HomeMy Public PortalAbout05.03.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes
May 3, 2022
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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY 3, 2022
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on May 3, 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, Assistant to City Administrator/City
Clerk Caitlyn Walker, Attorney Ron Batty, Finance Director Erin Barnhart, City Engineer
Jim Stremel, City Planning Director Dusty Finke, Planning Consultant Nate Sparks,
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 April 19, 2022 Work Session City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin noted that prior to the meeting Johnson provided changes that she suggested for
incorporation into the minutes.
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the April 19, 2022 work session
City Council meeting minutes as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the April 19, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by Martin, to approve the April 19, 2022 regular City
Council meeting minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:02 p.m.)
A. Approve 2021 Annual Report
B. Approve Resolution 2022-32 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance No. 686
by Title and Summary
C. Approve First Amendment to Development Agreement – Pulte Homes of
Minnesota LLC
Martin commented that the Annual Report is very well drafted and commended staff for
an excellent job.
Albers agreed that the report was well done, highlighting many accomplishments. He
asked and received confirmation that the report is posted on the City website.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the consent agenda.
Motion passed unanimously.
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VI. COMMENTS (7:05 p.m.)
A. Comments from Citizens on Items not on the Agenda
There were none.
B. Park Commission
Scherer reported that the Park Commission met on April 20th to discuss the Hamel Road
townhome project related to park dedication and the Commission recommended cash in
lieu for that project. He stated that the Commission also discussed Lakeshore Park
plans and the subcommittee will complete further work based upon that direction.
Martin thanked the Park Commission for its participation in Cleanup Day.
Scherer reported that the Park Tour will be held on May 18th.
DesLauriers asked if the tennis courts and pickleball courts are anticipated to be opened
at Hunter Park.
Scherer anticipated those could be opened later this summer noting that he is
coordinating with contractors to complete the project.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to hold a
hearing to consider a Concept Plan for the Cates Industrial Park and to consider draft
ordinance language for electric vehicle charging regulations.
VII. PRESENTATIONS
A. Introduce Police Officers John Vinck and Justin Hanson (7:09 p.m.)
Nelson recognized that many things have changed in the last two years since the
Council has met in person. He introduced the two new Officers that have been added to
the department and provided background information on their experience.
Martin commented that she receives comments of praise for the Police and Fire
departments and their members, and it is a pleasure to receive those calls and emails.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Hamel Townhomes (7:16 p.m.)
DesLauriers recused himself from this discussion.
Johnson stated that this is an application for preliminary plat and site plan for a proposed
townhome development to be located at 342 Hamel Road. He stated that there are 30
townhome units proposed and the proposal meets the current zoning requirements of
the City.
Sparks presented the application for preliminary plat and site plan review for property at
342 Hamel Road and would contain 30 townhomes on 2.1 acres of land. He stated that
the site is zoned Uptown Hamel which is a district that allows for a mix of commercial
and residential uses. He noted that the proposal would include a mix of three- and four-
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bedroom townhomes which would be platted as individual lots for sale. He stated that
the proposed density would fall within the allowable range. He reviewed the adjacent
property uses and highlighted the topography and features of the site. He displayed the
site plan and reviewed the details of that plan, along with the proposed plat for the
property. He stated that the Uptown Hamel district does not have a front yard setback
as the intent is to have street focused design. He reviewed details related to proposed
setbacks and parking which meet or exceed the requirements. He provided additional
details on the proposed access and circulation and the related comments from staff on
those topics. He stated that there would be a large amount of tree removal on the site,
therefore a significant amount of tree replacement would be required both onsite and
offsite. He reviewed proposed details related to hardcover, stormwater treatment,
retaining walls, and fencing. He displayed architectural renderings of the site as
proposed and recalled previous comments from the Council related to a desire for
increased architectural features. He stated that generally all the buildings meet the City
Code requirements in terms of building materials. He noted that Uptown Hamel requires
porches or plazas and provided details on the attempted porches for the street facing
units. He stated that staff pointed out some concern as to whether the buildings would
look like the proposal because of the grade changes on the site. He stated that the
Planning Commission noted that the sides of the buildings would be visible from the
street and the applicant responded by adding windows to the sides of those buildings.
He also reviewed the elevations of the buildings on the other portions of the site. He
reported that the Planning Commission held a public hearing at its last meeting. He
noted that despite some concerns, staff recommended approval as the application
generally meets City Code, but the Planning Commission recommended denial based
on a general consensus that it was inconsistent with the Uptown Hamel regulations. He
used the example of the porch requirement and noted that the Commission felt that the
spirit and intent of the ordinance was not met. He stated that the Commission also
noted a lack of connectivity to adjacent sites and had concern with the proposed
circulation of the site, lack of plaza or greenspace, and limited internal walkability. He
stated that ultimately the Commission felt that the density was too high for this use to
allow for the other concerns to be met. He stated that staff recommends approval of
both actions before the Council, subject to the recommended conditions.
Martin noted that one of the recommended conditions indicated that architectural design
should be updated as described by the Planning Commission. She asked if that
condition should be updated to reference the specific direction of the City Council.
Sparks stated that the language in the report was a carryover from the Planning
Commission report and that it would make sense to update the language depending on
the direction of the Council.
Martin asked staff about proposed Condition 17 in the staff report.
Sparks stated that the comment is related to the reconstruction of the sidewalk and if
trees are placed there, then there would need to be assurance that the trees would not
interfere with operations of the City. He commented that the landscaping plan exceeds
the minimum standards.
Martin requested comment from staff regarding the proposed landscaping in the right of
way.
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Scherer commented that he and Stremel would look at that further because there are
already issues with snow removal in that area. He commented that the zero front
setback throughout Uptown Hamel would be an issue in the future because there is not
room for snow storage and therefore would need to be hauled out.
Martin asked about the configuration of the front porches.
Sparks stated that the sides are open.
Johnson commented that there would be a step up from either side and the person
would then walk onto the porch.
Martin requested City Council comments on the front porches.
Cavanaugh asked if a long rail would be more suitable or a small rail between the pillars.
Martin noted that there could be a gate that could be locked. She asked if that
recommendation could be made as a condition.
Sparks noted that there would also need to be coordination with the landscaping plan.
Martin suggested restating condition 17 to consider engineering the front porches visible
from Hamel Road to permit individualized gated entrances to each unit in a manner that
does not compromise the availability of space for streetscape landscaping.
Cavanaugh stated that if he looked at the picture with the long gate, he did not think that
looked as nice as the photo with the vehicle that was more broken up. He commented
that a long linear gate would perhaps be better broken up. He stated that his main focus
is to ensure the Hamel Road piece is well done.
Martin noted that the homes adjacent to the park should also be considered. She
commented that the entrances should be more individualized to feel more like a
traditional row house with a door and front porch.
Albers agreed that there should be a distinct look for each unit. He noted that at the last
meeting there was a consensus that the rendering at the last meeting perhaps did not
capture that intent but recognized it is hard to tell on a flat rendering.
Matt Eller, developer, stated that the rendering will answer some questions as to where
the pillars, gates and separate entrances are located.
Albers noted that the rendering looks like a straight wall rather than eight individual
homes.
Martin asked the goal for closing on the property and breaking ground.
Eller commented that they would proceed once the approvals are obtained. He stated
that July or August would be the goal.
Martin commented that the Council would like to see distinct units so it is clear there are
eight individual homes along Hamel Road with streetscape landscaping. She stated that
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she does welcome the density as proposed and believes the architecture is generally
nice looking. She stated that she would like to see architectural features which would
break up the front facades to make them less monotonous and show more obviously
that there are a number of separate units.
Albers asked if something could be put around the windows to break that up, such as
shutters or awnings.
Eller commented that he can work with the architect to make it look more individualized.
Martin suggested clarification for the proposed conditions within the preliminary plat.
She also suggested a condition related to HOA regulations, including what would be
allowed on the porches.
Finke commented that there is concern that the right-of-way would be unusable once the
buildings are constructed because of the zero-lot line. He stated that the developer has
agreed to realign the sidewalk with the construction of the buildings but noted that would
eliminate the ability for on street parking.
Martin commented that the developer has a piece of property that abuts the right of way
and a zoning district that calls for a zero-front setback, therefore she believed the issue
is on the City and not the developer.
Finke commented that there was a discussion regarding on street parking and provided
additional details on parking related to the Hamel Road fronting units.
Albers asked if the units along Hamel Road are three- or four-bedroom units.
Eller replied that it would be a mix of three- and four-bedroom units.
Martin asked what would need to be done in order to accommodate street parking. She
asked if there is any need to add conditions of approval to the site plan.
Albers commented that he recalled a discussion of that nature.
Finke replied that conversation was with a different developer for a different property.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Cavanaugh, to direct staff to prepare for review by the
Council at its next meeting, a motion to approve the Hamel Townhomes Preliminary Plat
subject to the recommended conditions in the report and as discussed and to prepare a
motion for the Council to approve the Hamel Townhomes Site Plan subject to the
recommended conditions in the report and as discussed with an eye towards making
those units on the south and west boundaries non-monolithic and more individualized.
Motion passed unanimously.
DesLauriers rejoined the Council.
B. Bonner Variance Request – Public Hearing (8:15 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the applicant is requesting a variance from the 150 foot minimum
side yard setback to rebuild a barn on his property, noting that the existing barn would
be torn down.
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Finke stated that the proposed larger accessory structure would be 110 feet from the
northern property line which would be the same setback as the existing barn. He stated
that there was a variance to allow for the barn in its current location in the 1970s and
because of the intensification the variance is presented again to the Council. He
reviewed the floorplan of the proposed structure and reviewed the variance criteria to be
considered. He stated that the Planning Commission held a public hearing at its last
meeting and the Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Martin closed the public hearing.
Martin stated that the variance is a request to reduce the side yard setback from 150 feet
to 110 feet. She noted that the existing barn is setback 110 feet, therefore this would be
the same location from the northern property line. She noted that the barn will become a
bit bigger but would remain the same distance from the northern property line. She
asked the width of the lot, north to south. She commented that the width of the lot
cannot be changed and this is an issue that the Council has considered before.
Finke commented that there is something to be said about considering the set of
regulations the City has, noting a minimum lot width of 300 feet in the Rural Residential
district. He noted that perhaps there is an inconsistency between the minimum width
and setback for animal buildings.
Martin commented that she sees the hardship and issue and did not note any opposition
from neighbors or other residents.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to direct staff to prepare a resolution
approving the variance, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report. Motion
passed unanimously.
C. Marsh Pointe Final Plat and Easement Vacation – Public Hearing (8:23 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the subject site is east of Arrowhead Drive and south of Bridgewater
noting that the applicant requested final plat.
Finke stated that the project would include 30 detached villas on approximately 12 net
acres. He stated that preliminary plat was granted in March and reviewed the actions
before the Council tonight including final plat, easement vacation establishment of the
storm sewer tax improvement district, and development agreement. He stated that the
final plat is essentially the same as the preliminary plat with the adjustments noted as
conditions of the preliminary plat approval. He stated that many of the conditions of
preliminary plat would be continued to final plat and memorialized in the development
agreement. He noted that the sale of a 30 foot strip of property owned by the City of
Medina is a condition of approval and the developer will pay $1,850 for that property
sale. He stated that the easements under the old lot would not be necessary as
easements will be provided through the new plat and a public hearing is required for the
vacation of those easements. He stated that the Council held a public hearing for the
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establishment of the storm sewer tax improvement district at its previous meeting. He
stated that staff recommends approval of the actions before the Council.
Martin opened the public hearing.
No comments.
Martin closed the public hearing.
Martin invited the applicant to speak.
George Stickney, applicant, commented that he is pleased to be here and it has been
nice to work with the City. He hoped that this will be a development everyone will be
proud of. He stated that he will be meeting with the Bluebell residents in the coming
weeks to work on the agreed upon landscaping. He stated that although he did not
desire the 30 foot strip of property, he agreed that would make everything clean moving
forward.
Rick Osberg, representing the applicant, expressed appreciation to the staff for their
cooperation throughout this process.
1. Resolution 2022-33 Granting Final Plat Approval for Marsh Pointe
Preserve
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution 2022-33 Granting Final
Plat Approval for Marsh Pointe Preserve. Motion passed unanimously.
2. Resolution 2022-34 Vacating Drainage and Utility Easements at 4250
Arrowhead Drive
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution 2022-34 Vacating
Drainage and Utility Easements at 4250 Arrowhead Drive. Motion passed
unanimously.
3. Ordinance 687 Establishing Marsh Pointe Preserve Storm Sewer
Improvement Tax District
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Ordinance 687 Establishing the
Marsh Pointe Preserve Storm Sewer Improvement Tax District. Motion passed
unanimously.
4. Resolution 2022-35 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance
Establishing Storm Sewer Tax Improvement Tax District by Title and
Summary
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to adopt Resolution 2022-35 Authorizing
Publication of the Ordinance by Title and Summary. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Planned Unit Development Agreement
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to approve the Planned Unit Development
Agreement by and between the City of Medina and BPS Properties LLC. Motion
passed unanimously.
Martin appreciated the work of the City Attorney in writing these documents, specifically
the development agreement.
D. Ordinance 688 Amending Regulations Pertaining to Signs within City-
Owned Parks (8:33 p.m.)
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Johnson stated that at the April 5th meeting the City received a generous donation from
the Hamel Lions for a digital scoreboard at the Paul Fortin Field. He noted that staff has
done a great job creating an ordinance amendment related to signage within City parks.
Finke stated that the purpose for this language was discussed at the April 5th meeting.
He stated that the intent would be to clarify the past practice of the City in that sign
permits were not required for signs/scoreboards interior to parks. He stated that a public
hearing was held by the Planning Commission at its last meeting and the potential
impact to neighboring residences were discussed. He stated that staff recommends
adoption of the ordinance noting that the Commission also recommended approval with
a vote of 5-1.
DesLauriers stated the concern that Commissioner Sedabres expressed was related to
the size of the sign and whether that regulation should apply equally to commercial
properties. He noted that he does not share that concern.
Finke commented that the dynamic display regulations are meant to apply adjacent to
roadways to minimize distraction of drivers and visual clutter. He noted that when that
sign is internal to a site it would not have the same impact. He recognized that there
may be additional discussions on whether there should be regulations for internal signs
that are not located on City owned property, such as school district property. He noted
that this exemption was focused on signs internal to City owned parks.
DesLauriers stated that he is not concerned with impacts to neighbors because of the
location of the sign and the direction it is directed.
Finke commented that the scoreboard will be visible from a few businesses in Uptown
Hamel.
Martin commented that would seem to add vibrancy to those businesses in the
evenings.
DesLauriers commented that the sign would not be used that often given the short
baseball season and limited number of games per week.
Albers agreed that this sign would be used in a limited capacity compared to a
commercial sign that would be on 24 hours per day.
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to adopt Ordinance 688 Amending
Regulations Pertaining to Signs within City-Owned Parks. Motion passed
unanimously.
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (8:40 p.m.)
Johnson thanked the members of the Council that participated in Cleanup Day, along
with Scherer and his staff for their efforts. He advised of the Spring into Hamel event
that will occur on May 21st and 22nd.
Martin agreed that Cleanup Day was a fun event and was glad to have participated. She
noted the Park Tour on May 18th.
Johnson confirmed that Fox 9 will be coming on July 6th to film a segment as well.
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Martin confirmed the dates of the Hamel Rodeo.
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (8:42 p.m.)
Martin noted that there were some recent pancake breakfasts hosted by the Loretto and
Long Lake Fire Departments that were well attended.
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (8:45 p.m.)
Moved by Cavanaugh, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the bills, EFT 006347E-
006367E for $75,587.70, order check numbers 052849-052907 for $895,001.69, and
payroll EFT 0511813-0511845 for $62,997.08. Motion passed unanimously.
XII. ADJOURN
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Motion
passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathy Martin, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Caitlyn Walker, City Clerk