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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220307 - CC MinutesSign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Hastings, Minnesota City Council Meeting Minutes March 7, 2022 The City Council of the City of Hastings, Minnesota met in a regular meeting on Monday, March 7, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at the Hastings City Hall, 101 East 4th Street, Hastings, Minnesota. Members Present: Mayor Fasbender, Councilmembers Braucks, Folch, Leifeld, Lund and Vaughan Members Absent: Councilmember Fox Staff Present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha Assistant City Administrator Kelly Murtaugh City Attorney Kori Land Community Development Director John Hinzman Economic Development Coordinator Eric Maass Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Ryan Stempski Approval of Minutes Mayor Fasbender asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular City Council meeting and Council Workshop on February 22, 2022. Minutes were approved as presented. Comments from the Audience Sasha Sobaszkiewicz Griner, 517 Ramsey Street, expressed her appreciation and concern for the Rise Up Recovery facility. Ms. Sobaszkiewicz Griner praised the mission Rise Up Recovery has, however raised concern of the safety and wellness of her family and neighborhood. Consent Agenda 1. Pay Bills as Audited 2. Accept SMEAD Manufacturing Sponsorship of $1,000.00 for a Performance in the Park in 2022 at the Rotary Pavilion in Levee Park 3. 1st Reading\Order Public Hearing: Amend City Code Chapter 155 - Parking for Apartments 4. Approve Budget Amendment – Veteran’s Athletic Complex Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Public Hearing, 2022 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements and to Authorize Advertisement for Bids Stempski presented on the planned infrastructure improvements. Five areas that represent full reconstruction or reclamation projects in 2022: 5th and Ash Streets; Riverwood Neighborhood;11th Street East (1/2 block); Park Lane& Park Court; and 13th Street West, Hillside & Lilac Court. Stempski outlined the project cost and funding sources. The project is estimated to be $4.3M. Assessment statements will go out to residents and a public hearing will be held on April 4, 2022. Construction is anticipated to start in May, concluding in October. Stempski outlined the various methods of communication to stay connected to affected residents about the progress of the project. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 7:30 PM, and hearing no comments closed the public hearing at 7:31 PM. Council discussion on clarification on a funding source used previously on a separate City project. Vaughan questioned if it would be an option for this project as well as what city roads are eligible to receive this aid. Vaughan confirmed that state funded roads must be designed to State aid standards. Stempski clarified that the previous funding source was a Municipal State Aid account. Stempski explained what kinds of projects the City would use those funds on, and stated it is for routes that have been put on the State aid which are designated by how heavily trafficked those roads are. Councilmember Folch asked if Public Works would ascertain which trees are Ash trees in the neighborhood reconstruction projects and work with an inspector to determine removal of those trees if they are in the right-of-way. Stempski responded that Public Works intends to work with the City Forester to review and inspect which trees are Ash, determine their health and removal if needed. Folch asked City Administrator Dan Wietecha if we would begin using the deferment process that was established for Veteran’s Disabled and Seniors that apply financially. Wietecha confirmed that the deferment process would be a usable option and that notices would go out later on in the process in early Fall of the year. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Public Hearing, County Crossroads 4th Addition – Enclave Companies – (Apartments 3xx 33rd Street W) Hinzman reviewed the location of the County Crossroads project, indicating that there would be a public hearing for rezoning the property to residential. Additionally, there are resolutions for rezoning, preliminary and final plat, and the site plan. There will be two 100-unit buildings with parking. The Planning Commission has recommended approval. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 7:35 PM, and hearing no comments closed the public hearing at 7:36 PM. Councilmember Vaughan commented on the connection between the development and Tiffany Drive, clarifying what kind of access point that represents. Hinzman clarified that that connection is an existing walkway which this development proposes linking those together. Councilmember Folch commented on the concern for electric car charging stations and asked for clarification on this. Hinzman commented the developer can talk specifically towards the concern. Brian Bachman confirmed there will be charging stations available. Bachman stated the location of those stations is currently undetermined since no underground parking will be available at this development. Bachman confirmed they plan to run conduit everywhere so it will be available. Folch asked if a play area will be available. Bachman stated the plan right now is to do cash in lieu of parkland dedication, he also stated the plan is to have a pool, outdoor play and game areas, grilling stations, and fire pit stations as well. Councilmember Lund related this development to the Vermillion Street Corridor Plan stating that the opportunity is validating the plan. Lund raised concern to the traffic plans and questioned the impact on Hwy 61. Hinzman stated the site is set up for heavier traffic, but noted that MNDOT is aware of these changes and may propose future intersection improvements. Councilmember Folch motioned to approve the County Crossroads 4th Addition – Enclave Companies – Apartments (3xx 33rd Street W): Rezone Property from C-4 to R-4 as presented, seconded by Councilmember Vaughan. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Councilmember Leifeld motioned to approve the County Crossroads 4th Addition – Enclave Companies – Apartments (3xx 33rd Street W): Preliminary and Final Plat as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve the County Crossroads 4th Addition – Enclave Companies – Apartments (3xx 33rd Street W): Site Plan as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Ayes 6; Nays 0. Public Hearing, Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E) Hinzman indicated that there are two public hearings, followed by several resolutions to address the project. He reviewed the project area, described the building size, and indicated that the area has been targeted for development for 20 years. Hinzman showed the site plan and layout of the building, access and parking. Mayor Fasbender opened the Public Hearing Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Rezone Property from I-1 to DC and Vacation of Alley at 7:52 PM Resident Jen Bierma, 401 Tyler Street, raised concern regarding parking for the development, questioned if 4th Street would be reconstructed to accommodate, and asked how many parking spots are available for visitors. Hinzman noted that there would be 1.2 spots per unit which would be just over 100 spots for the development which meets our minimum parking requirement. Resident Richard Harrington, 521 Tyler Street, questioned what parking is going to allow for visitors versus residents and how that factors into the parking already taking up space on 4th Street. Hinzman noted the parking requirements take visitor parking into consideration, and stated he does not know of any parking complaint issues in the area currently. Mayor Fasbender closed the Public Hearing Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Rezone Property from I-1 to DC and Vacation of Alley at 7:57 PM Council discussion by Councilmember Vaughan on entrance/exit to parking areas. Hinzman clarified the parking right-of-way for the development. Councilmember Folch commented on parking and asked about electric charging stations. Nathan Stencil, from Stencil Group, indicated there would be 4-6 charging stations but the site would be pre-wired for future and can add as needed. Stencil noted there will be stations inside the parking garage and outdoor stations as well. Councilmember Braucks questioned Stencil about impact of building by train tracks and the target demographic for the building. Stencil indicated that sound deadening measures will be taken to address nearby train noise. They expect a mix of demographic profiles based on experiences in other cities. Councilmember Liefeld asked for clarification of access to the Red Rock parking lot and questioned the cost of renting in this development. Councilmember Folch asked about privacy fence and other options for privacy. Stencil stated there will be at 6-foot vinyl fence built along the property line to help protect and ensure privacy. Folch questioned forestry options and increasing the fence height. Stencil explained what will be planted to help ensure greenery is in place. Hinzman commented on the site plan and stated that 6-foot tall fence is a good option given the space. Stencil stated they are willing to look at higher fence options if it makes the most sense, Hinzman commented on the City Code regarding fence height. Councilmember Vaughan commented to the design of the development and mentioned the City should discuss the additions concerning neighbors in future development plans. City Attorney Kori Land stated to the Council that there is not a variance application and we cannot vary from any of our regulations without going through the Variance Process. Councilmember Folch questioned when the request from the TIF dollars is going to come forward. Hinzman commented on the next steps for the TIF plan. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Councilmember Folch motioned to approve Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Rezone Property from I-1 to DC as presented, seconded by Councilmember Braucks. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Vaughan motioned to approve Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Vacation of Alley as presented, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Folch motioned to approve Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Preliminary and Final Plat as presented, seconded by Councilmember Leifeld Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Folch motioned to approve Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Special Use Permit – Shoreland Management as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Vaughan motioned to approve Stencil Addition – Nathan Stencil (NJS Development) – Apartments (412 3rd Street E): Site Plan – Apartments as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund Ayes 6; Nays 0 Public Hearing, Matthew and Sandra Heiman – Home and Garage Addition (502 6th Street East) Hinzman provided overview of the request for a home and garage addition. The request was reviewed by the Hastings Planning Commission and recommended for approval. The easement would be preserved, but reduced. Mayor Fasbender opened the public hearing at 8:20 PM, and hearing no comments closed the public hearing at 8:21 PM. Council discussion on the impact of reducing the easement by Councilmember Lund. Hinzman commented on the private utilities that will be impacted by this stating that the applicant has worked with the private utilities to ensure the area noted will suffice. Councilmember Folch thanked Hinzman for working with the applicant to see this through. Councilmember Braucks motioned to approve the Vacation of Alley Easement as presented, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Folch motioned to approve the OHDS Approval as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Special Use Permit, Operation of State Licensed Residential Facility – Rise Up Recovery (303 5th Street E) Hinzman reviewed the Special Use Permit request to Operate a State Licensed Residential Facility– Rise Up Recovery (303 5thStreet E). The applicant is requesting approval of the special use permit to operate a Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes facility (Providence House) containing board and lodging with special services for substance use disorder recovery for pre-and post-treatment clients. The Planning Commission considered the request, heard comments from residents, and recommended by a 6-1 vote to forward the Special Use Permit. Council discussion on length of time to enroll into a treatment program by Councilmember Vaughan. Tiffany Neuharth clarified the individuals of health when coming into their facility and explained their program is purely recovery support housing. Ms. Neuharth explained their referral process to Council. Councilmember Vaughan questioned at what occupancy is a special use permit needed beyond state approval and reviewed the conditions presented. Vaughan commented on the differences within the existing facilities in other areas and compared them to this specific application. Councilmember Leifeld asked about the limit of apartments they could have inside this specific residence and the process that a resident would go through applying for this. Leifeld commented on the concerns being raised by the neighborhood surrounding and commented on the concerns due that some individuals may have about finding facilities when needed. Councilmember Braucks commented on her support to the applicant, and that drug and alcohol use is on the rise in our community. Braucks commented on the potential rise of public safety calls and understands the concerns the community is bringing forward. Councilmember Folch praised the applicants on bringing this forward. Folch commented on a resident she knows in the area and wanted to ensure that there are staff qualifications in place and the expertise of the individuals running the facility. Ms. Neuharth commented on the licenses and years of experience her and the Board of Directors have and noted the support of the other facilities they collaborate with. Councilmember Vaughan asked who certifies the staff. Ms. Neuharth clarified that individuals are certified by the State and have further requirements to continue their certification. Vaughan questioned the number of residents and asked why they are not beginning at a smaller number of possible residents. Ms. Neuharth commented on their needing a higher number of residents in order to be able to afford 24/7 support at the facility. Ms. Neuharth commented on another facility within the City and commented on what they are able to do for the community versus what they are going to be able to do providing an intensive level of support. Vaughan commented on putting a commercial facility in a residential area and what potential events may cause the special use permit to be removed. City Attorney Kori Land commented that nuisance ordinance are more appropriate for regulating behavior than conditions of a special use permit; significant or multiple violations of conditions would likely be needed to revoke the special use permit. Vaughan questioned the specific conditions that were added to the special use permit application. Hinzman explained further why other conditions were added. Councilmember Lund asked if it were possible to add thresholds to specific conditions to help clarify the reasoning on adding the condition. Vaughan commented on the number of police calls to other facility locations. Land clarified the statutory definition of a public nuisance and how it would apply. Councilmember Leifeld asked for a clarification on what the special use permit may be used for. Leifeld also commented to the unfortunate classification this application as a business, and ensured that this home is built to hold the number of residents the applicant is requesting. Vaughan questioned what staff is living there versus shift change employees. Ms. Neuharth commented on the staff proposed to live on site and their duties. Mayor Fasbender commented on the application and questioned what the staffing will look like and how they will collaborate together to ensure a successful facility. Ms. Neuharth stated the effect support can have to an individual and how their staff is there to support and facilitate their needs as they enter their facility. Councilmember Vaughan motioned to approve as presented, seconded by Councilmember Lund. Councilmember Leifeld motioned to amend the motion to strike condition number fifteen and replace the wording with public nuisance language, seconded by Councilmember Folch. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Councilmember Leifeld motioned to amend the motion and made an amendment to increase the number of beds to 15 beds from 10 beds. Sign up to receive automatic notification of Council agendas At ccagenda-subscribe@hastingsmn.gov or by calling 651-480-2350 City Council packets can be viewed in searchable format on the City’s website at http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-council/city-council-agendas-and-minutes Council discussion on maintaining the number of 10 beds and have the facility demonstrate their success by Councilmember Braucks. Hinzman clarified the process of what the applicant would need to do to bring this back to Council in the future to move forward with adding additional beds. Councilmember Vaughan commented on the concerns of the bed numbers stating that we should allow the business to start their facility and then come back to Council when they want to grow their business. Hinzman referenced previous conversations from the Planning Commission regarding the number of residents related to parking at the facility. Ms. Neuharth commented on the residents and the allowance of vehicles which are post-treatment residents which would also be limited to six vehicles. Councilmember Leifeld commented on the process for the applicant to come back to Council at a later date to change their occupancy for additional beds. Ms. Neuharth stated that there would not be an issue to do that if it was needed. Councilmember Leifeld withdrew her motion to amend the increase of beds and remain at 10 beds for the facility. Council moved forward with the amended motion. Ayes 6; Nays 0 1st Reading\Order Public Hearing: Amend City Charter Ordinance – Section 1.03: Ward Boundaries Murtaugh presented the 1st Reading\Ordered the Public Hearing request to Amend the City Charter Ordinance–Section 1:03: Ward Boundaries. The Charter Commission recommended changes to the Ward Boundaries. Murtaugh explained following the 2020 Census, Ward populations are reviewed and redrawn. Murtaugh explained the modest changes that are proposed and the next steps upon approval. Council discussion on the new boundaries concerning the anticipated growth in population based on recent building proposal approvals. Councilmember Lund commented on future population shifts and raised comments on the changes that are coming within residency. Murtaugh explained how the changes are presented concerning state law to reference the 2020 Census numbers right now, that future developments were not considered at this time due to following state laws. Councilmember Braucks commented on the work provided by the Charter Commission to amend the Ward Boundaries. Councilmember Vaughan motioned to approve as presented, seconded by councilmember Leifeld. Ayes 6; Nays 0 Announcements • Cottage Grove Beyond the Yellow Ribbon—update on the many activities of the group; always seeking Board members. Changing name to Mississippi Valley Beyond the Yellow Ribbon due to the variety of participants in the group • The Hastings Police Department has scheduled Coffee with a Cop at Froth & Cork on Friday, March 11, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Residents are invited to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the Officers in your neighborhood. Meetings • Parks & Recreation Commission - Cancelled • HEDRA Meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2022 at 6:00 PM • Coffee with a Cop on Friday, March 10, 2022 at 10:00 AM • Planning Commission Meeting – Cancelled • Heritage Preservation Commission on Tuesday, March 15 at 7:00 PM