HomeMy Public PortalAbout03/01/05 CCM59
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 1, 2005
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on March 1, 2005 at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Workman presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Brinkman, Cavanaugh, Smith, Weir, and Workman.
Members absent:
Also present: City Attorney Ron Batty, City Engineer Tom Kellogg, Public Works
Director Jim Dillman, Police Chief Ed Belland, City Planner Rose Lorsung, City Planner
Consultant Sarah Schield, City Administrator Chad Adams and Recording Secretary
Liza Weniger.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
Adams requested removing item 4A from the agenda, Minutes of the February 12,
2005 Special Council Meeting, as he stated that staff was unable to complete the
minutes prior to packets being mailed.
Moved by Weir, seconded by Smith, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
passed unanimously.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. A- preva-ofihe- ebiuc.rs�, 20 ci 1 Getin-ii M M-i t
B. Approval of the February 15, 2005 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
It was noted on page 1, the second line of the third paragraph under Approval of the
February 1, 2005 Regular Council Meeting Minutes should state: "...the north side of
Hamel Medina Road.... "
It was noted on page 10, the thirteenth paragraph should state: "Cavanaugh stated that
Council needs to come up with a consensus on a standard."
Moved by Smith, seconded by Weir, to approve the February 15, 2005 Regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
V. COMMENTS
A. Comments from Citizens on Items Not on the Agenda
Randy Mayer, 762 Hamel Road, asked when the proper time would be to address the
Ryan Development. His concern with the project is based on his angst of losing his
biggest customer, Thorpe Distributing Corporation, who left town to take advantage of
tax increment funding in Rogers. He stated that he has lost ninety customers that used
to purchase gas at his station, and urged Council to find a way to bring in more people
to the community. He stated that he believes this City has always been a two-tier City:
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residents and the businesses. He asked if there would be a chance for his concerns to
be addressed at a future forum. Mayer acknowledged citizen's concerns of highway
development, further commenting that a median down the center of Highway 55 would
reduce his business by 30%. He noted that the Ryan Development land has been
vacant for a long time and is concerned about what will develop there.
Workman stated that the format for a public hearing is to take place at the Planning
Commission. It is to the discretion of Council to welcome public comments for projects,
but it has been the practice of the Council to allow public discussion.
Mayer stated that he would encourage Council members to acknowledge his emails, as
he has sent some as of late.
Smith stated that she has sat in on some Planning Commission meetings and feels that
it is unfair for an applicant to brag about how much tax base they are providing to the
City to not let Planning Commission discuss. Smith noted that she has not received any
emails from Mayer recently.
Mayer stated that with all the attention with Uptown Hamel lately, he wanted the Council
to pay attention to other businesses in the City.
Smith stated she would never compare Highway 55 in Medina to Highway 94 in Rogers.
Bob Raskob, one of the owners of the Medina Ballroom and Hotel, stated that he had
bought the ballroom property of 10.2 acres thirty-six years ago. He summarized how
the property taxes have steadily increased each year stating that the ballroom and hotel
pays over one hundred thousand dollars in taxes each year and brings a lot of business
to the City of Medina.
Workman stated he hopes that everyone will be able to agree on any changes.
B. Park Commission
Dillman stated that the Park Commission will be discussing the Park Capital
Improvement Plan at the March meeting.
C. Planning Commission
Lorsung stated that the Planning Commission, at the special meeting on February 22,
2005, recommended denial for the subdivision at 1475 Willow Drive, and approved the
site plan, preliminary plat and CUP amendment for the Ace Properties retail expansion
on Hwy. 101.
Lorsung stated at the next Planning Commission meeting, the Commission would be
looking at the Uptown Hamel traffic study. The next City Council meeting on March 15'
2005 would be looking at 1475 Willow Drive as well as the uptown Hamel traffic study.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
A. Argent Parc - Darrel A. Farr Corp. Development —185 Hamel Rd.
Schield stated that staff has met with the developer and Fire Marshall to discuss the fire
We access. The site plan approval resolution includes the Fire Marshall's requirement
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to construct the twenty -foot wide fire Zane access. Staff has found that the Fire Marshall
has discretion to make such requirements, despite this not being a requirement for other
buildings in other communities (however, other variables such as the Fire Department's
capabilities/resources should be considered). Staff is also researching what authority
the Council has to overrule a Fire Marshall's recommendation, and what liability the City
may have in doing so. If the fire lane/access is constructed as a requirement of site
plan approval, a question remains of who should pay for the improvement.
Schield stated that Fire Marshall Loren Kohnen is present at the meeting to discuss his
requirement.
Schield stated that another issue for Council to consider with the fire lane/access is the
road plan for the Uptown Hamel area that will be addressed before the Planning
Commission on March 8, 2005 and City Council on March 15, 2005. It may be likely that
the east -west leg of Mill Drive will need an alley/access.
Schield stated that she spoke with the State Fire Marshall's Office who clarified an issue
raised at the February 15, 2005 Council meeting. If a building is less than four stories,
and is sprinkled, then a fire access is not needed. Schield stated that she also spoke
with the fire chief of Orono and again clarified that anytime a building is sprinkled, then
the fire chief, nor the Fire Marshall, is concerned about access other than a typical front
access.
Kohnen stated that he has spoke with the chief and assistant chief of the Hamel Fire
Department and they share his same concerns. A fire access is needed.
Kohnen stated that he has also spoke with Dillman about the construction of the
construction access who relayed to him that a foot of rock would need to be put down to
get construction vehicles in and out of the property anyhow. That very access would be
the access that the Fire Department would also use and need.
Ben Schmidt, Farr Development stated he and Dillman met last week and he was
informed that if his company did a good job of building a construction access road, and
maintained it, then the City may consider paving the access as it paves Mill Drive.
Adams stated that in two weeks, a traffic study will be addressed and it may encompass
the fire access issue then. The question tonight is whether to require other future
projects to be held to the same standards, and if so, determine who would be
responsible for paying those improvements.
Adams stated staff has researched if the City has any liability or risk for not adhering to
the Fire Marshall recommendations, and deferred to Batty for comment.
Batty asked Kohnen how his recommendations were based, on discretion and/or code
requirement. Kohnen stated both, and clarified that he has concerns with how the Fire
Department would be able to have access to the property with only one fire hydrant,
which is located on the corner of Mill Drive. Kohnen reiterated that the Fire Department
needs access to the fire hydrant.
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Kohnen further stated that he would not be concerned if the building was less than three
stories tall and was an office/retail building rather than a livable space. However, this is
three-story living quarters, and smoke, not fire, is often the biggest killer. The fire code
is about the only allowance that permits the Fire Marshall and fire chief to change the
code as they see fit based on the welfare of people.
Workman stated that it does not make sense to have a hydrant without a road,
furthermore stating that he agreed with Kohnen's comments.
Cavanaugh asked who would be paying for the construction of the access and what
would be the cost to the City.
Adams stated that the cost issue has not been addressed yet. He asked Dillman for a
cost estimate on the road.
Dillman stated that the only cost involved would be for the pavement, which is roughly
$8,000 if the developer provides a good gravel base.
Adams listed the following options on behalf of staff for Council discussion:
• Developer pays 100%, without public reimbursement
• Developer pays 100% upfront, and TIF District reimburses
• City orders public improvement, conducts public hearing and specially assesses
benefited properties (with an option of TIF reimbursing the assessments and funding
non -assessed portion)
• City constructs and TIF funds the cost
• City constructs and Road Improvement Fund funds the cost
Adams stated that staff recommends the developer pay the funds 100% up front, and
Council should discuss options for reimbursement.
Smith asked if during future development, whether the property to the south would be
charged or assessed for the fire access road.
Brinkman asked if curb and gutter was a requirement to the construction of the access.
Dillman stated no. Brinkman stated that he is very concerned that good gravel be
brought in and maintained.
1. Resolution Granting Variance
Schield stated that she recommends keeping in condition number 6.
Adams stated that number 6 of this variance and 29 of the resolution granting site plan
approval may have to be amended to clarify how the access would be constructed and
who would pay for it.
Batty stated that based on Council discussion, it appears that condition number 6 is
what the Council wants. Batty stated that his understanding is that keeping 6 will
address Kohnen's items of concern, and would remove the cul-de-sac and the outdoor
sprinkler system from Kohnen's recommendations.
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Moved by Smith, seconded by Brinkman, to approve the Resolution granting approval of
a variance for the Darrel A Farr Development Corporation for Property Located at 185
Hamel. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution Granting Site Plan Approval
Schield stated that staff recommends approval of the resolutions with the conditions.
Schmidt asked if condition number 14 was supposed to be changed. Kellogg stated that
there were places where the access would not have to be twenty feet, as the condition
presently requires.
Schield stated that for condition number 14, staffs recommendation would be to change
the wording from twenty feet to ten feet.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Weir, to the Resolution granting site plan approval for the
Darrel A Farr Development Corporation for Property Located at 185 Hamel Road
changing condition number 14 to read ten feet instead of twenty feet. Motion passed
unanimously.
B. Ordinance Establishing Storm Sewer Tax District for Keller Estates —
Public Hearing
Adams stated that this item was tabled from the February 1, 2005 meeting because the
final plat application and rezoning was not ready for Council review. Because this item
is not ready for approval, staff recommends opening the public hearing and tabling to
the April 5, 2005 meeting.
Moved by Weir, seconded by Cavanaugh, to table the motion and discussion of the
Ordinance Establishing Storm Sewer Tax District for Keller Estates to April 5, 2005.
Motion passed unanimously.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointment to Planning Commission
Adams stated that the term of Planning Commission member Ron Johnson is expiring in
March 2005 and staff has advertised for the opening in the Crow River News with a
Monday, February 28, 2005 deadline. A late application from Doug Dickerson for
appointment was received this afternoon, past the Monday, February 28 deadline.
Workman stated that it is customary to allow the applicants to speak in which Council
will have a chance to comment.
Adams stated Ron Johnson was unable to attend the meeting tonight but had presented
a qualifications letter to staff. Steven Jacobson was also unable to attend.
Jeff Pederson stated that he is reapplying for the position from the last opening.
Smith asked Pederson if after living in the community for an extensive period of time
whether he felt the need to change the Comprehensive plan in the next few years.
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Pederson stated that the plan would need to be looked at. He remembers the plan from
1990 and remembered that it took a long time to make the changes that were made. He
stated that he thinks that new planning would probably be needed.
Workman asked Pederson what he felt was the biggest challenge for the Planning
Commission in regard to the City. Pederson stated that the traffic study will be the
biggest challenge, and although the Ryan Development project is a good project, if the
traffic is not taken care of properly, the roads, sewer and water would be greatly
affected. He stated that a careful study would need to take place.
Doug Dickerson presented his letter to Council members. Smith asked Dickerson if he
foresaw a large amount of change from the current comp plan to a newer plan.
Dickerson stated that the plan is very sophomoric, and although it has set parameters,
Planning Commission would need to take a look at the impact of the development and
growth of the future, and from there, work backwards. Dickerson stated that his career
focus is in marketing and research.
Workman asked what Dickerson feels is the biggest challenge for Medina. Dickerson
stated the biggest concern is to keep Medina as a rural area while being open to
development.
Brinkman stated that Council has four qualified candidates, however recommended
Dickerson as being the most qualified candidate.
Adams handed out ballets and explained the voting process.
A revote was done for Pederson and Dickerson as there was a tie of two votes. Adams
read the second ballots proclaiming Doug Dickerson as the newly appointed Planning
Commission member by a 3-2 vote.
Adams stated two, maybe three, positions would be up for renewal in December 2005.
Adams stated that Dickerson's position would be effective starting at the Wednesday,
March 8, 2005 Planning Commission meeting.
B. City Hall Facility Space Planning Report
Adams stated that staff and the building committee (Workman and Brinkman) have met
with Maureen Steele Bellows Architecture to recommend improvements and a new
facility space plan for City Hall. A report/presentation (including the improved floor plan
for both up and downstairs) was provided on the recommended improvements. A
discussion of the possible costs and budget of the recommended improvements also
took place. Staff is seeking direction to authorize preparation of plans/specs if Council
supports the plan.
Gary Demele, architect/space planner representing Maureen Steele Bellows
Architecture, stated that the bathrooms would be adjusted to meet ADA standards.
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Weir asked why the two bathrooms upstairs could not be combined as a unisex
bathroom to save valuable space and budget dollars. Demele stated that due to the use
of the building and state codes, the separate bathrooms are necessary.
Smith stated that her concern lies mostly with the loss of flexibility for larger Council
audiences. Workman stated that he agreed; however that the new community building
would accommodate the Council meetings anticipated to have a large turn -out. Smith
asked if there was future flexibility for a building addition on the east end of the building
in case the Council meeting grows as the City expands.
Adams stated yes, there are possibilities for expansion of additional office space and
Council space.
Brinkman stated that with the results of the study, the new floor plan will be ample and
sufficient for an additional five to seven years which is good considering the amount of
money that will be spent.
Workman stated that he thinks the new Council chambers will seat 30-40 people, which
is adequate for most meetings. The community building would be for when the
meetings are anticipated to be larger.
Demele stated that this is the most effective plan and no space has been wasted.
Weir asked if the nature of the workspace would be cubicles. Adams stated that the
work stations would be the same as the existing and the plan would allow for a more
efficient staff work space.
Demele stated that all new ceiling and lighting would be installed and will be more
energy efficient.
Belland stated that he likes the new lower level floor plan and feels that the plan will be
sufficient for an additional five to seven years.
Workman asked if whether the space downstairs would continue to house public
meetings or if those organizations would have to be moved.
Adams stated that would have to move out of City Hall, possibly to the Community
Building if the Council chooses, and that many of the organizations presently using City
Hall choose to meet at churches or schools.
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize preparation of plans and specs for
the City Hall Facility Space.
Cavanaugh asked to see the upper level floor plan again and asked if in order to create
extra space for storage, whether perhaps staff could consider collapsible walls for the
conference room.
Demele stated that he would look into the collapsible walls idea, however would most
likely not recommend it as it is not an economical and sound proof option.
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Brinkman stated that staff should look into the costs of the change, and also consider
adding another women's toilet stall upstairs.
Workman asked if the upstairs and downstairs record rooms could be combined.
Belland stated no, as the downstairs may not be enough space as it appears.
Adams stated that staff would consider the Council's recommendations.
Motion passed unanimously.
C. Gramercy Club at Elm Creek — Affordable Housing
Batty stated that the developer is requesting a few changes to the affordable housing
conditions that are currently outlined in the development agreement.
Batty reviewed his memo and correspondence from the developer and addressed
correspondence with the Metropolitan Council pertaining to the changes. One change
involves using the current Met Council affordable housing figure ($193,700) instead of
the $170,000 figure from three years ago, and then using the annual Met Council figure
instead of a 1% increase each year. A second option is Fannie Mae. Fannie Mae has
required that there be no restrictive zoning, of which Medina does not have. If any of
the affordable units were foreclosed on, then limitations on resale would be not allowed.
An amendment to the PUD agreement is needed if the Council is comfortable with the
changes.
Rolfe Worden, attorney for Gramercy from Hinsawh & Culbertson LLP, stated that he
has no contradictory comments to Batty's summary.
Batty stated that the City would agree to pick up two affordable units in which the City
would be providing affordability. Twelve units would exist as affordable housing.
Workman asked for Council discussion:
Cavanaugh asked for further clarification on whether if one unit was to foreclose, if the
entire affordable housing deal would be off.
Worden stated no, explaining that if there is a foreclosure and Fannie Mae is
guaranteeing it, when the foreclosure buyer resells the unit to the market, the limit is off
on only that one unit.
Batty stated that the City is not being asked to consent to the agreement; it is simply
what Fannie Mae requires.
Dickerson asked whether the association fees of $350/month would be lowered or
changed for the affordable living units. Worden stated no, as it would not be fair for the
association to subsidize the affordable living residents.
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize staff to prepare the amendment to
the development agreement to Gramercy Club at Elm Creek with its changes to the
affordable housing conditions. Motion passed unanimously.
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D. Creekview Townhomes — Request for Comprehensive Plan Amendment,
Rezoning to PUD, Planned Unit Development Plan, and Preliminary Plat for
23 Townhome Units at 500 Hamel Road — Lynmore, LLC.
Schield reviewed the staff report for the requested comprehensive plan amendment,
rezoning to PUD, PUD general plan, and preliminary plat for the twenty-three unit town
homes at 500 Hamel Road. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of
the request, however staff is recommending denial of the project. Staffs
recommendation for denial is as follows:
• The application does not conform with the City's Guide Plan for this property, which is
guided Urban Commercial. Furthermore, staff feels that such comprehensive plan
change consider should involve a broader look at surrounding properties that may be
affected. The City's next formal review of the comprehensive plan will begin in the next
few years, and staff recommends this is the more appropriate time to consider such
amendments.
• The application's request for rezoning to Planned Unit Development does not meet the
intent of a PUD. From a general planning principle standpoint, the City has created
PUD's in the past to provide flexibility of regulations in return for public benefits from a
development. Staff does not feel that there are public benefits that either match or
exceed the private developer benefits from the project. The City Engineer has written a
letter of concern to the developer.
• Even though the application is deemed "complete," staff is not pleased with the
adequacy of the materials that have been presented to staff. For example, staff has
outstanding concerns with the soils and floodplain boundary on the site.
• Comprehensive plan amendments demand substantial staff resources before the Met
Council, in future staff meetings, developer meetings, Council meetings, as well as
individual staff analysis. As discussed in the recent February 12, 2005 work session,
staff resources are currently limited with existing and upcoming planning projects.
Adams stated that Planning staff and consultants should be focusing more time on
updating our codes, procedures, conducting code enforcement, GIS mapping upgrades,
and completing out existing projects before taking on more projects through
comprehensive plan amendments. Staff has learned from the recent Bridgewater
comprehensive plan amendment that significant staff resources are required to
complete such requests. Staff in other departments will be required to work on aspects
of this project as well and other priorities take precedence over these types of requests.
Schield read aloud the Fire Marshall's recommendations, which were not part of the
staff report.
Workman asked for clarification from Kellogg on whether the project could feasibly be
built on this type of soil. Kellogg stated that he has not seen any of the necessary data
supporting the building on these soils, however the main question of concern would be if
the utilities could be installed and if so, how much soil correction would be needed.
Workman asked if the developer would prefer to work out the details before making his
presentation to Council. The developer stated no.
Adams stated that staff would continue to recommend denial even if the soil borings
were correctly presented. Adams again stated that the project does not fit the
comprehensive plan as this property/area is guided commercial.
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Smith stated that it was important for staff and Council to not consider any other project
in this area until the Comprehensive plan is changed. She stated that she would never
expect staff to make a decision until all the information is presented accurately,
however, if there is absolutely no support from staff, then she would not want the
developer to continue making further efforts for approval.
Brinkman asked how staff could deny recommendation of the development strictly for
reasons based on the zoning.
Workman stated that it is Council's discretion to determine whether this would best fit
the need of the City. And if staff is overloaded with applications and work, then it is not
fair to overload staff with any more approvals.
Workman opened the agenda item for comment from Council.
Brinkman stated that there has been a lot of time and thought put into the comp plan.
Affordable units would be nice, and there are structural problems on the project of which
Kohnen could clear up. However, the soils are not good for construction of this type of
structure, and the development's proximity to the pond and the creek are of concern.
Weir stated that the development is a reasonable use of the land but is too early in its
timing. She stated that she is not in favor of changing the comp plan.
Cavanaugh stated that personally he would like to see office condos on the proposed
site, however, Council would not be giving any of the parties a fair shake if policies or
decisions were going to be changed in five years to reflect residential. The Council and
the City needs to decide what it wants on that parcel of land.
Workman stated that the City does have zoning on the proposed property. His main
concern is to support staff, as they are the people that have to deal with these types of
decisions day in and day out.
Smith stated that she would be disappointed if staff had requested additional boring
reports and have not received them. She stated that it is her personal opinion that there
is too much commercial and would like to see more residential in Medina. She thinks
that the developer has come at a bad time; the project is a good idea, but at the wrong
time.
Workman stated that he would like to give the developer a chance to speak.
David Moore, President and owner of Lynmore, LLC., presented a preliminary
application to Workman. He stated that the first time they were requested to present
soil information was on December 13. 2004. On January 17' 2005, he received a letter
requesting additional geographical information. He was given a two -page list of
instructions on how to make corrections to the soil and property. Moore explained how
his technological construction techniques would be ample and sufficient for handicapped
housing despite the soil corrections.
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Brinkman stated that he sees that there is enough information on the soils, however the
bigger issues are what have been stated at tonight's Council meeting.
Moore stated that via public hearings, he has heard that this is a project that is wanted
and needed in Medina.
Ron Brekke, Oliver and Associates, stated that this project has been presented and
discussed since September 2004, and he does not understand why staff is now saying
that they need an additional three to four years to review this area of development.
Workman stated that time is needed to review a comp plan change. Workman stated
that Council follows the opinions of staff in which to create its ordinances and policies.
Brekke stated that he felt it was unfair that staff is now just making its determination
after all this time.
Adams clarified that staffs concerns have been expressed in meetings with the
developer and in the concept plan review meetings.
Carl Anderson, representing the developer, stated that he wrote the review report on the
soil conditions. The land is appropriate for this specific type of individual project and
each unit can be addressed on an individual basis. Brinkman stated that the soil
condition is not the issue.
Batty commented for the purpose of bringing order to the denial. He stated that there is
a hierarchy of land use issues, and the key issue is the comp plan. A comp plan change
would be the first issue to contend with and a change to the comp plan would take a 4/5
vote. Another issue would be to determine whether a change is necessary for the comp
plan.
Batty stated that if the motion is to deny, then there needs to be reasons clearly stated.
Reasons should include inconsistencies with the comp plan as well as anything else that
would be needed to be clarified.
Brinkman stated that the biggest issue is the comp plan.
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize staff to prepare a resolution to
deny a comprehensive plan amendment from Urban Commercial to Multi -Family
Residential for reasons based on inconsistencies with the City of Medina's comp plan.
Cavanaugh stated that it is important for the City to make a decision on what it wants
with the proposed property to avoid future controversies.
Smith stated that she would vote against the motion as she feels the City needs more
residential rather than commercial. She stated that it is her personal opinion that the
proposed project would be a much better use of the land than commercial. However,
the timing for this type of project is not right.
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Weir stated that she is concerned that this is spot zoning, inconsistency with comp plan,
and that City should evaluate this area as a whole, rather than just one development
proposal.
Vote to direct staff to prepare the resolution for denial, 3-2 (Cavanaugh and
Smith).
Batty stated that there should be a vote on each of the items consistent with what was
done with the comp plan.
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize staff to prepare a resolution to
deny rezoning from Urban Commercial to PUD for reasons based on inconsistencies
with the City of Medina's comp plan.
Cavanaugh asked for clarification of the motion.
Batty stated the key issue is the comp plan and all the subsidiary issues have to be dealt
with. Council has set a pattern and re -zoning needs to be consistent with the comp
plan.
Vote to direct staff to prepare the resolution for denial, 4-1 (Smith).
Moore asked Council why none of these issues were brought up in September of 2004.
Workman stated concerns were presented in September and that there was a different
type of Council back in September.
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize staff to prepare a resolution to
deny a PUD (Planned Unit Development) general plan based on inconsistencies with
the City of Medina's comp plan.
Vote to direct staff to prepare the resolution for denial, 4-1 (Smith).
Moved by Brinkman, seconded by Weir, to authorize staff to prepare a resolution to
deny a preliminary plat to allow twenty-three town home units on the 8.64 —acre
property located north of Hamel Road, south of State Highway 55 and west of Sioux
Drive based on inconsistencies with the City of Medina's comp plan.
Vote to direct staff to prepare the resolution for denial, 4-1 (Smith).
E. Ordinance Amending Section 825.33 of Code of Ordinances Regarding the
Planning Commission
Adams reviewed the ordinance, which revises the term ending for Planning Commission
members to December 31, instead of the current practice of March. The revision will
conform to other appointments the Council makes each year. Staff is recommending
approval of the ordinance.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Weir, to approve the Ordinance amending Section
825.33 of the Code of Ordinances Regarding the Planning Commission. Motion
passed unanimously.
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F. Amendment to Antenna Site Lease Agreement — Verizon Wireless (VAW)
LLC
Adams reviewed the amended agreement that has been prepared by Bob Vose from
Kennedy and Graven. Verizon Wireless requested replacement of antennas on the
Hamel Water Tower, which required a change in the agreement and triggered an
opportunity for the City to amend other parts of the agreement. As indicated in the
correspondence, new antennas will be approved as part of the agreement. Staff has
reviewed a structural analysis of the change and finds the impact to be minimal. The
compensation will increase as part of the agreement (staff is also pleased to report that
previous compensation has been made in a sufficient manner). A provision to provide
the City with cell phones is being deleted and being replaced with cash. Staff is also
seeking $1,500 to process this amendment request. Staff recommends approval of the
amendment.
Moved by Weir, seconded by Smith, to approve Amendment No. 1 to Amended Antenna
Site Lease Agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
A. Rainwater Park Plan
Adams outlined improvements to a new "Rainwater Park" that will be located just north
of the Hunter Drive/Hamel Road intersection. The Park Commission discussed this park
at their February 16, 2005 meeting and recommended moving forward with some of the
plans.
Adams stated that staff recommends this plan be sent back to Park Commission to
consider its prioritized status in relationship to other improvements that are currently
under construction or on the table (i.e. Hunter Drive, park maintenance, community
building site improvements including a fire pit, parking lot pavement, basketball court,
park entrance signs, trail improvements, playground equipment, skating rink expansion,
concession stand, open space planning, boat ramp, etc.). Staff also recommends that a
more comprehensive plan, as the Council has requested by June 2005, be submitted
before moving forward with this project. This Rainwater plan is not currently a budgeted
item for 2005. Staff encourages Council discussion.
Weir stated she sees some urgency in installing a culvert across Hamel Road west of
Hunter Drive, as it will intercept 75% of the storm water that currently travels farther
west and dumps directly into Elm Creek. She also stated that she felt the Council
should proceed with constructing a water garden (not a rain garden) with a Forebay at
the outlet end of the new culvert so that City does not have to be fighting bank weeds.
Smith stated that she agrees with Weir's comments. The seeding has to be done
anyway to prevent further erosion.
Workman asked where the money would come from to fund the improvements. Smith
proposed the environmental fund.
Adams stated if Council all agrees with the improvements, then he would request at
least two extra weeks to review the funding. He further stated that this proposed plan is
poor planning from a financial standpoint, and that staff has been recently advised by
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March 1, 2005
72
Council to not "spring" these requests on the Council, thus the recommendation for
tabling this item back to the Park Commission.
Smith stated she agrees and would be willing to table the discussion and approval.
Lorsung proposed that grants could be researched for this type of project.
Moved by Smith, seconded by Cavanaugh, to table the Rainwater Park Plan for staff to
further research. Motion passed unanimously.
Adams stated this item may be on the March 15th meeting for discussion.
B. Hamel Community Building
1. Operating Policy Amendment — Alcohol Use
Adams stated that staff has researched options for procedurally allowing alcohol use in
the Hamel Community Building through the City's insurance agent, attorney and other
communities. Staff recommends that the Council consider the following policies:
• All renters/users that include alcoholic beverage consumption as part of an event are
required to provide the City with a Certificate of Liability Insurance for the period of time
of the event, naming the City as an additional insured, in the amount of $500,000.
• All renters/users that sell alcoholic beverage consumption as part of an event are
required to provide the City with a Certificate of Liability Insurance, naming the City as
an additional insured, in the amount of $500,000; and, dram shop insurance must be
held by the renter/user (or caterer); and, a liquor license must be obtained from the City
(for 3.2 malt liquor, one -day set up) or be on file with the State of Minnesota.
Workman asked what the current alcohol policy was for the building. Adams stated that
anyone that wants to bring their own liquor and provide it, not to sell, would be subjected
to higher rental/user fees and a higher deposit.
Workman stated that he foresees problems with the policy and feels it is too relaxed.
Brinkman asked for Bellands' opinion. Belland stated that the City of Independence has
their community building attached to the City Hall and so there is more of a watch
placed on the building and its activities. Some cities have demanded that a caterer or a
hired licensed officer be present at such events.
Workman stated that he too has heard of Belland's mentioned policies in other cities.
Workman proposed that the liability policy, with the City listed as the additional insured,
be increased to $1,000,000
Belland stated that the Police Department would have to bid the officer's time as
overtime if the City was to choose that option. The renter would pay for the officers
time.
Adams suggested as a creative option that if the Police Reserve was willing or had
enough volunteers, that they could staff events and reimbursements for their time would
go back to their program.
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2005