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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08.03.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 1 MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF AUGUST 3, 2022 The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on August 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided. I. ROLL CALL Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid. Members absent: None . Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Attorney Dave Anderson, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer Jim Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Administrator Caitlyn Walker, and Chief of Police Jason Nelson. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:00 p.m.) III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:00 p.m.) The agenda was approved as presented. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:00 p.m.) A. Approval of the July 19, 202 2 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the July 19, 20 22 work session City Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. B. Approval of the July 19, 202 2 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Martin noted that prior to the meeting, Johnson distributed changes as proposed by herself for incorporation into the minutes. Moved by Albers, seconded by Reid, to approve the July 19, 2022 regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously. V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:02 p.m.) A. Approve Resolution 2022-59 Accepting the Resignation of Officer Jeremiah Jessen and Authorize Recruitment of Vacant Patrol Officer Position B. Resolution 2022-60 Accept Donations for the 2022 Cops and Bobbers Program Johnson recognized Nelson and his team for a great Cops and Bobber event. Moved by Albers, seconded by Reid, to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed unanimously. VI. COMMENTS (7:03 p.m.) A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda There were none. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 2 B. Park Commission Scherer reported that the Commission will meet in a few weeks and will discuss the Lakeshore Park improvement, reviewing some concepts that focus on utilization of the lake. He stated that there is a proposal for grandstand improvements at Paul Fortin Field that will be reviewed. He also provided an update on the pickleball court and the anticipated opening later this fall. C. Planning Commission Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to conduct four public hearings. He stated that the Commission will review a concept plan for a 97- unit apartment building at 500 Hamel Road, an ordinance amendment related to requirements within the business/industrial/commercial zoning districts that are part of an integrated development, a request from the Loram/Scannell development on Arrowhead Drive, and a proposed amendment to the Weston Woods PUD related to building height for the single-family homes. DesLauriers asked the increase in height desired. Finke replied that the desired height would be 32 to 36 feet for the average grade and the indication is that most of the lots would not push up to 36 feet, noting that would most likely be for the lots adjacent to ponds/wetlands. Martin asked how it would compare to Charles Cudd and Medina Golf Course, requesting that information in the packet. Finke replied that those were mostly single-story villa homes. Cavanaugh stated that there are homes along CR 116 that are two story and perhaps that comparison information can be provided. Finke stated that the City has also received five other applications in the process. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. SH Ventures, Inc. Lifestyle Auto Condos PUD Concept Plan (7:10 p.m.) Johnson stated that the applicant is requesting review of a concept plan for individually owned auto condos on the subject site. He noted that the Council reviewed a similar concept and advised that this has been reduced in scope. Finke noted that the Council has reviewed the information in the packet and advised that the residents present were also present at the Planning Commission meeting, therefore he will not go into as much depth in the presentation. He highlighted changes made from the concept the Council reviewed in the fall including a reduction in the number of buildings and overall footprint. He noted that the concept does include some mezzanine space, similar to the Auto MotorPlex. He stated that the property is designated FDA and provided background information on that guidance and its intention within the Comprehensive Plan. He displayed the proposed concept plan and noted one of the significant changes is the point of access. He noted that the first concept proposed access from Highway 55 whereas this concept would propose access from the east to Pioneer Trail. He also reviewed the landscaping plan and building layout and elevations. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 3 He reviewed the objectives of a PUD. He noted that this case is different than most PUD’s, as most PUD’s have a planned development zone and the PUD uses those zoning regulations as a comparison. He stated that in this case the existing zoning is UR-RR and therefore it would be difficult to compare those zoning regulations to this type of commercial development. He stated that feedback could be provided on the overall concept, but the bigger questions would be whether non-residential uses would be considered within FDA and whether that would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Martin suggested the Council begin by discussing whether the Council would consider accelerating development of property designated as FDA and if so, whether the subject parcels would be a candidate for such acceleration. Finke stated that if the Council is open to this concept, perhaps the Rural Business Holding (RBH) standards are considered as the base standards for development. He stated that there is currently not any property zoned RBH within FDA. He briefly reviewed the RBH standards. Cavanaugh stated that the key component for this parcel would be proper easements and right-of-way, noting that this seems to be going in the right direction. He stated that the item that gives him pause is whether this project is good for this site. He was unsure that this would be the perfect product for the site. He noted that this would be all individual users but there would be low intensity on City services in return for high property tax. He stated that while it may not be the perfect fit, he believes it would be good for the City. Albers stated that the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan reviewed areas that may have more intense use and/or residential development. He noted that this parcel specifically was discussed for potential future needs for sewer and water between Medina, Corcoran, and Rockford. He noted that if the infrastructure were to come through, Medina would be able to meet its requirements on this parcel and therefore believes that the FDA parcels should remain FDA. Reid stated that she agrees with Albers and did not see a reason to do a PUD in FDA. She did not believe this is a good location because of that. She stated that if projects are developed in FDA, the planning that was done for the Comprehensive Plan then goes out the window. She stated that this applicant was in previously and there was a lengthy discussion on FDA and has returned with basically the same proposal. She stated that she still does not support this use in FDA. DesLauriers stated that he appreciates the developers coming forward with some revisions to the plan and with a use that has limited impact on City resources in return for an increased tax base. He stated that he struggles with the FDA zoning and noted that there are too many unknowns at this time related to infrastructure. He commented that although he is unsure this parcel would be developed as homes, he did not believe this development would be the right fit. Martin agreed with the comments thus far. She noted that this development would have a permanency to it given that the intended development is condominiums that will be separately owned. She stated that this is also part of a gateway to Medina and believed this area will have more intense City services in the future and will be needed to Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 4 accommodate growth. She stated that she is inclined to say this does not work without going into all the details. She was concerned with the sanitary sewer usage and what would be required for this use. Cavanaugh asked if it would make a difference if this were to be owned by one party rather than individual condo ownership. He agreed that the permanency is also an issue for him. Martin commented that even without the condo ownership, this would still be nine buildings and it would be almost impossible to convert to residential or another use in the future. She referenced a recently approved rezoning from FDA and noted that decision was partially based on a historical agreement with the landowner. Bill Stoddard , SH Ventures, commented that they redesigned and engineered the project from the first concept to take into account the proposed access. He noted that they would be purchasing additional land in order to provide the access to Pioneer. He noted that they downsized the project with about five acres of development and would be dedicating about 3.6 acres of right-of-way to the City. He stated that if this development were approved, the City would have land from Pioneer all the way to the west property line. He stated that because of the low need for City services, they believe that this would provide $20,000,000 to $25,000,000 in tax dollars by the time City services would come to this area. He noted that they would propose to leave the site to the east undeveloped at this time. He commented that noise and maintenance would be addressed under the HOA for the development and believe this use would have less impact than a nursery, which would be an allowed use. He stated that they would propose six to eight events per year. He stated that the proposed access would be from Pioneer, but they could easily change that to Highway 55 in order to take into account the comments from residents. He noted that they would have onsite security for events. He noted that they would also have control over whether the billboard lease is renewed or removed. He reviewed some of his development experience and believe that this would provide benefit to the community in return for the requested PUD status. DesLauriers asked the location of the land to be dedicated to the City. Finke identified the land proposed for dedication. Martin asked about the current bituminous width of Highway 55. Finke replied that this segment currently has two lanes. Martin noted that 66 feet of right-of-way would not even be enough to get to four lanes. She noted that the right-of-way does not extend fully to Pioneer and noted that will be a tricky intersection to engineer in the future. She noted that part of the problem is that the City does not know what will happen and what will be needed. She expressed concern with taking what is presented at this time but then finding out that much more is actually needed in the future. She asked legal counsel for an opinion on whether the tax base is an appropriate consideration for the Council. Anderson stated that type of issue is always at the back of minds, but the Council should not be considered financials and should focus on policy. He stated that it is not out of Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 5 bounds to discuss that element, but an approval or denial could not be made based on that factor. Lee Copy, representing the applicant, stated that most of the concerns they heard at the Planning Commission were related to access and setbacks. He noted that the concerns tonight seem to be different. He noted that they would be willing to work with MnDOT and City staff to ensure adequate right-of-way needs are met. He highlighted the changes made since the last review related to access, reduced density, and increased regional infrastructure. He referenced the SAC calculations within the report and believed that those were high, providing additional explanation. He stated that they also reviewed water supply and are confident that the site would have everything it needs to satisfy this development for sewer and water. He stated that they completed a wetland delineation and did a good job avoiding the wetlands to the extent possible. He commented that he is confident that they could treat the stormwater onsite for the development proposed. He recognized the concern of nearby residents related to events, noting that they would only hold six to eight events per year. He stated that when you compare that to an allowed use, such as a nursery, this use would generate much less traffic. He provided more specific information on building area, setbacks, right-of-way, and architectural details. Stoddard commented that they could remove building one which would allow the right- of-way to be increased. He stated that they could extend the frontage road to Pioneer but believed that would be desired further from the intersection. Finke concurred with the applicant related to water usage, based on the actual water usage of the Auto MotorPlex. DesLauriers stated that parcel B looks like a nice piece of land that could easily fit three to four more units and asked the future intent. Stoddard replied that they clustered the units to the west based on comments received and they would leave the other portion open. He stated that the new property under contract to the east has a footprint for about 20,000 square feet which would allow some type of use after MnDOT makes its determinations for the area. Cavanaugh commented that there does not seem to be support for this concept. He asked if there are any conditions under which the Council would be willing to accept this development. Martin commented that if this development were to be constructed, it would be there for a long time, well into the future when the city would have a better idea of the best land uses for property in this area of the community. She stated that she struggles with a condominium use. She noted that a horse farm, hobby farm, or nursery could easily be converted to something else because they do not have many structures or infrastructure. She stated that if this project were to be developed, there would not be an opportunity to convert it to something else that may be desired in the future. She stated that she would not support an auto condo use on this parcel. She noted that this is an informal review but summarized the consensus of the Council that it would not support this permanent type of use on this property. She stated that it is also too early to determine the required infrastructure needs for this area and therefore the property should continue to be preserved for future development needs. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 6 Cavanaugh asked if three homes could be built on the property under the current zoning. Finke provided more details on what would be allowed under RR-UR, noting a 20-acre minimum lot size. He stated that a request for three homes would follow a similar process. Paul Larson, real estate agent for the project, stated that the property has been for sale for years. He commented that the land is not residential and has always been commercial. He referenced Resolution 91-42 which provided unanimous approval for an auto shop on the parcel in 1991. He stated that he was informed by staff that the zoning was changed in 2019 and the owners of the property were never made aware of that change. He noted that the owners of the property are out of state during the winter months. He commented that this land is adjacent to the highway that has high volumes of traffic and also near two billboards, which does not lend itself towards residential use. He also provided details on the adjacent property uses and stated that the rezoning almost equates to a taking of the property. He stated that if the property owners would have been aware of the desire to rezone, they would have objected. He referenced language for the covenant and restrictions for the private road document which states that a maximum of seven homes could be constructed. He stated that the homes could each have 5,000 square foot barns, which would be similar in scale to the proposed development. Martin noted that both she and Albers were on the Steering Committee for the Comprehensive Plan. She noted the numerous public meetings that were noticed to the public which provided opportunity for the public to provide input. Albers agreed noting that the process took about 18 months and included many unique engagement opportunities and events. Anderson commented that staff is willing to look at the documents and provide comment. B. City of Independence Quad Cities Sewer Agreement Request Discussion (8:15 p.m.) Johnson provided background information on the request from the City of Independence. Finke stated that this pertains to the sewer along CR 19/CR 29 and serves the cities of Greenfield, Independence and Loretto before coming into Medina. He noted that there is an agreement that describes the number of connections allowed for each community. Independence is requesting 26 additional units south of Lake Independence. He noted that all four cities would need to agree to the additional units. He reviewed some of the considerations that would go along with adding additional units including the capacity of gravity sewer main. Scherer provided additional background on previous improvements. He noted that this would tie in south of the lift station. He stated that he would want to ensure there is capacity to support the planned development and units within the agreement before considering additional units for another community. Finke stated that initially staff was cold to the request but because this would be south of the lift station, it would be easy to differentiate this land from other land adjacent to the Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 7 sewer. He stated that this request could open the door for other communities to request additional units. He reviewed additional considerations including metering waste. He stated that in his opinion it is a consistency issue in terms of land use and provided additional details. He stated that although staff was originally cold to the request, after the discussion with Independence, staff could be open to it given the suggestions within the report are considered and additional analysis is provided at the expense of the developer. He stated that there is concern with opening the door to additional requests. Martin commented that her concern would be that the needs of the future are not yet known and therefore she is not inclined to sacrifice some of the potential capacity. She stated that she also likes Medina to be a good neighbor. Finke stated that Independence did allow Loretto to come into the agreement as well as Greenfield. Martin asked if the City works with Independence to share services. Johnson replied that Medina has a good working relationship with Independence and provided examples. Martin commented that she would put the ball back in the court of staff. Scherer stated that his concern would be related to capacity but noted that he could work with Finke to further review those concerns. Martin stated that if this were to proceed, it should be made clear that this is an exception and would not happen again as the capacity needs to be protected for land uses that may get developed in the next 15 to 20 years. She stated that she would not want to see Medina have to develop additional infrastructure because what now exists has been used by another community. Cavanaugh asked if the final exit of the sewer is located at CR 12/CR 29. Scherer provided details on the path of the sewer to the lift station. Cavanaugh referenced the examples of cost sharing and asked for details. He stated that it would seem that everyone’s waste goes through one section of pipe where Medina would seem to be solely responsible for the cost for repair. Scherer stated that the Metropolitan Council is currently reimbursing costs for repairs in a certain segment because of the shared use. He stated that he is fine with the new agreement as funds are received annually from the Metropolitan Council under that new agreement. Barnhart provided details on the financing received from the Metropolitan Council for this infrastructure under the new agreement. Martin commented that the current quad city agreement and Met Council support is such a radical improvement from what previously existed and commended staff. Finke stated that it seems that the Council has a similar luke-cold response. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes August 3, 2022 8 Cavanaugh suggested that if this moves forward there is a contribution from the developer made that could be used for future improvements. Martin agreed and noted that those funds could be placed into some type of reserve account. VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:35 p.m.) Johnson thanked Nelson and his staff for their efforts at the Nite to Unite parties and also thanked the members of the Council that attended parties. Martin commented that it was fun to go to the different parties and thanked the police officers for their contributions. IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:36 p.m.) Martin commented that she and Albers attended the Fire District meeting this morning and noted that it seems neighboring communities are interested in pursuing the concept of collaboration in the delivery of fire and EMS services. She noted that the City of Orono joined the group today. She stated that each city representative was directed to go back to their respective City Council to ensure there continues to be support for the concept. Martin confirmed continued support of the concept from the City Council. She also noted the upcoming Mayor’s party. X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:39 p.m.) Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Martin, to approve the bills, EFT 006455E-006475 E for $980,178.60, order check numbers 053205-053278 for $600,972.64, and payroll EFT 0512020 -0512050 for $64,957.73 . Motion passed unanimously. XI. ADJOURN Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. __________________________________ Kathy Martin, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Scott Johnson, City Administrator