HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-15 Wk Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
MARCH 15, 2011
5:04 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall. Answering rollcall
were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
Planning Commission Members attending the meeting were Jeffrey Carpenter, Michael Fischer,Arlene Forrest,
Floyd Grabiel, Michael Platteter, Ken Potts, Matt Rock, Nancy Scherer, Kevin Staunton and Melissa Stefanik.
Staff attending the meeting included: Kris Aaker, Assistant Planning Director; Jennifer Bennerotte,
Communications & Marketing Director; Roger Knutson, City Attorney; Scott Neal, City Manager; Cell Smith,
Assistant to the City Manager; and Cary Teague, Planning Director.
Mayor Hovland said the purpose of the meeting was to meet with the Planning Commission about its proposed
changes to the variance review process,traffic review, public hearings and required Commission attendance.
In order to streamline the review process, the Planning Commission recommended dissolving the City's current
Zoning Board of Appeals. Commissioners Michael Fischer and Kevin Staunton explained that the Planning
Commission would take over the responsibilities of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Commission
would likely have to meet twice a month to process all requests and applications in a timely fashion. Council
members indicated their general support for such a move, directing Director Teague to draft an ordinance to
effect that change.
Director Teague reported that residents have expressed concerns about the confusion caused by multiple
public hearings during the development review process. After a discussion, it was agreed that hearings would
continue to be held by both the Planning Commission and City Council, but that one notice listing both
meeting dates and times would be mailed instead of two and one legal notice listing both meeting dates and
times would be published.
Director Teague reported that concern was raised by members of the Transportation Commission about the
need for their review of traffic studies for individual development projects. The Planning Commission
recommended that the Transportation Commission could focus its efforts on larger transportation issues and
studies, rather than review individual projects, which could be done by the Planning Commission. Council
members indicated their support for such a change. Commissioner Fischer suggested the Planning and
Transportation Commissions meet jointly to transition the work.
Commissioner Fischer suggested that joint meetings of the City Council and its advisory boards and
commissions be exempt from the City's attendance policy. Council members stressed the importance of the
joint meetings and did not show support for such an exemption.
Mayor Hovland announced the status of some bills in the Legislature at the time of the meeting.
Commissioner Staunton announced the April 14 kick-off of the Grandview Small Area Plan.
Director Teague provided a brief update on the proposed Walgreens project.
Director Teague reported that the Planning Commission would have its first sketch plan review on March 23
for a project at 44th Street and France Avenue proposed by Noonan Construction.
Minutes/Edina City Council Work Session/March 15, 2011
There being no further business, Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennif n er tte,Communications&Marketing Director
Minutes approved by Edina City Council,April 5, 2011
James B. Hovland, Mayor
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