City Council

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes City Council This meeting will be a hybrid of Zoom and in-person. The Mayor has signed a declaration allowing members of the council, staff, and the public to attend the meeting remotely via Zoom as has been done during the COVID-19 pandemic. The council chambers will have limited seating, with audience chairs being set up at least six feet apart. There will be an overflow area where the meeting can be watched in the Cloverleaf Farms Room, also with chairs set up at least six feet apart. Please note that all visitors to city hall are required to wear a face mask while inside the building. Public comments may be submitted prior to the meeting by sending an email to PublicComment@BlaineMN.gov or by calling 763-717-2782 no later than Noon on Monday May 17. Public comment will also be taken during the meeting remotely via Zoom. Members of the public can join the Zoom webinar at https://blainemn.zoom.us/j/95402277233 Wednesday, February 17, 2021 7:30 PM Council Chambers and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, city meetings will also be held as virtual meetings 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR The meeting was called to order at 7:32PM by Mayor Sanders followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this hybrid meeting was held both virtually and in person. 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; Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; City Attorney Chris Nelson; City Engineer Dan Schluender; Recreation Manager Nate Monahan; Water Resources Manager Rebecca Haug; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; Human Resources Director Cassandra Tabor; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Present: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 4. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS None. 5. COMMUNICATIONS Councilmember Jeppson shared an update from the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board regarding international travel noting COVID testing would soon be available at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. 6. OPEN FORUM Mayor Sanders opened the Open Forum at 7:35PM. There being no input, Mayor Sanders closed the Open Forum at 7:36PM. 7. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted as presented. 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Robertson requested the removal of agenda item 8.4. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that the following be approved: A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 8.-1 SCHEDULE OF BILLS PAID City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Attachments: 1/29/21 Bills Paid 1/29/21 Bills Paid - Subset 2/5/21 Bills Paid 2/5/21 Bills Paid - Subset January 2021 Payroll Checks and Wire Transfers Approved 8.-2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Attachments: 08-10-20 Closed Session - Pending Litigation 02-01-21 Workshop Minutes 02-01-21 Council Minutes Approved 8.-3 PAYMENT TO INTUITIVE MUNICIPAL SOLUTIONS FOR SOFTWARE LICENSE, CLOUD HOSTING, TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE FOR 2021 Attachments: Agreement Invoice Approved 8.-5 APPROVE 2021 CAPITAL ITEM PURCHASE OF 800 MHZ RADIOS City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Approved 8.-4 AUTHORIZE THE MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN ENVISIO SOLUTIONS INC. AND THE CITY OF BLAINE Attachments: Envisio Quote for the City of Blaine, MN .pdf Envisio Master Services Agreement Councilmember Robertson stated she would like this item pulled from consideration to be further discussed at a city council workshop meeting. She commented on the proposed expenditure and recommended this matter be further discussed. Moved by Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Paul, to postpone action on the Master Services Agreement Between Envisio Solutions, Inc. and the City of Blaine to a future workshop meeting. Communications Manager Hayle explained he was the staff member leading the Strategic Plan Oversight Team (SPOT). He discussed the relationship the city had with Envisio Solution and noted department heads first met with Envisio a year ago. He commented after completing the strategic plan it was determined some sort of system would be needed to track progress and outcomes from the plan and that the team determined that this platform would provide the best implementation for the city’s three year strategic plan. He noted the software would cost the city $65,000 over three years, $25,000 in the first year and $20,000 in year two and year three. Councilmember Robertson indicated the council has not had dialog on what the SPOT team was, how it involves the city council, what the plans were, and what the goals were. She explained she would object to the purchase at this time until she better understood the work being conducted by this team and goals of the software. Councilmember Massoglia asked if the city was making a three or a nine year commitment to the software. Mr. Hayle reported staff was requesting a three year commitment. Councilmember Hovland stated he supported Councilmember Robertson’s recommendation to postpone action on this item for one month. He believed this setback would be well worth the time for the council to discuss this matter in further detail. City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Councilmember Paul commented the council would benefit from further information on the plan implementation and work of the team. City Manager Wolfe explained how the team was a group of employees charged with ensuring the city was coordinating implementation of the strategic plan. She reported there were multiple strategic priorities and within those priorities multiple initiatives with measurable outcomes. She indicated this was a lot of work for one person to coordinate and instead a team came together to monitor this work. She stated the proposed software would be the mechanism for entering data, plans and outcomes, monitoring status, and generate reports internally and to the public. She commented the team was working to keep everyone on track and progressing towards the goals adopted within the strategic plan. Councilmember Jeppson inquired if this purchase was reviewed by the city manager. Ms. Wolfe reported this was the case noting she worked hard to not purchase software when something else can be used. She explained the SPOT team had evaluated all software on hand and the alternatives would be labor intensive. For this reason, staff was recommending the software purchase be made to assist with managing the implementation and oversight of the strategic plan. Councilmember Jeppson stated she was willing to support staff moving forward with the purchase of this software. She commented with such a robust task of implementing the strategic plan and the additional workload this would create she was of the opinion the software purchase was necessary. However, she noted she was disappointed this item came to the council on the consent agenda without a formal presentation. Councilmember Paul indicated he would support the purchase after hearing the city manager’s outline of the plan. Councilmember Robertson stated she could withdraw her motion if council consensus was to move forward with the purchase. She indicated she would not support the purchase because she believed the purchase lacked transparency and a full conversation and recommended the council discuss this at a future workshop meeting. Councilmember Robertson withdrew her motion to postpone action on the master services agreement to a future workshop meeting. Councilmember Paul withdrew his second. Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that Motion 21-33, “Authorize the Master Services Agreement Between Envisio Solutions, Inc. and the City of Blaine,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 A roll call vote was taken. Motion failed 3-4 (Councilmembers Hovland, Massoglia, Robertson, and Mayor Sanders opposed). Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Mayor Sanders, to reconsider action on this item. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, to postpone action on the Master Services Agreement Between Envisio Solutions, Inc. and the City of Blaine to a future workshop meeting. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 9. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS PUBLISHED FOR A CERTAIN TIME 9.-1 ORDER IMPROVEMENT AND ORDER PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE 2021 STREET RECONSTRUCTIONS, IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 21-06 Attachments: Project Location Map 2021 Street Reconstructions Feasibility Report City Engineer Schluender reviewed the streets included in this improvement project. It was noted the project area consists of a mix of city streets with concrete curb and gutter, a city street with no curb and gutter and a rural section street with no curb and gutter and two State Aid collector routes. The estimated cost of improvements is $5,519,260 with $1,017,348 proposed to be assessed over a 15-year period. Replacement of sanitary sewer castings and minor water main work at an estimated cost of $172,654 is proposed to be paid from the City’s Public Utility Funds. The remaining portion of $4,329,258 is proposed to be paid from the City’s Pavement Management Program Fund and City Municipal State Aid Funds. Staff reported the project is necessary, cost-effective, and feasible and will result in a benefit to the properties proposed to be assessed. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 8:00PM. There being no additional public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 8:00PM. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution No. 21-021, “Order Improvement and Order Preparation of Plans and Specifications for the 2021 Street Reconstructions,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 10. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS 10.-1 SECOND READING GRANTING A REZONING FROM PBD-A (PLANNED BUSINESS DISTRICT AIRPORT) TO DF (DEVELOPMENT FLEX) FOR APPROXIMATELY 26.96 ACRES AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 93RD LANE AND 85th AVENUE. GROVELAND VILLAGE (GRACHEK BLAINE LLC, M/I HOMES) (CASE FILE NO. 20-0031/EES) Attachments: Attachments Unapproved PC Minutes 011221 Public Comment 021521 Attachments_Additional 021721 City Planner Johnson stated a 27-acre vacant property previously owned by the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is located at the northwest corner of 93rd Lane (Airport Road) and County Road J, adjacent to Highway 10. The property was rezoned in 2015 to PBD-A, a new zoning district that applies to two properties owned at the time by MAC, and allows for a limited assortment of industrial and commercial uses. The proposed project requires an amendment to the comprehensive plan, a rezoning from PBD-A to DF for residential uses, a plat to establish the new lot lines, and a conditional use permit to establish the standards for the development within the DF zoning. The applicant is applying for all of the necessary approvals for the townhome portion of the project but will need to separately apply for the conditional use permit for the apartment portion of the project once the design is finalized for that portion. Rosemary Bonnett, 1873 86th Lane NE, expressed concerns with the building height and feared the back of the townhomes would look like a warehouse from her home. She was also concerned with how her property value would be adversely impacted by the proposed project. She commented she was told when she built her home that the airport land behind her property would never be sold. She indicated she would miss the wildlife she could see from her home and stated she was City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 pleased with the changes M/I Homes had made to the rear elevation of the townhomes. Councilmember Hovland asked if there was a proposed fence along the west boundary. Ms. Johnson explained a fence was proposed along with tree plantings. Councilmember Hovland inquired if a modest berm should be installed if there was enough space between the townhomes and the adjacent homes. Ms. Johnson anticipated adding a berm in this location would require the grading plans to be redone which would require the overall plans to go back to the watershed district and indicated the city was requiring a maintenance free fence be installed. Councilmember Hovland stated a berm would be more permanent than a fence, noting a fence would require long term maintenance. He believed a berm would assist in screening the back of the townhomes. Councilmember Robertson explained she appreciated the city requiring developers to hold neighborhood meetings as it was improving communication between the city, developers and surrounding neighbors. She said she appreciated how M/I Homes was working to minimize the impact on the existing development while also being willing to enhance the rear elevations of the townhomes. She requested staff monitor the traffic generated by this development. Mr. Schluender reported staff would be monitoring the traffic, along with Ramsey County. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Ordinance No. 21-2466, “Granting a Rezoning from PBD-A (Planned Business District Airport) to DF (Development Flex) for Approximately 26.96 Acres at the Northwest Corner of 93rd Lane and 85th Avenue,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 10.-2 GRANTING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FROM PI/PC (PLANNED INDUSTRIAL/PLANNED COMMERCIAL) TO MDR (MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) AND HDR (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 93RD LANE AND 85TH AVENUE. GROVELAND VILLAGE (GRACHEK BLAINE LLC, M/I HOMES) (CASE FILE NO. 20-0031/EES) Ms. Johnson stated the site currently has a land use designation of City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Planned Industrial/Planned Commercial (PI/PC) in the recently adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. In order to have a residential use on this site the land use designation on the property must be changed to Medium Density Residential (MDR) for the portion to be developed as townhomes and High Density Residential (HDR) for the portion to be developed as apartments. In addition, a rezoning will be required to match the residential development. The City has long used the DF (Development Flex) zoning designation for townhome and apartment projects and that is what is proposed for this parcel. The Comprehensive Plan amendment will need to be reviewed by the Metropolitan Council. Any action by the City Council would be contingent upon METC’s review and approval. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that Resolution No. 21-022, “Granting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment from PI/PC (Planned Industrial/Planned Commercial) to MDR (Medium Density Residential) and HDR (High Density Residential) located to the Northwest Corner of 93rd Lane and 95th Avenue,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 10.-3 GRANTING PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL TO SUBDIVIDE APPROXIMATELY 29.96 ACRES INTO 106 TOWNHOME LOTS, ONE COMMON LOT, TWO APARTMENT LOTS AND TWO OUTLOTS TO BE KNOWN AS GROVELAND VILLAGE LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 93RD LANE AND 85TH AVENUE NE. GRACHEK BLAINE LLC (M/I HOMES) (CASE FILE NO. 20-0031/EES) Ms. Johnson stated the 27-acre parcel at the northwest corner of 93rd Lane and 95th Avenue NE would be subdivided into a total of 106 townhome lots, 2 apartment lots, 1 common lot, and 2 outlots, both for stormwater/drainage uses. Staff commented further on the proposed preliminary plat and recommended approval. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that Resolution No. 21-023, “Granting Preliminary Plat Approval to Subdivide Approximately 29.96 Acres into 106 Townhome Lots, One Common Lot, Two Apartment Lots and Two Outlots to be known as Groveland Village located at the Northwest Corner of 93rd Lane and 95th Avenue NE,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 10.-4 GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 106 TOWNHOMES IN A DF (DEVELOPMENT FLEX) ZONING DISTRICT TO BE KNOWN AS GROVELAND VILLAGE LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF 93RD LANE AND 85TH AVENUE. GRACHEK BLAINE LLC (M/I HOMES) (CASE FILE NO. 20-0031/EES) Ms. Johnson stated the townhomes are proposed to be constructed by M/I Homes and would consist of two different products. The Summit Series is a three-story rowhome with rear loaded garages accessed from an alley. The front doors of these homes are connected and accessed by a sidewalk system. The front elevations feature a mixture of lap and board and batten vinyl siding with stone accents. The homes range from 1,750-2,085 square feet and have an expected sale price in the high $200,000 to mid $300,000 range. The Park Series is a three story rowhome as well, but has front loaded garages and has slightly larger square footage at 1,889-2,210. This product also features a mixture of lap and board and batten vinyl siding. In exchange for the flexibility granted by the DF zoning, the elevations must be modified to include a masonry component on the front elevations and to provide additional visual interest on the rear elevations through variation in materials or colors, additional articulation through the use of bump outs or bay windows, varied rooflines, and/or enhanced window treatments. The applicant has agreed to these modifications. Final elevations are subject to staff approval. The expected sale price is the low to mid $300,000 range. Staff commented further on the proposed project, reviewed the setback that would be between the town homes and the adjacent residential homes and reported the planning commission recommended approval of the project. Councilmember Hovland stated he would like to see a five or six foot high berm be installed along the property line with the adjacent development, versus a fence. Mr. Schluender discussed how this type of berm would impact the grading plan and would require existing trees to be removed. Ms. Bonnett explained she would rather see a fence installed versus a berm for security purposes. Rob Doar, 11027 Terrace Road, expressed frustration with the fact the council was introducing new ideas and suggestions this late in the review process. Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, that Resolution No. 21-024, “Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for the City of Blaine Page 10 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Construction of 106 Townhomes in a DF (Development Flex) Zoning District to be known as Groveland Village located at the Northwest Corner of 93rd Lane and 85th Avenue,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11. ADMINISTRATION 11.-1 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM FLAGSHIP RECREATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF FORT LION PARK PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 Attachments: Fort Lion Concept Fort Lion Equipment Cost Fort Lion Installation Cost Recreation Manager Monahan stated the playground equipment in Fort Lion Park is nearly 20 years old. Staff has inspected the equipment and has concluded that safety standards and the equipment’s condition warrant its replacement. The project is included in the Parks Master Plan and the 2021 Parks and Trails Capital Improvement Fund Budget has appropriated $50,000 for this improvement. It was noted the state contract was used for this project. The vision for the playground is to provide a wide variety of innovative equipment for the neighborhood to enjoy. As part of the process, staff met with Flagship Recreation to develop design concepts for the park. From that meeting, two concepts were identified. The Park Board has reviewed the concept proposals and is recommending the proposed design from Flagship Recreation. Councilmember Jeppson questioned if the proposed swing would accommodate children with disabilities. Mr. Monahan reported this was the case. Councilmember Hovland inquired how often the city’s park equipment was inspected. Mr. Monahan explained the city had three certified inspectors on staff and noted the parks were inspected twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, that Motion 21-35, “Accepting the Proposal from Flagship Recreation for Replacement of Fort Lion Park Playground in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 11 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11.-2 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM FLAGSHIP RECREATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF HIDDEN PONDS PARK PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 Attachments: Hidden Ponds Playground Design Concept Hidden Ponds Playground Design HP Playground Equipment Cost HP Installation Cost Mr. Monahan stated the playground equipment in Hidden Ponds Park is 20 years old. Staff has inspected the equipment and has concluded that safety standards and the equipment’s condition warrant its replacement. The project is included in the Parks Master Plan and the 2021 Parks and Trails Capital Improvement Fund Budget has appropriated $50,000 for this improvement. It was noted the state contract was used for this project. The vision for the playground is to provide a wide variety of innovative equipment for the neighborhood to enjoy. As part of the process, staff met with Flagship Recreation to develop design concepts for the park. From that meeting, two concepts were identified. The Park Board has reviewed the concept proposals and is recommending the proposed design from Flagship Recreation. Moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 21-36, “Accepting the Proposal from Flagship Recreation for Replacement of Hidden Ponds Park Playground in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11.-3 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM FLAGSHIP RECREATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF CENTENNIAL PARK PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 Attachments: Centennial Park Concept Centennial Park Equipment Cost Centennial Park Installation Cost Mr. Monahan stated the playground equipment in Centennial Park is City of Blaine Page 12 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 nearly 20 years old. Staff has inspected the equipment and has concluded that safety standards and the equipment’s condition warrant its replacement. The project is included in the Parks Master Plan and the 2021 Parks and Trails Capital Improvement Fund Budget has appropriated $50,000 for this improvement. It was noted the state contract was used for this project. The vision for the playground is to provide a wide variety of innovative equipment for the neighborhood to enjoy. As part of the process, staff met with Flagship Recreation to develop design concepts for the park. From that meeting, two concepts were identified. The Park Board has reviewed the concept proposals and is recommending the proposed design from Flagship Recreation. Councilmember Robertson thanked Mr. Monahan for the passion he brings to the city’s parks. Moved by Councilmember Jeppson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 21-37, “Accepting the Proposal from Flagship Recreation for Replacement of Centennial Park Playground in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11.-4 ACCEPTING THE PROPOSAL FROM FLAGSHIP RECREATION FOR REPLACEMENT OF NORTHWOOD PARK PLAYGROUND IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 Attachments: Northwood Playground Concept Design Northwood Playground Design Northwood Equipment Cost Northwood Installation Cost Mr. Monahan stated the playground equipment in Northwood Park is 20 years old. Staff has inspected the equipment and has concluded that safety standards and the equipment’s condition warrant the replacement. The project is included in the Parks Master Plan and the 2021 Parks and Trails Capital Improvement Fund Budget has appropriated $50,000 for this improvement. It was noted the state contract was used for this project. The vision for the playground is to provide a wide variety of innovative equipment for the neighborhood to enjoy. As part of the process, staff met with Flagship Recreation to develop design concepts for the park. From that meeting, two concepts were identified. The Park Board has reviewed the concept proposals and is recommending the proposed design from Flagship Recreation. City of Blaine Page 13 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Councilmember Massoglia stated after campaigning this past fall he heard neighbors speak about having one larger park in this area versus smaller pocket parks. Councilmember Hovland questioned if the playground areas were filled with sand or a rubber material. Mr. Monahan explained all of the parks have rubber surfacing or wood engineered fiber. He reported two swing set containers in Blaine still had sand which does not meet ADA standards and would be replaced this summer. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 21-38, “Accepting the Proposal from Flagship Recreation for Replacement of Northwood Park Playground in the Amount Not to Exceed $50,000,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11.-5 AWARD THE CONTRACT TO MAINTAIN BLAINE’S BIO RETENTION BMP’S AND WETLAND MITIGATION SITES (2021-2025) Attachments: Blaine BMP 2021-25 MGMT Proposal_Landbridge Water Resources Manager Haug stated the City of Blaine has 12 bio retention best management practices (BMPs) and four wetland mitigation areas. The bio retention BMPs are a combination of rain gardens and infiltration basins designed to treat stormwater. The sites have native vegetation and, in some cases have rain guardians, which trap sediment. The wetland mitigation areas are sites on city property where the city restored or created wetlands to replace wetland impacts for city structures. These sites also have native vegetation. In order to keep the bio retention BMPs functioning and the wetland mitigation areas in compliance, routine maintenance is required. The maintenance required involves removing invasive and/or non-native vegetation, weeding of the sites, removing trash and sediment from the sites and in some cases, reseeding and burning. Staff recommended the city council award the contract to Landbridge Ecological for 2021-2025 and authorize the mayor and city manager to sign a contract in the amount of $75,000 for maintenance of the city’s bio retention BMP’s and wetland mitigation sites. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Motion 21-39, “Award the Contract to Maintain Blaine’s Bio Retention BMPs and Wetland Mitigation Sites (2021-2025),” be approved. City of Blaine Page 14 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 11.-6 SALE OF WETLAND CREDITS Attachments: City of Medina Agreement Wetland Credits Ms. Haug stated the City of Medina is proposing a project that will impact wetlands and has asked if the Site 7 Wetland Bank would be able to sell and release the wetland credits that are necessary for their proposed project to meet their permit requirements. Medina would like to purchase the necessary 332,972.64 square feet (7.644 acres) of wetland credit from the Site 7 Wetland Bank at a value of $2.35 per square foot. The total cost of the wetland credit purchase is $782,485.70 based on 332,972.64 square feet plus expenses for withdrawal fees. This item was discussed at February 1, 2021, workshop and there was consensus to move forward with the request at the proposed rate. Councilmember Smith asked if this would be the city’s largest wetland credit sale. Ms. Haug reported this would be a seven-acre sale and the city completed one larger sale to the state of Minnesota for ten acres. She noted most sales were typically one acre in size. Councilmember Paul questioned how the price for the wetland credits was set. Ms. Haug explained this was a market driven process. Moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution No. 21-025, “Sale of Wetland Credits,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 12. OTHER BUSINESS City Clerk Sorensen reminded the council of the board and commission interviews that would be held on February 22, 23, and 24. Adjourned 13. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, to adjourn the meeting at 8:57PM. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 15 City Council Minutes February 17, 2021 Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders City of Blaine Page 16