City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes September 20, 2021 Call to Order Pursuant to call and notice thereof, a Regular Meeting of the Maple Grove City Council was held at 7:30 p.m. on September 20, 2021 at the Maple Grove Government Center/Public Safety Facility, Hennepin County, Minnesota. Members present were Mayor Mark Steffenson and Councilmembers Judy Hanson, Karen Jaeger, Phil Leith, and Kristy Barnett. Absent was none. Present also were Heidi Nelson, City Administrator; Joe Hogeboom, Community and Economic Development Director; Peter Vickerman, Planning Manager; Ken Ashfeld, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Jupe Hale, Assistant City Engineer; Brett Angell, Economic Development Manager; Denise Thul, Human Resources Director; Eric Werner, Police Chief; and Justin Templin, City Attorney. Mayor Steffenson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and led the city in the Pledge of Allegiance. Additions or Mayor Steffenson asked if there were any additions and/or Deletions to deletions to the Consent Agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated the following: the Agenda Item Amended to the Agenda None Item Amended to the Consent Agenda None Item Added to the Agenda None Item Removed from the Consent Agenda for Discussion 2N. Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters 2P. Donation to police K-9 fund - Resolution No. 21-135 Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 2 Consent Items The following Consent Items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Regular Meeting – September 7, 2021 HUMAN RESOURCE ITEMS B. Housing Coordinator-Rental Housing Inspector Appointment Motion to authorize staff to begin the recruitment process for the vacant position of Rental Housing Inspector-Housing Coordinator in the Community and Economic Development department due to the resignation of John Van Cleave which was accepted with an effective date August 13, 2021. C. Recruitment for Police Officer Motion to authorize staff to begin the recruitment process for the position of Police Officer due to the retirement of Rob Seidenkranz effective October 1, 2021. D. Water and Sewer I Appointment Motion to approve the appointment of Matthew Belair to the position of Water and Sewer I in the Public Works Department at an annual salary of $67,256.80 annually, effective September 21, 2021, subject to a six-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. Motion to authorize staff to begin to the recruitment process for the vacant position of Light Equipment Operator in the Public Works department as a result of the transfer. E. Approval of HealthPartners Agreement and 2022 Employer Insurance Contributions Motion to approve multiyear health plan agreement between HealthPartners and the City of Maple Grove effective January 1, 2022 for Health Insurance as well as proposed employer Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 3 contribution amounts. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS F. Crocus Grove Planned Unit Development Residential Concept Stage Plan, Development Stage Plan, Preliminary Plat, Rezoning and Administrative Lot Division Motion to table the application at the request of the applicant. G. Edgewater on Cook Lake Hamman Administrative Lot Split Motion to approve Resolution No. 21-136, affirming the approval of the requested administrative parcel division of parcels PID 30-119-22-23-0002 as requested. H. North American Banking Company Planned Unit Development Non-Residential Development Stage Plan Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-132 approving the North American Banking Company PUD development stage plan subject to: 1. Planned Unit Development agreement final review and approval of the City Attorney and the Director of Community & Economic Development. I. Thom Second Addition Short Plat Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-133 approving the Thom Second Addition short plat. J. Transfer of funds from the city's revolving loan fund to the EDA's facade improvement program Motion to approve Resolution No. 21-134 authorizing the transfer of funds from the City’s Revolving Loan Fund to the Economic Development Authority’s Façade Improvement Grant Program contingent upon the EDA's approval and creation of the program. ENGINEERING ITEMS K. 19-21 - Minnesota Health Village - Change Order No. 3 Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 4 Motion to approve Change Order No. 3 to the Minnesota Health Village Utility & Street Improvement Project No. 2019-21 in the amount of $24,888.00. L. Assessment rolls and hearing establishment Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-131 ordering preparation of assessment rolls and establishing hearings for certain projects. M. Sureties - September 20, 2021 Motion to approve surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS N. Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters This item was removed by Councilmember Hanson for discussion. O. Acting city administrator Motion to approve Public Works Director/City Engineer Ken Ashfeld as Acting City Administrator effective Thursday, September 30, through Sunday, October 3, 2021. P. Donation to police K-9 fund - Resolution No. 21-135 This item was removed by Councilmember Jaeger for discussion. Q. Tuition reimbursement request – Master of Strategic Communication Management – Concordia University Motion to approve tuition reimbursement for a Master of Strategic Communication Management program at Concordia University, St. Paul for Jennifer Olson. R. Replace and upgrade rugged network switches Motion to approve the replacement of RuggedCom network switches. The total cost of replacement will be $33,708.40 to be purchased from the Data Processing Replacement Fund. Two Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 5 quotes for this project were requested and this is the best pricing of the two. S. Transit Station License Use Agreement with Lions Club Motion to ratify the Maple Grove Transit Station License Use Agreement between the Maple Grove Lions Club for Concert on the Lawn shuttle bus service on September 18, 2021. T. Cancel Tax Levies - Resolution No. 21-129 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-129 canceling tax levies U. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 2,627,512.27 Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve the Consent Items as amended, removing items 2N (Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters) and 2P (Donation to police K-9 fund - Resolution No. 21-135). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda. of Items Regarding Item 3N (Proclamation Light the Night for Fallen Pulled from Firefighters), Councilmember Hanson stated September 26, the Agenda 2021 through October 3, 2021 was being recognized as Light the Night for fallen firefighter Michael Paidar. She noted Maple Grove Town Green would be lit in red for this event. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to proclaim September 26 to October 3, 2021, as Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters in memory of Firefighter Michael Paidar. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3P (Donation to police K-9 fund - Resolution No. 21-135), Councilmember Jaeger discussed the donation that was made to the Maple Grove Police Department K-9 fund. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 6 She thanked the donor for making this generous donation. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to Adopt Resolution No. 21-135, Johnson Trust Donation of 10,000 dollars to the Maple Grove Police Department K-9 fund. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special Business Open Forum David Jorgenson, 10455 102nd Avenue North, reported on August 10 he had a drunk driver drive through his yard, hit a tree and then his utility box. He explained he has spoken with public works regarding this matter and noted his utility box needs to be repaired or removed. Presentations and Public Information Oath of Office Police Chief Werner introduced Police Sergeant Steve Parker to for Police the City Council noting he has served with the Maple Grove Police Department for the past 13 years. Sergeant Mayor Steffenson administered the Oath of Office to Police Sergeant Parker and thanked him for his dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove. Sergeant Parker’s badge was pinned on and a round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Maple Grove Dr. Kevin Croston, Chief Executive Officer, provided the Hospital Council with an overview of North Memorial Health and discussed the services provided by North Memorial and Maple Update Grove Hospitals. The ambulatory and air care provided by North Memorial Health was further described. He commented on the volume of patients serviced by the hospitals on a yearly basis. He reported the Maple Grove Hospital was at a critical juncture due to the fact the hospital was always full. He explained the Maple Grove Hospital was planning for an expansion in order to continue to meet the emergency, imaging and inpatient needs of the community. He discussed the market evaluation that has been completed and reviewed the goals for an expansion. Potential floor plans and elevations for the Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 7 hospital expansion were then reviewed with the Council. He commented on the current state of the project, noting the project costs. He stated the next steps would be to receive project approval from all partners noting the groundbreaking was targeted for the spring of 2022. Councilmember Jaeger explained she attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Maple Grove Hospital. She asked if the expansion would bring this hospital to a Level 1 Trauma Center. Dr. Croston stated this would be his hope for some point in the future. Councilmember Barnett supported the Maple Grove Hospital becoming a Level 1 Trauma Center. She stated she was recently in a car accident and she ended up in Robbinsdale and would have loved to have stayed in her community for hospital care. Dr. Croston indicated the Maple Grove Hospital was currently a Level 3 Trauma Center. Mayor Steffenson questioned what the city can do to help move this project forward. Dr. Croston encouraged the Council to provide strong encouragement of the expansion. He was hoping that the partners would be able to come together to get the project details finalized. Mayor Steffenson stated the northwest metro needs this expansion and has for quite some time. He explained when the hospital was originally built, the hospital used the city’s bond rating to assist with reducing interest rates and noted the city would be willing to provide this assistance again. Dr. Croston thanked Mayor Steffenson for offering this assistance. Maple Grove Mayor Steffenson recognized the Maple Grove Moments Moments Photograph Contest winners. He thanked all of the residents and judges who participated in this year’s contest. Photography Contest Recognition Public Hearings 7:30 p.m. Assistant City Engineer Hale stated the Council was being Public asked to consider the vacation of an easement in Walden Shores for the Neil Addition plat. He discussed the location of the Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 8 Hearing property and noted this easement was part of a 50-foot-wide total easement amongst four properties. He noted 25 feet was Easement being vacated at this time. He explained there was utilities Vacation No. within the easement and reported a survey was being completed on the property to the south. He indicated the property owner to 21-05 the south has requested this item be tabled to allow them to complete the survey for their property. Staff recommended the Council hold the public hearing for this matter and table action to the next City Council meeting. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Mayor Steffenson opened the public hearing at 8:19 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to close the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to table Resolution No. 21-127 vacating certain easement located in the City of Maple Grove, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. 7:30 p.m. Assistant City Engineer Hale requested the Council consider an Public easement within the Thom Addition in the Apaloosa Woods development. He noted the easement represents a ghost plat Hearing with a lot split into three parcels. He described the easement vacation in further detail with the Council and recommended Easement approval. Vacation No. 21-06 Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Mayor Steffenson opened the public hearing at 8:21 p.m. and Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 9 asked if anyone would like to address this issue. No public testimony was offered. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to close the public hearing at 8:22 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt Resolution No. 21-128 vacating certain easement located in the City of Maple Grove, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and Economic Development Items REO Plastics Economic Development Manager Angell stated REO Plastics Phase 2 was requesting to Rezone, PUD Amendment, Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Short Plat approval to facilitate an Addition expansion of 40,000 square feet onto their facility. He stated in Planned Unit 2019 REO Plastics purchased the property directly to the west Development of their facility. He noted the proposed expansion would Non- demolish the existing residential structure and combine the lot Residential into the REO Plastics property. The land would then be rezoned Concept Stage and reguided to match REO Plastics property. He reported this residential property would be used as a new access point to the Plan building expansion. The building elevations and landscaping Amendment, for the property was reviewed. Staff commented further on the Development proposed building expansion in further detail with the Council Stage Plan, and reported the Planning Commission recommended approval. Rezoning, Dan Dammen, Executive Vice President for REO Plastics, Short Plat and introduced himself to the Council and asked for their support of Comprehen- this building expansion. He noted expansion has been a long sive Plan time coming. Amendment Paul Levenson, Vice President for REO Plastics, stated he believes REO Plastics has been a good neighbor to the community since 1968. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 10 Councilmember Jaeger commented REO Plastics has been in the community for a long time. She appreciated the fact that REO Plastics was willing to work with the city and their neighbors to resolve any concerns that were raised on the proposed building expansion. Councilmember Leith stated thanked REO Plastics for working with staff and the neighbors as well. Mayor Steffenson commented he appreciated the berm noting this would address the concerns of the neighbors. Councilmember Hanson noted a letter for the record that was written to the Council dated September 17, 2021. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to include in the record communications and a letter written September 17, 2021. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve directing the City Attorney to draft an Ordinance approving rezoning from R- 2, Single-Family Residential to I-PUD, Industrial PUD for the purpose of combining an adjacent property. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Motion by Councilmember Leith, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve directing the City Attorney to draft a Resolution and a Planned Unit Development agreement approving the REO Plastics Phase 2 PUD concept stage plan amendment, development stage plan, comprehensive plan amendment and short plat, subject to: 1. The applicant addressing to the satisfaction of the city any remaining applicable comments contained in the memorandums from: a. The Community & Economic Development Department dated August 19, 2021 b. The Parks & Recreation Department, dated July Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 11 20, 2021 c. The Fire Department dated July 14, 2021 d. The Water Resources Engineer dated July 20, 2021 e. Hennepin County dated July 7, 2021 The applicant shall acknowledge that Park Dedication requirements are based on staff review and recommendation to the Park and Recreation Board and their subsequent board action. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Evanswood Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom Comprehen- explained staff was recommending action on this item be tabled. sive Plan Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Amendment Councilmember Hanson, to table action on the Evanswood comprehensive plan amendment. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Gravel Mining Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom Area – explained staff was recommending action on this item be tabled. Regional Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Mixed Use – Councilmember Hanson, to table action on the Gravel Residential Mining Area – Regional Mixed Use – Residential Comprehen- Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Upon call of the motion sive Plan by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Amendment Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom Upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: Community • The next Planning Commission meeting would be held on and Economic Monday, September 27 and noted the Commission would Development discuss a request from Mechantronic Solutions, 11200 73rd Items Avenue. • The Second Annual Arbor Committee Fall Tree Festival would be held Saturday, September 25 through Sunday, October 10 at the Maple Grove Arboretum. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 12 Engineering- Public Works Items Report on Director of Public Works/City Engineer Ashfeld updated the Council regarding the following: Upcoming Engineering • Curbside fall cleanup day would be held on Monday, Items October 4 or items may be dropped off at Public Works on Saturday, October 9. • The city would be working to remove Ash trees this fall in the neighborhoods north of I-94 and I-694 that had been impacted by EAB. • Staff updated the Council on the I-94 improvement project. Administration Items COVID19 Human Resources Director Thul requested the Council approve Policies temporary policies to address ongoing staffing concerns that have been caused by COVID19. She recommended a policy change be put in place that would reinstate paid COVID leave for those employees that were fully vaccinated and those who have a COVID19 related reason to miss work, and a limited remote working option for fully vaccinated employees. Councilmember Jaeger questioned what would happen to employees that were not vaccinated. Human Resources Director Thul reported these employees would have access to their accrued sick and vacation time. Councilmember Barnett asked if this policy only addressed employees who have COVID19 and not their children or spouse. Human Resources Director Thul reported this was the case. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve temporary policies to address staffing concerns caused by COVID19. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Jaeger opposed). Motion carried. Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 13 Addendum to Human Resources Director Thul requested the Council approve the City an addendum to the City Administrators employment agreement that would be effective the beginning of the first full pay period Administrators following Council action. She noted state law requires that city Employment employees not be paid more than 110% of the governor’s salary. Agreement She commented in January of this year after completing a compensation study Council authorized staff to submit a compensation limit increase form to the State of Minnesota (a salary cap waiver). She reported this was approved by the state in July. Staff commented further on the request and recommend approval of the new compensation limit. Councilmember Jaeger questioned if the new limit covers comp and car allowance. Human Resources Director Thul reported this limit does cover these expenses. Councilmember Leith commented this waiver was requested in order to keep all positions within the city competitive. Human Resources Director Thul explained the waiver requested was just for the City Administrator’s position. Mayor Steffenson asked how the proposed compensation compared to other cities. Human Resources Director Thul stated the $186,720 salary limit was the same level that was approved for Eagan, Eden Prairie, St. Louis Park, Minnetonka, and Plymouth. Mayor Steffenson commented Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester all had a significant waiver in place for their City Administrators. Human Resources Director Thul commented she believed this was the case, but noted she did not have this data in front of her. Councilmember Jaeger questioned if the new salary limit could be increased on a yearly basis. Human Resources Director Thul stated the salary could be increased by the state approved CPI each year. Councilmember Barnett reported the City Administrator has not been receiving COLA increases each year because she was up against the salary cap. She indicated she supported the proposed addendum to the employment agreement. Mayor Steffenson was of the opinion this change would bring Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 14 the salary for the City Administrator more in line with neighboring or comparable cities. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve adopting the addendum to the City Administrators employment agreement effective the beginning of the first full pay period following Council action. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and one nay (Councilmember Jaeger opposed). Motion carried. Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her Upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She reported the house bonding tour would be held at the Community Center on Administration Thursday, September 23 from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. She stated Items the Council would be holding two worksession meetings in October. Adjourn to Mayor Steffenson adjourned the City Council meeting to the EDA Meeting EDA Meeting at 8:53 p.m. Reconvene to Mayor Steffenson reconvened the regular City Council meeting Regular at 8:56 p.m. Meeting Items Added Councilmember Jaeger stated she attended the groundbreaking to the Agenda ceremony for Keller Williams. Councilmember Jaeger noted the farmers market was winding down but encouraged residents to still attend. Councilmember Jaeger explained the Historical Society held a meeting last Thursday. Councilmember Jaeger indicated she attended a tour of four city parks with the Park Board. Councilmember Leith thanked all of the residents of Maple Grove that attended the Concert on the Lawn this past weekend. Councilmember Hanson stated Jazzercise held a grand reopening last Friday. Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Maple Grove City Council Minutes September 20, 2021 Page 15 Councilmember Hanson, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on October 4, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were five ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator