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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-07 City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING APRIL 7, 2020 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. and stated the meeting was being held remotely in compliance with Governor Walz’ Stay at Home Order then shared the procedure for public hearing and community comment. II. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland. Absent: None. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA – APPROVED AS AMENDED Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to approve the meeting agenda as amended to remove Items VI.I., Request for Purchase; 2020 Ford F150 with Ecoboost Engine; and, VI.J. Request for Purchase; 2020 Ford F350 with Service Body. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IV.A. VIRTUAL MEETING POLICY – APPROVED Manager Neal outlined the City’s virtual meeting policy on how meetings would be conducted during a public health pandemic that included public hearings and community comment pursuant to State Statute. Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to adopt the virtual meeting policy as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT No one appeared. V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS No one appeared at the previous meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA – ADOPTED AS AMENDED Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the consent agenda as amended to remove Items VI.C., Ordinance No. 2020-05; Repealing and Replacing Sections of Chapter 24 of the Edina City Code Concerning Small Wireless Facility Standards; and, VI.D., Request for Purchase; West 58th Street Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Contract ENG 20-2, as follows: VI.A. Approve minutes of the Retreat February 26, 2020, Regular Meeting March 17, 2020, and Emergency Meeting March 27, 2020 VI.B. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated March 5-April 2, 2020, totaling $4,173,973.49 VI.C. Ordinance No. 2020-05; Repealing and Replacing Sections of Chapter 24 of the Edina City Code Concerning Small Wireless Facility Standards Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 2 VI.D. Request for Purchase; West 58th Street Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Contract ENG 20-2 VI.E. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2020 Watermain Pipe Condition Assessment, Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. for $126,400 VI.F. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Valley View Road Sidewalk Phase 3, Contract ENG 20-7, JTS Construction for $593,169 VI.G. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Public Works Heat Pump Replacement, Contract ENG 20-8NB, Corporate Mechanical for $55,695 VI.H. Approve Braemar Stormwater Volume Retention Project Agreement VI.I. Request for Purchase; 2020 Ford F150 with Ecoboost Engine VI.J. Request for Purchase; 2020 Ford F350 with Service Body VI.K. Approve Website Links Policy VI.L. Approve Revised Elected Official Out-of State Travel Policy VI.M. Approve Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Requalification VI.N. Approve New On-Sale Wine and 3.2 On-Sale Beer Liquor License for Magic Noodle Edina LLC dba Master Noodle VI.O. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-39; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT AGENDA: VI.C. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-05; REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 24 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE CONCERNING SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY STANDARDS – FIRST READING GRANTED The Council asked about continuing action on small wireless facilities and its relation to 5G technology and the need to learn more regarding enhanced speed and bandwidth. The Council supported staff providing research on potential public health issues associated with small wireless facilities prior to second reading and noted concerns had been raised at conferences too. Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to grant First Reading to Ordinance No. 2020-05 amending Chapter 24, Article III of the Edina City Code Concerning Small Wireless Facilities and Wireless Support Structures Located in the Public Right-of-Way. Mr. Neal shared staff had been speaking with major carriers for months to move this antennae amendment forward and explained how their request did not fit City ordinance but noted cities had limitations on denial of permits and health issue was not one of the reasons for denial. He acknowledged the topic was being discussed nationally but this action was intended to relax some aspects to allow antennaes to be placed in commercial areas and help increase capacity in residential areas in exchange. He asked the Council to hold first reading and indicated staff would address potential health concerns at second reading, noting a number of cities were receiving similar email blasts from residents but that was not connected to the action requested for this item. Director of Engineering Millner said staff had been working with Verizon who differed in opinion and did not believe the City could stop deployment in residential streets based on aesthetics. The Council requested analysis of deployment standards prior to second reading. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VI.D. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE; WEST 58TH STREET NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, CONTRACT ENG 20-2 – AWARDED Mr. Millner said the request for purchase was to approve Park Construction Company for $4,920,108 for the West 58th Street Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction project. He said Infrastructure spending Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 3 concerns during the pandemic were raised at the last City Council meeting and noted approximately 89% of the total estimated project expenses were restricted by State Statute and 4-11% of the estimated expenses were set by City policy with guidance from State Statute. He said the City received good bids and explained how gas mains were being replaced now. He reviewed one small change and explained the need to award tonight. He shared knowledge of input about still wanting a 5-foot sidewalk on the south side, which included some benefits and increased the boulevard side to 2.5 feet, which would help increase stormwater management, shrink width on the south side by 2 feet for 1.5 feet narrower, and fewer impacts. Mr. Millner outlined the cons would be two sidewalks, how some would be used by bicyclists, and that people would have to be aware. He noted while this was a small tweak in the process, it could provide a win-win overall. The Council acknowledged that no one wanted the 8 feet shared off-road and the most preferred was the single sidewalk on the north side with the second preference being two 5-foot sidewalks. The Council thanked staff for the outstanding job of listening and communicating with residents but shared comments received about hardships if done and the possibility for more feedback and indicated it did not want to create a hardship that would be regrettable later and respected the neighbor’s input. Mr. Millner said that delay could impact the contractor’s schedule as the project had been delayed by a month already. The Council said it wanted to make the neighbors happy but agreed the City had to build a system for the entire community, this was a compromise for both sides, and speed reduction could be considered in the future. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, to approve Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, West 58th Street Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Contract ENG 20-2, Park Construction Company for $4,920,108. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR WEEK – PROCLAIMED Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving proclamation declaring the week of April 12-18, 2020, National Telecommunications Week in the City of Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Janelle Harris thanked the Council for recognizing dispatchers’ strong commitment to public safety and shared a recent water rescue that included location difficulties. She described how the operator worked to get assistance on scene creatively then shared how dispatchers were adapting during the pandemic through calmness, customer service, and professionalism. She said Public Safety Telecommunicators week was created in Contra Costa County, California in 1981 and it was important to thank and honor those who dedicated their lives to serving the public and also bring awareness to the hard work and dedication behind the scenes in the Edina 911 Communications Center. Police Chief Nelson thanked the team of dispatchers for their great job and thanked the Council for its support. VII.B. ARBOR DAY 2020 – PROCLAIMED Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving proclamation declaring April 24, 2020, as Arbor Day in the City of Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 4 City Forester Overholt shared Arbor Day was a holiday that originated in Nebraska City to encourage the planting and caring for trees. The first Arbor Day was held on April 10, 1872, and an estimated one million trees were planted that day. He said Edina would recognize Arbor Day by planting 10 trees at Pamela Park on April 24 for added shade around the fields. He said in lieu of the regular celebration, the City would be hosting a virtual Arbor Day on Facebook Live. This was the 23rd year the City was recognized. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-04, RESOLUTION NO. 2020-37, RESOLUTION NO. 2020-38; COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AND REZONING WITH VARIANCES FOR HANKERSON AVENUE AND 52ND STREET WEST FOR DONNAY HOMES – PUBLIC HEARING CONTINUED TO APRIL 15, 2020; DECISION CONTINUED TO APRIL 21, 2020 Member Anderson noted he would recuse himself from consideration of this matter due to a conflict of interest. Community Development Director Teague said the applicant, Donnay Homes, Inc., on behalf of Elizabeth and Peter MacDonagh was requesting consideration of a proposal to redevelop the property at the corner of Hankerson Avenue and 52nd Street West, 5132 and 5136-48 Hankerson Avenue. The proposal was to tear down the existing two-story four-unit apartment at 5136-48 Hankerson and the single-story single- family home at 5132 Hankerson, and build a new 10-unit, two and a half-story row townhomes. He outlined the proposed setback and building coverage variance requests and reviewed issues and noted the Planning Commission recommended approval 5-3 as the Comprehensive Plan was a reasonable request as transition from commercial area to the east with characteristics of a single-family home and would provide the missing middle housing types. Mr. Teague said the rezoning was consistent with apartments to the south then said the variances were reasonable based on consistency with single-family homes to the north and fit to the neighborhood. The Council asked if the site was guided for LDR what would the number of units be. The Council also asked about capacity of the existing street and whether it would support the additional 5 units per block for a total of 10 units. Mr. Teague replied LDR allowed for 8 units per acre and currently there were 7 units. He said as single-family, the use would allow for 1-4 units but attached was 4-8 units, noting the differences were in duplexes, townhomes, and a common wall. He said if they were to propose 7 units, the project would be consistent with the current Comprehensive Plan. Steve Behnke, Senior Project Manager for applicant, shared about the proposed Vernon at Grandview project and how the vicinity of the area was predominantly retail with a solid mix of high-density residential. He noted there was a gap along Vernon Avenue where this project would fit well and said the current 4- plex was built in 1955 and did not fit the zoning in 1964. He spoke about medium density of 12 units/acre and how this project was modestly higher than the 14.9 units/acre and well under the 60/units per acre for high density. He also spoke about history of the site shape where 12-13 homes could have been included and noted the street use in this area was less intense than other neighboring blocks with many garages turned to the alley or deeply setback, providing play areas because an alley was not reasonable for play areas. Mr. Behnke explained how the association would help address what can and cannot be parked outside then commented on the lack of recent construction of this type of product. He stated the project would bring 10 new single-family townhomes to Edina and provide move-up and lateral move housing. He explained how these units would be marketable with separate entrances and garages, making the units more appealing than apartment-style housing and help fill the missing middle housing market as single-family was not viable in this area due to costs. He explained the vision of a walkable neighborhood, location for new housing stock in an appropriate location, and how Interlachen Point townhomes existed already in the vicinity. He noted Donnay Homes understood the market and had experience building in Edina since 2007. He stated this project would open up new housing to existing buyers. He spoke about the amenities with front doors, driveway, double-car garage with semi-private fenced front yard, outdoor space and trees, materials of low- maintenance composite siding with brick/stone features, a Brownstone feel and urban character with a front porch and interior atrium for private outdoor space, their goal to replace 16% more trees than required by ordinance, and their request for more coverage so they could address all stormwater run-off on site. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 5 The Council asked why single-family homes would not work on this site and about the proposed materials. Mr. Behnke explained the number of units divided by the cost of the land and development costs for new services was too expensive and would not support that level of housing in this area. The Council spoke about the possibility of low-density residential attached units instead. Mr. Behnke said that type of product would only allow 4 units per lot and the price point would be $1 million per unit, which is too high. He noted that 10 units allowed them to bring units in at a more reasonable cost and lower selling price. Mr. Teague clarified the density numbers were in line with the current Comprehensive Plan and allowed 8 units per acre. He noted the 2008 Comprehensive Plan was guided for low-density attached and if medium- density single-family attached was considered, it would allow up to 8 units on this site. Mr. Behnke noted an 8-unit building would still price them out of viability. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:00 p.m. Public Testimony Jay Mahler, 5120 Hankerson Avenue, addressed the Council. Star Selleck, 5041 Hankerson Avenue, addressed the Council. Dennis Bornfleth, 5124 Hankerson Avenue, addressed the Council. Travis Erickson, 5108 William Avenue, addressed the Council. Doug Hoffman, 5129 William Avenue, addressed the Council. Motion by Member Staunton, seconded by Member Fischer, to continue the public hearing to 12:00 PM on April 15, 2020 to allow the City Council to consider additional public comments, and to close the public hearing at 12:01 PM on April 15, 2020 and for the City Council to make a decision at the April 21, 2020 City Council meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. The Council thanked staff for providing a good public hearing process during these interesting times. Member Anderson returned to the meeting at 9:25 p.m. IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS IX.A. FLOOD RISK REDUCTION STRATEGY AND SCOPE FOR MAJOR AMENDMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN – APPROVED Engineering Services Manager Bintner thanked the Task Force members for their work on the proposed plan and the need to be proactive with coordinated effects that did not affect their neighbors but allowed them to be prepared for the next emergency as spring has begun. He spoke about the value of the Task Force who reviewed gaps in service expectations versus reality, values, common problems, and leading the conversation. He reviewed the Task Force’s framework that included risk, drivers, and areas of work and explained pathways to structural flood risk that included surface water, groundwater, sanitary backflow, climate and natural environment, flood exposure, and vulnerability. Mr. Bintner spoke about leading drivers that included climate change and private and public asset and infrastructure such as impervious surfaces, land use decisions, and the increased demand for land. Mr. Bitner outlined strategies to address the concerns through infrastructure, regulation, outreach and engagement, and emergency services then outlined Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 6 proposed next steps that included scope of service for the first comprehensive neighborhood flood risk reduction with the Morningside reconstruction project and Weber Park development. He asked the Council to approve the Flood Risk Reduction Strategy and scope of services, and authorize a major amendment to Comprehensive Water Management Plan. The Council asked how work would go forward with other neighborhoods. Mr. Bintner said for Morningside, the City would focus on infrastructure and outreach that could be done immediately but infrastructure was generational and had to sync with a plan 4-5 years ahead and get neighborhoods involved in their flood issues. The Council agreed it was important to consider messages and takeaways that climate change was the biggest driver. The Council asked about the differences of well drained areas versus impervious surfaces. Mr. Bitner responded future changes could see a lot of potential risk with precipitation and extremes that follow trends of climate change signals and variabilities that could wash away all other trends in terms of scope. He explained that well-drained areas were expectations the City placed on the land and once drained, then built upon. The Council asked if Morningside projects would be the first to try and about regulation plans and process. Mr. Bintner said there were other infrastructure planning efforts and three other components that could be implemented immediately, such as public outreach and education. He noted solving flooding in one area just pushed the risk downstream and the goal was to address interrelation on a neighborhood scale and to plan ahead while transferring risk downstream and making room in other areas. He explained the Plan came with a project list and used only infrastructure approaches. This was a step back and put together plans on a regional/neighborhood scale. Mr. Bitner acknowledged the contradictions that would help residents so it did not harm neighbors through impervious surface limits. He said by Statute, staff had to engage the Watershed Districts and be consistent with those overarching government plans and ensure the individual projects were synchronized to reduce flood risk. The Council commented on the importance of this work in light last summer’s highest recorded rainfall in Minnesota history. Mr. Bintner outlined the quick wins in the appendixes that included an interactive map that addressed risks by property, fact sheets of exposure-limiting ideas, sump pumps, sandbagging, and the goal to build a body of knowledge to help connect residents towards a community capacity. He explained most of the program was policy language and preplanning for infrastructure and how some would not be obtrusive such as school ball fields for storage but other large areas had to be included within the streets and public spaces for tradeoffs that could arise. The Council thanked the Task Force for its work and extensive report. Motion by Member Staunton, seconded by Member Brindle, to approve Flood Risk Strategy, authorize scope for major amendment to Comprehensive Water Resources Management Plan, and approve BARR agreement. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX.B. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR VEAP IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 – APPROVED Mr. Neal thanked Ms. Hawkinson for this proposal to identify a need to assist those residents who needed rental assistance. Affordable Housing Manager Hawkinson outlined the potential revenue sources that resulted in a program with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP) to respond to low-income households being hardest hit by COVID-19. She said the requested funds would augment Human Services funding previously awarded to VEAP to assist Edina residents with housing advocacy and emergency rental assistance. She explained how in December 2019, the Council approved the Human Services Funding recommendations that included $17,296 in 2020 for (VEAP). To help alleviate housing insecurity, staff recommended amending the current Human Services Funding Services Agreement with VEAP to increase Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 7 the funding award by $100,000. Ms. Hawkinson said VEAP helped support low-income renters to maintain safe and stable housing by communicating with property management and negotiating payment arrangements, a need which could increase as job hours are cut or job loss occurs. VEAP also provided limited emergency rent assistance to help maintain housing stability and prevent homelessness. These were typically one-time rent payments, but during the COVID-19 crisis, VEAP would allow up to three months rental assistance, which was the reason for the increased funding support. She said the $100,000 would come from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, could serve roughly 37 households over three months, and assist landlords as well who still had to pay utilities and property taxes through rental income. The Council thanked staff for this creative idea to help with rental assistance. The Council suggested an amendment that clarified the $100,000 supplemental rental assistance and included an additional condition E indicating the funds shall be used solely for the benefit of Edina residents. Motion by Member Anderson, seconded by Member Staunton to approve $100,000 in one-time funding to VEAP and execute amended December 18, 2019, service agreement as amended to include: “Condition E. All supplemental assistant shall be used solely for the benefit of Edina residents.” Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. X. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS X.A. CORRESPONDENCE – Received Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council’s receipt of various correspondence. X.B. PETITION FOR AND AGAINST HIBISCUS AVENUE SIDEWALK – RECEIVED AND REFERRED TO ENGINEERING Motion by Member Brindle, seconded by Member Fischer, to receive petition for and against Hibiscus Avenue sidewalk and forward to the Engineering Department for consideration. The Council spoke about public feedback on this sidewalk section, both viewpoints, and clarified the requests from both sides were coming from the neighborhood. The Council suggested with no likely agreement, should the Council consider stopping the process now, especially since there was not a lot of vehicle traffic in this area and it was not listed as a higher priority for sidewalks by the City. Mr. Neal agreed that if the Council had an expected outcome, that could be considered. However, the normal course of events was to accept and refer the petitions to staff for process through the Commissions for eventual decision. The Council agreed that everyone’s opinion mattered and deserved the research for staff recommendation. The Council acknowledged there was more interest in sidewalks than funding so projects had to compete with priorities of other areas, such as school areas. Mr. Neal clarified staff was moving toward organizing virtual Board and Commission meetings and once established, this item could be reviewed by the Transportation Commission and should follow the regular process. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. X.C. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) – Received 1. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION FEBRUARY 13, 2020 Informational; no action required. XI. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received Minutes/Edina City Council/April 7, 2020 Page 8 XIII. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XIV. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XV. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Council Agenda, Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at 11:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, April 21, 2020. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the April 7, 2020, meeting available.