HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-18 Reg Mtng MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
DECEMBER 18, 2012
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
IL ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
111. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving the meeting agenda as
revised to add Item V.A., Resolution of Appreciation, and to consider Item V., Special Recognitions and
Presentations, prior to Item IV.,Adoption of Consent Agenda.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION JOHN KEPRIOS DAY—ADOPTED
Mayor Hovland read in full a resolution of appreciation to Director of Parks John Keprios for his 3S years of
dedicated service that declared December 27, 2012, as John Keprios Day in the City of Edina. The Council
unanimously introduced, moved, and seconded adoption of a Resolution of Appreciation for John
Keprios.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council and audience responded with a standing ovation and round of applause. John Keprios
thanked the Council for this recognition and indicated it had been his honor and privilege to serve the City
for his entire career. The Council voiced its appreciation to Mr. Keprios for his exemplary service.
V.A. MEMORIAL BLOOD CENTER—BATTLE OF BADGES BLOOD DRIVE AWARD—RECEIVED
Police Officer Rofidal announced the Edina Police Department received the first place award for the most
donors in the Battle of Badges Blood Drive.
Rachel Paavola, Memorial Blood Center, extended her appreciation to the Edina Police Department and 75
donors and presented the award plaque to Mayor Hovland.
V.B. POLICE DEPARTMENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD—PRESENTED
Police Chief Long presented the Distinguished Officer Award to Police Officer Brandon Kusske for going
above and beyond to resolve a stalking complaint that resulted in an arrest and successful guilty verdict.
The Council and audience responded with a round of applause. Officer Kusske thanked his partner at the
time, Officer Joel Moore and the City for this recognition, stating it was an honor to serve Edina.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED
Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, to add Item IV.P. Community Park
Grant,to the consent agenda.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving the consent agenda as
revised to remove Items IV.C., Traffic Study Report of September 5, 2012; IV.D., Traffic Study Report of
November 7, 2012; IV.H., Report on Townes Road Wetland; and, IV.J. Amendment to Retail Lease
Agreement—Hornets Nest,as follows:
IV.A. Approve regular and work session meeting minutes of December 4, 2012, and the special
meeting minutes of December 11,2012
IV.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated
December 6, 2012, and consisting of 27 pages; General Fund $174,265.56; CDBG Fund
$28,856.15; Working Capital Fund $41,440.84; Equipment Replacement Fund $7,203.35; Art
Center Fund $5,335.55; Golf Dome Fund $2,588.56; Aquatic Center Fund $589.49; Golf Course
Fund $14,794.88; Ice Arena Fund $48,043.76; Edinborough Park Fund $8,248.85; Centennial
Lakes Park Fund $24,000.03; Liquor Fund $279,109.91; Utility Fund $17,247.51; Storm Sewer
Fund $7,499.00; PSTF Agency Fund $3,165.76; Payroll Fund $3,108.22; TOTAL $665,497.42 and
for approval of payment of claims dated December 13, 2012, and consisting of 35 pages; General
Fund $310,836.32; Police Special Revenue $195.58; General Debt Service Fund $425.00; PIR Debt
Service Fund $425.00; Working Capital Fund $499,221.38; Construction Fund $5.50; Art Center
Fund $8,515.69; Golf Dome Fund $2,500.00; Aquatic Center Fund $700.00; Golf Course Fund
$7,934.28; Ice Arena Fund $85,732.38; Edinborough Park Fund $34,729.27; Centennial Lakes Park
Fund $7,819.02; Liquor Fund $191.456.86; Utility Fund $654,690.46; Storm Sewer Fund
$91,722.25; Recycling Fund $34,192.80; PSTF Agency Fund $1,261.85;TOTAL$1.932.363.64; and,
Credit Card Transactions dated September 26—October 25, 2012;TOTAL$35,548.47
W.C. Traffic Study RepaFt of September C 2Q!2
14A.-D. Traffic;Study RepGFt of November 7 2019
IV.E. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-172, Lot Division,3928 49th Street West
IV.F. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-173, setting January 22, 2013, hearing date for consideration of
Vacation of Public Right-of-Way Easement adjacent to 5205 Benton Avenue
IV.G. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-174, correcting assessment amount for 5416 Kellogg Avenue
IV.I. Approve Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Reach 14 Stream Bank Restoration Easement
I N A I A"PAGI""PRt tw oe+..it I..24P A..renrMn..+_uer..e+c n'er+
IV.K. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-179, approving 2013 Park and Recreation Fees
IV.L. Request for Purchase, upgrade to Fleet Management Software, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder,CFA Software, Inc.at$20,375
IV.M. Approve amendment to Water Agreement with City of Minneapolis
IV.N. Request for Purchase, upgrade and replacement Fire Department video conference equipment,
awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Tierney Brothers, Inc. (Minnesota State
Contract) at$60,260.94
IV.O. Adopt Resolution No. 2012-181, authorizing the redemption of G.O. Permanent Improvement
Revolving Bonds, Series 2005E
IV.P. Accept Twins Community Fund Park Grant
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
IV.C. TRAFFIC STUDY REPORT OF SEPTEMBER 5,2012—ACCEPTED
Engineer Houle explained the ring road behind the Lund's parking lot was an MSA roadway so vertical
traffic calming (speed hump) was not an option. He indicated that after the France Avenue improvements
were completed, staff would consider how to address safety of pedestrian crossings. Member Swenson
made a motion,seconded by Member Bennett, approving Traffic Study Report of September 5, 2012.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
IV.D. TRAFFIC STUDY REPORT OF NOVEMBER 7, 2012—ACCEPTED
Mr. Houle answered questions of the Council regarding requests for two crosswalks on Interlachen
Boulevard, a crosswalk at Xerxes Avenue and W. 55th Street, parking restrictions on Cornelia Drive across
from Cornelia School, and a stop sign at Kellogg Avenue and W. 61st Street, Regarding Interlachen, Mr.
Houle answered that because no pedestrians crossed Interlachen during an eight-hour observation period,
the proposed crosswalks did not meet warrants. Residents have petitioned for a sidewalk along
Interlachen and staff is finalizing a feasibility study that will look at incorporating crosswalks into sidewalk
construction
The Council voiced concern that pedestrians may not be crossing Interlachen because there is no clearly
delineated place to cross, and feasibility studies take time to complete. A request to look at this crosswalk
in advance of when the sidewalk would be constructed was countered with the observation that unless a
crosswalk in linked to a sidewalk, pedestrians would be unlikely to use it. It was also suggested there was
need for additional study related to the correct location, which might be near the top of the hill by Skyline
Drive to assure visibility.
Regarding a crosswalk at Xerxes and West 55th Street the Council discussed the location of bus stops on the
west side of Xerxes and whether a crosswalk would be appropriate at 55th based on the number of
documented pedestrians crossing at that location. Mr. Houle advised that by State Statute, every
intersection was an unmarked crosswalk and it might be an option to stripe such a crosswalk at 55th. The
Council indicated having the bus stop at 55th weights heavily in favor of a crosswalk and directed staff to
approach the County about that location.
With regard to 61" and Kellogg, Mr. Houle indicated the ETC had asked staff to consider a basketweave of
stop signs as secondary criteria if warrants for a stop sign were not met. In addition, staff would study the
intersection to determine the direction the stop signs should face to reduce commuter short-cuts. It was
noted the issue of long-term parking by Cornelia School had been resolved. Member Bennett made a
motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving Traffic Study Report of November 7, 2012.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.H. REPORT ON TOWNES ROAD WETLAND—ACCEPTED
Environmental Engineer Bintner explained this report addressed the low landlocked City-owned wetland
on Townes Road. This problem was known to the City, included within planning documents, and solutions
were available but required additional study. He advised that long-term solutions were capital intensive in
nature and staffs recommendation favors cost efficiencies by implementing those capital projects in
coordination with major street reconstruction programs outlined in the CIP.
The Council discussed the current situation and indicated that waiting for a study in 2015 for any solution
in 2017 was not reasonable. The Council acknowledged it had committed millions of dollars for 2013 for
water and sewer infrastructure improvements but agreed with the need for a short-term solution as this
was visible City land, along a roadway without much buffer for residential homes, and water levels in the
wetland had increased after City changes in storm water management there might be no trees remaining
in five years.
Mr. Bintner explained that once the nature of the problem was understood, staff would determine the
best remediation measures. Mr. Houle presented the neighborhood petition and four suggestions, noting
the first three could be accomplished under the City's normal operating budget. However, removal of
invasive species was against current City policy of leaving fallen trees if they were not within an activity
area.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
The Council agreed it would be a show of good faith by the City to undertake low cost and highly effective
measures to clean the area and improve drainage swales within the City's operating budget. Then the
City's attention could be turned to longer-term solutions and involvement by the Watershed District to
remediate this situation as this area had changed over the last dozen years and was filling a larger role for
the District by taking on additional water. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member
Swenson, accepting the Report on Townes Road Wetland and directing staff to research short-term
solutions outlined in the White Oaks Association letter of December 18, 2012, and consider
advancement of the timeframe for a comprehensive study.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV.J. AMENDMENT TO RETAIL LEASE AGREEMENT—HORNETS NEST—APPROVED
Attorney Knutson indicated the new lease commencement date was January 30, 2013, instead of
December 1, 2012, but the term was not reduced in duration. Mayor Hovland made a motion, seconded
by Member Swenson,approving the amendment to Retail Lease Agreement, Hornets Nest.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.A. MEMORIAL BLOOD CENTER—BATTLE OF BADGES BLOOD DRIVE AWARDED
V.B. POLICE DEPARTMENT DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD PRESENTED
These items were considered prior to Item IV, Adoption of Consent Agenda.
VI. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD—Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VI.A. 6500 FRANCE MEDICAL PLAZA
1. VACATION OF UTILITY EASEMENTS—RESOLUTION NO.2012-175 ADOPTED
2. FINAL REZONING, ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CREATING PUD-3 AND FINAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN—RESOLUTION NO. 2012-176 ADOPTED—ORDINANCE NO. 2012-23
ADOPTED
Community Development Director Presentation
Community Development Director Teague indicated this was the last step in the approval of the Edina
Medical Plaza development. He presented the proposal and staffs recommendation to vacate utility
easements located at 6500 France Avenue and 4005 65th Street West, subject to Item VI.A.2. being
approved and the developer relocation of the 12-inch diameter watermain, dedicating easements over
proposed watermain, rededicating a sanitary sewer easement over existing sanitary sewer main located
along southeasterly corner of 6500 France Avenue South, and relocating any private utilities that might be
located within the existing easement. He reviewed the project plans, noting nothing had changed since
preliminary approval with the exception of the chiller relocation to the parking ramp rooftop to address
the noise study findings. That change had been made between Planning Commission and City Council
approval. Mr. Teague advised that the condition for public art had not been carried forward by the
Planning Commission but could be included by the Council, if desired. It was noted the Planning
Commission had recommended approval of the Final Rezoning, Final Development Plan, and Ordinance
Amendment. Staff also recommended approval and to waive second reading of the ordinance if the
Council determined to act favorably.
Mr. Houle described the sanitary sewer infrastructure alignment, location of the main, points of service,
how the new building would be served, and location of the sanitary sewer to be removed.
The Council indicated support to include public art since the proponent's narrative had included that
feature in every iteration.
Proponent Presentation
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
Stephen Michals, Mount Properties, 3600 Minnesota Drive, requested final approval for the project. He
indicated the Point of France Board had made a formal request to remove the gazebo, to which they
agreed as there were other more convenient and accessible seating areas for employees. In addition, the
proponent would include an art feature as depicted on all of the project plans. Mr. Michals requested the
Council consider waiving second reading of the ordinance so the development could start.
Mr. Michals answered questions of the Council related to Nine Mile Creek Watershed District approval of
the stormwater management plan. It was noted the proponent would enter into a stormwater system
maintenance agreement with the Nine Mile Watershed District that would be facilitated by Alliant
Engineering.
Ed Farr, Edward Farr Architects, 7710 Golden Triangle Drive, Eden Prairie, displayed the site plan depicting
the location of the outdoor seating and waiting areas within the enlarged plaza at the front of the
proposed building. He indicated there would be one staircase to the green roof to address Code
requirements; however, pedestrian access to the green roof would not be allowed.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
Public Testimony
Marilyn Kemme, 6566 France Avenue South, Unit 1206, Point of France Board of Directors President,
indicated the Board had no objection to the request but would ask that the gazebo and related pathways
be removed due to its close proximity to the property line.
Member Brindle made a motion,seconded by Member Swenson,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-175, granting the vacation of
public utility easements for 6500 France Avenue South and 4005 65th Street West; introduced and
moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-176, approving Final Rezoning from POD-1, Planned Office
District to PUD, Planned Unit Development and Final Development Plan for 6500 France and 4005 West
65th Street for Mount Properties, based on the following findings:
1. The proposed land uses are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
2. The plans are consistent with the approved Preliminary Development Plan.
3. The site layout would be an improvement over a site layout required by standard zoning; the
building is brought up to the street, provides podium height, and front door entries toward the
street,includes sidewalks to encourage a more pedestrian friendly environment along the street.
4. The design of the building is of a high quality brick, glass and concrete. A five story building would
be generally consistent with the four story buildings on West 65th Street.
5. Traffic would be improved in the area by eliminating the right-in and out access on France Avenue.
6. Based on the traffic study done by WSB, the existing roadway could support the proposed
development.
7. The proposed project would meet the following goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan:
a. Building Placement and Design. Where appropriate, building facades should form a consistent
street wall that helps to define the street and enhance the pedestrian environment. On existing
auto-oriented development sites, encourage placement of liner buildings close to the street to
encourage pedestrian movement.
• Locate prominent buildings to visually define corners and screen parking lots.
• Locate building entries and storefronts to face the primary street, in addition to any entries
oriented towards parking areas.
• Encourage storefront design of mixed-use buildings at ground floor level, with windows and
doors along at least 50%of the front facade.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18 2012
• Encourage or require placement of surface parking to the rear or side of buildings, rather
than between buildings and the street.
b. Movement Patterns.
• Provide sidewalks along primary streets and connections to adjacent neighborhoods along
secondary streets or walkways.
• Limit driveway access from primary streets while encouraging access from secondary streets.
• Provide pedestrian amenities,such as wide sidewalks, street trees, pedestrian-scale lighting,
and street furnishings(benches,trash receptacles,etc.).
c. Encourage infill/redevelopment opportunities that optimize use of City infrastructure and that
complement area, neighborhood,and/or corridor context and character.
And subject to the following conditions:
1. Subject to staff approval, the site must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance
with the following plans, unless modified by the conditions below:
• Site plan date stamped November 6,2012.
• Grading plan date stamped November 6, 2012.
• Landscaping plan date stamped November 6, 2012.
• Building elevations date stamped November 6, 2012.
• Building materials board as presented to the Planning Commission and City Council.
2. Prior to the issuance of the building permit,the following must be submitted:
a. A final landscape plan, subject to staff approval. Additionally, a performance bond, letter of
credit, or cash deposit must be submitted for one and one-half times the cost amount for
completing the required landscaping screening, or erosion control measures.
b. A construction management plan.
3. The property owner is responsible for replacing any required landscaping that dies.
4. Submit a copy of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District permit. The City may require revision to
the approved plans to meet the District's requirements.
S. Compliance with the conditions required by the City Engineer in his memo dated November 20,
2012.
6. Site lighting shall conform to all minimum zoning ordinance standards including an intensity no
greater than three foot-candles measured at property lines abutting property zoned residential and
ten foot-candles measured at property lines abutting streets or property zoned non-residential.
7. Trash and recycling areas must be screened per Section 850.10 Subd. 2 of the City Zoning Ordinance.
8. Sustainable design. The design and construction of the entire project must be done with the
Sustainable Initiatives as outlined in the applicant's narrative within the Planning Commission staff
report. A sustainability check list, consistent with their list dated May 25, 2012, must be submitted
to staff prior to building permit approval.
9. All buildings must be built with sprinkler systems, subject to review and approval of the Fire
Marshal.
10. A Developers Agreement. As part of a Developers Agreement, the property owner would be
required to participate in appropriate cost sharing for signal improvements at 651h Street and France
Avenue.
11. The applicant must enter into a Proof-of-Parking Agreement to add more parking, if needed.
12. A minimum of 27 bicycle parking spaces shall be required. A bike parking plan must be submitted as
part of the building permit application which demonstrates the City Code required bicycle parking
requirements.
13. Adoption and compliance with the PUD Ordinance for the site.
14. Incorporation of a significant piece of public art of similar size, style, and uniqueness as depicted in
the northeast elevation of the project plans.
15. The gazebo and walkway along the south lot line may be removed from the site plan.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
And to grant First and waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2012-23, amending the Zoning
Ordinance to establish a PUD, Planned Unit Development District, at 6500 France Avenue. Member
Sprague seconded the motion.
The Council reviewed the gazebo location and confirmed its decision to remove this amenity since it was
too far removed from the building to gain a high level of activity and created a maintenance issue.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI.B. WELLHEAD PROTECTION PLAN, PART 2—APPROVED
Mr. Bintner presented Part 2 of the Wellhead Protection Plan that incorporated the implementation plan.
He explained that following the public hearing, the Plan would be submitted to the Minnesota Department
of Health for review and approval.
Mr. Houle described the treatment plan in the Grandview Square lower parking lot that had been
successful in treating chlorides and ongoing monitoring of wells located to the north and west.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:35 p.m.
Public Testimony
No one appeared to comment.
Member Brindle made a motion,seconded by Member Sprague,to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving Wellhead Protection Plan
Part 2.
Erik Tomlinson, Water Resource Solutions, LLC, 213 Fourth Street East, St. Paul, indicated that vulnerability
was based on how protected the water reservoirs were from surface contamination and it also varied if
extended beyond the mapped borders. He noted Edina was the first metro community to update its Plan
and one requirement was conducting a potential contaminant source inventory that would identify,
document, and track those sources. The Council acknowledged that Edina's control was within its borders,
not without its borders, so collaboration and cooperation with bordering communities would be called for.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague,Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Bernice Brown, 7151 York Avenue South, Apt. 7, Yorktown Continental Apartments, asked the City to
assure sidewalks were cleared of snow to provide safe walking for its senior residents.
Ross Plaetzer, 4058 Sunnyside Road, raised concerns with lack of parking and traffic congestion in the
commercial node at 44`h and France Avenue/Sunnyside Road and requested consideration of a Small Area
Plan.
Brady Willette, 6630 Golden Ridge Drive, Eden Prairie, representing a neighborhood group, raised
concerns related to traffic in the area of the United Health Care campus facility at Highway 62 and Shady
Oak Road.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-177 SETTING 2013 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING 2013 OPERATING BUDGET—
ADOPTED
Finance Director Wallin described the budget consideration process and presented the 2013 Tax Levy and
Operating Budget reflecting a 2.5% levy increase. Manager Neal advised staff had also prepared an
alternative to consider a levy increase of 1.9%.
The Council acknowledged it had stabilized the budget during recessionary times, addressed the balance
between preservation and innovation, and been good stewards of Edina resident's funds. In addition,
revenue sources had been added from franchise fees, TIF dollars for development, and special
assessments for street reconstruction projects, allowing balanced use of all revenue streams and keeping
the burden on property tax dollars as low as possible while still realizing the City's-objectives.
Mr. Neal advised that a few projects could be reprogrammed, such as the 50th and France Liquor Store
project, freeing Liquor Funds to be used towards capital improvements. He explained that while there
would be no short-term consequences of this action, in the longer term the trend lines for available capital
resources and desired capital spending diverge significantly after two years. He explained this budget
would develop a Capital Levy within the General Fund Levy to provide a fairly significant fund balance for
CIP funding.
The Council agreed with the need to create a stable and transparent self-sustaining funding source for the
CIP rather than using General Fund reserves, which were not consistent. It was noted that this was the
second year of the budget cycle, which would reboot in 2013 so the Liquor Fund money could be used to
keep the levy increase sub-2% and the Council would then review building permit revenue, decreased
operating expenses at Edinborough and other enterprises, and raising operating revenue, during its 2013
budget discussions.
The Council acknowledged these were still recessionary times for some of Edina's residents and a levy
increase of 1.9% would allow the City to provide the services historically delivered in Edina without
increasing the tax burden too much. It was noted a need remained in the next budget/CIP process to
balance the request from residents calling for more facilities and residents concerned about being able to
retain their property if the levy rises beyond their means. Member Sprague introduced and moved
adoption of Resolution No. 2012-177, adopting the budget for the City of Edina for the year 2013, and
establishing tax levy increase of 1.9% for year 2013, payable in 2013. Member Bennett seconded the
motion.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.B. 2013-2017 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM—APPROVED
Finance Director Wallin presented staff's recommendation to approve the 2013-2017 Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) with inclusion of the France Avenue corridor pedestrian improvements of approximately $4
million. It was noted that based on adoption of the budget with a tax levy increase of 1.9%, the final CIP
draft would be adjusted to defer the liquor store project and increase the level of transfer from the Liquor
Fund to the General Fund. Mr. Wallin answered questions of the Council relating to the Construction Fund
assigned balance trend and desirability of stabilizing the enterprise operations with a higher rate of
recovery.
Mr. Neal advised the biggest source of revenue for the CIP was the General Fund surplus, which had been
substantial for last few years but was not a reliable or transparent source of funds. The Council
acknowledged the benefit of having a dependable revenue source (a tax levy that was set, imposed, and
collected; and, Municipal Liquor Fund transfer) for use towards capital improvements. Council consensus
was reached to make it a 2013 priority to address transparency and stability of CIP funding. Member
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving 2013-2017 Capital Improvement
Program as revised to defer the 5&and France Liquor Store remodel project.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. ORDINANCE NO. 2012-22,AMENDING SCHEDULE 185A SETTING FEES FOR 2013—ADOPTED
Finance Director Wallin presented the schedule of fees and charges proposed for 2013, noting the
Morningside water rates were removed since they were set by the City of Minneapolis. At the request of
the Council, Police Chief Long had addressed the questions related to the dog license fees. Member
Swenson made a motion to waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2012-22, amending Schedule
185A setting fees for 2013. Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.D. RESOLUTION NO. 2012-178 REQUESTING AN AMENDMENT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES
ALLOWING HEALTH COVERAGE TO BE EXTENDED TO DOMESTIC PARTNERS AT THE DISCRETION
OF LOCAL JURISDICTIONS—ADOPTED
Mr. Neal presented the recommendation of the Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) requesting
an amendment to Minnesota State Statute allowing health coverage to be extended to domestic partners.
HRRC Commissioner Russell Stanton, 5152 Danens Drive, stated this issue had been before the Legislature
previously; however, was vetoed by the Governor.
HRRC Commissioner Arnold Bigbee, 7621 Edinborough Way, Apt. 2110, noted the Commission's rationale
was outlined in the resolution and advised of the companies providing domestic partnership benefits and
communities in support of this amendment.
Mr. Stanton presented the resolution and recommended a revision to Subd. 1a, definition of dependents.
Member Bennett introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2012-178, requesting an
amendment to Minnesota Statutes allowing health coverage to be extended to domestic partners at the
discretion of local jurisdictions, revising the definition of dependents, Subd. 1a, to indicate:
"Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1969, section 471.61, as amended by Laws 1971,
chapter 451, section 1, the word "dependents" as used therein shall mean spouse, children under the
age of 26 years, and others as defined by governmental units at their discretion." Member Brindle
seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.E. ORDINANCE NO. 2012-20, CONCERNING COUNCIL SALARIES—ADOPTED
Mr. Neal presented the ordinance and information on comparable salaries in other similar communities. If
adopted, it would put salaries in the middle range and not be effective until January 1, 2015.
The Council discussed the ordinance and indicated support to link future Council pay increases to a neutral
third-party index, such as that produced each year by the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget,
which indexes annual increases to the State's public employee salary cap. That index was based on the
Consumer Price Index and was set by an independent analytical body over which the Council had no
control. It was agreed this action would add transparency and neutrality to an otherwise politically
sensitive action.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
Attorney Knutson advised that using such an index would take it out of the Council's control as the index
would be built into the ordinance and become automatic. However, the increase would not be effective
until 2015 because the Council could not raise its salary until after an election.
The Council discussed the placement of Edina in the "middle of the pack" of other cities related to Council
salaries and its increased work load due to additional meetings. Member Brindle made a motion to grant
First Reading and waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2012-20, amending Section 120 of the
City Code to adjust salaries for Council Members annually, based on a neutral third-party index, such as
that produced each year by the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget. Member Swenson
seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.F. DATE FOR 2013 ANNUAL DINNER MEETING WITH BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS—SELECTED
Following discussion of availability, Council consensus was reached to set the date for 2013 annual dinner
meeting with Boards and Commissions on March 11,2013,at Braemar Clubhouse,from 5-7 p.m.
VIII.G. DATE FOR 2013 ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION RECEPTION—SELECTED
Following discussion of availability, Council consensus was reached to set the date for 2013 annual
volunteer recognition reception on Monday, April 22, 2013, at Braemar Clubhouse from 5-7 p.m.
VIII.H. DATES FOR INTERVIEW OF ADVISORY BOARD AND COMMISSION APPLICANTS —SELECTED
Following discussion of availability, Council consensus was reached to set dates for interview of Advisory
Board and Commission applicants on February 7, 11,and 20, 2013,starting at 5:30 p.m.
Vlll.l. RESOLUTION NO.2012-180 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. 2012-180 accepting various
donations. Member Sprague seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Vlll.l. POLICY FOR PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST SAFETY FUND—APPROVED
Mr. Neal stated this proposed policy had been under discussion for some time, the Edina Transportation
Commission's comments had been included, and the policy had now been drafted for the Council's
consideration. The Council noted the language relating to right-of-way improvement had not been
included. Mr. Neal recommended language be incorporated in the list of eligible expenses to add post-
project repair of right-of-way related to a project. The Council suggested the language incorporate the
repair, replacement, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of all pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
The Council considered the correct terminology to assure clarity and whether to include the words
"Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety" or "Active Living" to assure inclusion of living streets, safe travel for all
modes. Following discussion, it was agreed to make no change at this time with the understanding it could
be readdressed in the future once the public was educated relating to an active living philosophy.
Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, approving Policy for Pedestrian and
Cyclist Safety (PACs) Fund and to add language relating to post-project right-of-way vegetation
improvements.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/December 18, 2012
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX.A. CORRESPONDENCE
Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence.
IX.B. MINUTES
1. PARK BOARD MINUTES, NOVEMBER 19, 2012
2. HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD, NOVEMBER 14, 2012
3. PLANNING COMMISSION, NOVEMBER 27,2012
Informational; no action required.
X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS—Received
XI. MANAGER'S COMMENTS—Received
X11. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at
10:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra gen, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council,January 8, 2013.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the December 18, 2012, meeting available.
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