City Of Minnetonka: City Council Meeting Summary For Sept. 13, 2021

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

09/15/2021 3:00 p.m.

The summary includes brief highlights from the city council meeting. To view the full meeting and agenda packet, go to minnetonkamn.gov/councilmeetings.

Council sets preliminary levies for 2022 taxes

The council set the 2022 preliminary tax levy at $44,815,000, a 5.6-percent increase from 2021. The increase is primarily due to the restoration of last year's capital improvement levy reduction (2.3 percent), as well as the addition of nine full-time firefighters (2.2 percent).

State law requires cities to certify preliminary tax levies annually by Sept. 30. This is the maximum amount the city can levy, and it can decrease before a final levy is approved in December. A public meeting regarding the tax levy and 2022 budget will be held Dec. 6.

In addition, the council also approved:

• A preliminary 2022 HRA levy at $325,000, a $25,000 increase from 2021
• A preliminary 2022 budget of $74,900,229
• A preliminary 2021 tax levy of $30,437 for the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Tax District
• The city’s American Rescue Plan Act grant award and distribution plan

Council adopts capital, economic improvement programs

The council adopted the 2022-26 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which addresses the capital priorities of the city over the coming years. Projects funded through the CIP include street improvements, water, sewer and drainage, parks and trails, equipment purchases and building improvements. In addition, the council also approved the 2022-26 Economic Improvement Program, which provides a detailed plan for the city’s economic development activities and housing programs.

City to construct new trail along Minnetonka Boulevard

The council ordered the improvements and authorized the preparation of plans and specifications for the Minnetonka Boulevard Trail Project. The project includes construction of a trail along Minnetonka Boulevard and an enhanced pedestrian crossing at Groveland Elementary School. Funding is included in the 2022-26 Capital Improvement Program, with an anticipated project cost of $6.43 million. Subscribe for project updates at minnetonkamn.gov/mtkablvdtrail.

Council awards contract for Shady Oak Lake outlet

The council awarded a contract to G.F. Jedlicki, Inc. in the amount of $619,357 for the Shady Oak Lake Outlet Project. The project includes construction of a new storm sewer outlet from the landlocked Shady Oak Lake due to rising water levels. The outlet will provide flood protection to adjacent homes and properties downstream, as well as to the natural environment. Subscribe for project updates at minnetonkamn.gov/shadyoakoutlet

Final plat approved for six-lot subdivision

The council approved the final plat of Island Oaks, a residential six-lot subdivision at 16509 McGinty Road.

New child care center to be constructed on Hwy 7

The council approved the master development plan, a conditional use permit and site and building plan review for a new child care center at 14900 Hwy 7. The Goddard School plans to remodel the building and make parking and playground improvements. To accommodate parking for the center, the council also authorized the sale of 4,016-square-feet of city-owned property at 14840 Hwy 7 in the amount of $92,157.

Council updates right-of-way regulations

The council adopted ordinances related to right-of-way management. The ordinances update management of the city’s right-of-way regarding small cell wireless facilities and driveway standards.

City to seek bids for Opus lift station

The council authorized the advertisement of bids for the Opus Lift Station Secondary Forcemain Project. The estimated cost for construction is $500,000. Staff plans to open bids in October, and construction is expected to be completed by May 2022.

Public hearing scheduled for new gas franchise

The council set a public hearing for a new gas franchise ordinance with CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. for Oct. 4. The proposed agreement is for 20 years, and it would grant CenterPoint the right to use city rights of way for its gas facilities.

Council refers new tree protection ordinance to the planning commission

The council referred a new tree protection ordinance to the Sept. 30 planning commission meeting. The new ordinance would replace the city’s existing ordinance to focus more on supporting woodland sustainability and resilience. The city will solicit feedback on the proposed ordinance prior to the planning commission meeting on MinnetonkaMatters.com.

Council approves special assessments

Following a public hearing, the council approved the collection of proposed special assessments related to property nuisances, diseased trees and city court fines. Property owners will be given a grace period to pay the assessments before they are certified for inclusion on 2022 property taxes.

This press release was produced by the City of Minnetonka. The views expressed here are the author’s own.