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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/10/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Oct. 6, 2025 1. Call to order. Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Council members present: Margaret Rog, Lynette Dumalag, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Paul Baudhuin, Mayor Nadia Mohamed Council member absent: Yolanda Farris Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), natural resources manager (Mr. Bahe), community development director/interim building and energy director (Ms. Barton), public services superintendent/deputy public works director (Ms. Fisher), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), economic development manager (Ms. Monson), deputy finance director (Mr. Olson), property maintenance and licensing manager (Mr. Pivec), redevelopment administrator (Mr. Porter-Nelson), HR director (Ms. Vorpahl), deputy city manager(Ms. Walsh), associate planner (Ms. Champoux), planning manager (Mr. Walther), parks and recreation director (Mr. West) 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). 3. Presentations. a. Recognition of 2025 Evergreen Award recipients Mr. Bahe explained the Evergreen Award is presented each year in recognition of properties that are uniquely designed with well-maintained landscapes and an emphasis on parcels that are visible to passersby. Two properties awarded the 2025 Evergreen Award, one for alternative landscapes and one for traditional landscapes. In 2025, there were 15 nominees with a mix of commercial and residential landscapes. Nancy Wolf, 4246 Ottawa Avenue South, was the 2025 Evergreen Award recipient for her home’s traditional landscape. Ms. Wolf is from the Minnekahda Vista neighborhood. Lee Conliffe & Katherine Dowd, 2845 Inglewood Avenue South, from the Fernhill neighborhood, won the 2025 Evergreen Award for their home’s alternative landscape. Mayor Mohamed congratulated the winners. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -2- Oct. 6, 2025 Council Member Rog congratulated the winners and thanked them for their contributions to the beautification of the community. Council Member Dumalag added her congratulations to the winners as well, adding that they are bringing joy to their neighborhoods. b. Proclamation observing National Disability Employment Awareness Month Council Member Brausen read the proclamation. c. Proclamation observing Indigenous Peoples Day Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation. Council Member Baudhuin stated Indigenous Peoples Day is near and dear to him. He noted violations of treaties that attempted to destroy Indigenous Peoples. He stated everyone needs to honor the rights of these people that Western Europeans historically attempted to eradicate. Council Member Baudhuin pointed out that in the 1400s, the Pope made an edict called the Doctrine of Discovery, which later contributed to these violations. Council Member Baudhuin encouraged everyone to research the history of Indigenous Peoples Day and stated that understanding the history is still a very active issue in our culture today. He is proud to be part of a city that honors Indigenous Peoples. d. Recognition of donations Mayor Mohamed recognized the donations noted in the consent agenda and thanked the many donors for their generosity. Council Member Brausen thanked the donors who gave to the Westwood Hills Nature Center in memory of Zita Zogg. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Aug. 11, 2025, city council study session c. Minutes of Sept. 2, 2025, city council meeting d. Minutes of Sept. 8, 2025, city council study session It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the Aug. 11, 2025, city council study session, Sept. 2, 2025, city council meeting, and the Sept. 8, 2025, city council study session meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). b. Minutes of Aug. 18, 2025, city council special study session meeting Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -3- Oct. 6, 2025 Council Member Rog requested a revision to page 6 to state: “She appreciated the racial equity discussion but understood that this was not the only reason for the discussion about raising council member salaries.” It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the Aug. 18, 2025, city council meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). 5. Consent items. a. Approve city disbursements b. Resolution No. 25-089 accepting donations to the parks and recreation department c. Resolution No. 25-090 accepting donations to the police department for police investigation d. Resolution No. 25-091 accepting a donation to the police department for K9 officers e. Resolution No. 25-092 authorizing parking restrictions on Wayzata Boulevard east of Ford Road - Ward 4 f. Resolution No. 25-093 authorizing parking prohibitions on South Service Drive of Highway 7 - Ward 1 g. Resolution No. 25-094 authorizing removal of parking prohibitions near 3312 Gorham Avenue - Ward 3 h. Resolutions No. 25-095, 25-096, 25-097, 25-098, and 25-099 authorizing traffic control and parking restrictions near Minnetonka Boulevard and County Road 25 - Ward 1 i. Approve city council travel for the National League of Cities City Summit Conference in 2025 j. Resolution No. 25-116 authorizing acceptance of the Minnesota Housing Local Housing Trust Fund grant award k. Resolution No. 25-117 authorizing acceptance of the Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program grant award l. Resolution No. 25-118 authorizing acceptance of the Hennepin County IGNITE grant award m. Resolution No. 25-119 authorizing special assessment for repair of sewer service line at 3308 Idaho Avenue South - Ward 3 n. Resolution No. 25-120 authorizing special assessment for sewer service line repair at 2813 Georgia Avenue South - Ward 1 o. Resolution No. 25-121 authorizing special assessment for sewer service line repair at 3332 Xenwood Avenue South - Ward 1 p. Resolution No. 25-122 approving West End alternative urban areawide review update - Ward 4 Dennis Meadows, 600 Highway 169 South, asked to comment on consent item 5e. He is the manager at Metro Point Office Park and he plans to work with engineering staff on the issue of parking. Parking on the frontage road has become problematic with traffic turning. He noted there should be more parking for the apartment building. He requested that less parking be permitted to allow his tenants the ability to move in and out of the building easily. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -4- Oct. 6, 2025 It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). 6. Public hearings. a. 2026 budget and services charges for Special Service Districts (SSD) 1-6 and extension of SSD 4 through 2035 Ms. Fisher presented the staff report including background information related to special service districts and setting the annual service fees and extension of district four. Council Member Budd asked if the consumer price index is a contractual limit. Ms. Fisher stated that limits on increases are outlined in the resolutions. Council Member Budd asked about the ten-year renewal window and if adjustments could be made. Ms. Fisher stated amendments may require new resolutions. Council Member Rog asked what the process is for businesses to establish a new special service district with the city. Ms. Fisher stated that a district is formed when property owners approach the city for a higher level of services and petition the city to form a district. Council Member Rog asked if any discussions with Walker Lake district have taken place regarding the area becoming a special service district. Ms. Fisher stated that the Walker Lake area had discussed the question with staff in the past when the street reconstruction project was being designed and during the revitalization planning and branding initiatives. The Walker Lake district businesses decided that they would not petition the city to form a special district. Council Member Rog asked if there is a minimum size to form a special service district. Ms. Fisher stated she has not seen anything in reference to size but could report back to the council. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. No formal action was required of the council at this meeting. The city council will vote on this item on Oct. 20, 2025. b. First reading of ordinance setting salaries for the mayor and council members Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report. She stated that following discussions on July 7 and Aug. 18, 2025, the city council directed staff to prepare one-time amendments to the existing ordinance setting salaries for the mayor and council members. The proposed amendments would increase the cumulative annual salaries for the mayor and council members to $23,500 and $18,000, respectively. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -5- Oct. 6, 2025 Ms. Kennedy added that the ordinance amendment requires a public hearing and two readings before the city council. She noted salaries were previously set by both ordinance and resolution to compensate members for their roles on the city council and the economic development authority because they were paid by different city funds. However, salaries are now paid entirely by the general fund, so there is no need to set compensation separately for each body. Going forward, salaries for the mayor and council will be set by ordinance. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. Council Member Rog stated she was one of the members who originally proposed this topic for council discussion after considering her eight years of service on the city council and the time and energy she has invested. Together, the council decided to explore the topic of fairer compensation for the work the council does. Council Member Rog gave various examples of the demands of the work, including engaging with community members, speaking at and attending community events, reviewing agenda materials to prepare for meetings, attending meetings and representing the city in other forums. Council Member Rog noted the increase in salary being proposed totals $25,000 of the $54 million city budget, so the impact to residents will be minimal. The increase in annual salaries will be in the $2,000-$3,000 range, which could be meaningful for both current and future council members who work extra jobs to pay bills, or who need to hire childcare. Council Member Rog noted her hope that the community agrees that being a council member is a vital role and understands the need to fairly compensate council members for the work they do in service to the community. Council Member Baudhuin added he did not realize council members received a salary until he was elected to the city council and noted he is in a privileged position. In his time on the council, he has learned how much work goes into being a council member. He further noted that no one runs for the city council because of the salary – they serve to give back to the city. However, without fair compensation, many great candidates could face additional obstacles to serving on the council. Council Member Baudhuin stated he is supportive of the salary increase, as well as working to remove as many barriers as possible so that anyone can serve as a council member. Council Member Brausen noted that this is the first time since 2008 that the council has voted on a significant compensation increase, noting that in 2008, the council’s salaries were reduced. In 2015, an ordinance was adopted that increased salaries and set forth a process to regularly increase council salaries nominally to align with increases given to non-union employees. The proposed item before the council tonight is an opportunity to raise pay for council members to make compensation for the role more commensurate with the work. He estimated that at about 20 hours of work per week, the council’s pay would increase from about $15 per hour to $18 per hour. He shared that one council member currently works three jobs. It is time for a change; this change is the right thing to do. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -6- Oct. 6, 2025 Ms. Kennedy noted that the proposed ordinance includes the mechanism to adjust council salaries after each regular municipal election in an amount equal to the cumulative adjustments for non-organized city employees since the last adjustment. Council Member Budd stated she will not support the salary increase. She expressed support for the concept, but the timing is not ideal. She noted the city is facing budget challenges including a decline in commercial property values, which will impact all residents' property taxes. Council Member Budd stated that she would support a salary increase at a later time. Council Member Dumalag added that the topic can elicit an uncomfortable discussion but stated she appreciates her fellow council members’ comments. She noted that it is important for those who serve as council members to have different lived experiences. It does not serve a community when only one type of person is able to serve as elected representatives. Council Member Dumalag stated she will support the ordinance and looks forward to more budgetary discussions. Mayor Mohamed stated that she supports the proposal, noting that the increase will benefit future council members. She agreed with the budgetary concerns noted and stated that many cities in the metro are facing these concerns as well. St. Louis Park continues to work on finding funding resources to assist with budgetary constraints. Mayor Mohamed thanked residents for supporting the city and the council as they make difficult decisions. It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the first reading of the ordinance amending salaries for the mayor and council members and to set the second reading for Oct. 20, 2025. The motion passed 5-1 (Council Member Budd opposed; Council Member Farris absent). 7. Regular business. a. Resolutions No. 25-123, 25-124, 25-125 authorizing Knollwood Chipotle comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permits – Ward 3 Ms. Champoux presented the staff report. Ms. Champoux stated the applicant proposes the development of a Chipotle restaurant with a drive-through lane for pick-up orders only on vacant property formerly used for a west bound on ramp to Highway 7 from Aquila Avenue South. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) had a highway easement over the property until it released a portion of its easement in 2022. To facilitate the development, the applicant requests to change the comprehensive plan future land use designation of a portion of the site at 8528 Highway 7 from ROW – Right of Way to COM – Commercial. The applicant also applied for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow the in-vehicle service use and allow for off-site and shared parking on the existing commercial lot to the north. These requests are accompanied by requests to rescind the special permit for the existing commercial lot to the north and replace the permit with a CUP to allow for more than one principal building on a lot and in-vehicle sales and service. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -7- Oct. 6, 2025 Ms. Champoux stated the proposed project does not alter the existing buildings on 8530 Highway 7, but changes to the site plan will occur. On Sept. 2, 2025, the city council tabled the item for next consideration on Oct. 6, 2025. The applicant provided supplemental materials in response to the council's comments. Council Member Budd noted traffic congestion in the proposed area and asked where drivers will access the Chipotle parking lot and drive-through lane. Ms. Champoux stated drivers will use an existing access point at the northwest corner to enter and exit both properties. Council Member Budd asked how the traffic issues would be handled. Ms. Champoux stated there was not a specific traffic study for the project, as the circumstances did not reach the threshold to require a traffic study. However, there is previous data from the Blake Road Corridor Study from the City of Hopkins, which looked at the intersections of Highway 7 and Aquila Avenue, the intersection of Aquila Avenue and 37th Street, and the intersection of Aquila Avenue and 36th Street to the north of the site. The overall average level of service was rated an A or B for the Aquila Avenue intersections with very slight changes projected between now and 2035. Council Member Baudhuin asked about environmental concerns and idling vehicles at drive- throughs. He asked what data the city has around the impacts of a drive-through on the environment, particularly with engines stopping and starting. Ms. Champoux stated she does not have that information this evening, but the sustainability staff could report back to the council. The applicant shared a study conducted by Chipotle about pick-up lanes versus drive- through lanes. The study showed that for pick-up lanes, which service customers who have pre- ordered, the time spent on premises was half the amount of time as compared to drive-through lanes where cars sit and idle. Council Member Dumalag noted that drive-throughs are now different with more mobile orders; time in the traffic lanes has been drastically cut. She asked if the assumptions around idling at restaurants are the same as idling when picking a child up at school. Changes impacting vehicle idling times need consideration by the city council, especially in the future. Council Member Rog asked how people will follow signage to access the Chipotle. Ms. Champoux stated the applicant can address signage but given that the access point is on the same side of the road as traffic is traveling, there is clear visibility. The applicant, J Lindsay, stated that wayfinding should not be an issue as the Chipotle monument sign will be large and very visible, while wayfinding signs will be at the entrance into the site. He also noted the pick-up window, adding that many are asking about environmental concerns. He stated that with Chipotle’s mobile app, wait times have been reduced considerably - the order is prepaid and there is no waiting, with just a quick pick-up process. Council Member Budd asked if the Chipotle locations at Shady Oak Avenue and Crosstown have the same pick-up model in place. Mr. Lindsay stated yes and noted that the new model is being endorsed by many groups. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -8- Oct. 6, 2025 Council Member Rog asked about requiring 84 parking spaces. Ms. Champoux stated the cumulative parking requirement for both the existing commercial lot and the proposed Chipotle site is 84 parking spaces. Council Member Rog stated there are four bike parking spaces required for the project, but this number seems low. Ms. Champoux stated the requirement is four bike spaces, which is what the applicant has provided. She will review zoning requirements and report back to the council. Council Member Rog asked if the traffic flow seems appropriate because the city is measuring against already existing traffic. Ms. Champoux stated that the level of service is an established standard, so the traffic score is about the standard. Mr. Walther stated the level of service is a grade of A-F, adding that the designation comes down to how long vehicles need to wait at an intersection, with A being least amount of time and F being the most delay. Anything between A-D is generally considered acceptable. As the level of service goes into E or F mitigation may need to be considered to reduce delays and congestion. Mr. Lindsay thanked the council and city for their progress. He owns and manages existing properties and they are very excited about the project. They plan to reface the existing buildings and treat the water going into the Minnehaha Creek, adding the plan is to treat the stormwater from both sites. He confirmed that bike parking spaces will also be included at the site and they are happy to add more. Adding crosswalks was also helpful and they will do more site work if asked. Mayor Mohamed stated she will support the proposal and is excited about the project. Council Member Budd also supports the item and the expansion in the Knollwood area, which is a great place, adding that she looks forward to revitalization there. Council Member Baudhuin added his appreciation to staff on the report, noting that issues with drive-throughs continue to arise. He stated he would like to go on record to say it behooves the city to take a closer look at drive-throughs and also consider having an ordinance addressing drive-throughs and sustainability in St. Louis Park. He encouraged any business with a drive- through to put up signs to encourage patrons to turn off their vehicle when waiting for their order. He would also like to see more bike parking at the site but stated he will support the project. Council Member Dumalag stated that she will support the project. A comprehensive policy around idling should be considered by the council, however, the new type of pick-up lane is positive. She is happy the Chipotle owners are investing in the city and noted the signage the applicant spoke of will be helpful at the site. Council Member Rog stated she appreciates the flexibility and collaboration on the project. She noted her concerns and objections to adding drive-throughs and pick-up lanes when thinking about investments the community has made in anti-idling efforts. The city has shown statistics Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -9- Oct. 6, 2025 on the harms of idling. She hopes that the new model of pick-up lane is not implemented throughout the entire city because she would like to see a reduction in emissions and increased restrictions on commercial properties. She stated that she trusts Council Member Budd and the other council members’ support of the project, as it revitalizes the Knollwood area. Council Member Rog noted that she would like to see an ordinance passed addressing the drive- through issue in St. Louis Park. Council Member Brausen stated he had difficulty supporting the drive-through in the beginning, as it relates to emissions. However, the proposal is the best the city can receive for the parcel and he does not want to deny reasonable use for the applicant’s property at the site. He will support this but also would like a study session to discuss an ordinance around emissions and idling, as well as future drive-throughs. It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to adopt Resolutions No. 25-123, 25-124 and 25-125, authorizing Knollwood Chipotle comprehensive plan amendment and conditional use permits, and to rescind the special permit – Ward 3. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). b. First reading of the amendment to chapter 8 of the City Code related to cannabinoid products Mr. Pivec presented the staff report. Mr. Pivec stated that beginning Oct. 1, 2025, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will transition its registration program for low-potency hemp and edibles (LPHE) retailers to a licensing program. Then the OCM will begin accepting applications for lower-potency hemp edible licenses, including LPHE retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers. Mr. Pivec stated that all current LPHE businesses registered with the OCM, who wish to continue selling LPHE products, will be required to apply for and obtain a license under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342. Operations for currently registered businesses may continue while their license is processed. As the OCM transitions to licensing, local governments are required to register LPHE retailers. On March 17, 2025, the city council passed an ordinance establishing cannabis and LPHE retail registration in preparation for the OCM’s transition to licensing. The ordinance amendment removes the city’s licensing requirement for LPHE to align with the OCM’s transition from registration to licensing of LPHE and the city’s transition from licensing to registration. Mr. Pivec added that if the first reading of the ordinance is approved, a second reading will be scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025, noting the effective date for the proposed change is 15 days following publication. Council Member Budd asked who collects the revenue of the $125 fee. Mr. Pivec stated that the fee would be the city’s revenue. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -10- Oct. 6, 2025 It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the first reading of the amendment to chapter 8 of the city code related to cannabinoid products and set a second reading for Oct. 20, 2025. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). c. First reading of amendment to chapter 34 of the city code related to grass height Mr. Pivec presented the staff report. On Nov. 14, 2024, the council approved amending sections of the city code increasing the maximum grass height allowed on any public or private property from six inches to eight inches to align with changes in state statute. City staff have recently learned that other chapters and sections of the city code also reference maximum grass height but were not amended. The ordinance amends Sec. 34-111 (a) and (b) of the city code to align with the council-approved amendments approved on Nov. 14, 2024. If the first reading of the ordinance is approved, a second reading will be scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025. The effective date for the proposed change is 15 days following publication. It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the first reading of amendment to chapter 34 of the city code related to grass height and set a second reading for Oct. 20, 2025. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). d. First reading of amendment to chapter 8 of the city code related to rental licensing Mr. Pivec presented the staff report. At the April 21, 2025, study session, the city council expressed support for providing an exception for relative homestead properties from the rental licensing requirements. Staff shared that years of inspections show that relative homestead properties are generally properly maintained, safe and less likely to generate concerns from the occupants. Mr. Pivec added that the elimination of the city license, fee and inspection requirements for relative homestead properties alleviates the burden expressed by family members working to provide housing for college-age children, disabled adult family members, or parents passing titles to children during estate planning. If the first reading of the ordinance is approved, a second reading will be scheduled for Oct. 20, 2025. The effective date for the proposed change is Jan. 1, 2026. Council Member Rog stated she approves of the accommodation and asked how the city defines family. Mr. Pivec stated a qualifying relative is parents, stepparents, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece of the owner by blood or marriage. Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904 City council meeting -11- Oct. 6, 2025 Council Member Rog stated she is concerned about abuses. She asked if someone would be able to file a complaint if they think a person does not fit the definition of family and asked if the scenario could be a problem. Mr. Pivec stated that just like breaking any other law, risks are taken and consequences can be severe. Though reporting abuses are feasible, the reporting mechanism is in place to handle complaints and identify abuses. Council Member Budd said licensing and permit costs are self-sustaining to the city budget and asked if there is an impact on homeowners. Mr. Pivec stated yes; the program will continue as a fee-for-service. It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the first reading of amendment to chapter 8 of the city code related to rental licensing and set the second reading for Oct. 20, 2025. The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Farris absent). 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Keller noted road closures off Minnetonka Boulevard between Joppa Avenue and CSAH 25. She referred to Hennepin County’s website and the city website for updates. Ms. Keller noted several upcoming events: • Walk the Park on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at Westwood Hills Nature Center. • “Howl-oween,” an annual pet costume contest, at Wolfe Park on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at noon. • 44th Annual Halloween party at Westwood Hills Nature Center on Oct. 17 and 18, 2025, from 6:30 – 9 a.m. with pre-registration is required. Council Member Baudhuin noted the Jewish festival of Sukkot began this evening at sunset, which is the festival of tents. He wished all the city’s Jewish neighbors a blessed Sukkot. Council Member Rog noted there is an open house at Lenox Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. regarding a pavement management project in Bronx Park. She noted there is also a pop-up event related to the pavement management project on Oct. 15, 2025. Council Member Rog also noted the St. Louis Park storytelling event by Friends of the Arts on Thursday night, Oct. 9, 2025, at the St. Louis Park Library. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor Docusign Envelope ID: EA72428D-AB8D-497F-911F-F2A5A49BE904