HomeMy Public PortalAbout04.02.2024 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2024
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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 2024
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on April 2, 2024 at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Albers, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid.
Members absent: Cavanaugh.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Clerk Caitlyn Walker, Attorney
Dave Anderson, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public
Works Director Steve Scherer, and Chief of Police Jason Nelson.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:00 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:01 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:01 p.m.)
A. Approval of the March 19, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to approve the March 19, 2024, regular City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:01 p.m.)
A. Approve Fireworks Display Contract with PC Pyrotechnics Inc. for Medina
Celebration Day 2024
B. Approve 724 Ordinance Adopting an Amended Fee Schedule for Clean-Up
Day 2024
C. Approve Resolution 2024-13 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance
Adopting an Amended Fee Schedule by Title and Summary
D. Approve Ball Field Rental Agreement with Orono Baseball Association for
Maple Park
E. Approve Ball Field Rental Agreement with Orono Baseball Association for
Morningside Park
F. Approve Tennis Court Rental Agreement with Carrie Agre
G. Approve Portable Sanitation Services Agreement with Wruck Sewer and
Portable Rental
H. Adopt Resolution 2024-14 Accepting Donation from Hamel Athletic Club
I. Approve Irrigation Installation Expansion Services Agreement with Sam’s
Landscape Outdoor Solutions
J. Adopt Resolution 2024-15 Accepting Tamarack Drive Street and Storm
Sewer Improvement Adjacent to Meadowview Commons 2nd Addition
K. Approve Temporary Staffing
Johnson noted that he received a request to pull Item 5F from the Consent Agenda
tonight.
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April 2, 2024
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Martin noted that the Hamel Athletic Club serves the community well and recognized the
Club’s contribution to the ball fields.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
F. Approve Tennis Court Rental Agreement with Carrie Agre
Johnson stated that the question arose as to whether tennis should be allotted this
amount of time as pickleball also uses the space.
DesLauriers stated that his intention was to have this discussion. He noted that this is a
minor amount of money in relation to the length of time requested to be used. He stated
that the agreement began nine or ten years ago when the population was less, and the
park use was less. He stated that perhaps the Council could choose not to renew this
agreement next year, but believed it was too late in the season to make the change for
this year.
Martin clarified the hours for the reservation of the tennis courts and asked if staff has
received complaints about the use of the courts during that time.
Johnson stated that staff has received complaints in the past.
Scherer noted that he brought forward a similar concern with the low amount of funds
received in relation to the length of time reserved in the past. He stated that the Agres
do provide a service, but perhaps this would be a good time for the Park Commission to
review this matter and make a recommendation to the City Council.
Martin confirmed that the Council agrees that the tennis court rental agreement with the
Agres should be approved tonight with direction for the Park Commission to have a
policy discussion to discuss future rentals of the tennis courts and pickleball courts.
Albers suggested that Ms. Agre be invited to attend and provide a presentation to the
Park Commission when that discussion occurs. He noted that opinions may be different
if more services are being provided to youth rather than adults.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to approve tennis court rental agreement
with Carrie Agre and direct the Park Commission to have a policy discussion for the
future. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:11 p.m.)
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
Kathleen Luetmer, 3160 Aspen Avenue, commented that her home abuts Maple Park.
She stated that along with their neighbors, they purchased Outlot B, which extends the
backyards of the properties to the border of Maple Park. She reviewed the reasons that
they moved to Medina and that they enjoy the natural setting. She requested that Maple
Park remain green open space and if amenities are added that they remain low impact.
She stated that homeowners would be negatively impacted by pickleball courts. She
invited members of the Council to visit their properties to experience their viewpoint.
She commented that they can hear the birds and frogs from inside their home, with the
windows closed, and would then too hear the noise from pickleball.
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Martin asked if that invitation can be extended to the Park Commission as that group is
still receiving comments on that topic.
Ms. Luetmer confirmed that she would extend that invitation to the Park Commission as
well.
Don Johnston, 3160 Aspen Avenue, commented that after the pandemic outdoor
activities became extremely popular. He stated that folks accept the fact these
recreational venues are limited and that everyone must wait in line for their turns. Yet,
there is an expectation that pickleball players should have sufficient courts immediately
installed so that they experience no wait in line and no inconvenient length of travel. He
also cited Medina’s City Code 330, stating that he could lodge a complaint about
nuisance dog barking but can do nothing about the invasive noise of pickleball. He
stated that the Cates property would be a great location for pickleball courts as that
would not adversely impact neighboring households.
B. Park Commission
Planning Commissioner Sharp reported that the Park Commission met on March 20th to
receive a geocaching presentation from the youth Commission members and to discuss
the park asset inventory to better plan for future expenses. He stated that the
Commission also discussed the concepts for Maple Park, noting that some property
owners spoke in favor of adding pickleball while abutting property owners did not want to
see pickleball added. He stated that following the April meeting, the Commission will
make a recommendation on Maple Park to the Council. He stated that there were ten
applicants for the small watercraft storage space adjacent to Lake Independence
available and eight applicants were chosen. He reported on legislative discussion
related to potential grant funds for the Medina Lake Preserve. He noted that the Park
Commission will host a booth at Clean-Up Day to interact with residents.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to hold a
public hearing on accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
VII. PRESENTATIONS (7:23 p.m.)
A. Resolution 2024-16 Recognizing Public Works Director Steve Scherer for
30 Years of Service
Martin read aloud the draft resolution recognizing Steve Scherer for 30 years of service
to the City of Medina.
Johnson commented that it is an honor and privilege to work with Scherer for these
many years. He thanked him for his continued service to Medina.
Martin presented the resolution to Scherer and commented that it is a pleasure to know
and work with Scherer.
Scherer commented that it is amazing to recognize the quality of the people he has
worked with during the last 30 years and the work that has been accomplished during
that time.
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Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Resolution 2024-16 Recognizing
Public Works Director Steve Scherer for 30 Years of Service. Motion passed
unanimously.
B. West Suburban Fire District Annual Report
Chief Leuer presented the annual report for the West Suburban Fire District. He
provided information on the coming together of the organizations to create the West
Suburban Fire District and the work that has been done since then. He provided a
summary of the calls for service during the last year, staffing, equipment, and planned
equipment and truck replacement.
DesLauriers referenced the mention to market under West Suburban Fire Rescue and
asked for reasoning.
Leuer replied that was the decision of the organization, noting that “district” seemed
more corporate.
DesLauriers asked the trade in value of the air packs.
Leuer replied that they have not yet sold the air packs, but the plan is to sell that
equipment.
Martin thanked Leuer for his report.
C. Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson
County Commissioner Anderson introduced himself noting that he has served this
district since 2021 and reviewed his committee assignments. He commented that
outside of the State itself, Hennepin County has the largest budget within Minnesota with
the largest portion of that allocated to health and human services. He stated that he
wanted to focus this presentation on the County work within Medina. He stated that
within Medina there are 500 residents who received health and human services support
from the County. He reviewed investments that have been made in public safety,
expansions in juvenile justice, the embedded social worker program, and sentence to
serve program. He provided an update on the work being done in the area of public
works and improvements completed and planned for this area of the county. He also
provided information on youth sports grants received in this area along with the
education support system.
Martin thanked Anderson for his presentation and continued hard work.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Wild Meadows North and South Mill & Overlay Projects (8:00 p.m.)
Johnson stated that this project is proposed to be assessed at 50 percent of the total
project cost under the current assessment policy.
Scherer presented the Wild Meadows mill and overlay projects, noting that the projects
are identical but were split in half for equity purposes. He stated that these streets were
installed in 2001 and reviewed the maintenance that has been done as well as the
existing road conditions. He reviewed the proposed mill and overlay project details as
well as the proposed project costs and assessments. He asked that the Council accept
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the Feasibility Report and call for related public hearings. He reviewed the anticipated
project timeline.
DesLauriers commented that there has been discussion in the past about putting these
types of projects into a maintenance category rather than assessing.
Scherer recognized that residents would pay one way or another, whether that is
through a tax increase or assessment. He explained that this process provides a buy-in
of the residents on their own project.
Johnson commented that timing is an important element to consider as well, noting that
they do work with residents to obtain support from the residents on the projects.
Scherer commented that he does hold neighborhood meetings to receive input from the
residents.
Martin commented that it is generous that the City contributes 50 percent of the cost for
these residential streets as the main use of these streets is only by the residents who
live on these streets.
1. Resolution 2024-17 to Receive the Wild Meadows North Feasibility
Report, Call for Public Hearings on the Street Improvement Project,
and Levy Special Assessments for Same
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Resolution 2024-17 to receive the
Wild Meadows North Feasibility Report, call for public hearings on the street
improvement project, and levy special assessments for same. Motion passed
unanimously.
2. Resolution 2024-18 to Receive the Wild Meadows South Feasibility
Report, Call for Public Hearings on the Street Improvement Project,
and Levy Special Assessments for Same
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Resolution 2024-18 to receive the
Wild Meadows South Feasibility Report, call for public hearings on the street
improvement project, and levy special assessments for same. Motion passed
unanimously.
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:11 p.m.)
A. Special Assessment Policy Update
Johnson stated that a handout was provided to the Council with potential review and
updates suggested by Martin. He stated that staff agrees with the proposed changes
suggested by Martin. He noted that no action would be needed, and no comments were
provided by the Council.
Johnson stated that the business tours will be scheduled for May 15th and reviewed the
availability of the businesses. He stated that staff will provide the Council with an
updated timeline, noting that the grandstand will be on the list.
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:14 p.m.)
Martin recognized the Police Department for the grant submitted for staffing and noted
that it sounds like there is a slate of candidates to interview.
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Nelson commended the two staff members that did a great job applying for the grant.
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:15 p.m.)
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to approve the bills, order check numbers
055510-055540 for $43,494.02, EFT 007233E-007250E for $142,403.03, and payroll
EFT 0513462-0513491 for $69,539.74, and payroll manual check 020448 for $9,865.33.
Motion passed unanimously.
XII. CLOSED SESSION: CONSIDERATION OF LAND ACQUISITION AT PID
0311823220004 PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. SEC. 13D.05, SUBD. 3(C)
Johnson stated that Cavanaugh originally thought that he would be able to participate
virtually but was not able to do so tonight. He commented that this is not time sensitive
and therefore could be tabled tonight.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to table the closed session discussion to a future
date. Motion passed unanimously.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Albers, seconded by Martin, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Caitlyn Walker, City Clerk