Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-01 City Council Regular MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING DECEMBER 1, 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 Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Andy Brown 5512 Park Place, inquired about proposed permitting fee increases as being arbitrarily low then requested information on how fees were established in relation to actual cost. He commented on how insufficient fees affected other City costs. V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS Manager Neal reviewed Community Comments made from the last meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, approving the consent agenda as presented: VI.A. Approve minutes of the Special Meeting of November 13 and Work Session and Regular Meetings of November 17, 2020 VI.B. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims Pre-List dated November 20-25, 2020, totaling $3,560,189.70 VI.C. Small Business Emergency Assistance Program Update VI.D. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-127; Participate in Hennepin County’s Business District Recovery Program VI.E. Adopt Resolution 2020-121; Setting 2021 Ambulance and Miscellaneous Fire Fees VI.F. Approve Traffic Safety Report of October 27, 2020 VI.G. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Traffic Control Barriers, Weiser Concrete, $39,161 VI.H. Approve 2021 Commission Work Plans VI.I. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Quality of Life Survey, Polco, $37,490 VI.J. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Extension of EngagementHQ License, Bang the Table, $12,360 annually VI.K. Approve 2021 Calendar of Meeting Dates Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 2 VI.K. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-126; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. 2020 TOM OYE AWARD – PRESENTED Human Rights and Relations Commission Chair Beringer said the Human Rights and Relations Commission was pleased to present Rachel Adegbenro, Rebecca Sorensen, and the Edina High School Black Student Union with the Tom Oye Award for their project Seeds of Change. She said the Tom Oye Award was among the highest honors as the award demonstrated leadership and advancement of human rights then shared background on the late Mr. Oye as a founding member of the Commission. She outlined the project that resulted after the death of George Floyd that started a conversation about race equity in Edina and thanked everyone for their work on a project that marked a great beginning. Rachel Adegbenro shared her gratitude for the work everyone put in and support of the project. Rebecca Sorensen shared her thanks for the Black Student Union and their work on a public art concept and thanked volunteers from the Morningside Women’s Club. She said this was a bright spot in a terrible year and provided an opportunity to hold difficult conversations surrounding this topic. The Council shared their thanks and congratulations. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD– Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. RESOLUTION NOS. 2020-124, 2020-125, AND ORDINANCE NO. 2020-17; REZONING FROM PCD-3 TO PUD, OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND CONSIDERATION OF AN EAW FOR 7001 AND 7025 FRANCE AVENUE – CONTINUED TO DECEMBMER 15, 2020 Community Development Director Teague stated the applicant was requesting to re-develop the southeast corner of 70th and France and tear down the existing 66,200 square foot office and bank and construct a one-story, 24-foot tall 6,500 s.f. US Bank with drive-through (Phase 1); a 24-Story, 282-foot tall 270-unit apartment with 5,000 s.f. of retail; a 10-story, 146-foot tall, 190,000 s.f. office/retail building; and a 9-story, 90-foot, 110-unit apartment building. The request required a rezoning from PCD-3 to PUD, subdivision, and consideration of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), which the Planning Commission recommended approval of with added conditions. He explained the flexibility requested through the PUD Ordinance to vary from existing setbacks, height, and floor area ratio (FAR) requirements and how the applicant proposed to meet the City’s affordable housing policy. He referred to the issue of US Bank’s proposal for a 40-foot setback and how the traffic study suggested a right turn lane into the site and another change regarding the number of parking stalls and shifts of the building to the east and said the applicant was willing to eliminate parking and increase green space. He spoke about truck movement and primary issues of the proposal for justification of the PUD and EAW, flexibility of height, and design experience guidelines connections. Ashley Payne, Kimley-Horn, reviewed purposes and consideration for an EAW that included land use and water resources and how the project exceeded the threshold for an EAW. She shared how the public comment period posted online, comments received, and explained how the project did not have a potential for significant environmental effects and therefore no EIS was needed. Mike Spack, Spack Consulting, reviewed the standard parking study which showed the project would generate 4,000 vehicles in and out per day then spoke about the need to add a key intersection of France Avenue and 70th Street and add a right turn lane, change striping for eastbound to allow two thru-lanes, and parking of under 1,200 with peaks at 1,000 being within the appropriate range to meet the demand. The Council asked questions regarding how the project did not meet the Comprehensive Plan, criteria for an EIS, right turn lanes as a safety enhancement, consideration for future internal streets, and chances if the turn lane was placed if it could ever be removed. Mr. Teague spoke about the lack of height standards Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 3 requirements and how density did not exceed 150 units per acre and therefore no amendments were needed. He confirmed the Greater South District Plan was part of the Comprehensive Plan and reviewed how part of the implementation included design experience guidelines. Mr. Spack spoke to the more than 100 vehicles at peak hours wanting to make a right turn that could be problematic as the corridor was set to move through lane and help the entire corridor. Mr. Spack voiced his opinion that the turn lane would remain. The Council spoke about the need for restriping and reconfiguration for the right-turn lane and how the existing in/out would remain and not involve narrowing lanes on France Avenue then asked about volume capacities, corrective measures, and negative impacts on other modes of transportation in the future and the possibility of utility boxes affecting the overall gateway effect. The Council also asked about traffic volumes from 2018, development traffic and the 50-foot setback, and requested confirmation that parking would be sufficient. Mr. Spack responded that based on the levels of service of office buildings, it could be 3-7 years before full impacts were felt. Mr. Teague explained the 40-foot setback was public space in front of the US Bank building with all windows. Mic Johnson, Architectural Field Office (AFO), described how their firm helped guide the work for the design principles and fully supported the guidelines. Mr. Spack explained potential gridlock during evening rush hour and spoke about service levels and the ability to still operate with multi-modal balancing of all modes of transportation and the need for development to attract more transit solutions. Ted Carlson, Orion Development, recognized the team of ESG, Mortneson, RSP, and Orion Investments US Bank, Confluence, Westwood, and thanked Members Brindle and Fischer for their service. He reviewed the proposed construction schedule and public feedback process that included height, density, and traffic, aging adjacencies and development that benefited the community. He spoke about alignment with the design guidelines that included street rooms, connections, structured parking, accessibility, affordability and sustainability, and support for innovation through recommendations from AFO and Edina Chamber of Commerce. Brent Webb, Mortenson, confirmed the project would fully commit to the Edina Affordable Housing Policy with details determined at the time of site plan review in 2021 then spoke about workforce diversity and inclusion of women and minority-owned businesses through bid packages. Neil Reardon, ESG, shared sketch plan feedback that included adding and modifying the project to include more people and green spaces, pedestrian street experiences, public rooms and open space, accommodations for future districts and super block grid patterns, and hidden parking to provide more openness at ground level. He shared information on future block diagrams, bicycle parking, shadow studies, height diagram, sustainability summary, active streets, and people spaces. He then reviewed the four development parcels and each parcel’s details, including native and low maintenance plantings, rain garden, onsite stormwater management, street room typologies, the generous setbacks along France Avenue, activated retailers’ street-facing faces, and major building entry points on new internal streets. Jeff Hysjulien, RSP and US Bank representative, outlined the goal of creating a new transformative flagship site and reviewed responses resulting from Planning Commission comments including how the new Ewing Avenue Roadway would allow for future expansion, maintain the 50-foot setback along France Avenue, provide 75% transparency for facades facing public realm, create public space, moving sidewalks closer to the building face to provide canopy tree plantings, and other landscaping. Mr. Carlson spoke about street width of Ewing Avenue amended to 20 feet based on input from staff and the Fire Department and how 21st Avenue would be 24 feet to provide for delivery access route. He commented on the need for additional greenspace at the park and plaza space, shared proposed elevations and visuals of different project heights for comparison, and spoke about brownfield development transformation. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 4 The Council asked questions regarding the number of parking space reductions due to the drive aisle from the southern half of Ewing Avenue and added transparency included, then commented on the need of a turn lane onto 71st and 70th and the view of Ewing Avenue. The Council spoke about US Bank being closer to the curb and the importance of visibility then asked questions regarding the outlet by Hazelton, pervious surfaces, clarification on street widths, and level of delivery and emergency vehicles and if widths were adequate into the future with future connections to Brandon Square. The Council also asked about stormwater utility and management, rooftop solar-ready status, air filtration, and if parking was sufficient for Site C. Mr. Webb responded to questions regarding parking ratio versus unit count. Mr. Millner confirmed 20 feet was a sufficient width for internal streets, short crossings, and that staff was comfortable with stormwater requirements. Terry Minarik, Confluence, spoke about the amount and percentages of pervious surfaces and how the existing conditions of US Bank was surface flood condition that could handle more than ever needed. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:26 p.m. Public Testimony Shelly Loberg, Edina Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Council. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to extend the public hearing to noon on December 9, 2020, and take final action on Resolution No. 2020-124 approving preliminary rezoning from PCD-3, Planned Commercial District-3 to PUD, Planned Unit Development, Overall Development Plan, Preliminary Development Plan; 2020-125 making a negative declaration of need regarding an Environmental Impact Statement; and Ordinance No. 2020-17 amending the Zoning Ordinance to add PUD-20, Planned Unit Development-20, Rezoning from PCD-3 to PUD for 7001 and 7025 France Avenue at the December 15, 2020, meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. The Council asked further questions regarding the two residential buildings, concerns with having two in the same development, and suggested connecting the buildings if based on unit affordability. Mr. Carlson explained the four quadrants met the small urban block pattern with two being multi-family residential. He confirmed affordable housing would be included holistically throughout and would provide multiple housing options including market, workforce, and senior housing. Discussion was held regarding the approval process including height approvals, the bank design to date, and questions were asked regarding design materials and transparency. Mr. Teague spoke about possible conditions such as 50-foot setbacks or others plans that would meet conditions as approved on December 15 and that building materials would be shared. The Council asked more about people access for the entrance, if 70th and Ewing would be a primary entrance for commercial space, access for parking above, and office access at 70th and France. The Council stressed the importance of transparency with the parking above, bringing circulation to the entrance, and reasons for building height selection. VIII.B. PUBLIC HEARING: RESOLUTION NOS. 2020-122, 2020-123, AND ORDINANCE NO. 2020- 16; ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT/ PRELIMINARY REZONING REVISED OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND CONSIDERATION OF AN EAW FOR 6600-6800 FRANCE AVENUE – CONTINUED TO JANUARY 5, 2021 Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to continue the public hearing and consideration of Resolution No. 2020-122 approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment/Preliminary Rezoning, revised Overall Development Plan, and Preliminary Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 5 Development Plan; 2020-123 making a negative declaration of need regarding an Environmental Impact Statement; and Ordinance No. 2020-16 amending the Zoning Ordinance to the PUD-11, Planned Unit Development-11, The Avenue on France District at 6600-6800 France Avenue to January 5, 2021, meeting. Member Fischer seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-120, SETTING 2021 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING THE 2021 OPERATING BUDGET – ADOPTED Mr. Neal shared background on the proposed 2021 tax levy and budget that included process and timeline, 2021-2026 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), 2021 budget and levies, and tax comparisons. Financial Analyst Rich shared the strategic policy and implementation levels with the City’s 20-year vision, Comprehensive Plan and CIP, and the basis for strategy and budget workplan that occurred at the same time as the operating budget. She explained how this best practice allowed for project planning then outlined the City’s goals, objectives, and strategies. Finance Director Uram shared the Council adopted the 2020-2021 Budget in December 2019 then explained the rationale behind a two-year budget and how the City had followed this plan during 2020, spending most of staff time reviewing all details of the CIP. He said on September 15, staff recommended a preliminary levy for taxes payable in 2021 based on the previously adopted two-year budget which would increase the total of all levies by $2,358,728 or 5.95%. He spoke about the projected CIP levy and debt service, funding sources already allocated, funding available to prioritize, and funding potentially available. He spoke about the committee of staff formed to recommend projects to leadership based on priorities then spoke about the CIP challenges with currently $2 million per year to allocate. Mr. Uram shared estimated levy impacts based on median valued homes that would result in approximately $4.75 per month in City taxes then reviewed property tax distribution, estimated market value increases, and property tax history. He said staff recommended the preliminary levy be approved as final as shown in proposed resolution and said while approval of the CIP did not have the same statutory deadline staff recommended approval of both at this time. The Council confirmed the amounts carried forward for the budget stabilization fund in the amount of $4 million was adequate to cover any shortfalls then asked about CIP unfunded amounts and the difficulty to identify funding for some of these large items, including fire stations, and potential taxpayer relief. Mr. Neal responded goals were set based on input received through the quality of life surveys and possible needs to use the stabilization fund in the future as the economy could change. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 10:24 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Member Fischer introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-120, adopting the 2021 budget for the City of Edina and establishing the tax levy payable in 2021. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 6 VIII.D. ORDINANCE NO. 2020-14, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE, SETTING FEES FOR 2021 – ADOPTED Assistant Finance Director Sawyer shared the schedule of fees and charges to be adopted by Ordinance No. 2020-14, proposed for 2021. He summarized the proposed changes that included a 1-1.8% increase in building permit fees and a 5% increase in water and sanitary sewer rates and 8% for storm sewer to better align with the cost of service. The Council confirmed permit fee increases were enough to cover increased costs. Mr. Sawyer responded the increases would cover cost of service. Mr. Neal added staff paid close attention to building permit fees in a developing community like Edina to ensure actual costs were covered. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 10:30 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared. Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to close the public hearing. Ayes: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Member Fischer moved to grant Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2020-14 amending Chapter 2 of the Edina City Code. Member Staunton seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS - Received IX.A. Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council’s receipt of various correspondence. IX.B. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) 1. MINUTES: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, OCTOBER 13, 2020 2. MINUTES: HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION, OCTOBER 27, 2020 3. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, OCTOBER 22, 2020 X. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received Due to technical difficulties Member Fischer left the meeting at 10:44 p.m. and returned at 10:46 p.m. XI. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XIII. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XIV. ADJOURNMENT Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, to adjourn the meeting at 10:49 p.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 15, 2020. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 1, 2020 Page 7 James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the December 1, 2020, meeting available.