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 April 5. 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/93364450899 Monday, March 1, 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 7:36PM 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 PRESENT: Mayor Tim Sanders, Councilmembers Wes Hovland, Julie Jeppson, Chris Massoglia, Richard Paul, Jess Robertson and Jason Smith. Adjunct Member Drew Brown. ABSENT: None. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; City Planner Lori Johnson; Public City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Works Director Jon Haukaas; Community Standards Director Robert Fiske; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; City Attorney Chris Nelson; City Engineer Dan Schluender; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; Director of Administration Cassandra Tabor; Interim Senior Park and Recreation Manager Jerome Krieger; Deputy Fire Marshal Todd Miller; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 4. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 4.-1 Renaming of the Happy Acres Park Hockey Rinks as Recognition for 40 years of Public Service by Public Service Worker Michael Buth Attachments: 1.10 City Facility Naming Policy Nomination form - Mike Buth Hockey Facility Blaine Park Signage 2.21 Public Works Director Haukaas stated the city would be renaming the Hockey Rinks at Happy Acres Park as the “Mike Buth Hockey Rinks” in recognition of his over 40 years of service to the city of Blaine and longtime contributions to youth sports in our community. Public Service Worker Mike Buth began his career with the city of Blaine Public Works on January 26, 1981. On Friday, February 26, 2021 after 40 years and one month, Mike retired as the longest term employee ever in the city of Blaine. It was noted Mike was well known by all of the local youth athletic associations as someone they can always rely on to help keep the Blaine facilities in top condition. Mayor Sanders thanked Mr. Buth for his incredible service to the community and for making Blaine a desirable city to live in. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to approve renaming of the rinks at Happy Acres Park as the “Mike Buth Hockey Rinks” in honor of his service and contributions to the community. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. Informational: no action required 5. COMMUNICATIONS City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Mayor Sanders reported he had a productive meeting with Chair Frank Hornstein of the Transportation Finance Committee and explained he was thrilled with the positive momentum he was seeing at the state level for the TH65 project. 6. OPEN FORUM Mayor Sanders opened the Open Forum at 7:43PM. Isabel Hobot, 710 103rd Avenue NE, stated she was a senior at Blaine High School and a member of the Environmental Action Club. She requested a community tree planting project be considered in the city to be conducted by high school students for Earth Day. She indicated this project could be completed safely through social distancing. She discussed a possible partnership with the city and/or the DNR in order to have the trees paid for. Mayor Sanders thanked Ms. Hobot for the group’s offer and encouraged her to leave her contact information with staff and noted staff would be in touch regarding this matter. There being no further input, Mayor Sanders closed the Open Forum at 7:46PM. 7. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted as presented. 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Hovland requested the removal of agenda item 8.7. Moved by Councilmember Paul, 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 Attachments: 02/12/21 Bills Paid 02/12/21 Bills Paid - Subset 02/19/21 Bills Paid 02/19/21 Bills Paid - Subset Approved City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 8.-2 Approval of Minutes Attachments: 02-08-21 Workshop Minutes 02-17-21 Closed Session - Meeting Safety 02-17-21 Workshop Minutes 02-17-21 Council Minutes Approved 8.-3 Approve Temporary Nursery Sales Licenses Approved 8.-4 Approve Expenditure for AXON Contract Renewal Approved 8.-5 Receive Petition and Order Public Hearing for Vacation of Parcel 9D, City of Blaine Highway Right-of-Way Plat No. 3, Vacation No. V20-04 Attachments: Petitions Plat Vacation Exhibit Adopted 8.-6 Approve Additional Appropriation and Proposals for Public Works Facility LED Light Fixture Replacement and Retrofit Attachments: Lighting Upgrade Proposal - PW Vehicle Storage Areas Lighting Upgrade Proposal - Mechanics Shop City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Approved 8.-7 Declaring Surplus Property and Authorizing Sale, Donation, and/or Disposal Thereof Attachments: Surplus Property List Councilmember Hovland stated he pulled this item in order to make the public aware of the surplus items that were being sold at auction. Finance Director Huss stated per city policy, surplus property must be declared as such by resolution prior to disposal, sale, or donation of the items. As City Hall renovations quickly approach, the third floor must be prepared for construction. Currently, the third floor is primarily being used for storage. Each department has been asked to go through their items on the third floor to determine if they have any surplus. At this time, there are a number of items that can be declared as surplus. Staff commented further on the public auction, sale and disposal process. Councilmember Hovland asked if this list included any police recovered items. Mr. Huss stated these items were not included and would be sold or auctioned off separately at a future date. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Mayor Sanders, that Motion 21-028, “Declaring Surplus Property and Authorizing Sale, Donation, and/or Disposal Thereof,” 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 9. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS PUBLISHED FOR A CERTAIN TIME 9.-1 Sober Living Home Application - Amendment to Current Accommodation, Meraki Recovery Housing, 913 121st Avenue NE Attachments: Request for Reconsideration of Denial of Reasonable Accomodation National Institutes of Health Manuscript Minutes from the 2-19-20 Council Meeting Application-Floor Plan-Site Plan-House Rules Correction Notice MASH Membership Certificate Property Aerial Community Standards Director Fiske stated Council is asked to consider a request to amend a current sober living home rental license accommodation from 6 persons to 10 persons. In December, 2019 City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Meraki Recovery Housing submitted a Sober Living Home License application for a single family residential home located at 913 121st Avenue NE to be operated as a Sober Living Home as defined by Blaine Code of Ordinances (BCO) Section 18-511(b). The property owner is Grant Johnson and the home is a typical one story rambler with a full basement, 1043 square feet and built in 1970. As part of this application, the applicant was requesting reasonable accommodations pertaining to the number of non-related persons which may live in the home. The applicant was requesting the approval to allow up to 10 unrelated persons to live in the single family home. Blaine Code of Ordinance requires an application be submitted for any sober living home requesting occupancy of more than four unrelated persons. Staff commented further on the history of this request and recommended approval of the reasonable accommodation. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 8:00PM. Chase Kvistad, 12129 Oak Park Boulevard, explained he lived behind the property and expressed concerns about the number of people that would be in a home of this size given the ongoing pandemic. He indicated the home did not have enough bathrooms and commented on inappropriate behavior that has occurred outside the home. He stated the events occurring at the sober home were not occurring at any of his neighbors’ homes. He said while he understood the residents were on the road to recovery he did not want the behavior at this home to be observed by children in the neighborhood. Krista Johnson, Meraki Recovery Housing, thanked the council for allowing her to speak this evening. She commented on how she worked to address COVID-19 protocols within the home and how damaging isolation was for residents facing recovery. She indicated mental health calls and substance use was on the rise during the pandemic. She discussed how important it was for individuals in recovery to have a strong support system within the home and clarified the request was for eight residents and one manager for a total of nine individuals in the home. She commented on the benefit of those in recovery having a roommate for support purposes. She explained she did not have any issues with noise or parking. She encouraged the city council to support her request in order to allow those in crisis in Blaine to be able to recover in Blaine. Mayor Sanders commented the main impetus for requesting nine residents was for peer support or for financial reasons. Ms. Johnson stated the financial impact was one thing, but noted the peer support was far more valuable. She explained her husband was 32 years sober and City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 life safety was a tremendous concern for her. She did not approve of residents living in a room alone within a sober house but rather supported these residents having a therapeutic environment. Chad Moen, Meraki Recovery Housing, indicated he was the live-in house manager for the Coon Rapids house. He discussed the important role roommates in the home had in supporting one another while recovering. Rob Doar, 11027 Terrace Road NE, stated he appreciated the great work being done at the Meraki Recovery House. He thanked Meraki for their work and explained he was disappointed in the lack of support for this request. Mr. Kvistad indicated he would be calling the police in the future when events occur at the sober house. He understood the program within the home was working, however he feared the request for additional residents was more about money than support. He explained there were sometimes up to 25 or 30 people at bonfire gatherings in the backyard. He commented when this sober house opened, they had too many residents and lied about it, adding he did not believe this type of behavior should be rewarded. There being no additional public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 8:21PM. Mr. Fiske asked how many residents the applicant was requesting. Ms. Johnson stated she was requesting eight residents and one manager be allowed in the house for a total of nine people. Councilmember Jeppson thanked staff for bringing this item back. She noted she supported this matter previously and would support the request for nine residents. She understood the isolation concerns this sober house had to address during COVID-19. She indicated those with mental health or addiction issues placed in isolation was inhumane and that those working through sobriety should not be forced to be alone. She understood the need for additional people in the house because this provided greater community, support and function in society. She questioned where revenues were coming from and stated she would like to better understand how it was a financial hardship having only six residents in the house. Ms. Johnson commented her main concerns were life safety and peer support. She indicated revenues come from residents who are required to pay $550 per month. She explained this is paid to Meraki in a number City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 of different ways to cover the expense of the intensive outpatient treatment. She reported this house had been a rental for 13 years and there were nine people living in the home. Councilmember Jeppson asked if there would be a price break if three additional residents were added to the home and requested further information on what was provided for the $550 per month. Ms. Johnson stated there would be no price break if three additional residents were added to the home then explained the fee covered expenses for a shared room, bedding, towels, food, utilities, telehealth care and intensive outpatient services. Councilmember Hovland inquired more about references to life safety. Ms. Johnson reported life safety to residents living in a single room referred to residents isolating themselves in their room versus finding community with roommates. She stated isolation was extremely damaging for those working through a substance abuse disorder and depression. She commented it was valuable to residents to have a roommate in order for any strange behavior to be reported to management. Councilmember Hovland stated he was concerned with having nine or ten strangers in a house who were working towards sobriety and how disputes may arise. He believed there were other ways that a safe living situation could be created even without eight residents in this home. Ms. Johnson discussed the value of having more residents in the home for peer support. Councilmember Robertson shared how important this topic was and stressed the importance of support for everyone but explained she would have a hard time supporting the request. She commented her frustration started when the organization was dishonest in the beginning about the number of people in the home and indicated she was concerned that neighbors in close proximity did not have a voice. She appreciated the fact that the residents in this recovery home were from Blaine, however, she was concerned about the number of police calls that have been made to this property. She stated she would have preferred that the relationship between the city and the sober home got off to a better start but this did not occur. She was not trying to come across ill-intended but would not be able to support this matter until the issues in the neighborhood had been addressed. Ms. Johnson discussed the police calls at the house noting they were all medical emergencies and not for calls for disturbances. City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Podany reported the home had six medical emergency calls and one missing person report. Councilmember Paul stated he understood the past year was tough for everyone. Ms. Johnson explained for 13 years she had nine people living in this home when it was a rental property and indicated the residents in the sober house were also a family. Councilmember Paul discussed the concerns that were raised by the neighbors. Ms. Johnson reported the neighbor with the complaints was not within the cul-de-sac but rather was behind the home and could barely be seen from her property, adding she was of the opinion this resident had concerns with her. Councilmember Paul reported the council still had to take these concerns into consideration when considering this request, along with the requirements within city code. Ms. Johnson stated she had 10 residents in her Coon Rapids and 28 males in her Columbia Heights homes. She commented six was not enough and nine would be enough. Councilmember Paul commented he would support up to nine residents in this home. Councilmember Hovland asked if the residents would be allowed to come and go to jobs. Ms. Johnson explained residents must be working a recovery program and have to attend three recovery meetings per week. In addition, they must be productive 30 hours per week, which included a combination of work, schooling or volunteer work. Councilmember Hovland inquired what was the permissible number of people allowed in a single family home in Blaine. Mr. Fiske stated per Minnesota state fire and building codes, the square footage per person was 200 square feet. He indicated the request from Meraki would meet the state fire and building code. Councilmember Jeppson encouraged Meraki Recovery Housing to actively work at being a good neighbor especially given the concerns that were raised at this meeting as she believed the events had occurred and should be addressed quickly by Meraki management. Moved by Councilmember Jeppson, seconded by Councilmember Smith, that Motion 21-44, “Sober Living Home Application – Amendment to Current Accommodation, Meraki Recover Housing at 913 121st Avenue NE increasing the number of reasonable accommodation from six residents up to nine residents,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted 4-3 (Councilmembers Hovland, Massoglia and Robertson opposed). City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Aye: 4 - Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders Nay: 3 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Robertson and Councilmember Massoglia 10. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS 10.-1 Granting Final Plat Approve to Subdivide Approximately 9.8 Acres into 41 Lots to be Known as Alexander Woods 2nd Addition, Located at 112th Lane NE and Polk Street NE. Capital Trust Development LLC. (Case File No. 21-0008/EES) Attachments: Attachments City Planner Johnson stated Capital Trust Development is requesting final plat approval for the remaining lots in Alexander Woods, a preliminary plat approved in 2020. The final plat is consistent with the preliminary plat. The final plat would subdivide 9.8 acres into 41 lots to be known as Alexander Woods 2nd Addition. The preliminary plat was approved by the council on July 20, 2020. Forty-one lots are proposed to be platted at this time, including 23 villa lots and 18 single family lots. The villa lots have a minimum width of 53 feet and the single family lots have a minimum width of 55 feet. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution No. 21-029, “Granting Final Plat Approve to Subdivide Approximately 9.8 Acres into 41 Lots to be Known as Alexander Woods 2nd Addition located at 112th Lane NE and Polk Street 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 10.-2 Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide Approximately 12.75 Aces into 19 Single Family Lots to be Known as Woods at Quail Creek 5th Addition, Located at the North End of Xylite Street NE. Newmark Homes Inc. (Case File No. 21-0010/LSJ) Attachments: Attachments Ms. Johnson stated this final plat is consistent with the approved preliminary plat of Woods at Quail Creek 5th Addition, which was approved in 2020. The final plat includes 19 single family lots. The applicant, MG Main Street Properties, is proposing to final plat the 12.75 acres just north of the Woods at Quail Creek 4th Addition into 19 single family lots. The plat also contains the extension of Xylite Street north to where it meets 129th Lane NE at the intersection of Alamo Ct NE and City of Blaine Page 10 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 then continues on to the Springbrook Addition. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, that Resolution No. 21-030, “Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide Approximately 12.75 Acres into 19 Single Family Lots to be known as Woods at Quail Creek 5th Addition located at the North End of Xylite Street 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 10.-3 Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide a 6.7 Acre Parcel into 44 Townhome Lots and Four Outlots to be Known as Revere Park, Located at 122nd Avenue NE and Fraizer Street NE. AKM Farm LLC (Pulte Homes) (Case File No. 21-0012/SLK) Attachments: Attachments Ms. Johnson stated this application is a request to final plat a 6.7 acre parcel into 44 townhome lots and four outlots. The final plat is consistent with the preliminary plat that was approved in February 2021. This development was previously known as Haverhill, but the developer (Pulte Homes) would like to change the name to Revere Park. It was noted the final plat includes four outlots for drainage, ponding, and private roadways. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Jeppson, that Resolution No. 21-031, “Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide a 6.7 Acre Parcel into 44 Townhome Lots and Four Outlots to be known as Revere Park located at 122nd Avenue NE and Fraizer Street 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 10.-4 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for Shared Access Between Two Lots in a B-3 (Regional Commercial) Zoning District Located at 221 County Road 10 NE. Chase Bank (The Architect’s Partnership LTD). (Case File No. 21-0005/LSJ) Attachments: Attachments PC Draft Minutes 020921 Ms. Johnson stated the applicant wishes to construct a 3,300 square foot bank on the former Baker’s Square site, and the site shares an access with the adjacent site, which requires a conditional use permit. The Baker’s Square building will be torn down and the site completely redeveloped. Staff reviewed the plans for the site and noted the planning City of Blaine Page 11 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 commission recommended approval. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution No. 21-032, “Granting a Conditional Use Permit for Shared Access Between Two Lots in a B-3 (Regional Commercial) Zoning District located at 221 County Road 10 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 10.-5 Granting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment from PI/PC (Planned Industrial/Planned Commercial) to HDR (High Density Residential), Located at Austin Street and 109th Avenue NE. North Meadows Apartments (Roers Companies) (Case File No. 21-0002/LSJ) Attachments: Attachments PC Draft Minutes 020921 Ms. Johnson stated Roers Company is proposing to construct a 178-unit market-rate apartment project on the east side of Austin Street and north of 109th Avenue in the North Meadows development. The project requires a comprehensive plan amendment, final plat and a conditional use permit. The proposal for higher density housing on this outlot was presented to the city council at a workshop meeting in mid-2020 to gauge their interest in this concept. The city council gave the indication to move forward with the comprehensive plan amendment and hold a public hearing on the matter. It was noted the amendment is needed to add high-density apartments on this parcel. Staff commented on the number of multi-family housing stock in other communities noting this percentage was 23% while Blaine was at 10%. This meant the city was falling behind on this type of housing stock. It was also noted that high density developments like this drive commercial development. Staff reviewed the specific rationale for this request in further detail and recommended approval of the comprehensive plan amendment. Jeff Koch, Roers Companies, discussed the proposed project and commented on the importance of the community having a diverse housing stock. He explained this project would bring jobs to the community and increased activity for local businesses. He indicated Roers Companies would become a long term neighbor in the community as the manager of the apartment complex. He reported they would be constructing a high quality project that would stand the test of time. He stated he would be willing to work with the neighbors on any new concerns outside of traffic. Clement Vaccaro, 3645 112th Circle, explained he lived in the Sanctuary City of Blaine Page 12 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Preserve. He expressed concern with how traffic levels would increase and recommended a new traffic study be completed by the developer. He stated he was disappointed there were no other amenities such as a high-end grocer being planned within this project. He commented he understood this land would develop, but he requested the land develop as was promised with light commercial. He did not believe this was the right location for additional apartments. Todd Kaufman, Wellington Management explained he has been marketing projects in Blaine for the past five years and it was his understanding there was a need for higher density in order to attract uses such as high-end grocers. He stated he had signed a lease with Kwik Trip and Starbuck’s and commented further on how the new development would assist in driving more traffic to the area. Gregg Strafaccia, 3925 112th Circle, thanked the planning commission and council for considering the closure of 112th Avenue/Austin Street. Councilmember Hovland stated one of his concerns was with traffic in this area. He explained the council recently approved a senior living apartment complex to the south and he anticipated 15 to 20 years from now these would become market rate apartments. When that change happens this would dramatically impact traffic in this area. Councilmember Hovland requested further information regarding the traffic signal. Ms. Johnson stated a traffic signal would be installed by the developer at 109th Avenue and Austin Street. Councilmember Hovland questioned if the developer had received Anoka County approval for this traffic signal. City Engineer Schluender reported the county has reviewed the traffic study and was aware that a traffic signal would be installed at Austin Street. He explained this does not meet the county’s spacing guidelines, but due to the wetland locations, the signal has been accepted. It was noted the developer would be responsible for paying for the installation of this signal. Councilmember Hovland inquired if this intersection currently had full access or was it a right-in, right-out. Mr. Schluender reported the intersection had full access. Councilmember Hovland expressed concern with how the new traffic signal will work with the heavy amount of traffic in this area and questioned if this was the right location for additional apartments in Blaine. City of Blaine Page 13 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Councilmember Robertson stated she was not in favor of a comprehensive plan amendment. She explained she attended the neighborhood meeting and was aware of the neighbors’ concerns regarding traffic. She reported since this meeting she has received 15 emails raising concerns about traffic and the lack of commercial development previously proposed. She indicated the proposed apartment building was lovely, however she did not believe this was the right location. She stated the commercial zoning was approved in the 2040 comprehensive plan for a reason and believed there was an amazing opportunity to develop this site for the city. She commented further on how different Blaine was from other communities due to its wetlands, greenspaces and park amenities. Councilmember Paul asked if 112th Avenue was being used now. Ms. Johnson reported 112th Avenue was not open at this time, noting barriers were in place. Councilmember Jeppson commented this was a difficult request. She explained she had to look at the data understanding that some of the information may be speculative. She addressed the concerns that were being raised by the neighbors stating she understood them. She expressed concern with the fact that higher traffic data had not been included in this report, or how home values would be impacted by the proposed development. She understood there were reports available that would show apartments create far less traffic than commercial businesses. She explained she had to take into consideration how this development fit into the city and what her priorities were. She stated the consistent message she hears from residents is amenities, restaurants and a high-end grocer. She reported with development comes amenities and with development comes rooftops, increased wages and increased traffic. She reported working with this developer, the city has had exceptional housing products provided to Blaine residents. She was of the opinion Roers Companies has provided impeccable customer service. She noted she would be supporting the comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permit. She understood that some Blaine homeowners bought their property with the understanding this lot would be developed commercially however, at this time, she believed the best thing to do was to move forward with the apartment complex. Councilmember Massoglia explained he received a lot of emails regarding this project as well and said he was opposed to the comprehensive plan amendment. He indicated he could support high density residential on the south side of this development, perhaps above some of the retail. He believed it was unfair to a neighborhood to purchase homes with the understanding the outlot would be commercially City of Blaine Page 14 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 developed for the city to change to high density residential. He stated this was the one thing the city could control and the council could adhere to the underlying zoning. Mayor Sanders reported this was an interesting conversation and all points have been valid and fair. He explained he wanted Roers Companies developing in Blaine because they provide a high end housing product but understood the residents’ concerns. He indicated he ran for mayor with the understanding he wanted to be aggressive in pursuing amenities as the city builds out. He commented this was a difficult task and one that he was taking seriously. He stated when he considers the entirety of Blaine there were things that were lacking. He noted the city does lack some of the high density multi-family residential needed and indicated the question then becomes if this is the right place. He explained he takes traffic concerns personally. He also understood development was coming at residents quickly. He discussed the traffic concerns from the proposed development and stated he did not believe it worked. He commented in order for this to project to move forward the city had to mitigate the traffic concerns, especially when it comes to connecting 112th and Austin Street. He stated if this high density were developed on this corner, the traffic flow has to work. Mayor Sanders asked if this were approved would the developer be willing to work with the homeowners within the Sanctuary Preserve to address traffic and park concerns. Mr. Koch explained he has been very open and willing to work with the neighborhood. He stated he was surprised that new concerns were being raised and that these had not been flushed out at the neighborhood meeting. He commented from his perspective, he wanted the neighbors to consider if they wanted an industrial building in their neighborhood. He reported commercial would drive more traffic into the neighborhood versus an apartment building. Mayor Sanders indicated he received many emails regarding increased traffic and foot traffic into the Sanctuary Preserve. He stated this was a real concern for him and to those neighbors. He encouraged the developer to be a good neighbor and work with these neighbors to find mutual ground for all parties. Community Development Director Thorvig commented traffic was discussed thoroughly at the planning commission meeting along with how traffic issues would be mitigated. He reiterated that the traffic concerns have been studied by professionals and it was determined the traffic would be handled regardless if a commercial development or an apartment building is constructed on this corner. City of Blaine Page 15 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Mr. Schluender stated the traffic study points out several traffic mitigation measures. He commented the traffic signal at the corner of Austin Street and 109th Avenue was the first mitigation measure. He explained additional measures include extended turn lanes on Lexington Avenue and the connection of 112th with Lexington Avenue would also be a signalized intersection. Councilmember Massoglia commented on the other tools the city has in place to attract certain amenities to Blaine. He explained he has not seen a high-end grocer attached to this project. He feared this development was like offering an incentive and the city should not approve developments in this manner but rather support the council leading the community by following the comprehensive plan currently in place. Mayor Sanders anticipated there were upper tier grocers interested if something like this were to come to Blaine. He also understood Wellington was working hard to bring an anchor grocer tenant to the community. He reported Wellington owns both sides of Lexington Avenue and was working to bring synergy to this development. Mr. Koch explained his first choice was to bring a mixed use project to the south and this was brought to city staff. He reported the city engineers looked into this and there was not enough sewer capacity to support a multi-family project to the south. Ms. Johnson indicated the project to the south had other issues as well and noted the same requests would be coming before the council for a comprehensive plan amendment, CUP and final plat. Mr. Schluender clarified that when he was asked to review the potential south side development, this development was also in the mix and noted the sewer lines could not support both projects for sewer and water. Mayor Sanders clarified that if a multi-use project were to move to the south side with light commercial on the north side this could work. Mr. Schluender reported this was the case. Councilmember Massoglia commented he believed this would be a much better fit for this area. Councilmember Jeppson questioned why the development on the south side was no longer a consideration. Mr. Thorvig explained when this was being discussed with Roers, another developer (JPL) was proposing a high density apartment complex to the north. He indicated JPL has since ceased pursuing their apartment complex development. City of Blaine Page 16 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Mr. Koch indicated he moved his project to the north side because JPL had support from the council for their project. Mayor Sanders asked if Mr. Koch would be willing to move his project back to the south side with the understanding the project would have adequate city sewer and water. Mr. Koch stated he would be willing to explore this with Wellington. He commented he was not sure that Kowalski’s, Lund’s or Trader Joe’s would allow for apartments above, but rather a strip center may have to be pursued. Councilmember Jeppson inquired if there was a motion on the floor. She recommended action on this item be tabled to allow for the project to be reconsidered on the south side with retail development options. Mayor Sanders commented there was no motion on the floor. Mr. Thorvig discussed the 60 day rule noting this would expire on March 20, 2021. City Attorney Nelson reported the developer would have to agree to extend the deadlines in writing another 60 days. Mayor Sanders stated he would like to see all parties win with this project. He wanted to respect the wishes of the neighbors in the Sanctuary Preserve, but he also wanted Roers Companies to complete a development in Blaine. He explained he was extremely optimistic about moving this project to the south side with the north side being preserved for retail amenities. Councilmember Massoglia supported the council moving in this direction. Mr. Nelson asked if the developer would be willing to waive the 60 day rule on this to allow staff and the city council to further review this matter. Mr. Koch explained he was under a timeline for the purchase agreement with Wellington and would like some clarity on how long the matter would be extended. He stated he did support the general concept of tabling the item to discuss with staff moving the development from the north to the south but indicated he did not want the project moved out six months. Mayor Sanders commented he did not want this either. Mr. Thorvig recommended action on this item be postponed to the March 15, 2021 city council meeting to allow staff to speak with all parties involved. Mr. Nelson supported this recommendation. City of Blaine Page 17 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Mr. Kauffmann stated for timing purposes he would like to see the council taking action sooner rather than later. Councilmember Robertson indicated it made more sense to move this project to the south and questioned why this option was not brought to the council in the beginning. Ms. Johnson discussed the challenges within the project when it was located on the south side which included setbacks, parking and building size. She commented how staff had to work through two different apartment projects being proposed at this intersection at the same time. Mayor Sanders stated the postponement was not a delay tactic but rather a way for the city to move ahead with this project. He understood that the housing product Roers Companies was proposing would benefit the city of Blaine. Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, to postpone action on this item to the March 15, 2021 city council meeting to allow for further discussion of alternate plans that includes moving the high density to the south side with retail development options on the north side. 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.-6 Granting a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for the Construction of a 178 Unit, Four-Floor Apartment Building and a Shared Access in a DF (Development Flex) Zoning District, Located at Austin Street and 109th Avenue NE. North Meadows Apartments (Roers Companies) (Case File No. 21-0002/LSJ) Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, to postpone action on this item to the March 15, 2021 city council meeting to allow for further discussion of alternate plans that includes moving the high density to the south side with retail development options on the north side. 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.-7 Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide 8.36 Acres into One Lot and One Outlot to be Known as North Meadows 2nd Addition located at Austin Street and 109th Avenue NE. North Meadows LLC (Roers Companies) (Case File No. 21-0002/LSJ) Attachments: Attachments City of Blaine Page 18 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Paul, to postpone action on this item to the March 15, 2021 city council meeting to allow for further discussion of alternate plans that includes moving the high density to the south side with retail development options on the north side. 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 Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Enter Into a Contract with WSB & Associates for Professional Engineering Services for the 2021 Street Reconstructions, Project No. 21-06 Attachments: Project Location Map Agreement Mr. Schluender stated council is being asked to enter into a contract for professional services for design and construction management for the 2021 street services, project number 21-06. This project is part of the city’s overall pavement management program. On September 21, 2020 council initiated the 2021 street reconstructions project and on February 15, 2021 council ordered the preparation of Plans and Specifications. Mr. Schluender reported the engineering department had requested proposals from two local engineering firms for preliminary design and preparation of a feasibility report for the project. After review of all proposals, WSB & Associates was awarded a contract for preliminary design and preparation of a feasibility report for the project at the same September 21, 2020 city council meeting. At that time, it was stated that after completion of the feasibility report and upon ordering the improvements, a contract for final design and construction services would be negotiated with WSB & Associates. The engineering department recently requested and received a proposal for final design and construction services for the 2021 Street Reconstructions project from WSB & Associates for $335,562.50. Staff has reviewed this proposal and determined the fees were justified and reasonable. Staff recommends a 10% contingency to bring the total project budget to $369,119. Moved by Councilmember Paul, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 21-45, “Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to Enter into a Contract with WSB & Associates for Professional Engineering Services for the 2021 Street Reconstruction,” be approved. A roll call vote was taken. Motion adopted unanimously. City of Blaine Page 19 City Council Minutes March 1, 2021 Aye: 7 - Councilmember Hovland, Councilmember Jeppson, Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia, Councilmember Smith and Mayor Sanders 12. OTHER BUSINESS None. 13. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, to adjourn the meeting at 10:16PM. 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 20