HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-20-2020_minutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes 1
October 20, 2020
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF OCTOBER 20, 2020
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on October 20, 2020 at
7:00 p.m. virtually. Mayor Martin presided.
Martin read a statement explaining that the Council and Commission meetings continue
to be held in a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic and provided instructions on
how members of the public can participate.
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 (7:08 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:08 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:08 p.m.)
A. Approval of the October 6, 2020 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin noted that Johnson distributed proposed corrections suggested by Anderson prior
to the meeting tonight.
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the October 6, 2020 regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:10 p.m.)
A. Resolution No. 2020-74 Certifying Delinquent City Charges for Services to
the Hennepin County Auditor for Collection in 2021
B. Resolution No. 2020-75 Certifying Delinquent Storm Water Utility Charges
to the Hennepin County Auditor for Collection in 2021
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C. Resolution No. 2020-76 Certifying Delinquent Utility Charges to the
Hennepin County Auditor for Collection in 2021
D. Resolution No. 2020-77 Accepting Public Utilities within the Woods of
Medina
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to approve the consent agenda.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:11 p.m.)
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
Holy Name Lake Estates Preliminary Plat, Hunter Lions Park Concept Plan, and the
naming of the woods near the Woods of Medina.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission did not meet the previous week for lack of
business. He reported that the Commission will meet in November and highlighted
some requests that the City has received that may be considered at that time.
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Resolution No. 2020- 78 Thanking Retired Public Safety Director Ed Belland
for 29 Years of Service to the City of Medina (7:15 p.m.)
Martin read the draft resolution thanking retired Public Safety Director Ed Belland for his
29 years of service to the City of Medina. She thanked him for all of the contributions
that he has made over the years. She stated that the City had hoped to have a more
grand send off for Belland when he retired but, due to the pandemic, that a public
gathering was not feasible.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve Resolution No. 2020-78
Thanking Retired Public Safety Director Ed Belland for 29 Years of Service to the City of
Medina.
Further discussion: DesLauriers commented that Medina is a much better place for
having the service of Belland and thanked him for his contributions.
Albers thanked Belland for his service and contributions.
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Belland thanked the Council for the recognition. He stated that it was his honor to serve
the citizens of Medina and to work with City staff and commended the Councils over the
years for the amazing leadership they have provided. He stated that he left the police
department in great hands and City staff is filled with quality people. He encouraged the
Council to continue to fill those positions with quality people.
Johnson commented that Belland is a servant leader that has done a phenomenal job.
He commented that each department in Medina is better for having worked with Belland.
Nelson commented that he was hired 20 years ago by Belland. He stated that Belland
was a great boss, mentor and person who believed in doing the right thing for the
community at all costs. He stated that he will continue to follow the path that Belland laid
out. He wished Belland the best in his retirement.
Scherer thanked Belland for all the good times they had over the year. He commented
that he misses having coffee with Belland each morning and hoped to continue that
tradition with Nelson once COVID has passed.
A roll call vote was performed:
Pederson aye
DesLauriers aye
Anderson aye
Albers aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Resolution No. 2020-79 Providing for the Sale of $6,040,000 General
Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A (7:27 p.m.)
Barnhart provided details on an opportunity to restructure two existing bonds that would
save the City considerable funds.
Shelly Eldridge, Ehlers, stated that there is an opportunity to save on interest on two of
the existing bonds and provided details. She estimated a savings of $330,000 over the
life of the bonds and provided additional details.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to approve Resolution No. 2020-79
Providing for the Sale of $6,040,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series
2020A.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
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VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Long Lake Creek Subwatershed Assessment/Wolsfeld Lake Ravine Project
(7:40 p.m.)
Becky Christopher, Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD), stated that she is
excited about the potential of this partnership and the work that is being done to develop
a collaborative plan to improve the impaired waters in the subwatershed. She provided
background information on the Long Lake Creek subwatershed, the partnership between
cities, and the Long Lake Waters Association (LLWA). She reviewed work that has been
done beginning in 2017 as well as the work that was done to understand future work that
needs to be done along with the best strategies to address that work. She reviewed the
different strategies that have been identified for the different areas of the subwatershed.
She stated that they worked with each of the cities to evaluate the most cost-effective
projects to advance. She provided details on the estimated load reduction and cost for
the different projects. She noted that the roadmap will be a living document that can be
updated as the process moves forward. She anticipated that this would be a 20-year
project to improve the five lakes in the subwatershed. She stated that the projects have
been categorized based on several factors. She stated that the Wolsfeld Lake Ravine
project was given a high ranking in the prioritization, noting that a $230,000 grant was
received for this project. She stated that the next priority would be implementation of
agricultural best management practices within the Wolsfeld Lake area. She stated that
additional priorities would be investigating and addressing the internal loading of Swamp
Lake and continued screening of development/redevelopment activity. She recognized
that funding will be one of the biggest hurdles and their goal would be to leverage
outside grants to the extent possible. She stated that this shared plan will place them in
a good position for future grant funds. She reviewed the different roles the different
partners can play, noting that each project is unique, and rolls will be determined on a
case by case basis. She stated that they will complete the engineering analysis for
some of the projects in the next few weeks and will continue to work on the roadmap to
provide a more comprehensive report. She stated that the near-term priority projects will
continue to advance during that time period.
Martin expressed appreciation for everything the watershed has done to increase public
understanding and act as an advocate for water quality.
DesLauriers stated that this was a great presentation that was well laid out. He stated
that when a grant is approved for about 80 percent of the cost, his appetite to pursue the
project is high.
Albers echoed the comments of DesLauriers. He stated that some of the strategies to
reduce loading were interesting and stated that he would be interested in the BMPs for
agricultural properties.
Pederson echoed the comments on the great presentation and the ability to secure the
grant. He commented that it is important to clean up the lakes.
Anderson echoed the comments thus far. He wished the watershed the best of luck as it
moves forward and looks forward to seeing the next steps.
Moved by Anderson, seconded by Martin, to accept the Long Lake Subwatershed
Assessment and Implementation Roadmap.
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A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to direct staff to take actions to implement
the Wolsfeld Lake Ravine Stabilization Project, contingent upon funding BWSR.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to direct staff to include necessary funding
within the 2021 and 2022 CIP for the Wolsfeld Lake Ravine Stabilization Project.
Further discussion: DesLauriers asked how the percentage of the project is initially laid
out.
Finke explained that will be dependent upon the grant language, noting that the
minimum local match is 20 percent.
DesLauriers noted that the amount designated within the Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) would most likely not be necessary given the cost of the project and the grant
funds received.
Finke stated that it would depend on the ultimate cost of the project.
DesLauriers asked for input on the CIP item. He believed that once the budget is set, it
cannot be increased, only decreased.
Johnson explained that the CIP is not approved until December and this proposed item
would utilize funds from the stormwater utility fund.
Barnhart stated that the preliminary budget and tax levy were set in September and
cannot be increased. She stated that other items that do not impact the general levy can
still be adjusted.
A roll call vote was performed:
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DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Mike and Carolyn Anderson, Oakwood Hill LLC – Easement Vacation –
985/995 Medina Road – Public Hearing (8:15 p.m.)
Johnson stated that at the October 6th meeting a lot line rearrangement was approved,
therefore the property owners are requesting vacation of the old easements.
Finke stated that the easement vacation is along the lot line that has now been shifted.
He stated that there is a gas service line that runs along the driveway, which remains in
the same location and the property owners have issued a private easement for that
purpose. He stated that there does not appear to be public interest in maintaining the
easements and recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and then adopt the
resolution vacating the easements.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments made.
Martin closed the public hearing.
1. Resolution No. 2020-80 Vacating a Portion of Drainage and Utility
Easements at 985 and 995 Medina Road
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-80 Vacating a
Portion of Drainage and Utility Easement at 985 and 995 Medina Road.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
C. US Home Corp. (Lennar) – Meadowview Commons – Easement Vacation –
Public Hearing (8:21 p.m.)
Johnson provided background information on the request.
Finke identified the easement that would go through the site as proposed under the
Meadowview Commons. He stated that new easements were proposed with the plat.
He noted that the notice for tonight’s meeting was issued but the plat was not prepared
for tonight. He recommended that the public hearing be opened, testimony be accepted,
and the hearing then be tabled to come back with the Final Plat for Meadowview
Commons.
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Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments made.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to table the public hearing on the proposed
easement vacation until the November 4, 2020 City Council meeting.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
D. Deer Hill Preserve 4th Addition Final Plat (8:26 p.m.)
Finke stated that the original development was approved in 2015 and 2016. He stated
that during the third addition one of the lots was converted to a private park. He stated
that the fourth addition includes six additional lots through replatting outlots G and J. He
stated that some adjustments were made and provided a summary. He provided
additional details related to park dedication. He stated that staff recommends approval
of the request for Final Plat. He stated that the reapportioning of the adopted
assessments will split the assessments of the outlots into the newly created lots.
Anderson stated that in 2015 the Council was insistent about the trail connection
between Deer Hill Preserve and Medina Morningside being a high priority. He asked
that the City consider those wishes as the project moves forward.
Pederson echoed the comments of Anderson related to the trail connection.
1. Resolution No. 2020-81 Granting Final Plat Approval for Deer Hill
Preserve 4th Addition
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-81 Granting
Final Plat Approval for Deer Hill Preserve 4th Addition.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution No. 2020-82 Reapportioning Adopted Assessments
for Deer Hill Preserve Road Improvement Project
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Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-82
Reapportioning Adopted Assessments for Deer Hill Preserve Road Improvement
Project.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
E. Sewer Lining Project from Clydesdale Trail to the Medina Country Club
(8:36 p.m.)
Scherer stated that the City was previously assessed with a surcharge for excessive
inflow and infiltration (I&I). He stated that since that time staff has spent a lot of time
attempting to address issues. He stated that this project was identified through metering
two years ago. He noted that staff attempted to find another project to pair this with but
has not been able to do so and wants to move forward with this project. He stated that
the easement has been cleared in preparation for this project. He noted that this is a
clay pipe with cracks and staff believes that lining the pipe would be a good project.
Martin agreed that this looks to be a worthwhile project. She commended Scherer for
continuing to identify these pocket projects that add improvement.
Pederson thanked Scherer for his work and commented that he supports the project.
Anderson thanked Scherer for continuing to work on this.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Pederson, to direct staff to move forward with
sewer lining project as soon as quotes are gathered, and scheduling will allow.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
IX. OLD BUSINESS
A. Ordinance No. 662 Amending Individual Sewage Treatment System Permit
Requirements; Amending Chapters 7 and 8 of the City Code (8:43 p.m.)
Martin noted that the questions previously presented by the Council have been
addressed through the staff report.
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Finke stated that he is happy to answer any questions the Council may have.
Todd Geske, the City Building Official, commented that the capacity could stay at 2,000
but would like to see the elimination of the requirement for a second tank because of the
space they take up on smaller lots.
Anderson commented that there have recently been issues with the State concerning
Medina adopting more restrictive standards. He asked staff to be mindful of that
situation.
Finke stated that in this case the Minnesota Rules allow the City to have more restrictive
standards.
Albers thanked staff for the additional information and for the update to the ordinance.
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Ordinance No. 662 Amending
Individual Sewage Treatment System Permit Requirements; Amending Chapters 7 and 8
of the City Code.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
1. Resolution No. 2020-83 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No. 662 by
Title and Summary
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-83
Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No. 662 by Title and Summary.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
X. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:51 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
XI. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:51 p.m.)
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DesLauriers commented that he attended the Uptown Hamel business festivities the
previous weekend and reported a good turnout.
XII. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:52 p.m.)
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to approve the bills, EFT 005679E-
005695E for $62,488.38, order check numbers 050768-050822 for $310,504.75, and
payroll EFT 0510553-0510586 for $54,859.75.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
XIII. ADJOURN
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Pederson aye
Anderson aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk