HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-17 Reg Mtng MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
APRIL 17, 2012
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
ll. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
111. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving the meeting
agenda as amended to add Item V.B.Arbor Day Proclamation.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving the consent
agenda as revised to remove Items IV.E. 2012 Commodities Purchase—Sand, Rock, Bituminous
Materials, Concrete and Water Treatment Chemicals, IV.F. Request to Purchase, Contract No.
ENG 12-3 Countryside Neighborhood Reconstruction, IV.G. Resolution No. 2012-61, Setting May
15, 2012, Hearing Date for Bike Boulevard Improvement BA-238, IV.H. Resolution No. 2012-63,
Cable TV Franchise Extension, as follows:
IV.A. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of April 3, 2012
IV.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated
April 5, 2012, and consisting of 30 pages; General Fund $140,104.80; Police Special
Revenue $38,922.40; City Hall Debt Service $900.00; Working Capital Fund $335,989.38;
Equipment Replacement Fund $304,380.09; Construction Fund $862.54; Art Center Fund
$963.41; Golf Dome Fund $1,469.99; Aquatic Center Fund $451.10; Golf Course Fund
$42,814.76; Ice Arena Fund $1,696.59; Edinborough Park Fund $13,788.72; Centennial
Lakes Park Fund ($54.79); Liquor Fund $234,497.14; Utility Fund $102,651.03; Storm
Sewer Fund $43,040.12; PSTF Agency Fund $4,204.49; TOTAL $1,266,681.77 and for
approval of payment of claims dated April 12, 2012, and consisting of 31 pages; General
Fund $162,809.68; Working Capital Fund $27,647.51; Equipment Replacement Fund
$2,461.02; Art Center Fund $1,044.26; Golf Dome Fund $150.00; Aquatic Center Fund
$908.40; Golf Course Fund $29,820.11; Ice Arena Fund $23,835.14; Edinborough Park
Fund $6,512.65; Centennial Lakes Park Fund $2,807.81; Liquor Fund $399,145.47; Utility
Fund $39,722.04; Storm Sewer Fund $742.98; PSTF Agency Fund $5,920.21; Payroll Fund
$3,385.50;TOTAL$706,912.78.
IV-C. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-57 Redistricting Corrections
IV.D. Public Meeting and Religious Observances Policy/City Council Meeting Date Change
TFeatment Chemicals
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
G.—Raselution Na 203:2 63:j Setting May-15,-2012, Hearing—gate for Bike Se-de-412
1,,1 impFeye meat RA-222
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11I t Resolution Ales 7012 63 Cable TV Franchise lute nsie�r.
IV.I. Resolution No. 2012-64, Setting May 15, 2012, Hearing Date for Gallagher Drive
Roadway and Nine Mile Creek Regional Improvements, Imp. BA-382
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
IV.E. 2012 COMMODITIES PURCHASE — SAND, ROCK, BITUMINOUS MATERIALS, CONCRETE
AND WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS —APPROVED
Engineer Houle advised the nine commodities that received no bids would be purchased through
the State contract or bid separately. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member
Swenson, approving commodities purchase — Sand, Rock, Bituminous Materials, Concrete and
Water Treatment Chemicals awarding the bid for 2012 Commodities Purchase for sand, rock,
bituminous, materials, concrete,water treatment chemicals, and hydrants to the recommended
low bidders as follows: coarse washed sand (delivered) to SA-AG at $8.50 per ton; coarse
washed sand (picked up) NO BID; Cl. 2 limestone (delivered) NO BID; Cl. 2 limestone (picked
up) NO BID; FA-2 seal coat chips (delivered) NO BID; FA-2 seal coat chips (picked up) NO BID;
*SWPEA340B MnDOT Non-Wear Spec 2360 to CS McCrossan (picked up) at $54.50 per ton;
*SPNWB330B MnDOT Wear Spec 2360 to CS McCrossan (picked up) at $50.00 per ton;
*SPWEB340B MnDOT Wear Spec 2360 to CS McCrossan (picked up) at $50.00 per ton; delivered
concrete 3+ yards to AVR, Inc. at $114.00 per cubic yard; delivered concrete 1-3 yards to AVR,
Inc. at $104.00 per cubic yard; emulsified asphalt CRS-2 NO BID; Emulsified Asphalt CRS-2P NO
BID; emulsified tack Oil NO BID; crack joint sealer #3725 NO BID; hydrofluosilicic acid to
Hawkins, Inc. at $31.64 per CWT; liquid chlorine to Hawkins, Inc. at $34.66 per CWT; water
treatment chemical (poly)to Hawkins, Inc. at$5.90 per gallon;Tonkazorb 3%to Hawkins, Inc. at
$9.17 per gallon; caustic soda to Hawkins, Inc. at $27.00 per CWT; red ball aggregate (delivered)
NO BID; red ball aggregate (picked up) NO BID; lannon stone wall repair to Blackstone
Contractors at$24.00 SF; sanitary sewer R1733 cover complete NO BID; storm sewer rnd. R2548
NO BID; storm sewer rect. 3067V NO BID; curb box NO BID. (*These items are awarded on basis
of total cost per ton including trucking and labor, and past year's performance.)
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.F. REQUEST TO PURCHASE, CONTRACT NO. ENG 12-3 COUNTRYSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD
RECONSTRUCTION—APPROVED
Mr. Houle advised of reductions that might result in decreased assessments. Member Sprague
made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, approving Request to Purchase, Contract No.
ENG 12-3 Countryside Neighborhood Reconstruction, awarding the bid to the recommended
low bidder, Palda &Sons, Inc. at$2,275,770.53.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.G. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-61, SETTING MAY 15,2012, HEARING DATE FOR BIKE BOULEVARD
IMPROVEMENT BA-238—ADOPTED
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
Member Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-61, Setting May 15,
2012, Hearing Date for Bike Boulevard Improvement BA-238. Member Sprague seconded the
motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.H. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-63, CABLE TV FRANCHISE EXTENSION—ADOPTED
Brian Groegen, Moss & Barnett, counsel for Southwest Cable Commission, advised the intent was
for all terms to remain the same but for extending the expiration date to July 31, 2012. Mayor
Hovland introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-63, Cable TV Franchise
Extension amending Section 2 to indicate, "Except as specifically modified hereby, all terms and
conditions of the franchise agreement will remain in full force and effect." Member Sprague
seconded the motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-60 ADOPTED—RECOGNIZING FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS
Mayor Hovland read the resolution in full. Member Bennett introduced and moved adoption of
Resolution No. 2012-60, Recognizing Youth Exchange Students. Member Sprague seconded the
motion.
Ayes:Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Heather Haen Anderson, Executive Director of Connecting with Kids, invited inbound and
outbound students to step forward. Inbound students from Norway, Sweden, Ecuador, Germany,
China, and Korea, introduced themselves and described their best experience in the United States
so far. Outbound students to Japan, Thailand, and Italy introduced themselves and described
what they hoped to learn during their time abroad.
V.B. ARBOR DAY PROCLAIMED
Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring April 27, 2012, to be Arbor Day in the City of
Edina. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving Arbor Day
Proclamation.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Vt. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD—Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VI.A. GRANDVIEW DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK—ADOPTED
Kevin Staunton, Grandview District Small Area Plan Steering and Executive Committee Chair,
thanked Steering Committee members, staff members and consultants for their dedication and
the Metropolitan Council for its contribution to fund process. He presented an overview of the
Grandview District Development Framework produced by the Steering Committee after two years
of work. Mr. Staunton advised of the area comprised by the Grandview District, two phased
community-led processes, and substance of the framework. He described three points the
Committee envisioned: 1. create a place with a unique identity; 2. completely rethink and
reorganize the transportation infrastructure; and, 3. leverage public resources to make
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
incremental value-creating changes that enhance the public realm and encourage voluntary
private development consistent with the vision. Mr. Staunton clarified that the framework
provided broad direction rather than detailed requirements and was intended to be a vision of
the future rather than a blueprint. He concluded his remarks by presenting an epilogue of
supplemental information since the framework was completed.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
Public Testimony
David Davison, 6716 Gallaway Drive, addressed the Council.
Jeanette Klauder, 5029 Oxford Avenue, addressed the Council.
Kim Montgomery, 5300 Evanswood Lane, addressed the Council
Gene Persha, 6917 Cornelia Drive, addressed the Council
Tom Bonneville, 4378 Browndale Avenue, addressed the Council.
Art Heiam, 5205 Richwood Drive, addressed the Council
Bill McReavy, Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels, Vernon and Highway 100, addressed the
Council.
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council addressed the issues raised during public testimony, noting the intent was not to
remove parking or force redevelopment of private land. Council consensus was reached on the
following: Planning Commission to address zoning use changes; Park Board to address
community needs, use of public spaces and civic building programming, which would drive
building design; and, Transportation Commission to address signalization at Interlachen and
Vernon Avenue, bicycle and pedestrian options, need for a better pedestrian crossing of Vernon
Avenue from west to east, and potential of a park and ride facility to address challenges for those
using the bus. The Council acknowledged work remained on these areas including the need to
address impacts to the Comprehensive Plan and Guide Plan and to conduct a survey on how well
this process had worked. Member Bennett expressed concern that although some Steering
Committee members favored allowing taller buildings to be built in the District, the public had not
been invited to comment on taller building heights during the public comment period and that all
of the images presented to the public during the comment period had depicted building heights
of six stories or less, consistent with the existing Comprehensive Plan. The Council extended its
appreciation to Steering Committee members for their contribution. Member Sprague made a
motion, seconded by Member Swenson, adopting the Grandview District Development
Framework as recommended by the Grandview Steering Committee and Planning Commission.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
VI.B. CONSIDERING MODIFICATIONS TO SOUTHEAST EDINA REDEVELOPMENT DISTRICT AND
ESTABLISHING SOUTHDALE 2 TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT, CONSIDERING
APPROVAL OF SOUTHDALE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS SUBSIDY AND PROPOSED
SPENDING PLAN FOR CENTENNIAL LAKES TIF FINANCING DISTRICT — RESOLUTION NO.
2012-58, RESOLUTION NO. 2012-66, AND RESOLUTION NO. 2012-67 ADOPTED
Manager Neal reviewed the Council's past consideration of the Southdale Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) agreement and consensus reached to direct staff to determine options and
possible outcomes if the City decided to play a role to revitalize Southdale Center. Mr. Neal
described staff's efforts to draft and negotiate terms of an incentive package with Simon
Properties and to create a development agreement and TIF Plan that addressed security of the
agreement with desired outcomes.
Mark Ruff, Ehlers and Associates, summarized the request of Simon Properties for the City to
consider a $5 million loan for common (not leaseholder) improvements to the Southdale Center
facility. This $5 million loan would leverage $10 million of Simon Properties money through a
competitive process to finance improvements that would increase the value of the mall. The
Council considered this loan would be repaid at 0% interest and up to $250,000 would be forgiven
if a transit easement was granted to Metro Transit satisfactory to the City. Mr. Ruff indicated the
net loan to Simon would be $4.75 million with repayments starting in 2014 at $400,000 and
increasing by 2021 to $750,000. If the market value increased above current levels, a portion of
the property taxes would be captured through TIF and redirected toward the City to offset loan
payments. Mr. Ruff advised of the recent legislative change that created the ability for a 9-year
TIF District for retail projects. He indicated the agreement provided surety should Simon
Properties spend less than $14 million on improvements, no City assistance would be provided.
City source of funds would be from the Centennial Lakes TIF District and repaid to that District.
Mr. Ruff advised that payments would be secured from a renewable letter of credit so the City
would be protected by a third party. Once the loan was paid back, the City could reuse that
money for other projects. He described how tax increment could be used to achieve certain
goals, eligible uses, and significant limitations. Mr. Ruff presented the findings that without this
$5 million loan, Simon Properties would not put the additional $10 million equity into the project
and the value of the mall and surrounding areas would not increase.
Member Bennett asked how this loan was not considered a grant if the increased valuation would
be captured to repay part or the entire loan. Mr. Ruff concurred it could be considered a grant
since some of the principal would be offset from dollars derived from tax increments. However,
the increase in value would not occur but for this investment. Mr. Ruff advised that an
independent examination of Simon Properties' financial statements had not been conducted and
staff had taken the information provided indicating it would be less than Simon Properties' return
on investment goals at face value. Staff found Simon Properties would not be unduly
compensated based on this information. Member Bennett noted some of the funds would be
used to add plumbing for a new food kiosk and to refurbish restrooms.
The Council discussed the limited projects eligible for tax increment and acknowledged if the
valuation (increment) increased for Southdale Center, it could be a catalyst for additional
redevelopment of surrounding properties. Mr. Ruff advised that over the last five years,the value
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
of Southdale Center had dropped by 32%. Parcels subject to the agreement had a market value
of $112,647,600 and the agreement sets a floor at $110 million so Simon Properties could not
continue to protest taxes in the future.
Jay Lindgren, Dorsey & Whitney, City bond counsel, advised of the loan security provided if the
tax increment generated from the parcels of land was insufficient, noting an evergreen letter of
credit, and a private promise provided by the Simon entity, would make up the shortfall. Thus,
during the eight-year period of repayments,the City would always have a promise from a bank for
the payment. Should the building be sold, the loan had to be repaid. Mr. Lindgren addressed
loan security "burn off" and proposal by Simon that the evergreen letter of credit would no longer
be required should there be enough tax increment to make payment for 1.5 times the maximum
debt service.
Mr. Lindgren addressed the issue of getting clear rights to a public transit easement, noting the
new agreement says a transit easement would be delivered to the City and allowed the City to
assign rights and responsibilities of the easement to the Metropolitan Council as the transit
operator. This transit easement would remain for as long as the center was used as a regional
mall. If the redevelopment agreement was approved, a final version of the transit easement had
to be signed and recorded against the property within 120 days, well in advance of construction
completion and granting of the loan proceeds. If the transit easement was not recorded, the City
had the right to not forgive the $250,000 or to not make the $5 million loan. Mr. Lindgren
concluded his remarks by presenting Exhibit B and statutory compliance requirements for annual
reporting.
The Council acknowledged that Southdale Center Mall was the most vital piece of retail property
in Edina and the $5 million loan was a creative method to create a catalytic affect with respect to
area properties, resulting in incremental property value increases that would be captured to
repay the $250,000 "forgiveness" on the public transit easement. It was noted the agreement
also allowed the City to put a water treatment facility on the property.
Adam Harrington, Metro Transit, stated he was happy to have a permanent location within
reasonable walking distance of mall doors and to make connection to other routes, resulting in a
strong asset to tie together Southdale,the park and ride, and other retail facilities.
Member Bennett noted the agreement indicated the transit station would not remain if
Southdale Center was no longer a mall so it was not a "permanent" transit station. Mr.
Harrington stated that was correct and Metro Transit looked at Southdale Center as a regional
destination that drew users for their services so if it transferred into some other use, Metro
Transit would have to do something different. Member Bennett cited information provided at the
Town Hall Meeting on April 14 that more than half of the transit users at Southdale did not enter
Southdale Center, indicating that the station was important to many who did not work or shop at
Southdale.
Bill Hammer, Simon Properties Group, current owner of Southdale Center, stated Simon had been
privileged to work with staff and consultants for the past year and were grateful for assistance
being considered. He indicated Southdale had a long history, being one of the first indoor malls in
the country, and Simon had come to realize it was a "jewel" within its portfolio of holdings even
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
during this uncertain time for retail. With regard to the potential construction of rental
apartment units in the southeast corner of the property, Mr. Hammer indicated it was being
considered and the City had provided positive feedback on that option. It was anticipated that
discussion would continue with development groups and Simon Properties hoped to have an
interesting proposal for the development of that corner. Mr. Hammer stated the enhancement of
Southdale Center made it even more desirable for other retailers as well as residential
developers.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:59 p.m.
Public Testimony
Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council
Mr. Neal referenced the Hennepin County memorandum outlining its finding that this district
satisfies the preference of the County Commissioners for use of tax increment financing because
of its focus on redevelopment projects and creation of employment.
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Mr. Ruff advised the school districts had requested a presentation outlining the agreement, which
had been delivered.
Member Sprague introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-58, adopting a
modification to the redevelopment plan for the Southeast Edina Redevelopment Project Area;
and establishing the Southdale 2 Tax Increment Financing District therein and adopting a Tax
Increment Financing Plan therefore; Resolution No. 2012-66, approving a spending plan for the
Centennial Lakes Tax Increment District; and, Resolution No. 2012-67, authorizing an interfund
loan for advance of certain costs in connection with the Southdale 2 Tax increment Financing
District, and authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute a redevelopment agreement.
Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Member Bennett acknowledged the importance of Southdale Center and community concern
about what would happen with Southdale. She indicated she appreciated how hard people had
worked on this agreement; however, her responsibility was to Edina's taxpayers and she did not
find the use of the proposed loan a public purpose. Member Bennett reviewed other projects in
the City's Capital Improvement Program which had been identified as eligible to be funded with
TIF dollars, noted the transit station was of a temporal nature, and indicated she could not
support the motion.
Member Swenson stated her vote of support was based on a resolution with Metro Transit
including the transit hub as part of the agreement.
The Council indicated it would be remiss to not address the decline of Southdale Center, since it
was a major concern expressed in the most recent resident survey. It was noted the proposed
agreement was beneficial to both sides, allowed the City to catalyze private equity of Simon
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
Properties, created direct benefits of employment, long-term improvement to attract
tenants/increase occupancy, thus increasing property values that would increase tax revenue and
benefit citizens. The Council found Simon Properties' financial means and proven record of
accomplishment would mitigate the City's risk.
Ayes: Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Nays: Bennett
Motion carried.
VI.C. 50' & FRANCE PARKING STRUCTURES AND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS NOS. A-242,
P-21, AND P-22 —PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2012-65 CONTINUED TO MAY
1, 2012
Mr. Houle presented the proposed improvement project to update the 50th and France parking
structures and streetscape within the project area. He advised of deteriorated paver condition
and need to update landscaping, install new irrigation to tree wells/landscape areas, and install
seasonal lighting (if grant funding was received). It was proposed to add a vehicle counting and
guidance system to all three parking ramps,tear down the middle ramp and rebuild a new 6-level
middle ramp with two-way traffic, and restore the south ramp to include two pedestrian
elevators, enhanced fagade at the France Avenue pedestrian alley, remodel the solid waste room,
structural restoration, relighting, and replace the internal drain system. The south ramp would
have a total of 399 parking stalls. Mr. Houle displayed exterior elevations, noting the Planning
Commission would conduct a project hearing and possibly a concept plan review.
Mr. Houle presented the following project costs: streetscape improvements of$619,858; parking
structure improvements of $10,275,000; and, project soft costs of $1,075,000 for a total project
cost of $11,969,858. Project funding was proposed to be special assessments to the 50th and
France Business Association maintenance area (assessable square feet of 355,953) in the amount
of$33.628 per square foot. It was noted the project cost does not include the cost of bonds and
interest to borrow money during the construction phase.
Mr. Houle described four funding options: 1) City General Obligation (GO) Bonds only. Current
market rates for 15 year debt were about 2.5% and 20-year debt were about 3%; 2) City GO Bond
and a zero percent loan from the Centennial Lakes TIF District with the TIF repaid faster than the
GO Bond to enable TIF dollars to be spent on other activities in the City earlier. The payments on
the GO Bonds were interest only until zero percent loan was repaid; 3) City GO Bond and a zero
percent loan from the Centennial Lakes TIF District amortized equally. This option yields the most
proceeds for the project but it does delay the return of TIF to the Centennial Lakes TIF District for
up to 20 years; or, 4) An internal loan or a mixture of loan and grant from the TIF District. A
discussion on what interest rate charged, if any, would be necessary before these options were
considered.
Mr. Houle presented the project schedule, noting there would be no construction during holiday
shopping (mid-October to January) or the Art Fair. Construction of the ramps would be phased to
minimize loss of parking spaces during construction. Off-site shuttling of employees would be
provided during the demolition and construction of the middle ramp. If the Council approved the
project tonight, it would be considered by the Planning Commission on May 23, considered by the
City Council on June 5, bid opening on July 24, award of contract on August 7, construction start
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
late summer of 2012, construction completion late summer of 2014, and final assessment hearing
in October of 2014. Mr. Houle introduced the project team should the Council have questions.
Scott Froemming, Walker Parking Consultants, stated the project team had considered the option
of below-grade construction, noting the typical cost for above grade parking was $14,000 to
$15,000 per stall and below grade was $25,000 per stall. Constructing a below grade parking tier
would increase project costs by several hundred thousand to one million dollars.
The Council discussed the proposed project and asked questions of the project team relating to
phased construction, how the project would be marketed to reduce business interruption, and
recommendation to not extend a parking structure over the surface lot. Mr. Houle presented the
enhanced fagade to the pedestrian area and crosswalk and indicated the project team had not
considered improvements to the walkway between France Avenue and the ramp since it had new
pavers and was not part of this plan. Due to the high level of foot traffic, the Council requested
staff consider some enhancements as part of this project.
Mr. Froemming estimated eight months of construction with partial occupancy in seven months.
However, if the parking structure includes a below ground level, it might add a month and one-
half to the timing.
The Council indicated it found the proposed "skin" of the middle ramp to be far too ponderous
and asked staff to include lighter, more artistic elements as well as a "skin" on the south side of
the south lot to provide screening.
Stephen M. Oliver, Mohagen Hansen Architectural Group, indicated the intent was to quantify a
level of quality; however, the parking ramp "skin" could take on many different configurations.
The Council supported obtaining input and recommendations from the Planning Commission on
design elements and from the property owners since the project would be assessed. Mr. Oliver
presented the south ramp and options considered with the addition to develop a new fagade to
conceal original construction and a portion of the east face. However, the project team
determined it would be better to shift those dollars to the middle ramp and open more public
parking in the south ramp. Mr. Oliver estimated $200,000 to $250,000 to "skin" the south face of
the south parking ramp. Mr. Houle displayed options the project team had considered for the
south face. Mr. Oliver estimated, with the proposed project, the useful life of the south ramp
would be enhanced to at least 30 years.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 11:06 p.m.
Public Testimony
Hosmer Brown, 8100 Russell Avenue South, Bloomington, addressed the Council.
Dyan Harlem, 4075 West 51St Street, Unit 404, addressed the Council
Gene Haugland, 5229 West Highwood Drive, addressed the Council.
Lyndon Dean, 4075 West 51"Street, Unit 211, addressed the Council
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
Tom Nelson, 2112 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis, representing the Eberhardt Building,
addressed the Council.
James Widtfeldt, 4075 West 51th Street, Unit 101, addressed the Council.
Klaus Freyinger, owner of Chico's corner, addressed the Council.
Daniel Engelsma, 5000 France Avenue, Unit 31, addressed the Council.
Mitchel Wherley, 5070 Highview Place, Greenwood, owner of LaMontague, addressed the
Council.
Dick Curtin, 6310 McIntyre Point, owner of the Salut building, addressed the Council.
Rachel Hubbard, 50th & France Business & Professional Association, addressed the Council.
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council discussed the issues raised during public testimony. It was noted the study identified
the need for an additional 247 stalls; five levels of parking would gain 160 stalls; and, six levels of
parking would gain 258 stalls. The Council discussed its support of the proposed project to meet
the identified parking needs and asked questions of staff. Concern was expressed relating to the
light/shadow impact of a six-story height (as raised by Eberhardt) and support was expressed for
six levels of parking, but not all above ground even if it would increase project costs and the
construction timeline. The Council acknowledged that extending the south ramp towards the
Lanterns was not cost effective. The Council discussed financing of the project and whether the
city might consider some level of City cost participation in skinning of the south ramp (since the
ramps are city owned) and in the added cost of constructing one parking level below grade.
Mr. Neal indicated staff had not considered any City cost participation and recommended
continuing this discussion to allow time for staff to address that issue and other items raised by
Council. The Council indicated its intent to assure the project would not destroy Edina's charming
downtown character. Staff was asked to also provide additional information on financing
sequence and whether other communities had undertaken a similar project through a
City/business partnership. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett,
tabling indefinitely consideration of Resolution No. 2012-65, receiving feasibility study and
ordering improvement for 50th and France parking structures and streetscape improvements,
Improvement Nos. A-242, P-21, and P-22, and continuing discussion to the May 1, 2012, Work
Session.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI.D. PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH LOT AREA AND LOT WIDTH VARIANCES, 6120 BROOKVIEW
AVENUE, JMS CUSTOM HOMES — PUBLIC HEARING AND RESOLUTION NO. 2012-62
CONTINUED TO MAY 1,2012
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
Planning Director Presentation
Mr. Teague presented the request by JMS Custom Homes for preliminary plat with lot area and
lot width variances to accommodate the construction of a new home and the recommendation of
staff and the Planning Commission for denial based on the determination that variance findings
were not met.
Proponent Presentation
Jeff Schoenwetter, representing JMS Custom Homes, indicated JMS had made reasonable
assumptions several years ago based on this site containing two platted lots with two utility
services. He stated JMS was Edina's number one permitted builder in 2012 with over 25 projects,
reviewed its commitment and support of Edina, and presented a list of homes that JMS had
completed. Mr. Schoenwetter stated the Fairfax plat was recorded in 1924, evolved in the 1950s,
and was now undergoing a transformation. He pointed out that 85.7% of the homes in the
Fairfax plat were on 50-foot lots, which supported the JMS application to subdivide and construct
an infill, right-sized single-family home on a 50-foot lot. Mr. Schoenwetter noted that within the
block of the subject site, there was only one natural big lot (Lots 7, 8, and portion of Lot 9 owned
by the Whitbecks), and Lots 10 and 11 to the south evolved into a large lot but were not a natural
lot of the plat. Due to the late hour and technical inability to present the proponent's videos, Mr.
Schoenwetter requested a continuance.
Mr. Teague advised the 120-day requirement expired on May 15, 2012. Attorney Knutson
recommended Mr. Schoenwetter sign a letter requesting a continuance. Member Bennett
advised she would not be present at the May 15, 2012, Council meeting. The Council agreed to
consider a continuation to May 1, 2012. Mr. Schoenwetter stated he would sign and submit a
letter requesting continuance to May 1, 2012, as drafted by Mr. Knutson.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 12:25 a.m. and indicated the Council's intention to
continue the public hearing to May 1, 2012, when public input would again be received.
Public Testimony
Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Jackie Whitbeck, 6128 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Dick Whitbeck, 6128 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, tabling indefinitely
consideration of Resolution No. 2012-62, regarding the 6120 Brookview Avenue subdivision
request, continuing the public hearing, and scheduling it as the first public hearing on May 1,
2012.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Vll. COMMUNITY COMMENT
No one appeared to comment.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
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Minutes/Edina City Council/April 17, 2012
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-59 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 Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-59
accepting various donations. Member Swenson 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.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS-Received
Xl. MANAGER'S COMMENTS—Received
Xll. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting
adjourned at 12:50 a.m., April 18, 2012.
Respectfully submitted,
Debr Mangen, City dierk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, May 1, 2012.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the April 17, 2012, meeting available.
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