HomeMy Public PortalAbout06.21.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes
June 21, 2022
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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 21, 2022
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on June 21, 2022 at 7:00
p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Albers, Cavanaugh, DesLauriers, and Martin.
Members absent: Reid.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, Attorney Ron Batty, 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. 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 June 7, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin stated that prior to the meeting Johnson provided proposed corrections as
submitted by herself and Cavanaugh for incorporation into the minutes.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to approve the June 7, 2022 regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:02 p.m.)
A. Adopt Ordinance 689 Amending the 2022 Fee Schedule
B. Adopt Resolution 2022-46 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance Amending
the 2022 Fee Schedule by Title and Summary
C. Adopt Ordinance 690 Amending City Code Pertaining to Electric Vehicle
Charging Infrastructure
D. Adopt Resolution 2022-47 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance Amending
City Code Pertaining to Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure by Title
and Summary
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, 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.
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B. Park Commission
Scherer reported that the Park Commission recently met to discuss the Lakeshore Park
improvements. He stated that the consensus was to focus on the lake and enjoyment of
the lake. He stated that Finke also provided a presentation on the Blooming Meadows
project and the Commission would like to reserve the right for trail connections through
the property.
C. Planning Commission
Planning Commissioner Grajczyk reported that the Planning Commission met the
previous week to review the concept plan for Blooming Meadows noting that residents
from Medina and Plymouth asked questions about the proposal. He stated that
ultimately the feedback was positive, and the Commission believes that this proposal will
fit well into the surrounding area. He noted that the Commission also held a public
hearing to consider the Cates Industrial proposal and reported that the Commission
unanimously recommended approval of the request. He stated that the Commission
also reviewed a concept plan for a State Farm office noting that the Commission was
supportive of the concept and provided feedback.
Albers referenced the State Farm concept and asked how the Commission responded to
the proposed change in use from restaurant/retail. He noted that there is a real need for
that use within the city.
Grajczyk commented that he did make the statement that he would prefer to see a
restaurant or ice cream shop with a drive-thru in that space. He noted that the Planning
Commission also recognized the number of vacant spaces in the area and would prefer
to complete this development.
Albers commented that he does not have a problem with vacant lots and would prefer to
be smart about how those are filled and developed. He encouraged the Commission to
be strategic in its thinking when considering new development.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Iroquois Drive Improvement Project – Public Hearing and Assessment
Hearing (7:15 p.m.)
Scherer presented the proposed Iroquois Drive improvement project, noting the total
estimated cost which would be split between the City funds and assessment to
benefiting lots.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Martin closed the public hearing.
1. Resolution 2022-48 Approving Plans According to Feasibility Report
and Ordering Iroquois Drive Improvement Project
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to Adopt Resolution 2022-48
Approving Plans According to Feasibility Report and Ordering Iroquois Drive
Improvement Project. Motion passed unanimously.
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2. Resolution 2022-49 Adopting Assessment Roll for Iroquois Drive
Overlay Project
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to Adopt Resolution 2022-49
Adopting Assessment Roll for Iroquois Drive Improvement Project. Motion passed
unanimously.
Batty commented that there are two hearings being held for each of the projects which
are being conducted concurrently. He stated that the improvement hearing deals with
whether the project should be completed and the second is related to the assessment.
He stated that in order to preserve the right to appeal, the property owner would need to
submit a written objection prior to the closing of the public hearing. He recognized that
one written objection has already been submitted.
B. Oakview Road Improvement Project – Public Hearing and Assessment
Hearing (7:20 p.m.)
Scherer presented the proposed Oakview Road improvement project. He stated that
properties noted with two PIDs may have received two assessment notices but advised
that has since been corrected.
Martin opened the public hearing.
Darlene Steinmetz, 1270 Oakview Road, asked why there is an assessment noting that
the residents already pay taxes. She commented that she would assume that if the
entire road were replaced that the residents would not be paying assessments.
Martin replied that would not be true, noting that a reconstruction would still have an
assessment to benefiting residents.
Batty commented that road, sewer, and water lines have an established life and need
improvement/replacement. He stated that the City decides how those improvements
would be funded. He noted that if a City chooses to fund those improvements itself that
is funded through the tax dollars. He explained that most cities, including Medina,
choose to use the taxes to fund a portion of the project and a portion of the cost is
assessed to benefiting properties.
Steinmetz commented that she has lived in her home for over 30 years and has not
been assessed thus far, which is what she found odd.
Scherer stated that the road was paved prior to the assessment policy.
Martin noted that the City does a good job completing maintenance and watching road
conditions to ensure long lifespans and minimal costs to residents.
Steinmetz asked the estimated lifespan of the improvement.
Scherer replied that the improvement should last at least ten years.
Martin closed the public hearing.
1. Resolution 2022-50 Approving Plans According to Feasibility Report
and Ordering Oakview Road Improvement Project
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Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-50 Approving
Plans According to Feasibility Report and Ordering Oakview Road Improvement Project.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution 2022-51 Adopting Assessment Roll for Oakview Road
Overlay Project
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-51 Adopting
Assessment Roll as amended and presented this evening for Oakview Road
Improvement Project. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Tower Drive West Improvement Project – Public Hearing and Assessment
Hearing (7:28 p.m.)
Scherer presented the proposed Tower Drive West improvement project and noted that
the properties have been notified and a neighborhood meeting was held. He reviewed
the proposed assessment.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Martin closed the public hearing.
1. Resolution 2022-52 Approving Plans According to Feasibility Report
and Ordering Tower Drive West Improvement Project
Moved by Albers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to Adopt Resolution 2022-52 Approving
Plans According to Feasibility Report and Ordering Tower Drive West Improvement
Project. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution 2022-53 Adopting Assessment Roll for Tower Drive West
Overlay Project
Moved by Albers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to Adopt Resolution 2022-53 Adopting
Assessment Roll for Tower Drive West Improvement Project. Motion passed
unanimously.
D. Baker Park Townhomes Easement Vacation – Public Hearing (7:30 p.m.)
Johnson stated that there is a request for the City to vacate easements within the Baker
Park Townhome site that interfere with building sites and are deemed to be
unnecessary.
Finke stated that the applicant proposes all new easements on the property as a result in
the change to the layout of the utilities.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Martin closed the public hearing.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-54 Vacating
Drainage and Utility Easement within 1432 County Road 29. Motion passed
unanimously.
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E. State Farm – 340 Clydesdale Trail – PUD Concept Plan Review (7:33 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the applicant submitted a concept plan for a standalone building to
house a State Farm agency on a vacant lot within the Clydesdale Marketplace PUD.
Finke stated that the subject site is part of the PUD approved in 2005 which designated
this space for a smaller retail building. He stated that the proposal would shift the
building to the north end of the site with parking in front of the building and greenspace
or plaza space adjacent to Clydesdale Trail. He noted the conceptual renderings of the
building were also provided and are similar to other buildings within the PUD. He noted
the items the Council should provide input on during its review of the concept tonight
including building and parking layout, building materials, reduction of parking spaces,
building orientation, and proposed plaza space. He stated that one of the specific
limitations of the 2005 PUD was that no drive-through’s would be allowed but noted soon
after that time there was an amendment to allow the drive-thru for Caribou Coffee, which
also changed the orientation of its site. He stated that another amendment was made to
change the use of a restaurant site to allow the school. He stated that each of the
outlots have gone through an amendment process in order to develop their sites,
including Wells Fargo.
Martin asked how uses are determined within a PUD, and in this specific PUD.
Finke stated that the Site Plan acts as the general plan for development. He stated that
uses and square footages are depicted on the PUD. He stated that professional offices
have been allowed within retail spaces and provided examples.
Albers commented that across the street on Pinto there was a concept for storage
sheds, which was denied because the Council recognized that as being a valuable
location for retail. He stated that Caribou then came forward to develop a coffee shop.
He stated that he does not agree that the right approach is just to fill space but rather to
think strategically to find good retail tenants. He believed that the City is missing a vision
for what it would like to attract for retail uses. He did not think an office building would
be the right fit for this location. He believed that a restaurant would be a better use.
Finke stated that as it stands, a drive-thru would not be allowed in the PUD. He stated
that perhaps the City would want to open up the ability for a drive-through to be in that
location. He did not believe this site would have the necessary space for a sit-down
restaurant.
Albers stated that it was mentioned that there is overflow parking available at Target.
Finke recognized that there was a previous proposal for a restaurant that would have
suggested overflow parking at Target.
Martin provided context on why drive-through’s were not preferred.
Finke stated that typically the applicant would bring forward an amendment request but
noted that it would be difficult for the property owner to market the site for a use that is
not currently permitted.
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Albers stated that in terms of vision he would like to see the City establish a committee
to assist in developing a vision for retail in the community.
Finke stated that there is already work being done for Uptown Hamel but agreed that
could be a good tool to create a master plan for the property along 55.
DesLauriers commented that this area has been vacant for 17 years but also recognized
the number of State Farm offices already in this area. He agreed that this location
should have more of a retail use rather than insurance.
Cavanaugh agreed but stated that he is torn because the site has been vacant for 17
years. He stated that if something different were desired, that should have been done
two years ago. He stated that if this does move forward, the green space area needs to
be a focus and useable by pedestrians.
Albers commented that realistically that is on the end of the development, and he was
unsure how many people would gather in that area.
Finke stated that the Planning Commission focused more on street appeal as it is also
the beginning of the development for people entering from that site.
Martin referenced the original guidelines for the PUD. She noted that The Goddard
School is still complimentary to the vision of the PUD as it attracts people into the
development that may visit some of those businesses when they drop off and pick up
children. She stated that the applicant had stated that most customers do not come to
the actual location, therefore she did not find this use to have the same complimentary
nature. She did not believe that this use would fit within the PUD.
Kyle Vitense, applicant, commented that his comments to the Planning Commission
focused on the fact that this use would generate less use than a drive-thru use. He
stated that this use would help to create a gateway generating less traffic in that location.
He stated that much of his business is done on the phone or online but advised that
there are a minimum of five in-person client visits per day. He stated that he would also
have employees and a conference room for training and networking. He stated that two
of the existing agents in the area are closer to the end of their careers than the start and
there is growth and market demand in this area. He stated that many of his customers
are in and around this area, which makes this location convenient. He recognized that
the pandemic brought a focus to drive-thru uses but noted that many businesses were
also forced to close their doors as a result of the impacts of the pandemic. He stated
that there was an ice cream shop less than a mile from this location that shut its doors
and was turned into an insurance office. He stated that his first desired location was
along the strip in Uptown Hamel but ultimately that did not fit within the vision, and he
chose this site. He stated that Wells Fargo, Caribou and Target would have attracted a
restaurant if there was a desire for that use in that area. He recognized that there was a
previous amendment to allow the school, which has thrived. He stated that this would
be a nice facility that would match the character of Medina and would be another strong
brand within that development. He stated that there is the school, dental office, and
bank and believed that insurance would be a good fit with those uses. He stated that
this would bring jobs to the community and would serve residents of the community as
well.
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DesLauriers commented that the Wells Fargo has been closed for quite some time, with
people only using the ATM’s. He asked if there would be a way to work with Wells
Fargo to use that building.
Vitense commented that he could not speak of what Wells Fargo would allow in their
space but believed that there may be restrictions on what would be allowed as he also
works with investments and has relationships with mortgage lenders. He was unsure
that Wells Fargo is looking to shave space at this time. He stated that he has reached
out to buildings in Medina and Plymouth and did not find anyone interested in selling.
Martin confirmed the consensus that the Council does not desire this use for this
property. She asked if input should still be provided on the layout.
Finke stated that if the Council would like the space to remain retail, comments would
still be helpful on the layout as the current layout does not support a drive-through.
Cavanaugh asked how reasonable it would be for someone to place a standalone retail
building on that site after 17 years if nothing is changed.
Finke commented that it is telling that the site has not developed in that length of time.
Cavanaugh commented that it would be interesting to know what would need to be done
to make the site attractive. He stated that his first choice would be retail but stated that if
that is not an option perhaps it would be better to have a nice building in that location
than a vacant lot.
Albers referenced a previous concept that had a restaurant on the ground level and
office space above. He asked if that has been discussed as an option for the applicant.
He commented that would allow this use and would provide the retail space desired by
the Council.
Jim Damiani, 12500 58th Avenue N in Plymouth, commented that he has been a
practicing commercial real estate agent in the area for 35 years. He commented that all
Targets have retail around them, and this has been vacant for 17 years. He stated that
the property owner, Wellington, owns multiple sites of this nature and knows how to
bring retail in therefore it speaks to the fact that this is not an attractive location for
retailers. He stated that there is a State Farm agent that wants to put a building in this
location and create jobs in a recession. He commented that if retail wanted to be there,
it would have been there already.
Finke noted that there is extra space on the site above what the applicant is proposing to
use and therefore could allow for a 1,500 square foot retail use and parking rather than
the green space proposed.
Cavanaugh commented that he would support that idea.
Martin stated that she would support that as well. She commented that she does not
see that the use enhances the draw to the rest of the development nor the sense of
community that was sought when the guidelines for the PUD were put together. She
commented that while she cannot fix the market, she is also uncertain that she would not
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be willing to wait. She commented that while she visits the dentist and doctor’s offices,
she has never once been to the office for her insurance agent.
Cavanaugh commented that he would agree that if a plan could be developed for
something else, he would agree with Martin.
Vitense stated that there are a lot of State Farm agents that strictly work with auto and
home insurance but noted that he meets with clients at least once a year at minimum.
He stated that he appreciates that this may not be the ideal vision but noted that
insurance offices are commonly found within retail areas.
Martin asked if the proposed use would be more like a commercial bank use in terms of
services.
Vitense confirmed that he offers an array of financial services above simply typical
insurance. He commented that there are many different services that he offers to his
clients. He believed that this would be an excellent space for him to grow his business
as it has been growing. He recognized that the Council desires a restaurant in this
location but stated that he would request that his business be allowed which would have
up to 17 employees that would work in this area and frequent the other businesses. He
noted that none of the other spaces in the development have developed into restaurants
and he believes that this would be a good use of the site.
Johnson asked if the Council would want to hold a work session to discuss the property
further.
Martin agreed that would be helpful.
F. Blooming Meadows – PUD Concept Plan Review (8:25 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the applicant has submitted a concept plan for a five-lot rural
subdivision on 73 acres.
Finke identified the subject site and surrounding uses, noting that most of the land in
Medina is rural residential. He stated that approximately 51 acres of the site is buildable,
and the applicant would propose five lots. He noted that one unit per ten gross acres
would be allowed in terms of density, with five contiguous acres of suitable soils for each
lot. He stated that the applicant provided a base density plan that shows how lots could
be orientated to meet the suitable soils requirement but is proposing flexibility from that
standard on three of the lots in order to orient the site slightly different but not increase
density. He stated that the applicant would also propose to create a wetland bank in the
center of the lots which would restore existing wetlands and create additional wetlands
that provide credits other developers could purchase when impacting wetlands through
development. He noted that the City has not received any previous requests to use a
PUD within the rural residential district. He stated that in order to create rural lots that
will be served by well and septic and therefore each site must show primary and
secondary type one septic sites. He stated that the applicant has shown there are sites
that could accommodate type one systems but noted that two of the lots show those
sites across the wetland to the north. He stated that the applicant has discussed their
septic plans with the building official and would propose a type three or four system for
those two lots. He stated that it would need to be verified that the type one locations
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would be feasible and usable and would also need to confirm that the type three
systems could be used.
Martin asked if a primary or secondary septic site could be located on another lot,
through easement.
Finke stated that is another alternative that would be available. He stated that those
details would need to be provided during the preliminary plat application process. He
noted that there was a fair amount of discussion at the public hearing related to the
access locations, which staff will review as the site design continues to move forward.
Martin recognized that there is more analysis to be done related to the septic sites and
confirmed there were no additional questions on that topic. She asked for input on the
concept of access.
Finke reviewed the proposed access locations.
Martin commented that she likes the ideas of a single shared drive into the development
as that creates a sense of community. She believed that it would also be less impactful
to traffic. She stated that perhaps instead of one wetland, it is two wetlands with an
access through the middle. She noted that perhaps a single shared driveway with cul-
de-sac might be a better answer than two driveways.
Finke stated that this concept was purposefully created to maximize the amount of
wetland that could be created. He noted that if that wetland were bisected it would result
in less wetland.
Martin noted that may also provide more land for the contiguous soils.
Finke stated that when the City creates conservation developments there are smaller
lots proposed.
Cavanaugh commented that there is currently a great community in this area even
though the residents do not share driveways. He was unsure that he would want to take
away from this development in order to have a shared driveway. He commented that he
believes that this is one of the best developments that has come before the City as it
provides rural development and protects and creates wetlands.
Finke stated that these shared driveways would meet the fire code. He noted that the
City requires a street for more than four homes, which would require a higher level of
design.
Martin stated that she does like the idea but was requesting more creativity in terms of
the access.
DesLauriers referenced another option that could provide one access.
Martin noted that option would circulate the traffic through one lot. She stated that she
does not like the concept that the homeowner would be responsible for constructing the
shared access.
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DesLauriers commented that he would assume the developer would be responsible for
constructing the access.
KC Chermak, Pillar Homes, commented that they have embraced a strategy on how to
accomplish this development and have worked through about 12 previous concepts to
get to this point. He stated that they believed there was importance in bringing in the
watershed from the beginning, even before they engaged Finke, as the desire was to
return the farmland to a more natural state. He stated that they have done some more
traditional developments which is more destructive to the site to create more lots. He
stated that if they were prioritizing development, they could request 60 lots on the site.
He stated that they worked with the watershed to complete modeling on the site to
enhance and grow the wetlands, therefore those locations are not randomly chosen and
were developed through delineation. He stated that the proposed access locations use
the existing grade, minimize tree loss, and work with the existing locations of the
overhead power lines. He commented that they do not have an issue creating a public
street if that is preferred. He recognized that this may seem like backwards
development but stated that they prioritized the development of the wetlands and then
determined home lot placement.
Martin agreed that the proposed development is exciting and appreciated the ingenuity
of the proposal.
Chermak provided additional explanation on the intended purpose of the wetland which
would reverse what has been done for the past 70 years to get water off the site.
DesLauriers commented that this information was very helpful.
Albers commented that he likes the design and believes it makes sense. He stated that
it will be interesting to see how this evolves from a planning perspective in the type of
wetland that will be created.
Chermak noted that most of the wetland will be shallow.
John Nellermoe, 2185 Holy Name Drive, commented that they are in favor of what has
been proposed. He stated that he likes the idea of more wetlands and asked if soil
would be moved out of that area to create the wetland. He hoped that this would contain
the natural water that currently runs to their property and the Sween property.
Chermak commented that there would be minimal grading but enough to allow water to
transfer to the areas where it is supposed to, and merge. He recognized that there is a
very different strategy than stormwater treatment ponds. He noted that it is more of a
subtle approach.
Cavanaugh asked if the water moving to Holy Name Lake from this property would be of
better quality following this development.
Finke stated that there would not be a location to disconnect the current drainage path to
the lake.
Cavanaugh noted that the chemicals used in farming would no longer be used if this
property is developed, which would benefit the lake.
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Finke commented that conversion of land from an agricultural use to residential
development would provide water quality benefit. He noted that there would be a
marginal improvement to water quality above that because of the wetland.
Greg Hoglund, 19220 Hackamore Road, stated that he is a co-investor in the property
since 2014. He stated that he and his wife have an intention to build a home on this site
and move from Corcoran to Medina. He stated that when the process began, he also
had the vision that there would be one road providing access to five homes but with the
collaboration of the development team they have gone through many iterations for the
property and throughout that he has mentally made a shift where the wetland became
the main part of the discussion, and the homes were then ancillary. He stated therefore
the two access roads made more sense. He believes that this is the best proposal, and
they are willing to invest in the two-to-three-year process to make this a special
development. He stated that after the explanation at the Planning Commission, all the
residents were very supportive.
Martin commented that she does not mean to suggest that this is not special nor that
she would want to create a suburban development.
Albers commented that the City was looking for a phosphorus reduction project and
asked if this type of project would qualify for some of that funding to provide water quality
improvements to Holy Name Lake.
Finke stated that is where this collaboration started as the original thought was that this
could be a partnership and evolved into this concept. He noted that the water quality
improvement was marginal and would not have justified public dollars to be used.
Martin asked Nellermoe to provide input on the preference for one or two driveways.
She noted that she does not want to create an issue that may not exist.
Barbara Nellermoe, 2185 Holy Name Drive, commented that one neighbor did express
concern at the public hearing, but it was explained that those locations were chosen in
order to minimize tree loss. She stated that the fact that these are private drives
alleviates the concerns of neighbors.
Mr. Nellermoe echoed the comments that there was one person expressing concern with
the alignment of the road, but it was explained that these were driveways and not public
roads, therefore the residents using those driveways would watch for traffic as all people
pulling into or out of their driveways would. He commented on the amount of support
this project has from the residents in this area.
Susie Sween, 2112 Holy Name Drive, stated that personally she considers these to be
driveways and does not have concern. She commented that personally, she believes
one driveway would cause more traffic as all the vehicles for the five lots would use that
point. She stated that people are more concerned with the speed of traffic rather than
the amount of traffic on the road. She did not believe five homes would create much
traffic.
Finke confirmed the general support for the concept.
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Martin stated that assuming the septic details can be worked out, the consensus of the
Council supports the concept.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (9:15 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (9:15 p.m.)
No comments.
X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (9:15 p.m.)
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to approve the bills, EFT 006403E-006420E
for $62,868.18, order check numbers 053041-053094 for $208,819.61, and payroll EFT
0511915-0511951 for $60,572.37. Motion passed unanimously.
XI. ADJOURN
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathy Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Scott Johnson, City Administrator