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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-08 City Council Meeting Minutes MINUTES MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL 7:00 P.M. Monday, April 08, 2024 City Hall, Council Chambers Meeting No. 07-24 A. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order at 7:01 by Mayor Abrams. Mayor Abrams shared attending the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at which the Maplewood Hy-Vee was named Business of the Year and shared information on the award. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. ROLL CALL Marylee Abrams, Mayor Present Rebecca Cave, Councilmember Absent Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present Chonburi Lee, Councilmember Present Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The following items were added to Council Presentations: Regional Council of Mayors Councilmember Lee moved to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes– All The motion passed. E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. March 25, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the March 25, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes as submitted. Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All The motion passed. F. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS 1. Administrative Presentations a. Council Calendar Update April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 1 City Manager Sable gave an update to the council calendar and reviewed other topics of concern or interest requested by councilmembers. 2. Council Presentations Spring Clean-Up th Councilmember Juenemann reminded residents the Spring Clean-Up is Saturday, April 13, from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm and gave the details of the event. Regional Council of Mayors Mayor Abrams attended the Regional Council of Mayors and shared the topic was public safety and crime. 3. Resolution for Commissioner Appointment City Manager Sable gave the staff report. Councilmember Villavicencio moved to approve the resolution to appoint Pete Boulay to the Heritage Preservation Commission. Resolution 24-04-2299 RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA: Hereby appoints the following individual, who the Maplewood City Council has reviewed, to be appointed to the following commission: Heritage Preservation Commission Pete Boulay term expires April 30, 2027 Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 4. Resolution of Appreciation for Mollie Miller, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Ben Guell, Environmental and Natural Resources Commission Chair gave the report. Councilmember Juenemann read the Resolution of Appreciation. Mollie Miller addressed council and expressed gratitude to the city. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution of appreciation for Mollie Miller, Environmental and Natural Resources Commissioner. Resolution 24-04-2300 RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR MOLLIE MILLER April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 2 WHEREAS, Mollie Miller has been a member of the Maplewood Environmental and Natural Resources Commission for nine years, serving from September 22, 2014 to September 30, 2023. Ms. Miller has served faithfully in those capacities; and WHEREAS, during her term on the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission, Ms. Miller helped guide many important City environmental ordinances and policies including: Urban Agriculture Ordinance, Renewable Energy Ordinance, Solid Waste Management Ordinance, Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Ordinance, Maplewood Nature Center Master Plan, 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and the Climate Adaptation Plan and Implementation Strategies; and WHEREAS, the Environmental and Natural Resources Commission and City Council have appreciated her experience, insights, and good judgment; and WHEREAS, Ms. Miller has freely given of her time and energy, without compensation, for the betterment of the City of Maplewood; and WHEREAS, Ms. Miller has shown dedication to her duties and has consistently contributed her leadership and efforts for the benefit of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED for and on behalf of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, and its citizens that Mollie Miller is hereby extended our gratitude and appreciation for her dedicated service. Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All The motion passed. 5. Maplewood Residential Recycling and Trash Collection Annual Report Environmental Planner Finwall gave the staff report. Willie Tennis and Alexia Hieserich with Tennis Sanitation provided information regarding recycling and answered questions of the council. Bev Mathiasen with Republic Services shared information regarding trash collection. Councilmember Lee moved to approve the 2023 Residential Recycling and Trash Collection Year End Reports and the 2024 Recycling and Trash Collection Work Plans. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. G. CONSENT AGENDA – Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and non- controversial and are approved by one motion of the council. If a councilmember requests additional information or wants to make a comment regarding an item, the vote should be held until the questions or comments are made then the single vote should be taken. If a councilmember objects to an item it should be removed and acted upon as a separate item. Agenda items G3, G4, & G5 were highlighted. Councilmember Lee moved to approve agenda items G1-G6. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 3 Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 1. Approval of Claims Councilmember Lee moved to approve the approval of claims. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: $ 1,109,931.00 Checks # 120714 thru # 120828 dated 03/26/24 $ 184,213.73 Checks # 120829 thru # 120854 dated 04/02/24 $ 1,291,220.82 Disbursements via debits to checking account dated 03/18/24 thru 03/31/24 $ 2,585,365.55 Total Accounts Payable PAYROLL $ 696,846.61 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 03/29/24 $ 696,846.61 Total Payroll $ 3,282,212.16 GRAND TOTAL Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 2. Payment for Axon Yearly Maintenance Support & Evidence.com Subscription Councilmember Lee moved to approve payment for Axon yearly maintenance support and Evidence.com subscription. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 3. Purchase New Ambulance Councilmember Lee moved to approve the purchase of a new ambulance. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 4 The motion passed. 4. Resolution Accepting Donation From Merit Chevrolet Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution accepting the donation made by Merit Chevrolet. Resolution 24-04-2301 EXPRESSING ACCEPTANCE OF AND APPRECIATION OF A DONATION TO THE MAPLEWOOD PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT WHEREAS, Merit Chevrolet has presented to the Maplewood Public Safety Department a donation in the amount of $1,000.00; and WHEREAS, this donation is intended for the purpose to benefit the Departments employee recognition and wellness initiatives; and WHEREAS, the Maplewood City Council is appreciative of the donation and commends Merit Chevrolet for their civic efforts, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, that: 1. The donation is accepted and acknowledged with gratitude; and 2. The donation will be appropriated for the Public Safety Department as designated; and 3. The appropriate budget adjustments be made. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 5. Resolution Accepting Donation From The Friends of Maplewood Nature for Bird and Pollinator Supporting Native Plants Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution accepting a donation of native plants in the amount of $1,964.00 from The Friends of Maplewood Nature, to be planted at Maplewood Nature Center. Resolution 24-04-2302 RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A DONATION FROM THE FRIENDS OF MAPLEWOOD NATURE FOR NATIVE BIRD AND POLLINATOR SUPPORTING PLANTS WHEREAS the City of Maplewood has received a donation of native bird and pollinator supporting plants with a value of $1,964.00 from The Friends of Maplewood Nature, through a Saint Paul Audubon Grant; April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Maplewood City Council authorizes the City of Maplewood, Parks and Natural Resources Division to accept this donation Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 6. Cooperative Funding Agreement for the Rice Larpenteur Alliance Councilmember Lee moved to approve the Cooperative Funding Agreement for Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue Gateway Alliance Consulting Services. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. H. PUBLIC HEARINGS – If you are here for a Public Hearing please familiarize yourself with the Rules of Civility printed on the back of the agenda. Sign in with the City Clerk before addressing the council. At the podium please state your name and address clearly for the record. All comments/questions shall be posed to the Mayor and Council. The Mayor will then direct staff, as appropriate, to answer questions or respond to comments. None I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None J. NEW BUSINESS 1. Resolution Supporting Retention of City Zoning Authority City Manager Sable, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Darrow, and Community Development Director Parr gave the presentation. Council discussed the agenda item. Councilmember Lee moved to approve the resolution supporting the retention of city zoning authority. Resolution 24-04-2303 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RETENTION OF CITY ZONING AUTHORITY WHEREAS, the Minnesota State Legislature, in an attempt to address housing availability and affordability challenges, is considering measures that would preempt city authority to regulate land use and zoning; and WHEREAS, decisions about local zoning and land use, long-term planning and local control is essential to meeting health, safety and general welfare standards that are unique to each community; and WHEREAS, cities use zoning and land use regulations to balance property usage, plan for community growth, dedicate space and capacity for public infrastructure to support development (roads, parks and trails, transportation, sewer, stormwater, water, etc.), mitigate flooding and erosion, and preserve natural resources among others; and April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 6 WHEREAS, provisions of the proposed state measures shift the fiscal burden for infrastructure and operational impacts on the shoulders of existing homeowners and renters in our local communities; and WHEREAS, the City of Maplewood, supports additional housing in the region and has worked with developers to successfully develop lifecycle housing options to meet the demand for housing within our region as a leader in Ramsey County. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MAPLEWOOD MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS: The City of Maplewood opposes state proposals that seek to preempt local zoning and land use decision-making when it comes to residential development; Supports constructive policy alternatives to incentivize and bolster city efforts for addressing housing challenges; Supports continued local transparency and due process that occurs on a local level through public hearings and/or short or long-term planning processes; And, advocates for a city-state partnership to consider reforms that are proven to address housing availability and affordability and that ensure efforts can be locally led and shaped. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. 2. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Lease for Property at 1955 Clarence Street Fire & EMS Chief Mondor, Community Development Director Parr, and Public Safety Director Bierdeman gave the staff report. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution authorizing the City of Maplewood to enter into a lease agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration for the property at 1955 Clarence Street. The Mayor and City Manager are authorized to sign said agreement, and minor technical revisions as approved by the City Attorney are authorized as needed. Resolution 24-04-2304 AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A LEASE FOR PROPERTY AT 1955 CLARENCE STREET BE IT RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minnesota Stat. Sec.16B.24, subd.6, the Commissioner of Administration is empowered to lease non-state owned property with proper lease terms. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and the City Manager are hereby authorized on behalf of the City of Maplewood to sign said agreement and enter into an agreement with the State of Minnesota, Department of Administration prescribing the terms and conditions of said lease a copy of which said agreement was before the City Council and which is made a part hereof by reference. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 7 Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All The motion passed. 3. MSP Commercial, 1081 Highway 36 East a. Conditional Use Permit Amendment Resolution b. Setback Variance Resolution Community Development Director Parr gave the presentation. Eric Vang, owner of Fresh’n Up Car Care, and Mike Brass with Titus Commercial Real Estate, addressed council. Mayor Abrams moved to revoke the previous CUP’s and replace them with a new approved conditional use permit amendment resolution for the property at 1081 Highway 36 East, subject to certain conditions of approval. Resolution 24-04-2305 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 MSP Commercial (property owner) has requested to amend the Conditional Use Permit for the property located at 1081 Highway 36 East. 1.02 The property located at 1081 Highway 36 East is legally described as: That part of the East 350 feet of the Southwest Quarter of Section 9, Township 29, Range 22, lying Northerly of the Northerly line of State Trunk Highway No. 36-188 and 61-1, according to the United States Government Survey thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Abstract Property Tax Parcel Identification: 092922310001 1.03 The conditional use permit allows used vehicle sales to operate on the property. 1.04 The property owner requests to amend the conditional use permit to allow a vehicle maintenance garage to operate on the property. Section 2. Standards. 2.01 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44-1097(a) states that the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the following nine standards for approval. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 8 1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be in conformity with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances. 2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding area. 3. The use would not depreciate property values. 4. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off, vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances. 5. The use would not exceed the design standards of any affected street. 6. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems, schools and parks. 7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or services. 8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site’s natural and scenic features into the development design. 9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The proposal meets the specific Conditional Use Permit standards. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit request. 1. On March 19, 2024, the Planning Commission held a public hearing. City staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The Planning Commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council approve this resolution. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 9 2. On April 8, 2024, the City Council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and City staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The City Council hereby approves the resolution. Approval is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions: 1. All previous CUP conditions, including the CUP granted on July 14, 2014, are terminated. 2. The city council will review the permit in one year. 3. Should there be changes to the building's tenant mix, the property owner must submit these details to the city for review. Before a new tenant operates on the property, the owner must receive approval from the city. 4. Outdoor sales, storage, and display are prohibited on the property unless reviewed by the city council. 5. There shall be no exterior storage of inoperable vehicles related to a vehicle maintenance garage on the property or the adjacent public streets. All vehicles waiting for repair or pick-up must be stored inside the building. 6. There shall be no exterior storage of vehicles listed for sale related to a vehicle sales business on the property or adjacent public streets. The owner must request an amendment to the conditional use permit for any exterior display of vehicles for sale. 7. The owner will submit a trash enclosure plan for the property. A trash enclosure is required around all trash containers or dumpsters on the property and shall be 100 percent opaque. The enclosure must meet city ordinance requirements. The enclosure is required to be maintained at all times. 8. The owner will submit a parking lot striping plan to the city for review. All parking areas will be repaired, and the appropriate size parking stalls and drive aisles must be striped on the property. The parking lot shall be maintained at all times. 9. Should the tenant layout in the building change or if a new use is proposed, all parking requirements must be reviewed by staff beforehand, and all parking requirements must be achieved before a new use can operate on the property. 10. All vehicle deliveries and transport unloading shall be done on-site, not along public streets. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 10 11. All signs shall meet the City of Maplewood sign ordinance. The property owner will obtain sign permits as required. 12. Before a vehicle maintenance garage can operate on the site, the property owner shall provide interior floor plan specifications and details on the type of paint corrections and paint blending to occur, including planned paint storage on the site. The property owner will meet the requirements of the Fire Marshal and install a paint booth and ventilation systems as necessary. 13. The property owner must contact Ramsey County and obtain a hazardous waste license if required. 14. The property owner must contact the city’s licensing division and obtain any required licenses for the businesses that operate on the property. The city will not issue a business license until the property owner submits a trash enclosure plan and a parking lot striping plan to staff for review. Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All The motion passed. Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve a setback variance resolution for the property at 1081 Highway 36 East. Resolution 24-04-2306 SETBACK VARIANCE RESOLUTION BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows: Section 1. Background. 1.01 MSP Commercial (property owner) has requested a setback variance to allow a vehicle maintenance garage to operate on the property closer than 350 feet from a residentially planned property. 1.02 The vehicle maintenance garage would be approximately 200 feet from a residentially planned property. 1.03 The property located at 1081 Highway 36 is legally described as: That part of the East 350 feet of the Southwest Quarter of Section 9, Township 29, Range 22, lying Northerly of the Northerly line of State Trunk Highway No. 36-188 and 61-1, according to the United States Government Survey thereof, Ramsey County, Minnesota. Abstract Property Tax Parcel Identification: 092922310001 Section 2. Standards. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 11 2.01 Variance Standard. City Ordinance Section 44-13 refers to a state statute that states a variance may be granted from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when: (1) the variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this ordinance; (2) when the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan; and (3) when the applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the ordinance. Practical difficulties mean: (1) the proposed use is reasonable; (2) the need for a variance is caused by circumstances unique to the property, not created by the property owner, and not solely based on economic conditions; (3) the variance if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. Section 3. Findings. 3.01 The setback variance request meet the required standards for a variance. Staff finds: 1. That the need for a variance is caused by circumstances unique to the property, not created by the property owner, and not solely based on economic conditions; 2. That the proposed use is reasonable; and 3. That the variance will not alter the essential character of the locality; and 4. That the need for a variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this ordinance; and 5. That the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Section 4. City Review Process 4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering the variance requests. 1. On March 19, 2024, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the hearing a chance to speak and present written statements. The planning commission recommended that the city council approve this resolution. 2. On April 8, 2024, the city council discussed this resolution. They considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city staff. Section 5. City Council 5.01 The city council hereby approves the resolution. Approval of the application is based on the findings outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Seconded by Councilmember Lee Ayes – All The motion passed. April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 12 K. AWARD OF BIDS None L. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Abrams adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Andrea Sindt, City Clerk . April 08, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 13