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HomeMy Public PortalAbout04.05.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 1 MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 5, 2022 The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on April 5, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided. Martin commented that the meeting is being held in a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic and provided instructions for public participation. I. ROLL CALL Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid. Members absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Attorney Dave Anderson, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer Chuck Rickart, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, and Chief of Police Jason Nelson. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:03 p.m.) III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:04 p.m.) The agenda was approved as presented. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:04 p.m.) A. Approval of the March 15, 2022 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to approve the March 15, 2022 work session City Council meeting minutes as presented. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. B. Approval of the March 15, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Moved by Martin, seconded by Reid, to approve the March 15, 2022 regular City Council meeting minutes as presented. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 2 Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:06 p.m.) A. Approve Resolution 2022-23 of Support for the People of Ukraine B. Approve Resolution 2022-24 Authorizing Closure and Transfer of Debt Service Funds C. Approve 2022 Road Materials and Equipment Bid D. Approve Uptown Hamel Market Analysis and Redevelopment Feasibility Study Request for Proposals Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the consent agenda. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. VI. COMMENTS (7:08 p.m.) A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda There were none. B. Park Commission Johnson commented that the Park Commission held a lengthy discussion related to the Fortin Field scoreboard request which is before the Council tonight. He reported that the Commission will next meet on April 20th. C. Planning Commission Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to hold public hearings related to requests for the Hamel townhome development at 342 Hamel Road, a variance to tear down and rebuild an existing barn at 2055 Tamarack Drive, discussion pertaining to electric vehicle regulations, and an ordinance amendment to the sign ordinance related to signs internal to public park land. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Hamel Athletic Club – Fortin Field Scoreboard (7:13 p.m.) Johnson stated that HAC and the Hamel Hawks have requested to install a new digital scoreboard at Paul Fortin Field. He stated that funding is being provided by the Hamel Lions and the Council could accept that through formal resolution at a future meeting. He stated that HAC has requested that the City pay for electrical work at a cost up to $5,000. He noted that there has been a lot of discussion on this topic by the Park Commission and the Park Commission did not support the funding request of up to $5,000 based on other park priorities. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 3 Finke stated that there is one action item before the Council tonight related to the proposed scoreboard, by HAC, the Hamel Hawks and Hamel Lions. He stated that if the Council approves the action, staff will bring back a resolution to accept the donation from the Hamel Lions. He noted that the second question would be whether the City would want to partner in the project for a cost of up to $5,000 for the electrical services. He noted that the Park Commission did not recommend approval of the $5,000 cost and suggested that if the existing scoreboard were sold, those proceeds could be used to fund the electrical costs for the new sign. He stated that because of the scale of the dynamic display, staff did look at the existing regulations. He noted that in the past permits have not been required for scoreboards and related internal field advertising. He stated that staff suggests formalizing that exemption within the sign ordinance, noting that would proceed forward through the review process and would be approved before the sign is installed. Martin asked for the input of the Council related to the scoreboard request and related funding. Cavanaugh commented that he believes this is a fantastic idea, noting there are many other uses of the scoreboard such as community movies. He stated that he did have the benefit of virtually attending the Park Commission meeting and it sounded like the applicants were okay covering the cost for the electrical. He stated that in regard to the old scoreboard, his first preference would be to reuse that at another field in the city rather than selling it. He did recognize that it may need to be sold to help the applicants cover costs. Martin asked who owns the existing scoreboard. Cavanaugh noted that it is a City owned sign. Albers commented that there would be a cost in moving the existing sign to another location and therefore he would like the estimated cost for doing so before making that decision. He was also curious if the sign is readily sellable and could be sold in a reasonable amount of time. He stated that he does support the new scoreboard and believes it would be a value and benefit to the field. He commented that he would be okay supporting the $5,000 cost for electric, but if the applicants are fine covering that cost, he would support that as well. Martin asked if Cavanaugh would agree to have staff review the cost/benefit analysis in determining whether it would be feasible to reuse the existing scoreboard. Cavanaugh agreed. Reid commented that the new sign looks great and would support the recommendation of the Park Commission for the City not to provide the $5,000 cost. She stated that she would also be curious about the cost of reusing the scoreboard in another location and if it is feasible, she is fine reusing the sign elsewhere. DesLauriers commented that the sign will add value to the City. He commented that staff should make the decision as to what to do with the old scoreboard. He believed that the City should pay the $5,000 if the applicants are willing to pay $120,000 for the Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 4 new scoreboard. He commented that he does have concern that Finke is going to develop an ordinance amendment after the fact. He stated that one of the ways HAC will pay the Hamel Lions back for their donation is through advertising on the sign. He was concerned that an amendment could limit the ability of HAC to generate revenue in that manner. Martin agreed that the sign is great as proposed and would be of great value to the City and its ballfields. She also agreed that the City could pay a maximum of four percent of the total cost of the sign or up to $5,000, whichever is greater. She stated that she would also agree to leave the decision of what to do with the existing sign up to staff. She noted that both she and DesLauriers would support the City contributing up to a maximum of $5,000, but no greater than four percent of the sign and asked the other members if they would support that action. Cavanaugh, Albers, and Reid all expressed support for that proposal. Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to accept the proposal to install a new scoreboard at Paul Fortin Field in a design consistent with the proposed design in the agenda packet and that the City fund the greater of $5,000 or four percent of the total sign cost. Further discussion: Andy Servi, HAC, thanked the Council for their comments and support. Martin commented that, because Medina is a small city, it relies on organizations such as HAC to enhance athletic opportunities for the children in the community. She thanked HAC and the partnering organizations for doing so much to provide baseball and other sports activities in Medina. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Albers aye Reid aye DesLauriers aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. Martin asked staff for more information on the proposed sign ordinance issue. Finke commented that staff is preparing an amendment to the sign ordinance which would add to the list of exemptions dynamic display scoreboards and signs that are internal to public park land. He explained that those things would be exempt to the regulations in the sign ordinance. He stated that the public hearing has been noticed for the Planning Commission meeting the following week and then will come forward to the City Council. Martin commented that her concern would be whether the Council would continue to see these types of requests, should that amendment be adopted. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 5 Finke commented that in this case the Council would still review the request as it will be installed in a City park and ultimately be owned by the City. He stated that staff could put some thought into that review process or a narrower exemption within the ordinance. Albers commented that he is conflicted as he would believe an ordinance review would proceed this discussion. He stated that he would want to have review rights for signs posted on public property. He stated that again that he would have preferred to see the proposed ordinance amendment before reviewing this request. Martin noted that perhaps the exemption would apply to signs on public property because the City would still have review of those requests. Albers asked if tennis club signage would be reviewed, noting that it would be internally facing rather than externally facing. Martin commented that she would believe it would be subject to regulations. She noted that a sign could be internally facing but at a height of 50 feet which impacts other properties. Reid commented that signs should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as there are a lot of variables. She noted that at least the Planning Commission should continue to review the signs. Cavanaugh commented that the carve out should only apply to City owned properties and/or park land for exemptions. He stated that the City should still review signage for Three Rivers properties or other properties. He stated that the Council would still review signs for any City owned property and therefore did not see a problem with an exemption of that nature. Albers, Reid, and Cavanaugh confirmed that they would be comfortable with that as well. B. Cates Industrial Park – Jeff and Chris Cates – Comprehensive Plan Amendment (7:43 p.m.) Johnson stated that the Cates have requested a Comprehensive Plan amendment and concept plan review for development of approximately 665,000 square feet of warehouse, light industrial, office buildings on 70 acres. Finke identified the subject property location, which is currently agriculture, zoned rural residential/urban reserve, and designated as future development area in the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the amendment would propose to reguide the property as business development within the current phase of staging. He reviewed the surrounding land uses. He noted that the goals, principles, and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan should be considered when reviewing an amendment request. He reviewed the history of planning and previous guiding for the parcel going back to 2000. He provided details on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) was completed and noted that it was determined that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would not be needed. Martin asked whether or not a business building in the current staging plan fits the vision of the City for these 70 acres. She noted that once that is decided, they could then go into more detail. She stated that if this property were reguided in the Comprehensive Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 6 Plan, the development would still be subject to all ordinances and necessary approvals, and that reguiding could be subject to all of those approvals similar to what was done with Weston Woods. She stated that unlike Weston Woods, the developer will most likely not propose a Planned Unit Development (PUD), which would provide the Council with a higher level of scrutiny and enhanced benefits such as greater architectural standards with natural resources preservation. She asked if the Council is willing to say that this fits within the Council’s vision for this 70 acres in the current staging plan. Finke commented that there was a lot of technical information related to infrastructure that was included in the staff report. Reid stated that there was a previous agreement with the City that mandates that the lower portion of the property could be rezoned to business if requested by the property owners. She asked staff to verify whether that is correct. Finke replied that the attorney for the applicant referenced that settlement agreement which was included in the application. He stated that in 2000 the City agreed to designate the property as urban commercial. He stated that applied not only to the 30 acres to the south, but the 40 acres to the north. He noted that the City Attorney has provided his opinion on that agreement 20 years later. Martin commented that, in her opinion, that agreement and its impact applied to the southern portion of the site. She stated that this is an application to amend the Comprehensive Plan, not only those 30 acres, but the 40 acres to the north and therefore the impact of that agreement would only apply if the applicant came in with a proposal for only the southern 30 acres that was the subject of that agreement. She noted that if the proposal came forward in that manner, the Council would then discuss whether that agreement applies. She stated that this proposal would amend the Comprehensive Plan for 70 acres, and over half of that property was not the subject of that agreement, therefore the agreement does not come into play until the application is reduced to only the 30 acres that was included in the agreement. City Attorney Anderson stated that the agreement itself and the City’s obligations to reguide the property only applies to the southern parcel of the two parcels included in this application. He stated that he has reviewed that very closely and provided his opinion to the Council on the fact that, despite the language in the agreement, the obligations to the City written in the agreement were adhered to in 2000 when the property was reguided and made developable for a period of ten years. He stated that from his standpoint, the obligations of the City were not something that would be an obligation remaining in place forever. He stated that as land uses, visions, and goals change over time, the City had the authority to reguide the property in the future; therefore, he does not believe the City is contractually obligated to rezone the site. He asked the Council to use its discretion to decide whether the vision for this area aligns with the request presented tonight to determine whether it would support the reguiding of the property. He noted that perhaps the goals and visions for this area may have changed since the Comprehensive Plan was adopted a few years ago and the Council will need to make its determination. Finke called attention to infrastructure, noting that development should be proportional to the infrastructure that could support it. He provided additional details on transportation noting that when Highway 55 is converted to four lanes, it could support development Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 7 but there would be impacts to the local systems until that time and provided additional details. He stated that the development would require improvements to local roads and highlighted those items. He provided details on sewer and water. Martin asked if this were to move forward, how the commitment of the developer would be secured to make such improvements. She asked whether the applicant would contribute to the expansion of Highway 55 and related signal improvements. She also asked how the land would be secured for the lift station. Finke commented that if the Council were supportive of the land use, conditioned upon securing some of these improvements that would be necessitated by the development, the Council would conditionally approve the Comprehensive Plan Amendment which would be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval. He stated that the ultimate enactment of the plan amendment would not be completed until some of these more specific conditions had been settled within a development agreement. He stated that the ultimate adoption of the plan amendment would be conditioned upon achieving those things within the development agreement. Anderson agreed with Finke. He stated that this would be similar to Weston Woods in the sense that the Comprehensive Plan amendment would be conditioned upon all requisite land use approvals and land use entitlements coming forward. He stated that they would ensure the transportation needs were met in order to accommodate the site and that all easements were received. He stated that when this area ultimately becomes developed, it will need to be served by a lift station which has been planned for although a specific location or site has not yet been identified. He stated that there is some uncertainly and uniqueness to the area. He stated that if the Council believes this guiding is appropriate for the area, this could provide some certainty in the location of a lift station as easements could be required as part of the platting. Martin asked for the opinion of Council related to the Comprehensive Plan amendment as requested and whether that meets the vision for this 70 acres. Anderson commented that it is also important to note that a Comprehensive Plan amendment requires a four-fifths vote of the Council. DesLauriers noted that he would like to hear from Albers as he was a part of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee and would perhaps have input on why the property was guided as future development area (FDA). Albers stated that the property was guided as such, similarly to the other FDA property in and around Loretto. He stated that at the time the thought was that the areas may not have been ready for development in terms of infrastructure. He stated that the thought was to have more residential development in this area rather than business or commercial. Martin agreed that those on the steering committee were trying to minimize the construction of additional housing within the parameters of the Metropolitan Council and therefore the land was put into a future phase for land use and staging. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 8 Finke commented that various properties were pushed out some level within the staging periods as a result of the reduction of forecasted residential growth especially. He stated that the general trend of the plan was to delay some properties for development. Albers asked the net acres of business and commercial land available for development at this time and already developed as business or commercial. He stated that one of the arguments being made at this time is the business use is good for the tax base. Martin stated that another consideration of the Comprehensive Plan was to have business/commercial development along the Highway 55 corridor. She stated that the steering committee believed that attracting that business development enhanced the experience of the residents. She stated that the residents in that area had grown tired of fighting traffic and the thought was that traffic to those businesses would be opposite the traffic of residents, as it was assumed most residents would travel east in the morning to work while business traffic would be moving west during that time. Albers commented that as people return to work, post pandemic, traffic has again increased on Highway 55. He stated that until the highway is expanded, which could occur in the next ten years, it has to be considered as to whether the additional traffic could be supported. He noted that traffic from other communities must also be considered, noting a similar commercial development that is in the planning process in Corcoran. He noted that infrastructure needs are a part of the reason this property was guided for FDA. Martin asked what the City has collectively for commercial and business uses, both currently being used for those purposes and guided for the future. Finke provided details on the available commercial and business property within Medina. He noted that some things have changed since the Comprehensive Plan update which occupied property available for business development without actually providing traditional business type use and listed examples. He stated that if there is a desire to expand business capacity within the city, this site could be considered. Albers commented that the examples provided are businesses and commercial developments that generate taxes. He was unsure whether it would make sense to guide additional land for business at this time. He did not believe that this requested change fits within the goals and objectives of the City and its Comprehensive Plan. DesLauriers commented that there are both positives and negatives to consider about this site and request. He referenced the related infrastructure requirements that would be needed to support the site. He asked if the infrastructure changes would need to be agreed upon with the developer prior to submission of the Comprehensive Plan amendment to the Metropolitan Council and related zoning change. Martin confirmed that is the process as she understands it. Anderson commented that this would be the initial step that this development would seek. He stated that the applicant has completed an extensive EAW and has requested the Comprehensive Plan amendment and if that were approved, he would think the applicant to come back to request rezoning, site plan and plat. He noted that in order for those next steps to be considered, there would be conditions placed upon this approval Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 9 related to the infrastructure that would be necessary to support this development. He stated that it is his understanding that the applicant has shown a willingness to accommodate the transportation and utility infrastructure that would be needed. DesLauriers stated that there is an overwhelming need for more business development in this area as it generates taxes and creates jobs without placing additional burden on other City services. He asked if the business development could be limited to the southern portion of the property, leaving the northern parcel to remain more rural. Reid stated that she is comfortable with the Comprehensive Plan amendment but is not comfortable with the proposed site plan as she believes it to be too big. She did not believe that this scale of business development fits within Medina. Martin stated that if the Comprehensive Plan amendment were approved, there are still elements of the ordinance that would impact the design but was unsure that would reduce the total square footage and parking if all other ordinance requirements were met. Cavanaugh stated that he would prefer the development to come in as a PUD and asked if the Comprehensive Plan amendment could be made contingent upon the applicant submitting a PUD rather than a general land use application. Anderson commented that he does agree with Martin in that when a property of this size is reguided and includes this amount of developable land, the Council would be limited in terms of the scale of physical improvements as long as the other zoning requirements are met. He stated that a Council could not require a developer to submit a PUD. He explained that a PUD would be something a developer would request if it were seeking flexibility or deviations from City Code in return for other benefit. Cavanaugh commented that he understands under normal circumstances a City cannot require a developer to submit a PUD but asked if that could be done in this case as this approval would be contingent upon other items such as infrastructure improvements. Anderson replied that the proposal that has been brought forward related to this Comprehensive Plan amendment request would need the infrastructure improvements in order to support the proposed development which is why that could be made contingent upon those items. Cavanaugh stated that the main purpose for requesting a PUD would be for the Council to guide more of the development design. He asked if the Site Plan review would provide the same level of discretion as a PUD, as the Comprehensive Plan amendment would still be contingent upon all other necessary approvals. Anderson stated that the review of the Site Plan would not provide the Council the ability to request things above what is required in the City Code and ordinance regulations. He stated that if all Code requirements were met, the Council could not deny the request simply because it does not like the way it looks. Finke commented that there are some wetland impacts that would be proposed on the western side of the northern parcel for the sole purpose of adding additional footprint to the building. He stated that one of the recommended conditions was that the impacts to Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 10 wetlands would be reduced. He referenced the staging period requirements, noting that if a parcel wants to move forward in the staging period, a PUD is required therefore it would not be unheard of that a PUD would be required in order to move forward in staging. He stated that if the property were staged for 2025, a developer could propose a PUD to develop now rather than waiting for 2025. Martin asked if the wetlands could be significantly impacted by filling and purchasing wetland credits. Finke stated that it could be fair to say that action would not make the request align with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Cavanaugh commented that he believes that this business use makes sense as there is business to the south and across from the site, and great access from Highway 55. He believed that this would be an ideal place for this type of business. He referenced the transportation infrastructure and asked if Highway 55 would be an issue. Rickart commented that Highway 55 will be a problem until it is four lanes. He stated that the improvements proposed would limit the impact to Willow, especially at the Chippewa intersection. He stated that the peak condition was analyzed with full development. He stated that there would not be a huge impact from the development right away. He stated that he is very comfortable with the recommended improvements. He noted that the Highway 55 improvements will be a MnDOT decision on when that should occur but noted that more development would help to push MnDOT in that direction. Cavanaugh referenced the developments that were listed that occupied land designated as business noting that included residential development, internal business, a religious use, and the AutoPlex units are owned by the people that purchase them therefore those are not businesses in the traditional commercial sense that serve the broader community. He stated that if he were to add additional business land, this would be a great location. He stated that he would support the use of a PUD and would support linking that to the staging if possible. Martin commented that she thought in adding more business development would be to add businesses that provide a service to the existing residents rather than an industrial complex. She was unsure that this fits within that goal. She stated that it does not seem that there is overwhelming support of the Council for the Comprehensive Plan amendment as proposed. DesLauriers commented that he does not believe it makes sense to amend the Comprehensive Plan to reguide the entire parcel to business at this time. Albers agreed that he does not believe the reasons provided support an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan based on the goals and visions within that plan. Reid stated that she is not in favor of a Comprehensive Plan amendment for this property. She commented that uses north and south of Cates Road could be different. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 11 Cavanaugh commented that he could support a Comprehensive Plan amendment if there was a requirement for a PUD related to staging. He stated that as proposed he would not support the request. Martin encouraged the applicant to rethink its proposal based on the comments and concerns expressed. She invited the applicant to speak. Peter Coyle, attorney representing the applicant, stated that the question related to a PUD has never been suggested. He stated that from their vantage point, a PUD may be appropriate and if asked, they would most likely agree to that. He stated that while he respects the notion that this property should be preserved as rural, it is situated directly adjacent to Highway 55 and other emerging commercial areas to the west. He stated that the Cates family has owned the property for 40 years and has been very patient about bringing forward development until they found something appropriate to what is happening around them and this seems to be the appropriate time. He stated that this is just a plan and has not yet been vetted in a technical way. He stated that they have committed to all the infrastructure improvements that have been suggested. He stated that they are committed to preserving as much wetland as possible while still having the site usable for a business park use. He stated that the overall site plan has a much- diminished site plan over what would be allowed under the Code in order to preserve wetland. He commented that the expansion of this area for the business would provide benefit to the community through job creation and increased tax base. He thanked City staff for the time they have spent working with them to develop a plan that makes sense for the landowner, developer, and the City. He stated that they want to work together to create a plan that would meet the approval of the Council and if that were through a PUD, they would do that. He asked the Council to keep an open mind and allow this to move forward in order to see additional plans. He noted that if there is something the Council does not like, they would work to address that. He referenced the previous agreement that had been mentioned, noting that he has a disagreement with Anderson on the meaning of the settlement agreement. He understood that they are proposing something larger than the agreement. Martin commented that she understands that proposals are very broad in nature at this stage, as it would not make sense to invest too much into detail without knowing if the amendment would be allowed. Cavanaugh commented that he looks forward to the applicant coming back with additional proposals. Reid stated that she believes the northern and southern portions of the property are very different. She stated that she would welcome another application but is not comfortable with the proposal as submitted. DesLauriers echoed the comments of Reid. Martin echoed those comments as well. Coyle asked for clarification on the modification that would be needed, specifically whether that would be provided in subsequent applications or to the request tonight. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 12 Martin commented that there have been many concerns expressed tonight. She stated that whatever comes before the Council has to be more in line with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. Coyle asked how those modifications would be made, whether that would be amendment to the current application or done through resubmittal. Finke stated that there has been a lot of feedback provided by the Council tonight. He stated that there is time available within the review period to have additional discussion. He noted that there could be a motion to table tonight which would allow additional discussion with the applicant and staff to perhaps amend this application. Martin commented that she would prefer to deny this Comprehensive Plan amendment to make that action clear. She stated that the applicant could then work on a new application without the constraints of the review timeline. Moved by Albers, seconded by Reid, to direct staff to prepare a resolution denying the Comprehensive Plan Amendment based upon the findings described by the Council. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. Martin commented that the developer is invited to consider modifying its request for the property that accommodates the comments provided by the Council tonight. She confirmed the consensus of the Council. Martin briefly recessed the meeting. Martin reconvened the meeting. C. Weston Woods – Mark and Kathleen Smith – Amended PUD and Plat (9:34 p.m.) Johnson stated that the Smiths are requesting an amended PUD and plat for Weston Woods and provided an overview of the changes proposed. Finke stated that the plat and PUD were approved the previous year and summarized within the staff report. He stated that those approvals would still stand regardless of the decision on the proposed amendments. He displayed the updated plat as requested and related lot standards. He highlighted the proposed changes from the approved PUD. He stated that the Planning Commission held a public hearing at its last meeting, with no public testimony received, and unanimously recommended approval noting the reduction in density was seen as a benefit. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 13 DesLauriers commented that he supports the changes and recommendation of the Planning Commission. Albers, Reid, Cavanaugh, and Martin were supportive of the changes as well. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to direct staff to prepare documents approving the amendment to the Weston Woods PUD and plat. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. D. Loram and Scannell Medina Industrial – Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) – Proposed Commercial/Industrial Development (9:42 p.m.) Johnson stated that this is an EAW for a proposed commercial/industrial development of approximately 450,000 square feet on 25 acres east of Arrowhead and south of Highway 55. Finke stated that an EAW was prepared as required and the comment period expired on March 17th. He noted that comments were provided from various agencies and included in the Council packet. He noted that staff has prepared a draft response to comments, findings of fact and record of decision. He stated that none of the agencies providing comments suggested that an EIS should be required. He stated that staff recommends a negative declaration on the need for an EIS and approval of the findings of fact and record of decision as well as the related resolution. Martin commended staff for the excellent draft of the findings of fact and record of decision. Albers stated that he will be curious to see the results of the archeology scan. Finke stated that those are not generally seen in a land use application, but he would attempt to provide them for informational purposes. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to approve the Loram/Scannell Medina Industrial EAW Findings of Fact and Record of Decision. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 14 Motion passed unanimously. 1. Resolution 2022-25 Approving the Response to Comments, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision for the Loram/Scannell Medina Industrial EAW and Making a Negative Declaration Regarding the Need for an EIS Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt the Resolution 2022-25 Approving the Response to Comments, Findings of Fact, and Record of Decision for the Loram/Scannell Medina Industrial EAW and Making a Negative Declaration Regarding the Need for an EIS. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. E. Landform on Behalf of McDonald’s – 822 Hwy 55 – Conditional Use Permit Amendment (9:48 p.m.) Johnson stated Landform is requesting, on behalf of McDonald’s, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) amendment to allow an additional drive-thru lane. Finke stated that the subject property is Commercial Highway, on which a drive-thru is a conditional use. He stated that the amended PUD would rescind and replace the CUP approved in the 1990’s. He stated that the installation of the second drive-thru lane would reduce the parking stalls onsite, but the site would still have more than the required number of stalls. He stated that the second drive-thru lane would be added between the building and existing drive-thru lane, therefore the expansion would not reduce the existing setbacks in that location any further. He stated that the Planning Commission held a public hearing and unanimously recommended approval. Martin commented that this makes sense and actually enhances the site plan. She confirmed that there were no questions of the Council. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to direct staff to prepare a resolution approving the amendment to the CUP subject to the conditions noted. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 15 VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (9:53 p.m.) Johnson thanked Reid for all her work on the Uptown Hamel banners, noting that she has worked closely with business and property owners. He stated that the business owners would like to order the banners and asked the City to fund half of that purchase which would be a contribution of $2,600. He stated that the business owners would install, own, and maintain the banners. Moved by Martin, seconded by Reid, to authorize an expenditure of $2,600 towards the purchase of the Uptown Hamel banners. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. Martin thanked Reid for her assistance in creating an identity for Uptown Hamel. Johnson reminded the Council of the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on April 6th which is scheduled to be held virtually on April 6th. He noted that the assessor has a conflict with the second meeting date and therefore a rescheduled date should be discussed at the meeting. He stated that he has been working with Martin and Uptown Hamel business owners to schedule business tours for May 3rd. Albers commented that he would have a conflict with Tuesday morning meetings. Martin confirmed that Albers would be in agreement with sitting out for the May 3rd meeting and in the future, they would attempt to avoid Tuesday morning meetings. Albers noted that he also has a conflict with Thursday mornings. Martin noted the need to reschedule the second Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting and asked if that could occur at 5:30 p.m. on May 3rd. Johnson commented that the second meeting must occur within 20 days of the first meeting, therefore it would have to be held on or before April 26th. He stated that he will work with the assessor to determine some options for the date. The members of the Council provided details on their availability over the next two weeks. IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (10:07 p.m.) Albers stated that he will be attending the fire services meeting the following day in place of DesLauriers. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes April 5, 2022 16 Martin commented that there is a resident in Long Lake that may have been intricately involved in creating a fire district in another jurisdiction that has offered to speak at the fire services meeting. She commended Johnson for getting the City of Wayzata to the table as well. She also commended DesLauriers for guiding this process for so long. DesLauriers commented that some of the mayors will also be attending and seem to be interested in the presentation the following day. Martin stated that there has been rumor circulating that Medina may not support the merger between Loretto and Hamel fire departments. She stated that she believes the merger would be a great step forward and a benefit to residents. Johnson thanked Martin and DesLauriers for their vision on fire services and pushing this topic forward. He stated the cities participating in this process have also been excellent to work with on fire services. X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (10:17 p.m.) Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to approve the bills, EFT 006303E-006327E for $107,695.10, order check numbers 052736-052791 for $323,272.57, and payroll EFT 0511716-0511776 for $118,016.69. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. XI. ADJOURN Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19 p.m. A roll call vote was performed: DesLauriers aye Albers aye Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Motion passed unanimously. __________________________________ Kathy Martin, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Scott Johnson, City Administrator