HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-22 Council Special Meeting MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
JULY 22, 2008
7:00 A.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:10 a.m. in the Community Room of City Hall.
Answering rollcall were: Members Bennett, Housh, Masica, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Staff
present included: Gordon Hughes, City Manager; Heather Worthington, Assistant City Manager; Cary
Teague, Planning Director; and Debra Mangen, City Clerk. Roger Knutson, City Attorney, briefly
joined the meeting between approximately 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Mayor Hovland said the purpose of the study session was to continue review of the Land Use chapter
of the Draft Comprehensive Plan Update 2008
The Council discussed the area described as the greater Southdale Area bordered by the City's
easterly and southerly boundaries, by TH 62 to the north and generally one parcel of land in depth
west of France Avenue. The issues included: density, whether or not Floor Area Ratio should be
adjusted, heights of buildings, buildings that would have a tower stepping down to a podium on the
edges of the development nearer the street, setback, existing zoning, potential changes in zoning, the
importance of encouraging a pedestrian friendly environment, concern regarding maintaining the
vibrancy of the area, and infrastructure improvements potentially triggered by re-development or
density changes. Staff noted that when speaking of building height, building codes allow stick-built
method of construction for buildings up to four stories, that buildings five and six stories were allowed
to use a transitional type of construction, but buildings taller than six stories required full masonry
construction. Acceptable heights based on the draft plan were suggested and staff recorded those
changes.
The Council asked Attorney Knutson if an existing 13 story building would be rebuilt, how many
stories high statute would allow. Mr. Knutson responded the law would allow the building to be rebuilt
to the same height. It was also noted that affordable housing would be favorably received in the
residential areas. The Council felt it would be good to take time to reflect upon what the appropriate
heights should be in the area.
Member Housh left the meeting at 9:10 a.m. Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at
approximately 10:40 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Mangen, Ci Clerk