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03-08-21 CC Reg Mtg MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 8, 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 7:03 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; Director of Public Works Brown; and, City Engineer Budde Absent: None B. Review Agenda Callies 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. Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent Agenda and Adopting the Resolutions Therein. A. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 22, 2021 B. Approval of the Verified Claims List C. Approve Tobacco License: Coy Boy Tobacco, adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-025, "A Resolution Approving a License to Sell Tobacco Products in the City of Shorewood to Cow Boy Tobacco." D. Approve DNR Grant, adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-026, "A Resolution Approving a Grant Contract with the MN Department of Natural Resources and the Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program." E. Regular Appointment of Emma Notermann as Planning Technician F. Authorize Purchase of Public Works Equipment, One F150 Pick-up Truck Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 2 of 8 3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR - NONE 4. PUBLIC HEARING 5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS A. Recognition of Service: Outgoing Commissioners City Clerk/HR Director Thone explained that there are two outgoing Park Commissioners, Justin Mangold, and David Garske, that the City would like to honor. Planning Director Darling extended her appreciation to the outgoing Commissioners. She noted that Justin Mangold had served on the Parks Commission for eight years and has done a stellar job. She stated that he has worked very diligently to ensure that the City parks are well maintained. She stated that he has led CIP discussions with diligence and passion and stated that the City is grateful that someone with his background and skills had led the Park Commission for such a long time. Planning Director Darling stated that David Garske was appointed earlier this year, but due to a relocation to another State for an employment situation for his wife, he has had to resign his position. She noted that their intent is to move back in a few years and explained that she had encouraged him to request to serve on the Parks Commission at that time. She stated that in his short time on the Commission he has been a great contributor. Mayor Labadie extended her appreciation to both Commissioner Mangold and Commissioner Garske for their service to the City. B. GreenCorps Presentation Keely Schultz, MN GreenCorps, shared a presentation that gave a brief overview about GreenCorps and noted that her service term at the City started in September of 2020 and will continue through August of 2021. She explained that she had focused on waste reduction, recycling, and organics management and reviewed her overall goals in those areas. She noted that she has been working with Communications/Recycling Coordinator Moore on recycling education through social media, the City newsletter, as well as the City website. She shared examples of the types of posts she has made on social media. She stated that she has also focused on increasing the capture rates for recyclables at the City parks and shared some of her efforts in this area. She explained that one other area that she has been focusing on was ways to increase participation in organics recycling throughout the City. She explained the Zero Waste Challenge that is taking place during the month of March. She stated that depending on COVID restrictions, she is hopeful that there may be in -person events such as clothing swaps or educational workshops that could be hosted in the coming months. She reviewed her goals for the remainder of her service term: continue educating residents; benchmark community facilities; work with park users and place signs; and the "Feet on the Street" program. She stated that Shorewood has been a great host site for Green Corps and commended City staff for how helpful they have been to her efforts. Councilmember Callies stated that she feels very lucky that the City has been able to host Ms. Schultz for the work of Green Corps. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 3 of 8 6. PARKS 7. PLANNING 8. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS Mayor Labadie explained that the following two items are not part of a public hearing, so public testimony does not need to be heard. She stated that the Council has received many a -mails related to these items, especially item 8B, therefore she will allow brief comments or statements from residents on these matters. She stated that residents will have a maximum of three minutes to address the Council. If an e-mail was submitted earlier last week or today, it will be incorporated and become part of the formal meeting record and there is no need to read a previously submitted e-mail or letter into the record A. Accept Proposal and Award Contract for Tree Removal in Glen/Amlee/Manitou Project Area, City Project 18-08 City Engineer Budde explained that staff solicited quotes for the tree removal portion of the Glen/Amlee/Manitou street project. He noted that they had sent out four requests and receiving one response from Davey Tree Expert Co. He noted that he is still working through things with property owners regarding trees that are either on the property line or a few feet within private property that are in poor health, an ash, or if they would have significant root damage from the construction. Staff is recommending awarding the base bid and the per -tree alternate price to Davey Tree Expert Co. Councilmember Johnson asked why only company had responded. City Engineer Budde stated that two of the contractors responded that they could not meet the time frame of getting the trees removed by the end of April and one contractor was non- responsive. Rich Eng, 25170 Glen Road, asked why the City has not considered using its bucket truck that was specifically purchased for removal of trees within rights -of -way. Public Works Director Brown stated that the City has been using the bucket truck out on the streets for their own work and do not have the resources of additional personnel nor do they have a crane truck that will be needed for some of the trees around power lines. Mr. Eng stated that he understands that the City could not do the work that requires a crane truck but asked why the City could not do some of the work. Public Works Director Brown explained that the City has fifty miles of roadway to maintain and one of their big tasks are management of the other trees so those internal resources are dedicated to maintaining the roadways with pot hole repair, tree trimming, and utilities. Councilmember Siakel stated that the scope of this project is fairly large and asking Public Works to take on something of this magnitude is not an appropriate use of staff. She stated that the city routinely contracts out this work in advance of street projects. Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 21-015, "A Resolution to Award Tree Removal Contract for Glen Road, Amlee Road, and Manitou Lane Street and Utility Improvements, City Project 18-08." CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 4 of 8 Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed. B. Glen Road Cul-de-sac Radius, City Project 18-08 City Engineer Budde explained that during the discussion at the February 8, 2021 City Council meeting one of the construction details was discussed regarding the diameter of the cul-de-sac at the west end of Glen Road. Staff was directed to gather more information before a final decision was made. He stated that the City's standard radius of a cul-de-sac has been 90 feet for at last 10 years which was included in the final design of this project that was approved by the Council. The City has the necessary right-of-way for a 90-foot diameter cul-de-sac which allows for a school bus to make a continuous turn without the footprint of the cul-de-sac and a 75-foot diameter cul-de-sac would be necessary for the largest ladder truck from the Excelsior Fire Department to make the same movement. He stated that one of the major factors that was brought up was that feedback that was received was that schools or buses generally do not utilize cul-de-sacs, so he followed up with the school district to get a better understanding of their policy as well as current and future plans. The district routes special education and elementary buses on Glen Road but they turn around at the intersection of Glen Road and Manitou Lane by backing down Manitou Lane. He noted that staff had asked the school district if they would use the cul-de-sac if it was 90 feet in diameter and their response was that they would not because of potential other obstacles, such as garbage cans, snow pile, or a parked car. If any of those was present, they could not make the full turning movement and would have to back up within the cul-de-sac. He explained that even with this additional information from the school district, staff's recommendation is to install the 90-foot cul-de-sac because it is the best long-term solution for the City. The City has received a number of comments from residents that would like to see a 75-foot cul-de-sac and others who would like to see a 90-foot cul-de-sac. He reiterated that staff is recommending the 90-foot cul-de-sac and also that no parking signs be installed. Councilmember Callies clarified that the 90-foot cul-de-sac was already included in the plans and approved by the Council before the change to the 75-foot cul-de-sac. Mayor Labadie noted that the 90-foot cul-de-sac has been approved by the Council and clarified that there was never an approved changed to the 75-foot cul-de-sac and it was simply a request by a resident. She explained that this one issue was pulled and the Council asked staff for additional investigation for emergency service vehicles and school vehicles. She stated that the plan that has been approved calls for a 90-foot cul-de-sac. Mr. Eng stated that he attended the February 8, 2021 Council meeting and felt there was support from the Council for the reduced cul-de-sac size. He explained that he had met with City Engineer Budde and the city arborist on February 16, 2021 and had the same discussion. He noted that he had submitted photos earlier today where the area that they have designated for the cul-de- sac as under water. He stated that he has lived here for 21 years and every year he has witnessed this area being under water whenever there is a two-inch rainfall or more, or a rapid snowmelt event. He asked the Council how much the City had spent with Barr Engineering and storm water mitigation. He asked the Council to take the opportunity to reduce the amount of stormwater in this area. Mayor Labadie stated that she did receive the photos that were submitted by Mr. Eng and asked City Engineer Budde to explain how the current plan deals with the drainage and stormwater raised by Mr. Eng. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 5 of 8 City Engineer Budde stated that they have been aware of the poor drainage and pooling water in the area throughout the entire design process. He explained that he had met with many residents in the area, specifically ones that are downstream of where that water would go. He noted that the pictures provided by Mr. Eng are on private property which generally drains to the west. He stated that he has met with them and as part of this project the City is stubbing out a connection so that basin that was underwater in the pictures can connect to the City storm sewer and be routed to the proposed biofiltration basin and continue to solve the problems raised by Mr. Eng. Councilmember Siakel stated that she received the photos and thinks they speak to the fact that the road needs to be reconstructed. She stated that she had been open to discussing the possibility of the 75-foot cul-de-sac at the last meeting as a possible way to work with residents, but the Council has also heard from a number of residents who are in support of the 90-foot cul- de-sac. She stated that she will support the 90-foot cul-de-sac. Councilmember Johnson stated that he will also support a 90-foot-wide cul-de-sac because the City is building this for the future, not today. Councilmember Callies stated that the City had already acquired the right-of-way, so she would also support the 90-foot cul-de-sac. Mayor Labadie stated that she also agreed that the best decision for the City is a 90-foot cul-de-sac because it is a generational decision. She noted that the Council does not need to make a motion because the 90-foot cul-de-sac was already approved at the previous Council meeting. Councilmember Johnson asked if Council action was needed in order to facilitate the use of No Parking signs in the cul-de-sac. City Engineer Budde stated that the Council should have it on record that there will be no parking on the cul-de-sac. Public Works Director Brown explained the procedures for enacting No Parking and noted that it would need to be done by resolution. He noted that it is very common for this to take place later in the process. Councilmember Callies suggested that the Council bring forth a motion that they are in support of the 90-foot cul-de-sac so there is not any confusion. Callies moved, Johnson seconded, to confirm the 90-foot cul-de-sac on Glen Road Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed. 9. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS A. Council Discussion on Filling Councilmember Vacancy Mayor Labadie explained that when she was elected Mayor, she still had two years left on her Council term, so the City sought applications for interested parties to fill this vacancy. The City received a total of nine applications, interviewed all applicants, and two were granted a second interview which was held earlier tonight in a Council work session. She stated that the two finalists were Linda Murrell and Nat Gorham She stated that both candidates are extremely qualified and asked for Council input on appointing one of them to the open Council seat. Councilmember Johnson thanked all nine people who expressed interest in serving on the Council and noted that it is great to see that level of interest in local government. He stated that he thinks both finalists are fantastic and the City would benefit from their involvement. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 6 of 8 Councilmember Callies stated that the two finalists are both great, but have very different things to offer the City. She stated that she would support Linda Murrell for the open Council seat. Councilmember Johnson stated that when he considers what unique attributes the candidates may have that may not be as represented on the Council, he believes Nat Gorham and his technical capabilities would bring a unique perspective to the Council. Mayor Labadie stated that while she felt Linda Murrell would fit right in and contribute to the Council, she agreed with Councilmember Johnson and feels that Nat Gorham has a skill set that is unique from the rest of the Council that will keep the mix diverse. Councilmember Siakel stated that she thinks both finalists would do very well as a Councilmember. He stated that the Council so far has talked about the differences between the two individuals, but she sees a lot of commonality. She stated that she sees the technical piece that Gorham would bring to the Council, but the Council can rely on staff for that technical piece. She stated that what they have in common is that they have both gotten involved in their neighborhoods. She stated that she agrees with Councilmember Johnson and she is looking for a candidate that is synergistic but also one that will make the Council better. She stated that one of the areas that she thinks the Council is lacking in is the fact that the City has gotten a bit off course with the neighboring cities. She stated that she feels that Murrell has experience building those kinds of bridges. She stated that she is open to a discussion because she thinks the City cannot go wrong with either candidate, but right now is leaning towards Linda Murrell. Councilmember Callies noted that the other Councilmembers have had more experience observing the Planning Commission but from what she has seen, Gorham is concerned about how his decisions affect the people in the community. She stated that he is thoughtful in terms of how he makes his decisions and listens to his fellow Commissioners when making a decision. She stated that she feels Murrell has more experience in pulling other people along in terms of consensus building and working with larger groups of people across the communities to get things done. Councilmember Siakel stated that one thing she likes about Gorham is that he has served on both the Park Commission, the Planning Commission and has volunteered a lot of time to the City. Mayor Labadie stated that she thinks the two finalists could not be more diverse from each other and offer different skills sets and assets to the Council. She stated that one thing that she feels Gorham has that sways her in his direction is that she has seen him in action on the various commissions and have seen him be in the minority in a decision as well as the majority. She stated that she has seen him arguing points and disagreeing while remaining respectful the entire time. She stated that she thinks that is a very important part of the Council and the position needs to be filled by someone who can agree or disagree but state why they feel a certain way and do it with respect. She stated that she does not doubt that Murrell would do the same thing, but she has seen Gorham in action for several years. Councilmember Johnson stated that he has seen Gorham dig down into the details when it is required and he thinks that would bring an interesting check and balance to the Council that he would value. He stated that he has also seen him stay high above the details and understand the human element of the situation. He stated that he has also seen him make decisions and build consensus. He has enjoyed Mr. Gorham's ability to argue on the merits of the case and have very thought -provoking discussions. CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 7 of 8 Councilmember Callies stated that the Council is made up of people with different backgrounds and is caught up by the idea of Mr. Gorham's technical background being an asset. She stated that for example, if he were an engineer, the City already has a city engineer and noted that she is a lawyer, but the City already has an attorney and does not need her to fill that role. Councilmember Johnson stated that as he would read a Council packet and take a look at construction elements or programmatic elements, he would say he is operating at a third -grade level, whereas, Mr. Gorham lives and breathes it every day and he believes there is some value in having that type of expertise on Council. Councilmember Siakel stated that she thinks the question is what else he would bring to the table. She reiterated that she is totally confident in either candidate, but as she looks back on her notes, the things that really stood out very positively about Mr. Gorham is he brought some sense of humor and levity to the conversation, started with Parks Commission, and then went to the Planning Commission. She stated that he talked about the balance between the tax base and what the constituents want in his role on the Planning Commission. She stated that in looking at her notes about Ms. Murrell, she came in with a conversation about what good government looks like and stressed her ability to work with other cities and councils. She stated that she also spoke about the emphasis of her experience with the South Lake Police Department and seemed to know the key issues and things happening in the City. She stated that she also had a great demeanor and was very calm and thoughtful. She feels Ms. Murrell really expressed her ability to build bridges and connect with others and brought some good insight in the conversation about the perception of the South Shore Center and ways it can be improved. Councilmember Callies stated that during the earlier interview process, Gorham demonstrated a bit more of a relatability and tonight he emphasized more of his technical work and did not come across as having more of the big picture that she would be looking for in someone on Council. Mayor Labadie stated that one thing she liked about Ms. Murrell's interview is that she spoke at length about the police department and the Joint Powers Agreements that are coming up for renewal and did seem to have a working knowledge of those issues. She noted that she was impressed with Ms. Murrell's input regarding the Shorewood Community and Event Center. Councilmember Siakel stated that this is tough because she sees pros and cons to both candidates and noted that both have a lot of pros. She stated that one other way to think of this may be to consider what is coming up in the City. Councilmember Johnson stated that one of the big things coming up is the 10-year CIP and all of the technical components that will be involved in that item. He stated that the City will be spending a lot of money on them and having any type of leg up with respect to expertise in order to serve as a check and balance for staff but also for the contractors that will be awarded the projects. The Council discussed how each candidate may fit into the Council and their areas of strength. Labadie moved, Johnson seconded, to Appoint Nat Gorham to fill the vacant City Council seat. Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed. 10. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021 Page 8 of 8 A. Administrator and Staff Planning Director Darling explained that after the Council discussed their priorities for code amendments at an earlier work session, she and City Administrator Lerud have taken their input and put together a schedule based on the priorities from the Council. She gave a brief overview of the code amendments that will be worked on first and those that would happen later in the year. Mayor Labadie noted that there have been numerous heated discussions with the various Commissions related to the fire lanes and asked when that would be included in the schedule. Planning Director Darling stated that it would probably fall sometime in May if the Council would like to do some amendments. Mayor Labadie stated that she thinks it is important that the City stays on track with that item so there is not another winter where the Council is wondering about the status of the fire lanes. B. Mayor and City Council Mayor Labadie stated that both she and Councilmember Johnson attended the live burn that has been going on the past several weekends by the Excelsior Fire District in Shorewood. She stated that it was very fascinating to see how they practice rescue and retrieval drills. 11. ADJOURN Callies moved, Labadie seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of March 8, 2021, at 8:38 P.M. Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed. ATTEST: 6)119 iww___ jeOfiifer Labadie, Mayor Sandie Thone, City Oerk