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HomeMy Public PortalAbout09.06.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 1 MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 6, 2022 The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on September 6, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Acting Mayor Albers presided. I. ROLL CALL Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, and Reid. Members absent: Martin. Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Attorney Sam Ketchum, 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 (7:01 p.m.) The agenda was approved as presented. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:01 p.m.) A. Approval of the August 16, 2022 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes Moved by Albers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the August 16, 2022 work session City Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously. B. Approval of the August 16, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Albers noted that prior to the meeting Johnson distributed proposed changes as submitted by Martin. Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the August 16, 2022 regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously. V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:02 p.m.) A. Approve Resolution 2022-66 Accepting the Resignation of Tim Sedabres from the Planning Commission B. Extend Deadline for Meander Park and Boardwalk PUD General Plan Application Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed unanimously. VI. COMMENTS (7:02 p.m.) A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda There were none. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 2 B. Park Commission Scherer reported that HAC and the Hamel Hawks presented plans for the grandstand project at the last Park Commission meeting. He explained that the Park Commission would like more information on the impacts the grandstand could have on the park and did not recommend participating in the funding because of the continued short notice for these types of projects. He explained that the Commission asked HAC to keep them informed about their planned projects earlier in the process. He stated that there are some good ideas for Lakeshore Park, and he will be soliciting contractor opinions. DesLauriers stated that he was aware of the grandstand project at least 18 months ago, at which time a five-year plan was also presented. He asked if there was a disconnect where the Park Commission was not involved. Scherer stated that the Park Commission was aware of the project, but at that time it was stated that the project was fully funded. Albers asked if that plan was circulated to the Council as he could not recall seeing that plan. Scherer stated that the Park Commission had requested a five-year plan as these projects keep coming up at the end of the process, such as the scoreboard. Barnhart stated that the grandstand was put into the City’s CIP for 2023 because HAC had said the project was fully funded. She stated that if a financial obligation is required from the City, the City would need to review the request to determine when funding would be available. Scherer commented that HAC is ready to move forward without funding from the City as well. Barnhart commented that everyone agrees that the association is a great partner to the City and has contributed a lot, but the five-year plan would allow future planning. DesLauriers asked if the City has asked HAC for a five-year plan. Barnhart replied that they have made that request. Albers commented that even if the City is not contributing funds, it would be nice to see the plans for the future. Johnson stated that once the City receives a five-year plan, it will be circulated to the City Council by staff. C. Planning Commission Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to hold four public hearings related to requests for Pioneer Highlands (four lot rural subdivision), the Hamel Legion Park grandstand, a Conditional Use Permit for a 10,000 square foot accessory building at 1582 Homestead Trail, and an amendment to the Medina Clydesdale Marketplace PUD for additional signage for drive-up services. He noted that the grandstand will move forward to the City Council at its next meeting while the remainder of the items will move forward at the first meeting in October. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 3 VII. NEW BUSINESS A. 2023 Preliminary Budget and Tax Levy (7:11 p.m.) Johnson reported that the budget open house was held at 6:00 p.m. prior to this meeting at which time an in-depth presentation was provided. He advised of the budgeting process thus far involving the Council and City staff. The City Council began meeting publicly on the 2023 budget with the June Work Session. Barnhart noted that this is the fifth budget presentation since the process began in June and stated that the final budget presentation will occur on December 6th at which time the final budget and levy will be certified. She presented the proposed general fund budget and highlighted line items that have been added or increased. She reviewed the proposed property tax levy which includes debt service and capital levies. She provided details on market value increases and noted that at the direction of the Council, the City is proposing a flat tax rate with no change from 2021 to 2022. Albers asked when the City last saw an increase of 19 percent in market value. Barnhart stated that she has never seen an increase of that magnitude. She noted that typically the increase is about six percent while the highest she has seen during her time in Medina was eight or nine percent. She explained how Hennepin County determines market value increases. Albers asked if the other metro counties are seeing similar increases in their property tax levies. Barnhart replied that she is unsure but could check into the other metro counties for that information. She highlighted projects identified for 2023 within the CIP. She also highlighted the grants the City receives and welcomed any questions from the Council. Albers noted that there was a full presentation at the worksession which preceded this meeting and asked if there were any additional questions. There were no additional questions of the Council. 1. Resolution 2022-67 Approving Proposed Tax Levy for 2023 Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-67 Approving the 2023 Preliminary Tax Levy. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Resolution 2022-68 Approving Proposed General Fund Budget for 2023 Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-67 Approving the 2023 Preliminary General Fund Budget. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Resolution Reducing 2022-69 Debt Service Tax Levies for 2023 Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-69 Reducing Debt Service Tax Levies for 2023. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Establish Public Discussion Date for Final 2023 Tax Levy and Budget Medina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 4 Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to Establish the 2023 Final Tax Levy and Budget Discussion for December 6, 2022. Motion passed unanimously. B. Weston Woods Building Height PUD Amendment (7:21 p.m.) Johnson stated that Mr. Smith is proposing to increase the maximum building height for the single-family homes from 32 feet to 36 feet under the PUD. Finke stated that the written report and minutes from the Planning Commission were included in the Council packet. He stated that the amendment to the PUD is limited to the single-family homes within the development. He stated that the existing PUD does not have any difference in height and defaults to the existing height requirement within the district which is 32 feet. He explained how the maximum height is calculated through the average method. He highlighted some of the factors that lead to different building heights and provided some examples. He stated that the applicant noted that some of the desired products they would like to build would exceed the 32-foot average. He noted that many communities allow a height of 35 feet and measure that height in varying methods. He stated that staff does not oppose increasing the building height within this PUD as requested. He noted that concern with the viewshed would not exist as many of these lots would back up to woods and not interfere with the views from other homes. He noted that perhaps there should also be a broader future discussion related to the building height based on the market trend for higher ceiling heights and walkouts. He noted different things that could be done to manipulate the average height calculation, which would not be desirable. He stated that staff originally suggested a maximum height of 35 feet, but the applicant noted that there are a few lots that could support a side walkout home that could be 36 feet in height. He stated that the Planning Commission had a fair amount of discussion and ultimately recommended approval of the request to increase the height to 36 feet. Cavanaugh stated that he is fine with the change. He asked if everything could still be done without changing the maximum height by using retaining walls. Finke confirmed that to a certain extent that would be an option to manipulate the average height, using Bridgewater as an example. He noted that a walkout adds approximately five feet and therefore even retaining walls do not fully offset that. Dean Hanson, Hanson Builders, stated that his company has been building for 43 years and highlighted some of the communities they are currently building in. He explained the change they could make to the design that would manipulate the average height calculation but noted that they like to avoid having piles of dirt near the home for drainage purposes. He provided additional details on different home designs and the height that would be calculated using the average measurement. He noted that most of the home designs could meet the 35-foot average height, but there are a few walkouts that would benefit from a height of 36 feet. He confirmed that they could tweak certain elements on the 36-foot models to meet the 35 feet height. DesLauriers stated that he generally does not have an issue with a height of 36 feet as it is confined to this area. He commented that the walkout is unique and designed for this area and would be penalized. He stated that he would support the recommendation of the Planning Commission for 36 feet. He asked if the new development south of Bridgewater received a flexibility for some of the homes within its development. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 5 Finke replied that the City enacted a more restrictive height limitation than 32 feet on some of those lots because of the concerns for the viewshed. Cavanaugh commented that he would support 36 feet because of the market demands and for the reason that the homes along the wetlands or woods would not impact the views of others. He stated that he would also support reviewing the building height ordinance in the future. Albers echoed the comments of Cavanaugh. He stated that he also supports a height of 36 feet as well as reviewing the ordinance as a whole and the method for calculating the maximum height. 1. Ordinance 692 Amending the Weston Woods of Medina PUD District Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to Adopt Ordinance 692 Amending the Weston Woods PUD to Increase Maximum Height of Single-Family Lots to 36 Feet. Motion passed unanimously. 2. Resolution 2022-70 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance 692 by Title and Summary Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to Adopt Resolution 2022-70 Authorizing Publication by Title and Summary. Motion passed unanimously. C. Water Treatment Plant Filters 1 and 2 Rehabilitation Project (7:50 p.m.) Johnson stated that WSB completed a feasibility study for the Medina water treatment plant and the study recommended that the City rehab the existing filters this year and look to expand the treatment plant in 2024. He stated that the plans and bidding documents have been prepared and are ready for Council review. Scherer provided background information on the existing water treatment plant and the backwashing that is occurring because of the condition of the media used in the filter. He stated that many options were reviewed, and it is recommended to rehabilitate the filters in order to get back to full production. He noted that staff also submitted a grant to assist in the expansion for the third filter as well. He noted that the work on the existing filters could occur during the winter season and reviewed the estimated cost. Albers asked the last time this was done. Scherer stated that this has not been done since the plant was built in 2006. He noted that the backwashing also uses a considerable amount of water that the City is then paying for to go through the sewer system. DesLauriers suggested that the blasting and painting be done while this is going on. Scherer stated that if there is damage, that would be done. He noted that they may find out that is not an issue that needs to be fixed but if there are problems, they will fix them. Albers asked if there would be any risk that the tank itself is corroded or would need to be replaced. Scherer did not believe that would be an issue at this time but noted that if this project does not move forward, it could potentially cause other issues. Medina City Council Meeting Minutes September 6, 2022 6 1. Resolution 2022-71 Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-71 Approving Bidding Documents and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids. Motion passed unanimously. VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:01 p.m.) Johnson stated that the Business Forum and Tour could be held in October/November. He stated that he will present some potential dates to the Council. He advised of the upcoming neighborhood meeting for the 500 Hamel project, noting that if there will be a quorum, he would notice that as a meeting. It was confirmed that there would not be a quorum of the Council at that neighborhood meeting. IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:02 p.m.) No comments. X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:02 p.m.) Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the bills, EFT 006497E-006522E for $109,818.69, order check numbers 053338-053389 for $181,499.25, and payroll EFT 0512087-0512149 for $116,704.99. Motion passed unanimously. XI. ADJOURN Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. __________________________________ Kathy Martin, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Scott Johnson, City Administrator