Minnetonka Council Meeting Summary For December 20

Press release from the City of Minnetonka:

December 21, 2021

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

Council recognizes Councilmember Susan Carter
The city council recognized outgoing councilmember Susan Carter, whose term for At-Large Seat B ends on Dec. 31, 2021. Carter was appointed to the seat in February 2019 to temporarily fill the vacancy, and was subsequently elected to the same seat in a special election in November 2019. On behalf of the community, the city council and city staff express their sincere appreciation for her contributions and dedication to public service during her time on the council.

Council agrees to participate in the national opioid settlement
The city approved a Memorandum Agreement for settlement funds to be received under the Janssen and Distributor Settlement Agreements. By participating in the settlement, the city will increase the allocation of settlement funds to the State of Minnesota. The city will be eligible for an allocation of funds from the state under this memorandum of agreement. However, the actual dollar amount cannot be determined until the number of participating counties and states is known.

Council authorizes Opus Area Bridge Improvements – Phase III project
The city council accepted the plans and specifications, authorized just compensation for easements, authorized easement offers, and authorized advertisement for bids for the third phase of the Opus Area Bridge Improvements project. The scope of the project includes the replacement of the final three bridges in conjunction with the Southwest LRT project. These bridges will allow grade separation for pedestrian trails in the area, two of which are located on Bren Road East and the other on Bren Road West. With an estimated cost of $8,800,000, the project is budgeted in the 2021-2025 Capital Improvements Project (CIP)

Council adopts ordinance regarding waste, recycling, and organics
The city council adopted an ordinance amending city code section 835 to provide updates and revisions on organics recycling. The ordinance provides general updates to current practice and procedures, and satisfies Hennepin County Ordinance 13, which requires cities to provide all residents an opportunity to recycle organics by Jan. 1, 2022.

Council introduces noise regulation ordinance
The city council introduced an ordinance to regulate electronic sound machines which deter wildlife. The ordinance would amend city code section 850.010, relating to prohibited noises, and section 850.020, subdivision 1, relating to exceptions from noise regulations. Notice with the proposed ordinance language will be sent to the specific neighborhood, along with instructions on how to participate in the process. The city council will review public comments and make a decision on the ordinance at the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting.

Council approves the Natural Resources Master Plan
The city council approved the Natural Resources Master Plan. The plan provides high-level guidance on addressing natural resource-related issues community-wide and encouraging activities on private lands. The plan includes specific goals and objectives related to natural resources management, a natural history and current assessment of habitat and conditions of natural areas in the city, and natural resource issues and stressors.

Council approves Sustainability Commission’s 2022 work plan
As required by city code section 145.015 (7), the city council approved the Sustainability Commission’s 2022 work plan. The purpose of the work plan is to determine the commission’s goals, priorities, and objectives for the year, while also serving as a guide. The plan also provides an outline of the work that the commission proposes to complete in the upcoming year.

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