03-17-15 - City Council Minutes OFFICIAL MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
GOLDEN VALLEY, MINNESOTA
March 17, 2015
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Harris called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.
1A. Roll Call
Present: Mayor Harris, Council Members Clausen, Schmidgall, and Fonnest
Council Member Snope arrived at 6:50 pm.
1 B. Pledge of Allegiance
1 C. Board/Commission Oath of Office and Presentation of Certificate of Appointment
Mayor Harris administered the Oath of Office and presented a Certificate of Appointment, city
mug and pin to appoint Andrea Mac Arthur to the Human Services Fund.
1 D. 2014 Police Department Annual Report
Chief Carlson presented the Police Department's 2014 Annual Report and answered
questions from Council.
2. ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS TO AGENDA
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to
approve the agenda of March 17, 2015, as revised with the addition of 6D-Authorization to
sign amended PUD Permit for West Metro Surgical Center, the replacement of pages 93 &
133 of 4A-Public Hearing for Struthers Parkinson's Center, the addition of correspondence to
413-Public Hearing regarding the Zoning Code and Subdivision Text Amendments and to
move 1 E-State of the City Presentation to 6G and the motion carried unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION made by Council Member Clausen, seconded by Council Member Fonnest to
approve the consent agenda of March 17, 2015, as submitted and the motion carried
unanimously.
3A. Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting - March 3, 2015
3131. Approve City Check Register and authorize the payments of the bills as submitted.
3C1. Authorize issuance of Multi-Family Rental Property licenses as recommended by staff.
3C2. Approve solicitor's license for Minnesota Public Interest Research Group.
3C3. Receive and file the gambling license exemption and approve the waiver of notice
requirement for Meadowbrook Elementary School PTO.
3C4. Authorize issuance of General licenses as recommended by staff.
3D. Accept for filing the Minutes of Boards and Commissions as follows:
1. Planning Commission - February 23, 2015
2. Open Space and Recreation Commission - December 22, 2014
3. Human Service Fund - February 9, 2015
3E1. Award the Contract to Tim's Tree Service in the amount of$66,410 for the 2015 Spring
Brush Pickup Program.
Official City Council Minutes -2- March 17, 2015
3. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA - continued
3E2. 1 . Authorize contract with GMH Asphalt Corp., in the amount of $2,133,887.25 for the
construction of the 2015 PMP, City Improvement Project No. 15-01.
2. Authorize entering into a contract with SEH, Inc. for observation, construction,
staking, and engineering services for the 2015 PMP, not to exceed $181,000.
3. Motion to authorize purchase of fire hydrants from Dakota Supply Ground, Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, in the amount of $83,970.00.
3F. Approve requests for beer and/or wine at Brookview Park as recommended by staff.
3G. Adopt Resolution 15-20 Appointing Stacy Hoschka as Commissioner and Jane
McDonald Black as Alternate Commissioner to the Bassett Creek Watershed
Management Commission, and Jeff Oliver as Member and Eric Eckman as Alternate
Member to its Technical Advisory Committee.
3H. Adopt on second consideration, Ordinance #545, Amending Section 4.31: Stormwater
Management of the City Code.
31. Adopt Resolution 15-21 Calling for an Administrative Hearing on Alcohol Sales
Violation - Pallop Ratnasingha (Owner) - Nong's Thai Cuisine.
3J. Receive and file the January 2015 Financial Reports.
3K. Approve Agreement for Organizational Management Consulting Services with
Springsted, Inc. for the City Manager Executive Recruitment.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
4A. Public Hearing - Final PUD Plan for Struthers Parkinson's Center PUD No. 39,
Amendment #4 - 6681 & 6701 Country Club Drive - Park Nicollet Methodist
Hospital, Applicant
Associate Planner Goellner presented the staff report and answered questions from Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing. No one came forward. Mayor Harris closed the public
hearing.
There was Council discussion regarding the Final PUD Plan for Struthers Parkinson's Center
located at 6681 and 6701 Country Club Drive.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to adopt
Ordinance #546, Approval of Final PUD Plan, Struthers Parkinson's Center PUD No. 39,
Amendment #4, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, Applicant with the amendments from the
page replacements upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor of: Harris, Schmidgall,
Snope, Fonnest and Clausen, the following voted against: none and the motion carried.
4113. Public Hearing - Zoning Code and Subdivision Code Text Amendments for
Subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments with Single Family Residential
Components
Planning Manager Zimmerman presented the staff report and answered questions from
Council. City Attorney Barnard and City Engineer Oliver answered questions from Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing.
Official City Council Minutes -3- March 17, 2015
413. Public Hearing - Zoning Code and Subdivision Text Amendments - continued
Mr. Paul Meland, 309 Meander Road, gave a brief history of his neighborhood and said the
character of it has changed since he purchased his property. He said when he bought his
property it was marketed as a sub-dividable lot, but added he does not plan to divide it. He
said if this ordinance passes, an additional 10 lots could qualify to be subdivided, but if it does
not only 3 lots would be eligible. He said it would be more effective if the minimum lot width
increased. He said if the current ordinance was in place, but the lot width increased to 100
feet, it would cut the number of lots that qualify in half. He said if the width change does not
occur, and the lots around him are subdivided, it would have a negative financial impact on
him in the future.
Ms. Diane Richard, 217 Paisley Lane, said she would like to preserve the character of her
neighborhood and asked how lot subdivisions fit into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Leroy Hagel, 200 Cutacross Road, said he and his wife have lived in their neighborhood
for over 60 years and hate to see what has happened to it. He said he has written many
letters to the Council stating he is against the subdivisions in Tralee. He said the new homes
built across the street from him appear to be the result of some type of clever surveying
similar to fitting puzzle pieces into a puzzle, because they do not line up with the others on the
street. He said he would like to save what remains of his neighborhood and stop any further
subdivisions in it. He said in years to come the older homes will be knocked down and bigger
homes will be built in their place. He said these new homes will rival the finance benefit for the
City as from subdividing the lots. He asked why allow a special neighborhood to be destroyed
by subdivisions.
Ms. Hattie Bonds, 425 Sunnyridge Lane, said she is concerned about the ecosystem in her
neighborhood and wondered what was under the soil. She asked if a bedrock study had been
done and if she could see it.
Ms. Eva Jensen, 4010 Roanoke Circle, said she is concerned about the two tier proposal for
the lot sizes. She said the minimum lower tier of 10,000 square feet is too small. She said it
should be 12,000 square feet. She said she agreed with revising the minimum lot width size.
She said setbacks should be set so homes could not be approved on lots that are too small.
Mr. David Knaeble, 221 Sunnyridge Lane, said the study was not really a study, but a poll of
the people who attended the meetings. He said he thought the study would have been more
scientific and would involve the whole City. He said the recommendations reflected that of the
loudest complainers at the meetings and did not look at the pros and cons of subdividing, only
the cons. He stated some of the pros of subdividing are: added revenue, increased
population, and increased variety of homes available in the City. He said these types of
developments are very green, since they do not require roads or utilities to be built. He read
through a list of questions that he submitted at the meeting.
Mr. Matt Pavek, 510 Cloverleaf Drive, said he agreed with what Mr. Knaeble said and that all
of the people being affected by the changes have not weighed in. He said residents would be
losing money if they are unable to subdivide their lots. He said he would like to hear a
discussion about lot sizes in general and even he, who works in the field, could not tell the
difference between lot sizes if he were walking down the street. He said if the rules are
changed for this reason, it would be a shame because most people may not even notice.
Official City Council Minutes -4- March 17, 2015
4B. Public Hearing - Zoning Code and Subdivision Text Amendments - continued
Ms. Christine Pavek, 513 Meadow Lane, she said she was unaware of the survey and lives
within the Tralee neighborhood area. She said that the younger population was not being
represented and added she would not have been able to afford a home on the larger lots.
Ms. Kathy Watkins, 112 Paisley Lane, said she understands the argument that people should
be able to do with their property what they would like to within the guidelines of the City. She
said in her neighborhood though, the developers are not the end homeowners and are just
interested in making a quick buck and then leaving. She said the developers are building
homes that no one can afford and some have become troubled properties. She said she
would not be opposed to what Mr. Meland recommended about the minimum lot size
requirement. She said she hoped that this ordinance passed.
Mr. Casey Pavek, 513 Meadow Lane North, said he bought his home a couple of years ago
knowing he and his wife could grow into it. He said they received a great value for the house
because it was bank owned and did not have a garage. He said he appreciates having density
in housing in his neighborhood and hopes for more neighbors. He said a new two story house
was built on the lot next to his and thought if a two story house could be built there that maybe
in 10 to 20 years when he can afford it he may do the same. He said because of this study, it
appears he may not be able to improve his current home, build a garage or eventually tear
down his smaller home to build a larger one unless it looked like a wedding cake. He said this
change was just because of a few people and not the entire City which makes him nervous
about the future of his property.
Mr. Mark Deitz, 207 Sunnyridge Lane, said one of the issues regarding the study was that the
consultants discussed the possibility of changing the minimum size to 15,000 square, but he
did not see it in the recommendations.
Ms. Elizabeth Schultz, 1520 Gettysburg Avenue, said she would like to stay in Golden Valley
but found it is hard to find a newer home with a smaller lot. She said she hopes that more
homes will be built on smaller lots.
Mayor Harris closed the public hearing.
There was much Council discussion regarding the amendments for Subdivisions and Planned
Unit Developments with Single Family Residential Components.
MOTION made by Council Member Clausen, seconded by Council Member Fonnest to adopt
Ordinance #547, Amending Chapter 11 : Land Use Regulation (Zoning), Regarding
Modifications from the 2014-2015 Subdivision Study upon a vote being taken the following
voted in favor of: Harris, Fonnest and Clausen, the following voted against: Schmidgail and
Snope and the motion carried.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to adopt
upon first consideration Ordinance #548, Amending Chapter 12: Subdivision Regulations
(Platting), Regarding Modifications from the 2014-2015 Subdivision Study upon a vote being
taken the following voted in favor of: Harris Fonnest and Clausen, the following voted against:
Schmidgall and Snope and the motion carried.
Official City Council Minutes -5- March 17, 2015
4C. Public Hearing - Amending Section 11.21, Height and Side Yard Setbacks
Planning Manager Zimmerman presented the staff report and answered questions from
Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing. No one came forward. Mayor Harris closed the public
hearing.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to
continue this public hearing to the April 7, 2015, City Council meeting and the motion carried
unanimously.
4D. Resolution - Special Assessments - 2015 Pavement Management Area
Finance Director Virnig presented the staff report and answered questions from Council. City
Engineer Oliver answered questions from Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing.
Mr. Daniel Moran, 1405 Flag Avenue, inquired if the project it was for both street and sewer
repairs.
Ms. Elizabeth Schultz, 1520 Gettysburg Avenue, said she received a notification regarding
pipeline safety which asked to access her pipelines and wanted to know if it was related to
this.
Mayor Harris closed the public hearing.
MOTION made by Council Member Clausen, seconded by Council Member Fonnest to adopt
Resolution 15-22, Adopting and Confirming Assessments for Various Public Improvements in
the 2015 Pavement Management Area upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor of..
Harris, Schmidgall, Snope, Clausen and Fonnest, the following voted against: none and the
motion carried.
4E. Resolution - Special Assessments - 2016 Pavement Management Area
Finance Director Virnig presented the staff report and answered questions from Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing. No one came forward. Mayor Harris closed the public
hearing.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to adopt
Resolution 15-23, Adopting and Confirming Assessments for Various Public Improvements in
the 2016 Pavement Management Area upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor of..
Harris, Schmidgall, Snope, Clausen and Fonnest, the following voted against: none and the
motion carried.
Official City Council Minutes -6- March 17, 2015
4F. Resolution - Special Assessments - 2017 Pavement Management Area
Finance Director Virnig presented the staff report and answered questions from Council.
Mayor Harris opened the public hearing. No one came forward. Mayor Harris closed the public
hearing.
MOTION made by Council Member Snope, seconded Council Member Clausen to receive
and file a letter submitted at the meeting to Finance Director Virnig from Mr. Laurent at 1532
Mendelssohn Avenue North regarding his concerns on the 2017 Pavement Management
project and the motion carried.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen adopt
Resolution 15-24, Adopting and Confirming Assessments for Various Public Improvements in
the 2017 Pavement Management Area upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor of:
Harris, Schmidgall, Snope, Clausen and Fonnest, the following voted against: none and the
motion carried.
6. NEW BUSINESS
6A. Joint Powers Agreement for the Sochacki Park, Mary Hills and Rice Lake Nature
Area Regional Park Development Project
Director of Parks and Recreation Birno presented the staff report and answered questions
from Council.
Three Rivers Park Board Commissioner Daniel Freeman said the Three Rivers Park District
has been in service for over 60 years. He said that Hennepin County currently does not have
a park in the inner ring suburbs and with this agreement it will be an opportunity to give a
good park experience to the residents who have paid for it for decades. He thanked the staff
from Golden Valley, Robbinsdale and the Three Rivers Park District for their efforts in the
agreement.
Three Rivers Park Associate Superintendent Jonathan Vlaming said his staff is very excited
about this agreement. He said in the short term the plan is to complete paving the trails
throughout the park. He said the Park District will be exploring the idea of adding an
interactive park experience and will be talking to the public regarding what they envision for
the park. He said they are planning to provide programs and environmental education. He
said he would like to have a party at the park in June for the public and answered questions
from Council.
Council thanked the Three Rivers Park District and the Park and Recreation staff for their
work on the Joint Powers Agreement.
MOTION made by Council Member Clausen, seconded by Council Member Snope to adopt
Resolution 15-25 authorizing the Joint Powers Agreement with Three Rivers Park District and
the City of Robbinsdale upon a vote being taken the following voted in favor of: Harris, Snope,
Clausen, Fonnest and Schmidgall, the following voted against: none and the motion carried.
Official City Council Minutes -7- March 17, 2015
6B. Adding a Month to the Six-Month Moratorium on Subdivisions and Planned Unit
Developments that include Single Family Residential Components
Planning Manager Zimmerman presented the staff report and answered questions from
Council.
There was Council discussion regarding adding a month to the existing six-month moratorium
on Subdivisions and Planned Unit Developments with a Single Family Residential
Component.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to adopt
Ordinance #549 adding a Month to the Six-Month Moratorium on Subdivisions and Planned
Unit Developments that include Single Family Residential Components upon a vote being
taken the following voted in favor of: Harris, Fonnest, Snope and Clausen, the following voted
against: Schmidgall and the motion carried.
6C. METRO Blue line Extension Update
Planning Manager Zimmerman presented the staff report and answered questions from
Council.
MOTION made by Council Member Snope, seconded by Council Member Fonnest to receive
and file METRO Blue Line Extension Update and the motion carried unanimously.
6D. Authorization to Sign Amended PUD Permit - West Metro Surgical Center PUD
No. 39 (Struthers Parkinson's Center) - Amendment No. 4
Planning Manager Zimmerman presented the staff report and answered questions from
Council.
MOTION made by Council Member Fonnest, seconded by Council Member Clausen to
authorize the Mayor and City Manager to sign the amended PUD Permit for West Metro
Surgical Center PUD No. 39, Amendment No. 4 and the motion carried unanimously.
6E. Announcement of Meetings
Some Council Members may attend the Twin Lake Alum Treatment Open House on March
19, 2015, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the Council Chambers.
Some Council Members may attend the Caring Youth Recognition event on March 19, 2015,
at 7 pm at the Minnetonka Community Center.
The State of the City Community Update will be held on March 20, 2015, at 7:30 am.
Some Council Members may attend the Golden Valley Historical Society event "Antique
Appraisal Show" on March 28, 2015, from 2 to 4 pm at the Heather's Manor.
A Tri-City Council Meeting regarding the Joint Water Commission will be held on March 31 ,
2015, at 6 pm in the Council Chambers
Official City Council Minutes -8- March 17, 2015
6E. Announcement of Meetings - continued
Some Council Members may attend a Legislative Meeting on March 24, 2015, at 6 pm at the
Theodore Wirth Chalet.
The next City Council Meeting will be held on April 7, 2015, at 6:30 pm.
6F. Mayor and Council Communication
Mayor Harris discussed a letter regarding the City's support of Governor Dayton's proposed
Transportation Budget and asked if Council was comfortable with it.
Council Member Snope updated Council on the purchase agreement that Hennepin County
has on property that was to be used to form construction of the railroad connector track.
Council Member Clausen updated Council on a meeting she attended with Congressman
Keith Ellison regarding the railroad connector track being proposed in the City of Crystal.
Council Member Schmidgall stated that two of the best 100 Companies to work according to
Fortune Magazine are located in Golden Valley; Allianz Life Insurance Company and General
Mills.
6G. State of the City Presentation
The State of the City video presentation was shown.
7. Adjournment
MOTION made by Council Member Snope, seconded by Council Member Clausen, and the
motion carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:51 pm.
She and Harris, M yor
ATTEST:
Kristine A. Luedke, City Clerk