HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-02 City Council Regular MinutesMINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
APRIL 2, 2019
7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, and Mayor Hovland.
III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED
Manager Neal clarified any action on Item VII.A, 50th and France Small Area Plan, required 2/3 majority
vote. Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the meeting
agenda as presented.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Students Ana Martinez, 6216 Lochmoor Drive, Kathryn Kaiser, 5017 Skyline Drive, and Maddy Fernands,
6905 Westshore Drive, shared comments regarding support of Project Earth to raise awareness of climate
impacts and urged the Council to adopt an action plan and resolution that endorsed legislation for a Green
New Deal initiative.
The Council outlined the City's current efforts towards greenhouse gas reduction but recognized the
importance of doing more. Sustainability Manager Brown shared the City's commitment to the Next
Generation Energy Act and outlined steps that included both public education and commitments towards
reduced greenhouse gas emissions through fleet reduction and green building policies.
Frank Lorenz, 7151 York Avenue South, commented about affordable housing development and
apartments and his belief the City used inaccurate median household income calculations from Hennepin
County of $91,000 as Edina's median income was much higher at $125,000-$130,000, which affected a
developer's creation of affordable housing units.
IV.A. CITY MANAGER'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Mr. Neal responded to past Community Comments.
IV. B. RESIDENT HANDOUT
Mr. Neal shared the handout that outlined the Green New Deal initiative.
V. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving the consent
agenda as revised to remove Items V.F. Request for Purchase, Arden Park Playground
Equipment Replacement; V.G. Request for Purchase, Arneson Acres Park Tranquility
Garden; V.L. Morningside Neighborhood Flood Risk Reduction Strategy Scope Development;
and, V.O. Final Rezoning, Final Development Plan, and Site Improvement Plan Agreement:
Resolution No. 2019-23 and Ordinance No. 2018-15 for 7200 and 7250 France Avenue:
V.A. Approve minutes of the March 19, 2019, Work Session and Regular Meetings
V.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown as per pre-list dated March 21,
2019, and consisting of 23 pages: General Fund $51,763.24, Police Special Revenue
$140.50, Working Capital Fund $14,401.90, Equipment Replacement Fund $358.99,
Art Center Fund $748.43, Golf Dome Fund $108.63, Aquatic Center Fund $43.85, Golf
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
Course Fund $22,551.27, Ice Arena Fund $45,588.13, Sports Dome Fund $5,809.60,
Edinborough Park Fund $4,085.13, Centennial Lakes Park Fund $1,740.96, Liquor
Fund $198,149.65, Utility Fund $4,370.22, Storm Sewer Fund $211.85, PSTF Agency
Fund $2,580.62, MN Task Force I Fund $55.94, HRA Administration $215.00: Total
$352,923.91; and per electronic payment register dated March 21, 2019, and
consisting of 5 pages: General Fund $20,432.71, Art Center Fund $64.38, Golf Dome
Fund $46.13, Aquatic Center Fund $97.18, Golf Course Fund $631.13, Ice Arena Fund
$665.14, Sports Dome Fund $3,963.27, Edinborough Park Fund $4,265.29, Centennial
Lakes Park Fund $102.19, Liquor Fund $19,312.73, Utility Fund $3,179.23, Storm
Sewer Fund $1,602.31, PSTF Agency Fund $269.43: Total $54,631.21; and per pre-list
dated March 28, 2019, and consisting of 27 pages: General Fund $95,945.27, Police
Special Revenue $4,210.00, Working Capital Fund $3,919.09, PIR Construction Fund
$3,668.61, Equipment Replacement Fund $43.00, Art Center Fund $2,369.00, Golf
Dome Fund $94.23, Golf Course Fund $13,985.06, Ice Arena Fund $4,895.24, Sports
Dome Fund $2,888.18, Edinborough Park Fund $9,694.52, Centennial Lakes Park Fund
$1,980.81, Liquor Fund $180,494.01, Utility Fund $44,298.25, Storm Sewer Fund
$632.30, Risk Mgmt ISF $349,937.43, PSTF Agency Fund $1,285.33, MN Task Force I
Fund $10.59, HRA Administration $1,077.50, Centennial TIF District $3,002.84,
Southdale 2 District $9,684.50, 50th And France 2 TIF District $25,123.65, Payroll
Fund $16,230.83: Total $775,470.24 and per electronic payment register dated March
28, 2019, and consisting of 5 pages: General Fund $19,790.73, Working Capital Fund
$1,029.00, Golf Dome Fund $2,100.00, Ice Arena Fund $1,445.73, Sports Dome Fund
$437.31, Edinborough Park Fund $914.86, Liquor Fund $17,875.87, Utility Fund
$8,630.72, 50th and France 2 TIF District $910.50: Total $53,134.72
V.C. Adopt Ordinance No. 2019-07; Creating an Affordable Housing Trust Fund
V.D. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Commercial Floor Scrubbers, Dalco Enterprises Inc. $20,505.00
V.E. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
City Hall Space Needs Study, HGA, $55,350.00
V.F. Request for Pur
V.G. Request for
V.H. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Construction Services for Edinborough Park Southeast Plaza Entrance
Improvements, Bolton & Menk $64,265.00
V.I. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Edina Land Management Planning Services, Applied Ecological Services $49,996.00
V.J. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Construction Services for Interlachen Boulevard and Vernon Avenue Roadway and
Utility Improvements, SEH, Inc. $92,286.00
V.K. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Interlachen Boulevard and Vernon Avenue Roadway and Utility Improvements,
Pember Companies, Inc. $994,141.46
n
V.M. Adopt Resolution No. 2019-26; Approving Parking Restrictions
V.N. Approve Traffic Safety Report of February 26, 2019
•
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
V.F. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE, ARDEN PARK PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
— POSTPONED TO APRIL 16, 2019
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
The Council complemented staff on this great park addition and meandering work and asked about cost
differences should the City wish to consider a fully accessible park in this location like Rosland Park so
there were fully accessible parks on both the south and north sides of the City.
Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Faus said a fully accessible park was considered but that costs
were a factor. She confirmed the proposed equipment replacement was ADA accessible and would
accommodate users of different abilities and noted most cities only have one fully accessible park. She said
while the cost would not double, it would be significantly more, and the item could be postponed to the
next meeting to obtain actual costs as long as equipment was ordered by June. Member Hovland made
a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to postpone consideration of request for purchase
for Arden Park playground equipment replacement to April 16, 2019.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
V.G. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE, ARNESON ACRES PARK TRANQUILITY GARDEN —
APPROVED
The Council recognized the Edina Garden Council for their donation of $47,000 for this tranquility garden
project and thanked them for their work. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member
Staunton, to approve request for purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low
bidder, English Stone $47,210.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
V.L. MORNINGSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD FLOOD RISK REDUCTION STRATEGY SCOPE
DEVELOPMENT — APPROVED
The Council asked for more information on community engagement and tools used in the pilot program
and timetable for completion by year end. Engineering Director Millner explained the Plan focused on
technical aspects such as pipes and tanks, would include discussions with St. Louis Park and Minneapolis,
land use and impervious limits, technical panel review, and City-wide Task Force. He said there would be
no implementation done this year but during street reconstruction projects in 2022 and 2023.
The Council expressed concern about the study being longer than anticipated and requested short-term
projects where possible and ordinance amendments for property owners at the top of the hill as
stormwater mitigation was important and needed a stronger sense of urgency. The Council noted this
work related to climate change mentioned during Community Comment and the need to create an overall
plan in partnership with the private sector for potential water storage to address the future of Webber
Park.
Mr. Millner clarified the Plan included all those elements but cannot be implemented without review of
affects in other areas of the City as well as neighboring cities. The Council stressed the importance of
study completion sooner, if possible. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member
Fischer, to approve the Morningside Neighborhood Flood Risk Reduction Strategy Scope
Development as presented.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
V.O. FINAL REZONING, FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, AND SITE IMPROVEMENT PLAN
AGREEMENT: RESOLUTION NO. 2019-23 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2018-15 FOR 7200
AND 7250 FRANCE AVENUE — ADOPTED
The Council requested an update on the three conditions of approval that included the woonerf and cut
through traffic, deceleration lane update with Hennepin County, and the community engagement tool. Mr.
Millner said while the road was proposed for be 22 feet wide, curved, and included plantings on both sides
the County was still reviewing potential striping options and right-out at 72nd Street. He shared two public
forums would be conducted and 15 responses had been received since the concept was posted online. He
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
said the City would continue to take input until April 23 and then work with the developer on final street
layout in May along with potential intersection improvements at Cornelia and 72nd and Oaklawn. He
stated no sidewalk was proposed for the south side, but they could provide better crossings and
confirmed funding was included should the project move forward. Member Staunton introduced and
moved adoption of Resolution No. 2019-23, Approving Final Rezoning from POD, Planned
Office District, to PUD- 16, Planned Unit Development — 16, Final Development Plan and Site
Improvement Plan Agreement for 7200 and 7250 France Avenue, and to grant second
reading adopting Ordinance No. 2018-15 Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Establish the
PUD- I 6, Planned Unit Developmet- I 6 Zoning District. Member Fischer seconded the
motion.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
VI.A. METROPOLITAN COUNCIL MEMBER MOLLY CUMMINGS — INTRODUCED
Mr. Neal congratulated Metropolitan Councilmember Cummings on her appointment and said she would
represent Edina very well.
Ms. Cummings shared her background included service as Hopkins Mayor and said she was excited to
represent Edina. She emphasized the area's robust multi-modal transportation system and current review
of area cities' Comprehensive Plans. Ms. Cummings stated she would work hard to represent all cities,
including Edina, and encouraged the public to contact her with questions or concerns.
VI. B. NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMM UNICA TOR WEEK — PROCLAIMED
91 I Dispatcher Radde accepted the Proclamation in recognition of National Public Safety
Telecommunicator Week and thanked the Council, Police and Fire Departments for their continued
support of 91 I dispatchers. She shared a poem that outlined how dispatchers were a lifeline and unseen
heroes of emergency services and said the City's 11 dispatchers worked with great ability and handled
115,000 calls for service in 2018. A round of applause was offered by the audience.
Councilmember Fischer described his recent ride along where he witnessed the amazing teamwork
between dispatchers and police officers and said the City received great value having dispatchers as part of
the team. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving
proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI.C. RACE AND EQUITY COORDINATOR HEIDI LEE — INTRODUCED
Assistant City Manager Schaefer introduced Race and Equity Coordinator Lee, formally of the St. Paul
School District Equity Department.
Ms. Lee said she appreciated the opportunity to work in Edina and looked forward to building relationships
and creating an open and inclusive environment for all. A round of applause was offered by the audience.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD — Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-27 APPROVING THE 50TH AND FRANCE SMALL AREA PLAN —
ADOPTED AS AMENDED
50th and France Small Area Plan (SAP) Co-Chair Nemerov introduced members of the Work Group and
shared their backgrounds. He explained how their work was in response to concerns expressed by
property owners, businesses, and residents, and a desire to help guide future development and public
investment at 50th & France. He reviewed how the Plan would be used as a tool project to address many
aspects of future development in this area such as environment, stormwater management, high-quality
buildings, step back height above two stories, north ring road, improved crossing, and robust community
engagement process. He reviewed the site history and shared their assessment in detail.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
Working Group Members Pecard and Rice presented the SAP community engagement that included three
community meetings, comment cards, emails, online engagement, Edina Open Streets, and the creation of
a very informative website. They noted community feedback desires included thriving commercial, safe
and inviting area, healthy food options, good mix of land uses, respect for adjacent neighborhoods,
engaging streetscape, small town feel, improved walkability, and easier pedestrian access and parking
options. Working Group Members Pecard and Rice outlined primary concerns of traffic, building height
and density, and direct connections into the residential neighborhood. They outlined the intent to stay
within four-story heights and how density and height variances could be acceptable with the exchange of
same floor to area ratio (FAR) for more open space throughout the site. They highlighted how step backs
needed strong language that resulted in graceful transitions and said while they rejected the concept of a
roadway or connections from the neighborhood, connection was still important that could be
accomplished through improved sidewalks or other methods that would involve further public
engagement. Working Group Members Pecard and Rice spoke about the easement on the US Bank
property and shared their vision statement that included connectivity, building design, density and scale,
economic vitality, public realm, urban design, site sustainability, access, parking, and movement.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m.
Public Testimony
David Pearson, 4513 Browndale Avenue, addressed the Council.
Roberta Castellano, 4854 France Avenue South, addressed the Council.
Tom Roddis, 4512 Bruce Avenue, addressed the Council.
Dan Utoft, 4915 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Dayna Deutsch, 4921 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Martha Moffett, 4929 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Peter MacDonagh, 5132 Hankerson Avenue, addressed the Council.
Cheryl Appledorn, 4611 Town Circle, addressed the Council.
Dave Wirth, 4908 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Frank Lorenz, 7151 York Avenue South, addressed the Council.
Heather Wallace, 4701 Townes Road, addressed the Council.
Francis Murphy, 4925 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Brian Wood, 4808 Maple Road, addressed the Council.
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council addressed questions raised during public testimony regarding traffic counts and
Comprehensive Plan changes with projects such as Nolan Mains and density of 100 units per acre
approved by the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Millner said the guidance document included traffic estimates
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
and what the road could handle but did not take into account peak AM/PM traffic or the importance of
signal coordination.
John Hamilton, SAP Work Group Member, said the area was first referenced as a neighborhood node, was
not only a shopping area, and belonged to all of Edina. He said the challenge was that 100 units per acre
was too small. He spoke about reasons for zoning and how Met Council provided guidance but cost of
land in Edina needed to be considered. He said the SAP prejudged what could come before us and Edina
would likely see a good development and the SAP outlined what could be done instead of what cannot be
done.
The Council spoke about greater height near the area's center to reduce neighboring property impacts,
the boundary area that eliminated the green strip, the US Bank easement, and how nothing could happen
without permission of the Maple Road residents. Mr. Hamilton noted coordination would be needed with
the City of Minneapolis too as not all of this was in Edina's control.
Mr. Nemerov said the boundary area was owned by the same land owner and anyone who purchased the
land would look at the entire parcel. He spoke about how the buffer was a source of concern because it
was not well known but stressed the importance of having all parcels included in the SAP because
otherwise, it would be difficult to manage. Mr. Hamilton explained how a graphic was inadvertently
published online that depicted a road in the easement area, which was in error, and how there was always
going to be an easement.
The Council spoke about variance processes and public transparency. Community Development Director
Teague said any proposal would begin with a sketch plan review and if it did not meet City Code, feedback
would be solicited and the public given an opportunity to be heard. City Attorney Knutson added the
term variance would not be used with reference to height.
The Council spoke about the neighborhood not wanting connectivity to the north and parking impacts.
Ms. Pecard said the SAP was not proposing anything specific or intentional but the Work Group wanted
improved connectivity in other ways.
Mr. Nemerov spoke to the question of pedestrian access with the neighborhood and the error that
showed the potential removal of a home in the easement area. He said while they do not want to remove
any homes, they stressed the importance of connectivity and stated there would be community
engagement for any type of proposal that came forward. Mr. Nemerov commented on the Maple Road
residents' parking concerns and suggested the completion of a traffic study after Nolan Mains was
completed to review impacts.
The Council confirmed the land use designation was Mixed-Use Center as accomplished in the 2008
Comprehensive Plan amendment and how this area was thought of as a neighborhood node, just like the
Grandview area. The Council confirmed no discussion was held regarding number or density, but the
change occurred as part of an amendment in another area. The Council thanked the Work Group for
their work on the SAP and trying to prepare when a developer approached the City. The Council
indicated density would remain as it was today, commented on how the SAP area boundaries were
imaginary, and that a developer could propose development anywhere in the City. The Council spoke
about having height step down against the single-family homes and how cities cannot prohibit a developer
from requesting a variance. The Council noted residential traffic was the least impactful traffic in an area
and if the City focused on appropriate uses and height and prepared for inevitable development by mixing
uses, the City could minimize traffic impacts and promote walking instead of driving.
The Council explained this was the fourth SAP concluded in the City but was different because there was
no pending project. The Council liked the notion along 51st Street of wrapped townhome housing for a
pedestrian feel, another crossing for a more pedestrian-friendly environment, and the need for height at
the center and not edges. The Council spoke about being unaware of the easement in the beginning but
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2, 2019
emphasized how trust was needed as the City continued to work through this area. The Council outlined
the principle elements included density, traffic, and transitions, and the importance of having an SAP with
Minneapolis as well. The Council spoke to the importance of the buffer property owned by US Bank but
how whatever developed, the easement should be defined as greenspace in perpetuity. This would always
be an area of change but the SAP provided groundwork. The Council spoke about how there should not
be a height incentive but project partnership with an approved public realm as any perceived bonus should
be for the public and not the developer. The Council commented on options for a circulator line and
movement between nodes and how attraction of the area would be based on ease to get there. The
Council requested review of materials at the time any project came forward and explained how the
parking ramp would address parking concerns. The Council spoke about density consistent with City
Code and how the Nolan Mains would be great addition and fit well in this area.
The Council thanked the Work Group for their hours to make the City a better place. A round of
applause offered by the audience.
Member Staunton introduced and moved adoption of Resolution 2019-27 approving the 50th
and France Small Area Plan as amended:
I ). The density shall be reduced from 100 to 75 units per acre; and
2). Page 34, the top paragraph shall be revised as follows:
Other than recommending that the four-story height limit in the zoning code should
remain in place, this Small Area Plan does not prescribe building height requirements
for the study area. At the same time, it is recognized that some developers will wish
to exceed the existing height limit. In response to these requests, this plan proposes
that the City should not consider granting-height-bonuses proposals to by developers
that exceed the height limits whe-unless they demonstrate a willingness and ability to:
I) Implement private realm improvements, which, without limitation, will be
implemented on private property and will necessarily include energy efficient
buildings of superior construction and aesthetic quality and may also include
other features that assist the city in the realization of its economic,
environmental, transportation, and social goals; and
2) Assist the City with the cost of implementing public realm improvements
that will ensure that the development project achieves goals outlined in the
50th & France Vision Statement and the 50th & France Guiding Principles.
(See pages 8 through 15 of this plan documents.)
2. Non-substantive edits submitted by Member Brindle.
3. Address inconsistencies with regard to buffer.
Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. RESOLUTION 2019-28 — ACCEPTING VARIOUS GRANTS AND DONATIONS — ADOPTED
Mayor Hovland explained that 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
Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2019-28 accepting various grants
and donations. Member Staunton seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX.A. CORRESPONDENCE - Received
Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence.
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p_sAIAA
Shar• ity Clerk
ames B. ovland, Mayor
Minutes/Edina City Council/April 2. 2019
IX.B. MINUTES — Received
I. TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, FEBRUARY 21, 2019
2. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, FEBRUARY 14, 2019
3. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMIMSSION, FEBRUARY 26, 2019
Informational; no action required.
X. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE — Received
XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS — Received
XII. MANAGER'S COMMENTS — Received
XIII. CITY COUNCIL UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS — Received
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland de lared the meeting adjourned
at 11:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 16, 2019.
Video Copy of the April 2, 2019, meeting available.
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