HomeMy Public PortalAbout11-06-2019 City Council MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes 1
November 6, 2019
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 6, 2019
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on November 6, 2019 at
7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Albers, Anderson, DesLauriers, Martin, and Pederson.
Members absent: None.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Assistant City Administrator Jodi
Gallup, City Attorney David Anderson, City Engineer Jim Stremel, City Planning Director
Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, and Chief of Police Ed Belland.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:00 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:00 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:00 p.m.)
A. Approval of the October 15, 2019 Council Open House Meeting Minutes
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to approve the October 15, 2019 Council
Open House meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the October 15, 2019 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to approve the October 15, 2019 regular City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval of the October 22, 2019 Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to approve the October 22, 2019 special City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:01 p.m.)
A. Approve Cooperative Agreement for Hickory Drive Stormwater
Improvements
B. Approve LMCIT Liability Insurance Renewal Waiver
C. Approve Brockton Lane Engineering Design Amendment
D. Resolution No. 2019-70 Extending the Approval of a Site Plan Review for
Wealshire, LLC to Construct Phase II of Its Memory Care Facility at 4555
Mohawk Drive
Anderson stated that he has received a number of calls from residents applauding the
excellent work on Brockton Lane and congratulated City staff for their excellent work.
Moved by Pederson, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:01 p.m.)
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A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
There were none.
B. Park Commission
Scherer reported that earlier this week staff met with Three Rivers Park District
regarding a corridor study for the Diamond Lake Trail. He noted that it was a great
discussion and direction was provided on how this corridor could work with the existing
trail system in Medina. He stated that the Park Commission discussed the Mark of
Excellence concept at its last meeting, noting that the consensus was to perhaps look at
other areas as well that could be more conducive to everything in that area. He noted
that the Commission agreed with preserving the trees but felt that a better location could
be found for an active park.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Park Commission will meet the following week to hold public
hearings for a Rezoning/Preliminary Plat/Site Plan review for Adams Pest Control and a
variance for the Independence Beach neighborhood related to the 25 percent hardcover
maximum.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Chippewa Road and Arrowhead Drive Visioning Study (7:07 p.m.)
Stremel highlighted the different elements of the final report, which was included in the
Council packet. He stated that an 80-foot right-of-way would be desired, with more width
in the turn lane areas. He displayed the final preferred alternative, noting that the
roundabout option was added back in based on public input received at the open house.
He advised that another option was provided for the OSI driveway as well, which is a fair
distance north of the existing driveway. He stated that cost estimates were developed
for the project, noting they are fairly significant amounts. He explained that if the City
funds the project solely that would be the costliest option. He noted that the cost for the
watermain is not included but the projects could be combined. He discussed the
permitting requirements, noting that staff met with a representative from the DNR the
previous week related to the potential wetland impacts and required permits. He stated
that one of the next steps would be to determine the Ordinary High Water (OHW) mark.
He stated that the permitting timeframe for the DNR and Army Corps of Engineers would
be four to six months. He noted that if an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
is completed that would also be about a six-month process. He stated that a previous
analysis was completed on the floodplain, noting that since then the data used has
changed and therefore that floodplain analysis would need to be updated using the Atlas
14 data. He explained that floodplain impacts would need to be mitigated onsite at a
one to one ratio. He noted that if the dual turn lane is desired, staff would recommend
additional traffic analysis as well.
Anderson asked why the cost for Chippewa Road would be reduced if a developer
comes in and how much that cost would come down.
Stremel replied that it would be difficult to estimate the cost reduction. He explained that
economy of scale provides benefit and noted that a development could also perhaps
utilize excavated materials. He noted that the project will continue to be expensive.
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Anderson asked if the DNR provided input on the potential cost for the wetland
mitigation costs.
Stremel stated that he included data on wetland credits, noting that would be the cost if
wetland credits are purchased offsite. He stated that if mitigation is provided with
development perhaps mitigation could be completed onsite. He noted that the wetland
mitigation and floodplain mitigation could also overlap to provide cost savings, which
would be another benefit to completing the road project in conjunction with an adjacent
development project.
Albers referenced the EAW and asked if that is solely for the Chippewa Road footprint or
whether that includes the Mark of Excellence site.
Stremel confirmed that the Mark of Excellence project could trigger the EAW. He
confirmed that it could make sense to complete an EAW for both elements, should it
progress to that point.
Albers estimated a total cost of over $7,000,000 for the road projects, sewer and
watermain. He commented that seems to be a high cost for about a half mile of road.
He asked the standard rate for road construction.
Martin stated that the project includes additional elements including mitigation, utilities,
infrastructure, and other improvements.
Stremel confirmed that this would be more expensive than a typical roadway.
DesLauriers commented that the cost for Brockton Lane was about $2,000,000 for
comparison.
Martin stated that it seemed the comment from staff was that the trigger for an EAW
would be based on the number of acres impacted rather than the total number of acres
included in the project.
Pederson asked if there is a roundabout included in the cost estimate.
Stremel explained that the cost estimates are based on the base plan and does not
include options such as roundabouts.
Martin asked what was the cost of the additional steps outlined in the report and the
shelf life of those elements for permitting purposes.
Stremel stated that the topography of the OHW and the floodplain analysis could be
used in perpetuity unless there were changes to the wetland complex or rainwater data.
He stated that the EAW would also have a long shelf life unless changes are made to
that corridor. He noted that the traffic counts and analysis near the OSI area could last a
fair amount of time as well but would have the shortest shelf life of the four. He provided
the cost estimates to complete each of the four additional steps.
DesLauriers referenced the six-month process for the EAW and asked if the other steps
would have shorter timeframes.
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Stremel confirmed that the other steps would be shorter ranging from a few days or
weeks to a couple of months.
Martin asked for input from the Council on the next steps. She stated that she would not
be interested in spending a lot money above the initial study. She noted that the
parameters of the project and perhaps even alignment could change depending on the
development proposals that may come forward.
Anderson agreed and suggested tabling this until there is resolution related to the Mark
of Excellence concept, as that will provide additional input.
Pederson agreed that would make sense.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to table the discussion regarding the
Chippewa Road and Arrowhead Drive Visioning Study until such time the Council feels a
determination has been made regarding the Mark of Excellence proposal. Motion
passed unanimously.
B. Mark Smith (Mark of Excellence Homes) – Weston Woods – E. of Mohawk
Dr., N. of Hwy 55 and 1952 Chippewa Road – Comprehensive Plan
Amendment and PUD Concept Plan (7:30 p.m.)
Martin noted that many of the Council members attended the Planning Commission
meeting and asked if any of the information differs from that information presented.
Finke reported that the presentation and input from the Planning Commission would
largely remain the same. He noted that additional input has been added from the Park
Commission. He confirmed that no changes were made to the development proposal.
He presented a request for a Comprehensive Plan amendment which would relate to the
future land use of the southern property, changing the future land use from business to a
combination of residential land uses. He noted that a portion of the site would also be
designated as park/open space and would be deeded to the City. He explained that the
second Comprehensive Plan amendment would relate to the staging of the northern
property, changing that from 2025 to 2020. He stated that would allow for the proposed
development of 76 twinhomes on the northern property, and 41 single-family and 33
townhomes on the southern property. He displayed an aerial photograph of the site and
surrounding properties, identified adjacent property uses. He provided the overall
concept plan noting that the property proposed to be deeded to the City would be left as
a natural preservation area. He advised that a small active park is also proposed in that
location. He noted that there was discussion from the Park Commission as to whether
that would be the best location for an active park area. He identified the large wetland to
the east of the site, noting that there are additional wetlands throughout the site. He
advised that throughout the site there would be relatively minimal wetland impacts. He
noted that the applicant proposes to extend Chippewa Road from Mohawk Drive to
Arrowhead Drive. He noted that the applicant would pay for the construction cost while
the City would be responsible for permitting and wetland mitigation. He stated that
between the two sites, the density would be three units per acre and therefore would fall
within the range of the Metropolitan Council. He noted that additional details are
provided on the PUD concept within the staff report. He explained that would be
contingent upon the Comprehensive Plan amendments and therefore he will focus on
those elements. He stated that the development proposed on the northern property falls
within the density range specified, noting that the change would move that development
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from 2025 to 2020 with the requested change to staging. He explained that one reason
the staging was set at 2025 is because of the necessary infrastructure improvements
needed to support development in that area including the extension of the watermain
and the extension of Chippewa Road. He stated that the applicant is proposing to
address the infrastructure needs by providing those improvements with this
development. He stated that the City also identified a need for an active park in this
area, which is also proposed with this request. He noted that other elements of staging
are growth management and reduction of growth in concentrated areas. He referenced
the Comprehensive Plan amendment requested for the southern property. He explained
that this request would not change the MUSA but simply the uses within the MUSA,
noting that this would convert about 25 acres of business property to residential. He
reviewed goals of the Comprehensive Plan noting that the applicant makes the case that
their proposed development has the ability to better meet those objectives. He reviewed
the recommendations of the Commissions, noting that the Park Commission supported
the preservation of the wooded knoll through the PUD and suggested full park dedication
credit is collected. He said that the Park Commission stated that the location of the
proposed active park may not be the best location and recommended collecting park
dedication fees from the sites in the area as they develop in order to create a larger park
in another location. He noted that the Planning Commission held a public hearing the
previous month and ultimately the Commission voted 4-2 to recommend denial of the
amendments. He stated that additional comments received from the public have been
provided to the Council. He stated that Loretto, Corcoran and Hennepin County have
provided comments, general in nature. He stated that the PUD concept plan is provided
for the Council to provide comments, but the City will need to act on the Comprehensive
Plan amendments.
Bill Griffith, representing the applicant, stated that a lot of work has gone into the plan
even though the plan is similar to the past concept. He recognized that the City has a
large amount of discretion with considering these requested amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan. He stated that this land is already within the MUSA and therefore
the question would be whether the changes are appropriate. He noted that the concept
plan is provided to give the Council sufficient information to consider the Comprehensive
Plan amendment requests. He noted that this plan presents an opportunity to preserve
a lot of open space. He explained that the location of the open space creates a natural
buffer to the properties to the east. He stated that two thirds of the northern parcel
would be preserved as open space. He advised that the development addresses some
of the key goals of the Comprehensive Plan, noting a diverse range of housing types
available at different price points. He stated that the southern property would preserve
the knoll of trees. He stated that this development would also provide an opportunity for
infrastructure improvements. He explained that if the north and south properties are not
developed together, that infrastructure opportunity would be missed. He stated that the
vision for the community does not have to be turned upside down with these
applications. He noted that many of the policies support this application. He noted that
the seven percent increase in residential development does not mean that Medina will
become a faster growing City and could be offset in another area. He stated that they
wanted to ensure that the density proposed falls at the three units per acre line, which is
the minimum required by the Metropolitan Council for properties developed within the
MUSA. He stated that the PUD provides flexibility and they believe the concept fits
within the guidance for PUD approval. He stated that they believe that the basket of
public benefits proposed would meet the threshold for a PUD. He noted that a traffic
study was prepared and provided to City staff. He highlighted the findings that the
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extension of Chippewa would result in improved service to the area and the
development would not degrade service.
Mark Smith, applicant, stated that from an aerial point of view it would appear to make
sense that the southern parcel be commercial because of the adjacent development. He
explained that when you walk the site it becomes more apparent that residential would
make more sense because of the winding creek and the knoll of trees that would be lost
with commercial development. He stated that if the southern parcel is developed
commercially only two acres of parkland would be required whereas his proposal would
preserve the five acres of trees. He stated that this would be a great residential site and
changing the zoning would help to preserve a nice area for the city. He referenced the
northern parcel and explained that things have happened in that area in the past two
years in terms of development to support that staging change. He explained that there
has been a lot of development in the area and the Chippewa Road extension has still not
moved forward. He noted that there are many employees of the businesses in that area
that would like to live close by. He noted that the Chippewa Road extension would
provide an improvement to the residents and businesses already in that area. He noted
that developing both properties at one time would allow 5.6 acres to be preserved as
parks rather than creating two smaller parks in separate areas. He stated that there is a
demand for this type of housing. He explained that people in Medina want to stay in
Medina but would like to transition to a different type of home. He stated that allowing
both properties to be developed by one developer would ensure that the necessary right-
of-way is provided for Chippewa Road. He believed that this is a great development and
great opportunity for the City.
Martin noted that the Council received the comments from the public hearing held by the
Planning Commission along with the written comments that have been received.
Catherine Atkinson, 2000 Pawnee Road, stated that she and her husband have lived in
Medina since 1989 and would like to see this plan move forward. She stated that they
would like to stay in the area and would be interested in these types of homes. She
believed that all the people along Mohawk Drive would appreciate the contribution from
the developer towards the Chippewa Road extension. She believed that this
development would also help the City to increase its tax base. She noted that she
supports this plan.
Chris Hilberg, 4559 Trillium Drive N, encouraged the Council to focus on the costs for
the Chippewa Road extension and watermain extension. He hoped that the Council
spends time focusing on who would pay for that. He stated that the memorandum states
that the applicant would pay for the construction cost of the roadway, but the City would
still be responsible for permitting and wetland mitigation. He stated that if the applicant
is willing to pay for the construction of the roadway and wetland mitigation, that should
be memorialized before the Comprehensive Plan amendment is approved. He
explained that the Comprehensive Plan amendment is the biggest bargaining chip and
therefore there should be conditions attached. He stated that he has seen firsthand how
these things happen. He referenced a development agreement from Bridgewater where
the developer was going to pay for the road to extend into Corcoran and that has not
and will not happen. He asked the City to finalize the details of the road and
infrastructure improvements before considering the Comprehensive Plan amendments.
Martin suggested that discussion focus on the Comprehensive Plan amendments.
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DesLauriers stated that when this came forward almost two years ago the previous
Mayor made a statement regarding a D.R. Horton project Medina had denied and made
the comment that cities sometimes pass up good projects and later regret that they did.
He stated that as they go through this process two years later this is an opportunity that
has public benefits. He stated that when you walk the site it is a pretty site with a lot of
trees. He stated that a commercial development that would take away those trees would
be a shame. He stated that the vision of the Comprehensive Plan focused on slower
growth. He recognized the potential cost for the Chippewa Road and watermain
extensions, noting that the developer is willing to share in those costs. He stated that he
believes that residential would be the best use of the site.
Pederson stated that he feels that the property to the south does not suit business use
as well as residential because of the right-in/right-out on Mohawk Drive. He believed
that the concessions that the developer is willing to make are good. He commented that
the right-of-way would be obtained irregardless, but it would make sense to mitigate as a
whole with extra excavation off the property. He stated that the Chippewa Road
extension is needed as a public safety improvement. He stated that there is a benefit to
the developer with the current interest rates and it would make sense to put empty nest
housing on the property. He stated that he would lean towards the applicant splitting the
permitting and mitigation costs with the City. He stated that he struggles with the
reasoning of the Park Commission. He explained that he likes the knoll park and
believes that there needs to be an active park near Chippewa Road with a trail. He
stated that this would allow easy access for parking rather than making people feel like
they are going into a neighborhood to access a park. He referenced the staging and felt
that the staging was available two years ago. He stated that he did not agree with the
staging change in the Comprehensive Plan and therefore supports the change in
staging. He commented that the watermain is needed, noting previous incidents with the
current watermain. He believed that the residents in Bridgewater would also prefer to
have higher water in the case of a fire in that area. He stated that he would want a
commitment from the applicant as a 50/50 partner with the mitigation and permitting. He
commented that the need for more variety in housing exists for the older community in
Medina. He supported changing the future land use to residential and changing the
staging from 2025 to 2020. He believed that it makes sense to partner with the applicant
in return for the public benefits offered.
Albers stated that he was part of the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan,
noting that a lot of time was spent on the staging and zoning of parcels. He stated that
there was a lot of input related to the pace of development and when development
should occur. He stated that residents were clear that the City should move forward with
the bare minimum of development. He stated that although this is only a seven percent
increase in development, this would give the message that the City is open to increasing
development. He stated that the City does not need this, and he struggles to support a
Comprehensive Plan amendment.
Pederson asked if another developer would be willing to contribute this type of public
safety improvement. He stated that is a pretty attractive element as that is a need of the
City.
Albers commented that the road is not the change requested in the Comprehensive
Plan, noting that the City has the decision on when to make that improvement.
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Pederson commented on the high cost for the road.
Albers recognized the cost for the road and the fact that the developer is willing to
contribute towards that cost but noted that the citizens have stated that they do not want
to see accelerated development.
Anderson stated that it was almost two years ago when this issue was first discussed.
He noted that it was a difficult decision at that time and remains a difficult decision. He
stated that clearly there is a lot to be said for pursuing the Comprehensive Plan
amendments in terms of infrastructure and public safety benefits. He noted that he has
heard many comments that the southern property never should have been designated
as business and should be residential. However, he stated that the Comprehensive
Plan is a commitment of the City to its residents and is a collection of comments from an
enormous number of residents. He stated that residents want equity in terms of where
development occurs, as residents do not want to see more development north of
Highway 55. He stated that the discussion should be whether the City is going to honor
its word to the residents and stay true to its commitment.
Martin agreed that this is a tough decision. She recognized that a lot of time was spent
collecting input throughout the Comprehensive Plan process. She recognized the
excellent biproducts that would be provided by this development. She stated that it
would be helpful to have more input from Bridgewater residents. She asked if the City
should mold what it can now so that it knows what it will get, or whether it should wait
five years with the risk that it does not know what will come forward. She stated that it is
hard not to remember all the work that went into creating the Comprehensive Plan and
therefore it would be difficult to move forward in light of the discussions with residents.
She appreciated the comments of Mr. Hilberg to ensure that the financial contributions
would be tied to the Comprehensive Plan amendments. She stated that perhaps there
be more interaction with the Bridgewater neighborhood and the applicant in attempt to
resolve some of the concerns. She noted that Mr. Smith is a property owner and that
land will eventually develop and therefore it would be helpful to have some
communication with the Bridgewater neighborhood to gain additional support. She
stated that if those residents supported the plan, she would feel more comfortable.
Mr. Griffith stated that there is consensus in the room that Mr. Hilberg made a good point
with regard to tying down the commitments. He agreed that a decision could not be
made without knowing more specific information on that topic. He commented that the
Comprehensive Plan could move forward and could be made conditional upon greater
detail of the financial contributions, rezoning and PUD. He noted that it would also
benefit his client to know the cost that would be committed to the public improvements.
City Attorney David Anderson stated that if the Council supports this moving forward, a
resolution would come back approving the Comprehensive Plan amendment as
proposed and confirmed that conditions could be added related to the public
improvements, land use and rezoning.
Martin stated that if the Council agreed to start the process of amending the
Comprehensive Plan, that would move to the Metropolitan Council for approval and
would then come back to the City for adoption.
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City Attorney Anderson confirmed that once approved by the Metropolitan Council, a
super majority vote of the Council would be required to formally adopt a Comprehensive
Plan amendment.
Pederson commented that he is the closest resident to this project, as he would be
within 100 feet of it. He stated that it is not easy to be in rural residential and make this
project something he is in favor of, but it is the right thing for most residents in Medina to
not have to pay for these public improvements. He believed that it is important for the
Council to recognize that. He stated that eventually the road will go through and the
watermain is needed and this is a way to reduce the cost to all the residents of Medina.
Anderson agreed that is a valid point. He offered as a counterpoint that it is in the
interest of most residents of Medina to keep the city as it is.
Pederson commented that in five years this will be developed anyway, and the public
benefit would be lost.
Anderson agreed that the issue of timing is an overarching issue.
Martin agreed that this would be a defensive development in securing the preservation
of the woods and other public benefits with a known product. She noted that the City
was also lucky in that it did not have to plan for much residential development and would
be hesitant to change that plan.
Anderson commented that he considers the Comprehensive Plan to be a promise made
by the City to hold development to the lowest level possible.
Albers suggested that the decision be tabled, as that would provide the applicant the
opportunity to speak with residents of Bridgewater.
Finke provided additional details on the timing of the window of review by the City.
Johnson confirmed that it would also make sense for staff to work with the applicant to
obtain the details of the public improvement benefit commitments.
Moved by Albers, seconded by Anderson, to ask for a written commitment from the
developer relating to public improvement commitments including a 50/50 split of the
permitting and mitigation costs and the applicant holding a public forum/neighborhood
meeting with residents from Bridgewater and greater Medina. Motion passed
unanimously.
C. Request for Rezoning 3672 and 3692 Pinto Drive (8:54 p.m.)
Pederson recused himself from the discussion noting that he is in the self-storage
business and also met with the Planning Director recently regarding a similar request.
Finke presented a rezoning request at the southeast corner of Highway 55 and Pinto
Drive. He noted that the parcels are vacant and located south of the railroad tracks. He
stated that there are a handful of properties in the area zoned commercial-highway, but
all other properties are zoned commercial-general, which is the zone the applicant is
requesting. He stated that the property owner is interested in developing a self-storage
facility which is allowed in the commercial-general district but not commercial-highway.
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He noted that the property is guided commercial under the Comprehensive Plan and
therefore it is simply a decision of which zoning district would be appropriate. He
reviewed the different uses allowed under the two zoning districts. He provided
background information on the existing zoning in that area. He stated that many of the
uses allowed under commercial-highway would not be practical to develop on this site
and therefore the rezoning could provide additional flexibility. He stated that the
Planning Commission held a public hearing the previous month recommending approval
of the rezoning with a vote of 4-1. He noted that one property owner spoke against the
rezoning, believing that the City should hold out for a more retail development on this
property.
DesLauriers asked for clarification on the rezoning that previously occurred.
Finke explained that ten years ago this property was zoned the same as the surrounding
properties. He stated that ten years ago additional districts were added, and property
was then delegated.
DesLauriers asked if the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee would have looked at
the zoning.
Finke explained that the Comprehensive Plan focuses on land use and zoning changes
are made as needed based on those changes.
Charles Shots, representing the applicant, stated that this rezoning would be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan and the uses would be almost identical. He noted that this
change would also unify the zoning on that side of the road. He commented that the
railroad tracks are a significant mitigating factor for development of retail on the site. He
stated that the Planning Commission recognized that this is a challenging property to
develop because of the size and proximity to the railroad tracks. He asked the Council
to approve the rezoning.
Anderson stated that while he is generally in favor of the rezoning, from a retail
perspective Aldi was constructed near the railroad tracks. He commented that the
railroad tracks also did not impact the credit union.
Robb Stauber stated that he lives at 777 Hamel Road and owns the business at 3795
Pinto Drive. He noted that his business has thrived even near the railroad tracks. He
noted that in 1994, 1995 and 1996 the comment was made that his property was bad,
but he was able to develop a business that has thrived. He noted that his mattress store
has thrived in this area. He stated that this is the last open corner lot in the City. He did
not believe it would be a vision to kick the can backwards and the City instead should
hold out for a more retail development. He stated that to him it is not about the
difference between the two zoning districts, but what could be developed there. He did
not believe that residents want to drive past storage units on their way down Hamel
Road. He believed that the property is valuable and is the most visible property on that
corner. He believed that something special could go there, noting that just because a
developer has not proposed it yet does not mean it would not happen.
Albers stated that one of the challenges with the property is access because of the
median on Pinto and the railroad tracks.
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Martin noted that both Share Point and Aldi have developed near the railroad tracks.
She stated that she does not think about the railroad tracks when accessing businesses
in that area. She stated that retail is hard to come by in this market. She stated that
there are very few parcels slated for retail and this is part of Hamel and therefore the
idea of rezoning the property to permit a storage facility is a distractor of what the City is
attempting to pursue for Uptown Hamel. She commented that she is not prepared to
change the zoning to permit something other than what she would consider a retail use.
DesLauriers agreed that the railroad tracks are all over and businesses thrive in that
area. He noted that this is one of the two major gateways into Medina and he does not
want to see storage units in that location.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to direct staff to prepare an ordinance denying
the rezoning of the property. Motion passed unanimously.
Pederson rejoined the Council.
D. Open Systems International (OSI) – Temporary Parking Agreement and
Petition and Waiver Amendment (9:16 p.m.)
Johnson stated that OSI did not proceed with the construction of the building originally
proposed and is considering an addition onto its existing facility. He stated that OSI has
requested to construct a temporary parking area this fall which would allow construction
of the addition in the spring.
Finke explained that the agreement would include the temporary parking agreement and
extension of the petition and waiver. He noted that if approved, construction of the
temporary parking would begin next week in anticipation of an approved addition over
the winter. He noted that if the project is approved for construction in the spring, the
gravel lot would be paved. He stated that the petition and waiver had a ten-year
lifespan, and this would allow for that agreement to be extended an additional ten years
which would allow for better planning along Arrowhead rather than attempting to hurry in
order to complete improvements. He stated that additional language was added
providing the option that the petition and waiver can be dissolved should the City decide
to assess a larger amount through another method.
Pederson asked if the alignment of the driveway would change to the north.
Finke explained that one of the changes within the amended petition and waiver
acknowledges that if the project moves forward the driveway alignment would be shifted
to the north. He stated that if the project does not move forward, that would not come
into play and a separate agreement would need to be made with OSI to determine what
improvements could be made.
Moved by Pederson, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve Temporary Parking
Agreement and Petition and Waiver Amendment. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (9:24 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (9:25 p.m.)
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Anderson commented on the great business tour. He noted a recent meeting with Three
Rivers Park District regarding their parks/trails master plan.
Martin noted that she and DesLauriers have attended multiple fire meetings and have a
clearer understanding of the information they would like to see. She expressed
appreciation to City staff that have been involved in the discussions providing input on
administration, public safety and finances.
Albers stated that he will attend the Veterans Service in Orono the following Monday to
represent Medina.
Martin commented that there is a mayors meeting the following week that she is
planning to attend, noting that if anyone else would like to attend to please let her know.
X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (9:27 p.m.)
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to approve the bills, EFT 005273E-005296E
for $92,066.08 and order check numbers 049447-049511 for $268,689.81 and payroll
EFT 0509773-0509828 for $106,175.34. Motion passed unanimously.
XI. CLOSED SESSION: ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED DISCUSSION ON
LITIGATION MATTER SPECIFICALLY WW FARM AND GEORGE WESSIN V.
CITY OF MEDINA, PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. SEC. 13D.05, SUBD. 3(b)
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:28 p.m. to discuss
an attorney-client privileged litigation matter, specifically WW Farms and George Wessin
V. City of Medina. Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting reconvened to open session at 9:55 p.m.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to approve the WW Farms and George
Wessin V. City of Medina Settlement Agreement. Motion passed unanimously.
XII. CLOSED SESSION: CITY ADMINISTRATOR ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
REVIEW, PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. SEC. 13D.05, SUBD. 3(a)
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Martin, to adjourn the meeting to closed session at
9:56 p.m. to conduct the annual performance review of the City Administrator. Motion
passed unanimously.
The meeting reconvened to open session at 10:25 p.m.
The City Administrator received a satisfactory performance review.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to adjourn the meeting at 10:26 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
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Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 13
November 6, 2019
Kathy Martin, Mayor
Attest:
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Scott Johnson, City Administrator