HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-09-26 City Council Meeting Minutes
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD CITY COUNCIL
7:00 P.M. Monday, September 26, 2022
City Hall, Council Chambers
Meeting No. 20-22
A. CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the City Council was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to
order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Abrams.
Mayor Abrams announced Fall is officially here and mentioned the upcoming City events that
include the North Fire Station Open House, October 8 from 11 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., the Free
Shredding Event, held at Aldrich Arena October 8 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and the Trunk
or Treat event sponsored by the Public Safety Department, held October 29. Mayor Abrams
also announced the City has openings in many city commissions and encouraged residents
to get involved and apply.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. ROLL CALL
Marylee Abrams, Mayor Present
Rebecca Cave, Councilmember Present
Kathleen Juenemann, Councilmember Present
William Knutson, Councilmember Present
Nikki Villavicencio, Councilmember Present
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Agenda item H2 was moved to be heard before H1.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the agenda as amended.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 12, 2022 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the September 12, 2022 City Council
Workshop Meeting Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Knutson Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. September 12, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
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Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the September 12, 2022 City Council Meeting
Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
F. APPOINTMENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Administrative Presentations
a. Council Calendar Update
City Manager Coleman gave an update to the council calendar and reviewed other topics of
concern or interest requested by councilmembers.
2. Council Presentations
None
3. Swearing-In Ceremony for Firefighter/Paramedics Natalie Young and Michael
Skara and Fire Captain/Paramedics Brad McGee, Jordan Wardell, and Michael
Maleski
Fire & EMS Chief Mondor addressed the council and introduced Firefighter/Paramedic Natalie
Young, Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Skara, Fire Captain/Paramedic Brad McGee, Fire
Captain/Paramedic Jordan Wardell, and Fire Captain/Paramedic Michael Maleski. City Clerk
Sindt administered the oath before the pinning of their badges.
4. Resolution for Commissioner Reappointments
City Manager Coleman gave the staff report.
Councilmember Juenemann moved to approve the resolution for Commissioner
Reappointments.
Resolution 22-09-2123
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
reappointed to the following commission:
Environmental & Natural Resources Commission
Ted Redmond, term expires 9/30/2025
Seconded by Councilmember Cave 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
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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 item G5 was highlighted.
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve agenda items G1-G6.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
1. Approval of Claims
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the approval of claims.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
$ 1,063,821.07 Checks # 109635 thru # 109673
dated 09/13/22
$ 826,117.78 Checks # 109674 thru # 109701
dated 09/20/22
$ 1,075,617.99 Disbursements via debits to checking account
dated 09/05/22 thru 09/18/22
$ 2,965,556.84 Total Accounts Payable
PAYROLL
$ 629,983.05 Payroll Checks and Direct Deposits dated 09/16/22
$ 629,983.05 Total Payroll
$ 3,595,539.89 GRAND TOTAL
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
2. Financial Report for the Month Ended August 31, 2022
No Action Required.
3. Local Lawful Gambling Permit for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725
Kennard Street, November 12, 2022
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the Local Lawful Gambling permit for Church of
the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard Street, for November 12, 2022.
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Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
4. Local Lawful Gambling Permit for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725
Kennard Street, November 19, 2022
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the Local Lawful Gambling permit for Church of
the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard Street, for November 19, 2022.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
5. Conditional Use Permit Review, White Bear Meadery, 1320 County Road D Circle
East
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the CUP review for White Bear Meadery and
review again in six months.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave Ayes – All
The motion passed.
6. 2022 – 2023 School Resource Officer Agreement with Independent School District
622
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the 2022 – 2023 School Resource Officer
Agreement with Independent School District 622.
Seconded by Councilmember Cave 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.
Agenda item H2 was heard before H1. Councilmember Knutson left the meeting after agenda
item H2.
1. Xcel Energy, 1555 Century Avenue North
a. Public Hearing
b. Conditional Use Permit and Wetland Buffer Waiver Resolution
c. Public Vacation of an Easement Resolution
Community Development Director Thomson and Environmental Planner Finwall gave the
presentation.
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Mayor Abrams opened the public hearing. The following people spoke:
None
Mayor Abrams closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the resolution for a conditional use permit and a
wetland buffer waiver permitting Xcel Energy’s gas plant improvements at its site located at
1555 Century Avenue North.
Resolution 22-09-2124
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND WETLAND BUFFER WAIVER RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as
follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Xcel Energy has requested approval of a conditional use permit to allow for
improvements to its existing gas plant.
1.02 The applicant has also requested approval of a wetland buffer waiver of 25 feet
from the Manage B wetland on-site and 70 feet from the Manage A wetland on-
site.
1.03 The property is located at 1555 Century Avenue North and is legally described as:
Real property in the City of Maplewood, County of Ramsey, State of Minnesota,
described as follows:
That part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 24,
Township 29 North, Range 22 West, described as follows, to wit: Commencing at
the Northeast corner of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said
Section 24; thence West along the North line of said Southeast Quarter of the
Northeast Quarter, a distance of 33 feet to a point in the West line of East County
Line Road as now located and established, said point being the point of beginning
of the land herein described; thence Southerly along said West line of East
County Line Road a distance of 287.52 feet, more or less, to a point distant 94
feet Northwesterly, measured at right angles from the center line of the most
Northerly main track; thence Southwesterly parallel with said center line of said
most Northerly main track a distance of 1043.58 feet; thence Northerly along a
line forming an angle of 115 degrees 54 minutes with an extension of the last
described course, a distance of 649.8 feet, more or less, to the said North line of
the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter; thence East along the North line
of said Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter a distance of 970.20 feet to
the point of beginning. (Abstract Property)
The Southeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section
24, Township 29, Range 22 except the East 49.5 feet.
(Torrens Property, Certificate of Title No. 517771)
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(PIN 24-29-22-11-0005)
Section 2. Standards.
2.01 City Ordinance Section 44-1092(1) requires public and private utilities have a
conditional use permit.
2.02 City Ordinance Section 18-221(e)(2)(J) allows the city council to waive wetland
buffer requirements for public or semi-public utilities.
2.03 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.
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.
2.04 Wetland Buffer Waiver Standards. City Ordinance Section 18-221(e)(2)(J) states
that the City Council must base approval of a Waiver on the following nine
standards.
1. The city may only allow the construction of public utilities through buffers
where there is no other practical alternative.
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2. Before the City Council acts on the waiver, the Environmental and Natural
Resources Commission and the Planning Commission shall make a
recommendation to the City Council. The city shall hold a public hearing for
the waiver. The city shall notify the property owners within 500 feet of the
property for which the waiver is being requested at least ten days before the
hearing.
3. Utility corridors shall not be allowed near endangered or threatened species.
4. Utility corridors, including any allowed maintenance roads, shall be as far
from the wetland as possible.
5. Utility corridor construction and maintenance shall protect the wetland and
buffer and avoid large trees as much as possible.
6. The city shall not allow the use of pesticides or other hazardous or toxic
substances in buffers or wetlands; however, in some situations the use of
herbicides may be used if prior approval is obtained from the administrator.
7. The owner or contractor shall replant utility corridors with appropriate native
vegetation, except trees, at preconstruction densities or greater after
construction ends. Trees shall be replaced as required by city ordinance.
8. Any additional corridor access for maintenance shall be provided as much
as possible at specific points rather than to the road which is parallel to the
wetland edge. If parallel roads are necessary they shall be no greater than
15 feet wide.
9. The City Council, upon recommendation of the administrator, may require
additional mitigation actions as a condition of granting the waiver.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The proposal meets the specific conditional use permit standards.
3.02 The proposal meets the specific wetland buffer waiver standards.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use
permit and wetland buffer waiver requests.
1. On August 15, 2022, and September 19, 2022, the environmental and
natural resources commission reviewed this project and the wetland buffer
waiver request. The environmental and natural resources commission
recommended that the city council approve this resolution.
2. On August 16, 2022, 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
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planning commission recommended that the city council approve this
resolution.
3. On September 26, 2022, 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 construction shall follow the site plan approved by the City.
2. The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of
Council approval or the permit shall become null and void. The Council may
extend this deadline for one year.
3. The City Council shall review this permit in one year.
4. Any fence over six feet tall requires a building permit issued by the city.
5. Meet all requirements of Jon Jarosch’s Engineering Plan Review, dated
August 8, 2022.
6. Meet all requirements of Shann Finwall and Carole Gernes‘ Environmental
Review, dated September 20, 2022.
7. Receive approval from the City’s Minor Construction 15-Day Review process
for the design of the project.
Seconded by Councilmember Villavicencio Ayes – Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Cave
Councilmember Juenemann
Councilmember Villavicencio
Absent – Councilmember Knutson
The motion passed.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the resolution for the public vacation of an easement
located within the site at 1555 Century Avenue North.
Resolution 22-09-2125
PUBLIC VACATION OF AN EASEMENT RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
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1.01 Xcel Energy has petitioned the Maplewood City Council to vacate an unused
public easement that crosses the site at 1555 Century Avenue North.
1.02 The easement with a recording document number of 2087450 is legally described
as:
A permanent easement for public purposes, over, across and through the South
thirty three (33) feet of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 24,
Townhip 29, Range 22, Ramsey County, Minnesota.
1.03 A hearing notice on said petition was published in the City of Maplewood’s official
newspaper and written notice was mailed to the property owners within 500 feet of
this unplatted property.
1.04 On September 12, 2022, the City Council held a hearing on such petition, at which
time all persons for and against the granting of said petition were heard.
Section 2. Standards
2.01 Minnesota state statute requires that no vacation shall be made unless it appears
in the interest of the public to do so.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The Maplewood City Council makes the following findings:
1. There is no anticipated public need for the described unused public easement.
2. The vacation is not counter to the public interest.
4.01 Therefore, the city council is in favor of the vacation of the above-described
unused public easement.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Cave
Councilmember Juenemann
Councilmember Villavicencio
Absent – Councilmember Knutson
The motion passed.
2. EDA Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-16
a. Public Hearing
b. Resolution Approving Modification of the Development District Program for
Development District No. 1 and the Tax increment Financing Plan for Tax
increment Financing District No. 1-16
Community Development Director Thomson gave the presentation.
Mayor Abrams opened the public hearing. The following people spoke:
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None
Mayor Abrams closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Knutson moved to approve the Resolution Approving Modification of the
Development District Program for Development District No. 1 and the Tax Increment
Financing Plan for Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-16.
Resolution 22-09-2126
RESOLUTION APPROVING MODIFICATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
PROGRAM FOR DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND THE TAX INCREMENT
FINANCING PLAN FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 1-16
BE IT RESOLVED By the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
1.01. The City Council of the city of Maplewood (the “City”) established the Maplewood
Economic Development Authority (“MEDA”) to promote development and
redevelopment within the community.
1.02. On July 22, 2019 the City adopted a modified Enabling Resolution for MEDA, giving it
the authority of an economic development authority under Minnesota Statutes, sections
469.090 through 469.1081 (the “EDA Act); of a housing and redevelopment authority
under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.001 through 469.047 (the “HRA Act”); and of a
city under Minnesota Statutes, sections 469.124 through 469.134 (the “City
Development Districts Act”).
1.03. In response to a proposal to redevelop the property at 3090 Southlawn Drive, on which
exists a structurally substandard building, MEDA determined to establish a tax
increment financing district.
1.04. MEDA and the City investigated the facts and caused to be prepared a modification to
the Development District Program (the “Development Program”) for Development
District No. 1 (the “Project”) and a tax increment financing plan (the “TIF Plan”) for Tax
Increment Financing District No. 1-16 (the “TIF District”), describing the assistance
which may be provided to encourage redevelopment within the Project.
1.05. All actions required by law to be performed prior to the adoption of the modified
Development Program and the TIF Plan and establishment of the TIF District have been
performed, including approval of the TIF Plan by MEDA at its meeting on September 26,
2022.
1.06. MEDA and the City notified Ramsey County and Independent School District No. 622 of
the public hearing on the modified Development Program and TIF Plan to be held before
the City Council on September 26, 2022.
1.07. The modified Development Program and TIF Plan are contained in a document entitled
“Modification to the Development Program, Development District No. 1 and Tax
Increment Financing Plan for Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-16,” dated
September 26, 2022 and on file at Maplewood city hall.
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1.08. The City Council has fully reviewed the contents of the modified Development Program
and TIF Plan and has on September 26, 2022 conducted a public hearing thereon at
which the views of all interested persons were received orally or in writing.
Section 2. Findings Relating to the Adoption of the Modified Development Program.
2.01. The City finds that the modified Development Program, which consists of inclusion of
an additional tax increment financing district, continues to be consistent with the City’s
comprehensive plan.
2.02. The City finds that the adoption of the modified Development Program will promote
redevelopment of property within the Project and is in the vital interests of the community
as a whole.
Section 3. Findings Relating to the Establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-
16.
3.01. The City finds and determines that it is necessary and desirable for the sound and
orderly development of the Project and of the community as a whole, and for the
protection and preservation of the public health, safety, and general welfare, that the
authority of the TIF Act be exercised by MEDA and the City to establish Tax Increment
Financing District No. 1-16.
3.02. The City further finds and determines, and it is the reasoned opinion of the City, that the
redevelopment proposed in the TIF Plan for the TIF District could not reasonably be
expected to occur solely through private investment within the reasonably foreseeable
future and that the increased market value of the land within the TIF District that could
reasonably be expected to occur without the use of tax increment financing would be
less than the increase in the market value estimated to result from the proposed
redevelopment, after subtracting the present value of the projected tax increments for
the maximum duration of the TIF District, and that therefore the use of tax increment
financing is necessary to assist the project.
3.03. The expenditures proposed to be financed through tax increment financing are
necessary to permit MEDA and the City to realize the full potential of the Project in terms
of development intensity, diversity of uses and tax base and to facilitate the
redevelopment of land and provide additional market rate housing within the City’s North
End area, which is consistent with the City’s North End Vision Plan and the
comprehensive plan.
3.04. The TIF Plan for the TIF District will afford maximum opportunity, consistent with the
sound needs of the City as a whole, for redevelopment of the Project by private
enterprise. The building within the TIF District is structurally substandard within the
meaning of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.174, subd. 10.
3.05. The TIF Plan for the TIF District conforms to the general plan for the development and
redevelopment of Maplewood as a whole. The developer’s plans to add housing and
increase the mix of uses in the North End is fully consistent with the city’s area and
comprehensive plans.
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3.06. The City has relied upon the written representation made by the developer, review of
the developer’s proforma, the opinions and recommendations of City staff, and the
personal knowledge of the members of the City Council in reaching its conclusions
regarding the TIF Plan and the establishment of the TIF District. The City also reviewed
a Property Condition Assessment report prepared for MEDA by Braun Intertec dated
August 12, 2022 regarding the lot coverage and structural condition of the one principal
building within the TIF District and has relied upon said report in reaching the
determination that the area qualifies as a redevelopment tax increment financing district.
3.07. TIF District No. 1-16 is a redevelopment tax increment financing district within the
meaning of Minnesota Statutes, section 469.174, subd. 10(a)(1). LHB, Inc. has
reviewed the property to be included within the TIF District and prepared a report on the
condition of principal building located thereon. The report, which was prepared after an
interior and exterior inspection of the building, establishes that the building is structurally
substandard and that the TIF District qualifies as a redevelopment tax increment district.
A copy of this report will be retained at city hall for the duration of the TIF District.
3.08. The reasons and supporting facts regarding the fundings required by Minnesota
Statutes, section 469.175, subd. 3 are included in Exhibit C to the TIF Plan and are
hereby incorporated into this resolution as if fully set forth herein.
Section 4. Approval of Modified Development Program and Tax Increment Financing Plan;
Establishment of Tax Increment Financing District No. 1-16;
4.01. The modified Development Program for Development District No. 1 is hereby approved.
4.02. The TIF Plan for TIF District No. 1-16 is hereby approved, as adopted by MEDA. Tax
Increment Financing District No. 1-16 is hereby established.
4.03. The Executive Director of MEDA is authorized and directed to transmit a certified copy
of this resolution together with a certified copy of the modified Development Program
and the TIF Plan to Ramsey County with a request that the original tax capacity of the
property within TIF District No. 1-16 be certified to MEDA pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, section 469.177, subd. 1 and to file a copy of the modified Development
Program and the TIF Plan for TIF District No. 1-16 with the Minnesota department of
revenue.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – All
The motion passed.
otion passed
I. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
J. NEW BUSINESS
1. Massage Center License for Aric Ashley Salon, 2255 Minnehaha Ave E
City Clerk Sindt have the staff report. Applicants, Janet and Eric Almendinger, addressed the
council.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the Massage Center license for Aric Ashley Salon,
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located at 2255 Minnehaha Ave E.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Cave
Councilmember Juenemann
Councilmember Villavicencio
Absent – Councilmember Knutson
The motion passed.
2. Letter of Intent with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative and the Philippine
Center of Minnesota for the Exchange of 1900 Clarence Street North and the
Surface Parking Lot Adjacent to 1375 Frost Avenue
Community Development Director Thomson gave the staff report.
Councilmember Cave moved to approve the letter of intent with Beacon Interfaith Housing
Collaborative and the Philippine Center of Minnesota for the exchange of surface lots located
at 1900 Clarence Street North and the lot adjacent to 1375 Frost Avenue East.
Seconded by Councilmember Juenemann Ayes – Mayor Abrams
Councilmember Cave
Councilmember Juenemann
Councilmember Villavicencio
Absent – Councilmember Knutson
The motion passed.
K. AWARD OF BIDS
None
L. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Abrams adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Andrea Sindt, City Clerk
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