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HomeMy Public PortalAbout01.17.2023 City Council MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 1 MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 17, 2023 The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on January 17, 2023 at 7:01 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Albers presided. I. ROLL CALL Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid. Members absent: None. Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City Clerk Caitlyn Walker, Attorney Dave Anderson, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer Jim Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, and Chief of Police Jason Nelson. II. MOTION TO DELEGATE DUTIES TO PRESIDE OVER THE MEETING TO COUNCILMEMBER ALBERS Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to delegate duties to preside over the meeting to Councilmember Albers. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:01 p.m.) IV. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:02 p.m.) The agenda was approved as presented. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:02 p.m.) A. Approval of the January 3, 2023 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes Albers stated that prior to the meeting Johnson distributed changes as proposed by Martin for incorporation. Moved by Albers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the January 3, 2023 work session City Council meeting minutes as amended. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 2 DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. B. Approval of the January 3, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Albers noted that prior to the meeting Johnson distributed changes for incorporation. Cavanaugh noted on page three, lines 41 and 42, it should state, “…portion for future services…Medina will…” Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the January 3, 2023 regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. VI. CONSENT AGENDA (7:05 p.m.) A. Approve Purchase Agreement for Butterfly Marsh Wetland Banking Credits B. Approve Resolution 2023-03 for Willow Drive Lift Station Quote for Electrical Panel Equipment C. Approve 2023 Goals D. Resolution 2023-04 Accept Donation from Doboszenski & Sons Inc. E. Resolution 2023-05 Accept Donation from Steve Lundell F. Approve Amendment to Special Assessment Policy Albers thanked Mr. Lundell and Doboszenski & Sons for the generous donations. Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the consent agenda. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. VII. COMMENTS (7:07 p.m.) A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda There were none. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 3 B. Park Commission Scherer reported that the Park Commission will meet the following night to discuss park maintenance and baseball. DesLauriers asked if Hunter field will not be used in 2023 because of the damage done from the vehicle incident. Scherer stated that part of the issue was the drought. He stated that they will need to recultivate the field. He stated that if the growing season were successful, perhaps the field could be used for practice in the fall. C. Planning Commission Planning Commissioner John Jacob reported that the Planning Commission met the previous week and received an update from Albers on recent Council activity and discussions with Representative Robbins. He stated that the Commission also reviewed the updated plans for Medina Park and Boardwalk and unanimously recommended approval. He stated that the Commission also elected Rhem as Chair and Popp as Vice Chair for the year. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Loram and Scannell Preliminary Plat and Site Plan Review (7:12 p.m.) Johnson stated that the applicant is requesting development of approximately 396,000 square feet of office/warehouse space on the subject property. He noted that Loram would occupy the warehouse space in building one while the other buildings would be available for lease and managed by Scannell. He stated that this proposal includes a request for preliminary plat, site plan review and conditional use permit. Finke stated that the City Council reviewed this concept in the fall, specifically in regard to the wetland replacement plan. He stated that since that review, the applicant has made some changes including inclusion of the eastern lot which would allow the applicant to meet the impervious surface requirements for the development. He stated that no development is proposed on the eastern lot at this time, with the active development to occur on the lots to the west. He presented the amended preliminary plat, which includes two outlots. He presented the landscaping plan, architectural rendering, and wetland replacement plan. He also provided details on traffic and transportation improvements and recommended a condition to be added related to potential future development of the eastern lot and the road improvement that would be needed to support that. Cavanaugh asked if petition and waiver would be required and whether it was required in a previous development proposal for another property. Finke stated that petition and waiver is not recommended at this time. He did not believe petition and waiver was required for the other mentioned development but noted that he could follow up with those details prior to the final consideration of this request. He provided details on park dedication, the review criteria for preliminary plat and recommended conditions, parking, outdoor storage, architectural design, site plan and conditional use permit. He stated that the Planning Commission recommended approval in the fall and in its recent review in January. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 4 DesLauriers referenced the land proposed for park dedication and asked if the crossing would occur in the wetlands and whether that area is capable of supporting a crossing. Finke identified upland in that area where the structure could begin. DesLauriers asked if staff is confident that would work, as this would be in lieu of over $300,000 in park dedication. Finke replied that it has not been engineered at this time but preliminary input from the Park District was that this would be a good opportunity. He acknowledged that there would likely be wetland impacts. He confirmed that acquisition would also be necessary on the north side and noted that there are a few options for potential acquisition on the north side. DesLauriers asked if this cost should be borne by the Park District for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail (DLRT) versus the City of Medina forfeiting park dedication. Finke replied that ultimately if the Park District decided to move forward, they would be responsible for acquisition in the future and the City would be reimbursed for the land in the future. DesLauriers asked if that is the location and the Park District moves forward with DLRT in that location, would the City then be reimbursed the $308,000 it forfeited in park dedication. Finke replied that the City would be reimbursed up to the assessed market value of the property, as is the case of any property acquisition for park use. DesLauriers asked how valuable the land would be after the development of Loram, as most of it is wetland and would not be buildable. He was unsure that the market value would be $308,000 at a later time. Finke stated that the risk would be that the land would not be able to be acquired at market value and the crossing could not occur. Cavanaugh stated the City is taking the risk and the financial commitment in the meantime. Finke replied that the Park District could not move forward until the chosen route is solidified. Albers stated that he was unsure he was willing to take that risk at this time. He believed that the better choice would be to accept the park dedication funds and let the Park District pursue acquisition when it is ready. Martin commented that the City could accept the park dedication and purchase the wetland for $100,000. She stated that she does not understand what the fair market value would be for the wetlands. She noted a wetland purchase in the past where the City paid $43,000 for wetlands but was unsure the related acreage for that purchase. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 5 Anderson provided details on a case being reviewed by the Minnesota Supreme Court related to commercial development and park dedication. Finke commented that there is upland adjacent to the wetland. Martin noted that the requested action tonight is to direct staff to prepare the documents to consider for approval, therefore this could come back as old business with more information on park dedication. She stated that she would not want to forgo park dedication. She noted that the additional time would allow for the Minnesota Supreme Court decision to be made and perhaps the conditional use permit could be linked to the park dedication. Finke stated that there could be more global discussion on credit and a lower fee that would be palatable to the applicant along with the land. Martin applauded the developer and staff for working through the different issues in this process, noting that the wetland replacement plan challenges were new but believed the process worked well and that this would be a good development for Medina. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to direct staff to prepare resolutions granting preliminary plat, site plan review, and conditional use permit approval, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report and the discussion requested between staff and the developer related to park dedication. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. B. Medina Ventures – Medina Park and Boardwalk – 1472 Highway 55 – PUD General Plan; Pre-Plat (7:39 p.m.) Cavanaugh recused himself from this discussion as an adjacent landowner. Johnson stated that the applicant has updated the architectural plans to reflect the lodging space above the event venue. He noted that the residential units were also updated as those would be sold as single-family homes. Finke summarized some of the technical changes that have been incorporated into the applicant’s plans, noting that the primary change is the architectural information. He displayed the updated plans compared to the previous plans and reviewed the differences. He stated that some flexibility is requested for a sloped roof on the residential units. He noted that the Planning Commission discussed signage and staff has since provided some suggested limitations for signage, after discussions with the applicant and provided details. He stated that the Planning Commission did unanimously recommend approval of the request as presented tonight. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 6 Martin referenced the proposed conditions related to enhanced architectural features (18 and 19) and suggested adding the language “to the satisfaction of City staff”. She also asked for details on the plans submitted as of a certain date mentioned in condition 24 and suggested that language be clarified. DesLauriers thanked the applicant for taking on this project. He stated that he believes a pitched roof will blend better with adjacent residential development. He also noted two areas that could benefit from additional architectural details. Chris Pederson, applicant, agreed with the comments of DesLauriers. DesLauriers commented that this is a great plan and looks forward to the progress as they move forward. Albers asked if there would be any signage on the north parts facing Meander. Pederson stated that there would not be signage on the top. He stated that there would be signage on the first level. He did not believe that these signage restrictions would create a challenge. He stated that the only issue could be the retail building facing Highway 55, if there were three tenants, noting that it would depend on the names of the businesses. Martin thanked the applicant and stated that she is excited about the development. Albers applauded the applicant for the updated plans and believed it would be a great addition to Medina. Pederson thanked all of those that provided feedback to this point as he believed it helped them to create a better product. George Stickney, representing the Marsh Pointe Preserve development and the others that signed his petition, noted that 46 of the 48 homeowners like the change from rental lodging to for sale single-family homes. He stated that he would like to see covenants for single-family housing with no short-term lease option for this general area. Finke stated that language is included in the PUD ordinance. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to adopt Ordinance 700 establishing a planned unit development district for Meander Park and Boardwalk and amending the official zoning map. A roll call vote was performed: Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 7 Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution 2023-06 authorizing publication by title and summary. A roll call vote was performed: Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt the Resolution 2023-07 granting preliminary plat and PUD general plan approval for Meander Park and Boardwalk with the changes proposed by Martin and the architectural improvements suggested by DesLauriers. A roll call vote was performed: Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. Cavanaugh rejoined the Council. C. Clydesdale Trail Pavement Rehabilitation Project – Feasibility Report (8:01 p.m.) Johnson stated that at the December 6th meeting the Council authorized preparation of the Feasibility Report for the project. Stremel will present the report. Stremel reviewed the proposed project area, existing conditions, and proposed improvements. He provided the estimated project cost and next steps. He provided details on the request for the benefits appraisal which will help to determine the appropriate assessment for the different parcels in this project area. He stated that staff recommends approval of the three actions presented tonight. DesLauriers asked if there is someone in mind to complete the appraisal. Stremel commented that there are not many appraisers that do this type of reporting, but they have spoken with a firm that would be able to provide the report within the proposed timeline. DesLaurier asked the cost for the appraisal. Stremel replied that the cost would be about $18,500. DesLauriers asked why that was not included in the project cost. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 8 Scherer stated that the appraisal would be done as a check to the assessment policy and because the project is unique. Anderson provided additional details on assessments, noting that an assessment can only be related to the benefit provided to the property by the project. He stated that it is not certain that the appraisal would be needed, but staff would like that authorization should they feel it necessary. He stated that the appraisal would also help guide the City to determine whether its assessment policy needs further amendment. Albers asked and received confirmation that staff would be reaching out to the property owners prior to completing the appraisal. DesLauriers confirmed that the reason the appraisal is not included in the project cost is because the City does not want to pass that cost on to homeowners. He referenced improvements mentioned to 101. Scherer provided details on pedestrian walkways and trails. DesLauriers asked how the appraisal cost would be funded as that is not budgeted. Barnhart provided different options for financing that cost. DesLauriers asked if this project would be completed in phases as this stretch of road is heavily used. Scherer agreed there is a lot to be done along with coordination with other entities. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve WSB’s proposal for final design. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to adopt the Resolution 2023-08 receiving the feasibility report and ordering the preparation of plans and specifications. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 9 Motion passed unanimously. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to authorize completion of benefit appraisal for the project at staff’s direction. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. D. Pioneer Highlands Storm Sewer Improvement Tax District – Public Hearing (8:20 p.m.) Johnson stated that the applicant has requested a delay to finalize the location of wetland buffers. He stated that this public hearing had been noticed and therefore staff recommends the public hearing be held and then action on the storm sewer tax district be tabled to the time of final plat. Albers opened the public hearing. No comments made. Albers closed the public hearing. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to table consideration of the ordinance establishing the Pioneer Highlands Storm Sewer Improvement Tax District until the final plat review. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:21 p.m.) Johnson stated that Scherer has been in contact with the Hamel Athletic Club and will provide an update. Scherer provided an update on email correspondence and related discussions for enrollment/registration. He commented that they are attempting to be cognizant of parking to ensure there is not overlap. He stated that HAC has agreed that priority for enrollment should be provided to Medina residents. He noted that the next step will be Medina City Council Meeting Minutes January 17, 2023 10 to address details within the HAC contract. He noted that HAC has been very cooperative throughout this process. X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:27 p.m.) Albers stated that he will not be at the first meeting in February. XI. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:28 p.m.) Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the bills, EFT 006670E- 006686E for $106,648.22, order check numbers 053851-053913 for $358,232.41, and payroll EFT 0512406-0512440 for $64,422.99. Further discussion: Cavanaugh asked for additional details on a large payment to an individual. Barnhart provided additional details noting that the person submitted a cashier’s check in lieu of a letter of credit and therefore the payment back is being made to that individual rather than the company. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. XII. ADJOURN Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. A roll call vote was performed: Cavanaugh aye Reid aye Martin aye DesLauriers aye Albers aye Motion passed unanimously. __________________________________ Kathleen Martin, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Caitlyn Walker, City Clerk