HomeMy Public PortalAbout06.15.2021 City Council Meeting Packet_website Posted 6/11/2021 Page 1 of 1
AGENDA FOR THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE MEDINA CITY COUNCIL
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
7:00 P.M.
Meeting to be held telephonically/virtually
pursuant Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.021
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Minutes of the June 1, 2021 Regular Council Meeting
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Accept Fire Services Grant Redistribution from State Fire Mashal’s Office for Fire Study
B. Call for Meeting on June 30, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. for Park Tour
C. Resolution Terminating the Local Emergency Related to COVID-19
D. Resolution Approving Assignment of Fund Reserves
E. Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval of the Pioneer Trail Preserve Plat
VI. COMMENTS
A. From Citizens on Items Not on the Agenda
B. Park Commission
C. Planning Commission
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle Road Improvement Project
1. Resolution Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling for Public Hearings on Highcrest
Drive and Oak Circle Road Improvement Project and Levying Special Assessments for
Same
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY BILLS
XII. ADJOURN
Telephonic/Virtual Meeting
Call-in Instructions
Join via Microsoft Teams to view
presentations at this link:
https://medinamn.us/council/
For audio only: Dial 1-612-517-3122
Enter Conference ID: 632 071 137#
MEMORANDUM
TO: Medina Mayor and City Council
FROM: Scott Johnson, City Administrator
DATE OF REPORT: June 10, 2021
DATE OF MEETING: June 15, 2021
SUBJECT: City Council Meeting Report
Telephonic/Virtual Meeting Call-in Instructions
Join via Microsoft Teams to view presentations at this link: https://medinamn.us/council/
For audio only: Dial 1-612-517-3122; Enter Conference ID: 632 071 137#
V. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Accept Fire Services Grant Redistribution from State Fire Mashal’s Office for Fire Study
– The City of Medina was awarded a $25,000 fire services grant in 2020 from the MN
Department of Public Safety. The grant funds were expensed along with reserve funds to
conduct a fire service study totaling $36,200. A notification by the MN Department of
Public Safety stated that the grant was being redistributed and an additional $12,614.68
was available to Medina, for a total grant of $37,614.68. The additional grant funding
moved the City into a 10% match category, totaling $3,761.47 less $1,250 of funds
already matched, bringing the remaining match required to $2,511.47. The City meets the
grant match through legal expenses and staff time. If accepted, City funds previously
expensed in the amount of $12,614.68 will go back into the reserve fund. Staff
recommends approval.
See attached memo and letter.
B. Call for Meeting on June 30, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. for Park Tour – The Park Commission has
scheduled their annual park tours for June 30, 2021 starting at 4:30 PM. Members of the
City Council have historically participated with the tour. The City Council typically calls
for a meeting so a majority of the City Council can participate. Staff recommends
approval.
No attachments at this item.
C. Resolution Terminating the Local Emergency Related to COVID-19 – City Attorney Ron
Batty and I are recommending that it is no longer necessary to continue the local
emergency because Medina can and will continue to respond to the pandemic without
having to rely on local emergency operations plans or emergency powers. Staff
recommends approval and making termination effective as of June 30, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
See attached resolution.
2
D. Resolution Approving Assignment of Fund Reserves – The recent grants through
Hennepin County for the Uptown Hamel area will require a $12,500 local match. Staff
recommends approval of the use of fund reserves for the local grant match.
See attached resolution.
E. Resolution Granting Preliminary Approval of the Pioneer Trail Preserve Plat – Staff was
directed at the June 1, 2021 City Council meeting to draft a resolution granting
preliminary plat approval for Pioneer Trail Preserve. Staff recommends approval.
See attached resolution.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Diamond Lake Regional Trail Concept Plan – Following additional public comment and
discussion by Council members at the June 1st meeting, the Council tabled the matter and
requested additional information. The proposed route now being discussed for the DLRT
Master Plan in Medina is displayed on the attached map. A memorandum from Three
Rivers Park District staff is attached addressing the additional information requested by
the City Council at the June 1 meeting. Staff is requesting completion of the review and
policy direction on this item.
See attached report.
Potential Motions: After the City Council has completed its review of the information,
one of the following actions could be considered:
• Move to approve inclusion of the conceptual route in the Diamond Lake Regional
Trail Master Plan within Medina.
OR
• Move to request that a route through Medina not be included in the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail Master Plan at this time.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle Road Improvement Project – Highcrest Drive and Oak
Circle Road have deteriorated to the extent of needing an overlay and other related
improvements. Detailed cost estimates are included in the feasibility report for the
proposed improvements. The project will be funded with a combination of assessments
and street funds.
See attached report.
Recommended Motion: Motion to adopt resolution receiving feasibility report and
calling for public hearings on Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle Road improvement project
and levying special assessments for same.
3
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY BILLS
Recommended Motion: Motion to approve the bills, EFT 005963E-005977E for $57,610.66
and order check numbers 051618-051654 for $220,897.89, and payroll EFT 0511075-0511108
for $57,007.79.
INFORMATION PACKET:
• Planning Department Update
• Police Department Update
• Public Works Department Update
• Claims List
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 1
June 1, 2021
DRAFT 1
2
MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 1, 2021 3
4
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on June 1, 2021 at 7:00 5
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided. 6
7
Martin read a statement explaining that the meeting continues to be held in a virtual 8
environment because of the ongoing pandemic. She stated that the remainder of 9
meetings in June will be held virtually and in person meeting attendance will resume in 10
July. She reviewed the instructions for public participation. 11
12
I. ROLL CALL 13
14
Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid. 15
16
Members absent: None. 17
18
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Assistant City Administrator Jodi 19
Gallup, City Attorney Ron Batty, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer Jim 20
Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, and 21
Chief of Police Jason Nelson. 22
23
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:03 p.m.) 24
25
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:04 p.m.) 26
The agenda was approved as presented. 27
28
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:04 p.m.) 29
30
A. Approval of the May 18, 2021 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes 31
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to approve the May 18, 2021 work session City 32
Council meeting minutes as presented. 33
34
A roll call vote was performed: 35
36
DesLauriers aye 37
Albers aye 38
Cavanaugh aye 39
Reid aye 40
Martin aye 41
42
Motion passed unanimously. 43
44
B. Approval of the May 18, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes 45
Martin commented that prior to the meeting Johnson circulated proposed corrections to 46
the minutes from herself and Cavanaugh. She noted that she and Cavanaugh spoke 47
prior to the meeting and decided to move forward with the changes as she proposed. 48
49
Moved by Martin, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the May 18, 2021 regular City 50
Council meeting minutes as amended. 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 2
June 1, 2021
1
A roll call vote was performed: 2
3
DesLauriers aye 4
Albers aye 5
Cavanaugh aye 6
Reid aye 7
Martin aye 8
9
Motion passed unanimously. 10
11
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:07 p.m.) 12
13
A. Accept 2020 Annual Financial Report 14
B. Approve 2021-2022 Liquor License Renewals 15
C. Approve Job Description, Recruitment, and Hiring of Planning Intern 16
Position 17
D. Ordinance No. 673 Amending Police Regulations Pertaining to Gambling; 18
Amending Section 315 of the City Code 19
E. Resolution No. 2021-32 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance Amending 20
Police Regulations Pertaining to Gambling; Amending Section 315 of the 21
City Code by Title and Summary 22
F. Resolution No. 2021-33 Approving State of Minnesota Joint Powers 23
Agreements with the City of Medina on Behalf of its City Attorney and 24
Police Department 25
G. Approve Court Data Services Subscriber Amendment to CJDN Subscriber 26
Agreement 27
H. Resolution No. 2021-34 Requesting Funding from the Hennepin County 28
Business District Initiative and Corridor Planning Program 29
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the consent agenda. 30
31
A roll call vote was performed: 32
33
Albers aye 34
Reid aye 35
DesLauriers aye 36
Cavanaugh aye 37
Martin aye 38
39
Motion passed unanimously. 40
41
VI. COMMENTS (7:09 p.m.) 42
43
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda 44
There were none. 45
46
B. Park Commission 47
Scherer commented that the Park Commission discussed the regional trail, which the 48
Council will be discussing tonight. He stated that the park tour is scheduled for June 49
30th. 50
51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 3
June 1, 2021
C. Planning Commission 1
Finke reported that the Planning Commission canceled the June meeting. 2
3
VII. NEW BUSINESS 4
5
A. Diamond Lake Regional Trail Concept Plan (7:12 p.m.) 6
Martin summarized the discussion and public input that has occurred prior to tonight’s 7
meeting and thanked everyone that has participated thus far in a respectful manner. 8
9
Johnson reviewed the alternate route that is being considered, noting that with a vote of 10
4 to 3, the Park Commission recommended not to include a route through Medina. 11
12
Finke provided a brief overview noting that this discussion has been ongoing for the past 13
year for this planning process. He noted that completing this planning process on the 14
front end of the project, allows for segments of the trail to be acquired as opportunities 15
arise over the next 20 to 30 years. He stated that the first three alternatives that were 16
reviewed were not supported by the Park Commission or City Council. He stated that 17
further direction was given to explore a route through the northern portion of the City to 18
Baker Park. He stated that Three Rivers Park District is looking for support from a City 19
Council on any route that would go through that municipality. He stated that the City 20
indicated that it would not be interested in eminent domain and Three Rivers Park 21
District indicated that they only work with willing sellers and/or through park dedication. 22
23
Martin asked if there would be an impact to current property owners if there is a 24
commitment not to use eminent domain and if Three Rivers Park District only works with 25
willing sellers. 26
27
Finke clarified that the question would be related to whether there would be impacts to 28
property values if there is a trail corridor identified. 29
30
Martin asked why it is important to Three Rivers Park District for the City to endorse a 31
trail corridor if eminent domain is not going to be used and the plan would be to acquire 32
trails through redevelopment opportunities or willing sellers. 33
34
Finke stated that ultimately when there is acquisition, even with a willing seller, Three 35
Rivers Park District would need approval to acquire the property. He explained that the 36
planning process provides that endorsement on the front end, rather than the District 37
attempting to seek approval for acquisition out of the blue in the future. 38
39
Batty confirmed that even in the case of a voluntary acquisition, the City must consent to 40
that acquisition by the Park District under State law. 41
42
Martin asked if the City approval of a corridor would memorialize that support and not 43
require the Park District to return to the City for approval of each acquisition. 44
45
Batty stated that in his experience the Park District would want general approval of a 46
route because of the work that is necessary to acquire the trail segments over a decades 47
long process. He stated therefore the Park District wants general support ahead of that 48
long process to ensure there will be support for the trail corridor by the municipality. 49
50
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 4
June 1, 2021
Finke stated that City staff and Three Rivers Park District completed additional public 1
engagement sessions notifying properties within a certain distance of the two proposed 2
routes in order to gain additional input. He noted that both routes identified a crossing of 3
Highway 55, likely a pedestrian overpass. He stated that the comments received thus 4
far were provided within the packet. He stated that the Park District is asking the City for 5
a decision, as this additional engagement session has added a few months to the 6
process. He noted that the Park District would like to wrap up the Master Plan process 7
in order to continue to work with other communities. He stated that if Medina does not 8
support a route, the Park District would work with neighboring communities to identify a 9
corridor that would bypass Medina. 10
11
Stephen Shurson, Three Rivers Park District, stated that they began this planning 12
process about 18 months ago, attempting to work with six communities to identify a 13
north/south route through the communities. He stated that the routes in southern 14
Medina were not supported and the Park District was asked to look at the alternate route 15
across Highway 55 and to Baker Park. He stated that if Medina does not support a 16
route, the Park District would work with surrounding communities to identify a route that 17
would bypass Medina. 18
19
Stewart Crosby, SRF, displayed a map identifying the overall corridor through the 20
multiple communities. He stated that tonight they will focus on the segment along Hamel 21
Road and displayed different concepts. He identified some of the potential challenges 22
for the different trail segments. 23
24
Shurson reviewed the different methods of outreach and engagement that has been 25
completed. He also provided a summary of the comments received noting that there 26
was more support along the northern portion and more opposition along the Hamel Road 27
segment. He reviewed the themes of the comments received both in support and 28
opposition. He stated that the majority of Hamel Road property owners were in 29
opposition of the trail, regardless of the location and whether it was within the road right-30
of-way because of concerns with loss of privacy, security, and a sense of being 31
burdened unfairly. He reviewed the total cost estimate of $17,000,000 for the Medina 32
trail route, which would include an overpass for Highway 55 and the work within Baker 33
Park. He noted that 74 percent of the input received from those not living along Hamel 34
Road were in support of the trail and viewed the trail as an asset for the community and 35
an additional recreation opportunity. He stated that connection to other parks, trails and 36
recreation was an important theme for those that did not live along Hamel Road, along 37
with the pedestrian crossing of Highway 55. He commented that there is a clear 38
difference in the points of view from residents, noting that the majority of residents along 39
Hamel Road are opposed to the trail while those that do not live on Hamel Road are in 40
support of the trail. 41
42
Finke stated that the Park Commission discussed the results of the engagement, along 43
with the two alternative routes and with a vote of 4 to 3, the Commission did not support 44
a route through Medina at this time. He stated that two youth members spoke favorably 45
about the trail corridor but are non-voting members. 46
47
Albers asked the total length of the trail through Medina as proposed. 48
49
Shurson replied that the length through Medina would be about 6.5 miles. 50
51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 5
June 1, 2021
DesLauriers commented that it appears a lot of progress has been made. He noted that 1
for a north/south route it appears the trail would travel west a good distance before 2
heading south and asked if that is typical. 3
4
Shurson stated that the routes through the other communities have been supported and 5
Medina is the only area where an alternative route was asked to be considered. 6
7
Albers asked if Orono and Long Lake approved routes or passed. 8
9
Shurson stated that in light of the change of direction in Medina, the Park District held off 10
on requesting approval from Orono. He stated that when they met last with Orono, a 11
route was not approved. He stated that they are exploring additional public engagement 12
in both Orono and Long Lake. He stated that if Medina said no to a trail within the city, 13
the Park District would still commit to a regional trail that would connect Baker Park to 14
Wayzata and through the other communities. 15
16
Cavanaugh asked if Baker Park would still be the destination from the north, even if the 17
other communities do not approve a corridor. 18
19
Shurson stated that they would reengage with Corcoran and Plymouth and most likely 20
end the trail corridor near the high school to provide connection to other trails. 21
22
Cavanaugh asked if Medina approves the trail, and Corcoran does the same but Long 23
Lake and Orono do not approve the trail, would the trail still connect to Baker Park. 24
25
Shurson confirmed that to be true. He stated that it is important to have a good regional 26
terminus to the trail and the park reserve would be the logical terminus to the trail. 27
28
Kelly Grissman, Three Rivers Park District, stated that everything north of Baker Park 29
Reserve would have one name while everything south of Baker Park Reserve would 30
have a separate name to avoid confusion for members of the public even though it is 31
currently being planned as one corridor. 32
33
DesLauriers stated that the master trail plan related to the Sarah Creek Trail search 34
corridor and asked if that is connected to this planning process. 35
36
Shurson replied that the area along Hamel Road would serve as a common segment 37
between the two trails. He noted that it is not uncommon for two trails to run the same 38
length in a certain area and then split off again because of site constraints. 39
40
Martin referenced the map where resident support or opposition was shown in different 41
colors. She asked if a property could show multiple comments from different members 42
in the home. 43
44
Shurson explained that each pin in the map represents a comment received and 45
therefore one person could have provided multiple comments and then be shown as 46
multiple pins. He confirmed that there was no limit on the number of comments one 47
person could provide. He noted that the value of the map was to show where the 48
concerns were located geographically. He noted that the lower chart shows unique 49
property input. 50
51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 6
June 1, 2021
Martin asked if this trend is similar in other trail planning, as to whether properties 1
directly adjacent to the trail oppose the trail while those not along the trail support the 2
concept. 3
4
Shurson stated that in general that may be true but noted in his experience they do not 5
see this type of discrepancy in property owners. He stated that the Fields of Medina 6
residents would be more than happy to have a trail in front of their property. 7
8
Martin commented that she could see that there would be appreciation in more densely 9
populated areas and asked if there is similar opposition in more rural areas. 10
11
Grissman stated that the reality is that every community is different, noting that some 12
communities put a higher value on trails than others. She stated that Dayton is 13
experiencing a lot of development and therefore are supportive of regional trail corridor 14
whereas a community such as Greenfield may have more strong opposition to regional 15
trail planning. She stated that they approach each community different and attempt to 16
let the engagement process play out. She stated that the Three Rivers Park District 17
Board attempts to balance the broader public interest for public trails along the entire 18
corridor, whereas the segments in municipalities focus on the more direct impacts to 19
their property owners. She stated that is why they like to partner with municipalities to 20
ensure that a corridor is found that can be supported. 21
22
Martin allowed members of the public to make comments. 23
24
Chris Peterson, 4130 Fescue Drive, stated that he has spoken with many people in his 25
neighborhood and others with young families. He noted that at times it seems the loud 26
opposition of some that do not want something “in their backyard” trumps the silent 27
majority of residents that support something. He stated that if this position were adopted 28
in other situations the communities would not have the amenities of other regional trails 29
such as the Luce Line. He stated that in speaking with other residents, most were 30
surprised that organization would be needed to support a trail corridor that would be 31
funded by the County and provide a safe way for families to cross Highway 55. He 32
stated that Uptown Hamel would also benefit from the pedestrian traffic that the trail 33
could bring through. He stated that there needs to be a long-term vision for this 34
community, and someone will eventually have to fund a pedestrian overpass of Highway 35
55. He stated that concerns with crime are rhetorical methods to institute fear. He 36
stated that he speaks for the silent majority of families that support the regional trail 37
corridor and the benefit that it will provide to the future generations of residents in 38
Medina rather than the few pockets of generational wealth that speak in opposition. 39
40
Cindy Piper, 1745 Hunter Drive, commented that she is concerned with the concept of 41
eminent domain and asked whether properties would be taken through eminent domain. 42
She stated that the current schematic shows a larger right-of-way than is currently 43
available and asked how that would be obtained. She stated that if the City accepts the 44
concept, would that mean that all the property along Hamel Road would need an 45
easement for the trail. 46
47
Shurson stated that the majority of the right-of-way width for Hamel Road is 66 feet and 48
it would be their intention to build the trail within that section outside of the roadbed, 49
inside the road right-of-way. He stated that if there were topography that would require 50
additional space to construct the trail, the additional width would be variable depending 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 7
June 1, 2021
upon the conditions and would be done through an easement rather than a purchase of 1
property. 2
3
Martin commented that an easement is most likely purchased, but the property owner 4
would remain fee title owner of the property. 5
6
Batty commented that if there is a general alignment of the trail, the Park District would 7
attempt to make the best use of existing right-of-way and easements to avoid having to 8
purchase additional property. He noted that only in situations where additional land 9
would be needed, would a private property owner need to be approached and the Park 10
District would only work with willing property owners. 11
12
Martin commented that if the City were to approve the trail corridor, that does not equate 13
to a taking of anyone’s property or provide for easements. She stated that it is simply 14
used for the planning purpose and as willing property owners come forward, the City 15
would simply approve that acquisition. 16
17
Batty confirmed that the City is only being asked for general approval of an alignment for 18
a corridor that could then be included in the Master Plan for the Park District and it would 19
then be up to the Park District as to whether it would like to move on to do the work to 20
attempt to gain the acquisition and construct the trail. He stated that the involvement of 21
the City would be to consent to acquisitions, should those come forward. 22
23
Martin asked for clarity on the amount of right-of-way available along Hamel Road. 24
25
Shurson commented that the minimum width of right-of-way along Hamel Road is 66 26
feet and the 30-foot roadway sits within that. 27
28
Finke stated that to the best of his knowledge the platted right-of-way along Hamel Road 29
is not consistent, noting that there are a number of properties that do not have rights-of-30
way platted while more recently subdivided parcels have wider right-of-way dedicated. 31
32
Martin asked it is known where the right-of-way is available. 33
34
Crosby commented that there are several areas where the property is underlying under 35
the road. He commented that even where the right-of-way is available there are other 36
factors that may require additional easement, it would just depend on the existing 37
conditions related to drainage and topography. He stated that he would be happy to 38
look at more specific properties. 39
40
Martin commented that it would be interesting to know which properties would require 41
additional easement and where the trail could fit within the existing right-of-way. 42
43
Crosby stated that for the master planning level they do not go down to that detail, as 44
that comes forward in the design development process. 45
46
Albers commented that may be an important factor in the decision of Medina. He stated 47
that to have some level of information around that would be helpful. 48
49
Martin commented that she would believe a quick review of the available right-of-way 50
could be done to provide a rough estimate. 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 8
June 1, 2021
1
Crosby commented that even where right-of-way is available, they are not able to 2
determine the impact in that area because of the existing conditions in that area. He 3
noted that would come forward in the design development stage, where they delve into 4
those details. 5
6
Albers commented that he would believe a high-level estimate could be done using 7
topographical maps to provide an estimate of potential impact. 8
9
Dan Strand, 1985 Hamel Road, asked if there are any members of staff, the Park 10
Commission or City Council that own property along the corridor. He stated that he 11
would also like to know more about the curb and gutter mentioned and where that 12
excess water would drain. He stated that he would prefer to let the 74 percent of people 13
not on Hamel Road to develop a trail that would run west along 19 which would provide 14
a direct path to Baker Park. He asked if there is anyone on staff, the Park Commission 15
or City Council own property that would be impacted by the overpass. He stated that 16
when people from the city move to a rural community like Medina, they want to bring 17
those things they are used to, like trails, which are not wanted in the rural areas. He 18
stated that if people do not like the rural character, they should move somewhere else. 19
He stated that this trail would bring many more people through the rural area of Medina 20
and believed that the City should wait and that a better corridor could be identified in 10 21
to 20 years. 22
23
Martin commented that the community vision as outlined in the Comprehensive Plan 24
speaks to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. She acknowledged the issue of 25
the physical divide Highway 55 creates and therefore they have looked to foster safe 26
neighborhoods and places of recreation for all residents. She stated that she worries 27
about stumbling into the discussion of why there are more dense areas of development 28
as feelings can be hurt. She stated that the City has been very fortunate to have the 29
wealth of the tax base created by the denser development and acknowledged that is a 30
different feel than the rural area. She stated that the Council continuously struggles with 31
balancing the needs of all residents, whether they own 20 acres or half an acre. She 32
stated that the Council strives to do something of value for the entire community and not 33
just those that live in the rural area. She stated that she is not aware of where everyone 34
lives, but there are rules that apply to whether someone has a conflict of interest and the 35
members have been forthcoming in discussions when they own property that would be 36
impacted and result in a conflict of interest. 37
38
Cavanaugh commented that his family farm is along part of the route and he discussed 39
that with Batty to ensure there were no conflicts of interest. 40
41
Batty agreed that he had a brief discussion with Cavanaugh and the main reason he 42
does not believe there is a conflict is because this is not a City project and is the project 43
of another governmental entity. He stated that whether this project moves forward will 44
be the decision of the Park District as to whether it would like to pursue the long process 45
of attempting to acquire property and construct the trail which could take decades. 46
47
Martin asked if the trail would run through two watersheds or just one. 48
49
Finke stated that the trail could hit all three watersheds but would predominantly fall 50
within Elm Creek. 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 9
June 1, 2021
1
Martin noted that the plans would then need to be approved by multiple agencies in 2
terms of water management. 3
4
Crosby stated that they would work with up to three different watershed entities and 5
would follow their regulations along with State regulations. He stated that stormwater 6
ponds or basins may be required to pretreat the water before it is released into creeks or 7
waterways, or there may be areas in which the water could be released into ditches. He 8
commented that they would ensure that they are not releasing polluted water into 9
streams or waterways. 10
11
Mark Smith, 1952 Chippewa Road, stated that he has never been contacted by anyone 12
regarding his property related to this trail. He stated that the first time he was made 13
aware of the trail corridor that comes across his property was last week when 14
Cavanaugh called him to discuss the potential route across his property. He noted that 15
the potential route would impact five or six single-family homes and block views of other 16
homes. He stated that he has always considered the park that will be constructed on his 17
property as a neighborhood park and not a regional park. He commented that he does 18
not see value in the western route. He stated that perhaps the eastern route would 19
provide value to the school and would provide a safe crossing of Highway 55. He stated 20
that the blue dots on his property were not submitted by him. 21
22
Martin noted that the western crossing would go through the wooded area. 23
24
Smith agreed that the crossing would impact the woods that they have committed to 25
preserving and therefore this would be the worst location for a pedestrian crossing and 26
regional trail. He stated that he would have less opposition along Arrowhead and in the 27
northern area of Chippewa but would oppose the southern portion of Chippewa which 28
would impact single-family lots on his property. 29
30
Martin commented that it would appear the dots shown in support on Mr. Smith’s 31
property are false readings. 32
33
Finke stated that this map is a map in which anyone could place comments along the 34
entire corridor and not related to land ownership. 35
36
Shurson commented that 51 of the 61 total comments were from people that identified 37
as being from Medina. He noted that the land on the map is still to be considered as 38
conceptual and advised that the exact alignment would be determined further down the 39
road in the design development phase. He stated that they work with developers or 40
properties in an attempt to partner and find something that works with an overall layout 41
and design for development. 42
43
Martin commented that the map then reflects the sentiment of residents in Medina as to 44
whether they would like to see the trails rather than the existing property owners along 45
the corridor. She noted that the table identifies the comments from the property owners. 46
47
Smith noted that it seems like a flawed system as people along the eastern route could 48
have identified favor for the western route in order to avoid their property. He stated that 49
although the comment was made that the exact alignment would not be known, the trail 50
would need to be built into the wetland in order to avoid the lots on his property. He 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 10
June 1, 2021
confirmed that he does not feel he was engaged in this process and does not support 1
the western route. 2
3
Shurson stated that the property was marked in blue based on comments with Medina 4
staff. He confirmed that he did not have personal contact with Mr. Smith but was relying 5
on communications between Smith and City staff. 6
7
Cavanaugh commented that those would be suburban lots in the development on 8
Smith’s property and asked if the intention would be to go through the highland on the 9
property or have a boardwalk through the wetlands. 10
11
Shurson stated that they would be prepared to utilize boardwalks to go through wetlands 12
and would work with the developer to ensure saleable property is not impacted. He 13
stated that the bridge could come across Highway 55 and land at the edge of the 14
wooded area and then boardwalk would be needed to go through the wetland. 15
16
Smith stated that he appreciates the information but has not changed his position. 17
18
Carol Schimnich, Sauk Rapids resident that owns the property at 1182 Highway 55, 19
stated that in October 2020 the City approved the Highway 55 Tamarack Road Study. 20
She stated that her biggest concern with the easterly route would be with the dangerous 21
intersection because of the commercial traffic. She stated that the Jubert family did a 22
complete park dedication with Fields of Medina and therefore has no further park 23
dedication obligation requirements for the remainder of their property. 24
25
Martin summarized that along the easterly route, there is land owned by the Jubert 26
family that has already satisfied park dedication for their entire parcel through the Fields 27
of Medina. 28
29
Schimnich stated that a concrete crossover should be installed at Highway 55 and 30
Tamarack as part of that intersection improvement. She stated that there will be a 31
roundabout north on Tamarack and that will be a very congested area and could create 32
danger for pedestrians. 33
34
Finke confirmed that the park dedication for the Jubert property was met through Fields 35
of Medina. He noted that there is a City trail anticipated along the Tamarack corridor 36
regardless of whether the regional trail moves forward. He stated that part of the 37
thought is that the overpass would be a safety improvement for the Highway 55 38
intersection. 39
40
Martin stated that she reviewed the Comprehensive Plans for 2000, 2010 and 2020 to 41
review the trail map corridors. She stated that there were corridors identified along 42
Hamel Road and north/south along Hunter. She stated that the Hamel Road corridor 43
had been identified as a proposed trail route since at least 2000. She stated that it 44
appears there were also proposed trails going north at Arrowhead and at CR 116, going 45
back to 2000. She stated that these areas seem to have always been identified for 46
proposed trail corridors. 47
48
Finke agreed that is correct. He noted that most of these locations are identified for 49
some sort of trail improvement within the City’s plan as well. He noted that half of the 50
northern portion is already an existing trail and many of the other segments are included 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 11
June 1, 2021
as planned trails within the City’s plan. He confirmed that Hamel Road was identified as 1
a bikeable shoulder. He stated that the boardwalk was not identified within the City plan. 2
3
Martin noted that her comments were related to whether a property owner would feel 4
that their property values would be impacted by potential trail corridors. She stated that 5
a trail could not come to fruition unless the value or property right has been provided 6
from a willing property owner and therefore, she wondered how many of the properties 7
along Hamel Road owned their properties for the past 20 years when this designation 8
existed. She noted that many trail corridors have been designated for years while 9
properties along those corridors have changed ownership. She asked whether 10
designating a corridor for a potential trail, that would include compensation to property 11
owners, actually impacts property values. She stated that she can appreciate the input 12
of Smith because of the efforts he has put into planning his development and the road 13
construction that he will be doing. She stated that other than that property, she would 14
not see a financial impact to properties that may not develop for a number of years. 15
16
Schimnich commented that their park dedication has been completed and the bridge 17
over Highway 55 would take up a fair amount of space on both sides. She stated that 18
the easterly route would impact their property. 19
20
Martin commented that the Juberts would be compensated for that property. 21
22
Schimnich commented that she believed alternate routes would be a better choice. 23
24
Martha Van de Ven, 1765 Medina Road, stated that she hears the comments from the 25
residents north of Highway 55 and appreciates the amenities within Hamel, such as the 26
ballfields. She asked whether the trail could come to Hamel and then go back to CR 30 27
in Corcoran and to CR 19, as that would provide access to Hamel and not impact 28
residents along Hamel Road. 29
30
Grissman stated that at this time they have not explored doing something easterly 31
through Hamel and have focused on the routes the Council asked them to continue to 32
study several months ago. She explained that they were attempting to connect the 33
developed areas of Medina with Baker Park. She stated that routing the trail along CR 34
30 through Corcoran did not fit that goal. She stated that in terms of serving the Hamel 35
area, she believed there are local trails planned and existing that would help to tie into 36
the regional trail work. 37
38
Martin commented that there has been an overarching desire to connect the north and 39
south portions of the community. She asked if the Park District would be willing to think 40
about including Hamel as a destination route if the Hamel Road corridor could not be 41
agreed upon. 42
43
Grissman commented that they are looking to connect to the regional facilities and 44
connecting directly to Baker Park provides that opportunity to connect residents of 45
Medina and other communities with that asset. She stated that the smaller local 46
connections would be provided by the local municipalities to create a comprehensive 47
trail system. She stated that if the City is interested in the alternate route, the Park 48
District would allow the City to complete that additional research and provide a 49
recommendation to the Park District. She stated that the Park District has invested 50
significant time and effort in the preliminary engagement work thus far and therefore any 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 12
June 1, 2021
additional work in terms of engagement would be the task of the City related to yet 1
another alternate route. She noted that comments of opposition for those directly 2
adjacent to a corridor would most likely continue to be a trend regardless of the 3
placement. 4
5
Jim Lane, 2605 Hamel Road, commented that he urges the City to make a sound 6
strategic decision tonight. He confirmed that he is opposed to the trail. 7
8
Martin asked if there would be a trail side that would be more favorable, whether on the 9
north or south side of Hamel Road. 10
11
Lane commented that he would be opposed to any trail option along Hamel Road west 12
of Arrowhead Drive because of public safety, interference with the wetlands, and the 13
narrow width of the road and potential impacts to other natural features along the 14
roadway. He did not believe pedestrians would be safe along the Hamel Road corridor. 15
16
Martin stated that if the trail were separate from the drive corridor, would he believe the 17
same safety concerns would exist. She stated that she would believe that a separated 18
trail would increase safety for pedestrians compared to those currently walking along the 19
roadway. 20
21
Lane replied that he would believe the separation would need to be significant in order to 22
provide safety. He stated that he has walked and rode horseback along the roadway 23
and there has been an enormous increase in Hennepin County truck traffic. 24
25
Martin noted that much of those comments would seem to beg for a trail independent of 26
the side of the road to provide a safe and independent space for pedestrian traffic. 27
28
Lane stated that he suggested that a Pioneer Trail corridor be considered through the 29
Wood Lake sanitary site. He stated that the better alternative would be to remove the 30
western option and refocus on the eastern option. He stated that there are trail 31
advocates in Corcoran and Plymouth that would support connection and could provide 32
better access to Uptown Hamel. He was unsure why Baker Park would be included if 33
the intention is to connect to Wayzata and Lake Minnetonka. 34
35
Martin confirmed that there were no additional speakers from the public and noted that 36
now would be the time for the Council to provide input on the two options being 37
discussed tonight. She asked if there could be a third option to take the trail corridor 38
across Highway 55 and then circle through Uptown Hamel. She recognized the 39
comments from the Park District that they have not considered that third route potential. 40
She referenced the vision of the City to connect the different areas of the community and 41
the value to having a safe crossing of Highway 55. She stated that she is concerned 42
with the potential school being placed on the south side of Highway 55 and having 43
connectivity for the children to have a safe crossing. She stated that she likes the idea 44
of having connectivity to Uptown Hamel and asked the Park District if it would consider 45
removing the Hamel Road option and connecting to Uptown Hamel once the Highway 55 46
crossing is completed. 47
48
Albers stated that one question that has not been asked of the Council is what the City 49
priorities are. He recognized that connecting to Baker Park is a priority of the Park 50
District, but the City should also identify its priorities for this type of trail through the 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 13
June 1, 2021
community. He stated that the City has different priorities outside of the connection to 1
Baker Park. He stated that the City does have the goals of providing a safe crossing 2
over Highway 55 and getting more connection to Uptown Hamel where there are existing 3
City park facilities. 4
5
Martin commented that along with those two priorities a third would be to create places 6
of recreation and gathering and enhancing the quality of life for residents. She asked if a 7
trail that reaches Baker Park enhances the quality of life for residents. She stated that 8
would need to be weighed against the impact to those adjacent to the trails, noting that 9
some people using the trail would not be Medina residents. She stated that if the City is 10
not willing to participate in the regional trail, the crossing of Highway 55 would become 11
the responsibility of the City or School District and likely would be delayed many more 12
years. 13
14
Albers stated that the third priority would be dependent upon the first two priorities. He 15
believed that the vision for connecting and building the community would be connecting 16
to Uptown Hamel rather than Baker Park. 17
18
Cavanaugh commented that he agrees with connecting to Hamel, noting that the City 19
already has a scheduled trail that could connect into this overall trail system. He stated 20
that there is an east/west regional trail planned. He commented that if Medina votes no 21
on this trail corridor, that would close the door for an east/west trail connection that 22
would connect to this regional trail. He noted that this decision would have an impact on 23
the existing and future developments in the north but would also have an impact to 24
Hamel and along Hunter. He stated that if the door is closed on this, that would also 25
close the door on the east/west portion. 26
27
DesLauriers asked if it is correct that the Lake Sarah Regional Trail would not go 28
through Medina if this does not go through. 29
30
Grissman stated that there are multiple priorities, recognizing that the City has its own 31
priorities, while Three Rivers has regional priorities. She stated that is where the 32
partnership comes through for the regional and local elements to work together to serve 33
both the regional and local priorities. She stated that there are two regional trail 34
corridors that converge in northern Medina. She stated that while there is a western 35
deviation to Baker Park that appears significant in Medina, it is not a significant deviation 36
in the overall trail alignment. She stated that if the trail segment is removed, that would 37
change the direction of the future Lake Sarah Regional Trail corridor search and they 38
would look for alternative routes in other communities as they aim to serve a regional 39
goal. She stated that they are attempting to create a recreational network of trail 40
corridors and loops throughout their overall regional system. 41
42
DesLauriers stated that the regional trail has been in the park and trail plan for many 43
years, whereas DLRT has not been formalized and now it would seem that the DLRT is 44
taking precedence over the Lake Sarah trail corridor. 45
46
Grissman confirmed that is correct, explaining that there is a lot of development 47
happening in the communities north of Medina and if the trail planning efforts are not 48
underway, the Park District will lose the opportunity to secure the opportunity for trail 49
acquisitions. She stated that there is not a lot of development changes proposed along 50
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 14
June 1, 2021
the Lake Sarah corridor proposed in the next 10 to 15 years, therefore that corridor is 1
taking a lower priority at this time. 2
3
Martin recognized that there are many different moving pieces in this puzzle. She stated 4
that personally she is not ready to make a decision and would like to understand the 5
width of right-of-way that exists along Hamel Road currently to provide a general sense 6
of whether additional land would be needed. She stated that would help her understand 7
whether properties would potentially be impacted and how many would be impacted. 8
She stated that there was discussion of existing landowners bearing the brunt of this 9
project, but the Park District would only work with willing sellers and therefore unwilling 10
property owners would not be impacted. 11
12
Reid stated that originally, she questioned whether another trail would be needed in 13
Medina, but a number of residents commented on the long-term value to the City. She 14
stated that this also fits with the Park trails plan and provides the needed north/south 15
connection. She stated that Three Rivers would also be paying for the overpass, which 16
would be a benefit to the City. She stated that the Park District would only work with 17
willing sellers and this would not provide approval to construct the trail, but simply to 18
move forward with further planning. She stated that there is already bike and pedestrian 19
traffic along Hamel Road and there is no evidence that bikers cause crime or produce 20
trash. She stated that most studies have shown that adjacent trails do not cause a 21
decrease in property values. She noted that most of the comments from the Hamel 22
Road residents are perceived rather than proven. She stated that the trail along Hamel 23
Road would be a good idea but agreed that it is hard to predict the actual impact to 24
those properties without additional information. 25
26
Martin asked if the Council would desire to table this discussion to the next meeting and 27
request that staff and Three Rivers staff review the existing right-of-way and determine 28
an estimate of the amount of additional land that could be needed. She stated that it 29
could be a best guess as there are different road conditions existing on different sides of 30
the road. She also asked if Three Rivers would have an interest in making Uptown 31
Hamel a destination rather than Baker Park. 32
33
DesLauriers commented that a lot has changed in the last three to four months with the 34
input of the residents. He believed that a lot of progress has been made by Three 35
Rivers and he would like the trail to cross Highway 55 and go along Hamel Road. He 36
agreed that additional information would be needed. He stated that he would like to 37
eliminate either the western or eastern route to simplify the continued discussion as he 38
believes that is a straightforward decision. He noted that in his opinion the eastern 39
option would be preferred as it would provide the connection to the school property. 40
41
Albers echoed the comments of DesLauriers and stated that he would also recommend 42
eliminating the western option and look for a way to move the trail to downtown Hamel. 43
44
Cavanaugh stated that he believes there is still some room to explore the western route 45
as that would be a beautiful trail route. He stated that he is not opposed to the eastern 46
route but would like to understand how that overpass would work on the intense corner 47
of Tamarack. He stated that he could see the overpass on the western route and how 48
that could better blend into nature. He stated that most of the people in Fields of Medina 49
could use both the eastern or western routes. He noted that there are a lot of homes in 50
Weston Woods and the adjacent parcels that have development to come that could 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 15
June 1, 2021
benefit from the trail. He agreed that it would be appropriate to table the discussion 1
tonight. 2
3
Reid stated that she sees advantages in both routes, but with the fact that the eastern 4
route would connect to the school and would be closer to Hamel, she would prefer that 5
route. She agreed that land acquisition would be much easier on the west, but given 6
where the population is gathered, she would prefer the eastern route. She stated that 7
she worked out all her questions related to Hamel Road at this time but was not aware of 8
the activity planned for the Tamarack Road intersection and therefore would like to know 9
more about that. She stated that she is comfortable with using Hamel Road but agreed 10
that it would be helpful to have additional information related to where the right-of-way 11
currently exists. 12
13
Cavanaugh commented that there may be a third or fourth option. He noted that there is 14
a narrow strip of land from the western edge of the Fields of Medina that is no longer 15
used and could be a good place to provide a crossing that would avoid the stoplight 16
area. He believed that there is room for the study of different alternatives. 17
18
Albers stated that he also noticed that strip of land as an option, if the east side of 19
Tamarack is too busy, to provide that Highway 55 crossing. He noted that the trail could 20
then be run through the trail in Fields of Medina and come down Meander. He stated 21
that the trail could also run-down Chippewa through Meander and through that narrow 22
strip. He stated that there are very few landowners along the strip of land to the landfill 23
property and that may prove easier to work with as acquisition would only be needed 24
from one landowner and reviewed a connection that could be provided through that 25
area. 26
27
Martin stated that while that is interesting, she would like input from Three Rivers Park 28
District as to whether they would like to speak to those alternative options. 29
30
Grissman stated that the Council has suggested some interesting options, some of 31
which were casually looked at and some of which were not. She stated that regardless 32
of where the corridor is proposed there will be opportunities and challenges and 33
statements of shifted burden. She stated that there may not be a perfect solution for a 34
trail corridor in Medina. She commented that it seems the City has other ideas that may 35
need to be flushed out and perhaps additional work is needed by the City to determine if 36
there were a corridor that would provide regional benefit and meet the local priorities as 37
well. She stated that once the community decides upon a recommended route, Medina 38
could make that recommendation rather than Three Rivers investing additional time 39
gathering input to continue to have additional options be brought forward. 40
41
Cavanaugh stated that perhaps there is a general idea between the east and west 42
routes, dependent upon available land acquisition and what would make sense for both 43
parties. He stated that he is interested in participating and would like to indicate some 44
level of interest from the City. 45
46
Martin commented that she liked the east connection because of the school property 47
and proximity to the family populated neighborhoods. She stated that it is not the 48
decision of the City to micromanage the engineering details that would be addressed 49
during the planning process. She stated that it would be the decision of the City to 50
determine what would generally make sense and the experts would then work to 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 16
June 1, 2021
determine what would actually work. She asked if someone would want to make a 1
decision about the eastern or western routes proposed. 2
3
Reid commented that she believes the City should be fair to Three Rivers as a lot of time 4
and study has been put into these alternatives and the City should not continue to ask 5
Three Rivers to pursue additional study. She also agreed that the eastern route would 6
be the best and the details could be worked out through engineering. She stated that 7
she could support providing support for moving forward, acknowledging that this is 8
simply the beginning. She commented that there is existing right-of-way along Hamel 9
Road, and she would entrust Three Rivers to determine whether that is sufficient. 10
11
Moved by Reid, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the eastern route option to be 12
included in the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan. 13
14
Further discussion: Cavanaugh asked whether Reid would support an amendment for 15
staff to look at that narrow strip to avoid Tamarack as suggested in the discussion. 16
17
Reid agreed that she would be open to that but believed that if the City is going to look at 18
alternatives that would be upon City staff rather than Three Rivers Park District staff. 19
20
Martin asked for clarification. 21
22
Cavanaugh stated that he does not oppose the alignment but does not believe an 23
overpass location at the Tamarack intersection would be appropriate and that overpass 24
should be shifted slightly. 25
26
Cavanaugh clarified the amendment to the motion to “ask that staff review the possibility 27
to run the trail on the small strip of land providing an overpass to Highway 55 in that 28
location”. 29
30
Martin asked why that would be the job of staff and not the Park District. 31
32
Cavanaugh commented that he would agree with that. 33
34
Martin asked that the motion be restated. 35
36
Moved by Reid, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the easterly route and to have 37
Three Rivers Park District look to utilize the strip of land north/south to the west of Fields 38
of Medina to determine whether that would be an appropriate location for an overpass. 39
40
Martin asked if the remainder of the corridor down Hamel Road to Baker Park would be 41
included. 42
43
Reid agreed that she would support the eastern route and Hamel Road as proposed and 44
let Three Rivers Park District explore the viability. She stated that perhaps it would be 45
best to table the discussion tonight to allow Three Rivers to explore that alternative 46
overpass location. 47
48
Reid requested to change her motion to table the request for two weeks to allow staff 49
and Three Rivers Park District to explore the alternatives discussed. 50
51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 17
June 1, 2021
Martin asked if the motion would be to table with direction for Three Rivers Park District 1
to explore the alternate route and City staff to explore the existing right-of-way along 2
Hamel Road. 3
4
Reid confirmed that motion. 5
6
Cavanaugh accepted the amendment. The motion reads as follows: 7
8
Moved by Reid, seconded by Cavanaugh, to table this item with direction for Three 9
Rivers Park District to explore the alternative route and City staff to explore the existing 10
right-of-way along Hamel Road. 11
12
Albers asked Cavanaugh to disclose the properties he owns along Tamarack for public 13
record. 14
15
Cavanaugh noted that he owns property to the west of Tamarack. Staff identified the 16
parcels on the map owned by Cavanaugh and his father. 17
18
DesLauriers asked if the decision to move the trail away from those properties would 19
impact the decision of the City Attorney regarding if a conflict of interest exists for 20
Cavanaugh. 21
22
Batty stated that his decision has not changed. He stated that given what the City is 23
being asked to do he does not see a conflict of interest at this point. 24
25
Cavanaugh stated that if that opinion changes, he would be happy to step out of the 26
discussion. 27
28
Batty asked who owns the strip of land. 29
30
Cavanaugh commented that his family does not own that property and he is unsure of 31
the property owner. 32
33
A roll call vote was performed: 34
35
Albers nay 36
Cavanaugh aye 37
DesLauriers nay 38
Reid aye 39
Martin nay 40
41
Motion failed. 42
43
Martin asked for input from the members voting against the motion and perhaps 44
suggesting an alternative. 45
46
Albers stated that he prefers the eastern route but would prefer going into Uptown 47
Hamel rather than using Hamel Road. 48
49
DesLauriers echoed those comments. 50
51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 18
June 1, 2021
Martin commented that she agrees with the eastern corridor and not micromanaging the 1
work further. She stated that if the City has an interest in the corridor it needs to 2
respond to the routes proposed. She stated that she was willing to table to gather 3
additional information related to the right-of-way along Hamel Road. She stated that she 4
could also support moving east but did not get the impression that Three Rivers Park 5
District supported looking at another alternative. 6
7
Reid stated that Three Rivers has stated that their priority is to connect the parks, 8
whereas Medina has the priority to reach Hamel. She stated that wherever the trail is 9
put in, the City could provide connection to Hamel within its local plan. She was unsure 10
whether that would satisfy DesLauriers and Albers. 11
12
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to continue the discussion, eliminating the 13
western option and further evaluating the west option on Hamel Road related to right-of-14
way and exploring the east option into Hamel. 15
16
Further discussion: Martin asked if Three Rivers Park would be directed to explore both 17
options. 18
19
DesLauriers confirmed that he would like both options explored for Hamel Road and into 20
Hamel. 21
22
Albers clarified that he would like more emphasis on the eastern route into Hamel. 23
24
Martin clarified that the northern portion of the corridor would eliminate the western route 25
and select the easterly route, and once Hamel is reached the preference would be to 26
take the trail east into Hamel, making Hamel the destination but also listening to input 27
from Three Rivers on the western option that would connect to Baker Park and the 28
available right-of-way along that corridor. 29
30
A roll call vote was performed: 31
32
DesLauriers aye 33
Albers aye 34
Cavanaugh aye 35
Reid aye 36
Martin aye 37
38
Motion passed unanimously. 39
40
Martin briefly recessed the meeting. 41
42
Martin reconvened the meeting. She commented that she believes each of the 43
members of the Council has reviewed the agenda materials and therefore staff can 44
make its presentation with the assumption that the materials have been reviewed. 45
46
B. James and Melissa Korin – Pioneer Trail Preserve – 2325 Pioneer Trail – 47
Preliminary Plat (10:46 p.m.) 48
Johnson stated that the applicants are requesting Preliminary Plat approval to subdivide 49
the parcel into three lots, which was recommended for approval by the Planning 50
Commission. 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 19
June 1, 2021
1
Finke stated that this would create a three-lot rural subdivision. He stated that there is a 2
home under construction on the site, as allowed for the lot noting that the home is not at 3
risk for the proposed property lines. He stated that the driveway has existed for a long 4
time and is very close to the southeast property line noting that a driveway waiver has 5
been suggested. He stated that staff finds the driveway as proposed to be acceptable. 6
He noted that the property does not have access to a public street but has access 7
through the property to the east, and that easement does allow subdivision. The 8
Planning Commission supports the request including the driveway waiver subject to the 9
conditions noted in the staff report. 10
11
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to direct staff to prepare a resolution 12
granting preliminary plat approval subject to the terms and conditions noted in the staff 13
report. 14
15
A roll call vote was performed: 16
17
Reid aye 18
Cavanaugh aye 19
Albers aye 20
DesLauriers aye 21
Martin aye 22
23
Motion passed unanimously. 24
25
C. Connie Fortin – 215 Hamel Road – Site Plan Review (10:51 p.m.) 26
Johnson stated that the applicant has requested a Site Plan review for a 988 square foot 27
detached garage, noting that the Planning Commission recommends approval. 28
29
Finke stated that the Site Plan review is required because of the requirements within 30
Uptown Hamel and the intent for more intensive development in that area. He stated 31
that this is otherwise a straightforward request and the Commission recommended 32
approval subject to the conditions recommended in the report. 33
34
Martin commented that the house is lovely, and it is nice to see the carriage house 35
preserved. 36
37
DesLauriers commented that the property owners are doing a great job remodeling and 38
he looks forward to the completion and addition of a garage. 39
40
1. Resolution No. 2021-35 Granting Approval of a Site Plan Review 41
for a Detached Accessory Structure at 215 Hamel Road 42
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Resolution No. 2021-35 Granting 43
Approval of a Site Plan Review for a Detached Accessory Structure at 215 Hamel Road. 44
45
A roll call vote was performed: 46
47
DesLauriers aye 48
Albers aye 49
Cavanaugh aye 50
Reid aye 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 20
June 1, 2021
Martin aye 1
2
Motion passed unanimously. 3
4
D. Shire Road Improvement Project (10:54 p.m.) 5
Johnson stated that Shire Road has deteriorated to where it needs a partial reclamation 6
and a partial mill and overlay, therefore a Feasibility Report was completed. 7
8
Scherer reviewed the existing road conditions, noting that the first 450 feet that has been 9
seal coated would receive a mill and overlay but the western portion will need to be 10
reclaimed because of the deteriorating condition. He noted that five inches of new 11
asphalt would be laid on the western portion. He reviewed the estimated project cost, 12
noting that 50 percent would be assessed to the three lots. He noted that the project 13
schedule was included in the packet and advised that he has spoken with all the 14
property owners and he did not receive any comments of opposition. 15
16
DesLauriers commended staff and noted that this looks like a good project. 17
18
Martin asked for clarification on the assessment policy, noting that she sees five 19
properties that are serviced by this road. 20
21
Scherer stated that in this case there are three outlots that are owned by one company. 22
He stated that there are three alike properties that all use the road for similar business 23
purposes and therefore the assessment is proposed to be split between those three 24
properties that have access. 25
26
1. Resolution No. 2021-36 Receiving Feasibility Report and Calling for 27
Public Hearings on Shire Road Improvement Project and Levying 28
Special Assessments for Same 29
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution No. 2021-36 Receiving 30
Feasibility Report and Calling for Public Hearings on Shire Road Improvement Project 31
and Levying Special Assessments for Same. 32
33
A roll call vote was performed: 34
35
DesLauriers aye 36
Albers aye 37
Cavanaugh aye 38
Reid aye 39
Martin aye 40
41
Motion passed unanimously. 42
43
E. Compensation and Classification Study (10:59 p.m.) 44
Johnson stated that the Council identified reviewing the compensation and classification 45
of the City during its 2021 goals session. He stated that one quote was received from 46
DDA for this service. 47
48
Gallup commented that DDA is a human resource firm that specializes in compensation 49
and classification studies for municipalities and staff recommends option one which 50
would have a cost of $4,000. 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 21
June 1, 2021
1
Barnhart stated that this would be helpful with union negotiations and budget 2
discussions. 3
4
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve contract for compensation and 5
classification study. 6
7
A roll call vote was performed: 8
9
Martin aye 10
Reid aye 11
Cavanaugh aye 12
Albers aye 13
DesLauriers aye 14
15
Motion passed unanimously. 16
17
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (11:03 p.m.) 18
Johnson stated that Finke was able to gain information on the Chippewa Road wetland 19
credits and will provide an update. 20
21
Finke stated that there were two banks for the potential wetland credits and the bank in 22
Hennepin County does require a ten percent reservation fee to reserve the credits which 23
would be good through the fall when the answer would be known on the permit. He 24
stated that staff is still looking into the possibility of whether the credits could be 25
purchase and resold if the project does not move forward. He stated that staff 26
recommends moving forward to reserve those credits to ensure they would be available. 27
He stated that WSB commented that it was a fairly good cost per square foot for those 28
banked credits and there is a chance the price could increase if not reserved. 29
30
Martin commented that development is hot, and construction and development costs are 31
increasing, therefore she would support proceeding because this project is important, 32
and the developer has exhibited good faith. 33
34
DesLauriers agreed that the credits should be purchased as soon as possible, and the 35
other members of the Council agreed. 36
37
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to proceed with the reservation of the 38
wetland credits based on the terms presented by staff. 39
40
A roll call vote was performed: 41
42
DesLauriers aye 43
Albers aye 44
Cavanaugh aye 45
Reid aye 46
Martin aye 47
48
Motion passed unanimously. 49
50
IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (11:09 p.m.) 51
Medina City Council Meeting Minutes 22
June 1, 2021
Reid stated that the Uptown Hamel Business Association will begin meeting again the 1
following month and she will attend. 2
3
DesLauriers commented that he looks forward to continuing the fire district discussions 4
the following morning. 5
6
X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (11:10 p.m.) 7
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Martin, to approve the bills, EFT 005946E-005962E 8
for $59,360.17, order check numbers 051568-051617 for $96,891.37, and payroll EFT 9
0511046-0511074 for $55,116.09. 10
11
A roll call vote was performed: 12
13
Martin aye 14
Reid aye 15
Cavanaugh aye 16
Albers aye 17
DesLauriers aye 18
19
Motion passed unanimously. 20
21
XI. ADJOURN 22
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 11:11 p.m. 23
24
A roll call vote was performed: 25
26
DesLauriers aye 27
Albers aye 28
Cavanaugh aye 29
Reid aye 30
Martin aye 31
32
Motion passed unanimously. 33
34
35
__________________________________ 36
Kathleen Martin, Mayor 37
Attest: 38
39
____________________________________ 40
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk 41
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Martin and Members of the City Council
FROM: Erin Barnhart, Finance Director
DATE: June 9, 2021
MEETING: June 15, 2021
SUBJ: Authorization to Accept Fire Services Grant Redistribution
Background
The City of Medina was awarded a $25,000 fire services grant in 2020 from the MN Department
of Public Safety. The grant funds were expensed along with reserve funds to conduct a fire
service study totaling $36,200. Per the grant guidelines, the City had to meet a 5% match,
totaling $1,250.
Grant Redistribution
A notification by the MN Department of Public Safety stated that the grant was being
redistributed and an additional $12,614.68 was available to Medina, for a total grant of
$37,614.68. The additional grant funding moved the City into a 10% match category, totaling
$3,761.47 less $1,250 of funds already matched, bringing the remaining match required to
$2,511.47.
The City meets the grant match through legal expenses and staff time. If accepted, City funds
previously expensed in the amount of $12,614.68 will go back into the reserve fund. Per the
grant guidelines, the deadline to accept the additional funds and match is June 30, 2021.
Recommendation
Staff is seeking authorization to accept the additional grant funding and authorization to approve
the updated grant agreement.
Agenda Item #5A
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
State Fire Marshal
445 Minnesota Street • Suite 145 • Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-5145
Phone: 651-201-7200 • Fax: 651-215-0525 • TTY: 651-282-6555
www.dps.state.mn.us
Alcohol and
Gambling
Enforcement
Bureau of
Criminal
Apprehension
Driver
and Vehicle
Services
Emergency
Communication
Networks
Homeland
Security and
Emergency
Management
Minnesota
State Patrol
Office of
Communications
Office of
Justice Programs
Office of
Pipeline Safety
Office of
Traffic Safety
State Fire
Marshal
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
To:
Scott Johnson
City Administrator
2052 County Road 24
Medina, MN 55340-9818
From:
Jim Smith
State Fire Marshal
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 145
St. Paul, MN 55101-5145
Congratulations!
The Service Planning Grant Review Committee has decided to award the City of Medina with redistribution
funds of:
$12,614.68 – state share
This amount will be added to your original award of:
$25,000.00 - state share
For a grand total of $37,614.68 – state share
Your match will now be considered in the 10% category, and that amount is $3,761.47. You have already paid a
5% match on the original award that was $1,250.00. Your new match amount will be the difference.
$2,511.47 is the new match amount, the city of Medina will be responsible to pay.
You will have until June 30th, 2021 to spend down your award and complete the grant.
As you already know we have transferred this program into the State’s E-grant system and the process from
here through the end of the grant will be electronic. Please keep a close eye your email for changes in status
and action items for you to complete throughout the life of the grant.
If you have any questions please contact Tate Mills @ 320-333-2817 or Tate.Mills@state.mn.us.
Respectfully,
Jim Smith
State Fire marshal
DOCSOPEN\ME230\1A\724689.v1-5/30/21
Member _________ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF MEDINA
RESOLUTION ___________
A RESOLUTION TERMINATING THE LOCAL EMERGENCY
RELATED TO COVID-19
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, Mayor Kathleen Martin issued Mayoral Declaration 2020-1
declaring a local emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, the City Council exercised its authority under Minnesota
Statutes, section 12.29 to adopt Resolution No. 2020-13 to extend the local emergency “until
further action of the City Council”; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the State of Minnesota
on May 13, 2021 and May 14, 2021, respectively, issued guidance that face masks are no longer
necessary for fully-vaccinated individuals although the statewide emergency declared by the
Governor remains in place in order to wind down certain emergency measures; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds and determines as follows:
a. The declaration of a local emergency allows a city to implement local emergency
operations plans and to access certain emergency powers to meet, enter into contracts,
and raise funds without having to follow typical procedures to allow it to rapidly
respond to the emergency;
b. The initial uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the potential need for a local
emergency response, and the possibility a local declaration would be required to be
eligible for federal or state relief funds made the declaration of a local emergency
appropriate;
c. Given that the local emergency related to the pandemic has extended for more than one
year, the need for a rapid response using emergency powers is no longer necessary and
the City has learned how to continue its work without having to rely on emergency
plans or the exercise of emergency powers;
d. The City will remain bound by the statewide emergency and the Governor’s emergency
orders regardless of whether a local emergency remains in place;
e. While the pandemic remains a public health risk, the increased availability of vaccines
has caused the number and severity of cases to continue to drop; and
Agenda Item #5C
DOCSOPEN\ME230\1A\724689.v1-5/30/21
f. It is no longer necessary to continue the local emergency because the City can and will
continue to respond to the pandemic without having to rely on local emergency
operations plans or emergency powers.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY City Council of the city of Medina as
follows:
1. The local emergency declared by Mayoral Declaration No. 2020-1 on March 16, 2020
and extended on March 17, 2020 by City Council Resolution No. 2020-13 is
terminated, effective as of June 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
2. Resolution No. 2020-13 is repealed as of June 30, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
3. The City shall continue its work to resume normal operations as soon as possible and
in compliance with the state’s diminishing COVID-19 restrictions.
4. This Resolution will be given prompt and general publicity and filed in accordance
with Minnesota Statutes, section 12.29.
Dated this __ day of June, 2021.
By: ______________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution as duly recorded by member
___________________ and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor
thereof:
And the following voted against same:
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Resolution No. 2021
June 15, 2021
Member _____ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF MEDINA
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-
RESOLUTION APPROVING ASSIGNMENT OF FUND RESERVES
WHEREAS, for 12/31/20, the fund balance policy goal is $2,541,190 (using 50 percent of 2021
budgeted expenditures of $5,082,380). The General fund balance on 12/31/20 was $3,506,932 or
$965,742 above the goal; $263,935 being assigned reserves.
BE IT RESOLVED, by the city council of the City of Medina, County of Hennepin, Minnesota,
that the following actions be:
$12,500 to be Assigned from General Fund reserves:
- $12,500 Hennepin County Grant Match – Uptown Hamel
$689,307 to remain as Unassigned General Fund reserves balance.
Date: June 15, 2021
________________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member _____ and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
And the following voted against same:
None
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Agenda Item #5D
Resolution No. 2021-##
DATE
Member ______ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF MEDINA
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-##
RESOLUTION GRANTING PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF THE
PIONEER TRAIL PRESERVE PLAT
WHEREAS, the city of Medina (the “City”) is a municipal corporation, organized and
existing under the laws of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, James R. Korin and Melissa A Korin (the “Applicants”) own property
located at 2325 Pioneer Trail (the “Property”), which is legally described in Exhibit A, attached
hereto; and
WHEREAS, the Applicants have requested preliminary plat approval to subdivide the
Property into three lots; and
WHEREAS, the preliminary plat is tentatively proposed to be called Pioneer Trail
Preserve; and
WHEREAS, the existing driveway on the Property is proposed to be improved and to be
used as a shared driveway for the proposed lots but does not meet the required 10-foot setback
requirement from the southern property line; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on May 11,
2021, reviewed the information provided by the Applicant and City staff, heard testimony from
interested parties, and recommended approval of the preliminary plat; and
WHEREAS, the City Council reviewed the proposed preliminary plat and the Planning
Commission recommendation and heard additional testimony on June 1, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that providing a waiver from the 10-foot setback
requirement reduces wetland and woodland impacts and better protects the public health, safety,
and welfare; and
WHEREAS, subject to the fulfillment of the conditions noted below, the City Council
makes the following findings of fact in regard to the preliminary plat based on the requirements of
the Subdivision Ordinance:
a. The proposed preliminary plat is not in conflict with the Comprehensive Plan and is not
premature for consideration.
b. The subdivision is appropriate for the physical conditions on the site including the
topography, storm water, natural resources, and soils.
Agenda Item #5E
Resolution No. 2021-## 2
DATE
c. That the site is physically suitable for the proposed density of development and meets
minimum lot size standards.
d. The proposed subdivision is not likely to cause substantial environmental damage.
e. The proposed subdivision is not likely to be injurious to public health.
f. The proposed subdivision and its improvements will not conflict with public or private
streets, easements, or right-of-ways.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Medina, Minnesota
hereby grants preliminary plat approval for Pioneer Trail Preserve, as depicted on the
preliminary plat bearing revision date of April 27, 2021 subject to the following terms and
conditions:
1) The Applicants shall enter into a development agreement with the City, which shall include
the conditions described below as well as other requirements by City ordinance or policy.
2) The Applicants shall install all improvements shown on the plans dated 4/27/2021 except as
may be modified herein. Final plans shall be provided at the time of final plat and shall
address the comments of the City Engineer, Fire Marshal, Pioneer/Sarah-Creek Watershed,
other relevant staff and agencies and the conditions noted herein. Plans shall be subject to
review and approval by the City Engineer.
3) The plat shall provide drainage and utility easements over all stormwater improvements,
wetlands, and drainageways and along the perimeter of lots as recommended by the City
Engineer.
4) The Applicants shall meet the requirements of the wetland protection ordinance, including
provision of easements, planting of vegetation and installation of signage.
5) The Applicants shall execute and record a shared driveway easement/maintenance
agreement in a form and of substance acceptable to the City Attorney related to access to
and maintenance of the shared driveway.
6) The Applicants shall execute and record a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement in a form
and of substance acceptable to the City Attorney to describe the responsibility of the
property owners to maintain the stormwater improvements.
7) The portion of the existing driveway which is less than 10 feet from the southern property
line shall be expanded to the north as shown on the construction plans and shall not expand
closer to the southern property line.
8) Stormwater management shall be provided for the aggregate disturbance and hardcover
within the subdivision, including the shared driveway and construction of private
improvements upon the lots. Construction on Lots 2 and 3 shall provide stormwater
management based upon the proposed hardcover on each lot at the time of construction.
9) The Applicants shall submit a letter of credit in an amount of 150% of the cost of site
improvements to ensure completion.
10) The Applicants shall pay a park dedication fee of $16,000 as cash-in-lieu of land dedication.
11) The request shall be subject to review and approval of Pioneer-Sarah Creek Watershed and
any other relevant agencies.
12) The Applicants shall provide title documentation at the time of final plat application and
abide by the recommendations of the City Attorney with regard to title matters and
recording instructions.
Resolution No. 2021-## 3
DATE
13) The final plat application shall be filed within 180 days of the date of this resolution or the
approval shall be considered void, unless a written request for time extension is submitted
by the applicant and approved by the City Council.
14) The Applicants shall pay to the City a fee in an amount sufficient to reimburse the City for
the cost of reviewing the preliminary plat, construction plans, and other relevant documents.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a waiver is hereby granted from the 10-foot setback
requirement from the southern property line, pursuant to Section 400.15 of the City Code. Such
waiver shall be limited to that portion of the existing driveway which currently does not meet
the setback requirement, approximately the eastern 310 feet of the driveway on the Property.
Dated:
By: ______________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
By: ___________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member ______
and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
And the following voted against same:
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Resolution No. 2021-## 4
DATE
EXHIBIT A
Legal Description of the Property
Agenda Item #7A
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Martin and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dusty Finke, Planning Director
DATE: June 10, 2021
MEETING: June 15, 2021 City Council
SUBJ: Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
Background
At the June 1, 2021 meeting, the City Council discussed the additional public engagement related
to a master plan for the potential future construction of the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
(DLRT). The packet included substantial amounts of information summarizing the public
engagement. This information was not reproduced for the June 15 meeting, but is available upon
request.
Following additional public comment and discussion by Council members, the Council tabled
the matter and requested additional information. The consensus of the City Council also
appeared to be to remove the option north of Highway 55 and west of Arrowhead Drive from
consideration.
The proposed route now being discussed for the DLRT Master Plan in Medina is displayed on
the attached map. As discussed at length during the June 1 meeting, it is important to note that
the Master Plan route is conceptual and approximate at this route. Implementation and
construction is still years or decades in the future. As more analysis is completed on the Master
Plan and as opportunities arise in the future, the exact location of the trail is likely to adjust from
the line on the Master Plan. The trail location may shift by a parcel in either direction and will
meander through development sites.
A memorandum from Three Rivers Park District staff is attached addressing the additional
information requested by the City Council at the June 1 meeting.
Park Commission Recommendation
The Park Commission discussed this item at their May 19 meeting. An excerpt from the draft
meeting minutes is attached for reference.
The Commission provided an opportunity for residents to address the matter, although the Chair
noted that the Commission had been provided an intensive summary of feedback and had the
opportunity to review all previously received comments such that it was not necessary to repeat
things previously submitted. Four residents spoke at the meeting. Two opposed the route along
Hamel Road near their homes and two opposed the eastern route across their property near
Bridgewater which is guided for potential Low Density Residential redevelopment.
The feedback from the Park Commission was divided on the matter. Three Commissioners
believed it was in the long-term interest of the City to plan for the regional trail connection. In
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Page 1 of 2 June 15, 2021
Long Term Master Plan City Council Meeting
addition, the two Youth Members spoke in favor of supporting the regional connection in
Medina. Four Commissioners indicated that they did not support the regional trail in Medina.
On a motion of 4-3 (Youth Members do not vote), the following motion was passed:
Recommend that the City not support a Diamond Lake Regional Trail route through
Medina at this time.
Potential Actions
After the City Council has completed its review of the information, one of the following actions
could be considered:
• Move to approve inclusion of the conceptual route in the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
Master Plan within Medina.
OR
• Move to request that a route through Medina not be included in the Diamond Lake
Regional Trail Master Plan at this time.
Attachment
1. Map displaying DLRT route in Medina
2. Memo addressing information requested by Council at June 1 meeting
3. Right-of-way Review
4. Visuals of example overpasses
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Page 2 of 2 June 15, 2021
Long Term Master Plan City Council Meeting
•
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REGIONAL TRAIL OPTION ALONG HAMEL ROAD
DESIGN O PPORT UN IT IES
• No driveway or ro ad crossings.
• Low tragic volume.
• Ability to Alin Bake r Park Res erve 141 1.6
miles of trail to co nnec t to CR 19
• Overhead Wirth . In public RO W on with sto -
ol Hamel Road bu t space to place toil in Baite r
Park
DESIG N CHA LLENGES
• 1.300 LF of wetlan d crossing.
DE SI GN OPPOR TUNI TIES
• Low traffic vokana.
• Diced oonn ectlon fr om northeast
Medina a nd Haman area m Baker Park
R awrva.
• Corridor h as high scenic quaMsa m
nuel Medina
DESIGN CHALLENGES
- 5501inear foet al wetland confli cts on
the north side of Hamel Reed; 1,100
linear feet of wetland conflicts on th e
south aide of Hemel Road.
• Challenging intersedian on curve at
Pioneer Trail .
• Potential Impacts to r oadway ditch with
trail constr uction may require additional
right of way easem ents.
• 7 driveway cros sings on the north side
of Hamel Road; 10 driveway crossings
on Iha south side of Hamel Road.
0,10
• Although abo veiround utilities are
parent. they are more concentrated on
the south side 01 Hemel Road .
• Ektchrg roadw ay m a r ural oronwaclbn
with no existing curb and gutter or dorm
sewer
• 3 roadway crossing s on the north side
f Ha mel Road; 2 roadway crossings on
the south side of Hamel Road .
• Areas of steep slopes and wetlands
Immediately adjacent to the roadway
within the fight of w ay .
• Sle ep grades and adjacent wetlands
may req uire walls or boardwalk
dme0ures.
• Tr ail would Impact gravel shoulder on
one side of the ro adw ay that is heavily
used by eque strians.
y DESIGN CH3/LLEyf G,E^s
MI mum,
DESI GN OPPO RTUNI TI!1
• L ow trait vakane .
• Althou gh ab ovairound utgkbe
ere present, they are more
concentrated on the mouth side
of Hack.more Road fora short
dbenc a.
• Scenic views of w.tl.nd .
• Adjacent b aa htln9 d.valopmanl
wed aid e. 1 roadw ay crossing en
the s outh/east aide.
• Troll eMends along gravel road .
• Potential Impacts to roadway ditch
with tlal constr uction may requite
additional light of way easements .
DESIGN OPP OR TUNITIES
• Low milk volume.
• Gntlawepar.Hd rowing ov er
55
• Con nection nnection to future Myrrh,
Mbdfe School al Tamarack Drive
• Coombs to Fla b. of M edina Park.
• Altho ugh .bov. •gro und utNllea
ar e pnwW , toy Ire moo
c oncentrated o nto south aide of
Hamel R ow/
DE SI GN C HALLE NGES
• 800 lnear feet of wetland conflicts
onto nodhAva d ebe; 1,800 lin ear
feet of wetla nd conflicts on the
so Ihleast 0140.
• Potenti al Impacts to roadway ditch
with trs1 wnetmotlen may require
additional right of w ay eas ements.
• 10 driveway 01000199, on the
north/went aid e; 3 driveway
erosdngs on the southeast aide .
• 4 ro ad way cros sings on the node
s ad side; 3 roadway crossings on
the wWNwd aide.
• Steep grades may require walls .
• Large wetlan d crossing north of
Fields of Medina .
• Trail crosses privat e property.
WIT 2011 "ssre.r. 'if•:n
•
•
1
MM
•
df
•
•
•
Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan
Memo to City of Medina in response to the open questions/issues
from the June 1, 2021 Medina City Council meeting discussion
Prepared by Stephen Shurson and Kelly Grissman, Three Rivers Park District
ThreeRivers
PARK DISTRICT
Right-of-way along Hamel Road
Hennepin County Half Section maps for the Hamel Road area show a 66' wide (33' each side of
centerline of road) plat (No. 84) for the Hamel Road (CSAH 115) right-of-way. However, the plat does
not indicate if the County was granted an easement or has fee title ownership or not. Some of the
properties along Hamel Road (County Road 115) were recently platted and road easements appear to
have been granted to the County. For the other un-platted properties, it is not known definitively if
there is any granted right-of-way. City staff has a map showing the recently platted properties with road
easements.
Confirming where right-of-way exists along the Hamel Road/CSAH 115 corridor requires title research
work for each underlying property which can be costly and time consuming. This work is most
efficiently done during the design development stage after the side of road for the trail is determined
and prior to trail design. In addition, Hennepin County may acquire additional right-of-way in future,
prior to when trail design and construction is to occur.
Furthermore, title searches at this time would be premature as we do not know where property rights
would be required, what side of the road the trail would be located or where private property would be
temporarily impacted to construct the regional trail. Determining a reasonable quantity/extent of such
easements requires a more extensive evaluation of the topography, hydrology and existing conditions
which, as previously stated, is typically done during the design development phase and after the side of
the road is determined.
At this phase of the master plan, the following can be assumed regarding where easements may be
required:
• Easements may be most likely needed where physical or geographic challenges are located
adjacent to the right-of-way.
• Easements may be needed in locations where Hennepin County has not yet secured right-of-
way by the time of design of the trail.
• Temporary construction easements may be needed along the entire length of the trail at the
time of construction.
As with all regional trail projects, Three Rivers will strive to minimize the need to secure additional
property rights from private properties and to minimize property impacts through a careful and
thoughtful design process which includes and evaluates a wide range of creative design options
(narrower trail width, boardwalks, alternative road designs, retaining walls and similar). The goal
remains to only move forward on a willing -seller basis and to restore properties back to their original
condition as much as reasonably practical, to maintain existing drainage patterns and to adhere to all
rules and regulations in respect to wetland impacts, stormwater management and similar.
Identifying a preferred route in a master plan helps inform Hennepin County and the City on future right-
of-way needs as new subdivisions occur in the years or decades prior to trail construction.
TH 55 Crossing - East Option
Given the many variables and moving parts of this corridor and the adjacent land uses, development
opportunities and property ownership, the location of the locally preferred TH 55 crossing at Tamarack
is viewed as conceptual in nature. The crossing location may shift east or west to best coordinate with
opportunities as they present themselves - such as willing landowners, commercial development, local
transportation system buildout and more. Ultimately, there may be several engineering and design
options or solutions to coordinate the bridge design and location with the future development plans of
the area.
As such, the crossing location of TH 55 and adjacent trail segments are inherently flexible at this time.
Three Rivers proposes writing the master plan to specifically note this flexibility and suggests a future
dedicated, independent (separate from the master plan) study in partnership with future development
proposals/plans to determine the best location and way to integrate the crossing with future local
development plans and initiatives.
Regional Trail Search Area Corridors and Purpose
Three Rivers is responsible to provide regional recreation offerings which serve the broader region and
State of Minnesota. This is governed by Minnesota Statues, specifically Chapter 398 — Park Systems and
the Metropolitan Council's 2040 Regional Parks and Open Space Policy Plan. Regional trail corridors
bring regional recreation offerings close to where people live and help connect people to regional parks
and trails via foot or bike.
Within the City of Medina there are two regional trail search corridors —the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
search corridor (DLRT, north -south corridor, within the eastern half of Medina, continues north through
Corcoran, Rogers and Dayton and South through Orono, Long Lake and Wayzata) and the Lake Sarah
Regional Trail search corridor (LSRT, east -west corridor, centered on Hamel Road in Medina, continues
east through Plymouth, New Hope and Crystal and west through Independence and Greenfield). Both of
these corridors extend beyond Medina and connect multiple communities as well as existing, planned
and proposed regional parks and trails.
The corridors do not function as intended when portions of the corridors are eliminated from further
evaluation and consideration as this severs connectivity and often shifts the trail from serving a regional
to local purpose.
In the case of Medina, eliminating the portion of the DLRT search corridor south of Hamel Road
required Three Rivers to revise the search corridor goals and desired destinations. It also impacted the
route and connections further south in neighboring communities. A new route which utilized Baker Park
Reserve was identified as an alternative option.
The alternative route connects directly to Baker Park Reserve, a regional destination, and allows for
Three Rivers to still achieve its north -south corridor goal, just less directly. This option also utilizes the
western portion of the LSRT search corridor which reduces the long-term amount of private property
needs, infrastructure investment and long-term operation and maintenance requirements within
Medina. From a local perspective, it helps connect the areas of Medina north and south of TH 55 via a
new grade separated crossing for people walking, biking, running and biking and improves safe walking,
running and biking access to Baker Park Reserve for local residents.
At a future date, Three Rivers intends to further study the eastern portion of the LSRT and look for a
safe, user friendly route to the Wayzata High School Complex. This route would provide a connection to
downtown Hamel and associated parks and community gathering spaces supporting local priorities. This
planning work is likely five years out. Should this be a higher priority for the City, the City is welcome to
continue to study this route and propose a preferred route to Three Rivers for consideration. The City is
also welcome to develop this as a local trail connection which could become part of the LSRT at a future
date.
As such, Three Rivers views the eastern and western Hamel Road corridor not as an 'either/or' option,
but rather as an 'and'. The western portion of the Hamel Road corridor would be planned now as part
of the DLRT corridor and the eastern portion would be planned at a later date as part of the LSRT
planning process. Despite the west section being planned first, it is possible that the east segment
would actually be constructed first depending on available funding, shared priorities and other
opportunities as they present themselves.
Three Rivers is not interested in pursing the eastern Hamel route or terminating at Hamel Legion Park, a
local destination, without the western route as it provides no reassurance to Three Rivers that the City
would be a willing and supportive partner at a later date to make the desired regional connections.
Without this support and commitment for the broader goal, the 'regional trail' and TH 55 crossing would
be predominately local serving and not appropriate for regional funds or Three Rivers partnership.
If the City is still interested pursing a western connection to either Baker Park Reserve or the Lake
Independence Regional Trail, but is not supportive of the Hamel Road concepts, the City may elect to
study this independently and propose a preferred route which best meets both regional and local
priorities.
Should the City elect to eliminate the western Hamel Road from consideration or not determine another
westly route option with regional connectivity, Three Rivers would abandon future regional trail
planning efforts in Medina for the foreseeable future and work with adjacent communities to fulfill the
DLRT and LSRT search corridor goals.
D 0.5 1 2Miles
i . i
Regional Trails in Medina
hme 9, 2021
A 7hreeRivers
COUNTY ROAD 24
Hamel Road
(East of Tamarack)
Right -of -Way (ROW)
Preliminary Review
Legend
ROW
Parcel w/ likely ROW
Unknown/Unlikely ROW
Properties north of Hamel Road:
20 out of 38 parcels likely have ROW
Properties south of Hamel Road:
36 out of 52 parcels likely have ROW
0 025 0 .5
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Hamel Road
(West of Tamarack)
Right - of -Way (ROW)
Preliminary Review
Legend
Parcel w/ lik ely ROW
Unknown/Unlik ely R OW
Properties north of Hamel Road:
6 out of 17 parcels likely have ROW
Properties south of Hamel Road:
16 out of 22 parcels likely have ROW
0 0 .25 0.5
Mlles
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1
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Steve Scherer, Public Works Director
DATE: June 10, 2021
MEETING: June 15, 2021
SUBJECT: Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Feasibility Report and Resolution
History
In 1985 a street improvement project was done in the Medina Manor First Addition that
consisted of a complete reconstruct of Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle. The reconstruct
included drain tile, stabilization fabric, base material, asphalt, asphalt curb, and a
stormwater pipe along with some catch basins at the south end of the street.
The road surface needs an overlay and some miscellaneous milling, as well as bituminous
curbing to help with the drainage.
The project consists of some minor milling to keep drainage intact, along with some
minor leveling and a 1½ inch bituminous overlay. There may be bituminous curb
installed in some areas to help with drainage. With the low volume of traffic, organized
garbage, and spring weight restrictions placed on the road, the overlay seems the correct
course of action for this road. I am confident the overlay, with proper maintenance, will
be at least a ten-year fix.
There is some stabilization needed at the outlet of the storm pipe. This will be addressed
with this project.
Detailed cost estimates are included in the feasibility report for the proposed
improvements. The costs represent estimated construction costs for an overlay project on
Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle, including minimal curb installation in some areas to help
with drainage, black dirt and seeding for shoulders, plus an additional 15% allowance for
project administration, management, and contingencies. The cost for the work is based
on material bids for 2021 which were recently received by the City of Medina. The
project is to be funded with a combination of assessments and street funds.
As mentioned in my update, I spoke with a few residents who will be impacted by the
Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle overlay improvement project. Additionally, I have set up
a meeting to discuss concerns with all affected residents. The Feasibility Report and
Resolution are included in your packets.
MEMORANDUM Agenda Item #8A
2
Recommendation
Motion to adopt resolution receiving feasibility report and calling for public hearings on
Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle Road improvement project and levying special
assessments for same.
Resolution No. 2021-xx
June 15, 2021
Member __ introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
CITY OF MEDINA
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-xx
RESOLUTION RECEIVING FEASIBILITY REPORT AND CALLING
FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS ON HIGHCREST DRIVE AND OAK CIRCLE PROJECT
AND LEVYING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR SAME
WHEREAS, a feasibility report has been prepared by Steve Scherer as the City’s Public
Works Director regarding a street improvement project for Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle; and
WHEREAS, the project consists of minor milling, pre-patch leveling, 1½ inch
bituminous overlay and curb installations, where needed as described in the report; and
WHEREAS, the report provides information regarding whether the project is necessary,
cost-effective, and feasible.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the city council of the city of Medina, as
follows:
1. The feasibility report is hereby accepted and the project is determined to be
necessary, cost-effective, and feasible.
2. The project shall be constructed using competitive bids received by the City of
Medina.
3. The City Council shall consider the making of such improvements in accordance
with the feasibility report and assessing benefited properties in accordance with the city’s special
assessment policy and pursuant to Minn. Stat., Chapter 429. The estimated total cost of the
project is as follows:
• Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle $23,289.00
4. Public hearings to consider the making of such improvement and the levying of
special assessments related thereto shall be held at 7:00 p.m. in the council chambers at Medina
city hall on the following dates:
• Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle July 20, 2021
5. City staff is authorized and directed to prepare plans and specifications for
making the project.
Resolution No. 2021-xx
June 15, 2021
2
6. City staff is directed to prepare the appropriate notices for the improvement
hearings and assessment hearings and to cause the proper published and mailed notices to be
given for the public hearings as required by law and in accordance with the above schedule.
7. The amount of the project to be specially assessed against benefited properties in
accordance with the city’s special assessment policy and Minn. Stat. Chapter 429 is as follows:
• Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle $23,289.00
8. The Finance Director, with the assistance of city staff, shall forthwith calculate
the proper amount to be specially assessed for each such improvement against every assessable
lot, piece or parcel of land within the area affected without regard to cash valuation and shall file
a copy of the proposed assessment in the clerk’s office at city hall.
Dated: June 15, 2021.
_________________________
Kathleen Martin, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Jodi M. Gallup, City Clerk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member __ and
upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
-
And the following voted against same:
-
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
Feasibility Report
Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle Overlay Project
City of Medina
June 15, 2021
Prepared by: Steve Scherer
Public Works Director
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 2
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project____________________________________
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………….. 2
1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………................... 3
2.0 Summary and Recommendations………………………………………...................4
3.0 Street Improvements……………………………………………………...................5
Figure 1 – Typical Section – Overlay
4.0 Cost Summary……………………………………………………………………… 6
Table 1 – Proposed Improvements Cost Summary…………………………7
5.0 Funding Options…………………………………………………………………….8
6.0 Project Schedule……………………………………………………….……………9
Appendix A – Cost Estimate……………………………………………………… A-1
Appendix B – Map of Assessment Area and Proposed Improvements……………. B-1
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 3
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project________________________________
1.0 Introduction
City staff has requested this report to determine the feasibility of improvements to Medina
Manor First Addition.
In 1985 a street improvement project was done in the Medina Manor First Addition that
consisted of a complete reconstruct of Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle. The reconstruct included
drain tile, stabilization fabric, base material, asphalt, asphalt curb, and a stormwater pipe along
with some catch basins at the south end of the street.
The road surface needs an overlay and some miscellaneous milling, as well as bituminous
curbing to help with the drainage.
The project consists of some minor milling to keep drainage intact, along with some minor
leveling and a 1½ inch bituminous overlay. There may be bituminous curb installed in some
areas to help with drainage. With the low volume of traffic, organized garbage, and spring
weight restrictions placed on the road, the overlay seems the correct course of action for this
road. I am confident the overlay, with proper maintenance, will be at least a ten-year fix.
There is some stabilization needed at the outlet of the storm pipe. This will be addressed with
this project.
A cost analysis was discussed and is presented in the Cost Summary section. A detailed cost
estimate of the proposed improvements is presented in Appendix A.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 4
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project________________________________
2.0 Summary and Recommendations
The Overlay of Highcrest Drive and Oak Circle is feasible from an engineering standpoint. The
project is cost effective and necessary to prolong the useful life of the road. The following
recommendations are presented for consideration by the Medina City Council:
1) This report be adopted as the guide for the overlay of Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle.
2) The cost of improvements be allocated in accordance with the City’s Special
Assessment Policy throughout the proposed roadway improvement area.
3) A public hearing be held July 20, 2021, on the proposed improvements.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 5
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project____________________________________
3.0 Street Improvements
Roadways in Medina are rated on a scale of 1 to 5 based on their condition (5, indicating
excellent condition). Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle is currently rated at a 2. The road was blade
patched in 2012 to continue its life expectancy. The Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Road Project
was added to the City’s 2021 Capital Improvement Plan. Below is a summary of the project.
The Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Road Project will include application of approximately 186 tons
of material and will cover 2,255 square yards of existing street and cul-de-sac. The road width is
approximately 20 feet wide, with bituminous curb. This project includes milling areas of the
roadway, bituminous curb where necessary to improve drainage, pre-patching in weak areas, and
installing a 1 ½” bituminous overlay, covering approximately 2,255 square yards of existing
street. See Figure 1 for the typical street section.
Cost estimates for the proposed street improvement are presented in Appendix A.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 6
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle
Mill and Overlay Project
Figure 1
NOTE:
• Milling only where necessary for improved drainage and pre- patching in weak
areas.
• Possible bituminous curb installed where necessary to keep drainage working
properly.
10’
10’
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 7
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project__________________________________
4.0 Cost Summary
Detailed cost estimates for the proposed improvements are presented in Appendix A. The costs
represent estimated construction costs for an overlay project on Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle,
including minimal curb installation in some areas to help with drainage, black dirt and seeding
for shoulders, plus an additional 15% allowance for project administration, management, and
contingencies. The cost for the work is based on material bids for 2021 which were recently
received by the City of Medina. A summary of the estimated costs is presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1 – PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT COST SUMMARY
Project Cost
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle
$23,289.00
Total $23,289.00
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 8
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project___________________________________
5.0 Funding Options
5.1 ASSESSMENTS
The City of Medina has an adopted special assessment policy regarding public improvements.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle is classified as a Local Rural Street. Following the guidelines of this
policy, 50% of the construction costs for the project will be funded through special assessments.
Properties which will be assessed for a portion of the project are identified in Appendix B.
5.2 CITY FUNDS
The remainder of the project costs not assessed to benefitting properties will be funded with City
Street funds.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 9
City of Medina – Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project______________________________________
6.0 Project Schedule
The schedule that is shown below provides for completion in October 2021.
Council accepts Feasibility June 15, 2021
Call for Public Hearing/Assessment Hearing June 15,2021
Public Hearing/Assessment Hearing July 20,2021
Begin Construction July 2021
Final Completion October 2021
The schedule assumes that the public hearing and assessment hearing for the project will be held
at a single, regularly scheduled Council meeting. Note that the construction process should
occur over a one-week period during a July through October timeframe.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 10
APPENDIX A
Cost Estimate
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 11
2021 Street CIP
Cost Estimate for Improvements
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Units Amount $/Unit Total
1.5 inches of Bituminous Wear Course SPWEB240(B) TN 186 74.25 $ 13,811
Top Soil and Seeding FT 1372 1.05 $ 1,441
Bituminous Curb LF 600 5.00 $ 3,000
Miscellaneous Milling $ 2,000
15% Contingency Allowance $ 3,038
Total Estimated Cost $23,289.00
Cost Assumptions:______________________________________________________________
Tack coat cost included in the bituminous wear course unit price.
Estimate includes milling only where necessary to improve drainage and pre-patching in weak
areas.
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 12
APPENDIX B
Assessment and Proposed Improvement
Area Map
Highcrest Drive/Oak Circle Overlay Project Page 13
Planning Department Update Page 1 of 2 June 15, 2021
City Council Meeting
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Martin and Members of the City Council
FROM: Dusty Finke, Planning Director
DATE: June 10, 2021
SUBJ: Planning Department Updates – June 15, 2021 City Council Meeting
Land Use Application Review
A) Pioneer Trail Preserve – 2325 Pioneer Tr. – James and Melissa Korin have requested a 3-
lot subdivision of a 40-acre parcel. The Planning Commission held a public hearing and
recommended approval at the May 11 meeting. The City Council reviewed on June 1 and
directed staff to prepare a resolution of approval. Staff intends to present the resolution at
the June 15 meeting.
B) Rolling Green Business Center PUD Amendment – 801-855 Meander Ct – Rolling Green
Business Park Association, Inc. has requested an amendment to the PUD regulating
development of the site to allow additional service/retail uses on the site. The PUD
currently only permits office uses. The request is tentatively scheduled for a public hearing
at the July 13 Planning Commission meeting.
C) Fortin Site Plan Review – 215 Hamel Road – Connie Fortin has requested a site plan
review for construction of a detached garage at 215 Hamel Road. The Uptown Hamel
district requires a site plan review for accessory structures greater than 20% of the floor area
of the principal structure. The Council approved a resolution of approval at the June 1
meeting. The project will now be closed.
D) M/I Homes Comprehensive Plan Amendment – 1400 Hamel Road – M/I Home has
requested a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the future land use from Business to
Medium Density Residential and submitted a concept plan review for a potential
development of 78 townhomes. Staff’s understanding is that the applicant is not proceeding
with the application. Staff intends to request a formal withdrawal if that is the case.
E) Reserve of Medina 3rd Addn Final plat – south of Hackamore Road, east of CR116 –
Pulte Homes has requested final plat approval for the final 31 lots in the Reserve of Medina.
The City Council adopted a resolution of approval at the May 4 meeting. The applicant is
working to meet the conditions of approval in order to begin construction.
F) Ditterswind Final Plat – 2032-2052 Holy Name Drive – Tom and Jim Ditter have requested
final plat approval of a 5-lot subdivision. The City granted preliminary plat approval during
the fall of 2020. The City Council approved at the April 20 meeting. Staff will work with
the applicant to prepare the plat for recording before construction begins.
G) Holy Name Lake Estates Final Plat – north of County Road 24, northwest of Holy Name
Lake - JD Dossier Holdings LLC has requested final plat approval for a six-lot rural
subdivision on 90 acres. The City Council granted final plat approval at the March 16
meeting. The developer intends to start construction in July.
H) Weston Woods Preliminary Plat and PUD General Plan – east of Mohawk Drive, north of
Highway 55 – Mark Smith (Mark of Excellence Homes) has requested a Preliminary Plat
and PUD General Plan for development of 76 twinhomes, 42 single-family, and 33
townhomes on the Roy and Cavanaugh properties. The City Council adopted documents of
approval at the January 5 meeting. Staff is coordinating permitting for construction of
Chippewa Road and will await final plat application.
Planning Department Update Page 2 of 2 June 15, 2021
City Council Meeting
I) Cates Ranch Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning – 2575 and 2590 Cates Ranch Drive –
Robert Atkinson has requested a change of the future land use from Future Development
Area to Business, a staging plan amendment to 2020, and a rezoning to Business Park. The
application is incomplete for review, and the City has requested additional materials.
J) Adam’s Pest Control Site Plan Review, Pre Plat, Rezoning – These projects have been
preliminarily approved and the City is awaiting final plat application.
K) Johnson ADU CUP, Hamel Brewery, St. Peter and Paul Cemetery – The City Council has
adopted resolutions approving these projects, and staff is assisting the applicants with the
conditions of approval in order to complete the projects.
L) Hamel Haven subdivision – These subdivisions have received final approval. Staff is
working with the applicants on the conditions of approval before the plat is recorded.
Other Projects
A) Hennepin County Economic Development grants – Staff completed and submitted the grant
applications to Hennepin County for marketing and redevelopment consulting in Uptown Hamel.
Thanks to Mayor Martin and Council member Reid for your assistance! The timeline for review by
the County is approximately 6 weeks.
B) Diamond Lake Regional Trail – The Park Commission reviewed the additional public
feedback on the northern route options at the May 19 meeting. The Commission voted 4-3
to recommend that the City not support a route in Medina at this time. The Council
reviewed at the June 1 meeting and asked for additional information which will be presented
at the June 15 meeting.
C) Zoning Enforcement – staff is working with corrections on one property and a second is
proceeding to enforcement.
D) Wolsfeld Woods Ravine Stabilization – staff met with Minnehaha Creek Watershed, WSB
and Wenck (now Stantec) related to the project. WSB has consulted with a contractor on
the project related to the preliminary cost estimates for construction. Indications are that
costs may likely be significantly higher than previously estimated when Minnehaha Creek
requested grant funding. The City received approximately $230,000 in grants for the
project, which was originally estimated at approximately $300,000. It is projected that the
total project cost may be in excess of $400,000. Staff is working with Minnehaha Creek to
get another opinion on the project cost. In addition, Minnehaha Creek staff has indicated
that they may be a partner to fill the funding gap. Staff intends to present the information to
Council at the July 6 meeting to decide if and how to proceed.
E) Assessment Maps and Lists – Planning staff provided maps and property owner lists for the Shire
Road and Highcrest Improvement projects.
F) Hackamore Road – Corcoran, Medina, and WSB staff met with staff of the Elm Creek
Watershed to discuss how permitting could best be coordinated between multiple projects
and developments along the corridor. The meeting was positive and Elm Creek staff was
receptive to a “master planned” project which would allow construction in some areas of
Hackamore even if stormwater management is intended to be provided in future
development parcels which are not yet proposed.
G) Budget and CIP – departments submitted preliminary budget information to Finance and staff also
consulted on the draft CIP for infrastructure extensions.
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jason Nelson, Director of Public Safety
DATE: June 10, 2021
RE: Department Updates
This week we have wrapped up all the thank you letters to everyone involved with the bike rodeo.
We were happy with the turn out and we are already planning on making it bigger and better for
2022. We put a little twist on how we communicated with the winners of the drawings for the bikes
and helmets that were donated. This year I decided to have our Community Service Officers
personally deliver the bikes and helmets to the winners. In years past we have just called the
winners to have them come to the police department and get their prizes. This was well received and
there was a lot of positive feedback that came from this change. Just another example of showing the
citizens that the police department goes above and beyond.
With the heat this past two weeks we have seen an uptick in medical related calls due to the heat and
humidity. Officers continue to do a good job with patrolling the city and making positive contacts
with the homeowner’s associations and boards. This year I assigned officers to specific
homeowner’s associations to be a point of contact for them directly. This allows the associations to
contact the officer directly via phone or email with questions or concerns that are not in progress.
As always, we ask the public to call 911 if there is anything in progress happening.
Officers Hall, McKinley and Sergeant Boecker continue to work on the Lexipol Policy Manual. This
is a labor-intensive process. With the help of the officers and Lexipol staff things are progressing
nicely. We are hoping that the manual will be completed by later this fall.
Officers and Office Staff have been taking much needed vacations after a long year of Covid and
civil unrest. It is nice to see the officers being able to take time off. With the addition of the 11th
officer this had made this much easier to do for the Department. I also plan to take some time off
after the Hamel Rodeo in mid-July.
Patrol:
Patrol updates 05/27/2021 through 06/08/2021
The following are updates of Patrol Officers between May 27th, 2021 and June 8th, 2021: Officers
issued 30 citations for various traffic offenses, 51 warnings, responded to 3 property damage
MEMORANDUM
accidents, 1 personal injury accident, 11 medicals, 3 traffic/driving complaints, and 9
business/residential alarms.
On 05/27/2021 officer was dispatched to a personal injury accident in the area of County Road 24
and Mohawk Drive. A delivery vehicle was attempting to cross County 24 from Mohawk to
Cottonwood and failed to yield to a vehicle that was on County Road 24. Minor injuries were
reported from the accident and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
On 05/28/2021 Officer received a report of a gas no pay from a local convenience store. A vehicle
pumped $32.84 in fuel and left at a high rate of speed without paying. The employee was able to
provide a license plate of the suspect vehicle which registers to a known theft suspect. Charges are
pending.
On 05/28/2021 Officer was on patrol in the area of County Road 24 and Medina Road when the
officer observed a vehicle drive west on County Road 24 at an extremely high rate of speed. The
officer pulled out behind the vehicle and activated the front radar antenna which showed the vehicle
driving at 103 mph in the 55-mph zone. The vehicle was stopped and found to be a 17-year-old
driver who said he was “being stupid”. The driver was cited for the extreme speed and his parent
was contacted by phone.
On 05/28/2021 Officer was dispatched to assist CP Railroad at the Sioux Drive crossing. The
crossing shed lost electrical power which caused the backup batteries to kick in. However, the
batteries went dead which caused the crossing arms to go down and continue to flash and block the
crossing. CP Railroad requested help with traffic control as drivers were attempting to go around
and through the crossing. Officer assisted at the crossing until Xcel Energy was able to respond and
restore power to the crossing shed.
On 05/30/2021 Officer was dispatched to a hit and run property damage accident in the parking lot
of the Choo Choo Bar in Loretto. An employee on break witnessed a pickup back into their car
causing minimal damage and then leave the area without stopping. The employee was able to obtain
a license plate of the pickup truck. After several attempts at contact Officers were eventually
provided the insurance information from the striking vehicle which was provided to the victim.
On 05/31/2021 an Officer was dispatched to a weapon complaint at Hunter Park. A reporting party
advised a male was in the park with what looked like a sniper rifle equipped with a scope. Multiple
officers responded and found the male to be target shooting his cross bow to sight it in. The male
was issued a citation for a violation of the Medina Ordinance pertaining to the discharge of a deadly
weapon within the city.
On 06/04/2021 Officers were dispatched to a reported package theft that had just occurred in the
2000 block of Tamarack Drive. The homeowner reported seeing a young female leaving his front
step with what looked like a package and get into a sliver pickup as a passenger and the vehicle left.
The homeowner was able to take a photograph of the vehicle as it was driving away but only a
partial plate number could be made out. Officers ran a search of the partial plate obtained and
received a possible match of a registered owner in Independence. Officers went to that address and
made contact with the vehicle owner who said his wife had been in the vehicle earlier. The wife
came outside and found to be on the phone with the original reporting party. It turned out the wife
knew the reporting party and she and her daughter had stopped by the reporting party’s house to
drop off an item earlier. Nothing was taken from the front step, and it was confirmed that a bag had
been dropped off by the party.
On 06/05/2021 Officers were dispatched to a report of a person needing CPR at a residence in the
4200 block of Wild Meadows Drive. Upon arrival officers found the male unconscious but
breathing and responding to pain stimulus. Officers continued care until North Ambulance arrived
and took over. The patient eventually became conscious and refused transport to the hospital.
Investigations:
Investigated a report of a missing person from the city of Loretto. Neighbors reported that they could
not locate the subject who left a few days prior. The subject’s phone was off, and the neighbors were
very concerned. I contacted Hennepin County Dispatch and requested a KOPS alert for the subject
and their vehicle. The subject was located a few hours later by the Chaska Police Department in their
city. Officers spoke with the subject and discovered he was ok and did not need any assistance. I
updated the neighbors of this information.
Investigating a disturbance that occurred in the city of Loretto. An adult male was biking through
town when a subject threw a firework outside of the vehicle near the subject. The victim was not
injured. The investigation is on-going.
I was out of the office from May 28th through June 6th.
Currently there are (11) cases assigned to investigations.
1
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Steve Scherer, Public Works Director
DATE: June 10, 2021
MEETING: June 15, 2021
SUBJECT: Public Works Update
STREETS
• Public Works repaired curbs and a few damaged sidewalk panels this past week.
As we install more urban street sections in the city this will become a much larger
undertaking.
• Derek Reinking and I have evaluated all of Medina’s streets and have
incorporated the data into the five-year CIP.
• I will present a feasibility report for the Medina Manor neighborhood
(Highcrest/Oak Circle) at the June 15th meeting. I had conversations with a few
residents impacted and those I have spoken to seem to be on board. I have set up
a meeting with the residents to discuss concerns prior to the assessment, and
public hearings.
• Public Works is installing around 600 tons of gravel to some of the gravel streets
and preparing them for dust control. Medina works with Corcoran on the dust
control installation.
WATER/SEWER/STORMWATER
• Water meters were read this week. Greg Leuer and I will be working with our
water meter supply company to put together a five-year plan to replace outdated
meters and radios as well as upgrade to an automatic meter reading system.
• Work is underway to complete the 2021 Wastewater Infrastructure Needs Survey
(WINS) due at the end of the month.
• Work is also underway to complete the Risk and Resilience Assessment and
Emergency Response Plan for Drinking Water Utilities.
• Public Works repaired a leaking sewer service in the Wild Meadows area.
• Public Works solved a storm water issue in the Enclave Development this past
week.
PARKS/TRAILS
• Public Works has begun some mowing alongside trails, certain boulevards, and in
Tomann park.
• The ballfield lighting project is well on its way and should be complete by early
July. There are some added electrical expenses that will be needed because of the
increased power needed on the project.
MEMORANDUM
2
• The Loram trail is ready for pavement and will be completed as soon as
scheduling allows.
• Public Works cleared trees and brush along trails in the city.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Public Works responded to a large power outage on Tuesday, June 8th. This
included powering up several lift stations and wells in the Independence Beach
area. Two replacement generators are included in the CIP to replace two army
surplus generators of the 1970’s vintage in our fleet.
ORDER CHECKS JUNE 1, 2021 – JUNE 15, 2021
051618 BANKERS TITLE-BURNSVILLE ................................................ $131.06
051619 BURNET TITLE ........................................................................... $11.41
051620 CERAR, LORI/THOMAS ............................................................ $250.00
051621 COLE, KAYE ............................................................................. $250.00
051622 COMMERCIAL ASPHALT CO. ............................................... $1,489.23
051623 DITTER INC ............................................................................... $300.00
051624 EDINA REALTY ......................................................................... $165.85
051625 ERICKSON, ANN/MICHAEL ...................................................... $450.00
051626 HANSON, MELISSA/BRAD ....................................................... $250.00
051627 KALE, MOHIT ............................................................................ $250.00
051628 KELLY'S WRECKER SERVICE INC .......................................... $270.00
051629 KESSEL, CRAIG/LISA ............................................................... $195.08
051630 MADER FARM LLC .............................................................. $24,502.50
051631 SHYLAJA, PAVAN ..................................................................... $250.00
051632 SIKKA, ROBERT/SIMRAN ......................................................... $205.31
051633 STEVENS, HEATHER ............................................................... $250.00
051634 SULLIVAN, NATALIE ................................................................. $250.00
051635 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MN ................................... $40,274.56
051636 CONTEMPORARY IMAGES ................................................... $2,420.95
051637 FERGUSON ENTERPRISES INC .............................................. $343.88
051638 GOPHER STATE ONE CALL .................................................... $398.25
051639 HAMEL LIONS CLUB ................................................................ $725.00
051640 HENN COUNTY SHERIFF......................................................... $112.50
051641 HENN CTY RECORDER/REGISTRAR ........................................ $25.00
051642 JEREDS LAWN CARE INC ................................................... $10,500.00
051643 KD & COMPANY RECYCLING INC ........................................ $3,026.20
051644 KENNEDY & GRAVEN CHARTERED .................................. $19,011.16
051645 LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR .................................................. $571.50
051646 RANDY'S SANITATION INC ................................................... $4,553.32
051647 RCM SPECIALTIES, INC. ....................................................... $6,870.00
051648 STAR TRIBUNE........................................................................... $49.27
051649 STREICHER'S ........................................................................... $513.63
051650 SUPREME OUTDOOR SERVICES ...................................... $14,800.00
051651 TALLEN & BAERTSCHI .......................................................... $2,796.33
051652 TIMESAVER OFFSITE .............................................................. $487.50
051653 WSB & ASSOCIATES ........................................................... $83,630.00
051654 ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION .............................................. $318.40
Total Checks $220,897.89
ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS JUNE 1, 2021 - JUNE 15, 2021
005963E PR PERA .............................................................................. $18,638.53
005964E PR FED/FICA ....................................................................... $17,303.24
005965E PR MN Deferred Comp ........................................................... $3,590.00
005966E PR STATE OF MINNESOTA .................................................. $3,812.61
005967E CITY OF MEDINA ........................................................................ $23.00
005968E FURTHER .............................................................................. $2,135.20
005969E MN CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENT ............................................. $725.00
005970E CIPHER LABORATORIES INC. .............................................. $6,169.51
005971E CULLIGAN-METRO ..................................................................... $34.40
005972E DELTA DENTAL ..................................................................... $2,567.46
005973E FP MAILING SOL POSTAGE BY PHON ................................. $1,000.00
005974E FURTHER ................................................................................. $360.75
005975E MARCO (LEASE) ....................................................................... $283.34
005976E PAYMENT SERVICE NETWORK INC ....................................... $957.63
005977E FURTHER ..................................................................................... $9.99
Total Electronic Checks $57,610.66
PAYROLL DIRECT DEPOSIT – JUNE 9, 2021
0511075 BILLMAN, JACKSON CARROLL ............................................... $672.88
0511076 COOK, JUSTIN W ..................................................................... $639.38
0511077 ALBERS, TODD M. .................................................................... $230.87
0511078 ALTENDORF, JENNIFER L. ...................................................... $682.61
0511079 BARNHART, ERIN A. ............................................................. $2,505.32
0511080 BOECKER, KEVIN D. ............................................................. $2,903.86
0511081 CAVANAUGH, JOSEPH ............................................................ $230.87
0511082 CONVERSE, KEITH A. ........................................................... $2,336.92
0511083 DEMARS, LISA ....................................................................... $1,477.33
0511084 DESLAURIES, DEAN ................................................................ $230.87
0511085 DION, DEBRA A. .................................................................... $1,990.75
0511086 ENDE, JOSEPH...................................................................... $2,004.61
0511087 FINKE, DUSTIN D. ................................................................. $2,623.23
0511088 GALLUP, JODI M. ................................................................... $2,206.96
0511089 GLEASON, JOHN M. .............................................................. $1,814.85
0511090 GREGORY, THOMAS ............................................................ $2,180.55
0511091 HALL, DAVID M. ..................................................................... $2,250.87
0511092 HANSON, JUSTIN .................................................................. $2,490.74
0511093 JACOBSON, NICOLE ................................................................ $846.23
0511094 JESSEN, JEREMIAH S. .......................................................... $2,733.09
0511095 JOHNSON, SCOTT T. ............................................................ $2,316.39
0511096 KLAERS, ANNE M. ................................................................. $1,485.11
0511097 LEUER, GREGORY J. ............................................................ $2,160.02
0511098 MARTIN, KATHLEEN M ............................................................ $327.07
0511099 MCGILL, CHRISTOPHER R. .................................................. $1,408.19
0511100 MCKINLEY, JOSHUA D .......................................................... $2,035.75
0511101 NELSON, JASON ................................................................... $2,598.37
0511102 REID, ROBIN ............................................................................. $230.87
0511103 REINKING, DEREK M ............................................................ $2,184.99
0511104 SCHARF, ANDREW ............................................................... $2,222.57
0511105 SCHERER, STEVEN T. .......................................................... $2,367.69
0511106 VINCK, JOHN J ...................................................................... $1,812.82
0511107 VOGEL, NICHOLE .................................................................. $1,003.22
0511108 ZUMBUSCH, NICHOLAS P .................................................... $1,801.94
Total Payroll Direct Deposit $57,007.79