2022-01-25 CC Meeting MinutesMOUND CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
January 25, 2022
The City Council of the City of Mound, Hennepin County, Minnesota, met in regular session on
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Centennial Building.
Members present: Mayor Ray Salazar; Council members Phil Velsor, Paula Larson, Sherrie
Pugh, and Jason Holt
Members absent: None
Others present: City Manager Eric Hoversten, City Clerk Kevin Kelly, City Engineer Brian
Simmons, Josh Shields, Jeff Wrede, Brian Farrell, Joe Bruns, Don McHugh, Julie McHugh,
John Biglow, Michelle Herrick, Jason Zattler, Mary Davis and Sean Carroll.
Consent agenda: All items listed under the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in
nature by the Council. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a
Councilmember or citizen so requests, in which event it will be removed from the Consent
Agenda and considered in normal sequence.
1. Open meeting
Mayor Salazar called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2 Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve agenda
MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the agenda. All voted in favor. Motion
carried.
4. Consent agenda
MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Larson, to approve the consent agenda. Upon roll call vote,
all voted in favor. Motion carried.
A. Approve payment of claims in the amount of $79,246.87.
B. Approve minutes: 01-11-22 regular meeting
C. Approve 1-4 Day Temporary On -Sale Liquor License for Our Lady of the
Lake's Keg & Cork Fundraiser on March 5, 2022
D. APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 22-14 APPROVING TEMPORARY REAL ESTATE
SIGN FOR ARTESSA COOPERATIVE IN HARBOR DISTRICT
5. Comments and suggestions from citizens present on any item not on the agenda.
Dan McHugh, 5621 Bartlett Blvd., said he has questions about the proposed Langdon
development including the City property being sold and access through easements in the area.
McHugh said he is not opposed to the apartments but he doesn't like the ratio of parking spaces
to units in the building.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
John Biglow, 540 Apple Garden Road, Minnetrista, said he is a lay trustee of Our Lady of the
Lake Church (OLL) and is at the meeting to represent OLL. Biglow said OLL doesn't object to
the sale of the parcels though OLL does question if enough thought has been put into the
congestion, parking, safety and aesthetics of the development. Biglow said the main concern is
about access to OLL for children attending school and school buses dropping off children.
Biglow added OLL has unique traffic flows related to the school, masses, and other events and
the development will add commuters from the apartments to the already existing congestion in
the area.
Biglow questioned if there is sufficient parking planned as the fear is the adjacent lot will not be
sufficient and tenants will use OLL as the overflow. Biglow asked if safety vehicles will be able
to access the new property and adjacent properties with an influx of new commuters. Biglow
asked if there has been sufficient planning with regard to aesthetics, including fencing or
buffering from adjacent property owners, including where the dumpsters be placed.
Salazar said the purchase agreement will be contingent on approval from the Planning
Commission (PC) and the Planning Commission will vet concerns raised by OLL and others
prior to making a recommendation to the City Council. Salazar said the PC gave a long list of
"to do's" to the developers and the PC will continue to scrutinize the plan. Salazar encouraged
the representatives from OLL to attend the next PC meeting on Tuesday, February 1 t
McHugh asked if the City lots were made available to the larger community in an attempt to
secure potentially more lucrative offers.
Salazar said the parcels have technically been available since a 1999 redevelopment plan was
formulated and the City parcels are small and un-buildable by themselves. Hoversten agreed
that the parcels are nonconforming to building or construction unless they are combined with
adjacent parcels.
McHugh was wondering if these parcels are anything like the Dayton owned property which was
donated to the Three Rivers Park District to maintain as green space and was wondering if the
City parcels could also be left as green space.
Mary Davis, 3021 Inverness Lane, asked why this meeting was called today and why this item is
on the agenda. Salazar said the developer listened to the discussion at the last Council
meeting and has revised the offer to address concerns that were raised.
Davis said it was by chance that she found out about this meeting and asked what the hurry is
since said she thought the next step was the PC meeting. Salazar said the developer needs to
have legal standing on the City parcels as they do with the larger private parcels to go forward
with the application as proposed. Salazar said the Purchase Agreement discussion is an item
on the agenda to be acted upon then, noting the agenda was properly posted and residents with
questions can contact City staff or the council.
Davis said it feels as the development has already been pre -approved without the input of the
public and said the plan is harder to stop once it has started. Davis said the public does not
understand what is being built there and it doesn't make sense to many. Davis said she called
the DNR and the DNR said the City would need to get the Watershed District approval for the
development as it is so close to the lake. Salazar said the DNR, Watershed District and PC
would all weigh in on the development. Salazar said everything is legal and publicized
according to state statutes.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
Davis said her last point was the City could use other ways to get the news out and found it odd
that the PA was on the agenda again. Davis said she called the City because the PC meeting
in on caucus night, February 1 st. Holt said he called the City Attorney about that and the
attorney said there was no legal prohibition to holding a commission meeting on caucus night
even though the City doesn't hold meetings during National Night Out or during elections. Holt
said the PC has statutory timelines to get their work done.
Hoversten said School Boards and Councils are not allowed to hold meetings during caucuses
but there is not the same prohibition for Commissions in statute. Hoversten said City's have to
act on planning applications within a 60-day timeline per statute. Salazar noted there is an
option for a 60-day extension. Hoversten agreed and said the extension has been noticed and
the City will still have to work with urgency to get through these matters within the 120 days
allowed.
Joe Bruns, 2630 Setter Circle, asked if Hennepin County has done a traffic study at the site.
Hoversten said the development doesn't meet the County's threshold for a traffic study but
noted the developer provided their own traffic study. Bruns asked how this developer was
picked? Salazar said the parcels are privately owned and the property owner's realtor has been
marketing the parcels and this developer showed interest. Bruns said he heard the number of
studio apartments in the development is near 100 and could lead to subsidized housing which
concerns some people.
Brian Farrell, 3106 Priest Lane and developer of the proposed project, noted this meeting is
about the purchase agreement not the planning application, but he would answer the concerns
directly. Farrell said the traffic concerns have been noted and a traffic study commissioned from
a group recommended by the PC. Farrell said the parking plan meets the City Code and they
aren't asking for additional parking from adjacent properties. Farrell said there was a comment
that the development has come out of the blue but he stated they have been working on the
plan for five months. Farrell said there has been a thoughtful exchange that shaped the end
result based on conversations with the City and their own analysis of the City Code. Farrell said
there should be no concerns about subsidized housing as they are not an affordable developer
and never have been and construction costs make it almost impossible to have affordable
housing without subsides and the developer isn't going to apply for affordable housing tax
credits. Farrell said studio apartments house young professionals and single retirees and are
usually the first to be rented because the rates are affordable for the amount of amenities.
Farrell said there is no intent to obstruct pathways for safety vehicles, noting the main access is
the southern point based on PC recommendations and comments. Farrell said they will also
add speed bumps and do not enter/monument signage at the south. Farrell said a nautical
theme has guided the design and the watershed district has approved the development.
Farrell said he grew up in the area and lives in Mound, noting he loves the area and trail and his
group appreciates the input of the community. Farrell said the development is a unique product
type that provides an option to retain residents who are looking for an attractive rental option
and prefer to stay in Mound. Farrell added the development will attract individuals seeking
employment at local businesses and who will also support local businesses.
Davis, 3021 Inverness Lane, asked if the public has been involved in any meetings with the
developer before the PC Meeting on January 4th. Davis asked if the PC meeting can be
televised or videotaped. Davis said staff gave a presentation on January 4th in which only three
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
people attended. Salazar asked Davis to speak out at the PC meeting so the concerns can be
heard in that process and by the PC.
Davis said she doesn't think the expense of the project makes sense and the price of the
studios and questions the appropriateness of the location.
Salazar said the current rental housing in Mound is out dated and this development offers a new
high quality option that will be attractive to young professionals.
Davis asked if any of the City parcels will be open for public bidding and Hoversten said state
statute gives cities a wide degree of freedom to market and dispose of property. Hoversten
added this is a market driven redevelopment with no subsidies. Hoversten said these types of
City assets are held for adjacent assembly as they are small parcels which are unbuildable on
their own.
Davis asked about the real estate signs. Hoversten said the City -owned parcels are in addition
and add value as the project adds tax value and economic possibilities. Hoversten said Mound
is a bedroom community and commercial and retail will only grow if there are more customers in
town.
Holt said he is on the PC and would like Davis to contact them with concerns which the PC will
address prior to coming to the Council.
Bruns asked what will happen to local businesses next to the proposed development and noted
he thinks the PC Meeting should be moved to February 2nd
Jason Zattler, 2345 Commerce Blvd., said he has a problem with the slim transparency and is
not happy how this was put together. Zattler requested to be added to the Council and PC
meeting agendas email lists and requested any code of conduct for the City Manager and the
PC.
Zattler said he has talked to the developer and he is not in favor of the apartment building and
his disapproval is all about the location. Zattler stated the approval process is all premature as
this item has been voted down once already and the developer hasn't gotten a variance to allow
the apartment to be built. Zattler said the City parcels should be put up for sale to the general
public as he didn't know they were for sale or that they existed in the area. Zattler said City
approval of the PA would give tacit approval to the PC.
Salazar said the City has the right of approval for property sales and the area has been slated
for redevelopment for many years.
Zattler said the planning process is backward and the development plan should be done before
the PA for the City parcels is complete.
6. Discussion and action to approve color samples for downtown paver sidewalk
Replacement
Brian Simmons and Josh Shields, Landscape Architect, with Bolton & Menk, said they are here
to present options as a follow up to the Council approved downtown sidewalks rehabilitation
study.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
Simmons said the project will be phased over three years to keep per year costs down.
Simmons said the project prioritization included areas the Council earmarked for non-standard
sidewalk concrete and Simmons summarized the concrete style options and considerations
discussed at the previous meeting:
• Colored concrete - no chipping 50-year life cycle
• Stained concrete - 50-year life cycle chipping gray concrete underneath color on top
• Stamping and ribbons - two types of stamps discussed at previous meeting
• Truncated domes at intersections are ADA required and have to be textural for
individuals with vision issues, noting there is one decorative cast iron option and plastic
options in a number of brighter colors. Simmons said cast iron wears and takes on a
patina as it ages
Velsor asked why the plans had stamped colored concrete at the southwest corner of the
parking garage. Simmons said he would look at that as it may just need standard concrete.
Shields presented the following alternative paving options:
• Concept 1 — combination smooth colored concrete in lighter browns surrounded by
stamped pattern to break up the design for contrast. Shields handed out color swatches
to the Council. Shields said to focus on the contrast and blending and how areas would
wear and whether the types of concrete are readily available. Shields presented images
of how the southeast corner of Shoreline and Commerce would look.
• Concept 2 - Shields presented a color scheme with more cream and gray tones with the
larger areas stamped in a herringbone pattern surrounded by smooth concreate to break
up the design for contrast.
Concept 3 — gray herringbone stamp surrounding larger smooth texture at main
intersection. This idea had the ADA ramp concrete not being colored or stamped. This
idea offered more walkable spaces which mixed three colors of standard concrete,
noting standard colors make it easier when needing replacement and the ADA ramp
area wears at a greater rate than the sidewalk spaces.
Shields showed all three options side by side which depicted the materials and patterns in the
area, noting the earth tones of the colored concrete are easier to replace than brighter colored
concrete.
Simmons requested Council input to ensure Staff is executing the Council's vision for Mound.
Pugh asked about how the concrete colors affect heat absorption and Shields said lighter colors
provide more reflection of heat and darker colors absorb more heat. Simmons noted this would
create a small amount of heat in the area.
Holt thought Concept 1 doesn't look right and liked the design of Concept 2.
Shields noted there are other color options as well. Holt said he prefers the Hailstorm gray and
the stamped concrete and not the lighter Champaign color.
Salazar said he is worried about replacement and color not matching when replaced.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
Shields said stamping will hide minor changes of color with pours from different trucks delivering
the concrete. Discussion ensued about the color of the concrete around the ADA ramps and
truncated dome and how a lighter color would be easier to maintain.
Holt asked about the effect of salt on colored concrete and Simmons said the wear is the same
assuming it is properly sealed which is the key to cleaning and maintenance and the removal of
salt.
Holt said he liked the dark gray color of Concept 3 and would like to see it used with the
Concept 2 design.
Larson said she was in favor of the neutral colors and asked how the sidewalks were being
funded and whether assessments would be charged to property owners or Municipal State Aid
(MSA) funds used. Hoversten said no on assessments and noted MSA funds change the bid
environment and add additional administrative work as would Met Council funding.
Larson wondered about the cost of the project with just standard concrete and questioned the
decision to spread it over three years if the colors won't be the same from year to year.
Simmons said the estimated costs were in the Council packet when this project was first
discussed.
Hoversten said the engineering study for the sidewalks is about doing the sidewalk ADA ramps
the first year and then doing the rest on an as needed basis in order to keep the City on the
balanced funding strategy in place.
Larson asked about the City sidewalks outside of the main downtown corners which need
repair. Hoversten said there are about 80 panels which need to be replaced and are being done
on an as needed basis, one or two slabs at a time. Hoversten said north of the intersection
along Commerce is in good condition. Hoversten said east of the intersection to Belmont the
concrete goes from decorative to regular concrete all the way to Spring Park and the City needs
to figure out how to get that stretch paid for.
Larson asked about the safety aspects of the sloped ADA ramps with snow and ice. Simmons
said the concrete has a brushed finished for traction and grip.
Velsor said the gray colored concrete looks like regular standard concrete after it ages and to go
with a darker gray as it looks better.
Pugh said the grays are very difficult for her to distinguish as they tend to blend together, so she
suggests a sharp contrast to help see the difference.
Shields said if the Council likes the Concept 2 design the colors can be done to provide the
contrast needed.
Shields said they can hone in on the color and have the contractor do a mockup of panels for
the Council to view before construction begins to confirm the Council is happy with the color
pallet.
Salazar asked about the truncated dome replacement life expectancy which Shields said the
cast iron will last the length of time of the concrete, noting if the concrete degrades around the
truncated dome it could affect it but the wear length should be similar to the concrete.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
Shields said they will use the Concept 2 design and Hoversten said to make sure the three
colors work well together and have a sharp contrast to aid accessibility for the visually impaired.
Salazar he likes Concept 2 and not Concept 3 and the plain concrete will not work with the other
colors the Council likes.
Holt said he is in favor to get it all done at one time or at least get the whole intersection done in
the first year so people can see some progress. Hoversten the next phase will be to put those
ideas into a plan and tackle the sidewalks which need the most work due to safety issues, which
are the areas in red, but doing more may also be a desirable option.
Simmons asked to confirm the Council's preference for colored concrete in neutral champagne
on the ADA ramps with cast iron domes, natural bark color with browner tones for the stamped
portion with the herringbone stamp and no ribbon/soldier course and all agreed.
Shields asked about the timing and what the Council wants to see from staff. Hoversten said
there will be detailed drawings after the engineering study and then there will be the plans and
specs which will go out to bid. Hoversten said the Council will see the drawings of the
intersection for further comment and fine tuning.
Simmons said soliciting competitive bids is contingent on the availability of labor and materials
so the engineers will come back to the Council with updated engineering estimates prior to bids
going out.
Pugh asked with so many City projects going on, could the projects be coordinated. Simmons
said the Dakota Trail crossing and Artessa build out are being monitored and Hoversten said
the private telecommunication repair in 2023 could affect the project. Simmons added the Met
Council is doing rehabilitation to their force main in the area prior to Hennepin County (HC)
completing the County Road 15 corridor which includes ADA work by HC. Hoversten said all of
these entities and the private utilities (gas and media lines) need to get done before the HC
County Road 15 resurfacing project starts.
MOTION by Holt, seconded Pugh, to select Concept 2 design and color pallet as the preferred
option. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
7. Brian Farrell of Northland Real Estate Group requesting Council consideration of
revised purchase agreement terms for 3 City parcels adjacent to northeast shore of Lake
Langdon
Larson said she discussed this agenda item with the City Attorney about a potential conflict of interest
and has decided to recuse herself from participating and voting as a Council Member on the proposal.
Larson recused herself and left the dias to join the audience.
Farrell addressed the Council and stated his group has been working on a redevelopment plan for the
property for months including discussions with the City and he sees this as a good opportunity to clean
up the parcels in the area by combining them with the private parcels. Farrell said the stand alone City
parcels do not hold much value but when combined with the private parcels additional tax value is
created.
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
Farrell noted OLL wasn't against the question at hand which is the sale of the land, but had questions
about the site plan of the building and parking and the other areas which OLL could be affected.
Farrell said the City parcels would remain green space and would allow the developer to control the
process and suggested the City commission an independent appraisal which could dictate the price for
the parcels.
Salazar said the Council suggested the appraisal would be a good idea in fairness and Farrell said his
group would pay the value set by the appraiser.
Holt said he wanted the appraisal but asked what would happen if the appraisal comes back at
$5,000.00. Farrell said he will pay a minimum of $50K or up to the amount of the appraisal.
Holt said he called a couple of realtors and determined the Meisel Trust parcels were listed at
$650,000. Holt said it is always good to get an appraisal and he thought the $50K was a little too low
for the City parcels. Holt said he would be comfortable with the offer by Farrell to pay a minimum of
$50K or the appraised value if higher.
Farrell said the tax basis will provide benefit to the City and is the highest and best use for the property.
Holt said this agreement would be profitable to both parties. Holt said the parcels are currently valued
at less than half of the Meisel property and thinks the parcels could be valued at $100,000.00. Holt
said the appraisal is the right thing to do.
Hoversten said the contingency can be added to the PA in which the developer would pay no less than
$50K for the property. Farrell said the independent value is much different as the city parcels are not
developable in their current form.
Pugh said she thinks the development will be a good addition to the City but feels the process has been
troublesome and seems to set a precedent of the City not being open about the sale. Pugh said the
Council needs to create a more transparent process such as a workshop format to more fully inform the
entire Council before the vote. Pugh said for that reason she has difficulty in supporting the resolution.
Paula Larson, 5713 Lynwood Blvd., and owner of 2316 Commerce Blvd., asked if the appraiser is going
to be independent, who will make the selection and whether the City will pay for the appraisal. Salazar
said the City will pay for an independent appraisal.
Larson talked about her conflict of interest. Larson said Hoversten brought up the 1999 City
redevelopment plan and she asked why the City didn't bring up the 1980's plan that she worked on
called the beautification of Mound. Larson said Pat Meisel was the Mayor of Mound in 1999 and during
this time her husband was also on the Economic Development Committee. Larson said she and a
former Mayor and another citizen went to court against Pat Meisel. Larson said the Mayor had a
conflict of interest as an owner of commercial property in the redevelopment district. Larson said she
and the other two litigants were awarded their attorney fees paid back which is highly unusual. Larson
said the 1999 development plan was the Meisel's plan and including the City parcels with the Meisel
parcels is completely wrong. Larson said the City needs to create a new development committee to re -
look at development in the City and the Meisel property in particular and using the 1990's plan is wrong.
Hoversten said the City reserves the right to do as it would like to these parcels as a City. Hoversten
added the City can pair the parcels with redevelopment or not. Hoversten said these parcels have
been approved for redevelopment for many years and in the current Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan).
Hoversten said Staff use the Comp Plan as the policy of the City and its intentions to develop a parcel
or not. Hoversten said the City does not have to sell the property and does not need to promote
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
development but the Council approves the Comp Plan which is the vision of the City in regards to
development.
Larson said she is paying for title research in the sale of the land and the former development of the
Meisel property as she thinks there is still a conflict of interest for the Meisel's. Hoversten reiterated
that Staff use the Council approved Comp Plan as guidance in pursuing redevelopment in this area.
Hoversten added the Comp Plan also informs prospective developers of which areas of the City are
available for some kind of development so the developer can bring forward ideas.
Larson asked if other offers have been made and Hoversten said no other proposers made application
to the City. Larson reiterated this is a perpetuation of a conflict of interest, the Council should create an
economic development committee, and the Council should reexamine the development approval
process so not just two Council Members review proposals but they come before the entire Council in a
workshop format.
Hoversten and Larson discussed the requirements of the City once an application is made and the
timing of a decision.
Salazar said the Comp Plan identifies this area as a redevelopment opportunity noting the Comp Plan
was worked on by the community. Larson said the Comp Plan is guidance and the City doesn't have to
do this project and the full Council needs to review developments as they are proposed. Larson said
the original motion died at the last Council Meeting and she didn't receive notice of the new proposal.
Salazar said the request at the last meeting was to get an independent appraisal and that is why this
item has come back to the Council with the developer willing to pay the higher of $50K or the appraised
value.
Larson said the Council must do what is fair and she assumed the redevelopment proposal died when
the motion failed at the January 11t" meeting.
Salazar said a developer needs to have confidence in going forward with an application and the first
step is to review with Staff and then the two Council Members on the Development Committee. Larson
said the City needs to listen to the people of Mound and questioned why Staff, including City Planning
Consultant Rita Trapp, Community Development Director Sarah Smith and Hoversten get to effectively
approve a proposal. Hoversten said he and Smith recommend the development to Council, not Trapp.
Larson said Trapp and Smith don't live in Mound and Hoversten moved here to take the job and that
more City residents should take a look at these proposals instead.
Velsor said there were other developers looking at the Meisel parcels and things didn't go any further
than that. Hoversten said Trident who built Harrison's Bay Senior Living looked at the area and couldn't
make it work. Hoversten said the normal function of an Economic Development Commission is to
provide funds for development recruitment activity and the City Council is not putting those funds on the
table. Hoversten the City is instead relying on market driven development and not offering incentives to
spur development. Hoversten said Lifestyles Communities has also looked into these parcels and
there were two other attempts which didn't come to be. Velsor said those properties have been for sale
for quite a while. Hoversten said the property has been publically listed for 18 months and has been
continuously known to be available for many years. Velsor said if this property has been available why
hasn't there been development of this land. Larson said the real estate sign for the property was
covered up in plant growth.
Hoversten said two developers have considered developing the Meisel property since this current
listing. Pugh said bringing this item to the Council level without the input of the PC does not work for
her and she doesn't understand why the developer didn't go to PC first. Hoversten said developers
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
need to secure the land to know the bottom line of the development before finalizing the application,
particularly because other cities offer incentives that Mound does not that can create more profitable
developments. Hoversten said Staff is following the process and roles set by the Council and if changes
are needed, the Council would have to change the process.
Larson said the citizens should be respected and she didn't know about the development until she saw
it in the agenda packet. Hoversten said the information is private data until a developer makes a formal
application, and Staff just tries to be helpful and accommodating as developers go through their fact
finding to see if the project works for them. Hoversten said the 60-day clock starts when an application
is offered and at that point the information is made fully public.
Hoversten said the two elected officials on the Development Committee also help to accommodate
developers and vet the proposals so the proposals are not just being led by appointed Staff.
Larson said her voice is hoarse from receiving so many phone calls against the development and the
only two she received which were for the development came from Minnetrista.
Salazar said the Comp Plan had PC and citizen involvement in its creation and the development
proposal will be vetted by the Planning Commission. Discussion ensued on how the Comp Plan
process was open to the public, noting public notices, the City website and meetings were all avenues
for citizen involvement.
Salazar said the PC is made up of all residents and they will vet the development proposal. Velsor said
the Development Committee saw a sketch of the developer's plan which included units, parking and
building height and the committee suggested ways to improve the project that the developer could
incorporate into the plans. Velsor said he doesn't want to see anything from the developer before the
application is brought forward, he wants developments to be deliberated openly, and he doesn't want to
be the roadblock to the development before it goes to the PC. Velsor said he wants developers who
come to town to have success if they have the right product.
Larson said she knows what it is like to start and run a business in town and thinks the Council needs
to change the process and listen to constituents instead of Staff.
Salazar said the Council should let the PC do their job and encourage people in attendance to go to the
next PC meeting where this development will be discussed.
Larson said the site has history to it that is rearing its ugly head, noting she knows the property very
well in which she has seen Pileated Wood Peckers and how naturally beautiful it is including the
sunsets. Larson said she just does not want to see that taken from the City.
Hoversten asked Larson how should Staff respond to developers when they contact the City about a
development opportunity and Larson said they should be required to do their own due diligence.
Hoversten said Staff provide information to all potential customers, including existing property owners
and potential developers, as part of fact finding for all sorts of projects.
Larson asked how many developers made offers on the recent Harbor District RFQ. Hoversten said
four met with staff with one ultimately submitting. Hoversten said two developers only considered
detached townhomes that didn't work financially and one other with a multifamily concept withdrew
because they didn't think the City would consider multifamily. Hoversten said the Meisel site was also
looked at by developers of detached townhomes who couldn't make it work financially. Hoversten said
Ne
Mound City Council Minutes — January 25, 2022
the City needs to be responsive to market driven opportunities that afford developers the necessary
profit to be willing to invest.
MOTION by Velsor, seconded by Holt, to approve the following resolution. Salazar, Velsor and
Holt voted in favor. Pugh voted no. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION NO. 22-15 RESOLUTION APPROVING A PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR
THE SALE OF THREE PARCELS OF CITY -OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE CITY OF
MOUND WITH AND AMENDED PURCHASE PRICE AT THE APPRAISED VALUE NOT
LESS THAN $50K
8. Information/Miscellaneous
A. Comments/reports from Council members/City Manager:
Salazar said he received an email indicating some financial good news from our Met Council
Representative Chris Ferguson. Hoversten said Federal COVID related transportation funds
sent to the Metropolitan Council will be redistributed to cities to make up for the shortage on
wheel tax receipts due to the economic downturn. Hoversten said the funds can be used for
maintenance or capital and most likely will require a match, noting the amount is estimated at
$29K. Hoversten said Ferguson is moving and his vacancy will need to be filled by the
Governor. Pugh said it takes about six months to fill those positions, noting it is paid as a part-
time position but a 3/ time commitment.
Pugh said the Suburban Rate Authority has a utility loan program to do energy improvements
that should be made available to households in the future.
Pugh said she is the Chair of Age Friendly Minnesota and the 2021 legislative session provided
$2M to Age Friendly Minnesota to hire staff and to establish a grant program to cities to start an
age friendly community. Pugh said Minnesota is now part of the national age friendly movement
and hopefully Mound can take part in this activity. Salazar asked in what way the City could be
involved. Pugh said it is a collaboration with other agency groups to do age friendly activities.
Pugh mentioned an activity in Northfield which purchased red chairs for elders in the community
to use during community events.
Hoversten added the following notices:
City Hall closed for President's Day, February 21 st
The Polar Plunge will take place on January 29tn
There is a Joint Planning Commission/City Council Workshop on February 15tn
B. Reports: Fire Department —December 2021
C. Minutes:
D. Correspondence:
10. Ad2ourn
ACTION by Holt, seconded by Pugh, to adjourn at 10:39 p.m. All voted in favor. Motion carried.
Attest:'kevin Kelly, Clerk I
m
Mayor Raymond J. Salazar