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HomeMy Public PortalAboutJune July 2015 Inside this issue: Bike Safety Rodeo ................................................ Pg. 1 2015 Road Project in Medina ............................. Pg. 1 Hennepin County Overlay Projects ................... Pg. 1 Solar Regulations for Residential Property ....... Pg. 2 Land Use Applications Under Review .............. Pg. 2 City Council Reviews Wealshire of Medina...... Pg. 2 Monarchs, Milkweed & Pollinator Seminar...... Pg. 3 Wildlife/Nature Walk .......................................... Pg. 3 Uptown Hamel Vintage Market ......................... Pg. 3 Concessions Open in Hamel Legion Park ........ Pg. 3 New Fee for Electronics Recycling ................... Pg. 3 Landscaping Projects Cost Share Grants .......... Pg. 3 Night to Unite ...................................................... Pg. 4 Bicycle Safety ........................................................ Pg. 4 Enjoy the Summer and Be Safe ......................... Pg. 4 Commercial Fire Sprinkling ................................ Pg. 5 The Medina Club ................................................. Pg. 5 2014 Annual Report Summary ........................... Pg. 5 Open to Business Program ................................. Pg. 5 City Business Profile: Medina Living ................... Pg. 5 City Calendar ........................................................ Back Drinking Water Report ....................................... Back Agendas & Minutes Email Notifications .......... Back City Calendar June 2nd Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 9th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm 16th Tues—City Council Work Session 6:00 pm 16th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 17th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm July 3rd Fri—City Offices Closed (Holiday) 7th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm 14th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm 15th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm 21st Tues—City Council Work Session 6:00 pm 21st Tues—City Council 7:00 pm All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting agendas on website when available. City Council Agendas and Minutes Email Notifications Stay informed on what is happening at upcoming City Council meetings. The City emails copies of Council agendas and minutes at no cost to residents. The email also contains a “Community News Update” which provides links to the website on up- coming events and important notices. If you would like to be added to the regular email notification list, sign-up by emailing jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us. Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report The 2014 Consumer Confidence Drinking Water Report can be seen in its entirety on the City website at: http://medinamn.us/svcs/utilities- services/consumer-confidence-drinking-water-report/. If you would like a hard copy mailed to you, please call Medina City Hall at 763-473-4643. CITY HALL 2052 County Road 24 Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-4643 f: 763-473-9359 e: city@ci.medina.mn.us City Hall Office Hours Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PUBLIC SAFETY 600 Clydesdale Trail Medina, MN 55340 p: 763-473-9209 f: 763-473-8858 e: police@ci.medina.mn.us Police Department Office Hours Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mayor Bob Mitchell 763-473-1042 City Council Jeff Pederson 612-916-6448 John Anderson 612-618-5702 Kathleen Martin 612-344-1111 Lorie Cousineau 612-251-3244 City Council Meetings First & third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Meetings Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Park Commission Meetings Third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Newsletter Editor Jodi Gallup Assistant to City Administrator June / July 2015 2015 Road Projects in Medina County Road 116/Highway 55 Interim Intersection Improvements Hennepin County plans to complete some interim intersection improvements at Coun- ty Road 116 and Highway 55 this summer with the full reconstruction of the intersec- tion to occur in 2017. The interim improvements will consist of striping a second left turn lane on County Road 116 southbound to relieve the morning rush trying to get onto Highway 55 eastbound. Tower Dr., Kilkenny Ln. & Hamel Rd. Utility & Street Improvement Project The City is currently working on a street and utility reconstruction project on Tower Drive, Kilkenny Lane and Hamel Road. Project updates and contact information for the project can be found on the city’s website at: http://medinamn.us/street-project/. Independence Beach Improvement Project On May 19th the City approved an overlay project to improve the following residential streets: Lakeshore, Ardmore, Brook, Balsam, Pine, Walnut, Fern, Maple, Aspen, Birch, and Cedar. Drainage issues will also be addressed as part of the project. Hennepin County Overlay Projects within Medina Hennepin County will be paving three sections of Hennepin County roads within Medina during their 2015 paving season. The roads within Medina and the tentative paving schedule are listed below: 1. County Road 201/Parkview Dr. (from County Road 24 to County Road 115/ Hamel Rd.): Paving is scheduled for the 4th week in June. 2. County Road 24 (from Holy Name Dr. to Shadyview Ln. in Plymouth): Paving is scheduled for the 2nd week in August. 3. County Road 116 (from Shawnee Woods Rd. to 75th Ave. N. in Corcoran): Pav- ing is scheduled for the 4th week in August. Bike Safety Rodeo—June 13th Medina and Target’s annual bike safety rodeo for kids will be on Saturday, June 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Target parking lot at 300 Clydesdale Trail. The event is free and is intended to have your children ages 3-12 polish up their bicycle skills. Kids will be able to ride through obstacles and bikes will also be inspected. Come for family fun, education on bicycle safety and prizes! Please register for the event by June 5th by filling out the form on the City’s website at: http://medinamn.us/citygov/departments/police-dept/bike-safety- rodeo/. Questions can be directed to Brandon Wenande at 763-473-9209. Page 2 June / July 2015 Land Use Applications Under Review The following land use and development projects are currently under review by the City. For more information on one of the projects, or for an update on the review schedule, please visit http://medinamn.us/citygov/departments/planning-zoning/ or contact the Planning Department at (763) 473-4643, ext. 1. Aldi Site Plan and Variance – 3522 Sioux Drive – Aldi has requested approval to construct a 18,000 square foot grocery store at the southeast corner of Highway 55 and Sioux Drive. The applicant has also requested a variance to exceed the maximum 25% hardcover limitation in the shoreland overlay district of Elm Creek. The Planning Commission reviewed at their April 14 and May 12 meetings and recommended denial because the applicant did not meet the criteria for granting variances. The applicant is considering means to address the concerns of the Planning Commission and will likely be reviewed by the City Council on June 2. Wright-Hennepin Energy Cooperative Solar Panels – 4315 Willow Drive – WH has requested a conditional use permit for the installation of a solar garden approximately an acre in area at their substation on Willow Drive, south of Highway 55. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing at their May 12 meeting. Following the hearing the Commission recommended approval of the request. The application is scheduled to be reviewed by the City Council on June 2. Stonegate Conservation Design Subdivision – west of Deerhill Road, East of Homestead Trail - The applicant has requested PUD General Plan and Preliminary Plat approval for a conservation design subdivision of 42 lots on 170 gross acres. The sub- division would place approximately half of the total site (31% of the buildable property) into a permanent conservation ease- ment. Information is being reviewed potentially for a Public Hearing at the June 9 Planning Commission meeting. Goddard School Site Plan Review – 345 Clydesdale Trail – PJ Norman LLC has requested Site Plan Review approval to con- struct a new building to house a Goddard School. Information is being reviewed potentially for a Public Hearing at the June 9 Planning Commission meeting. Buehler Plat – 2782 Willow Drive – Robert Buehler has requested approval of a plat to separate 2782 Willow Drive from adja- cent property. Information is being reviewed potentially for a Public Hearing at the July 14 Planning Commission meeting. Planning City to Consider Solar Regulations for Residential Property The Medina Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss regulations related to solar energy at the July 14, 2015 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at 2052 County Road 24. Current City ordinances permit solar panels to be constructed throughout the City, but only if at- tached to a structure. Some business/industrial districts also permit ground-mounted solar equipment, subject to certain limitations. Some interest has been expressed to amend the regulations in order to permit ground-mounted solar equipment on residential property (especially rural property). The Plan- ning Commission will hold a hearing on the change and also discuss appropriate limitation (maximum size, maximum height, landscaping, etc.) if allowed. If you have any questions, desire additional information, or would like to provide comment, please contact City Planner Dusty Finke at dusty.finke@ci.medina.mn.us or (763) 473-8846. City Council Reviews The Wealshire of Medina The City Council reviewed a request from The Wealshire of Medina to construct a 150-resident care facility for persons with Alzheimer’s/dementia at the May 19 meeting. The proposed facility would be located on Mohawk Drive, north of Chip- pewa Road. The Council directed staff to prepare a resolution approving of the construction. The applicant does not have a confirmed schedule at this time to begin construction. Business & Government City Business Profile: Medina Living Medina Living is an exclusive social publication created for the residents of Hamel and Medina, primarily within the Wayzata school district boundaries. With so much heading online, Medina Living is about stepping back, slowing down, enjoying and supporting one another. It’s meant to honor old traditions: family, friends, neighbors and local business- es. Medina Living is an affiliate of N2 Publishing (Neighborhood Networks), the national leader of social publications serving over 750 exclusive communities around the United States since 2004, whose vision was to bring people within neighborhoods back to grassroots relationships. The mission is simple: to help build and enhance what is already a strong sense of community. Free of charge to its residents, Medina Living is mailed directly to home- owners compliments of the local businesses who spon- sor it. In addition to the monthly publication, Medina Living hosts social events to bring neighbors and the community together. Lifestyle events include wine tastings, restaurant reviews, spa evenings, fundraisers and more. Coming up on its first anniversary, a personal thank you has been extended to the business sponsors who are partnering with Medina Living, as well as the Hamel and Me- dina residents who have and continue to contribute their personal stories, celebrations, passions and news. To be placed on the distribution list, receive invitations to events and/or submit a story, contact anne.morehouse@n2pub.com. 2014 Annual Report Summary The City’s annual report provides an overview of the City’s activities, accomplishments, and fiscal responsibility for 2014. The report outlines activity for each of the city departments including administration, planning, public works and police as well as statistics and charts showing trend history. This is the 8th year a comprehensive annual report has been completed. This report also includes a snap-shot of the important events and projects completed in 2014, a preview of 2015 goals, and sections recognizing our contributors, service providers, elected officials, appointed representatives and staff. Residents and business owners are highly encouraged to review the report on Medina’s website at http://medinamn.us/ citygov/history-vision/. June / July 2015 Page 5 The Medina Club The Medina Club is a free, open networking opportuni- ty for all businesses in Medina, Hamel, Corcoran, and Loret- to which meets at 7:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of each month. The Medina Club’s next meeting will be held on June 10th at 7:30 a.m. at Robert’s in the Medina Entertainment Center. If you’d like to join this group or be put on the email list for upcoming events, contact DJ Hartley at the I- 94 West Chamber at djhartley@i94westchamber.org or call 763-291-8427. City Council Rescinds Minnesota Rule 1306 Regarding Commercial Fire Sprinkling Following substantial feedback from local businesses, the City Council rescinded Minnesota Rule 1306 at its May 5, 2015 meeting. 1306 is an optional code provision which requires an existing building to be sprinkled if a change of use occurs, and also requires fire sprin- kling in smaller commercial buildings which would not be sprinkled by the general building code. The City adopted 1306 in 2004. Various local business owners have expressed concerns related to 1306 acting as a disincentive for development in the City because of additional costs and have urged the City to rescind. Fire sprinkling is often still required based on proposed use and size of structures. Open to Business Program Are you thinking about starting your own business or are you currently operating a small business and interested in FREE technical assistance? Medina has partnered with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to offer the “Open to Busi- ness” program. This program provides FREE one-on-one assistance from MCCD’s expert staff, customized to meet the specific needs of each entrepreneur. This can include creating a business plan, suggestions on financial management and bookkeeping practices, assisting with marketing, and referrals for financing. MCCD also administers a small business loan fund which provides capital to expand local businesses. For more information or to schedule a session, please con- tact Rob Smolund from MCCD at rsmolund@mccdmn.org or (612) 789-7337 ext. 260. More information is available on the City’s website: http://medinamn.us/opentobusiness. Public Safety Page 4 June / July 2015 Night to Unite—Tuesday, August 4th Neighborhoods throughout Medina are invited to join the Medina Police Department, along with thousands of commu- nities nationwide, to participate in the Night to Unite celebra- tion on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Medina Police officers, fire- fighters and City Council members will stop by and partici- pate in neighborhood parties throughout the city! This is an opportunity to get to know your neighbors, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community rela- tions, let criminals know that neighborhoods are organized and willing to assist the police, and generate support and par- ticipation in crime prevention efforts. Night to Unite get- togethers can be as extravagant as a cookout, or as simple as an ice cream social. Please contact CSO Brandon Wenande at the Medina Police Department either by phone (763)-473-9209 or email brandon.wenande@ci.medina.mn.us by July 27th with your party plans and times. We will arrange a visit from the police and fire department to come out and join your party! Enjoy the Summer and Be Safe As you are enjoying the outdoors this summer, please be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. Watch your chil- dren and watch your neighbors’ children. Children need to be reminded to stay safe by not playing in the streets and when crossing the street, to look both ways, and better yet, cross with an adult. Make water safety a priority! Minnesota has many lakes, streams and ponds. Water safety is extremely important. While boating, remember your lifejackets. A lifejacket is re- quired for each person on boats, kayaks, and pontoons. Chil- dren under the age of ten are required to wear a lifejacket at all times. If you’re swimming in a backyard pool or at the lake, remember to never swim alone. Never leave a young child unattended near any form of water, not even for a minute. If you have a pond or pool in your backyard, have your children ask for permission to go near the water so you can be aware and keep a watch. The Medina Police Department has received numerous reports of vandalisms, thefts, and vehicle break-ins within the last few months. Remember to keep your vehicles locked, especially overnight. Close your garage doors and lock your homes at all times. Keep an eye out for your neighbor. If you see something suspicious, or if something looks out of the ordinary, do not hesitate to call 911. Police cannot be every- where at all times; we need your help in keeping our commu- nity safe. Also, while on vacation, whether for a short time or an extended time, call and let us know. A vacation watch can be on file so we can keep an extra eye on your home while you’re away. Bicycle Safety According to the Minnesota Safety Council website: Basic Traffic Rules ► Always wear a helmet. ► Check your brakes before riding. ► Obey the same traffic rules as all motor- ists, except for differences specified in Minnesota law at the following link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.222. ► Obey all traffic signs and signals. ► Stop before entering a public road, scan for traffic and signal before proceeding onto the roadway. ► Ride on the right side of the road, close to the curb, leav- ing enough room to maneuver around debris and other obstacles. Parked cars ► Ride a car door's length from parked cars, keeping alert for cars pulling out or drivers opening a door suddenly. ► Ride in single file. ► Use hand signals. ► Call out when you're preparing to pass (i.e. "On your left!") or stopping suddenly ("Stopping!"). Left turns with no stop Bicyclists can make a left turn in two ways: 1) cross at the pedestrian crossing, walking the bike through the intersection and 2) check for traffic from behind, signal, move near the center line, check for oncoming traffic, proceed left when safe to do so, and return to the right side of the road. Left turns with a stop ► For children: Bikers should use a stop signal, dismount on the right side of the bike, walk across both intersec- tions and remount the bike on the right side of the road. ► For adults: Check for traffic from behind, signal, move near the center line, check for oncoming traffic, proceed left with the sign or signal in accordance with traffic laws, and return to the right side of the road. Stop for pedestrians, giving them the right-of-way. Avoid hazards ► If you see glass or debris on the road ahead, check for traffic behind, point to the obstacle and maneuver around it without skidding, swerving or running over it. ► Avoid riding in wet weather and in the dark, if possible. ► Wear retro-reflective clothing and use a headlight if you must ride in the dark. Reduce your speed if it's raining. ► Carry a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up, if need be. ► Avoid loose clothing or long coats that can catch in ped- als or wheels. Leg clips or bands keep pants legs from tangling in chains. June / July 2015 Page 3 Community & Environment Monarchs, Milkweed & Pollinator Seminar—June 10th Residents are invited to attend a free Pollinator Seminar on Wednesday, June 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Me- dina City Hall, 2052 County Road 24. Come and learn about monarchs, planting milk- weed, and pollinators. Wen- dy Caldwell with the Mon- arch Joint Venture at the University of Minnesota will be giving a 30-40 minute presentation and will leave the remaining time open for questions to address resident’s specific planting and restora- tion needs. More information on milkweed and the Monarch butter- flies can be found at: http://medinamn.us/monarch- butterfly/. Wildlife/Nature Walk —June 11th Join us as Medina Park Commissioner Madeleine Linck leads us on an insightful and educational evening wildlife/ nature walk through Tomann Preserve on Thursday, June 11th from 6—8 p.m. Tomann Preserve is located at 3112 Pio- neer Trail at the corner of Pioneer Trail and Tomahawk Trail in Medina. Tomann Preserve is a city owned nature area open to the public. It encompasses 16 acres of land comprised of wetlands and uplands which were historically located in what is called the “Big Woods” ecosystem as part of the deciduous forest biome. Residents visiting this nature area will be able to mean- der along a scenic walking path to a natural picnic area. Spe- cies that nest here include Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, House Wrens, Vireos, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, as well as a good chance to see Bald Eagles that nest on Highway 55 near this nature area. Residents interested in attending are encouraged to regis- ter prior to the event, by calling 763-473-8850 or emailing jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us. Landscaping Projects Cost Share Grants Available Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is offering grants for landscaping projects that provide and protect clean water and educate the community about the importance of preventing stormwater runoff. The MCWD Cost Share Program can contribute up to 75 percent of the cost to installing water friendly landscaping, such as raingardens and permeable pave- ment driveways. These features prevent runoff by capturing rain where it falls, improving the health of nearby lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. When done right, they require minimal upkeep and enhance a property’s appearance. To qualify for funding, the projects must increase the awareness of stormwater management through signage, events or other outreach methods. Cost Share grants are available to any public or private property owner located within the MCWD. The deadline for most residential projects is June 30th. To learn more about the options or to apply for a grant, visit www.minnehahacreek.org/CostShare or contact MCWD Cost Share Grant Administrator Brett Eidem at 952-641-4523 or beidem@minnehahacreek.org. Concessions Open at Hamel Legion Park Each summer, youth from St. Anne’s Church in Hamel run the concession stand in Hamel Legion Park as a fundrais- er for their upcoming missions. Concessions are open now through the end of June on Monday through Thursday eve- nings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Residents are invited to stop by the concession stand to support their efforts by purchasing an affordable hotdog, chips, popcorn, pop, water, candy or slushy. New Fee for Electronics Recycling Have you cleaned out your garage and basement yet this spring? Bring your old electronics and household haz- ardous waste to Hennepin County’s Drop-off Facilities: www.hennepin.us/dropoffs. Note: Starting July 1, 2015, there will be a $10 fee for tele- visions, computer monitor and laptop disposal. For a com- plete list of items accepted, requirements and charges, go to www.hennepin.us/atozdisposalguide. Uptown Hamel Vintage Market Sunday, June 7th Chloe’s Attic in Uptown Hamel will be hosting a vin- tage market on Sunday, June 7th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be 30+ vendors, food and entertainment. To be a vendor or for more information call 612-703-5402.