HomeMy Public PortalAbout06.07.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2022
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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 7, 2022
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on June 7, 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,
Planning Intern Colette Baumgardner, Public Works Director Steve Scherer, and Chief of
Police Jason Nelson.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (7:01 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 May 17, 2022 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Albers, seconded by Martin, to approve the May 17, 2022 work session City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the May 17, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Martin, seconded by Cavanaugh, to approve the May 17, 2022 regular City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:02 p.m.)
A. Approve Resolution 2022-41 Accepting the Resignation of Community
Service Officer Justin Cook and Authorize Recruitment of Vacant
Community Service Officer Position
B. Approve 2022-2023 Liquor License Renewals
C. Approve Hackamore Road Agreement with WSB
D. Approve Resolution 2022-42 Accepting Donations for the 2022 Bike Safety
Rodeo
E. Approve Agreement for Uptown Hamel Study
Martin commented that the City will miss Cook. She also thanked everyone that made
donations to the bike rodeo.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the consent agenda. Motion
passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:04 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 annual park tour was held on May 18th with a regular meeting
following. He stated that the Three Rivers regional trail was discussed, and no
consensus was reached.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission will hold three public hearings the following
week to consider a PUD Concept Plan for a rural subdivision, Cates Industrial Park
Comprehensive Amendment request, and a Concept Plan for an amendment to the
Medina Clydesdale Marketplace PUD.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Hamel Townhomes (7:08 p.m.)
DesLauriers recused himself from this item.
Johnson stated that the Preliminary Plat and Site Plan have been updated based on the
input of the Council at the last meeting.
Martin commented that she believes staff captured all the comments of the Council from
the last review.
1. Resolution 2022-43 Granting Preliminary Plat Approval
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-43 Granting
Preliminary Plat of Hamel Townhomes subject to the recommended conditions. Motion
passed unanimously.
2. Resolution 2022-44 Approving Site and Building Plan Review
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Albers, to Adopt Resolution 2022-44 Approving the
Site Plan of Hamel Townhomes subject to the recommended conditions. Motion
passed unanimously.
DesLauriers rejoined the Council.
B. Diamond Lake Regional Trail (7:10 p.m.)
Johnson stated that on June 15, 2021 the Council approved a conceptual route for the
Diamond Lake Regional Trail (DLRT). He stated that since that time Three Rivers Park
District has worked on a Master Plan, the comment period has now expired, and Three
Rivers Park District is now requesting each of the communities pass a resolution of
support for the DLRT.
Martin asked if there had been any significant deviations from what was previously
approved for the conceptual route through Medina.
Stephen Shurson replied that there were no deviations from the route previously
approved by the Medina City Council. He commented that the Master Plan is designed
to document those previous discussions, public engagement, and previous research.
Martin commented that she did focus on the Medina route and did not notice any
deviations.
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DesLauriers referenced the cities that support the trail and noticed that Long Lake was
missing. He asked if there was a reason that community did not support the trail.
Shurson replied that they had proposed that the existing trail along Highway 112 would
be converted to a regional trail where Three Rivers would take over ownership and
maintenance and while the public and businesses supported the concept, the City
Council felt that introducing a higher level of traffic into the downtown area would cause
congestion and pedestrian traffic. He stated that the City declined the option to convert
that segment of trail.
DesLauriers stated that perhaps in the future Long Lake will change their mind.
Shurson commented that the good news is that there would still be connectivity.
Martin commented that during the public hearing process there was quite a bit of
discussion related to the power of eminent domain and that the Park District would not
exercise that route. She asked if that is simply the policy of the current commissioners
or whether that is set in policy.
Kelly Grissman, Three Rivers Park District, replied that it is not written into statute that
they cannot exercise eminent domain, but it is written into statute that in order for the
Park District to exercise that tool, the city would have to authorize that tool. She stated
that the city could choose to take that tool off the table through a cooperative agreement
that will come forth at a later time.
Martin agreed that she would feel more comfortable if that is included in the cooperative
agreement. She asked if the cooperative agreement would be between the Park District
and all cities, or between the Park District and each individual city.
Grissman replied that the Park District would have agreements with each individual city
in order to customize the details to the needs and desires of that community.
Shurson reviewed the next steps in the process, should this resolution be approved.
Martin recognized the lengthy review and discussions the Council previously had on this
topic and appreciated the cooperative efforts of the Park District throughout that process.
1. Resolution 2022-45 of Support for the Diamond Lake Regional Trail
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to Adopt Resolution 2022-45 Supporting
the Diamond Lake Regional Trail Master Plan. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Electric Vehicle Charging Ordinance (7:20 p.m.)
Johnson stated that at the April 19th work session, staff brought forward the proposed
ordinance and a few changes were required to be made which were then reviewed by
the Planning Commission at its May meeting. He stated that a few more changes were
suggested by that body and an updated version is provided for the Council to review.
Baumgardner provided background on the draft electric vehicle charging ordinance and
its intent, noting that she provided a higher level of background and information at the
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previous worksession with the Council. She reviewed the sections of the proposed draft
ordinance, recommendations, and related incentives.
Martin asked if the landscaping reduction incentive would be on the interior of the site.
She was unsure that would be a big incentive as most developers of retail are building to
sell.
DesLauriers commented that 50 percent is a lot and suggested 25 percent as the
reduction.
Martin stated that perhaps up to 50 percent is allowed with specific minimums identified.
Albers asked if the current cost to be EV ready for commercial would be about $7,200.
Baumgardner provided a copy of an email showing the associated cost estimates. She
noted that the final step to go from EV ready to EV installed is missing as those costs
vary dramatically.
Finke stated that this incentive was in response to feedback from the Council pertaining
to offsetting the cost of installation of some level of EV readiness. He stated that
reduction of landscaping would allow for some additional square footage of space in the
building to offset the cost of installation.
Baumgardner continued to review the proposed incentives.
Cavanaugh asked if there would be a reason to keep parking lot islands, in terms of
safety or maneuverability.
Finke stated that if islands are necessary to provide turning radius, those would still be
required.
Baumgardner continued to review the proposed incentives.
Martin noted that she was a bit concerned with the density incentive until she read the
proposed language which includes caps.
Baumgardner reviewed the input received by the Planning Commission and its
recommendation at its May meeting.
Martin stated that perhaps there should be additional language added to the tree
incentive to ensure there are some trees on the site and how that incentive is applied.
Baumgardner commented that the incentive would only apply up to the recommendation
for the type of development. She stated that if two stations would be recommended, the
incentive could be applied up to that standard.
Albers stated that he is unsure if he is in agreement with the tree incentive. He
suggested not using the tree incentive. He noted that not all vehicles will be electric and
therefore trees will still provide value.
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Cavanaugh commented that any trees can fit on the site as provided for in the tree
replacement ordinance, should be placed on the site. He stated that perhaps the City
incentivize developers by giving some type of credit or proportional reimbursement for
including EV infrastructure. He stated that if the incentive is linked to tree replacement
payment, some sites would have the incentive available, and others would not. He
suggested instead, using the general tree fund to contribute a percentage of the cost for
a site to become EV ready.
Martin asked for clarification.
Cavanaugh provided examples of two parcels whereby under staffs proposal, one site
with trees would have access to reimbursement for EV infrastructure and a non-treed
site would not. He instead provided a suggestion where the City would assist a
developer in becoming EV ready by contributing a percentage of the cost using the
general tree fund.
Finke stated that the City has identified a more active role of forestry management using
that fund.
Martin commented that diverting tree fund dollars to EV would seem contrary to the
purpose and intent of that fund. She stated that she would lean towards simply
removing that tree incentive.
Barnhart provided additional details on the environmental fund and explained the
different line items within the fund.
Albers stated that he would prefer to use that fund to offset the cost of trees for residents
to purchase and plant rather than offset the cost of an EV charging station.
Reid stated that she is unsure what the answer would be.
DesLauriers agreed to remove the tree incentive, noting that it could be added at a later
time.
Cavanaugh commented that the first three incentives provided by staff take away from
the aesthetics of the property and would not be infavor of this. He clarified that his
suggestion was to allow development to occur as it does today and a portion of the
funds that are paid into the general tree fund could be used to contribute a percentage
towards EV charging readiness.
Albers stated that he would prefer to allow developers to respond to the market rather
than incentivizing that. He stated that developers can already obtain subsidies to install
the equipment and therefore would be in favor of the ordinance without the incentives.
Martin commented that she does agree with that statement in respect to single-family
and townhome developments. She could not recall ever hearing from an owner of an
electric vehicle express concern with the costs to install an in-house charging station.
She stated that she does like the recommendation or incentive for multi-family housing.
She asked the Council if some type of incentive program would make sense.
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Cavanaugh agreed that some type of incentive would make sense, on the commercial
side, to ensure there is infrastructure in place in the future.
Albers stated that he would not support an incentive.
Reid commented that she believes that this should be market driven and did not support
incentives.
DesLauriers stated that he would agree that the EV charging should be market driven.
He noted that Polaris has a few charging stations, and they are rarely used. He stated
that if the stations are needed, the market will bring them.
Martin confirmed the consensus of the Council to remove the incentives from the
proposed ordinance. She suggested that staff bring back an amended ordinance with
that direction.
VIII. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:10 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
IX. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:10 p.m.)
Martin commented that she did attend the bike rodeo which was enjoyed by the children
and also attended the Honor Guard memorial service. She stated that she and Albers
also attended the fire district planning meeting. She stated that Albers is heading a
subcommittee that will create a vision for that potential district. She commented that the
Uptown Hamel banners look great and thanked Reid for her contributions.
X. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:12 p.m.)
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Reid, to approve the bills, EFT 006381E-006402E
for $77,371.66, order check numbers 052977-053040 for $199,500.84, and payroll EFT
0511883-0511914 for $61,234.07. Motion passed unanimously.
XI. CLOSED SESSION: CONSIDERATION OF LAND ACQUISITION AT PID 11-
118-23-21-0005 OR PID 11-118-23-32-0003 PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT.
SEC. 13D.05, SUBD. 3(C)
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to adjourn the meeting to closed session at 8:14
p.m. in consideration of land acquisition at PID 11-118-23-21-0005 or PID 11-118-23-32-
0003 pursuant to Minn. Stat. Sec. 13D.05, Subd. 3(c). Motion passed unanimously.
The meeting returned to open session at 9:00 p.m.
XII. ADJOURN
Moved by Albers, seconded by Cavanaugh, to adjourn the meeting at 9:01 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathy Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Scott Johnson, City Administrator