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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-20 City Council Regular MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING APRIL 20, 2021 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland. Absent: Anderson. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT No one appeared. V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS Manager Neal said there were no Community Comments at the last meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the consent agenda as presented. VI.A. Approve minutes of the Joint Special Meeting of March 24, 2021, and Work Session and Regular Meetings of April 6, 2021 VI.B. Approve payment claims Check Register Claims Pre-List dated Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 9, 2021, Totaling $885,103.62, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 16, 2021, Totaling $693,395.23 VI.C. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-35; Amending 2020 Budgeted Liquor Transfers VI.D. Approve Agreement for the Dissolution of the Edina Firefighters Relief Association VI.E. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Engineering Services for Lift Station No. 3 Replacement Bolton and Menk in the amount of $56,950 VI.F. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Braemar Arena Dehumidification System Replacement, Northern Air Corporation for $292,600 VI.G. Adopt Ordinance No. 2021-02; Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code Boards, Committee, and Commissions VI.H. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, 2021 Commodities, Unit Pricing of Bituminous Material, Concrete, Water Treatment Chemicals, Cover and Castings, Retaining Wall Repair and Concrete Removal and Replacement as Presented Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 2 VI.I. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Fiber Optic Installation to Water Treatment Plant No. 3, Castrejon for $65,300 and LOGIS for $24,592 VI.J. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-36; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. BUILDING SAFETY MONTH – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation to declare the Month of May 2021 as Building Safety Month in the City of Edina. Chief Building Official Fisher thanked the Council for their support. Mr. Neal complimented the entire building department staff for their complex and heavy workload. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve a proclamation recognizing Building Safety Month. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII.B. ARBOR DAY – PROCLAIMED Mayor Hovland read in full a proclamation declaring April 30, 2021, as Arbor Day in the City of Edina. City Forester Overholt invited the public to the Arbor Day celebration at Fred Richards Park for a tree planting event then shared an update on tree replacements in Arden Park. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, to approve a proclamation recognizing Arbor Day. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII.C. RACIAL RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS UPDATE – RECEIVED Race and Equity Coordinator Lee shared an update about the Just Deeds Project that denounced racially restrictive covenants in Edina. She spoke about the history of these covenants that began in 1910 and the bill in 2019 that allowed homeowners to disavow racially restrictive covenants. She shared work on identifying these covenants that included 2,800 residential properties in Edina and 120 City-owned parcels and staff work to be intentional in the process and conducting education on how the covenants impacted zoning and ordinances in the City. The Council asked when Edina would be officially placed in the program and indicated it was pleased to know that residents reached out to start this work. Ms. Lee responded these restrictions were not enforceable but were intended to bridge the impact on zoning and ordinances in the City and create tangible data. She said the Just Deeds Project website had noted Edina would be a member soon and staff would return in May to formally request participation. The Council confirmed the renouncement would not change the deed’s history and record that it even existed, as it was important this history remain. VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VIII.A. TRAVEL DEMAND MANAGEMENT POLICY – APPROVED Transportation Planner Scipioni explained that as part of their 2019 work plans, the Transportation and Planning Commissions formed a cross-commission committee to develop a Travel Demand Management (TDM) policy or ordinance for the City of Edina. He outlined the steps involved to bring this item forward Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 3 and said the goal was to reduce the number of vehicles on congested roadways during peak travel times as well as minimize environmental impacts through reduced carbon emissions and support of resilient, multi- modal transportation networks. He shared TDM example strategies that included walkways, flex schedules, and telecommuting resources that would require development applicants to include TDM as part of their traffic impact studies to reduce reliance on motor vehicles. Mr. Scipioni outlined the tiers, plan requirements, and process of implication prior to issuance of any certificates of occupancy. The Council asked for outcome examples and ways to ensure the work occurred as if there was not a good way to measure the program could result in only extra expenses. The Council inquired about the need for additional staffing and suggested a standard of review and best practices in order to ensure project sustainability. The Council shared some concerns regarding extensive requirements in proposed Tier II. Mr. Scipioni spoke about the reduction of traffic impacts of redevelopments or new developments, noting the number of additional vehicles was lower and using a variety of transit options and strategies appropriate for a proposed development. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the travel demand policy. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-34, MELODY LAKE A&B, GRANDVIEW A, BIRCHCREST C NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENT NO. BA-457 – ADOPTED Director of Engineering Millner stated the project proposed was to reconstruct Bernard Place, Code Avenue, Dale Avenue, Eastview Drive, Grove Street, Hansen Road, Josephine Avenue, Melody Lane, Melody Lake Drive, Tingdale Avenue, Windsor Avenue, West 56th Street, West 57th Street, West 58th Street and West 59th Street. He said the overall project cost was estimated at $16,361,168 and funding would be a combination of special assessments, City Utility and Pedestrian and Cyclists Safety (PACS) funds. He outlined this action would recall the final decision on assessments that had been delayed for up to six months from the original public hearing so staff could bring back more information on the entire project. He said no additional comments were received for the public hearing and recommended approval of the project as staff felt the project was necessary, cost-effective, and feasible from an engineering standpoint. He referred to the project cost concerns that were raised as part of the public hearing then spoke about the revised assessment policy revision that resulted in a reduction of project costs from $24,200 to $17,200 per REU, with the total project consisting of 297.54 REUs. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-34, Melody Lake A&B, Grandview A, Birchcrest C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Improvement No. BA-457. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.C. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: MELODY LAKE A&B, GRANDVIEW A, BIRCHCREST C NEIGHBORHOOD ROADWAY RECONSTRUCTION, VALLEY PAVING, INC. FOR $10,536,643. – APPROVED Mr. Millner said the two-year project would be done in one year and if approved, the contractor would begin tomorrow. He said actual award of the construction contract included the sidewalk then answered questions regarding sidewalk location raised by the neighborhood. He said because of the new street recently constructed in this area and not wanting to damage the street, the decision was made to create three-foot concrete aprons that would allow for a three-foot boulevard and a five-foot sidewalk. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 4 Member Jackson moved, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve request for purchase for the Melody Lake A&B, Grandview A, Birchcrest C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction, Valley Paving, Inc. for $10,536,643. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.D. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION ASSISTANCE, SHORT ELLIOT HENDRICKSON FOR $117,895 – APPROVED Mr. Millner said with recent staff turnovers and the size of the street reconstruction projects in 2021, staff needs assistance to monitor the construction. This contract would ensure less experienced staff increased their understanding of street reconstruction inspection and that the projects were constructed to Edina standards. The construction inspector assigned to these projects recently worked on the Vernon Avenue and Interlachen Boulevard Intersection & York Avenue Sanitary Sewer Projects from Short Elliot Hendrickson for $117,895. Member Staunton moved, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve request for purchase for construction observation assistance from Short Elliot Hendrickson, $117,895. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.E. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE: ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MORNINGSIDE FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, BARR ENGINEERING, $1,204,000 – APPROVED Engineering Services Manager Bintner outlined the proposed project for the Morningside flood infrastructure project. He shared the context of the project and proposed schedule and said there were two major areas of work to share the flood risk reduction strategy that included renewal of infrastructure and operations to reduce risk and to make flood information available to the public to give residents tools for flood resilience to help reduce risk. He outlined the public engagement strategy and how it aligned with the Council’s engagement strategy, then thanked the residents for their important input. Mr. Bintner outlined the proposed plan that balanced flood risks and had no increase in risk to any individual property. He said the designs created would be impactful in the future and enhance natural areas, then noted other design considerations included limited impact at Weber Park and aligned with the strategic alignment of infrastructure strategy. Mr. Bintner outlined the three strategies in detail as well as next steps that included affirmation of the proposed strategy and design consistent with the bigger option that would include significant tree removal in Weber Woods and Lynn/Kipling inundation area and further lowering of Weber Pond elevation. The Council asked questions regarding funding sources that included storm water utility, PACS fund, and park construction fund and fit within the rate study and the potential for bonding bills in the future for this type of work. The Council asked if the public engagement strategy was effective through story sharing. Mr. Bintner said staff discovered residents were not comfortable sharing concerns about their homes on a public site but the map tool generated more data and was a good tool. Member Pierce moved, seconded by Member Staunton, to approve strategy, design goals, considerations and opportunities detailed in the staff report, approve budget modification to CIP Project No. 19-341 to include estimated design professional services costs in 2021 of $1.4M, construction professional services in 2022 of $0.6M, capital expenses of $9.5M in 2022, and $0.5M in 2023, approve Request for Purchase for Engineering Services for Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project with Barr Engineering for $1,204,000, and approve Public Participation Plan to inform the public and project about park landscape aesthetics choices. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 5 VIII.F. SKETCH PLAN FOR 4630 FRANCE AVENUE – REVIEWED Community Development Director Teague shared a sketch plan review for 4630 France Avenue that included tear down of a single family home zoned R-1 with development accesses off France Avenue to construct two villa style homes. He said there would be need for a variance to the north setback similar to the existing and a rezoning similar to the properties to the north. Jeff Ziebarth, applicant, described the project that would increase the property value with the two smaller homes with marketability, noting there was not much of this housing stock available. He said the project would increase density and provide a different housing style. The Council asked questions regarding market value of the proposed properties and confirmed both would be for sale properties with shared driveway accesses. The Council indicated it liked the density near proposed new bus stops and felt the concept was a creative reuse of the property but noted the site was very narrow and would require landscape to separate the homes. The Council asked about proximity to the western unit to the backs of the homes on Meadow Road then spoke about lot area deviation concerns. Mr. Ziebarth said the homes would be offered for $1 million each with the land worth $400,000. The setback for the property to the north was seven feet and the proposed buildings were 14-17 feet apart with a rear setback of 25 feet that included substantial grade change. VIII.G. SKETCH PLAN FOR 5146 EDEN AVENUE (FORMER PUBLIC WORKS SITE) – REVIEWED Manager Neuendorf outlined the proposed sketch plan for 5146 Eden Avenue, the City’s former Public Works site. Franseuh and United Properties had proposed a scaled back version of nine previous concepts over the years under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that explored an ownership housing project as well as a commercial building that included a public plaza and outdoor space with a separate pedestrian bridge that spanned across the railroad tracks for access. Brian Larson, Pope Architects, shared the project site was in the center of the Grandview area and would include a roundabout at Arcadia and Eden Avenue. He said the project offered opportunities for pedestrian connections and included a medical office building, public plaza, senior coop project, and pedestrian connection. Alex Hall, Pope Architects, shared more about the proposed coop project that fit in well with the needs of a growing senior community. He said the five-story coop would include 90 homes, all at least two- bedroom/two baths with full kitchens as no services would be offered. The parking would be underground with the main entrance off Arcadia and 76% of housing demand going forward would be age-restricted housing. This project would address that need and provide life-cycle ownership. He shared one concern raised was traffic but noted senior coop projects were the least impactful based on studies of 3.7 trips per day that avoided peak rush hour traffic and include 10% affordable units. David Anderson, Franseuh, outlined the medical office building that was three stories, 40,000 square feet, and included modifications to Arcadia Avenue. He said the building would tie into the health and wellness theme and have proximity to nearby homes with other uses such as grocery and dining and would provide an economic engine to the area. He concluded the bridge would be a resource to provide additional parking on the other side and put this site back into use with connectivity. The Council agreed this would be a good use of the site for lifestyle cycle and the mass was acceptable but the public space was deserving of more design and expansion that included programmed uses such as a band shell, outdoor yoga, and others so it would be used as more than just a large lawn. The Council inquired if the coop could be multi-generational instead and referred to the need for a destination companion to the retail on the other side and more connections, possibly hospitality or retail. The Council asked about affordability, the promotion of more pedestrian traffic, a better park feel that maintained the vitality of these communities, and the need to upgrade the current senior center area that included some level of services. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 6 Mr. Anderson shared that community centered uses such as a café could be included but their goal was to have more of a center for health and wellness, noting more retail adds to parking. The Council indicated it did not want to see more convenience retail but entertainment/restaurant components instead. The Council suggested connecting with the Lady of Grace Church about their redevelopment plan that included bikeways for students and suggested moving the office building closer to the corner. The Council said it was important to have connections to the pharmacy through a better bridge and with district parking in the future, the potential for a woonerf for foot traffic to the pharmacy should be explored. The Council noted there was a lot of energy to the west of the site and the Grandview space would be used by people who live there but would prefer more of a connection to retail to the north. The Council shared some disappointment about how the public land felt more like a private development and the need to balance interests of money and use. The Council discussed the possibility of not including the public space at all. Mr. Hall outlined reasons for the open space that could include programmed activities, fountains, or a sculpture garden, and that architectural details would be expanded upon as design moved forward. He said moving some spaces would actually result in isolating the park more and become difficult for ADA elements due to the grading as well as loss of square footage, which could decrease the project’s feasibility. The Council suggested the building wings could be different sizes to help accommodate spacing. The Council discussed the woonerf that could include a ramp and steps for access to Walgreen’s. Discussion was also held on improved streetscape on Arcadia, improved pedestrian experience, infrastructure improvements and redevelopment of Eden Avenue, and to have this site ready for future redevelopment to address the need to create reasons to go to this area that could include outdoor movies. The Council spoke about the need for a hospitality dimension and to reconsider the area as a need to be public as well as who would own the space and be responsible for the activities. IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS – Received IX.A. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) 1. MINUTES: COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION, NOVEMBER 9 AND DECEMBER 14, 2020, AND JANUARY 11, 2021 2. MINUTES: ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 3. MINUTES: PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, MARCH 9, 2021 X. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received XII. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XII.A. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PLAN FOR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS – Received XII.B. PROJECT INTRODUCTION: BRISTOL AND MAVELLE PARK/LYNMAR BASIN STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS - Received XIII. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XIV. ADJOURNMENT Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to adjourn the meeting at 10:41 p.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/April 20, 2021 Page 7 Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, May 4, 2021. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the April 20, 2021, meeting available.