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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-12-10 City Council Special Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL DECEMBER 10, 2018 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the special meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, and Mayor Hovland. III. MEETING AGENDA AS PRESENTED Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving the meeting agenda as presented. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. IV. COMMUNITY COMMENT No one appeared. V. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the consent agenda as presented: V.A. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, York Avenue Trunk Sanitary Sewer Extension Planning Addendum, SEH, Inc., $16,300.00 Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD — Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VI.A. INDIAN TRAILS B & C NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. BA-452, RESOLUTION NO. 2018-131 — ADOPTED Engineering Director Millner stated this staff-initiated project proposed to reconstruct Bello Drive, Comanche Court, Overholt Pass, Paiute Circle, Paiute Drive, Paiute Pass, Sally Lane and Shawnee Circle. It involved pavement reconstruction, new curb and gutter in some areas, supplemental retaining wall construction along some streets, and upgrading utilities. The overall project cost was estimated at $2,698,616 and funding would be a combination of special assessments and City Utility funds. He stated staff had analyzed the project and determined the project was necessary, cost-effective, and feasible from an engineering standpoint. Mr. Millner reviewed the proposed project schedule and assessment policy and shared a detailed presentation on the proposed work and outlined the estimated assessments of 93 properties, 88.01 (REUs), I REU per single family home, 0-0.67 for previously assessed properties, and 0.5 REU for corner properties for a total of $1,097,956/88.01 REUs or total of $12,475 per REU. He clarified staff was not proposing a retaining wall assessment at this time. The Council asked questions regarding submitted general benefit letters and maintenance and replacement of retaining walls. Mr. Millner explained how staff recently implemented, including benefit analysis of proposed projects based on opinions of two appraisers that demonstrated the correlation of existing over the benefit by neighborhood. He also explained how the retaining walls would be left in place and repaired as needed until a funding plan was identified as there was no immediate safety concern. The Council referred to the difference between preliminary assessment and final assessment and the process for delaying a project in cases where bids were too high. The Council inquired why curb and Page 1 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 10, 2018 gutter were replaced in some areas but not others. Mr. Millner explained how cost ranges were shared with neighborhoods that include continencies and the process to advertise early to obtain the best bids, noting curb and gutter repairs were based on condition and number of hydrants and if less expensive to replace now versus patching. The Council commented on building and resilience concepts that protected the City overall with current climate changes and better stormwater management with less impact and encouraged staff to review water impacts for Shawnee Circle and Overholt Pass. Mr. Millner explained the Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan reviewed drainage, protection, flood protection, and reviewed clean water in the Cornelia area that affected the entire City. He stated they were not addressing water impacts for Shawnee Circle and Overholt Pass, but would review inclusion of an infiltration basin. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:47 p.m. Public Testimony Darcy Douglas, 7025 Comanche Court, addressed the Council. Steven Minn, 7 Overholt Pass, addressed the Council. Azmieh Obeid, 7024 Sally Lane, addressed the Council. Michelle Swanson, 6500 Shawnee Circle, addressed the Council. Trudy Bonvino, 6908 Dakota Trail, addressed the Council. Barth Ward, 6504 Shawnee Circle, addressed the Council. Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. The Council addressed questions raised during public testimony regarding other available revenue sources, water issues near the ballfields, proposal to shrink Comanche and Kumquat Courts, emergency access, retaining wall maintenance assessments, and timing for fire hydrant work. Mr. Millner explained how culverts worked and if more pipes were included, could create damage downstream. He stated he would follow-up with residents. He noted the cul-de-sac was large by a dead-ended street and would include 3- 5-foot area on each side with pavement. Mr. Millner reviewed other revenue sources such as gas tax and MSA funding and noted fire hydrants were funded through utility funds and residents were only assessed for the roads. The Council asked staff to explain the City's assessment calculations of REUs versus lineal foot and what would happen if the City does not do anything about the retaining walls on Shawnee Circle and Overholt Pass. Mr. Millner noted the City currently patches areas as needed but could create a City-wide policy in the future that would include public input regarding retaining walls. Member Brindle explained while this was her neighborhood, her assessment would be no different than her neighbors. Therefore, she would not be recusing herself from project consideration. The Council commented on assessable costs including subgrade and not sanitary sewer and the level of root removal in retaining walls. Mr. Millner explained the difficulty in removing roots from the retaining walls as it could result in wall damage and was currently maintained by the property owners. He suggested the Council approve the project without including the retaining walls. Page 2 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 10, 2018 Member Brindle introduced and move adoption of Resolution No. 2018-131 ordering improvement for Indian Trails B & C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction Improvement No. BA-452 with the removal of the retaining walls. Member Fischer seconded the motion. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. VI.B. INDIAN HILLS C NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. BA-455, RESOLUTION NO. 2018-134 — ADOPTED Assistant City Engineer Ditzler stated this staff-initiated proposed to reconstruct Gleason Terrace and Saint Albans Circle. He said the project involved pavement reconstruction, new curb and gutter in some areas, and upgrading utilities and was estimated at $379,200 and funding would be a combination of special assessments and City Utility funds. He said staff had analyzed the project and determined the project was necessary, cost-effective, and feasible from an engineering standpoint. Mr. Ditzler reviewed the proposed project schedule and assessment policy and shared a detailed presentation on the proposed work and outlined the 16 properties at 13.5 REUs for a total of $179,550/13.5 REUs or $13,300 per REU. The Council asked questions regarding the amount of curb replacement and assessing for the topsoil behind the curb, noting that residents in smaller projects still benefited as much as possible by being bundled with larger projects to realize economies of scale. Mr. Ditzler explained how historically, those costs had been calculated as part of the roadway but if the Council wished it could be assessed; however, the cost would be 40% more. The Council confirmed these projects were the first since the streets' original construction in the 1950s and 1960s and that residents would realize another 50-60 years of benefit. They commented on reasons for these projects that included maintenance of the City's double-AAA bond rating and how savings were passed on to the residents through lower borrowing costs. The Council explained how residents who wished could upgrade their water service line after receiving an estimate and have the cost included with their assessment and spread over 15 years. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:42 p.m. Public Testimony Michael Huttner, 6628 Gleason Terrace, addressed the Council. Melissa Brooks, 6632 Gleason Terrace, addressed the Council. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. The Council asked questions regarding reasons for surmountable curb versus conventional curb, interest rates, access and parking during construction, and the need for more stormwater management on Gleason Road. Mr. Millner noted access would be maintained throughout the project but if special considerations were needed, to notify the City. Mr. Ditzler stated storm sewer modifications could be done for better drainage and noted Gleason Road was proposed for 2021 but would be non-assessable. Member Fischer introduced and move adoption of Resolution No. 2018-134 ordering improvement for Indian Hills C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction Improvement No. BA-455. Member Stewart seconded the motion. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. Page 3 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 10, 2018 VI.C. CHOWEN PARK A & B NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. BA-451 AND A-279, RESOLUTION NO. 2018-132 — ADOPTED Mr. Ditzler stated this staff-initiated project proposed to reconstruct Abbott Avenue, Beard Avenue, Chowen Avenue, Drew Avenue, Ewing Avenue, York Avenue, Zenith Avenue and West 59th Street. He explained the project would involve narrowing most roadways, reconstructing the gravel alleys, installing new sidewalk, curb and gutter and upgrading utilities. He stated the overall project cost was estimated at $6,427,780 and funding would be a combination of special assessments, Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Funds and City Utility funds. Staff had analyzed the project and determined the project was necessary, cost- effective, and feasible from an engineering standpoint. Mr. Ditzler reviewed the proposed project schedule and assessment policy and shared a detailed presentation on the proposed work and explained the 308 properties consisted of 268 REUs with a total project cost of $2,412,000 with assessed cost of $9,000 per REU with estimated alley assessments of $217,000/62 REUs or $3,500 per REU for a total ranging from $3,500 to $12,500 for those that have both roadway and alley improvements. The Council asked questions regarding whether there would be sidewalks on 58th Street to 60th Street, confirmed the width of Beard Street of 24 feet with others at 27 feet, and the need to address alley drainage issues. Mr. Ditzler said staff would improve grades where possible or extend the sump drain pipe if needed. Staff would also would confirm the amount of water in the alleys and either invert the crown or review sheet drain from one side to direct runoff to the east or west towards storm structures in place farther down the system. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:24 p.m. Public Testimony Warren Ajax, 5917 Beard Avenue South, addressed the Council. Lois Meerwald, 5908 Beard Avenue South, addressed the Council and presented a petition requesting no sidewalk on Beard Avenue South from 58th Street to 60th Street. Ben Tozer, 5800 Ewing Avenue South, addressed the Council. Jeff Carver, 5901 York Avenue South, addressed the Council. Sara Schwiebert, 5909 Beard Avenue South, addressed the Council. Rebe Pediangco, 5933 Beard Avenue South, addressed the Council. John Doucette, 5845 Beard Avenue South, addressed the Council. Mary Kiley, 3308 West 60th Street, addressed the Council. Laura Breyfogle, 5836 Xerxes Avenue South, addressed the Council. Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. The Council addressed questions raised during public testimony regarding sidewalk placement and street widths. Mr. Millner demonstrated the proposed 24-foot wide street, 5-foot boulevard and 5-foot sidewalk with access for two cars, the same as south of 60th Street. He explained the sidewalk was proposed for the east side in order to provide access to the park with the bridge over Minnehaha Creek and noted this area was in the middle of the neighborhood of Xerxes and France for connectivity in addition to having less impacts due to trees, utilities, and fiber communication connections. Page 4 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 10, 2018 The Council asked about the process and sidewalk notification and the loss of the silver maple tree on 5845 Beard Avenue South. Mr. Millner explained sequencing of the master plan that included broad notification to residents and much input through surveys and online but nothing specific to Beard Avenue. Mr. Ditzler explained while they could adjust alignment in some instances, this tree would need to be removed but would be replaced with two larger 8-inch trees. The Council commented on the City's goal to either walk or bike throughout the entire City and asked about costs of sidewalk in assessment. They commented on how the sidewalk plan prioritized connections that lead to parks and schools and suggested special zoning around parks to lower speed limits. The Council asked about deferred maintenance on York Avenue South and reasons for the additional assessment on alleys, direct benefit and property value increases, and why parking was on only one side. Mr. Millner explained the street improvement program currently in place with alleys separate per policy and referenced the two studies conducted by the Day Group regarding direct benefit in conjunction with the City Attorney that made staff confident the project met the market benefit test. He noted sidewalks provided traffic calming and buffer for pedestrians as the reason for street side selection. The Council commented on why the project was delayed in the past and noted the importance of public input in all forms. The Council acknowledged that while these were difficult choices that impacted residents, these projects were important. Mr. Millner explained the project had been rescheduled due to the watermain project in Birchcrest. Member Fischer introduced and move adoption of Resolution No. 2018-132 ordering improvement for Chowen Park A & B Neighborhood Roadway and alley reconstruction Improvement Nos. BA-45 I and A-279. Member Brindle seconded the motion. The Council commented on the difficulty of considering a petition at this late date. Mr. Millner said the Council could vote on the assessments and if they wanted more time, could delay sidewalk consideration until the next meeting. He noted only 14 of the 40 property owners along Beard Avenue South signed the petition. The Council consensus was to include the sidewalk recommendation. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. VI. D. TODD PARK E NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. BA-454, RESOLUTION NO. 2018-133 — ADOPTED Engineering Technician Scipioni stated this staff-initiated project proposed to reconstruct Brookside Terrace and Motor Street and involved asphalt pavement construction of the gravel street, new curb and gutter, creek sediment removal at the storm sewer outlet and upgrading utilities. The overall project cost was estimated at $353,240 and funding would be a combination of special assessments and City Utility funds. He stated staff had analyzed the project and determined the project was necessary, cost-effective, and feasible from an engineering standpoint. Mr. Scipioni reviewed the proposed project schedule and assessment policy and shared a detailed presentation on the proposed work and outlined the seven properties or 5.0 REUs totaled $58,500 or $11,700 per REU. The Council confirmed Brookside Terrace would continue to be gravel and suggested staff work towards resolving this with the railroad. Mr. Millner clarified the City did not have access rights to the railroad property and noted most residents did not want to change the road conditions at this time. The Council noted the five REUs for this project could be unfair and not fully benefit from economy of scale. The Council suggested while unlikely, to include the railroad in these assessments or accommodate the residents in some other way such as through financing. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 10:38 p.m. Page 5 It ., • on, City Clerk I l I 1161-. amen B. Hovland, Mayor Minutes/Edina City Council/December 10. 2018 Public Testimony Janel Vick, 5120 West 44th Street, addressed the Council. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. Member Staunton introduced and move adoption of Resolution No. 2018-133 ordering improvement for Todd Park E Neighborhood roadway reconstruction Improvement No. BA- 454. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Stewart, Hovland Motion carried. The Council thanked staff for their good work on community engagement during these projects and inquired about turf restoration. Mr. Millner said staff intended to do turf restoration for all projects by contract and would monitor closely. He confirmed that Indian Trails B & C would not be changing street widths but just doing spot repair on curb and gutter and that boulevard gardens would remain. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hoy and declared the special meeting adjourned at 10:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by Edina City Council, January 8 2019. Video Copy of the December 10, 2018, meeting available. Page 6