Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-98 CITY OF LAKEVILLE • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETllVG MINOTES February 24, 1998 Members Present: Emond, Krejci, Matasosky, Miller, Pogatchnik, Tushie and Vogel. Members Absent: Brantly and Detjen. Staff Present: Robert Erickson, City Administrator; Michael Sobota, Community & Economic Development Director; Heidi Hamilton, Environmental Resources Coordinator; and Nicole Bennett, Economic Development Coordinator. Also Present: Nels Nelson, Barr Engineering; Eric Peters, Representative for the City of Farmington; Environmental Affairs Committee Members: McManus, Goodwin, Nicholson, Rosselit, and Van de Bogart; Mary Liz Holberg, Lakeville City Council; Cindy Johnson, Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce. 1. Call to Order. Chair Vogel called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the North • Meeting Room, Lakeville City Hall. Introductions were initiated among those present, and Ms. Hamilton introduced Mr. Van de Bogart and Mr. Rosselit as new members of the EAC. 2. Joint Presentation with the Environmental Affairs Committee of the 1997 Vermillion River and South Creek Tributary Monitoring Program Draft Report Presented by Nels Nelson, Barr Engineering. Mr. Nelson provided a brief history regarding the designation of protected waters and trout streams by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He stated that a letter from the Dakota County Auditor received in 1996 summarized the designation of South Creek, and the North, South and Ardmor Tributaries of the Vermillion River as trout streams. He noted that this study was necessary to monitor the conditions of South Creek, and the North, South and Ardmor Tributaries to determine if they are appropriately designated as trout habitat capable of sustaining trout. Mr. Nelson stated that data was collected on water temperature and flow, and the existence of macroinvertebrates as indicators of whether or not designated tributaries could sustain trout. He noted that field inspections were also conducted by Barr Engineering on each stream individually during 1997. Mr. Nelson stated that the criteria for a sustainable trout habitat include: cool and stable water temperatures, gravel bottoms, shallow pools, and steady water flows. He noted that continuous flow • monitoring devices, and temperature monitors were placed at various locations along the three streams throughout the spring and summer of 1997. Data from the city's three rain gauges was also used in analyzing the study results. The biological monitoring of macroinvertebrates as a food source for trout was conducted on two 4 Lakeville Economic Development Commission Febwary 24, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 2 • occasions using a "kick method" to stir up sediment, and collect and count bug samples caught in afine-meshed net placed downstream of the disturbed sediment. This was the method preferred by the DNR. fvlr. Nelson stated that the monitoring study results indicate that the North, South and Ardmor tributaries generally do not provide good trout habitat due to low and no water flow, no gravel bottom, and variable water temperatures. He noted that the conditions of the main stream referred to as South Creek were better than anticipated in terms of supporting trout. He stated that the study results could be attributable to three potential factors: (1) the weather was unseasonably cool, cloudy and rainy during the summer of 1997 when the data was collected, (2) the city is handling storm water management with required ponding in Airlake Industrial Park and the effects of development are currently being mitigated, and (3) the presence of macroinvertebrates tends to confirm that South Creek has fairly good water quality capable of supporting trout with some organic contamination observed. Mr. Nicholson inquired as to whether trout habitat requires a certain water velocity. Mr. Nelson responded that there is not an established water velocity requirement for trout habitat, and he noted that the number of pools, rifles and structures such as culverts affect the trout habitat in the stream. Mr. Nicholson asked what the relationship is between drainage from Lake Marion due • to the heavy rainfall last year and the drainage or outflow that would affect the stream in a "normal" year. Mr. Nelson responded that the water level of Lake Marion was high last summer, but they did not calculate the amount of water discharged. Mr. Nelson stated that Lakeville could decide to undertake a major improvement project for South Creek in cooperation with the City of Farmington, but the real policy issue is whether or not there should be a broader community benefit for establishing a trout stream in a channel with no public access surrounded by privately-owned industrial property. Comm. Tushie asked what the effect would be on impervious surface requirements in Airlake Industrial Park. Mr. Nelson stated that the DNR would recommend a limit of 10% imperviousness. Ms. Hamilton responded that there may be other ways of mitigating the effects of development such as providing infiltration ponds or reinforced grassy areas for parking in place of concrete and bituminous surfaces. Comm. Tushie noted that the city's tax base relies on the development of industrial uses in the subject area to provide tax dollars, capital investment in the community and employment opportunities. He noted that the balance of how the community will develop has been carefully planned and pre-established by the Comprehensive Plan, and it would be detrimental to that balance to prevent this much industrial land from developing. • Mr. Sobota stated that the data suggests that 10% imperviousness may not be required to mitigate the effects of development in this case because the data on water flow and temperature indicate that the area has not been as impacted by higher impervious 5 Lakeville Economic Development Commission February 24, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 3 • surface of past development as previously thought. He inquired if the unique conditions of the area including the soils and proximity to ground water create more favorable conditions than would typically be found in an industrial area. Mr. Nelson responded that the area is located within a sandy watershed with a high rate of groundwater inflow. Mr. Goodwin stated that a false dichotomy should not be set up between establishing the trout stream and allowing industrial development to occur. Chair Vogel inquired if it would be cost-prohibitive to extend the data in both directions to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the data from 1997 is representative of other years and to determine if an investment should be made in establishing the trout stream. Mr. Nelson responded that modeling could be used to provide information on temperature effects, but the models currently available do not do an accurate job. He noted that proxies such as the volume of run-off and peak rate could be used to provide some assurance that future years and conditions would support data from the current study. Mr. Van de Bogart inquired as to whether or not the increased flows observed during the day could be attributed to aquifer draw-down. Ms. Hamilton responded that flow- totes were used to measure flows, and the equipment is designed to measure flow in sewer pipe. She noted that the equipment measured the depth of water, and staff took physical flow measurements which were used to develop storage-discharge curves. These curves were then used to interpret the depth measurements. She noted that • staff contacted the manufacturer of the flow-totes to inquire if the measurements could be affected by temperature fluctuations. The manufacturer responded that the flow- totes used by the city are not corrected for temperature and it is possible that the measurements were affected by temperature fluctuations, however they do not have any definitive information available. She noted that a sixth device different from the flow-totes reflected the same daily fluctuations. Mr. Van de Bogart noted that Appendix E of the draft report references tabulations that were not included. He stated that these calculations should be added, and he suggested that some background information regarding the biology of the macroinvertebrate sampling be provided in the document as well. Mr. Nelson noted that the calculations were left out by mistake and would be added to the final copy. He stated that a contract biologist sorted and classified the macroinvertebrate samples and a reference to the biologist would be added to the document. Mr. Rosselit inquired as to the philosophy of Lakeville citizens and representatives regarding living creatures and the environment around them. He asked what the city's policy is regarding protecting living creatures as opposed to the philosophy of business to develop the land and make a profit. Mr. Nelson noted that in 1995, similar philosophical questions came to the forefront in discussions regarding the wetland preservation issue. He noted that when faced with the question of whether or not an • isolated Type I wetland in the middle of an industrial park should be preserved, the feeling of the EAC was that there was value in preserving all natural features. Mr. Sobota stated that the community has expressed a desire to protect the enviromnent but he believes this value should not be pursued if the cost is excessive and there is Lakeville Economic Development Commission February 24,1998 Meeting Minutes Page 4 • minimal public benefit. Mr. Sobota stated that the City Council approved the storm water management plan that contains a compendium of information with judgments as to the value of providing storm water ponding to preserve water quality. He noted that it is a given that there will be development in a community, the key is in planning undertaken by the community to mitigate any negative effects of development. He noted that Airlake Industrial Park has been planned for industrial development since the late 1960's and the issue is how to balance that with current expectations regarding environmental preservation. He stated that this is the first time that comprehensive data has been collected regarding trout streams. He noted that the city needs to review the data, and develop a consensus based on values and the actual conditions of the stream. He noted that the EDC and EAC currently work through similar issues regarding individual development projects and forward recommendations to the City Council for review. Chair Vogel stated that the discussion at this meeting should stay focused on any comments or revisions to the draft study report and the philosophical discussion should be left to later discussions. Comm. Tushie inquired if the final copy of the study report would include any conclusions or recommendations, or if it is intended only as a data collection report. Mr. Goodwin stated that the temperature spikes of over 100 degrees documented in the study seem unlikely for this stream. Mr. Nicholson suggested that the final copy of the study report contain impact statements • including a statement as to what the stream could or could not support, then conclusions would follow. Mr. Van de Bogart noted that dates on the photos included in the report would be helpful to add as well as comments on the drain the lines gathered from walking the streams or from aerial photos. He stated that a narrative regarding the weather and climate, and a graphic depicting air temperature changes over the study period would also be good to include in the report. Ms. McManus inquired if the unique summer conditions in terms of temperature and rainfall warrant the collection of additional data. Ms. Hamilton responded that the collection of additional data would be valuable but very expensive. Ms. McManus noted that the city could possibly pursue grants to assist with the cost of another study. Comm. Matasosky stated that he has been in Airlake Industrial Pazk for over 20 years and has observed that the stream was often completely dry during a typical summer season. Comm. Tushie inquired if modeling could be used to simulate data under more typical weather conditions. Mr. Nelson responded that flow modeling techniques aze available, but this level of modeling would be very expensive. Mr. Goodwin inquired if the data could be used in a model to compare South Creek with other areas. Comm. Tushie inquired if aerial photos would show whether or not the stream has been dry in past years. Mr. Nelson stated that the aerial photos are only . taken once a year and would not be adequate to determine typical flow in South Creek. Ms. Hamilton noted that the Army Corps of Engineers is completing hydrologic modeling of the entire watershed which may provide valuable data. Lakeville Economic Development Commission February 24, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 5 • Mr. Rosselit inquired as to whether any trout have been found in the stream. Mr. Nelson noted that a few brown trout, which is not a native species, have been observed in the portion of the stream located in Farmington. Mr. Rosselit inquired if any older residents in Lakeville could attest to whether or not any indigenous trout lived in the stream in Lakeville. He asked how the DNR goes about designating a stream where no native trout have been found. Mr. Nelson stated that the DNR believes that there were never any indigenous trout; however, the DNR believes that since the stream could support trout, it should be designated as a trout stream. Chair Vogel inquired if there were any other comments or changes regarding the draft study report. He proposed that the EDC and EAC reach a consensus regarding comments to the draft report being forwarded to Mr. Nelson and Ms. Hamilton to be used in updating the document prior to City Council review. EDC and EAC agreed to a consensus that any other comments regarding the draft 1997 Vermillion River and South Creek Tributary Monitoring Program Report be forwarded to staff by next week for incorporation into the document prior to forwarding the report to the Lakeville City Council for review. 3. Approval of the January 27, 1998, and February 5, 1998, Meeting Minutes. 98.07 MOTION: Comms. Matasosky/Pogatchnikrnoved to approve the January • 27, 1998, and February 5, 1998, meeting minutes as written. Motion carried unanimously. 4. Review and Discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update -Planning Tactics Final Report and Planning Inventory Presented by Planning Assistant Ron Mullenbach. Mr. Mullenbach provided a brief overview of the Comprehensive Plan Update process and stated that the Land Planning Act requires all cities to update their comprehensive plans by 1998. He stated that the Comprehensive Plan includes a series of system plans including parks, sanitary sewer, transportation, etc., all incorporated into a single document that also includes an economic development component. He noted that phase I of the update process includes the two documents provided currently to the EDC for review and comment, and development of the rural service area plans. Phase II involves the policy plan which sets forth the cities goals and objectives and provides guidelines for setting policy. Phase III involves implementation of the system plans, revising the zoning ordinance and other working documents for consistency with the updated comprehensive plan. Mr. Mullenbach stated that the Tactics Report summarizes comments obtained from interviews with city officials, advisory committee members, city staff and residents and is used to identify issues facing the community. He noted that the Inventory lays out the existing type and quantity of development that currently exists within the city. He stated that the City Council will review these documents in two weeks, and staff is requesting any final comments from the EDC. • Comm. Tushie inquired as to the purpose of the Tactics Report. Mr. Sobota responded that the report is intended to summarize the issues and ideas identified by community representatives including where the city is today, how we are viewed as a Lakeville Economic Development Commission February 24,1998 Meeting Minutes Page 6 • community, and any issues that need to be addressed to determine how the city should develop. He noted that this includes information received from rural service area neighborhood meetings regarding what residents and property owners do and do not want to see develop in Lakeville. Chair Voge] noted that these documents serve as an internal and external analysis of the city that can be used in guiding long-term planning and development. The EDC proceeded to review the Planning Tactics and Inventory reports section by section. A detailed outline of the EDC's comments regarding these reports is included in a memo dated February 26, 1998, to City Administrator Robert Erickson from Planning Assistant Ron Mullenbach. A copy of the memo is attached and is also available on file in the Community and Economic Development Department. 98.08 MOTION: Comms. Emond/Tushie moved to forward the Planning Tactics and Inventory reports to the City Council for approval with the EDC's comments included. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Review Revised Schedule for the 1998 Strategic Work Plan. Ms. Bennett stated that staff has revised the 1998 Strategic Work Plan schedule per comments received at the January 27, 1998, EDC meeting. She noted that additional steps and projects were incorporated into the Landscape Corridor Study, and the study was moved up in the • schedule to March to be completed along with the Creation of a Financial Incentives Policy. She stated that by moving the Landscape Corridor Study earlier in the year and adding steps to the process, it was necessary to reschedule the Creation of Evaluation Tools for Development Projects for completion in 1999. Comm. Matasosky noted a concern that the creation of a financial incentives policy not be delayed beyond this year due to its importance in attracting quality businesses to the city. 98.09 MOTION; Comms. Tushie/Miller moved to approve the 1998 Strategic Work Plan Schedule. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Strategic Work Plan and Project Activities Update. Ms. Bennett stated that a copy of the 1997 responses to the Development Project Feedback Survey was included in the packet materials. She noted that 31 out of 43 surveys were returned in 1997 and the overall response was very positive. She inquired if a copy of the survey results, vrith project names deleted for confidentiality, should be shared with the business community through the Lakeville Area Chamber of Commerce or an article in Airlake Park News. Comm. Matasosky stated that while the survey responses have typically been positive, he is concerned with establishing a precedent for sharing future responses. Chair Vogel stated a concern with confidentiality and the perception of the business community and future survey participants that they could not objectively respond knowing that their responses would be publicized in the future. Comm. Tushie inquired as to the true purpose of the survey, and whether or not it is a tool to improve the city's development process or if it is a public relations tool. The EDC and staff agreed that the purpose of the survey is to obtain objective feedback regarding Lakeville Economic Development Commission February 24, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 7 • the development review process for ongoing enhancement of the process, and therefore the results must be maintained as an internal review mechanism. 7. Other Business. Comm. Tushie stated that he feels strongly that the name "Heritage Village" should be incorporated into the "Town Square" area due to the significance of the village concept and design. Mr. Sobota noted that the name "Heritage Village" is already being used by Dakota City, and members of that board strongly urged the city to respect their exclusive use of that name. Comm. Tushie noted that naming the overall development area should not be taken lightly as the name will be permanent once it has been selected. He noted that the name "village" truly captures all of the elements incorporated into the development area including the commercial center, library, bridge, townhomes, etc. Chair Vogel suggested that atag-line could be used to incorporate "village" into the name without using the exact name of "Heritage Village." EDC members agreed that atag-line such as "A village community" should be developed and used in relation to the entire development area to give it an identity. Comm. Matasosky stated a concern that the draft 1997 South Creek monitoring study report be limited to review by city staff, advisory committee members and the City Council at this time. Comm. Tushie suggested that some kind of economic study be undertaken to analyze the impact on the tax base if industrial land adjacent to South Creek could not be fully developed. Mr. Erickson stated that the EDC may want to recommend to the City Council that a complete engineering sttidy and an economic impact analysis be conducted as a supplement to the 1997 monitoring study report. 98.10 MOTION: Comms. Tushie/Pogatchnik moved to recommend to the City Council that an economic impact analysis and engineering study be conducted by independent consultants allowing the EDC to formulate recommendations to the City Council prior to forwarding the 1997 Vermillion River and South Creek Tributary Monitoring Program Report to the City Council for adoption and review by the DNR and Trout Unlimited. Motion carried unanimously. The next regular EDC meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th at 6:00 p.m. 8. Adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respec/t//f/)ally submitted: ATTEST TO: ~C _ ' / . is a E. Bennett, Recording Secretary 7oa Krejci, Secret , c:\winwordledc\1998mtgs\0224mtg1mn022498.doc v MEMORANDUM Date: Thursday, February 26, 1998 To: Robert A. Erickson, City Administrator From: Michael Sobota, Community and Economic Development Director Ron Mullenbach, Planning Assistant RE: Comments received from EDC at February 24, 1998 regular meeting The items below outline the comments received from the EDC at their February 24, 1998 regular meeting related to the Planning Tactics and Planning Inventory reports: Planning Tactics • Growth Philosophy: Residential growth should be managed, as opposed to reduced. As per the Strategic Growth Management Plan, annual growth of 400-450 units/year was defined as manageable growth. • • Environmental Protection/Natural Resources: EDC wanted to stress the importance of gravel resources in economic development and building/infrastructure construction. • Environmental Protection/Natural Resources: Environmental protection should be integrated with recreational opportunities for the greater public gain. • Land Use-Residential: Troubled by the statement that high density housing received negative comments. Stressed the need for life cycle housing and a variety of housing types, including high density housing types to support commercial and industrial development, especially Airlake Industrial Park. • Land Use-Commercial (Retail-Service): Agreed that tourism-related commercial uses and their expansion, especially along I-35 should be added as an issue to be considered. • Land Use-Commercial (Retail-Service): Tactics should identify that the large amount of existing B-4, General Business zoned property should be considered in relation to specific site locations and total amount of such properties, as per the Strategic Plan for Economic Development. It was noted that much of the B-4 zoned land was zoned that way prior to the establishment of the transportation plan and major roadway corridors. • Land Use-Industrial and Business Uses: Identified issue of balancing such land uses with environmental protection. • • Land Use-Industrial and Business Uses: Interim uses for industrial zoned land that cannot be currently developed due to lack of MUSH should be considered. • Community Facilities-Parks?rails/Recreation: NAC needs to be more specific about what types of recreational facilities and activities were expressed as needed in Airlake Industrial Park. The EDC felt that such issues would be more appropriate in Fairfield Business Park. • Transportation-Transit: The EDC felt that options for reverse commute transit services be explored, especially in relation to the employment base along CR 70. Inventory • Physical Profile-Land Use-Commercial: Should include a statement that the Strategic Plan for Economic Development recommends the reduction of commercial zoned property to improve the overall quality of commercial development. The fDC passed a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of the Planning Tactics and Planning Inventory documents with the above comments. The recommendation and comments will be forwarded to City Council along wfth those of the Planning Commission, Environmental Affairs Committee, and the • Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. •