HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-20 Council Regular Meeting MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
DECEMBER 20, 2011
7:06 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
ll. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED
Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, 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
revised to remove Items IV.A., Regular and work session meeting minutes of December 6, 2011, and
work session meeting minutes of December 15, 2011, IV.F., Approve Engineering Services for 50th and
France parking structure improvements, IV.H., Resolution No. 2011-132, Setting January 17, 2012 Public
Hearings: 1. Improvement No. BA-385 Countryside Neighborhood Street Reconstruction; and, 2.
Improvement No. BA-388 Richmond Hills Park Neighborhood Street Reconstruction, and IV.K, Appoint
members to Neighborhood Identification Steering Committee, as follows:
..tes of December 1 20 1
IV.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated
December 8, 2011, and consisting of 31 pages; General Fund $150,182.87; Communications Fund
$17,756.89; Police Special Revenue $153.74; General Debt Service Fund $425.00; PIR Debt
Service Fund $425.00; Working Capital Fund $205,727.60; Equipment Replacement Fund
$780.00; Art Center Fund $3,326.74; Golf Dome Fund $2,797.82; Aquatic Center Fund $3,149.75;
Golf Course Fund $8,519.02; Ice Arena Fund $48,459.51; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund
$19,585.04; Liquor Fund $267,901.51; Utility Fund $66,335.33; Storm Sewer Fund $473.77; PSTF
Agency Fund $4,698.04; Payroll Fund $3,095.71; TOTAL $803,793.34; and for approval of
payment of claims dated December 15, 2011, and consisting of 30 pages; General Fund
$156,256.79; Communications Fund $8,021.95; Police Special Revenue $606.44; Working Capital
Fund $124,836.87; Equipment Replacement Fund $18,895.50; Construction Fund $24,751.30; Art
Center Fund $4,431.30; Golf Dome Fund $299.93; Aquatic Center Fund $85.35; Golf Course Fund
$21,158.79; Ice Arena Fund $4,710.26; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $10,977.87; Liquor
Fund $192,273.29; Utility Fund $133,940.23; Storm Sewer Fund $34,116.47; Recycling Fund
$38,820.60; PSTF Agency Fund $258,150.80; TOTAL$1,032,333.74; and, Credit Card Transactions
dated September 27, 2011—October 25, 2011; TOTAL$10,994.38.
IV.C. Request for Purchase, 14 Titan Assault Enhanced Tactical Vests — Police Department, awarding
the bid to the recommended low bidder, Streicher's at$34,300.00.
IV.D. Adopt Resolution No. 2011-131, approving an amendment to the City's Financial Management
Policies
IV.E. Adopt City of Edina Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan
IV.G. Approve Engineering Services for Gallagher Drive street improvements
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
IV.I. Request for Purchase, sewer jetter, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidders,
Astleford International Trucks at$84,639.81 and ABM Equipment&Supply at$233,680.00.
IV.J. Adopt Resolution No 2011-133 West 70th Street speed limit
IV.L. Request for Purchase, 4-wheel drive pick up truck, Fire Department, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Ranger GM at$36,170.84.
IV.M. Approve construction management services for York Liquor Store remodel
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
IV.A. MINUTES APPROVED—REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 6, 2011, AS CORRECTED AND
WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF DECEMBER 6, 2011, AND WORK SESSION MEETING
MINUTES OF DECEMBER 15, 2011, AS PRESENTED
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, approving the regular December 6,
2011, meeting minutes as amended on Page 2, to indicate: "Mr. Houle advised the mapping of traffic
complaints was on staff's to-do list for the winter season, and would be completed by the spring." and
approving the work session meeting minutes of December 6, 2011, and December 15, 2011, as
presented.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.F. ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR 50TH AND FRANCE PARKING STRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
APPROVED
Public Works Director/City Engineer Houle advised the City Attorney had reviewed the two engineering
services proposals and combined them into one agreement. Attorney Knutson indicated the issue of
limitations on liability had been satisfied with the agreement, as redrafted. Member Swenson made a
motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving engineering services agreement for 50th and France
parking structure improvements.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.H. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-132 ADOPTED—SETTING JANUARY 17, 2012 PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. IMPROVEMENT NO. BA-385 COUNTRYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD STREET RECONSTRUCTION
2. IMPROVEMENT NO. BA-388 RICHMOND HILLS PARK NEIGHBORHOOD STREET
RECONSTRUCTION
The Council discussed its recent policy decision to obtain a recommendation from the Edina
Transportation Commission (ETC) on street project feasibility studies prior to Council consideration. Mr.
Houle explained staff was trying to include ETC review in the schedule along with public informational
meetings, public hearings and advantageous timing to obtain bids ahead of other municipalities. He noted
that in this case, a special meeting of the ETC would be needed to receive its recommendation prior to
Council consideration. In the future, staff would develop a schedule to start earlier so presentation of the
feasibility study to the ETC could be accommodated. A suggestion was made that it might be beneficial if
the ETC met earlier in the month on the first Thursday. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by
Member Bennett, supporting the ETC calling a special meeting to review the feasibility related to
Improvement No. BA-385, Countryside Neighborhood Street Reconstruction, and Improvement No. BA-
388, Richmond Hills Park Neighborhood Street Reconstruction and directing staff to prepare a feasibility
report in advance of that meeting to be presented for street reconstructions that cannot otherwise be
considered at their regular meeting date.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
Motion carried.
Member Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-132, setting a public hearings
for January 17, 2012 for Neighborhood Street Reconstruction for: Countryside, Improvement No. BA-
385, and Richmond Hills Park, Improvement No. BA-388. Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.K. MEMBERS TO NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTIFICATION STEERING COMMITTEE APPOINTED
Assistant Manager Kurt indicated one of the first agenda items for the Steering Committee would be
preparation of a work plan and a more formal process for the Council's review. Member Sprague made a
motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving appointment of members to Neighborhood
Identification Steering Committee.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. PREVENTION WORKS 2011 PROCLAMATION ADOPTED
Mayor Hovland read in full a Proclamation declaring Prevention Works! Campaign during the weeks of
December 20, 2011 through January 2, 2012 throughout the City of Edina. Member Sprague introduced
and moved adoption of Prevention Works! Campaign Proclamation. Member Swenson seconded the
motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Chemical Health Coordinator Kathy Iverson reported on activities of the Edina Chemical Health Partners
Coalition and commitment to safe and sober driving. The Council extended its appreciation to Ms. Iverson
and the Coalition.
VI. PUBLIC HEARING HELD—Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VI.A. VACATION OF EASEMENT 5023 NOB HILL DRIVE—RESOLUTION NO. 2011-130 ADOPTED
Mayor Hovland recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Mr. Houle presented staff's recommendation to vacate the existing utility and drainage easement located
between Lot 1, Block 1, Oak Ridge of Edina, and Lot 8, Block 1, Engstrom Marnie Addition, conditioned on
dedicating a utility and drainage easement at the new lot line. He advised that no utility companies voiced
objection to the easement relocation
Mayor Pro Tem Swenson opened the public hearing at 7:21 p.m.
Public Testimony
Steve Willett, 5705 Kemrich Drive, described the generosity of Jim May, the previous owner, and asked
that his legacy be remembered.
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
Member Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-130, granting the vacation of
public utility and drainage easements, 5023 Nob Hill Road. Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
Mayor Hovland returned to the Council dais to chair the remainder of the meeting.
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT
William Glahn, 6634 Normandale Road, commented on the Green Steps Program and related initiatives
that had been divisive in other communities.
Steve Willett, 5705 Kemrich Drive, stated his concern with recent police activities and indicated he had
contacted the Attorney General's Office, Minnesota Attorney General's Office, and Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension requesting intervention in the interest of the public.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. APPEAL OF EDINA PARK BOARD RECOMMENDATION REGARDING EDINA AQUATIC CENTER SWIM
TEAM USE POLICY CONSIDERED
Park and Recreation Director Keprios presented the Edina Swim Club's appeal of the Park Board's decision
relating to the Edina Aquatic Center Swim Team Use Policy. Attorney Knutson advised the City to honor
the Facilities Use Policy executed with Aquajets Swim Club for 2012 so it was not held in breach of
contract. Mr. Keprios noted a lot of input was provided from both parties in writing.
Mr. Keprios reviewed the creation of the Youth Sports Task Force (YSTF) that had developed findings,
through 13 months of study and community input. One finding was that it served residents' best interest
to recognize one official body for each organized sports club. The Council had approved that
recommendation, and the Edina Swim Club was the recognized body for swimming clubs. However, the
City did not have a Facilities Use Policy for use of the Edina Aquatic Center or any enterprise facility. Mr.
Keprios explained the relationship document identified the relationship between Edina and independent
athletic associations, including requirement for background checks, submittal of financial statements and
minimum insurance coverages. He noted staff had made a recommendation to the Park Board, but it felt
there was not enough information to act at its November meeting.
The Council indicated it supported recognizing the Edina Swim Club as the primary swim club, noting this
distinction had been previously granted with the YSTF findings. The 90% residency requirement was
discussed. Mr. Keprios explained the 90% requirement had been established by the YSTF because, at that
time, all teams met that threshold; however, the Edina Swim Club does not meet that requirement. He
indicated staff came forward with a recommendation of 75% for the primary swim club because it seemed
to be keeping with best practices of other communities. The Council discussed the need to assure the
City's documents were internally consistent, and support was expressed to redact the 90% residency
requirement for swim clubs and establish it at 75%. An option was suggested to establish the residency
requirement based on a combination of total association membership and percentage of residents.
The Council reaffirmed support for its long-standing policy to designate one principal athletic association
per sport because these groups fulfill the need for organized athletics within the community in lieu of the
City's Parks and Recreation Department offering this programming. It was recognized that this designation
favored Edina associations, creating a "hometown advantage" for associations that were open to all and
not involved in recruitment of elite players. The Council agreed its role was to establish policy, not resolve
a dispute between two organizations, and it was legally and morally bound to honor the agreement struck
with the Aquajets Swim Club for 2012. However, in future years the City would recognize the Edina Swim
Club as its principal swim club, providing advance notice to the Aquajets Swim Club that there would be
changes to priority scheduling at the Edina Aquatic Center.
The Council indicated the Youth Sports Agreement was cumbersome and should be reviewed and
simplified. Support was expressed to draft an Aquatic Center Facilities Policy that mirrored the Outdoor
Facilities Policy, designated the Edina Swim Club as the recognized youth sports association in swimming
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
and included a 75% residency requirement for the swim club. The Council supported maintaining a 90%
residency requirement for all other associations.
With regard to other enterprise facilities, Mr. Keprios reviewed that when the Ice Arena was constructed,
there was an agreement with figure skaters, school programs, and hockey associations to buy ice time.
Other than that, there was no written policy on priority access for the Ice Arena, and staff would be
reluctant to draft such a policy since it was not needed.
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, reaffirming the Edina Swim Club as
the youth sports organization having primary access to City-owned swimming facilities and directing
staff to draft an edited relational document and priority Aquatic Center Facilities Policy with a 75%
residency requirement. The Council discussed the motion and asked questions of Mr. Keprios who
explained the first priority was given to City programs, the second priority was designated sports
organization and remaining pool time was offered to other users. Historically, the Edina Swim Club had
not used evening hours, so that time had been offered to the Aquajets Swim Club.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.B. RESOLUTION 2011-128 ADOPTED — SETTING 2012 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING 2012 OPERATING
BUDGET
Manager Neal summarized the 2011 Citizens League budget workshops, final report, findings and staff's
conclusions. The Council agreed with the benefit of the Citizens League workshops and endorsed following
a similar process for future budgets. To increase resident participation it was suggested that future budget
workshops be scheduled in quadrants of the City and at different times of the day. Staff was recognized
for facilitating the workshops.
Mr. Neal presented the proposed 2012 budget priorities, total tax levy increase of 1.79%, levy history, tax
impact on homestead residential and commercial properties, tax comparison to surrounding communities
and property tax relief contained in the 2012 budget. Mr. Neal also presented the proposed 2012 budgets
for the enterprise funds and the City's debt profile. It was noted the 2012 number of full-time staff would
be two fewer than in 2008/2009. The Council extended its appreciation to staff for its work on the budget
to assure the City provided a high level of service at the most economical cost. Member Brindle
introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-128 adopting the budget for the City of Edina
for the year 2012, and establishing tax levy for Year 2012, payable in 2012. Member Swenson seconded
the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. ORDINANCE NO. 2011-21 ADOPTED — AMENDING SECTION 300.17 ADDING PROVISIONS
ALLOWING FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF DANGEROUS DOGS
Police Chief Long presented the recommended amendment to allow charging a fee, as authorized by State
Statute, if registering a dangerous dog. Member Swenson made a motion to grant First Reading to
Ordinance No. 2011-21 amending the Edina City Code concerning dangerous dogs. Member Sprague
seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Sprague made a motion to grant Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2011-21 amending
the Edina City Code concerning dangerous dogs. Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
VIII.D. ORDINANCE NO. 2011-18 ADOPTED—SETTING FEES FOR 2012
Mr. Wallin advised that the changes directed by the Council had been made to Schedule A pertaining to
Code references. The Council discussed that the ordinance does not contain a provision that would allow
consideration of a request for waiver of fees. It was noted some communities waive fees to use park
shelters for neighborhood association meetings or by nonprofit or civic organizations. The Council
requested staff to research policies of neighboring communities relating to waiver of fees and provide a
report at a subsequent meeting. Member Bennett made a motion to grant Second Reading and adopt
Ordinance No. 2011-18, setting fees for 2012. Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.E. ORDINANCE NO. 2011-20 ADOPTED — CONCERNING REAL ESTATE SIGNS IN THE R-1 AND R-2
ZONING DISTRICTS
City Planner Teague stated the ordinance had been revised, as directed by the Council, to reduce the sign
height from ten to eight feet. The Council discussed the ordinance amendment, noting the Realtor's
Association endorsed this ordinance amendment and staff had received no calls of objection. Member
Bennett stated she was familiar with the correspondence and also had noted in the community that
several realtors, in both small and large companies, were innovating with smaller-sized signs. Member
Sprague made a motion to grant Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2011-20, amendment
concerning real estate signs in the R-1 and R-2 Zoning District. Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Ayes: Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Nays: Bennett
Motion carried.
VIII.F. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-129 ADOPTED—ACCEPTING VARIOUS 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. 2011-129 accepting various
donations. Member Bennett seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.G. DATE SELECTED FOR 2012 ANNUAL DINNER MEETING WITH BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Following discussion of availability, Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague,
scheduling the 2012 annual dinner meeting with Boards and Commissions on March 19, 2012, at
Centennial Lakes, 5 p.m.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.H. DATE SELECTED FOR 2012 ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECEPTION
The Council acknowledged a resident comment related to the length of recognition speeches. Mr. Neal
stated staff would discuss this concern and determine options. Following discussion of availability,
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, scheduling the 2012 annual volunteer
recognition reception on April 23, 2012, in the Braemar Room of the Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse, 5 p.m.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.I. ORDINANCE NO. 2011-22 ADOPTED—SETTING 2012 MORNINGSIDE AREA UTILITY RATES
Mr. Wallin indicated the City of Minneapolis adopted a rate of$3.20, which at 62% would equal an amount
charged to Edina of $1.98 per 100 cubic feet. The total rate for 2012 would be the Minneapolis rate of
$1.98 per 100 cubic feet plus Edina's consumption rate of $.38, equaling $2.36 per 100 cubic feet. This
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 20, 2011
rate would compare to $2.34 charged in 2011. Member Bennett made a motion to grant First Reading
and waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2011-22 setting 2012 Morningside Area Utility Rates.
Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS — Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of
various correspondence.
IX.A. VALLEY VIEW ROAD AND SALLY LANE TREE DELIMBING REAFFIRMED
Mr. Houle explained there had been miscommunication relating to the difference between trimming back
limbs and removing limbs. He presented pictures depicting the subject site and location of pine trees that
had been trimmed back to create sight lines. Mr. Houle explained the engineering calculation for the 200-
foot site stopping distance and indicated the recommendation of Benner's engineer had been to trim back
the branches but not remove branches from the tree trunk. Mr. Houle noted the Council had referenced
City Code prohibiting the planting of evergreen trees in the boulevard; however, there were many
locations in Edina where evergreen trees had been planted in a similar fashion. Mr. Knutson stated there
were several issues; when the code provision prohibiting those trees was adopted and when the trees
were planted. He indicated some cities do prohibit planting anything in the right-of-way.
The Council clarified it had not accepted the recommendation of WSB Engineering to remove the trees nor
the conservative recommendation of Benner's engineer to only trim back the branches. Rather, the
Council found a "middle ground" and directed the removal of all vegetation (branches) to a height of eight
feet to accommodate snow weight and the view from larger-sized vehicles. The Council agreed the 200-
foot stopping distance as recommended by Benner's engineer would not allow enough reaction time.
Mr. Knutson stated at the last meeting the Council indicated it would try staff's recommendation but if it
was not adequate it was the Council's discretion to make another decision. He noted if the Benners do not
like the decision to delimb to a height of eight feet, the Benners had the right to challenge that decision.
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, reaffirming Council direction that the
subject conifer trees be delimbed to a height of eight feet within two weeks.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS—Received
XI. MANAGER'S COMMENTS—Received
XII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at
10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
, ,
, _
Debra\A. angen, City Cl. rk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, January 3, 2012. o
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the December 20, 2011, meeting available.
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