City Council

Blaine City Hall City of Blaine 10801 Town Sq Dr NE Blaine MN 55449 Anoka County, Minnesota Minutes City Council 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. Monday, April 18, 2022 7:30 PM Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER BY THE MAYOR The meeting was called to order at 7:45PM by Mayor Sanders followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Mayor Tim Sanders, Councilmembers Wes Hovland, Chris Massoglia, Richard Paul, and Jess Robertson. ABSENT: Councilmember Julie Jeppson. Quorum Present. ALSO PRESENT: City Manager Michelle Wolfe; Community Development Director Erik Thorvig; Senior Parks and Recreation Manager Jerome Krieger; Public Works Director Jon Haukaas; Police Chief/Safety Services Manager Brian Podany; Finance Director Joe Huss; City Engineer Dan Schluender; City Attorney Chris Nelson; Communications Manager Ben Hayle; Deputy Finance Director Ali Bong; Stormwater Coordinator Megan Hedstrom; Parks and Recreation Manager Nate Monahan; and City Clerk Catherine Sorensen. Present: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders Excused: 1 - Councilmember Smith Absent: 1 - Councilmember Jeppson 4. AWARDS - PRESENTATIONS - ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 4.-2 Recognition of Charlie Smith - Retired SBM Fire Chief Chief Charlie Smith is retiring from the Blaine-Mounds View-Spring Lake City of Blaine Page 1 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 Park Fire Department on May 1. This is an opportunity to recognize Chief Smith for his years of service to our community, and wish him well in his future endeavors. Safety Services Manager/Police Chief Podany discussed Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View (SBM) Fire Chief Charlie Smith’s long and distinguished career in the military and fire service. He recognized Chief Smith for his years of dedicated service to the City of Blaine on the SBM Fire Department, noted his accomplishments and wished him all the best in his retirement. A standing ovation and round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Mayor Sanders thanked Chief Smith for his service and dedication to the City of Blaine. He thanked him for dedicating his life to service and for leaving the department in a better place than when he began. He then addressed the SBM members in the room and thanked them for all they do to protect the community. He stated he appreciated how Chief Smith had created a culture that requires all members within his department to bring their very best. Councilmember Hovland thanked Chief Smith for his tremendous leadership and commitment to the community over the years. Councilmember Massoglia thanked Chief Smith for his positive leadership and wished him well in his retirement. Chief Smith thanked the Council and Police Chief Podany for their kind words. He stated the culture within the SBM Fire Department was defined by its people. He explained he worked with a fantastic group of people and it has been his privilege to be their leader. He indicated he has been blessed to serve with this group of individuals for the past six years. He thanked the Council for their ongoing support over the years. He stated it has been his honor to serve the City of Blaine and offered his firefighters a round of applause for their tremendous service to the community. He reported it has been an absolute pleasure to serve with Chief Podany over the years and explained he appreciated the cohesive relationship that was in place between the police and fire teams. He commended Becky Booker for her tremendous efforts to address fire prevention and risk reduction on behalf of the SBM Fire Department. Mayor Sanders presented Chief Smith with a plaque on behalf of the City of Blaine. A round of applause and standing ovation was offered by all in attendance. 4.-3 2022 First Quarter Donations Attachments: DONATION Tracking 2022 City of Blaine Page 2 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 Chief Podany stated the police department has received donations from members of the community as well as local businesses. The list of donors, amounts, and intended purpose were discussed and he thanked Elfie Shea and the Blaine Festival for their donations. He explained the police department would like to recognize a very significant donation from Elfie Shea in the amount of $15,000, for the Blaine K9 program. He then introduced K9 Officers Hector and Kuda to the City Council. Elfie Shea introduced herself to the Council and explained she moved to Blaine in 1975. She reported she was a huge supporter of dogs and has a kennel license in Blaine. She noted her husband passed away in October of 2021. She explained after reading an article about Tyrone she was inspired to donate to the Blaine Police Department’s K9 Unit. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Officer Kelly Jahnke stated she has had the privilege of getting to know Elfie Shea and she thanked her for her generous donation to the K9 unit. Mayor Sanders thanked Ms. Shea and the Blaine Festival for their generous donations. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Resolution No. 22-055, “2022 First Quarter Donations,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 5. COMMUNICATIONS None. 6. OPEN FORUM Mayor Sanders opened the Open Forum at 8:08PM. Karen Grossman, Pierce Street resident, requested the Council consider making all aprons consistent within the street improvement projects. She supported all aprons being replaced with concrete, versus replacing them with concrete or asphalt in kind. There being no input, Mayor Sanders closed the Open Forum at 8:11PM. 7. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The agenda was adopted as presented. City of Blaine Page 3 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 8. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA: Councilmember Hovland stated he needed to abstain from voting on the April 4 workshop and Council minutes. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, that the following be approved: Motion adopted unanimously. 8.-1 Schedule of Bills Paid Attachments: March 25, 2022 Bills Paid March 25, 2022 Subset of Bills Paid April 1, 2022 Bills Paid April, 1, 2022 Subset of Bills Paid March 2022 P/R Checks and Wire Transfers 8.-2 Approval of Minutes Attachments: 04-04-22 Workshop Minutes 04-04-22 Council Minutes 8.-3 Approve a Tobacco and Tobacco Products License for Fog Tobacco Plus Inc. DBA Circle Smoke Shop Plus, 8550 Lexington Avenue NE #100 8.-4 Approve a Tobacco and Tobacco Products License for ADSA Inc. DBA Circle Pines Station, 8550 Lexington Avenue NE #120 8.-5 Approval of Carnival License for Amusement Attractions at Northtown Mall 8.-6 Approve Parking Restrictions at 99th Avenue NE and 3rd Street NE Attachments: Map 8.-7 Wetland Credit Sale (.98 Acres) Attachments: Purchase Agreement 8.-8 Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids for the 2022 Street Reconstruction Project, Improvement Project No. 22-04 Attachments: 2022 Street Reconstructions Location Map City of Blaine Page 4 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 8.-9 Approve Plans and Specifications and Order Advertisement for Bids for the 89th Avenue and Davenport Street Area Reconstructions, Improvement Project No. 22-05 Attachments: Project Location Map 8.-10 Declare Cost to be Assessed, Order Preparation and Call for Hearing on Proposed Assessment for 2021 Street Reconstructions, Improvement Project No. 21-06 Attachments: Project Location Map Assessable Parcels Maps 21-06 Final Assessment Roll 8.-11 Granting Final Plat Approval to Subdivide a 4.92 Acre Parcel into 9 Single Family Lots to be Known as Jefferson Ridge at 741 113th Avenue NE. Carlson McCain (Case File No. 22-0024/EES) Attachments: Attachments 9. 7:30 P.M. - PUBLIC HEARING AND ITEMS PUBLISHED FOR A CERTAIN TIME 9.-1 Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements, Lying Over, Under and Across Outlot A and Lot 1, Block 1, Green Meadows Addition, Vacation No. V22-02 Attachments: Julian Meadows petition 9290-DU Vacation Sketch City Engineer Schluender stated the City received a petition dated March 2, 2022 from Cory Lepper, representing Capital Development LLC, requesting the vacation of the existing drainage and utility easements lying over, under and across Outlot A and Lot 1, Block 1, Green Meadows Addition; according to the recorded plat thereof, Anoka County, Minnesota. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 8:13PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 8:13PM. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Resolution No. 22-062, “Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easements, Lying Over, Under and Across Outlot A and Lot 1, Block 1, Green Meadows Addition,” be approved. City of Blaine Page 5 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 9.-2 Adopting Assessment for 2021 Polk Street Area Street Reconstructions, Improvement Project No. 19-16 Attachments: 19-16 Final Assessment Roll Location Map Mr. Schluender stated Improvement Project No. 19-16 was ordered by the City Council on October 19, 2020 with Resolution 20-154. A construction contract was awarded to Dresel Contracting, Inc. by the City Council on March 15, 2021 with Resolution No. 21-048 and construction was completed in the fall of 2021. Staff commented further on the project area and reported the Assessment Roll has been prepared consistent with the Feasibility Report. Of the total cost, the amount to be assessed is $508,053.85. The Public Utility Funds will contribute $608,162.11 for water and sanitary sewer improvements, Pavement Management Program funds will contribute $1,171,069.66 and MSAS will contribute $250,000.00. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 8:15PM. City Attorney Nelson stated now would be the time for residents to challenge or contest their assessments with a written objection. There being no additional public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 8:16PM. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Resolution No. 22-063, “Adopting Assessment for 2021 Polk Street Area Street Reconstructions,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 9.-3 Granting a Conditional Use Permit for the Rental and Outside Storage of Two Moving Trucks in a B-2 Zoning District at 9240 Baltimore Street NE. NRP Commercial (Case File No. 22-0025/EES) Attachments: Attachments City Planner Sellman stated the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to allow for the rental and storage of two moving trucks which are loaned to customers of the mortgage broker located on the property. The City of Blaine Page 6 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 building was originally constructed in 1989 as a batting cage facility. CUPs have been previously granted for recreation and construction/contractors offices. Both CUPs are void since the uses have been discontinued for over a year. Site plan approval was issued in 2017 (SP17-0019) for the construction of two concrete pads connected to the parking lot. At that time, the applicant did not indicate the parking lot expansion would be used for moving trucks. The applicant is now applying for the necessary CUP to allow that use. Mayor Sanders opened the public hearing at 8:18PM. There being no public input, Mayor Sanders closed the public hearing at 8:18PM. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, that Resolution No. 22-064, “Granting a Conditional Use Permit for the Rental and Outside Storage of Two Moving Trucks in a B-2 Zoning District at 9240 Baltimore Street NE,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 10. DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS 10.-1 Approval of Written Statement of Denial of Conditional Use Permit for Reliable Garage Door at 11662 Lexington Avenue NE. (Case File No. 22-0010/SAS) Attachments: Statement Letter Ms. Sellman stated due to the resolution for approval of the conditional use permit (CUP) for Reliable Garage Door not being approved, the request is denied. Therefore, a written statement of denial should be approved by the City Council. City Attorney Nelson explained the written statement of denial was required to be provided to the applicant by Statute. Councilmember Robertson recused herself from voting on this item. Moved by Mayor Sanders, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Resolution No. 22-065, “Approval of Written Statement of Denial of Conditional Use Permit for Reliable Garage Door at 11662 Lexington Avenue NE,” be approved. Motion adopted 4-0 (Councilmember Robertson recused herself from this vote). Aye: 3 - Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders Abstain: 1 - Councilmember Robertson City of Blaine Page 7 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 10.-2 Second Reading Granting a Code Amendment to Section 33.17, Height Limitations of the Zoning Code Related to Setbacks for Communication Antennae. City of Blaine (Case File No. 22-0009/EES) Attachments: Unapproved PC Minutes 030822 Ms. Sellman stated staff is proposing amendments to the regulations for communication antennae including modifications to setback requirements, clarification of regulations for antennae under 50 feet in height, allowance for temporary cell towers for special events, and standards for antennae located on buildings. Staff commented further on the proposed language changes and recommended approval. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Paul, that Ordinance No. 22-2500, “Granting a Code Amendment to Section 33.17, Height Limitations of the Zoning Code Related to Setbacks for Communication Antennae,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 10.-3 Summary Publication - Ordinance 22-2500, Granting a Code Amendment to Section 33.17, Height Limitations of the Zoning Code Related to Setbacks for Communication Antennae, City of Blaine (Case File No. 22-0009/EES) City Clerk Sorensen stated Minnesota Statute 412.191, Subd. 4, provides for publication of the title and summary of an ordinance in the case it is lengthy, if the City Council determines that publication of the title and a summary would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of the ordinance. As Ordinance 22-2500 is lengthy, staff is recommending adoption of the proposed summary resolution. The summary resolution requires an affirmative vote of four-fifths of the Council and the entire ordinance is available for inspection during regular office hours at City hall and can be forwarded upon request. Moved by Councilmember Massoglia, seconded by Councilmember Robertson, that Resolution No. 22-066, “Summary Publication - Ordinance 22-2500, Granting a Code Amendment to Section 33.17, Height Limitations of the Zoning Code Related to Setbacks for Communication Antennae, City of Blaine,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders City of Blaine Page 8 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 11. ADMINISTRATION 11.-1 Accept Bid from Traffic Marking Service, Inc. in the Amount of $67,450.00 for the 2022 Pavement Markings, Improvement Project No. 22-03 Attachments: 2022 HANDWORK 2022 LINEWORK Mr. Schluender requested the Council consider the annual project that the City contracts for to keep the pavement markings in a highly visible condition to meet the current reflectivity standards. Bids were received electronically on March 29, 2022, for Project No. 22-03. A total of three bids were received ranging from $67,450.00 to $99,792.19. Bids have been checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that Traffic Marking Service, Inc. of Maple Lake, Minnesota is the lowest bidder. The Engineering Department has worked with Traffic Marking Service, Inc. on previous contracts and recommends that the low bid be accepted and a contract entered into with Traffic Marking Service, Inc. City Council is also asked to approve a 5% contingency to bring the total project budget to $70,822.50. The funding source for this project is the General Fund and there are sufficient funds budgeted to cover these costs. Moved by Councilmember Hovland, seconded by Councilmember Massoglia, that Resolution No. 22-067, “Accept Bid from Traffic Marking Service, Inc. in the Amount of $67,450.00 for the 2022 Pavement Markings,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 11.-2 Approval of Contract with Inspectron, Inc. for Contract Residential Building Inspection Services Attachments: Inspectron Bid MNSPECT Bid Rum River Consultants Bid Community Development Director Thorvig stated residential single-family home and townhome construction has increased recently which has affected the typical customer standard of one-week plan review and five-day inspection lead time. In 2021, 527 single-family/townhome units were permitted versus 267 the prior year. Contracting with a company to provide additional residential inspections accomplishes increased levels of customer service, mainly related to reduced timing for residential inspections and plan review. It also will shift time from commercial inspectors, who also perform residential inspections, and our residential City of Blaine Page 9 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 inspectors to assist with the apartment projects. Mr. Thorvig reported staff solicited bids from three different companies that perform contract building inspection services. The request was for a residential inspector that would work five days per week for seven months (May - November). Bids were received from Inspectron Inc., MNSPECT, and Rum River Consultants. Staff noted the low bidder removed their bid this morning, the Council is being asked to move forward with the bid from MNSPECT for back-up residential inspection services. Mayor Sanders thanked staff for bringing this item froward and for addressing the needs within the building inspection department. He indicated this was a great approach to improve customer service within the building inspection department. Councilmember Hovland requested further information regarding the length of this contract. Mr. Thorvig reported this contract was for seven months. He explained after that time staff would reevaluate the needs of the building inspection department. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 22-079, “Approval of Contract with MNSPECT for Contract Residential Building Inspection Services,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 11.-3 Accept Bid from Sunram Construction in the amount of $157,885 for the Sunrise Ponds Trail Attachments: 14339_Sunrise Ponds Trail_Bid Tab_032922.pdf Open Space.pdf Sunrise Ponds trail map.pdf Senior Parks and Recreation Manager Krieger stated the City Council discussed the Sunrise Ponds Trail Project at the December 6, 2021, Council meeting. Council consensus at the meeting was to move forward with the project. The 2022 Open Space budget was approved at the January 17, 2022, Council meeting and included appropriations totaling $275,000 - $200,000 for the Sunrise Ponds trail project and $75,000 for trail improvements at Lexington Athletic Complex (LAC). Mr. Krieger explained the Sunrise Ponds project began in 2020. In 2021, the Coon Creek Watershed District required additional wetland delineation. Work on the additional delineation was approved in February 2022. Bids for the Sunrise Ponds project were received in City of Blaine Page 10 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 person on March 29, 2022. A total of four bids were received ranging from $157,885 to $191,965. Bids were checked and tabulated, and it has been determined that Sunram Construction of Corcoran, Minnesota is the lowest bidder. The City has previous experience with Sunram Construction. Staff recommends Council accept the low bid and award the project construction contract to Sunram Construction Company. Staff is also requesting Council approve a 10% contingency for the Sunrise Trail project to bring the total construction budget to $173,674. With the additional work from SRF for wetland delineation, the total project budget is now $210,000. Staff commented further on the projected costs for these projects and noted there were sufficient funds within the park dedication and wetland credit funds. Councilmember Robertson supported the City putting the LAC trail on hold at this time because it was $70,000 over budget. While she understood costs were up at this time, and suggested staff seek grants to assist with this project. Councilmember Massoglia asked why the LAC project was $70,000 extra but the Sunrise Ponds trail project was only $10,000 extra. Mr. Krieger stated after the bid tabulation came in this was the manner in which the costs came in from the contractor. He reported the cost for the Sunrise Ponds trail was estimated to be higher, which meant the project came in closer to bid. Councilmember Robertson questioned if an amendment to the parks and open space budget would require a majority vote from the Council. Mr. Nelson reported this was the case. Councilmember Hovland stated he believed the Council had to be careful. He indicated he did not oppose the LAC trail project, but wanted to see the City living within its means. He reported if this project were to move forward, some other project would not be able to be pursued. He supported the LAC trail being paused for now in order to be reassessed and reconsidered. He suggested staff look at the priorities of the City and then suggested these priorities move forward. Councilmember Massoglia stated he would not support moving this line item from $200,000 to $345,000. He explained he did not understand how an extra $145,000 was being required. He indicated he would support the bid from Sunram for the Sunrise trail project and could support an adjustment for this project. Mr. Nelson asked if approving the Sunram bid required an increase in the budget. Finance Director Huss reported the Council appropriated City of Blaine Page 11 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 $275,000 for trail improvements. Those trail improvements were broken into two projects which included the Sunrise Ponds and the LAC trails. He stated the Sunrise Ponds project falls within the budget and would not require a budget amendment. However, if the Council wished to also fund the LAC trail, a budget amendment would be required. Councilmember Robertson clarified she understood there was a need for better pedestrian access along Lexington Avenue, especially because this was an area that was child-centered. However, she did not support the budget increase at this time. Councilmember Paul asked which project required consulting fees. Mr. Krieger indicated staff would have to pay consulting fees for both projects, and the City has already paid for a portion of the consulting fees for the Sunrise Ponds trail. Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, that Motion 22-080, “Accept Bid from Sunram Construction in the amount of $157,885 for the Sunrise Ponds Trail with the 5% contingency,” be approved. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders 12. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Thorvig provided the Council with an update on the Hy-Vee site. He explained after speaking with the real estate representative from Hy-Vee he learned they would be selling all of their properties in Minnesota in order to find new properties that would fit buildings that were twice the size of their current buildings. He reported an article was printed in the Star Tribune this past weekend speaking to this and noted the article noted Hy-Vee would be selling the Blaine site because it was not large enough for a 150,000 square foot building. He indicated he reached out to the real estate representative and stated he would provide the Council with further information when he hears back from Hy-Vee. Councilmember Hovland questioned what would happen with the portions of this project that have already been approved. Mr. Thorvig noted the Roers apartments would continue to move forward, noting the land was already sold. He stated Wings was approved by the Council, but he was uncertain where this project was at. Councilmember Hovland inquired if the City has incurred any infrastructure costs for this property. Mr. Thorvig reported the City has not incurred any costs for public infrastructure. Councilmember Robertson recommended the City post something on City of Blaine Page 12 City Council Minutes April 18, 2022 the website regarding this change in order to get the facts out about this project. Councilmember Paul questioned when the new Blaine population signs would be posted throughout the community. Mr. Schluender explained Anoka County was working on this project and signs should be installed in the coming weeks. 13. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Councilmember Robertson, seconded by Councilmember Hovland, to adjourn the meeting at 8:51PM. Motion adopted unanimously. Aye: 4 - Councilmember Robertson, Councilmember Paul, Councilmember Massoglia and Mayor Sanders City of Blaine Page 13