HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-20 Council Regular Meeting MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
MAY 20,2014
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
It. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
111. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED
Member Brindle made a motion,seconded by Member Bennett,approving the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the consent agenda as
follows:
IV.A. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of May 6,2014
IV.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated May 8,
2014, and consisting of 31 pages; General Fund $146,598.74; City Hall Debt Service $5,085.00;
Working Capital Fund $911.95; Art Center Fund $325.20; Golf Dome Fund $7,750.08; Aquatic
Center Fund $4,469.77; Golf Course Fund $27,583.44; Ice Arena Fund $44,366.88; Edinborough
Park Fund $42,598.65; Centennial Lakes Park Fund $2,456.19; Liquor Fund $269,013.45; Utility
Fund $30,471.44; Storm Sewer Fund $703.77; PSTF Agency Fund $8,171.48; Payroll Fund
$6,234.68; TOTAL $596,740.72 for receipt of payment of claims dated May 15, 2014, and
consisting of 31 pages; General Fund $113,333.56; Police Special Revenue$396.00;General Debt
Service Fund $450.00; Working Capital Fund $81,176.85; Art Center Fund $2,640.97; Golf Dome
Fund $2,501.97; Aquatic Center Fund $1,136.26; Golf Course Fund $35,163.47; Ice Arena Fund
$518.68; Sports Dome Fund $77,216.67; Edinborough Park Fund $9,686.93; Centennial Lakes
Park Fund $43,689.95; Liquor Fund $237,100.76; Utility Fund $407,107.54; Storm Sewer Fund
$37.26; Recycling Fund $35,190.09; PSTF Agency Fund $4,463.63; Payroll Fund $3,040.90;TOTAL
$1,054,851.49
IV.C. Approve Local Health Priorities for City of Edina
IV.D. Adopt Resolution No. 2014-58 Giving Preliminary Approval to the Issuance of Housing Revenue
Bonds Pursuant to Minnesota Statues, Chapters 462A and 462C on behalf of Yorktown
Continental, LP
IV.E. Review and Approve Traffic Safety Committee Report of March 20,2014
IV.F. Authorize Engineering Services for Arden Park Neighborhood—Preliminary Engineering
IV.G. Authorize Engineering Services for Valley View road—Preliminary Engineering
IV.H. Approve Permanent and Temporary Easement Agreements at 3650 and 3655 Hazelton Road
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING, 2012
COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT, GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
—RECEIVED
Finance Director Wallin announced the Government Finance Officers Association had awarded the City
with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its 2012 Comprehensive
Page 1
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20, 2014
Annual Financial Report. He stated this award was possible due to the work of Assistant Finance Director
Roggeman,Accountant Sawyer,the Finance Department,and City staff.
Manager Neal commented on the important and complex work of the Finance Department, noting this
recognition was very deserving. The Council added their congratulations to Finance Director Wallin and
the Finance Department.
V.B. PRESERVATION MONTH MAY 2014—PROCLAIMED
Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring May 2014 to be Preservation Month in the City of
Edina. Senior Planner Reypa thanked the Council for this recognition and described the important work of
the Heritage Preservation Board.
V.C. 2014 EDINA HERITAGE AWARD—PRESENTED
Bob Moore, on behalf of the Heritage Preservation Board, presented the 2014 Edina Heritage Award to the
Arthur Erickson house located at 5501 Londonderry Road that had been designed by (Frank) Lloyd Wright,
Jr.
Mayor Hovland presented Brian and Linda Tell, current owners of 5501 Londonderry Road,with the Award
and thanked them for preserving this house. Mr. Tell stated they had lived in the house for over 15 years
and attempted to keep its character, which was a challenge, as it was difficult to find young craftsmen to
make repairs.
V.D. 2014 EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK—DECLARED
Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring the week of May 18-24, 2014, to be 2014 Emergency
Medical Services Week in the City of Edina.
Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the proclamation declaring
2014 Emergency Medical Services Week in the City of Edina.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Fire Chief Schmitz thanked the Council for recognizing the paramedic's dedication to serve the City.
V.E. SPEAK UP EDINA REPORT PRESENTED—TOPIC.BEEKEEPING
Communications Coordinator Gilgenbach presented a summary of opinions, both pros and cons, collected
through Speak Up, Edina relating to beekeeping. Mr. Gilgenbach answered questions of the Council
relating to registration on the blog site, noting all but two were residents.
Eleanor Carlson and Sarah Higgins, ninth graders at South View Middle School, provided statistics relating
to the steady decline in honeybee colonies. Ms.Carlson and Ms. Higgins supported allowing beekeeping in
Edina, encouraging the planting of public and private gardens that attract honeybees, and regulating the
use of pesticides. Limitations on beekeeping were also proposed.
The Council complimented Ms.Carlson and Ms. Higgins for their informative presentation.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD—Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VI.A. 2014 ALLEY IMPROVEMENTS, IMPROVEMENTS NOS. A-257 AND A-258—RESOLUTION NO. 2014-
56 ADOPTED
Engineer Presentation
City Engineer Millner presented the resident's petition for improvements of alleys between Xerxes and
York Avenues and West 54th and West 56th Streets. In addition, staff noted the West 55th to West 54th
Streets alley should also be considered for improvement. Staff recommended paving the alleys, which if
Page 2
I
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20, 2014
approved, was estimated to cost $95,000 and would be 100% assessed to benefitting properties. With a
total of 51 Residential Equivalent Units (REUs) in the project, the assessment per REU would be $1,800. It
was noted final assessments would be calculated after construction. Mr. Millner presented the anticipated
timeline and indicated staff believed the project was necessary, cost effective, and feasible. Mr. Millner
indicated the Pavement Condition Index for these alleys would be ranked at less than five and the drainage
improvements would be confined to the alley.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:43 p.m.
Public Testimony
No one appeared to comment.
Member Swenson made a motion,seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2014-56, Ordering Improvements
for 2014 Alley Improvements, Improvement Nos. A-257 and A-258. Member Bennett seconded the
motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI.B. ORDINANCE NO. 2014-10; ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, ALLOWING SOME R-1, R-2, AND
PRD-1 PROPERTY TO BE CONSIDERED AS PART OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT—GRANTED
FIRST READING
Community Development Director Presentation
Community Development Director Teague stated the Council was asked to consider a Zoning Ordinance
amendment that would allow consideration of R-1 property within a Planned Unit Development (PUD) if
the R-1 property constituted less than fifty percent of the total property in the proposed PUD. If approved,
this amendment would apply to any property located adjacent to commercial, industrial, or high-density
residential property. Mr. Teague presented a map depicting areas that could be considered and reviewed
the Council's past consideration of PUDs. He presented the Planning Commission's consideration and
concerns expressed at its May 14, 2014, meeting and recommendation for an Ordinance amendment.
allowing any R-1 property to be considered for rezoning to PUD.
Mr.Teague answered questions of the Council relating to level of support by the Planning Commission and
record of prior consideration that had not been provided for the Commission's or the Council's review.
Mr. Teague indicated there had been no prior requests to apply PUD to residential other than the Lennar
request that would be considered tonight.
The Council discussed the impact of the proposed ordinance amendment and asked questions of Mr.
Teague and Attorney Knutson. Concern was expressed that if approved, PUD could now apply to every
property in the City and perhaps residents would not support that flexibility and preferred assurances
provided by established setbacks. Attorney Knutson advised that a resident could apply to rezone their
property and the Council would then have the discretion to approve or not approve. However, if the
request complied with the Comprehensive Plan, it would have to be approved. It was indicated the
amendment would provide the City with discretion to achieve certain objectives. Mr. Teague stated staff
found no other communities that precluded certain areas from being considered for a PUD. Mr. Knutson
advised his firm represented 30 communities and found Edina was unique in having this provision. He
indicated someone could argue it was arbitrary; however, it had not yet been challenged. The Council
Page 3
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20, 2014
noted that when a PUD request comes forward, there would be a presumption of the underlying zoning
district requirements.
It was acknowledged that the Council had an understanding that at some point in time, it would consider a
broader application of PUDs. Concern was expressed that no such understanding was stated in the public
record, this was being considered in response to a single development request and such a radical change
should have included public notice and opportunity for comment. Mr. Teague stated the Planning
Commission would be developing guidelines and specifics relating to sustainability.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m.
Public Testimony
Carol Lansing, legal counsel for Lennar Corporation, addressed the Council.
Steven Schwab,6740 Washburn Avenue S., Richfield, addressed the Council.
Member Swenson made a motion,seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council indicated support for holding this discussion now as there had been several years' experience
with PUDs and this review should have occurred regardless of the Lennar project. It was pointed out that
Edina had never been known as a City that lacked flexibility but had been known for its flexibility in
considering the needs of developers. Concern was expressed with lack of public notice and that the
amendment would result in changing the character of the community too quickly, not providing balance or
encouraging public trust. Member Swenson made a motion to grant First Reading to Ordinance No.
2014-10, An Ordinance Amendment Regarding Planned Unit Development Applicability in an R-1, R-2,
and PRD-1 District. Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Nays: Bennett
Motion carried.
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Jeff Solberg, 4508 Moorland Avenue, voiced his concerns and that of several residents relating to the
safety of Browndale Bridge and requested extension of a centerline.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. SKETCH PLAN REVIEWED—3330 66TH STREET
Community Development Director Presentation
Mr. Teague presented the sketch plan to remodel and expand the existing TCF Bank building at 3330 66th
Street into 39 units of small (355 to 456 square feet) studio apartments for young adults experiencing
homelessness. In addition, the building would contain offices for on-site service providers, property
management,a community area,fitness area, computer lab, and laundry room. Mr.Teague indicated that
to accommodate this request, it would require a rezoning from POD-I, Planned Office District-I to PUD,
Planned Unit Development, and a Comprehensive Guide Plan Amendment to allow housing other than
Senior Housing in the Regional Medical District. He presented the site plan, issues identified, and stated
the Planning Commission considered this sketch plan at its April 23, 2014, meeting.
Proponent Presentation
Lee Blons, Executive Director of Beacon Interfaith Collaborative, presented their mission statement and
indicated they currently had 500 apartments in 15 buildings under management. Ms. Blons presented the
Page 4
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20, 2014
concept model to secure affordable housing with integrated services and adult guidance for homeless
teens (18-19 year olds). She estimated that in the area of Edina, there were 250 to 300 young people in
need of this type of housing and the requested 39 units was based on available funding.
The Council asked questions of Ms. Blons who assured the Council that they were committed to being the
best landlord in Edina and if necessary, 24-hour staffing would be provided. She stated Lydia Apartments,
built for chronically homeless adults with mental health and chemical dependent issues, provided 24-hour
services and she would check whether any of their other buildings provided 24-hour service. Ms. Blons
stated this would not be a shelter or drop-in facility. She answered questions of the Council related to
Beacon's services and programming to successfully move young adults into the community.
Sarah Larson, Project Manager with Beacon, indicated the total development cost was estimated to be
over $10 million with an estimated per unit cost of$250,000. It was noted that this estimated cost was
similar to that of Nicollet Square (42 units) and most other projects submitted to Minnesota Housing. Ms.
Blons assured the Council that this would be quality housing of which Edina would be proud. With regard
to financing, she indicated they would address cost containment and were required to acquire a site prior
to obtaining financing. Beacon believed there had been a high level of support for this Edina location.
Bart Nelson, Urban Works Architecture, displayed the location map, pointing out the abundance of
parking, bus stops, and close proximity to the transit station. He described elements of the plan and how
this project would meet the City's sustainability objectives. Ms. Larson indicated the funding for this
project required compliance with the standards of Minnesota Green Communities which included
exceeding the State's energy standard by 15%.
Following discussion of the 3330 — 66th Street sketch plan, the Council offered the following comments:
creating an integrated streetscape and integrated fence design; change in topography to create more
daylight into the three lower-level studios; providing proof of parking to address parking shortage;
providing for outdoor bicycle parking; providing indoor bicycle storage during the off season; designing
articulated building surfaces; exceeding State energy guidelines; consideration of affordable housing rather
than specialty housing so the City had a higher level of control; and, providing best practice relating to 24-
hour service. The Council expressed support for having this use in Edina, adaptive use of this site that was
in close proximity to transportation, and meeting the School District's and City's core value of not leaving
anyone behind. The Council indicated that a Small Area Plan was not needed in this instance as it was a
good interim use and allowed the area to develop organically over time.
Ms. Blons stated they had been in conversation with the neighborhood and received a good response. The
Council encouraged the proponent to continue working with the neighborhood to address their concerns.
VIII.B. SKETCH PLAN REVIEWED—7151 YORK AVENUE
Community Development Director Presentation
Mr. Teague presented the sketch plan to build a four-story building with 100 units (70 units of senior
housing with services and 30 memory care suites) of assisted living west of the Yorktown Continental
Senior Living Apartments at 7151 York Avenue. The existing site was 5.85 acres in size with a density of 45
units per acre. With the proposed addition of 100 units,this density would increase to 64 units per acre.
Mr. Teague reviewed the Council's past consideration for a 76-unit senior housing project. He displayed
the site plan, noting its orientation along York Avenue, surface and underground parking. It was noted
that while the Comprehensive Plan described High Density Residential as 12-30 units per acre, density for
senior housing might be increased. Mr. Teague presented site conditions that could be considered for
higher density in this instance. It was noted the Planning Commission considered this sketch plan at its
April 23, 2014, meeting. The Council asked questions of Mr.Teague relating to site plan revisions since the
Planning Commission's consideration.
Page 5
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20,2014
Mr. Neal noted that tonight's consideration related to a sketch plan review of the proposed new building
and at a future meeting, the Council would be asked to consider conduit financing for a major
improvement project within the existing building. With regard to affordability, early indications were that
the number of affordable units might be decreased by seven to eight. That issue would be addressed once
conduit financing was addressed. Mr. Neal explained the terms of conduit financing for a private/non-
profit development and advised that the City would not carry the liability of the payment and it would not
impact the City's bond rating.
Mr. Teague indicated that along with the subdivision request, parking would be addressed and a park
dedication fee required. The Council acknowledged that recently, higher-density projects were being
submitted due to the price of the land and density needed to appeal to a developer and City. The Council
suggested addressing density in the Southdale District on a broader view. Mr. Teague concurred and
stated it was staffs intent to present a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to the Planning Commission and
City Council to address those very issues.
Proponent Presentation
Della Kolpin, Senior Partner with Mesaba Capital, clarified that Mesaba was purchasing the land from the
current owner and developing the 100-unit assisted living building. The conduit financing was related only
to the existing apartment building structure. The land would be replatted to create two separate parcels.
Mr. Neal stated of the 263 apartments, 179 apartments qualified for Section 8 housing. However, that
property was not under consideration in this site plan review. Ms. Kolpin stated of the 100 units, at least
10%, or 10 units, would be affordable. She stated their goal was to create a campus for continued senior
living and there would be joint programs and facilities to optimize and utilize spaces.
Alanna Carter, RSP Architects, presented project goals to create a sense of community pride, create a
warm and inviting environment, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, connection to nature, sense of
quality and dignity within the building, inclusion of a health center, providing a coffee bistro and library,
and maximizing the site to the York Avenue side.
The Council referenced the suggestion of the Planning Commission to narrow the setback to York Avenue
to 20 feet in an effort to enhance the courtyard between the two buildings. The Council asked whether
that additional area had instead been converted into a drive entrance. Ms.Carter explained the need for a
safe entry and drop off area away from the drive and benefit of a porte-cochere for senior residents and
senior visitors. Ms. Kolpin indicated it was felt the reduced parking would still meet the needs of the
residents. Ms. Carter concurred and noted the reduction allowed the creation of additional green space to
the south and north of the existing building. She stated they were in conversations with Metro Transit to
request a new bus stop location, possibly incorporating the York Avenue bus stop within a building
extension.
Following discussion of the 7151 York Avenue sketch plan, the Council offered the following comments:
creating an at-grade enclosed and heated (four-season) pedestrian connection between the two buildings;
support of the welcoming covered porte-cochere; maintaining podium height; inclusion of benches to
engage with the streetscape and bus stop; providing all-season landscape interest; locating building
mechanicals to not create a visual impact to units within the existing building; providing accessible and
useable green space in consideration of a setback variance; integrating building design and materials that
related and were complementary with the 12-story apartment building; and, assuring engagement with
the York Avenue streetscape.
VIII.C. MASTER REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PENTAGON REVIVAL, LLC—APPROVED
Page 6
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20,2014
Economic Development Manager Neuendorf presented the Master Redevelopment Agreement with
Pentagon Revival, LLC to formally establish a public/private partnership between the City, HRA, and
developer that would enable the use of future incremental property taxes generated at the revitalized site
to reimburse the redeveloper for costs of new public improvements and site preparations necessary to
attract substantial new investment. He explained this Agreement was the first step and the Council would
evaluate and weigh the merits for each future phase and the specific Tax Increment Financing(TIF) pay-as-
you-go amounts it would consider. Mr. Neuendorf presented terms of the Master Redevelopment
Agreement, noting Ehlers & Associates had reviewed the financial pro-forma and found the project was
financially viable. Staff recommended the Council authorize execution of the Master Redevelopment
Agreement.
Jay Lindgren, Dorsey & Whitney Law Firm, reported that the concentrated negotiations had been
productive and this Agreement involved a low level of risk to the City with pay-as-you-go TIF. He noted
this agreement was unique because it would involve multiple phases determined by future market
conditions. Mr. Lindgren stated this agreement was in the City's best interest.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, explained the City had ability to use TIF for projects, generated by the
private development, it felt was important. He stated this Agreement fulfilled that goal, to utilize $8
million of TIF for City-deemed projects within the TIF laws.
The Council discussed the Master Redevelopment Agreement and asked questions of Mr. Neuendorf, Mr.
Lindgren, and Mr. Ruff relating to its terms and consideration of future phases. Mr. Neuendorf reviewed
edits made in the redlined version of the Agreement and recommended the Council take action on that
document. Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, authorizing execution of
the redlined execution version of the Master Redevelopment Agreement with Pentagon Revival, I.I.C.
Scott Tankenoff and Mark Rauenhorst, as partners in Pentagon Revival LLC, confirmed that Pentagon
Revival LLC was in agreement with the terms of the redlined version of the Master Redevelopment
Agreement.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.D. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-59 PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF PUBLIC PROJECT REVENUE BONDS,
SERIES 2014 AND RESOLUTION 2014-60 FOR THE SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION UTILITY
REVENUE BONDS,SERIES 2014A—ADOPTED
Finance Director Wallin explained the purpose of this item was to consider $16,360,000 of Public Project
Revenue Bonds, Series 2014, to provide $12,445,000 for construction of a sports dome, a new Braemar
outdoor ice rink and Braemar refrigeration improvements; and, $3.2 million for Pamela Park
improvements to renovate fields, parking, trails, and reconstruct a shelter building. The $5,925,000
General Obligation (GO) Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A, would finance various water and storm
water projects, mostly as part of street reconstruction projects.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, explained the GO Utility Revenue Bonds would be for a term of ten years,
repaid from sewer and stormwater revenues, and do not require a public referendum. He stated staff
would ask Moody's and Standard & Poors to review the City's bond rating. The Public Project Revenue
Bonds for recreational facilities was more complex, but the same type of financing had been considered
for similar projects. Mr. Ruff stated he expected the City's long-standing support of recreational activities
would be viewed favorable as well as using a tax levy to support 100% of the debt service. He stated this
20-year bond would increase the City's tax levy and raise tax rates but was expected to have a low interest
rate in the range of 3.7% to 3.8%. Should only two bids be received, he might return with an alternate
structure.
Page 7
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20,2014
The Council noted the City was usually over-subscribed for its offerings. Mr. Ruff provided detail on the
City's debt and impact of refinancing or early refunding and stated he would provide additional
information on the City's falling debt. Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution
No. 2014-59, Providing for the Sale of$16,360,000 Public Project Revenue Bonds, Series 2014. Member
Sprague seconded the motion.
Ayes: Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Nays: Bennett
Motion carried.
Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution 2014-60, Providing for the Sale of
$5,925,000 General Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2014A. Member Bennett seconded the
motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.E. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAIRVIEW SOUTHDALE HOSPITAL—DISCUSSED
Larry Laukka, representing Fairview Southdale Hospital (FSH), described the development of FSH since its
construction in 1965 and continuing positive economic impact to the City. Mr. Laukka described the types
of critical health care provided to Edina, existing community partnerships, and the past and current FSH
Board/Committee members. He stated the estimated project cost was $42 million; FSH would initially
contribute $27 million with an additional $3 million contribution; and, private funds raised $8.7 million.
This left a balance of$3.3 million to complete the Chronic Care Facility. It was noted that according to the
Center of Disease Control, chronic diseases account for 70% of deaths and 75% of health care costs. Mr.
Laukka stated Edina was being asked for a $2 million contribution, as FSH was a community hospital and
the City's economic engine. If approved, a finance vehicle could be structured to finance the $2 million.
This would leave $1.3 million to be raised. Mr. Laukka stated they had also met with and requested
contributions from the cities of Eden Prairie, Richfield and Bloomington as their residents were also served
by FSH. Each of those communities had asked what Edina was contributing.
Mr. Neal stated his concurrence with the presentation by Mr. Laukka and the large financial influence of
FSH in Edina. He presented the advantages and disadvantages of four options should the Council decide to
consider this funding request: a General Fund property tax levy across the City; use the same property tax
mechanism but assess the tax from the City's HRA; provide cash assistance from the City's Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) through the Construction Fund; and/or, property tax abatement that would
be similar to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in that it redirects the flow of property taxes from the City to a
private property. Mr. Neal stated if the Council approved this request, he would recommend the City
impose a special HRA tax levy of$400,000 per year for five years. The net new tax burden of$17.50 per
year for a median single-family taxpayer was modest, the process to impose such a levy was simple and
transparent to property owners.
The Council considered the request and discussed the tax abatement district funding option with Mr. Neal.
It was noted that FSH was tax exempt and the State had created a nonprofit status so FSH could dedicate
its revenues exclusively to health care related costs. FSH was currently contributing $13 million in
uncompensated care.
Mr. Ruff advised of the use of targeted tax abatement programs by other municipalities for "economic
engine" projects. He explained that program would require a finding that the benefit of the assistance
outweighed the cost. It was noted that similar to tax increment, a targeted tax abatement program would
set a base tax level. Mr. Ruff explained that development impact fees were not an option at this time and
would require a legislative change. He stated in a special services district, properties within that district
would voluntarily increase taxes for services that were above what was typically provided by the
municipality. A special services district would not require legislative approval as long as uses meet the
Page 8
f
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20,2014
current statute. In addition, there were minimum petition and veto thresholds. Mr. Knutson clarified that
the purpose of a special services district was to provide a service that the City would not otherwise
provide.
The Council acknowledged that FSH was the City's largest employer, it had resulted in additional property
taxes from ancillary uses that benefited the City, and since 2003 there had been a dramatic improvement
in mortality rates. The Council considered whether to approach the Legislature about creating something
akin to the Destination Medical Center concept devised in Rochester for the Mayo Clinic. Mr. Ruff
suggested obtaining information from peers that had partnership with similar facilities. Mr. Neal stated he
had contacted those peers and learned all had done a number of things to be participative to encourage
development but none had made a cash contribution.
The Council considered whether to set a tax baseline of$300,000(in current City tax)and then capture the
increment above that baseline and pay it, over time, to FSH. Mr. Neal indicated that was an option;
however, it was an unpredictable source of revenue and might be a fairly small amount so it would not
provide enough leverage for FSH to do the project. Mr. Ruff advised the maximum term for a tax
abatement district was 20 years but the Council, if desired, could terminate the district earlier than that
term.
The Council discussed the option to impose a special HRA tax levy of $400,000 per year for five years,
resulting in a net new tax burden of $17.50 per year for a median single-family taxpayer. Mr. Neal
explained with this option, the proposed annual levy would be static so the annual tax burden would
decrease in future years commensurate with the growth of the City's tax base.
Following discussion, the Council expressed support to further consideration of a targeted tax abatement/
development tool, to allow additional time for public input, to request staff meet with the City's consulting
partners and FSH colleagues to develop that option, and to research the opportunity for Legislative action
to create a taxing district.
VIII.F. PARKING SIGNAGE CHANGES AT JERRY'S PARKING RAMP—APPROVED
Mr. Millner presented the request of Jerry's Foods for signage changes in the parking ramp and staffs
recommendation to convert 17 three-hour parking spots on the mid-level to regular parking spots. It was
noted this would require removal of 7 three-hour parking limit signs by Public Works. Member Swenson
made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving the request of Jerry's to convert 17 three-
hour parking spots on the mid-level to regular parking spots and authorize Public Works remove 7 three-
hour parking limit signs and to reuse the three-hour signs where appropriate.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.G. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-54, REQUESTING VARIANCE FROM STANDARDS FOR STATE AID
OPERATIONS FOR WEST OLINGER BOULEVARD FROM OLINGER ROAD TO TRACY AVENUE —
ADOPTED
Mr. Millner presented staffs recommendation to seek a one-foot variance from Mn/DOT for minimum
lane widths in order to use bike sharrow pavement markings on West Olinger Boulevard, from Olinger
Road to Tracy Avenue. He presented stakeholder input and concerns expressed, noting there was general
support for bike facilities if there were no changes to parking. Mr. Millner presented project details and
staff's recommendation to keep the existing parking conditions, create two 5.5-foot dedicated bike lanes
from Vernon Avenue to Olinger Road; create one dedicated 5-foot bike lane on the west/south side from
Olinger Road to Tracy Avenue; and, create one 13-foot outside lane/sharrow facility on the east/north side
from Olinger Road to Tracy Avenue.
Page 9
Minutes/Edina City Council/May 20, 2014
Mr. Millner answered questions of the Council. The Council asked staff to work with the Park Board to
determine how to provide better access points. Concern was expressed that all relevant information had
not been provided to the Transportation Commission and Council in advance of having to make this
decision and that this proposal was not the best facility design. Member Sprague introduced and moved
adoption of Resolution No. 2014-54, Requesting Variance from Standards for State Aid Operations
Olinger Boulevard West—Olinger Road to Tracy Avenue. Member Swenson seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Nays: Bennett
Motion carried.
VIII.H. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-57 ADOPTED—ACCEPTING VARIOUS GRANTS AND DONATIONS
Mayor Hovland explained that in order to comply with State Statutes; all donations to the City must be
adopted by Resolution and approved by four favorable votes of the Council accepting the donations.
Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2014-57 accepting various grants
and donations. Member Bennett seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX.A. CORRESPONDENCE
Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence.
IX.B. MINUTES:
1. EDINA COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION, MARCH 4, 2014
2. EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, MARCH 20,2014
3. ARTS& CULTURE COMMISSION, MARCH 27, 2014
4. PARK BOARD,APRIL 8, 2014
5. ENERGY& ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION,APRIL 10,2014
6. HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD,APRIL 8,2014
7. PLANNING COMMISSION,APRIL 9 AND APRIL 23,2014
Informational; no action required.
X. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE—Received
Xl. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS—Received
X11. MANAGER'S COMMENTS—Received
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at
12:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, v
i D uty City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council,June 3, 2014.
�a�mes B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the May 20, 2014, meeting available.
Page 10