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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-11-16 City Council Regular MinutesPage 1 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 16, 2021 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 in the hybrid meeting format. 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 Pierce, to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT The Council shared a video segment from Beyond the Badge then commented on recent crime events that had occurred in the City and ways to address these concerns, both by residents and the City. Police Chief Milburn shared comments about increased property crimes in the Country Club and Indian Hills neighborhoods, particularly auto thefts, then shared how they were addressing this by providing additional patrol and investigative efforts. He said public safety was a primary concern and noted State-funded grants had been received which will be used as another tool to address auto thefts. Paul Thompson, 4244 Crocker Avenue, introduced members from Project Earth who would be commenting on the proposed Climate Action Plan and reasons to take action now. Georgia Wilson, 4204 Alden Drive, Project Earth, shared comments about impending deforestation and its impact on wildlife and encouraged the Council to adopt the proposed Climate Action Plan. Emma Hudson, 7312 Shey Drive, shared a story about why individuals wanted to be part of Project Earth and the importance of everyone to mitigate climate crisis and ensure livable communities going forward. Sara Yi, 6232 Braeburn Circle, spoke about climate change and the consumption of resources and destruction of habitat and wildlife and how landscape was a valuable gift that should be protected. Zoya Hasan, 6820 Cheyenne Circle, shared climate change impacts for drinking water protection and pollution and its effects on generations to come. Bill Sierks, 5713 Brook Drive, said he was a founding member of the Edina Energy and Environment Commission and thanked the Council for its good work but noted that more was needed. He stressed the importance of adopting the proposed Climate Action Plan and taking meaningful action now to address carbon emissions. Mr. Sierks thanked City staff and the consultants for their assistance. Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 2 Mike Menzel, 5410 York Avenue South, congratulated the Climate Energy Commission for their work and suggested funding be developed to fund incentives for implementation similar to St. Louis Park. Katherine Iverson, 5410 York Avenue South, supported the Climate Action Plan as it had impressive goals that would only be successful if we all did our part. Janey Westin, 6136 Brookview Avenue, spoke about the former Burley’s Salon at Oaklawn and Valley View Road and concerns about staging for construction and setbacks as it impeded on traffic. She suggested the lot be used instead for affordable housing as a single-level duplex with full ADA accessibility. Wayne Meineke, 6650 Vernon Avenue, shared comments about art and the path to purchase the former Edina Theater to allow for more art. He said if successful, this location would be good for increased traffic and exposure and suggested funding be identified to make something happen not just for Edina but all southwest suburbs. Andrew Brown, 5512 Park Place, urged the Council and staff to respond to the recent crime situation and address as this was not a one-time surge incident. David Frankel, 4510 Lakeview Drive, commented on crime issues from Minneapolis, particularly car jackings, and the need for a comfort level. He suggested creating an auto theft task force as well as the need for updated technology to promote online and through NextDoor. Mr. Frankel then spoke about the possibility of COVID-19 vaccinations. V.A. CITY MANAGER’S RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY COMMENTS Manager Neal responded to Community Comments from the last meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED AS PRESENTED Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, approving the consent agenda as presented: VI.A. Approve minutes of the Work Session and Regular Meetings of November 3, 2021 VI.B. Approve Claims for Payment for Check Register Claims Pre-List Dated November 5, 2021, totaling $24,137.50, Pre-List Dated November 5, 2021, totaling $1,110,594.13, and Pre-List Dated November 12, 2021, totaling $1,433,965.48 VI.C. Request for Purchase; Three Hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Inver Grove Hyundai, $97,767 VI.D. Approve Joint Powers Agreement for Social Work Services with Hennepin County VI.E. Request for Purchase; 2022 Ford F250 Truck, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Midway Ford, $45,203 VI.F. Request for Purchase; 2022 Ford Maverick XLT, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, National Auto Fleet Group, $22,380 VI.G. Request for Purchase; Boiler Replacement at Public Works, awarding the bid to the recommended low bidder, Gilbert Mechanical Contractors, LLC, $24,689 VI.H. Accept Petition for West 66th Street Sidewalk VI.I. Approve Traffic Safety Report of September 28, 2021 VI.J. Approve Contract with Edina Education Fund VI.K. Approve 2022 Calendar of Meeting and Religious Observance Dates VI.L. Adopt Resolution No. 2021-110; Accepting Donations Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Affidavits of Notice presented and ordered placed on file. VII.A. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-109 ADOPTING RIGHT-OF-WAY EASEMENT VACATION AT PENTAGON VILLAGE – CONTINUED TO DECEMBER 7, 2021 Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 3 Director of Engineering Millner shared the proposed right-of-way easement at Pentagon Village. He outlined the proposed amendments and said after construction, if additional easements were needed the property owner would assist. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. Public Testimony No one addressed the Council. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing at noon on November 22, 2021, and continue action on Resolution No. 2021-109 Approving Vacating Drainage and Utility Easement, Pentagon Village, LLC to the December 7, 2021 meeting. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VII.B. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-108 APPROVING ISSUANCE AND REISSUANCE OF BONDS PURSUANT TO SECTION 147(F) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE – ADOPTED Finance Director McAndrews shared that Council was asked to hold a public hearing on the proposed re- issuance and issuance of G.O. Bonds as qualified 501(c)(3) bonds. She said following the hearing Council was asked to adopt Resolution No. 2021-108 Authorizing the Re-issuance of $2,100,000 G.O. Bonds, Series 2012C and the Issuance of $1,125,000 G.O. Bonds, Series 2013B. She explained the City issued the 2012C bonds to finance improvements at Braemar Ice Arena and re-issuance was needed to provide the City with flexibility as to the use of Braemar Ice Arena generally and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations because the Arena was used by athletic associations and other tenants. Mayor Hovland opened the public hearing at 8:06 p.m. Public Testimony No one addressed the Council. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to close the public hearing. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Member Staunton introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-108 Authorizing the Re-issuance of $2,100,000 G.O. Bonds, Series 2012C and the Issuance of $1,125,000 G.O. Bonds, Series 2013B. Member Pierce seconded the motion. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VIII.A. SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS POLICY – APPROVED Sustainability Manager Hancock shared the proposed Sustainable Buildings Policy purpose and noted building energy use contributed 56% of greenhouse gas emissions in Edina and how buildings constructed in the last five years were not reporting more efficient energy use than those built 10-40 years ago, despite advancing Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 4 energy code. She said efficient building benchmarking affects building operations and Edina needed a tool to inform building construction of these facts. She summarized the proposed policy that included any new construction or major renovations to which this policy applied would be required to be certified under an eligible Sustainable Building Rating System at the listed rating level and must meet the standards set forth in the Edina Overlay. She shared policy impacts if adopted, policy triggers, rating systems, and four key aspects that included calculated and reported greenhouse gas emissions, EV chargers, energy efficient standards, and bird safe glazing. Ms. Hancock noted compliance would be a condition of receipt of City benefit and the proposed effective date was April 1, 2022. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Member Jackson made a motion, seconded by Member Pierce, to approve the Sustainable Buildings Policy effective April 1, 2022 as presented. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.B. ORDINANCE 2021-14 AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE CONCERNING LARGE BUILDING BENCHMARKING – ADOPTED Ms. Hancock shared the current ordinance required all buildings 25,000 square feet or larger, including all municipal buildings, to annually submit energy use data to the City via EPA Energy Star Portfolio online tool and undergo an energy assessment or demonstrate high efficiency every five years. She shared proposed amendments that would include water use data collection, updated definitions, and exemptions list clarifications. She said changes would have limited additional effort by owners and managers to comply, limited additional staff time, and would simplify the program overall. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Member Jackson moved to grant First Reading, waive Second Reading, and adopt Ordinance No. 2021-14 amending Chapter 20 of the Edina City Code concerning large building benchmarking. Member Staunton seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.C. SUMMARY PUBLICATION FOR ORDINANCE NO. 2021-14 AMENDING CHAPTER 20 OF THE EDINA CITY CODE CONCERNING LARGE BUILDING BENCHMARKING – APPROVED Clerk Allison explained adoption of a summary publication was a cost-effective way to publish the proposed ordinance as required by Statute. Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Jackson, to adopt a summary publication of Ordinance No. 2021-14 amending Chapter 20 of the Edina City Code concerning large building benchmarking. Rollcall: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII. D. RESOLUTION NOS. 2021-107 AND 2021-108; AUTHORIZING ISSUANCE AND AWARDING THE SALE OF $4.62 MILLION GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2021B AND $2.43 MILLION GENERAL OBLIGATION RECREATIONAL REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2021C – ADOPTED Nick Anhut, Ehlers and Associates, shared sale results summary of two bond series and congratulated the City on their AAA credit rating achieved since 2000. He spoke about the City’s credit strengths and Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 5 challenges and how they reviewed the bond sale summary that provided a fixed-rate, tax-exempt refinancing tool for two projects, the Public Works facility and street reconstruction projects and the Braemar Ice Arena and Golf Dome. He shared three bids were received with final sizing results of the first bond of $3,795,000 which would result in a net savings of $360,335 over the eight-year repayment term and a 7.2% net savings benefit overall. Mr. Anhut shared final results of the second bond that received two bids and would adjust $2,210,000 and result in $181,344 net savings over 11 years and 6.5% net savings benefit. He said the action would include adoption of resolutions awarding purchase of both bond series to Baird based on the lowest cost proposals and that closings would be scheduled for December 16, 2021. Mr. Neal commented ratings received were the best available and important to know review of financial practices, strength of the community, and management and how staff and Council interact. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Member Anderson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution Nos. 2021-107 and 2021-108; Authorizing Issuance and Awarding the Sale of $3,795,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021B and $2,210,000 General Obligation Recreational Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2021C to Baird. Member Jackson seconded the motion. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.E. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-105; ADOPTING A SPENDING PLAN FOR THE SOUTHDALE 2, PENTAGON PARK AND 70TH AND CAHILL TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICTS AND ADOPT THE PROPOSED POLICY – ADOPTED Economic Development Manager Neuendorf shared the proposed spending plan for the Southdale 2, Pentagon Park, and 70th and Cahill Wooddale Valley View areas and noted funds had already been collected for these areas. He said changes in State law allowed cities to reinvest in new redevelopment projects for new construction or significantly rehab existing buildings and that a public hearing for this action was held at the November 2 meeting for the proposed plan and also created a policy for consideration. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution No. 2021-105 Approving a Spending Plan for the Southdale 2, Pentagon Park and 70th and Cahill Tax Increment Financing Districts and Approve Policy for Use of Unobligated Funds. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Roll call: Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. VIII.F. RESOLUTION NO. 2021-103 AND ORDINANCE NO. 2021-13; ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AND REVISED OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE US BANK SITE AT 7001 AND 7025 FRANCE AVENUE – ADOPTED Community Development Director Teague stated amendments were being requested to the already- approved project which included dividing the site into four smaller parcels consistent with the City’s design experience guidelines, reduction in the number of units from 380 to 267, elimination of the grocery store which would eliminate the need for the right-turn lane on France Avenue, and improvement to the pocket park. He said the Planning Commission recommended denial of the amendments based on removal of some affordable housing units and replaced with a free-standing parking structure with no liner building and the street topology along 70th Street. He said staff recommended approval with proposed conditions as the PUD criteria were still satisfied and the project still followed the experience design guidelines and still included the notable condition of affordable housing of a buy-in of $3.4 million. He explained the Council still had the option at final approval for further amendments then added park dedication would be included of $1.3 million. Mr. Teague spoke about the project’s internal streets and questions on who would build Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 6 and maintain which would be the developer but would include a public easement for public access. He shared comments on BetterTogether included not liking how the approved plans changed so soon, height, inclusion of affordable housing, and the traffic study but noted some comments appreciated the vibrancy and more retail options the project offered. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Ted Carlson, Orion Development, and Brett Webb, Mortenson, clarified the affordable housing component intent was to comply with the policy but confirmed the developer would not develop affordable housing elsewhere in the City and suggested buy-in funds be used for something specific as outlined by staff with specific other projects. Member Jackson introduced and moved adoption of Resolution 2021-103 as amended approving a Zoning Ordinance Amendment and Revised Overall Development Plan for 7001 And 7025 France Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nays: Anderson, Staunton Motion carried. Member Jackson moved to approve Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2021-13 amending the Zoning Ordinance to amend the PUD-20, Planned Unit Development-20 at 7001 and 7025 France Avenue. Member Pierce seconded the motion. Rollcall: Ayes: Jackson, Pierce, Hovland Nays: Anderson, Staunton Motion carried. VIII.G. SKETCH PLAN FOR 6016 VERNON AVENUE – REVIEWED Mr. Teague shared the proposal to remodel and expand the former Keys Auto to a 68-seat restaurant with a 1,000-square foot office on second floor. He said the project would require rezoning as it would no longer be an auto use, Comprehensive Plan use amendment, and variances on Eden Prairie Road and for parking stalls. He said staff had a number of concerns over the requested variances, specifically with screening in a residential zone and that the Planning Commission reviewed and liked the concept but had similar concerns as well. Christian Dean, Christian Dean Architecture, shared more about the proposed project and adjustments made since Planning Commission that included relocating the patio from the north side of the building to the south side on Vernon, addition of two more parking stalls that totaled 28 stalls, and suggested Vernon had parallel street parking to calm traffic. He said the building was 1,200 square feet with no new curb cut changes and that the applicant would maintain screening of the parking lot. Marty Collins, Special X Properties, shared reasons for the proposed project and the need for a restaurant in this area. He said he planned to include a full menu, brunch, alcohol, and would be a good place to hold celebrations. He responded to concerns with parking and noise and hoped to work on solutions as he believed this would be a good location for their proposal. The Council asked questions and provided feedback. Mr. Collins responded to Council feedback regarding the negative comments but said most public comments were in support on NextDoor and agreed while those closest to the project should be heard he believed parking cars on Vernon would be acceptable to meet the parking requirements and that they had addressed most of the concerns raised and would continue to bring the project forward. Minutes/Edina City Council/November 16, 2021 Page 7 IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS - Received IX.A. MINUTES: TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 IX.B. MINUTES: ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 IX.C. MINUTES: HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 IX.D. ADVISORY COMMUNICATION FROM COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMISSION; STUDY AND REPORT ON POSSIBLE MULTI-UNIT HOUSING SMOKE-FREE INITIATIVES X. AVIATION NOISE UPDATE – Received XI. MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS – Received XII. MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Received XII.A. ANNUAL EFFICIENT BUILDINGS SUSTAINABILITY REPORT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION XII.B. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT XII.C. JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY XII.D. UPDATE ON US INTERNET EXPANSION INTO EDINA XIII. CALENDAR OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND EVENTS – Received XIV. ADJOURNMENT Member Staunton made a motion, seconded by Member Anderson, to adjourn the meeting at 10:50 p.m. Ayes: Anderson, Jackson, Pierce, Staunton, Hovland Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Allison, City Clerk Minutes approved by Edina City Council, December 7, 2021. James B. Hovland, Mayor Video Copy of the November 16, 2021, meeting available.