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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-07 City Council Meeting MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL MAY 7, 2024 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, and Hovland. Absent: None. III. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE IV. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED AS PRESENTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the meeting agenda as published. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Harry McLenighan, 7200 York Avenue, spoke about the importance of trust in policy-making and core values and the need to remove ambiguity from public discourse to improve trust. He encouraged the Council to avoid word choice confusion and how equity was supported but that two contradictions were in play, one being fair and reasonable in treating everyone in an equal manner which was different from equality which can result in equity being ambiguous. He suggested minimizing this communication challenge and to use precise language when discussing equality then noted justice was not ambiguous. Andy Brown, 5512 Park Place, shared concerns with the number of density proposals before the City and the cost of resulting transportation and transit. He said the City did not have passenger rail, had limited metro transit bus service, and no plan for a third lane on Highway 62. He encouraged the Council to think about density in locations to not impact the ease of transportation in the City. Dave Frenkel, 4510 Lakeview Drive, expressed his disappointment that American flags were not lowered at City facilities on May 5 to honor firefighters as declared by Governor Walz and suggested primary and secondary employees or volunteers be designated responsible for this task going forward. He shared concerns regarding recent development near Eden and Wilson Road, how the traffic circles were a major inconvenience for residents, that development should not affect the quality of life of residents, overflow parking on Wilson Road, how the restaurant was developed without a parking plan, concerns with bus access, and bicyclists' safety. VI.A. CITY MANAGER'S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS City Manager Neal responded to Community Comments from past meetings. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS AMENDED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the consent agenda as amended removing Items VI.A., Minutes of the Work Session and Regular Meeting of April 16, 2024, VI.J., Request for Purchase; Street Lighting Replacement for Barrie Road, Heritage Drive, 65th Street and York Avenue, and VI.O, Request for Purchase; Fire Station 2 Larger Diameter Trees, as follows: Page 1 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Pre-List Dated April 12, 2024, totaling $448,825.23, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 19, 2024, totaling $1,179,459.18, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 26, 2024, totaling $936,240.76, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 26, 2024, totaling $258,436.87, Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 26, 2024, totaling $71,946.82, and Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated April 29, 2024, totaling $7,575.43 VI.C. Request for Purchase; SWAT Vests, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Streicher's, $71,973 VI.D. Request for Purchase; One 2024 Unmarked Police Vehicle, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, $39,730, Bloomington Luther Hyundai VI.E. Request for Purchase; Approve Public Health Infrastructure Services Agreement with City of Bloomington and its Public Health Division, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, City of Bloomington, $175,034 VI.F. Request for Purchase; Gateway Water Meter Radio Receivers, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Ferguson Waterworks, $118,000 VI.G. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-32, Approving the Participation of the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority in an Affordable Housing Project VI.H. Request for Purchase; Three-Year Inspection and Maintenance Contract for the Fire Tower at South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, KFT Fire Trainer, LLC, $24,633 VI.I. Request for Purchase; ENG 24-3 Southdale B Neighborhood Roadway Reconstruction Project, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, New Look Contracting, Inc., $3,197,979 6-5 VI.K. Request for Purchase; ENG 24-3 Southdale B Reconstruction Materials Testing, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Braun Intertec, $27,670 VI.L. Request for Purchase; Rytec Fast Seal Doors for Public Works Carwash, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Minter LTD, $72,450 VI.M. Request for Purchase; Change Order No. 2 Two-Year Contract Extension for Citywide Facilities Fire Alarm and Sprinkler Services and Monitoring, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, LVC, $79,522 VI.N. Request for Purchase; Building Automation Services for Citywide Standardization and Master Professional Engineering Services Agreement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, KFI Engineers, $49,900 VI.O. Re. Diameter Trees. VI.P. Approve Traffic Safety Report of March 26, 2024 VI.Q. Request for Purchase; Help Desk Software Subscription, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, HappyFox, $28,790 annually VI.R. Request for Purchase; Contracted Services Agreement for Cleaning Equipment at Braemar Arena, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Dalco Enterprises $22,013 VI.S. Request for Purchase; Highlands Tennis Court Replacement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Bituminous Roadways, $109,288 VI.T. Request for Purchase; Chowen Basketball Court Replacement, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Bituminous Roadways, $62,701 VI.U. Approve Summary Publication for Ordinance No. 2024-02 Amending Chapter 36, Accessory Dwellings VI.V. Adopt Resolution No. 2024-35, Requiring Tally of Write In Votes Only if More than Lowest Candidate Votes VI.W. Approve Special Permit to Use City Property with Service of Alcohol at the Edina Art Fair, May 31-june 2, 2024 Rollcall: Page 2 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA VI.A. MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 16, 2024 — APPROVED AS AMENDED The Council spoke about the need for clarity in the tree ordinance as it was not limited to residential, included subdivisions, and the only exception was parkland. The Council spoke about the intent of the text, how other cities required protection for other types of land, and how Edina was not enforcing it that way. The Council also spoke about another part of code that addressed landscaping, the need to draw an equivalence between this and how the ordinance was ambiguous, and the need to make the statement that the only exception was parkland. Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to amend the minutes to accurately reflect the testimony by resident Janey Westin during Community Comments at the April 16, 2024, Council meeting. Rol!call: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VI.J. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE; STREET LIGHTING REPLACEMENT FOR BARRIE ROAD, HERITAGE DRIVE, 65TH STREET AND YORK AVENUE — AWARDED The Council shared about attendance at a recent climate mayors' meeting regarding replacement lighting in Los Angeles and Madison that included EV charging ability on light posts and asked if that could be considered, where appropriate, in the Edina. Director of Engineering Millner said that EV charging was not currently occurring but agreed it was an interesting concept and staff would review the possibility with Xcel Energy as they owned the light posts. He noted factors to consider would be how to address right-of-way and others. Member Hovland made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to approve request for purchase; street lighting replacement for Barrie Road, Heritage Drive, 65th Street and York Avenue, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Northern States Power Company (Xcel Energy), $51,250. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VI.O. REQUEST FOR PURCHASE; FIRE STATION 2 LARGER DIAMETER TREES — AWARDED The Council shared concerns about the limited warranty of only one year for these trees, the proposed size of the oaks and their viability, transportation of the trees, and requested a longer warranty if possible. Assistant Director of Parks & Natural Resources Swenson shared the industry standard for warranties was one year and that longer warranties would cost more. He noted the typical tree loss on larger spaded trees was 10% and that staff was confident most would survive then noted smaller trees' success rates was actually less. He said Minnesota trees would be used and explained the extremely large tree spade was used to sever the roots every three years during the initial growth to help survival and how highly skilled labor and equipment was used to achieve success. He shared the diameter of the proposed trees and noted the City did not possess the equipment needed for this work. He also shared the positive impact larger trees had on a site as they were more visually appealing and had a higher chance of survival. Page 3 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 Member Risser made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to approve request for purchase; Fire Station 2 larger diameter trees, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Environmental Design, Inc., $71,090. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VII. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS AND PRESENTATIONS VILA. EDINA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAM — RECOGNIZED The Council recognized the Edina High School girls' soccer team for winning the state championship in the 2023-2024 school year. The Edina High School girls' soccer team introduced themselves, thanked the Council for this recognition, and said they were very proud and thankful for their accomplishments. They also thanked the Edina Soccer Association for their great support as well as Coach Katie Aafedt and captains. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. VII.B. TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION 20TH ANNIVERSARY — PROCLAIMED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Transportation Commission of the City of Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Transportation Planner Scipioni spoke about the work of the Transportation Commission, which included larger projects as well as many routine items and how they provided helpful insight into the City's practices and policies. Transportation Commissioner Chair Lewis accepted the Proclamation and thanked the Council for the recognition and spoke about the importance of community members sharing input with the Commission and the work they do and thanked the Commissioners for volunteering their valuable time and work. VII.C. NATIONAL POLICE WEEK — PROCLAIMED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to proclaim May 12-18, 2024, as National Police Week in the City of Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Sergeant Eckstein accepted the Proclamation and thanked the City for honoring the men and women for putting their lives on the line and remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. She said 56 law enforcement members were lost in 2024 with two from Minnesota. She spoke about this difficult time for law enforcement with new challenges coming but how the Edina Police Department would greet these challenges with courage, compassion, and care for the community. She shared their thanks for working for Edina and appreciation for the recognition. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. VII.D. NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK MAY 19-25, 2024 — PROCLAIMED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Agnew, to proclaim May 19-25, 2024, as National Public Works Week in the City of Edina. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Page 4 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 Assistant Public Works Director Goergen thanked the Council for the recognition and spoke about the work Public Works did to advance the quality of life for all in the community and how they valued Edina. He invited the community to their open house on May 23. VII.E. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA RESILIENT COMMUNITIES PROJECT STUDY REPORT — RECEIVED Sustainability Manager Bayer shared in 2025, the City would be analyzing Edina's greenhouse gas emissions and the Climate Action Plan's (CAP) implementation to evaluate if we were on track to meet the CAP's emissions reduction goals. To prepare for that evaluation, the City applied for and received a University of Minnesota Resilient Communities Project (RCP) student team. The City was matched with a Humphrey School of Public Affairs graduate student capstone group composed of students in public policy, urban planning, and environmental science and technology. As this study's findings would be applicable and transferable across the Twin Cities, the Metropolitan Council helped sponsor the project. The City asked the student team to analyze if the CAP's densification goals were sufficient to achieve its vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction and transit ridership increase goals. The team conducted statistical regressions, developed a transportation decision-making framework, and completed a peer city analysis. This informed their statistical modeling in Urban Footprint (the same modeling software used by the Metropolitan Council) to analyze the impact various strategic density scenarios would have on VMT, transit ridership, and greenhouse gas emissions. Their final study offered the City and region multiple paths forward to achieve the goals of both the Climate Action Plan and Comprehensive Plan. Holly Leaf, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, presented the results of the study and shared the project overview and whether its current density goals were sufficient to meet its vehicle miles traveled and commuter transit mode. She outlined three transportation and land use goals in detail and the importance of meeting the goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. She noted transportation accounted for 41% of carbon emissions in Edina in 2019 then spoke about if density was the right approach for these goals, which would be the most effective, and what policy actions would be needed. Ms. Leaf outlined key conclusions that included existing density targets would not be sufficient, targeted density performed better than citywide density, the need for supporting policies that maximized benefits, and how density was about more than just transportation. Kenton Briggs, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, shared the zoning scenario analysis that an urban footprint allowed the ability to measure what changes could occur, shared the four metrics used, and the development of an impact score to measure effectiveness of scenarios then reviewed the scenarios in detail. Johnny Menhennet, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, shared policy recommendations that totaled 18 and how the City should bring density and population goals into alignment and consider goals of active transportation such as walking and biking. He spoke about land use policy recommendations as carbon emissions were tied to land use and designated density minimums in the City's highest priority development corridors and nodes, building coverage requirements, and other elements. The Council asked questions, provided feedback, and thanked the students for their extensive report. VII.F. 2023 PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST SAFETY FUND SUMMARY REPORT — RECEIVED Mr. Scipioni shared the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) Funds available in 2023 were $2,452,326 and includes $942,660 in rollover funds from 2022 and a $273,182 federal Safe Routes to School grant. He said approximately $376,347 was estimated to roll over into the current PACS Fund budget (2024). $2,074,979 (85%) of available funds were spent on PACS-related projects and items in 2023 (an increase of $1,245,484 or 150% from 2022). About 4.1 miles of new pedestrian and bicycle facilities were installed in 2023 using the PACS Fund (3.4 more than 2022). He highlighted the 2023 PACS projects in detail that included bike boulevards, bike lanes, shared use paths, sidewalk inspections, trip hazard grinding, pedestrian ramp replacements, sidewalk panel replacements, and others. He outlined proposed 2024 PACS projects that Page 5 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 included sidewalk extensions, replacement existing amber flashers, and shared use paths then outlined 2025 PACS projects as well. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VIII.A. ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03, RESOLUTION NO. 2024-30 AND 2024-33, COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT, REZONING, AND SUBDIVISION, 5120 AND 5124 HANKERSON AVENUE — CONTINUED TO MAY 21, 2024 Community Development Director Teague shared Donnay Homes Inc. was proposing to tear down two existing single-dwelling units to build two double dwelling units/townhomes at 5120 and 5124 Hankerson Avenue. The development would gain access off the alley on the west side of the properties similar to the townhomes to the south. The subject properties were zoned R-1, Single Dwelling unit District and the site guided low density residential, which allowed between 1-5 units per acre. The properties were 19,468 square feet in size total (9,769 and 9,699 s.f. each) and the proposed density of this project was 9 units per acre. He shared the applicant's narrative and plans in detail then said to accommodate the proposal, the applicant was requesting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to re-guide the site from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential, which would allow 5-12 units per acre, a rezoning from R-I, Single-Dwelling Unit District to PUD-20, Planned Unit Development to be part of the adjacent Grandview Townhome PUD, flexibility through the PUD for structure setback, building coverage and lot area per dwelling to match the existing PUD to the south, and subdivision/preliminary plat approval. He said the Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve the requests on a vote of 6-3. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. City Attorney Kendall explained how Council had a fair amount of discretion for approval and should view each application on its own merits and while they should take into account surrounding zoning, that standard did not necessarily set a precedent. Steve Behnke, Donnay Homes, shared the project was adjacent to the existing Grandview townhomes and the reason for the request to PUD was the zoning made sense because the deviations were already included in the PUD document for the neighboring property. He said during sales of other units, there was input by the public for a rambler-style townhome product that was not exclusive to retirees. He said their homes would have four-bedrooms and be priced starting at $800,000 and was due to the extensive infrastructure needed for street rebuild for sewer and water to the units. He noted ramblers cover more square footage of land than two-stories which also costs more. Mr. Behnke referred to the earlier student report on modest densification which was key as this was two homes on three lots and not platted lots which could result in three homes. He said they were requesting only one more home at 1,425 square feet which was modest in size and provided what the market was looking for at the forefront of a movement. He shared how these homes were built in the 1950s and how with construction changes how new homes were 30% more efficient than homes built before 1996. He said they chose PUD due to the other existing zoning and the goal to incorporate with the existing neighborhood. Mr. Behnke spoke about trees outlined in the landscape plan and confined to the perimeter for proper maintenance and how more density had been requested by the Planning Commission but how that comes with other costs because of infrastructure to accommodate that increased density. He said they believed this would be an excellent project that meshed well with the existing structures both north and west and closes the gap between the bank and existing single family in an area of high walkability and would enhance the Grandview neighborhood. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 9:34 p.m. Public Testimony Andy Brown, 5512 Park Place, addressed the Council. Page 6 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, addressed the Council. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to close the in-person public hearing, continue the public hearing to May 12, 2024, and continue action on Ordinance No. 2024-03, Resolution No. 2024-30, and 2024-33, Comprehensive Plan amendment, rezoning, and subdivision, 5120 and 5124 Hankerson Avenue, to the May 21, 2024, Council meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VIILB. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-31, SITE PLAN WITH VARIANCES AND SUBDIVISION FOR EDINA ENDODONTICS, 7300 METRO BOULEVARD — CONTINUED TO MAY 21, 2024 Mr. Teague shared Hempel Real Estate, on behalf of Edina Endodontics, was proposing to build a new 6,000 square foot dental office in the parking lot of 7300 Metro Boulevard. The existing site contained a 110,790 square foot office building that was served by a surface parking lot. The lot was 5.47 acres in size and zoned Planned Office District, in which dental offices were a permitted use. He said the request required Site Plan review, variances of first floor ceiling height from 20 to 10 feet and side yard setback from 20 to 10 feet, and subdivision approval. He said the applicant went through the sketch plan process and made revisions to the plans based on the feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council with the most significant change that eliminated the parking lot in front of the building. He noted the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the requests. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Ben Krasnik, Hemple Real Estate, shared about the feedback received from sketch plan review regarding the parking lot and shifting the building forward, how parking counts referred to all parking today, and the need to identify more. He spoke about stormwater ponding that currently did not exist and their work with the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District that would result in some parking loss due to additional storm basins. He shared their work to increase tree preservation where possible and replace with higher quality trees then spoke about the space needed in patient rooms for appropriate chairs and equipment for endodontics patients. Mr. Krasnik also spoke about height requirements and their work to make the lobby larger and higher for a nicer elevation and interior and the inclusion of three bike racks. Chris Whitehouse, DJR Architects, shared more of the proposed landscape plan and identified trees they intend to retain. He spoke about the feedback received regarding setbacks and moving the building south and reasons for the side yard setback variance request then shared the proposed materials. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 10:02 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared. Member Agnew made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to close the in-person public hearing, continue the public hearing to May 12, 2024, and continue action on Resolution No. 2024-31, site plan with variances and subdivision for Edina Endodontics, 7300 Metro Boulevard, to the May 21, 2024 Council meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.C. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-34 VACATING RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT AT MINNEWAWA AVENUE — ADOPTED Page 7 Minutes/Edina City Council/May 7, 2024 Director of Engineering Millner stated prior to the expansion of State Highway 100 in the early 1970s, a local road named Minnewawa Avenue was located east of the highway in between Eden Avenue and West 50th Street. Archival records indicate that the Minnesota Department of Highways (now called MnDOT) assembled and acquired the land needed for the highway expansion via eminent domain. Some unneeded portions of land was turned back to the City after construction of the on- and off-ramps. Minnewawa Avenue was physically removed during the construction of the northbound on-ramp and off-ramp between 1971 and 1974. Property records from this period were sometimes difficult to find and while City staff, MnDOT staff and land surveyors have found references to the vacation of this road, they were unable to find a recorded copy of the formal vacation of this road. To resolve this matter and allow for a clean legal description to be prepared, the survey company and City Attorney recommend that the City conduct the typical vacation process again and affirm that the road had been formally vacated. He said no comments were received on the BetterTogetherEdina website and since this land was originally platted as a local road and no longer needed as a local road, staff recommended reaffirming that Minnewawa Avenue had been vacated. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 10:07 p.m. Public Testimony No one appeared. Member Pierce moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-34, vacating public right-of-way easement Minnewawa Avenue. Seconded by Member Jackson. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. IX. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS IX.A. VI►I.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2024-36; ACCEPTING DONATIONS — ADOPTED Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2024-36, accepting donations. Seconded by Member Pierce. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. X. COMMISSION CORRESPONDENCE (MINUTES AND ADVISORY COMMUNICATION) — Received X.A. MINUTES: ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, FEBRUARY 22, 2024 X.B. MINUTES: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION, MARCH 14, 2024 X.C. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, MARCH 28, 2024 XI. MANAGER'S COMMENTS — Received XI.A. PREP MEMO MAY 7, 2024 XII. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS — Received XIII. ADJOURNMENT Member Pierce made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:25 p.m. Rollcall: Ayes: Agnew, Jackson, Pierce, Risser, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Page 8 Min es ermi tdin tit Council/Ma 7 2024 411"741 Al City Clerk • Minutes approved by Edina City Council, May 21, 2024. amen B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the May 7, 2024, meeting available. Page 9