HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/02/27 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
FEBRUARY 27, 2017
5:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ANNUAL MEETING – Council Chambers
5:30 p.m. Welcome from Mayor Spano & Light Dinner
Discussion Items - Boards & Commissions Presentations
1. 6:00 p.m. Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)
2. 6:20 p.m. Housing Authority
3. 6:40 p.m. Telecommunications Advisory Commission
4. 7:00 p.m. Police Advisory Commission
7:20 p.m. Intermission
5. 7:30 p.m. Human Rights Commission
6. 7:50 p.m. Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
7. 8:10 p.m. Planning Commission
8. 8:30 p.m. Environment & Sustainability Commission
8:50 p.m. City Council Closing Comments & Wrap-Up
Written Reports
9. January 2017 Monthly Financial Report
10. Texas Avenue Reconstruction Update - Project No. 4017-1101
11. Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
9:00 p.m. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.
To make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at
952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Board of Zoning Appeals
I. Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) members:
Paul Roberts, Chair
Justin Kaufman, Vice-Chair
James Gainsley, Board Member
Susan Bloyer, Board Member
Henry Solmer, Board Member
II. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives:
Responsibilities of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA):
The (BOZA) is charged with the responsibility of responding to request from residents
and business owners for:
1. Variances to the regulations of the zoning ordinance,
2. Appeals from any order, decision, or interpretation of the text of the zoning
ordinance made by staff.
The BOZA may also act in an advisory capacity on matters referred to it by the city
council.
Section IV provides a summary of the BOZA actions resulting from applications
received in 2016.
III. Variance Applications Received Since 2007:
The following table details the type and amount of variance applications received and
reviewed by the BOZA since 2007.
’07-‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16
RESIDENTIAL
Attached Garages:
Interior side setback: 3 1 2 0 1 0 0 0
Rear setback: 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Side yard abutting the street setback: 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Detached Garages:
Maximum Ground Floor Area: 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Living Space:
Front setback: 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0
Interior side setback: 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Side abutting the street setback: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Miscellaneous:
Deck-Interior side yard: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Open covered porch – front yard: 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Fence height – front yard: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
Eave – interior side yard: 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Residential Variances: 16 2 2 2 3 2 1 2
COMMERCIAL
Front setback: 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Side abutting the street setback: 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Expand a non-conformity: 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Increase total sign area: 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
Drive aisle width: 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
Floor area ratio: 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Screening wall: 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
Total Commercial Variances: 3 1 1 0 4 1 1 1
Total Variances: 19 3 3 2 7 3 2 3
IV. 2016 Applications:
Date: March 24, 2016
Variance: Fence height in the front yard
Location: 4120 28th Street West
Applicant: Eric and Johanna Rossbach
The Applicants requested a variance to allow the
construction of a 6 foot high privacy fence in the
front yard. The height maximum for a fence in the
front yard is 4 feet.
The applicants proposed to erect a fence located in
the front and side yard of the property to create a
private outdoor living space. The applicants stated
that due to the location of the principal building on
a corner lot, there is insufficient private outdoor
living space in the rear yard.
The BOZA voted, 2-1, to approve the request with a condition that if the orieintation of the house
changes so that the front faces Inglewood Ave, then the fence shall be reduced to the height allowed
in the front yard at that time.
Date: June 23, 2016
Variance: Maximum allowed floor area
Location: 4331 Excelsior Boulevard
Applicant: Salon Concepts, Brent Van Liev
The Applicant purchased the property with the
intent of opening a 5,100 square foot Salon
Concepts business. The C-1 Neighborhood
Commercial district allows service uses, including
salons, up to 2,500 square feet in area. A variance
was requested to increase the allowed floor area
from 2,500 square feet to 5,100 square feet so the
Salon Concepts can occupy the existing building
as the sole tenant.
The BOZA voted 3-1 to approve the variance
request.
Date: November 29, 2016
Variance: Accessory Building Ground Floor Maximum
Location: 3338 Library Lane
Applicant: Library Lane LLC (Marge Nelson)
The Applicant requested a 256 square foot
variance to the required 800 square foot
ground floor area maximum for accessory
buildings. She owns a duplex, and would like
to have two detached garages (one per
dwelling unit) for a total of 1,056 square feet.
In the fall of 2016, the applicant constructed a
22 x 26 foot garage, leaving 224 square feet
remaining for additional accessory building
which is sufficient for a one-car garage, not the
two-car garage they would like to construct.
The BOZA denied the request on a 3-1 vote. The applicant has appealed the decision, and the
appeal will go to the council in February, 2017.
Date: December 22, 2016
Variance: Side Yard Setback and Rear Yard Setback
Location: 3591 Quentin Ave
Applicant: Kim Erickson
The Applicant requested a 20.7
foot variance to the required 25
foot rear yard and a 2.0 foot
variance to the required 7.4 foot
side yard to construct an addition
to the home and garage. The
purpose of the addition is to
expand the kitchen and attached
garage.
The BOZA denied the request on
a 2-1 vote. The applicant has
appealed the decision, and the
appeal will go to the council in
February, 2017.
V. 2017 Goals:
a. The Board will continue to conduct hearings for variances and appeals as requested
by residents and business owners.
VI. Additional Board/Commission Comments:
a. The Board does not have any additional comments.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Housing Authority
2016 Goals and Key Initiatives:
1. Continue successful administration of the Housing Authority’s core federally funded rental
assistance programs including maximizing program utilization, ensuring sound fiscal
policies including securing renewal funding through the submission of competitive grant
applications and maintaining and improving the Public Housing properties.
o Provided rental assistance to approximately 500 low-income households through
HUD’s federally funded rental assistance programs.
o Exceeded 98% annual occupancy in the Public Housing Program and 94% annual
utilization in the Housing Choice Voucher Program and achieved HUD’s
designated High Performer Status for the administration of the Public Housing
Program.
o Completed approximately $447,000 in capital improvements to Public Housing units.
$255,000 of these improvements were from a state grant to assist in funding capital
improvements to Hamilton House.
o Administered forty (40) units of Project-Based Housing Choice Voucher rental
assistance at three developments; Wayside (15), Vail Place (7) and Excelsior and Grand
(18).
o Administered twenty-one (21) units of Continuum of Care (CoC) supportive housing
rental assistance in partnership with Perspectives Inc., and Pillsbury United
Communities (Emerge). An additional 2 units administered at Wayside House utilizing
unexpended CoC funds from HUD grants designated for Perspectives program.
o Awarded HUD renewal grant to support the Family Self Sufficiency program which
assists housing program participants in attaining greater economic self-sufficiency. In
2016, thirty-nine (39) Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing program
participants enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Seven participants
graduated from the program.
o Resident Opportunity Social Services (ROSS) Program at Hamilton House provided
on-going services for an average of 23 residents/month and completed a total of 3,480
resident visits in 2016 providing services to promote resident’s ability to live
independently. 50 different residents also attended ROSS health and wellness
presentations. The ROSS Coordinator position is funded through a three year grant
award from HUD.
o The Housing Authority assisted 26 households through the Stable HOME rental
assistance program; a joint partnership with Hennepin County providing housing
assistance to homeless or previously homeless individuals and families within Suburban
Hennepin County. The Program is funded with County HOME funds.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Housing Authority
City Housing Rehab and Homeownership Programs
2. Continue to support/promote a well maintained housing stock through the use of the city’s
housing rehab programs including the Move-Up-In-The-Park programs, the Discount Loan
Programs, the Emergency Rehab Grants and the HIA designation. Continue to explore
opportunities to address unmet housing rehab needs.
o Move-up in the Park Home Remodeling Programs: Over the past year, the city
experienced continued steady use of the home expansion programs and high use of
the design and technical advisor programs. Ten Move-Up-in-the-Park loans were
closed in 2016, the highest number since 2009. Both the Home Remodeling Fair and
Home Remodeling Tour continue to be popular events with residents. Over 800
attended the Remodeling Fair and an average of approximately 400 attendees visited
each house on the Home Remodeling Tour.
o Expended 100% of CDBG funding on approved allocated projects/programs within
the designated timeline.
o Discount Loan Program: Discount Loan use in 2016 was lower than previous years
with only 11 loans; however, this is a statewide trend with an increase in loan options
and fewer homeowners using secured loans that have a lien against the property.
CEE is the loan administrator for our Discount Loan program and in addition to
these 13 loans, an additional 29 CEE loans were closed in St. Louis Park.
o The Energy Rebate program continues to be popular and 2016 is just below the five
year high. 170 home energy visits were conducted through the Home Energy Squad
Enhanced program. The program is a great opportunity for residents to learn how to
save money and make their home more energy efficient.
3. Continue to support/promote affordable homeownership programs/opportunities consistent
with the city’s Vision and Housing Goals.
o The 3rd Bi-annual Realtors Forum was held on March 16 at Fire Station 1. The
school district and representatives from a number of city departments participated.
Thirty-five realtors were in attendance.
o Inclusionary Housing Policy: The council adopted an Inclusionary Housing Policy in
2015. Several properties including affordable units per the requirements are under
construction. Staff is in the process of drafting property owner compliance and
monitoring guidelines.
o Homes Within Reach Land Trust: The city provided financial assistance to facilitate the
purchase, rehab and resale of one Land Trust low income homeownership property.
There are now 14 land trust homes in St. Louis Park.
o Live Where You Work Homeownership Program: There have been a total of 22 buyers
under this program, one in 2016.
o Construction Management Plan (CMP): Staff implemented a new program to
address neighborhood issues and concerns related to the demolition and
construction of new homes and the construction of major additions. The CMP is
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Housing Authority
primarily a neighborhood notification tool and provides information on who to
contact if issues arise during construction. In 2016 there were 54 projects: 37
additions, 1 demo only, 10 demo/rebuild and 6 new.
o Staff participation continues on the Louisiana Court Development Oversight
Committee. The development is financially stable, maintaining high occupancy rates
and continuing to make improvements to the property.
o Staff participated on the SWLRT Housing Committee. The Committee developed
the SW Corridor Wide Housing Strategy that was adopted by the SW Steering
Committee and the city council.
2017 Goals:
1. Continue successful administration of the Housing Authority’s core federally funded rental
assistance programs including maximizing program utilization, ensuring sound fiscal policies
including securing renewal funding through the submission of competitive grant applications
and maintaining and improving the Public Housing properties.
o Provide rental assistance to over 500 low-income households through HUD’s
federally funded rental assistance programs.
o Continue to submit competitive grants applications for HUD renewal funds to ensure
continuation of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the Resident Service Coordinator
at Hamilton House and the Continuum of Care, formerly Shelter plus Care, rental
assistance program.
o Continue to partner with Hennepin County in administration of the Stable Home
shallow rent subsidy program throughout suburban Hennepin County for households
leaving shelters throughout suburban Hennepin County.
2. Continue to support/promote a well maintained housing stock through the use of the city’s housing
rehab programs including the Move-Up-In-The-Park programs, the Discount Loan Programs, the
Emergency Rehab Grants and the HIA designation. Continue to explore opportunities to address
unmet housing rehab needs.
3. Respond to opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit and for profit developers to address housing
needs in the community.
o Continue to represent the city on the SWLRT Housing Committee and work with
committee members and city council in creating/implementing corridor wide housing
strategies consistent with the city’s housing policies, goals and vision.
o Continue to support/promote the creation and preservation affordable homeownership
programs/opportunities consistent with the city’s Vision and Housing Goals.
o Explore/support strategies to promote multi-family affordable housing options for
low and moderate income households in the community including both new
construction and preservation of existing naturally occurring affordable housing.
o Work in partnership with the school district to develop a shallow rent subsidy
program targeted at families with children attending St. Louis Park public schools.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Telecommunications Advisory Commission
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives: Provide a progress report on your 2016 goals and list
the most significant activities undertaken in 2016.
a. Monitor CenturyLink’s new Prism TV service, and ensure compliance with their franchise.
Chair Rolf Peterson attended each quarterly meeting with staff to review the reports on
CenturyLink’s customer service metrics, build-out progress and subscriber counts. The
entire Commission toured the CenturyLink head-end in Golden Valley on July 27 to learn
more about its network technology and how it differs from that of Comcast.
b. Review Comcast customer service upgrades and complaint logs, and consider whether the
city should pursue any further action.
The Commission reviews complaints at each meeting, and discussed action on May 11,
October 26 and December 14. Comcast External Affairs Senior Manager Karly Werner
provided a details about the company’s upgrades to customer service on October 26. The
consensus was to continue to monitor complaints quarterly, and direct staff to survey to
see if other local communities have customer service ordinances more stringent than the
FCC customer service standards. None have been found, as yet.
c. Recommend improvements to support or build broadband infrastructure and technology
applications to enhance livability for all age groups.
Staff provided a presentation and video on cable TV and fiber optic technology on
February 24 and numerous trade journal articles during the year. However, this initiative
was not formally discussed at any of the meetings and so no formal recommendations
have been made.
II. 2017 Goals: List your board/commission’s most important goals (up to 3) for 2017. These
goals should be statements that reflect the board/commission’s highest priorities, which
may or may not change from year-to-year.
a. Review small cell and distributed antenna systems permitting in St. Louis Park to ensure
St. Louis Park is ready to be in the first wave to benefit from these technologies.
b. Bring the highest speed fiber networks to city residences and businesses in the short term,
and maintain high performance over the long term.
c. Recommend ways to use high performing fiber and wireless networks, once established,
to enhance livability in the city.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Telecommunications Advisory Commission
III. 2017 Key Initiatives/Activities: For each goal listed above, list 1-2 key initiatives or
activities that the Board/Commission will be working on in 2017 that will help make
progress toward that particular goal.
a. Chief Information Officer Clint Pires visited the commission February 8 to present
information on small cell and distributed antenna systems, US Internet’s progress toward
installing fiber in St. Louis Park, and council’s strategic goals. For the July 26 meeting,
Commissioner Levine will invite a guest expert from the wireless industry to talk about
5G and its potential impact on the city, including on cable TV operations.
b. Monitor US Internet’s progress and encourage other providers to expand fiber networks
in the city.
c. City Council strategic goals will be discussed February 8, May 10 and July 26. CIO Pires
will attend the October meeting to update the commission on related activities and assist
with the discussion.
Detailed Commission Work Plan for 2017
February 8
• Small cell and distributed antenna systems permitting in St. Louis Park
• City fiber deployment update with Chief Information Officer Clint Pires
• Update on US Internet progress in St. Louis Park
• Discuss City Council strategic goal: Researching strategic options
• ParkTV marketing, publicity & program report for 2016
• Review annual report to council and choose key points to report to council
February 27
• Commission chair and staff report to the City Council at a study session
May 10
• Review Comcast first quarter complaint log
• Review CenturyLink first quarter summary
• City Council strategic goal: Supporting public and private schools and community
education initiatives
• Consider survey of residents related to technology uses and interests
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Telecommunications Advisory Commission
July 26
• Discuss City Council strategic goal of us sing broadband to improve quality of life, and
possible resident survey
• Review Comcast second quarter complaint log
• Guest expert from the wireless industry to talk about 5G and the impact on cable TV in
St. Louis Park
October 25
• Review staff report on CenturyLink second & third quarter
• Review Comcast third-quarter complaint log
• Comcast guest to describe the DOCSIS 3.1 standard and when it would be introduced in
Minnesota
• Begin discussion of franchise fee review for Comcast: 2015-2017
• Chief Information Officer update
December 13
• Decision about franchise fee review for Comcast 2015-2017
• Draft Annual Report for 2017
• Set meetings for 2018
• Draft Work Plan for 2018
• Elect Chair & Vice Chair, effective next meeting
eNATOA webinars
Staff subscribes to monthly training webinars conducted by the National Association of
Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). This year the topics included Right of
Way Control & Compensation, Drones, Over the Top Programming (OTTP) and the transition
from standard to high definition (SD to HD).
Commissioner Browning attended at least four webinars.
MACTA Annual Conference
The Minnesota Association of Community Telecommunications Advisors (MACTA) is the state
chapter of NATOA, and holds an educational conference each year. Commissioners Browning,
Hoffman, Keeler and Levine attended the 2016 conference in St. Paul.
(Attendance table on next page)
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Telecommunications Advisory Commission
Meeting Attendance for 2016
Council
Study
Session
2/22/16
2/24/16 5/11/16 7/27/16
Tour of
Century
Link
10/26/16 12/14/16 Total
meetings
attended/held
Chair Rolf
Peterson
X X X X X X 6/6
Vice Chair Maren
Anderson
X X X X X 5/6
Bruce Browning X X X X X X 6/6
Cindy Hoffman X X X X X 5/6
Dale Hartman* X X X 3/3
Toby Keeler* X 1/3
Andrew
Reinhardt**
Reappointed
5/16/16
0/4
David Dyer
Appointed 5/16/16
X 1/3
Abe Levine
appointed 5/16/16
X X X 3/3
*Commissioners Hartman and Keeler’s terms expired 5/31/16
**Commissioner Reinhardt resigned 7/30/16, moved out of area
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Police Advisory Commission
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives: Provide a progress report on your 2016 goals and list the
most significant activities undertaken in 2016.
Among the goals of the Police Advisory Commission are enhancing awareness of the police
department and promoting exchanges between the police department and the community.
Towards this end, in 2016 the Police Advisory Commission:
1. Participated in activities such as the Children First Ice Cream Social and Parktacular
where informational literature was distributed. Commissioners also hosted block parties
for National Night Out.
2. Participated in joint meetings with the Human Rights Commission and Multicultural
Advisory Committee resulting in the Friends of the Arts Our Town Sings event on July
19. Commissioners also attended a joint informational meeting with the HRC and MAC
on the Cities Race and Equity initiative.
3. Assisted in interviewing candidates for open police officer positions.
4. Assisted in organizing and staffing the 10th annual Crime Prevention Fund Golf
Tournament which raised $10,935 for the Crime Prevention Fund - more than double the
previous year.
5. Welcomed four new commissioners with an introductory tour of the police department
and discussion of commission objectives and roles. We currently have seven
commissioners out of a full complement of eleven. The terms of three commissioners
end in May this year.
6. Assisted in the recruiting process for a new Chief of Police.
7. Organized a Citizens Academy which met for eight weeks during the fall. Two members
of the committee attended and evaluated these sessions.
8. Produced a public service announcement on school bus safety.
9. Began discussions to evaluate the community desire for the use of body worn cameras
by the police department.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Police Advisory Commission
II. 2017 Goals: List your board/commission’s most important goals (up to 3) for 2017. These
goals should be statements that reflect the board/commission’s highest priorities, which may
or may not change from year-to-year.
1. Work with the new Chief of Police to identify new activities and priorities for the
commission to help fulfill their vision, mission, and goals for the department.
2. Continue to participate in community events to promote the police department’s mission,
such as the Children First Ice Cream Social, National Night Out, Crime Prevention Fund
Golf Tournament, public safety videos Citizen’s Academy and collaborative activities
with other commissions.
3. Discuss and provide input on the use of body cameras by SLP police. If the decision to
use body cameras is made, provide input into the policies and procedures regarding their
use.
III. 2017 Key Initiatives/Activities: For each goal listed above, list 1-2 key initiatives or
activities that the Board/Commission will working on in 2017 that will help make progress
toward that particular goal.
1. Work with the new Chief of Police to identify new activities and priorities for the
commission to help it fulfill its mission, vision and goals.
• Invite the new Chief of Police to Police Advisory Commission meetings, or arrange
for personal meetings with the new Chief
• From these meetings, develop a list of meaningful interactions between the
commission and the police department to assist with the Chief’s vision and goals
for the department
• Provide community input on the future of policing in St. Louis Park
2. Continue to participate in community events to promote the police department’s mission,
such as the Children First Ice Cream Social, National Night Out, Crime Prevention Fund
Gold Tournament, public safety videos, Citizen’s Academy and collaborative activities
with other commissions.
• Recruit new members for the commission
• Identify community events that assist in promoting the police departments mission
• During the regular commission meetings, identify who will participate in upcoming
events and in what capacity
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Police Advisory Commission
3. Discuss and provide input on the use of body cameras by SLP police. If the decision to
use body cameras is made, provide input into the policies and procedures regarding their
use
• Work with the HRC and MAC to engage community members for their thoughts
on the need for our department to implement body warn cameras
• Provide Council with a position on the communities desire for our department to
implement body warn cameras
• If the department moves forward with a body camera program, provide research
and community input on policy and procedures for their use
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Human Rights Commission
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives: Provide a progress report on your 2016 goals and list the
most significant activities undertaken in 2016.
Our goals for 2016 were 1) host 2 “Coffee and Culture Chats” 2) Continue our
collaboration with the Multicultural Advisory Committee (“MAC”) and Police Advisory
Committee (“PAC”) in hopes that we can create an event that furthers goals from all three
group’s 2016 Work Plans, and 3) host a food-based event that would allow us to highlight
cultural traditions and ethnic cuisines.
We achieved our first goal, hosting Coffee and Culture Chats on May 10 and October 27,
2016. Our May 10 event did not have a specific theme. Instead, we used the opportunity
to have an open-ended conversation with the community about race and equity in St. Louis
Park. The event was facilitated by Savannah Curtin, who was the Chair of the Human
Rights Commission at the time of the event. Our October 27 event was a conversation
focused on the “Black Lives Matter” and “Thank You SLP Police” lawn signs that had
appeared in the community. The event was co-facilitated by Katherine Arnold, who was
the Chair of the Human Rights Commission at the time of the event, and Angela Martinez
Grande, a member of the MAC.
We also achieved our second goal. On July 19th, the MAC, PAC, and HRC collaborated
with the Friends of the Arts “Our Town Sings” event. All three groups had tables set up
with representatives and information from each group. We were able to meet with
community members and get the word out about work being done in our community and
opportunities to get involved.
We were not able to complete our third goal in 2016. In part, this is attributable to the
considerable change over in the Commissioners sitting on the HRC. Due to a variety of
reasons, including health concerns, term expirations, and one individual moving out of St.
Louis Park, more than half of the seats on the HRC were turned over in 2016. Although
the HRC remains interested in hosting food-based events for the community, the
reconstituted HRC decided to focus its efforts on continued collaboration with the MAC
and creating an ongoing dialogue with the City Council regarding the HRC’s rights and
responsibilities as a Commission.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Human Rights Commission
II. 2017 Goals: List your board/commission’s most important goals (up to 3) for 2017. These
goals should be statements that reflect the board/commission’s highest priorities, which
may or may not change from year-to-year.
a. Continue to work with the City Council to identify areas where the HRC can and
should provide advice and input to the City Council in the early stages of city projects,
and follow through on findings.
b. Continue to host community events to gather information about residents’ concerns
and priorities for the city with respect to Human Rights issues, and to engage in
community discussions about such issues, particularly with respect to racial equity.
c. Engage with the community and the City Council in carrying out the city’s racial
equity initiative.
III. 2017 Key Initiatives/Activities: For each goal listed above, list 1-2 key initiatives or
activities that the Board/Commission will working on in 2017 that will help make progress
toward that particular goal.
a. Continue to work with the City Council to identify areas where the HRC can and
should provide advice and input to the City Council in the early stages of city projects,
and follow through on findings.
For this goal, the HRC and the City Council have already taken action in 2017,
beginning with a joint meeting that was held on January 23. The HRC will be
discussing that meeting and coming up with a strategy for continuing to move forward
at its next regular monthly meeting on February 21. The HRC anticipates having
additional updates available for the Council when its annual report is presented on
February 27.
b. Continue to host community events to gather information about residents’ concerns
and priorities for the city with respect to Human Rights issues, and to engage in
community discussions about such issues, particularly with respect to racial equity.
The HRC has already begun its work on this goal for 2017, hosting a screening of the
documentary “13th” at the Lenox Community Center on February 1. The screening
was followed by a discussion of the film.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Human Rights Commission
We also have a Coffee and Culture Chat scheduled for March 22. The HRC will be
identifying dates for additional future events.
c. Engage with the community and the City Council in carrying out the city’s racial
equity initiative.
The HRC is awaiting further information from the city regarding actions the HRC can
take to assist the city in this initiative.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives: Provide a progress report on your 2016 goals and
list the most significant activities undertaken in 2016.
• Community Group Relationships: Community groups, including associations,
are invited to the Commissions monthly meetings. In 2016 the Commission met
with Little League, Lacrosse, Fastpitch Softball, Football and Friends of the Arts.
• Environmental Stewardship: Assisted in connecting people in the community
with emphasis on environmental items such as organizing the annual Minnehaha
Creek Clean up (May 7, 2016), participated in the annual Arbor Day Event (May
14, 2016) and promoted the Organic Living Workshop (April 16, 2016).
Participated in Evergreen award recommendation. Encouraged the Zero Waste
initiative and recycling in the parks.
• Education: Met with staff from Community Development and Engineering to keep
apprised of the Carpenter Park Storm water project and other large projects in the
city.
• Support City Initiatives relating to Parks and Recreation: Meet jointly with
other Commissions as appropriate to explore joint projects or initiatives.
Reviewed recommendations from Community Development staff on new
developments that required park dedication (Bridgewater Dominium Addition,
Arlington Row Apartments East and Parkway 25 redevelopments).
Involved in the further study and exploration of trails, sidewalks and bicycle
accommodations in the City by meeting with engineering staff to discuss the
project.
Commissioners served on subcommittees for the Skate Park, girls Fastpitch
visioning and Connect the Park.
• Staff Appreciation Luncheon: The Commission hosted an appreciation luncheon
for staff on September 20 at Oak Hill Park.
II. 2017 Goals: List your board/commission’s most important goals (up to 3) for 2017.
These goals should be statements that reflect the board/commission’s highest priorities,
which may or may not change from year-to-year.
a. Community Group Relationships
b. Fastpitch Softball Field Recommendations
c. Support City Initiatives
d. Support ROC
e. Support Natural Resource Efforts in our Parks
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission
III. 2017 Key Initiatives/Activities: For each goal listed above, list 1-2 key initiatives or
activities that the Board/Commission will working on in 2017 that will help make
progress toward that particular goal.
a. Community Group Relationships
The Commission will continue to assist in facilitating interested groups and
other park and recreation users (i.e. Friends of the Arts, Youth Athletic
Associations, Off-Leash Dog Park users, Historical Society, etc.).
They will review annual participation numbers for youth athletics to compare
numbers from year to year and establish trends.
b. Fastpitch Softball Field Recommendations
Two PRAC Commission members are serving on a task force to recommend
future fastpitch softball facilities.
c. Support City Initiatives
Commissioners continue to serve on various subcommittees which work on city
initiatives.
Include commissioner on consultant interview committee for the Westwood
Hills Nature Center project.
d. Support ROC
Volunteer at special events held at the ROC.
Assist in developing ideas for programs and events and work with the youth
associations to insure successful use of the facility.
e. Support Natural Resource efforts in our parks
Attend and/or assist with Great River Greening, Arbor Day and the Minnehaha
Creek Clean up.
Attend volunteer events and help lead the initiatives in our parks.
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Planning Commission
The Planning Commission is a seven member advisory group of citizen volunteers appointed by
the city council. The 2016 members included Claudia Johnston-Madison (Chair), Lisa Peilen
(Vice-Chair), Lynne Carper, Torrey Kanne, Richard Person, Carl Robertson, Joe Tatalovich
(School Board Representative), and Ethan Rickert (Youth Member).
Commissioners pride themselves in their thoughtful consideration of applications. Commissioners
review detailed staff reports, conduct fair and civil public hearings, discuss complex issues in study
sessions, and make sound recommendations in a timely fashion.
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives:
a. Key Duties:
i. Review Comprehensive Plan amendments, development projects, and
zoning studies and amendments
ii. Make recommendations to the city council
b. 2016 Activities: The commission reviewed 32 applications in 2016. Some of the
highlights include:
i. Development Review: 10 West End, The Shoreham, Parkway 25,
Courtyard by Marriott, AC Hotel by Marriott, Arlington Row Apartments,
Japs-Olson Expansion, 4800Excelsior and Excelsior & Monterey
ii. Code amendments: Floodplain maps and regulations, subdivision
regulations, micro-distillery cocktail rooms, accessory buildings, signs, and
fences
II. 2017 Goals and Key Initiatives/Activities:
a. Review Development Applications
i. Hold study sessions and hearings regarding proposed developments to make
informed recommendations to city council (i.e. PLACE, The Elmwood)
b. St. Louis Park Vision 3.0
i. Have commission members trained to facilitate community conversations
ii. Review information received through the Vision process
c. Comprehensive Plan Process (2017-2018)
i. Review the existing plan and drafts of plan amendments
ii. Provide input into the community outreach strategies
iii. Insure the community’s vision and priorities are incorporated
d. Zoning Code Studies
i. Review the Mixed-Use zoning district requirements
ii. Review architectural materials requirements
iii. Review the Form-Based Code and work toward formal adoption
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Environment & Sustainability Commission
Environment & Sustainability Commission
I. 2016 Goals and Key Initiatives: Provide a progress report on your 2016 goals and
list the most significant activities undertaken in 2016.
a. The Commissioners accomplished a lot in 2016, including:
i. Advised on Policies:
1. weighing in on living streets policy
2. provided advice on Bring Your Own Bag policy
3. zero waste packaging ordinance
ii. Furthered the Communities Awareness and Education on Environment &
Sustainability Topics (by hosting, supporting, attending, and promoting):
1. organic living workshop
2. earth day
3. 2nd annual harvest festival
4. bike the park tour
5. eco garden tour
6. compost tour, etc.
iii. Advanced the Position of SLP in Green Step Cities:
1. 10-year plan for Green Step Cities
2. achieved step 2 in green step cities
iv. Advanced and Repositioned Work for 2017 and Beyond:
1. climate action plan resolution passed in resulting in work in 2017
2. completion of Partners in Energy community Energy Action Plan
3. realigned the work groups per council recommendations
4. two Commission retreats conducted
v. Perhaps most impactful is the fact that the work of the Commission has
gained the attention of others; nearby and like communities have continued
to seek guidance and input from SLP on how to do the work we do and key
stakeholders within SLP are at the table for moving work forward.
II. 2017 Goals: List your board/commission’s most important goals (up to 3) for 2017.
These goals should be statements that reflect the board/commission’s highest priorities,
which may or may not change from year-to-year.
a. Energy Action Plan
i. Climate Action Plan
1. Sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2025
2. Carbon Neutrality by 2040
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Environment & Sustainability Commission
Environment & Sustainability Commission, continued.
ii. Energy Efficiency in Business
1. Drive ‘Top 100’ large businesses to participate in energy efficiency
programs and track their energy use
2. Encourage 200 small to medium-sized businesses to take energy
efficiency actions
iii. Renewable Energy
1. Add 200 kW of rooftop solar and add 1 MW community solar
garden subscriptions
2. Add 1,500 new commercial and/or residential Windsource
subscribers
b. Green Step Cities
i. Achieve Step 3 by May 1, 2018 (for June 2018 League of MN Cities/Green
Step Cities recognition event)
c. Visioning for Comprehensive Plan Development
i. Provide input to staff regarding the visioning planning process with respect
to sustainability; completed Fall 2017
III. 2017 Key Initiatives/Activities: For each goal listed above, list 1-2 key initiatives or
activities that the Board/Commission will working on in 2017 that will help make
progress toward that particular goal.
a. Energy Action Plan
i. Climate Action Plan
1. Sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and achieving carbon
neutrality by 2040
a. Participate on CAP Work Group to provide input to staff on
the CAP during plan development
b. Develop recommendations for Council on actions specific to
external operations as outlined in the final CAP, including
timelines
c. Roll out implementation recommendations as approved by
Council on action items for external operations as the CAP
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Environment & Sustainability Commission
Environment & Sustainability Commission, continued.
ii. Energy Efficiency in Business
1. Drive ‘Top 100’ large businesses to participate in energy efficiency
programs and track their energy use and encourage 200 small to
medium-sized businesses to take energy efficiency actions
a. Recruit volunteers to help with efforts in this focus area
b. Research and recommend to Council venues for presenting
EE opportunities available to the business community and
invite them to benchmark their energy use; this may be done
at events such as the Organic Living Workshop, Solar Power
Hour events, the Home Remodeling Fair, and other events
c. Identify and propose to Council business leaders in EE that
should be publicly recognized or could be candidates for
case studies to share with the community
d. Assist with tracking business outreach efforts and
participation numbers
iii. Renewable Energy
1. Add 200 kW of rooftop solar and add 1 MW community solar
garden subscriptions and add 1,500 new commercial and/or
residential Windsource subscribers
a. Research and recommend to Council activities that will
assist with outreach to nonprofits, faith-based organizations,
and businesses
b. Research and recommend to Council activities that will
assist with outreach to residents to increase renewable
energy use, such as Windsource
b. Green Step Cities
i. Achieve Step 3 by May 1, 2018 (for June 2018 League of MN
Cities/Green Step Cities recognition event)
1. ESC will continue to track action items within the GSC
framework by communicating with staff liaison on potential
past actions the City could receive credit for using the GSC
website
2. ESC will periodically highlight action items/opportunities to
staff liaison to achieve Step 3
2016 Annual Report
Board or Commission: Environment & Sustainability Commission
Environment & Sustainability Commission, continued.
c. Visioning for Comprehensive Plan Development
iv. Provide input to staff regarding the visioning planning process with respect
to sustainability; completed Fall 2017
1. Meet with consultant on what the commission wants to learn from
the public and how to get to those answers
2. Provide input to consultant and staff on integrating sustainable
thinking into more aspects of the Comprehensive Plan
3. Participate in the public process
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 27, 2017
Written Report: 9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: January 2017 Monthly Financial Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time.
SUMMARY: The Monthly Financial Report provides a summary of General Fund revenues
and departmental expenditures and a comparison of budget to actual throughout the year. A
budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in this report.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: At the end of January, General Fund
expenditures total approximately 7.7% of the adopted annual budget. The attached analysis
explains variances.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Summary of Revenues & Expenditures – General Fund
Budget to Actual – Enterprise Funds
Prepared by: Darla Monson, Accountant
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 9) Page 2
Title: January 2017 Monthly Financial Report
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: This report is designed to provide summary information of the overall level
of revenues and departmental expenditures in the General Fund and a comparison of budget to
actual throughout the year. A budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included
in this report.
PRESENT CONSIDERATIONS:
General Fund
Actual expenditures should generally run at about 8.3% of the annual budget at the end of
January. General Fund expenditures are at approximately 7.7% of the adopted budget in
January. Revenues tend to be harder to measure in this same way due to the timing of when they
are received, examples of which include property taxes, State aid payments and seasonal
revenues for recreation programs. A few comments on variances are noted below.
Revenues:
License and permit revenues are at 27% of budget in January because much of the 2017 business
and liquor license revenue has already been received.
Expenditures:
Organized Recreation is at 19% of budget because the full annual community education
contribution in the amount of $187,400 was paid to the school district in January.
Utility Funds
Revenues:
Revenue typically lags one month behind for commercial accounts and up to a full quarter
behind for some residential accounts depending on the billing cycle. The majority of the revenue
billed in January applies to 2016.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Actual $2,742
Budget $2,840 $5,680 $8,521 $11,361 $14,201 $17,041 $19,882 $22,722 $25,562 $28,402 $31,243 $34,083
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$ THOUSANDS Monthly Expenditures -General Fund
Summary of Revenues & Expenditures - General Fund As of January 31, 201720172017201520152016201620172017 Balance YTD Budget BudgetAudited Budget Unaudited Budget Jan YTD Remaining to Actual %General Fund Revenues: General Property Taxes22,364,509$ 22,653,095$ 23,597,282$ 24,193,360$ 24,748,436$ -$ 24,748,436$ 0.00% Licenses and Permits3,248,158 4,312,700 3,496,177 4,320,293 3,745,736 1,017,091 2,728,645 27.15% Fines & Forfeits320,200 263,951 341,200 301,908 254,200 6,500 247,700 2.56% Intergovernmental1,292,277 1,669,395 1,419,017 1,584,618 1,631,669 17,063 1,614,606 1.05% Charges for Services1,907,292 2,116,313 1,956,593 2,012,928 2,027,637 90,135 1,937,502 4.45% Miscellaneous Revenue1,196,018 1,357,373 977,546 1,127,162 1,274,415 23,937 1,250,478 1.88% Transfers In1,851,759 1,867,398 1,872,581 1,862,581 1,899,927 157,494 1,742,433 8.29% Investment Earnings 140,000 68,908 140,000 92,368 140,000 140,000 0.00% Other Income17,900 61,025 27,450 23,052 30,450 3,791 26,659 12.45% Use of Fund Balance286,325 - 254,891 - 58,541 - 58,541 0.00%Total General Fund Revenues32,624,438$ 34,370,158$ 34,082,737$ 35,518,270$ 35,811,011$ 1,316,010$ 34,495,001$ 3.67%General Fund Expenditures: General Government: Administration979,183$ 1,012,841$ 1,037,235$ 1,116,126$ 1,049,123$ 50,002$ 999,121$ 4.77% Finance912,685 902,901 933,624 870,701 957,275 77,999 879,276 8.15% Assessing602,299 601,687 641,038 607,443 707,139 53,430 653,709 7.56% Human Resources805,929 857,950 748,718 798,186 754,699 53,395 701,304 7.08% Community Development1,245,613 1,253,687 1,385,036 1,281,000 1,366,055 118,265 1,247,790 8.66% Facilities Maintenance1,094,836 1,072,749 1,115,877 1,084,364 1,132,774 70,045 1,062,729 6.18% Information Resources1,468,552 1,374,074 1,564,128 1,497,459 1,570,712 77,274 1,493,438 4.92% Communications & Marketing635,150 571,815 608,228 672,913 646,841 35,340 611,501 5.46% Community Outreach24,677 22,380 25,587 22,718 26,553 2,067 24,486 7.79% Engineering492,838 381,148 549,251 509,945 376,601 29,504 347,097 7.83%Total General Government8,261,762$ 8,051,233$ 8,608,722$ 8,460,855$ 8,587,772$ 567,321$ 8,020,451$ 6.61% Public Safety: Police8,511,557$ 8,248,745$ 8,698,661$ 8,701,121$ 9,217,988$ 800,831$ 8,417,157$ 8.69% Fire Protection3,722,396 3,759,386 4,030,153 3,941,004 4,407,656 348,433 4,059,223 7.91% Inspectional Services2,139,325 2,002,445 2,216,075 2,082,694 2,419,073 184,667 2,234,406 7.63%Total Public Safety14,373,278$ 14,010,577$ 14,944,889$ 14,724,819$ 16,044,717$ 1,333,931$ 14,710,786$ 8.31% Operations & Recreation: Public Works Administration232,437$ 213,383$ 241,304$ 240,497$ 266,249$ 22,317$ 243,932$ 8.38% Public Works Operations2,763,735 2,388,560 2,907,781 2,587,417 3,019,017 167,547 2,851,470 5.55% Organized Recreation1,304,470 1,360,454 1,431,260 1,397,516 1,472,996 279,544 1,193,452 18.98% Recreation Center1,591,115 1,575,042 1,602,935 1,688,020 1,744,651 88,948 1,655,703 5.10% Park Maintenance1,550,033 1,513,700 1,634,249 1,627,821 1,721,732 120,430 1,601,302 6.99% Westwood564,055 560,744 576,173 555,950 602,400 48,153 554,247 7.99% Natural Resources472,049 377,617 479,408 362,094 550,235 9,603 540,633 1.75% Vehicle Maintenance1,333,520 1,118,048 1,358,946 1,141,863 1,384,038 101,692 1,282,346 7.35%Total Operations & Recreation9,811,414$ 9,107,547$ 10,232,056$ 9,601,179$ 10,761,318$ 838,234$ 9,923,084$ 7.79% Non-Departmental: General -$ 123,720$ 30,351$ 75,259$ 31,909$ 2,655$ 29,254$ 8.32% Transfers Out- 2,194,245 - - - - - 0.00% Contingency177,984 14,438 266,719 79,224 385,295 - 385,295 0.00%Total Non-Departmental177,984$ 2,332,403$ 297,070$ 154,483$ 417,204$ 2,655$ 414,549$ 0.64%Total General Fund Expenditures32,624,438$ 33,501,760$ 34,082,737$ 32,941,335$ 35,811,011$ 2,742,141$ 33,068,870$ 7.66%Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 9) Title: January 2017 Monthly Financial ReportPage 3
Budget to Actual - Enterprise FundsAs of January 31, 2017Current BudgetJan Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetJan Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetJan Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetCurrent BudgetJan Year To DateBudget Variance% of BudgetOperating revenues: User charges6,420,438$ 110,446$ 6,309,992$ 1.72% 6,915,804$ 154,502$ 6,761,302$ 2.23% 3,319,001$ 30,897$ 3,288,104$ 0.93% 2,853,520$ 110,772$ 2,742,748$ 3.88% Other375,000 7,060 367,940 1.88% 30,000 3,336 26,664 11.12% 148,000 - 148,000 0.00%- - - Total operating revenues6,795,438 117,506 6,677,932 1.73% 6,945,804 157,838 6,787,966 2.27% 3,467,001 30,897 3,436,104 0.89% 2,853,520 110,772 2,742,748 3.88%Operating expenses: Personal services1,322,998 85,261 1,237,737 6.44% 613,321 46,786 566,535 7.63% 590,172 36,018 554,154 6.10% 705,221 36,374 668,847 5.16% Supplies & non-capital544,800 1,219 543,581 0.22% 65,050 313 64,737 0.48% 153,350 - 153,350 0.00% 30,800 - 30,800 0.00% Services & other charges1,688,398 29,420 1,658,978 1.74% 4,764,546 378,804 4,385,742 7.95% 2,692,499 1,953 2,690,546 0.07% 597,828 5,026 592,802 0.84% Depreciation * Total operating expenses3,556,196 115,900 3,440,296 3.26% 5,442,917 425,903 5,017,014 7.82% 3,436,021 37,971 3,398,050 1.11% 1,333,849 41,400 1,292,449 3.10%Operating income (loss)3,239,242 1,606 3,237,636 0.05% 1,502,887 (268,065) 1,770,952 -17.84% 30,980 (7,074) 38,054 -22.83% 1,519,671 69,371 1,450,300 4.56%Nonoperating revenues (expenses): Interest income 3,408 - 3,408 1,953 - 1,953 0.00% 30,849 - 30,849 0.00% 2,875 - 2,875 0.00% Other misc income- - - - - -2,500 - 2,500 0.00%- - - Interest expense/bank charges(182,037) - (182,037) 0.00% (16,016) - (16,016) 0.00% (11,000) - (11,000) 0.00% (30,604) - (30,604) 0.00% Total nonoperating rev (exp)(178,629) - (178,629) 0.00% (14,063) - (14,063) 0.00% 22,349 - 22,349 0.00% (27,729) - (27,729) 0.00%Income (loss) before transfers3,060,613 1,606 3,059,007 0.05% 1,488,824 (268,065) 1,756,889 -18.01% 53,329 (7,074) 60,403 -13.26% 1,491,942 69,371 1,422,571 4.65%Transfers inTransfers out(584,451) (48,704) (535,747) 8.33% (799,648) (66,637) (733,011) 8.33% (227,229) (18,936) (208,293) 8.33% (313,067) (26,089) (286,978) 8.33%NET INCOME (LOSS)2,476,162 (47,098) 2,523,260 -1.90% 689,176 (334,702) 1,023,878 -48.57% (173,900) (26,010) (147,890) 14.96% 1,178,875 43,282 1,135,593 3.67%Items reclassified to bal sht at year end: Capital Outlay(3,163,298) (44,311) (3,118,987) 1.40% (785,983) - (785,983) 0.00%- - - (2,191,667) - (2,191,667) 0.00%Revenues over/(under) expenditures(687,136) (91,409) (595,727) (96,807) (334,702) 237,895 (173,900) (26,010) (147,890) (1,012,792) 43,282 (1,056,074) *Depreciation is recorded at end of year (non-cash item).Water SewerSolid WasteStorm WaterStudy Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 9) Title: January 2017 Monthly Financial ReportPage 4
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 27, 2017
Written Report: 10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Texas Avenue Reconstruction Update - Project No. 4017-1101
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time. The purpose of this report is to provide the
Council with information regarding progress on the Texas Avenue Reconstruction Project
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time. Please inform staff of any questions you might
have.
SUMMARY: On October 17, 2016, the City Council approved the Texas Avenue Rehabilitation
project. This street is an important north/south route in the City that carries over 8000 vehicles a
day and has a Metro Transit bus route.
CenterPoint Energy (CPE) will be replacing their 24 inch high pressure gas main on this segment
of Texas Avenue in 2017. Coordinating the City project with the CPE project will result in cost
savings as well as reduce inconvenience to the property owners and the travelling public.
The scope of the city’s project includes:
•Street reconstruction
•Bike lanes
•Sidewalk reconstruction
•Streetlight replacement
•Signal rehabilitation / replacement (33rd Street and 36th Street)
•Speed management
•Miscellaneous utility rehabilitation
Construction will begin in March / April with CenterPoint Energy beginning on the north end of
the project. All items will be completed with final restoration by November of 2017.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The engineer’s estimate for this project is
$4,338,215. Construction - $3,500,715, Engineering and Administration - $837,500. This project
is included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2017. Funding will be provided by a
combination of MSA, Utility Funds, and General Obligation Bonds (Connect the Park).
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Location Map
Prepared by: Joseph Shamla, Senior Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Debra M. Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 10) Page 2
Title: Texas Avenue Reconstruction Update- Project No. 4017-1101
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: On October 17, 2016, the City Council approved the Texas Avenue
Rehabilitation Project. Since that meeting staff has been working with our consultant, Kimley-
Horn, on developing final plans.
Texas Avenue between Highway 7 and Minnetonka Boulevard is scheduled to be reconstructed in
2017. This road is one of only 4 continuous north / south routes in the City. As a major collector,
it carries 8,200 vehicles a day and is designated as a Municipal State Aid (MSA) road which makes
it eligible for state gas tax funds. In order to qualify for funding, the road needs to be constructed
to state aid standards. What follows is a summary for this project.
Private Utility Replacement
CenterPoint Energy (CPE) will be replacing their 24 inch high pressure gas main on this segment
of Texas Avenue in 2017. This work will be quite intrusive and will disrupt traffic and parking on
Texas Avenue. This is part of a larger regional project which extends into Hopkins. Staff has
noticed an increase in the number of leaks on this line. CPE has plans to continue the replacement
of their pipeline on Texas Avenue north of Minnetonka Boulevard in 2020.
CenterPoint Energy will also be replacing their existing 10 inch gas line in Texas Avenue. This
line serves the residents who live along Texas Avenue. All residential homes between Minnetonka
Boulevard and 36th Street will receive a new gas service to their home.
Texas Avenue Reconstruction
The following items are included in the final design of Texas Avenue:
• Two vehicle travel lanes
• Bike lanes
• On-street parking bays
• Additional lanes, as needed, at the intersections for turning movements
• Pedestrian safety improvements
• Bump outs at intersections for speed management
• Digital speed display signs for speed management
• ADA improvements at intersections and at signals
• Stormwater management
Due to the condition of the road, most of Texas Avenue will be reconstructed. A full reconstruct
consists of the removal of the curb and gutter, pavement, and sidewalk. Mill and overlay is
recommended on Texas Avenue between Highway 7 and 36th Street since this section of road is
in better condition. In addition to the reconstruct, this project will upgrade the curb ramps to meet
the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Some of the existing retaining walls will also need to
be replaced along the corridor. Coordinating the city project with the CPE project will result in
cost savings as well as reduce inconvenience to the property owners and the traveling public.
There is a short section of Texas Avenue between Minnetonka Boulevard and 31st Street that is
not part of this project. We are working with Hennepin County on a project to reconstruct the
Texas/ Minnetonka Boulevard intersection in 2020. However, they have not identified funding at
this time. The City is hoping to work with Hennepin County to lower the intersection of Texas
Avenue and Minnetonka Boulevard in 2020 to help with current pedestrian issues at the
intersection.
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 10) Page 3
Title: Texas Avenue Reconstruction Update- Project No. 4017-1101
City Utility Construction
As a part of all of our street rehabilitation projects, the City evaluates the condition of the existing
sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and watermain. The watermain and sanitary sewer are in satisfactory
condition. Most of the storm along the corridor will be replaced with this project.
Public Process
Staff will be hosting an open house for Texas Avenue on Thursday, February 23rd. The topics
which will be covered at the open house include the following:
•Final plans will be available for residents to see what is proposed in front of their house.
•The right of entry process.
•CenterPoint Energy will be available to answer questions related to their gas main work.
•Metro Transit will be available to discuss the proposed bus route on Sumter Avenue which
will be in place during the construction of Texas Avenue.
•Staff will present a traffic management strategy for Sumter, Rhode Island, and Quebec
Avenue.
•What to expect during construction.
The official detour route for Texas Avenue will be Louisiana Avenue. Staff is expecting that the
traffic which used to be on Texas Avenue will try to use the neighborhood roads to the east of
Texas Avenue versus using the official detour. Using traffic control devices and strategy, staff
will work with the design consultant to limit the amount of traffic using local streets.
Proposed Schedule:
The following is the proposed schedule:
Public open house February 23, 2017
Approve Plans / Authorization to Bid by City Council March 6, 2017
Bid Opening April 5, 2017
CenterPoint Energy begins gas work March / April 2017
Reconstruction of Texas Avenue begins May / June 2017
Texas Avenue reconstruction complete November 2017
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MINNETONKA
TEXAS32ND
31STAQUILA
34TH
35TH RHODEISLANDAQUILA34THWYOMING
WALKER
33RD
36TH
LAKEWYOMING31ST SUMTER32ND
32 1/2
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31ST
37TH
33RD
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YUKONSUMTERUTAH34 1/2XYLON SUMTERMARYLANDNEVADAOREGONPENNSYLVANIAQUEBECQUEBECVIRGINIAPENNSYLVANIA31ST
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VIRGINIAAQUILAAQUILAPRIVATEVIRGINIAUTAH0 0.15 0.3 0.45 0.6Miles
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Legend
2017 MSA Street Rehabilitation
City Limits
2017 MSA Street Rehabilitation (Texas Ave. S.)
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 10)
Title: Texas Avenue Reconstruction Update- Project No. 4017-1101 Page 4
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 27, 2017
Written Report: 11
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. The purpose of this report is to discuss
staff’s recommended changes to the solid waste management and utilities ordinances primarily
related to utility bill due dates.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
•Does the City Council agree with the proposed revisions to the ordinances in regards to
residential utility bill due dates increasing from 21 to 28 days?
•With the suggested change in utility bill due dates, does the City Council agree with
continuing the penalty grace period of three working days following the due date?
SUMMARY: Over the past few months staff has been reviewing a number of best practices and
initiated a request to amend the solid waste management and utilities ordinances. The intent of
the amendments are to extend the due date for quarterly bills and make clarifications.
The solid waste management and utilities ordinances were first adopted in 1976. Since then they
have seen a few minor amendments. Staff has, however, been receiving questions and concerns
from residents in regards to the increasing dollar amount of residential quarterly bills and the
relatively short 21 day time-frame from bill date to due date. In addition, a survey of surrounding
cities including Edina, Maple Grove, and Minnetonka, found that many have due dates of 28-30
days from the billing date. No change is recommended for commercial accounts as they are
billed monthly with due dates of the 20th or next business day.
Staff would also not recommend a change to the 3 day grace period as the billing calendar
accommodates the grace period well.
The code changes will also clarify the billing process for solid waste, water, sewer and storm
water and provide consistency between the ordinances. The ordinance was reviewed by the City
Attorney.
NEXT STEPS:
•First reading of this ordinance is scheduled for March 6, 2017.
•Second reading of this ordinance is scheduled for March 20, 2017. If approved, the
ordinance changes will be effective April 7, 2017.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: We do not expect any significant change in
delinquencies or penalties, and although the due date is extended, we do not expect any
significant impact on cash flow.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Draft Ordinance
Prepared by: Mark Ebensteiner, Finance Manager
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 11) Page 2
Title: Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
ORDINANCE NO. ____-17
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
HENNEPIN COUNTY, MINNESOTA
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTERS 22 AND 32
OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK CITY CODE RELATING TO UTILITY BILLING
DUE DATES, PENALTIES, CERTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF UNPAID
CHARGES
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. Section 22-37 of the City Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 22-37. Garbage/refuse service rates.
(a)A service charge for garbage/refuse collection, including recycling service, and
yard waste collection service, provided to residential dwelling units with the city shall
be an amount set by city council resolution.
(b)Each dwelling unit in a residential dwelling will be charged a service charge for
garbage/refuse collection and for yard waste collection, regardless of whether they
utilize the service, provided that residents with an extended absence from the city and
non-use of service during that period may apply to the City for a temporary
suspension of service and reduction of charges.
(c)A service charge in an amount set by city council resolution shall be added to the
service charge for garbage/refuse collection for residential dwelling which mixes
refuse with yard waste.
(d)Charges for the collection and disposal of garbage/refuse, bulk items, electronics,
appliances and yard waste shall be a charge against the owner, lessee, occupant, or all
of them of the premises served, any of whom shall be charged and billed for such
service.
(e)Garbage/refuse bills will be mailed to customers for each billing period at the rate
shown in this subsection. The proceeds from collection of these bills shall be placed
in a separate fund. A penalty in an amount set by city council resolution shall be
added to the amount due on any bill if not paid within three weeks after the billing
date. Payments received six working days following the due date shall be deemed as
paid within such period.
(1)Due dates. All quarterly billed garbage/refuse charges shall be due and
payable within 28 days of the billing date. All monthly billed garbage/refuse
charges shall be due and payable by the 20th of the following month after the
billing date, or subsequent business day if the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday,
or legal holiday.
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 11) Page 3
Title: Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
(2) Penalties. Payments received within three working days following the due
date shall be deemed as paid within such period. Accounts shall be considered
delinquent and a penalty of ten percent shall be added to the amount due on
any utility bill if not paid by the described due dates.
(3) Certification. It shall be the duty of the city treasurer to promptly collect
delinquent accounts. Any garbage/refuse utility fees past due on September 1
of any year shall be certified by the city clerk, who shall prepare an
assessment roll each year providing for assessment of the delinquent amounts
against the respective properties served, for collection as other taxes. In
addition, the city shall also have the right to bring a civil action or to take
other legal remedies to collect unpaid fees.
(f) All charges for garbage/refuse service shall be due and payable within three weeks
after the billing date; accounts shall be considered delinquent when not paid within
three working days following the date. Such charges shall be a charge against the
owner of the premises and shall be certified by the city clerk to the city assessor who
shall prepare an assessment roll each year providing for assessment of the delinquent
amounts against the respective properties served for collection as other taxes.
(f)(g) The city council reserves the right to adjust the rates provided by this section from
time to time.
SECTION 2. Section 32-34 of the City Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 32-34. Delinquent water accounts.
(a) Due dates. All quarterly billed water charges for water shall be due and payable within 28
days three weeks of the billing date specified by the city treasurer. All monthly billed water
charges shall be due and payable by the 20th of the following month after the billing date, or
subsequent business day if the 20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(b) Penalties. Payments received within three working days following the due date shall be
deemed as paid within such period. Accounts shall be considered delinquent and a penalty of
ten percent shall be added to the amount due on any utility bill if not paid by the described
due dates. and subject to a penalty of ten percent if not paid within three weeks of the billing
date.
(c) Certification. It shall be the duty of the city treasurer to endeavor to promptly collect
delinquent accounts. , and in all cases where satisfactory arrangements for payments have not
then been made, the director of public works shall be instructed to discontinue water service
at the stop box. Any water utility fees past due on September 1 of any year All delinquent
accounts shall be certified by the city clerk to the county auditor for entry on the tax list of
the county as unpaid charges against the properties served for collection as other taxes are
collected. to the city assessor who shall prepare an assessment roll each year providing for
assessment of the delinquent amounts against the respective properties served, for collection
as other taxes. In addition, the city shall also have the right to bring a civil action or to take
other legal remedies to collect unpaid fees.
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 11) Page 4
Title: Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
SECTION 3. Section 32-97 and 32-98 of the City Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 32-97. Service charges for use of sewers.
(a) An annual charge is hereby imposed upon every person, firm or corporation whose
premises are served by the sanitary sewer system of the city, either directly or indirectly, for the
use of the facilities of such sewer system and for connection therewith which charge shall be as
provided in section 32-98. Such charge shall be payable as provided in section 32-99 and shall be
subject to the penalties set forth in section 32-98 if not paid within the due dates as described. 20
days after the billing date. Such charges for sewer service shall be a charge against the owner of
the premises served. , and all such charges which have been billed and not paid within 30 days
after the due date stated on the bill shall be certified to the county auditor as an assessment
against the property served for collection as other taxes.
(b) The obligation to pay the charges specified in this section shall be incurred as of the time
of connection of any private sewer disposal system to the city sewer, and such connection shall
be deemed to be made if a sewer connection is made to the city sewer at the curbline, whether or
not the connecting sewer is then in operation in connection with the private sewer system on the
adjacent premises. Every person, firm or corporation whose premises can be served by the
sanitary sewer system of the city, either directly or indirectly, shall pay an annual sewer rental
charge as provided in sections 32-98 and 32-99.
Sec. 32-98. Sewer rental rates.
Charges for sewer service to residential and nonresidential users within the city provided
in section 32-97 for billings on or after February 26, 2001, shall be: an amount per 100 cubic feet
of water consumption set by city council resolution, as measured during the winter consumption
(or otherwise determined in subsection (a)(1) of this section), and a monthly service charge of an
amount set by city council resolution, or an amount quarterly per dwelling or account set by city
council resolution.
(a)(1) Charges. All residential sewer customer charges shall be determined by computing
the winter water consumption as determined by the city billing cycle for each district.
Commercial sewer charges shall be determined by computing the water consumption
each month throughout the year. In any case where winter meter readings are not
available or appropriate, charges shall be made on the basis of current water
consumption.
(b) Due dates. All quarterly billed sewer charges shall be due and payable within 28 days
of the billing date. All monthly billed sewer charges shall be due and payable by the
20th of the following month after the billing date, or subsequent business day if the
20th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
(c)(2) Penalties. Payments received within three working days following the due date shall
be deemed as paid within such period. Accounts shall be considered delinquent and a
penalty of ten percent shall be added to the amount due on any utility bill if not paid
by the described due dates. A penalty of ten percent shall be added to the amount due
on any sewer bill if not paid within three weeks after the billing date. Payments
received within three working days following the due date shall be deemed as paid
within such period.
Study Session Meeting of February 27, 2017 (Item No. 11) Page 5
Title: Solid Waste Management and Utilities Ordinance Amendment
(d) Certification. It shall be the duty of the city treasurer to promptly collect delinquent
accounts. Any sewer utility fees past due on September 1 of any year shall be
certified by the city clerk to the county auditor for entry on the tax list of the county
as unpaid charges against the properties served for collection as other taxes are
collected. In addition, the city shall also have the right to bring a civil action or to
take other legal remedies to collect unpaid fees.
(e) (3) Measurement. All owners, lessees and occupants of buildings discharging sewerage
into the city sewer while using water from any source other than the city municipal
water system shall install meters or other measuring devices meeting with the city
water meter specifications to measure either the water used or the discharge into the
sewer.
SECTION 4. Section 32-152 and 32-153 of the City Code shall be amended to read as follows:
Sec. 32-152. Billing method.
Stormwater utility fees will be computed and collected by the city along with other utilities
such as sewer and water. Payment shall be required on or before the due date established for such
other billing. Delinquent accounts will be treated the same as sewer and water accounts.
(a) Due dates. All quarterly billed stormwater charges shall be due and payable within 28
days of the billing date. All monthly billed stormwater charges shall be due and payable
by the 20th of the following month after the billing date, or subsequent business day.
(b) Penalties. Payments received within three working days following the due date shall be
deemed as paid within such period. Accounts shall be considered delinquent and a
penalty of ten percent shall be added to the amount due on any stormwater bill if not paid
by these described due dates.
Sec. 32-153. Certification of past due fees on taxes.
Certification. It shall be the duty of the city treasurer to promptly collect delinquent accounts.
Any stormwater utility fees past due on September 1 of any year may be certified to the county
auditor for collection with real estate taxes in the following year or any year thereafter. shall be
certified by the city clerk to the county auditor for entry on the tax list of the county as unpaid
charges against the properties served for collection as other taxes are collected. In addition, the
city shall also have the right to bring a civil action or to take other legal remedies to collect
unpaid fees.