City Council Workshop

10801 Town Square Dr. City of Blaine Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes - Final City Council Workshop *While this is a public meeting where interested persons are welcome to attend, it is a work session for Council and staff to discuss issues before them. It is not for the purpose of receiving public input. Thursday, January 9, 2014 6:30 PM Cloverleaf Farm Room A Meeting Number 14-04 NOTICE OF WORKSHOP MEETING The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ryan at 6:30 p.m. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: Clark Arneson, City Manager; Patrick Sweeney, City Attorney; Bryan Schafer, Planning Director; Bob Therres, Public Services Manager; Joe Huss, Finance Director; Chris Olson, Police Chief/Safety Services Manager; Jim Hafner, Storm Water Manager; Roark Haver, Communications Technician; and Jane Cross, City Clerk, Recording Secretary Linda Dahlquist. Present: 5 - Councilmember Kolb, Councilmember Bourke, Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Hovland, and Councilmember Swanson Absent: 2 - Councilmember Clark, and Councilmember Herbst 1. WS 14-04 OPEN SPACE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2014 - 2020 Sponsors: Therres Jim Hafner gave an overview of the Open Space Capital Improvement Program. He stated in 2008 the City implemented a management plan designed to control invasive species in the open spaces in twelve sites, which includes Pioneer Park, Laddie Lake Park and Lochness Park; promote restoration of native species, and develop public use and appreciation of these areas. He commented the areas that still need work are Laddie Lake Park, Lever Street and Site 7. Jim Hafner stated Site 7 is approximately 500 acres and contains wetlands and uplands. He commented Site 7 is envisioned as a destination for nature lovers. He commented the plan includes control of invasive species, restoring native plants, adding trails and bird watching stations, construct a nature City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Workshop Minutes - Final January 9, 2014 center, provide interpretative services and educational programs. Mr. Hafner gave an overview of proposed Site 7 project timelines for 2014. Councilmember Kolb arrived at 6:33 p.m. Jim Hafner gave an overview of the proposed project costs for Site 7, which would be funded through the Open Space Fund. He noted that no general tax dollars would be used. Councilmember Hovland arrived at 6:37 p.m. Councilmember Bourke asked about wetland banking credits from the current project. Storm Water Manager Hafner replied the City does have wetland credits and would gain more with the proposed projects. Councilmember Bourke asked if the City can use the wetland credits from the current project immediately or have to wait until the project is finished. Storm Water Manager Hafner replied credits can be used immediately. Mayor Ryan asked where the land had come from. Storm Water Manager Hafner replied most of the land was outlots from surrounding developments. Planning Director Schafer clarified that some of the land was received in lieu of park dedication fees. Councilmember Hovland asked if the wetland credits have to be used in the same area. Storm Water Manager Hafner replied the credits can be used anywhere in the City or the credits can be sold. Revenue from the current banking project would go to EDA. Storm Water Manager Hafner commented a second wetland banking project that is adjacent to the current banking site would be included with the Site 7 improvements, but bid separately. He stated if approved by Council, Site 7 construction is expected to be done in phases starting in 2015 and ending in 2020. He stated funding for both projects would come from the Open Space and Trails fund. Revenue from sale of wetland credits generated from the new project would be returned to the Open Space fund. Mayor Ryan suggested contacting Aveda about sponsoring the nature center. Councilmember Kolb suggested branding the nature center. Councilmember Bourke commented a nature center would be revenue generating. Discussed City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Workshop Minutes - Final January 9, 2014 OTHER Storm Water Manager Hafner gave an overview of the Ground Water Management meeting he attended. He stated an advisory council is being developed by the DNR. He noted ground water conservation is a major interest of the DNR. ADJOURN The Workshop adjourned at 7:15 p.m. City of Blaine Page 3