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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-05 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 5, 2023 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. then shared the procedure for public hearing and community comment. II. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Members Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland. Absent: None. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Risser, to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Ron Anderson, 5728 Kemrich Drive, spoke about the recent escalating level of serious crimes in Edina that included two homicides, an armed robbery attempt, and attempted carjacking. He said his comments were not a criticism of police force but about the challenge of response to violent crime and the addition of more officers as visibility and presence was a crime deterrent. He said the former fire station would be an excellent location for a police substation and that action was needed now. Andy Brown, 5512 Park Place, asked for reasons for duplicate assessing services between the City and Hennepin County when we were short police officers and suggested transferring that budget to police as well as overtime budgets for Edina liquor store staffing. V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS Manager Neal responded to past Community Comments. The Council commented on recent crimes that had occurred in the City. Police Chief Milburn shared an update and response on how the department was addressing the recent crime activity and noted the incidents were not caused by Edina residents. He stated Edina was a very safe place to live, work, and visit then shared about the department’s fast response to the crimes assisted by other agencies. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Risser, approving the consent agenda as amended, removing Items VI.C., Ordinance No. 2023-24; Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code, Setting Fees for 2024, and VI.P., Amendment to 7001 France Avenue Redevelopment Agreements with MDI France Avenue, LLC, as follows: VI.A. Approve Minutes of the Worksession and Regular Meeting of November 21, 2023 VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 17, 2023 totaling $2,805,384.52 and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 22, 2023 totaling $2,322,185.67 VI.C. Ordinance No. 2023-24; Amending Chapter 2 of the City Code, Setting Fees for 2024 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 5, 2023 Page 2 VI.D. Request for Purchase; Special Inspection and Testing Services for Fire Station 2 Replacement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Braun Intertec Corporation, $143,056 VI.E. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-91; Supporting the City of Richfield’s Regional Solicitation Application VI.F. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-90; Approving Grant Application for 2024 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration Program VI.G. Request for Purchase; Change Order #1 City Hall Exterior Improvements and PV System, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, M. Magnuson Construction, $1,438,665 VI.H. Accept Traffic Safety Report of October 31, 2023 VI.I. Request for Purchase; License Plate Readers, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Flock Group, Inc., $83,000 VI.J. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-93; Approving Auto Theft Investigative Equipment and Materials Grant VI.K. Approve 2024 Calendar of Meeting and Religious Observance Dates VI.L. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-04; Approving Auto Theft Investigator Travel Grant VI.M. Request for Purchase; Service Contract for E911 Telephone System, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, approving renewal of the contract with Independent Emergency Services (IES) VI.N. Request for Purchase; Axon Taser Replacement Program, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Axon Enterprises, Inc., $260,214 VI.O. Approve West Metro Drug Task Force Joint Powers Agreement VI.P. Amendment to 7001 France Avenue Redevelopment Agreements with MDI France Avenue, LLC VI.Q. Request for Purchase; Annual Cityworks Maintenance Contract, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Azteca Systems, LLC, $37,080 VI.R. Request for Purchase; Professional Services for Edina Liquor Branding, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Makers and Allies, $64,000 VI.S. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-88; Approving Minnesota Session Laws 2024, Chapter 64, Article 10, Section 17, Amending the Spending Plan for Braemar Park/Arena VI.T. Approve 2023 Human Services Task Force Recommendation for 2024-2025 Funding VI.U. Approve 2024 Commission Work Plans Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA VI.C. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-24; AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE, SETTING FEES FOR 2024 – ADOPTED The Council spoke about waiting to set water fees until after a year of data collection was complete then asked about the organics fees and the RFP that expired in 2026. The Council asked for a review of costs and revenue stream as only 30% of residents use the service and asked staff to explore ways to make this program more successful such as residents sharing containers to reduce the number of stops. Member Risser made a motion to waive Second Reading adopting Ordinance No. 2023-24 amending Chapter 2 of the City Code, setting fees for 2024. Seconded by Member Jackson. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VI.P. AMENDMENT TO 7001 FRANCE AVENUE REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS WITH MDI FRANCE AVENUE, LLC – APPROVED Mr. Neal said since an HRA member had voted against this action during the HRA meeting, this item should not have been included on the Consent Agenda. Minutes/Edina City Council/December 5, 2023 Page 3 Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve an amendment to 7001 France Avenue redevelopment agreements with MDI France Avenue, LLC. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nays: Risser Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VII.A. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION; 2023 TOM OYE AWARE – PRESENTED HRRC Chair Stringer Moore Human Rights & Relations Commission (HRRC) said they would like to present the 2023 Tom Oye Award to Dr. Terrie Rose for her work with the Anti-Racism Collective (ARC) to educate the public and unlearn racism. She shared more about Dr. Rose’ background and work in the field and her desire to impact compassion and authenticity in the world. Dr. Rose thanked the HRRC for the award and said this was a representation for all the ARC’s efforts and willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and the importance in keeping everyone engaged in the fight against anti-racism. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. VII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-92; NOMINATING STEPHEN SANDO TO THE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT BOARD OF MANAGERS – ADOPTED Mr. Neal shared this resolution provided formal notice to the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners that the Edina City Council endorsed the reappointment of Stephen Sando to serve on the Board of Managers of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. He said if adopted, staff would transmit the resolution to Hennepin County staff for the commissioners to consider when they make appointments to the various watershed districts operating within Hennepin County. Mr. Sando shared an update on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers and asked for Council support to continue serving. He shared the Watershed encompassed 178 square miles of wetlands, lakes, and creeks, then spoke about the work in Arden Park and shared photos of the community enjoying water activities in the creek, the new shelter and playground, and other improvements. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-92 nominating Stephen Sando the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District Board of Managers. Seconded by Member Pierce. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-86, RESOLUTION NO. 2023-89, AND ORDINANCE NO. 2023-23, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT ZONING, ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR 6016 VERNON AVENUE – CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 19, 2023 Community Development Director Teague shared GreenDrop Charitable Donations and the property owner, Special X properties, were proposing to remodel the existing Kee’s Auto Repair at 6016 Vernon Avenue into a charitable donation center which would accept donations on behalf of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The GreenDrop donation office would accept donations of gently used clothing, shoes, and household goods and had 61 locations across the country. This office was proposed to be open from 10 am to 6 pm seven days a week, 363 days per year and two employees would be on the site during business hours. There would be no outside storage, including no semi-trailer storage. Once per week a 16- foot box truck would collect donated items inside the building and transport them to another location outside of Edina for sorting and resale. The existing site was zoned PCD-4, Planned Commercial District, which allowed only automobile service centers, gas stations and car washes. He shared the ordinance amendment would impact 11 sites in Edina currently zoned PCD-4 and how the current use generated 120 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 5, 2023 Page 4 trips per day with the proposed generating 72 trips per day. Mr. Teague shared that MDR would be the most appropriate use for this site, which it had been since 1980, but how the Planning Commission denied all three requests as they felt the use was not appropriate for this site because the use would be permanent. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Ron Dee, Savers Thrift Store, shared more about their business model that safely donated used clothing and household items to DAV that kept items out of the waste stream and provided profit from the donations. He spoke about the five-year lease that included an extension as well as a termination clause after three years. He outlined how they would responsibly manage the facility and the intent to hire disabled veterans. He said the building had been vacate since 2021 then outlined the recent building renovations and traffic study and requested the Council follow staff’s recommendation for approval. Josh Fertonsneck, Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota, spoke about their partnership with Savers and how they had 32 chapters totaling 19,000 members and were headquartered in Kentucky. He said DAV had 1.4 million members nationally and explained how they used to do the sales themselves but changed to be the wholesaler due to their bylaws. He said 70% of revenue from collections help provide no-cost services to veterans throughout the state then spoke about property value impacts and a nearby four-story residential construction project. Mr. Dee added they were aware about potential residential feedback and scheduled a neighborhood meeting for property owners within 1,000 feet of the site. He said they sent 172 invitations and 30 people attended the meeting, many of who supported the project. He added the President of Savers lived in Edina and that this store would be closely monitored for concerns as well. Crystal Engquist, Savers, explained how these types of stores generally operate retail and if short staffed pull staff from the donation area but noted this site would only operate for donations which should result in a consistent, streamlined donation process. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. Public Testimony Jasmine Stringer Moore, 6108 Sherman Circle, addressed the Council. Pam Allen, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council. Mary Melander, 6105 Eden Prairie Road, Unit 35, addressed the Council. Kurt Lange, 5301 Mirror Lakes Drive, addressed the Council. John Wellborn, 6008 Eden Prairie Road, addressed the Council. Joe Burke, 5816 Ershire Boulevard, addressed the Council. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing at noon on December 11, 2023, and continue action on Resolution No. 2023-86, Resolution No. 2023-89, and Ordinance No. 2023-23, Comprehensive Plan Amendment Zoning, Zoning Ordinance Amendment, and Site Plan review for 6016 Vernon Avenue, to the December 19, 2023, City Council meeting. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-95, SETTING 2024 TAX LEVY AND ADOPTING OPERATING BUDGET – CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 19, 2023 Minutes/Edina City Council/December 5, 2023 Page 5 Mr. Neal shared the City started the 2024-2025 budget development process early in 2023 and that this action would be for the public meeting for adoption of the 2024-2025 budget. He said the Council could choose to wait to adopt the 2024 tax levy and operating budget until the December 19, 2023 meeting, which would be the last date the levy could be adopted. He explained the rationale behind a two-year budget which was to spend more time in the second year on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and less time making changes to the operating budget. The City Council reviewed the proposed 2024 budget and adopted the preliminary levy for taxes payable in 2024 on September 19, 2023. He outlined the budget pillars in detail that drove the City’s spending and said since the adoption of the preliminary levy, staff made one update to the budget that resulted in an expense budget and levy reduction of $87,500 in both 2024 and 2025. Staff requested Council approve the $54,506,065 levy for 2024, which was $4,563,565 or 9.15% more than the 2023 levy. He spoke about projects that included Fred Richards Park and Braemar Park and Arena, Art Center facility and programming, Cahill Area sanitary sewer expansion, Fire Station 3, Grandview Area transportation improvements, and York Avenue sanitary sewer capacity expansion as well as the need to plan for mental health calls, school elections, THC/cannabis legislation, support staff wellness/PTSD needs, affordable housing goals, comprehensive plan update, and other needs. Finance Director McAndrews shared the proposed tax levy for the upcoming biennium compared to the 2023 budget and that Council approved the $54,506,065 levy for 2024, which was $4,563,565 or 9.15% more than the 2023 levy and that the proposed tax levy increase was 13.48% over 2024. She explained further about what made up the levy increase that included investment and impact in technology systems, street lighting replacement, increased support to the City’s utility system and on-call winter response duties, and other investments and impacts. She reviewed the quality of life survey and the goal to maintain that goal while increasing public safety goals. Ms. McAndrews spoke about estimated market values and levy impacts and shared comparisons to similar-sized cities. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:07 p.m. Public Testimony Ralph Zickert, 4311 Cornelius Circle, addressed the Council. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing at noon on December 11, 2023, and continue action on Resolution No. 2023-95, adopting the Budget for the City of Edina for Year 2024, and establishing the proposed tax levy payable in 2024, to the December 19, 2023, City Council meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS IX.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-87; ACCEPTING DONATIONS – ADOPTED Member Agnew introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-96, accepting donations. Seconded by Member Jackson. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. IX.B. SKETCH PLAN FOR 7001 YORK AVENUE, SOUTHDALE REGIONAL LIBRARY – REVIEWED Mr. Teague shared Hennepin County was requesting a sketch plan review of a proposed plan to tear down the existing Hennepin County Regional Library building to construct a new library. The proposed building would also include space for a new Edina Art Center as a tenant. The building would be located on the north half of the 7.75-acre site; the south half of the site would include green space with sidewalks/bike paths through the site to connect to the regional bike trail through Adams Hill Park to the south. The green Minutes/Edina City Council/December 5, 2023 Page 6 space would include support activities from the art center and library. Vehicle access was proposed off 70th Street with the existing access off York Avenue closing. The front of the building would face the green space to the south and York Avenue to the west. Underground parking was proposed with a surface parking lot along 70th Street. The library space would be roughly 45,000 square feet and the Edina Art Center 19,000 square feet. David Hoff, Hennepin County Administrator, shared the project was 12 years in the making and they were excited to partner with Edina to create a park, arts center, and library. Scott Duimstra, Hennepin County Library Director, shared a project narrative of the current library and shared the library was the fourth most visited within Hennepin County, had the sixth highest volume of checkouts, was seventh for wi-fi connections, and second in information counts. He outlined the engagement opportunities held as well as the physical building accessibility issues then outlined features that included natural light, adjacent green spaces, and other elements. Matthew Kruntorad, MSR Design, shared more about the sketch plan for the Southdale Library and comments about how the library was for lifelong learning. He said they would not need any variances except possibly for height then shared a proposed schedule and continued engagement plans. He shared how the site would be pedestrian friendly and provide for events and other ways about how libraries were being used today. He shared more about placemaking through support of the public realm, equity, larger context, and how this project would support the next 200 years of the Edina community and the future of Southdale. He spoke about creating a model of healthy urban living and building blocks for sunlight, ground plane connections, and access routes. Mr. Kruntorad explained the greater Southdale district street rooms, seams and transitions in detail and challenges that included the floodplain, existing slopes that created barriers at the perimeter, and how the scale of the existing block was incompatible with district goals. He outlined regional trail connections in the area and how the library was a connecting link then shared details about the preliminary sketch plan that included performance, sustainability, inclusivity, and other elements. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. X. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) – Received X.A. MINUTES; TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, OCTOBER 26, 2023 X.B. MINUTES: HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION, NOVEMBER 21, 2023 XI. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XI.A. BOARD AND COMMISSION SELECTION PROCESS XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received XIII. ADJOURNMENT Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:24 p.m. Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 19, 2023. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the December 5, 2023, meeting available. Sharon Allison (Dec 20, 2023 10:26 CST)