HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril May 2015 Inside this issue:
Board of Appeal and Equalization .................... Pg. 1
Water Tower to be Dismantled and Removed Pg. 1
Newsletter Available by Email ........................... Pg. 1
Land Use Applications Under Review .............. Pg. 2
Declining Monarch Butterfly Population ......... Pg. 3
Dogs In the Parks ................................................ Pg. 3
Household Hazardous Waste Events ............... Pg. 3
City Seeks Bluebird Monitors ............................ Pg. 3
Wildlife/Nature Walk ........................................ Pg. 3
Seasonal Spring Road Weight Limits ................ Pg. 4
Open Burning Restrictions are in Effect .......... Pg. 4
Sump Pumps ........................................................ Pg. 4
City Seeks City Business Profiles & City Business
Profile: Jensen’s Beer, Wine & Spirits ............... Pg. 5
Annual Medina Business Forum ....................... Pg. 5
Business Recycling Grants Available ................ Pg. 5
City Calendar ........................................................ Back
SWPPP Public Hearing ....................................... Back
Agendas & Minutes Email Notifications.......... Back
Bike Rodeo—June 13th—Save the Date ......... Back
Clean-Up Day Flier ............................................. Insert
City Calendar
April
7th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
8th Wed—Board of Appeal Meeting 6:30 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
May
5th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
12th Tues—Planning Commission 7:00 pm
19th Tues—City Council Work Session 6:00 pm
19th Tues—City Council 7:00 pm
20th Wed—Park Commission 7:00 pm
25th Mon—City Offices Closed (Holiday)
All meetings at City Hall unless otherwise noted.
Meeting agendas on website when available.
SWPPP Public Hearing
April 21, 2015 at 7 p.m. in City Hall
The City will be holding a public hearing at the April 21, 2015 City
Council meeting on the adequacy of the City of Medina Storm Water Pollu-
tion Prevention Program (SWPPP). A copy of the program is available at
Medina City Hall. Any person wishing to express an opinion on these mat-
ters will be heard orally or in writing at the hearing.
Don’t Miss: Clean-up Day Flier inside this issue!
City Council Agendas and
Minutes Email Notifications
Stay informed on what is happening at upcoming City Council meet-
ings. The City emails copies of Council agendas and minutes at no cost to
residents. If you would like to be added to the regular email notification
list, email jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us to sign up.
Bike Rodeo—June 13th—Save the Date
Save the date for Medina’s annual bike rodeo for kids on Saturday,
June 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It will be held 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!
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
April / May 2015
Old Water Tower in Hamel to be Dismantled and Removed
On March 3, 2015, the Medina City Council approved a Dismantle and Removal
Services Agreement with Iseler Demolition, Inc. The agreement
covers dismantling and removing, down to the concrete founda-
tion, the 75,000 gallon elevated water tower at 3574 Pinto Drive
(Hamel well house #1) for $15,800. The water tower has not
been used for a number of years and would require expensive
maintenance. The cellular antennas will be removed from the
water tower and a temporary cellular tower will be in place no
later than May 8th. Iseler will have the old water tower removed
no later than June 15th.
The City Council also approved a Site Lease Agreement with
Verizon Wireless. The site lease is for the area currently occu-
pied by the 75,000 gallon elevated water tower at 3574 Pinto
Drive. The leased area will consist of ground space for installa-
tion of a 150 foot monopole tower along with a five foot light-
ning rod (155’ total) and associated communications facilities
and equipment including transmission lines, cables or conduits,
an equipment shelter and generator, and electronic equipment
and antennas. The monopole project will be completed by the
end of 2015.
Board of Appeal and Equalization on
April 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
This meeting is held annually for the purpose of reviewing and correcting the 2015
assessed property values or property classifications in the City of Medina. All persons
considering themselves aggrieved by said assessment, or who wish to complain that the
property of another is assessed too low, may appear at the meeting and show cause for
having such assessment corrected.
The burden of proof is on the resident to justify a decrease in property value. The
City is requesting that residents complete a City application prior to attending the
meeting. The application can be found on the City’s website at http://medinamn.us/
boa/.
Medina Message Newsletter Available by Email
Would you like to receive this publication by email? The email version will be sent
out earlier to residents than the mailed version. However, residents will continue to
receive the mailed version of the newsletter even if they receive the email version be-
cause the mailing list is used for a number of city purposes. To subscribe for emailed
newsletters, email Jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us.
Planning
Page 2 April / May 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.
Puptown CUP Amendment – 810 Tower Drive – Puptown has requested an amendment to their
CUP to permit additional dogs on the property for daycare/playcare. The Planning Commission
held a Public Hearing on March 10 and recommended approval. The City Council is tentatively
scheduled to review on April 7.
Varney Accessory Building CUP – 3985 County Road 19 – Jeff Varney has requested a CUP to construct a 10,000 square foot
storage building for storing hay and farm equipment. The Planning Commission held a Public Hearing on March 10 and rec-
ommended approval. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to review on April 7.
Aldi Site Plan and Variance - 3522 Sioux Drive - Aldi has requested approval of a Site Plan Review for construction of a 17,825
square foot grocery store at the intersection of Highway 55 and Sioux Drive. The applicant also requests a variance to increase
the amount of hardcover permitted to 50% (up from 25% allowed adjacent to Elm Creek). Staff is conducting a preliminary
review, potentially for review at the April 14 Planning Commission meeting.
Medina Country Club Site Plan – The Medina Country Club has requested a site plan review for construction of a new mainte-
nance facility to replace the existing barn which will be demolished as part of the Villas of Medina Country Club project. The
applicant also proposes to construct small restroom facilities on the course. Staff is conducting a preliminary review, potential-
ly for review at the April 14 Planning Commission meeting.
Monger Animal Structure Setback Variance – 1272 Homestead Trail – Todd and Katie Monger have requested a variance to
reduce the required setback for an animal structure from 150 feet to 75 feet. The property includes enough grazeable acres for
a few small animals, but has no location which can meet animal structure setbacks. Staff is conducting a preliminary review,
potentially for review at the April 14 Planning Commission meeting.
Wealshire of Medina – NW corner of Mohawk Drive and Chippewa Road
The applicant has requested to rezone 22 acres to Business Park and has also requested a Site Plan Review for construction of a
173,000 square foot building for Alzheimer’s/Dementia care. The applicant has also requested an interim use permit to allow
continued agricultural use of the southern 11 acres that they do not propose to construct upon. The Planning Commission
held a Public Hearing on February 10 and recommended approval. The applicant has requested a delay in review, and the City
Council is tentatively scheduled to review on April 21.
Villas at Medina Country Club Final Plat – East of CR116, south of Shawnee Woods Road – Rachel Contracting has requested
final approval of a subdivision to include 43 single family homes along the west and north of the Medina Golf and Country
Club. Staff is conducting a preliminary review and the application may be presented at the April 21 meeting.
Solar Equipment – Ordinance Amendment — The City
Council recently adopted an ordinance amendment to
allow ground-mounted solar equipment in the Business
and Industrial Park districts, but with various limitations
(including a maximum of 20% of a site). During its re-
view, the Planning Commission discussed whether there
was any interest to allow ground mounted solar equip-
ment in the rural residential zoning district as well. This
discussion is tentatively scheduled for the summer
(potentially July or August Planning Commission meet-
ing).
Business Recycling Grants Available
Are you a business that wants to start recycling? Maybe improve
the recycling program you already have? Hennepin County is offering
grants of up to $50,000 for businesses to start or improve programs to
divert recyclables and organics (food and non-recyclable paper) from
the trash.
Nearly two-thirds of waste created at businesses is recyclable.
Having a strong recycling program conserves natural resources and
reduces greenhouse gas emissions, can help a business’s bottom line,
and demonstrates their commitment to sustainability to their custom-
ers.
Most businesses and non-profits in the county — from large of-
fice buildings to small churches, restaurants and apartment buildings
— are eligible to apply. These grants can help with the purchase of
containers, equipment purchase and installation, hauling service charg-
es and minor improvements to loading docks and waste enclosures.
Hennepin County has staff available to answer questions about
the grant application, review project ideas, evaluate potential costs and
savings, and offer resources to start and improve recycling and organ-
ics programs. Applications are solicited a few times a year. Applica-
tions are due June 15 or October 15. For more information and appli-
cation materials, visit www.hennepin.us/businessrecycling or call 612-
543-1316.
April / May 2015 Page 5
Business & Recycling
City Business Profile:
Jensen’s Beer, Wine & Spirits
Jensen’s Beer, Wine & Spirits is family owned
and operated. David and Nicole Jensen opened their
doors on February 11, 2014. They just celebrated
their first anniversary!
Jensen’s Beer, Wine & Spirits is located at 314
Clydesdale Trail, next to the Medina Target, Wells
Fargo Bank and across from Caribou Coffee.
They have a great selection of craft beers, many
brewed in Minne-
sota, chilled in
their walk-in cool-
er. They have af-
fordable wines
rated 90+ and
more. The wines
also include a nice
selection of well
known higher end
wines like Meiomi-Pinot Noir, Caymus—
Conundrum—Red and more. You will also find
chilled white wines in their walk-in cooler. Popular
liquors including high end whiskey and bourbons,
ready made margaritas, mixers and much more.
They also offer customer specials at all times,
which are as follows:
- 5% off with 6 bottles of any wine purchase
- 10% off with any 12 bottles wine purchase
- 15% off any pre-purchase of 1 case of wine
Jensen’s Beer, Wine & Spirits is open Monday
through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Check
their website at jensenbws.com for holiday and/or
store hour updates. For more information on prod-
ucts carried, contact David and Nicole at
cheers@jensenbws.com or call the store at 651-621-
5474.
City Seeks Medina Businesses
to Feature in Upcoming Newsletters
The City is interested in promoting our business
community through the Medina Message newsletter. If
you are interested in promoting your business profile
and history in a future Medina Message newsletter,
please contact Jodi Gallup at
jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us. The City has been
providing a profile of one local business in each issue
of the newsletter since 2009. This is a free service to
our Medina business community.
Annual Medina Business Forum
Thursday, April 23rd at 8 a.m.
One of the City of Medina’s goals is to connect with and to im-
prove communication between the City and the Medina business
community. To this end, we are pleased to invite our Medina Busi-
nesses to the City’s annual Medina business forum at the Public
Works/Police Training Room, 600 Clydesdale Trail, on Thursday,
April 23rd at 8:00 a.m.
The meeting is scheduled to last one hour, and the Mayor, some
City Council members and staff will be present to answer questions.
We plan to give updates on the following topics:
Recent development activity
The 2015 budget
Proposed Tower Drive reconstruction
County Road 116/Highway 55 Interim Intersection Improvement
Building Code 1306
Available economic development programs
We hope this format will provide an opportunity for our business-
es to interact with City officials and staff and to learn more about pro-
jects and issues that may impact the community and your business in
the future. We welcome ideas on how to improve the local business
climate in Medina.
Coffee and rolls will be provided at the forum. Please RSVP to
Jodi Gallup at (763) 473-8850 or email Jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us if
you are able to attend.
Public Works & Public Safety
Page 4 April / May 2015
Seasonal Spring Road Weight Limits
The Medina Police want to remind everyone
that spring weight restrictions on roads are now in
effect.
The reason for the restrictions is to protect our
roads and keep the cost of road repair down for all
taxpayers. We ask all of our residents and business
owners to keep an eye out for large trucks using the
roads during the restriction period. If you see them
using a restricted road, please call 9-1-1 and report
it. Help protect your roads! For questions, you can
call the Medina Police Department at 763-473-9209.
Spring Open Burning Restrictions are in Effect
As the small amount of snow we received this year disappears,
we are left with very dry conditions. Starting March 25, 2015 the
DNR has restricted all permit burns. Recreational fires, no larger
than 3’ x 3’ x 3’, are still allowed. Please use extreme caution to en-
sure the recreational fire stays under control.
If you are planning other burns, such as large amounts of brush
or vegetation, permits will be available once the DNR lift the re-
strictions as the environment greens up.
Please contact the Medina Police Department at (763) 473-9209
if you have any questions. If you would like to apply for a permit,
you can stop by their office at 600 Clydesdale Trail.
Sump Pumps Should Not Be Connected to Sanitary Sewer Lines
Sump pump systems are designed to capture surface or ground water that enters basements or crawl spaces and pump it
away from the house. Cross connections (when sump pumps discharge into the sanitary sewer system) are against City ordi-
nance (City Code Section 701.01) and pose economic and environmental problems.
Homeowners use sump pumps in their basements to battle moisture and flooding issues. The basic sump system includes
drain tile, a sump pit (which extends below the slab and collects surface water that enters the basement/crawl space or ground-
water that rises to the slab), a sump pump, a float or switch, and a drain line. The drain line should direct sump water out of
your house and onto your yard.
What Is a Cross Connection?
When a sump pump is connected to a sanitary sewer line, it is called a cross connection. Often, this is a hose leading from the
sump to a laundry tub or a floor drain. Water that goes down any drain in your house leads to the sanitary sewer system and
eventually ends up at a wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated before being released back into the environment. Cross
connections are a significant cause of inflow and infiltration (I/I).
What is Inflow and Infiltration (I/I)?
I/I is the excess flow of clear water into the City's sanitary sewer system. Inflow is when clear water from illegal connections of
sump pumps, downspouts, and foundation drains is channeled directly into sanitary sewer pipes. Infiltration is when ground-
water seeps into sewer pipes via cracks or leaky joints.
Why Is Cross Connection a Problem?
Sump pump water is what engineers call "clear water," most often rain water, ground water, or snow melt. This water flows
directly into area streams, ponds, and lakes. Water from sinks, showers, tubs, toilets, and washing machines is wastewater and
must be treated before it is discharged into the environment. Clear wa-
ter, such as that from a sump pump, overloads the sanitary sewer sys-
tem. During the rainy season (March through October), this clear water
increases the flow through Medina’s sanitary sewer system one to two
times the usual amount, primarily because of cross connections. Since
sanitary sewer rates are based on the number of gallons that flow
through the City sanitary sewer system, treating clear water is costly to
everyone.
Redirecting Your Sump Pump Connection
Sump pumps should drain into the City’s storm sewer system through
one of two methods:
a direct connection (a pipe from the house to the main storm sewer
line), if available
directly onto the ground (preferably 20 feet from the house and not into a neighbor’s yard)
A proper sump pump connection
April / May 2015 Page 3
Environment
City Seeks Bluebird Monitors
Volunteer Bluebird monitors are wanted
April through early August: would require
checking several nest boxes every 7-10 days to
record nests, eggs, and young that fledge. Park
Commissioner Madeleine Linck will train vol-
unteers about the types of birds and how to
record and submit the data. Nest boxes need
to be cleaned out each fall.
Medina has Bluebird houses scattered
around the city in seven locations (City Hall,
Holy Name Park, Rainwater Nature Area, To-
mann Preserve, Hunter Lions Park, Hennepin
County Public Works and Medina Lake Pre-
serve).
Monitoring Bluebirds is a great way to
learn about our local birds and to help Blue-
birds be successful. It could be a fun family
project, but a commitment to monitor regular-
ly is needed to help the birds succeed. Anyone
interested, please email Madeleine Linck at
madeleine.linck@gmail.com.
Wildlife/Nature Walk
Thursday, 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 lo-
cated at 3112 Pioneer Trail at the corner of
Pioneer Trail and Tomahawk Trail in Medina.
Residents interested in attending are en-
couraged to register prior to the event, by
emailing jodi.gallup@ci.medina.mn.us or call-
ing 763-473-8850.
Declining Monarch Butterfly Population
What Can We do to Help?
The Monarch butterfly populations have plummeted by as much as 90%
in the past 20 years and are on the cusp of
moving toward protection on the Endangered
Species Act.
One of the primary reasons for this decline
is the decrease in milkweed plants, which grow
easily in Minnesota. Monarch butterflies lay
their eggs on the underside of the milkweed
plant and it is the only source of food for the
monarch caterpillar. If you have milkweed
growing in your yards and fields, please don’t
pull it, and let it grow. Planting milkweed is one
of the easiest ways that we can make a differ-
ence for the monarchs.
Residents that are interested in planting
milkweed in their yards can pick up a bag of
seeds, free of charge, while supplies last, at our
annual Spring Clean-up Day on Saturday, April
25th from 8 a.m. to Noon at 600 Clydesdale
Trail.
More information on the Monarch butter-
fly and the importance of milkweed can be
found at: http://medinamn.us/monarch-
butterfly/.
Dogs in the Parks
With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, we will be out enjoying
the parks and trails. If you are headed out to one of the City parks or trails
with your pets, please ensure they are on a leash. City Ordinance 515 re-
quires that pets be contained or on a leash no longer than six feet in length.
The ordinance also requires that pet owners clean up pet feces and dispose
of the feces in a sanitary manner. Let’s enjoy our parks by keeping them
safe and clean. Have a great summer!
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Hennepin County annually sponsors household hazardous waste collection events.
Collection events are held Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year,
events will be held at Minnetonka Public Works (May 14-16), St. Louis Park Middle
School (June 11-13), Northeast Minneapolis (July 9-11) and South Minneapolis
(August 20-22).
These events provide a great way to get rid of unwanted household, lawn and gar-
den products, mercury-containing items, and auto and fuel wastes.
For more information on event locations and accepted items, call 612-348-
3777, or visit www.hennepin.us/collectionevents.
SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY
LOCATION: 600 Clydesdale Trail
Public Works/Police Facility
(Follow the signs off State Hwy 55)
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2015
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Rain or Shine)
Accepted Items:
Scrap Iron No charge
Batteries (all) No charge
Anti-freeze No charge
All Appliances No charge
Miscellaneous Electronics No charge
Computers and Laptops No charge
Computer Monitor $10.00 ea
TVs (small - under 26”) $10.00 ea
TVs (large - 27” & up) $15.00 ea
Mattresses/Box springs $15.00 ea
Tires - Car (w/ or w/o rim) $ 4.00 ea
Tires - Truck (w/or w/o rim) $ 6.00 ea
Tires - Truck (semi-w/o rim) $10.00 ea
Tires - Truck (semi-w/rim) $15.00 ea
Tires - Tractor* $25.00-$60.00 ea
*Depending on size
Carpet, furniture, or building materials,
etc. $10 small load/$30 large load*
*(Fully tied down pick-up truck)
Try to keep your item types together as there will
be separate stations for each category.
Items Not Accepted:
Treated lumber
Recyclables
Paint
Concrete bricks
Commercial printers & fax machines
Copiers
Household/agricultural chemicals or
containers
Oil/Oil products
Household garbage
Fluorescent lights
Hazardous waste
To recycle any of the above items, or to
recycle other times of the year, contact:
Hennepin County Recycling Center
8100 Jefferson Highway
Brooklyn Park, MN
612-348-3777
www.hennepin.us/dropoffs
LUNCH WILL BE SERVED FROM
10 A.M. UNTIL NOON
Feel free to join us for a lunch of grilled hot dogs served on
Dobo’s freshly made buns, chips, pop and water.
BICYCLE COLLECTION:
The City will be collecting
good useable bikes for
Interfaith Outreach
Community Partners.
BRUSH AND COMPOST SITE
Located northwest of City Hall at 2052 Cty.
Rd. 24, the brush and compost site is open
year round Tuesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. (except holidays) and Friday 7
a.m. to Monday 3:30 p.m. (open all week-
end during daylight hours).
Accepted items for brush pile:
Brush and woody shrubs and vines
Christmas trees
Large logs
Stumps that have been cut up
Items not accepted:
Painted or treated lumber
Railroad ties
Accepted items for compost pile:
Leaves/grass clippings (no bags please)
Items not accepted:
Hay and/or straw
Animal waste
Garbage
REMEMBER:
No bags or containers are to be left on the
site. Please do not trash this site by leaving
garbage or other unsuitable materials.
TREES FOR SALE:
The City of Medina will once again be sell-
ing a limited number of the following trees
at the Spring Clean-up Day.
Red Maple $15.00 each
Sugar Maple $15.00 each
Autumn Blaze $15.00 each
Redmond Linden $15.00 each
Harvest Gold Linden $15.00 each
Hackberry $15.00 each
Honeylocust $15.00 each
Northern Pin Oak $15.00 each
The trees are approximate-
ly 1” in diameter and 6-8’
tall. The trees are bare root
stock and will need to be
planted immediately.
Before a tree is planted, call
Gopher State at 651-454-0002
to locate underground utilities.
TREES 50% OFF
The trees sold at this years’ Spring Clean-
up Day will be subsidized from the City
Tree Replacement Fund, which reduced the
cost of each tree from $30 to $15.
The City is limiting the number of trees
that can be purchased this year to ten per
household (three of each species) for Medi-
na residents only. If you are interested in
purchasing more trees, check back at 11:30
a.m. to see what trees may still remain.
MONARCH
BUTTERFLIES
Residents that are interested
in planting milkweed in their
yards to help the Monarch
butterflies can pick up a bag of seeds, free
of charge, while supplies last, at our annual
Spring Clean-up Day on Saturday, April
25th from 8 a.m. to Noon at 600 Clydesdale
Trail. More information on milkweed and
the Monarch butterflies can be found at:
http://medinamn.us/monarch-butterfly/.