061002 CC Reg Min
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CITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 10,2002
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Mayor Love called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
A.
Roll Call
Present:
Mayor Love; Councilmembers Garfunkel, Lizee, Turgeon, and Zerby; Administrator
Dawson; Attorney Keane, Engineer Brown, Finance Director Burton, and Planning
Director Nielsen
Absent:
None
B.
Review Agenda
Garfunkel moved, Zerby seconded, Approving the Agenda as presented. Motion passed 5/0.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 28, 2002
Lizee moved, Zerby seconded, Approving the City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of May 28,
2002, as presented. Motion passed 5/0.
3. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Love reviewed the Consent Agenda. Mr. Michael Hoy requested Item 3C be removed from the
Consent Agenda for further clarification. Councilmember Turgeon requested Item 3E also be removed
from the Consent Agenda for further discussion and consideration.
Garfunkel moved, Lizee seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent Agenda and
Adopting the Resolutions Therein:
A. Approval of the Verified Claims List
B. Appeal Notice to Remove
Appellant: Anna Williams
Location: 5910 Galpin Lake Road
C. Appeal Notice to Remove
Appellant: Michael Hoy
Location: 25480 Smithtown Road
This item was removed from the Consent Agenda to become Item 7D for further clarification at the
request of the applicant.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10,2002
Page 2 of 13
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D.
Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-048, "A Resolution Approving the Hennepin
County Community Development Block Grant Program Joint Cooperation
Agreement."
E. Schedule Public Hearing Date for Disposition of Surplus Real Estate (This item was
removed to Item 7E for further discussion and consideration.)
Motion passed 5/0.
4. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
There were no matters from the floor presented this evening.
5. PRESENTATIONS AND REPORTS
A. Presentation of Service Award to Former Park Commissioner Dan Puzak
Mayor Love presented a service award to Dan Puzak for his years of service on the Park Commission. He
noted Mr. Puzak had served on this commission since 1995, always speaking his mind, and working to
bring consensus to issues. Mayor Love also stated Mr. Puzak was instrumental in working to bring the
Skate Park into being as well as various trail projects. He noted Mr. Puzak's talents and services would
be greatly missed by the City and its residents.
Mr. Puzak thanked the Council and all volunteers of Shorewood for participation in City activities. He
. thanked the community for making Shorewood a special place to live.
B. Wetland Assessment Report by 5th graders at Minnewashta Elementary School
Lisa Numrich, a fifth grade teacher from Minnewashta Elementary School, stated she had been working
with Kathy Timberg, a Scientist in Residence at the school, as part of receiving the Cynthia Krieg
Memorial Grant for work on wetlands in the area. She stated the students had taken knowledge learned as
part of the program and taught students from Clear Springs Elementary School about wetland areas. She
explained four students, Sydney Eishens, Ari Koehnen, Max Miller, and Tyler Wilhelm, representing
approximately 200 other fifth grade students, would provide a Power Point presentation to Council
regarding wetland assessment techniques and findings. These students shared brochures made by the fifth
grade students as well.
Councilmember Lizee thanked Ms. Numrich and her students for the fabulous presentation, noting the
program was in its seventh year and had been funded by the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD). She stated it was wonderful to see what had been learned and what the kids could teach adults
about water quality. She was impressed with how the students had worked with the students of Clear
Springs Elementary School, located within the Riley-Purgatory-Bluff-Creek Watershed District.
Mayor Love stated he knew of Minnewashta's fine reputation for this program and stated the work had
been a model for the MCWD and what can be done when involving young people. He invited the
Minnewashta students to participate in the Gideon Glen wetland restoration project with the City. He
stated the students and faculty should be amazed and proud of themselves for their incredible
presentation.
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c.
Presentation of the 2001 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) by Steve
McDonald, CPA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10, 2002
Page 3 of 13
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Steve McDonald, Certified Public Accountant with the City's auditing firm of Abdo, Eick, and Meyers,
presented Finance Director Burton and the City with Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting. He noted the City had received this prestigious award for the past seven or eight
years in a row, and it was the highest form of recognition a municipality could receive for financial
reporting.
Finance Director Burton stated the City was proud to receive the award and thanked Council and
Administrator Dawson for their unfailing commitment to high standards in financial reporting.
Mr. McDonald explained the process utilized in auditing the City's Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR) for the Year 2001. He next provided an overview of the report and briefly reviewed
funds with the report. He noted the General Fund revenues were greater than budgeted, while
expenditures were slightly less than budgeted. Therefore, the General Fund balance was slightly over $2
million dollars. Also, the Water and Sewer Funds performed positively, while the Liquor Fund also
experienced another positive year. Finance Director Burton stated additional detailed financial
information was contained in the CAFR. Mayor Love thanked him for his report.
Garfunkel moved, Lizee seconded, to accept the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the
Year 2001. Motion passed 5/0.
6. PARKS
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As there had not been a meeting of the Park Commission since the past Council meeting, there was
nothing to report at this time. Engineer Brown noted the next Park Commission meeting would take
place on June 11,2002, at Freeman Park beginning with a Park Tour at 6:30 P.M.
7. PLANNING
A. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning District Amendment, Conditional Use
Permits and Request for Vacation of Public Street Right-of-Way - Cub Foods
Applicant: John Uban (on behalf of Shorewood Village Shopping Center)
Location: 23680 State Highway 7 and 6095 Lake Linden Drive
Mayor Love recognized Councilmember Garfunkel who stated he would recuse himself from this portion
of the meeting to avoid a potential conflict of interest perceived due to his employer. Councilmember
Garfunkelleft the room at 7:35 P.M.
Mayor Love explained the process to be utilized in the review of this case. He noted Director Nielsen
would give a brief staff report as there had already been a record created in this case. In addition, he
encouraged from residents only new information to be shared and new comments not already part of the
record.
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Director Nielsen then briefly reviewed the history of the request and actions to be considered. He stated
the developer had worked and reworked plans to comply with the City's Zoning requirements. He noted
there were a number of issues, including drainage, traffic and circulation patterns, landscaping and
buffering, hours of operation, and hardcover limitations, discussed throughout the planning process.
Director Nielsen also stated the developer had satisfied plans to meet the Zoning Codes as unanimously
recommended by the Planning Commission, noting the proposed underground pipe gallery freed up space
that allowed the proposed parking be comply with City ordinances. He then briefly reviewed the
landscaping and buffering for the site, as well as the concerns shared by the Minnesota Department of
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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10, 2002
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Transportation (MnDOT). He stated the Planning Commission had directed Staff to prepare the Findings
of Fact for approval in this case, and those Findings had been presented this evening. He then reviewed
Council's necessary participation in the planning process, explaining that should Council accept the
Findings, the Metropolitan Council would review the case for metropolitan significance. In addition, the
MCWD would also need to grant approval for the underground drainage proposed as part of the plans for
the site. He also reviewed the components of the development agreement, noting the developer had
agreed to construct and install a trail along Lake Linden Drive.
Engineer Brown stated the underground detention facility would meet Shorewood's strict requirement to
bring the stormwater drainage from the entire site into compliance with regard to phosphorus removal.
He noted the proposed facility exceeded the standards for phosphorus removal in this case. In addition,
he stated MnDOT had reviewed the proposed plans with regard to traffic flow in the area, and made
recommendations changing the flow and circulation patterns on the site. The intersection of Highways 7
and 41 would continue to operate at a safe level with the addition of the proposed development plan.
Dave Sellergren, a land use attorney for the applicant, stated the plans had changed in the past year due to
the work of John Uban and his team of associates. He stated the process had been reviewed and followed
and three principle contexts remained. He explained the proposed plans were believed to be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan set forth by the City. Also, the pending condemnation proceedings
regarding land near the right-of-way area for the site were equivalent to the land being requested for
addition. Furthermore, the recommendations of the Planning Commission were in line with the language
found in the Comprehensive Plan. He requested Council review the Findings with these principles in
mind.
John Uban, planning consultant and landscape architect of Dahlgren, Shardlow, and Uban, reviewed the
changes made to the plans in the past in effort to bring the plan into compliance with the City's Zoning
regulations. He reviewed issues pertaining to traffic, building fac;ade, cart corrals, snow removal,
stonnwater treatment, and adjustments to the landscape plans. In addition, Cathy Anderson, principal
with KKE Architects, reviewed changes made to the proposed CUB Foods store, believing it be a great
solution to tie the existing portion of the Center to the grocery store.
Stan Taube, resident of Shorewood and owner/developer of the Shorewood Village Shopping Center,
stated he appreciated the patience of all parties involved in this process as there had been many
emotionally charged discussions and comments heard pertaining to the proposed project. He stated that
City Staff had made it very clear there was a set of rules to be followed to fit within the City's standards.
He stated residents had made feelings and beliefs obvious regarding bringing in a "Big Box" grocery
store, and to combine those issues with traffic concerns had made this project full of difficult issues. He
stated there was ohly so much that could be done overall, and he had tried to make. the project
outstanding. He explained there would be four stores within a store in the proposed store layout. The
proposed store had been downsized from 70,000 to 60,000 square feet, similar in size to the smallest
Byerlys and Lunds stores, making it the smallest CUB Foods store within the Twin Cities area and also
the most expensive. Mr. Taube stated the only issue remaining pertained to traffic. More important than
dollars-and-cents was safety and lives. He stated the City was trying to control the situation as best as
could be done and he had also added safety measures. He stated his own studies showed, with
improvements to other local roadways within the vicinity as planned by the City, there would still be less
traffic than today in spite of the addition of a CUB Foods store on site. He then reviewed alternatives
available to him for this site. First, he explained CUB Foods, Inc., had already designated this area for a
store. With the potential for a store going in across Highway 7, there would be no changes made to the
traffic that would come through Shorewood to get to that store. He also stated he could remove more of
the Center and place a CUB Foods store on site without any change to traffic patterns. Thirdly, he could
demolish the entire Shopping Center and would not need to go through the numerous hurdles he had
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10,2002
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chosen to go through with the proposed plans. He stated the land there would be developed and while he
would not be able to rid the area of all traffic concerns, attempts were being made to minimize the impact
to the local neighborhoods in the area. He stated as a developer there were always concerns with a
project; however, he had never built a project he was not proud of, and this project was no exception.
Mayor Love stated the Council wanted residents to feel heard and would like to hear any new insights
regarding the project anyone might wish to share at this time, however, he encouraged brevity as there
were many people wishing to address Council.
Henry Miles, 24035 Mary Lake Trail, commented on the process being utilized in consideration of this
project. He expressed concern for the perceived lack of involvement on behalf of the Council at the
various meetings in the past regarding this matter. He also sated there were many issues appearing
unresolved by the Planning Commission. In addition, he questioned whether this area was a good place
to add more people as this was to be a major shopping center located on a dead end formed by Highway
41 intersecting Highway 7, and traffic would utilize Lake Linden Drive. He noted the statistics regarding
traffic related to the proposed project to be illogical, and stated issues regarding litter, noise, lighting, and
danger had not been addressed. He stated he was concerned people were committed to following an
unsuccessful course of action with regard to the project.
Dan Puzak, 23830 Smithtown Road, expressed concerns for any potential failures with the alum injection
system as part of the underground drainage facility. Also, he stated he believed the traffic issue would be
displaced to Smithtown Road as a result of the proposed project. He thought all parties were working to
solve issues of concern, but questioned whether the project was too big for the area.
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Denise Koehnen, 6095 Lake Linden Drive, stated she was quite concerned about traffic in that area and
was glad to see trail action being taken. She stated any new development on the site would increase
traffic, and people had moved into that area knowing they were near commercial property. With this in
mind, she thought the proposed project was a good option.
Kevin Burns, 6070 Lake Linden Drive, stated he had recently moved into his house and had severely
underestimated the amount of traffic on Lake Linden Drive. He stated he had 3 children between the ages
of 2 and 11 years old, and he was not for the project. He was not against a CUB Foods store; however, he
was concerned of the potential for severe accidents based on traffic issues. He stated he would like to see
some sort of barrier material placed between traffic on Lake Linden Drive and the pedestrian trail, with
placement of the trail on the side of Lake Linden Drive with the most children, as it was important to keep
children and traffic separate.
Todd Boynton, 6155 Riviera, stated if this store were to be the most expensive, it would need to be
supported by consumer traffic. He questioned the accuracy of the traffic studies.
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Victoria Blaylock-Schmidt, 24295 Yellowstone Trail, stated she was concerned for traffic and a trail
would help, but would not alleviate the problem of getting in and out of her driveway on a daily basis.
She stated there were rude people in the area as a result of the traffic, and any additional cars would be
too many for the roadway. She did not understand how additional traffic would result in an overall
decrease, and she questioned whether traffic studies had been conducted on the weekend. She thought the
area needed a small neighborhood grocery store with small grocery store amenities. She stated there
would be convenience in an inconvenient store. She questioned whether a CUB Foods store was
necessary in this area, and suggested the plans for the store be moved further to the west of the municipal
borders.
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JUNE 10,2002
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Roger Nystande, 6085 Lake Linden Drive, stated he had lived in Shorewood since 1965. He believed the
traffic issues had been ignored by the Planning Commission. He commented he could watch the traffic
on weekends increase in the area currently. He stated it was tough to fight CUB Foods, and he had
considered moving from the area; however, now he believed it important to make sure promises were
kept by the developer regarding the landscaping in the area. He stated he would like to see Driskill's
remain at the current location.
Mayor Love stated he appreciated comments made this evening, and he had heard a number of questions
that would attempt to be answered this evening. He closed the Public Testimony portion of the meeting at
8:45 P.M.
Mayor Love questioned Engineer Brown about the guarantees made to the City regarding maintenance of
the alum injection system as part of the underground stormwater storage facility. Engineer Brown
explained Aeration Industries, a leading expert on these systems, had been retained as part of the
development plan and would certify a monthly report by a registered professional engineer to the City
regarding the maintenance of the system. In the event there was a system failure, a silent paging system
was to be installed with an autodialer so that help could be summoned.
Attorney Keane commented these issues would be enforceable over time and language would be crafted
within the development agreement that would to the greatest extent possible ensure those maintenance
efforts take place. He noted the efforts were only as good as the ongoing property owner, and an event of
failure would be considered an event of default regarding the development agreement. He stated
development agreements would go with the land and any future owner would need to be aware of the
development agreement in this matter.
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Mayor Love then questioned whether traffic counts had been conducted on weekends. Fred Dock, traffic
engineer for the applicant, responded affirmatively, noting volume impacts had been conducted for
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. He stated most recently, MnDOT had reviewed the weekday
volumes, as it would impact Highway 7.
Mayor Love questioned why the exterior pedestrian walkway was not enclosed. Cathy Anderson
explained the trend in the industry was to provide more open-air meeting spaces for people shopping in
retail atmosphere. Mayor Love stated his concern for the seasonal elements and if indeed this was to be a
community center of activity, he believed the open walkway would take away from the convenience of
the shopping experience.
With regard to the trail along Lake Linden Drive, Councilmember Turgeon questioned the separation
methods to be utilized between roadway and trail and Councilmember Zerby questioned which side of the
roadway the trail would be located. Engineer Brown stated there were many options that existed
regarding separating pedestrians from traffic on a trail, such as chain and bollards, shrubbery, walls, etc.
He stated the matter was still under consideration; however, topography constraints could be found on the
east side of Lake Linden Drive, and the west side seemed more practical, especially since it might address
some drainage concerns as part ofthe process.
Councilmember Lizee stated it was her recollection the residents taking part in the neighborhood trail
walk in March of this year had expressed preference for location of a trail on the west side of Lake Linden
Drive. She also questioned whether any precedents had been set for developers building trails offsite.
Attorney Keane stated offsite mitigation measures were customary with larger, intensive development
. projects.
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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10,2002
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Councilmember Lizee also questioned whether there would be any outdoor seasonal sale items on the site.
Mary McGlinch, of Supervalu, stated there might be limited seasonal sales, such as flowers, that could
only take place on the sidewalk in front of the store, as the parking area was quite tight. She also
explained, in response to Councilmember Lizee's question, CUB Foods, Inc., was currently in
negotiations with Bayside Bank to bring the bank into the store.
Councilmember Turgeon stated she had been part of the discussions for the past two years regarding this
project and had heard many suggestions by residents regarding traffic on Lake Linden Drive. She stated
Engineer Brown had addressed each one at the recent Planning Commission meetings and had explained
the Minnesota State Aid "undesignation" process. She stated residents had tried to come up with ways to
reduce traffic in the area; unfortunately, the City did not have jurisdiction over the roadway.
Councilmember Zerby stated he, too, had been involved with the project a great deal of time, and had
heard traffic was the single biggest issue not only with this project, but with all parts of the City. He
stated the site was a commercial site, and as such, Council had no decision-making power as to the
amenities included within the store. He stated the Council had examined the issues from the perspective
of examining all alternatives and options. He stated he saw this matter as a long-fought battle with the
City having caused successful changes. He stated he thought it was the best the developer could come up
with for the criteria the City had in its regulations.
Mayor Love stated he also had been part of the process, and while he had not attended all meetings, he
had been able to sit anonymously in the crowd during some of the meetings of the Planning Commission.
He stated he had been impressed and concerned at what he had heard. He stated he was concerned the
initial team of presenters for the applicant had expectations regarding what the City would need to do to
accommodate their plans. Secondly, he stated he was concerned with comments heard regarding why
people had to listen to this, as CUB Foods was not wanted in the City. He explained our nation's
founding documents provided rights to all to develop, listen, and work with the process. He noted the
process in this case to be wearing on the community residents and leaders. He noted the store was still a
big store; however, Driskill's was not economically viable at that location. He stated CUB Foods, Inc.,
was not the issue in and of itself. He stated traffic was a big concern, and he could foresee the site being
redeveloped and it was a reality the developer would want success, which would bring traffic to that area.
He stated he believed enforcement would need to be increased in the area. He appreciated the civility of
all parties involved in the process, and stated residents had been heard. He stated the responsibility of the
Council was to hear matters oflaw through the City's ordinances and provide a basis for regulating use.
Councilmember Turgeon stated the Planning Commission had spent endless hours and debated heavily
the question whether this application complied with the Comprehensive Plan and its ordinance criteria.
She stated the Planning Commission's recommendation identified eight areas of the Comprehensive Plan
where criteria had been met. She stated the Planning Commission was an unpaid, thankless job. In
addition, decisions were made, not on emotions, but on the context of the ordinances and the
Comprehensive Plan the City had adopted for use.
Lizee moved, Turgeon seconded, Directing Staff to Prepare Findings of Fact for Approval of a
Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Zoning District Amendment, and Conditional Use Permits,
subject to Metropolitan Council Review, and Minnehaha Creek Watershed Review and Approval,
prior to July 8, 2002, and a Public Hearing Scheduled for July 8, 2002, to hear a Request for
Vacation of Public Street Right-of-Way, for John Uban, on behalf of the Shorewood Village
Shopping Center, 23680 State Highway 7 and 6095 Lake Linden Drive. Staff was also directed to
prepare an Ordinance Amendment for rezoning and of the vacation of the Public Street Right-of-
Way for this case as well. Motion passed 4/0.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10, 2002
Page 8 of 13
. Mayor Love recessed the meeting at 9:17 P.M. and reconvened the meeting at 9:33 P.M.
B.
Setback Variance
Applicant:
Location:
James Quandt
22425 Murray Street
Director Nielsen explained the applicant had requested a variance to build a second-story addition onto
his house at 22425 Murray Street. He further explained the existing house and garage encroached into the
required rear yard setback area of the lot. In addition to this encroachment, Director Nielsen cited several
aspects of the Zoning Code in which the subject property failed to be compliant. He noted the lot to have
inadequate lot width, as it was a "flag lot." Also, an accessory building straddled the west property line;
the driveway access to the garage encroached onto the neighboring property, and the impervious surface
was in excess of 33 percent for the lot.
Director Nielsen also explained the topography of the lot demonstrated the house perched on top of a
prominent hill, with the site dropping away in all directions. He also noted the applicant owned the
property immediately west of the subject site.
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The existing house contained approximately 1280 square feet of area, and the applicant proposed adding a
second story of equal area, necessitating a rear yard setback variance of nine feet. He explained that
although there was room to expand the house within the buildable area of the lot, hardcover restrictions
prevented outward expansion. Despite the driveway serving the property being substantially off of the
site, hardcover occupied 45 percent of the lot. He also stated the Zoning Code allowed that where setback
deficiencies existed the required setback could be made up on the other side. Since the existing buildings
encroached 37 feet into the rear yard, a restriction could be established restricting construction in the
northerly 37 feet of the wide portion of the lot. He also recommended the applicant be required to
provide a conservation easement over this portion of the lot, where topography proved difficult for
construction. Furthermore, Director Nielsen explained, hardcover should be reduced on the site wherever
possible. To that end, he noted two opportunities for reduction. One such area was the gravel area north
of the bituminous pad and another, the accessory building in the southwest corner of the site. It was not
recommended that the bituminous pad be removed as it provided a turnaround at the top of the steep
driveway to the property. He also suggested the applicant could subdivide 30 feet from the rear of his
vacant land to the west and combine it with the homestead property. By adding land to the site, the
percentage of hardcover would be reduced and a problem for any future owner of the lot to the west
would be eliminated.
Director Nielsen stated the Planning Commission had noted the proposed deck work around the house
would exceed the hardcover to be removed. As a result, the Commission had recommended approval of
the setback variance with the stipulations recommended by Director Nielsen.
James Quandt, the owner of the property, stated he had been a resident of Shorewood since last August,
and he was excited to work with the community and this unique piece of property. He stated to build a
second story addition seemed the most logical option for his case and he had virtually unanimous support
from neighbors. He stated he believed this solution to be the most reasonable, least restrictive, and least
problematic with regard to the City's ordinances.
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Zerby moved, Lizee seconded, Directing Staff to Prepare Findings of Fact for Approval of a
Setback Variance, subject to staff recommendations, for James Quandt, 22425 Murray Street.
Motion passed 5/0.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10,2002
Page 9 of 13
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c.
Setback Variance
Applicant:
Location:
Mark and Kathy Simanek
25625 Wild Rose Lane
Director Nielsen explained the applicants had requested an after-the-fact setback variance for a covered
porch added to the northeast comer of their home on a comer lot at 25625 Wild Rose Lane. He explained
the porch was built without a building permit, and the existing house was nonconforming with respect to
the side yard setback as it was only one foot from the right-of-way for Eureka Road, whereas 35 feet was
required. Further, the house was only 16.5 feet from the traveled surface of the street. The porch
measured 4' x 12', not including the stairway. In addition, he explained the Planning Commission had
voted to recommend allowing the porch to remain as constructed. Councilmember Turgeon stated she
had questioned the Commission as to whether it would have voted for recommendation of the setback
variance had the porch not been built. The Commissioners responded affirmatively.
Mark Simanek, owner of the property, stated he was humbled by the service provided by the volunteers
within the City, and he apologized for the lack of a building permit. He also stated he believed he met the
three criteria in the City's ordinance for a variance. He stated the porch would not extend closer to
Eureka Road, but would extend to Wild Rose Lane, where the distance from the roadway was not an
issue. He commented the porch seemed to fit the house and finish the exterior of the home.
Zerby moved, Turgeon seconded, Directing Staff to Prepare Findings of Fact for Approval of a
Setback Variance for Mark and Kathy Simanek, 25625 Wild Rose Lane. Motion passed 5/0.
D.
Appeal Notice to Remove
Appellant: Michael Roy
Location: 25480 Smithtown Road
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Director Nielsen stated Mr. Hoy had been requested to remove a number of items from his property, and
while progress had been made in removing a number of items, a school bus parked on the property
remained.
Mr. Roy stated he was required to secure a Recreational Vehicle license for the school bus which he
intended to convert for his personal use. He stated other issues had been remedied on the site, but he
required additional time to comply with the licensing request. Director Nielsen stated the bus would need
to be parked in the buildable portion of the lot, most likely behind the house. Mr. Hoy stated he
understood where he could park his vehicle on the lot, and thanked the City for working with him.
Zerby moved, Lizee seconded, Extending the Notice to Remove until June 25, 2002, for Michael
Roy, 25480 Smithtown Road. Motion passed 5/0.
E. Schedule Public Rearing Date for Disposition of Surplus Real Estate
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Director Nielsen explained several years ago the City purchased a triangle of land at the end of Church
Road for purposes of building a cul-de-sac turn-around. It was determined at that time the excess land
could be sold to whomever might develop the property lying between Church Road and Strawberry Lane
for the amount of two units of the original assessments for the Church Road project. He further explained
the City had previously allowed prospective developers to include the City-owned property into plat
proposals. Mr. John Pastuck had purchased the property to the east of Church Road and requested the
City sell him the remnant Church Road property.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 10,2002
Page 10 of 13
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Councilmember Zerby stated the City had previously purchased property to retain green space within the
City. He questioned whether the sale of this property might be at cross-purposes with those intentions.
Director Nielsen explained the City had paid for this property out of the General Fund and the intent
behind the sale of the property would be to recoup those costs. Councilmember Zerby stated he had heard
residents requesting retention of green space within the City, and perhaps this would be heard at Public
Hearing on the matter.
Zerby moved, Turgeon seconded, Recommending July 8, 2002, as a Public Hearing date for
Disposition of Surplus Real Estate, with notification of the Public Hearing to be mailed to all
residents within 500 feet.
Mayor Love stated he thought the question was valid and would be addressed at that Hearing.
Councilmember Zerby stated it was an excellent opportunity for residents to be heard regarding the
retention of green space within the City.
Motion passed 5/0.
8. GENERAL
A. Request from Mr. Dennis Jabs regarding Radisson Road
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Engineer Brown stated Mr. Jabs wished to address Council regarding opportunities to decrease traffic on
Radisson Road. Engineer Brown explained Mr. Jabs had experienced a number of incidents on Radisson
Road as it had a number of safety concerns and significant hazards. He noted Mr. Jab's property was
situated on Radisson Road, which paralleled an arterial roadway (Highway 7), and would prove to be
considered an alternate route by numerous drivers whenever Highway 7 service was disrupted. He also
stated there were a number of residents in that area that believed access was an important issue.
Dennis Jabs, 20915 Radisson Road, stated he had resided at that location for 17 years, and he was asking
the Council to put resources toward improving Radisson Road in its entirety. He referenced a letter he
had written to the City in May 2001, to which he stated he had received no response. He stated the
purpose of that past letter was to try to head off problems for this year to no avail. He stated his property
abutted the roadway, and the roadway was only 12 feet wide. He stated he had been unable to use his
attached garage due to a blind entrance. He stated the roadway was dangerous as it was nonconforming
and not substantial in width. He also stated he would be happy to help or sit in on any discussions on that
roadway. He stated there had been significant increases in traffic over the years and that was why he was
here now.
Engineer Brown stated he agreed the roadway was substandard; however, to improve the roadway would
encourage increased speed.
Councilmember Zerby suggested a neighborhood walk of the roadway to gather residents' comments.
Councilmember Lizee agreed and questioned whether Mr. Jabs had attempted to work with other
residents and neighbors to help control the traffic. Mr. Jabs stated most traffic was not from the
neighborhood, but from many different drivers attempting to use the roadway as an alternative route. He
stated he thought the City should reexamine the location of the right-of-way along the road and consider
widening it. In addition, he suggested other measures in effort to make it more circuitous to various
streets in the area.
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Mayor Love stated he would endorse the idea of walking the roadway to gather residents comments;
however, the solutions would be complex. Council agreed. In addition, Mayor Love suggested a traffic
awareness detail be established on the roadway by the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department.
B. Ordinance Amendment Relating to Sale of Fireworks
Administrator Dawson explained the Minnesota legislature enacted an amendment to state Statutes
removing a category of non-aerial, non-explosive fireworks from its definition of prohibited fireworks.
He also explained the City Attorney had reviewed the potential amendments related to the sale and use of
fireworks, noted the ordinance amendments were for licensed indoor non-transient facilities with monthly
inspections to be reviewed by the Fire Marshal.
Council questioned and clarified various aspects of the amendment, with Mayor Love noting the
restrictions for sale appeared stringent.
Zerby moved, Garfunkel seconded, Approving ORDINANCE NO. 386, "An Ordinance Amending
Chapter 300 of the Shorewood City Code, Establishing Regulations for Fireworks Dealer's License
Fees and the Sale of Permitted Consumer Fireworks."
Zerby moved, Garfunkel seconded, Approving ORDINANCE NO. 387. "An Ordinance Amending
Chapter 603 of the Shorewood City Code Relating to Offenses Involving Public Health and Safety."
Zerby moved, Garfunkel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-049. "A Resolution Setting
License, permit and Service charges and Miscellaneous Fees for Fireworks Dealer LicenselPermit."
Zerby moved, Garfunkel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-050, "A Resolution
Approving Publication of Ordinance NO. 386 by Title and Summary."
All motions passed 4/0/1, with Lizee abstaining.
C. Request for No Parking Signs - Gideon Woods Townhome Association
Nancy Clegg, speaking on behalf of the Gideon Wood Townhome Association, stated she was concerned
for the number of vehicles parking and loitering at the corner of Glen Road and County Road 19. She
requested "No Parking" signs be placed on both sides of Glen Road to alleviate this problem.
Councilmember Turgeon stated she thought posting signs prohibiting parking would only push the
problem elsewhere in the vicinity. She agreed the corner could be improved aesthetically and noted the
Townhome Association agreed to work in conjunction with the County Road 19 project to improve the
corner.
Engineer Brown stated there were three options available at this time. The area could be left as it was
currently, or No Parking signs could be posted with additional black dirt and grass seed, or thirdly, the
area could be paved which would give the indication parking was allowed there. He noted service
vehicles frequently sought refuge there from the traffic on County Road 19, and stated it would difficult
to designate the area as No Parking as there was a balance to be struck between aesthetics and safety. He
further commented nothing obligated the City to provide parking in the utility box area, but people would
seek refuge from the traffic elsewhere in the nearby vicinity.
Ms. Clegg requested at least one sign be placed in that area. Councilmember Garfunkel stated the issue of
people parking near our homes was something everyone had to deal with, and he questioned whether she
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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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thought the matter was a safety or aesthetic issue. Ms. Clegg responded both issues were representative
of the situation.
Director Nielsen questioned whether 30' sight lines could be maintained at that corner. Council agreed
the matter needed clarification regarding the sight lines and asked Director Nielsen to research the sight
line issues and report back to Council.
D. Approving Commitment to Financing for Public Safety Facilities
Administrator Dawson explained on May 22, 2002, the Boards of the Excelsior Fire District (EFD) and
South Lake Minnetonka Police Department (SLMPD) considered comments from the discussions of their
city councils regarding new public safety facilities. Several suggestions were made to identify potential
cost reductions; however, the majority on each of the councils concurred with the recommendation of the
Boards that the proposed facilities were acceptable as the maximum to be planned, and that all reasonable
efforts would continue to be pursued to reduce the anticipated cost. He further explained a resolution had
been prepared for consideration stated that $5,245,000 was the maximum cost for the SLMPD and
$7,120,000 was to be the maximum for the EFD stations. Administrator Dawson explained the project
timeline as being deliberately lengthy for the proposed project, and noted the Chiefs of the EFD and
SLMPD were in attendance this evening. EFD Chief Mark DuCharme reported the Excelsior City
Council had favorably responded to the proposed resolution, and other member cities would be
considering the resolution in the next two days as action was required by June 14, 2002, if
groundbreaking were to occur this year.
Councilmember Lizee stated she was frustrated with the lengthy deliberate process as there were
competent people appointed representative of Boardmembers to handle concerns regarding the project.
Lizee moved, Garfunkel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-051, "A Resolution
Supporting the Construction of Facilities for the Excelsior Fire District and the South Lake
Minnetonka Police Department."
Councilmember Turgeon clarified a number of issues regarding architectural fees, and noted she was
concerned Council did not follow through on making residents aware of the cost and impact to the City
for the proposed facility.
Councilmember Zerby stated he fully supported the project and proposals, but was concerned the
schedule would become rushed and details would be overlooked.
Councilmember Garfunkel stated he believed the details should be left to the governing boards and design
committees, as that was their role and purpose in the project.
Motion passed 5/0.
E. Commitment to Financing for Mound Fire Station
At its May 28, 2002, Regular City Council Meeting the City Council had heard a presentation regarding
plans for a new fire station in the City of Mound. By contract, the Mound Fire Department provided fire
and rescue services for the residents on Enchanted, Shady, and Spray Islands in Shorewood. The City of
Shorewood had historically paid one to two percent of the Mound Fire Department budget. Lease
revenue financing was planned for a new, combined fire and police facility. Shorewood's estimated cost
would be $5,400 annually over the course of the 20-year financing planned for the facility.
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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
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Page 13 of 13
Turgeon moved, Lizee seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-051, "A Resolution Committing
to Financing for Public Safety Facility in Mound, Minnesota." Motion passed 5/0.
9. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS
A. Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for
Freeman Park Parking Lot/South Access Closure
Engineer Brown explained City Staff had been working with MnDot on a Cooperative Agreement Project
involving the access closure and parking lot improvements for the south entrance of Freeman Park. Plans
had been prepared by WSB and Associates, fuc., and had been submitted and approved by MnDOT for
bidding. Engineer Brown then detailed the history of the process regarding this project. He noted an
alternative existed to satisfy the concerns of local residents with regard to that closure. Engineer Brown
stated the construction cost was estimated at approximately $168,000 with compensation in part expected
from MnDOT.
Zerby moved, Lizee seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 02-052, "A Resolution Approving
Plans, Specifications and Estimates And Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the Freeman Park
Driveway Closure, Parking Lot Improvement, and Appurtenant Work for City Project 00-04."
Motion passed 5/0.
10. REPORTS
A. Administrator & Staff
1.
2.
Gideon Glen
County Road 19 Intersection
Administrator Dawson stated both projects were intertwined at this point, and Staff level meetings
continued regarding efforts to move forward in the projects.
B. Mayor & City Council
There was nothing additional to report at this time.
11. ADJOURN
Lizee moved, Zerby seconded, adjourning the Regular City Council Meeting of June 10, 2002, at
11:17 P.M. Motion passed 5/0.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Sally Keefe,
Recording Secretary