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HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Packet 04.20.22Page 1 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda April 20, 2022 Agenda Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of April 20, 2022 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 1. Approve Minutes from February 16, 2022 Meeting 7:03 pm 2. Shores of Oneka Lake 7:40 pm 3. North Star Wetland Bank 8:20 pm 4. Freedom Drive Trail Reconstruction 8:40 pm 5. Updates • Public Works • Lions Park • Hardwood Creek Regional Trail • 2022 Bus Tour 9:00 pm 6. Adjournment Page 2 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda April 20, 2022 Background Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of April 20, 2022 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Approve Minutes from February 16, 2022 Meeting Staff recommends approval of the minutes of the Parks Commission meeting of February 16, 2022. The regularly scheduled meeting of March 16, 2022 was cancelled. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MINUTES. Shores of Oneka Lake M/I Homes has submitted an application requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a residential development to be known as “The Shores of Oneka Lake”. The development consists of 318 units of mixed housing types, construction of public streets and a roundabout, and a stormwater re-use system. The developer is proposing to maintain over 30 acres of open space adjacent to Oneka Lake and construct a trail on the 3.89 acres of upland parallel to the shoreline. The developer is proposing to dedicate a combination of land and fee to satisfy park dedication. Staff recommends acceptance of 3.89 acres of park land to satisfy park dedication requirements and the remainder to be paid in fees. PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED MEMO. North Star Wetland Bank At the meeting of December 15, 2021, the Commission reviewed preliminary concepts for a system of trails on the site of the new North Star Elementary. The city has been partnering with White Bear Lake Area Schools to plan and construct trails that would link existing trails and parks through district property. The wetlands on the property may qualify for wetland bank credits through restoration of the partially drained wetlands and creation of upland buffers. The Commission including funding for studying this option in the CIP for 2022. A letter has been received from Tony Havranek at WSB that outlines the project, its costs and benefits, and next steps. Staff recommends approval of the proposed next steps in studying the North Star Wetland Bank totaling $21,964. A LETTER FROM HAVRANEK IS ATTACHED. Freedom Drive Trail Reconstruction Council and Staff has heard complaints about the condition of the city trail located near Freedom Drive North during the neighborhood meetings for the 2022 Oneka Parkway street improvement project. Staff evaluated the condition and is recommending that the trail be reconstructed as a part of the street project. Cost estimates have been put together. The project was not identified in the Parks Capital Improvement Plan, but there are opportunities to fund the project. Staff recommends that a recommendation be made to Council to approve $112,000 to reconstruct the Freedom Drive trail with Special Parks Funds as part of the 2022 Oneka Parkway street improvement project. A LOCATION MAP IS ATTACHED. Page 3 of 3 Parks Commission Agenda April 20, 2022 Updates Staff will provide updates on construction of Public Works and Lions Park. Staff will also provide an update on the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. At their meeting of March 21, 2022, Council approved a letter of support to Washington County for their application for Regional Solicitation funds to construct the extension of the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail. Lastly, Council is extending an invitation to the Parks Commission to join the 2022 City Bus Tour. THE LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR THE HCRT FUNDING AND BUS TOUR FLYER ARE ATTACHED. THE PARKS PLAN CAN BE FOUND AT: https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us/2040compplan Page 1 of 2 Parks Commission Minutes February 16, 2022 Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission Meeting of February 16, 2021 Hugo City Hall, 7:00 pm Present: Roger Clarke, Mat Rauschendorfer, Nicole Schmid, Meredith St. Pierre, Ranell Tennyson. Absent: Cathy Moore-Arcand, Emily McGinnity Staff Present: Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner Debi Close, Parks Secretary Staff Absent: Scott Anderson, Public Works Director Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 1. Approval of Minutes from the January 19, 2022 Meeting Tennyson made a motion, St. Pierre seconded to approve the minutes of the January 19, 2022 Parks Commission meeting. All aye. Motion approved. 2. Val Jean Park Grading Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner reviewed the Val Jean Park grading project that was included in the Parks CIP and goals in 2022. The project includes grading the park to better incorporate a temporary portable ice rink. Commissioner Schmid expressed concern over maintaining drainage at the park. Staff requested direction on getting quotes or hosting a neighborhood meeting first. Commission members directed staff to get estimates on the cost and type of work needed for the project. 3. Bernin Property History Denaway presented the history of the Bernin property located at 6540 Greene Avenue North. The 24.24-acre property includes 1,600’ of shoreline on Oneka Lake. It is also adjacent to the Oneka Lake Park which has a playground and park shelter. The property was acquired in 2002 for $752,000 and Page 2 of 2 Parks Commission Minutes February 16, 2022 leased back to the Bernins to operate a tree farm and for their residence. The lease will end in June 2022. The property was purchased with a DNR grant of $305,000 with restrictions on the property to protect the natural and scenic resources, keep safe for public use, manage vegetation as feasible and to keep the property open to the public. Restrictions include no active park purposes such as soccer fields, baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, skateboards, ice rinks or other similar active park purposes. In 2005 a master concept plan was put together after neighborhood meetings that included a picnic shelter, parking, fishing dock and a variety of trails. Commissioners discussed walking the property in the spring and requested guidance from the conservation district. 7. Adjournment Tennyson made a motion, Rauschendorfer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 pm. All aye. Motion approved. - 1 - Shores of Oneka Lake April 20, 2022 Agenda Number: 2 CITY OF HUGO PARKS COMMISSION REPORT TO: City of Hugo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission FROM: Shayla Denaway, Parks Planner SUBJECT: M/I Homes. Request for a PUD and Preliminary Plat for “Shores of Oneka Lake” DATE: April 15, 2022 for the Parks Commission meeting of April 20, 2022 1. DESCRIPTION: M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC has submitted an application requesting approval of a Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a residential development. The property totals 131.66 acres between State Highway 61 and Onkea Lake. The application includes 318 residential lots including 109 single family, 40 twinhome, 69 villa lots, and 100 apartment units. The developer continues to work on incorporating the 100 apartment units into the plans on outlot C. The plan includes a clustered mix of housing types, a 50 foot wide Xcel Energy powerline easement, and stormwater re-use (irrigation from ponds). The developer is proposing public streets with sidewalks or trails on one side, including a collector street, as well as a roundabout on Highway 61. The property includes 25.89 acres of wetlands and will include just under one acre of wetland fill for which they will be purchasing wetland credits. The plan does not include riparian residential lots and is proposing to have public open space adjacent to Oneka Lake. An alternative could be residential lots extending to the lake and no public access. However, the developer is proposing to dedicate a public park/open space that includes the shoreline of Oneka Lake, adjacent wetlands, and upland berm. The property is currently zoned Single Family Residential (R-3) and Future Urban Service (FUS) and will be rezoned Planned Unit Development (PUD). The properties to the south are zoned R-3 and include the Oneka Ponds development. The properties to the west are zoned General Business (C-2) and include businesses accessible off of Highway 61, such as National Recycling Inc. The property to the north is zoned R-3 and could be developed with residential in the future. - 2 - Shores of Oneka Lake April 20, 2022 The applicant is requesting flexibility from the standard zoning code with the PUD for lot size, side yard setbacks and shoreland standards. The density can be increased to four units per acre under a PUD. With 131.66 total acres less 25.89 acres of wetlands and 7.12 acres of floodplain, the property has a total buildable acreage of 98.65 acres. With 318 units, the net density is 3.22 lots per acre. 2. BACKGROUND: The Parks Commission reviewed a concept plan in this location from a different developer for a residential development known as Creekside Heights at their meeting of October 18, 2017. The proposal included 258 residential units. The Commission provided input that they were supportive of construction of a trail and park dedication of upland adjacent to Oneka Lake. The Commission also provided input on and valued the trail connections and preservation of trees. 3. PARK DEDICATION: The developer is required to dedicate land, pay a fee, or a combination of land and fee to satisfy park dedication per Sec. 90-324 of the City Code. The applicant is required to dedicate 10% of the developable acres for park land with a density of 0-3.99 units per acre units per acre. The developer has indicated that there are 98.65 acres of buildable land in the development. Therefore, the developer is required to dedicate 9.8 acres of park land. The current park dedication fee is $3,400 per unit. If a fee is preferable, with 318 units, the park dedication fee would be $1,081,200. Park Dedication Calculations Required *Land OR Fee Proposed Land 10% of the developable acres 9.8 acres 3.89 acres and Fee $3,400 per unit $1,081,200 $648,720 The developer is proposing to dedicate a combination of land and fee to satisfy the park dedication requirements. The proposed land dedication of 3.89 acres satisfies 40% of the requirement. The remaining should be satisfied with payment of 60% of the fee ($2,040 per unit) which would total $648,720 with 318 units. The developer is also asking for credit for the cost of park amenities and construction of the trail. The developer has indicated that the trail and boardwalk adjacent to the lake is estimated to cost $148,500. It is not within the Park Dedication Policy to give credit for costs incurred by the developer for construction of trails or parks. - 3 - Shores of Oneka Lake April 20, 2022 4. CONSISTENCY WITH PARK PLAN Parks and Open Space This development is in Neighborhood Park Service Area 10 which is served by Oneka Lake Park, the future park currently occupied by the Bernin family and the public boat launch on Oneka Lake. Oneka Lake Park and the Bernin property are immediately south of the neighborhood. The proposed park dedication would expand the city park properties and provide opportunities for a more expansive open space and trail network. The Parks Commission anticipates additional planning of the park properties. The parks and proposed development are not within a Greenway Corridor. With future residential development to the north, it is likely that an additional neighborhood park would be constructed to continue to meet the needs in the service area. Trails and Sidewalks Sidewalks are required to be built in developments with lots less than 80’ wide (Sec. 90- 336). The developer is showing a combination of trails and sidewalks that would meet this requirement. The Existing and Proposed Trails Map shows a proposed trail north of Goodview Avenue North, a trail around Oneka Lake, and a trail connection east to west to Highway 61. The applicant is showing a trail and sidewalk combination along Street A which would connect to the existing sidewalk on Goodview Avenue North. This links the neighborhood to the south and Oneka Lake Park. The applicant is also showing a trail adjacent to Oneka Lake connected with boardwalks. A trail is shown to on the south end of the Highway 61 roundabout, connecting with the Hardwood Creek Regional Trail and the existing trail along 159th Street. A trail, instead of the proposed sidewalk, could be considered on Street G to provide an additional trail to the north. A trail or sidewalk should be constructed on Street H to provide a connection to the proposed Oneka Lake trail. The developer is working through the processes to get approval to construct the proposed trail on the berm along Oneka Lake. As part of the approval conditions, the Commission could require that an additional on or off street trail be built if construction of a trail on the berm not be possible. 5. DISCUSSION TOPICS Trail System:  Connections to existing trails and sidewalks  Alternate trail routes if construction on shoreline berm is not allowed  Trail connection on Street H (partial cul-de-sac) - 4 - Shores of Oneka Lake April 20, 2022 Parks System:  Neighborhood park needs  Incorporation of proposed park land dedication in future park planning and construction Park Dedication:  Acceptability of the park dedication proposal  Credit for trail construction as proposed 6. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Parks Commission approve dedication of 3.89 acres of park land and payment of 60% of the fee (currently totaling $648,720). ATTACHMENTS: 1. Cover Page revised February 25, 2022* 2. Applicant’s Narrative dated March 14, 2022* 3. Applicant’s Park Dedication Proposal received April 15, 2022 4. Shoreline Upland Area Exhibit* 5. Proposal Sketch by Staff 6. Park Dedication Policy 7. Existing and Proposed Trail Map 8. Neighborhood Park Service Area Map *The applicant continues to update their application to include the 100 apartment units. These documents do not include those recent changes. off:\jobs\8861 - 8880\8869 - dell webb - hugo\cad c3d\engineering\preliminary\8869_cover.dwgSave Date:03/04/22Revisions:1. 2/25/22 Revise Layout per City Comments.Print Name:Signature:Date:License #:Drawn:Designed:Date:I hereby certify that this plan, specificationor report was prepared by me or under mydirect supervision and that I am a dulyLicensed Professional Engineer underthe laws of the State of Minnesota10/21/2110/21/21Brian J. Krystofiak, P.E.25063BJK#8869THE SHORES OF ONEKA LAKEHugo, MinnesotaM/I HOMES OF MINNEAPOLIS, LLC5354 Parkdale Drive, #100St. Louis Park, Minnesota 5541621The Shores of Oneka LakeHugo, MinnesotaKnow what'sbelow.before you dig.CallR VICINITY MAP SITEO N E K A P O N D S COVER1BENCHMARKSKROO N E K A L A K E SHORES OF ONEKA LAKE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT AND PRELIMINARY PLAT Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 1 March 14, 2022 Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat Application Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat INTRODUCTION M/I Homes has entered into a purchase agreement to purchase property located between State Trunk Highway No. 61 and Oneka Lake. The 131.66-acre site is proposed to include a total of 218 lots including 109 single family lots, 40 twinhome lots, and 69 villa lots. The housing types are clustered giving the sense of smaller communities within the overall larger neighborhood. Villa Homes are single family homes with association maintenance of yard areas and snow removal. These homes meet the increasing demand for one-level living with association maintenance. Twinhomes will also be association maintained. The association maintenance of lawn areas and snow removal provides the homeowner with the freedom to travel, own a winter or summer home, or more time for recreation. The mix of housing types and varied lot sizes provides for diversity and interest in the community. Homebuyers will have the ability to select from a wide range of floor plans, exterior materials, architectural features, and landscape designs. Careful attention is paid to ensuring the use of varied elevations and materials to avoid any monotony of architecture from the street. Exterior materials include vinyl siding and may also include stone or brick accents. Attached are elevations for the wide range of floor plans. The site is currently zoned R-3 – Single Family Residential and FUS – Future Urban Service. In order to provide a mix of housing types, M/I is requesting approval of a Planned Unit Development in order to allow for varied lot sizes to create diversity and interest in the community. ABOUT M/I HOMES M/I Homes has been in business for over 40 years and has built over 130,000 homes in 15 markets within the United States. They entered the Twin Cities Market in 2015 by purchasing Hans Hagen Homes. Hans Hagen Homes was founded over 50 years ago and was one of the largest and oldest home builders in the Minneapolis market. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 2 MATERIALS SUBMITTED 1. City Application 2. Deed 3. Preliminary Construction Plans a. Cover b. Existing Conditions c. Preliminary Plat Index d. Preliminary Plat e. Preliminary Site & Utility Plan Index f. Preliminary Site & Utility Plan g. Preliminary Grading Index h. Preliminary Grading & Erosion Control Plan i. Details j. Lighting Plan k. Phasing Plan l. Landscape Plans 4. Traffic Study (Draft) 5. Building Acre Calculations 6. Product Type Key 7. Shoreland Exhibit 8. Floodplain Exhibit 9. Stormwater Management Plan CONTACT INFORMATION Applicant: M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC 5354 Parkdale Drive, Unit 100 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 763-586-7217 Engineer: Carlson McCain 3890 Pheasant Ridge Drive Northeast Suite 100 Blaine, MN 55449 SITE DATA PID# 17-031-21-14-0002, 16-031-21-22-0001, and 17-031-21-14-0001 Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 3 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS The proposed PUD standards are as follows: Standards Required Proposed Single Family Lots Proposed Villa Lots Proposed Twinhome Lots Minimum Lot Size 10,400 square feet (SF)/15,000 square feet (Twinhome) Smallest Lot Proposed: 5,040 square feet Largest Lot Proposed: 19,201 square feet Average Lot Proposed: 11,503 square feet Minimum Lot Width 80 feet (SF)/100 feet (Twinhome) 65 feet 52 feet 86.7 feet Front Yard Setback 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet Side Yard (Street) Setback 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet 25 feet Side Yard (Interior) Setback 10 feet 7.5 feet 6 feet 15 feet (between buildings) Rear Yard Setback 20 feet 30 feet 30 feet 30 feet Maximum Building Coverage 30% maximum 45% 45% 45% (both lots combined) Maximum Lot Coverage 50% maximum 60% 60% 60% (both lots combined) It should be noted that M/I requires a reciprocal easement provided between two properties with side yard setbacks of less than 7.5 feet in order to allow access for both property owners should they have improvements that would require access to the adjacent property. The villa lots would have these reciprocal easements. Please see below examples of other communities that M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul, LLC have been approved for four- to six-foot side yard setbacks. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 4 North Creek (Farmington) Woodland Cove (Minnetrista) Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 5 Carmichael Ridge (Hudson) Inwood Estates (Lake Elmo) Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 6 PRELIMINARY PLAT STREETS AND UTILITIES From Forest Boulevard North, the site will be accessed through a street that will align with 159th Street North. From the existing development to the south, Goodview Trail North and Goodview Avenue North will continue north. The site will utilize stormwater and irrigation reuse; no water will infiltrate into the lake. We have worked with City staff to revise our stormwater management plan to a layout conceptually acceptable to staff and will work on additional revisions that may be required. We understand that there is an irrigation ban for drinking water and therefore have incorporated as much reuse as possible. A 12-inch watermain will be extended under Highway 61 to the west. All streets will be public streets. WETLANDS The site has 25.89 acres of wetlands and will include just under one acre of wetland fill for which we will be purchasing wetland credits. We have had a pre-application meeting with the Technical Evaluation Panel, and they were generally satisfied with the proposed wetland replacement areas. FLOODPLAIN There is a floodplain resulting from a ditch extending approximately north-south along the west side of the development. This floodplain extends into some lots within the development, and we will be working with the City to request a CLOMR/LOMR to remove these areas from the floodplain. PARCELS TO BE INCLUDED There is a 50-foot-wide strip of land previously owned by Xcel Energy that has been deeded over and included in the plat with a powerline easement to provide sufficient width for the powerlines on the property. Additionally, there is a 16-foot-wide strip of land to the southeast that will be included in the plat if title can be established. We ask that the inclusion of this parcel with this plat not be a condition of approval, as we do not have ownership of the property and therefore have no control over it. We will assist in whatever way we can to clean up the title work but ask that the City take the lead in working through this process as we have no interest in the property. PARKLAND The development proposes a trail running north-south on the east side of the development adjacent to the lake. The proposed design creates a buffer between the lake and houses, allowing the usable open space of approximately 3.89 acres of upland adjacent to the property to be enjoyed by the public rather than solely residents on the shoreline. Because this outlot will be owned by the City, the trail and upland portion of this area provide ample opportunity for recreation for residents. There will also be amenities such as city-owned docks and benches provided. The trail will end at the city-owned property which is adjacent to Oneka Lake Park that is planned to soon become part of the park. The trail will also connect to the development with boardwalks. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 7 LANDSCAPING/TREE PRESERVATION The landscape plan provides a total of 524 trees with 461 deciduous trees, 52 coniferous trees, and 11 ornamental trees. 432 trees are required for the site. Those yards that are wide enough have two trees in the front yard, and those yards that are not wide enough have a tree in the front yard and one in the back. White pines are proposed in lieu of deciduous trees where it’d be beneficial for screening and blocking headlights, mainly on some of the end and corner lots. The yards nearest to the properties to the west will be buffered by both the ditch and existing vegetation. There are also trees provided near the entrance near Street AA adjacent to the pond on the northwest corner of the site. The tree preservation plan shows two separate woodland areas as well as a plantation area. Of these areas, 20% of the area within Woodland Area 1 will be preserved; 0% of the area in Woodland Area 2 will be preserved; and 12% of the area within the Plantation Area will be preserved. ROUNDABOUT The project will include construction of a roundabout on Trunk Highway 61, the design of which has not yet been formally approved by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). MnDOT has been generally supportive of the proposed design, and the level one layout will be reviewed at the March 16, 2022 Metro District Layout Approval Committee Meeting. COLLECTOR STREET Goodview Avenue is designated as a collector street on the City of Hugo’s Comprehensive Plan. We have worked with City staff to come up with a design of this street so that a minimal number of lots have entrances on this street. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET In 2006, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was completed for the subject property. The proposed development at that time included 975 single family and multi-family residential units on 369 acres. The newly proposed development, with 218 units on 131.66 acres, is much less impactful. The EAW determined the following using the criteria for determining the potential for significant environmental impacts: • Wildlife Habitat: The previous design provided a buffer from the lake which was implemented to address the impacts on wildlife. The newly proposed design also provides a buffer. In addition, we will prepare and implement a Blanding’s Turtle Avoidance Plan; have had a tree survey prepared; and have minimized impacts to woodlands and wetlands through design and layout. • Water Consumption, Wastewater Generation, Stormwater: The reduced number of units will have less impact on these. • Wetlands and Floodplain Impacts: The previously proposed project impacted 3.76 acres of wetlands. The newly proposed project impacts approximately one acre of wetlands. The proposed project will also impact less area of floodplain. • Traffic: With less units, less traffic will be generated. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 8 • Cumulative Potential Effects of Related or Anticipated Future Projects: Outlots A and C will be owned by others and are likely to develop in the near future. There is no certainty of if or when the other parcels to the north will develop, though the proposed project will certainly facilitate this development. • Extent to Which Environmental Affects are Subject to Mitigation by Ongoing Public Regulatory Authority: We will be obtaining the necessary permits to help mitigate impacts. • Extent to Which Environmental Effects Can be Anticipated and Controlled as a Result of Other Environmental Studies Undertaken by Public Agencies or the Project Proposer, Including other EIS’s: The environmental effects of the project will still be anticipated and controlled as a result of the environmental review, planning and permitting processes. DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE Construction of the initial phase of the development will start in Summer/Fall of 2022. We anticipate a total of three development phases. A phasing plan has been provided with the submittal. PRICING INFORMATION AND SIZE The single family lots will range in size from 1,752 square feet to 3,577 square feet, and sales prices will start at $480,000. The villas will range in size from 1,734 square feet to 1,935 square feet, and sales prices will start from $420,000. The twinhome will be approximately 2,000 square feet and their sales starting price is $390,000. RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS Shores at Oneka Lake will have an HOA that will provide for the maintenance of the overall common elements in the community, including landscaping and irrigation of the common areas, snow removal from sidewalks and private streets, and exterior maintenance. The villa and twinhome homeowners will pay additional fees under the HOA that provide for a higher level of maintenance, including lawncare in the summer and snow removal in the winter. The HOA will also provide for restrictions on outdoor storage, parking (no boats, campers, or trailers) in order to keep the community looking orderly and well maintained. OUTLOTS Outlots B, D, E, G, H, K, and I will be dedicated to and maintained by the City, outlots J and F will be dedicated to and maintained by the HOA, and outlots A and C will be owned and maintained by others. Access easements will be dedicated behind Lots 20 and 19 and to the north of lots 21, Block 16. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT The City of Hugo allows Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) to offer enhance flexibility to develop a site through the relaxation of most normal zoning district standards. The proposed development will provide a mix of housing types, internal transfers of density, and construction phasing. The allowed flexibility will result in a significantly higher quality and more sensitive proposal than would have been the case Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 9 with existing zoning standards. We believe that the development meets the City’s PUD criteria in the following ways: (1) The establishment of PUD zoning districts in appropriate settings and situations, to create or maintain a development pattern that complies with the city's comprehensive plan. Comment: The proposed development complies with the Comprehensive Plan in that the properties are guided for Low Density Residential, which allows a density of two to three units per acre, which can be increased up to four units per acre with a PUD. With 131.66 total acres less 25.89 acres of wetlands and 7.12 acres of floodplain, the property has a total buildable acreage of 98.65 acres. With 218 units, the net density is 2.21 lots per acre. Additionally, the Comprehensive Plan calls for a greater variety of life cycle housing, which is provided in this development. (2) The mixing of land uses within a development when such mixing of land uses could not otherwise be accomplished under this chapter. Comment: The standards within the R-3 zoning district (particularly the setbacks and maximum impervious surface) would not allow for villa or twinhome lots, as these are meant to have smaller lots with less maintenance. (3) Variations to the strict application of the land use regulations in this chapter in order to improve site design and operation, while at the same time incorporating design elements (e.g., construction materials, landscaping, lighting, open space, etc.) that exceed the city's standards to offset the effect of any variations. Comment: The site plan clusters the housing types giving the sense of smaller communities within the overall larger neighborhood. The development will offer a variety of housing options with quality construction materials with careful attention paid to ensuring the use of varied elevations and materials to avoid any monotony of architecture from the street. Additionally, the development proposes amenities available to residents along the lakeshore including docks, benches, and trails along the lakeshore. (4) A more creative and efficient approach to land use within the city, while at the same time protecting and promoting the health, safety, comfort, aesthetics, economic viability, and general welfare of the city. Comment: The development is sensitive to the wetlands on the site and will result in the construction of a roundabout connecting Trunk Highway 61 and 159th Street to Street AA of the Preliminary Plat. This roundabout will promote safer traffic circulation at this intersection. Additionally, the proposed design is moved back from the lake, providing open space dedicated to the City along the lakeshore that will provide opportunity for passive recreation by residents. (5) Preservation and enhancement of natural features and open spaces, including but not limited to the width expansion of greenway corridors, conservation of wooded areas, development of buffer areas, reduction of impervious surface, and utilization of joint facilities and utilities. Comment: As previously mentioned, the development preserves a majority of the wetlands on the site, requiring less than an acre of wetland fill. Additionally, the site preserves the natural buffer on the south and west side of the development and open space along the lake. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 10 (6) Maintenance or improvement for the efficiency of public streets and utilities. Comment: As stated, the development will result in the construction of a roundabout on Forest Boulevard North. Additionally, a 12-inch watermain connection will be provided from the development underneath Highway 61 to connect to the west with a casement pipe underneath Highway 61. There is also a proposed minor collector road that would connect to future development to the north. (7) Establishment of appropriate transitions between differing land uses. Comment: The property is surrounded by single family homes to the south, and the development will provide a buffer between these single-family homes and twinhomes within the development. Industrial uses are to the west, which will be buffered with existing vegetation. The property to the north is vacant agricultural land, and there is a buffer between the development and the lake. Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 11 STRUCTURE ELEVATIONS SINGLE FAMILY HOMES Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 12 VILLA HOMES Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 13 Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 14 TWINHOMES SHORES OF ONEKA LAKE PARK PROPOSAL March 8, 2022 Shores of Oneka Lake Park Proposal Shores of Oneka Lake Planned Unit Development Preliminary Plat Submittal Page 1 Shores of Oneka Lake Park Proposal INTRODUCTION M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul has entered into a purchase agreement to purchase property located between State Trunk Highway No. 61 and Oneka Lake and is requesting Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval from the City. The 131.66-acre site is proposed to include a total of 218 lots including 109 single family lots, 40 twinhome lots, and 69 villa lots. There will also be a 100-unit apartment building on the northwest corner of the site to be completed by a different developer. ABOUT M/I HOMES M/I Homes has been in business for over 40 years and has built over 130,000 homes in 15 markets within the United States. They entered the Twin Cities Market in 2015 by purchasing Hans Hagen Homes. Hans Hagen Homes was founded over 50 years ago and was one of the largest and oldest home builders in the Minneapolis market. PARK PROPOSAL With the proposed development, there is a significant amount of open space being proposed. The total site area is 131.66 acres, with 66.21 acres of open space. The area adjacent to the lake (Outlot G) consists of a total of approximately 31.30 acres (3.89 acres of which are upland) and will be owned by the City. The upland area of this outlot will include a trail adjacent to the lake that spans from the north to the south of the plat. It does not connect to an existing trail as there is no development to the north or south, but it provides an opportunity to connect to the north for future development and connects to a City-owned property that will, in the future, become part of Oneka Lake Park. The trail will also connect to the development with boardwalks. The trail and this upland area will provide ample opportunity for recreation for residents and will include features such as city-owned docks and benches. Because of the provided amenities of city-dedicated land adjacent to Oneka Lake, along with a trail with views of the lake and the opportunity to enjoy the lake with docks and benches by not just residents of the development but all city residents, we are asking that the Parks Commission consider providing credit for the value of upland area and cost of park amenities and construction of the trail towards our park dedication requirements. The Shores of Oneka LakeShoreline Upland Area ExhibitKnow what'sbelow.before you dig.CallR VICINITY MAP SITEO N E K A P O N D S SHORELINE UPLANDAREA EXHIBIT1BENCHMARKSO N E K A L A K EM/I HOMES OF MINNEAPOLIS, LLC5354 Parkdale Drive, #100St. Lois Park, MN 55416ofTHE SHORES OF ONEKA LAKEHugo, Minnesotaf:\jobs\8861 - 8880\8869 - dell webb - hugo\cad c3d\engineering\exhibits\8869_shores_oneka_shoreline_upland_exhibit.dwgSave Date:03/01/221Revisions:1.#8869 SHORELINE UPLAND AREA SUMMARY Hugo, Minnesota (a) (b) Sec. 90-324. - Park dedication. General dedication standards. In order to develop a system of parks within the community to serve the public's health and recreational needs, a percentage of the net buildable acreage based on the density of all land subdivided for residential purposes shall be dedicated to the city as public parkland. The city finds that the more dense a development is, the more demand for park land it creates since lots can be smaller affording less private recreational space and more occupants per acre. The following formula will be used to determine the dedication requirement where a land dedication is required: Density Percentage of Land to be Dedicated (of the buildable land) 0—3.99 units per acre 10 percent 4.00—5.99 units per acre 11 percent 6.00—7.99 units per acre 13 percent 8.00—9.99 units per acre 15 percent 10.00 < units per acre 17 percent The land so dedicated shall be subject to approval by the city council in accordance with the city's Comprehensive Plan for parks. At the city council's discretion, a parkland dedication fee may be accepted or required instead of or connection with land dedication. The parkland dedication fee shall be set annually by the city council and adopted as part of the city's fee schedule. The parkland dedication fee shall be charged for each dwelling unit originated by the subdivision or development of any property in the city, not including any dwelling unit that may be in existence at the time of the adoption of the ordinance from which this article is derived, or which is subject to an approved development agreement with the city that includes a parkland dedication provision. Appeal process. The parkland dedication fee may be appealed to the city council before the city council makes a decision on the final plat and shall be calculated as follows: The percentage of land to be dedicated will be multiplied by the fair market value of the net buildable acreage. The fair market value shall be determined by the city council, following their review of a current appraisal submitted to the city at the developer's expense. The appraisal shall be made by appraisers who are approved members of the SREA or MAI, or equivalent real estate appraisal societies. If the city receives written notice of a dispute over the parkland dedication fee before approval of the final plat, the developer shall pay the fee into an escrow account pending a decision of an appeal of the fee. If an appeal is not filed within 60 days following approval of the final plat, or if the person aggrieved by the fee does not prevail on the appeal, then the funds paid into escrow must be transferred to the city. (Prior Code, § 1215-040.1; Ord. No. 2010-449, § 1, 11-15-2010) Municode http://library.municode.com/print.aspx?h=&clientID=14356&HTMReque... 1 of 1 10/5/2012 2:23 PM Horseshoe Lake Oneka Lake Barker Lake Rice LakeEgg Lake Plaisted Lake NorthSchoolSection Lake South School Section Lake Sunset Lake Long Lake Round Lake BaldEagleLake 80TH ST E 122nd St NLYNCH RD NINTERSTATE 35E120th 159 t h Prairie 149thFrenchman Forest141stElmcrest 170th 180th 122nd 157th Fox hillHeritag e 136thFanning 135th 150th ValjeanFairoaksFerraraOneka LakeFrench EuropaGoodviewTrailFalcon1 4 8th1 2 6th Fondant138th 128thFinley 124th E lmFinaleFitzgeraldGoodviewRosemary 158 t h165th F o untainFreelandGlenbrookFenwayEvergre e n 130th 140th EthanJulyGreystoneGenevaGallivanEmerald FrancescaFenway B o u le v a rd Homestead147th H adley146th 125th Eur o paTrailF r e edom137th Isleton132nd 136thStreetKeller119th 121st 155th 129th Ker ry IlliesInwood175th 177th 152ndHarrow JodyJeffreyFarnhamJaneroEvertonOnekaEmpress Garden Educati o n JardinVictorHugo145thV ictor Cos etteEnfie ld GreeneIngersollEgg L a k e KeystoneHenna143rd Heat her151st IrishFlay HiloFi o n a Upper H eatherHydeFabl e HillCity Park DNR Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Undeveloped City Property Regional Trail - Existing Regional Trail - Proposed City Trail - Existing City Trail - Proposed Sidewalks Municipal Boundary 2040 MUSA Boundary Parcels Open Water Streams and Ditches Street 3/4/2019 0 0.5 10.25 Miles Existing and Proposed Trails Map NORTH Glacial Hills Proposed Trail Central Anoka County Regional Trail Hardwood CreekRegional TrailMap 6-7 NP-5 NP-12 NP-11 NP-10 NP-9 NP-8 NP-7 NP-6 NP-1 NP-4 NP-2 NP-3 !22 !23 !24 !25 !26 !27 !28 !1 !16 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 !10 !11 !12 !13 !14 !15 !17!18 !19 !20 !21 Horseshoe Lake Oneka Lake Barker Lake RiceLake Egg Lake Plaisted Lake NorthSchoolSection Lake South School Section Lake Sunset Lake Long Lake Round Lake Bald Eagle Lake 80TH ST E 122nd St NLYNCH RD NINTERSTATE 35EHardwood Cr e e k Hardwood CreekClearwater Creek120th 159 t h Prairie 149thFrenchman Forest141stElmcrest 170th 180th 122nd 157th F oxhillHeritage 136thFanning 135th 150th V a ljean FairoaksFerraraOneka LakeFrench EuropaGoodviewTrailFalcon1 4 8th12 6 th Fondant138thFinley 124th E lmFinaleFitzgeraldGoodviewRosemary 158 t h165th F o untainFreelandGlenbrookFenwayEve rg re e n 130th 140th EthanJulyGreystoneGenevaGallivanEmerald FrancescaFenway B o u le v a rd Homestead147th H adley146th 125th Eur o paTrailF r e edom137th Isleton132nd 136thStreetKeller119th 121st 155th 129th Ker ry IlliesInwood175th 177th 152ndHarrow JodyJeffreyFarnhamJaneroEvertonOnekaEmpress Garden Education Jardi n VictorHugo145thV ictor C osette E n fieldGreeneIngersollEgg L a k e KeystoneHenna143rd Heat her151st IrishFlay HiloFi o n a Upper H eatherHydeFabl e HillNeighborhood Park Service Area Community Park Search Area City Park DNR Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Undeveloped City Property City Facility School Municipal Boundary 2040 MUSA Boundary Parcel Street 3/4/2019 0 0.5 10.25 Miles Neighborhood Park Service Area Map NORTH 1. Paul Hugo Farms WMA 15. Rice Lake Park 2. Lions Park 16. Oneka Lake Boat Launch 3. Beaver Ponds Park 17. Irish Avenue Park 4. Tower Park 18. Cove Park 5. Frog Hollow Park 19. Aspire Park 6. Victor Square Park 20. Oneka Lake Park 7. Arbre Park 21. Bald Eagle Lake Access 8. Clearwater Creek Preserve 22. Bernin Property 9. Heritage Ponds Park 23. Sunset Lake Access South 10. Val Jean Park 24. Sunset Lake Access North 11. McCollar Park 25. Goodview Property 12. Diamond Point Park 26. Plaisted Property 13. Oak Shore Park 27. Property North of St. John's Cemetary 14. Hanifl Fields Athletic Park 28. 1920 School House Site Map 6-5 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx 178 E 9TH STREET | SUITE 200 | SAINT PAUL, MN | 55101 | 651.286.8450 | WSBENG.COM April 15, 2022 Mr. Bryan Bear City Administrator City of Hugo 14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North Hugo, MN 55038 Re: Potential Development of Hugo Northstar Wetland Bank Dear Mr. Bear: I have drafted this letter as a follow up to previous discussion between myself and Hugo City staff in regard to the development of a wetland bank, just west of the new White Bear Lake School District NorthStar Elementary. Parcel 1703121330004, currently in ownership by Independent School District #624, may be a suitable location for the development of a wetland bank. This parcel has had multiple wetland delineations completed within its boundaries. All delineations indicate that the majority of the parcel is existing wetland, but due to the presence of a private ditch that bisects the parcel and directs hydrology to Branch 3 of Judicial Ditch 3, these wetlands are most likely partially drained and may qualify for wetland bank credits through restoration of partially drained wetlands and creation of upland buffers. Figure 1. Project Area Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 2 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx In the summer of 2021, I was in attendance in a technical evaluation panel (TEP) field review for a boundary and type application along the west and north sides of th e parcel. This boundary and type review was part of the planning process for the Oneka Trail Feasibility project. During the review some of the TEP members commented on how this parcel may be a suitable area for a wetland bank. I discussed this with Shayla Denaway, City of Hugo, as part of the Oneka Trail Planning project as the trail could be incorporated into the bank design to meet the needs of the City for a trail while creating wetland bank credits simultaneously. The potential area of the bank that may be experiencing partial drainage effects is shown in Figure 2 below. Note this figure is a very rough representation of what may be included in the bank. The actual bank area may be able to be extended southward towards 147th Street to include additional acreage, or may be reduced in size after hydrology analysis. Figure 2. Potential Bank Boundary This area is ~100 acres in size. Mn Rule 8420.0526 Subpart 4, states that up to 50% of the area can be eligible for credit. Furthermore, Subpart 2, states that up to 25% of the buffer area may be eligible for credit. Based on Figure 2 area calculations this could result in 50 acres of credit for restoration of partially drained wetlands and additional credit not to exceed 50 acres for upland buffers. Buffers must be a minimum width of 25 feet and a maximum of 50 feet. The perimeter of Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 3 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx the bank area in Figure 2 is 9,772 feet. Using an average buffer width of 30 feet, the total area in buffer would be 6.73 acres. 25% of this is 1.68 acres eligible for credit; making the total potential credit area 51.68 acres. Activities required to accomplish this would most likely be filling old drainage ditches, breaking drain tile (if it exists), installing gate valves to control hydrology to meet performance standards and complete management activities, the work will involve removals of any non-native and/or invasive species, use of mechanical equipment such as mowers, targeted herbicide treatments, if necessary, and the use of prescribed burns to bring back the natural functions and values along with a more diverse vegetation population to the wetland ecosystem. Wetland Banking Process The wetland banking process includes multiple steps with various agencies. To increase the maximum value, the bank should be Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) and US Army Corps (USACOE) approved. This would result in two (2) separate yet coordinated permit processes. The WCA process involves: • Draft Prospectus • Prospectus • Mitigation (full) plan • Legal boundary survey • Title and easement recording • Project Construction • Project Certification • Project Monitoring • Application to deposit credits This process will most likely take a full year or more to complete. In addition to the WCA process, the US Army Corps, under section 404 of the Clean Water Act, will assemble an Interagency Review Team (IRT) to review the application and, if applicable, approve the bank under a Mitigation Banking Instrument (MBI). This process should run concurrent with WCA and may take over 12 months to complete. Benefits Multiple benefits may be realized through the development of a wetland bank for the City of Hugo, measured in terms of financial, ecological, and public perception. The potential bank described above falls within the minor watershed of Clearwater Creek, major watershed of Mississippi River-Twin Cities, and bank service area (BSA) 7. Using data from BWSR, the average cost of a full credit for BSA 7 in 2019 was $81,558.09. If we use the number of potential credits to be generated identified above (51.68), the total potenti al revenue from the sale of credits at 2019 prices would be $4,214,922. These credits could be sold to outside entities, sold to BWSR as part of the local road replacement program, or retained for City projects where credit is needed. In 2021, the City of Hugo was required to purchase 0.63 wetland credits from the City of Blaine at a cost of ~$80,000. Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 4 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx Wetlands provide many functions and benefits to the watershed in which they are located. Quantifiable benefits include: • Surface Water Detention • Coastal Storm Surge • Streamflow Maintenance • Nutrient Transformation • Carbon Sequestration • Sediment and Other Particulate Retention • Bank and Shoreline Stabilization • Fish and Aquatic Invertebrate Habitat • Waterfowl and Waterbird Habitat • Other Wildlife Habitat Based on the hydrogeomorphic position and the wetland types within this existing wetland complex, multiple functions such as surface water detention, nutrient transformation, carbon sequestration, sediment and other particulate retention, waterfowl and waterbird habitat, and other wildlife habitat are most likely provided, but at a low or moderate level. Creating a wetland bank at this site will most likely result in functional lift of the site and result in enhanced wetland functions, benefiting the surrounding community, downstream water recipients, and regional wildlife communities. Lastly, creating a wetland bank at this site will create education and outreach opportunities for residents and students at this location. Similar projects have been identified as “passive parks”, which many communities lack. The proximity of this site to the Northstar School provides an opportunity for educators to utilize the wetland complex as a living classroom. In neighboring communities with wetland banks, the opportunities have included working with local high schools, colleges and environmental educators bringing in a multitude of people of all ages and backgrounds. This provides the opportunity for the city to showcase their commitment to protecting water quality and natural resources in the community. Other opportunities include acting as a repository for a relatively new program developed between the Anoka Conservation District and MN DNR to translocate threatened and endangered species that may be lost under a taking permit; further enhancing the quality of the wetlands and providing collaboration between local and state agencies. This program can also allow for the opportunity for volunteers to participate in the successful restoration of the site and preserve those plant species most threatened. Credit Release and Credit Purchase It is important to understand that not all credits proposed under the bank plan and the MBI, will be available for sale/use immediately. There is a credit release schedule that will accompany both wetland bank documents. Generally, there is a release of 15% of the credits once construction is complete and the project is certified. After the initial release of credits, there may be subsequent releases of credits based on an approved credit release schedule with 100% of the proposed credits (based on meeting performance standards) released upon final certification. Final certification occurs when all performance standards have been met and generally at the conclusion of the 5th year post construction. However, in some instances the project sponsor can petition for early final certification if the bank is consistently meeting performance standards early and there is an Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 5 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx indication that the wetland is performing well and there is no danger of not meeting performance standards in the future. Additionally, even though credits are released, they still need to be purchased for w etland replacement purposes. It is difficult to predict how long it will take for credits to be purchased or the rate at which they will be purchased. The sale of wetland credits and prices are market driven and do fluctuate based on the demands. Costs While there are multiple financial and other benefits associated with the development of a bank, there are definitive and substantial costs as well. General categories of costs include: • Permitting • Engineering and Design • Construction • Maintenance • Monitoring Each potential bank has individual costs unique to its location, size, characteristics, etc. Development of a cost estimate requires additional information outside the scope of this letter. However, for reference, a somewhat similar bank being proposed west of the potential Northstar Bank, which is slightly larger in size and complexity, is estimated to cost ~$970,000, with a majority (~$815,000) devoted to construction line items. This is an “all-in” cost to complete the project with engineering and design, construction, and a 5- year monitoring period. We assume that since the Northstar site is smaller and less complex, that overall costs may be less. Associated Risks A wetland bank should be considered a long-term investment; meaning that revenues generated from the bank can be realized over a long period based on the size of the bank and that there will be maintenance costs associated with maintaining the bank beyond the final certification. However, those costs can be minimized with proper planning and intelligent design. Performance standards will dictate the amount of credit that the bank receives. There are two (2) main categories: • Hydrology performance - does the bank provide the level of hydrology (saturation/inundation) that was planned and specified in the bank plan? Usually specific to measure above or below ground maximums and minimums. This can be mitigated through proper engineering and modeling. In the case of the Northstar Bank, the inclusion of gate valves to control the level of hydrology will be a tool to be utilized by the City to effectively manage hydrology. The presence of drainage ditches on the site indicate that the site should be able to provide the required amount of hydrology. Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 6 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx • Vegetation performance - is the vegetative community within the bank diverse, high quality, and composed of a majority of native species? This can be mitigated through proper planning and installation, as well as completing any prescribed corrective measures from the TEP during the monitoring period. • Water Levels- Impacts on floodplain and low floors Hugo City Ordinance Revision on Priority Siting The issue of priority siting for wetland replacement within the City has been discussed previously outside of the context of the Northstar Bank, but consideration of revising the Hugo City ordinance to include priority wetland replacement siting that is required to begin within the city will increase the rate at which credits may be purchased from the bank and ensure that wetland benefits and functions are retained within the city. Currently, under MN Rule 8420.0522 Subpart 7, applicants are required to consider wetland credits for purchase in the minor, then major, then same BSA, then statewide. A revision to the rule, which has not yet gone into effect, but is predicted to within the near future based on statutory changes would allow applicants to select credit within the same BSA; avoiding the need to consider the same minor watershed and major watershed. This could result in wetland benefits and functions described above being lost to the City of Hugo as BSA 7 stretches westward to Pope, Douglas, and Kandiyohi, and north to Aitkin County, far from any benefit to the City of Hugo. One potential positive is Rice Creek Watershed District’s rules are more restrictive than the state’s and require projects with the District to mitigate within the District making Hugo’s wetland bank more attractive to projects in RCWD. If the NorthStar bank is developed, under the existing rule, an applicant could purchase wetland credits from these far away locations rather than the Northstar Bank which provides direct ecological and financial benefit to the City. If the Northstar Bank is developed, it is highly recommended the City revise its wetl and ordinance to require applicants for wetland replacement plans using bank credits to follow the siting priority below: • Within the City of Hugo, • Within minor watershed • Within major Watershed, • within Washington or Chisago County • Within the BSA (7), • statewide Next steps Hydrology Monitoring (2022) The generation of credits for this bank site is predicated on restoring partially drained wetland s. To support this contention, we will need some data on site hydrology. To accomplish this, we propose to install a series of seven (7) monitoring wells utilizing water level data loggers to Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 7 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx document hydrology across the site and better understand the ability of the site to receive credit for wetland banking. The cost of competing this task is $3,870 which includes installation of the monitoring wells, monthly data downloads, data analysis, and a report. Veg Monitoring The prospectus will require some data on vegetation to fully create the replacement plan; specifically the vegetation management section. The survey data would allow us to identify the existing vegetative community, invasives and natives, and which native plants would be appropriate for establishment. We will conduct an initial vegetation survey of the proposed bank site using standard methodology developed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. This initial survey will include sample plots within each of the three existing wetland plant communities. Data collected during this survey will allow us to assess the existing vegetative communities and to document changes in plant species cover and frequency over time. The data collected will allow us to develop a Floristic Quality Index for easy comparison between before and after restoration, allowing the City to provide evidence of an increased functional lift. The cost for this would be $4,398 which includes field work and a memo summarizing the results of the survey. Draft Prospectus After collecting data on hydrology and vegetation, and, if this data shows that a substantial amount of credit can be generated as discussed earlier in this letter, a draft prospectus would be completed. This is a relatively simple process that identifies the bank area boundaries, credit actions, total amount of credit, and identifies any issues that would impact the bank. This deliverable would include a credit table and wetland bank map, identifying credit actions. The cost for this is $6,196. Activities include a site visit, development and submittal of draft prospectus to TEP, and a meeting with the TEP and city to obtain comments. Thi s will provide direction to the city as to the feasibility of the bank and identify issues to be addressed in the future prospectus. Cost Estimating If the draft prospectus feedback indicates that the bank is viable and development of the prospectus and wetland banking is warranted, prior to the development of these documents, creating a cost estimate for City staff to review would provide a basis for determining if the next steps are in fact warranted. These would allow staff to understand the “all-in” cost of bank development and compare that to the revenue that may potentially be generated by the bank. This cost estimate would include engineering, design, permitting, construction, and monitoring for the time needed to establish the bank. The typical time involves maximum two years for permitting and five years for monitoring to prove the restoration is successful. This can be reduced depending on how the site performs. Based on a seven (7) year period, the total for this task is $7,500. These tasks can be approved on a step-by-step basis, meaning that after collecting the hydrology and vegetation data, the city can review the data and make a determination on if they would like to move on to the next step in the process outlined above. Meaning that the draft prospectus would only be completed if the vegetation and hydrology data showed that development of the draft prospectus would be warranted. Likewise, the cost estimate task would only be completed at the conclusion of the draft prospectus task if the TEP review proved favorable to the development of the bank. Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 8 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx Funding Development of the bank, planning, construction, etc., is not able to be funded through grants and is the responsibility of the bank owner. However, other portions of the bank may be grant eligible and help defray the cost of the bank. LCCMR The Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is one potential source of funding for the trail. The trail/boardwalk could be constructed through the bank, providing an opportunity to offset the cost of some construction and structures tha t would be part of the bank (i.e., berming and grading along the private ditch). This would also provide an opportunity for residents and students to have direct access to the interior of the bank and may support education and outreach goals. Under 2020 LCCMR appropriations, $29.9 million dollars were granted under the land acquisition, habitat, and recreation subdivision. https://www.lccmr.mn.gov/projects/2020/2020_appropriations_by_subdivision.html Safe Routes to School Safe Routes could be another program to supplement funding of the trailway while defraying some of the costs of the bank development; similar to the LCCMR funding source. In 2019, nearly $5.7 million was provided to LGUs for various projects across the state. The Northstar Bank Trail may be a high priority for funding due to its unique nature of traversing a wetland bank and being used to for education and outreach while facilitating safe travel routes from a dense residential area directly to a school. Example Banks Similar projects have been completed successfully. One example is the City of Blaine’s Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. https://www.blainemn.gov/1387/Blaine-Wetland-Sanctuary. This site is over 500 acres of restored wetland and includes two wetland banks. The northernmost wetland bank, Site 7 is the bank from which credits were purchased last year for the 147th Street project. This bank has been referred to as a great success and is used as a model bank, developed by a city, for other bank developers to emulate. The creation of these two banks in the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary serve many benefits to the community. The central bank is owned by the city’s Economic Development Commission who uses their credits as an economic development tool. The northern most bank, Site 7, was created to provide for a non-tax funding source to expand and maintain the city’s open spaces and trails. The incorporation of outreach and education has been a huge component to the success of the City of Blaine’s wetland bank by using the boardwalk as the classroom. An Environmental Educator was hired to develop a curriculum focused on the wetland bank and offer classes throughout the year. Wargo Nature Center provides educational opportunities to the public at the site throughout the year. In addition, the City worked with Anoka Ramsey Community College Ecology students to create interpretive signs that are located along the boardwalk and help educate the public on the benefits of the site. The students have been integral to the city by conducting some of the on-going monitoring of the site. There have been many more successes with the site in Blaine that could be emulated in Hugo. Mr. Bryan Bear April 15, 2022 Page 9 G:\.Clients All\Hugo\Proposals\Northstar Bank\LETTER_HUGO_NorthstarBank_041522_Final.docx Sincerely, WSB Tony Havranek Director of Fisheries cc: Rachel Juba, City of Hugo Mark Erichson, WSB Shayla Denaway, City of Hugo Rebecca Haug, WSB Freedom Drive Trail Map Powered by D ataLink April 15, 2022 Map P owered By DataLink 1 in = 376 ft ± For more information about the Hopkins Schoolhouse, visit the website at www.ci.hugo.mn.us/hopkins or call 651-762-6315. COME JOIN THE TEAMTO SAVE THEHOPKINS SCHOOLHOUSE! The City of Hugo would like to give the task of restoring the Hopkins Schoolhouse to a group of volunteers willing to take on the project. This group will need members with a variety of skills including team leadership, project planning, grant writing, fund raising, construction, or just a general interest in lending a hand. If there are not enough interested volunteers to take on a restoration project, the building may eventually be demolished. SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 202210 A.M. - NOONHUGO CITY HALL