City Council

Maple Grove City Council Meeting Meeting Minutes October 4, 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 October 4, 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, and Kristy Barnett. Absent was Councilmember Phil Leith. Present also were Heidi Nelson, City Administrator; Joe Hogeboom, Community and Economic Development Director; Peter Vickerman, Planning Manager; Brett Angell, Economic Development Manager; Ken Ashfeld, Public Works Director/City Engineer; 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 the Deletions to 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 2B. Recruitment approval for Police Sergeant and subsequent vacant position 2U. Proclamation declaring October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2X. Joint Powers Agreement for North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion 2Y. North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion Project No. 21-15 Release of the remainder of Bid Package 1 and Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 2 Acceptance and Release of Bid Package 2 - Resolution No. 21-145 Consent Items The following Consent Items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Regular Meeting – September 20, 2021 HUMAN RESOURCE ITEMS B. Recruitment approval for Police Sergeant and subsequent vacant position This item was removed by Councilmember Hanson for discussion. C. Recruitment Approval for Police Officer Motion to authorize staff to begin the recruitment process for the position of Police Officer due to the resignation Mary Gunderson effective October 1, 2021. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS D. Crocus Grove Motion to table the application at the request of the applicant. E. Edgewater on Cook Lake - McPhail and Bunge Administrative Lot Split Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-141, affirming the approval of the requested administrative McPhail and Bunge parcel division of parcels PID 3011922220001 and 3011922230001 as requested. F. REO Plastics Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 21-16 approving rezoning from R-2, Single-Family Residential to IPUD, Industrial PUD for the purpose of combining an adjacent property. Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-138 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. Planned Unit Development agreement final review and approval of Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 3 the City Attorney and the Director of Community & Economic Development. G. Revolving loan fund (RLF) reimbursement Motion to approve Resolution No. 21-137 authorizing the transfer of funds from the city’s CARES Act pandemic funding account to the city’s revolving loan fund account. H. Sale of city-owned property to MSI Holdings - Purchase agreement second amendment 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. I. Schutte Property Administration Lot Division Motion to direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution approving the requested administrative parcel division of parcel PID 0411922330001 subject to Schutte Farm LLC reimbursing the city for their share of the 2021 taxes. J. Termination of lease agreement with Sterilmed, Inc. Motion to approve the mutual termination of the lease agreement with Sterilmed, Inc. ENGINEERING ITEMS K. Amendment of special assessment deferral policy Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-143 amending the Special Assessment Deferment Policy to allow deferment of principal and interest upon request for assessments due and payable with the taxes in year 2022. L. Edgewater on Cook Lake - reject bids Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-130 rejecting bids for Edgewater on Cook Lake Project No. 18-23. M. Northwood Church-Weston Commons - receive feasibility report Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-142 receiving feasibility report for Northwood Church/Weston Commons, Project No. 21-16, approving feasibility report and ordering public hearing. Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 4 N. Project No. 19-02 - final acceptance Motion to approve the final acceptance of the Rice Lake Farms & Winslow Chase Area Street Rehabilitation Project No. 2019-02 completed by C.S. McCrossan subject to the warranty provisions of the contract and statutory law. O. Rainbow Treecare - final payment Motion to approve final payment for Rainbow Treecare for treatment of public ash trees. P. Sureties - October 4, 2021 Motion to approve surety actions. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS Q. Interstate Companies 2021 Snowplowing Agreement Motion that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to execute an agreement between the City of Maple Grove and Interstate Companies for snow and ice management at the Government Center and three transit facilities for the term November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2024. R. Transit Station License Use Agreement with University of Minnesota Motion to authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to enter into a Maple Grove Transit Station License Agreement with the Regents of the University of Minnesota to establish a University of Minnesota Morris Campus shuttle bus stop at the Maple Grove Transit Station for the period January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024. S. North Memorial Health Care Staging of Ambulance Crew at Maple Grove Fire Station 1 Motion to authorize a 2-year lease agreement with North Memorial Health Care for the period December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2023 for a monthly fee of $400.00. Motion to authorize City Mayor Mark Steffenson and City Clerk Amy Dietl to sign lease agreement on behalf of the City of Maple Grove. T. FM Global Grant Acceptance Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 5 Motion to accept the donation of $2,535 from FM Global. U. Proclamation declaring October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month This item was removed by Councilmember Hanson for discussion. V. 2021 -2022 Towards Zero Death Traffic Enforcement Program Motion to adopt Resolution No. 21-144 authorizing the execution of the 2021 – 2022 Minnesota Department of Public Safety Towards Zero Death Traffic Enforcement Contract Agreement. W. North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Joint Powers Agreement with the City of New Hope Motion to approve the 2021 Joint Powers Agreement between the City of Maple Grove and the City of New Hope for the use of the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility and direct the Mayor and City Administrator to execute the agreement. X. Joint Powers Agreement for North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion This item was removed by Mayor Steffenson for discussion. Y. North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion Project No. 21-15 Release of the remainder of Bid Package 1 and Acceptance and Release of Bid Package 2 - Resolution No. 21-145 This item was removed by Mayor Steffenson for discussion. Z. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 2,176,716.80 Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve the Consent Items as amended, removing items 2B (Recruitment approval for Police Sergeant and subsequent vacant position), 2U (Proclamation declaring October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month), 2X (Joint Powers Agreement for North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion) and 2Y (North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion Project No. 21-15 Release of the remainder of Bid Package 1 and Acceptance and Release of Bid Package 2 - Resolution No. 21-145). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 6 no nays. Motion carried. Consideration The following items were pulled from the Consent Agenda. of Items Regarding Item 2B (Recruitment approval for Police Sergeant and Pulled from subsequent vacant position), Councilmember Hanson recognized Sergeant the Agenda Dan Wilson for his 20 years of service to the City of Maple Grove. She discussed his work history with the Maple Grove Police Department and thanked him for his tremendous service to the community. Mayor Steffenson thanked Sergeant Wilson for his service to the City of Maple Grove and wished him all the best in his future endeavors. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to authorize staff to begin the recruitment process for the position of Police Sergeant and any subsequent vacant position in the Police Department due to the resignation of Sergeant Dan Wilson effective October 1, 2021. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 2U (Proclamation declaring October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month), Councilmember Hanson discussed the proclamation in detail and called forward Police Chief Werner for comments. Police Chief Werner provided the Council with a definition of domestic violence as being a crime in which one family member or intimate partner engages in abusive behavior against another in order to maintain power or control in the relationship. This violence can be actual or threatened use of physical, sexual or psychological actions and impacts the intended victim, along with family and friends. He discussed the great work being done by Domestic Violence Awareness and Action (DVAA) organization in the community. He commented on how DVAA has started the Purple Lights Initiative to light purple lights for the month of October in order to draw attention to domestic violence. He explained DVAA was proof that one could start small and by taking one step at a time, big things can happen. Susan Rivard, Domestic Violence Awareness and Action representative, thanked the city for the kind recognition. She thanked City Administrator Nelson and Police Chief Werner for their strong leadership and for making Maple Grove the first city to have the courage and conviction to take a public stand against domestic abuse wit the Purple Lights Initiative. She reported she accepted this recognition on behalf of Ali, Gloria and Lexi, all strong, independent and beautiful women who have suffered abuse and escaped their abusive situations. Jane Warren, Domestic Violence Awareness and Action representative, Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 7 encouraged the public to be aware of those who are suffering and wanted to see residents being part of the solution in order to end domestic abuse. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to approve October 2021 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Maple Grove and recognize the local organization Domestic Violence Awareness and Action’s work to prevent domestic violence since 2004; and their partnership with the City of Maple Grove in the Purple Lights Initiative since 2017, which raises awareness to the issue of domestic violence. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 2X (Joint Powers Agreement for North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion), Mayor Steffenson requested further information from Police Chief Werner regarding this item. Police Chief Werner explained this item would approve a JPA between the City of Maple Grove and Hennepin County. He indicated the expansion of the North Metro Range was moving forward and was on schedule. He reported at the May 18 Hennepin County Board of Commissioners Meeting $8.2 million was approved for the additional firing range space. Following discussion and negotiations, staff has drafted a JPA and was seeking approval at this time. Mayor Steffenson asked if the City Attorney was satisfied with the JPA. City Attorney Templin reported he supported the JPA being approved as presented. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve the Joint Powers Agreement for North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion with Hennepin County and authorize the Mayor and City Administrator to sign and execute the agreement subject to final review by the city attorney. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 2Y (North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Expansion Project No. 21-15 Release of the remainder of Bid Package 1 and Acceptance and Release of Bid Package 2 - Resolution No. 21-145), Mayor Steffenson requested further information from Police Chief Werner on this item. Police Chief Werner reported staff has been working with Leo A Daly Architect and RJM Construction to design the expansion to the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. He noted RJM would provide the city with construction management services throughout the project. Staff commented further on the project details and recommended approval. Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 8 Leo Daly, architect for the project, discussed the work that has been done to design the firing range expansion. The building elevations, expanded programing, and parking was reviewed in detail with the Council. Brad Barickman, Construction Manager for RJM, was pleased to report the city received 73 bids for this project. He commented on the bid results from September 28. He explained a formal groundbreaking for the training facility expansion was scheduled for Thursday, October 21. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to adopt Resolution No. 21-145 accepting Bid Package #2 for the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility expansion project No. 21-15. Bid Package #2 and the remaining portions of the Bid Package #1 items, which are included here, encompass all of the construction items for the project. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Special Business Open Forum There were no open forum issues brought before the Council at this meeting. Retirement of Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld recognized John Zenanko John Zenanko and thanked him for his 20 years of dedicated service to the City of Maple Grove. Mayor Steffenson stated Councilmember Leith was not in attendance but wished to thank John Zenanko for his long-standing service to the City of Maple Grove and wished him all the best in his retirement. Mayor Steffenson thanked John Zenanko for his dedication to the city and to this country. He wished him a long and happy retirement. Councilmember Jaeger thanked John Zenanko for his service to Maple Grove and to the country. She encouraged him to make a bucket list and to make those things happen. Councilmember Hanson thanked John Zenanko for his 20 years of service and wished him well in his retirement. She stated she also appreciated Mr. Zenanko’s service to the Lions. Councilmember Barnett thanked John Zenanko for his service to Maple Grove and to the country. She wished him all the best in his retirement. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 9 Community and Economic Development Items Mechatronics Economic Development Manager Angell explained Mechatronic Solutions, Solutions – a local robotics and automation manufacturer, is seeking concept stage plan, development stage plan, and final plat approval for the construction Concept State of a new 44,717 square foot building at 11200 73rd Avenue N. The Plan, property has a total size 4.15 acres and is currently vacant with the Development exception of a parking lot on the west side of the property that is leased by Stage Plan, an adjacent business. The property is currently owned by the City of Maple and Final Plat Grove and there is an approved purchase agreement for the sale of the property to the business. Following approval of land use plans, should they be approved, the applicant will then close on the land with the city. He commented further on the request and noted the Planning Commission recommended approval. Shane Waskey, representative from Mechatronics, introduced himself and thanked the Council for considering his request. Councilmember Barnett noted she recently toured this property with Councilmember Leith and stated she fully supported the proposed building expansion. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to direct the City Attorney to draft a Resolution and a Planned Unit Development agreement approving the Mechatronic Solutions concept stage plan, development stage plan and Mechatronic Solutions final 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 September 2, 2021 b. The Engineering Department dated August 31, 2021 c. The Fire Department dated September 7, 2021 d. The Arbor Committee, dated September 10, 2021 e. The Parks & Recreation Department, dated September 15, 2021 The applicant shall acknowledge that Park Dedication requirements are based on staff review and recommendation to the Park and Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 10 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 four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Evanswood Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to Comprehen- remove this item from the table. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. sive Plan Amendment Planning Manager Vickerman explained as part of the Evanswood proposal, staff was directed to change 14.3 acres of high-density residential land to 14.3 acres of medium density residential land in order to allow the applicant to proceed with developing townhomes on this property. The property in question is in the southeast corner of the Evanswood proposal, adjacent to Lawndale Lane and 101st Avenue North. This change removes 143 high density units from our Metropolitan Council obligation, but this will be made up with the additional 285 units gained with the Gravel Mining Area – Regional Mixed Use – Residential Comprehensive Plan Amendment. He commented further on the proposed request and noted the Planning Commission recommends approval. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt a Resolution No. 21-139 approving the Evanswood comprehensive plan amendment. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Gravel Mining Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to Area remove this item from the table. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Comprehen- sive Text Planning Manager Vickerman explained since the initial Gravel Mining Amendment Area special area plan was adopted in 1997, high density residential uses were identified as an allowed use in the mixed-use areas. The 2008 Gravel Mining Area special area plan update specifically called out the city-owned properties adjacent to the Community Center and Lifetime fitness as a likely place for high density housing along with potentially small-scale commercial uses. The 2018 plan reiterated this but also discussed the possibility of office and entertainment uses on these sites. There is a long history of anticipating high density residential in the regional mixed-use areas but there has never been a specific, allowed density range identified. He commented further on the proposed request and noted the Planning Commission recommends approval. Councilmember Hanson asked if there was a way to not have the city owned property be affected if this resolution were approved. Planning Manager Vickerman stated this could happen but may cause problems with Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 11 the Met Council. Mayor Steffenson requested further information on how additional units were being calculated for the different areas. Planning Manager Vickerman discussed how the additional units were calculated for regional mixed use and high-density areas. Mayor Steffenson asked if the hundreds of units that were being added count. Planning Manager Vickerman explained these would count for the next decade. He reported the city has obligations every decade from the Met Council to have a certain number of high-density units. Mayor Steffenson stated he was confused because the city had an existing Comprehensive Plan and was allowed to develop under the existing plan. Planning Manager Vickerman stated with regard to the two proposed amendments, if they were not approved together, it would be difficult for the Evanswood project to move forward, which would then create some other issues with the purchase of the property. Councilmember Hanson stated she shared in the Mayor’s concern. She indicated the city did not know what it was going to do with the Community Center property. Mayor Steffenson questioned what would happen if the city wanted to expand the Community Center onto the two parcels it already owns. Planning Manager Vickerman reported this was still identified within the Comprehensive Plan as options for this site. He indicated this would be completely viable and no changes would be required to the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Barnett asked what discretion the Council had given the fact this item was tied to the previous item. Planning Manager Vickerman explained the Council had full discretion. He stated in his discussions with the Met Council on these items would indicate they would have concerns with reducing the city’s high density. Councilmember Barnett inquired what the timing was for Evanswood. Planning Manager Vickerman reported the Comprehensive Plan amendment would be sent to the Met Council for processing. Councilmember Jaeger questioned if action on this item could be postponed or tabled. Mayor Steffenson stated staff was seeking a decision because this would impact the Evanswood project. Councilmember Hanson stated she felt like the Council was over a barrel. Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 12 She understood the city wanted medium density instead of high density within Evanswood, however did not understand the impact would be to affect the city owned property. Further discussion ensued regarding the future of the city owned property. Mayor Steffenson discussed the number of high-density projects that had recently been constructed in the city and asked if Maple Grove was exceeding its numbers with the Met Council. Planning Manager Vickerman indicated he would have to look at the numbers closer as some of the projects have not been finished yet. He explained part of the challenge was because the Met Council only uses the lowest density in a particular land use category to calculate the number of units. Mayor Steffenson expressed frustration with the way the Met Council was calculating the number of units. Planning Manager Vickerman stated he fully agreed. Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to adopt Resolution No. 21-140 approving the Gravel Mining Area – regional mixed use – residential comprehensive plan amendment. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom updated the Upcoming Council regarding the following: Community • Staff noted the Planning Commission meeting scheduled for October and Economic 11 has been canceled. Development Items • At the October 25 Planning Commission meeting the group will discuss a small subdivision in Appaloosa Woods neighborhood along with a small residential PUD near County Road 30. Engineering- Public Works Items Report on Director of Public Works/City Engineer Ashfeld updated the Council regarding the following: Upcoming Engineering • The city-wide cleanup day would be held on Saturday, October 9 from Items 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Items can be dropped off at the Public Works Facility. • The Council recommended the speed trailer be placed along Rice Lake Road. Maple Grove City Council Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 13 Administration Items Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her Monday Upcoming report if there are any questions. She stated the Maria’s Voice organization would be hosting a vigil on Thursday, October 7 at Angel of Hope at 6:00 Administration p.m. She reported the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility Items would have a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, October 21 at 2:00 p.m. Items Added Councilmember Jaeger noted there was only a couple more weeks of the to the Agenda outdoor farmers market. She stated the last outdoor farmers market would occur on Thursday, October 21. Councilmember Jaeger commented on the House of Representative bonding tour that took place at the Community Center. Councilmember Jaeger explained the first meeting for the police academy would occur on Tuesday, October 5. Councilmember Jaeger noted the Historical Society would be holding an Open House on Thursday, October 10. Adjournment Motion by Mayor Steffenson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on October 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator