HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-04 Council Regular Meeting MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
OCTOBER 4, 2011
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Acting Mayor Swenson called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, and Swenson. Mayor Hovland arrived at 9:03
p.m.
III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED
Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving the meeting agenda.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the consent agenda as
revised to remove Items IV.C. Request to Purchase, Website Redesign and Intranet; IV.F. Guaranteed
Energy Savings Agreement with McKinstry; and, IV.G. Sight Line Study, Valley View Road and Sally Lane,
as follows:
IV.A. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of September 20, 2011
IV.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated
September 22, 2011, and consisting of 27 pages; General Fund $420,999.79; Communications
Fund $2,865.96; Police Special Revenue $1,461.73; Working Capital Fund $1,781,268.74;
Equipment Replacement Fund $32,875.55; Construction Fund $242,966.65; Art Center Fund
$246.36; Golf Dome Fund $1,026.63; Aquatic Center Fund $21,376.01; Golf Course Fund
$18,703.83; Ice Arena Fund $4,746.30; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $8,412.65; Liquor
Fund $198,743.69; Utility Fund $864,915.90; Storm Sewer Fund $547,284.20; Recycling Fund
$18.87; PSTF Agency Fund $2,105.62; Payroll Fund $3,071.60; TOTAL $4,153,090.08; and for
approval of payment of claims dated September 29, 2011, and consisting of 31 pages; General
Fund $109,021.06; Communications Fund $10,436.64; Braemar Memorial Fund $42.00; Working
Capital Fund $102,744.70; Construction Fund $4,753.00; Art Center Fund $20,369.32; Golf Dome
Fund $205.75; Aquatic Center Fund $474.45; Golf Course Fund $16,645.97; Ice Arena Fund
$24,705.53; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $21,764.07; Liquor Fund $172,222.05; Utility
Fund $92,757.13; Storm Sewer Fund $9,675.89; Recycling Fund $32.68; PSTF Agency Fund
$7,932.34; Payroll Fund $5,094.39; TOTAL $598,876.97; and, Credit Card Transactions dated July
26—August 25, 2011;TOTAL$10,350.76.
IV.D. Request to Purchase, 2011 Microsoft Enterprise Agreement Renewal, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Software House International at$40,824.57.
IV.E. Accept Traffic Safety Report of September 7, 2011
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
IV.C. REQUEST TO PURCHASE, WEBSITE REDESIGN AND INTRANET APPROVED
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
Communications Director Bennerotte reviewed the development of the City's past websites, presented the
2011 website redesign and intranet project, and described enhancements available with the new website.
She advised of staff's review of the twenty-one proposals received and recommendation to hire
JesseJames Creative to complete an overall website redesign with use of "OrgCentral" content
management system at $60,000; complete and integrate golf and skating lesson registration at $7,500;
develop online space reservation module at $12,000; and, develop intranet at $25,000 for a total project
cost of $104,500. It was noted that $100,000 was budgeted and $4,500 was available in the
Communications Fund. Ms. Bennerotte acknowledged that out-of-State firms would result in additional
travel expenses; however,the five proposals from Minnesota firms were deemed to be deficient.
The Council asked whether the scheduling option could be partnered with the school district. Ms.
Bennerotte advised the module would allow for expansion so staff would explore that conversation with
the school district. With regard to use of a "working group area' of a new website under the requirements
of the Open Meeting Law, Ms. Bennerotte stated the area was intended for documents under
development, not yet ready for public viewing, and compliance would be made with the Open Meeting
Law." It was noted that building content and assuring error free content would be the responsibility of the
City.
The Council indicated its support to select a vendor that could provide a fully integrated solution that was
easy to update. It was noted the City Manager's Communications Advisory Committee provided helpful
feedback that was used in preparing the RFP and should be asked to further opine on website designs and
content as they were developed. With regard to the intranet feature, Manager Neal stated it was
expected to provide improvement to communication, morale, and productivity by creating a
communication vehicle to touch all City employees. Ms. Bennerotte answered the Council's questions
relating to webhosting and opportunity to share space with neighborhood associations. Member Brindle
made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving JesseJames Creative as the City of Edina's
website redesign and intranet design consultant and use of its "orgCentral" content management
system at a cost not to exceed $104,500.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
IV.F. GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS AGREEMENT WITH MCKINSTRY APPROVED
Manager Neal explained this comprehensive list of projects would produce energy efficiencies and savings
at a number of facilities. The savings that result would be aggregated and used to defer costs associated
with doing the projects. He noted this was a unique program because the contractor monitored energy
costs and guaranteed sufficient savings to carry the debt service or the contractor was obligated to pay the
difference.
The Council asked whether this project was competitively bid and how ongoing monitoring fit with
measurements done by ULI on the B3 database. Manager Neal explained that normally public projects go
through a public bidding process; however, due to the guarantee associated with these projects, the
statute allowed the projects to be outside of a public bidding process. He explained he brought McKinstry
into this opportunity because the City was pressed for time with the solar project and needed to bundle it
with other projects so a reasonable return on investment resulted.
Greg Ackerson, McKinstry, explained the State of Minnesota holds a list of prequalified energy companies
qualified for this work and the City had the ability to enter into a Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement as
long as it was with one of the prequalified energy contractors. He explained McKinstry's bidding process
that included Edina vendors.
The Council asked whether the Facilities Manager would want to conduct its own due diligence. Manager
Neal indicated that staff person, when hired, would serve as the City's construction manager for these
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
projects. The Council asked questions of staff relating to the monitoring function. Utility Engineer Struve
explained the B3 database was set up through the State of Minnesota to evaluate facilities for utility costs.
As energy improvements were enacted, real time energy savings and improved building performance
should be reflected in the B3 database. Mr. Ackerman stated the B3 database was a great tool to create a
benchmark on whole building regression remodeling year by year. However, McKinstry would analyze,
with more precision, each facility improvement. The $5,500 covered engineering to conduct quantification
and weather normalization and prepare annual reports. Mr. Ackerman noted the City could cancel the
contract at any point but McKinstry was not allowed to cancel and was obligated to cover the cost should
there be a shortfall. City Attorney Knutson referenced the contract and advised that paragraphs 15.1 and
15.2 contained the guarantees.
With regard to accuracy in reporting, Mr. Ackerman noted the contract contained verification protocol.
Mr. Ackerman explained that measurements were generally taken pre-installation and post-installation by
the installing contractor with City staff witnessing those measurements. At the end of the year, the
calculations could be analyzed and vetted by City staff. Manager Neal noted this would be an important
role for the Edina Energy Commission (EEC) and recommended an annual meeting with staff, the EEC, and
contractor to assure public accountability. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member
Bennett, authorizing staff to enter into a Guaranteed Energy Savings Agreement with McKinstry.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
IV.G. SIGHT LINE STUDY— VALLEY VIEW ROAD AND SALLY LANE—APPROVED
The Council acknowledged that a City-wide issue had been identified with landscaping and vegetation
infringing onto the public right-of-way. They acknowledged the need remained to develop policy relating
to rights-of-way and vegetation and noted the six points staff suggested. It was clarified that the petition
submitted by residents requesting removal of a tree at Valley View Road and Sally Lane had not led to
consideration of a sight line study, it just happened to coincide with the timing of this consideration. The
Council asked if any geometrical change in street design was anticipated to resolve the site line issue.
Public Works Director Houle responded that no change to geometrics was anticipated at that location.
The Council discussed that it did not want the location of a sidewalk determined at this point or
established on the north side of Valley View Road through the Sight Line Study. Rather, the Council
wanted the sidewalk discussed at a future date. In addition, the Council indicated it would like to consider
an ordinance revision at an upcoming work session that better aligns the City's right of way management
with acceptable practices (boulevard gardening/softscape plantings up to a certain height that do not
create a safety hazard) it found acceptable, but the current issue must be taken care of at this time.
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, requiring the adjoining residents to
remove vegetation from the public right-of-way that interferes with sight lines at the intersection of
Valley View Road and Sally Lane. Notice will be sent giving residents 30 days to remove the vegetation.
If the vegetation is not removed within the 30-days, then staff will remove the vegetation and invoice
the property owner for the cost.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH PROCLAIMED
Acting Mayor Swenson read in full a proclamation declaring Bullying Prevention Month. Member Bennett
made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving proclamation declaring October, 2011, as
Bullying Prevention Month in the City of Edina.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
Lisa Finsness, Human Rights & Relations Commissioner, accepted the proclamation and thanked the
Council for recognizing the importance of this issue. The Council thanked the Commission for its work.
V.B. EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY STORM SEWER BLUE STAR AWARD RECEIVED
Utility Engineer Struve explained the Blue Star Program involved an assessment on three core areas: water
friendly planning and preservation; stormwater management standards and practices; and, stormwater
pollution prevention.
Trevor Russell, Program Administrator with Minnesota Blue Star Award Program, presented the Excellence
in Community Storm Sewer Blue Star Award to the City in recognition of stormwater management
assessment methodologies incorporated in the GreenStep Program. He indicated this award was a
reflection of the great work of City staff, leadership of the City Council, and initiative of local residents.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD
VI.A. NEW ON-SALE AND SUNDAY SALE INTOXICATING LIQUOR LICENSES — PITTSBURGH BLUE, 3220
GALLERIA, EDINA, MN 55435
Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
City Clerk Mangen presented the application of Pittsburgh Blue for new On Sale Intoxicating and Sunday
Sale Liquor Licenses to operate at the Galleria. She reported the applicant submitted all necessary
paperwork, met Code requirements, the Administration, Health and Planning Department had reviewed
the application and the Police Department had completed its background investigation with a positive
outcome.
Acting Mayor Swenson opened the public hearing at 8:11 p.m.
Public Testimony
No one appeared to comment.
Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving new On-Sale Intoxicating
Liquor License and Sunday On-Sale Liquor License to Pittsburgh Blue Edina LLC dba Pittsburgh Blue, for
the period beginning October 4, 2011, and ending March 31, 2012.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
VI.B. COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN AMENDMENT — PRELIMINARY & FINAL REZONING AND
PRELIMINARY & FINAL SITE PLAN — COMCAST/DAN JACKSON, 9699 DATA PARK DRIVE —
RESOLUTION NOS. 2011-92&2011-93 ADOPTED—ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 850-A-37 ADOPTED
Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
Planning Director Presentation
Planning Director Teague presented the request of Comcast to renovate its existing driveway and parking
areas to accommodate an increase in the number of employees within its existing three-story building
located in the City of Minnetonka. The plans include construction of a new parking lot that would be
partially located within the City of Edina. A small wetland would be filled to accommodate the parking lot
and wetland credits were purchased to create a wetland off site. The request required a Comprehensive
Guide Plan Amendment from Low Density Residential to Office to allow the parking lot expansion; a
Rezoning from R-1, Single-Dwelling Unit District, to POD-1 Planned Office District-1; and, final Site Plan. It
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
would also be conditioned on approval by the City of Minnetonka and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed
District relating to filling the wetland and moving it off site. Mr. Teague advised staff found the request to
be reasonable and the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
With regard to restoring the site, Mr. Teague used a site plan to point out the location of newly planted
Linden trees. The Council asked about using the R-1 zoning designation as a place holder. Mr. Teague
explained that R-1 was the least intense zoning district so using it as a place holder for previously
undeveloped land provided the City more discretion for future development. He used a map to point out
the location of the closest Edina residential property and R-1 zoned property.
Proponent Presentation
Brian Houwman, Houwman Architect representing Comcast, stated this used to be farmland. Because
there was solid ground under the wetland, it could be cleared, in filled, and compacted for a parking lot.
He noted the grade of the driveway was close to 12 feet above the level of the parking lot so it would not
be seen from the freeway.
Acting Mayor Swenson opened the public hearing at 8:22 p.m.
Public Testimony
No one appeared to comment.
Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
Member Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-92, approving a Guide Plan
Amendment from Low Density Residential to 0, Office, for Comcast at 9699 Data Park Drive, based on
the following findings:
1. The guide plan change is consistent with the adjacent land uses.
2. The R-1 zoning of this site was to serve as a place holder for future development. Vacant land in
Edina was traditionally zoned R-1, as the least intensive zoning district.
3. Development of this site as low-density residential is not practical given the surrounding office land
uses,the major highways to the south and east, and the site access limitations.
And subject to the following conditions:
1. The proposed grading, parking lot construction and wetland filling is subject to approval of the Nine
Mile Creek Watershed District. Plans may be revised per conditions of the Watershed District.
2. Project approval from the City of Minnetonka.
3. The Site Plan must be constructed within two years of City Council approval.
And introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-93, approving a Preliminary and Final Site
Plan for 9699 Data Park Drive, based on the following findings:
1. The proposal would meet the required standards and ordinances for a Site Plan.
2. The guide plan change is consistent with the adjacent land uses.
3. The R-1 zoning of this site was to serve as a place holder for future development. Vacant land in
Edina was traditionally zoned R-1, as the least intensive zoning district.
4. Development of this site as low-density residential is not practical given the surrounding office land
uses, the major highways to the south and east, and the site access limitations
And subject to the following conditions:
1. The proposed grading, parking lot construction and wetland filling is subject to approval of the Nine
Mile Creek Watershed District. Plans may be revised per conditions of the Watershed District.
2. Project approval from the City of Minnetonka
3. The Site Plan must be constructed within two years of City Council approval.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
And to grant First and waive Second Reading adopting Zoning Ordinance No. 850-A37 An Ordinance
Rezoning 9699 Data Park Drive from R-1, Single Dwelling Unit District,to POD-1, Planned Office District.
Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT
No one appeared to comment.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-94 ADOPTED—ACCEPTING VARIOUS DONATIONS
Acting Mayor Swenson 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 Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-94 accepting various
donations. Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
The Council requested that donations received from the Edina Community Foundation be so identified.
Staff indicated that information would be provided, when available and appropriate.
VIII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2011-95 ADOPTED — AWARDING THE SALE OF $15,100,000 GENERAL
OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2011A
Finance Director Wallin explained this consideration related to the sale of$15.1 million General Obligation
Bonds, Series 2011A. The first purpose was to fund approximately $11,670,000 to net $11,525,000 for
various water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer projects. The second purpose was to fund approximately
$3,430,000 in principal to net $3,307,764 to the Permanent Improvement Revolving (PIR) fund for the
2011 street reconstruction projects.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers & Associates, congratulated the City of Edina for its AAA rating by both Standards &
Poors and Moody's. He noted this bond sale attracted national interest with eight bids. The winning bid
was received from Piper Jaffray at an outstanding interest rate of 1.9583% for the ten year bonds. Mr.
Ruff advised the overall size of the bond was reduced from $15.1 million to $14.55 million because Piper
Jaffray bid a premium with higher coupon rates and due to overall lower costs and underwriter fees. It
was noted the Moody's report indicated the AAA rating could change should there be significant erosion of
the City's tax base (declined property values) or significant deterioration in general fund reserves.
The Council asked questions of staff relating to funding the improvement project. Mr. Wallin explained
that when a project was undertaken, an internal resolution specified the funds were to be reimbursed by
bonds. The Council acknowledged the favorable interest would benefit not only the City but also residents
whose streets were reconstructed. Member Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No.
2011-95, authorizing issuance, awarding sale, prescribing the form and details and providing for the
payment of$15,100,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2011A. Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
VIII.C. BUSINESS PLANS RECEIVED FOR: ED/NA AQUATIC CENTER, EDINBOROUGH PARK, CENTENNIAL
LAKES PARK, AND EDINA LIQUORS
Manager Neal stated the Council was presented at tonight's Work Session with business plans that would
now be formally received. He advised that business plans for the Art Center, Golf Course, and Arena would
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
be presented at the next Council Work Session. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member
Sprague, receiving business plans for Edina Aquatic Center, Edinborough Park, Centennial Lakes Park,
and Edina Liquors.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson
Motion carried.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS — Acting Mayor Swenson acknowledged the Council's receipt
of various correspondence.
IX.A. PETITION ACKNOWLEDGED—RESIDENTS OF GLACIER PLACE
Acting Mayor Swenson acknowledged the petition submitted by ten residents of Glacier Place asking the
City Council to not go forward with the proposed street and utility improvement on Glacier Place and
forwarded it to Engineering.
IX.B. PETITION ACKNOWLEDGED — RESIDENTS REQUESTING TREE REMOVAL VALLEY VIEW ROAD &
SALLY LANE RECEIVED
Acting Mayor Swenson acknowledged the petition submitted by residents requesting removal of a tree at
Valley View Road and Sally Lane and forwarded it to Engineering.
IX.C. RECOGNITION OF THE LATE FLORENCE HALLBERG NORBACK
Ms. Mangen announced the passing of Florence Hallberg Norback, former Edina City Clerk from the mid-
1960s to the mid-1980s.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS—This item was delayed until the arrival of Mayor Hovland.
XI. MANAGER'S COMMENTS— Received
XI.A. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION PROGRESS REPORT
Assistant City Manager Kurt provided a progress report on the formation of neighborhood associations.
The Council discussed the formation of neighborhood associations and supported the suggestion of
Member Bennett to conduct a baseline survey on a community-wide basis, by notifying residents via City
Extra and a press release that the City was gathering information on existing associations and to have an
on-line option or form available so residents could provide the following information: name, name of
association/organization, when and how it was formed, whether it had bylaws, current leaders, and other
known neighborhood groups. The data gathered would be used by a "Super Committee" in discussing and
determining a preliminary map of neighborhood district boundaries. The Super Committee would be
assembled along the same lines as the City Manager's Advisory Committee by open invitation to interested
and experienced members of the community If the City needed to limit the number then a choice
orselection could be made but it was possible there might be self selection in those who want to
participate. Once the Super Committee reached a preliminary conclusion on neighborhood boundaries,
there would be some form of public process prior to a final recommendation being made.
The Council discussed Options 1 and 2 on staff support and City funding and consensus was reached to
proceed with Option 1 with the understanding that some level of staff support would be available, as it
had been in the past. Assistant Manager Kurt indicated that resources from other communities would be
provided including samples of bylaws, meeting minutes, and how to organize. The Council emphasized
that the intent of neighborhood associations was to enhance quality of life in Edina, not the Balkanization
of neighborhoods or to create another unit of government by politicizing associations.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS—Received
Mayor Hovland arrived at 9:03 p.m.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/October 4, 2011
The Council discussed the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Minnesota's "Do Town" initiative and upcoming
related activities.
Park & Recreation Director Keprios presented the meeting schedule to receive public input relating to the
Veterans Memorial starting with an open house on October 25, 2011, Park Board public hearing on
November 7, 2011, and City Council public hearing on November 15, 2011. Mr. Keprios displayed the
Veterans Memorial Power Point presentation that would be used at the open house. Related to process, it
was noted the site had been selected and the consultant had indicated it would be counter productive to
prepare two designs. The Council indicated support for the proposed elegant and understated design
concept.
Mayor Hovland, in his role as Co-chair of the Regional Council of Mayors, reported on his trip to Portland,
Oregon, to participate in the Inter-City Leadership Visit.
Manager Neal provided an update relating to the Sports Dome Study and identified work tasks: inventory
of current assets; needs assessment based on current assets; feasibility study based on what was not being
served in a sports dome environment that would be presented to the City Council prior to proceeding with
the location/ownership/management phase.
XI!. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Acting Mayor Swenson declared the meeting
adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
61i Q)1C1.4A--VA/V_
Debra A. Mangen, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, October 18, 2011.
Ann Swenson,Acting Mayor
Video Copy of the October 4, 2011, meeting available.
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