Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 04/06/2021APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER CITY COUNCIL: Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Mark Freiberg, P G Narayanan, Kathy Nelson, and Lisa Toomey CITY STAFF: City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Community Development Director Janet Jeremiah, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Police Chief Greg Weber, Fire Chief Scott Gerber, 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 City Council Members were present. Council Member Narayanan attended the meeting virtually. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION IV. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS A. 2020 QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY RESULTS PRESENTATION Getschow explained every two years we get results of our Quality of Life community survey which provides a statistical sampling of residents’ opinions about our core services and our community characteristics. Our website will have a full report of the detailed responses to the survey after tonight’s meeting. He introduced Jade Arocha, representing Polco/National Research Center, who attended the meeting virtually. Ms Arocha gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the results of the 2020 Quality of Life Survey. She reviewed the survey methods used, noting the process included three initial mailings to notify the 2000 Eden Prairie families selected for the survey. Following the initial mailings, the survey and instructions for its completion were mailed out twice. The survey was completed and returned by 510 families. In addition, following the majority of the data collection, a separate opportunity was offered online so all residents of the City could participate in the survey. Another 859 surveys were returned in response to the online offer. Three benchmark comparisons of the survey data were completed: the first compared the data to the entire national database; the second compared the data for all Minnesota communities; and the third compared the data to other communities in Minnesota that have similar populations to Eden Prairie. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 2 Ms Arocha continued her presentation with an in-depth summary of the survey results for each category included in the survey. She announced 93% of the respondents ranked the quality of life in Eden Prairie as excellent or good, and 92% have an excellent or good overall feeling of safety in the community. She reviewed the problems identified by the survey respondents which included such issues as traffic speeding, vandalism and property crime and identity theft. Community parks, recreation and the natural environment continue to be a valued community asset. The overall quality of City services was rated as excellent or good by 92% of the respondents. Getschow stated staff and the City Council always reflect back on the results of the community survey as we meet to prepare the two-year budget and our City-wide work plans. We are in the process of putting together the City budget for 2022-2023. This survey is one of the important pieces of feedback we get as we start work on the 2022- 2023 budget. Nelson expressed her appreciation for all the employees who provide a high level of service to the community which adds to our quality of life. Case stated the Council Members try to spend the taxpayers’ money appropriately, and it is nice to see the results of our decision-making have been affirmed by over 90% of the residents who took the survey. B. SUN CURRENT READER’S CHOICE AWARDS Lotthammer stated the City has an opportunity on a yearly basis to be a part of the Sun Current Reader’s Choice Award. Sun Current readers participate in selecting the award winners. He announced Eden Prairie has received three of the awards for 2020. Matt Bourne, Parks-Natural Resource Manager, reported Eden Prairie received the 2020 Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Water Park/Splash Pad” for the Round Lake Splash Pad. He noted this is the first year we have received that award. Valerie Verley, Community Center Manager, stated Eden Prairie once again received the “Best Recreation Center” award for the Community Center. This is the sixth time we have received this particular award. In addition, for the third time we received the award for “Best Indoor Water Park” for the Community Center. Case thanked Bourne and Verley for the presentation and expressed the Council’s pride in all of our staff. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS Getschow noted there is a replacement for Item D on goldenrod paper to reflect revisions in the resolution for that item. In addition, the Consent Calendar has been revised to remove Item L regarding the West 70th Street improvements. That item will be brought back at a later date. The Annotated Agenda provided this evening has been amended to remove Item L CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 3 and to renumber Items M-P as Items L-O. MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the agenda as amended. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” VI. MINUTES A. COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the minutes of the Council workshop held Tuesday, March 16, 2021 and the City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 162, 2021, as published. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR Case noted this Consent Calendar includes approval of the purchase of body cameras for police officers and asked when our officers will be wearing the cameras. Police Chief Weber said the police force should be camera-ready in eight to ten weeks. A. CLERK’S LICENSE LIST B. APPROVE ENTERING INTO LEASE FOR RILEY HOUSE C. APPROVE 2020 UNBUDGETED FUND TRANSFERS D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-26 DECLARING CITY’S OFFICIAL INTENT TO REIMBURSE ITSELF FOR PRIOR EXPENDITURES OUT OF PROCEEDS OF A SUBSEQUENTLY ISSUED SERIES OF BONDS E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-27 AND AUTHORIZE ENTRY INTO LABOR CONTRACT WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT LABOR SERVICES, INC. (LELS) F. APPROVE PURCHASE OF BODY-WORN CAMERAS FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM WATCHGUARD VIDEO G. APPROVE CONTRACT WITH VERTEX UNMANNED SOLUTIONS, LLC FOR PURCHASE OF UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (DRONE) AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 4 H. DIRECT STAFF TO NOT WAIVE THE MONETARY LIMITS ON MUNICIPAL TORT LIABILITY ESTABLISHED BY MINNESOTA STATUTES 466.04. I. APPROVE QUOTE AND AUTHORIZE LOGIS TO REPLACE COUNCIL CHAMBERS CORE AT CITY HALL J. APPROVE CONTRACT FOR GOODS & SERVICES WITH EULL’S MANUFACTURING FOR FRANLO ROAD RETAINING WALL K. APPROVE CONTRACT FOR 2021 STREET STRIPING PROJECT L. APPROVE LAYOUT AND ADOPT RESOLUTION APPROVING APPRAISAL VALUES AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION FOR WEST 70TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS (Item pulled from Consent Calendar) M. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2021-28 APPROVING APPRAISAL VALUES AND PROPERTY ACQUISITION FOR DUCK LAKE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS N. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH WATERFRONT RESTORATION TO CONDUCT WATERCRAFT INSPECTIONS O. DECLARE PROPERTY AS SURPLUS P. APPROVE TREE REMOVAL AGREEMENT AND AGREEMENT REGARDING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS WITH KATHRYN WILLIAMS MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Toomey, to approve Items A-O on the amended Consent Calendar. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS / MEETINGS A. SMITH DOUGLAS MORE HOUSE COA by Ann Schuster. Certificate of Appropriateness for installation of fencing around outdoor areas. Case commended the Schusters for their willingness to run the Smith Cafe inside our historic Smith Douglas More House. He noted modifications to our heritage sites have to go through approval of the HPC before coming to the Council. Getschow said the Smith Douglas More House is located at 8107 Eden Prairie Road and it is a locally designated Heritage Preservation Site. Ann Schuster, as the lessee of the property, is requesting approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to install fencing on the property. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required to erect any structure on a Heritage Preservation Site. The Historic Preservation Sites portion of the City Code defines fence as a structure. At its March 15, 2021 meeting, the CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 5 Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the COA request and recommended on a unanimous vote that the City Council approve the COA. Alex Schuster, representing Smith Cafe, gave a PowerPoint presentation describing the request to install a fence around the backyard area of the property. They want to install the fence so they can serve wine and beer and to make additional use of the backyard of the property. He displayed a site drawing of the area for the fencing and described the fencing to be used. Case asked if people would enter the area from the inside of the building. Mr. Schuster replied they would enter the area through the gate between the parking area and the cafe. Karen Longstad, a resident on Lincoln Lane, said she owns the property to the north of the Smith Douglas More House and supports this request. MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to close the public hearing, and to adopt the Findings of Fact and Approve Certificate of Appropriateness 2021-01- 032 for the installation of fencing around the back yard area and the mechanicals at the Smith Douglas More House. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” B. CHASE BANK (2020-12) by The Architect Partnership. Resolution 2021-29 for a Planned Unit Development Concept Review on 0.61 acres; Approve First Reading of an Ordinance for Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 0.61 acres (Resolution No. 2021-29 for PUD Concept Review and Ordinance for PUD District Review) Getschow said the applicant is proposing to construct an approximately 3,300 square foot, single story bank building with a drive-through. The 0.61-acre site is located near the intersection of Plaza Drive and Prairie Center Drive and is currently the site of the vacant Baker Square building. The applicant is here virtually to give a presentation. Brian Wurdeman, representing Chase Bank, gave a PowerPoint presentation of the proposal. He stated the project will include the demolition of the Bakers Square building and the construction of a new one-story bank building. Parking will be on the south and north sides of the building. He reported they have removed one parking stall and added more greenery on the side of the building since the plan was reviewed by the Planning Commission. There will be enhanced connections to nearby businesses such as Starbucks. He reviewed the landscape plan which provides enhanced landscaping for the property and explained the underground stormwater treatment system that will provide drainage from the site. There will be LED lighting throughout as well as improved pedestrian/bicycle connectivity. He displayed the building floor plan and the elevations. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 6 Toomey thanked Mr. Wurdeman for adding more trees to the landscaping plan and asked if there will be charging stations for electric vehicles in the parking plan. Mr. Wurdeman replied they are not proposing any at this time. Nelson asked if vehicle and pedestrian access to nearby stores will be maintained while the existing building is demolished and the new building constructed. Mr. Wurdeman replied access to the adjacent businesses will be coordinated with the construction manager and will be maintained at an acceptable level throughout the process. Nelson thanked them for using the runoff water to irrigate the landscape plantings. There were no comments from the audience. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Toomey, to close the public hearing; to adopt Resolution No. 2021-29 for a Planned Unit Development concept review on 0.61 acres; to approve the first reading of the ordinance for a Planned Unit Development District review with waivers on 0.61 acres; and to direct staff to prepare a development agreement incorporating staff and commission recommendations and Council conditions. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the payment of claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey, and Case voting “aye.” XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATIONS XIII. APPOINTMENTS XIV. REPORTS A. REPORTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS B. REPORT OF CITY MANAGER C. REPORT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR D. REPORT OF PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR 1. Sport Trends Document Overview Getschow explained this item is a follow-up to some Council discussion regarding our Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 7 Lotthammer gave a PowerPoint presentation reviewing the Sport Trends Report prepared by department staff based on data gathered in alignment with their areas of expertise and with input from School District representatives. He explained the report is intended to document past sport participation and to forecast future participation. The purpose of the data gathering and analysis is to help guide future staffing, program planning, facility development, and redevelopment. It will also provide the ability to share information and trends with the Council and community members to help “right size” our facilities. He noted the report has been shared with the Parks Commission and some of the youth athletic association volunteers. All of the results and trends identified are local and probably are different from those of other nearby cities. We do look at state and national trends, but we also like to look at what is happening here. Lotthammer introduced Doug Tucker who serves as the liaison to Youth Sports organizations. He noted Doug is a graduate of Eden Prairie High School and grew up in our local sports organizations. Doug Tucker, Recreation Supervisor, described the data collection and sources used for the report. He reviewed the findings of the report and discussed some of the trends identified from the research. Lotthammer pointed out there is a lot of participation in a variety sports and we offer a wide range of sports in which residents may participate. Case asked if Lotthammer believed the report drove any structural changes in the short term. Lotthammer replied we have made incremental changes for such trends as pickleball by adapting a couple of tennis courts before we built our dedicated courts at Franlo and Staring. As a City, we have had a policy over the years to provide opportunities for Eden Prairie residents and have not encouraged others to use our facilities because of the increased wear and tear on our facilities. However, we have been flexible to help “incubate” sports such as cricket which at this time is more of a regional sport. After learning of an increased interest in the sport of cricket, we worked with the local cricket groups to encourage the sport and were able to develop a dedicated cricket pitch at Nesbitt Park. Our research has shown the need for flexibility with facilities such as the Community Center ice sheets. We will be incorporating opportunities for indoor tennis into the CIP because of research showing the increased interest in that sport. E. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR F. REPORT OF POLICE CHIEF G. REPORT OF FIRE CHIEF H. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY XV. OTHER BUSINESS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 6, 2021 Page 8 As a point of privilege, Mayor Case recognized the group of people who were demonstrating outside the Council Chamber during the meeting. He believed their activism helps to make democracy strong. He believed the Council loves Miller Springs as we do all the water resources in Eden Prairie. The Council will carefully consider all aspects of the development project proposed near Miller Springs. XVI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Toomey, to adjourn the meeting. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Narayanan, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” Mayor Case adjourned the meeting at 8:18 pm.