City Of Minnetonka: City Council Meeting Summary For Oct. 4, 2021

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

10/06/2021 12:11 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.

Detached dwelling units allowed with permit

The council amended city code to allow for detached accessory dwelling units by conditional use permit. The ordinance permits one detached unit per property with a maximum of two bedrooms. The detached unit must maintain the residential character of the lot. The standards outlined in the ordinance generally mirror those for attached dwelling units. The full list of regulations can be found in the agenda packet.

City adopts ordinance regulating residential care facilities

The council adopted an ordinance that allows licensed residential care facilities serving 7-10 residents to continue operating in residential areas with a conditional use permit. This requirement includes standards to ensure the site and facility minimize undue adverse impacts to neighboring properties. The text of the ordinance can be found in the agenda packet. 

City, CenterPoint Energy adopt new franchise agreement

Following a public hearing, the council adopted a 20-year gas franchise agreement with CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp, which will replace the existing agreement with Reliant Energy Minnegasco. This agreement grants CenterPoint the right to use city rights-of-way for its gas facilities. The agreement maintains the existing franchise fee rates, as established in 2018, thus maintaining revenue at the budgeted amount. 

City to apply for state noise wall program

The council approved a resolution of support for the construction of noise walls along Hwy 169 and Hwy 7. The Minnesota Department of Transportation requires cities to include a resolution when applying for state noise wall construction funding. The city plans to apply for noise walls along the west side of Hwy 169 between Cedar Lake Road and Ford Park and the south side of Hwy 7 between Carlysle Place and Clear Springs Road, as requested by residents. If approved, the city would be responsible for 10 percent of the estimated $5 million project. 

No parking signs to be posted in Opus area

The council designated several streets within the Opus area as “no parking” zones. This was done to maintain traffic flow and safety in light of on-street parking issues occurring more frequently in several areas of Opus. A list of streets can be found in the agenda packet. 

Grant to help slow the spread of emerald ash borer

The council accepted a $20,700 Healthy Tree Canopy Grant from Hennepin County to slow the spread of emerald ash borer in Minnetonka. These funds will be used for emerald ash borer (EAB) management, education and tree planting projects on city-owned land in three parks and five outlot parcels. 

October is National Disability Employment Assistance Month

The council proclaimed October 2021 as National Disability Employment Assistance Month. The purpose is to educate residents about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.

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