City Council

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes City Council Monday, November 4, 2019 7:30 PM Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Ryan followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; City Planner Lori Johnson; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; Public Services Manager/Assistant City Manager Bob Therres; City Attorney Patrick Sweeney; City Engineer Dan Schluender; Senior Engineering Technician Al Thorp; Communications Technician Roark Haver; Communications Coordinator Ben Hayle; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4.-1 RECENTLY HELD MEETINGS Attachments: 10-14-19 Workshop Minutes 10-21-19 Workshop Minutes 10-21-19 Council Minutes Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that the Minutes of Workshop Meeting of October 14, 2019, the Minutes of Workshop Meeting of October 21, 2019, and the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 21, 2019 be approved. Motion adopted. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 5. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 5.-1 PROCLAMATIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS DONALD SWANSON AND TRENT WALTERS Attachments: Donald Swanson Proclamation Trent Walters Proclamation Fire Chief Smith honored two long serving Firefighters Donald Swanson and Trent Walters. He noted these firefighters have a combined 40 years of experience with the department which is a very long tenure with the department. He thanked all who were in attendance supporting firefighters Swanson and Walters and wished them both well in their retirement. Mayor Ryan read a proclamation in full for the record recognizing Firefighters Donald Swanson and Trent Walters and thanked them both for their dedicated service to the community. A standing ovation and round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Firefighters Swanson and Walters both thanked the Council for their continued support over the years. Informational: no action required 5.-2 DONATION TO THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK OF BLAINE Mayor Ryan explained on October 7, 2019, the City Council approved $100,000 as a donation to the Veterans Memorial Park of Blaine. He presented Steve Guider with a check for the donation on behalf of Veterans Memorial Park and thanked him for his work on this important memorial. Steve Guider thanked the Mayor and City Council for their tremendous support. He commented on the work being done at Veterans Memorial Park and explained these funds would allow him to order the five war memorials which he anticipated would be installed in the spring of 2020. Informational: no action required 5.-3 AAA BOND RATING PRESENTATION Terri Heaton, Baker Tilly, presented the City with a plaque and commended the City Council for achieving the AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s. She reported this was an elite group across the State of Minnesota and nationally then City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 commented further on how the AAA bond rating would provide the City with favorable interest rates in the future. Mayor Ryan thanked all of the elected officials and City staff for the joint efforts that were necessary to achieve this important bond rating. 6. COMMUNICATIONS None. 7. OPEN FORUM Mayor Ryan opened the Open Forum at 7:52 p.m. Roger Elliot, 3511 91st Court, thanked the Council for the new senior center and shared concerns about the name change and encouraged the City to continue senior programming in this building. He discussed the numerous programs he attended at the senior center and stated he appreciated having a place to attend lunches. Mayor Ryan reported this space would remain a senior center during regular business hours then explained the move would occur in December with a ribbon cutting in February 2020. There being no input, Mayor Ryan closed the Open Forum at 7:58 p.m. 8. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted as presented. 9. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Ryan requested the removal of agenda item 9.3. Moved by Councilmember Swanson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that the following be approved: Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 9.-1 SCHEDULE OF BILLS PAID City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 Attachments: September 2019 Payroll Checks and Wire Transfers 10/18/19 Bills Paid 10/25/19 Bills Paid Approved 9.-2 FIRST READING AMENDING CHAPTER 22 - BUSINESSES, ARTICLE VI. - PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS, AND TRANSIENT MERCHANTS, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BLAINE Attachments: Peddlers Solicitors and Transient Merchants Adopted 9.-4 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ENTERPRISE LICENSE FOR ATTICUS FRANCHISE GROUP FOR AFG ME WEST BLAINE, LLC, 10450 BALTIMORE STREET NE, BLAINE, MN 55449 (FORMERLY MASSAGE ENVY) Approved 9.-5 CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE ENTERPRISE LICENSE FOR ACKERMAN ACUPUNCTURE, 2331 108TH LANE NE, BLAINE (FORMERLY MASSAGE OFF CENTRAL) Approved 9.-6 PUBLICATION OF THE TITLE AND SUMMARY OF City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 ORDINANCE 19-2437, AMENDING CHAPTER 22 - BUSINESSES, ARTICLE VI. - PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS, AND TRANSIENT MERCHANTS, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BLAINE Adopted 9.-3 APPROVAL OF CLASSIFICATION AND SALE OF TAX FORFEIT PROPERTIES WITHIN THE CITY OF BLAINE Attachments: Tax Forfeit Parcels and Location Maps Mayor Ryan commented on Outlot A Sanctuary parcel and explained the property owner had contacted him and was concerned with the fact that he had paid excess taxes on this land when it was fully a wetland. He asked if there was a benefit to the City assuming ownership of this piece of property. City Engineer Schluender explained this property was a wetland in its entirety and there was little value to the parcel and anticipated that was the reason the property was being forfeited. He noted this property borders the City Hall property. Mayor Ryan questioned if this property were forfeited by the City would it go back to the State of Minnesota. Mr. Schluender reported this was the process. Councilmember Hovland inquired if this land could be made into open space. Mr. Schluender stated this would have to be a determination made by the City Council. Councilmember Hovland supported the Council purchasing this property and having it turned into open space. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Swanson, to recommend the City Purchase the Tax Forfeit Sanctuary Property and that it be turned into Open Space for the City of Blaine. Councilmember Robertson questioned what the purchase price would be for this land. Mayor Ryan stated when he talked to the property owner he woudl have sold it for the amount owed in property taxes which was $1,274. He anticipated staff would have to have further discussions with the property owner to finalize the price. Mr. Schluender commented a tax-forfeited property was just that, it would be going to the State if the City does not express interest in the property. City Clerk Sorensen commented all of the properties listed would be withheld from public sale because the City had interest in them and suggested the Council City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 withdraw the motion on the floor and take action on the staff recommended motion after which staff would have up to six months to determine what the parcel could be used for and then bring forward action for Council to formally purchase any of these parcels. Councilmember Hovland withdrew his motion. Councilmember Swanson withdrew his second. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Swanson, that Motion 19-186, “Approval of Classification and Sale of Tax Forfeit Properties within the City of Blaine,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 10. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS PUBLISHED FOR A CERTAIN TIME 10.-1 APPROVE RENEWAL OF CURRENCY EXCHANGE LICENSES Attachments: Currency Exchange PH Notice Als Check Cashing Renewal - 2020 SJB Enterprises Renewal - 2020 Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing at 8:08 p.m. Ms. Sorensen stated staff has received correspondence regarding currency exchange license renewals from the Minnesota Department of Commerce for Al’$ Check Cashing, 1434 - 93rd Lane NE and SJB Enterprises Inc., d/b/a Your Exchange, 10553 University Avenue NE Ms. Sorensen explained State Statute requires cities to hold a public hearing to solicit testimony from interested persons regarding any currency exchange license renewal. Notice of the public hearing was published on October 18, 2019. The Police Department has also reviewed their files regarding both locations and has no concerns regarding the renewals. City approval must be received within 60 days otherwise concurrence is presumed. The deadline for response is December 8, 2019. There being no additional public input, Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing at 8:09 p.m. Moved by Mayor Ryan, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Motion 19-189, “Approve Renewal of Currency Exchange Licenses,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 10.-2 VACATION OF DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT FOR LOT 1, BLOCK 1, DEMATTS ADDITION AND LOTS 1 AND 2, BLOCK 1, DEMATTS SECOND ADDITION, VACATION NO. V19-08 Attachments: Easement Petition Location Map Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Schluender stated a petition received dated September 13, 2019, was submitted to the City by Greg Knutson of G.E. Knutson, Inc., requesting the vacation of drainage and utility easements on Lot 1, Block 1, DeMatts Addition and Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, DeMatts Second Addition to allow for re-platting into the South Terrace Cove project. The Engineering Department has reviewed this request and concurs with the vacation. There being no additional public input, Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing at 8:11 p.m. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, that Resolution 19-173, “Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easement for Lot 1, Block 1, DeMatts Addition and Lots 1 and 2, Block 1, DeMatts Second Addition,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 10.-3 GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT TO EXPAND THE OUTDOOR DINING AREA FOR TOURNAMENT PLAYERS CLUB OF THE TWIN CITIES LOCATED AT 11444 TOURNAMENT PLAYERS PARKWAY. (CASE FILE NO. 19-0045/EES) Attachments: Attachments Mayor Ryan opened the public hearing at 8:12 p.m. City Planner Johnson stated in 1998, the TPC received a conditional use permit that approved the construction of the golf course as well as the clubhouse City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 associated with the course. Resolution 98-157 was granted by the City Council, and that resolution also allowed for outdoor dining at the clubhouse. In 2017, a conditional use permit amendment was granted to allow an outdoor patio on the south side of the clubhouse under resolution 17-058. At this time, the TPC wishes to expand the patio to add an additional bar area and an outdoor kitchen. The expansion would increase the number of seats on the patio to 56, from the 46 approved in 2017. The 2017 approval included an extensive landscape plan. Some of that landscaping will be removed for the new patio area. That landscape will need to be relocated or replaced so that the number of trees and shrubs remain the same. A final landscaping plan is to be submitted with the site plan application and subject to staff approval. There being no additional public input, Mayor Ryan closed the public hearing at 8:13 p.m. Councilmember Jeppson stated she supported the expansion of the outdoor dining but she anticipated the City may be hearing from the neighbors with noise complaints. Ms. Johnson explained she was not aware of any noise complaints for this use. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that Resolution 19-174, “Granting a Conditional Use Permit Amendment to Expand the Outdoor Dining Area for Tournament Players Club of the Twin Cities located at 11444 Tournament Players Parkway,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul 11. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS None. 12. ADMINISTRATION 12.-1 FIRST READING AMENDING CHAPTER 86 - UTILITIES, ARTICLE III. - CONNECTIONS TO SYSTEMS, ADDING SEC. 86-107, FATS, OILS AND GREASE (FOG) CONTROL PROGRAM, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BLAINE Attachments: Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) Control Ordinance Public Works Director Haukaas stated the proposed ordinance was reviewed at City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 the October 21 workshop and would set forth requirements to aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages, obstructions and overflows due to the contribution and accumulation of fats, oils and grease (FOG) into the City's sanitary sewer system from commercial and industrial businesses, and food service establishments (FSE). The ordinance would regulate such businesses and FSEs by requiring grease interceptors and other devices and equipment be used and by requiring that such devices and equipment be installed, implemented and maintained in accordance with the provisions hereof. The objective is to eliminate FOG related sanitary sewer overflows and sewer line blockages to prevent residential and commercial property damage, decrease sewer maintenance costs, improve sanitary sewer pipe and lift station conditions, and to protect the environment. Mr. Haukaas explained Anoka County does not have jurisdiction over these issues as they are addressed by the State Plumbing Code. However, the County supports the ordinance as another way to address concerns that arise during restaurant licensing inspections and plan reviews for new and remodeled restaurants. Council stressed the importance of education of the program as well as the need for significant fines in order to address FSEs that may repeatedly disregard the ordinance. Mayor Ryan thanked Mr. Haukaas and his staff for coming forward and suggesting this program. Declared by Mayor Ryan that Ordinance No. 19-2438, “Amending Chapter 86 – Utilities, Article III. – Connections to Systems, Adding Sec. 86-107, Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Control Program, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Blaine,” be introduced and placed on file for second reading at the November 18, 2019 Council meeting. 13. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Ryan reported the tentative date for the fall retreat would be November 22 and 23, 2019 and that a draft agenda would be shared soon. Police Chief Podany provided the Council with an update on recent efforts to address homelessness in the City. Councilmember Paul commented on the neighborhood meeting regarding the relocated transit hub at Northtown Mall and inquired about the potential for a sound wall to provide the adjacent neighbors with a buffer. Mayor Ryan indicated sound wall discussions would be included in the formal application from Metro Transit then discussed the number of cities being served by the transit hub at the Northtown Mall. He stated the City Council would be fair when this matter comes before the City for approval. City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes November 4, 2019 Councilmember Paul recommended the Traffic Commission discuss the high speed of traffic along Harpers Street from 125th to 128th Avenue. Mr. Schluender said this topic was scheduled for their November 6 meeting. Councilmember Robertson encouraged all residents of Blaine vote on Tuesday, November 5 for the local election. Ms. Sorensen discussed the upcoming census which would occur in April of 2020 and commented on the importance of all residents of Blaine being counted. Councilmember Paul recommended a street light be installed along Lever Street after the street project was complete. Mr. Haukaas reported City standards would be followed for street lights north of Main Street and street lights would be installed at intersections only. Discussed 14. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember Garvais, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 p.m. Aye: 7 - Mayor Ryan, Councilmember Swanson, Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Garvais, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Paul City of Blaine Page 10