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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15 City Council Regular MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL VIRTUAL MEETING JUNE 15, 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 Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland. Absent: None. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, 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 AMENDED Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, approving the consent agenda as amended to remove Items VI.C, Resolution No. 2021-21 and Ordinance No. 2020- 17; Final Rezoning from PCD-3 to PUD, including an Overall Development Plan, Final Site Plan for US Bank, Final Plat and Development Contract for 7001 and 7025 France Avenue; and, VI.L, Resolution No. 2021-48; Accepting Innovations for Aging, LLC, Grant Funding: VI.A. Approve minutes of the Work Session and Regular Meetings of June 1, 2021 VI.B. Approve claims for payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List dated June 4, 2021, totaling $564,451.65 and dated June 11, 2021, totaling $1,955,712.83 VI.C. Resolution No. 2021-21 and Ordinance No. 2020-17; Final Rezoning from PCD-3 to PUD, including an Overall Development Plan, Final Site Plan for US Bank, Final Plat and Development Contract for 7001 and 7025 France Avenue VI.D. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-49; Setting Public Hearing Date for 4040 W. 70th Street Tax Increment Financing District VI.E. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Contract ENG 21-12NB Highlands Park Trail Improvements, Northwest Asphalt, $128,797 VI.F. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Contract ENG 21-10 2021 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, Hydro-Klean, $266,436 VI.G. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Contract ENG 21-12 Townes Road Sump Drain Improvements, G.F. Jedlicki, Inc., $39,745 VI.H. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Design Services for McCauley Trail Shared-Use Path, WSB, $66,018 Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 2 VI.I. Approve Transportation Commission Appointment, Janet Kutui, term ending March 1, 2022 VI.J. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-50; Accepting Auto-Theft Investigator and Training and Travel Expenses Grant VI.K. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-51; Accepting Auto-Theft Investigative Equipment and Materials Grant VI.L. Resolution No. 2021-48; Accepting Innovations for Aging, LLC, Grant Funding VI.M. Request for Purchase; awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Supplemental Playground Equipment Arden Park, Landscape Structures, $16,022 and Flagship Recreation, $10,653 VI.N. Adopt No. 2021-53; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA: VI.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-21 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2020-17; FINAL REZONING FROM PCD-3 TO PUD, INCLUDING AN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, FINAL SITE PLAN FOR US BANK, FINAL PLAT AND DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT FOR 7001 AND 7025 FRANCE AVENUE – ADOPTED The Council noted while rezoning was approved in December, concerns were shared regarding comparable units in excess of 20% of high-end rental and the possibility of too many units being created. The Council spoke about changing business patterns and demand and the precarious nature of development then spoke about the level of public support, increased daily traffic trips, increased height and density, and serving the population with through a future fire station and how the City should consider this project further. Member Staunton introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-21 And Ordinance No. 2020-17; Final Rezoning From PCD-3 To PUD, including an Overall Development Plan, Final Site Plan for US Bank, Final Plat and Development Contract for 7001 and 7025 France Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. The Council spoke about elevations of the US Bank building, the need for refinement and windows, to see the good architecture on other sides of the project. Mr. Carlson commented how the project met the 75% transparency rule, the south end was not public facing, the need for security for the private, confidential activities, and functions of the bank. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Nays: Anderson Motion carried. VI.L. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-48; ACCEPTING INNOVATIONS FOR AGING, LLC, GRANT FUNDING – ADOPTED The Council noted senior center staff was beginning to consider activating programming again and thanked them for their resilience during this past year. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-48 accepting Innovations for Aging, LLC, grant funding. Member Anderson seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. VERNON AVENUE BRIDGE PROJECT UPDATE FROM HENNEPIN COUNTY – RECEIVED Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 3 Director of Engineering Millner introduced Jason Stabell with Hennepin County and Matt Christensen with TKDA to provide an update on the Vernon Avenue Bridge project. Mr. Stabell shared history of the Vernon Avenue bridge which was at the end of its useful life and how they have begun preliminary engagement efforts to determine what the bridge could look like now and into the future that included a design that would withstand another 60 years. He said construction would begin in spring 2023 that included overarching goals for safe turning and merging, better walkability and biking, and an updated look to the bridge with a dedicated left turn. He stressed the need for the bridge to be adaptable with whatever the corridor provided in the future then explained more about the project scope. The Council asked about envisioning bikes on the bridge without bike lanes and the need for eight-foot lanes and pedestrian safety with the shared space. Mr. Milner said staff would review usage and add space if needed in conjunction with the County. VII.B. COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 – APPROVED Assistant Finance Director Sawyer shared that CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) audited the financial statements of the City and issued an unqualified opinion, meaning in their judgement the City's financial records and statements were fairly presented and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Michelle Hoffman, CPA from CLA, presented the audit results and thanked staff for their work. She said the City received a clean opinion that was unmodified and the best available determination then reviewed City processes for financial reporting to ensure checks, balances, and controls were in place. She said no weaknesses were identified and no new findings made and the City was in compliance with federal programs. She shared general fund financial results in detail and emerging issues with the American Rescue Plan Act and how it could be used to substantiate revenue loss for cities. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the Comprehensive Annual Financial report for year ended December 31, 2020 as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII.C. 2021 QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY – ACCEPTED Communications Director Bennerotte said staff had been directed to complete a Quality of Life survey every two years to measure residents’ satisfaction with City services and facilities and to gauge interest on various topics. Jade Eroca, NRC, stated the 2021 Quality of Life Survey was mailed to 2,000 randomly selected resident households in March and April and 518 surveys were completed for a response rate of 29 percent. She noted more than 200 surveys were completed online and shared how results were weighted based on many elements. She outlined comparisons between 2021 responses and those from previous survey years and said residents continued to praise Edina as an excellent place to live with overall quality of life being good. She shared the response indicated loyalty to the community for its characteristics and the most serious issues were overdevelopment and teardowns and the need for affordable housing and preservation of small starter homes. The Council asked about change in diversity and inclusion, if that compared to other communities in Minnesota, and how COVID-19 influenced responses well. Ms. Arocha spoke about Edina’s response, noting some ratings were due to the recent civil unrest that resulted in shifts in response but were part of broader trends. She commented on how the public trust question compared to other cities which tended to increase initially but then decreased after the initial onset of COVID-19. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 4 Mr. Neal explained how staff used the survey for budget and planning processes for the upcoming year and would be shared with the public. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Staunton, to accept the 2021 quality of life survey as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-52, ORDINANCE NO. 2021-06; PRELIMINARY REZONING AND PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SOLHEM COMPANIES AT 4660 77TH STREET WEST – CONTINUED TO JULY 21, 2021 Community Development Director Teague said the City Council was asked to consider a redevelopment proposal to redevelop 4660 W. 77th Street, which was part of the Pentagon Park office development. The applicant was proposing to tear down the existing two office buildings on the site and construct a 5-7 story, 408-unit apartment complex. He outlined revisions from the initial sketch plan and options for approval then shared about the existing office buildings on site. He shared building materials would be brick with fiber cement paneling then spoke about flexibility in terms of height and the proposed parking being below current ordinance. He spoke about how the applicant contemplated affordable housing with the existing housing but was proposing the buy-in for affordable housing which would be a substantial payment at the time of building permit and how therefore the project needed the height and density to meet those requirements. Mr. Teague shared comments from Better Together that included concerns regarding traffic on 77th Avenue, height, and confusion about affordable housing within the project. He said staff would meet with Seagate to clarify any of their specific concerns and stated with the 344-foot setback requirement and how the project was 700 feet from the closest single-family home that staff felt the proposed project height was reasonable. Curt Gunsbery, applicant, said they were excited to work with Edina and thanked staff for their work. He said they saw this project as transformative for the site as it used to be a wetland that was paved over in the 1960s and how the project would help rectify roads and long-term issues while enlarging the footprint of Fred Richards Park. Mike Kritch, architect, spoke about district goals such as connectivity and others then outlined current conditions of the large amount of surface parking from scraped development and their goal to change that and bring a different use to the area of residential. He spoke about how they intend to embrace the park and its connections and improvements to West 77th Street, improve permeability from its current state, and raise the front entry elevation and eliminate curb cuts for a visible and transparent entrance for safety. He explained how the project would tie into the wooneruf on the west side and include intense landscaping to soften the entrance and with the U-shaped design would create a more intimate courtyard that would include a natural and light palette with a bike café and other elements. Mr. Gunsbery reviewed in detail how they addressed the Council’s concerns from sketch plan that included more integrated water storage opportunities and sustainability and would create more naturally affordable housing. The Council asked for more information on housing price points and the need for more family-focused units. Mr. Gunsbery explained smaller footprint units cost less to construct and there was not much demand for three-bedroom units but a high demand for one-bedroom units and studios. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:12 p.m. Public Testimony Steve Brown, 5528 Halifax Lane, addressed the Council. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 5 Member Staunton moved to extend public hearing to noon on July 12, 2021, and take final action on Resolution No. 2021-52, Ordinance No. 2021-06; Preliminary Rezoning & Preliminary Development Plan for Solhem Companies at 4660 77th Street West at the July 21, 2021, meeting. Member Anderson seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.B. ORDINANCE NO. 2021-07; OFF-STREET PARKING REGULATIONS – GRANTED FIRST READING Mr. Teague said in 2020, the Edina City Council requested the Planning Commission evaluate the appropriateness of the City’s Off-Street Parking Regulations. The City’s current regulations had not been revised since 1992 and many of the current standards had not been amended since 1970. Over the past nine months, the Planning Commission considered revisions to the off-street parking regulations and made edits to clarify the draft ordinance to include the number of parking spaces proposed and the number of stalls to be built. He noted variances would not have been required in most instances, which demonstrated the ordinance was in line with what developers were building within their projects. Mr. Teague reviewed comments received from Better Together which included the importance of parking needed for businesses and others. Chair Nemerov shared comments about ordinances reviewed and ways to address with what fit for Edina today and felt this was a good balance between the City’s needs and the developers. He spoke about added caps and reasons why they should move away from building large garages for private developments then spoke about the effort to add green incentives and others. He shared areas of discretion that should be fleshed out prior to second reading and concluded the goal was to be right in the middle of what fit Edina today. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:41 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared. Member Staunton moved to extend public hearing to noon on July 12, 2021, and grant First Reading of Ordinance No. 2021-07, an Amendment Regarding Off Street Parking Regulations. Member Pierce seconded the motion. The Council suggested further review with a national consultant prior to Second Reading then suggested during study, the Planning Commission engage various people in the development community. Mr. Teague spoke about how the goal was not to drive parking to the streets, especially with the upcoming restaurant proposal on 44th and France. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS IX.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-44 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2021-05; PRELIMINARY REZONING FROM PCD-3 TO PUD AT 4040 70TH STREET WEST – ADOPTED Mr. Teague shared the City Council was asked to consider a redevelopment of 4040 West 70th Street. The applicant, Ecumen and Lupe Development Partners, would tear down the existing office building and construct a new three-four story 118 senior affordable housing project with 86 underground and 23 surface parking stalls. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 6 The Council asked questions received from the neighborhood that included concerns with location of the sewer easement, pile driving and potential damage, lighting impacts, construction parking, and the shadow study supplement. Steve Minn, applicant, responded how they had moved from the right-of-way easements then spoke about vibration monitors and the claim procedure should damage occur from pile driving. He spoke about the plan for hooded, downlit lighting and the inclusion of standard miniblinds for all units then noted the building’s sufficient distance from the neighborhood should help address lighting impacts. Zach Rosnow, Kolb Architects, explained more about the alternate shadow study and inconsistencies with later day hours and the accommodations for daylight savings time, which could have been missed by the residents’ study. He noted there were negligible differences in shadowing over the winter months. The Council suggested that a Cloverride stop be incorporated in the area to increase walkability and connectivity for the elderly then spoke about tree coverage along Valley View Road and asked what could be done so when foliage was gone, the view from the back of property was more than just the building. The Council suggested a hedge or trees, how transition from the commercial to residential should be more of a woonerf style, and the need to leverage the increase in value and create a plan for a western promenade. Mr. Minn explained their intent to save as many trees as possible but noted storm water retention plans would likely result in tree loss but would be replaced with 4-inch caliper trees to begin regrowth. The Council discussed the building size on the site and how it felt large and the need for transparency and trust in sharing clear boundaries of the site. The Council then spoke about the legitimacy of the neighbors’ concerns regarding potential damage to homes through pile driving and including the creation of a west promenade as part of this project either through a natural barrier or fence. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-44 approving preliminary rezoning from PCD-3, Planned Industrial District to PUD-22, Planned Unit Development-22, at 4040 West 70th Street and hold first reading of Ordinance No. 2021-05, Amending the Zoning Ordinance to Add PUD-22, Planned Unit Development-22, at 4040 70th Street West. Member Anderson seconded the motion. The Council spoke about the benefits of the proposed project to the community as a whole because of the affordable housing component but raised concerns about approving the proposal without knowing how to address the neighborhood’s concerns. They Council discussed the ability of approving without a plan for cumulative effect to address identified tensions and the need for a collective commitment regarding the screening and promenade. The Council spoke about the cumulative effect of development in this area, walkability and crossing 70th Street, need to discuss traffic and green space, the 10-foot setback, and transform into a public walking space. The Council thanked the Edina Housing Foundation and Planning Commission for their work to balance the project with the neighborhood that would result in 99 years of affordability, which was especially important for seniors. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to direct staff to investigate the financial wherewithal, including TIF from this project and the Southdale TIF district, to finance the beginning of a western promenade on the identified block of Valley View Road which would include privacy enhancements for the project’s adjacent neighborhood. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 7 IX.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-45; PRELIMINARY PLAT WITH VARIANCES FOR 5209 MINNEHAHA BOULEVARD – ADOPTED Mr. Teague shared Scott Busyn, Great Neighborhood Homes, was proposing to subdivide the property at 5209 Minnehaha Boulevard into two lots. The existing home on the lot would be torn down and two new homes built on the new parcels. Lot 1 would gain access off the alley and Lot 2 off Minnehaha Boulevard. This lot was originally platted as two lots and the applicant was proposing to restore the original plat. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-45 Approving Preliminary and Final Plat with Variances at 5209 Minnehaha Boulevard. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-47; APPROVING APPEAL FOR SIGN VARIANCES FOR MONUMENT SIGN HEIGHT AND SIZE AT 7101 AND 7201 METRO BOULEVARD – ADOPTED Assistant City Planner Bodeker shared this was an appeal of the Planning Commission's denial on May 12, 2021, of sign variances for the height of freestanding signs adjacent to Hwy. 100 at 7101 & 7201 Metro Boulevard and the size allowance for the allowable signs at 7201 Metro Boulevard. The subject property was located on the west side of Hwy. 100, south of W. 70th Street and east of Metro Boulevard and the applicant was asking for multiple sign variances for signage on the north, east and south elevations of the 7201 Metro Boulevard building. The Council asked how the proposed signs compared with Bloomington and St. Louis Park for businesses on Highway 100. Ms. Bodeker noted the signs, if proposed in those cities, would be allowed under their ordinances. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-47 Approving Sign Variances for Monument Sign Height and Size of Allowable Building Signage at 7101 and 7201 Metro Boulevard. Member Staunton seconded the motion. The Council asked the Planning Commission to review the current sign ordinance to be more comparable to adjacent cities to help maximize visibility for businesses while still being appropriately sized for the City, then thanked the applicant for their project. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX.D. DISCHARGE OF RESTRICTIVE COVENANT AFFECTING PROTECTING CLASSES AND JUST DEEDS UPDATE – APPROVED Mr. Miller shared an update on the Just Deeds project that began in 2016 with the University of Minnesota’s founded Mapping Prejudice to expose discriminatory covenants to expose the racist practices that shaped the landscape of the metro area. He said Mapping Prejudice researched restrictive covenants in Hennepin County and created the first-ever comprehensive map of discriminatory covenants in an American county and shared the project mapped over 2,800 covenants on residential properties in Edina and 52 City-owned properties and that on June 1, 2021, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2021-43: Condemning the Use of Discriminatory Covenants, Discharging Discriminatory Covenants on City-Owned Property, and Approving Participation in the Just Deeds Coalition. Mr. Millner recognized the team of volunteer staff members who had been working to renounce the discriminatory covenants on City-owned properties and said a process had been created for residents to do the same. He said the proposed action would address 42 of the City-owned properties with 10 requiring additional work then noted Yancy Park was included in this action. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 8 The Council thanked staff who volunteered towards this effort and noted this process was governing by example. Member Anderson made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve the Just Deeds project and approve the discharge of restrictive convents affecting protected classes affecting city-owned properties. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX.E. EXTENSION OF SERVICE LINE WARRANTY PROGRAM – APPROVED Director of Public Works Olson shared the City Council was asked to decide whether to continue the Service Line Warranty program. He shared history of the program since 2016 that would ensure residents had the option for additional protection for their private sewer and water service responsibility. The Service Line Warranty Program was endorsed by the National League of Cities and provided residents assurance that their water and sewer service lines would continue to work into the future. He shared data that outlined the City’s experience of 70-80 water service line breaks and 20-25 sewer backups reported annually and how staff responded to determine if these were resident or City responsibility. He spoke about concerns from residents regarding the legitimacy of the program and how 2,473 Edina customers enrolled for a total of 3,808 polices. He said staff’s recommendation was to cease collection of the royalty but continue with the program as it helped residents repair lines much quicker when needed. The Council discussed how the program resulted in much public discussion when the City endorsed it through use of letterhead and how there appeared to be value to the program, whether it was Service Line Warranty or another private warranty service. The Council suggested increased public education on the need for some type of insurance rider and while a private provider could take longer, removing the franchise fee collection would help perception and still encourage residents to purchase some type of coverage. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to extend the contract with Service Line Warranty as proposed. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. IX.F. SKETCH PLAN FOR 6500 BARRIE ROAD – REVIEWED Mr. Teague shared the City Council was asked to consider a sketch plan proposal to tear down the existing 16,032 square foot medical office building and build a new 3-story, 23,000 square foot medical office and surgery center at 6500 Barrie Road. He said the site was currently zoned POD-1, Planned Office District and a variance would be required by almost any type of development due to the narrowness of the site. Don Rolff, Pope Architects, explained how they needed to tear down the existing structure due to its age then spoke about the rectangular site with lots of pavement and adjacent parking and their goal to improve the site with a Class A medical office surgery center. He said they intended to construct a high-tech building while preserving trees and create green space along with a pedestrian sidewalk creation. He outlined the one level below grade parking lot and one at grade with two levels above grade for surgery and clinic then shared the building image that would use materials outlined in the zoning ordinance. The Council asked if 70 stalls were enough parking off 66th Street, noted the current three-way intersection was already difficult, and suggested access from Barrie Road. The Council also noted the first-floor parking felt unwelcoming and a better design would be appreciated but the Council did like the trees and proposed sidewalk. The Council indicated that 56th Street was planned to go all the way through to Xerxes Avenue and suggested the applicant be mindful that this area’s traffic pattern would change in the future in addition to the nearby apartment complex almost complete with Phase II coming. Minutes/Edina City Council/June 15, 2021 Page 9 X. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS - Received X.A. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) 1. MINUTES: ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, APRIL 22, 2021 XI. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received XIII. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XIII.A. RECOMMENDATION OF PROPOSED ARPA SPENDING PLAN XIV. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XV. ADJOURNMENT Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to adjourn the meeting at 12:20 a.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, July 21, 2021. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the June 15, 2021, meeting available.