HomeMy Public PortalAbout11/05/2014 City Council MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 5, 2014
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on November 5, 2014 at
7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Weir presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Anderson, Pederson, Martin, Martinson, and Weir.
Members absent: None.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Attorney Ron Batty, City Engineer
Tom Kellogg, City Planner Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, Chief of
Police Ed Belland, and Recording Secretary Amanda Staple.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:00 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:01 p.m.)
Weir requested to add an item to the agenda under New Business titled Discussion of
Sewer and Water Fees for 295 State Highway 55.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to approve the November 5, 2014 agenda as
amended. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:02 p.m.)
A. Approval of the October 21.2014 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Anderson, to approve the October 21, 2014 special
City Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the October 21, 2014 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
It was noted on page three, line 26, it should state, "Anderson first asked why if the two
chiefs were addressing the Council as citizens why were they in uniform. He further
stated that the letter never implied that the northern portion of the City was being
underserved, but referenced that when trains are passing through the City they may be
adding time in responding to calls north of Highway 55." On page three, line 33, it
should state, "...Hamel Volunteer Fire Department 2015 CIP..." On page three, line 40,
it should state, "Anderson reiterated his position taken in a mayoral debate supporting a
new substation in the Public Works Building. He stated that this communication
elaborated on his position." On page three, line 49, it should state" Batty Public Safety
Director Belland." On page four, line 14, it should state, "...questioned how then the new
station is listed in the CIP." On page four, line 29, it should state, "canceled for lack of
business items." On page seven, line 22, it should state, "...prohibiting removal or
replacement without prior City approval." On page 7, line 17, it should state, "Provide a
surety for replacing 1,200 caliper inches equal to $180,000. The surety will not be
layered on top of the other surety required by the terms of the development agreement,
but will be treated as a "Holdback" for other requested reductions or return of surety."
On page ten, line one, it should state, "...other communities within the Wayzata School
District." On page ten, line 20, it should state, "...submitted by the City in 2017..." On
page 12, line 17, it should state, "...visited the new rain garden at Hamel Legion Park."
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Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to approve the October 21, 2014 regular
City Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval of the October 23, 2014 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Martin, to approve the October 23, 2014 special City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Approval of the October 28, 2014 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Anderson, to approve the October 28, 2014 special
City Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:12 p.m.)
A. Approve Monthly Siren Maintenance Contract with Embedded Systems,
Inc.
B. Approve 2015 Kennedy & Graven Rates
C. Resolution No. 2014-77 Approving a Site Plan Review for Fez Jon at 22
Hamel Road
D. Approve Development Agreement By and Between the City of Medina and
Fez Jon
E. Approve Changes to Labor Agreement between Law Enforcement Labor
Services (LELS), Inc. (LOCAL #36) and the City of Medina
F. Approve Snow Removal Services Agreement with DS Hunz Services Inc.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:14 p.m.)
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
There were none.
B. Park Commission
Scherer had nothing to report regarding the Park Commission.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Commission will meet the following week to hold several public
hearings including the Villas of Medina, the Dominium Stage II request, continuation of
the staging and growth discussion, and a Comprehensive Plan amendment request
regarding a memory care facility. He noted that the Commission may also review
Ordinance amendments to the Commercial Zoning District.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Wright -Hennepin Community Solar Project (7:16 p.m.)
Johnson stated that Wright -Hennepin would like to discuss the possibility of installing
solar panels at their substation. He stated that currently the Ordinance would not allow
this type of use in this Zoning District but asked that the Council review this request to
determine if this would be an option.
Finke provided background information on previous Council discussion regarding new
technologies, noting that most of the discussion focused on wind energy. He stated that
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the discussion allowed solar, panels to be installed in most Zoning Districts with the
clause that the panels must be placed on a structure. He stated that the Wright -
Hennepin property does not have many structures and believed that perhaps because
the majority of discussion regarding solar energy focused on residential, the Council may
consider this type of use. He stated that if the Council is in approval of this request, he
believed that the best course of action would be to amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow
this type of use in this Zoning District.
Wayne Bauernschmitt, Wright -Hennepin, stated that in the last five years Wright -
Hennepin surveyed a number of members to determine the amount of interest in
renewable energy. He advised that a number of open house meetings were held in
Rockford and there was overwhelming response in favor of a mix of renewable energy.
He explained that a community solar group was then formed and reviewed four key
demonstration projects, which Wright -Hennepin conducted. He displayed photographs
of two solar community projects, noting that those were setup through a separate LLC
and are located on easements on Wright -Hennepin properties. He explained that
members are given the opportunity to invest in these opportunities and advised that one
solar project has quite a few Medina members as investors. He referenced the
substation located in Medina that Wright -Hennepin would like to use as the site for the
third community solar project. He provided additional details on options that members
are given should they choose to invest in the project. He asked for guidance on the
existing Ordinance and the possibility of coming forward with an application.
Weir referenced the slope of the site and possible erosion issues.
Bauernschmitt stated that they would not be grading the site. He stated at one solar
location they have installed rock beneath the panels and the other site has a special
grass that requires little light to grow. He noted that there would not be concrete bases
and ensured that the site would be maintained by Wright -Hennepin. He stated that
typically the panels do not sit higher than five feet but noted that depending on the slope
the height could be eight to ten feet. He stated that buffering could occur but noted that
they would not want to use anything with a lot of height that would interfere with the
panels.
Weir stated that she would certainly be interested.
Anderson agreed that he would also be interested and questioned if this would move
forward to the Planning Commission for discussion of the Ordinance amendment.
Finke confirmed that the process would begin at the Planning Commission as any
Ordinance amendment would.
Martin stated that she is also interested. She stated that it seems rooftop panels have
become somewhat outdated in commercial sites.
Bauernschmitt agreed that it can become difficult to incorporate solar panels on a
rooftop architecturally on a commercial site.
Martin stated that perhaps Conditional Use Permits could be used to regulate solar
panels on commercial sites because of the variables that exist.
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Martinson stated that she and Pederson visited the Rockford facility the previous year
and she would not describe the panels as unsightly at all. She stated that there is
always the option of installing a visual barrier with plantings to the north to shield from
the opposite side.
Pederson stated that he was also impressed with the project and was interested in
moving forward.
Bauernschmitt stated that he has not received any negative feedback from the
neighboring property owners.
Pederson stated that perhaps the site should be fenced to prevent children or others
from entering the area.
Finke confirmed that staff has sufficient direction to move forward.
B. Discussion of Sewer and Water Fees for an Indoor Auto Use 295 State
Highway 55 (7:41 p.m.)
Johnson stated that this is a proposal for the new indoor auto facility, specifically in
regard to the sewer and water connection fees. He noted that this would be more of a
storage/showroom use.
Finke explained that the sewer and water connection fees are based on the figures
provided by the Metropolitan (Met) Council. He stated that in the past there has been an
instance where the City has chosen to exempt a property from those rates based on the
actual usage compared to what had been estimated by the Met Council. He stated that
the City completely prohibits any sales lot for auto dealerships outside of a structure. He
explained that based on the Met Council classification the proposed rate would be much
higher than what the actual use would be. He stated that staff would like to classify the
use as storage space and apply fees in that manner.
Weir questioned if there would be a fiscal loss to the City if this route is chosen.
Finke stated that there is nothing the City can do in regard to the Met Council fees but
explained that staff believes that the City fees should be more in line with the actual use.
He stated that there would not be any refunding occurring but the City simply would not
collect additional City fees that they do not believe would be necessary.
Upon Martin's inquiry, staff confirmed that the Met Council fees would not be affected,
the City would simply only collect the amount of fees equal to the amount of use. Staff
also confirmed that additional fees could be collected in the future if additional use
occurs. She asked for details on the building layout.
Finke explained that there would be a finished showroom on the front-end of the building
with storage to occur in the other portion of the building.
Martinson confirmed that the fees would be split between retail, office and warehouse as
proposed by staff.
Weir believed that this was a reasonable request and confirmed the consensus of the
Council.
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VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 2014-78 Approving a Preliminary Plat for a Subdivision to
be known as "Capital Knoll" (7:51 p.m.)
'Finke presented the Resolution for the Preliminary Plat for a subdivision to be known as
Capital Knoll. He identified a slight change that occurred regarding lot line placement
and the notification regarding animal structure setbacks. He recommended approval of
the request.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to adopt Resolution No. 2014-78 approving a
Preliminary Plat for a Subdivision to be known as "Capital Knoll. Motion passed
unanimously.
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (7:54 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the City has been receiving illegal dumping in the parks and right-of-
ways. He asked that residents alert the Police if they notice that activity. He suggested
November 21st for the next business tours. He reported that City Hall would be closed
on December 26th, pursuant to the Personnel Policy. He stated that the City was able to
secure a grant regarding the Tower Drive storm water pond. He noted that Century Link
is upgrading their internet service speeds for some Medina residents and noted that he
would have staff post that information on the City website. He also complemented Jodi
Gallup and Erin Barnhart for the extraordinary job done on the 2014 Elections.
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (7:58 p.m.)
Pederson stated that he attended the business focus groups at the community center
and commended Weir for her efforts.
Martin echoed those comments and believed the focus groups were wonderful. She
also commended Weir for her leadership in establishing and leading the focus groups.
Weir briefly reviewed the information leamed from the business forums including
comments from the businesses regarding the City process, specifically the lengthy
process and fees as well as a State Statute regarding sprinkling of redevelopment in
Uptown Hamel.
Batty confirmed that he is reviewing the State Statute item.
Weir stated that the businesses welcomed the idea of speaking with the Council and
staff and were pleased with the opportunity.
Martin stated that perhaps a future worksession could be focused on exploring those
concepts.
Weir stated that she and Johnson visited a memory care facility in Bloomington, which is
of very high quality and is very well run. She stated that it would be a great addition to
Medina and staff will explore the Comprehensive Plan amendment that would be
needed. She commended all the Election Judges that volunteered their time and
thanked them for their time, noting that it ran very efficiently.
Xl. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:07 p.m.)
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November 5, 2014
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Anderson, to approve the bills, EFT 002836E-
002859E for $58,649.91, order check numbers 041974-042041 for $444,143.40, and
payroll EFT 505981-506008 for $48,439.43. Motion passed unanimously.
XII. CLOSED SESSION: CITY ADMINISTRATOR PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The Council adjourned to closed session to discuss the performance review of the City
Administrator.
Moved by Martinson, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m. to
discuss the performance review of the City Administrator. Motion passed
unanimously.
The Council reconvened to open session at 8:47 p.m.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.
Attest:
Scott Johnson, City Administrator
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 6
November 5, 2014
ORDER CHECKS October 22.2014 - November 5.2014
041974 EASON, KARI $150.00
041975 EXXONMOBIL FLEET - WEX BANK $345.17
041976 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS $100.00
041977 LINDBERG, JUSTIN/AMANDA $55.04
041978 METRO WEST INSPECTION $33,308.25
041979 OLSON, BECKY $250.00
041980 PRIMROSE SCHOOL $250.00
041981 TURNHAM, ANNE $481.25
041982 LEXISNEXIS RISK DATA MGMT INC $31.00
041983 MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY $9,468.06
041984 MARCO INC $52.00
041985 METROPOLITAN COUNCIL $17,221.05
041986 PRASAD, PURUSHOTHMAN $250.00
041987-92 VOID $0.00
041993 ACTION PLUS REALTY $500.00
041994 BRIGGS AND MORGAN $10,526.75
041995 US HOME CORP $40,000.00
041996 MINNESOTA RENEGADES FASTPITCH $500.00
041997 MN DEPT OF LABOR/INDUSTRY $6,670.39
041998 NELSON ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIR $220.00
041999 PRIMROSE SCHOOL $250.00
042000 RENGASAMY, NARASIMMAN $250.00
042001 TERRY, MICHELLE $150.00
042002 AIR COMPRESSORS PLUS L.L.0 $5,037.35
042003 ALLSTAR ELECTRIC $1,241.41
042004 AMERICAN PLANNING ASSN $500.00
042005 AUTOMATIC SYSTEMS CO $1,014.45
042006 BIFFS INC $415.86
042007 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MN $27,932.00
042008 CENTURYLINK $644.00
042009 COMMERCIAL ASPHALT CO. $1,912.40
042010 DPC INDUSTRIES INC $3,385.18
042011 EARL F ANDERSEN INC $144.58
042012 ECM PUBLISHERS INC $280.26
042013 EGAN $472.75
042014 EXPERT AUTOMOTIVE & TOWING INC $385.00
042015 GARYS DIESEL SERVICE INC $1,324.92
042016 GMH ASPHALT CORP $35,090.41
042017 GOODIN COMPANY $144.22
042018 GRAINGER $197.66
042019 HAMEL LIONS CLUB $543.75
042020 HOLIDAY FLEET $353.99
042021 HOLTZ, DOUGLAS $880.00
042022 KENNEDY & GRAVEN CHARTERED $11,359.58
042023 LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES $120,825.00
042024 LORETTO TOWING $158.75
042025 LORETTO VOL FIRE DEPT INC $25,276.25
042026 MADISON NATIONAL LIFE $559.46
042027 CITY OF MAPLE PLAIN $14.26
042028 MEDINA MOBIL, INC $125.00
042029 NAPA OF CORCORAN INC $120.79
042030 NELSON ELECTRIC MOTOR REPAIR $660.00
042031 NORTHWEST HENNEPIN $200.00
042032 OFFICE DEPOT $157.42
042033 PAINT -A -LOT $395.00
042034 RANDY'S SANITATION INC $49.99
042035 RCM SPECIALTIES, INC. $2,825.00
042036 ROLF ERICKSON ENTERPRISES INC $7,017.92
042037 STREICHER'S $1,045.94
042038 TEGRETE CORP $1,926.94
042039 TIMESAVER OFFSITE $284.20
042040 TITAN MACHINERY $2,325.75
042041 WSB & ASSOCIATES $65.887.00
Total Checks $444,143.40
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 7
November 5, 2014
*Printing error
Electronic Payments October 17.2014 — October 30.2014
002836E ELAN FINANCIAL SERVICE $3,172.08
002837E CENTERPOINT ENERGY $211.80
002838E XCEL ENERGY $12,637.92
002839E CIPHER LABORATORIES INC. $725.30
002840E PAYMENT SERVICE NETWORK INC $285.90
002841E FARMERS STATE BANK OF HAMEL $4.00
002842E CIPHER LABORATORIES INC. $2,011.74
002843E PIVOTAL PAYMENTS INC $223.01
002844E FARMERS STATE BANK OF HAMEL $4.00
002845E EXXONMOBIL FLEET - WEX BANK $2,398.79
002846E PITNEY BOWES $123.00
002847E MINNESOTA, STATE OF $1,375.00
002848E PR PERA $13,627.88
002849E PR FED/FICA $14,424.69
002850E PR MN Deferred Comp $1,000.00
002851E PR STATE OF MINNESOTA $3,214.47
002852E SELECT ACCOUNT $540.00
002853E CITY OF MEDINA $18.00
002854E FARMERS STATE BANK OF HAMEL $20.00
002855E MARCO (LEASE) $477.66
002856E MEDIACOM OF MN LLC $54.95
002857E EXXONMOBIL FLEET - WEX BANK $1,438.96
002858E PIVOTAL PAYMENTS INC $255.91
002859E HARTFORD LIFE $404.85
Total Electronic Checks $58,649.91
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT October 22.2014
505981 ALTENDORF, JENNIFER L. $1,338.08
505982 BARNHART, ERIN A $1,724.64
505983 BELLAND, EDGAR J. $2,346.39
505984 BOECKER, KEVIN D $2,807.00
505985 CHORLEY, LUCINDA $374.85
505986 CONVERSE, KEITH A. $2,803.27
505987 DINGMANN, IVAN W. $1,812.63
505988 DOMINO, CHARMANE $1,676.24
505989 FINKE, DUSTIN D $2,169.34
505990 GALLUP, JODI M. $1,563.43
505991 GLEASON, JOHN M $1,673.17
505992 GREGORY, THOMAS $1,941.61
505993 HALL, DAVID M $2,107.54
505994 HUNZ, MATTHEW E $565.42
505995 JESSEN, JEREMIAH S. $2,088.68
505996 JOHNSON, SCOTT T $2,164.74
505997 KLAERS, ANNE M. $601.97
505998 LANE, LINDA $1,414.32
505999 LEUER, GREGORY J $1,793.91
506000 MCGILL, CHRISTOPHER R. $2,111.39
506001 NELSON, JASON $3,729.32
506002 PETERSON, DEBRA A. $1,558.31
506003 REINKING, DEREK M $1,780.94
506004 SCHERER, STEVEN T $2,264.43
506005 VIEAU,CECILIA M $1,174.79
506006 VINCK, JOHN J. $1,769.12
506007 WENANDE, BRANDON S. $499.52
506008 WHITE, JANET $584.38
Total Payroll Direct Deposit $48,439.43
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 8
November 5, 2014