City Council

Maple Grove City Council meeting meeting minutes March 21, 2022 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 March 21, 2022 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; Ken Ashfeld, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Jupe Hale, Assistant City Engineer; Tim Bush, Fire 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 the consent agenda to which Heidi Nelson stated agenda the following: 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 3M. Arbor Lakes Business Park Phase 2 Building B Planned Unit Development stage plan and final plat 3R. Forest Preservation Management Plan update Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 2 3FF. Surplus or expired body armor and helmet donation to the defenders of Ukraine Consent items The following consent items were presented for Council’s approval: MINUTES A. Regular meeting – March 7, 2022 HUMAN RESOURCES ITEMS B. Amendments to personnel policy manual Motion to approve amendments to the personnel policy manual with an effective date of March 22, 2022 as follows:  Amend article 16: sick leave  Amend article 58: advance resignation notice program  Add article 60: background check policy C. Appointment of city prosecutor Motion to approve the appointment of Andrew Draper to the position of city prosecutor in the Administration Department at an annual salary of $120,427.84, effective April 4, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. D. Appointment of executive assistant to city administrator Motion to approve the appointment of Teri Odland to the position of executive assistant to the city administrator in the Administration Department at an annual salary of $66,381.12, effective March 22, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. E. Appointment of light equipment operator Motion to approve the appointment of Perry Helgesen to the Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 3 position of light equipment operator in the Public Works Department at an annual salary of $47,919.04, effective March 22, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. F. Appointment of light equipment operator Motion to approve the appointment of Rolland Makesroomforthem to the position of light equipment operator in the Public Works Department at an annual salary of $47,919.04, effective March 22, 2022 subject to a twelve- month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. G. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Flavio Becerra to the position of police officer in the police department at an annual salary of $87,877.92 based off of the 2022 pay schedule of the police union contract, effective April 5, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. H. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Benjamin Buchin to the position of police officer in the police department at an annual salary of $87,877.92 based off of the 2022 pay schedule of the police union contract, effective April 5, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. I. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Trent Mitchell to the position of police officer in the police department at an annual salary of $87,877.92 based off of the 2022 pay schedule of the police union contract, effective April 5, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 4 J. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Troy Kemp to the position of police officer in the police department at an annual salary of $93,589.60 based off of the 2022 pay schedule of the police union contract, effective April 5, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. K. Appointment of police officer Motion to approve the appointment of Conor Wollenzien to the position of police officer in the police department at an annual salary of $82,513.60 based off of the 2022 pay schedule of the police union contract, effective April 5, 2022 subject to a twelve-month probationary period. All required screenings and background checks have been successfully completed. L. Recruitment approval for community service officer Motion to authorize the recruitment for a new full-time community service officer (CSO) position in the Police Department and the reduction in part-time CSO hours and positions. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ITEMS M. Arbor Lakes Business Park Phase 2 Building B Planned Unit Development stage plan and final plat This item was removed by Councilmember Jaeger for discussion. N. Bottineau Ridge III local housing incentives account loan agreement Motion to authorize the city administrator and economic development manager to execute a loan agreement with Bottineau Ridge III of Maple Grove, LP for the Metropolitan Council LHIA grant award. O. Crocus Grove Planned Unit Development concept stage Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 5 plan, development stage plan, preliminary plat, rezoning and administrative lot division Motion to accept the formal withdrawal of Crocus Grove Planned Unit Development concept stage plan, development stage plan, preliminary plat, rezoning and administrative lot division at the request of the applicant. P. Edgewater on Cook Lake final plat update Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-058 approving the final plat for Edgewater on Cook Lake. Q. Evanswood - Hill and Radintz administrative lot division update Motion to approve Resolution No. 22-067 approving the updated requested administrative Hill and Radintz parcel division of parcel PID No. 06-119-22-44-0001. R. Forest Preservation Management Plan update This item was removed by Councilmember Hanson for discussion. S. Fox Briar Ridge East final plat Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-059 approving the Fox Briar Ridge East final plat. T. Weston Commons 2nd Addition Planned Unit Development concept stage plan, development stage plan, rezoning, preliminary and final plat Motion to table the application for Weston Commons 2nd Addition until April 18, 2022, so they can continue reviewing their plans. ENGINEERING ITEMS U. Edgewater on Cook Lake, Project No. 18-23 - award contract - Resolution No. 22-062 Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 6 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-062 accepting bid for Edgewater on Cook Lake Project No. 18-23 and approving Developer’s Agreement for Edgewater on Cook Lake, subject to final review by the city attorney and director of public works. V. Preparation of assessment rolls and assessment hearing establishment - Resolution No. 22-070 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-070 ordering preparation of assessment rolls and establishing hearings for Project No. 19-10 Main Street Rehabilitation. W. Resolution of support for funding Highway 610 completion - Resolution No. 22-055 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-055, a resolution in support of the city’s Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) transportation grant application for funding of the Highway 610 completion between TH 610 and CSAH 30. X. Resolution of support for funding TH 169/Elm Creek Boulevard - Resolution No. 22-056 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-056, a resolution in support of the city’s application for funding through the Metropolitan Council’s 2022 Regional Solicitation program. Y. Special assessment adjustment - Resolution No. 22-068 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-068 adjusting special assessment as a result of Levy No. 21027. Z. Special assessment cancellation - Resolution No. 22-065 Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-065 cancelling special assessments on the following PID’s. PID/Address Cancellation 31-119-22-34-0060/6236 Urbandale Lane North Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 7 31-119-22-34-0067/6224 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0061/6240 Urbandale Lane North 31-119-22-34-0068/6121 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0062/6282 Urbandale Lane North 31-119-22-34-0069/6213 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0063/6250 Urbandale Lane North 31-119-22-34-0070/6225 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0064/18430 62nd Place N 31-119-22-34-0071/6237 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0065/6248 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0072/6249 Troy Lane North 31-119-22-34-0066/6236 Troy Lane North AA. Tricare 4th Addition Project No. 21-11 - Change Order No. 1 Motion to approve Change Order No. 1 to the Tricare 4th Addition Project No. 2021-11 in the amount of $15,289.00. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS BB. An ordinance amending Maple Grove City Code to add Section 4-25 defining terms and explaining applicable restrictions and requirements on caterers permits issued by the state under Minn. Stat. 340A.404, Subd. 12 Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 22-06 amending Maple Grove City Code to add Section 4-25 defining terms and explaining applicable restrictions and requirements on caterer’s permits issued by the state under Minn. Stat. § 340A.404, Subd. 12. Motion to adopt Summary Ordinance No. 22-06 for purpose of reducing publication costs. CC. Professional services agreement for interim human resources director Motion to enter into a professional services agreement with Melanie Mesko Lee to serve as interim human resources director for the City of Maple Grove. DD. Purchase case management software for in-house Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 8 prosecution Motion to approve the purchase of LENS Case Management software to be used in the prosecution office for case management. Breakdown of costs below: Annual Licensing cost: $ 7,712 Installation: $11,880 Hosted server: $ 2,000 EE. Resolution No. 22-057 establishing precinct boundaries and designating polling places Motion to adopt Resolution No. 22-057 establishing precinct boundaries within the City of Maple Grove and designating polling locations. FF. Surplus or expired body armor and helmet donation to the defenders of Ukraine This item was removed by Councilmember Barnett for discussion. GG. Transit Station storage room bid award Motion to authorize the mayor and city administrator to execute an agreement with Meisinger Construction Company, Inc in an amount not to exceed $143,000 for the Maple Grove Transit Station storage room bid award. HH. Approve annual close of funds Staff recommends the closing of the funds noted in Attachment A as of December 31, 2021. II. Approve Municipal Financial Advisory Services Agreement Approve Professional Services Agreement for Municipal Financial Advisory Services with Ehlers Inc. JJ. Approve transfer of 2021 General Fund Surplus Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 9 City Council approves the following transfers from the 2021 General Fund Surplus: Reserved for critical building/facility improvements and replacement $7,400,000 Equipment reserves to fund new or replaced items $1,150,000 Road Reconstruction Fund – unused sealcoat 2021 funding $ 800,000 Community Center Fund – Cover 2021 deficit $ 200,000 retain for General Fund Reserve Requirements (will be at 25%) $ 900,000 KK. Approve claims Motion to approve claims totaling $ 2,173,592.31. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve the consent items as amended, removing items 3M (Arbor Lakes Business Park Phase 2 Building B Planned Unit Development stage plan and final plat), 3R (Forest Preservation Management Plan update), and 3FF (Surplus or expired body armor and helmet donation to the defenders of Ukraine). Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Consideration of The following items were pulled from the consent agenda. items pulled from the agenda Regarding Item 3M (Arbor Lakes Business Park Phase 2 Building B Planned Unit Development stage plan and final plat), Councilmember Jaeger stated since the Council originally reviewed this project, the watershed has offered their approval for the project. She then reviewed the recommendations from the watershed district for this project. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to adopt Resolution No. 22-061 approving the Arbor Lakes Business Park Phase 2 Building B Planned Unit Development stage plan and final plat subject to: 1. Planned Unit Development agreement final review Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 10 and approval of the city attorney and director of community and economic development. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3R (Forest Preservation Management Plan update), Councilmember Hanson stated in 2002 the Arbor Committee aided in developing a Forest Management Preservation Plan which has been utilized to guide the preservation and maintenance activities within the city’s two forest preservation areas, along with the management of invasive species, restoring prairie areas, and providing the best management practices. She reported the Arbor Committee in conjunction with the community development staff reviewed this Forest Preservation Plan and made recommendations based on advances and best practices that have occurred in the last 20 years. She thanked the Arbor Committee and the Community Development Department for all of their hard work on this updated plan. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt the revised Forest Preservation Management Plan. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Regarding Item 3FF (Surplus or expired body armor and helmet donation to the Defenders of Ukraine), Councilmember Barnett stated the Minnesota National Guard, in cooperation with the United States European Command, is conducting a nationwide drive seeking surplus or expired body armor and helmets to donate to the Defenders of Ukraine. She explained the Police Department reviewed its current inventory of body armor and helmets, which could be donated. She thanked the Police Department and the Minnesota State Patrol for their efforts. Motion by Councilmember Barnett, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to approve the Police Department to donate surplus or expired ballistic vests and helmets to the Defenders of Ukraine through the Minnesota National Guard. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 11 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. Recognition of Fire Chief Bush recognized Executive Fire Officer Patrick Patrick Farrens, Farrens for completion of the legacy four-year Executive Fire Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Officer Maryland. He reported in October of 2018, Patrick Farrens was selected to participate in the National Fire Academy (NFA) Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program. This program provides professional development through a unique series of four graduate and upper-division baccalaureate equivalent courses taken over a four-year period. Students are required to attend classes each year and complete Applied Research Projects investigating key issues or identified problems important to the fire service. Fire Chief Bush explained the NFA EFO program provides senior fire officers with a broad perspective on various facets of fire and emergency services administration. Students are selected based on two criteria. The first is a service requirement to hold key positions of authority or leadership within their agency. The second is an academic requirement that applicants possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. He commented further on this highly competitive program and commended Executive Fire Officer Farrens on his tremendous accomplishment. Executive Fire Officer Farrens thanked the Council for giving him the opportunity to attend this course. He discussed the three papers he wrote while attending the course and the policies that have been implemented into the city, which addressed false alarms, identifying the tracking of annual inspections, and evaluating fire activities during the pandemic. He thanked the City Council for their strong leadership and support. A round of applause was offered by all in attendance. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 12 Public hearings 7:30 p.m. public Assistant City Engineer Hale explained Project 22-01 consists of hearing local streets in the Townhouse Villages at Eagle Lake area (159 single family detached units, 257 multifamily attached (high 2022 Street density) units, commercial property (3.03 acres), and Rehabilitation city/institutional property (4.44 acres)) proposed to be Program assessed. He noted Project 22-02 consists of local streets in the Deerwood Homes and Eagle Lake areas (340 single family Resolution No. detached units and six single family attached (medium density) 22-063 units, and city/institutional property (52.23 acres)) proposed to be assessed. The total number of properties proposed to be assessed in the 2022 Street Rehabilitation program is 499 single family detached units, 257 multifamily attached (high density) units, six single family attached (medium density) units, 3.03 acres of commercial, and 56.67 acres of city/institutional. Project 22-03 consists of the Maple Grove Middle School parks trails. The timeline and phasing of the project was discussed, along with the city’s project funding philosophy. Staff commented further on the proposed street rehabilitation project and recommended approval. Councilmember Hanson questioned what age residents had to be for the senior deferral program. Public Works Director/City Engineer stated residents had to be 65 years of age. Councilmember Hanson reported she had her street redone last summer. She noted the workers were very accommodating and she was very pleased with how her street turned out. She encouraged residents to pay down their assessment as quickly as possible in order to avoid paying the 4% interest. Mayor Steffenson encouraged residents to speak with staff if they have weddings, graduation parties or other large gatherings planned for this summer. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to open the public hearing. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 13 Mayor Steffenson opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. and asked if anyone would like to address this issue. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to receive letters of objection from property owners. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Aaron Woods, 10775 69th Avenue North, stated he opposed this project. He reported the inconvenience of the project was not a concern to him. Rather it was the project cost and the necessity of the project. He believed residents were not concerned about patchwork on the streets given the fact their property taxes were slated to go up 28% per household. He stated Eagle Lake Boulevard was the only main thoroughfare with sidewalks, yet all residents were being charged for sidewalks. He anticipated his property value would not increase when this project was done. He discussed how inflation was at an all-time high and suggested the city reconsider the timing of this project. He questioned why Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park’s assessment policies were so different. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld stated cities approach their street reconstruction program differently. He noted some cities finance these improvements through franchise fees while others use the General Fund levy. He stated there was no outside funding for local residential streets. He indicated this meant the city was required to rehabilitate and reconstruct all city streets in order to maintain property values. Mr. Woods voiced his concern again regarding the assessment he would be receiving for his street. Mayor Steffenson stated he understood Mr. Woods was not happy with the proposed assessment. He reported the city has very limited options available to reconstruct roads. He explained roads have to be reconstructed in order to remain passable. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld commented further on how the City Council had wisely set aside funds in the past to assist with street reconstruction projects. He reported some communities assess 100% for the Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 14 cost of the improvements. Bradley Bretl, 11009 69th Avenue North, stated he opposed the proposed street project. He questioned why the city wasn’t considering putting utilities underground or having fiber optics added as a part of this project. He noted he spoke with the electrical company and understood this work would be done in three years. He suggested the street project be pushed back three years in order to align with this work. He stated he walked his dogs every day on these roads and he did not believe they were in such a state of disrepair that the work had to be done in 2022. Mayor Steffenson commented the electrical companies and the fiber optic companies know when the city is doing this work and noted the city has worked with the electrical companies to put wires underground. He indicated it was the city’s preference to have wires underground. Assistant City Engineer Hale reported the city shared with all of the utility companies the five-year street rehabilitation plan. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld indicated the city has done some projects in the past undergrounding electric lines, which was quite expensive. He stated there were very few companies interested in doing fiber optics, because it is not cost effective. Mayor Steffenson explained if this project were delayed the price for the project would continue to rise. Further discussion ensued regarding the expense of putting overhead power lines underground. Mr. Bretl thanked staff for all of this information. He stated with the cost of oil being so high at this time, he would like the city to reconsider this project in the hopes of bringing costs down in the coming years. Thomas Kummeth, 7198 Deerwood Lane North, reported he has been a resident of Maple Grove for 27 years. He indicated his neighborhood has very few patches and has never been milled and overlayed. In addition, he believed the curb and gutter was in good condition. He explained he put a great deal of money into a concrete apron and he was now concerned Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 15 with how it would be cut out and replaced. He stated he wanted the new apron to match the quality and color of his current apron. Councilmember Hanson reported the contractor did a great job replacing the concrete aprons in her neighborhood. Mr. Kummeth asked if the city could replace just the street and not the curb and gutter. Assistant City Engineer Hale explained the city received negative feedback after trying this in a different neighborhood. For this reason, when neighborhoods reach a two-thirds replacement level, all curbs and gutters are replaced. Paul Klingbeil, 11648 Gentilly Road, stated he lives on a small street that was all asphalt and he has a concrete apron. He asked if his street would be receiving curbs. Assistant City Engineer Hale indicated he would have to investigate this further. Mr. Klingbeil questioned if it was fair for the residents living on Gentilly Road to be paying the same assessment as the other residents given the fact his street does not have concrete curb and gutter. He believed this was not fair. Assistant City Engineer Hale reported he would look into this further and would report back to Mr. Klingbeil. Wes Ketelsen, 10936 69th Avenue North, indicated he has lived on his property for the past 36 years. He stated 10 years ago the city came through and put in sewer lines and concrete aprons along 69th Avenue. He believed it was inappropriate for the city to now come back and tear his apron and charge him again for this work. Has asked that the city consider this request. Assistant City Engineer Hale noted staff would take this under consideration. Tom Dehler, 11261 Eagle Lake Boulevard N, questioned how the city would be communicating with residents. Assistant City Engineer Hale reported initial communications will be done via US Mail, and future communications will be done with door hangers. Mr. Dehler inquired how Amazon, FedEx and UPS packages will Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 16 be delivered during the street reconstruction project. Assistant City Engineer Hale reported streets are generally passable and if not, workers will take the packages and bring them to homes. Mr. Dehler asked if residents could work with the contractor to have their asphalt driveways done in conjunction with the street project. Assistant City Engineer Hale commented this cannot be done as a part of this project because driveways used different asphalt and different equipment than streets. However, he encouraged residents interested in completing this work to contact Joe Bzdok, the project coordinator. He advised that asphalt driveways be replaced after the new aprons were complete. Mr. Dehler requested the Council consider using a single garbage hauler in order to reduce the wear and tear on the city’s streets. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld reported the city has considered organized garbage collection and this was always a difficult issue, because residents take advantage of the free competition. He explained there was a study done by the University of Minnesota a number of years ago as to the direct impacts on roadways from garbage trucks and there were minimal impacts. Jeff Robinson, 7110 Yorktown Lane N, questioned if the assessment will be locked in. Mayor Steffenson reported this would be locked in if the Council approves the project at this meeting. He explained if the bids came in higher than estimated, the city would absorb this cost. Mr. Robinson discussed the walkway that was in front of his property, along with seven beautiful Ash trees. He stated it was his understanding the seven trees would be removed and asked if they would be replaced. Assistant City Engineer Hale commented the city would look to replace these trees behind the trail. Mr. Robinson questioned if this project would be able to be completed this year. Assistant City Engineer Hale stated he Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 17 was confident the project would be completed yet this year. Mr. Robinson thanked the city for taking his questions and stated for the record, that he was for the project. Ron Fideldy, 6930 Trenton Lane, stated he has owned this property since 1928. He explained he supported this project being completed and he believed the city was offering a fair price for the improvements. Julie Beckman, 11500 72nd Avenue North, indicated she has a disabled son and reported she would need to get to and from her driveway on a daily basis. She reported there was another gentleman in the neighborhood that had severe short-term memory loss and required Metro Mobility every day. Assistant City Engineer Hale stated staff can make the crews aware of these situations and accommodations can be made. Ms. Beckman questioned why all of the curb was being replaced when not all of it was in poor condition. Assistant City Engineer Hale stated when the project area reaches a point where two thirds of the area needs replacement, then the entire project area is replaced. Mr. Beckman asked why the city doesn’t consider mill and overlay projects versus full reconstructions. She expressed concern with the fact her property taxes were going up significantly and questioned if the value of her home would go up $7,000 after her street was complete. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld reported the city was not guaranteeing property values will go up $7,000 but if neighborhoods are allowed to have streets that are blighted, property values will very well decrease. Ms. Beckman inquired what the law states. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld reviewed State Statute 429 which governs special assessments. He discussed how property values should go up to the amount of an assessment. He stated newly paved streets, utilities, sewer and water lines were highly sustainable on an assessment challenge. He commented on this type of project as it relates to street reconstruction, it is not so much about the increased value, but rather the preservation of property value. He explained Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 18 the city was not looking to fight residents on the project, but rather was offering to preserve the aesthetics and values of the properties within the neighborhood. He reported residents have the right to challenge the project. He commented if the entire neighborhood wished to challenge the project, the city could proceed with another neighborhood that is scheduled to have their streets completed. Councilmember Hanson reported the City of St. Paul does mill and overlay projects and they do not last very long. She explained if this neighborhood were to be milled and overlayed, there would be much more disruption in the neighborhood than if the streets were reconstructed. Skip Melin, 6812-6850 Hemlock Lane, thanked the Council for allowing him to speak. He discussed the total amount being assessed to this commercial property and explained it would greatly impact his tenants. He requested the city reconsider the assessment amount to make this more equitable. Assistant City Engineer Hale discussed how commercial properties were assessed in the City of Maple Grove and noted he would be more than happy to discuss this further with Mr. Melin after the meeting. Chad Grismer, 11212 Pheasant Lane, reported his street has deteriorated over the past few years and noted he supported the proposed project. He asked if the city park at the Maple Grove Middle School was being reconstructed as part of this project. Public Works Director/City Engineer Ashfeld reported these trails would be reconstructed. Thomas Breidenbach, 10692 Eagle Lake Boulevard, requested a more substantial curb be installed along North Eagle Lake Boulevard. Assistant City Engineer Hale stated he would investigate this further. Mr. Breidenbach requested staff investigate the potential of installing fiber optics with this project, especially with more people working from home. Assistant City Engineer Hale encouraged the neighborhood to make this request to a utility company. Mr. Breidenbach requested staff review the historical Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 19 assessment rates with the residents in attendance. Assistant City Engineer Hale reviewed the historical assessment rates for the past 10 years. Mr. Breidenbach asked what he should do if he would like his driveway apron widened. Assistant City Engineer Hale encouraged Mr. Breidenbach to speak with staff further regarding this matter. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Jaeger, to close the public hearing at 9:05 p.m. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Councilmember Barnett explained the city made a plan five years ago and she did not believe now was the time to deviate from the plan that was made. She supported the city moving forward with the plan and noted she would be supporting the projects as proposed. Councilmember Jaeger agreed. She reported there have been a lot of bad times over the past 20 years and stated costs would only continue to rise if this project were to be pushed off another few years. She feared there was no good time for these projects. She stated she would be supporting this project moving forward at this time. Councilmember Hanson commented it would be more damaging to delay this project than to move it forward. She stated it was hard for her to support the assessment last year and she understood this was a lot of money. She indicated the assessment would be spread over 20 years. She thanked the residents who came forward and voiced their concerns and noted these concerns have been heard. Motion by Councilmember Hanson, seconded by Councilmember Barnett, to adopt Resolution No. 22-063 ordering Townhouse Villages at Eagle Lake Project No. 22-01 and Deerwood Homes and Eagle Lake Area Project No. 22-02, adopting the special assessments against benefitted lands, ordering plans, approving plans and authorizing advertisement for bids. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 20 Mayor Steffenson stated he echoed the comments made by Councilmember Hanson. He explained his street would be redone in the next five years and noted his street needs it because of poor soil conditions. He understood this was a difficult meeting for the Council to get through each year but reported the city created a five-year plan for its streets and at this point in time, the properties in the city have paid for their streets through assessments. He indicated it would be tough to change the assessment policy at this time. Councilmember Jaeger reported her streets are private and there are only two or three developments in Maple Grove that have private streets. She explained private streets had to be paid 100% by the residents within the development. She indicated the residents with public streets only have to pay for 50% of their streets, while residents living on private streets have to pay for 100% of the expense. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Community and economic development items Report on Community and Economic Development Director Hogeboom upcoming updated the Council regarding the following: community and economic  The Planning Commission would meet next on Monday, development March 28 where the group would be discussing a items residential variance request, and a zoning text amendment.  The LCD billboard would be under construction along I-94 and the city hopes to have this completed by the end of May. Engineering- public works items Report on Director of Public Works/City Engineer Ashfeld updated the upcoming Council regarding the following: Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 21 engineering  The spring newsletter has been sent out and information items regarding the spring clean-up was included.  Staff was currently hiring seasonal employees. Administration items 2022 community Mike Opatz stated staff is seeking City Council approval of the survey questions questions for the 2022 community survey. Staff and the survey consultant Polco have been working on the 2022 city survey questions. She reviewed the draft timeline of the project. The City Council has approved an agreement with Policy Confluence, Inc. who does business as Polco to develop and conduct a 2022 mail survey for a cost of $38,750. He reported staff received a request to add one more question to the survey regarding backyard chickens. He commented further on the community survey and requested approval on the questions for the 2022 community survey. Councilmember Hanson asked if the surveys would be sent out by mail randomly to households in Maple Grove. Mr. Opatz reported this was the case. He explained Polco had a system where households would be randomly selected and would be sent a postcard letting them know about the project. He stated a survey link would be provided on the postcard. Councilmember Hanson questioned if every area in Maple Grove would be included in the random selection. Mr. Opatz indicated the city would be broken down into four geographic spots and equal numbers would be sent to each quadrant. Councilmember Hanson inquired if a prepaid envelope was provided to return the community surveys to the city. Mr. Opatz reported this was provided. Mayor Steffenson discussed the questions regarding the community center and reported there was no reference to what the property tax increase would be if the local option sales tax failed or did not go forward. He asked if it was appropriate to delineate this cost as part of the survey as well. Mr. Opatz stated he still had time to adjust the questions to Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 22 provide this clarity to those taking the survey. Councilmember Barnett believed it would be fair to show residents what the alternative is. She supported the city providing greater clarity on how there could be two different projects for the community center that would be funded in two different ways. City Attorney Templin reported his primary concern would be to not promote the outcome of the referendum that was coming this fall. He wanted to make sure the data that was related was factual data. He explained the most direct way to do this would be to talk about the impact on property taxes of $90 million because this was amount that was comparable to the local option sales tax. He indicated the Council could ask a survey question that would point out, if the city were to raise $90 million through property taxes this would then provide an apple to apple comparison. Mayor Steffenson stated this would also change the one question from $116 million to $90 million under the local option sales tax. Mr. Opatz reported he would work with the city attorney to revise these questions. City Administrator Nelson commented an introductory paragraph prior to Question 17 may address the concerns the Council has been raising. Councilmember Hanson believed this made a lot of sense. Councilmember Barnett agreed. Mayor Steffenson stated he did not support an additional question being added to the survey for backyard chickens. Councilmember Hanson commented she would not object, but noting the responses would not change the Council’s position on this topic. Councilmember Barnett suggested a follow up question be added to the survey to allow the city to learn if the services being provided by the city mattered to the residents taking the survey. Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 23 Councilmember Hanson stated she supported this suggestion. Further discussion ensued regarding how to get this metric into the survey while keeping the survey six pages long. Mayor Steffenson suggested the “Don’t Know” response being removed from all questions. Planning Commissioner Ostaffe discussed how valuable it was to gather information on the value of the services being provided by the city. Mr. Opatz explained he would work with Polco to make adjustments to the questions in order to gather this information. Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Councilmember Hanson, to approve the questions as amended per the Council’s discussion for the 2022 community survey. Councilmember Barnett asked that staff provide the Council with a copy of the revised survey prior to it being sent out. City Administrator Nelson reported staff can provide the final draft of the survey to the Council prior to mailing it out to residents. Upon call of the motion by Mayor Steffenson, there were four ayes and no nays. Motion carried. Report on City Administrator Nelson explained that the Council has her upcoming Monday report if there are any questions. She provided the administration Council with an update on the city’s legislative initiatives, items including the efforts for the North Metro Regional Public Safety Training Facility. Items added to Councilmember Jaeger congratulated the Maple Grove boys’ the agenda hockey team for winning 2nd place in the state. She stated she would like to see this team invited to an upcoming City Council meeting. Councilmember Jaeger encouraged senior citizens to check their smoke detectors every spring and fall. Councilmember Jaeger commented the next farmers market Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 24 would be held on Thursday, March 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. Councilmember Jaeger reported the Maple Grove Ambassadors were taking applications at this time. Councilmember Jaeger stated on Saturday, March 26 at the Osseo/Maple Grove Legion the Maple Grove Ambassadors would be hosting a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Councilmember Hanson reported there has been an uptick in house fires in the community. She encouraged residents to make sure their sensors are working and that their batteries were functioning. Councilmember Hanson wished Councilmember Jaeger a happy birthday. Councilmember Jaeger commented on her experience with a fire she recently had on her stove at her home. She reported her alarms were not properly functioning and this has since been fixed. Mayor Steffenson wished Councilmember Jaeger a happy birthday and stated he looked forward to celebrating with Councilmember Jaeger this week. Adjournment Motion by Councilmember Jaeger, seconded by Mayor Steffenson, to adjourn to the regular City Council meeting on April 4, 2022 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 9:50 p.m. by Mayor Steffenson. Respectfully submitted, Heidi Nelson City Administrator Maple Grove City Council minutes March 21, 2022 Page 25