HomeMy Public PortalAbout05-05-2020_minutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes 1
May 5, 2020
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 5, 2020
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on May 5, 2020 at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
Martin read a statement explaining that it is not prudent at this time to hold in person
meetings because of the health risks of public gatherings due to COVID-19 and
therefore this meeting will be held telephonically.
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 Ron Batty, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer Jim
Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, and
Chief of Police Jason Nelson.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:09 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:09 p.m.)
Johnson stated that staff is requesting to add an Item under New Business, Item C,
Public Works Maintenance Technician and Seasonal Position.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion
passed unanimously.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:10 p.m.)
A. Approval of the April 21, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin noted that changes provided by herself and Anderson were circulated prior to the
meeting for incorporation.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to approve the April 21, 2020 regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:12 p.m.)
A. Approve 2019 Annual Report
B. Approve Mill and Paving Services Agreement with Omann Brothers, Inc.
C. Approve Seal Coating Services Agreement with Pearson Brothers, Inc.
D. Approve Services Agreement for Lake Independence Shoreline
Stabilization Project with Hantho Outdoor Services
E. Approve Ardmore Culvert Replacement Agreement with Burchville
Construction, Inc.
Moved by Pederson, seconded by Anderson, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
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VI. COMMENTS (7:14 p.m.)
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
There were none.
B. Park Commission
Scherer reported that the park spring cleanup was done the past week with the new
contractor and they are doing a good job. He provided an update on the parks including
improvements and increased activity.
Martin asked about social distancing within the parks.
Scherer reported that typically they are viewing a family with perhaps a neighbor, noting
that perhaps two families have decided to become a group. He stated that for the most
part people are respecting each other and maintaining space. He noted that as in other
locations, some people take it more seriously than others.
DesLauriers stated that he noticed four people playing basketball together at the park.
He stated that he also observed the fence installed to shorten the little league fence,
noting that originally, he had concern with parents and children close to the parking lot
but now seeing it in place, he believes the setup will work.
Anderson asked if the City has printed signage encouraging social distancing that could
be placed around the parks.
Scherer stated that they had laminated signs placed near the park equipment. He stated
that if desired, staff could place a few additional signs encouraging social distancing.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to conduct
public hearings regarding a request for a two-lot subdivision for property east of City Hall
along Medina Road and a request related to setback requirements for garden sheds.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Stetler – Conditional Use Permit for Barn at 1832 Medina Road (7:22 p.m.)
Finke reported that the applicants are seeking a Conditional Use Permit for an accessory
structure of 14,600 square feet which will house an indoor riding arena, barn and staging
area. He noted that a CUP is required for accessory structures over 5,000 square feet in
size. He reviewed the location of the property, noting that the single-family home on the
property is currently under construction. He provided details on pasture and paddocks
areas along with the manure management plan. He reviewed the architectural details
and proposed materials for the structure. He stated that the Planning Commission held
a public hearing, noting that one comment of support was received, and the Commission
recommended approval subject to the conditions within the report.
Pederson commented that it appears that this will be an outstanding looking building.
He asked if there will be a requirement for sprinklers to be installed because the size of
the building exceeds 12,000 square feet, or whether that requirement is simply for
commercial use.
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Finke stated that this would be subject to building code requirements and review but did
not believe that sprinklers would be required for this type of use.
Pederson commented that he likes the architectural elements and colors proposed.
Martin commented that she also finds the design aesthetically pleasing.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Pederson, to direct staff to prepare a resolution
approving the Conditional Use Permit for a barn at 1832 Medina Road per the conditions
noted in the staff report.
A roll call vote was performed:
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. City Attorney Update on Allowing a Return to In-Person Meetings (7:33
p.m.)
Batty stated that this is a follow up to the short discussion at the last Council meeting as
to what it could look like transitioning from the telephone meetings. He noted that his
memorandum provided background information on how the City got to this position and
what has occurred over the past seven weeks. He stated that the Governor’s Stay at
Home Order does not directly relate to public meetings, but the spirit is to prevent people
from gathering in large numbers. He stated that the City found that it was not prudent or
practical to hold public meetings and that is why the telephone meetings began. He
provided details on the Statute that is used to allow meetings to be held telephonically.
He noted that if the Local Emergency were ended, if the State Emergency were ended,
and if there were no longer a health pandemic, then the City would be forced to hold in
person meetings. He explained that it is difficult to say when those things would happen
and when COVID-19 will no longer be ruled a pandemic.
Martin stated that she misses seeing everyone in person but is surprised at how well the
telephonic meetings have gone. She stated that members of the public participating
have been cordial and courteous. She stated that she would continue to hold telephone
meetings until such time it is safe to hold in person meetings.
Anderson echoed the comments of Martin that he also misses seeing everyone in
person. He commented that as well run as the telephone meetings are, it is still better to
see people. He stated that the decision will have to be made in the future as the
Governor’s Stay at Home Order remains in place.
Pederson commented that he believes that it is important that the City continue to hold
telephonic meetings in order to continue public safety. He commented that as nice as it
is to see everyone, he would not want to risk anyone’s health, whether that is the
Council or City staff.
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DesLauriers stated that the decision is moot at this point. He stated that he misses
seeing everyone in person and the events that have been canceled, but this method is
going well, and the City is still able to accomplish its business.
Martin stated that she is also missing the City events.
Albers echoed the comments, noting that the City will remain on a wait and see
approach. He agreed that the meetings have been effective in this manner.
Martin applauded City staff for coordinating these meetings and helping them run
smoothly.
C. Public Works Maintenance Technician and Seasonal Position (7:43 p.m.)
Johnson stated that on May 4th the City received a resignation letter from an employee
that was hired one week prior.
Scherer echoed the comments that the employee resigned after just a few days. He
stated that the City has previous approval to solicit and bring on the seasonal employee
and he would like to bring that employee on board. He stated that he will bring back a
request to solicit and fill the maintenance technician position in the future.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Anderson, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-25 accepting
the resignation of Public Works Maintenance Technician Curtis Biegert and to authorize
the appointment of Seasonal Maintenance Technician.
A roll call vote was performed:
Albers aye
DesLauriers aye
Anderson aye
Pederson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (7:46 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (7:46 p.m.)
Martin stated that she and Johnson will attend a Zoom meeting with Dean Phillips the
following day.
X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (7:47 p.m.)
Moved by Anderson, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the bills, EFT 005490E-
005510E for $97,986.76, order check numbers 050167-050214 for $198,124.37, and
payroll EFT 0510198-0510224 for $50,775.35 and payroll check 0020445 for
$13,862.67. Motion passed unanimously.
Martin encouraged everyone to continue to socially distance, wear masks, wash their
hands and remain safe and healthy.
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XI. ADJOURN
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Albers, to adjourn the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
A roll call vote was performed:
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk