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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.18.20 Council Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MAY 18, 2020 1. Call to Order Mayor Larson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. This meeting was a virtual meeting conducted on Zoom due to the COVID pandemic. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Larson shared that the pledge would not be conducted during virtual meetings due to issues with broadcast delays. 3. Roll Call Present-Larson, Bernhjelm, Craig, Donnelly and Hoyt Absent-None Staff Present-Administrator McKnight, Public Works Director Gehler, Communications Specialist Siebenaler, Fire Chief Elvestad, Community Development Director Kienberger, Planning Manager Wippler,Administrative Assistant Muller, Parks and Recreation Director Distad, Finance Director Malecha and Attorney Jamnik. 4. Agenda Motion by Craig, second by Bernhjelm, to approve the agenda as presented. APIF, motion carried. 5. Announcements/Commendations None 6. Citizen Comments None 7. Consent Agenda Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Hoyt, to approve the consent agenda as printed: a) Approve Minutes of the May 4, 2020 City Council Meeting-Administration May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes - 1- b) Approve Minutes of the May 11, 2020 City Council Work Session-Administration c) Approve 2021 Apple Valley/Lakeville/Farmington Ambulance Budget-Administration d) Approve Waiver of April 2020 Utility Bills Late Fees and Refund Unused May 2020 Liquor License Fees-Administration e) Approve Seasonal Hiring-Human Resources f) Approve Bills-Finance 8. Public Hearings None 9. Award of Contract • None 10. Petitions, Requests and Communications a) 2019 Management and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Finance Director Malecha shared that each year the city's financial records are audited by an independent public accounting firm. The goal of an independent audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the city's financial statements are free of material misstatement. Bill Lauer of MMKR presented the audit findings to the city council. Lauer shared that the city received an unmodified option also known as a clean opinion. Lauer reviewed a number of areas including- • Internal control issue due to limited number of staff and segregation of duties. • General Fund balance increased approximately$149,000 and is at 42%at the end of 2019. • Reviewed budget to actual results for all funds. • Reviewed results of all funds and their current balance for 2019. Councilmember Craig thanked Lauer for the detailed information. Councilmember Bernhjelm shared that the positive financial position we are in will help us deal with the 2020 issues we are facing. Councilmember Donnelly thanked city finance staff for their ability to adjust the way the audit was performed with the pandemic. May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -2- Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Hoyt, to accept the 2019 audit reports. APIF, motion carried. b) Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning of the Christensen Property Located at 20861 Flagstaff Avenue Planning Manager Wippler presented the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request of the property located at 20861 Flagstaff Avenue and owned by Patricia and Jay Christensen. Summergate Companies has applied for Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning of the property located at 20861 Flagstaff Avenue and owned by Jay and Patricia Christensen. The Comprehensive Plan Amendments are to change the 2040 Comprehensive Plan's MUSA and Development Staging plans for the 40.00 acre parcel of land legally described and depicted in the attached survey(Exhibit A)from 2040 to 2020, thereby placing it into MUSA(Metropolitan Urban Service Area) immediately. The rezoning request is to change the zoning of the property described and depicted in Exhibit A from A- 1 (Agriculture)to R-3 (Medium Density Residential) Planned Unit Development. DISCUSSION Subject Property and Surrounding Development and Land uses The subject property (20861 Flagstaff Avenue) consists of 40.00 acres and is owned by Jay and Patricia Christensen. Adjacent land uses consist of the following: • Farmington High School is located to the north. • Agricultural lands to the west. • The single-family development Regetta Fields is located to the south. • Several single-family homes on larger lots adjacent to the east. For reference, I have attached (Exhibit B)the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Land use Map depicting the location of the subject property. Intended Use Summergate Companies is the contract purchaser of the property and is looking to plat the property into a single-family development. Exhibit C is a development concept plan that shows 113 single-family lots developed over 40.00 acres with a net density of 3.90 units per acre. The property was guided Medium Density Residential in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. As previously mentioned the applicant is requesting that the property be rezoned to R-3 PUD. By rezoning it to R-3 the property would be brought into compliance with the approved land use guidance of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The subdivision would have May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -3- to be approved as a Planned Unit Development to allow flexibility with density on the site while also allowing single-family dwellings in the R-3 zone. Planning Commission Review The Planning Commission met on May 12, 2020 and held a public hearing concerning these applications. After taking public testimony on the applications, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning to the City Council. Staff did receive an email after the Planning Commission meeting from Mr. David Christopherson (20993 Flagstaff Avenue) regarding this item. His concerns involve the speed limit on Flagstaff Avenue and ground water issues. Councilmember Hoyt asked about the concerns expressed by Mr. Christopherson. Wippler stated with the Regetta and FHS developments drainage issues have been raised. The developers will need to keep an eye on this issue. Councilmember Donnelly asked if this was a concept plan or a plat. Wippler stated this is a concept plan and the plat process is yet to come. Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Donnelly, to: 1. Adopt Resolution R25-2020 amending the 2040 Comprehensive Plan changing the MUSA and Development Staging Plans for the 40-acre parcel located at 20861 Flagstaff Avenue from 2040 to 2020. 2. Adopt Ordinance 2020-751 rezoning the 40-acre parcel located at 20861 Flagstaff Avenue from A-1 (agriculture)to R-3 (medium density residential) planned unit development. APIF, motion carried. c) Final Plat and Development Contract-Fairhill Estates at North Creek Second Addition Planning Manger Wippler presented the final plat and development contract for Fairhill Estates at North Creek second addition. M/I Homes of Minneapolis/St. Paul LLC is proposing to plat 35 single-family lots within the Fairhill Estate at North Creek 2nd Addition. The 35 lots are located to the west of the previous 97 lots platted as part of the 1st Addition. DISCUSSION May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -4- The 335 lots single-family lots are part of the 244 overall single-family lots that were proposed with the preliminary plat for this project. It should be noted that the developer has reduced the number of lots in this area by 3 lots. The approved preliminary plat shows 38 lots encompassed within the area of the proposed 2nd Addition. By reducing the number of lots in this area, the developer was able to increase the square footage of the lots in the 2nd Addition. Other than the reduction in lots the Fairhill Estate at North Creek 2nd Addition corresponds with the preliminary plat that was approved by the Planning Commission on April 9, 2019 and the City Council on April 15, 2019. The plat is comprised of the following area summary: Block 1 Area: 2.404 acres Block 2 Area: 2.44 acres Block 3 Area: 0.82 acres Block 4 Area: 0.903 acres Total Lot Area: 6.567 acres Total Outlot Area: 1.592 acres Total Right-of-Way: 1.821 acres Total Area: 9.98 acres As previously mentioned the Fairhill Estate at North Creek 2nd Addition Final Plat will consist of 35 single-family lots. The average lot size is 8,176 square feet with the smallest lot being 6,475 square feet in size and the largest lot being 11,579 square feet in size. Additionally, the attached final plat shows four outlots (A, B, C and D). Outlot A is 0.273 acres in size and will be a private park. Outlot B is 0.781 acres and is a portion of a gas pipeline. Outlot C is 0.401 acres and includes a portion of a gas pipeline easement as well as additional property for drain tile installation behind lots 1-5, Block 3. Outlot D is 0.137 acres in size and will be a private park/open space. Transportation There will be three road connections into the 2nd Addition. All three connections will be made to 192nd Street W which was platted and constructed with the 1st Addition. The May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -5- final plat shows the extension of Cottage Road and Crystal Terrace through the proposed 2nd Addition plat. The road sections within the 2nd Addition will consist of 50-foot rights-of-way and 28-foot wide roadways measured face of curb to face of curb. Five-foot wide sidewalks will generally be installed on one side of each street with the exception of Crystal Terrace where no sidewalks will be installed on this street in the 2nd Addition. An eight foot wide bituminous trail will be installed thru Outlots B and C that will be constructed from 192nd Street W north through the 2nd Addition and into and thru several outlots that are adjacent to the north side of this plat that were platted in the 1st Addition where the trail then runs parallel to the right-of-way for 190th Street W and connects to the main entrance to the Fairhill Estate at North Creek development. Landscape Plan Review A landscape plan was approved as part of the overall Planned Unit Development Plan. Boulevard trees will be provided in the 2nd Addition. The landscape plan is in conformance with the approved Planned Unit Development Plan. Engineering Review The Engineering Department has reviewed the Fairhill Estate at North Creek 2nd Addition Final Plat and recommends approval contingent upon satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading and utilities as well as the applicant entering into a Development Contract with the city and all security and costs paid. Planning Commission Review The Planning Commission reviewed the final plat on May 12, 2020 and recommended approval with the 5-0 vote. The recommendation was contingent upon the following: 1. The satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading and utilities. 2. A Development Contract between the applicant and the City of Farmington shall be executed and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all other documents required under the Development Contract shall be required. May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -6- Development Contract Staff has prepared the standard development contract that has been reviewed with the developer,The developer is working on the construction estimates associated with the plat improvements that are incorporated into the agreement for financial securities and fees. The council is asked to approve the draft agreement pending updates to the financial requirements and fees that may be adjusted once the final information is provided by the developer. BUDGET IMPACT The following funds will receive contributions based on the 2020 area charges associated with the development. • Surface Water Quality Management Fee: $709 • Water main Trunk Area Charge: $46,018 • Sealcoating: $6,984 Councilmember Bernhjelm shared that she is happy with the progress of this development. Mayor Larson shared that this is good news and has confidence in the developer. Motion by Bernhjelm, second by Donnelly, to adopt Resolution R26-2020 approving the final plat for Fairhill Estates at North Creek Second Addition, subject to the following: a) The satisfaction of all engineering comments related to the construction plans for grading and utilities. b) A development contract between the applicant and the City of Farmington shall be executed and security fees and costs shall be paid. Submission of all other documents required under the development contracts shall be required. APIF, motion carried. Motion by Hoyt, second by Bernhjelm, to approve the development contract and authorize its execution pending updates to the financial requirements and fees within the agreement. APIF, motion carried. 11. Unfinished Business None 12. New Business May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -7- a) 2020 Primary and General Election Plan Administrative Assistant Muller presented the 2020 Primary and General Election Plan for city council discussion. Due to the COVID pandemic, adjustments need to be made for the August and November 2020 elections for the safety of voters and election staff and to maintain the security of the voting process. The draft proposal involved emphasizing absentee voting for both the Primary and General Elections, having city staff members serve as election judges, reducing the amount of precincts from six down to two and a significant amount of education and advertising on the changes. A draft plan for the changes was reviewed with the city council. Councilmember Hoyt thanked city staff for their willingness to step up and work on this issue. Councilmember Donnelly asked about both precincts being placed in the downtown area. Muller stated those are the two largest rooms we have available. Councilmember Craig asked if we could increase the number of precincts to three if absentee balloting is not used as much as projected. Muller stated you cannot change polling places between the Primary and General Elections. Councilmember Bernhjelm wanted to make sure the issue of the proximity of the polling place to activities in the Rambling River Center was addressed. The plan will be brought back to the June 1, 2020 for considerations. b) COVID-19 City Response Update Administrator McKnight presented an update on the city response to the COVID pandemic. McKnight proposed the following plan to the city council in regards to opening up city facilities- 1. City hall staff will start to return to work next week in phases to ensure all IT equipment is working and staff gets back into the habit of working out of city hall. 2. Criteria and expectations will be shared with staff returning to city hall including- a. Expectation that they are following federal and state guidelines in their personal life on staying safe at home. b. The expectations of staff will be reinforced that if they are sick they should stay at home. c. Maintaining social distancing in the workplace. May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -8- d. Hygiene and respiratory etiquette will be expected such as washing your hands, covering your cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face, etc. e. PPE, including facemasks, gloves and hand sanitizer, is available for use. f. Protective shields have been installed at the receptionist desk and the building inspections windows. g. Conference rooms have each been assigned a maximum capacity. Meetings with more than six individuals should be held in the city council chambers or training room. Meetings should be kept to maximum length. h. The city council chambers will be rearranged to allow for space between meeting participants. i. Only city staff are allowed in work areas. Members of the public are only allowed in public areas of the building. j. The breakroom will not be available for use until further notice. k. Traditional areas where city staff would congregate like mail and copy areas should be avoided except for brief work related visits. I. Expectations will be clear with staff on when they should wear a mask, reporting symptoms, etc. m. City hall has been thoroughly cleaned the past few months and that will continue. Staff is encouraged to clean the commonly touched items in their work area daily(door handles, light switches, etc.) n. Some city staff members will continue to work from home. o. I expect department heads to put department specific safety expectations in place with their staff. p. The plan is to start city council meetings back at city hall on June 1st with room modifications. 3. The police and fire departments will remain closed to the public until the chiefs decide otherwise. This is for the protection of the health of these vital staff members. 4. Parks and recreations facilities that are closed now will remain closed until we receive further guidance from the CDC, Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association. Once we receive more information and are able to make a determination on these facilities, we will let you know. 5. All other non-city hall staff will continue to work in the methods that have been established over the past 8 weeks. 6. At your last meeting, there was discussion about focusing on what we control in terms of opening up. I need to clarify that building inspections are occurring in Farmington. The downtown liquor store opened up starting last week and the number of days it will May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes -9- be open will continue to increase as soon as next week. Almost all city services have continued to be provided during the pandemic. All of this is subject to change based on Governor Walz executive orders, pandemic related issues and what is best for our organization. I inquired with all of the Dakota County cities today. From those that I heard back from, our plan is similar to what they are thinking as of today. Parks and Recreation Director Distad reviewed updated information received today on outdoor recreation. The current executive order does not allow for outdoor youth and adult events. Councilmember Bernhjelm asked about the status of playgrounds. The city council direction was to get educational signs posted that people should use at their own risk. Councilmember Hoyt if staff has any drop dead dates for upcoming events/seasons. Distad reviewed the plan for events that exists today. Staff will continue to monitor the pandemic and the schedule of events. Community Development Director Kienberger shared a draft resolution that Mayor Larson forwarded from the cities of Burnsville and Apple Valley. Councilmember Bernhjelm thanked the mayor for making staff aware of this issue and clarified that this would only be able to be utilized when restaurants are allowed to legally open. Kienberger stated that was correct. The city council was open to the potential use of city owned space. Administrator McKnight clarified that any potential use of city property would need to be approved by staff prior to it occurring. The city council agreed. Councilmember Donnelly thought it was a good idea and hoped it would get used for the intended purpose. Motion by Hoyt, second by Bernhjelm, to adopt Resolution R27-2020 allowing temporary outdoor customer service areas. APIF, motion carried. 13. City Council Roundtable Bernhjelm-Liked all the positives at the meeting tonight. Craig-Thanked staff for their continued work during the pandemic. May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes _ 10- Donnelly-Liked the positive tone of the meeting tonight and was happy to see the state dialing back the restrictions. Hoyt-Thanked staff for their continued accommodations and encouraged everyone to stay positive. McKnight-Shared with the city council that the first meeting in July is traditionally cancelled. The city council was in support of cancelling the meeting unless an issue arises. Distad-Shared that the new community garden is moving forward. Elvestad-The Fire Station#1 door project got underway today. Gehler-Shared that it is Public Works Week and thanked our staff members for all they do. Larson-Thanked staff for their continued work and encouraged residents to shop local. 14. Adjourn Motion by Hoyt, second by Craig, to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 p.m. APIF, motion carried. Respectfully Submitted 10g. "10< David McKnight, City Administrator May 18, 2020 Regular Minutes - 11-