HomeMy Public PortalAbout09/19/2017 City Council Minutes"
M E D I N A C I T Y C O U N C I L M E E T I N G M I N U T E S O F S E P T E M B E R 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
T h e C i t y C o u n c i l o f M e d i n a , M i n n e s o t a m e t i n r e g u l a r s e s s i o n o n S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7 a t
7 : 0 0 p . m . i n t h e C i t y H a l l C h a m b e r s . M a y o r M i t c h e l l p r e s i d e d .
I . R O L L C A L L
M e m b e r s p r e s e n t : A n d e r s o n , C o u s i n e a u , P e d e r s o n , M a r t i n , a n d M i t c h e l l .
M e m b e r s a b s e n t : N o n e .
A l s o p r e s e n t : C i t y A d m i n i s t r a t o r S c o t t J o h n s o n , C i t y A t t o r n e y R o n B a t t y , C i t y E n g i n e e r
J i m S t r e m e l , C i t y P l a n n e r D u s t y F i n k e , F i n a n c e D i r e c t o r E r i n B a r n h a r t , P l a n n i n g
C o n s u l t a n t N a t e S p a r k s , P u b l i c W o r k s D i r e c t o r S t e v e S c h e r e r , a n d P o l i c e S e r g e a n t
J a s o n N e l s o n .
I I . P L E D G E O F A L L E G I A N C E ( 7 : 0 0 p . m . )
I I I . A D D I T I O N S T O T H E A G E N D A ( 7 : 0 0 p . m . )
T h e a g e n d a w a s a p p r o v e d a s p r e s e n t e d .
I V . A P P R O V A L O F M I N U T E S ( 7 : 0 0 p . m . )
A . A p p r o v a l o f t h e S e p t e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 7 R e g u l a r C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s
M o v e d b y A n d e r s o n , s e c o n d e d b y C o u s i n e a u , t o a p p r o v e t h e S e p t e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 7
r e g u l a r C i t y C o u n c i l m e e t i n g m i n u t e s a s p r e s e n t e d . M o t i o n p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
V . C O N S E N T A G E N D A ( 7 : 0 1 p . m . )
A . A p p r o v e F i n a l P a y R e q u e s t t o C & L E x c a v a t i n g , I n c . f o r S i o u x D r i v e T u r n
L a n e I m p r o v e m e n t P r o j e c t
B . A p p r o v e A m e n d e d a n d R e s t a t e d C o n t r a c t f o r F i r e P r o t e c t i o n b e t w e e n t h e
C i t y o f M a p l e P l a i n a n d t h e C i t y o f M e d i n a
C . A p p r o v e W a r m - U p P i t c h e r s A r e a I n s t a l l a t i o n S e r v i c e s A g r e e m e n t
D . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 6 7 A c c e p t i n g D o n a t i o n f r o m t h e H a m e l A t h l e t i c C l u b
E . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 6 8 A c c e p t i n g P u b l i c U t i l i t i e s w i t h i n t h e J u s t f o r K i x
D e v e l o p m e n t
F . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 6 9 A p p r o v i n g S e t b a c k V a r i a n c e f r o m R i g h t - o f - W a y f o r
M c D o n a l d ' s a t 8 2 2 H i g h w a y 5 5
G . C a l l f o r S p e c i a l C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g o n O c t o b e r 1 1 , 2 0 1 7 a t 7 : 3 0 a . m . f o r
t h e F a l l B u s i n e s s T o u r s
H . C a l l f o r S p e c i a l C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g o n N o v e m b e r 8 , 2 0 1 7 a t 5 : 0 0 p . m . t o
D i s c u s s t h e C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n a n d P u b l i c C o m m e n t s
J o h n s o n p r o v i d e d a s u m m a r y o f t h e i t e m s i n c l u d e d o n t h e c o n s e n t a g e n d a .
M o v e d b y P e d e r s o n , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o a p p r o v e t h e c o n s e n t a g e n d a . M o t i o n
p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
V I . C O M M E N T S ( 7 : 0 3 p . m . )
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
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 consider the
park dedication aspect of the Mark of Excellence Homes Concept Plan, the 2040
Comprehensive Plan and the Friends of the Park Program.
C. Planning Commission
Planning Commissioner DesLauriers reported that the Planning Commission met the
previous week to consider a Concept Plan from Mark of Excellence for 94 twin homes.
He stated that the major topic of discussion was the timing for the development as the
staging period is different under the existing Comprehensive Plan and draft
Comprehensive Plan. He stated that while the Commission is not opposed to the twin
homes, the Commission would recommend Tess density and did not feel that the
proposal met the qualifications for a PUD. He reported that the Commission also
considered the requests related to the Woodlake Landfill, which has been on the agenda
for the past two meetings. He stated that there has been a considerable amount of
discussion regarding the proposed language that would change the zoning from an
operating landfill to a closed landfill and regarding the areas of concern. He noted that
direction was given to staff to contact the MPCA to gather more information on the
groundwater and methane gas areas of concern and therefore the item was again
tabled. He stated that the Commission also reviewed a proposal to increase the
maximum allowed area for ground mounted solar equipment and noted that the
Commission did support the increase. He stated that the Commission then also
recommended approval of a residential CUP request for ground mounted solar
equipment and two accessory buildings.
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. 2018 Preliminary Budget & Tax Lew (7:08 p.m.)
Johnson noted that the City must adopt a preliminary budget and levy by September 3091
of each year.
Barnhart stated that the budget open house occurred prior to the regular Council
meeting tonight. She stated that staff is proposing a balanced budget for the general
fund with an increase of $116,902 from 2017. She reviewed the proposed increases for
the general fund and debt levies and reviewed the items that would account for those
increases. She reviewed the proposed staffing changes and cost of living increases,
noting that staff would continue to review comparable information from other
municipalities. She provided additional details on the payment schedules for the debt
services levies. She stated that the preliminary market value information from Hennepin
County shows an increase of 5.6 percent to the market values and a 5.6 percent change
in the tax capacity for the City. She stated that the overall tax rate would decrease 3.4
percent from the 2017 rate, which is directly related to the market value increases. She
stated that the City continues to operate with healthy fund balances and noted that it is
anticipated that the City will again have a budget surplus at the end of 2017 because of
the permit revenue. She stated that the City continues to operate with the five-year
Capital Improvement Plan, which allows the City to budget for upcoming needs. She
stated that the City does not receive local government aid but does receive some funds
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Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 2
September 19, 2017
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f r o m t h e S t a t e f o r p o l i c e a n d f i r e , r e c y c l i n g , a n d M u n i c i p a l S t a t e A i d ( M S A ) r o a d
m a i n t e n a n c e . S h e s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e a r e t h r e e r o a d p r o j e c t s p r o p o s e d f o r 2 0 1 8 .
S c h e r e r p r o v i d e d a s u m m a r y o f t h e p r o p o s e d r o a d p r o j e c t s , n o t i n g t h a t s o m e a d d i t i o n a l
d e a d - e n d p r o j e c t s m a y b e a d d e d b e f o r e t h e f i n a l b u d g e t i s a d o p t e d i n D e c e m b e r .
B a r n h a r t n o t e d t h a t b e c a u s e t h o s e p r o j e c t s a r e n o t f u n d e d t h r o u g h t h e g e n e r a l f u n d ,
t h o s e a d d i t i o n a l p r o j e c t s w o u l d n o t h a v e a n i m p a c t o n t h e f i g u r e s a d o p t e d t o n i g h t .
M i t c h e l l n o t e d t h a t o n c e t h i s b u d g e t i s a d o p t e d , s t a f f w i l l c o n t i n u e t o g a t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n
a n d t h e b u d g e t c a n b e l o w e r e d p r i o r t o f i n a l a d o p t i o n b u t c a n n o t b e r a i s e d .
1 . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 0 A p p r o v i n g P r o p o s e d T a x L e w f o r 2 0 1 8
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o a d o p t r e s o l u t i o n n o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 0 a p p r o v i n g
t h e 2 0 1 8 p r e l i m i n a r y t a x l e v y . M o t i o n p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
2 . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 1 A p p r o v i n g P r o p o s e d G e n e r a l F u n d B u d g e t
f o r 2 0 1 8
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y P e d e r s o n , t o a d o p t r e s o l u t i o n n o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 1 a p p r o v i n g
t h e 2 0 1 8 p r e l i m i n a r y g e n e r a l f u n d b u d g e t . M o t i o n p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
3 . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 2 R e d u c i n g D e b t S e r v i c e T a x L e v i e s f o r 2 0 1 8
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y P e d e r s o n , t o a d o p t r e s o l u t i o n n o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 2 r e d u c i n g
d e b t s e r v i c e t a x l e v i e s f o r 2 0 1 8 . M o t i o n p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
4 . E s t a b l i s h P u b l i c D i s c u s s i o n D a t e f o r F i n a l 2 0 1 8 T a x L e w a n d
B u d g e t
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o e s t a b l i s h t h e 2 0 1 8 f i n a l t a x l e v y a n d
b u d g e t d i s c u s s i o n f o r D e c e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 7 a t 7 : 0 0 p . m . i n C i t y H a l l . M o t i o n p a s s e d
u n a n i m o u s l y .
M i t c h e l l n o t e d t h a t t h e r e w a s a p u b l i c o p e n h o u s e p r i o r t o t h e r e g u l a r m e e t i n g t o n i g h t .
H e w e l c o m e d a d d i t i o n a l c o m m e n t s t h a t r e s i d e n t s m a y h a v e a n d n o t e d t h a t t h e f i n a l
b u d g e t i s s c h e d u l e d t o b e p r e s e n t e d a t t h e D e c e m b e r 5 , 2 0 1 7 C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g .
V I I I . N E W B U S I N E S S
A . E x c e l s i o r G r o u p L L C P U D C o n c e p t P l a n R e v i e w 2 1 2 0 a n d 2 2 1 2
C h i p p e w a R o a d ( 7 : 1 7 p . m . )
M a r t i n r e c u s e d h e r s e l f f r o m t h e d i s c u s s i o n .
F i n k e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s i s a P U D C o n c e p t P l a n r e v i e w a n d t h e r e f o r e o n l y c o m m e n t s a r e
r e q u e s t e d a n d n o f o r m a l a c t i o n i s r e q u i r e d . H e r e v i e w e d t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t l o c a t i o n ,
w h i c h i s g u i d e d f o r l o w d e n s i t y r e s i d e n t i a l w i t h i n t h e 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 5 s t a g i n g p e r i o d o f t h e
c u r r e n t C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e s t a g i n g p e r i o d a l l o w s f o r s o m e f l e x i b i l i t y
t o j u m p a h e a d t w o y e a r s o f t h e s t a g i n g p e r i o d i f e n o u g h p o i n t s a r e g a i n e d t h r o u g h t h e
r e v i e w c r i t e r i a . H e s t a t e d t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n w a s p r o v i d e d i n t h e s t a f f r e p o r t r e g a r d i n g t h e
c u r r e n t C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n a s w e l l a s t h e d r a f t C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n t o p r o v i d e t h e
C o u n c i l w i t h t h e i n f o r m a t i o n n e c e s s a r y t o r e v i e w t h e r e q u e s t u n d e r b o t h t h e e x i s t i n g a n d
d r a f t p l a n s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e d r a f t p l a n i s o u t f o r f o r m a l r e v i e w . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e C i t y
h a s r e v i e w e d C o n c e p t P l a n s f r o m t h i s a p p l i c a n t a f e w t i m e s p r e v i o u s l y i n t h e p a s t y e a r .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 3
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
He reviewed the adjacent property uses and zoning. He stated that there are two
housing products proposed, one similar to the typical low -density zoning district on the
western portion of the property and more narrow lots proposed for the eastern portion of
the property which provides additional space for open space and park property. He
stated that if the narrow lots were going to be used, staff would recommend lowering the
number of narrow lots to still meet the requirements of the R-1 zoning district. He
reviewed the purpose of the PUD ordinance, noting that the Council would need to
ensure that the application would meet those requirements in order to grant the PUD.
He stated that the draft Comprehensive Plan is expected to be in place prior to the 2021
staging period and therefore staff believes that the Council should consider the draft
Comprehensive Plan when reviewing this request. He noted that two-year flexibility
would be allowed to the staging period, which could move the development to 2019. He
stated that the applicant would propose to begin construction prior to that time but not
issue certificates of occupancy until 2019. He noted that the draft Comprehensive Plan
would actually delay the staging period further to the 2025 staging period. He stated that
staff estimates the net density to be 2.3 units per acre, which falls within the allowed
density range for the R-1 district. He stated that the standard R-1 development would
fall closer to two units per acre and that is why the Planning Commission recommended
lower density: He highlighted an area where the Planning Commission recommended
lower density because of the neighboring rural residential zoning. He stated that the
primary elements of discussion fall to transportation and infrastructure, as those
elements would need to be in place in order to consider flexibility to the staging plan. He
stated that there is only a single watermain connection west of Arrowhead Drive, which
is a concern. He provided additional information on a watermain break that occurred this
past summer. He stated that the City's water plan identifies a second connection which
is not yet in place. He stated that the transportation plan identifies a future connection of
Chippewa Drive which is also not in place at this time. He reviewed the other elements
that are also considered when determining if a PUD would be appropriate. He stated
that the Planning Commission held a public hearing the previous month and ultimately
did not feel that the PUD criteria were met by this request and that the staging plan
criteria were not met to allow for a jump ahead. He stated that if the developer is willing
to make the infrastructure and transportation connections, that could qualify to meet the
criteria. He stated that the applicant submitted a new Concept Plan today, which staff
has not had the opportunity to review, in an attempt to meet the comments of the
Planning Commission.
Ben Schmidt, Excelsior Group, apologized for the late submission of the updated
Concept Plan and recognized that they would not receive a full review of that submission
but noted that they were attempting to show that they are willing to incorporate the
comments they have received thus far from the Planning and Park Commissions. He
stated that they recognize that the critical factors must be met and believe that they have
been. He stated that one comment that was heard from both Commissions was that the
development would need a larger park, as identified in the Comprehensive Plan, and
noted that revisions were made to the plan to include a larger park. He stated that they
also heard concern with the lack of a second watermain and the future connection for
Chippewa. He stated that this project would fill in the gaps between the Wealshire and
Lunski projects for the watermain to loop that between those properties and back to
Highway 55. He stated that the engineers for this project believe that the property could
be served with existing gravity sewer and would appear to be the last project that could
be fed by gravity. He stated that they therefore believe that the critical factors would be
met and they would provide benefit from the park that would be provided and the
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Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 4
September 19, 2017
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c o n t r i b u t i o n s t h e y w o u l d m a k e t h e w a t e r m a i n s e r v i c e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e P l a n n i n g
C o m m i s s i o n r e q u e s t e d t o s e e w h a t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t w o u l d l o o k l i k e w i t h a l l 9 0 - f o o t l o t s
a n d p r o v i d e d a n e x a m p l e o f w h a t t h e d e v e l o p m e n t c o u l d l o o k l i k e , w h i c h w o u l d c r e a t e
6 3 l o t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e y t h e n u s e d t h e 6 3 l o t s w i t h t h e l a y o u t t h e y w o u l d p r e f e r w h i c h
i n c l u d e s b o t h 9 0 - f o o t l o t s a n d s m a l l e r v i l l a s t y l e l o t s . H e b e l i e v e d t h a t t h e s m a l l e r v i l l a
s t y l e l o t s w o u l d p r o v i d e a g o o d t r a n s i t i o n f r o m t h e n e i g h b o r i n g L u n s k i a n d W e a l s h i r e
d e v e l o p m e n t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t w i t h t h e i n c l u s i o n o f a l a r g e r p a r k , t h e y f u r t h e r r e d u c e d
t h e n u m b e r o f l o t s t o 6 0 . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l d e t a i l s o n t h e p r o p o s e d p a r k , w h i c h h e
w o u l d s e e a s a h u b f o r t h i s s i d e o f M e d i n a a n d i n c o r p o r a t e s t h e c o m m e n t s t h e y r e c e i v e d
f r o m t h e P a r k C o m m i s s i o n a l o n g w i t h t r a i l c o n n e c t i o n s t o t h e n e i g h b o r i n g d e v e l o p m e n t s .
H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l d e t a i l s o n t h e w e t l a n d m i t i g a t i o n a n d a w e t l a n d c o m p l e x t h a t
c o u l d b e c r e a t e d i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h W e a l s h i r e . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l d e t a i l s o n t h e
p r o p o s e d l a y o u t o f t h e d e v e l o p m e n t , n o t i n g t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d p a r k w o u l d b e e a s i l y
a c c e s s e d f r o m C h i p p e w a f o r t h o s e o u t s i d e o f t h e d e v e l o p m e n t . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l
i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e s t r e e t s c a p e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e y l i s t e n e d t o t h e c o m m e n t s t h e y h e a r d
t h u s f a r a n d a t t e m p t e d t o i n c o r p o r a t e t h o s e c o m m e n t s t o m a k e t h e p r o p o s e d p r o j e c t
b e t t e r .
A n d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t t h e o r i g i n a l p a r k i s 1 . 3 a c r e s a n d a s k e d t h e s i z e o f t h e n e w p a r k .
S c h m i d t e s t i m a t e d a b o u t f o u r a n d f i v e a c r e s b u t w a s u n s u r e .
F i n k e s t a t e d t h a t t h e b u i l d a b l e a r e a a p p e a r s t o b e 3 . 5 a c r e s .
M i t c h e l l a s k e d t h e n u m b e r o f h o m e s t h a t f e e d i n t o t h e p a r k f o r F i e l d s o f M e d i n a .
F i n k e r e p l i e d t h a t t h e r e a r e 1 2 0 h o m e s a n d 1 5 0 p l a n n e d t o w n h o m e s t o t h e s o u t h f o r t h e
7 . 5 u s a b l e a c r e s t h e p a r k r e s i d e s o n .
M i t c h e l l s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e i s n o t e n o u g h l a n d a t t h e F i e l d s o f M e d i n a t o h a v e a r e g u l a t i o n
s i z e s o c c e r f i e l d a n d t h a t i s w h y h e w a s h a p p y t o h e a r t h i s s o c c e r f i e l d w o u l d b e
r e g u l a t i o n s i z e .
P e d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t h e l i k e s t h a t t h e l a r g e r p a r k w a s i n c l u d e d a n d t h e l o t s w e r e m a d e
l a r g e r b u t n o t e d t h a t h e s t i l l s t r u g g l e s w i t h t h e s t a g i n g .
C o u s i n e a u a g r e e d t h a t s h e s t r u g g l e s w i t h t h e s t a g i n g a n d w h i c h v e r s i o n o f t h e
C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n t h e C o u n c i l s h o u l d b e r e v i e w i n g t h i s r e q u e s t u n d e r . S h e s t a t e d
t h a t i f t h e c u r r e n t C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n i s u s e d s h e t h e n q u e s t i o n e d t h e d e f i n i t i o n o f
d e v e l o p m e n t a n d w h e t h e r t h a t i n c l u d e s c o n s t r u c t i o n a n d d i s t u r b a n c e o f t h e l a n d o r
w h e t h e r t h a t m e a n s o c c u p a n c y .
F i n k e s t a t e d t h a t t h e c u r r e n t C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n i s i n p l a c e u n t i l t h e d r a f t p l a n i s
f o r m a l l y a d o p t e d b y t h e C i t y C o u n c i l . H e a n t i c i p a t e d t h a t t h e C i t y w o u l d f o r m a l l y a d o p t
t h e d r a f t p l a n e a r l y 2 0 1 8 . H e s t a t e d t h a t o n c e t h e u p d a t e i s u n d e r w a y a n d t h e p u b l i c
h e a r i n g h a s b e e n h e l d , t h e s t a t u t e a l l o w s t h e C i t y t o e n a c t a m o r a t o r i u m i n o r d e r t o
p r o t e c t t h e p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s . H e s t a t e d t h a t s t a f f w o u l d o n l y s u g g e s t t h e u s e o f
m o r a t o r i u m i f m a j o r c h a n g e s a r e m a d e t o t h e C o m p r e h e n s i v e P l a n a n d t h e r e f o r e t h e
p l a n n i n g p r o c e s s c o u l d b e u p s e t c o n t r a r y t o w h a t i s p l a n n e d f o r .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 5
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Batty stated that now that the 60-day review period is in place for applications, the City
must act on applications and therefore if there is an application that the City is forced to
act on while it is considering major changes to the Comprehensive Plan, the moratorium
could be enacted to protect the planning process. He noted that this is a concept plan
and therefore the 60-day review period would not apply to this request.
Finke provided an example of when the City allowed construction to begin earlier than
the staging plan with the agreement that the building would not be occupied until the
allowed staging plan. He noted that example is of a commercial building and therefore is
not an exact comparison.
Anderson asked and received confirmation that both the staging jump ahead and PUD
are merit based. He stated that he struggles with the design and does not believe that
this is the type of innovative design that would qualify for a PUD and does not appear to
have enough merit to qualify for the jump ahead provision.
Pederson stated that without the watermain and road connection for Chippewa he would
not be interested as he believed that those infrastructure improvements would be
needed for public safety.
Mitchell stated that the watermain issue was discovered more recently and needs to be
solved. He agreed that the extension of Chippewa would need to be solved as well. He
stated that in terms of the development plan, it appears to be getting better under each
review. He stated that he appreciates the increased size of the park and the placement
which would allow use for people outside of the development. He stated that he
continues to struggle with the timing.
Cousineau stated that she prefers the plan submitted today but continues to struggle
with the timing.
Mitchell reassured the applicant that these comments regarding timing are not unique to
this applicant as the City has given the same comments to other requests that have
come before the Council recently.
Pederson agreed that he likes the improvements that have been made to the plan. He
urged the applicant to give special consideration to the areas that would buffer the
properties to the north to ensure that appropriate screening and buffering are provided to
those R-1 properties.
Finke noted that because the updated plan was submitted today, staff was not able to
provide full review and could provide additional comments if the Council and applicant
desire.
Martin rejoined the Council.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. Wally and Bridget Marx — Conservation Design Subdivision PUD General
Plan and Preliminary Plat — 2700-2900 Parkview Drive (7:52 p.m.)
Finke presented a request for a Conservation Design PUD (CD-PUD) for the
development of six lots on the property located between 2700 and 2900 Parkview Drive.
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Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 6
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H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e C i t y d i d r e v i e w a C o n c e p t P l a n e a r l i e r i n t h e y e a r a n d p r o v i d e d
c o m m e n t s . H e n o t e d t h a t s i n c e t h a t r e v i e w , s t a f f s u m m a r i z e d t h e p r i m a r y c h a n g e s t h a t
h a v e b e e n m a d e t o t h e p l a n a n d h i g h l i g h t e d t h o s e c h a n g e s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t
p r o p o s e s t h a t t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r s w o u l d o w n t h e o u t l o t s s u b j e c t t o c o n s e r v a t i o n r a t h e r
t h a n h a v i n g a c o m m o n h o m e o w n e r s ' a s s o c i a t i o n . H e p r o v i d e d a n o v e r v i e w o f t h e
p r o p o s e d s u b d i v i s i o n f o r t h e s i x l o t s o n t h e s u b j e c t p r o p e r t y , a p p r o x i m a t e l y 9 0 a c r e s i n
s i z e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p r o p o s e d c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a s a r e h i g h l i g h t e d a n d s p l i t b e t w e e n
b u i l d a b l e a n d u n b u i l d a b l e c o n s e r v a t i o n e a s e m e n t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e o r d i n a n c e r e q u i r e s
a t l e a s t 3 0 p e r c e n t o f t h e b u i l d a b l e a c r e a g e t o b e i n c l u d e d i n c o n s e r v a t i o n . H e
h i g h l i g h t e d t h e w e t l a n d a n d w e t l a n d b u f f e r l o c a t i o n s , w h i c h a r e p r o t e c t e d b y o t h e r
r e g u l a t i o n s i n C i t y C o d e a n d t h e r e f o r e s h o u l d b e r e m o v e d f r o m t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n
c a l c u l a t i o n . H e n o t e d t h a t w h i l e t h e s t e e p s l o p e s a r e r e m o v e d f r o m b u i l d a b l e a c r e a g e
u n d e r t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n d e s i g n o r d i n a n c e , s t a f f w o u l d a r g u e t h a t w o u l d h a v e h i g h e r v a l u e
t h a n t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n o f w e t l a n d a n d w e t l a n d b u f f e r s a s t h o s e a r e a s a r e a l r e a d y
p r o t e c t e d u n d e r C i t y C o d e . H e r e v i e w e d t h e i n t e n t o f t h e C D - P U D o r d i n a n c e , n o t i n g
t h a t t h e p r i m a r y f l e x i b i l i t y t h a t i s p r o v i d e d i s t h e b o n u s d e n s i t y w h i c h w o u l d a l l o w a
p r o p e r t y o w n e r t o d o u b l e t h e n u m b e r o f l o t s a s a n i n c e n t i v e t o c o n s e r v e p r o p e r t y w i t h i n
c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a s . H e s t a t e d t h a t u l t i m a t e l y t h e d i s c r e t i o n f o r t h e b o n u s d e n s i t y f a l l s t o
t h e C i t y C o u n c i l t o d e t e r m i n e b a s e d o n t h e a p p l i c a n t m e e t i n g t h e p u r p o s e s a n d i n t e n t o f
t h e o r d i n a n c e c r i t e r i a . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e s i x l o t s v a r y f r o m 2 . 5 a c r e s t o 6 . 2 5 a c r e s w h i l e
t h e r e m a i n i n g p r o p e r t y w o u l d b e p u t i n t o p e r m a n e n t c o n s e r v a t i o n o u t l o t s t h a t w o u l d b e
o w n e d b y t h e a d j a c e n t h o m e o w n e r . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t i d e n t i f i e s p r i m a r y a n d
s e c o n d a r y s e p t i c s i t e s w i t h i n e a c h o f t h e l o t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t m u c h o f t h e w o o d e d a r e a s
o f t h e s i t e w o u l d r e m a i n w i t h i n c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a s . H e h i g h l i g h t e d a p r o p o s e d s h a r e d
d r i v e w a y t h a t a l l o w s a p r e s e r v a t i o n c o r r i d o r a n d p r o t e c t i o n o f t h e w o o d e d a r e a s . H e
s t a t e d t h a t , d u r i n g t h e c o n c e p t r e v i e w , s t a f f s u g g e s t e d m o v i n g t h e s e p t i c s i t e s p r o p o s e d
f o r L o t s T h r e e a n d F o u r t o p r o v i d e a d d i t i o n a l c o n s e r v a t i o n b u t n o t e d t h a t t h e s i t e s
r e m a i n t h e s a m e . H e s t a t e d t h a t s t a f f a n t i c i p a t e s t h a t t h e t r e e r e m o v a l f o r t h e s e p t i c
s i t e s a n d d r i v e w a y w o u l d b e m i n i m a l a n d w o u l d n o t c o m e c l o s e t o t h e a l l o w e d r e m o v a l
r a t e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t i s p r o p o s i n g a p u b l i c t r a i l w i t h i n t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n
e a s e m e n t a n d s t a f f a n t i c i p a t e s t h a t t h e t r a i l c o r r i d o r s w o u l d m e e t t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r
p a r k d e d i c a t i o n . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e C o u n c i l w o u l d n e e d t o d e t e r m i n e i f t h e f l e x i b i l i t y
r e q u e s t e d b y t h e a p p l i c a n t m e e t s t h e o r d i n a n c e c r i t e r i a . H e s t a t e d t h a t s t a f f b e l i e v e s
t h a t t h i s p r o p e r t y i s a g o o d c a n d i d a t e f o r C D - P U D . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e P l a n n i n g
C o m m i s s i o n h e l d a p u b l i c h e a r i n g a n d r e c o m m e n d e d u n a n i m o u s a p p r o v a l a s p r e s e n t e d
s u b j e c t t o t h e c o n d i t i o n s n o t e d i n t h e s t a f f r e p o r t . H e s t a t e d t h a t s t a f f h a s r e c e i v e d
s e v e r a l l e t t e r s i n s u p p o r t o f t h e p r o j e c t w h i c h h a v e b e e n p r o v i d e d t o t h e C o u n c i l .
P e d e r s o n a s k e d t h e n u m b e r o f b u i l d a b l e a c r e s u n d e r n o r m a l d e v e l o p m e n t .
F i n k e r e p l i e d t h a t c o n s e r v a t i o n w o u l d n o t b e r e q u i r e d u n d e r n o r m a l d e v e l o p m e n t a n d
e s t i m a t e d 3 0 b u i l d a b l e a c r e s . H e n o t e d t h a t 4 0 p e r c e n t o f t h a t , 1 1 . 7 b u i l d a b l e a c r e s , i s
p r o p o s e d f o r c o n s e r v a t i o n . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l d e t a i l s o n w h a t m a y o r m a y n o t b e
r e q u i r e d u n d e r n o r m a l d e v e l o p m e n t i n t e r m s o f w e t l a n d p r o t e c t i o n t h a t w o u l d o r w o u l d
n o t b e r e q u i r e d .
M i t c h e l l a s k e d i f t h e b u i l d a b l e a c r e s a r e c o n t i g u o u s .
F i n k e r e p l i e d t h a t t h e b u i l d a b l e a c r e s a r e h i g h l i g h t e d i n y e l l o w a n d g r e y .
M i t c h e l l a s k e d i f t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n a c r e s a r e c o n t i g u o u s o r s c a t t e r e d t h r o u g h o u t t h e s i t e .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 7
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Finke replied that the most significant portion of contiguous buildable acres proposed for
conservation is the wooded areas west of Lot Three.
Martin asked what was the rationale for the individual owners own the outlots rather than
placing them into third party ownership. She asked what the applicable setback would
be for a home along the northern boundary of the property under normal development.
Finke stated that the exterior setbacks for a conservation design would remain the same
as the underlying zoning district and confirmed the location where a home could be built.
Martin stated that it was her recollection that the wooded area is extremely high quality,
although marked as moderate due to the size of the wooded area.
Finke provided additional details noting that this would be the highest quality ranking you
would be able to find within Medina.
Martin stated that under the current zoning, the property owners could request a building
permit for each of the existing tax parcels and the City would have no means to infuse
any additional protection on the woodlands.
Finke confirmed that 20 percent removal could occur on each lot upon development. He
stated that the wetland preservation ordinance would be triggered on two of the existing
parcels under normal development.
Martin asked for additional details on the trail alignment and potential connection from
Parkview Drive.
Finke explained that the staff is concerned with providing safe access to the trail system
as there is nowhere to park to access the trails because of the private roadways and
narrow width of Parkview. He stated that there has been discussion of providing a
trailhead to this site near Parkview. He noted that another possibility would be for the
City to work with Three Rivers Park District to provide a connection from the existing
Three Rivers Park site across the street. He noted that another option would be to share
parking with the golf course and provide a connection from that route.
Martin stated that when the City seeks to preserve and protect the wetlands, there is
often signage posted as purchasers do not often understand the restrictions. She asked
if the wetland buffers and protected areas would be posted and signed with clarity.
Finke stated that he did not recall if there was language included in the land stewardship
plan but noted that language could be included.
Cousineau asked if there is any restoration planned outside of tree replacement.
Finke replied that there would be limited invasive species removal and planting. He
noted that the land stewardship plan is in draft form and additional restoration can be
added if desired.
Kent Williams, representing the applicant, identified the members of the team present
tonight and thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. He stated that
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Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 8
September 19, 2017
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t h e r e a r e t w o c o m p o n e n t s t o c o n s i d e r f o r C D - P U D w h i c h a r e d e s i g n f l e x i b i l i t y a n d h o w
w e l l t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n o b j e c t i v e s a r e m e t . H e n o t e d r e c e n t c h a n g e s t o t h e o r d i n a n c e
w h i c h a f f e c t t h i s p r o j e c t i n c l u d i n g m a k i n g t h e p u b l i c a c c e s s o f c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a s t o
e x p l i c i t r a t h e r t h a n i m p l i c i t ; t h e t w o - a c r e s i z e m i n i m u m ( w h i c h t h i s r e q u e s t m e e t s ) ; a n d
t h e m a x i m u m d e n s i t y b o n u s c a n o n l y b e p r o v i d e d i n e x c e p t i o n a l i n s t a n c e s . H e s t a t e d
t h a t t h e C h a i r o f t h e P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n f o u n d t h a t t h i s p r o j e c t m e e t s t h e c r i t e r i a a n d
f i n d s t h i s p r o p e r t y t o b e a n e x c e p t i o n a l i n s t a n c e . H e n o t e d t h a t s o m e r e s o u r c e s a r e
m o d e r a t e q u a l i t y b e c a u s e t h e y a r e n o t l a r g e e n o u g h i n s i z e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e o n l y C D -
P U D t h a t h a s b e e n a p p r o v e d i s t h e S t o n e g a t e D e e r h i l l P r e s e r v e p r o j e c t . H e c o m p a r e d
t h i s p r o j e c t t o t h e o n l y a p p r o v e d p r o j e c t c o m p a r i n g t h e n u m b e r o f c o n s e r v e d a c r e s a n d
b u i l d a b l e l a n d i n c l u d e d i n c o n s e r v a t i o n a r e a s . H e s t a t e d t h a t e a c h o f t h e c o n s e r v e d
a r e a s a r e h i g h q u a l i t y r e s o u r c e s , a l t h o u g h r a n k e d a s m o d e r a t e b e c a u s e o f t h e s i z e . H e
n o t e d t h a t a l t h o u g h s o m e a s p e c t s a r e p r o t e c t e d u n d e r o t h e r e l e m e n t s , s u c h a s t h e
T a m a r a c k S w a m p , t h i s p r o p o s a l w o u l d p r o v i d e p u b l i c a c c e s s t o t h e r e s o u r c e s t h a t a r e
c u r r e n t l y o n l y a v a i l a b l e t o M r . M a r x b e c a u s e h e o w n s a l l t h e l a n d s u r r o u n d i n g t h a t
r e s o u r c e .
M i c h a e l P r e s s m a n , C o n s e r v a t i o n S o l u t i o n s , s t a t e d t h a t h e w a s f i r s t i n t r o d u c e d t o t h i s
p r o p e r t y 1 3 y e a r s a g o , w h e n h e s t a r t e d t h e M i n n e h a h a C r e e k ' s c o n s e r v a t i o n p r o j e c t .
H e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s p r o p e r t y i s i d e n t i f i e d a s a p r i o r i t y f o r c o n s e r v a t i o n . H e s t a t e d t h a t
H e n n e p i n C o u n t y f o r e s t e r s v i s i t e d t h e p r o p e r t y a n d t a l k e d a b o u t c e r t a i n f e a t u r e s a s
h i g h - q u a l i t y a r e a s . H e n o t e d t h a t u n d e r c u r r e n t r e g u l a t i o n s , a b o u t 4 9 a c r e s w o u l d b e
p r o t e c t e d b u t u n d e r t h i s p r o p o s a l n e a r l y 7 0 a c r e s w o u l d b e p r o t e c t e d , w h i c h i s a 4 2
p e r c e n t i n c r e a s e . H e n o t e d t h a t w i t h t h i s t y p e o f d e v e l o p m e n t , t h e m o r e r e s t r i c t i v e
M i n n e h a h a w e t l a n d b u f f e r r e g u l a t i o n s w o u l d a p p l y a l t h o u g h t h a t m a y n o t b e t h e c a s e
u n d e r r e g u l a r d e v e l o p m e n t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e b i g w o o d s r e m n a n t i s o n e o f t h e h i g h e s t
q u a l i t y r e s o u r c e s o n t h e p r o p e r t y . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e b i g w o o d s a r e t h e h a b i t a t t h a t w a s
h e r e b e f o r e t h e a r e a w a s d e v e l o p e d . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e C i t y ' s N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s
I n v e n t o r y s t a t e d t h a t t h e o l d g r o w t h f o r e s t s a r e p r o b a b l y o n e o f t h e h i g h e s t p r i o r i t y s i t e s
t o c o n s i d e r f o r a c q u i s i t i o n a n d p r o t e c t i o n i n t h e n e a r f u t u r e . H e n o t e d t h a t w i t h t h i s p l a n
p o r t i o n s o f t h e b i g w o o d s w o u l d n o t b e c l e a r e d f o r s w i m m i n g p o o l s a n d l a w n . H e s t a t e d
t h e l a r g e w e t l a n d c o m p l e x a n d f o r e s t w h i c h i n c l u d e s t h e T a m a r a c k S w a m p w i l l a l s o b e
p r o t e c t e d , w h i c h i s a h i g h v a l u e r e s o u r c e t h a t w a s i d e n t i f i e d a s o n e o f t h r e e i n t h e C i t y
t h a t i s c a l l e d o u t i n t h e C i t y ' s N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e s I n v e n t o r y t h a t s h o u l d b e p r o t e c t e d . H e
n o t e d t h a t S c h o o l L a k e w o u l d a l s o b e p r e s e r v e d t h r o u g h t h e c r e a t i o n o f o u t l o t s w i t h
p r o t e c t i o n , u n l i k e t y p i c a l l a k e s h o r e p r o p e r t y d e v e l o p m e n t t h a t w o u l d i n c l u d e m o w i n g u p
t o t h e l a k e s h o r e t o c r e a t e a b e t t e r v i e w s h e d f o r t h e i n d i v i d u a l p r o p e r t y o w n e r a n d n o t f o r
t h e b e n e f i t o f t h e l a k e a n d f i s h a n d a n i m a l h a b i t a t . H e a l s o s p o k e o f t h e i m p o r t a n t
w i l d l i f e c o r r i d o r s t h a t w o u l d b e p r e s e r v e d t h r o u g h t h i s s u b d i v i s i o n . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e
p l a n w o u l d l i m i t t h e b u i l d i n g s i t e s , t h e a r e a s t h a t c o u l d b e c u t a n d m o w e d , a n d
p r e s e r v e d t h e c o n n e c t i o n s a n d i n t e r p l a y f o r w i l d l i f e . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e l o c a t i o n t o n e a r b y
B a k e r P a r k i s a l s o a n i m p o r t a n t e l e m e n t t h a t w o u l d a l l o w f o r f u r t h e r e c o l o g i c a l
c o n n e c t i o n s . H e s t a t e d t h a t i n t h i s c a s e t h e f u l l d e n s i t y b o n u s w o u l d e q u a t e t o t h r e e
l o t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e e l e m e n t s o n t h i s p r o p e r t y a r e o f t h e h i g h e s t
q u a l i t y w i t h i n M e d i n a , w i t h i n H e n n e p i n C o u n t y a n d h e w o u l d a r g u e , w i t h i n t h e s e v e n -
c o u n t y m e t r o a r e a . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s p r o p e r t y i s i d e n t i f i e d w i t h i n n o t o n l y t h e C i t y ' s
n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e m a p s b u t a l s o b y t h e D N R , M i n n e h a h a C r e e k , a n d H e n n e p i n C o u n t y .
H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e i n t e r c o n n e c t i o n o f t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n e l e m e n t s i s b o t h w i t h i n t h i s
p r o p e r t y a n d o u t s i d e o f t h i s p r o p e r t y . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e M i n n e h a h a C r e e k W a t e r s h e d
D i s t r i c t w o u l d h o l d t h e e a s e m e n t s a n d g o v e r n t h e a c t i v i t y . H e n o t e d t h a t o t h e r
m u n i c i p a l i t i e s a n d c o u n t i e s i n t h e m e t r o a r e w i l l i n g t o p a y m o n e y f o r t h e s e c o n s e r v a t i o n
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 9
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
easements to protect these areas from development. He noted that, even when bonding
is requested to fund these conservation measures, municipalities take such actions all
over the country to protect these areas. He noted that Medina had the forethought to
create this ordinance which would allow the City to gain these conservation areas at no
cost to the tax payers.
Laura Domyancich, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), stated that Mr. Marx
and his team approached the Watershed District in November of 2016 and for the past
ten months the Watershed District has been working with Mr. Marx and his team to draft
the documents for the proposed conservation easements. She stated that MCWD staff,
with the support of its Board, has moved forward in the roll of potential easement holder
because of the high quality of the features. She stated that MCWD currently holds
easements on the north side of School Lake and this would further contribute to the
protection of this feature. She stated that this project aligns with the goals of the MCWD.
She referenced the comments of Martin regarding signage and noted that part of the
conservation easement language stipulates that the areas must be signed and noted
that MCWD would supply and fund the cost of the signage.
Mr. Williams compared the objectives of the ordinance and how those would be met
under this proposal to what would occur under normal development. He stated that Mr.
Marx's arborist identified 4,000 significant trees, noting that under normal development
up to 15 percent of those trees (about 600) could be removed under normal
development without replacement. He noted that there would be no stipulation that
would protect the old growth woods. He stated that, under this proposal, prior approval
would be needed from the MCWD before conducted any cutting, which would ensure
protection. He noted that approximately 22 trees would be removed for the driveways
and was unsure of the number of trees that would be removed for the septic sites, noting
that the trees removed would not be of high quality. He estimated that about half of one
percent of the trees would be removed through this request compared to the 15 percent
that could be removed without replacement under normal development. He referenced
the debate with the location of the septic sites, noting that while the applicant believes
that the proposed locations would not interrupt the trail connections and would like to
keep the sites outside of the conservation easement areas would be agreeable if the
applicant and the City desires that action. He noted that even though there is existing
protection for wetlands, this proposal would provide even more protection for the
wetlands. He noted that while the large wetland complex is protected by the MCWD, the
smaller wetlands would not be protected under normal development but would be
protected under this proposal. He noted that under normal development wetlands can
be filled for development and mitigation can be provided through the purchase of
wetland credits. He noted that this area is also identified within the Met Council's future
water and sewer area and therefore the time to act to conserve this property is now. He
stated that virtually the entire property is on the composite open space map, noting that
the Stonegate property had only small portions of the northeast and to the south of the
property located on the open space map. He spoke of the value of this property as a
wildlife corridor not only internally connecting the features within the site but also
connecting this site to other adjacent properties. He stated that the steep slopes are not
currently protected and under conventional development a property owner could do what
it likes whereas under this proposal those areas would be protected. He stated that the
increased density does not essentially mean an additional burden on the land, noting
that under conventional development the property owners can mow, cut, burn, hunt,
trap, and build within the conventional lot areas and that those activities would be
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 10
September 19, 2017
"
p r o h i b i t e d u n d e r t h i s p r o p o s a l . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e o r i g i n a l p r o p o s a l i n c l u d e d o n l y a s e m i -
p u b l i c t r a i l a r o u n d S c h o o l L a k e b u t t h e P a r k C o m m i s s i o n e x p r e s s e d a d e s i r e f o r a n
e a s e m e n t o n t h e s o u t h p a r t o f t h e p r o p e r t y f o r f u t u r e c o n n e c t i o n . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e t r a i l
w o u l d n o t h a v e b e e n c o n s t r u c t e d u n t i l a f u t u r e t i m e . H e s t a t e d t h a t b e c a u s e t h e r e w e r e
c o m m e n t s t h a t t h e d e s i r e w o u l d b e f o r a t r a i l n o w , t h e a p p l i c a n t c h a n g e d t h e p l a n t o
c r e a t e a l o o p i n g t r a i l w h i c h w o u l d a l l o w t h e p u b l i c t o s e e a l l o f t h e i m p o r t a n t
c o n s e r v a t i o n f e a t u r e s o n t h e p r o p e r t y . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e l o c a t i o n o f t h e p u b l i c t r a i l
w o u l d r e m a i n o f f t h e p r i v a t e h o r s e t r a i l a n d t h o s e t r a i l s w o u l d b e k e p t s e p a r a t e . H e
n o t e d t h a t s i g n a g e w o u l d a l s o b e p r o v i d e d t o k e e p t h e p u b l i c o f f o f t h e p r i v a t e a r e a s a n d
o n t h e p u b l i c t r a i l . H e s t a t e d t h a t w h i l e t h e y w o u l d b e a g r e e a b l e t o p u t t i n g i n a t r a i l
h e a d , t h a t w o u l d c o m e a t s o m e c o s t b e c a u s e t h a t c o u l d j e o p a r d i z e s o m e o f t h e o l d
g r o w t h w o o d s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e y w o u l d b e a m e n a b l e t o t h e d e s i r e o f t h e C i t y i n r e g a r d
t o t h e t r a i l h e a d . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e r e a r e e l e m e n t s t h a t t h e C i t y w i l l n e e d t o d i s c u s s i n
r e g a r d t o t h e p u b l i c t r a i l i n c l u d i n g t h e e a s e m e n t h o l d e r f o r t h e p u b l i c t r a i l , w h i c h w o u l d
f a l l t o t h e C i t y n o t i n g t h a t t h e C i t y w o u l d t h e n m a i n t a i n t h a t t r a i l e a s e m e n t a n d
e n f o r c e m e n t o f t h a t t r a i l a c t i v i t y . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e y a r e a g n o s t i c o n t h e p u b l i c t r a i l
i s s u e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e y b e l i e v e t h a t t h e p u b l i c t r a i l w o u l d b e a f e a t u r e f o r t h e p u b l i c t o
b e a b l e t o s e e t h e r e s o u r c e s t h a t a r e b e i n g p r e s e r v e d a n d t h e o t h e r i s s u e s t h a t h a v e
a r i s e n i n r e g a r d t o t h a t e l e m e n t c a n b e m a n a g e d .
H e r e v i e w e d t h e s e c o n d a r y e l e m e n t s o f t h e o r d i n a n c e c o m p a r i n g h o w t h i s p r o p o s a l
w o u l d p r o t e c t a s p e c t s t h a t w o u l d n o t b e p r o t e c t e d u n d e r c o n v e n t i o n a l d e n s i t y . H e
s t a t e d t h a t t h e d e n s i t y r e q u e s t e d w o u l d a d d t h r e e a d d i t i o n a l h o m e s o v e r a 9 0 - a c r e a r e a .
H e s t a t e d t h a t L o t O n e w o u l d h a v e a h o m e b u i l t o n i t r e g a r d l e s s o f t h i s r e q u e s t a n d
d o u b t e d t h a t a n y o f t h e h o m e s w o u l d e v e n b e s e e n f r o m o f f o f t h e p r o p e r t y . H e s t a t e d
t h a t t h e s e t b a c k f r o m P a r k v i e w w i l l b e e x c e e d e d t o e n s u r e t h a t h o m e s w i l l n o t b e s e e n
f r o m t h a t r o a d w a y . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e d e n s i t y p r o p o s e d i s c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e d e n s i t y
a d j a c e n t t o t h e p r o j e c t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e o r d i n a n c e r e q u i r e s t h e m t o c o m p a r e t h i s
p r o p o s a l t o f u t u r e c o n v e n t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t , n o t i n g t h a t t h e M e t C o u n c i l ' s f u t u r e s e w e r
s e r v i c e a r e a s m a p i d e n t i f i e s t h i s p r o p e r t y a s w i t h i n t h e b o u n d a r i e s o f p r o p e r t y t h a t w o u l d
b e s e r v e d b y s e w e r a n d w a t e r b y 2 0 4 0 . H e n o t e d t h a t i t i s n o t m e r e s p e c u l a t i o n t h a t
s o m e d a y t h i s p r o p e r t y w i l l b e s e w e r e d i n t h e f u t u r e a n d t h i s p r o p o s a l w o u l d p r e v e n t t h a t
f r o m h a p p e n i n g , m e a n i n g t h a t t h e C i t y w o u l d n o t h a v e t o c o u n t o n t h e d e c i s i o n s o f f u t u r e
m e m b e r s o f t h e M e t C o u n c i l , C i t y C o u n c i l , a n d l a n d o w n e r s i n t e r m s o f a h i g h e r d e n s i t y
d e v e l o p m e n t s o m e d a y o c c u r r i n g o n t h i s p r o p e r t y . H e n o t e d t h a t h e p r o v i d e d a s u m m a r y
o f t h e c o m p o n e n t s o f t h e a p p r o v e d C D - P U D S t o n e g a t e d e v e l o p m e n t a n d a c o m p a r i s o n
o f t h o s e c o m p o n e n t s t o t h i s p r o p o s a l a n d p r o v i d e d a h i g h l i g h t o f t h a t . H e p r o v i d e d
a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e p r o p o s a l f o r t h e h o m e o w n e r s t o o w n t h e o u t l o t a r e a s . H e
n o t e d t h a t t h e e a s e m e n t a g r e e m e n t w o u l d i n c l u d e a n n u a l i n s p e c t i o n s b y t h e M C W D t h a t
w o u l d i n c l u d e o n g o i n g m a i n t e n a n c e a c t i v i t i e s . H e s t a t e d t h a t h o m e o w n e r s w o u l d b e
r e s p o n s i b l e f o r m a i n t a i n i n g t h e o u t l o t s a n d w o u l d h a v e t o g o i n t o t h e p u r c h a s e w i t h t h e i r
e y e s w i d e o p e n t o t h o s e r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , n o t i n g t h a t M r . M a r x w o u l d a l s o n o t b e a b l e t o
c h a r g e a h i g h e r r a t e f o r t h o s e o u t l o t s b e c a u s e o f t h e o n g o i n g m a i n t e n a n c e t h a t w o u l d b e
r e q u i r e d . H e s t a t e d t h a t M r . M a r x i s n o t a b i g d e v e l o p e r , n o t i n g t h a t e v e r y o t h e r C D -
P U D p r o p o s a l t h a t h a s c o m e f r o m t h e C i t y h a s c o m e f r o m a b i g d e v e l o p e r . H e s t a t e d
t h a t M r . M a r x i s a l o n g t i m e M e d i n a r e s i d e n t t h a t h a s l i v e d o n h i s p r o p e r t y f o r y e a r s a n d
h a s w o r k e d t o r e s t o r e t h e p r o p e r t y u s i n g a l a r g e a m o u n t o f t i m e a n d m o n e y t o b r i n g t h e
p r o p e r t y t o t h i s s t a t e a n d t h i s i s t h e m e t h o d h e w o u l d l i k e t o u s e t o p r e s e r v e t h e w o r k
t h a t h e h a s d o n e a n d t o p r o t e c t t h e r e s o u r c e s t h a t e x i s t o n t h i s p r o p e r t y f o r f u t u r e
g e n e r a t i o n s . H e a s k e d t h a t t h e C o u n c i l u s e t h e f a c t s t o r e v i e w t h i s r e q u e s t . H e s t a t e d
t h a t b a s e d o n w h a t h e h a s s e e n t h r o u g h t h i s p r o c e s s a n d h o w c o m p l i c a t e d a n d
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 1
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
expensive it is, he did not believe that there would be many residents that have the
necessary base density and upfront funds to go through this process and therefore
approving this application would not "open the floodgates" for future requests. He
mentioned the comment that this proposal has not been thoroughly vetted and reviewed
the numerous meetings and people that have been involved in the review of this
application. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended unanimous approval
of the request as proposed. He stated that the applicant believes that the public trail
would be a great feature but would be open to the final plat including the trail or not
including the trail. He stated that this is the best deal that the Council will see for this
property noting that many municipalities and counties have paid hundreds of thousands
of dollars for conservation elements of this quality. He asked the Council to approve this
request.
Liz Letner stated that she opposes the looped trail which comes close (25 feet as
mentioned) to the horse trail. She stated that her property is the second one closest to
the trail and would not want to track enforcement of the use of the horse trail. She
stated that potential trespassing is a serious issue for her. She stated that she would not
oppose the south trail.
Cindy Piper, 2905 Willowwood Farm Road, stated that she is one of the 14 landowners
that surrounds School Lake. She stated that they have heard wonderful things about the
conservation easement and noted that while she is not opposed to that, she is worried
about the contiguous landowners. She stated that the public trail would be very hard to
maintain. She stated that the private landowners that use the horse trail would be
worried about impact to the neighborhood and would then build fences which would
eliminate the horse trail for the existing property owners. She stated that the
conservation easement will do wonderful things for the land but acknowledged that this
property would be difficult to develop. She highlighted the proposed looped trail and
noted that would only tell you that people will keep going straight to use the private horse
trail. She stated that she is not opposed to the south trail but would not like to see the
looped trail as that will make a huge difference to the residents that live there.
Richard Haverman read aloud the email that he sent to the City Council which states
that he owns 2782 Parkview Drive, which is the first property north of Mr. Marx's
driveway off Parkview Drive. He stated that he supports the comments expressed in a
letter submitted by his neighbor. He expressed concern with the proposed looped trail
and the potential of people parking along Parkview Drive as he believed that it would be
absurd and would be dangerous for those parking along the roadway and for
pedestrians. He stated that Parkview Drive can best be described as a rollercoaster.
He noted that there are sufficient trails within Baker Park Reserve for the public to use.
He stated that they do not want to lose the quiet enjoyment of their property because of
an unwanted and unneeded public trail. He asked who would police the public trail and
clean up garbage and debris from the public trail. He stated that he has a major concern
that people would feel emboldened to stray onto private property and the vehicles
parked along Parkview would cause pedestrians to walk into the road to go around the
vehicles. He asked how his privacy would be preserved and did not believe that this
development would increase the property values of the existing homeowners.
Liz Weir, 1262 Hunter Drive, stated that this project is very dear to her as she and
previous Mayor Crosby worked hard to create this CD-PUD ordinance to protect the
beautiful natural elements in the City before the sewered area spreads and dense
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 12
September 19, 2017
"
d e v e l o p m e n t c o n t i n u e s . S h e s t a t e d t h a t c i t i e s l i k e H o p k i n s o n c e l o o k e d l i k e M e d i n a
b e f o r e i t w a s f u l l y d e v e l o p e d . S h e a s k e d t h e C o u n c i l t o t h i n k o f f u t u r e M e d i n a a n d f u t u r e
g e n e r a t i o n s . S h e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s i s a n o p p o r t u n i t y t o p r e s e r v e u n s p o i l e d n a t u r a l b e a u t y
f o r f u t u r e g e n e r a t i o n s t o e n j o y a n d a s k e d t h e C o u n c i l t o u s e t h e o r d i n a n c e a s i t w a s
d e s i g n e d .
C h a r l i e S c h r o d e r , 2 9 1 0 P a r k v i e w , s t a t e d t h a t h e i s t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r i m m e d i a t e l y t o t h e
n o r t h . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h i s i s a t e r r i f i c p r o p e r t y a n d c o m m e n d e d M r . M a r x f o r t h e e f f o r t
t h a t h e h a s p u t i n t o t h e p r o p e r t y . H e a s k e d f o r l e s s d e n s i t y a n d n o t e d t h a t t h e p u b l i c
t r a i l s r e a l l y a r e u n w o r k a b l e . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p u b l i c c a n n o t a c c e s s t h e t r a i l s a f e l y a n d
p e o p l e w o u l d j u m p t o t h e p r i v a t e h o r s e t r a i l .
P e d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t h e s t r u g g l e s w i t h n o t h a v i n g a n H O A t o p o s s e s s t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n
e a s e m e n t s a n d a s k e d f o r i n p u t f r o m B a t t y .
B a t t y s t a t e d t h a t h e w a s s t r u c k e a r l y o n b y t h a t e l e m e n t , n o t i n g t h a t h i s i n i t i a l r e a c t i o n
w a s n o t p o s i t i v e p a r t l y b e c a u s e h e h a d n o t s e e n t h a t b e f o r e . H e s t a t e d t h a t o n e
c h a l l e n g e i s t h a t t h e r e w o u l d b e a m u l t i p l i c i t y o f o w n e r s r a t h e r t h a n a s i n g l e p a r t y . H e
s t a t e d t h a t h e w o u l d b e i n t e r e s t e d i n s e e i n g e x a m p l e s i n w h i c h w h a t t h e y a r e p r o p o s i n g
h a s b e e n a c c o m p l i s h e d a n d w o r k e d . H e s t a t e d t h a t o n e o f t h e c h a l l e n g e s o f s m a l l
H O A ' s i s t h a t t h e y t e n d t o b e c o m e d y s f u n c t i o n a l a n d d i s s o l v e . H e n o t e d t h a t l a r g e
H O A ' s t h a t h a v e a l o t o f a c t i v i t y t e n d t o b e m o r e s u c c e s s f u l . H e s t a t e d t h a t o n e r i s k i n
f o r c i n g t h e a p p l i c a n t t o c r e a t e a n H O A w o u l d b e t h a t t h e y w o u l d c r e a t e a n H O A s i m p l y
t o p r o v i d e c o m m o n o w n e r s h i p b u t t h e n i t c o u l d b e c o m e n o n f u n c t i o n a l a n d t h a t c o u l d b e
w o r s e t h a n n o t h a v i n g o n e .
P e d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t i f s o m e o n e s t a r t s u p a c h a i n s a w , t h e o t h e r p r o p e r t y o w n e r s w o u l d
p r o b a b l y i n v e s t i g a t e . H e s t a t e d t h a t i f t h e H O A i s g o i n g t o b e c o m e d y s f u n c t i o n a l , t h e n
p e r h a p s t h a t w o u l d n o t b e w o r t h c r e a t i n g .
B a t t y s t a t e d t h a t p e o p l e t e n d t o h a v e a h i g h e r i n t e r e s t o n t h e i r p r o p e r t y a n d t h e r e f o r e
p e r h a p s t h e y w o u l d o n l y b e i n t e r e s t e d i n w h a t h a p p e n s o n t h e i r p r o p e r t y a n d n o t o t h e r
p r o p e r t i e s , b e c a u s e o f t h e d i s t a n c e b e t w e e n p r o p e r t i e s .
C o u s i n e a u a s k e d i f i t c o u l d b e c o m e c o n d i t i o n a l .
B a t t y s t a t e d t h a t t h e H O A s h o u l d n o t b e a d e c i d i n g f a c t o r t o n i g h t , n o t i n g t h e a c t i o n s t h a t
a r e r e q u e s t e d t o n i g h t f o r t h e r e z o n i n g a n d p r e l i m i n a r y p l a t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e w o u l d
s t i l l b e a l o t o f w o r k o n t h e o t h e r d o c u m e n t s a n d n o t e d t h a t i f t h i s p r o g r e s s e s h e w o u l d
l i k e t o s e e e x a m p l e s o f h o w t h i s m o d e l w o r k s a n d w o u l d b e o p e n t o h e a r i n g t h a t
i n f o r m a t i o n .
M a r t i n s t a t e d t h a t s h e s t r u g g l e d w i t h t h a t s a m e i s s u e , n o t i n g t h a t h e r e x p e r i e n c e h a s
b e e n t h a t c o m m o n o w n e r s h i p o f a n o u t l o t c r e a t e s t h e t h o u g h t o f a c o m m u n i t y a s s e t .
S h e s t a t e d t h a t i f s o m e o n e o w n s b o t h t h e h o m e s i t e a n d t h e c o n s e r v e d t r u s t , t h e p e r s o n
o f t e n w i l l a s s u m e t h e y h a v e t h e r i g h t t o d o w h a t t h e y w a n t w i t h t h e e n t i r e a r e a . S h e
s t a t e d t h a t s h e w o u l d a l s o b e o p e n t o h e a r i n g m o r e a s i t a p p e a r s t h e M C W D e n d o r s e d
t h i s o p t i o n . S h e s t a t e d t h a t s h e w o u l d a l s o b e i n t e r e s t e d i n s e e i n g a m a r k e t i n g
p e r s p e c t i v e f o r c o n s e r v a t i o n d e s i g n o u t l o t s a s s h e d i d n o t b e l i e v e t h a t t h e c l o s i n g
p r o c e s s w o u l d t h o r o u g h l y c o n v e y t h a t i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t t h e o u t l o t s t o h o m e o w n e r s .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 3
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Anderson asked if anyone has experience with two easement holders.
Martin noted that would be micromanagement. She stated that she looked at the
watershed documents from the last conservation easement process and they are very
thorough.
Mitchell stated that there are a lot of details up in the air. He stated that the map tells
him all the information he needs, identifying the preserved areas and areas that would
already be protected to some degree. Mitchell referenced the elements that were
preserved within Stonegate and believed that there were more elements preserved than
was mentioned on the comparison sheet.
Martin noted that, with the Stonegate Development the prairie was restored and
additional elements were preserved.
Mitchell stated that he did not believe that the areas highlighted in yellow were important
features that would meet this level of CD-PUD. He stated that the applicant's team has
stated that private land ownership can spoil the land but noted that there are many
parcels of land owned by Medina residents that have been maintained very well. He
stated that if the property owner feels so strongly about conservation, perhaps he should
just donate the conservation easement and build the three houses that would be allowed
under normal development. He stated that he feels strongly that increasing the density
would turn the City more into a city like Hopkins. He stated that if there is a piece of land
that is fairly wild and has three houses, that seems wonderful.
Martin stated that if there now are three parcels that are buildable, building permits could
be requested and issued permitted and those requests would never come before the
Council and therefore there would be no opportunity to protect resources on the property
such as the old growth forest. She stated that this is the most beautiful stand of trees in
the City and within Hennepin County. She stated that she would not want to lose that
element and that the connectivity of the elements (the forest and Tamarack Swamp)
would benefit the entire watershed and the minimization of building sites within those
areas. She believed that this is a magnificent piece of property that she has walked two
or three times. She stated that this property is beyond comprehension and is the highest
quality that the City has. She stated that this is an opportunity to not only protect these
resources but also use protective zoning. She stated that if the Metropolitan Council
extends the public sewer system through here, which occur before 2040, this could be
designated as high -density and that could devastate this property. She stated that while
some property owners have big swaths of land, future generations would not have that
opportunity because the land costs would continue to raise. She stated that this is a
magnificent opportunity to protect Medina for future generations. She stated that she is
a firm advocate of this property for conservation design as it has enormous value for
conservation.
Mitchell stated that if the Marx family feels strongly, they can dedicate the conservation
easement and three families can live in the lots that would be allowed.
Martin stated that to suggest that someone give away their land without some benefit is
an unfair assumption of someone's financial resources.
Mitchell stated that the City is giving away money by allowing six homes instead of three.
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 14
September 19, 2017
"
M a r t i n s t a t e d t h a t t h e C i t y w o u l d n o t b e g i v i n g a w a y m o n e y .
A n d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t h e b e c a m e a w a r e o f t h i s p r o j e c t s i x o r s e v e n y e a r s a g o , n o t i n g t h a t
t h e o r i g i n a l p r o p o s a l i n c l u d e d n i n e o r t e n l o t s . H e c o m m e n d e d t h e p r o p e r t y o w n e r f o r
h i s w i l l i n g n e s s t o w o r k w i t h s t a f f a n d r e d u c e t h e d e n s i t y a n d c r e a t e a p l a n t h a t i s
i m m e n s e l y b e t t e r . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t h a s d o n e a l o t a n d w o r k e d c o o p e r a t i v e l y
t o i m p r o v e t h e p l a n . H e s t a t e d t h a t h e a g r e e s w i t h t h e h i g h v a l u e o f t h e r e s o u r c e s o n
t h i s p r o p e r t y . H e s t a t e d t h a t h e b e l i e v e s t h a t L o t s O n e a n d T w o a r e t o o c l o s e b u t
b e c a u s e o f t h e h i g h v a l u e o f t h e r e s o u r c e s h e c o u l d b e c o n v i n c e d t h a t t h o s e l o t s w o u l d
b e o k a y . H e b e l i e v e d t h a t t h e t r a i l h e a d w o u l d b e i m p e r a t i v e f o r t h e p r o p e r t y , n o t i n g t h a t
t h e c o m m e n t s m a d e a b o u t P a r k v i e w w e r e c o r r e c t a n d p a r k i n g c a n n o t o c c u r o n t h e
s t r e e t . H e s t a t e d t h a t m o s t p e o p l e w o u l d p a r k a c r o s s t h e s t r e e t a t B a k e r P a r k R e s e r v e
b u t t h e t r a i l h e a d w o u l d a l l o w f o r t w o p a r k i n g s p o t s .
M a r t i n s t a t e d t h a t p e r h a p s r a t h e r t h a n t h e t r a i l h e a d , w h i c h w o u l d c u t i n t o t h e f o r e s t , t h e
a p p l i c a n t c o u l d p r o v i d e p r o o f o f p a r k i n g i n t h e e v e n t t h a t s h a r e d p a r k i n g c a n n o t b e
w o r k e d o u t w i t h H e n n e p i n C o u n t y o r T h r e e R i v e r s P a r k . S h e s t a t e d t h a t p e r h a p s t h e
a p p l i c a n t s h o u l d s h o w w h e r e p o t e n t i a l p a r k i n g c o u l d o c c u r s h o u l d t h e s h a r e d p a r k i n g
n o t b e w o r k e d o u t .
F i n k e c o n f i r m e d t h a t c o u l d b e d o n e .
P e d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t t h i s i s a b e a u t i f u l p i e c e o f l a n d . H e s t a t e d t h a t h e b e g a n o n t h e
C o u n c i l i n 2 0 1 1 a n d M r . M a r x h a s r e d u c e d h i s p r o p o s a l d u r i n g t h e t i m e t h a t h e h a s b e e n
o n t h e C o u n c i l .
M i t c h e l l s t a t e d t h a t t h e r e a r e t r a i l s a t B a k e r P a r k a n d w a s n o t s u r e w h y a d d i t i o n a l t r a i l s
w o u l d b e n e e d e d o n t h i s p r o p e r t y . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p r i v a t e h o r s e t r a i l h a s b e e n
v o l u n t a r i l y a g r e e d o n b y t h e e x i s t i n g p r o p e r t y o w n e r s f o r y e a r s a n d h e d i d n o t w a n t t o
s e e t h a t j e o p a r d i z e d b y t h i s a c t i o n .
C o u s i n e a u a s k e d i f t h e l o o p c o u l d b e e l i m i n a t e d .
F i n k e a g r e e d t h a t c o u l d b e d o n e . H e n o t e d d e v e l o p m e n t s s u c h a s W i l d M e a d o w s a n d
t h e l o s t o p p o r t u n i t y t h a t t h e C i t y h a d t o r e c e i v e t r a i l s .
M a r t i n s t a t e d t h e t r a i l w o u l d n e e d t o b e s i g n e d t o e n s u r e p e r s o n s t o s t a y o n t h e t r a i l a n d
t o s a f e g u a r d p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y . S h e s t a t e d t h a t t h e e a s e m e n t c a n b e d e d i c a t e d a n d t h e
t r a i l w o u l d n o t h a v e t o b e c o n s t r u c t e d u n t i l a f u t u r e t i m e w h e n c o n n e c t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e
a n d t h e p a t h i s b e t t e r k n o w n . S h e s t a t e d t h a t p e r h a p s i t w o u l d m a k e s e n s e t o a l l o w t h e
l a n d o w n e r t o g a t e t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e p r o p e r t y a n d p e r m i t p u b l i c t o a c c e s s t h e s i x l o t s
d u r i n g p a r k h o u r s .
A n d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t w o u l d s e e m c o n t r a r y t o t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d u s e o f t h e p r o p e r t y .
M a r t i n s t a t e d t h a t p e r h a p s t h e p u b l i c a c c e s s i s m a d e s e p a r a t e f r o m t h e p r o p e r t y
e n t r a n c e .
A n d e r s o n n o t e d t h a t d e t a i l c o u l d b e w o r k e d o u t i n t h e f u t u r e . H e a g r e e d t h a t t h e
t r a i l h e a d c o u l d b e g a t e d .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 5
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Cousineau stated that if they receive trail easement they would be missing out on
potential park dedication fees.
Finke suggested that the whole trail easement be taken at this time, whether or not it is
used.
Batty agreed, noting that the City would never have another opportunity to gain the trail
easement.
Pederson asked if additional screening could occur for the Schroders, which is the first
property owner to the north.
Martin stated that the developer offered that during the presentation.
Cindy Piper stated that if the goal was to provide access from Parkview, that would
mean the Johnsons would be the next property and perhaps the City will gain the
easement when the day arises to connect the two, the trail would then be built.
Martin confirmed Council is requesting the future easement for the looped trail. She
noted that the east/west trail would be provided by the applicant.
Finke stated that there may be some trail immediately and the future easement would be
given for the looped trail to the eastern wetland.
Mitchell asked if the existing horse trail crosses Lots Three and Four.
Cindy Piper identified the existing horse trail.
Mitchell asked and received confirmation that the horse trail could remain even if homes
are built on Lots Three and Four. He stated that those neighbors that use the trail would
simply have to approach the new homeowners for those lots to confirm that they would
not be opposed to the continued use, noting that is common practice as there are plenty
of similar private trails that exist in Medina and Wayzata.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Pederson, to direct staff to prepare documents granting
PUD General Plan of Development and Preliminary Plat approval to Wally and Bridget
Marx for the requested CD-PUD subdivision, subject to the conditions noted in the staff
report and adding the following conditions: an additional condition will be added to make
clear that there is protective signage to protect the conserved areas in a manner
acceptable to staff and MCWD; a condition will be added that marketing materials for the
sale of these lots must include the easement and land stewardship plan documentation,
and any brochures have to clarify the parameters of the conservation requirements
imposed on the landowners, which would be approved by City staff; a condition will be
added to require staff to work with the landowner to develop a proof of parking within the
property and the trail signage would be clearly marked delineating the trail and private
property and the trail loop would not be built out initially but would be dedicated through
easement; flexibility in the plan documents to permit a gate/locked gate to create
security and prevent intrusion onto the private property; the developer would install a
landscaping buffer along the northerly border or Lot One and similarly to Lot Two to
shield the property immediately adjacent from visibility of the home constructed on Lot
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 16
September 19, 2017
"
"
"
O n e ; a n d a d d i t i o n a l d i s c u s s i o n i s t o o c c u r r e g a r d i n g t h e u s e o f a n H O A o r o t h e r p r i v a t e
s y s t e m f o r o w n e r s h i p o f t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n e a s e m e n t s . M o t i o n p a s s e d 4 - 1 ( M i t c h e l l
o p p o s e d ) .
M i t c h e l l v o t e d n o b e c a u s e h e f e l t t h a t t h e f i v e - a c r e z o n i n g s t a n d a r d w o r k e d a d e q u a t e l y
f o r t h i s p r o p e r t y a n d t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n d e s i g n w a s n o t b e n e f i c i a l .
M i t c h e l l b r i e f l y r e c e s s e d t h e m e e t i n g a t 9 : 4 7 p . m .
M i t c h e l l r e c o n v e n e d t h e m e e t i n g a t 9 : 5 2 p . m .
B . M e d i n a S e n i o r L i v i n g C o m m u n i t y R e z o n i n g , P r e l i m i n a r y P l a t , a n d S i t e
P l a n R e v i e w ( 9 : 5 2 p . m . )
J o h n s o n s t a t e d t h a t t h e C o u n c i l r e v i e w e d t h i s i t e m a t t h e A u g u s t 1 5 t h m e e t i n g a n d
h i g h l i g h t e d t h e f e w c h a n g e s t h a t w e r e m a d e s i n c e t h a t t i m e . H e n o t e d t h a t s t a f f h a s
w o r k e d w i t h t h e a p p l i c a n t s i n c e t h a t t i m e .
S p a r k s s t a t e d t h a t t h e C o u n c i l r e q u e s t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t m o v e t h e b u i l d i n g t o
m i n i m i z e t h e w e t l a n d i m p a c t n e a r t h e s t r u c t u r e . H e s t a t e d t h a t d o c u m e n t s r e l a t e d t o t h e
a p p r o v a l w e r e d i r e c t e d t o c o m e b a c k t o t h e C o u n c i l a l o n g w i t h t h e s u c c e s s f u l c o m p l e t i o n
o f m i n i m i z i n g t h e w e t l a n d i m p a c t s . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e w e t l a n d
i m p a c t s , n o t i n g t h a t a p o r t i o n o f t h e b u i l d i n g w a s m o v e d a w a y f r o m t h e w e t l a n d t o
m i n i m i z e t h a t i m p a c t . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e r e w o u l d s t i l l b e a n i m p a c t f o r t h e e n t r a n c e t o t h e
s i t e b u t t h e i m p a c t n e a r t h e b u i l d i n g h a s b e e n m i n i m i z e d . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p a r k i n g h a s
b e e n r e d u c e d a n d a p r o o f o f p a r k i n g w a s p r o v i d e d i n t h e c a s e t h a t t h e a d d i t i o n a l p a r k i n g
i s n e e d e d . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e n u m b e r o f u n i t s w e r e r e d u c e d b y s e v e n u n i t s a n d
t h e r e f o r e t h e p a r k i n g r e d u c t i o n r e l a t e s t o t h e r e d u c t i o n i n u n i t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e
P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t t h e b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l s f o r t h e s k y w a y b e
c h a n g e d a n d n o t e d t h a t h a s b e e n d o n e . H e n o t e d t h a t t h e l a n d s c a p i n g p l a n w a s s l i g h t l y
a l t e r e d b e c a u s e o f t h e b u i l d i n g l o c a t i o n c h a n g e . H e s t a t e d t h a t a f e w r e p l a c e m e n t t r e e s
w i l l n o t m a k e i t i n t o t h e n e w p l a n b e c a u s e o f t h e s h i f t e d b u i l d i n g l o c a t i o n . H e d i s p l a y e d
t h e p l a n t h a t w a s d i s c u s s e d o n A u g u s t 1 5 t h a n d t h e n c o m p a r e d t h a t t o t h e p l a n t h a t
i n c o r p o r a t e s t h e d i r e c t e d c h a n g e s . H e p r o v i d e d a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n o n p a r k
d e d i c a t i o n a n d t h e t r e e r e m o v a l a n d r e p l a c e m e n t , w h i c h c o u l d i n c l u d e f u n d s f o r o f f s i t e
p l a n t i n g . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e P l a n n i n g C o m m i s s i o n f e l t c o m f o r t a b l e w i t h t h e p r o p o s i n g
r e z o n i n g b e c a u s e o f t h e s i m i l a r u s e s a l l o w e d w i t h i n t h e z o n i n g d i s t r i c t s .
P e d e r s o n s t a t e d t h a t h e r e c a l l e d r e a d i n g s o m e t h i n g t h a t t h e r e i s a q u e s t i o n r e g a r d i n g
t h e u n d e r g r o u n d p a r k i n g a n d a s k e d f o r a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n .
S t r e m e l s t a t e d t h a t s t a f f w o u l d l i k e c o n f i r m a t i o n t h a t t h e u n d e r g r o u n d p a r k i n g w o u l d n o t
b e i n t e r f e r e d w i t h b y t h e u n d e r g r o u n d w a t e r l e v e l s , p r o v i d i n g a n e x a m p l e o f t h e s i t u a t i o n
t h a t a r o s e w i t h t h e W e a l s h i r e p r o j e c t .
B a t t y r e v i e w e d t h e a c t i o n s b e f o r e t h e C o u n c i l t o n i g h t , n o t i n g t h a t t h e r e z o n i n g r e q u e s t
w o u l d b e m a d e c o n t i n g e n t u p o n a p p r o v a l o f t h e f i n a l p l a t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e C o u n c i l i s
a l s o c o n s i d e r i n g t h e P r e l i m i n a r y P l a t a p p r o v a l , w h i c h w o u l d b e s u b j e c t t o a n u m b e r o f
c o n d i t i o n s . H e s t a t e d t h a t i f t h e y c o u l d n o t m e e t t h e c o n d i t i o n s o u t l i n e d , t h e a p p l i c a n t
w o u l d n o t m o v e f o r w a r d t o F i n a l P l a t a n d t h e r e z o n i n g t h e n w o u l d a l s o n o t o c c u r .
M i t c h e l l c o n f i r m e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t w o u l d w o r k w i t h s t a f f t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e r e a d i n g s
a n d e l e v a t i o n s a r e c o r r e c t t o s u p p o r t t h e u n d e r g r o u n d p a r k i n g .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 7
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
1. Ordinance No. 617 Amending the Official Zoning Map to Rezone the
Property Being Subdivided and Developed as the Medina Senior
Living Community
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to adopt ordinance no. 617 to rezone the
subject property to the Business zoning district. Motion passed 4-1 (Cousineau
opposed).
2. Resolution No. 2017-73 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No.
617 by Title and Summary
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to adopt resolution no. 2017-73 authorizing
publication of ordinance no. 617 by title and summary. Motion passed 4-1 (Cousineau
opposed).
3. Resolution No. 2017-74 Granting Preliminary Plat Approval for a
Subdivision to be Known as "Lunski-Nelson Addition"
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to approve resolution no. 2017-74 granting
preliminary plat approval subject to the conditions noted in the staff report. Motion
passed 4-1 (Cousineau opposed).
4. Resolution No. 2017-75 Approving a Site Plan Review for the Medina
Senior Living Community and Medical/Office Building
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to approve resolution no. 2017-75 granting
site plan review approval, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report. Motion
passed 4-1 (Cousineau opposed).
Martin left the meeting at 10:08 p.m.
C. Reserve of Medina 2nd Addition — Final Plat and Development Agreement
(10:09 p.m.)
Pederson noted that he has recused himself in the past but does not believe he has any
conflict of interest at this point. He asked if he should recuse himself now because he
has in the past.
Batty asked what has changed from past situations that would change the belief of a
conflict of interest.
Pederson stated that in the past the property bordered his property to the north. He
noted that this parcel of land is past his property and therefore he no longer borders the
subject property. He stated that he has never had a financial interest in the matter.
Finke stated that in the past they stubbed a street to a common property line and there
were common utilities and therefore there was more direct of a tie for previous phases.
Batty stated that ultimately it would be Pederson's decision. He stated that what is done
is done, and whatever conflict may have been was with regard to the first addition and
perhaps there was benefit from the connection but as the subdivision moves on, those
benefits or issues have been resolved.
Pederson confirmed the consensus of the Council that he does not need to recuse
himself.
•
•
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 18
September 19, 2017
"
F i n k e s t a t e d t h a t t h e o r i g i n a l p l a t w a s a p p r o v e d i n 2 0 1 3 f o r a t o t a l o f 1 2 6 l o t s . H e s t a t e d
t h a t P h a s e I b e g a n t h a t y e a r a n d i n c l u d e d 5 1 h o m e s a n d t h i s P h a s e I I w o u l d i n c l u d e a n
a d d i t i o n a l 4 4 s i n g l e - f a m i l y l o t s . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e a p p l i c a n t a l s o p r o v i d e s a n o u t l o t f o r
a c c e s s t o t h e s o u t h e a s t c o r n e r o f t h e s i t e , w h i c h i s o w n e d b y t h e C i t y . H e s t a t e d t h a t
t h e r e i s a n o t h e r o u t l o t o n t h e n o r t h e n d w h i c h i s i d e n t i f i e d f o r f u t u r e p h a s i n g o f t h e
p r o j e c t . H e d i s p l a y e d t h e a p p r o v e d P r e l i m i n a r y P l a t a n d i d e n t i f i e d t h e l o c a t i o n o f P h a s e
I I . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p u r p o s e o f t h e F i n a l P l a t i s t o e n s u r e c o n s i s t e n c y w i t h t h e
P r e l i m i n a r y P l a t a n d c o n f i r m t h a t a l l c o n d i t i o n s h a v e b e e n m e t . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p l a t i s
c o n s i s t e n t w i t h t h e a p p r o v e d P r e l i m i n a r y P l a t a n d s t a f f b e l i e v e s t h a t a l l c o n d i t i o n s h a v e
b e e n w i t h t h e i n c l u s i o n o f t h e c o n d i t i o n s i n c l u d e d i n t h i s p r o p o s e d r e s o l u t i o n . H e n o t e d
t h a t s t a f f i s w o r k i n g w i t h t h e a p p l i c a n t t o f i n a l i z e t w o b l a n k s o n t h e D e v e l o p m e n t
A g r e e m e n t r e l a t e d t o t h e n u m b e r s f o r t h e l e t t e r o f c r e d i t a n d c o n s t r u c t i o n e s c r o w . H e
s t a t e d t h a t t h e n u m b e r s h a v e b e e n p r o v i d e d b y t h e a p p l i c a n t , w h i c h a r e t h e n r e v i e w e d
b y s t a f f a n d w i l l t h e n b e i n s e r t e d i n t o t h e D e v e l o p m e n t A g r e e m e n t a s a g r e e d u p o n b y
s t a f f .
B a t t y e x p l a i n e d t h a t s t a n d a r d p r o c e d u r e i s f o r t h e d e v e l o p e r t o p r o v i d e c o s t e s t i m a t e s
w h i c h a r e r e v i e w e d b y t h e C i t y E n g i n e e r t o e n s u r e t h o s e f i g u r e s a r e a c c u r a t e a n d
d e t e r m i n e t h e m a x i m u m e x p o s u r e o f t h e C i t y .
1 . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 6 G r a n t i n g F i n a l P l a t A p p r o v a l f o r R e s e r v e o f
M e d i n a 2 n d A d d i t i o n
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o a d o p t r e s o l u t i o n n o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 6 g r a n t i n g
f i n a l p l a t a p p r o v a l f o r R e s e r v e o f M e d i n a 2 n d A d d i t i o n . M o t i o n p a s s e d u n a n i m o u s l y .
2 . D e v e l o p m e n t A g r e e m e n t b y a n d b e t w e e n t h e C i t y o f M e d i n a a n d T o l l
M N . L . P .
M o v e d b y P e d e r s o n , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o a p p r o v e D e v e l o p m e n t A g r e e m e n t b y
a n d b e t w e e n t h e C i t y o f M e d i n a a n d T o l l M N , L . P . f o r t h e R e s e r v e o f M e d i n a 2 n d
A d d i t i o n w i t h t h e d o l l a r a m o u n t s a s s h o w n i n t h e s t a f f m e m o r a n d u m . M o t i o n p a s s e d
u n a n i m o u s l y .
D . R e s o l u t i o n N o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 7 A d o p t i n g A s s e s s m e n t R o l l f o r D e e r H i l l P r e s e r v e
R o a d I m p r o v e m e n t P r o j e c t ( 1 0 : 2 7 p . m . )
J o h n s o n s t a t e d t h a t t h i s i s f o r t h e p u b l i c i m p r o v e m e n t p r o j e c t f o r t h e n e w p o r t i o n o f D e e r
H i l l R o a d a n d H o m e s t e a d T r a i l . H e s t a t e d t h a t t h e p r o j e c t w a s r e q u e s t e d b y t h e
d e v e l o p e r a n d t h e r e f o r e 1 0 0 p e r c e n t o f t h e c o s t w o u l d b e a s s e s s e d t o t h e d e v e l o p e r .
B a t t y s t a t e d t h a t t h i s d o e s n o t r e q u i r e a p u b l i c h e a r i n g b e c a u s e t h i s i s a r e s u l t o f a
p e t i t i o n a n d w a i v e r .
M o v e d b y C o u s i n e a u , s e c o n d e d b y A n d e r s o n , t o a d o p t r e s o l u t i o n n o . 2 0 1 7 - 7 7 a d o p t i n g
a s s e s s m e n t r o l l f o r D e e r H i l l P r e s e r v e r o a d i m p r o v e m e n t p r o j e c t . M o t i o n p a s s e d
u n a n i m o u s l y .
X . C I T Y A D M I N I S T R A T O R R E P O R T ( 1 0 : 3 0 p . m . )
J o h n s o n n o t e d t h e m e m o r a n d u m f r o m B e l l a n d r e g a r d i n g W a y z a t a P o l i c e O f f i c e r W i l l i a m
M a t t h e w s ' F u n e r a l a n d h i g h l i g h t e d t h e e x c e l l e n t j o b d o n e b y S e r g e a n t N e l s o n a n d
t h a n k e d h i m f o r h i s g r e a t w o r k . J o h n s o n a l s o t h a n k e d t h e P o l i c e f o r c e f o r t h e e x c e l l e n t
j o b t h e y d i d w i t h f u n e r a l a n d t h e j o b t h e y c o n t i n u e t o d o .
M e d i n a C i t y C o u n c i l M e e t i n g M i n u t e s 1 9
S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 1 7
Pederson commented that it speaks highly of the department that they were chosen to
be in command.
Anderson commented that the note from Mitchell to Wayzata Mayor Wilcox was
elegantly written.
Johnson thanked Anne Klaers for the excellent job she did with Medina Celebration Day,
as well as the Public Works Department and other Staff who made the event possible.
He also thanked Shorty Dorweiler for his help with the event.
XI. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (10:32 p.m.)
No comments.
XII. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (10:32 p.m.)
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Cousineau, to approve the bills, EFT 004294E-
004313E for $42, 425.13, order check numbers 046323-046372 for $186, 710.33, and
payroll EFT 0508133-0508163 for $49, 080.74 and payroll manual check 0020437 for
$64.28. Motion passed unanimously.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:32 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Bob Mitchell, Mayor
Attest;
4 c -,,_
Jodi M/Gallup, City Clerk U
•
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 20
September 19, 2017
ORDER CHECKS SEPTEMBER 6.2017 - SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
046323 ADELMANN TIM $110.00
046324 COMMERCIAL ASPHALT CO $2,138.48
046325 ADAM GALLAGHER, $150.00
046326 GOTTHILF CONSTANCE $50.00
046327 JOHNSON DONNA MAE $10.00
046328 JOHNSON, JAMES R. $8.70
046329 JP SALEA GROUP $150.00
046330 ROBERT OR KIM PASTOR $90.81
046331 PRIMROSE SCHOOL OF EDINA $75.00
046332 PRIMROSE SCHOOL -WEST PLYMOUTH $75.00
046333 HIEBA, RASHED $250.00
046334 HUSEBY, JAMES $697.91
046335 MENDU, SUNIL $250.00
046336 RAINBOW PARTY ARTS $830.00
046337 SHAH, SONAIL $250.00
046338 USA GOLF GAMES INC $1,076.20
046339 NORTHERN WILLIAMS JR $100.00
046340 BEAUDRY OIL & PROPANE $3,056.90
046341 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MN $29,057.20
046342 BUDGET PRINTING $4.00
046343 C & L EXCAVATING INC $60,517.91
046344 CENTERPOINT ENERGY $200.54
046345 CENTURYLINK $225.21
046346 DESIGNING NATURE, INC. $311.80
046347 ECM PUBLISHERS INC $87.07
046348 GOPHER STATE ONE CALL $326.70
046349 GRAINGER $24.11
046350 HACH COMPANY $97.38
046351 HAKANSON ANDERSON ASSOCIATES I $500.00
046352 HAMEL LUMBER INC $547.78
046353 HENN COUNTY INFO TECH $955.20
046354 HENN COUNTY SHERIFF $208.68
046355 HENN CTY RESIDENT/REAL ESTATE $68.00
046356 KD & COMPANY RECYCLING INC $98.00
046357 LANO EQUIPMENT INC $92.01
046358 LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES $6,332.00
046359 LEXISNEXIS RISK DATA MGMT INC $41.00
046360 CITY OF MAPLE PLAIN $2,033.62
046361 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL $25,399.93
046362 METRO WEST INSPECTION $17,646.32
046363 MOTLEY AUTO SERVICE LLC $1,431.95
046364 NORTHWEST ASSOC CONSULTANTS $3,800.14
046365 OFFICE DEPOT $296.43
046366 CITY OF ORONO $2,838.42
046367 STEVEN RUCHTI $620.00
046368 JAMIE R WIOME $5,533.40
046369 STREICHER'S $6,498.81
046370 TALLEN & BAERTSCHI $10,962.55
046371 TIMESAVER OFFSITE $277.88
046372 TITAN MACHINERY $307.29
Total Checks $186,710.33
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 21
September 19, 2017
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 — SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
004294E PR PERA $14,686.01
004295E PR FED/FICA $16,707.38
004296E PR MN Deferred Comp $2,320.00
004297E PR STATE OF MINNESOTA $3,471.70
004298E SELECT ACCOUNT $736.07
004299E CITY OF MEDINA $20.00
004300E SELECT ACCOUNT $0.00
004301E PR PERA $25.48
004302E PR FED/FICA $15.37
004303E PR STATE OF MINNESOTA $5.89
004304E SELECT ACCOUNT $601.13
004305E FARMERS STATE BANK OF HAMEL $125.00
004306E AFLAC $394.88
004307E CIPHER LABORATORIES INC. $1,153.30
004308E CULLIGAN-METRO $32.75
004309E MARCO (LEASE) $1,069.21
004310E PAYMENT SERVICE NETWORK INC $657.19
004311E SELECT ACCOUNT $58.50
004312E FRONTIER $56.60
004313E MEDIACOM OF MN LLC $288.67
Total Electronic Checks $42,425.13
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
0508133 ALTENDORF, JENNIFER L $1,332.97
0508134 ANDERSON, JOHN G $230.87
0508135 BARNHART, ERIN A. $2,099.87
0508136 BELLAND, EDGAR J $2,570.17
0508137 BOECKER, KEVIN D. $3,016.45
0508138 CONVERSE, KEITH A $2,159.29
0508139 COUSINEAU, LORIE K. $230.87
0508140 DINGMANN, IVAN W $1,990.41
0508141 ENDE, JOSEPH $1,620.67
0508142 FINKE, DUSTIN D. $2,178.54
0508143 GALLUP, JODI M $1,752.05
0508144 GLEASON, JOHN M. $1,791.27
0508145 GREGORY, THOMAS $1,886.96
0508146 HALL, DAVID M. $2,094.14
0508147 JESSEN,JEREMIAH S $2,001.80
0508148 JOHNSON, SCOTT T. $2,230.19
0508149 KIESER, NICHOLAS $726.54
0508150 KLAERS, ANNE M $1,154.57
0508151 LANE, LINDA $1,492.96
0508152 LEUER, GREGORY J. $1,937.23
0508153 MARTIN, KATHLEEN M $230.87
0508154 MCGILL, CHRISTOPHER R $1,470.19
0508155 MCKINLEY, JOSHUA D $1,723.67
0508156 MITCHELL, ROBERT G. $327.07
0508157 NELSON, JASON $2,394.68
0508158 PEDERSON, JEFF $221.92
0508159 PETERSON, DEBRA A $1,684.69
0508160 REINKING, DEREK M $1,591.50
0508161 SCHARF, ANDREW $1,500.62
0508162 SCHERER, STEVEN T. $2,289.29
0508163 VIEAU, CECILIA M. $1,148.42
Total Payroll Direct Deposit $49,080.74
PAYROLL MANUAL CHECK SEPTEMBER 6, 2017
0020437 SWALCHICK, CRAIG M $64.28
Total Payroll Manual Check $64.28
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 22
September 19, 2017