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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council - 02/19/2019 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2019 7:00 PM, CITY CENTER Council Chamber 8080 Mitchell Road 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, City Attorney Ric Rosow, and Council Recorder Jan Curielli I. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER Mayor Case called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All Council Members were present. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Members of Boy Scouts Troop 695, Prairie Lutheran Church, presented the colors. III. OPEN PODIUM INVITATION IV. PROCLAMATIONS /PRESENTATIONS A. ACCEPT DONATION OF $2,000 FROM LIONS TAP FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SPECIAL EVENTS (Resolution No. 2019-27) Lotthammer said this is a donation of$2,000 from Lions Tap for Parks and Recreation special events. He noted the City is very grateful for the support received from Lions Tap over the years. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Freiberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-27 accepting the donation of$2000 from Eden Prairie Lions Club for the Parks and Recreation special events. Motion carried 5-0. B. ACCEPT DONATION OF $325 FROM HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE FOR EVENTS AT SENIOR CENTER (Resolution No. 2019-28) Lotthammer said this is a donation of$325 from Home Instead Senior Care for three events at the Senior Center. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 2 MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Freiberg, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-28 accepting the donation of$325 from Home Instead Senior Care for events at the Senior Center. Motion carried 5-0. C. ACCEPT DONATION OF $350 FROM OASIS SENIOR ADVISORS FOR VALENTINE'S BREAKFAST AT SENIOR CENTER (Resolution No. 2019-29) Lotthammer said this donation is $350 from Oasis Senior Advisors for the Valentine's breakfast at the Senior Center. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Narayanan, to adopt Resolution No. 2019-29 accepting the donation of$350 from Oasis Senior Advisors for the Valentine's breakfast at the Senior Center. Motion carried 5-0. V. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND OTHER ITEMS OF BUSINESS MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Narayanan, to approve the agenda as published. Motion carried 5-0. VI. MINUTES A. COUNCIL WORKSHOP HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2019 B. CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 201 MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the minutes of the City Council workshop held Tuesday, February 5, 2019, and the minutes of the City Council meetings held Tuesday, February 5, 2019. Motion carried 5-0. VII. REPORTS OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS VIII. CONSENT CALENDAR A. CLERK'S LICENSE LIST B. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-30 APPROVING FINAL PLAT OF BLUFFS WEST FIFTEENTH ADDITION C. AWARD CONTRACT FOR 2019 STREET SWEEPING TO PEARSON BROTHERS, INC. D. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-31 AND FINDINGS DENYING A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ENTERPRISE LICENSE TO MIN JIN LLC D/B/A SPANUT WELLNESS CENTER AND MASSAGE THERAPIST LICENSES TO JING AN, BARBIE POMJIE, AND YUN FANG WANG CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 3 E. ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2019-32 APPROVING RAILROAD CROSSING SIGNAL AGREEMENT NO. 18-1 WITH TWIN CITY & WESTERN RAILROAD COMPANY FOR QUIET ZONE PROJECT F. APPROVE LEASE AND SOLAR EASEMENT FOR COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDEN MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve Items A-F on the Consent Calendar. Motion carried 5-0. IX. PUBLIC HEARINGS /MEETINGS A. STABLE PATH by Wooddale Builders. Resolution 2019-33 for PUD Concept Review on 5.9 acres; First Reading of an Ordinance for PUD District Review with Waivers and Zoning District Change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.9 acres; Resolution 2019-34 for Preliminary Plat on 5.9 acres (Resolution No. 2019-33 for PUD Concept; Ordinance for PUD District/Zoning Change; Resolution No. 2019-34 Preliminary Plat) Getschow said Wooddale Builders is requesting approval of a subdivision of a 5.9- acre property into 17 single family lots and 7 outlots. The property is located at 9650 Stable Path, which is just north of Crestwood Park. The project is proposed to include an east/west road extension of Dell Drive to Stable Path. The applicant is proposing villa style homes that offer single level living. The lots range in size from 8,301 square feet to 13,187 square feet with the smaller lots proposed on the south side of the proposed street. Steve Schwieters, Wooddale Builders, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the proposed project to build "empty nester" style homes on 17 family villa style lots with seven outlots. He pointed out the easement of 80 feet for a gas line located down the center of the property between the lots on the north and the neighboring property. The project lots will be 60-70 feet wide, and they are requesting waivers for the minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet. He noted Lot 8 is a corner lot that will have a smaller side set back because of its location. They propose to vacate and remove all the infrastructure for Thomforde Trail in the development to the north. They intend to give part of the six outlots to the neighborhood to the north and will plant more trees in that area. He reviewed tree replacement plans and landscape plans for the development. They would like to plant trees for screening on the triangular piece of land on the southeast corner of the property. He showed the elevations of the homes proposed for the development. Nelson asked about the price point. Mr. Schwieters replied it is around $585-650,000. Nelson noted that price point is above the average price of homes in Eden Prairie and asked why the homes would be so expensive considering the small size of the lots. Mr. Schwieters said they have built a similar project in Bloomington with 60-foot wide lots with prices at $750,000 to $1,200,000. He noted empty nesters are looking for smaller lots with one-level living, and many have a secondary home elsewhere. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 4 Nelson asked why there are no basements for the homes and if they have considered offering basements as an option. Mr. Schwieters explained these are flat lots with clay soil, so there is not possibility for walkouts. They could offer a basement if someone wanted it. Nelson asked if they considered using solar for the homes and if there will be other green aspects to the homes. Mr. Schwieters replied they did not consider offering a solar option, and the construction of today's homes is very energy efficient. Narayanan asked if the large trees currently on the property will be cut down and replaced. Mr. Schwieters replied there are some significant trees on the property, and they are trying to save a few of those where it is possible. This is a tight location for building, and they will need to remove trees; however, they plan to replant a lot of trees. Narayanan asked about the distance between houses. Mr. Schwieters replied it is generally 15 feet, with some that are 17 feet apart. Narayanan asked if we have other developments in the City where houses are that close together. Jeremiah replied we do. Narayanan asked how close the gas line will be to the houses. Mr. Schwieters replied the average distance will be about 45 feet from the pipeline. Narayanan commented eight different colors for 17 houses seemed like a lot. Mr. Schwieters said they are offering eight different stones and five different colors in the beige, white and grey colors. Narayanan asked if they are planning to have LED lighting and water conservation aspects in the buildings. Mr. Schwieters replied the codes have changed, and all lighting fixtures have to be LED approved for every unit. There are no special water conservation measures included. Freiberg asked if the additional trees on the triangular lot to the east are included in the 427 inches of trees they plan to be replaced. Mr. Schwieters replied those are part of the 427 feet. There already are a lot of significant trees along the park line, and they would like to work with the City to get screening on the triangular lot. Freiberg asked staff what the pushback was to that. Ellis replied the triangular lot is City property and contains utilities. The City has plans to use that lot for such functions as storm water treatment, and placing trees there would make that work difficult. Mike Byrnes, 18091 Cole Court, noted the builder has done a great job in planning and asked if the neighbors could have some say about the trees planted along the north side. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Nelson, to close the public hearing. Motion carried 5-0. Aho believed there is a real need for this kind of product. People are looking to leave their large family homes but stay in Eden Prairie. Case noted in 1995 the Senior Issues Task Force determined the City did not have a lot of independent senior housing and recommended we encourage more of that housing. The task force also realized we would be getting more density in the City, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 5 and that concept would have to be marketed to the neighbors. He noted the effect on the City's infrastructure for this style housing is less so we can have more density which provides a higher tax base. Over the last 20 years we have done that. The housing workshop the Council had this evening indicated there will be an intense housing shortage across the seven-county metropolitan area by 2030-2040, especially in the area of affordable housing. He applauded the project. Case said he understands the concerns about trees planted in right of ways, but he did like the idea of screening and would like staff to work with the developer on trees in that area. He did not believe silver maples were considered heritage trees when the Council was working out the subject of heritage trees. He thought the concept of heritage trees, as the Council defined it, is being stretched to include silver maples. He asked if we will have markers to help educate people about the gas pipeline area. Ellis replied Magellan Pipeline will place markers. Mr. Schwieters noted it is marked on both ends, and the pipeline location will be included in their marketing literature. Case commented it was smart to plan for a better way out for the neighborhood to be built to the west of the project. Nelson expressed concern about the side lot setbacks for this price home. She thought the houses are small for the price, and the side lot setbacks are small. In the future she would expect to see greater side lot setbacks. She noted we have a number of similar developments around town with multiple price ranges. The City is giving up something to go with this type of housing, and she had hoped the price would be lower because of the smaller lot size. She urged staff to look more closely at future projects. Case commented we have tried at times to do what we can to incentivize certain things. With this project, we did get what is good for the people of Eden Prairie. He didn't think it is up to the City to interfere with the financial aspects of the project. We are getting a product that is more and more needed. Nelson responded we have often received some break because we are giving some concessions. She wanted future projects like this to be at lower price points. Narayanan thought this is a win/win/win scenario. The neighbors seem happy; it is good for development; and it is good for the City. He did wish they had added more sustainable aspects to the homes. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Narayanan, to adopt Resolution 2019-33 for Planned Unit Development concept review on 5.9 acres; to approve the first reading of the ordinance for Planned Unit Development District review with waivers on 5.9 acres and a Zoning District change from Rural to R1-9.5 on 5.9 acres; to adopt Resolution 2019-34 for a Preliminary Plat of one lot into 17 lots and 7 outlots on 5.9 acres; and to direct staff to prepare a development agreement incorporating staff and Commission recommendations and Council conditions. Motion carried 5-0. Case asked staff to follow up with neighbors about the trees, as Mr. Byrnes requested. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 6 B. GROUND STORAGE WATER RESERVOIR & PUMP STATION by City of Eden Prairie. Resolution 2019-35 for PUD Concept Review on 6.55 acres; First Reading of an ordinance for PUD District Review with Waivers and Zoning District Change to Public on 6.55 acres (Resolution 2019-35 for PUD Concept; Ordinance for PUD District/Zoning Change) Getschow said the City of Eden Prairie is requesting approval to construct a ground storage water reservoir and associated pump house. The property is located between Highway 212 and the Minnesota River Bluffs LRT Regional Trail approximately 1,400 feet east of Eden Prairie Road. The property is former MnDOT right-of-way purchased by the City and encompasses approximately 6.55 acres. Rick Wahlen, Utility Operations Manager, gave a PowerPoint presentation about the project. He commented this is a project he has personally looked forward to and worked on for a long time. He reviewed the need to expand the water infrastructure for the City before describing the project timeline, site selection process and details of the site plan. The land for the project was owned by MnDOT and purchased by the City in March of 2008. Staff is currently in the last stages of acquisition for access to the site. He reviewed the historical sites that are near the property, such as the Washburn Train Depot. He showed elevations of the pump station and noted it will be modeled after the historic depot. There will be signage to explain the historic nature of the building for the benefit of those using the public access trail. Case asked if the Council is being asked to approve the concept of the PUD and the zoning change only. Getschow replied this is land use approval, and the project has been budgeted for in the capital improvement budget. Ellis replied the project would go directly to bids after approval of the zoning waivers. The bid includes the wooden water tower and train tracks as an alternate, both of which would be evaluated for inclusion in the final project. This action would be approving the design concept. Aho assumed the public access to the building would be only through the Hennepin County trail or from Eden Prairie Road. Wahlen said this project would provide a way stop along the trail. Aho said he further assumed no one could go into the building. Wahlen said that was correct. Aho noted it would be nice to have benches to rest on and possibly a table. Wahlen said that would be possible. Case asked if there would be a water fountain. Ellis replied staff has been talking with Three Rivers Park District about partnering with us on the way station, but he did not know if we are on the same page. Freiberg noted he was amazed at this project. There is no question we need the additional capacity. He asked if there will be an interpretive sign to explain the historical significance of the site. Wahlen replied there will be. Narayanan asked if cars driving on Hwy 212 will see the top of the building. Wahlen CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 7 replied they will see the top which will be constructed of colored concrete. Narayanan asked if there will be an Eden Prairie sign on the building. Wahlen said staff is hoping to minimize the visibility of the facility. Narayanan asked if there will be any other type of landscaping besides the high grass shown in the elevations. Wahlen said they designed the site to follow through with the City's plans for a natural prairie grass setting. Narayanan asked if they could add more trees. Wahlen said they will maximize the placement of trees but will need to take out trees in some areas. Staff will replant trees further apart on the site. Nelson liked the project as well as the idea of having a water station for humans and pets on the site. There were no comments from the audience. MOTION: Nelson moved, seconded by Aho, to close the public hearing; to adopt Resolution NO. 2019-35 for a Planned Unit Development Concept review on 6.55 acres; and to approve the first reading of the ordinance for Planned Unit Development District review with waivers on 6.55 acres and a Zoning District change to Public on 6.55 acres. Motion carried 5-0. C. VACATION OF PART OF THE DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENTS OVER LOT 1, BLOCK 2,AUGUSTA ADDITION (Resolution No. 2019-36) Getschow said the property owners of the lot have requested the vacation of part of the drainage and utility easements to facilitate the plat of Pioneer Trail Eden Prairie Addition for new building construction. He noted this is related to the Abra project that was recently approved. There were no comments from the audience. MOTION: Aho moved, seconded by Freiberg, to close the public hearing and to adopt Resolution No. 2015-36 vacating the easterly 5.00 feet of Lot 1, Block 2, Augusta Addition, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Motion carried 5-0. X. PAYMENT OF CLAIMS MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Nelson, 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 A. FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 9, RELATING TO MINNESOTA STATE FIRE CODE AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS CITY COUNCIL MINUTES February 19, 2019 Page 8 Getschow said this item is a clean-up of the ordinance related to our Fire Code to keep the code current with the updates in State code, to update the terminology, and to embark on a new third party vendor software to track the registration of fire alarms at private businesses. The new software will help to keep up with the maintenance of those alarms and will have no cost to the City. The updates provide us the ability to work with web-based systems. MOTION: Narayanan moved, seconded by Freiberg, to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 9 relating to the Minnesota State Fire Code and fire alarm systems. Motion carried 5-0. 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 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 Nelson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0. Mayor Case adjourned the meeting at 8:27 p.m.