02-22-21 CC Reg Mtg MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2021
MINUTES
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Labadie called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present. Mayor Labadie; Councilmembers Johnson, Siakel, and Callies; City Attorney
Keane; City Administrator Lerud; City Clerk/HR Director Thone; Finance Director
Rigdon; Planning Director Darling; and, City Engineer Budde
Absent: None
B. Review Agenda
Johnson moved, Siakel seconded, approving the agenda as presented.
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Labadie reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda. She stated that she would like to
discuss item H, Park Commission Appointments. She explained that Parks Commissioner
Garske has submitted a letter of resignation effective immediately due to a relocation. She noted
that the Council had recently interviewed candidates for the open Commissioners and Boards in
the City and would suggest that the Council appoint James Hines to serve out the remainder of
Commissioner Garske's term and that this appointment be added into item H.
Callies moved, Siakel seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent Agenda
and Adopting the Resolutions Therein, with the amendment to Item H, as noted.
A. City Council Work Session Minutes of February 8, 2021
B. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 8, 2021
C. Approval of the Verified Claims List
D. Planning Commission Appointments, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-018,
"A Resolution Making an Appointment to the Shorewood Planning
Commission."
E. Lake Minnetonka Communications Commission, Adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 21-019, "A Resolution Making an Appointment to the Lake Minnetonka
Communications Commission (LMCC)."
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F. Approval of 2021 Concession Operation Agreement
G. Approve Mayor Declaration 21-02, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-020, " A
Resolution Approving Mayoral Declaration 21-02."
H. Park Commission Appointments, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-021, "A
Resolution Making Appointments to the Shorewood Park Commission."
I. Approve Pond Sediment Sampling Proposal from American Engineering and
Testing
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
Greq Larson, 25535 Orchard Circle, noted that a group of South Lake area residents are soliciting
citizen support for rezoning the woods north of the trail. He explained that it was the area that
was proposed for the stormwater pond as part of the Glen Road project. He stated that they will
be approaching the city to rezone it from R2A to Permanent Protected Open Space. He stated
that he expects this proposal to be popular among the citizens and noted that they are also asking
Tonka Bay to dedicate the park land to the north and west of the Shorewood property as the
Tonka Bay open space preserve.
Kim Koehnen 6115 Seamans Drive, thanked the Planning Commission for taking into
consideration the neighborhood comments from the Planning Commission meetings and making
adjustments to the plans for item 7B on tonight's agenda. She stated that she loves the change
that was made to the lighting at the cul-de-sac.
4. PUBLIC HEARING - NONE
5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - NONE
6. PARKS
A. Report by Commissioner Hirner on February 9, 2021 Park Commission Meeting
Planning Director Darling gave a brief overview of the February 9, 2021 Park Commission
Meeting.
7. PLANNING
A. Report by Commissioner Maddy on February 2, 2021 Planning Commission
Meeting
Commissioner Maddy gave a brief overview of the February 2, 2021 Planning Commission
meeting.
B. PUD Development Stage Plan and Preliminary Plat
Location: North of Highway Seven between Eureka Road and Seamans Drive
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Applicant: Stoddard Companies
Planning Director Darling explained that the Council had recently approved the PUD Concept
Plan for this proposal and noted that the Preliminary Plan is very similar. She explained that this
proposal would develop the lot with fourteen homes in a planned community with shared
maintenance. She noted that as the proposal moves from concept, to preliminary, to final, the
level of technical information will increase. She gave an overview of the existing conditions on
the site including the wetlands. She explained that two of the large wetland basins will remain on
the site and the third will be filled in. She gave an overview of the proposed slab on grade homes
with no basements. She noted that the applicant is currently proposing about 22.2 percent
impervious surface coverage, but that can fluctuate as the developer moves closer to the final
stages. Staff is recommending a maximum cap of 25 percent or the design capacity of the
stormwater features, whichever is less which will help leave as much of the site open as possible.
She explained the clustered development of detached villas and noted that staff has asked the
developer to assign an amount of impervious surface to each lot so the homeowner can make
their plans accordingly.
The applicant will need to bring in about 25 cubic yards of dirt in order to raise the building pads
and roads so the soil can support the proposed structures and explained that there are a number
of conditions relating to this issue for things such as identifying the haul route. She stated that
the applicant is asking for a 10-foot setback in order to keep the homes one level rather than two
levels. She stated that this would also allow them to leave the majority of the southern space for
open space and stormwater control. The developer has also asked for flexibility with regard to
the wetland buffer behind lots five and six. She explained that the watershed district and other
cities do allow for this type of flexibility. She explained that they are proposing reducing the buffer
by about 370 feet behind the home on Lot Five and increase the buffer behind Lot Six in order to
provide the same amount of area. She noted that the remaining buffer behind Lot Five is still
large enough to provide protection to the wetland and staff recommends approval of this
alteration. She clarified that this is not the type of flexibility that the Council could allow outside
of a PUD development so there should not be many similar requests in the future.
She reviewed renderings of the proposed homes with three car garages and the one home with
a side loading garage. She explained that most homes will have a patio and possibly a screened
porch. She gave an overview of the discussion at the February 2, 2021 Planning Commission
meeting discussion and noted that they had unanimously recommended approval of the request.
The primary concerns from the two residents who spoke were related to lighting, landscaping,
and traffic. She stated that one of the concerns the Planning Commission had were the number
of conditions related to tree preservation. She noted that the applicant has revised their
landscaping plan extensively in order to reduce the number of conditions and have added a
substantial number of additional trees to the plans. She stated that the applicant has also revised
their plans for the proposed street lights.
City Engineer Budde gave an overview of the traffic study and how it was adjusted to take into
consideration the decreased traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that they had
first increased the numbers by 6-1/2 percent which was what MnDOT had recommended. He
stated that the City had also asked the applicant to run their traffic numbers with a 15 percent
increase in traffic but in both scenarios, there was really no additional significant impact to the
traffic on Eureka and Highway 7. The developer is proposing to install a north bound right turn
lane into the development off of Eureka.
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Bill Stoddard stated that they have some of their technical team present at tonight's meeting
should the Council have more detailed questions. He explained that they have tried to take into
consideration the comments made by the Planning Commission, residents, and the Council.
Councilmember Callies stated that there was a lot of good discussion at the Planning Commission
meeting and expressed her appreciation that the developer is willing to work with the City and
neighbors in order to make changes to their plans. She asked about the wetland buffer and asked
if there were dedicated easements or just a demarcation with vegetation.
Planning Director Darling explained that the wetland buffers are a natural area with native
plantings. The area is not cut or mowed and the whole goal of having the buffer is to slow surface
water run-off into wetlands and force some of it to infiltrate into the ground and clean itself before
it hits the wetland area. These areas will be protected by drainage and utility easements as well
as separate conservation easements over the top.
Councilmember Callies stated that the traffic at this intersection is not good right now and while
she understands the traffic study has shown that the traffic will not be worse in the area, she
wonders about getting some sort of traffic control. She asked if that was contrary to what MnDOT
is trying to achieve with Highway 7 being a thoroughfare.
City Engineer Budde stated that it is kind of a complicated process when it comes to verify that a
signal or intersection improvement is necessary. He explained the requirements by MnDOT to
warrant a signal such as significant delays on side streets which they are not seeing enough in
this situation to warrant a traffic signal. Councilmember Siakel stated that it has been presented
that it is likely that the residents of this development will not be contributing to the peak traffic
hours.
Councilmember Callies stated that this is not an affordable housing project and asked about the
conditions that states the developer must donate money to an affordable housing project in the
future. She stated that seems like a nice condition to add, but does not feel it is a meaningful
condition.
Councilmember Siakel asked if the City is planning on marking any of the wetland buffer areas
because sometimes when residents move in, they do not recognize it is an easement or wetland
and tend to hack it down and expand the yard. Mr. Stoddard explained that every lot will have
signage and because there is a homeowner's association that means that the other homeowners
will tell on anyone that attempts to expand their yard into the wetland buffer area.
Planning Director Darling stated that the City's requirement is to have sub -surface stakes that go
into the ground to delineate the area and noted that the watershed district prefers above ground
monuments which are easier to see. She stated that the Council could require both ways of
marking the area, if they would like.
Councilmember Johnson asked about the overall grade increase from present condition to what
is proposed. Planning Director Darling stated that it will vary a bit based on which side of the
development. She that she thinks it is about four feet on the east side tapering down to two feet
on the west side.
Councilmember Johnson asked about 3.C. from the Resolution and asked if the purpose was for
someone to not park vehicles in the driveway full-time. He asked why this would not be worded
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a bit more directly that did not require the City needing to go into someone's garage. Planning
Director Darling explained that the issue she was trying to resolve is people using their entire
garage for storage purposes or for the storage of recreational vehicles and having no room to
park their vehicles inside which would force them to park in the driveway and on the street.
Councilmember Johnson stated that he believes it would be simpler to just say what the parking
restrictions are, such as how long they could park or have a trailer in their driveway. He asked
when the Council will get to view the Development Agreement and the HOA articles of declaration.
Planning Director Darling explained that those would be viewed with the Final Plat review.
Mayor Labadie stated that her concerns with the 10-foot setback was discussed at length within
the staff report. Planning Director Darling explained that the 10-foot setback allows the developer
to makes the homes wider and get about a 2,100 square foot home on one level.
Mayor Labadie stated that the developer has taken comments and concerns to heart and made
many alterations to their original plans.
Councilmember Johnson states that notes two through five were not included in the packet even
though they are referred to within the conditions. Mr. Stoddard clarified that he had not put the
staff report together but assured the Council that he intends to do everything he has offered to do
within his notes.
Councilmember Johnson stated that he would like to take Mr. Stoddard up on his offers, but would
like more detail and he did not find all the detail within the packet. City Attorney Keane explained
that this can be done within the final development application stage and stated that he believes
the will ultimately earmarked for the HRA. He noted that since this is a voluntary contribution and
not an exaction, he does not see any issues with it.
Councilmember Johnson asked that the financial note details be sent to the Council as soon as
possible. Planning Director Darling stated that it appears some of this information was cut off
from the final copy and gave a brief overview of the information that was missing.
Callies moved, Siakel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-022, "A Resolution
Approving a PUD Development Stage Plan for the Property Located North of Highway
Seven Between Eureka Road and Seamans Drive."
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
Siakel moved, Labadie seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-023, "A Resolution
Approving a Preliminary Plat for the Villas at Shorewood Villas Addition for Property
Located North of Highway Seven Between Eureka Road and Seamans Drive."
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
8. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS
A. Approve Local Road Improvement Grant — Minnetonka Boulevard
City Engineer Budde explained that MnDOT is soliciting applications for Local Road Improvement
Program (LRIP) Grants. Staff has been in discussions with both Greenwood and Deephaven
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about possible improvements to Minnetonka Boulevard and both those cities have already passed
resolutions in support of working together to attempt getting the LRIP grant and would like the
City to be the lead agency for the application process because of its Municipal State Aid (MSA)
status. He explained that even if the grant application is not successful, the three cities would
most likely continue pursuing a joint project as identified in the CIP for 2021 with a budgeted
amount of $210,000. He stated that the staff is estimating the total cost for the application work
would be around $6,000 which would be split equally between the three communities.
Siakel moved, Labadie seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-024, "A Resolution to
Pursue Local Road Improvement Program Grant for Minnetonka Boulevard with the Cities
of Greenwood and Deephaven."
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
9. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS - NONE
10. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS
A. Administrator and Staff
1. Virtual Open Book Meeting
City Clerk Thone explained that there will be two Open Book meetings on April 27, 2021 and April
29, 2021. She noted that the value notices will be sent during the first week of March which is a
few weeks earlier than usual. She stated that all the details, including a link, will be on the City's
website.
B. Mayor and City Council
1. Report on Councilmember Interviews
Councilmember Siakel stated that she and Councilmember Callies conducted interviews for the
open City Council seat. She stated that they had interviewed nine candidates over a period of
three days. She stated that all of the candidates were very professional and very prepared but
explained that she and Councilmember Callies felt that there were two candidates who stood out.
They are recommending that Candidates #7 and #9 be brought back for an interview with the full
Council at the Council Work Session scheduled for March 8, 2021 with the hopes of appointing
one of the candidates to be seated by the end of March.
Mayor Labadie thanked Councilmember Callies and Councilmember Siakel for their willingness
to spend time interviewing all nine candidates.
Councilmember Johnson stated that there are a number of candidates that are serving on existing
commissions and asked if this appointment happens to create another vacancy on another
Commission that the Council can do just what it did tonight in filling Park Commissioner Garske's
position. Councilmember Siakel stated that she would prefer to just focus on filling the Council
vacancy before taking a look at what may need to happen on the other Commissions.
Callies moved, Siakel seconded, that the Council interview Linda Murrell and Nathaniel
Gorham as the finalists for the open Council seat.
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Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
Mayor Labadie stated that she had inadvertently neglected to give staff the option to bring up any
issues under item 1 OA and wanted to give them a chance.
Planning Director Darling noted that it is nearly spring, which means the City is getting a lot of
requests for property improvements, including a few commercial properties.
City Administrator Lerud stated that the City received notice late last week that the City had
received a $50,000 grant to remove buckthorn in Freeman Park which will begin this spring.
Councilmember Johnson asked what will happen with the outdoor skating rinks with the recent
warming temperatures. City Administrator Lerud explained that as a general rule, when we get
toward the end of February, it does not matter how cold it is, the sun is really hard on the ice
which means the end of the outdoor skating season is coming. He noted that the City will keep it
going as long as it makes financial sense.
11. ADJOURN
Johnson moved, Siakel seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of
February 22, 2021, at 8:16 P.M.
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
ATTEST:
Je #6ifer4-abadie, Mayor
Sandie Th6ne, City Clerk