HomeMy Public PortalAbout02.02.2022 City Council Meeting MinutesMedina City Council Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2022
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MEDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 2, 2022
The City Council of Medina, Minnesota met in regular session on February 2, 2022 at
7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Chambers. Mayor Martin presided.
Martin read a statement stating that the meeting is being held in a virtual format due to
the ongoing pandemic and provided instructions for public participation.
I. ROLL CALL
Members present: Albers, DesLauriers, Martin, and Reid.
Members absent: Cavanaugh.
Also present: City Administrator Scott Johnson, City 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 (7:03 p.m.)
III. ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA (7:03 p.m.)
The agenda was approved as presented.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (7:03 p.m.)
A. Approval of the January 18, 2022 Work Session City Council Meeting
Minutes
Moved by Martin, seconded by DesLauriers, to approve the January 18, 2022 work
session City Council meeting minutes as presented.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Cavanaugh absent
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of the January 18, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Martin stated that prior to the meeting Johnson distributed suggested changes to the
minutes that she submitted for incorporation.
Moved by Martin, seconded by Albers, to approve the January 18, 2022 regular City
Council meeting minutes as amended.
A roll call vote was performed:
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DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (7:05 p.m.)
A. Approve Hennepin County Lidar Agreement
B. Approve 2022 Goals
C. Approve Hiring of City Clerk/Assistant to City Administrator
D. Authorization to Advertise and Fill the Full-Time PW Maintenance
Technician Position
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to approve the consent agenda.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
VI. COMMENTS (7:06 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 January 19th and appointed officers
for the year and introduced the newest member of the Commission. He noted that one
application has been received for the remaining vacant position. He stated that the
Commission discussed three potential developments in terms of park dedication.
C. Planning Commission
Finke reported that the Planning Commission will meet the following week to hold a
public hearing to consider a request for a Conditional Use Permit to construct an
accessory structure at 3003 Hamel Road.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ordinance 682 Amending Chapter 3 of the City Code of Ordinance
Pertaining to Third Party Gift Card Procurement (7:09 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the Police Department has experienced an increase in fraudulent
third-party gift card procurement at establishments in Medina. He stated that law
enforcement agencies spend a lot of time investigating these cases, which places a
strain on limited resources within the department. Nelson is recommending the
proposed ordinance to address this issue.
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Nelson stated that additional background information was included in the memorandum
within the Council packet. He stated that they are attempting to stop the fraudulent third-
party gift card procurement. He stated that these fraud cases involve multiple victims
and a lot of staff resources. He stated that they used the Shakopee ordinance as a
model, which was the first ordinance of this nature and was recognized nationally. He
noted that since the implementation phase, Shakopee has seen a nearly 100 percent
reduction in third party gift card procurement fraud cases. He stated that there were
some concerns expressed from the Minnesota Retailers Association and reviewed those
comments. He explained that as proposed in the ordinance, identification would be
required to be shown in order to purchase a third-party gift card. He noted that a third-
party gift card also could not be purchased at a self-checkout. He stated that he has
spoken with neighboring communities to advise them of the potential action of the
Council tonight.
Martin commented that the Council previously discussed this matter and there was
additional study of actions taken by other communities. She stated that information was
distributed from the Minnesota Retailers Association (MRA) and invited that
representative to speak.
Bruce Nustad, MRA, appreciated the opportunity to address the Council and also
appreciated the opportunity to discuss his concerns with Nelson and Albers. He
understands the desire of the community to reduce fraud cases. He stated that they are
concerned with the unintended impact to consumers. He commented that this ordinance
could impact the consumer and retailer rather than the criminal. He stated that the
possibility that a store clerk could be punished with a misdemeanor would have an
impact on retailers. He noted that some stores in Shakopee have pulled the third-party
gift cards to avoid a situation in which a young clerk could be punished. He noted that
there is also a conflict in asking for identification when selling a Visa or Mastercard gift
card as the retailer is not allowed to require identification for purchase, therefore the
cards will need to be pulled from the store. He stated that there concern with the
definition of identification did not include all valid forms including tribal identification. He
asked that the City take a pause and determine if they could collaboratively work with
retailers.
DesLauriers asked if Nelson has spoken with Target and whether the clause with Visa
and Mastercard could create a conflict.
Nelson replied that he did speak with representatives from Target and did not find out
about the conflict until he reached the corporate level. He stated that their solution
would be to pull those gift cards from the store rather than comply with the ordinance.
DesLauriers asked if there was ever a cashier working in conjunction with a thief in the
cases they have investigated.
Nelson replied that Shakopee had two incidents where there were reports of violation of
the ordinance and in one of those cases there was potential involvement from cashier.
He commented that they have not seen that type of involvement in Medina.
DesLauriers commented that he believes that the residents of Medina would appreciate
this ordinance as it will help to keep criminals out of Medina.
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Albers commented that he spoke with Nustad to listen to his concerns. He stated that
he comes from a payments background, and this is a problem that all the card issuer
networks have to deal with. He stated that if the problem only exists with the high value
third party gift cards and does not impact the lower value gift cards for restaurants and
other venues, he believes the Council could be confident in reducing the fraud risk to
those that have had their cards stolen.
Martin agreed with DesLauriers and Albers and appreciated the input of Nustad and his
association. She also commended Nelson for all the work he has put into fraud
investigation, and this proposed means to address it.
Moved by Albers, seconded by Reid, to Adopt Ordinance 682 Amending Chapter 3 of
the City Code of Ordinance Pertaining to Third Party Gift Card Procurement.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
1. Resolution 2022-08 Authorizing Publication of Ordinance by Title
and
Summary
Moved by Albers, seconded by Martin, to Adopt Resolution 2022-08 Authorizing
Publication by Title and Summary.
A roll call vote was performed:
Reid aye
Albers aye
DesLauriers aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Loram and Scannell Medina Industrial – Environmental Assessment
Worksheet (EAW) – Proposed Commercial/Industrial Development (7:26
p.m.)
Johnson stated that Scannell and Loram submitted an EAW for potential development of
450,000 square feet of warehouse, office, light industrial development which would be
located on approximately 25 acres. He stated that for a community of Medina’s size,
any development of this type over 300,000 square feet requires an EAW.
Finke stated that the formal applications for development have not yet been submitted.
He stated that the subject site is guided for business development. He stated that the
purpose of the EAW is to inform the subsequent planning process and determine if
further environmental study is needed in the form of an EIS. He stated that some
conceptual renderings of one of the buildings was received today, again noting that the
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development is not being reviewed at this time. He stated that if the Council authorizes
publication, a 30-day comment period would begin, and the document would be routed
to the proper agencies for review. He stated that after that comment period expires, staff
would bring the comments back to the Council for review to determine if additional study
would be necessary. He commented that staff did have discussions with the applicant
about the potential site layout in order to avoid wetland impacts.
Martin thanked Finke for the comments that would be added. She asked if there is intent
to provide an attachment E, as she did not find that attachment to the EAW.
Finke commented that staff excluded some of the attachments for brevity in the Council
report but noted that would be submitted as a part of the document.
Martin commented that the document appears to be in good order.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to Adopt the Resolution 2022-09 Authorizing
Release of the Loram/Scannell Medina Industrial EAW for Distribution and Public
Comment.
A roll call vote was performed:
Albers aye
Reid aye
DesLauriers aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
C. Medina Ventures – Medina Park and Boardwalk – PUD Concept Plan 1472
Highway 55 (7:33 p.m.)
Johnson stated that Medina Ventures is requesting PUD concept plan review for a
development that would contain commercial uses along with a three-unit townhome
located at 1472 Highway 55. He stated that the purpose of the concept discussion is to
provide feedback to the applicant prior to formal application.
Finke reviewed the surrounding land uses of the subject site, noting that Meander Road
bisects the site with one segment guided for commercial development and the other for
residential. He stated that the concept plan proposes uses consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan guiding. He noted that conceptual renderings were provided in the
packet.
Martin asked for additional information on the setback and drive aisle notations.
Finke replied that the setback of the drive aisle of the parking lot on the eastern property
line would not meet the commercial highway zoning requirements, but otherwise the
dimensional layout of the development is consistent. He stated that for the residential
portion of the property, the distance that is being discussed there is the distance from
the closest garage to the drive aisle which is shown as 20 feet and generally the setback
would be 25 feet. He provided additional details on the residential development, noting
that the proposed density would fall on the low end of low density residential.
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Martin noted that the hardcover proposed is significantly less than what might be
expected for both the commercial and residential developments.
Finke confirmed that there are large areas of greenspace. He noted that recreation
space is needed for the daycare use. He stated that much of the greenspace to the
west is internal to the wetland. He stated that by attaching the residential units, it also
provides more greenspace.
Martin commented that the clustering of commercial buildings also lends itself to more
greenspace. She stated that this is a key corner, and this proposed site plan seems to
be accommodating of the request to keep Highway 55 pretty with nice vistas.
Reid commented that this is an interesting project, and she did not see any problems
with it. She noted that this would also provide architecture that does not exist in other
parts of Medina.
Albers asked if the renderings are accurate of what the final development would be.
Finke commented that the renderings are conceptual in nature.
Albers stated that there are unique buildings within and if that would be the final product,
it would be very unique for Medina and would be very inviting. He believed this would be
a nice product if it followed those examples.
Finke commented that architectural design was a primary purpose of the PUD to have
flexibility from the standard commercial highway district which typically assumes
concrete as the main construction material. He noted that the applicant would propose
to use wood and metal as primary construction materials. He stated that lot lines have
not yet been shown, but various buildings would potentially need flexibility to
dimensional standards in order to have their own parcel as a part of the overall
development. He stated that the boardwalk and exterior spaces were called out as well
as the applicant would like to maximize the outdoor space. He stated that the flexibility
for the residential parcel would be to have attached units within low density residential.
Albers asked for clarification on the statement that the applicant would plat buildings on
different lots to allow flexibility for sale to separate owners. He asked if the applicant
would build the buildings or gain approval for the development and have individual
owners build the buildings themselves.
Chris Peterson, owner of Medina Ventures, stated that he is doing his best to find great
businesses to come into the development and is asking the business what they prefer.
He stated that he would love to see the businesses come in as owners, if desired. He
stated that some of the potential businesses have expressed more interest in owning the
buildings but noted that would come down to the negotiations. He stated that he would
love to see most of the owners own their property with an overall HOA to manage the
property, lawn, and snow maintenance. He stated that the buildings on the south side
could be pushed together, and the three-story venue could be pushed down a bit. He
stated the intent is to have this be a beautiful development and would exceed the
standards of what would typically be asked for.
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Finke commented that a PUD provides the City with better ability to add requirements
upon the approval for unified design. He stated that typical subdivision and site plan
review would allow any site development without any tie to the other buildings.
Peterson commented that they would like the buildings to look similar and would plan to
use a general contractor that would assist in that process.
Albers noted that was his main concern. He stated that if this proceeds, he would want
the architectural design memorialized in the approval to ensure consistency in design.
Martin stated that there is a related recommendation within the staff report. She asked if
there should also be a condition related to delegating the outdoor maintenance
responsibility to an owners’ association.
Albers commented that he believed that condition applied to the residential portion of the
property and would like that to apply to the commercial development as well.
DesLauriers asked if that clause for the commercial development should be tied to the
CH district standards.
Martin commented that the intent is to have flexibility from the CH district standards and
it would not be determined until the formal application is submitted.
Finke commented that he would not want to reference the minimum standards of a
district as the intent of the applicant is to seek flexibility from those standards in order to
provide the noted type of architecture. He noted that the condition does not need to be
drafted tonight.
DesLauriers stated that overall, the vision of Peterson to put something unique along
Highway 55 is great foresight on his part and hopes to see this project go through.
Martin echoed the comments thus far and stated she looks forward to more detail as this
moves forward. She then asked for input on the different architectural examples
provided.
Reid stated that she would not prefer the standalone modern design.
DesLauriers stated that he believes the conservatory would be a good addition.
Albers commented that he prefers the outdoorsy lodge type look, or even the barnwood
look might fit with the rural character of Medina.
Finke provided input on transportation and connectivity. He stated that the Council
previously completed a visioning study for Tamarack Drive and is planning for a
signalized intersection at Highway 55 and future Tamarack. He stated that study
contemplated connections in different places along Tamarack to provide circulation
between commercial developments. He noted that study contemplated some
connection from Tamarack to Meander in order to provide connectivity for vehicles and
link various commercial uses together. He recognized that if the City would like to see a
major roadway going through the site, that would have impact on the site and its
potential layout. He stated that staff would like to see more of a direct access from
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Meander to the eastern property line of the subject site that could be a drive aisle
through the parking lot. He noted that in that instance staff would not want to see
parking stalls along the drive aisle. He commented that if this develops prior to the
property to the east, the applicant would have limited options for an access location. He
stated that staff would suggest concept B, with the access on the west end and then
linking to the location shown in black and providing connectivity to the through road. He
stated that even internal on the concept plan, it would be beneficial not to have vehicles
parked along the entire length of the drive lane. He noted that the drive aisle could split
into different parking pockets.
DesLauriers stated that the more they push people on Tamarack, the better. He stated
that perhaps the suggestion from staff to push it to the bottom would be a good solution.
He stated that parallel parking versus vertical would place a burden on the developer in
terms of space. He stated that if the sites were developing together, A would make
sense but noted that they cannot landlock Peterson from development and therefore
without knowing when Cavanaugh would develop, a road would not make sense. He
stated that it would seem neither A nor B would make sense without having a
development commitment from Cavanaugh.
Reid stated that she is having trouble visualizing and therefore will reserve comment.
Albers agreed with DesLauriers on the timing of the developments. He stated that
concept B would work much better for the proposal in front of the Council with the flow of
traffic. He stated that concept B would also take away land that would be developable
by Cavanaugh. He stated that it is unfortunate that this entire area is not being planned
for development at the same time. He believed that concept B would fit the needs of
Peterson better.
Peterson stated that he appreciates the effort and funds that the City have spent on the
Tamarack Drive study. He stated that concepts A and B do not benefit his development.
He stated that he would not support concept A as that would remove 1.5 acres of the
property and run through the best portion of the property which is the boardwalk. He
stated that in terms of concept B, there is a hill near the eastern edge of the property.
He stated that the best access is on the western most point of the development from
Meander. He stated that he has heard five to ten years for when the other development
may occur. He stated that it would not be beneficial for his development to have cut
through traffic moving through. He stated that they will already lose parking in order to
improve those plans and would not want to lose additional parking in order to provide a
connection to the east. He noted that people coming to his development would come
from Arrowhead to Meander. He noted that of the 18 acres, they are only developing on
six and would find it hard to give up land to provide a needless connection. He stated
that he does not want to spend time and money to accommodate something that has not
yet been planned and will provide no benefit to his property.
Martin commented that the desired landscaping aisles would take away from the
proposed parking. She stated that the report mentioned that with the differing uses,
there may not be a need for the parking specified under the traditional count. She stated
that perhaps there could be a proof of parking requirement to accommodate additional
parking if that is shown in the future to be necessary.
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Finke agreed that could be a good idea. He stated that the concept of shared parking is
great and the proof of parking would allow flexibility in missed calculations or changed
uses.
DesLauriers stated that the packet notes percentages of contribution towards the costs
for Tamarack Drive improvements. He asked what those estimations would be.
Finke stated that he does not have that information available right now but could attempt
to develop those estimates.
Albers asked if that would be dependent upon whether the development actually
connects to Tamarack. He noted that the developer does not want to connect to
Tamarack.
Finke stated that staff believes that concepts A and B both connect to Tamarack and
staff would look for connectivity through the site, even if it does not go through the site.
He stated that the site would be benefitted and serviced by the Tamarack and Highway
55 intersection. He stated that because of the proximity to Fields of Medina Park, staff is
not recommending park land. He reviewed the recommendations related to trails for the
property. He also highlighted the potential Diamond Lake Regional Trail (DLRT) route in
this area, noting that perhaps that trail could wander through this development.
Reid agreed that the trail segment along the northside of Meander could make sense.
Albers agreed. He stated that he is still digesting the thought of running the DLRT along
the west side of Fields of Medina.
DesLauriers and Martin agreed with the trail segments as proposed.
Martin stated that she looks forward to seeing a unique design with architectural
standards that reflect that design. She stated that the Council would also like to see a
property owners association that would manage the overall property, use restrictions,
and outdoor features maintenance.
DesLauriers referenced the boardwalk and stated that he would like details on that
boardwalk when the formal application is submitted.
Peterson stated that when he comes back with the general plan, he will be requesting a
fourth villa on the north side which would be of the same nature as the others. He stated
that a major piece of the development is the boardwalk which will cost a fair amount of
money. He recognized the buffer requirements and stated that he does not intend to
disturb the wetlands but would like to run adjacent to the wetlands. He referenced the
northside property going west and wanted to make sure that they would not be
responsible to connect a trail to Arrowhead and would want the trail obligation to end at
the property boundary. He referenced the 60-foot strip to the east of the property, on the
south side, which will be a dead strip if he does not purchase it. He stated that he has
expressed interest to the property owner, but that is something to consider as this moves
forward. He stated that there is a likelihood that the northern property, north of Fields of
Medina, will be sold at some point and there would be opportunity to connect as a
private drive. He stated that perhaps that access road does not need to be as robust as
the private road would most likely be converted to a public road in the future. He
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stressed the importance of the boardwalk and asked who he would need to talk to in
order to place that boardwalk as close to the wetland as possible.
D. BPS Properties, LLC – 4250-4292 Arrowhead Drive – Marsh Pointe Preserve
– Preliminary Plat/PUD General Plan (8:48 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the applicant is requesting a preliminary plat and PUD general plan
for a 30 unit detached development on Arrowhead Drive.
Finke stated that the Council reviewed this concept in December, and it has come back
for formal consideration. He reviewed the subject site and proposed site plan. He
reviewed the comments provided by the Council at its last review and the updates that
have been made to the plan since the last review. He stated that the general layout
remains the same. He stated that the developer met with the abutting property owners
in Bridgewater which led to an increase in trees along the northern line and throughout
the landscaping plan. He stated that specific information was also provided relating to
the architectural standards for the units within the development. He stated that the PUD
is designed to allow flexibility from the underlying zoning standards in return for a more
desirable development. He stated that the R-1 zoning district would be the default for
low density residential development. He stated that the architectural requirements are
summarized in the staff report, noting the applicant proposes a higher standard than
generally required in the R-1 district and summarized those elements. He stated that the
applicant had stated that there would be a benefit to having single level villas compared
to two story homes, and therefore a maximum elevation could be specified. He stated
that some of the concepts submitted since that time show rooflines that are fairly tall and
further limitations could be placed on some of those buildings that may have more visual
impact.
Martin referenced the recommendations from the Planning Commission, specifically six,
and asked if this would be the list of Council requirements that would be referenced.
Finke confirmed that the requirements would be found within that condition. He noted
that the bulleted list is meant to serve as architectural requirements.
Martin referenced the building height and asked what 35 feet would look like. She stated
that when she thinks of Charles Cudd and villas it makes her think of the golf course
villas and The Enclave, asking for heights of those homes.
Finke replied that the villas along the west end of the golf course are not similar as they
have sideloaded garages. He stated that the units on the northwest corner of the golf
course are similar to what is being proposed and would have similar elevation. He
stated that he also compared to the Pulte homes being constructed which are two story
homes and have a similar height of 35 feet. He stated that the intent would be to have
usable space that would be within the roofline.
Martin commented that would seem to be more than one story. She referenced the
graph on page three of the report and expressed concern with the proposed hardcover
of 55 percent which exceeds the R-2 requirement of no more than 50 percent and R-1
requirement of no more than 40 percent.
Reid commented that considering the topography and wetlands, this seems to be a good
use of the property.
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DesLauriers stated that he agrees with Martin on the issue of hardcover and would like
to see that closer to 40 percent. He believed there was a discussion related to the three
homes closest to Bridgewater and an attempt to flatten that road out but noted that there
appear to be no changes. He stated that he would like to limit the height, as there were
two story developments approved last year that were 36 feet. He stated that he would
like to see the height of the homes adjacent to Bridgewater limited and could support
taller homes on the eastern end where there would be no impact. He stated that he
believes that a tree is a tree and does not support the concept that planted trees should
not count in the tree preservation ordinance.
Martin asked why it would be appropriate to consider approving 55 percent hardcover
ratio.
Finke replied that the hardcover is important to recognize as that is the percentage
within the bounds of any individual lot and not across the development. He stated that
these lots could be platted differently to lower the hardcover percentage without actually
lowering the hardcover. He stated that all the wetland buffers are outside of the bounds
of the lots, which is encouraged by staff but is not a requirement. He stated that is
significant because the average buffer is 50 feet in width, therefore if the buffer were
included in the lots, they would meet the hardcover. He stated that this results in more
common greenspace than lot space.
Martin commented that Finke’s explanation does make sense.
Finke stated that enforcement of wetland buffers is much easier when the buffer lies
outside of property lines.
DesLauriers stated that his concern is appeased.
Martin asked what happened to the tot lot concept.
Finke replied that it was the impression of staff that the majority of the feedback on the
concept is that there was not much benefit in the tot lot and therefore that was removed.
Martin asked for input on the architectural requirements list proposed.
Reid stated that she does not understand the enormous roofs on these units if these are
one story homes.
Rick Denman, Charles Cudd, stated that they are aligned with the Council on the
architectural integrity being sought. He stated that they have built many homes in
Medina and the overall Twin Cities area. He stated that they are attempting to create
architectural integrity but noted that he would not mind reducing that to some degree.
He stated that on a one dimension drawing it looks tall, but they are similar to the homes
in Medina Country Club on the north and west. He stated that they sell to a luxury buyer
and therefore attempt to maintain an architectural integrity. He did not believe they
compare to the Pulte homes, which have a lower pitched roof for lower costs. He
commented that they are one story rooms, and any bonus space would not go above the
35 feet.
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Martin asked the height of the home shown on the screen.
Denman replied that those have a height of 35 feet. He confirmed that the measurement
is from the front of the home to the top of the roof.
Reid asked if that would be usable space under the roofs.
Denman commented that in some cases they may place a bonus room or bonus space
in that area if desired by the homeowner. He stated that in other cases it would not be
usable space.
Albers commented that he is fine with a height of 35 feet.
DesLauriers stated that he would prefer to protect the views of the Bridgewater residents
and would want a lower height for those homes visible from Bridgewater.
Martin asked the maximum height in R-1 and R-2.
Finke replied that a similar peak with an addition of another eight to ten feet could be
allowed for a two-story building. He stated that because the height is averaged, the roof
may need to be slightly less pitched on a two-story home which would be 42 or 43 feet.
Martin commented that she could perhaps support 35 feet in height.
Finke stated that the Council could consider the units closer to Bridgewater be more
limited in height, recognizing there could be unintended implications.
Martin asked the height of the golf course villas on the west side.
Denman replied that those have a height of 33 to 36 feet.
DesLauriers stated that those homes face the golf course and do not have homes
behind them. He stated that he is not asking the entire development to be further limited
in height, but specifically would like those three homes closest to Bridgewater further
limited.
Martin noted a fourth home in the northwest corner. She stated that perhaps those four
lots should have a reduced height.
DesLauriers agreed, noting that he would be fine with the 35-foot height for the other
homes.
Denman stated that he thinks they could do that and suggested a maximum of 32 feet in
height for those four homes. He stated that the Bridgewater homes are quite a bit higher
than these homes would be.
Finke commented that he believes that those units are lookouts which would have less
rear exposure.
Denman confirmed that those are lookouts or walkouts in the Bridgewater development.
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Rick Osberg, representing the applicant, commented that the lots adjacent to them are
lookouts.
George Stickney, applicant, stated that he has met with all the existing residents and has
developed agreements with those eight homeowners. He stated that for the one home
with a direct sightline, he has agreed to limit to a height of 32 feet. He stated that he has
eliminated the tot lot as that was not desired by the existing residents and used those
funds to create screening projects for all eight property owners in Bridgewater. He
stated that he will work with each homeowner to remove invasive species and replant
native trees where needed. He noted that 40 or 50 trees will be planted on adjacent
properties to increase their screening, which he does not get credit for on his property.
Martin applauded the applicant for having the discussions with the Bridgewater residents
and asked if the landscaping plan reflects those agreements.
Stickney replied that is not reflected in the landscaping plans because those will lie on
the adjacent private properties.
Martin asked how that would be memorialized.
Batty replied that the City could have a landscaping plan and if that includes plantings on
adjacent properties, but authorization would need to be submitted approving those
placements. He stated that he does not want the City to be a party to agreements with
individual property owners in Bridgewater but would welcome the developer having a
plan showing the plantings that could be approved as part of the landscaping plan.
Denman confirmed he would be amenable to limiting the height of the four homes
directly adjacent to Bridgewater to 32 feet.
Reid commented that this is a good plan.
DesLauriers agreed that this is a good plan.
Albers also agreed.
Martin provided updated language for condition six which would provide a maximum
height of 35 feet with the exception of the four homes that would have a maximum height
of 32 feet. She stated that the landscaping plan would also be updated to include the
plantings for the Bridgewater properties with the applicant providing proof that the
Bridgewater residents have approved those placements.
Stickney commented that he volunteered to work with the Bridgewater residents to
provide additional plantings. He noted that they cannot make a final determination at
this time on which trees will stay and which will be removed. He stated that the needs
and desires of each property owner are different. He stated that he can provide copies
of the contracts he has drafted. He stated that those agreements are between the two
property owners. He stated that he will be improving his property dramatically and the
agreements he has with the adjacent property owners are between the two parties.
Martin commented that citizens on adjacent properties have come back to the City in the
past asking why the commitment of the developer was not enforced. She stated that the
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February 2, 2022
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City needs some assurance that whatever agreements have been reached will be
honored. She stated that she will leave it to Batty as to how to document those
agreements. She referenced the strip of City owned property noting that one option
would be to deed that property to the developer so that it could be platted with the
wetland area.
Batty commented that the Council has great discretion as to what to do. He stated that
the City does not have to go out to bid or through a formal process.
Finke stated that staff wanted to call attention to that and would ultimately report back at
final plat with recommendations as to how to do that. He noted that some options were
outlined in the report.
Martin commented that it would seem to be a good title cleanup exercise. She
referenced the trail recommendations, easements, and parking stall construction which
seem reasonable.
Finke asked if the Council would want to require the trail connection for the Diamond
Lake Regional Trail (DLRT) as part of this development, or if the City should only secure
the easement and allow Three Rivers Park District to construct that in the future.
Martin asked how different users of the trail would realize which path they should follow.
Finke commented that there is a sidewalk proposed along the roadway that would
connect to the trail and provide connectivity from the homes to the trail. He confirmed
that the intention would be for the general public to follow the trail. He agreed that
perhaps signage could be of assistance.
DesLauriers asked if there would be an easement at the end of the trail to continue the
DLRT.
Finke commented that the intent would be for the easement to continue across the
wetland and provided details on the desired flexibility of the easement.
Osberg commented that the depiction of the trail represents the actual trail alignment
and not necessarily the easement that would encompass it. He stated that they read
into previous comments about the desired route of the DLRT, but as discussion has
gone on it seems that it is not certain whether the trail should cross easterly or southerly.
He stated that originally, they proposed a gravel base as they were unsure of the desired
route. He noted that they would be happy to provide easements for either route but
would not want to construct something that may not ultimately be desired. He stated
that it does not seem wise to place a trail in the wetland buffer area when the alignment
of the trail is not yet known.
Reid stated that the DLRT is pretty far into the future and therefore an easement would
seem to be the better choice.
Albers agreed with an easement.
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February 2, 2022
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Batty commented that there can be a similar concept to a blanket easement and when
the true alignment is known that easement could be confined to the actual location, but
in the time being it would cover a broader area.
DesLauriers agreed that the easements would be good to have but the trail construction
is not needed at this time.
Martin reviewed the augmentations to the recommended conditions as discussed.
Moved by Albers, seconded by DesLauriers, to direct staff to prepare documents to
approve the PUD General Plan and Preliminary Plat subject to the conditions described
in the staff report and as augmented by the Council discussion.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
Martin briefly recessed the meeting.
Martin reconvened the meeting.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
A. Arrowhead Drive Turn Lane Expansion Project – Approve Plans/Specs and
Authorize Advertisement for Bids (10:00 p.m.)
Johnson stated that the turn lane expansion project was identified under the visioning
study completed in 2019. He provided other recommendations included in that study.
Stremel stated that the improvements were identified in the visioning process in 2019
and provided relative background information. He stated that the OSI driveway
modification to align with Meander Road was also identified in that study. He noted that
the City moved forward with alternate C in that study and walked through the different
improvements that would be a part of the proposed project. He noted that the
stormwater pond would accommodate the needs for the roadway as well as OSI
expansion. He reviewed the estimated project cost and different proposed funding
sources. He commented that OSI would complete its driveway realignment using its
own contractor. He reviewed the proposed project schedule. He asked the Council to
approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertisement for bids.
DesLauriers thanked OSI, noting it is a great business partner that is accepting of the
realignment and willing to contribute to the project cost.
Martin echoed those comments.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Reid, to Adopt the Resolution 2022-10 Approving
Plans/Specifications and Authorizing the Advertisement for Bids.
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February 2, 2022
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A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
IX. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT (10:10 p.m.)
Johnson had nothing further to report.
X. MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL REPORTS (10:10 p.m.)
Martin reported that she did attend the Fire District meeting this morning with Nelson,
Johnson, and DesLauriers. She commented that she is starting to sense interest in the
group to think about a broader sharing of resources, although perhaps not on the scale
of a fire district. She stated that they are still awaiting the results of the Hamel and
Loretto merger discussions.
Reid stated that they are starting work on banners for Hamel and should have a design
in a few weeks.
Martin thanked Reid for spearheading that topic to create something tangible.
DesLauriers stated that if there is any assistance needed in installing the banners, he
would be happy to assist. He stated that he continues to find benefit in the continued fire
district discussions and the benefits that can be provided through equipment sharing.
Martin agreed that there is a lot of depth of relationships and experience of those
involved in the discussions and it is great to learn from that.
XI. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS (10:15 p.m.)
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Albers, to approve the bills, EFT 006238E-
006250E for $59,429.81, order check numbers 052547-052598 for $255,154.54, and
payroll EFT 0511585-0511613 for $59,048.98.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
XII. ADJOURN
Martin commented that there have been instances of COVID at City Hall which supports
the continued decision of the Council to meet virtually. She appreciated everyone’s
willingness to honor the wickedness of the virus and its various variants. She hoped that
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February 2, 2022
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everyone remains safe and healthy. She also recognized members of the community
that are no longer with them because of the virus.
Moved by DesLauriers, seconded by Martin, to adjourn the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
A roll call vote was performed:
DesLauriers aye
Albers aye
Reid aye
Martin aye
Motion passed unanimously.
__________________________________
Kathy Martin, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Scott Johnson, City Administrator