HomeMy Public PortalAbout09/18/2018 City Council MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on September 18, 2018 at
7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Anderson, Cousineau, DesLauriers, Martin, and Pederson.
Members absent: None.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Attorney Ron Batty, City Engineer
Jim Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer,
and Chief of Police Ed Be!land.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:00 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:00 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:00 p.m.)
A. Approval of the September 4, 2018 Special Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Martin stated that she has provided a few comments to be incorporated that were
distributed at the dais.
Cousineau referenced the funding discussions and stated that perhaps the language
read "...requesting donations as well as pursuing alternative options."
Moved by Cousineau, seconded by Pederson, to approve the September 4, 2018
special City Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the September 4, 2018 Regular Citv Council Meeting Minutes
Martin noted that she has provided suggested changes to be incorporated into the
minutes which have been distributed.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Cousineau, to approve the September 4, 2018
regular City Council meeting minutes with the suggested changes. Motion passed
unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:03 p.m.)
A. Call for Meeting on November 13, 2018 at 7:30 a.m. for Fall Business Tours
B. Resolution No. 2018-61 Adopting the 2018 Hennepin County All -Hazard
Mitigation Plan
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Anderson, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:04 p.m.)
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A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
There were none.
B. Park Commission
Scherer reported that the Park Commission will meet the following night to discuss the
Baker Park Master Plan, park dedication related to the OSI rezoning and Preliminary
Plat request, and the park donation program.
C. Planning Commission
Planning Commissioner Reid reported that the Planning Commission once again
considered the Mixed Residential Zoning District Ordinance to review the changes the
Commission had directed staff to make. She noted that the Commission also
considered the rezoning request from OSI as well as Preliminary Plat and Site Plan,
recommending approval of the rezoning to Business. She stated that three adjacent
residents spoke to express concern over light spill and screening. She noted that the
Commission asked OSI to review those concerns prior to when the Commission
reconsiders the request for the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan requests, as those plans
needed to be updated. She stated that the Commission also considered a Conditional
Use Permit request for accessory buildings in excess of 5,000 square feet and
recommended approval as the property is large and the building will not be visible from
the road or adjacent properties.
Martin asked for background information on the preference of one Commissioner
towards Business Park zoning.
Reid explained that the Commissioner preferred Business Park because of the lesser
height allowed and believed that it would provide a better transition to the adjacent
residential properties.
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Resolution 2018-62 Recognizing Cec Vieau for Twenty -Eight Years of
Dedicated Service to the City of Medina in the Police Department as She
Retires
(7:11 p.m.)
Martin stated that Cec Vieau has been a valued member of the Medina staff for many
years and is retiring. She read aloud the draft resolution recognizing Mrs. Vieau for her
years of service to the City of Medina.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Pederson, to adopt resolution no. 2018-62 recognizing
Cec Vieau for 28 years of dedicated service to the City of Medina in the Police
Department. Motion passed unanimously.
Martin presented Cec Vieau with the resolution and thanked her for her years of service
to the City of Medina.
Belland thanked Cec Vieau for her 28 years of service. He noted that he started one
year after Mrs. Vieau and she helped to train him in. He stated that Cec Vieau comes to
work early and stays late and goes above and beyond her regular duties. He stated that
she has been an example of professionalism and teamwork and set the bar. He stated
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that he cannot thank her enough for what she has done for him, the department, the
community and the City of Medina.
Cec Vieau thanked everyone for the support that she has received over the years. She
stated that it is hard for her to leave.
Belland noted that there will be a reception on September 28th from 3 to 5 p.m.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. OSI — Rezoning, Preliminary Plat, Site Plan Review — PID 03-118-23-41-0005
(7:17 p.m.)
Finke presented a request from OSI for development of property owned north of its
existing building. He stated that the building would be predominantly office and the
consideration would include three separate requests: a rezoning of the lot for the new
building from Mixed Use to Business; a Preliminary Plat to subdivide the existing outlot
into a lot for the new building and a remaining outlot; and a Site Plan review for the
building. He stated that at this time the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan are being updated
to incorporate comments from staff. Therefore, the rezoning request is the only item
requested for consideration tonight. He explained that the zoning change will drive the
layout of the site. He reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing the
previous week and recommended approval of the rezoning to the Business District with
a vote of 3-1 and tabled the remaining actions to allow updates. He reviewed the
proposed site and described the proposed guiding for the adjacent properties. He
provided renderings of the proposed building along with landscaping plans. He stated
that the subject property was changed to the Business designation within the new
Comprehensive Plan which was recently approved by the Metropolitan Council and will
soon be adopted by the City as well. He stated that the property is currently zoned
Mixed Use and the City will be required to update the zoning map to be consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan within the next nine months. He explained that absent this
request from OSI, the City would need to bring forward a rezoning request within the
next nine months to make the zoning change. He stated that the two choices that would
match the new Comprehensive Plan guiding would be Business and Business Park and
summarized the differences between the two districts. He stated that the Site Plan as
laid out is contingent upon having the allowed height of the Business district and
therefore if that zoning is not approved, the Site Plan would not conform. He stated that
staff recommends that the remaining outlot created to the north would be rezoned as
Business Park in the future, as that parcel would be adjacent to a future residential
development while the parcel under consideration tonight would be appropriate for
Business. He provided a brief summary of the Preliminary Plat and the additional
changes that will be made as suggested by staff comments. He noted that the Park
Commission will be reviewing the request to discuss park dedication at their meeting the
following night. He stated that the parking is proposed to be changed from the proposed
request and provided additional details. He noted that part of the proposed building
would be used for training and the applicant proposes that the full training space not be
calculated into the parking requirement and that proof of parking be provided in lieu.
Cousineau asked if action is requested on the proposed lot and outlot tonight.
Finke stated that the only rezoning action requested tonight would be on the proposed
lot. He stated that the remaining parcel would remain as an outlot and the City will need
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to take action on that within the next nine months to match the guiding of the new
Comprehensive Plan.
Pederson asked if the height of the existing building is near 45 feet.
Finke explained that building height is based on the average height of the building. He
stated that the western facade of the proposed building is a three-story building but the
side facing Arrowhead and facing north are two stories. He noted that there is a similar
situation with the existing building for OSI, where a smaller portion of the building has an
exposed lower level which would make that portion three stories, but the majority of that
lower level is buried. He stated that practically the buildings are the same height, but
this proposed structure is taller because more of the lower level is exposed on the
western side.
Pederson stated that he would assume that the applicant has a need for this size facility
and therefore if the Business Park zoning is chosen, he would then assume that the
applicant would make the building wider and in essence bigger than what is proposed.
Finke confirmed that would be a good question for the applicant. He stated that the
other option would be to have less of the lower level exposed.
Anderson referenced the parking and asked if the parking is projected to be to the west
and north of the newly proposed building.
Finke replied that the building sits westerly, and the parking would be to the east and
north.
Anderson asked if the applicant had addressed the lighting within the parking area.
Finke stated that specifications were included in the plans and there is a condition from
staff included that the light be fully downcast and that the light not trespass beyond the
property line.
Martin referenced the setback requirements, noting that Business Park has larger
setback requirements and does not allow outdoor storage. She asked the difference in
the setback requirements for Business and Business Park related to parking setbacks.
Finke stated that the parking setbacks are the same for both districts.
Martin asked the amount of outdoor storage that would be allowed with Business zoning,
acknowledging that there is not outdoor storage proposed for this request.
Finke stated that the Business district allows up to 20 percent of the footprint to be used
for outdoor storage, but it must be fully screened. He noted that the setback to the east
would remain the same for both districts because of the adjacent residential use.
Martin stated that when this area of the city was discussed in the Comprehensive Plan
process, the desire was to create a business campus which this is. She stated that
there was discussion of attributes that would help to reduce the visual impact of a large
building along with connections between the adjacent uses. She asked if the Park
Commission should consider whether it would be appropriate to reserve space for trails
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along Arrowhead or the northerly boundary for future trails that could provide
connectivity. She recognized the enhanced architectural design of the existing building
and she did not think that there was as much variation of materials in the newly
proposed building. She asked the applicant to attempt to make the new building more
elegant looking, to continue the aesthetic of the current building.
Anderson stated that OSI has been a great partner for the community. He stated that
based on feedback from Bridgewater neighbors and future residential development, he
would like to see a major focus on landscaping and screening to ensure that the
buildings do not intrude on these neighbors.
Martin stated that there is proposed 70 percent opaque screen in return for a reduction
in parking setback and asked for clarification.
Finke stated that the parking setback next to residential is 100 feet but can be reduced
to 60 feet with opaque screening. He replied that if the parking setback remained at 100
feet the screening requirement would be minimal. He stated that because the applicant
is proposing a 75-foot setback, 70 percent opaque screening will be provided.
Martin stated that her sense is that the greater screening is much better.
Pederson agreed that the reduced setback would be a good exchange in return for the
greater screening.
Martin referenced the northerly entrance proposed on the Site Plan, recognizing that
Arrowhead Drive becomes steeper at this point. She asked if it is necessary to have the
curb cut or whether that could be limited to a right-in/right-out entrance. She noted that
the north curb cut is a secondary access point and perhaps during peak traffic hours that
could be marked to not allow traffic to cross.
Stremel commented that the second access is beneficial as it provides access for
heavier vehicles to reach the truck dock as well as providing access for emergency
vehicles. He noted that if that was a right-in/right-out that could pose challenges for
those larger vehicles. He stated that engineering recommended the access in a slightly
different location to meet the required site distance, noting that the access could be
moved 95 feet to the south or 90 feet to the north.
Finke stated that the applicant is undertaking additional time to incorporate those
changes. He stated that the intent would be to share this secondary access with the
property to the north to avoid another access for that location.
Martin asked if the grade decreases as the property moves north.
Stremel confirmed that to be true, although not to the extent of the east to west change
in elevation.
Martin stated that she appreciates the proof of parking. She wanted to ensure that the
landscaping buffer would follow if there is an expansion of parking in the future.
Finke stated that the parking would need to be designed to meet code.
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Pederson asked why the driveway would be 30 feet wide when the requirement is less
than that.
Finke replied that the specifications would allow up to 32 feet wide in commercial and
industrial settings.
Steve Oliver, representing the applicant, stated that there is about 18 to 20 feet of fall on
the site from the eastern side of the site to the western wetland, which provides a
challenge on the building location. He stated that they attempted to leverage that
change in grade to tuck the truck docks in and make them not visible from Arrowhead or
the residential properties. He noted that from three sides, the elevation will show a two-
story building. He stated that they have tried to be creative to minimize the impact from
the roadway and to the north. He stated that if the limited height of the building was
provided under Business Park, they would need to compromise on other design
elements in the building. He noted that they have attempted to match the design of the
existing building. He stated that the lights proposed would meet the requirements of the
no trespass requirement. He stated that OSI will also look at control elements to
determine if additional changes could be made to reduce potential impacts to adjacent
properties. He stated that OSI does not have a need for outdoor storage as the
business is a data operation. He noted that there are trails within the existing site and
there is intent to develop additional trails to continue the campus use. He stated that it is
nice to hear the comments related to design and explained that they are attempting to
not have this building be as dominant in form and features. They want it to be clear that
building one is the primary building. He explained that the new building will be used for
employee space and visitors should still be drawn to building one. He stated that there
is a large computer lab that would not benefit from windows as it is a confidential space.
He stated that they would attempt to keep the same level of detailing with brick and
glass, although the glass would be scaled back a bit on the new building. He stated that
as they respond to the City's request for the right-of-way change, the existing proof of
parking would occur south of the access road. He stated that the buffer that would be
put in along the northern drive would be there for the life of the building, until such a time
when the northerly outlot is developed. He stated that he agrees that the 70 percent
opaque screening in return for reduced parking setback is a great benefit. He stated that
they would like to maintain the full access for the secondary access as described by the
engineer. He stated that there is not a lot of truck traffic, but there is some truck traffic
and therefore they would like to maintain that as a full access.
Anderson asked what are the plans for the additional outlet and when that outlet could
possibly be developed.
Oliver replied that the intent would be to expand the office and computer lab
environment in the future, should the market continue. He stated that the timeframe
could be five years but more likely within ten years. He stated that the initial move would
take a few hundred employees from the existing building into the new building and then
infuse both buildings with new employees.
Keith Moeller, 4495 Bluebell Trail S, stated that he also spoke at the Planning
Commission meeting. He stated that he does not have direct comments on the
discussion tonight. He stated that when you move into a residential area, you have a
certain anticipation of lifestyle and a fair amount of money is invested into the property.
He stated that previously he had a significant decrease to the value of his property
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because of changes that were made to adjacent properties. He stated that he is also a
business owner and recognizes that OSI wants to be successful. He encouraged items
which will minimize impacts to adjacent properties. He asked how far north business will
be developed in the future. He stated that if Business is chosen for this property, could
Business Park be committed for the outlot, as that parcel is closer to residential
properties. He addressed opaque screening and stated that the screening between OSI
and Bridgewater provides almost 100 percent opaque screening and requested that
something similar be done in the other areas. He encouraged the use of berm and
additional screening that would provide opaque screening year-round to minimize
impacts to neighbors.
Martin stated that the Comprehensive Plan is updated every ten years, dependent on
the number of residential properties that the City is designated to absorb by the
Metropolitan Council. She provided information on the land use designations as
proposed under the new Comprehensive Plan. She noted that the wetlands of Medina
act as a natural buffer throughout the community and help to keep open space that could
otherwise be developed.
Finke stated that the opacity requirement uses a calculation that provides additional
points for coniferous plantings compared to deciduous.
Johnson stated that there was a question as to whether OSI pays property taxes and
confirmed that OSI does pay taxes. In 2017 $140,949.79 was paid in property taxes.
Pederson stated that the year-round screening is important for the adjacent residential
properties. He agreed that the height requirement should be lessened when the
additional outlot is developed but recognized that topic is not on the table tonight.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Cousineau, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance
rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Cavanaughs Meadowwoods Park to the Business Zoning
District. Motion passed unanimously.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Cousineau, to table consideration of the preliminary
plat and site plan review to allow the applicant to update plans and Planning
Commission to review. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Wayzata Schools — Lot Line Rearrangement (8:11 p.m.)
Finke stated that Wayzata Schools desires to purchase a portion of the property, noting
that there are numerous properties included within the potential purchase. He stated
that one of the properties is bisected by Hamel Road. He noted that the intent would be
to divide the property by Hamel Road, noting that Wayzata Schools would purchase the
portion of the property north of Hamel Road while the existing property owner would
retain ownership of the property south of Hamel Road. He stated that both properties
exceed the minimum standards of the zoning district. He stated that any future
development would come back to the City for review dependent upon the zoning of the
parcels. He noted that Wayzata Schools does not have any immediate plans for the
land and is simply reserving land for possible future needs. He stated that staff
recommends approval contingent on the conditions noted in the staff report.
Pederson stated that Hamel Road is a County road at that location and asked if sewer is
being designated.
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Finke stated that the northern property is within the MUSA while the southern property is
not.
1. Resolution No. 2018-63 Granting Lot Line Rearrangement and
Combination Approval Amongst PID 11-118-23-13-0001 (1152 Hamel
Road), PID 11-118-23-42-0001, and PID 11-118-23-43-0001
Moved by Cousineau, seconded by Anderson, to adopt resolution no. 2018-63 granting
lot line rearrangement and combination approval amongst PID 11-118-23-13-0001 (1152
Hamel Road), PID 11-118-23-42-0001, and 11-118-23-43-0001. Motion passed
unanimously.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. Comprehensive Plan Review — City of Corcoran (8:16 p.m.)
Martin stated that at the last meeting the Council reviewed the draft response to the draft
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Corcoran. She noted that the Council suggested
that staff strengthen the position and concerns of the City within the response letter.
She stated that the redline version of the response letter has been provided to the
Council.
Finke stated that this is the third rendition of the response letter which incorporates the
comments that he has received from the Council thus far and provided a brief summary
of the additional strengthened language.
Cousineau asked if Medina made an investment when CR 101 was done years ago.
Finke replied that road work was done before the City was a State aid community and
therefore the cost share was different, and the City was not expected to contribute
significantly. He stated that much of the costs were on the adjacent City streets but
were done in connection with developers.
Anderson stated that the changes are quite good, and he is pleased to see the additional
language. He referenced the last paragraph in relation to fire services, specifically the
last sentence, and stated that he believes that to be assumptive and perhaps should not
be included. He stated that in a recent discussion it seemed that Corcoran was unsure
as to the fire service that would be provided for the development that will contain
increased density.
Martin provided additional clarification that the concem was that additional development
in Corcoran would strain the Loretto Fire Department services in both Medina and
Corcoran and which is in need of significant capital improvements to tis station. She
stated that her concern is whether Loretto could adequately continue to service both
communities if the Corcoran expansion was permitted as there is not additional capacity
within that department.
Johnson noted that language would be clarified, and staff will submit the letter per
Council direction.
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X. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:22 p.m.)
Johnson thanked Klaers for her exceptional work coordinating Celebration Day along
with all the people that volunteered for the event.
Belland also thanked the City Council for its assistance with the event. He stated that
there were more businesses this year than ever before. He appreciated the help from
staff and noted that the event was well run. He thanked everyone for the help with the
event.
DesLauriers stated that it was great to see all the members of staff contributing to the
event and acknowledged the amount of work that is required to make the event
successful.
Pederson also thanked all the staff members that assisted.
XI. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:25 p.m.)
Anderson stated that he and Pederson visited the Long Lake Fire Department the night
before to see the new fire engine.
Pederson stated that the department was very happy that members of the Council were
present to see the delivery of the new fire engine. He stated that the Assistant Chief did
a great job of reaching out to thank everyone that attended.
Martin stated that she attended the recent mayors' meeting and learned that most cities
are keeping their tax rates consistent but have increased growth to support an increased
levy. She stated that she has been working with staff to find additional grant
opportunities for assistance in development of the Uptown Hamel area as the City was
not approved for the University of Minnesota program.
Johnson stated that staff will reapply for the program in January.
XII. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:27 p.m.)
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cousineau, to approve the bills, EFT 004767E-
004786E for $62,708.80 and order check numbers 047836-047902 for $173,054.96 and
payroll EFT 0508895-0508927 for $53,298.92. Motion passed unanimously.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Cousineau, to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Attes
A
Jodi MGallup, City Clerk
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes
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-_,_,__, ,
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
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