HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-02-2021_minutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes 1
March 2, 2021
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 2, 2021
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on March 2, 2021 at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
Martin read a statement explaining that 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, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid.
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 (7:03 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:04 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:04 p.m.)
A. Approval of the February 16, 2021 Work Session City Council Meeting
Minutes
Martin noted that Johnson distributed proposed changes as submitted by Martin.
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the February 16, 2021 work
session City Council meeting minutes as amended.
Further discussion: Johnson noted that Batty is listed at this meeting and the February
23rd work session and should be removed from both.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the February 16, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin noted that Johnson distributed proposed changes as submitted by herself and
DesLauriers for incorporation.
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Moved by Martin, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the February 16, 2021 regular
City Council meeting minutes as amended.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval of the February 23, 2021 Work Session City Council Meeting
Minutes
Martin noted the change to reflect that Batty was not present at the meeting. She stated
that Johnson distributed proposed changes as submitted by Martin for incorporation.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Reid, to approve the February 23, 2021 work session
City Council meeting minutes as amended.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:08 p.m.)
A. Approve Temporary Liquor License to Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of
Minnesota at 3000 Hamel Road on August 14, 2021
B. Approve Ball Field Rental Agreement with Orono Baseball Association
C. Appoint Nick Zumbusch to the Position of Public Works Maintenance
Technician
D. Resolution No. 2021-13 Granting Extension of Time to Request Final Plat
Approval for Adams Subdivision; Amending Resolution No. 2020-20
E. BWSR Watershed-Based Implementation Funding Grant Agreement for
Wolsfeld SNA Ravine Stabilization
Reid referenced item E and asked if the Friends of Wolsfeld Woods have been involved
in the item or were aware of the details.
Finke replied that members are aware but was unsure if there has been formal
interaction with the group.
Reid stated that she would be concerned as the primary stakeholder would be Friends of
Wolsfeld Woods. She stated that she communicated with someone from the
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organization that was not aware of the details. She believed that organization should be
brought up to date on the details.
Finke stated that he believed the project suggestion may have arose from that group but
agreed that the group should be brought into the process more.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to approve the consent agenda.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:11 p.m.)
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
Tim Shaw, 2075 Cottonwood Trail, referenced the previous work session discussion and
asked for clarification on option five which was adopted. He asked that a summary or
details of option five be provided in the minutes for that meeting.
Martin clarified that option five was a “lets think about this” option. She reviewed the
different options that were presented and not chosen noting that option five provided
additional time for consideration by both the Council and Park Commission before
making a choice on the preferred course of action.
B. Park Commission
Park Commissioner Jacob reported that the Park Commission met on February 17th to
call special meetings for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail and adopt the 2021 goals. He
stated that the Commission also recommended the final Hunter Lions Park master plan,
which is before the Council tonight.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission canceled its March meeting.
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Fire Department Annual Reports – Hamel VFD and Long Lake FD
(7:17 p.m.)
Assistant Chief Mario Fabrizio, Hamel Volunteer Fire Department, presented a summary
of the 2020 activity of the fire department including calls for service and categories of
calls. He noted that the mix of calls continue to remain consistent year to year. He
stated that in 2020 they tied the record number of calls for any single year for Medina.
He stated that if the beginning of 2021 is an indication, they could exceed that number
this year. He provided details related to response time and the number of firefighters
that responded to the calls. He stated that 1900 hours of service were required to
service those calls but noted that there were additional training hours as well, totaling
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over 1,800 hours. He stated that other support activities totaled another almost 2,000
hours for the department, noting that is lower because of the minimum fund raising and
community events. He stated that they cover 76 percent of the population and market
value of Medina.
Martin asked what he would consider the impact of COVID on the services provided.
Fabrizio stated that he expected COVID to have an impact with a higher percentage of
medical calls. He explained that with people home more, there are more opportunities
for accidents and calls. He stated that by and large the mix and type of calls were very
consistent with previous years and they did not see a pronounced differential because of
COVID. He reviewed details on the service delivery metrics. He stated that the
department had the opportunity to save a life in 2020 and also had an opportunity to help
start a life, assisting with an in-home birth. He stated that the department also added
two new members in 2020. He stated that even though the percentage of medical calls
remained consistent with other years, they responded to more calls because of the
record number of service calls in 2020. He stated that they also put a new rescue
vehicle in service during the past year. He noted that 14 policies were created or
modified as the department continues to look for ways they can better respond and be
more efficient. He recognized the shifting recommendations throughout the year and
noted that they spent a lot of time trying to process that information and apply it to the
response protocols. He noted that they modified their COVID response protocol no less
than five times during 2020 which helped to prevent the spread of contagion.
DesLauriers congratulated the department on the new hires and asked if that is a net
gain of two members.
Fabrizio replied that it was a net gain of one member as one member was lost in August.
Cavanaugh expressed appreciation for the hard work.
Albers thanked the Hamel Fire Department for its service.
Martin thanked Fabrizio for the report and extended thanks to the members of the
department.
Chief James Van Eyll, Long Lake Fire Department, reviewed leadership changes that
occurred during the past year and the years of service for the 40 members of the
department. He reviewed the call activity for 2020, noting a decrease of ten percent
from 2019 and provided data on the different types of calls received. He provided
additional details on the auto aid that the department provides and receives, noting that
typically aid is called upon in order to share equipment each department has. He
reviewed details on response time and responders per incident, as well as call hours per
city serviced and compared to the previous year’s data. He recognized some of the top
responders for the department for each station. He also recognized some of the
milestones of the past year. He stated that typically the highest call months are the
summer months but noted that in 2020 the highest call months were August, January,
and February. He provided details on community events and the hope for 2021 events.
Reid commended the department for its work.
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Cavanaugh appreciated all the hard work.
Albers echoed the comments of thanks and appreciated the great leadership.
DesLauriers appreciated the detail and appreciated the use of the station for the fire
district discussions.
Martin expressed thanks to the departments that serve Medina and its residents.
B. Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson (7:48 p.m.)
Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson thanked the Council for allowing him to
speak tonight. He stated that he was recently elected and wanted to introduce himself.
He stated that he is a Maple Grove resident and serves the western suburban
communities in Hennepin County. He provided details on his committee assignments
and noted that he wants to ensure that smart investments are made for infrastructure.
He stated that he is also looking to expand and provide better broadband service in
western Hennepin County. He stated that he is also focusing on homelessness and
homelessness of veterans. He also welcomed input from the City on needs in the
community noting that he will act as a partner to the communities.
Martin welcomed Anderson to his position. She agreed that broadband is an issue in
Medina, noting there are gaps in the community and the current provider does not seem
committed to addressing those gaps.
DesLauriers thanked Anderson for his service.
Albers congratulated Anderson on his election win, noting that he looks forward to
working with him.
Cavanaugh echoed the comments of thanks and congratulations.
Reid thanked Anderson for keeping Medina in mind when these issues come forward.
Martin asked that Medina be included on an email or mailing list. She stated that she
appreciated the fresh outlook and energy that Anderson will bring to the position.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance No. 669 Amending Regulations Pertaining to Stormwater
Management; Amending Chapter 8 of the City Code (7:55 p.m.)
Finke stated that his report provides general information related to stormwater and the
general actions the City takes. He stated that one aspect would be related to regulating
the implementation of permanent BMPs at the time of construction for certain properties.
He stated that the City can implement stormwater ponds and infiltration basins with
construction projects in order to improve water quality. He stated that various agencies
are involved in stormwater management standards that pass down mandates to the City
for implementation. He stated that this discussion started before those new standards
were approved, therefore additional amendments may be needed later in the year. He
stated that watershed districts also have requirements for stormwater management that
development projects must comply with. He noted that in some instances the City
standards are more stringent than those required by other agencies. He stated that
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historically the City has been a leader in stormwater management and as the
requirements have evolved over time, things are becoming more standardized between
State agencies and watersheds and the City, although the City remains more stringent in
some areas. He reviewed the City standards for stormwater improvements related to
development in terms of rate and volume control. He stated that volume control is often
difficult to achieve in Medina because of the tight clay soils and high-water table,
therefore the City grants credits for other types of activities that provide benefit in terms
of slowing down water or improving water quality. He stated that the main amendment
to this ordinance focuses on the threshold of when the City requires stormwater
management for a site. He stated that larger scale projects will trigger the construction
of stormwater requirements through the other regulating entities. He stated that the City
becomes more stringent on smaller scale projects, noting that the City triggers
stormwater improvements at a much lower threshold of 5,000 square feet of hardcover
or 14,520 square feet for lots with a smaller percentage of hardcover such as a rural lot.
He stated that because the threshold is lower the City implements stormwater
improvements when other agencies would not. He stated that since the threshold was
enacted it seems that the requirements are triggered more often on rural properties with
a lower percentage of hardcover than intended. He stated that on a rural property, the
driveway and home could trigger stormwater improvements when the overall percentage
of hardcover is at five percent of the lot. He noted that various options were discussed
in detail within the report, but the Planning Commission recommended placing the
threshold at one acre of hardcover for a lot that has under 20 percent hardcover. He
noted that there were other technical changes proposed that were detailed within the
staff report. He noted that the Planning Commission held public hearings in January and
February with a fair amount of discussion on this topic and ultimately was comfortable
increasing the threshold on low percentage of hardcover lots. He noted that there would
be language included that would allow the City Engineer to require improvements if the
new hardcover drains to sensitive areas, such as wetlands or ravines. He stated that
following the Planning Commission review staff considered a situation in which a
property owner may break up projects over multiple years to avoid the improvements,
and therefore language was added to address that type of situation.
Martin stated that she submitted suggestions to staff and asked staff to review the edits
that she suggested that are supported by staff.
Finke provided an overview of the proposed changes by Martin.
Martin acknowledged that most of her suggestions were grammatical in nature.
Albers referenced the statement that the City Engineer could grant deviations and asked
if that would open up opportunities for the ordinance to be challenged.
Martin stated that perhaps a fourth element should be added that the determination must
be compliant with State law, therefore statutory requirements are not diminished.
Albers agreed that language would help to strengthen the statement. He pointed out
another example of “in their professional judgement” and asked if that would open up
interpretation.
Martin noted that the statement related to State law would help to strengthen that
language.
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Batty agreed with those comments. He stated that in regard to the use of “in their
professional judgement” that statement is used throughout the ordinance and therefore
he does not have concern with that.
Reid commented that it seems that staff and the Planning Commission spent a lot of
time going into detail on these amendments and therefore she is comfortable with the
revisions as proposed.
DesLauriers agreed that the Planning Commission did a thorough review and supports
the revisions.
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Ordinance No. 669 Amending
Regulations Pertaining to Stormwater Management; Amending Chapter 8 of the City
Code with the additions recommended by Martin and clarification that the City
Engineer’s professional judgement cannot exceed the boundaries of State law.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
1. Resolution No. 2021-14 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No.
669 by Title and Summary
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution No. 2021-14
Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No. 669 by Title and Summary.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
Martin commended City staff and Batty for their excellent ability to draft ordinances.
B. Hunter Lions Park Master Plan (8:21 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the Park Commission worked closely with staff and WSB to
complete the Master Plan for Hunter Lions Park in a phased manner that will allow
Public Works to complete some of the work at a lower cost to the City.
Gallup stated that one of the 2020 goals for the Park Commission was to complete a
Master Plan for Hunter Lions Park to replace aging equipment and infrastructure. She
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noted that the tennis court is beyond its useful life and therefore they took this
opportunity to determine if this was the best layout for the park. She stated that three
potential layouts were created to solicit public input. She stated that the Park
Commission recommended that the Master Plan be adopted and be completed over the
next several years in phases. She reviewed the existing layout for the park and
highlighted similarities and differences between the existing layout and the Master Plan.
She provided details on the different phases proposed. She stated that if phase one
moves forward first, the basketball court would be lost until phase three is completed.
She stated that moving forward on phase two would not impact the other existing
elements of the park. She stated that they would like to focus on phase two and would
then consider how the other phases could move forward in the future when additional
funding is known and available. She stated that high level cost estimates were included
in the packet as estimated by WSB. She believed that the costs could be reduced
substantially by utilizing public works and reviewing the details of each phase in more
detail as they come forward. She noted that park dedication funds would be used to
complete phase two of the project. She stated that the Park Commission recommends
that the Council adopt the Master Plan for the park and begin implementation of phase
two utilizing Public Works resources to reduce costs.
Scherer clarified that the municipal park fund would be used rather than park dedication.
He displayed a chart identifying some potential reductions that could be gained by using
Public Works.
Albers asked if there would be lighting proposed.
Gallup commented that there is not lighting proposed at this time.
Albers asked if utilizing Public Works staff would take away from their other
responsibilities.
Scherer recognized that there is only so much time, which is why the phasing was
broken out over several years. He reviewed the progress that could be made on phase
two this year, noting that even phase two would be stretched over more than one year.
He commented that they can move dirt with the equipment they have and use snow
plowing equipment to haul the dirt, which is a great way to utilize the department’s
equipment. He recognized that there is a tall schedule this year because of projects that
were delayed last year but believed there were adequate resources.
Reid commented that this seems like a well thought out plan and great utilization of City
resources and staff. She believed that the Council should adopt the recommendation of
the Park Commission.
DesLauriers agreed that the Park Commission and WSB did a great job creating this
plan and believed it will service the needs moving forward. He referenced the municipal
park fund and asked if that is the fund that was created two years ago for replacement of
assets.
Scherer confirmed that to be true.
Barnhart stated that currently $112,000 per year is funded into the account from the
property tax levy.
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DesLauriers referenced the statement that the tennis and pickleball courts are in
demand and suggested that perhaps the courts at another park location are not leased
in the future.
Gallup commented that the reason those are a more urgent need is because of the
disrepair of the tennis court at this park. She stated that the tennis courts leasing at
Hamel Legion provides a recreational activity during certain daytime hours and still
provides ability for the public to use them. She commented that pickleball courts are
increasing in demand.
DesLauriers commented that the ballfield would most likely be impacted by the project
and asked if that could move forward with this phase in order to just do them at the same
time.
Scherer stated that he would most likely come in from the trail. He recognized that
something will be disturbed but he will try to minimize the disruption. He did not think
there would be enough time and resources to move the ballfield in conjunction with this
project.
DesLauriers stated that he spoke with someone from HAC who stated that as long as
they have 150 feet, they can utilize the field for practices. He commented that it would
be nice to have a solar light to light the pathway road crossing to the park.
Scherer stated that was not part of the plan, but he did receive a comment from a
resident earlier this week. He stated that he will talk with Chief Nelson to determine the
best method to keep traffic moving and keep people safe. He noted that he has only
received the one comment/complaint.
Cavanaugh commented that this is great planning and utilization of staff.
Martin asked if the plan could be manipulated to maximize winter use of the park as well,
such as installing hockey boards for a winter rink.
Gallup commented that was not discussed in the plan and was unsure there would be
space for that.
Scherer commented that most cities that have boards leave them up as a designated
rink year-round as it takes a toll on the fields.
Martin referenced the Bob Mitchell Memorial Park Fund which had an initial contribution
of $250,000. She asked for the current fund balance. She recognized that the Lions
Club has perhaps made contributions to the park and therefore that name could most
likely not be changed. She stated that perhaps in the future it would make sense for the
Park Commission to discuss how that fund could be used in an impactful way to
complete a major park improvement that would include naming rights.
Johnson stated that the fund was setup in a way that the City can only use the interest
earned. He anticipated an update fund balance in March.
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Martin stated that perhaps the foundation could be approached to determine if the family
could reverse that directive. She commented that perhaps the family would be
interested in naming a park improvement after Mayor Mitchell if those funds could be
used for a larger project. She recognized that this would not be the right project but
believed the suggestion should be looked into further as a potential option for the future.
Barnhart commented that the current spendable allowance is just under $10,000 and
provided the updated balance.
Johnson noted that he and Barnhart will follow up with the Minneapolis Foundation.
Albers referenced the access to and from the parking lot and asked if there should be
turn lanes coming in and out of the park to prevent problems with vehicle stacking.
Scherer commented that he would imagine that those elements were thought out when
Hunter Road was redone in conjunction with the Enclave developments.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to adopt Hunter Lions Park Master Plan
and recommend beginning implementation of phase two (tennis and pickleball courts)
utilizing public works resources to reduce costs.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Matin aye
Reid aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Motion passed unanimously.
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:54 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:54 p.m.)
DesLauriers reported that another fire service district meeting will be held on March 11th.
Reid reported that the Uptown Hamel Business Association has still not met and noted
that she may attempt to schedule in person visits with the members individually to
introduce herself.
Martin thanked the Council for their different areas of expertise and the points of view
they bring to the discussions.
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:57 p.m.)
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to approve the bills, EFT 005834E-005849E
for $59,829.25, order check numbers 051304-051335 for $123,116.43, and payroll EFT
0510833-0510860 for $53,456.68.
A roll call vote was performed:
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Albers aye
Reid aye
Cavanaugh aye
Martin aye
DesLauriers aye
Motion passed unanimously.
XII. ADJOURN
Martin commented that it is unbelievable to think that the Council has been meeting
virtually for one year. She recognized that some people have come in contact with the
virus and have come through healthy. She hoped that continues to be true for residents
of Medina but recognized that some have been lost to the virus, including Fred Weber.
She urged everyone to continue to practice personal precautions.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk