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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-03 Council Regular Meeting MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL HELD AT CITY HALL AUGUST 3,2011 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. II. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt was introduced and welcomed by the City Council. 111. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Member Brindle made a motion,seconded by Member Sprague,approving the meeting agenda. 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 with the exception of Items W.A., Work Session meeting minutes of July 19, 2011; W.C., Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 6, 2011; IV.D. Agreement with Waldorf Nevens Cleaners; and, IV.E. Contract PK 11-3PK,2011 Parking Lot Improvements,as follows: W.A. Approve Regular meeting minutes of July 19,2011 W.B. Receive payment of the following claims as shown in detail on the Check Register dated July 21, 2011, and consisting of 33 pages; General Fund $113,036.25; Communications Fund $14,587.85; Police Special Revenue $2,520.83; Braemar Memorial Fund $42.00; Working Capital Fund $22,556.41; Equipment Replacement Fund$22,641.64; Construction Fund $23,390.15;Art Center Fund $4,084.03; Golf Dome Fund $2,144.05; Aquatic Center Fund $11,263.33; Golf Course Fund $59,276.09; Ice Arena Fund $27,918.35; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $14,246.39; Liquor Fund $188,868.29; Utility Fund $87,039.06; Storm Sewer Fund $39,033.37; Recycling Fund $38,820.60; PSTF Agency Fund $24,576.39; TOTAL $696.045.08 and for approval of payment of claims dated July 28, 2011, and consisting of 30 pages; General Fund $136,916.91; Communications Fund $9,684.57; Working Capital Fund $318,140.39; Equipment Replacement Fund $71,613.10; Construction Fund $53,948.36; Art Center Fund $889.57; Golf Dome Fund $156.55; Aquatic Center Fund $22,204.56; Golf Course Fund $16,675.56; Ice Arena Fund $3,406.78; Edinborough/Centennial Lakes Fund $10,062.18; Liquor Fund $147,499.94; Utility Fund $1,057,008.91; Storm Sewer Fund $216,157.23; Recycling Fund $32.72; PSTF Agency Fund $13,511.51; Payroll Fund$3,071.91;TOTAL$2.080.980.75. Rollcall: Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA W.A. WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JULY 19,2011,APPROVED AS CORRECTED The Council corrected the minutes regarding their direction to staff and the Park Board in the last full paragraph of the July 191h Work Session minutes as follows: "The Council requested that City staff complete a facilities inventory of current facilities to determine the City's current needs. It concurrently Page 1 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3,2011 directed the Park Board to study the feasibility of a sports dome including the issues of location and ownership." Mayor Hovland made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, approving the Work Session meeting minutes of July 19, 2011,as corrected above. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. IV.C. TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT OF JULY 6,2011,APPROVED Mr.Sullivan answered questions of the Council related to the July 6, 2011,Traffic Safety Committee report. The Council requested copies of the draft Traffic Safety Committee meeting minutes when reports were submitted for consideration. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, approving Traffic Safety Committee Report of July 6,2011. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. IV.D. AGREEMENT WITH WALDORF NEVENS CLEANERS APPROVED Manager Neal explained that John Zahhos had indicated he would execute the updated agreement that incorporated a confession of judgment if approved by the Council tonight. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, approving the agreement with Waldorf Nevens Cleaners for payment of delinquent utility bills, conditioned on Mr. Zahhos executing confession of judgment on behalf of Waldorf Development Services LLP. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. IV.E. CONTRACT PK 11-3PK,2011 PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS APPROVED Public Works Director/City Engineer Houle answered questions of the Council relating to the City's parking agreement with Colonial Church for its use of 99 spaces, which had existed since 1977. It was noted there had been no financial participation by the Church towards maintenance of this parking lot since 1977 and when asked to participate in this parking lot improvement, the Church had declined. The Council acknowledged that the parking lot improvement had been budgeted in the Capital Improvement Plan at $60,000, and while the low bid was $10,396 over the estimated budget it was well under the engineer's estimate. Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Swenson, to approving Request to Purchase, Contract Pk 11-3PK, 2011 Parking Lot Improvements, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Midwest Asphalt Corporation at$316,147.25. V. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS None. VI. PUBLIC HEARING HELD VII.A. AMENDED SITE PLAN AND PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT APPROVED, WATERS SENIOR CONVALESCENT HOME PROJECT, 6200 COLONIAL WAY — RESOLUTION NO. 2011-74 & RESOLUTION NO.2011-75 ADOPTED Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. Attorney Knutson advised the Council had previously approved a rezoning to PRD-5 and amended the Comprehensive Plan for the Living Waters Senior Living project and also approved the final development plan. These issues were not under discussion because each had already been approved. The two issues under consideration were an amendment of the Site Plan to reduce the size of the structure and Preliminary and Final Plat approval. If not approved, the project would proceed under the approved Site Plan. Mr. Knutson explained the Council was not acting as a policy maker but, rather, in a quasi-judicial capacity applying facts as presented relative to the City's ordinance and the proponent's plans. He stated if the Site Plan and Preliminary and Final Plats as submitted met the City's ordinance and Comprehensive Page 2 Minutes/Edina City Council/Aueust 3, 2011 Plan requirements, the City lacked discretion to deny the proponent's request. It was noted the Preliminary Plat approval had lapsed because the proponent had not sought a final plat within one year. The Council referenced Code provisions 810.03.2 and 810.10 and asked how these two provisions applied if the Preliminary Plat had lapsed. Mr. Knutson advised that once an ordinance was adopted to rezone property, it stood unless the property was rezoned again to another designation. Planning Director Teague presented the request of the Living Waters Senior Living in Edina, on behalf of the Colonial Church of Edina, to amend its approved Site Plan and a Preliminary and Final Plat for a 139- unit, three-story senior convalescent home at 6200 Colonial Way. The proponent was requesting a reduction of 28 feet from the middle of the building in order to create seven affordable housing units. Mr. Teague outlined the reductions per floor and indicated the Site Plan remained generally the same, with the exception of eliminating one surface parking stall and 36 underground parking stalls. He noted the proponent had agreed with a park dedication of$5,000 per unit equaling$695,000 that must be paid prior to releasing the final plat. Mr. Teague stated the Planning Commission and staff recommended approval of the amended Site Plan, Preliminary Plat, and Final Plat because the Site Plan remained essentially unchanged, the building was simply reduced in size, and parking would exceed the requirement for a convalescent home use. He advised the Planning Commission had discussed the zoning of this site, which Attorney Knutson had indicated would stand as PRD-5 designation. Mr. Teague read the definition of"convalescent home" and advised the proponent had provided licenses from two existing facilities to demonstrate this new facility would also be licensed through the State of Minnesota as a convalescent home. He pointed out that the requested revision allowed the City to obtain seven affordable housing units that would go towards meeting the established goal of the Metropolitan Council. Mr. Teague reported the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of an amended Site Plan, and recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat and Final Plat on a 6-1 (Forrest) vote, subject to the findings and conditions as set forth in the staff report dated July 13, 2011. It was noted that Commissioner Forrest's objection was based on the need to consider what the code required for findings to support the Preliminary Plat. Mr. Teague advised the proponent had indicated the maximum number of residents would be 169, which was used to base the requirement for parking. The Council asked about the City's regulatory authority to assure the number of residents did not exceed 169. Mr.Teague explained if the occupancy were to exceed 169 and a complaint was received, the City would follow up with an inspection to assure the occupancy was in compliance with the parking regulation. The Council considered the need for an assurance, such as proof of parking, that parking was adequate. Mr. Teague displayed a site plan that identified the location of an additional 29 exterior spaces and showed compliance with PSR District parking requirements. Proponent Presentation Jay Jensen, representing Water Senior Living, stated his strong belief this project would be an asset for the entire Edina community. He indicated the proponent was committed to creating seven affordable housing units by removing 28 feet from the middle of the building and 36 underground parking spaces. Mr.Jensen assured the Council that the remaining common area and underground parking remained adequate with parking exceeding occupant's needs by 70%. He estimated occupants would need 50 to 60 parking spaces; however,the proponent was not requesting a reduction in parking and would agree, in the spirit of being a good neighbor,to provide proof of parking for an additional 29 exterior spaces. The Council discussed the project and asked questions of Mr. Jensen. With regard to continuum of care, Mr. Jenson stated their facility in Eden Prairie had more memory-assisted units and care units than proposed in Edina. He indicated that the Colony of Edina Prairie had 126 assisted-living units and of them 20 had parking spaces, or 15%. He said Eden Prairie also contained a 25-unit transitional-care facility (nursing home beds). Mr.Jensen explained it was difficult to estimate the average number of visitors since Page 3 Minutes/Edina City Council/Aueust 3, 2011 because the number was dependent on scheduled activities. He added the Water's Minneapolis location with 77 assisted-living units plus memory-care units, opened one month ago and was already one-third full. The Minneapolis location had about 60 underground parking spaces and shared its parking spaces with the 200-bed nursing home across the street since it only had 14 spaces on site. Mr. Jensen explained the affordable housing program, stating an income of 50% below the median level would qualify as an elderly waiver client. Rent charged beyond the waiver would be absorbed by Waters Senior Living. It was acknowledged that should the Site Plan amendment not be approved, the project would move forward based on the approved Site Plan. The Council considered the similarities and differences between the proposed Edina project and the Colony of Eden Prairie including square footage of units, rents charged, and available unit storage. Mr. Jensen estimated the Edina units would be ten percent larger than the Eden Prairie units with one-third to one-half of that increase being in-unit storage. It was noted the Eden Prairie location was on a bus line for employees coming to work or occupants going to work, and a shopping center and library were across Prairie Center Drive. Mr.Jensen explained that staff goes to the library to get books for the occupants. The Council reviewed licensing requirements under State Statutes 144A and 144D. Mr. Jensen was asked to provide clarity whether Waters Senior Living in Edina would be registering this facility under Minnesota Statutes 144D as Housing with Services, noting that Statute allowed 20% of the residents to be under age 55. Mr. Jenson confirmed the company was licensed by the State as a Class F service provider under Minnesota Statutes 144A and this facility had to be licensed and registered with the State Department of Health in order to open. With regard to maximum occupancy, Mr.Jensen explained that 169 was based on the number of units and bedrooms, advising Shelter Corp had not seen more than one person rent a one-bedroom unit or two people rent a two-bedroom unit. Mr. Jensen estimated that 80% of occupants at the Colony of Eden Prairie were women and since it opened ten years ago, occupancy had not exceeded one person per bedroom. Mr. Knutson noted the parking calculation assumed 169 occupants, and the Site Plan could reflect there cannot be more than 169 occupants, because otherwise it would violate the number of parking spaces. The Council noted elderly waivers would cover services and asked how the cost that was rent or food related would be paid. Mr. Jenson explained that both programs, elderly waivers and group residential housing, run concurrently and the housing portion above$875 was covered by Waters Senior Living. Mr. Jensen was asked to address issues related to the water table and drainage should a 100-year event occur. Mr. Jensen stated the Watershed District engineer agreed with the analysis of the Waters Senior Living engineer that 15 parking spaces would be impacted with water ranging from six inches to one foot. The enclosed parking garage door would not be openable due to accumulated water at its base. Should there be a 100-year event, Mr. Jensen opined resident and visitor parking would remain adequate and staff would be bused from the Eden Prairie location. In addition, a written plan addressing interior parking spaces had been prepared and would be provided to the City. It was noted the City would be resurfacing the parking lot used by Colonial Church, which had demurred from assisting financially. The east parking lot had been owned by Colonial Church but dedicated to the City of Edina, and the agreement was to allow the church to use the lot, when needed, as consideration for giving the property for a City lot. Mr.Jensen indicated that was correct. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. Public Testimony Susan Clark, 5812 West 61St Street, addressed the Council in opposition. Page 4 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3, 2011 Kent Gravelle, 5609 Tracy Avenue, addressed the Council in opposition. Mary Ann Meyer, 5805 Jeff Place, addressed the Council in opposition. John St. Pierre, 6005 Arbor Lane, addressed the Council in opposition. Dorothy Kerzner, 5828 Jeff Place, addressed the Council on behalf of Gordon Johnson in opposition. David Henry, 5712 Creek Valley Road, addressed the Council in opposition. Barbara Hoganson, 5829 Jeff Place, addressed the Council in opposition. Christine Henninger, 5816 Jeff Place, read the rest of the list of questions that Barbara Hoganson began. Janet Johnson, 5837 Jeff Place, addressed the Council in opposition. Member Sprague made a motion,seconded by Member Swenson,to close the public hearing. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. The Council and Mr.Teague addressed questions raised during public testimony. Mr.Teague indicated the property was listed in the Comprehensive Plan as High Density Residential, over 12 units, and zoned PRD-5. If the proponent was not successful, the facility would still have to operate as zoned and could not be turned into market rate housing. However, it could be used for another facility not engaged in the care of the elderly if it fit within the definition of"convalescent home." Mr.Jensen responded to questions of the Council by advising that the demographic profile anticipated the average age to be mid-80s with few under 70 but does not anticipate any under age 55. He indicated that 1000 of the spaces reduced were common areas so there was no impact to storage, food staging, or delivery areas. From a traffic standpoint, it was identical as previously described, and during peak times there would be 30 employees on site, which was factored into parking needs. The Council indicated concern had been expressed that the project does not meet the definition of "convalescent home" because it would not be registered as Housing with Services facility. Mr. Knutson advised the Council previously decided it would meet that definition when it approved the Site Plan. This facility would have a Class F license and be registered. He explained that zoning laws were restrictions on use of property, and court rulings had been construed liberally toward the property owner. The Council asked Mr. Jensen to address the age of occupants, noting that under State Law the proponent had the right to 20%of residents being under 55. Mr.Jensen stated that may be allowable under the law, but FHA financing required all occupants to be over 55. It was noted that 20% of Colony of Eden Prairie occupants still work, and 20-25%do not receive services beyond the two meals a day that were part of the rental package, which reflected occupants at different ages, health, and activity levels. Mr. Jensen stated the Waters Senior Living facility was designed to be the best of their properties with larger units, upgraded finishes, higher rents, and residents would expect a certain level of service. Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-74, Approving an Amendment to the Site Plan for the Waters Senior Living in Edina at 6200 Colonial Way based on the following findings: 1. The proposed plans are consistent with the approved Site Plan for the development. 2. The building would be smaller in size. 3. The number of parking stalls provided would still exceed City Code requirements. Page 5 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3,2011 4. The applicant would provide seven units of affordable housing which will go towards meeting the City's established goal with the Met Council to provide additional affordable housing units. And subject to the following conditions: 1. Unless modified by the conditions below, the project must still meet the conditions required in the original Site Plan and Rezoning approval for the site. 2. The site must be developed in conformance with the following plans: • Site plan date stamped May 12,2011 • Building elevations date stamped May 12,2011 3. The project shall include seven units of affordable housing as determined by the Metropolitan Council. 4. The applicant shall enter into a proof of parking agreement for an additional 29 stalls. The applicant shall be required to put in the additional stalls if staff determines that there is a significant parking problem and the stalls are necessary. 5. The colors and materials for the building must match the same as the materials board presented to the City Council in the original approval. 6. A floodwater management/safety plan must be submitted to staff upon the opening of the facility. Member Brindle seconded the motion. The Council discussed the intended use of the property, noting it was a residential in use, located in a residential area, and would provide assisted living units which was confirmed as a need in the recent resident survey. With regard to mass and scale, the amendment resulted in a smaller sized building and parking exceeded requirements. A comparison was offered with the Sunrise Senior Living on France Avenue, noting both were on church sites and abutted a single-family neighborhood. Sunrise Senior Living had .59 parking spaces per resident, and the Waters Senior Living had .91 spaces per resident without proof of parking. The distance from Sunrise Senior Living to the nearest house was 254 feet, and the distance from the Waters Senior Living to the nearest house on Tracy Avenue would be 420 feet, and the nearest house on Jeff Place would be 3,000 feet. The Council supported the creation of seven affordable units, noting it would allow residents at the end of their lives to live in a beautiful facility for$875/month. Member Bennett stated she had not supported this application last year and had not heard or read anything to change her evaluation. She indicated that while she supported provision of affordable housing/workforce housing, she was frustrated with the manner in which code had been applied and the limited public process. Ayes: Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Nays: Bennett Motion carried. Member Swenson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-75,Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat for 6200 Colonial Way, based on the following findings: 1. The proposed plat meets all Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance requirements. And subject to the following conditions: 1. The Final Plat must be filed within one year of City Council approval. 2. The Park Dedication fee of$695,000 shall be paid prior to release of the mylars approving the Final Plat. Member Sprague seconded the motion. Ayes: Brindle, Sprague,Swenson, Hovland Nays: Bennett Motion carried. VII. COMMUNITY COMMENT Page 6 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3, 2011 Rick Murphy, Grandview Tire and Auto, 5415 West 701h Street, stated support for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and requested the Council consider a special assessment to install solar power panels at his business. Attorney Knutson and Manager Neal described the 2010 statutory amendments that would allow such conduit financing and indicated this concept would be presented at the August 16, 2011, meeting. The Council agreed that due diligence was required prior to instituting this type of program. Lynn Hinkle, Policy Director with Minnesota Solar Energy Industries, described his worked with Senator Doll on passage of this legislation and offered his expertise. Michael Chapuran, 5829 Tingdale Avenue,stated support for the PACE program. Bill Simons, 4620 Casco Avenue, Sales and Marketing Manager for 10K Solar, urged the Council to consider all options for the proposed solar panel project. Vlll. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO.2011-76 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 Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2011-76 accepting various donations. Member Bennett seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.B. PUBLIC FACILITIES INVENTORY AND FEASIBILITY STUDY OF AN INDOOR ATHLETIC FACILITY AUTHORIZED Mr. Neal introduced the item and indicated if adopted staff would implement the action items immediately. The Council agreed with the need to provide clear directive relating to the type of study to be undertaken. Mr. Neal explained the budget of$20,000 was intended to support a broad-view independent analysis that included an assessment of current facilities, age, size and use of those facilities, whether uses should be shifted to a different facility, and evaluation of an indoor athletic facility concept including financial feasibility. He did not anticipate that the analysis would address the Centennial Lakes and Edinborough trust funds. The Council discussed whether publicly-accessible pools should be included in the facilities analysis. It was noted the public had identified unmet needs of an indoor athletic facility as well as a community center, and the School District had indicated it would need more space for its own functions due to rising enrollment, so less space would be available for community programming. Mr. Neal indicated the project budget of$20,000 would allow the Park Board to hire a consultant and keep the project moving forward. He emphasized that the analysis would address the greater issues, not a specific proposal. Once the analysis was completed, the Park Board would make a recommendation. If the Council determined to move forward, it would then consider issues such as the size of the indoor athletic facility, available locations, programming, and ownership. Mayor Hovland made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, directing City staff to conduct a feasibility study of an indoor athletic facility under the guidance of the Park Board; directing staff to prepare an inventory of City of Edina's public facilities; authorizing a project budget not to exceed $20,000 for both purposes; and, authorizing the Park Board to establish committees and subcommittees to assist with this task. Page 7 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3, 2011 Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Hovland Abstaining: Swenson Motion carried. VIILC. EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR TRANSIT FOR LIVABLE COMMUNITIES—BIKE BOULEVARD GRANT APPROVED Assistant City Engineer Sullivan stated about two years ago the City received a $250,000 grant from the Transit for Livable Communities (TLC) for signing and striping a bikeway from the easterly border of Edina at West 54th Street, along West 54th Street to Wooddale Avenue, then south along Wooddale Avenue to Valley View Road, then east along Valley View Road to West 70th Street. He described the intended project and challenges that have arisen relating to removal of 106 parking spaces on 54th Street and Wooddale Avenue; that the TLC was now requiring Valley View Road to be converted to a two-lane road, instead of the three-lane road currently in existence, and, issues resulting from limited right-of-way, free right-off ramp, and large traffic volumes. Mr. Sullivan presented the position of the Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) to support implementation of bike facilities in Edina and recommitted its support of the project to secure the TLC grant and endorse the two-lane conversion on Valley View Road from Wooddale Avenue to Crosstown. The ETC had also acknowledged that the grant may not be enough to fund major improvements to the Crosstown interchange. Mr. Sullivan indicated staff also supported creation of bicycle corridors; however, vehicle and bicycle safety considerations relating to the two-lane conversion needed to be addressed by a consultant prior to reconfiguration. The Council reviewed the project costs and indication by the TLC that additional funding may be available. Mr. Houle recommended contracting with WSB to conduct a feasibility study due to its extensive experience with bicycle corridors. The Council Members discussed preferences for elements within each of the three segments of this project and expounded on the best language for a Council motion. It was acknowledged that the intent of bicycle boulevard grant funds was to increase bicycle ridership,which was obtained with dedicated bike corridors. However, MN/DOT State Aid approval would be required to convert Valley View Road from three lanes to two lanes and that determination should be obtained prior to public input. Mr. Houle indicated the City's professional services budget could fund the process to bring the request before MN/DOT and recommended TLC be asked whether some grant funds could be used for engineering services. The Council commented on the difficulty of removing parking from six residential blocks on Wooddale Avenue to create a dedicated bike lane. The Council agreed that if Wooddale Avenue, from 50th Street to Valley View Lane, was the selected route it would be a share-the-road concept because the Council would not foresee a dedicated bike lane in that location. The Council discussed other options including whether bike lanes could be included on both sides of 54th Street when it was reconstructed. In terms of the single roundabout at 70th Street, the Council was comfortable with not providing additional bicycle facilities. The Council concurred that a public process on all aspects would be held if the MN/DOT State Aid office approved the three-lane to two-lane conversion. Member Sprague made a motion,seconded by Member Bennett that the City notify Transit for Livable Communities of its intent to secure the Bike Boulevard Grant over the proposed route subject to the following conditions: 1. Approval by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Office of the conversion of Valley View Road between Wooddale Avenue and Crosstown Highway(TH 62) from three traffic lanes,including a two-way left turn lane,to two lanes for motorized travel; and 2. The portion of the proposed route on Wooddale Avenue be designated as Share-the-Road for shared bicycle and motorized vehicle use;and 3. The portion of the proposed route on West S4 1h Street be constructed pursuant to the TLC Grant application with dedicated bike lanes; and Page 8 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3, 2011 4. That portion of the proposed route at the intersection of Valley View Road and West 70`h Street be designated as Share-the-Road for shared bicycle and motorized vehicle use;and 5. A public process acceptable to the Council on all aspects of the grant will be held conditioned upon securing approval from the Minnesota Department of Transportation Municipal State Aid Office of the three-lane to two-lane conversion on Valley View Road. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.D. EDINA ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION'S RECOMMENDATION FOR SOLAR PANEL PROJECT CONTINUED Manager Neal stated the Energy and Environment Commission (EEC) had recommended to not proceed with the proposed Solar Panel Project because the overall rate of return (20 years) exceeded financing terms. However since that recommendation was offered, manufacturers/vendors of the solar products had provided revised costs that substantially brought down the project costs. He recommended consideration be tabled to August 16, 2011,to allow time for staff to analyze that information. The Council expressed concern with considering energy efficiency projects for certain buildings, such as the indoor athletic facility which may or may not be constructed. Mr. Neal explained grant and financing options that might be available and noted most projects were basic stewardship measures such as caulking and energy conservation but some would have a greater role. Member Bennett made a motion, seconded by Member Sprague, continuing consideration of the Edina Energy and Environment Commission recommendation to the August 16,2011, meeting. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague, Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.E. EDINA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR FRANCE AVENUE CORRIDOR APPROVED Mr. Sullivan explained the City had been awarded $1 million from the Federal Transportation Enhancement Fund to construct a pedestrian bridge at 72nd Street from the west side of France Avenue to between the Byerly's and Macy's Home Store on the east side. He summarized the reports/studies previously conducted and discussion held by the Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) relating to the France Avenue corridor from Highway 62 to 1-494. Mr. Sullivan advised that staff believed this location was the most appropriate for a grade-separated crossing because the natural grade difference on the east side of France Avenue would minimize the bridge approach length; 72nd Street continued west into the neighborhood allowing for a large waking/biking area to use this crossing; and the location was just one block north of the proposed location of the Three Rivers Park District Nine Mile Creek Trail location creating a connection between these two facilities. Mr. Sullivan stated the ETC had recommended that a pedestrian bridge not be built due to lack of information, high cost of a bridge with limited impact along the corridor, lack of public input, not knowing connectivity, the proposed bridge not providing access to users on France Avenue, lack of justification, not warranted for usage, and it not being a judicious, efficient use of public dollars. However, staff recommended that a Request for Proposal be distributed to engineering firms for design of the 72nd Street pedestrian bridge over France Avenue, during which time some of the issues raised by the ETC could be addressed. He advised that the use of the $1 million grant was specific to this project and could not be used elsewhere in the corridor. The Council referred to promenade improvements included in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)and cost for this bridge, noting it would be dependent upon the design but could_ be a component of a complete streets model. Page 9 Minutes/Edina City Council/August 3. 2011 The Council discussed the benefit of studying the France and York Avenues holistically to assure unmet pedestrian needs were addressed such as providing several at-grade crossings that incorporated "safe haven" pedestrian landings and adequate median pads, timed traffic signals to allow for safe crossing, landscaping, and calming measures. It was acknowledged that a pedestrian bridge crossing, though circuitous and more costly,would address the need for a safe and controlled crossing by families, would be used as walking routes,and would provide connectivity with Centennial Lakes and Edinborough Park. The Council discussed its support to leverage public funds to serve as many residents as possible with safe crossings and that a multimodal approach (at-grade crossings/pedestrian bridge) may be an option. Concern was expressed, however, that pedestrian bridges may create a perception that the roadway being crossed was of higher designation rather than fostering traffic calming. Mr. Houle stated the engineering consultant could be asked to provide sketches of at-grade crossing options as well as cost estimates. It was agreed that project costs for at-grade crossings and a pedestrian bridge were needed to make an informed decision, as well as a determination of whether or not the federal grant funds could be redirected from a bridge to at-grade crossings. Member Sprague made a motion, seconded by Member Bennett, directing staff to work with the ETC to distribute Request for Proposals and Requests for Quotations for a feasibility study for both a pedestrian bridge and at-grade crossings that will include cost estimates and sketches. Ayes: Bennett, Brindle,Sprague,Swenson, Hovland Motion carried. W. 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 11:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Debra Mangen, Cit Jerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council,August 16, 2011. Ja es B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the August 3, 2011,meeting available. Page 10