12-14-20 CC Reg Mtg MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020
MINUTES
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Zerby called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Present. Mayor Zerby; Councilmembers Johnson, Labadie, Siakel, and Sundberg; City
Attorney Keane; City Administrator Lerud; City Clerk Thone; Finance Director
Rigdon; Planning Director Darling; Planning Technician Notermann; Director of
Public Works Brown; and, City Engineer Budde
Absent: None
B. Review Agenda
Siakel moved, Sundberg seconded, approving the agenda as presented.
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Zerby reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.
Labadie moved, Johnson seconded, Approving the Motions Contained in the Consent
Agenda and Adopting the Resolutions Therein.
A. City Council Work Session Minutes from November 23, 2020
B. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes from November 23, 2020
C. Truth in Taxation Meeting Minutes from December 7, 2020
D. Approval of the Verified Claims List
E. Approve 2021 Non -Union Wages
F. Approve 2021 AFSCME Contract Reopener
G. Approve 2021 Council Meeting Schedule, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-
124, "A Resolution Setting the 2021 Regular City Council Meeting Schedule
for the City of Shorewood."
H. 2021 Updated City Fee Schedule, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-125 "A
Resolution Adopting the 2021 City Master Fee Schedule, and ORDINANCE
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576, "An Ordinance Approving an Amendment to Section 1300.03 of
Shorewood City Code Titled "Land Use Fees"."
I. Accept Final Improvements Public Works Roof Project, Adopting
RESOLUTION NO. 20-126, "A Resolution Accepting Improvements and
Authorizing Final Payment for the Public Works Roof Replacement Project,
City Project 19-06."
J. Accept Donation from Bolton & Menk for Arctic Fever, Adopting
RESOLUTION NO. 20-127, "A Resolution Accepting Donation to the City of
Shorewood 2021 Arctic Fever Event."
K. 2020 Audit Engagement Letter
L. Holiday Schedule
M. 2020 Deer Management Year End Summary
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
Petra Cripe, 450 West Lake Street, stated that she has an ongoing saga with her neighbor Gabe
Jabour, who took down a fence at the end of the street. She explained that the fence was part of
a CUP and has been working with Planning Director Darling for about the last eight months to try
to have the fence replaced mainly for safety reasons for her son. She asked about the status on
the fence replacement, when it is expected to be completed and how much time will be given to
Mr. Jabour since it has already been eight months. She stated that she would also like to know
about the other conditions within the CUP because her understanding is that none of the
conditions were ever met. She stated that she feels this is a disservice to the Councilmembers
who took the time to craft this CUP back in 1990. She listed examples of items that were included
in the CUP that have not been done. She stated that she feels her family has been very patient
in attempting to work with the City in order to enforce this CUP, and does not understand why it
is not being enforced by the City. She stated that they have just been hearing excuses and would
like to get some answers so she can stop bugging the Council.
Mayor Zerby asked if any of the questions she had just asked had been answered via e-mail by
Planning Director Darling.
Ms. Cripe stated that her questions have not been answered and noted that she believes the
latest excuse from Mr. Jabour has something to do with his welder having COVID-19. She asked
if the City was planning to give him an infinite amount of time to complete this project. She stated
that she hopes that Mr. Jabour is not just lying to the City to take advantage of them. She
reiterated that there has been excuse after excuse for the last eight months and the fence has
still not been put in place, even though the posts are all there.
Mayor Zerby stated that his understanding is that the fence is in place and it is the gate that is all
that is remaining. Ms. Cripe stated that this is not a standard gate and encompasses the entire
road and is quite wide.
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Mayor Zerby explained that the gate is on the entrance to Mr. Jabour's property according to
Hennepin County property records. Ms. Cripe stated that she disagreed and noted that this is not
officially the entrance to his property. She stated that his property does not have the address of
500 West Lake Street anymore and has been changed to 23400 Smithtown Road and the only
signage to the property stating that it is the Minnetonka Dredge and Shorewood Yacht Club is off
of 19 over near the regional trail. Mayor Zerby explained that a mailing address is different than
the property address. Ms. Cripe stated that she doubts that is true and reiterated that the sign for
his business is on Smithtown, not on West Lake Street. She stated that according to the CUP
this location is not allowed to be an entrance and is only allowed as emergency egress.
Planning Director Darling stated that she had spoken with the property owner earlier today and
he showed her texts that he received today from his contractor. He explained that the gate will
be metal which he expects to last longer than the wood gate that he had trouble opening. She
noted that he had explained that the gate does need to be welded and they currently do not have
the staff to complete the work because of COVID-19 cases.
Ms. Cripe stated that according to the CUP it was very clear that the gate and the fence needed
to be board on board wood, six feet high, and not a metal gate. She stated that she had asked
Planning Director Darling for a picture of what they could expect and she was shown a picture of
a board on board all the way across which is what is explicitly stated in the CUP.
Mayor Zerby thanked Ms. Cripe for her comments.
4. PUBLIC HEARING
5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Employee Service Awards
L Larry Brown, Director of Public Works — 25 years
ii. Greg Fasching, Light Equipment Operator -Utilities, Public Works —10
years
On behalf of Council and the residents of Shorewood, City Clerk Thone presented service awards
to Director of Public Works, Larry Brown for twenty-five years of service, and Light Equipment
Operator — Utilities, Greg Fasching for ten years of service. She noted that each of them will
receive a YETI Rambler Tumbler and small cash donation in recognition of their service.
Mayor Zerby stated that it is unfortunate that in the times of COVID-19, the Council is not able to
be together in person to honor these individuals and shared some of his experience serving with
Public Works Director Brown.
Councilmember Sundberg expressed her appreciation to Light Equipment Operator Fasching
and Public Works Director Brown for their work in making the City look good. Public Works
Director Brown shared how fortunate he is to be able to work with such a great team in the Public
Works Department. Councilmember Siakel shared a story about "Sign -gate" and how Public
Works got it straightened out and fixed.
Mayor Zerby noted that Light Equipment Operator Fasching was not present for the meeting but
wanted to point out that his mother also used to work for the City. Public Works Director Brown
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December 14, 2020
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explained that Light Equipment Operator Fasching was busy responding to an emergency call
and noted how dedicated he is to serving the City well.
Councilmember Labadie thanked Public Works Director Brown and Light Equipment Operator
Fasching. She noted that she cannot even say how many times she has received a -mails from
Public Works Director Brown after hours or on weekends and noted that the Public Works
Department is not simply a 9 to 5 crew.
Councilmember Johnson also expressed his appreciation to Light Equipment Operator Fasching
and Public Works Director Brown.
B. Park Commission Service Award
L Stephany Vassar, Park Commissioners
On behalf of Council and the residents of Shorewood, City Clerk Thone presented a service award
to former Park Commissioner Vassar. She shared examples of Commissioner Vassar's
involvement in helping out at the Community Center as well as helping staff the front desk when
necessary and noted that she has been an all-around valuable person for the City.
Planning Director Darling stated that Commissioner Vassar was a wonderful addition to the Parks
Commission because she had first hand, working knowledge of all of the parks, which was
amazing. She noted that Commissioner Vassar always had great ideas for the parks and agreed
that she will be missed around the City.
Councilmember Labadie stated that Commissioner Vassar even took her children to neighboring
cities parks and took notes while she was there. She would then bring that that information back
to the Parks Commission. She noted that she also worked as an ice rink attendant and was an
all-around asset to the City.
C. City Council Service Awards
i. Scott Zerby, Mayor
ii. Kristine Sundberg, City Council Member
On behalf of Council and the residents of Shorewood, City Clerk Thone presented service awards
to Mayor Zerby and Councilmember Sundberg and noted that this was a bittersweet moment.
She stated that both of them have been exceptional and professional and from her point of view,
having working in many different cities, this particular Council has been the most excellent she
has ever worked with. She stated that Mayor Zerby had a total of eighteen years of service to the
City in various capacities and Councilmember Sundberg had a total of eight years of service to
the City and has been heavily involved in the City's recycling and renewable energy efforts.
Councilmember Siakel thanked Mayor Zerby for giving almost two decades of his life to the City
and noted that he is really an advocate for the entire South Lake Area. She shared a few
highlights that she feels were accomplishments for Mayor Zerby which included the trail plan and
the Minnetonka Country Club. She noted that one thing she feels Mayor Zerby has always done
well is listen to people and given people the opportunity and time to speak up and have time on
the floor. She stated that Councilmember Sundberg has always been a balanced and thoughtful
person. She stated that she has admired her work with elder care and advocating for older
citizens and has numerous contributions to the City. She stated that she feels both Mayor Zerby
and Councilmember Sundberg are A+ people and she has enjoyed serving with both of them.
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Councilmember Labadie stated that it has been amazing working with Councilmember Sundberg.
She explained that Councilmember Sundberg took her under her wing and showed her the ropes
when she began. She stated that she respects Councilmember Sundberg's position on
environmental issues, elder care and her overall contributions to the City. She stated that she
feels Councilmember Sundberg went above and beyond the basic requirements as a
Councilmember and immersed herself into everything that came before the Council. She stated
that Mayor Zerby has left some very large shoes for her to fill as the incoming mayor. She stated
that he has been a great mentor to her personally, but also to the entire Council and the City. She
stated that she agrees with Councilmember Siakel's statement that he has been a leader for the
entire South Lake Area.
Councilmember Johnson stated that he has been on the Council for four years and all of the other
Councilmembers have been mentors to him and encouraged him to think independently, which is
one of the things he has appreciated about this Council. He stated that he likes that the Council
can have differences of opinions but have respectful conversations. He explained that he thinks
that "flavor" started at the top with Mayor Zerby. He stated that although the City is losing
Councilmember Sundberg as a member of the Council, the work she does with elder care now,
more than ever, will be extremely important and wishes her the best of luck with her continuing
efforts.
Mayor Zerby noted how important City Administrator Lerud has been to help the Council navigate
difficult waters. He noted that City staff has been integral to the Council's success and really
makes thing shine. He stated that he will miss working with the entire Council and commended
Councilmember Sundberg for doing such a great job. He stated that Councilmember Sundberg
has always encouraged the Council to think big and look at the bigger picture. The environmental
stuff and alternative energy stuff she has worked on has been outstanding. He stated that she
was always the one to remind the Council to be civil when things would get a little heated. He
stated that he hopes she will continue her work with the elder care after her work on the Council
is done.
Councilmember Sundberg stated that it has been an honor to work with everyone on the Council,
staff, Commissions, and citizens. She explained that she appreciated that even when there have
been tough discussions and difficult decisions, for the most part, things have been handled
respectfully. She stated that she wished everyone the best and assured the Council that she will
always be there to support the City as time allows. She stated that she truly believes the City
staff can be considered the A Team. She stated that this City has quality staff and is well taken
care of by them.
D. Metro Mosquito Control District Annual Report
City Administrator Lerud noted that the memo included in the staff report speaks for itself and
pointed out the summary of the number of inspections that they handle. He stated that residents
can reach out to City staff if they have issues, but are also welcome to reach out directly to Metro
Mosquito Control with their concerns. Councilmember Johnson stated that he has been
thoroughly impressed with the Metro Mosquito Control group.
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6. PARKS
A. Report by Commissioner Gallivan on December 8, 2020 Park Commission
Meeting
Commissioner Gallivan thanked Councilmember Sundberg and Mayor Zerby for their years of
service to the community and their leadership has not gone unnoticed. He gave an overview of
the December 8, 2020 Park Commission meeting as outlined in the minutes.
7. PLANNING
A. Report by Commissioner Gault on December 1, 2020 Planning Commission
Meeting
Commissioner Gault gave an overview of the November 17, 2020 and December 1, 2020
Planning Commission meetings as outlined in the minutes.
B. Special Home Occupation Permit
Location: 5740 Wood Duck Circle
Applicant: Tasha Wagner
Planning Technician Notermann gave an overview of the request by Tasha Wagner for a Special
Home Occupation Permit to operate an in -home salon in her half of the duplex located at 5740
Wood Duck Circle. She explained that Ms. Wagner will provide typical salon services to clients
one at a time, with a maximum of ten clients per day. She noted that all client parking will be off-
street because Ms. Wagner has an extra hard surface on her driveway. She explained that there
was some discussion at the Planning Commission surrounding COVID-19 protocols and Ms.
Wagner already has training in this area from her work as a beautician. Staff and the Planning
Commission recommend approval.
Councilmember Johnson asked if the City had heard from her immediate neighbor on the other
side of the duplex. Planning Technician Notermann noted that the City had only received one
comment in support of the request, but it was not from the adjacent neighbor.
Planning Director Darling stated that she had received some initial concern from the property
owner of the adjacent property, because he thought there would need to be a variance applied in
order to allow this Special Home Occupation Permit. She stated that she was able to explain to
him that it is an allowed use in a residential neighborhood and what was allowed under the code
and, he no longer had concerns.
Siakel moved, Labadie seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-128, "A Resolution
Approving a Special Home Occupation Permit for Property Located at 5740 Wood Duck
Circle."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
C. P.U.D. Amendment for Height
Location: 5920 Club Valley Road
Applicant: Gonyea Homes
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Planning Director Darling gave an overview of the request by Gonyea Homes for property located
at 5920 Club Valley Road to amend the P.U.D. in order to allow the home to be taller than the
allowed maximum height. She gave background information on the request in 2018 from Lennar
and Gonyea for a P.U.D. amendment to allow forty of the walk -out lots to have taller homes to
increase the variety of styles available throughout the development. She explained that this lot
was not part of the original request because it was under contract for purchase in 2018. The
original buyers have walked away from the purchase and the applicant is proposing a taller roof
design. She reviewed the criteria taken into consideration as part of the request. Staff and the
Planning Commission recommend approval.
Councilmember Johnson asked if both of the adjacent homes were already built or under
construction. Planning Director Darling stated that they are built and people are living in them.
Johnson moved, Siakel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-129, "A Resolution
Approving an Amendment to the Minnetonka Country Club P.U.D. for 5920 Club Valley
Road."
Ms. Cripe asked for Planning Director Darling to read into the record the objection that was
submitted. Mayor Zerby noted that the details on the objection were included in the meeting
packet and available on-line. Councilmember Siakel assured Ms. Cripe that the full Council had
read the objection.
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
D. C.U.P. for Fencing
Location: 5730 Club Lane
Applicant: Roger and Roberta Aronson
Planning Technician Notermann gave an overview of the request for a C.U.P for a special purpose
fence for property located at 5730 Club Lane. She explained that the request is to construct a
six-foot privacy fence for the purpose of enclosing the applicant's rear yard and explained why a
C.U.P would be required in this situation. Staff recommended approval and the Planning
Commission recommended approval on a three to two split vote. She reviewed the conditions
that were added by the Planning Commission.
Councilmember Labadie asked about the recommendation from the Planning Commission and
whether the City had received the requested letters of approval from the neighbors on each side
of this home. Planning Technician Notermann stated that they were not included in the packet
because she had received the letters over the weekend but noted that she had received letters of
consent from both adjacent property owners. She noted that staff had not yet reviewed the
landscape plan.
Councilmember Labadie stated that it concerns her that there was a split vote from the Planning
Commission regarding this item. She stated that she is also concerned that there were three
separate reasons why this request was being made by the applicant. She stated that by changing
the material to board on board, that issue has been addressed, but that still leaves two reasons
for the setback and height.
Commissioner Gault addressed the concerns raised by Councilmember Labadie and gave a more
detailed account of the Planning Commission discussion and recommendation. He stated that
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this fence is proposed to be setback further than code requires and boundary fencing is allowed
to be six foot high and explained that the only exception to the height is along Smithtown Road
where the City has a four -foot height limit.
Mayor Zerby stated that he agrees with Councilmember Labadie's comments and feels the intent
of this is to keep the community open without large walls along property lines. He stated that he
is having a hard time visualizing a six -foot -tall board on board fence along Smithtown Road.
Roberta Aronson 5730 Club Lane, stated that their biggest concern is that their dog could get
over a four -foot fence. She explained that their dog is a golden -doodle and weighs eighty pounds.
She stated that he is not mean, but does have a deep bark and is concern that kids or others
walking along Smithtown will be scared or startled by a dog lunging that way and be worried that
he may get over the fence and come after them.
Mayor Zerby noted that the City has a barking ordinance. Ms. Aronson stated that in their current
rental his barking has not been a problem, but stated that his head will be able to be over a four -
foot -tall fence which was their concern.
Mayor Zerby stated that any time the City considers granting a variance they have to take a look
at whether they are setting any precedents for other residents. Councilmember Siakel stated that
she can understand why the Planning Commission had a split vote on this issue. She stated that
she agrees with Mayor Zerby's comments regarding the possibility of setting a precedent for other
similar requests.
Commissioner Gault stated that in the boundary fencing language, there is an exception for the
four -foot height along an arterial road. He noted that apparently Smithtown Road is designated
as a collector and not an arterial, however it is basically the only way in and out which is why the
Commissioners that voted in favor of this request and the majority felt an exception should be
made.
Planning Director Darling explained that Smithtown Road is designated as a collector road which
would allow a four -foot -tall fence in a side abutting a public road or in a front yard, but if you
wanted a taller fence or privacy fence it would have to be kept back thirty-five feet from the
property line along Smithtown Road or Club Lane.
Councilmember Labadie stated that this again looks at numerous exceptions with the height and
the distance to the road. Ms. Aronson asked if the spirit of allowing higher fencing along arterial
streets was because of the busyness of the street. She asked if there may be some leniency
allowed because Smithtown Road is a busy street even though it is not officially designated as an
arterial street because she thinks the argument could be made that it has some of the same
"flavor" as an arterial street.
Planning Director Darling read aloud the language from the code that Ms. Aronson is referencing.
Councilmember Johnson stated that he is also struggling with this item and is not sure what the
design of the actual fence will look like. He asked if it was completely board on board or if it would
be board on board for the bottom four feet and then lattice for the final two feet. He stated that
he would like to see a rendering of the final proposed design along with the landscaping plan and
letters of support from the neighbors. He stated that he shares the same concerns as the other
Councilmembers about the look and feel along Smithtown Road.
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Ms. Aronson explained that the fence will be board on board because her understanding is that
was it is approved by the City. Planning Director Darling explained that board on board is what
has been approved to keep the design to keep the 25% open requirement. She explained that
four feet of privacy fence and then lattice above is an alternative design possibility that she
believes the applicant considered and discarded.
Mayor Zerby stated that he thinks granting this will open a can of worms with other similar
roadways throughout the City and explained that he cannot imagine seeing six -foot -tall wooden
fences going up all along the City roads.
Planning Director Darling explained the Council's options and noted that if they were planning to
deny the request, she would recommend that they continue the request to next Council meeting
in order to allow for a resolution to be drafted and in front of the Council with specific language.
Labadie moved, Johnson seconded, to continue the request by Roger and Roberta
Aronson, 5739 Club Lane to the December;28, 2020 Council meeting and direct staff to
prepare a resolution in support of denial of the request.
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
E. Amendments to the Zoning Regulations
Applicant: City of Shorewood
Mayor Zerby commended Planning Director Darling for her hard work in taking a look at the City's
Zoning regulations. Commissioner Gault noted that he wanted to echo Mayor Zerby's
compliments to both Planning Director Darling and staff for the work they have undertaken in
looking through the zoning regulations.
Planning Director Darling gave a brief overview of the work done over the last year to amend and
clean up the zoning regulations and noted that the Planning Commission recommended
unanimous approval of the ordinance amendments.
Councilmember Siakel complimented Planning Director Darling and the Planning Commission for
taking on this tedious, but important work for the City.
Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting ORDINANCE 575, "An Ordinance Approving
Amendments to Section 1201 (Zoning Regulations) of City Code."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-131, "A Resolution
Approving Publication of Ordinance No. 575 by Title and Summary."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed
8. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS
9. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS
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A. Adopt 2021 Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget
Finance Director Rigdon gave an overview of the Council discussions surrounding the 2021
Property Tax Levy and General Fund Budget. He noted that the overall General Fund budgeted
expenditures are$5,579,120, which is 3.3 percent higher than the 2020 budget. The General
Fund Revenues are budgeted at $5,462,938, which is a 16.5 percent decrease from the 2020
budget, mainly due to budgeting directly into debt service funds, rather than budgeting transfers.
He noted that the budget includes use of reserves in the amount of $193,482. The City's 2021
overall preliminary property tax levy is $5,973,743, which is two percent higher than 2020.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she felt Finance Director Rigdon did a very nice job presenting
this information at the Truth and Taxation hearing last week.
Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-133, "A Resolution
Adopting the 2021 General Fund Operating Budget and Approving the Property Tax Levy
Collectable in 2021."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
B. Adopt 2021 Shorewood Community and Event Center and Enterprise Fund
Budget
Finance Director Rigdon gave an overview of the recommended 2021 budgets for the Shorewood
Community and Event Center as well as the Enterprise Funds. He explained that Enterprise
Funds were funds that are supported by user fees: Water, Sewer, Storm Water, and Recycling.
Johnson moved, Sundberg seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-134, "A Resolution
Adopting the 2021 Shorewood Community and Event Center Budget and 2021 Enterprise
Fund Budgets."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
C. Adopt 2021-2030 Capital Improvements Plan and 2021 Capital Project Fund
Budgets
Finance Director Rigdon noted that the Council had discussed the proposed Capital Improvement
Plan (CIP) a few times this year. He explained that a CIP provides an estimation of the timing
and cost of future projects.
Sundberg moved, Labadie seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 20-135, "A Resolution
Adopting the 2021-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, and 2021 Capital Project Fund
Budgets."
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
D. Letter of Intent with MetroNet
City Administrator Lerud requested that this item be moved to the December 28, 2020 Council
meeting. He explained that staff had a couple of suggested modifications to the letter, and they
have not received a response from MetroNet in time for this meeting.
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10. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS
A. Administrator and Staff
1. SCEC Year -End Report
Park and Recreation Director Grout stated that 2020 started as a good year for the Shorewood
Community and Event Center (SCEC) , however that came to a halt in March with the COVID-19
pandemic. She stated that the SCEC was closed from March 15, 2020 to June 15, 2020 and
during that time staff took the opportunity to do some housekeeping, including painting, cleaning
and organizing. She gave an overview of some of the activities and meetings that came back
when the pandemic restrictions were lifted. She noted that staff is painting the interior doors and
trim during the second, most recent closure. She stated that she is hopeful that 2021 will run
more smoothly than 2020.
2. Update on Freeman Park Project
City Engineer Budde stated that the work at Freeman Park is substantially complete and all of the
pipe has been put into the ground. He stated that it has been stabilized for the winter and will
have grass planted in the springtime as well as complete a few things that need to be fine-tuned
with regard to grading and should be ready by early spring.
3. Woodside Road/Woodside Lane Street Project update
Public Works Director Brown explained that the cul-de-sac at the end of Woodside was waiting
for a special storm sewer design to address some drainage concerns in the area. He stated that
they needed to wait for the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council to approve the change, which came
back to the City about three weeks ago. He stated that the contractor was able to get out and
install the storm sewer and the residents in the area are happy with the improvements. He stated
that there will be a rain garden put in during the spring months, but they are excited about the
existing improvements. He stated that there are also a number of homes that will hook up to City
water, but they will be putting a halt to this activity until spring, because frost conditions are
starting to prevail.
Other
Planning Director Darling stated that she recently received a call from the Planner for the City of
Minnetrista to let her know that the parcel of property that is close to the City that is owned by the
Masonic home is likely going to be developed into a lower density residential neighborhood. She
stated that because it is currently owned by an institution it is guided as semi-public in the
Comprehensive Plan so in order to develop it for a low -density residential development, they will
have to amend their Comprehensive Plan and expects the City to receive a formal notice within
the next few months regarding those plans.
City Administrator Lerud stated that the bids for the storm water drainage and concrete work at
the Public Safety building were opened last week. He noted that the bids were favorable and
noted that the Excelsior Fire Board and the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department
Coordinating Committee will be meeting this week to determine if they want to recommend that
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the EDA accept the bid for the project and if so, there will be an EDA meeting immediately
following the Council meeting on December 28, 2020.
Mayor Zerby stated that he has noticed the No Outlet signs that Public Works has been putting
up around the City which he thinks is very helpful and much appreciated by the residents. He
asked about the new Tonka Bay buildings that are going in next to the Public Works facility.
Public Works Director Brown stated that he has been in touch with the Tonka Bay City Engineer
regarding that project and knows that they are finalizing the foundations for the second building
and starting to get the first floor at ground level in for both of the buildings. He stated that from
the City's viewpoint, there was the issue of looking at replacement of a short section of utilities so
once everything is developed there is not a larger cost. He stated that the Tonka Bay Engineer
is keeping this item at the front of the contractors work list.
Councilmember Johnson asked about when the City will flood the ice rinks.
Public Works Director Brown stated that after one to two nights of colder weather, the City starts
getting a -mails asking why the City has not made ice yet. He explained that when they pull water
from the hydrants it is about fifty-five degrees and when they start flooding rinks, if there has not
been enough frost, they end up warming things up by putting the fifty -five -degree water on the
ground. He stated that they need two weeks of weather that is cold enough to drive the frost into
the ground before flooding will be effective. He noted that the City will be putting out "Thin Ice"
signs on Manor Pond and reminded the Council that right now in the Twin Cities, ice is still very
unpredictable.
Councilmember Johnson stated that he had driven by Crescent Beach and noticed that the City
of Tonka Bay had a sign with their logo on it, that appears to be on Shorewood property or possibly
the City's fire lane. Councilmember Siakel stated that she had also seen the sign, but had
assumed that it was on the border.
Public Works Director Brown explained that the City actually owns the ditch and there is a small
portion of the beach that the City also owns, but noted that it is very small. He stated that they
will go take a look and review the location of the sign to make sure it is not on City property,
including the fire lane.
B. Mayor and City Council
Councilmember Labadie asked if, after the hard freeze, whether the City would flood all three
rinks. Public Works Director Brown stated that the recommendation of the Parks Commission
was to forego flooding of the Freeman Park rink and just flood the Cathcart and Manor rinks.
Councilmember Labadie stated that she agrees with Public Works Director Brown's statement
about the ice in the area being unsafe right now. She noted that she is the City's representative
for the Excelsior Fire District Board and pointed out that on December 4, 2020, they performed a
water rescue. She explained that a car was traveling in Tonka Bay, hit a pole and exited the road
and was upside down in Lake Minnetonka. She noted that the crew happened to be on their way
to a different emergency and noticed the hole and the taillights in the water. Chief Mackey and
Lieutenant Hine responded immediately to rescue the occupant of the vehicle and then continued
to respond to the original call. She noted that numerous local television news programs ran stories
about this rescue recently and congratulated the individuals involved in the rescue. She stated
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
December 14, 2020
Page 13 of 13
that in her opinion, the City has a great fire department and is well served by its first responders
from both the police and fire departments.
11. ADJOURN
Labadie moved, Sundberg seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of
December 14, 2020, at 9:08 P.M.
Roll Call Vote: Labadie, Johnson, Siakel, Sundberg, Zerby voted Aye. Motion passed.
ALI A ST:
gcoft2erby, Ma o
Sandie Thone, City Clerk