05-12-15 CM MinutesCouncil/Manager Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2015
Present: Mayor Harris and Council Members, Clausen, Fonnest, Schmidgall and Snope,
City Manager Tom Burt, Physical Development Director Marc Nevinski, City Engineer Jeff
Oliver, Public Works Specialist Eric Eckman, City Attorney Allen Barnard, Administrative
Assistant Judy Nally.
The meeting began at 6:32 pm in the Council Conference Room.
Receipt of Environmental Commission Annual Report and Environmental State of
the City Report
Environmental Commission Chair Jim Stremel was in attendance to review the
Commission's 2014 Annual Report and Environmental State of the City Report. Stremel
discussed the Natural Resource Management Plan, guidelines for city-owned open space
parcels and right-of-way, new initiatives for greener practices, curbside recycling program
and recommendations for 2015 work plan priorities.
The Council discussed the recycling program profit decline, weekly recycling pickup,
guaranteed energy savings program, use of the Maple Grove brush and leave drop-off,
plastic bag ban, community solar gardens, use of smart cars and vehicle charging stations
at city hall, a bike planning workgroup, bee keeping/pollinators, and the Comprehensive
Plan.
After discussion the Council consensus was for the Environmental Commission to
proceed with the 2015 Work Plan Priorities of: Composting and organics/Food Waste
Recycling, and Natural Resources Management Plan implementation. Bee keeping and/or
pollinators could be considered as part of the Natural Resources plan. The bike planning
workgroup could be considered during the discussion of the Comprehensive Plan
Draft Natural Resources Management Plan
Public Works Specialist Eric Eckman reviewed the draft Natural Resources Management
Plan. The Council discussed City owned trails and excess land, Theodore Wirth Park, the
METRO Blue Line, and the sound wall near Briarwood Nature area. The City Council will
consider the Plan at a future City Council Meeting. The Council consensus was to
incorporate the Plan into the 2018 Comprehensive Plan Update.
Medicine Lake Road and DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation Study Update
City Engineer Jeff Oliver reviewed the history of the ponds, the study process, flooding
events and maps, flood proofing efforts, and the proposed next steps. The study outlined
some options which are: 1) do nothing, 2) structurally flood proof and/or remove flood prone
properties, and 3) maximize flood storage. The cities are studying a combination of options 2
and 3. City Attorney Allen Barnard reviewed the neighborhood agreements and settlement
history.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2015 - Page 2
The Council discussed the impact on the Liberty Crossing project, upcoming
neighborhood meetings, the location and operation of underground and above ground
water storage, voluntary selling of homes, flood proofing of homes, flood storage, flood
plain locations, the bonding bill, and funding options.
The next step is to schedule a meeting with residents to review the proposed options after
receipt of the Phase 2 study. The City is not taking, acquiring, or flood proofing any homes
unless there is a voluntary partnership and that will be reflected in the report.
The final report will be distributed to the three City Councils and will be adopted by each
respective City. Staff was requested to update the Council after the neighborhood meeting
is scheduled.
Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NHHSC) Financial Update
Chantell Knauss reviewed the financial status of the Northwest Hennepin Services Council
and outlined the options available. The Council discussed the options which are to
continue membership in NHHSC in a newly formed organization or withdraw from the
NHHSC.
The Council consensus was to discuss with the City Attorney the options available for the
City to be refunded its portion of the NHHSC reserves. The Council also requested the
item be placed on a future meeting to formally withdraw from the Northwest Hennepin
Human Services Council. Staff was directed to meet with the City representatives and
advise them of the status.
840 Pennsylvania Avenue South (Weavewood)
Physical Development Director Marc Nevinski reviewed the history of the property. The
property has gone into tax forfeiture and the County can dispose of the property by:
1) purchase by the previous owner for back taxes and fees, 2) auctioned off after one
year, or 3) sell the property to a governmental agency for market value for a public
purpose. The City, possibly through the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA),
has been approached to consider a "pass-through" sale of the property from the County
and resell it. The new buyer would rehabilitate the building and eliminate the blighted
property and use for office/warehouse.
The Council discussed the process for the pass-through, environmental conditions on the
site, possible City/HRA liability for environmental issues, possible uses for site, and review
of improvements/actions that need to be completed prior to the sale, the Council
consensus was for staff to proceed with investigating the process for completion of the
pass-through and place the item on a future Housing and Redevelopment Authority
meeting for action.
City Manager Search
Burt distributed copies of the City Manager profile prepared by Springsted Incorporated.
The City Manager profile has been released and Springsted will be conducting the search.
Council/Manager Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2015 - Page 3
Upcoming Meetings
City Council Meeting - May 12, 2015 - 6:30 pm
Human Rights Commission Conversations Event - May 14, 2015 - 6:30 pm - Perpich
Center for Arts Education
Meadowbrook School 5K Run - May 16, 2015
The meeting adjourned at 9:16 pm.
Judy Nally
Administrative Assistant