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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-15 City Council Regular MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING DECEMBER 15, 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. 11. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland. Absent: None. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED Member Fischer made a motion, seconded by Member Brindle, 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 reviewed Community Comments made from 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 Work Session and Regular Meetings of December I, 2020 VI.B. Approve payment claims for Check Register Claims Pre-List dated December 4-11, 2020, totaling $1,572,256.50 and Credit Card Transactions dated September 26- October 26, 202, totaling $59,159.34 VI.C. Approve Public Improvement and Special Assessment Agreements VI.D. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-128; Authorizing Local Public Health Services Agreement VI.E. Approve COVID- 19 Vaccination Grant Agreement with Minnesota Department of Health VI.F. Approve Master Subordination and Master Disbursing Agreements for The Sound on 76th VI.G. Approve Joint Powers Agreement for Districted Driving Vehicle Program VI.H. Approve the Proposed 2021 Legislative Affairs Contract with Messerli & Kramer VI.I. Approve Braemar Golf Course Restaurant Lease Amendment with O'Reilly Customer 4, LLC VI.J. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Public Tree Inventory, Rainbow Tree Care, $3.75 per tree up to $48,000 VI.K. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Volvo 90H Wheel Loader with Plow, Nuss Truck and Equipment, $236,027.95 Page 1 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15. 2020 VI.L. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Volvo 90H Wheel Loader with Plow, Nuss Truck and Equipment, $236,027 VI.M. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Western Star Single-Axle Truck with Plow, Boyer Truck and TBEI Equipment, $215,844.33 VI.N. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Western Star Tandem-Axle Truck with Plow, Boyer Truck and TBEI Equipment, $237,576 VI.O. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Ford F550 with Service Body, Midway Ford and ABM Equipment, $75,431.80 VI.P. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Dehumidification Unit System Design and Replacement Plan for Braemar Arena South Rink, Nelson-Rudie & Associates, Inc., $35,590.00 VI.Q. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Change Order to West 58th Street Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction Construction Services, SEH, $14,278 VI.R. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Change Order to Valley View Road Sidewalk Phase 3, JTS Construction, $58,020.50 VI.S. Petition Response; Townes Road Sump Discharge Pipe VI.T. Petition Response; Improvements to Glenbrae Circle VI.U. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-132 Setting Polling Locations for Edina VI.V. Adopt Resolution No. 2020-134; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-131; AWARDING THE SALE OF $3,015,000 G.O. REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES B— ADOPTED Manager Neal explained the Finance Department had partnered with Ehlers to examine obligations on a regular basis for potential cost savings. He shared that 2020B bonds were being issued to execute a current refunding of the City's General Obligation Bonds, Series 20I2A to reduce debt service costs. The 20I2A Bonds were originally issued in the amount of $8,775,000 to provide funding for utility system and roadway improvement projects and debt service would continue to be paid from net revenues of the water, sanitary sewer and stormwater utility systems, as well as special assessments. He said bids were received and tabulated and would be presented by Ehlers & Associates, Inc. Nick Anhut, Ehlers and Associates, explained the bond sale in detail achieved in 2012 for utility and street projects at 3%, balances which was under $1.6 million payable from special assessments and $1.4 million from utilities. He said they submitted an RFP to purchase these bonds to refinance and lower interest costs then presented the five proposals received with the lowest rate from Capital One Public Funding at a rate of 1.09%. She explained the cumulative cost differences then shared the $156,914 in net savings to the City in total. The Council thanked Ehlers for partnering with the City to save money. Member Anderson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-131 Authorizing Issuance, Awarding Sale, Prescribing the Form and Details and Providing for the Payment of $3,015,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020B. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-129; CREEK KNOLL A&B NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT NO. BA-459 — ADOPTED Page 2 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15, 2020 Assistant City Engineer Ditzler stated 17 individuals called during the virtual meeting to provide testimony with 12 comments received from December 4 until the close of the Public Hearing on December 9. He recapped the proposed project of sidewalk on Beard Avenue south of Fuller Street, north of Fuller Street and addressed questions raised during public testimony that included snowplowing concerns and others. He said most primarily supported the petition against the Bear Avenue sidewalk and minimized Beard Court impacts. Mr. Ditzler referred to the pedestrian and the bicycle master plan's guiding principles that were considered as part of this proposed project and concluded that staff believed the project was feasible, cost effective and necessary and stated $15,300 per residential equivalent unit proposed special assessment. The Council asked questions regarding the proposed sidewalk on the south end of 55th Street into Beard Court and confirmed the area would be plowed by the City. The Council asked questions about bridge ownership and maintenance. Mr. Ditzler explained the existing asphalt path that led to the pedestrian bridge over Minnehaha Creek to Chowen Park neighborhood and proposed to continue path around the west side of the cul-de-sac and link with the path then spoke about drainage concerns and the proposal of storm sewer in this area that would result in loss and replacement of trees. The Council asked about sloping of Beard Court towards creek and how reconstruction would be sloped to address drainage, retaining walls, and fencing along the sidewalk portion. The Council proposed an additional condition that required a fence for safety concerns. Mr. Ditzler explained full curb and gutter was included in the project and reviewed options to shift drainage westerly and include catch basin with emergency overflow. The Council asked questions regarding street encroachment, smaller boulevard, and potential snow removal concerns then spoke about the change to an urban, modern look with this project. The Council also considered the wisdom of the sidewalk, loss of trees, safety concerns, and ensured safe connectivity in the neighborhoods and impacts to property. The Council suggested elimination of the grass boulevard to gain space for snow storage. The Council spoke about the importance of building out the system, allowing the neighbors to participate in the decision, and minimizing impacts on the western properties balanced with the importance of connectivity. Director of Engineering Millner said he was confident staff could work with the property owners to address their concerns, design the sidewalk 6 feet along the back of the curb, and also address not having to relocate poles and retaining walls. He noted the fence would no longer be needed but still achieve connectivity while ensuring safety. The Council noted this was similar to the 58th Street discussion of last year and commented on the importance of community engagement to best understand the concerns and adjust what was needed. Member Brindle introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-129 Ordering Improvement for Creek Knoll A&B Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction Improvement No. BA-459. Member Fischer seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland The Council suggested the retaining wall should include being able to opt out of fencing. Mr. Millner stressed the need for sidewalk connections. VII.C. MELODY LAKE A&B, GRANDVIEW A, BIRCHCREST C NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT, NO. BA-457 — CONTINUED FOR SIX MONTHS Mr. Millner stated Council was asked to approve continuation of the Melody Lake A&B, Grandview A, Birchcrest C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction improvement hearing for no more than six months from December 2020 for staff to bring back more information. He recalled 11 individuals called in to provide live testimony with I 5 comments received on Better Together Edina. He spoke about sidewalks on Hansen Road and 56th Street with no assessments associated then said all ages and abilities approached to accessibility and equity, developed facilities and addressed gaps, and connectivity for everyday use. He spoke about the benefit test not working with the current assessment policy and how staff would recommend designing the project to bring back bids and hope to complete the Street Funding Task Force Work. He said discussion Page 3 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15, 2020 was held about doing the east side of Code Street without doing the west side of Code Street and the importance of following through with a plan to minimize impacts. Mr. Millner said residents on Code were not part of the conversation early on and the commitment to connectivity and creating impact was positive. Discussion was held about concrete sidewalks and connectivity from residents' surveys and the input of a gap regarding trail connections. The Council spoke about the eastern end of 56th Street not part of the original street project. Mr. Millner cautioned about zero boulevards and impacts of tearing up for those who were still paying. Member Brindle moved to continue consideration of Melody Lake A&B, Grandview A, Birchcrest C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Improvement, No. Ba-457 for six months with the Addition of Option 1B For Sidewalk Previously Reconstructed. Member Fischer seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland VII.D. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-124, 2020-125 PRELIMINARY REZONING FROM PCD-3 TO PUD, INCLUDING AN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PRELIMINARY SITE PLAN FOR US BANK, PRELIMINARY PLAT AND CONSIDERATION OF EAW FOR 7001 AND 7025 FRANCE AVENUE — ADOPTED — ORDINANCE NO. 2020-17 GRANTED FIRST READING Community Development Director Teague stated Council was asked to consider a proposal to re-develop the southeast corner of 70th and France. The applicant would tear down the existing 66,200 square foot office and bank, and build a one-story, 24-foot tall 6,500 s.f. US Bank with drive-through, a 24-Story, 282- foot tall 270-unit apartment with 5,000 s.f. of retail, a 10-story, I46-foot tall, I 90,000 s.f. office/retail building; and a 9-story, 90-foot, I 10-unit apartment building. On November 18, 2020, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the request with conditions. The applicant had revised their plans to address the conditions added by the Planning Commission with drive-aisles reduced to I 0 feet and additional landscaping added. He said questions came up at the City Council public hearing regarding what specific approvals were being requested which was outlined. The Council asked clarifying questions that included area traffic and confirmed this was a phased project. The Council compared this to the Centennial Lakes project and assurances as this project was built out over time. Mr. Millner said this would be an amendment to the overall plan and asked questions about proposed 24 stories. The Council asked about process, adding proposed conditions, and that height changes would not need additional approval. The Council also asked questions regarding the relationship between the Greater Southdale District Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and Southdale Design Experience Principles, which was the tool to potentially provide justification for increased height or density. Ted Carlson, ESG/Mortenson, spoke about height that allowed for superblocks, grids, and innovation that provided best experiences for the public, allowed public amenities downward, and for other potential uses. Neil Reardon, ESG/Mortenson, explained the floorplate efficiency mattered and operational efficiency of 24 floors. The Council spoke about missing the middle demographic such as workforce and senior housing for a total of I 0 units on the ground floor, a mix of rental and for sale units, and the number of units coming on board. The Council then spoke about icy streets caused by building shadows. Brent Webb, Mortenson, indicated the entire project would be for rent and supported this development team for this site. The Council asked about street widths and voiced favor of the project based on proposed levels of density, improvements to stormwater, and commitment to sustainability. The Council spoke about loss of open space and traffic and the need to create a service road separate from France Avenue. The Council stressed the importance of public space then commented on building heights and shadows cast on streets, as this was not on a single-family neighborhood and occurred when being part of a first ring suburb resulting in seeing taller buildings and the generous amounts of public space created from private land. The Council spoke Page 4 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15. 2020 about potential school crowding impacts, how enrollment had flattened over the past four years due to open enrollment, and how the district would like to see more enrollment to assist with state funding that would ultimately reduce class sizes. The Council spoke about how density moved Edina forward and drove the continued growth of transit to the City. The Council indicated height should exist in the corridor between France and York similar to the Estelle project. The Council supported the proposed project that included elements as outlined in the Southdale design guidelines and spoke about the forward-looking architectural elements, 110 units of workforce housing in compliance with the affordable housing policy, and how the pandemic had dramatically altered work patterns which could be permanent and impact brick and mortar buildings and retail. The Council commented on current vacancy rates, the need for more affordable housing units, and the need to maximize return, which could be reconsidered if the bank was constructed to determine the remaining site as long as the taxpayer was not asked to subsidize a development. The Council commented on the 2008 Comprehensive Plan and potential areas of change for new developments like the Greater Southdale Area. The Council also commented on how this project was not a change to the Comprehensive Plan, which had been changed already through tools that allowed the granting of rezoning proposals like this as long as it met the design experience guidelines. The Council spoke about issues with affordably due to lack of supply and the importance of the entire project occurring, not just the bank project. The Council spoke about the importance of cross streets to create a broad network and take the pressure off traffic then shared concerns with right turns that widened France, which could defeat the purpose of local street creation, especially at 70th and 71st. The Council supported the project as it began the Greater Southdale District plan to create smaller subblocks within the superblocks and the need to retain control during steps to get what was needed for the community. The Council shared comments about impacts of pandemics not altering the course of urbanization and the importance of investment, market opportunities, and how the Cornelia neighborhood would actually benefit based on the increased Southdale district. The Council suggested inclusion of additional conditions or direction such as transparency, setbacks to the street wall, pocket parks being publicly accessible, and additional work needed on proposed turn lanes onto France Avenue. The Council clarified TIF financing was not part of this development then spoke about the added condition with the County to eliminate the deceleration lane to 70th and 7Ist right turn lanes. The Council stressed the need to include affordable housing as a condition, as approved by City Council, to ensure the units were included onsite. Mr. Teague spoke about form-based code and said at final approval, Council could approve specific submitted plans which would comply with the zoning ordinance outlined in Condition B and Condition H that stated compliance with the affordable housing policy onsite. He suggested adding Condition I that setbacks must meet 50-foot setback for second reading. City Attorney Kendall noted offsite affordable housing would be difficult to manage and enforce. Mr. Neal noted the City would prefer affordable units be created instead of cash in lieu of units. Discussion was held on transportation review and recommendations of turn lanes, additional dedicated right turn lanes, and how the supermarket would drive the traffic at the intersection. The Council spoke about the decision on the required right turn lane as determined at the time of site plan review for future phases and include an update to the transportation study so it was tied to the site plan review. The Council requested staff work with the County to consider lane elimination while ensuring the entire project moved forward. Member Staunton introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-124 Approving Preliminary Rezoning from Pcd-3, Planned Commercial District-3 To PUD, Planned Unit Development, Preliminary Overall Development Plan for the Entire Site, Preliminary Site Plan for US Bank and Preliminary Plat for 7001 And 7025 France Avenue, as Amended with conditions. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Page 5 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15, 2020 Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Nays: Anderson Motion carried. Member Fischer introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2020-125 A Resolution Making A Negative Declaration of Need Regarding an Environmental Impact Statement for the 7001 and 7025 France Avenue Development. Member Staunton seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Member Staunton moved to grant First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Add PUD-20, Planned Unit Development-20, at 7001 And 7025 France Avenue. Member Brindle seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Nays: Anderson Motion carried. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS — Received VIII.A. Mayor Hovland acknowledged the Council's receipt of various correspondence. VIII.B. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) I. MINUTES: COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 14 AND OCTOBER 12, 2020 2. MINUTES: HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 3. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, OCTOBER 8, 2020 4. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 IX. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE — Received X. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS — Received The Council thanked Members Brindle and Fischer for their service to the City. Members Brindle and Fischer shared parting comments and thanked staff for their work. XI. MANAGER'S COMMENTS — Received XI.A. 2021 HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE STAFF REPORT — Received XI.13. HOUSING STRATEGY TASK FORCE UPDATE - Received XII. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS — Received XIII. ADJOURNMENT Member Brindle made a motion, seconded by Member Fischer, to adjourn the meeting at 11:52 p.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Brindle, Fischer, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Page 6 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 15, 2020 Minutes approved by Edina City Council, January 5, 2021. t---DocuSigned by: —1b709AVED9E0C2 James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the December 15, 2020, meeting available. Page 7