updates D. Other Updates 7. Adjourn DRAFT MINUTES CITY OF LINO LAKES ENIVORMENTAL BOARD MINUTES There was no pre meeting at the Fire Station #2 due to the weather. 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mr. Heiskary called the Lino Lakes Environmental Board meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. November 18, 2015. 2. APROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Sullivan made a MOTION to approve the agenda. Motion was supported by Mr. Schwartz. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 28, 2015 Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Schwartz made a MOTION to approve the October 28, 2015 Meeting Minutes. Motion was supported by Ms. Klebba. Motion carried 5 - 0. 5. OPEN MIKE Mr. Heiskary declared Open Mike at 6:32 p.m. There was no one present for Open Mike. Close Open Mike at 6:33 p.m. 6. ACTION ITEMS There were no action items DATE : November 18, 2015 TIME STARTED : 6:31 P.M. TIME ENDED : 8:02 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT : Steve Heiskary, Barbara Bor, Nancy Klebba, John Sullivan, Alex Schwartz, Liz Kaufenberg MEMBERS ABSENT : Paula Andrzejewski STAFF PRESENT : Marty Asleson, Aubrey Fonfara Enivornmental Board November 18, 2015 Page 2 DRAFT MINUTES 6. DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Stream Restoration in Hardwood Creek to Address Biotic Impairment and Peltier Lake TMDL Update, Matt Kocian, Rice Creek Watershed District Biologist Mr. Matt Kocian presented a power point presentation on the restoration efforts and the present condition of Hardwood Creek. This creek flows through Forest Lake, Hugo and Lino Lakes where it empties into Peltier Lake. Hardwood Creek is listed as impaired for dissolved oxygen and biological integrity where both of the above mentioned fell below state standards. Restoration projects were to restore meanders to channelized reach, stabilize the streambanks, mitigate impacts from livestock, and add riparian buffers. By working on the meandering pattern of the creek and making the streambanks more stable the stream power increased, the stream has widen and is clearer. And by working with the farmers and introducing ways to slow down the mitigate impacts from livestock and erosion control the creek has started to improve. Rice Creek Watershed has been supporting a volunteer biological monitoring program (SHEP- Stream Health Evaluation Program) since 2006. SHEP has been monitoring invertebrates on Hardwood Creek. So it appears that with the restoration of Hardwood Creek we are making good progress and meeting the TMDL pollution reduction goals and having positive changes in biota (invertebrates). Mr. Kocian mentioned that Peltier Lake Drawdown is still being discussed. The reason for the drawdown is to reduce the phosphorus to meet state standards. Approximately 62% of the total phosphorus load is internal. There were four different ways to help reduce the internal phosphorus but drawdown has more positive effects that are probable and comparatively affordable. Mr. Kocian stated what the options are and could start in fall after Labor Day and complete before freeze up. Maintain lower water level from freeze up through the end of June. Cost is the big draw for doing just a drawdown with no pumping. Drawdown is done in the winter because it freezes the plants and muck and increases the native plant life. It also packs down the sediments. Ms. Kaufenberg asked is a drawdown something that could be done every year. Enivornmental Board November 18, 2015 Page 3 DRAFT MINUTES Ms. Bor asked if drawdown was done frequently what would be the possible side effects to the lake. Would there be lost of fish that live in the lake and the wildlife that depends on the lake? Mr. Kocian said that a drawdown could be done every year but probably every four years. This all depends on the success of the first drawdown. Mr. Schwartz asked what percent of the lake would be exposed. Mr. Kocian stated that with this process 34% of the lake bottom would be exposed and this would be enough for ecological restoration. Mr. Heiskary said that the drawdown will be monitored and observed. Mr. Kocian said that there are many steps to go through before we can do forward with this project. Need approval from the DNR and then the Commissioner needs to conduct a hearing or else deem the project as beneficial and in the public interest. And then in the late spring or early summer there would be public meetings. B. Heron Rookery Update Mr. Wayne LeBlanc presented his findings on the heron rookery. On November 9, 2015 Marty Asleson and Wayne Leblanc counted the nests on the island. The Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets on Peltier Lake Island seem to be going well. The 2015 count of 224 is good news. The trees that are flashed still have viable nests Mr. Schwartz wanted to know what happened between 2000 -2012 where the count of nest went way down. Mr. Leblanc mentioned that increase in boat traffic, there was a water ski course place too close to the island. Ms. Bor also stated that raccoons were raiding the nests and construction and freeway noise. A lot came into play. Mr. LeBlanc stated that when the water ski course was removed and a no wake zone was established the herons come back. Mr. LeBlanc said that three things need to continue to happen in order to preserve the herons. 1. No-Wake Zone established by Anoka Parks, the cities of Lino Lakes and Centerville, and the DNR is doing the job of keeping disturbing high speed boat traffic away from the herons, improving the water in the north part of the lake and protecting sensitive aquatic plants. 2. Metal flashing on nesting trees reduces predation Enivornmental Board November 18, 2015 Page 4 DRAFT MINUTES 3. Signs posted around the island to keep people off the island so all nesting birds are free of human disturbance. Ms. Klebba suggested that maybe Kelly Jo from MN Bound would want to put up cameras. Ms. Bor responded that by using cameras it would validate what is happening to the nests. It takes 2 to 4 years for herons to maturate. Ms. Bor stated that Marty Asleson, Wayne LeBlanc and Andy VanDuke have dedicated many hours to the herons on the island. C. Recycling Updates 1. Recycling Saturday The October Recycling Saturday was very good and brought in 1800 tons of material. The Anoka County 2016 budget overall has had an increase. And Lino Lake’s parks funds are were decreased because that money was reallocated to recycling centers. 2. Art and Essay Contest The Quad Community Press published a short article promoting the contest. And Centennial School District and Lino Lakes Elementary teachers all have been notified of the event. Donating activity passes are Bunker Beach and Zero Gravity Trampoline Park. Ace Solid Waste and Republic Services are sponsoring scholarships for 9-12 grade winners. 3. Survey for Neighborhoods Organics Recycling Drop-off The response from the community has been coming in and it seems residents are positive and interested in the idea of organic recycling in their neighborhood. 7. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Bor made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Motion was supported by Ms. Klebba. Motion carried 5 - 0. Respectfully submitted, Mary Fogarty Office Tech 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6A STAFF ORIGINATOR: Marty Asleson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: December 16, 2015 TOPIC: Environmental Board Goals 2016 BACKGROUND Each year the Environmental Board develops a list of goals for the following year. These goals are taken to the City Council for consideration. Goals give the Environmental Board and staff direction on some of the larger issues that we will be dealing with next year and in some cases future years. I have the following suggestions for 2016 updates and changes: 1. Promoting Environmental Stewardship with the citizens of Lino Lakes, and conservation opportunities by communicating environmental initiatives in the city using various means of communication such as:……. • Add mailings, radio, TV, school “enviro- shows”, “America Recycles Day” promotion in schools, partnerships with our two watershed districts to the list 2. Participate in Earth Day (April 23rd, 2016)… 3. Participate in Blue Heron Days (August 19, 2016)… 4. Remove the Communication…bullet. Already doing this in item 1 5. Add Recycling as Item 5 “To promote recycling resources and assist with waste diversion” by: • Partner with Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions and enhance our existing program to include : • Work with neighborhood groups to educate on organics recycling and start pilot projects. • Work with participating local business on mandated recycling requirements, through “waste-wise” and Anoka County partnership. 2 • Partner with Anoka County Recycling and Resource Solutions to Work with participating local business on mandated recycling requirements, through “waste-wise” and Anoka County partnership. • Increase services available to residents at the monthly recycling day event including additional paper shredding, events, hard drive destruction and the Bridging program and or other charity organizations.. 6. Communicate “clean-water” issues through promotional goals and partnering with the Rice Creek Watershed and the Vadnais Lake Area Water management Organization (VLAWMO). 7. Monitor any activity in the AUAR as well as other proposed development areas, focusing on the values that Lino Lake’s citizens have expressed in the vision for our city and the unique ecological aspects of our wetlands, lakes and streams and subsurface waters. 8. Perform evaluation of past Environmental Board recommendations for development projects. Review a sampling of a variety of projects by on-site visits, discussion with city staff, and landowners, neighbors, on the outcomes of the Board’s recommendations. If necessary, submit a summary of significant findings resulting from the review in writing to the Community Development Director. 9. Promote conservation development within the city incorporating the Open Space/Trail Plan and Handbook for Environmental Planning and Conservation Development within the scope of the City, and the RCWS rules in project reviews Review rule changes when needed. 10. To meet or exceed our City recycling goal of 50 (1836 tons) percent or greater of our Municipal solid waste. Find innovative ways to promote and encourage recycling as a city. Continue to look into ways for school facilities to reduce waste and increase recycling, and continue to enhance recycling efforts through grants from Anoka County Integrated Waste. 11. Support the Community Garden site and establish a preparatory gardening group. Continue the partnership with Park Department to manage the Community Garden site. 12. Do an annual update/review in regards to the Lino Lakes EAB Implementation Plan. Offer residents opportunities for tree purchasing. 13. Continue to work on Wollan’s Park Wetland bank to achieve wetland bank credits by the end of the year 2019. 14. Continue to monitor the Heron rookery and water quality in the northern one third of Peltier Lake and to support the protection of resources in that area. Update 3 Council on these matters. Recruit new volunteers to help with rookery maintenance and monitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION Request comment on the above Goals from the Environmental Board to be sent on to the City Council for consideration ATTACHMENTS 1. Goals 2015 1 2015 Environmental Goals • Promote environmental stewardship with the citizens of Lino Lakes by communicating environmental initiatives in the city using various means of communication such as: • City Web Pages • Newsletter – Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter • Power Point Presentation • Earth Day • Arbor Day • Recycling Days • Partner with Anoka County Integrated Waste and School District with a focus on recycling • Participate in Earth Day (April 25th) with activities in the community, promoting environmental awareness and collaboration with other environmental focused organizations. Enhance communication and promotion for this event • Participate in Blue Heron Days (August), providing public service educational material if the opportunity presents itself • Communicate with our residents about conservation opportunities offered in our area. Coordinate new public education opportunities with Rice Creek Watershed outreach and education coordinator. Add a link on our city website to Anoka County and Rice Creek Watershed District. • Be involved in any review/updates of the AUAR and other environmental regulatory documents. Monitor any activity in the AUAR as well as other proposed development areas, focusing on the values that Lino Lake’s citizens have expressed in the vision for our city and the unique ecological aspects of our wetlands, lakes and streams and subsurface waters. • Perform evaluation of past Environmental Board recommendations for development projects. Review a sampling of a variety of projects by on-site visits, discussion with city staff, and landowners, neighbors, on the outcomes of the Board’s recommendations. If necessary, submit a summary of significant findings resulting from the review in writing to the Community Development Director. • Promote conservation development within the City incorporating the Open Space/Trail Plan and Handbook for Environmental Planning and Conservation Development within the scope of the new Resource Management Plan, and the RCWS rules. Review rule changes, SAMP documents and Surface Water Management Plan updates as they occur. • To meet or exceed our City recycling goal of 50 (1836 tons) percent or greater of our Municipal solid waste. Find innovative ways to promote and encourage recycling as a city. Continue to look into ways for school facilities to reduce waste and increase recycling, and continue to enhance recycling efforts through grants from 2 Anoka County Integrated Waste. • Support the Community Garden site and establish a preparatory gardening group. Continue the partnership with Park Department to manage the Community Garden site. • Do an annual update in regards to the Lino Lakes EAB Implementation Plan. • Continue to work on Wollan’s Park Wetland bank to achieve wetland bank credits by the end of the year 2019. • Continue to monitor the Heron rookery and water quality in the northern one third of Peltier Lake and to support the protection of resources in that area. Update Council on these matters. Recruit new volunteers to help with rookery maintenance and monitoring. • Investigate and possibly promote Xcel Energy alternative energy idea of solar gardens in Lino Lakes, and/or participation in solar gardens in other cities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LINO LAKES, MINNESOTA: That the 2015 goals of the Lino Lakes Environmental Board be adopted. Adopted by the Lino Lakes City Council this __ Day of _____________, 2015 Jeff Reinert, Mayor 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. ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Marty Asleson, Environmental Coordinator MEETING DATE: December 16, 2015 TOPIC: Environmental Board Meeting Dates for 2016 BACKGROUND Environmental Board meetings take place on the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., unless rescheduled due to conflict. The following dates are set for Environmental Board Meetings in 2016: January 27 February 24 March 30 April 27 May 25 June 29 July 27 August 31 September 28 October 26 November 30 December 21 (rescheduled due to Christmas & New Year’s) RECOMMENDATION None ATTACHMENTS None 1 ENVIRONMENTAL BOARD AGENDA ITEM 6C STAFF ORIGINATOR: Aubrey Fonfara, Recycling Intern MEETING DATE: December 16, 2015 TOPIC: Recycling Updates BACKGROUND Our next Recycling Saturday is December 19th from 10 am-2 pm at Lino Park. Old and broken holiday lights are being collected from City staff for recycling through the month of January. Lights will be recycled by All Appliance Disposal for free. Lino Lakes residents can drop-off Christmas Trees for recycling at Sunrise Park (6918 Sunrise Drive) and Country Lakes Park (6600 West Shadow Lake Drive) from December 28 to January 24. Trees will be mulched and reused in City parks. The America Recycles Day Art and Essay contest deadline is December 18th at 4:30 PM. Projects must be submitted to Lino Lakes City Hall and winners will be selected in January. ENVIRONMENTAL DIRECTION None Required. Information Only. ATTACHMENTS None.