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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-05-19 City Council Regular Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING MAY 19, 2020 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 PRESENTED Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, to approve the meeting agenda 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 Manager Neal shared no Community Comments were made at the last meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, approving the consent agenda as presented: VI.A. Approve minutes of the Worksession and Regular Meetings of May 5, 2020 VI.B. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated May 1-14, 2020, totaling $1,388,600.74. VI.C. Approve Purchase of Vacant Land at Oak Lane VI.D. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Natural Areas Maintenance, Contract ENG 20-3, Cardno, $179,768.65 VI.E. Request for Purchase; rejecting all bids for 50th and France Paver Replacement, Contract ENG 20-10NB and rebid with more flexibility in the schedule VI.F. Response to Petitions for Sidewalks on Hibiscus Avenue, Gilford Drive and Kellogg Avenue VI.G. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Police Body- Worn Cameras, WatchGuard Video, $110,143.00 VI.H. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Construction Services for Edinborough Park Entrance Plaza Project, Bolton & Menk, $71,000 VI.I. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-53; Accepting Minnesota Department of Health COVID- 19 Response Grant Funding Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Minutes/Edina City Council/May 19, 2020 Page 2 Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2020 – PREOCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation to declare the week of May 15 as National Police Week 2020 in Edina and recognized May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day to thank and honor those who dedicated their lives to serving the public and recognize the hard work and dedication of the officers of the Edina Police Department. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, approving the proclamation declaring May 15 as National Police Week 2020 in Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Sgt. Venne thanked the Council for the proclamation and recognition of law enforcement Memorial Day. He noted how this year had been difficult due to the pandemic and shared how LEMA had cancelled all onsite activities at the memorial in St. Paul but stressed the importance of remembering the 135 officers who made ultimate sacrifice in 2019. He said the department was very fortunate to work in a community that supported their efforts and thanked the Council for their support. Chief Nelson shared his sincere thanks to the Council for the proclamation. The Council thanked all who served the Edina Police Department so well and their pride in having them work in the community. VII.B. EDINA CLASS OF 2020 DAY – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring May 31, 2020 Edina Class of 2020 Day to recognize the commitment and resilience of the students in the class of 2020 as they completed their final year of high school through distance learning and adaptation to changes to their way of life. Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, approving the proclamation declaring May 31, 2020 Edina Class of 2020 Day. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Edina Public Schools Superintendent John W. Schultz, Ph.D., accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Edina Class of 2020 and shared plans for student recognition considering the current pandemic that included diplomas delivered to students’ homes to make this a memorable commencement. VII.C. PRESERVATION MONTH 2020 – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring May 2020 Preservation Month in Edina to join other local and state preservation groups and organizations to raise awareness of historic properties and celebrate history, culture, historic places. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, approving the proclamation declaring May 2020 as Preservation Month. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Assistant Planner Bodeker stated the Heritage Preservation Commission had a walking tour planned for this month but due to COVID-19 the in-person tour was cancelled, and the Commission worked with staff to create a virtual walking tour and encouraged everyone to take time to review. Minutes/Edina City Council/May 19, 2020 Page 3 VII.D. 2020 HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARD – PRESENTED Mayor Hovland presented the 2020 Heritage Preservation Award to owners of the Powderhouse Doug and Julie Baker and builders Dovetail Renovations and architects Anders Matney and Rehkamp Larson Architects who took tremendous care to match historic features and make the garage much less visible to the streetscape. Commissioner Londquist announced the Heritage Preservation Commission had awarded the 2020 Heritage Preservation Award to 4610 Browndale Avenue and shared how the homeowners did extensive renovation work of this historic home, took great care to honor its historic features, and carefully match those features as certain elements were expanded. The homeowners and architect maintained the period style and detailing on all facades of the 1932 English Tudor Revival home which maintained its status as a contributing heritage resource in the Country Club District. Jean Rehkamp Larson accepted the award, spoke about the project, and thanked the Commission for its recognition of the renovation and thoughtful care by the homeowners who valued where they live. She said they worked to preserve the façade as a primary element and shared more about the great project of work that included reuse of windows and other elements. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD – Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-52: PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH VARIANCES AT 7413 AND 7425 YORK TERRACE FOR BLAZ RAZUL – CONTINUED TO JUNE 2, 2020 Community Development Director Teague stated Blaz Razul was proposing to subdivide his properties at 7413 and 7425 York Terrace into three lots. The existing homes on both lots would remain and a home would be constructed on the new Lot 2, created in between the two existing homes. Mr. Teague noted the applicant lived in the house to the south, hoped to live in the home in-between, and rent the home to the north. He explained the subdivision and variance requests in detail and noted the Planning Commission considered this item at their April 29, 2020 meeting and recommended approval 6-1. Blaz Razul, applicant, shared more details on their request to subdivide and build a new home. He said their family was growing and needed more space throughout the home. They loved their neighborhood and wanted to remain. He thanked the Council for their consideration. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Public Testimony Jon Sundal, addressed the Council. Alexander Tolchinsky, addressed the Council. Tom Kessler, addressed the Council. Member Staunton moved to extend public hearing to noon May 27, 2020 and final action to the June 2, 2020 meeting to consider Resolution No. 2020-52, Preliminary Plat with Variances at 7413 and 7425 York Terrace for Blaz Razul. Member Fischer seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS IX.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-54: AMENDING 2020 GENERAL FUND BUDGET – ADOPTED Manager Neal updated Council on the City’s plans to prepare the organization for the anticipated economic stress due to the pandemic which included establishment of a Budget Stabilization Fund that was considered earlier. The next step was to amend the 2020 Budget. Department directors analyzed 2020 revenue projections to determine expense reductions. Through this process, staff identified Minutes/Edina City Council/May 19, 2020 Page 4 approximately $1.4 million in reduced revenues and $2.05 million in expense reductions. This had a net positive impact of approximately $600,000, which was important to provide some budgetary flexibility. The details of these changes were shared, which only impacted general fund. It was noted staff would be reviewing similar information regarding recreation enterprises in June and reviewed again after property taxes were collected and amounts more known. The Council confirmed staff was comfortable with the 2020 adjustments and thanked them for their prudence in their approach. The Council spoke about budget difficulties in 2021 based on capacity in the economy, if there was a recovery view in 2021 or 2022. The Council asked about Edina’s proportion of business and residential taxes. Mr. Neal stated advantages of budget adjustments now gave staff more time to achieve the savings needed so the reductions would be more dramatic. The Council asked about property taxes due now and in October. Mr. Neal explained how Hennepin County delayed first half taxes from May 15 to July 15 and while the City supported that action, it made it difficult to project year end because staff won’t know until mid to end of August about tax collections. He noted most taxes are paid as part of a mortgage and therefore would be received so projections could be better but anticipated the delay occurring again in October. The Council confirmed this approval extended through 2020 and once more is known at the end of August, similar steps could be taken in 2021. The Council thanked staff for their work to respond quickly to this situation and despite the fact at the state and federal level, Edina was being self-reliant and had a more balanced tax base than other cities. Mr. Neal confirmed that to be the case but noted in September the Council would be asked to approve the 2021 property tax levy. He noted the City’s budget models assumed no federal or state assistance would be offered but if received, would be applied. Member Anderson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-54 amending the budget for the City of Edina for the year 2020. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland. Motion carried. IX.B. RESOLUTION 2020-48B: DENYING A PARKING STALL VARIANCE AND REVISED FINAL DEVELOPMENT SITE PLAN AT 45OO FRANCE AVENUE FOR ORION INVESTMENTS – ADOPTED Mr. Teague said this item was continued from the May 5, 2020 City Council meeting. He shared the applicant had since agreed to establish a 10-year easement on their property to the south to provide the parking stalls needed as identified in the Spack Solutions Parking Study. This easement was reflected in the resolution of approval and the alternate resolution of denial added the reference to the parking. The Council asked questions about the 10-year easement and noted that while it did not meet the ordinance requirement since it was on adjacent property owned by the applicant, it would fit. The Council asked about cross easements. Mr. Teague said the applicant would still need a parking variance provided on the south lot that would cover parking during peak times as identified in the report but would have to combine lots into one lot of record. Attorney Knutson confirmed if permanent easements were created, they would have to provide a lease or easement for 25 years. The Council spoke about the public hearing testimony, need for parking ordinance updates a few years ago, and approval of the redevelopment project in 2018 that included a 35-seat restaurant and how additional seating was important. The Council also spoke about impacts, how the project would benefit this neighborhood, and if not approved could result in a low activity use that would not bring life to the street or a high volume/high turnover restaurant instead. The Council shared its desire for a vibrant business node that enhanced property values, the need to continue what was approved, and work more on district parking. The Council requested the Planning Commission to accelerate parking ordinances in their workplan. The Council spoke about the good project that included buried power lines and the need Minutes/Edina City Council/May 19, 2020 Page 5 for collaboration with private property owners in the area combined with what were correct parking requirements. The Council also spoke about being part of a PUD, not foreseeing that 35 seats was not enough in the beginning, and that it did not want to have a restaurant close because of insufficient parking. Max Moreland, Spack Solutions, spoke about the change in the 2018 study that was based on square footage and not the number of seats. The Council noted there was great emphasis on bike and pedestrian safety and the applicant had done a good job addressing the concerns but did not solve the issue because there was no permanent parking solution to consider. The Council considered how the number of seats would be controlled by the available parking and the need for a 25-year parking agreement especially since it was owned by the applicant. The Council compared the area to 44th and France, how people found parking in other areas, noting that should happen here too, perhaps by working with other property owners. The Council noted that things could change but this was not the way to solve a parking problem as it should have been done in a logical way and not in a one-off way. Member Staunton introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-48B denying a Revised Final Development Plan and Parking Stall Variance for a Restaurant at 4500 France Avenue for Orion Investments. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland. Motion carried. X. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS X.A. CORRESPONDENCE - Received 1. Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council’s receipt of various correspondence. XI. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received XIII. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XIII.A. Q1 QUARTERLY BUSINESS REPORTS – Received XIV. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XV. ADJOURNMENT Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 p.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, June 2, 2020. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the May 19, 2020, meeting available.