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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 05/03/2022APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2022 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER CITY COUNCIL Mayor Ron Case, Council Members Mark Freiberg, PG Narayanan, Kathy Nelson, and Lisa Toomey CITY STAFF City Manager Rick Getschow, Public Works Director Robert Ellis, Parks and Recreation Director Jay Lotthammer, Community Development Director Julie Klima, Police Chief Matt Sackett, Fire Chief Scott Gerber, and City Attorney Maggie Neuville. I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Case called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Council Member Narayanan was absent. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION IV. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS A. 2021 ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT Getschow stated the Council just received a presentation on the financial report. However, they ask there be a more concise presentation to the public and Council. Andy Grice, representative with BerganKDV, explained the Independent Auditor’s Report is unmodified and in accordance with government auditing standards. He noted they are required to report any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, but there were no compliance findings. Mr. Grice showed a slide with a graph depicting general fund revenues, which increased about $2.8 million. There was an increase in taxes and assessments due to an increase in levy, and some government funds decreased due to federal funds received in previous years for COVID-19. Mr. Grice added there was an increase in expenditures by $2.1 million. There was an increase in spending in the Police Department due to wage increases, and there was increased spending in the Parks and Recreation Department for more CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 2 programming. Mr. Grice explained the final budget called for $49 million, and the final budget cam in over budget by $4 million. The American Rescue Plan Act provided some relief and there was less money received from fees and services. Parks and Recreation came in under budget due to programming. Mr. Grice stated the total revenues have been larger than total expenditures for at least the last five years. Mr. Grice showed a table with revenue and expenditures per capita. The largest increase was in charges for services, and it was relatively consistent with state-wide averages. Case pointed out the City has really good numbers and should only be compared to cities of similar populations. Mr. Grice added expenditures include capital outlay and debt service. There was an increase in activity in the Parks and Recreation Department which increased some expenditures. He noted the City spends more on Parks and Recreation than the state-wide average. The capital outlay varies by year, and there was a large increase on principal expenditures for Eden Prairie’s debt service. Case noted the state-wide comparison is somewhat out of context because there are many variables between cities such as population. Getschow added Eden Prairie’s per capita is about $50 per resident while comparable cities are closer to $150 or $170. There is no new debt issued. Mr. Grice stated the tax capacity within the City is tied to market values which increased about 3 percent. The tax rates increased similarly, and the current tax capacity rate is the lowest in the last five years. Case thanked Mr. Grice for the presentation. He noted the City is doing a fantastic job spending the taxpayer money ethically. He thanked the Staff for their work on the financial reports. Nelson added Eden Prairie still has a AAA rating for bonding. Case stated not many cities have such a strong rating. MOTION: Freiberg moved, seconded by Nelson, to accept the 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). Motion carried 4-0. B. HERITAGE PRESERVATION AWARD Getschow explained the Heritage Preservation Award, which recognizes an individual, family or business which has gone beyond their usual responsibilities to promote, preserve, rehabilitate or restore Eden Prairie's heritage resources. Heritage Preservation Commission Vice Chair, Paul Thorp, noted he has CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 3 served on the Commission for seven years. The recipient of the 2022 Heritage Preservation Award is Steve Olson. Mr. Olson served on the Heritage Preservation Commission, many years of which he was the Chair. Mr. Thorp explained Mr. Olson is an outstanding leader with a wealth of knowledge. The Commission had many successes under Mr. Olson’s leadership. His contributions will continue to impact the residents of Eden Prairie for many years to come. Mr. Olson stated he is encouraged by the City’s history where they fought the respiratory illness Tuberculosis in the early 1900s with the Glen Lake Children’s Camp. The site and history can give those fighting COVID-19 some courage. Mr. Olson added it is discouraging to see a conflict such as the one in Ukraine in the 21st Century. Eden Prairie has been part of questioning wars for over one hundred years. Sever Peterson, resident of Eden Prairie, volunteered to go to Vietnam twice as a medic. The very first European settlers resided near the river and also wondered what their response to the conflict with the Native Americans should be. Mr. Olson noted Eden Prairie has an 800-year-old history of people moving through it. Eden Prairie has a wide array of transportation options. While LRT Construction may be presenting an inconvenience to the City currently, it can be tolerated for progress. C. SENIOR AWARENESS MONTH PROCLAMATION Lotthammer stated May is Senior Awareness Month. At the Senior Center, there are some more programs throughout the month of May. The City has received donations to do some upgrades to the Senior Center, and it has been a big improvement and allows for building community. Gail Smith, Chair of Senior Advisory Council, explained she is an active participant at the Senior Center through games, book club, and dinners. Beth Lapp, Senior Advisory Councilmember, agreed she participates in games, socialization, and quilting. Ken Berg added he oversees some men’s activities in the Senior Center. Case asked for there to be a sort of ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize the new community area at the Senior Center. Case read the Proclamation in full. D. EDEN PRAIRIE BUSINESS SURVEY Getschow explained every three years or so the City does a survey of the local businesses. Peter Leatherman from Morris-Leatherman will present survey CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 4 results from the 2022 business survey conducted earlier in the month. Mr. Leatherman stated the survey has been done since 2011. The current survey was greatly impacted by COVID-19. They spoke with 400 randomly selected owners and decision makers of Eden Prairie businesses throughout April 2022. He noted any significant change about be greater than six percent due to the margin of error. Mr. Leatherman explained the study showed businesses identify as a similar type of business. The average business in the community has 13 employees, and there was a 10 percent increase in businesses looking to hire more employees. Mr. Leatherman stated about 60 percent of the workforce resides in Eden Prairie. Eight percent of businesses are based in their homes. There is also a statistically significant change in ownership; approximately 50 percent of businesses are owned by females, whereas 43 percent of businesses were owned by females in 2018. Case asked if there is data available to ensure the spread of participants matches the demographics of Eden Prairie. Mr. Leatherman stated there isn’t specific information available, but the spread is within the margin of error. Mr. Leatherman stated the top reason for locating in Eden Prairie is supporting City services, which has significantly increased over the years. Eden Prairie being a great place to live and work, fair value of lease and rental rates, and low crime rates, property taxes, high speed internet access, proximity to customers and suppliers, highway access, and qualified workforce are important reasons for locating their businesses in the City. Mr. Leatherman noted there was a large increase in business owners valuing parks, walking paths, and outdoor amenities. The presence of similar type businesses, access to public transportation, and good housing choices are also valued by business owners but at lower rates. Mr. Leatherman stated 40 percent of businesses have reported major impact of COVID-19. 38 percent have seen a minor impact. Morris-Leatherman followed up with the 78 percent for more information. The greatest impacts of COVID-19 included a decline in revenue and decrease in number of workers. The productivity of employees stayed the same, but there was a slight decrease in qualified workers. 61 percent of businesses in Eden Prairie changed the way they worked during the pandemic, and a majority of businesses believe they will return to how their businesses operated before the pandemic. Mr. Leatherman added the most serious issues faced by businesses were the lack of workers, lack of customers, and inflation, however those weren’t CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 5 incredibly widespread concerns. The major concerns are at a macroeconomic level including inflation, general economic conditions, cost of doing business, supply chain, business property taxes, and state and federal taxes. Case asked what percentage portion of the business property taxes are out of control of the City. Getschow stated Eden Prairie cannot impact 40 percent of the business property taxes. Mr. Leatherman stated there was a large increase in concern regarding availability of skilled workers. The issue is not training as much as the number of skilled workers. The concern is already impacted the businesses. Mr. Leatherman stated businesses are still showing an interest in partnerships with the local school district, and there is a large increase in businesses believing partnerships would have a positive impact on their businesses. Mr. Leatherman noted affordable childcare and affordable housing are most seriously impacting business’ ability to find qualified workers. Other considerations include variety of housing options, adequate amenities, and transportation options. Also, traffic congestion has decreased impact on businesses. Mr. Leatherman added most businesses have felt crime has remained consistent, as has their contact with City Hall. Within the next five years, few businesses plan to expand or relocate. There has been a decrease in view of value of City services. However, there is no change in satisfaction with the City’s decision-making process. Toomey thanked Mr. Leatherman for the presentation and agreed it is interesting to see the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried 4-0. VI. MINUTES E. COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 19 , 2022 F. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022 Toomey stated in the Council workshop minutes, a noted the minutes refer to a partnership with Prop Shop, but it is actually with PROP. PROP and Prop Shop are two different efforts; Prop Shop assists with clothing and necessities while PROP is a food shelf. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 6 Toomey noted Rhondi Flagstad is an excellent volunteer with Prop Shop and will be overseeing a vintage and antique clothing sale during the upcoming weekend. MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the minutes of the Council workshop held Tuesday, April 19, 2022, and the City Council meeting held Tuesday, April 19, 2022, as amended. Motion carried 4-0. VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR G. GTS HOUSING (BLUE STEM) by Greco Properties, LLC. Second Reading of Ordinance for Planned Unit Development District Review with waivers on 15.28 acres and Zoning Change from OFC to TOD-R on 5.78 acres and ORC to P/OS on 11.17 acres; Resolution for Site Plan Review on 15.28 acres (Ordinance No. 13-2022-PUD-7-2022 for PUD District Review waivers and Zoning Change, Resolution No. 2022-63 for Site Plan Review, Resolution No. 2022-64 for Development Agreement, Resolution No. 2022-65 for Park Dedication Fees) H. ADOPT MODIFICATION TO REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PROJECT AREA NO. 5 ESTABLISHING TIF DISTRICT NO. 26: GTS HOUSING (BLUE STEM NORTH), AND ADOPT TIF PLAN (Resolution No. 2022-66) I. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-67 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF SCHULMAN ADDITION J. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2022-68 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF CROSSTOWN CIRCLE SECOND ADDITION K. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH ODESSA II FOR NESBITT PARK ENHANCEMENTS AND SPLASH PAD L. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES FOR NESBITT SPLASH PAD EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION M. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH HTPO FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS FOR VIKING DRIVE TRAIL N. AWARD CONTRACT TO TRAUT WELLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF MUNICIPAL WELL NO. 17 O. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH SRF CONSULTING GROUP, INC. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 7 FOR RIVERVIEW ROAD GUARDRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT P. AWARD CONTRACT FOR 2022 MUDJACKING TO NORTHSTAR MUDJACKING AND MORE Q. AWARD CONTRACT FOR 2022 PAVEMENT REHAB PROJECT TO VALLEY PAVING, INC. R. APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH BOLTON & MENK FOR FEASIBILITY AND FINAL DESIGN OF EDEN PRAIRIE ROAD WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT S. APPROVE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS WITH CARVER COUNTY, INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 272, AND HENNEPIN COUNTY REGARDING FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Nelson, to approve Items A-M on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 4-0. IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS / MEETINGS A. CAMP EDEN WOOD BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS by City of Eden Prairie. Certificate of Appropriateness. Getschow stated the City owns the property but leases it to True Friends, a non-profit organization who creates an environment where experiences and adventures are open to individuals of all abilities. The Glen Lake Children ’s Camp was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Getschow explained True Friends is requesting approval of Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to replace the siding, soffit and fascia, shingles and doors on the Birchwood Cabin at the Glen Lake Children’s Camp. At its April 18, 2022 meeting, the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviewed the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) request and recommended the City Council approve the COA. The COA will approve the replacement of the siding, soffit and fascia, shingles and doors on the Birchwood Cabin. John LeBlanc, President and CEO of True Friends, showed an aerial image of the camp. He noted the exterior renovation of the Lion’s Den was completed in 2020. Mr. LeBlanc showed images of the current Birchwood Cabin. It is a non-contributing building built in the 1980s. Mr. LeBlanc showed images of the updates to the Lion’s Den. Case stated the change may seem minor, but it is one of two historic sites in Eden Prairie and one of only two in-tact original youth tuberculosis camps in CITY COUNCIL MINUTES May 3, 2022 Page 8 the United States. He noted his appreciation of John and True Friends’ efforts to preserve the look and history of the site. Nelson stated since there is approval from HPC and Staff, she agrees with the recommendation. There were no comments from the audience. MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Nelson, to close the public hearing, and to the Findings of Fact and Approve Certificate of Appropriateness 2022- 01-001 for new siding, roofing, doors and soffit and fascia for the Birchwood Cabin at the Glen Lake Children’s Camp. Motion carried 4-0. X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the payment of claims as submitted. Motion was approved on a roll call vote, with Freiberg, Nelson, Toomey and Case voting “aye.” XI. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS XII. PETITIONS, REQUESTS, AND COMMUNICATIONS XIII. APPOINTMENTS XIV. REPORTS XV. OTHER BUSINESS XVI. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Toomey moved, seconded by Freiberg, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4-0. Mayor Case adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ________________________ Nicole Tingley, City Clerk