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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 05/05/2020APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2020 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER Virtual Meeting Via WebEx CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Brad Aho, Mark Freiberg, P G Narayanan, and Kathy Nelson CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Finance Director Sue Kotchevar, Police Chief Greg Weber, City Attorney Maggie Neuville, and Council Recorder Jan Curielli I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Case called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. All Council Members were present. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION Mayor Case welcomed viewers to tonight’s virtual Eden Prairie City Council meeting. He noted he is alone in the City Council Chamber conducting the meeting while the other Council Members are participating live from their homes. He hoped to be back together with the other Council Members in the Council Chamber soon, depending on what happens with the Governor’s directions and with public meetings around the State. Open podium will come back to the Council meetings when that occurs. IV. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS A. 2019 COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) Getschow reported the Council had an entire workshop devoted to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Representatives of the auditing firm are here to present the 2019 financial report during the Council meeting. Chris Knopik and John Lorenzini, representing the auditing firm of Clifton Larson Allen, reviewed the December 31, 2019 audit. Mr. Lorenzini reported the audit of the December 31, 2019, financial statements resulted in the issuance of an unmodified (clean) opinion by his firm. There were no legal compliance findings to report to the State of Minnesota. He reviewed the revenue and expenditures for the General Fund and each of the Enterprise funds. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 2 Mr. Knopik reported on the estimated market values and noted those increased $1.6 billion over the period 2010 to 2020, with significant increases occurring over the last several years. The overall City tax rate has been well controlled. He noted per capita total expenditures have increased in the last couple of years, including capital expenditures for the light rail construction. He commended the City for again receiving a bond rating of AAA and the GFOA Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2018 CAFR. He cautioned there will be a need to treat lease transactions a little differently when GASB Statement No. 87 becomes effective at year end 2020 or 2021. The transition to the new method will require some additional staff time. MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Aho, to accept the 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” Case thanked Mr. Knopik and Clifton Larson Allen for their work and thanked our City staff led by Sue Kotchevar. B. SENIOR AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Lotthammer reported usually we have a group of seniors from the Senior Advisory Group present in the Council Chamber when we discuss Senior Awareness Month; however, the Senior Center is closed at this time of social distancing. He said that facility will probably be among the last to reopen in order to keep the senior community as safe as possible. He noted staff has set up call-in trees to keep in touch with seniors, and some of the seniors have continued to meet and socialize virtually. Mayor Case read a proclamation proclaiming May 2020 as Senior Awareness Month. C. NATIONAL POLICE WEEK PROCLAMATION Police Chief Weber reported Eden Prairie Police Officers would usually plan to attend the ceremony to commemorate National Peace Officers Memorial Day held at the State Capitol as part of National Police Week, but that event will not take place this year. Mayor Case read a proclamation proclaiming the week of May 10-16, 2020, as National Police Week. He thanked Chief Weber for all he and the members of our Police force do to keep the community safe. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve the agenda as published. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 3 VI. MINUTES A. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Aho, to approve the minutes of the City Council meeting held Tuesday, April 21, 2020, as published. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. CLERK’S LICENSE LIST B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2020-58 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF EDEN RIDGE C. APPROVE FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE AGREEMENT WITH IPP – STORES, LLC DBA CHUCK & DON’S PET FOOD & SUPPLIES D. APPROVE TERMINATION OF DECLARATION OF EASEMENTS RELATED TO CASTLE RIDGE AND AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CITY CONSENT AND JOINDER E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2020-59 DESIGNATING OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER F. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH BLUE WATER SCIENCE FOR 2020 WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM G. AWARD CONTRACT TO PARROTT CONTRACTING, INC. FOR KIMBERLY LANE-CHENNAULT WAY SPCS PROJECT H. AWARD CONTRACT TO KEVIN CASEY LLC FOR KRISTIE LANE SPCS PROJECT I. APPROVE GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION GRANT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH RILEY PURGATORY BLUFF CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT J. APPROVE RAILROAD CROSSING AGREEMENT WITH TC&W FOR BIRCH ISLAND ROAD K. AUTHORIZE CONTRACT WITH NATIVE RESOURCES FOR MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE PLANTING AREAS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 4 Getschow noted the Council Members received an update to Item VIII.G. on the Consent Calendar as it related to the amount of money that was part of the quotation. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Aho, to approve Items A-K, on the Consent Calendar. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS / MEETINGS A. VILLAS AT SMITH VILLAGE by Halley Land Corp. Resolution 2020-60 for Comprehensive Guide Plan Change on 1 acre; Resolution 2020-61 for PUD Concept Review on 1 acre; First Reading of an Ordinance for PUD District Review with waivers and Zoning District Change on 1 acre; Resolution 2020-62 for Preliminary Plat on 1 acre (Resolution No. 2020-60 for Comprehensive Plan Change; Resolution No. 2020-61 for PUD Concept Review; Ordinance for Zoning District Change; Resolution No. 2020-62 for Preliminary Plat) Getschow stated this is the third piece of the development at Smith Village. The applicant is proposing to develop a one-acre parcel into six single-family detached villas. The one-acre parcel is located within the Smith Village neighborhood just east of Eden Prairie Road on Glory Lane. The parcel was previously approved for six townhome units (two buildings with three units in each) as part of the overall Smith Village development. Michael Halley, Halley Land Corporation, reviewed their request to eliminate the common walls in the six originally-proposed townhomes in order to build six detached single family homes. The detached single family homes will provide more privacy, more green space, and allow for more landscaping. He noted he was surprised when it became apparent the prime buyers for these homes are the children of some of the buyers of the Applewood Pointe units, which are also part of the Smith Village development. Other details of the development will remain the same, including the parking design, essential footprint, and the prices, which will range from $600-750,000. The one-acre parcel will be re-guided to Medium Density Residential rather than Medium High Density Residential. Case asked Mr. Getschow how public comment for this item has been handled. Getschow responded members of the public have been instructed to contact the City to give input prior to tonight’s meeting. In addition, the public has the ability to call in to the phone numbers shown on screen during the interactive meeting in order to present information during the public hearing. Nelson asked if the garages will have Electric Vehicle (EV) plug-ins. Mr. Halley replied there would be power outlets in the garages, but he was not sure if it would be a higher voltage. Aho explained it would need to be a 220- or 240-volt outlet and would be less expensive to put in if it were to be prewired at that voltage. Mr. Halley said he would agree to adding those. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 5 Nelson asked if the home owners would be able to put solar panels on the roofs. Mr. Halley said there is no stipulation in the covenants against use of solar panels, and he did not see a problem adding those. The only consideration would be the City’s criteria regarding installation of solar panels. Case opened the public hearing. Getschow noted there is nobody wishing to speak at the public hearing tonight. Case asked if anyone had contacted us prior to the public hearing. Getschow said no one contacted us prior to the meeting. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Freiberg, to close the public hearing. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” Case asked Mr. Getschow to instruct staff to communicate the need for the EV plug-in availability with any proponent coming to us with a housing development, especially for single family homes. We have found in the last two developments reviewed by the Council it is not an exorbitant cost, and we should have that as part of the standard conversation when a proponent brings in a plan. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Narayanan, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-60 for a Guide Plan change from Medium High Density Residential to Medium Density Residential on 1 acre; to adopt Resolution No. 2020-61 for a Planned Unit Development concept review on 1 acre; to approve the first reading of an ordinance for a Planned Unit Development district review with waivers and a zoning district change from RM-2.5 to R1-9.5 on 1 acre; and to adopt Resolution No. 2020-62 for a Preliminary Plat of 3 lots into 7 lots on 1 acre. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the payment of claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATION XIII. APPOINTMENTS XIV. REPORTS A. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 6 C. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR 1. CDBG-CV Funds (Resolution No. 2020-63) Getschow explained the City receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds as a pass-through from the Federal government to serve low to middle income recipients. This year an additional $168,055 is being allocated to those funds to assist people with coronavirus issues in the community through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Staff went out to the providers in the community to ask them to submit proposals for the use of these funds. We received two applications: one for about $90,000 from PROP for rental, mortgage and food assistance; and a request for $880 for Senior Community Services to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) for seniors who help with the HOME program. The resolution tonight would approve use of the funds and would update the action plan to provide funds to those in need. Some of the money can be provided retroactively in addition to funding needs going forward. Case asked if the extra funding must be directly tied to the corona virus crisis. Getschow replied that was true. Case said the City Council has approved specific expenditures but also had some discussion at the workshop about priorities we feel rise to the surface. Although the need is so great in so many areas, we will not be able to address every need. Food insecurity was very important to the Council Members, as was help with rental expense. Another need was mental health issues. We wanted to help any agency that addressed those needs. Narayanan said he would add senior care to the list. Aho said providing the amounts requested to the two groups leaves us with $50-60,000 as a remainder to deal with anything that comes up in the near future. He thought it is good to get the money out to those who need it as expeditiously as possible. Case commented as we go through the year there will be opportunities for us to look at other funding sources as well, and we would not limit our resources just to this money from the Federal government. The Eden Prairie Community Foundation receives contributions from private citizens, and we appreciate those who can assist others and are able to contribute money. We have some amazing non-profits in Eden Prairie, and we are proud of our many volunteers in the City. Freiberg reminded the others of the Council’s discussion regarding how we could help small businesses if there is a need down the road. Case noted we have been in contact with the Chamber. There are funding streams to help small businesses that have started up, but we will address how we could help them if needed. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 7 MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Narayanan, to adopt Resolution No. 2020-63 approving the Substantial Amendment to the 2019 CDBG Annual Action Plan to allocate $168,055 of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus funds. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR Lotthammer gave an update on the Parks & Recreation Department programs and facilities. The Parks Department has been directly impacted by the corona virus and we have had to make drastic changes to the City facilities and services in response to the pandemic. As of March 13, all our spring programs were cancelled and all recreational facilities were closed indefinitely. Since that time, use of the trails and parks has increased to a level he has never before seen. It is great to see our residents being mindful of health and wellness, but with that usage comes extra maintenance. Because staff needs some time in advance to prepare for the future, tomorrow we will look at cancelling recreational programs up to July 5. He also wanted people to know that our facilities are still closed indefinitely until it is appropriate to open them up, and staff will not take any new rentals until after July 5. This is a huge time of the year for our park facilities. People with reservations for the facilities through May 18 have been contacted. After May 18 we will continue to call people through mid-June to let them know the reservation may be cancelled. We are also suggesting we cancel the concert series at Staring Lake through the month of June; however, we hope to be able to do some events in the month of July in a social distancing scenario. The People Fest and the Home Town celebration will take on a more virtual experience without bringing people together. He noted our recreation programmers have converted over to doing park maintenance and are helping with planting and mowing. Nelson reported her conversations with people who have grade school children who wanted to let the Parks Department know they are so thankful for having a place for the kids to play and to please keep it up. Lotthammer replied staff has received similar feedback. We have heard about possible transmission of the virus on play structures and have closed those off. As time goes on, we may get additional guidance and may be able to open those back up. Case was proud of our phenomenal parks and trails. As a local government, we try to stay on top of information available and try to make the best decisions possible. The virus is not going away and will continue to roll through the population. It is important that we don’t think we have beat the virus because we will start to spread it again if we open up. He did not think there will be any large gatherings in the State for the rest of the year. The virus will be around until a vaccine is produced, and social distancing will be around for a long time. We need to be sensitive and responsible and try to be respectful of the health and safety of our people. We are doing the best we can. He asked people to continue to email Council Members with any questions and opinions. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 5, 2020 Page 8 E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY XV. OTHER BUSINESS XVI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Narayanan, to adjourn the meeting. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Aho, Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson and Case voting “aye.” Mayor Case adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.