HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-16 City Council Regular MinutesMINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
JULY 16, 2019
7:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ROLLCALL
Answering rollcall were Members Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland.
Absent: None.
111. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to approve the meeting
agenda as presented.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
IV. COMMUNITY COMMENT
David Frenkel, Edina, spoke against the City Manager's recent comments on Twitter against Minneapolis
public schools and asked that stronger social media policies be put in place. Mr. Frenkel then shared
concerns about the lack of silt barriers in place in Arden Park as required by law during construction
projects.
Rhonda Bland, 7000 Carry Road, thanked the Council for the process, listening to the neighborhood's
concerns regarding the Dublin Road site for Water Treatment Plant #5, and the positive outcome.
Frank Lorenz, 7151, York Avenue South, spoke about high traffic volumes on 50th Street and Vernon
Avenue and how commuters used these streets as alternatives during construction projects. He suggested
creating a bus system to help alleviate traffic during rush hours.
IV.A. CITY MANAGER'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Manager Neal responded to past Community Comments.
V. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, approving the consent
agenda as presented:
V.A. Approve minutes of the June 18, 2019, Work Session and Regular Meeting
V.B. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated June 20-July I I,
2019 totaling $6,289,478.96, Electronic Payment Register Dated June 20-July 11, 2019
totaling $414,466.32 and Credit Card Transactions April 26-May 27, 2019 totaling
$71,584.99
V.C. Approve New On-Sale Wine and 3.2 On-Sale Beer Liquor License for RH F&B
Minnesota LLC dba Restoration Hardware
V.D. Approve 2019-2020 City Insurance Renewals
V.E. Approve Liability Coverage Statutory Limits
V.F. Adopt Resolution No. 2019-48: Authorizing Application for Livable Communities
Demonstration Account Grant Funds
V.G. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Fred Richards Park Phase I Site Improvements, JL Theis, Inc., $113,050
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Minutes/Edina City Council/July 16, 2019
V.H. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Fred Richards Park Phase I Playground Equipment and Installation,
Minnesota/Wisconsin Playground $120,920.00
V.I. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Fred Richards Park Phase I Open Air Shelter, Cedar Forest Products $38,300.00
V.J. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Resurfacing Parking Lot at Cornelia Park, Bituminous Roadways, $37,800
V.K. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Three 2020 Western Star Single-Axle Trucks with Plows, Boyer Trucks & TBEI, Inc.
$548,886.90
V.L. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
One 2020 Western Star Tandem-Axle Trucks with Plow, Boyer Trucks & TBEI, Inc.
$199,138.12
V.M. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Water Treatment Plant No. 3 Interior Painting, Champion Coatings, Inc., $42,100.00
V.N. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Liquor Store Point of Sale Software Renewal, Lightspeed POS $46,901.80
V.O. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Browndale Avenue Stormwater Improvements, Pember Companies, Inc., $508,086.75
V.P. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Traffic Signal and Pedestrian Facility Improvements at Wooddale Avenue and Valley
View Road, Meyer Contracting Inc. $299,247.00
V.Q. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Change Order No. I for 77th Street Sanitary Sewer Emergency Repair, Insituform,
$73,860.00
V.R. Approve Request for Purchase, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder,
Interlachen Boulevard and W. 59th Street Mill and Overlay, GMH Asphalt
Corporation $502,448.62
V.S. Response to Amended Petition Requesting Street Reconstruction of Woodland Road
V.T. Adopt Resolution No. 2019-53: Approving Amendment to City Council Meeting
Agenda
V.U. Approve Traffic Safety Report of May 28, 2019
V.V. Adopt Resolution No. 2019-52: Accepting Donations
V.W. Approve Revised Charge for the Housing Strategy Task Force
Rol!call:
Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VI. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
V.I.A. HONORING EDINA'S FIRST ROBOTICS TEAM — PROCLAIMED
Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation honoring Edina's FIRST Robotics Team 1816 - "The Green
Machine" who won rrthe top award at the World Championship event in Detroit, Michigan in May 2019.
The Chairman's Award was given to a FIRST Robotics team judged to have had the most significant,
measurable impact on the world and inspiring young people to appreciate and pursue careers in the fields
of science, technology, engineering and math. This was the most prestigious award given at the annual
event and Team 1816 was the first team from Minnesota to earn the award.
Tenzing Wyatt, Oscar Wetum, Dalla Beckensted, shared a presentation on FIRST Robotics and the
importance of STEM then shared a video and explained more about their deep space robot Zeta. A round
of applause was offered by the audience.
Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the proclamation
honoring Edina's FIRST Robotics Team.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
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Motion carried.
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD — Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VILA. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-51 APPROVING PUBLIC DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT
VACATION AT 4901 W. 77TH STREET — ADOPTED
City Engineer Millner stated Pentagon Village, LLC, had applied for drainage and utility easement vacation
at 4901 W. 77th Street.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:33 p.m.
Public Testimony
No one appeared.
Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Fischer introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2019-51 vacating right-of-
way easement, 4901 W. 77th Street, Pentagon Village redevelopment project. Member Brindle
seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-49 APPROVING SITE PLAN REVIEW AND SETBACK VARIANCES
FOR 6950 FRANCE AVENUE — ADOPTED
Community Development Director Teague said the applicant, Luigi Bernardi, was proposing to tear down
the existing office building to build a new retail building with surface parking in the rear. The request
required site plan review with a side street setback variance from 35 feet to 16 feet from an unimproved
right-of-way. He said on July 10, 2019, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request
and included a condition that the existing sidewalk remain on the site. He shared revisions from sketch
plan review that included upgrades of building materials, enhanced landscaping, and electric charging
stations and noted the applicant had requested the existing sidewalk along France Avenue remain but staff
was requesting removal and construction of a new eight-foot sidewalk away from the building.
The Council asked about widths curb-to-curb north to 69th to 70th Streets. Mr. Teague said a five-foot
wide narrower strip separated the areas.
The Council shared concerns about traffic from the west as the site was next to Kinderberry Hill childcare
center and asked whether Kinderberry was aware of the proposed project. Mr. Teague said a traffic and
parking study was conducted, which concluded the existing roads could support the project and parking
was adequate. He said no separation was proposed from Kinderberry such as fencing, etc., and he was
unaware of conversations with the childcare center regarding the project.
Edward Farr, Edward Farr Architects, shared the proposed project and commented about existing ingress
and egress easement through the daycare property and how it would be useful for office users as it would
reduce traffic conflicts. He said there would be no signage to promote the access so usage would cease
and they would be obtaining an internal access easement from the property owner as well. He shared
proof of parking and greenspace with a 50-foot setback off France Avenue as recommended then shared
the proposed pedestrian engaging features that included benches, lighting, visible stormwater features, and
outdoor furniture. Mr. Farr spoke about the trail and intent to widen where not to eight feet and extend
past Bremer Bank but noted the trail would not provide a convenient route and would include some
challenges. He said the applicant intended to shift the rain gardens east to obtain more infiltration and
better a visual feature then shared the current rendering and proposed materials with four-sided
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architecture, four tenant bays possible, with two only entrances on France Avenue. He noted the conifers
would be retained between 6950 and the Vitamin Shoppe as the conifers would act as good buffer for the
neighboring property.
The Council referred to trees along France Avenue in the new development called The Avenue and asked
about any plans to continue the tree corridor. The Council also asked for more detail on the stormwater
features. Mr. Farr explained three overstory trees would be included and they would improve the current
chamber system and incorporate rain gardens in the front yard. He noted the building would be 30 feet
high with 20 feet of glass and a parapet.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:55 p.m.
Public Testimony
Frank Lorenz, 7151 York Avenue South, addressed the Council.
David Buyse, commercial real estate broker representing Southdale Pet Hospital at 3910 W. 70th Street,
addressed the Council.
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council referred to concerns raised during public testimony regarding mosquitoes from the rain
gardens and continued concerns about traffic cut through. The Council requested the applicant contact
the daycare to explore possible solutions. Mr. Farr said the gardens were actually storm water
management features and included an architectural rock basin to address potential mosquito concerns as
well as special filtration media to infiltrate water quickly.
The Council asked about sidewalk concerns, the difference in what the Planning Commission wanted, why
5 feet vs 8 feet, to mitigate width, and allow an alternate path. Mr. Teague replied staff wanted an 8-foot
sidewalk and moved back farther from France as well as proposed sidewalk by the building. Mr. Mic
Johnson wanted a double row of trees so removing sidewalk allows for trees, and sidewalk closer to the
building would serve the site.
The Council spoke about 691/2 Street, which was actually an access easement, and if the variance and
opening would not include parking. Mr. Teague said the area for a variance was 50 feet, which could be
corrected in the future with new street realignment and would then be the east/west connection for the
block and made into a boulevard street at that width.
The Council asked about the parking lot easement, stalls set behind the building, and if the easement
around the current parking was considered. The Council suggested closing off the easement access to
address traffic concerns. Mr. Farr said the easement was solely in the driveway lane, not in stalls, and was
taken into consideration. He would prefer to keep the area open as all other lots around the block were
connected and offered alternatives for connectivity and circulation as well as emergency vehicle access.
The Council inquired about the one-story design instead of a mansard roof. Mr. Farr said this was the best
size to support with surface parking, adding the tenant was looking for a modern contemporary structure.
The Council referred to eventual iron deposits on the building and suggested review of either stone
treatment or a cleaning plan. The Council spoke about the excellent building materials and design and how
the France Avenue front looked well but double trees could block the building over time. The Council
suggested more substance for the pergola but agreed it fit well with the other buildings. The Council noted
internal circulation issues had existed for many years and part of solution would be on Kinderberry. The
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Council voiced support for the variance with 100 feet of separation from the building to the north as it
helped set up a future Southdale plan with subtle of building placement and parking.
Member Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2019-49 approving a site
plan with variances at 6950 France Avenue with the following conditions:
I . 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 May 3 I, 2018.
• Grading plan date stamped May 31, 20187.
• Landscaping plan date stamped May 31, 2018.
• Building elevations date stamped May 31, 2018.
2. Prior the issuance of a building permit, a final landscape plan must be submitted, subject to staff
approval. Landscape plan must meet all minimum Zoning Ordinance requirements. The trees on the
east side of the site shall be preserved if possible, during construction.
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 revisions to the
approved plans to meet the district's requirements.
5. Compliance with the conditions required by the city engineer in his memo dated July 3, 2019.
6. Building plans are subject to review and approval of the fire marshal at the time of building permit.
7. The existing sidewalk shall remain on the site.
Member Staunton seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VII.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2019-50 APRPOVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH VARIANCES FOR
5841 OAKLAWN AVENUE — ADOPTED
Mr. Teague said Steve Sandberg was proposing to subdivide his property at 5841 Oaklawn into two lots.
The existing home would be torn down and two new homes built. There was an existing pedestrian and
utility easement located over a vacated right-of-way of a portion of 59th Street which would remain. He
stated the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request but added a condition
that the building height on Lot I should be regulated as a 50-foot wide lot with a 35-foot height maximum.
Mr. Teague shared the existing driveway connected to 59th Street should be eliminated, and drainage
plans should connect to the drain tile system along the east lot line subject to review and approval of the
city engineer. Mr. Teague reviewed the practical difficulty of location of 59th Street and pedestrian and
utility easements.
Steve Sandburg, 2929 17th Avenue South, Minneapolis, said his family purchased the lot in 1949 and loved
living in Edina. Now he would like to use the lot for investment property.
The Council asked if the applicant was willing to expand the easement to 30 feet, if approved. Mr.
Sandburg said he would, adding there was 20 feet on this site and 10 feet on the site to the south.
David Knaeble, Civilside Work, 4931 W. 35th Street, St. Louis Park, said they were in support of all
conditions from the Planning Commission with 50-foot widths, height restrictions, drain tile, and
elimination of the driveway. He said drainage concerns would not increase as all would be in the 59th
Street right-of-way so there would be no increased drainage to any offsite properties.
The Council noted the street was higher than the sidewalk to the front of the home and asked if the new
homes would be the same grade or raised. The Council also asked if the legacy tree by the driveway could
be retained. The Council spoke about water concerns by neighbors due to grade change and the
importance of including stormwater elements in landscaping where possible. Mr. Knaeble said the plan
was shown to the level of the existing home but noted the legacy tree would most likely be taken by the
builder.
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Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:38 p.m.
Public Testimony
Matthew So, 5837 Oaklawn Avenue, addressed the Council.
Matt Glatzel, 5800 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to close the public hearing.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council asked questions after testimony regarding reasons for the variance approval. Mr. Teague
reviewed that because of the right-of-way in the southeast corner, the building on Lot I would be
restricted and also on the lot to the south. He said Lot 2 would be the same size as other lots in the area
at 50 feet wide and was reasonable.
The Council noted Lot I was a little larger than average due to the right-of-way vacation then asked about
grade change, the resulting building on Lot I, and at what point would the grade change. Mr. Teague said
drainage would not extend onto adjacent properties any more than currently and possibly even less.
The Council spoke about minimizing and uniformity of lot size then asked about risks to other neighbors
based on discharged water with the creation of two new lots. Mr. Millner said the rain garden and swale
was needed to get to the 59th Street drain tile but staff would review that with site plan prior to permits.
Currently, staff was were comfortable with the application.
The Council said while challenging, the request was consistent with the neighborhood and City Code with
a smaller footprint and the result of two new families to the community. The Council shared concerns
about the home's south lot of 80 feet, three-stall garage, and frontage. The Council did want two next to
each other but was in favor of the subdivision as it retained neighborhood character.
Member Anderson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2019-50 approving a
preliminary plat with variances at 5841 Oaklawn Avenue based on the following conditions:
I .The City must approve the final plat within one year of preliminary approval or receive a written
application for a time extension or the preliminary approval will be void.
2. Prior to issuance of a building permit, the following items must be submitted:
a. Submit evidence of Minnehaha Creek Watershed District approval. The City may require revisions to
the preliminary plat to meet the district's requirements.
b. A curb-cut permit must be obtained from the Edina engineering department.
c. A grading, drainage and erosion control plan subject to review and approval of the city engineer. The
proposed plans shall meet all conditions outlined in the engineering memo dated June 18, 2019.
d. There shall be no increase in peak rate or volume to neighboring private property.
e. Any disturbance to the roadway caused by the construction of the new homes must be repaired by
replacing the asphalt pavement from curb-to-curb and from saw-cut to saw-cut.
f. A construction management plan will be required for the construction of the new homes.
g. Utility hook-ups are subject to review of the city engineer.
3. No structure shall be constructed within the utility and pedestrian easement located over the south 30
feet of Lot I.
4.The building height on Lot I shall be regulated as a 50-foot-wide lot. No taller than 35 feet to the ridge
line.
5.The existing driveway connected to 59th Street shall be eliminated.
6.The drainage plans shall connect to the drain tile system along the east lot line subject to review and
approval of the city engineer.
7. Expanding the easement to 20 feet.
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Minutes/Edina City Council/July 16. 2019
Member Brindle seconded the motion.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
VIII.A. LAKE CORNELIA VEGETATED BUFFER PROJECT CONCEPT AND COST-SHARE
AGREEMENT — APPROVED
Assistant Director of Parks and Natural Resources Swenson shared communication efforts for the Lake
Cornelia Vegetated Buffer Project concept and cost that included correspondence, presentations, Better
Together, open houses, and Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. He reviewed the park strategic
plan to protect, enhance and restore the City's natural resources, and areas with no net loss of natural
areas. He identified low-use park land areas that could be converted to native or low input ground covers
to lessen maintenance and provide greater habitat. Mr. Swenson shared Lake Cornelia blue-green algae
concerns and how it was listed on the federal impaired waters lists and the need for a buffer and Clean
Water Strategy by 2020. He outlined areas and existing conditions and challenges that included access
from adjacent property owners, proximity to the 6629 home, and encroachment issues with irrigation
systems, etc., then reviewed the funding source that included partnership with Nine Mile Creek
Watershed District for $25,000 and shoreline naturalization funding with an estimate of $50,000. He
noted the buffer was there not just for water quality but also to change the land use from mowed to
natural.
Mr. Millner said staff was looking for low-cost methods to address these goals and said the Watershed
required a 10-year maintenance period. If approved, some plantings and clean-up would be done yet this
year. He commented on the goal to maintain to the property line and how some residents did not wish to
do so.
The Council asked about reasons for the land use change and culvert plan then spoke about how the
project seemed early with next year's overall lake management plan. Mr. Swenson said staff was trying to
find underutilized mowed area to convert to natural for sustainability and noted the culvert went between
the 4524 and 4520 homes to bring from the watershed to the south.
The Council noted the City received encouragement to start to address this problem and agreed on the
need for a broader overall strategy then asked questions about the buffer depth and if the main concern
was 60 feet from the property line to the shore of the lake. The Council suggested a more gradual line to
give a 25-30-foot buffer and provide more relief to homes closer to the lake to ensure all homes had 10
feet of relief for more uniformity. The Council noted how residents had been taking care of the area for
the most part now and commented about inconsistent history of the City in interactions with neighbors
and maintenance and not being able to maintain the areas properly. The Council said residents know they
have no legal right to the area but had been maintaining to address the look and since the project would
not fully address the algae concerns, a 30-foot buffer would be more appropriate.
Doug Mensing, Senior Ecologist for Applied Ecological Services, Inc., reviewed the proposed plan of
enhanced woodlands to remove invasive buckthorn and Ash trees and the intent to be more visibly
permeable. He said the design maintenance plan would cover 10 years and add low-growing plants and
native grasses that would obscure views and include shade-plants or savanna plants of three feet or less
and would enhance the emergent zone and improve habitats for fish and frogs.
The Council asked about plant options that would allow pedestrians to access the lake and stop treating
lawns right to the lake. The Council noted lake use change would result in loss of a current utility for play
use and a 30-foot buffer would be a good start. The Council suggested the possible sale of property to the
homeowners with easements to allow lake access and provide controls such as limited fertilizer use, etc.
The Council spoke about the buffer on the lake side of the trail including a trail as a boundary. Mr.
Swenson said any trail would be approximately 50 feet or closer in some places.
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Mr. Neal shared there were many different opportunities and encroachment issues to compare too and
cautioned against handling this one differently. The Council said the City should still maintain the area as
public land and provide accountability. He asked about boat access. Mr. Swenson said the proposed
plantings would not affect access to the lake and the lake would include one public access. Mr. Millner
added staff would need to confirm if the grant amount would change based on Council direction.
The Council stressed the importance of lake access and the ability to enjoy the park then spoke about
retaining everything on the east end to the first property and putting responsibility on the neighbors to
maintain so the City could do what was needed in the 30-foot buffer and provide room for a trail.
Member Staunton made a motion, seconded to Member Brindle, approving Lake Cornelia
Vegetated Buffer project with 30-foot limitation concept and Nine Mile Creek Watershed
District cost-share agreement grant with continued maintenance and design, and directing
staff to proceed to bid stage.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
The Council took a short recess.
VIII.B. W. 58TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION CONCEPT AND RECEIVE UPDATED PUBLIC
ENGAGEMENT REPORT — APPROVED
Mr. Millner shared the West 58th Street reconstruction concept public engagement process had over 3,000
site visits and 118 engaged visitors who provided feedback on use patterns, concepts, alternatives interests,
and issues. He said there was value of input at all stages and since the opportunity for street changes was
infrequent, now was the time. The existing street was not centered on the right-of-way and the
pedestrian and bike master plan included more emphasis on shared uses. He said staff was asking for
approval of a concept that balanced the needs of the residents and City and spoke about reduced property
impacts, separated off-street and on-street bike facilities, and materials. Mr. Millner said the lighting style
input was 60% and the result was Alternative A with lane widths of 12 feet that separated pedestrians from
vehicles with the boulevard to include turf, day lilies or trees, and could address stormwater issues too.
He shared the justification for Alternative A that included narrow vehicle lanes, least amount of property
impacts, off-street bike and pedestrians with buffers from vehicles, space for landscaping and stormwater,
enhanced crosswalk to Pamela Park, and limited loss of driveway parking.
The Council asked about potential parking bays. Mr. Millner said bays could be a possibility on the north
side to allow more parking and slow traffic. He shared photos with proposed lines to depict property
impacts and where fencing would likely be removed, then reviewed driveway and slope analysis and the
resulting resident-created alternatives through an engaged community. Mr. Millner also reviewed next
steps including assessment estimates, preliminary engineering, design determine impacts, and December
public hearing.
The Council commented on the online tool usefulness and possible alternatives then asked since residents
were comfortable with no more than an eight-foot impact into their yards on the north, could bikes still
be separated. Mr. Millner said the separation was not possible and felt more room was needed so families
using the bikeway would not co-mingle with traffic. He would not recommend five-foot bikeways but
would suggest six feet instead. He noted there would be no room for stormwater treatments. Mr.
Millner reviewed what could work on the south side with six- to eight-foot impacts. Discussion was held
on the ability of cities to lower the speed limit to 25 mph beginning August I but that implementation
could be complicated.
The Council asked about the Discussion Only option and how it included no buffer and concerns about
width and the importance of completing the loop to Pamela Park to take bike traffic off a portion of 58th
Street and create adequate access. Mr. Millner said the City was designing for future users and if there
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was an eight-foot path or trail, he would be concerned about not engaging residents on Fillbrook first.
Discussion was held about the bituminous being the same level as the roadway with a divider but the
protection would not feel like an asphalt sidewalk and separated from traffic. Mr. Millner said the buffered
bike lane would need to be vertical and need more space to keep cars out, probably with a curb and
maintenance, but cars could drive up and over.
The Council asked about crosswalks and the need for another at Kellogg. Mr. Millner said school buses
served as a crosswalk. He would prefer to wait to monitor and add later at the property owners' request.
The Council spoke about the need for a boulevard buffer and to keep impacts to nothing greater than 8
feet to accomplish a sidewalk on the north. The Council shared concerns about redesign and a hybrid
solution and how changing the design without an opportunity for new feedback would not honor the
process. Mr. Millner clarified as the design was being created, staff would work with the property owners
on impacts.
Member Brindle made a motion, seconded to Member Staunton, to approve Alternative A
as the concept for W. 58th Street from Wooddale Avenue to Xerxes Avenue with conditions
beginning on the north side with a five-foot sidewalk, two-foot boulevard, eleven-foot travel
lanes, eight-foot concrete bike walk, and concrete sidewalk.
Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland
Motion carried.
VIII.C. SKETCH PLAN — 7001 AND 7025 FRANCE AVENUE — REVIEWED
Community Development Director Teague said the Council was asked to consider a sketch plan request
to redevelop the southeast corner of 70th and France (7001 & 7025 France Avenue.) The applicant would
tear down the existing 66,200 square foot office and bank, and build a 5,500 square foot US Bank building
with drive-through, 4,000 square foot retail building with drive-through, 7,000 square foot multi-tenant
retail building, 120-unit market rate apartment (181,000 square foot), and 80-unit affordable housing
apartment (75,000 square foot)
Carl Robert, Ryan Companies, said the site would allow for redevelopment and the bank to continue
operations. He said the bank would be opaque and set back with current subtenants leaving and no public
space or sidewalks currently. He shared the interior promenade and full acre of uses with high-quality
architecture, large living units made for Edina empty-nesters, with high and oversized ceilings and terraces,
40% affordable units included, and very walkable to income-qualified jobs. He shared their plan to break
up the superblock as guided by the Southdale Area Plan with mixed use and total lifestyle housing options
to retain Edina residents with connection to a high-quality public realm that has public pathways, patios,
green space, and lighting. Mr. Robert said the ground floor uses would be transparent and engage France
Avenue with pedestrian-scaled buildings, and supportive of future connections to the promenade and
Hazelton Road.
Josh Ekstrand, National Director of Design and Arch on Overall Master Plan of Ryan, reviewed how the
project supported the Southdale Area Plan design guidelines by forming street rooms with new housing
options, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and a sustainable public realm. He reviewed the project would
include a 5,500-square foot flagship US Bank branch, 4,000 square feet of standalone retail, 7,000 square
feet multi-tenant retail, 120 market-rate multifamily units, 80 workforce units, and public realm
enhancements of sidewalks, interior streets, outdoor seating, and greenspace. He said they would reduce
surface parking from 205 to 149 stalls and all residential parking would be addressed in the enclosed
parking with a one-story of structured at grade and below grade that did not rely on surface parking.
Terry Menard, Confluence Landscape, said the overall public realm was to create a neighborhood
environment, pedestrian streets and sidewalks to connect, parking lot plantings and enriched public and
private spaces with a dog park, public art, stormwater infrastructure, and intimate gathering space with
seating and connections to residential and on street parking. This will create a downtown feel with large
glass storefronts, visibility, and plantings well above the existing France Avenue with center plaza space.
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The Council asked questions about meeting the Southdale Area Plan and indicated that while the eastern
side was good with pedestrian experiences and led north to a woonerf, the blocks were still too big. The
Council was concerned about the west side parking field being visible from the street, not creating street
rooms along France Avenue, and the need for more height and 50-foot setbacks as the promenade
concept did not flow through the site well and connect people to the site. The Council said the concept
of new local streets did not really connect and stressed the need to work with Hennepin County on
proposed curb cuts to drive the remainder of the development, and add more in landscaping around the
curb cut to shield parking. The Council spoke about tenant selection, residential being more attractive
than the proposed commercial, timing, and rating the housing strategy task force on housing created. The
Council asked for more graceful transitions within the site and neighboring sites and agreed on the need to
complement adjacent sites and relieve challenges with those sites. The Council cautioned against using too
modern architecture as it could become dated quickly and suggested focusing more on classic architecture.
The Council suggested reorganization of the site to highlight US Bank as the cornerstone and clarified the
senior and affordable use housing should look similar to the other housing with the promenade through
the site to provide pedestrian accesses from one building to another. The Council spoke about setting the
building back at 50 feet, adding public art, and stressed sustainability in all buildings such as composting and
low-energy lights, noting there was too much surface parking. The Council stressed the importance of this
site and US Bank wanting to remain open until the new bank was constructed but suggested a temporary
relocation so an appropriate Class A office building with height could be created on France Avenue as the
site needed to feel more urban and human-centric, not car-centric. The Council thanked the applicant for
this proposal and said it looked forward to seeing the revised plan.
IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX.A. CORRESPONDENCE - Received
Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence.
IX.B. MINUTES — Received
I. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, MAY 9, 2019
2. TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, MAY 16, 2019
3. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION, MAY 28, 2019
4. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JUNE II, 2019
5. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION, APRIL, MAY AND JUNE 2019
Informational; no action required.
X AVIATION NOISE UPDATE — Received
XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS — Received
XII. MANAGER'S COMMENTS — Received
XIII. CITY COUNCIL UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS — Received
d the meeting adjourned
(1141.
11
A
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, August 7, 2019 11111k7C
aures B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the July 16, 2019, meeting available.
Page 10
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovlan
at 11:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Clerk