01-10-22 CC Reg Mtg MinutesCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 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 7:00 P.M. and explained that since the meeting
was being held remotely, a few items on the original agenda would be changed, such as not
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
A. Roll Call
Present. Mayor Labadie; Councilmembers Johnson, Siakel, Callies, and Gorham; City
Attorney Shepherd; 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
Mayor Labadie asked to item 9.C. Discussion Regarding Approval and/or Ratification of the
January 10, 2022 Meeting Held Via Interactive Technology and/or Video Conferencing, and item
9.1). Discussion Regarding Future In -Person Meetings of the Shorewood City Council and
Advisory Commissions.
Johnson moved, Gorham seconded, approving the agenda, as amended.
2. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Labadie reviewed the items on the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Gorham asked about item 2G., relating to the change order. He stated that it
appears that this is to potentially address the foundation of the swings. He asked if this was due
to the pea rock depth and if that meant the Council should expect to see another change order.
Planning Director Darling explained that it may be the same issue and noted that she will be
looking into ways to avoid another charge.
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Callies moved, Gorham seconded, Approving the Motions Contained on the Consent
Agenda and Adopting the Resolutions Therein.
A. City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of December 13, 2021
B. Approval of the Verified Claims List
CITY OF SHOREWOOD REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 10, 2022
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C. Approval of the Residential Recycling Funding Policy from Hennepin
County, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-001, "A Resolution to Approve the
2022-2025 Residential Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant Agreement
with Hennepin County."
D. 2022 Mileage Reimbursement Rate
E. Out of State Travel Policy Approval
F. Approval of Grant from the Twins Community Fund, Adopting RESOLUTION
NO. 22-0029 "A Resolution to Accept Grant from the Minnesota Twins
Community Foundation."
G. Approval of Change Order No. 1 for Silverwood Park Improvements, City
Project 21-05, Adopting RESOLUTION NO.22-003, "A Resolution to Approve
Change Order #1 for Silverwood Park Playground Improvements, City
Project 21-05."
H. Accept Arctic Fever Donation from American Legion Post 259, Adopting
RESOLUTION NO. 22-004, "A Resolution Accepting Donations to the City of
Shorewood 2022 Arctic Fever Event."
I. 2021 Deer Management Report
J. Accept Hennepin County SCORE Grant for Organics Drop -Off Sites,
Adopting RESOLUTION NO.22-005, "A Resolution Establishing Organics
Drop -Off Locations in City of Shorewood."
3. MATTERS FROM THE FLOOR
Alan Yelsey, 26335 Peach Circle, congratulated the Council for choosing to hold an electronic
meeting this evening. He requested that all meetings of the City have some sort of electronic
access so it is easier for residents to participate. He stated that he would also ask that the Council
schedule the agenda so that the early portion of the meeting will be the broader interest items;
drop the three minute rule from the public commenting; provide information electronically to
residents that request it without charging them large amounts of money; address the sign
ordinance because some items are, in his opinion, illegal; keep a close eye on the City's budget;
and give longer advanced notice with the meeting packet. He extended his welcome to the new
City Attorney, Jared Shepherd
4. PUBLIC HEARING
5. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Alina Schwartz, City Prosecuting Attorney, introduced herself and gave an update on the
transition in prosecuting services. She noted that she is happy to answer questions for the Council
but explained that everything has been going smoothly.
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JANUARY 10, 2022
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6. PARKS
7. PLANNING
8. ENGINEERING/PUBLIC WORKS
A. Approve Plans and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Grant Street
Drainage Improvement Project, City Project 18-04
City Engineer Budde explained that the City had been working with Barr Engineering to come up
with a solution for the Grant Street drainage concerns. He stated that the City ran out of space
on the existing property to continue to have it accessible from Grant Street so they looked at areas
upstream that could help meet the requirements from all entities. He stated that this led to a
discussion with Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the solution to acquire an easement from them
and take over the stormwater pond which would allow the City to improve the drainage and meet
all the requirements. He stated that this proposal has been approved by the Minnehaha Creek
Watershed District. He stated that staff is looking for approval of the plans and specifications and
authorization to advertise the project for bids. The City has budgeted $430,000 for this project
and the current engineer's estimate for construction would be $354,400, He stated that he would
like to pull the agreement with Our Savior's Lutheran Church from the approval based on a recent
conversation with the church because they had asked for additional time to review the agreement,
but would like to keep the agreement for the purchase of wetland credits in tonight's agreement.
He stated that the tentative schedule would be to open bids on February 8, 2022 with construction
mostly likely beginning in May of 2022, with substantial completion by the end of July of 2022.
Councilmember Gorham asked if his understanding was correct that the City was purchasing
wetland credits because the City is losing some wetlands and the money will go to wetlands
located elsewhere.
City Engineer Budde stated that is correct and explained that there are some wetlands in the ditch
of Highway 7 that will be impacted and based on the wetland rules, the City either has to create
them onsite or mitigate for them in some fashion, such as purchasing them from a wetland bank
that has already been established.
Siakel moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-006, "A Resolution to
Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Bidding for the Grant Street Drainage
Project, City Project 18-04, without the easement agreement with Our Savior's Lutheran
Church".
9. GENERAL/NEW BUSINESS
A. 2022 Annual Appointments and Designations
City Clerk/HR Director Thone explained that appointments and designations are made annually
and reviewed the items that had already been determined.
The Council discussed the various offices, positions, and scheduling of meetings.
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JANUARY 10, 2022
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Councilmember Callies suggested that the City put an article in the main body of the Sun Sailor
letting people know about the citizen openings to serve as an LMCC and MCE representative.
She stated that she would also like to see the City advertise for the openings on the Planning and
Park Advisory Commission this way rather than just putting it on the City website. She stated that
if there would not be enough time to do that for this year's appointments, she would ask that it get
on staffs radar to be done next year. She stated that she would like the article to give more
specifics on what the various boards do and how often they meet.
Mayor Labadie suggested that staff also add discussion next year regarding adding a liaison
position to the Shorewood Event and Community Center that would be someone from the
community and not just a City employee.
The Council discussed whether to interview all candidates or have the Personnel Committee
conduct the initial interview and narrow down the total amount of candidates that appear before
the full Council.
Siakel moved, Callies seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-007, "A Resolution
Designating 2022 Annual Appointments to Certain Offices and Positions with the City of
Shorewood."
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Gorham, and Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
B. City Council Salaries
City Administrator Lerud explained that of survey of City Council salaries was presented at the
recent retreat. He noted that he had also contacted cities around Shorewood regarding this
information which was included in the staff report. He stated that staff is not making a
recommendation and noted that the City's salaries appear to be in the general ballpark area of
other cities and explained that there were last adjusted in 2015. He stated that staff does
recommend that there be a regular interval that these are reviewed.
Mayor Labadie asked for Council input on the salary survey information.
Councilmember Gorham stated that he thinks that Shorewood is a bit on the lower end of the
spectrum, but the amount is not egregious and would be find addressing it in a few years.
Councilmember Siakel reviewed her recollection of past discussions on this issue. She stated
that she would support increasing the salary to $400/month and review it again during an election
year.
Councilmember Callies stated that she completely agrees with Councilmember Siakel's
suggestions.
There was consensus of the Council to direct staff to draft an ordinance approving review
of the City Council salaries every four years, to fall in an election year, with the Council
salary for January 1, 2023 to be $400/month and the Mayor's salary to be $525/month.
C. Discussion Regarding the Ratification and Approval of the January 10, 2022
Meeting — Held via interactive technology and video conferencing
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JANUARY 10, 2022
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City Attorney Shepherd gave an overview of RESOLUTION NO. 22-008 that ratifies the decision
to hold this meeting electronically tonight. He noted that the decision to hold this meeting
electronically was made under MN Statute 1.D.01.
Callies moved, Siakel seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-008, "A Resolution
Ratifying and Approving the January 10, 2022 Meeting, Held by Interactive Technology
Video Conferencing .".
D. Discussion Regarding Future In -Person Meetings of the Shorewood City
Council and Advisory Commissions
Mayor Labadie noted that she had contacted some of the mayors from neighboring communities
regarding this issue. Tonka Bay continues to meet via Zoom. Chanhassen is also meeting via
Zoom tonight and have an agenda item regarding remote meeting for their Council to discuss.
Minnetonka will also be discussing it at their meeting tonight, which is being held in person.
Excelsior has extended their Zoom meetings through the end of February. Greenwood is
currently still meeting in person. She stated that she would like to suggest that the Council
continue meeting electronically at least through the end of February.
Labadie moved, Johnson seconded, Adopting RESOLUTION NO. 22-009, "A Resolution
Acknowledging the Omicron Variance Surge of the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacting in
Person Meetings of the City Council and Advisory Commissions.".
Roll Call Vote: Johnson, Siakel, Callies, Gorham, and Labadie voted Aye. Motion passed.
10. STAFF AND COUNCIL REPORTS
A. Administrator and Staff
COVID Testing Follow -Up
City Administrator Lerud noted that one of the items discussed at the recent Council retreat was
the idea of mandatory COVID testing for City employees. He noted that there are currently a lot
of 'unknowns' such as uncertainty surrounding court decisions and the availability of test kits. He
stated that staff is recommending this be brought back for further discussion by the Council in
February. He stated that this will allow for sometime to discuss this with the union representatives
and get answers to the 'unknowns'. He stated that the City has already been doing contract
tracing, and as of today, went back to a split shift for City staff alternating working at home and
the office.
Councilmember Siakel stated that she would ask that there be a policy crafted and put before the
Council by the end of February. She stated that she feels there should be some protocol for City
Hall because there is interaction with the public and should be a work environment that is safe.
She stated that she feels it is simply a case where if an individual chooses not to get a vaccine,
then they should be required to test for COVID. She stated that she does not want the City to
continue to drag their feet on this issue.
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JANUARY 10, 2022
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Councilmember Callies stated that she is also in favor of having a strong policy in support of
vaccination or testing.
Councilmembers Gorham and Johnson expressed their agreement.
Councilmember Siakel asked if there needed to be two different policies for City Hall and Public
Works, since they are union employees.
City Attorney Shepherd stated that there can be a distinction made between the job position and
the employees interaction with the public. He stated that they can make a distinction about why
a particular class of employee would need to be vaccinated or tested. He stated that it will need
to be looked at closer to see if it can be one policy or if it will need to be separate policies.
Mayor Labadie outlined the direction from the Council to staff is for them to prepare a legal memo
by the second Council meeting in February, with the appropriate number of resolution based on
whether there will need to be a separate one for union employees or not, relating to either proof
of vaccination or COVID testing.
2. 2022 Tree Sale
City Clerk/HR Director Thone noted that this information is just for information regarding the tree
sale scheduled for September of 2022.
Other
Public Works Director Brown stated the Council should have received updates regarding the
watermain in Vine Ridge Road and the Covington Road area. He stated that he was just notified
that there is a third leak in that same area. He expressed his appreciation for the public's patience
as the City addresses this issue. He stated that it is not uncommon for there to be watermain
break during temperatures that are below -20. He stated that they will begin the repairs tomorrow
morning. He apologized to the residents and reiterated his appreciation for their patience.
City Clerk/HR Director Thone stated that the County is holding redistricting training this week and
staff will bring information back to the Council in March of 2022. She stated that the League of
Minnesota Cities is doing a vaccination and testing training later this week which she plans to
attend.
B. Mayor and City Council
Councilmember Johnson reminded residents that Arctic Fever will be held on January 15, 2022
and suggested people check out the website for detailed information on the activities. He gave a
general review of some of the activities and their locations.
Mayor Labadie stated that last week she had her quarterly meeting with Representative Dean
Phillips and gave an overview of their discussion. She stated that she also met last week with
the new SLMPD Police Chief, Brian Tholen, and got to hear his vision for the future of the
department. She stated that earlier today, she attended the monthly regional mayors meeting
where they discussed housing. She stated that there was also a meeting following that with
mayors and police chiefs from around the Metro area, including representatives from Hennepin
County and Ramsey County Sheriff's departments and various State agencies to discuss the
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JANUARY 10, 2022
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uptick in crime there has been. She stated that there was discussion about reinstituting a program
called Minnesota H.E.A.L.S. that was undertaken in 1997 to reduce violent crimes. She explained
that 'HEALS' is an acronym for Hope Education Law and Safety. She stated that last Friday, she
launched on her Facebook site, the Shorewood Friday Focus, which will be a weekly posting that
highlights volunteers, employees, events, special occasions, Shorewood business owners, and
residents. She asked that residents contact her with the any nominations for individuals or entities
that they would like to see included in the Friday Focus. She stated that the first Friday Focus
was on the front desk staff at City Hall.
Councilmember Gorham encouraged residents to comment on MnDot's Safety Audit of Highway
7. He stated that the link is available on Mayor Labadie's Facebook page and stated that it is
very easy to add comments and see the other comments that have been made.
Mayor Labadie thanked Councilmember Gorham for bringing this item up and noted that she had
contacted some of the agencies that use the intersections, such as Tonka United, who has also
included links to the survey and interactive map in their recent newsletter. She stated that she
had also contacted Minnetonka Softball, Baseball, Adult Softball, and First Student
Transportation with the hopes that they will do the same. She encouraged people to think outside
the box and encourage feedback be given by people who use these intersections in this area,
even if they are not Shorewood residents. She noted that she believed the last dates that
comments will be accepted is January 17, 2022. She stated that she will investigate whether
that deadline is accurate and will post it on her page.
Councilmember Callies encouraged residents to also take a look at the interactive map for the
Birch Bluff area that has been included on the City website.
11. ADJOURN
Johnson moved, Gorham seconded, Adjourning the City Council Regular Meeting of
January 10, 2022 at 8:27 P.M.
ATTEST:
J nife Labadie, Mayor
C-
Sar'Ai Thone, City Clerk