Pursuant to the due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting was duly held at the Woodbury City Hall, 8301 Valley Creek Road, on the 10th day of February 2010.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor William Hargis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Audience, staff, and Council pledged allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call the following were present: Mayor William Hargis, Council Members: Mary Stephens, Paul Rebholz, Julie Ohs, and Amy Scoggins. Others Present: Clint Gridley, City Administrator; Kimberlee K. Blaeser, City Clerk; Dwight Picha, Community Development Director; David Jessup, Engineering and Public Works Director; Mark Vierling, City Attorney
Mayor Hargis welcomed those watching at home to join the Council meetings and call City Hall if they need information. He also referred to the manila brochures located on the chairs entitled "Welcome to the Woodbury City Council Meeting" and noted there are Public Input Sign-Up Sheets, and invited audience members to sign them and give them to a staff member if they wished to comment during the meeting.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. Report on January 27, 2010, Executive Session regarding City of Woodbury vs. Board of Water and Soil Resources Appellate Court File No. A091175
City Attorney Mark Vierling said the City Council for the City of Woodbury, acting at the request and advise of the City Attorney's office conducted closed sessions after the City Council meeting of January 27, 2010 pursuant to the Minnesota Statute 13.d.01 and Minnesota Statute 595.02.B to review matters in litigation commenced in the matter of City of Woodbury vs. Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Court of Appeals Case No. A091175. The closed meeting was attended by all City Council members; Clint Gridley, City Administrator; Dwight Picha, Community Development Director; David Jessup, Engineering and Public Works Director; and Mark Vierling, City Attorney. The City Council received updated information on the matter and at the advice from its legal counsel, discussed the issues and gave direction to legal counsel and staff on strategic issues but took no specific motions were taken.
B. Community Development Annual Report
Dwight Picha, Community Development Director reviewed the 2009 Annual Report and activities that have taken place during the last year.
Community Development has three divisions: Planning, Housing and Economic Development; Environmental; and Inspection Services. The department provides advisory services to some of the advisory commissions and boards that are appointed annually by the City Council: Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, and Comprehensive Plan Task Force (appointed for one specific project). He stated Community Development staff provides services to the Economic Development Authority and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority. Beginning in 2010, the department will be providing staff support to the Environmental Advisory Commission. To assist in this change, the position of Sustainability Specialist has been transferred to Community Development.
The Planning, Housing and Economic Development division, headed by Janelle Schmitz, primary activities are around the Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission. The Planning Commission serves as an advisory board to the City Council and to the Community Development Department and makes recommendations regarding all planning matters that come before the City. The Planning Commission is comprised of seven members and is chaired by Nancy Remakel. Activities outside of the normal development activities included the Alternative Energy Ordinance, which discusses solar energy, geothermal, biomass, and wind energy. There were a couple of workshops between the Planning Commission and the City Council which ended with a public hearing held by the City Council on October 14, 2009, at which time a new Alternative Energy Ordinance was adopted.
Other activities included review of the Sign Ordinance with the assistance of the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce; and adoption of changes to the Nuisance Ordinances; one specifically on outdoor wood boilers, which are no longer allowed in the city due to public health concerns.
The commission also worked on a Sustainable Design Program, which recommended the following:
Mike Barrett chaired the Comprehensive Plan Task Force. They spent a couple of years developing a new Comprehensive Plan for the City. Some of the major items in the Comprehensive Plan are:
Mr. Picha introduced Roger Green, Chair of the Economic Development Commission. Mr. Green stated the Economic Development Commission consists of seven people whose general purpose is to act as a coordinating body and resource agency for economic development activities. In 2006, a strategic plan was adopted that had five major goal areas:
Two primary focus areas for 2009 were:
In regards to the Medical Campus District, the aim is to create Woodbury as a medical destination. A Medical Market Study was done in 2007 by the McComb Group, which showed that the Woodbury market was underserved in terms of medical services and product industries. The study also showed some unique opportunities in the community to concentrate medical-related uses, create a jobs corridor anchored by Woodwinds Hospital, and to build upon the success of the current health and medical businesses in Woodbury.
Woodbury is a strategic location for a medical campus district with easy access from the freeways and is a growing and dynamic community with Healtheast, Allina, and HealthPartners all having a major presence. There are also over 100 medical-related businesses, strong residential and commercial growth, and a well-educated workforce.
The marketing campaign was established this year and focused on the Woodbury HealthCore. A map revealing the location of the Medical Campus District was shown, which included some of the major occupants such as Woodbury Office Plaza; Woodwinds Hospital and Birch Center Medical Office Building; Summit Orthopedics, Reproductive Medicine & Infertility Assoc., CornerStone Medical Center-Metro Urology, and Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists.
Mr. Green continued by discussing the Northeast Business Park, which represents the largest remaining development opportunity within the City of Woodbury. It has been a focus area for economic development during this past year, and is located near I-94 and Manning Avenue. Stonehenge USA/Dale Properties has 415 acres under common ownership in this area. The developer is currently working on a Master Development Plan and Application for the first phase of the business park. Completed this last year was the AUAR environmental study that helps to set the stage for this project to move to its next stages. It is being marketed under the name of Red Rock Territory.
The Business Development Committee is composed of 13 volunteers, chaired by Christopher Burns. Its particular focus is to assist with the implementation of those strategic plans and goals with the emphasis on a marketing strategy for the Medical Campus District. One of the activities undertaken annually is the Business Town Meeting, which was held on May 7 at Central Park. It included the State of the City presentation by Mayor Hargis and the awarding of plaques to new businesses such as:
The event also included the Environmental Excellence Awards presented to the following businesses such as:
Another event featuring the development opportunities that exist in Woodbury was the 5th Annual Woodbury Business Classic held on October 8. This year the focus was on the Medical Campus District and Senator Dave Durenberger was the keynote speaker who spoke on health reform and issues.
This was also a big year in terms of the restructuring of two major groups: the Economic Development Authority and the Economic Development Commission. A study was done on the roles of both groups and concluded that the EDA should be restructured in such a way that the City Council would serve as the members of the Economic Development Authority. The duties of the Economic Development Commission were expanded, the frequency of the meetings was changed from quarterly to six times a year, and the number of EDC members was increased in order to accommodate a transition of some of those volunteers that have participated on the Economic Development Authority. There are seven citizens participating on the EDA in its closing year and Bill Betten served as the President.
This was a slow year for commercial construction with 36,000 square feet added, which is the smallest amount added to the community on a commercial basis since 1988. The total permit value for that commercial construction was $3.3 million.
The community survey has indicated year-after-year that the residents feel that the City should be focused as a community on developing places to work. Places to shop come to our community quickly and there are many opportunities for that. The percentage of square feet developed since 1997 has been tracked and it indicates that 54% has been around the office and industrial space or places to work, and 46% has been around retail or places to shop. This demonstrates that the City has been responsive to the wishes of the residents.
The number of projects in 2009 was small, but important:
Mr. Green returned the floor to Mr. Picha.
The creation of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority was authorized by the City Council in December of 2006. The City launched four new programs successfully in 2009, and continues to do extensive marketing to realtors, bankers, providers, and other stakeholders. The 2nd Annual Get To Know Woodbury event was held in December. Additionally, the $350,000 HRA levy was maintained at its current level for 2010. The HRA programs that are currently running are:
In the first year the HRA did 22 loans in the amount of $520,000 total. The Council, acting as the HRA, also worked on the City Walk Affordable Housing Proposal. The city owns a 2.2-acre site as part of the City Walk Development. An RFP was issued and the Council designated CommonBond Communities as the RFP finalist. The hope is to add 45 units of affordable special needs and affordable senior housing rental on this site.
Mr. Picha stated the Sheriff sales of Woodbury properties have gone up consistently over the years, to 421 total properties in 2009. This includes homes, undeveloped lots, commercial properties, etc. The Council directed staff to actively follow these foreclosures. A program has been put together when an address of a foreclosed property is received, an inspection is completed, and the appropriate people are notified if there are any code violations, and water is shut off if the unit is vacant.
Some of the Environmental Division activities in 2009 were:
Activities in the Inspections Division were down this year but included issuance of 4,162 building permits with a value of construction of over $122 million
Fire Inspections are in their third year of operation since the transference from Public Safety to Community Development. There were approximately 520 fire inspections of commercial buildings in the community.
Code enforcement was up a little bit this year with 624 property maintenance cases, of which 51 were related to foreclosures.
Tracking of employment for businesses and residents in the community revealed an unemployment rate of 5.9% in December. The December Twin Cities Metro average was 6.5% and the national average was in the 9.7% to 9.9% range.
Residential housing activity has gone down with 255 new housing units done last year and, of that 185 were single family and remainder were town homes. It is anticipated that the number will be approximately the same in 2010.
Mr. Picha reminded the Council and the audience that, should there be a desire to see more detailed information, the Community Development Report is available on-line or a paper copy could be provided if the office is called.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum is a portion of the Council meeting where a maximum of three persons will be allowed to address the Council on subjects that are not a part of the meeting agenda. Speakers are asked to limit their remarks to two minutes each. Persons wishing to speak must complete a sign-up sheet prior to the start of the meeting. Give the sign-up sheet to any staff person. The Council may take action or reply at the time of the statement or may give direction to staff at the end of the meeting regarding investigation of the concerns expressed.
There we no open forum comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion and an affirmative vote by roll call of a majority of the members present. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Council Member or citizen so requests, in which event, the items will be removed from the consent agenda and considered a separate subject of discussion by the Council.
Item A Approval of Council Minutes - January 27, 2010
Item B Approval to renew seventeen (17) ICUPs and conditionally approve two (2) permits until March 2010. The renewals are as follows:
|
Case No. 69-05 |
Sign |
1. CBS Outdoor Advertising |
|
Case No. 73-10 |
Navigational Equipment |
2. St. Paul Airport |
|
Case No. 73-24 |
Sign |
3. Ashwood Ponds |
|
Case No. 75-02 |
Sign |
4. JGM Properties |
|
Case No. 95-66/78-55 |
Silo and Storage Bins |
5. Twin City Silica |
|
Case No. 80-51 Case No. 82-23 |
Dog Kennel Vehicle Storage |
6. Lone Lake Kennels 7. Eugene Schlomka |
|
Case No. 82-42 |
Horse Boarding |
8. Mark Ward |
|
Case No. 85-24/81-63 |
Entertainment |
9. Throwbacks |
|
Case No. 87-54/98-138 |
Bus Storage |
10. New Life Church |
|
Case No. 01-09 |
Temporary Greenhouse |
11. Kowalski's Market |
|
Case No. 95-70/93-17/76-14 |
Campground |
12. KOA Campground |
|
Case No. 97-12 |
Temporary Greenhouse |
13. Cub Foods |
|
Case No. 97-38 |
Composting |
14. Composting Concepts |
|
Case No. 98-31/02-93 |
Seasonal Sales |
15. St. Paul Farmers’ Market |
|
Case No. 04-05 Case No. 09-09 |
Seasonal Sales Seasonal Sales |
16. Home Depot 17. City Walk Farmers’ Market |
Conditional Approval
|
Case No. 89-01 |
Vehicle Storage |
1. Ritter |
Case No. 82-37 |
Horse Boarding |
2. Ann and Paul Kroshus |
Item C To adopt the following resolution RESOLUTION NO. 10-10
Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the preliminary reports and establishing a public improvement hearing date of March 10, 2010, for the 2010 Roadway Rehabilitation Project - Castles Woodbury Estates, School Drive, Wild Canyon Estates, Wild Canyon Ridge, Woodbury Meadows.
Item D To adopt the following resolution RESOLUTION NO. 10-11
Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the Tamarack Road MSAS Improvements (Spring Hill Drive to Preserve Trail) establishing Tamarack Road, adjacent to Footprints Academy, as a 25 mile per hour school zone speed limit.
Item E To adopt the following resolution RESOLUTION NO. 10-12
Resolution of the City of Woodbury, Washington County, Minnesota approving the appointment of John Love and David Garcia to the non-exempt position of Paid-on-call Firefighter/EMT effective February 11, 2010.
Item F Acceptance of Planning and Environmental Advisory Commissioner Resignations and Appointment of New Planning and Environmental Advisory Commissioners
1. Council accept Francis Green's resignation from the Planning Commission and to appoint Craig Wasko to the Planning Commission. Mr. Wasko's term will expire on December 31, 2010.
2. Council accept Hong Spores' resignation from the Environmental Advisory Commission and to appoint Andrew Tarara to the Environmental Advisory Commission. Mr. Tarara's term will expire on December 31, 2010.
Item G To approve the Abstract of Bills for January 29, 2010 in the amount of $676,374.69 and for February 5, 2010 in the amount of $384,831.50. Any purchase contracts requiring the signature of the Mayor and City Administrator are hereby approved.
Voting via voice:
Mary Stephens – aye
Amy Scoggins - aye
Julie Ohs - aye
Paul Rebholz – aye
William Hargis - aye
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No public hearings scheduled
DISCUSSION
No discussion items scheduled.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
City Administrator Clint Gridley highlighted that there is a new restaurant in town, Aperitif Restaurant, located by the Sheraton Hotel. It opened for business on January 30 and is part of the Tamarack Hills II commercial development.
Residents are now able to purchase FEMA flood insurance. Contact the Engineering Department for more information.
Upcoming meetings:
Neighborhood Meeting
1. Super Target Store on February 16, 6:00 p.m., Council Chambers
2. FEMA Commercial Information Meeting, February 23, 1:00 p.m., Council Chambers
3. FEMA Residential Information Meeting, February 23, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers
Planning Commission Meeting, March 1, 2010
1. Commerce Hill, Amended Planned Unit Development (Super Target), Amended Final Site and Building Plan, Final Plat, Developer Agreement
2. Eagle Brook Church, Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Conditional Use Permit, Preliminary Plat, Final Site and Building Plan
3. Prelude of Woodbury, Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, Preliminary Plat, Final Site and Building Plan
Council Workshop Meeting, February 17, 2010
1. Public Safety Building Concept Review
2. Comparative Sustainable, Urban Design Practices
3. Commerce Hill Development
4. Public Safety Building Financing Options
Preliminary Public Hearings, February 24, 2010
No Items Scheduled
Other Meetings
1. Business Development Committee Meeting, February 19, 7:30 a.m., Elm Conference Room
2. Environmental Advisory Commission, February 22, 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers
ADJOURNMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statute Section 13.D, and based upon the advice of the City Attorney, Mayor Hargis recommended that the City Council recess to a closed meeting to review matters in litigation regarding the following:
At the next regular City Council meeting for the benefit of the public we will summarize the discussion or action that took place at these closed sessions. Mayor Hargis asked for a motion to hold a closed meeting for the purposes previously stated.
Council Member Rebholz moved, seconded by Council Member Stephens, to hold a closed meeting for the purpose of discussing the above item of actual or pending litigation
Voting in Favor: Stephens, Rebholz, Ohs, Scoggins, Hargis
Voting Against: None
Absent: None
Mayor Hargis adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________________
Kimberlee K. Blaeser, City Clerk
Approved by the Woodbury City Council on February 24, 2010.