HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-08 City Council Meeting MinutesPage 1
MINUTES
OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
NOVEMBER 8, 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, Risser, Hovland. Absent: Member Pierce.
III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to approve the meeting agenda
as presented.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, shared safety concerns regarding the construction project at 4404
Valley View Road and proximity of the power poles in relation to the units. She spoke about Xcel Energy’s
12-foot rule with relation to windows then shared photos of power pole proximity to the building and about
an incident that occurred in another area of the country that resulted in death. She then displayed a model
that outlined the power pole proximity that could result in a power arc and injury.
Owen Michaelson, 4520 West 56th Street, shared the November 7 election was conducted by Edina for the
school district at a cost of $150,000, and schools were responsible for the fee. He said he presented at a
recent school board meeting this information and the resulting comments by the school board chair who
felt the amount should not be paid as there was an election already in place. He asked who was the
responsible party for the school district election and if the district was at odds with the City’s interpretation
of the fee. He added the residents need to understand who was responsible for election costs.
V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS
Manager Neal responded to past Community Comments then spoke about Mr. Michaelson’s concerns
regarding election fees. He explained the City entered into a one-year agreement with the school district
for elections which included a cap of $150,000 and the City’s pledge to track time and expenses for the
district. He said the cap was in an up to amount, could be less, and staff was working to collect all costs.
He noted staff would also follow up on potential safety concerns regarding the construction project at 4404
Valley View Road as raised by Ms. Westin.
VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED
Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, approving the consent agenda
as revised to remove Item VI.L., Traffic Safety Report of September 26, 2023, as follows:
VI.A. Approve Minutes of the Worksession and Regular Meeting of October 17, 2023
VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 13,
2023-1 totaling $153,577.48; Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 16, 2023-1
totaling $78,247.28, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated 10.16.23-2 TOTAL
$1,310,875.84, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 18, 2023-1 totaling
$1,657.92, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 18, 2023-2 totaling $5,257.23,
Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 20, 2023, totaling $2,112,778.15, Check
Minutes/Edina City Council/November 8, 2023
Page 2
Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 27, 2023, totaling $5,466.18, and Check
Register Claims Pre-List Dated October 30, 2023, totaling $2,057,397.86
VI.C. Request for Purchase; Institution Community Work Crew Contract, awarding the bid
to the recommended low bidder, State of Minnesota, $210,000
VI.D. Request for Purchase; Courtney Baseball Fields #2-4 Sports Lighting, awarding the bid
to the recommended low bidder, Electro Mechanical Contractors, $103,980 and Musco
Corporation, $359,000
VI.E. Waive Building Permit Fees for Courtney Baseball Fields #2-4 Sports Lighting
VI.F. Receive Advisory Report; Arts and Culture Initiative, Street Art Policy and Practices
VI.G. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-78; Setting Public Improvement Hearing Date for Concord
B and C Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction
VI.H. Adopt Resolution No. 2023-79; Setting Public Improvement Hearing Date for
Southdale B Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction
VI.I. Request for Purchase, Professional Services for 50th and Grange Improvements,
awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Short Elliot Hendrickson, $246,000
VI.J. Request for Purchase, Promenade Pumping System Professional Services, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, Kimley Horn, $30,176.00
VI.K. Request for Purchase, Senior Center Water Intrusion Investigation and Repair,
awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Rachel Contracting, $33,365
VI.L. Traffic Safety Report of September 26, 2023
VI.M. Request for Purchase, Neptune 360 H2O Meter Software and Hardware, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, $24,980
VI.N. Request for Purchase, Replacement of a Submersible Cable for Well 2, awarding the
bid to the recommended low bidder, E.H. Renner & Sons, $21,500
VI.O. Request for Purchase, 911 Radio and Phone Recorder Replacement, awarding the bid
to the recommended low bidder, Northland Business Systems, $27,905
VI.P. Request for Purchase, Handheld Robots, awarding the bid to the recommended low
bidder, Recon Robotics, Inc., $77,996
VI.Q. Request for Purchase, Two 2024 Chevy Electric Blazers, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, North Country GM, $122,837
VI.R. Request for Purchase, 2024 Doge Durango, awarding the bid to the recommended low
bidder, Dodge of Burnsville, $39,371
VI.S. Request for Purchase, Adobe Software Subscriptions, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, LOGIS, $25,671
VI.T. Request for Purchase, Fire Toughbook Replacements, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, Baycom, $64,518
VI.U. Request for Purchase, Fire Station 1 Fitness Equipment, awarding the bid to the
recommended low bidder, 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment Inc., $24,314
VI.V. Approve 2024-2025 Union Contract for LELS Local 486 Sergeants
VI.W. Approve 2024-2025 Union Contract for LELS Local 498 Patrol
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
VI.L. TRAFFIC SAFETY REPORT OF SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 – RECEIVED
The Council noted the City would be installing a warning sign for eastbound traffic for the Grandview Square
area as recommended in the traffic safety report. Director of Engineering Millner shared the report noted
pedestrians had pushed the crosswalk button 46% of the time and that 95% of cars stopped when the lights
flashed and encouraged pedestrians to continue to use the button to safely cross the intersection.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to receive the Traffic Safety
Report of September 26, 2023.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Minutes/Edina City Council/November 8, 2023
Page 3
Motion carried.
VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
VII.A. DECLARING NOVEMBER 19 WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC
VICTIMS – PROCLAIMED
Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to proclaim November 19
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the City of Edina.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Member Risser shared about her loss of a loved one through road traffic violence, the importance of this
proclamation, and ways to reduce crashes through messaging and public education. She noted Edina had
lost many people in the past year as a result of reckless and inattentive driving and encouraged everyone to
pay attention for the safety of staff and the entire public.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file.
VIII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-80; 4917 EDEN AVENUE, MAISON GREEN, SIGN VARIANCE
APPEAL – CONTINUED TO NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Assistant City Planner Boedecker shared that Edina resident Tom Tessman had appealed the Planning
Commission’s decision to the City Council for an additional 39.9-square foot wall sign for Maison Green.
She explained the PUD-21 zoning allowed signage on one wall sign for maximum of 12 square feet and that
the applicant wanted an additional lighted sign on the south side in the amount of 39.9 square feet. She
spoke about the practical difficulties shared by the applicant for reasonable use and that staff believed the
request was reasonable given site’s unique location on Highway 100 and that granting the variance would
not alter the character of the neighborhood. She shared the Planning Commission approved the variance
request unanimously and requested the Council hold the public hearing and continue action until the
November 21 meeting.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
City Attorney Kendall responded to questions of the Council that said approval of a variance would not
create a precedent as each request had to be evaluated individually on its own merits. He noted while future
applicants might refer to any variance approval regardless, the Council was not bound on decisions for future
requests as a result of past requests.
Dianne Blake, 5017 Yvonne Terrace, said they were residents and engaged members of Edina and offered
perspective that seemed to be lacking from the Planning Commission. She argued the sign code did not
meet statute requirements and spoke about reasonable, uniqueness, and essential character. She stated the
claim that without signage the building would not be recognized was not reasonable as the building scale was
very large and the public was able to locate other buildings on Highway 100 already, including through the
use of GPS. She said no request was made for signage on the north side of the complex and felt this property
was not unique as there were multiple buildings already in the Grandview area.
Tom Tessman, 5017 Yvonne Terrace, spoke about essential character and felt nearby residents would be
subjected to an illuminated sign 24/7 then shared photos of other buildings and their current signage. He
said they believed the variance requirements had not been met regarding reasonableness, uniqueness, and
essential character and that a variance for an additional, large-scale illuminated sign broke the established
precedent and undermined the City’s climate action plan.
Bjorn Bowman, Serigraphics Sign Systems, said the building was not easily visible at night and spoke to the
scale being very understated. He said the sign copy would be the only portion lit as the background would
be opaque and residents would see no light pollution. He said he believed this was not an overly large sign
then shared how the brightness could be adjusted to control the lumens if necessary as well as hours as the
Minutes/Edina City Council/November 8, 2023
Page 4
sign would likely be on a timer. He believed the sign would be similar to lighting coming from an actual
apartment unit and supported the variance.
The Council requested the property owner appear at the November 21, 2023, Council meeting with the
reasons for the variance request.
Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:07 p.m.
Public Testimony
Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council.
Daniel Eaton, 5712 Parkwood Lane, addressed the Council.
Susan Lee, 6708 Pointe Drive, addressed the Council.
Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to close the public hearing on
November 12, 2023, and continue action on Resolution No. 2023-80, 4917 Eden Avenue,
Maison Green, Sign Variance Appeal, to the November 21, 2023, meeting.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
IX.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-81; ACCEPTING DONATIONS - ADOPTED
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-81, accepting
donations. Seconded by Member Agnew.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
IX.B. SKETCH PLAN FOR 6600-6800 FRANCE AVENUE – REVIEWED
Community Development Director Teague shared the applicants, Wildamere, Olympus Ventures, and HGA
Architects were requesting consideration of a sketch plan review to redevelop a portion of the 22-acre
parcel at 6600-6800 France. The applicants brought two sketch plan alternatives to the Planning
Commission for review on September 27, 2023 and based on feedback had revised plans for Council
consideration. The proposal now was to rezone the site back to the original zoning classification of POD,
Planned Office District from the current PUD. The plans still included demolition of the middle buildings on
the site (6750, 6740 and 6700 France) and construct a 3-4 story 85,000 square-foot medical office building
and 8,500 square-foot restaurant. He said if a formal application was made the applicants had stated that
they would bring forward a Code compliant plan with the POD standards. Mr. Teague noted setbacks shown
on the revised plans appear to be code compliant with the POD Ordinance and more detailed plans would
be required with a formal application to ensure code compliance.
Shawn Smith, Wildamere, said they had been working on this project since 2008 and shared how many of
Wildamere and Olympus Venture staff lived in the community and were excited to propose new 3-story,
85,000 square-foot medical building and 8,500 square-foot restaurant and associated parking structures. He
said the project would be similar to the 2017 PUD Phase IV then shared two options for sketch plan for
Planning Commission review. He said after consideration of building the PUD against constraints and
stakeholder concerns they concluded the best course was to revert back to the POD zoning and create a
medical building and not a typical office building. He said they were in support of the City and Chamber’s
goals to create this area as medical destination with access to grade, covered parking options, and internal
access to amenities. He spoke about the need for greater plumbing/electrical infrastructure and how the
site was unique in overall size and constraints and challenges through commitments of existing tenants. He
spoke about key sight lines maintenance, easement maintenance and preserving existing tree growth and
how they intended to improve connectivity and visibility and incorporate the City’s guidelines for a gateway
Minutes/Edina City Council/November 8, 2023
Page 5
project for the south France Avenue corridor. He spoke about increased medical access and the desire to
welcome employees, residents and visitors to the Southdale neighborhood. He shared a general overview
of the existing site conditions, outlined proposed parking, then spoke about easements that would serve the
campus, the existing high-water tables and the resulting challenges with the goal of having a $50-$60 million
investment for Southdale.
Jason Vanslo, HGA, said he had worked on the project since 2019 and was a result of years to revitalize a
cornerstone site. He spoke about creating a connected cohesive campus and keep the 6600 and 6800
buildings viable and thriving. He referred to the sensitivity to the adjacent Cornelius neighborhood and the
goal to provide sufficient parking in recognition of the spirit of the Greater Southdale Area Guidelines. He
said the project would serve both remote users and local residents to connect to a broader community that
had pedestrian friendly parking experiences and would work to buffer internal traffic impacts and eliminate
the right-out exit onto France Avenue to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. He referred to massing
of the parking structure that was thoroughly studied and building placement and parking to support the
goals of overall reduction of the site and generate a more engaging public realm. Mr. Vanslo shared further
comments regarding the proposed project and outlined in detail the resulting public benefits of the project
and how the project followed the Greater Southdale District Plan guidelines which included reduced density,
elimination of hotel, residential and retail and reduced building square footage, then spoke more about the
goals of the parking structure and their request for 150 more stalls for future phases.
Shawn Smith, Wildamere, recognized the importance of building a project that reflected the quality of the
surrounding neighborhood and the Southdale District and invited the Council to a tour the site to better
outline the constraints and thanked them for their time and consideration.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
IX.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-82; UPDATE TO GATEWAY ALTERNATIVE URBAN AREAWIDE
REVIEW (AUAR) – ADOPTED
Mr. Teague shared the Gateway Study Area was approximately 135 acres, bounded by Highway 100 on the
west, France Avenue on the east, 76th Street West, and the former Fred Richards Golf Course on the north,
and Edina’s border with Bloomington on the south. The Study Area currently contained a mixture of
light industrial/warehouse, commercial, office and residential uses with a total of 1,904,000 gross square
feet (gsf) of these uses in the original existing conditions. The City adopted the final AUAR on November 5,
2007, and the City updated it in September 2013 and August 2018. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules 4410.3610
Subp. 7, for the AUAR to remain valid as the environmental review document for the area, the document
needed to be updated every five years until all development in the study area had received final approval.
Since not all redevelopment had received approval in the study area and another five years had passed, the
purpose of this document was to update the AUAR pursuant to Minnesota Rules.
Andi Moffatt, WSB, shared they conducted the original AUAR in 2007 and presented further updates to the
Council that included the purpose was for a study area and not a specific development. She outlined the
area included 135 acres of the Gateway Area and how the State reviewed document similar to an EAW that
evaluated different development scenarios, included a mitigation plan, and provided a wider view of the area.
She said the AUAR was valid and when an area redeveloped a guide plan was in place and a separate EAW
was not needed. Ms. Moffatt spoke about what’s involved in an AUAR that evaluated what had developed,
stated mitigation measures, updated the environmental review, and provided a 10-day agency and public
comment period which recently ended. She outlined the comments received were in keeping with others
with no significant issues and that some revisions were made as a result and suggested the Council adopt
the AUAR update through 2023 and to continue updating as long as necessary then noted the addition of
greenhouse gas analysis to the AUAR.
The Council asked questions and provided feedback.
Minutes/Edina City Council/November 8, 2023
Page 6
Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2023-82, adopting the final
Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Update for the Gateway Study Area. Seconded by
Member Risser.
Rollcall:
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
X. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) –
Received
X.A. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
X.B. MINUTES: HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 26, 2023
X.C. MINUTES: ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, AUGUST 24 AND SEPTEMBER 14, 2023
X.D. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
XI. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received
XI.A. CITY MANAGER ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adjourn the meeting at 9:53
p.m.
Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Allison, City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, November 21, 2023.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
Video Copy of the November 8, 2023, meeting available.
Sharon Allison (Nov 22, 2023 08:35 CST)