HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-01 Council Regular Meeting MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
MARCH 1, 2011
7:05 P.M.
ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS APPROVED Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member
Brindle approving the Council consent agenda with the exception of Item II.C., award of bid/change
orders,traffic signal cabinets for West W Street improvements:Improvement No.TS-44.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
EARTH HOUR IN EDINA PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring 8:30 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. on March 26, 2011, as Earth Hour in Edina. Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by
Member Bennett,approving proclamation declaring Earth Hour.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Paul Thompson, Energy & Environment Commissioner, accepted the petition and introduced
Commissioners in attendance.
*MINUTES APPROVED—REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 15 2011 AND WORK SESSION OF FEBRUARY
15, 2011 Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle approving the minutes of
the regular meeting of February 15,2011,and work session of February 15,2011.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
*AWARD OF BID — 2011 TORO REELMASTER 5210-D FAIRWAY MOWER BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle awarding the bid for 2011 Toro
Reelmaster 5210-D fairway mower, Braemar Golf Course, to the recommended low bidder, MTI
Distributing at$40,199.25.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
*AWARD OF BID — 2011 TORO GREENSMASTER 3150-Q GREENSMOWER — BRAEMAR GOLF COURSE
Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle awarding the bid for 2011 Toro
Greensmaster 3150-Q greensmower, Braemar Golf Course, to the recommended low bidder, MTI
Distributing at$22,886.72.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
AWARD OF BID — TRAFFIC SIGNAL CABINET FOR WEST 70T" STREET IMPROVEMENTS: IMPROVEMENT
NO. TS-44 Public Works Director/City Engineer Houle described the bronze-colored cabinet that would
house signal control equipment. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson,
awarding the bid for traffic signal cabinet for West 701h Street improvements to the recommended low
bidder,Traffic Control Corporation at$44,975.00.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
UPDATE ON 169/494 RECONSTRUCTION PRESENTED John Griffith, Mn/DOT, presented the two-year
timeline and performance measures used to create a cost-effective interchange design for the 169/494
reconstruction project that was currently underway. He described the time-efficient parallel design-build
process that would result in cost savings. Following a technical evaluation and bid process, the project was
Page 1
Minutes/Edina City Council/March 1, 2011
awarded to McCrossan/Kraemer (a joint venture) of just over $125 million. It was anticipated this project
would be completed by November 15, 2012. Mr. Griffith displayed computer animations depicting road
alignments and points of access. It was noted that Mn/DOT's use of a performance-based design process
resulted in a cost savings of $40 million by not including two fly-over bridge movements, yet the
infrastructure would accommodate future bridges, if needed. The Council acknowledged the local,
regional, and inter-regional impact of this interchange project. Mr. Griffith addressed the on-going
monitoring relating to potential impacts to the Valley View Road and Highway 169 interchange.
FREIGHT RAIL PRESENTATION Dave Christianson, Mn/DOT, described the components of Minnesota's
freight rail transportation system and indicated it was expected that rail transportation volumes would
increase 15-25% by 2030. Mr. Christianson advised of potential future high-speed intercity passenger rail
and challenges to rail upgrades to accommodate rail transportation as well as "talking points." He advised
that the St. Louis Park freight interchange, if built, would not impact rail traffic levels in Edina because it
would divert traffic north, not south.
Mr. Christianson answered the Council's questions relating to anticipated private freight rail traffic
volumes and potential for public involvement with passenger rail traffic. He commented on the three
options presented before the Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) for freight rail currently operating in
the Kenilworth corridor and estimated costs of each. In response to the Council's request, Mr.
Christianson elaborated on the constitutional right of the freight railroads to operate, jurisdictional
protection, and ability to use eminent domain under certain circumstances. However, should public
funding be sought, a public process would be involved including environmental reviews and governmental
approvals. Mr. Christianson described the importance of the Dan Patch rail (the north/south line through
Edina) because it was the only north/south route through the west metro area.
The Council acknowledged the public's concern that the number and speed of trains would be increased.
Mr. Christianson clarified that while some segments of rail may accommodate a speed of 65 mph,
curvature, bridge and grade crossings would lower speeds to 25-30 mph even in an upgraded condition. In
addition, mitigation such as signalization, grade separations, pedestrian crossings, and fencing could also
be required. It was noted that if high speed intercity rail was built from Mankato, with four to eight
passenger trains per day (estimated to be 2030 or beyond), it would be more probable to run from
Mankato to St. Paul due to the significant upgrades needed for the Dan Patch rail. Mr. Christianson
commented on the economic factors that would create demand for increased freight rail traffic, noting
that should it occur it would be directed east bound to St. Paul and not increase capacity in Edina. With
regard to light rail, Edina's line would need significant upgrades and additional right-of-way would be
required for station stops, side and passing rails to separate light-rail traffic from freight-rail traffic. Mr.
Christianson confirmed that as it existed today, the Dan Patch line was the most functionally obsolete
corridor for light rail.
The Council and Mr. Christianson discussed the proposal for an elevated interchange in St. Louis Park to
enable nonstop traffic and possibly generate more traffic on the Edina line. It was noted that freight rail
had federal right to operate without public comment or limiting by a local entity so there were few
opportunities for the public to comment on freight rail planning or operations. However, with the seeking
of public funding for the St. Louis Park interchange, there would now be opportunity for public comment.
Mr.Christiansen reported on the design changes made to the elevated interchange to reduce the footprint
of the overpass and eliminate a second interchange south to Edina. In addition, Mr. Christiansen stated
there would be significant mitigation such as adequate fencing to eliminate the potential for trespass, a
pedestrian overpass at the high school site,full quiet zones, quad and pedestrian gates at all crossings, and
no horn blowing which would reduce 90% of the noise. Mr. Christiansen advised of the internet project
site where residents could learn more,view plans, leave comments, and ask questions.
Page 2
Minutes/Edina City Council/March 1, 2011
The Council indicated it was disheartening to learn that the Dan Patch line was not compatible for an
adjacent recreational trail or bikeway due to the narrow and variable right-of-way, resulting in safety
hazard and liability risk in the view of Canadian Pacific..
494 COMMUTER SERVICES ACTIVITIES PRESENTED Melissa Madison, Executive Director of the 494
Corridor Commission, presented its 2010 Work Plan and key accomplishments to lower congestion and
commuter pollution through van or carpooling, bicycle commuting, and mass transit. Kate Meredith,
Director of Outreach with 494 Commuter Services, reported on alliances that promote resources and
alternate transportation modes. She described their work with the businesses at 501h and France Avenues
to address parking issues through carpooling and mass transit by employees and customers. Ms. Meredith
advised of other partnerships and four companies participating in e-workplace. She indicated these
achievements would not be possible without the support of Edina. The City Council acknowledged the
tremendous work of the 494 Commuter Services to convert almost 4,500 single-occupant vehicles to
alternate transportation modes resulting in a savings of almost 18 million miles.
GRANDVIEW SMALL AREA PLAN PROPOSED PROCESS PRESENTED Kevin Staunton, Planning Commission
Vice Chair and Chair of the Community Advisory Team (CAT) of Grandview District Guide Process,
introduced CAT members and extended his thanks to Mr. Teague for his involvement and continued
support.
Mr. Staunton presented a brief background of the community-led process to develop the Guide Process
Final Plan that created a vision and goals for the former Public Works site. It was noted the Metropolitan
Council had awarded a grant to assist in developing a Small Area Plan, the second phase of the process
that would create a roadmap for future development. During this process the CAT intends to reach out to
all stakeholders, ensure the plan was consistent with the seven guiding principles, and be responsible
stewards of public resources used to support the process. In that effort, the CAT determined to organize
first, prior to engaging consultants, which would encourage local stakeholder participation and focus
resources. The one-year process would include four three-month stages: organizing and framing the work
plan (April to June); retaining consultants and drafting development framework and implementation (July
to September); public input and refinement (October to December); and, drafting of final plan (January to
March). Mr. Staunton explained the CAT would ensure participation and productivity through work groups
and a steering committee. He presented an organizational chart as well as a work schedule and timing
chart and requested the Council's authorization to move forward with this process.
The Council noted some residents who had not yet participated would like to become part of this process.
Mr. Staunton answered questions of the Council and indicated the CAT had not yet identified or defined
work groups but would do so as part of the process and remain mindful of the categories contained in the
grant application that identified how the money would be used. As discussed by the Council earlier
tonight, he agreed with the importance of addressing transportation and funding for such projects. Mr.
Staunton explained that the CAT had tried to think big, not letting practical difficulties get in the way of a
vision; however, with a Small Area Plan the CAT would need to be more realistic in looking at feasibility,
which may be part of the implementation discussion.
The Council and Mr. Staunton discussed methods of recruitment, the benefit of touring outstanding
public/private partnerships to open new ideas, and need for a community-wide survey that the CAT could
piggyback with questions that relate to this endeavor. The Council indicated it looked forwarding to seeing
what comes out of the Small Area Plan for creative visioning, such as and an east/west linkage across
Highway 100 and determining what was missing in Edina with regard to infrastructure. The Council
thanked Mr. Staunton and the CAT members for their service to the community. Member Swenson made
a motion,seconded by Member Bennett,approving the Grandview Small Area Plan Process.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Page 3
Minutes/Edina City Council/March 1, 2011
PARKING PERMITS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES OF EDINA BUSINESSES AT 50T"AND FRANCE AVENUE APPROVED
Communications and Marketing Director Bennerotte described the location of the City's four parking
structures in the 50th and France Avenue area. Ms. Bennerotte said the growing parking concern had been
exacerbated by four new restaurants. It was noted that employees of businesses in the area, with a
permit, could park in the five-hour spaces in the top level of the north ramp and the top and lower levels
of the south ramp. No employee parking was allowed in the center ramp. However, it had been observed
that a number of Edina business employees were using premium parking spaces during the day, resulting
in the loss of competitiveness of the 501h & France Business District as a retail area. She reported the
France Business and Professional Association was recommending all employees of Edina businesses be
required to purchase a parking permit, regardless of full- or part-time status, and park only in the areas
designated for permit-parking. The Association recommended that part-time employees pay $2.50 per
month (half price); however, City staff recommended all employees pay the same amount due to the
difficult of tracking employment status. Ms. Bennerotte presented parking revenues for the past three
years and advised that fewer than half the employees who work in the area hold permits.
The Council asked questions of Ms. Bennerotte relating to the number of employee parking spaces and
process should an employee purchase a parking permit and space was not available in the designated
ramp levels.
Rachel Hubbard, Executive Director of the 501h and France Business and Professional Association, noted
that requiring a parking permit would improve enforcement so violators could be ticketed if parking in
"premium" parking spaces. She reported the Association was receiving multiple complaints from people
who want to shop in the area but cannot find a parking space. The Parking Task Force would address both
short- and long-term solutions including additional employee parking, off-site parking locations, a shuttle
service, and Park and Ride lots.
The Council suggested the Task Force consider use of the lower level of Anthropologie, which was
underutilized, for employee or valet parking. Ms. Hubbard stated valet parking was helping but was not a
total solution. Ms. Bennerotte advised that staff was also addressing improvements to the ramps and
additional infrastructure with property owners.
The Council discussed the issues and indicated support for staffs recommendation and further research on
off-site alternatives for valet parking, shuttle service, use of underutilized church parking lots that were
within walking distance, and moving all employee parking to the north ramp so patrons could use lower
level covered parking areas. Planning Director Teague indicated the Covenant Church believed its parking
lot was currently underutilized. It was agreed that employers needed to require employees to obtain a
parking permit and should also encourage other solutions such as public transit or bicycles. Diana
Fleetham, President of the Board of Directors, reported that because it had come to this level, employers
were supportive of requiring permits. Member Swenson made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett,
requiring parking permits for all employees of Edina businesses at 501h and France at a price of$5 per
month.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
*ON-SALE INTOXICATING. CLUB ON-SALE,AND SUNDAY SALE LIQUOR LICENSES RENEWED Motion made
by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle renewing Club On-Sale and Sunday Liquor
Licenses for: On-Sale Intoxicating & Sunday Sale — Big Bowl, California Pizza Kitchen, Crave Restaurant,
Eden Avenue Grill, Edina Grill Restaurant, Lake Shore Grill, Mozza Mia, P.F. Chang's Bistro, Pinstripes,
Inc., Raku, Inc., Romano's Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Salut Bar American, The Cheesecake Factory,
Westin Edina Galleria;and, Club and Sunday Sale—Edina Country Club,Interlachen Country Club.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
Page 4
Minutes/Edina City Council/March 1, 2011
*WINE LICENSES RENEWED Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle
renewing On-Sale Wine and On-Sale 3.2 Beer Licenses for the following restaurants: Beaujo's, Chipotle
Mexican Grill, Cooks of Crocus Hill, D'Amico & Sons, Good Earth Restaurant, Marriott Residence Inn,
Noodles & Company, People's Organic Coffee/Wine Galleria Cafe, Rice Paper Asian Fusion Restaurant,
and TJ's of Edina.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
*BEER LICENSES RENEWED Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle
approving issuance of the following 3.2 Beer Licenses: On-Sale 3.2 — Chuck E. Cheese's, Davanni's
Pizza/Hoagies; and, Off-Sale 3.2 — Cub Foods, DB Convenience LLC (Edina Market & Deli), Holiday
Stationstore#217,and Jerry's Foods.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-36 ADOPTED—ACCEPTING VARIOUS DONATIONS Mayor Hovland explained that
in order to comply with State Statutes; all donations to the City must be adopted by Resolution and
approved by four favorable votes of the Council accepting the donations. Member Swenson introduced
and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-36 accepting various donations. Member Bennett seconded
the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
*HEARING DATE SET (MARCH 15. 2011) — ORDINANCE NO. 2011-03 AMENDING SECTION 850.04
REGARDING NOTICE OF HEARING FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT Motion made by Member Bennett
and seconded by Member Brindle setting public hearing date of March 15,2011 for Ordinance No. 2011
03,amending Section 850.04 regarding notice of hearing for Conditional Use Permit.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION APPOINTMENT CONFIRMED Mayor Hovland nominated
Keith Kostuch for appointment to the Energy and Environment Commission. Member Sprague made a
motion, seconded by Member Brindle, confirming the appointment of Keith Kostuch to the Energy and
Environment Commission with a term ending February 1,2013.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
Council consensus was reached that the vacancy on the Heritage Preservation Board would be addressed
at the March 15, 2011, meeting.
US CONFERENCE OF MAYORS CIVILITY ACCORD APPROVED The City Council addressed the positive
message the US Conference of Mayor's Civility Accord. It was noted that the League of Women Voters had
created a one-page summary of suggestions for managing an orderly public forum. Member Swenson
made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, adopting the US Conference of Mayor's Civility Accord
and directing staff to have a plaque prepared with the US Conference of Mayor's Civility Accord for
posting in the Council's Chamber.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
*TEMPORARY ON-SALE 3.2 BEER LICENSE APPROVED — OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH Motion made by
Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle granting temporary beer license to Our Lady of
Grace Church for their Lenten Fish Fry on March 18,2011.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
Page 5
Minutes/Edina City Council/March 1. 2011
COMMUNITY COMMENT
No one appeared to comment.
*CONFIRMATION OF CLAIMS PAID Motion made by Member Bennett and seconded by Member Brindle
approving payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated February 17,
2011, and consisting of 32 pages: General Fund $163,658.55; Communications Fund $10,692.60; Police
Special Revenue $389.80; Working Capital Fund $219,160.50; Art Center Fund $1,208.71; Golf Dome
Fund$7,557.23;Aquatic Center Fund$2,767.52;Golf Course Fund $30,193.51; Ice Arena Fund$4,676.47;
Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $12,259.21; Liquor Fund $177,031.87; Utility Fund $30,569.73;
Storm Sewer Fund $3,551.78; Recycling Fund $38,820.60; PSTF Agency Fund $3,123.16; TOTAL
$705.661.24 and for approval of payment of claims dated February 24, 2011, and consisting of 23 pages:
General Fund $161,127.53; Working Capital Fund $600.00; Art Center Fund $5,789.71; Golf Dome Fund
$14,335.16; Aquatic Center Fund $669.31; Golf Course Fund $11,326.45; Ice Arena Fund $10,744.02;
Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $30,828.76; Liquor Fund $146,805.79; Utility Fund $42,816.20;
Storm Sewer Fund$500.00; PSTF Agency Fund$648.42;TOTAL$426.191.35.
Motion carried on rollcall vote—five ayes.
COMMENTS REFERRED TO PARK BOARD Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member
Sprague, referring suggestions made during the February 15, 2011, Community Comment related to the
naming of public spaces and facilities to the Park Board.
Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland
Motion carried.
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at
10:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted, v
� �VV
ane Ti m, Deputy City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, March 15, 2011.
V i
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the March 1, 2011, meeting available.
Page 6