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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/12/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Dec. 15, 2025 1. Call to Order Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Council members present: Lynette Dumalag, Sue Buddd, Tim Brausen, Yolanda Farris, Paul Baudhuin, Mayor Nadia Mohamed Council members absent: none Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), finance director (Ms. Cruver), facilities superintendent (Mr. Eisold), recreation superintendent (Ms. Friederich), public works director (Mr. Hall), fire chief (Mr. Hanlin), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy), deputy police chief (Mr. Nadem), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), financial analyst (Ms. Stephens), park superintendent (Mr. Umphrey), HR director (Ms. Vorpahl), planning manager (Mr. Walther), parks and recreation director (Mr. West), racial equity and inclusion director (Ms. Yang) 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Recognition of Council Members Margaret Rog and Lynette Dumalag Mayor Mohamed recognized Council Member Margaret Rog for her service representing Ward 1 since Jan. 2, 2018. She highlighted Council Member Rog’s leadership in the Birchwood Neighborhood Association, work on the Human Resource Commission and contributions to the 2026 Vision Arts and Culture Action Team. Council Member Rog was acknowledged for her advocacy for affordable housing, resident voices, small businesses, green spaces and bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Council members shared their appreciation for Council Member Rog's service: Council Member Baudhuin read comments from former Council Member Tom Miller praising Rog's communication with constituents and community organizing. Council Member Dumalag thanked Council Member Rog for being fearless in advocacy and caring deeply for the community. Council Member Farris appreciated her wisdom and how she advocated for what Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C City council meeting -2- Dec. 15, 2025 she believes in. Council Member Baudhuin admired her courage, leadership and thorough consideration of the issues. Council Member Brausen praised her as a strong representative who served well, following in former Council Member Sue Sanger's footsteps. Council Member Budd thanked her for leadership on workforce diversity. Mayor Mohamed recognized Council Member Lynette Dumalag for her service beginning with her appointment to represent Ward 2 on Nov. 2, 2020, and subsequent election to a full term. She noted Council Member Dumalag's prior service on the Vision 3.0 planning team and the planning commission, as well as her advocacy for affordable housing, local development and fair representation. Council members shared their appreciation for Council Member Dumalag: Council Member Baudhuin credited her with encouraging him to consider public service. Council Member Farris thanked her for campaign support and mentorship. Council Member Brausen acknowledged her valuable background in commercial real estate, banking and housing. Council Member Budd valued her unique perspective and informed lens. Council Member Rog appreciated her upbeat nature, grace under pressure and expertise on housing and commercial development. Ms. Keller thanked both council members on behalf of city staff. She noted Council Member Rog's commitment to human rights and affordable housing and Council Member Dumalag's planning, housing and regional perspective. Former elected officials also offered their congratulations: State Representative Larry Craft noted both council members' impact on his work at the state level. Former St. Louis Park Mayor Jake Spano thanked Council Member Rog for reminding everyone to focus on people, and Council Member Dumalag for her governance knowledge and balanced approach. Council Member Rog's mother expressed pride in her daughter's service, noting that her late father had been a mayor. Council Member Rog and Council Member Dumalag each expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reflected on their time on the city council. Mayor Mohamed presented commemorative plaques to Council Member Rog and Council Member Dumalag. b. Proclamation observing International Migrants Day Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation observing December 18 as annual International Migrants Day, acknowledging Minnesota's history as a landing place for migrants. The proclamation highlighted the contributions of migrants as family members, neighbors, colleagues, business owners and community leaders. Mayor Mohamed noted the timeliness of the proclamation, given current federal policies causing fear among migrant communities. She Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C City council meeting -3- Dec. 15, 2025 shared her personal perspective as a Somali American and expressed her gratitude as a St. Louis Park resident and a Minnesotan. Council Member Baudhuin stated that the city council is proud that Mayor Mohamed is the city's leader. Council Member Brausen noted that everyone has migrant stories in their family history, excepting the heritage of Native American peoples. c. Proclamation observing Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation designating Dec. 21, 2025, as the Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk and Mental Health Awareness Day. The city will light the bridge at Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue in green light in support of mental health awareness. The proclamation noted that many individuals experience increased stress, isolation and mental health concerns during winter. The Winter Solstice Walk at the Westwood Nature Center provides an opportunity for community connection. Council Member Rog noted that a resource page with mental health support resources was included in the meeting packet and shared that the Winter Solstice Walk is a meaningful event that honors those affected by mental health challenges. d. Recognition of donations Mayor Mohamed recognized a $500 donation from Sandy M. Younger of JC Younger Companies Inc. to the Police Department's 2025 annual holiday “Shop with a Cop” event. 4. Minutes a. Study Session Meeting Minutes of November 10, 2025 b. City Council Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2025 It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the minutes of the study session on Nov. 10 and the city council meeting on Nov. 17, 2025, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent Items a. Resolution No. 25-160 accepting donations to the police department b. Resolution No. 25-161 approving 2026 non-union employee compensation c. Resolution No. 25-162 approving Arts & Culture Grant awards d. 2026 Social services award e. Resolution No. 25-163 accepting a grant award from the National Recreation and Park Association Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C City council meeting -4- Dec. 15, 2025 f. Resolution No. 25-164 authorizing a special assessment for the repair of a water service line at 7719 22nd Street West - Ward 4 g. Resolution No. 25-165 approving an amendment to the redevelopment contract and other related documents for the affordable housing at Beltline Station - Ward 1 h. Approve extension of Park Place East approvals - 5775 Wayzata Boulevard - Ward 4 Council Member Brausen noted the importance of accepting grant awards from the National Recreation and Park Association and providing arts and culture grants to community organizations. Council Member Rog highlighted the value of the arts and culture grants for community engagement, mentioning projects including Open Eye Figure Theater puppet shows, break dancing in neighborhood parks, arts workshops for teens with disabilities and operatic concerts. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Rog, to approve the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearings – none. 7. Regular business a. Resolutions No. 25-166, 25-167, 25-168 and 25-169 approving 2026 Budget, Levy and Capital Improvement Plan Adoption Ms. Cruver presented the final 2026 Budget for adoption. She reviewed the budget development timeline, which began in the summer of 2025 with analysis of non-property tax revenue, personnel costs and economic conditions. The budget was refined throughout the fall, including the adoption of a maximum levy in September 2025 and fee adoption. Ms. Cruver highlighted that the general fund budget includes a high percentage for personnel costs. The capital budget focused on the Cedar Lake road construction project, regular road maintenance and water infrastructure improvements. Budget highlights included fully funding the new Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave program, balanced internal service funds, a free brush management site, expanded funding for the climate investment fund and over $200,000 in departmental budget reductions. The proposed levy represented a 7.49% increase, down from the preliminary 8.02% increase. For the median homesteaded home, this would result in an 8.6% increase in city taxes. The overall property tax increase including county and school district levies was estimated at 7.2% or less, though this figure was based on preliminary data. Ms. Cruver reiterated that on Dec. 1, 2025, during the Truth in Taxation public hearing, the city council requested discussion about potentially reducing the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy by $500,000, which would reduce the overall levy increase by 1 Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C City council meeting -5- Dec. 15, 2025 percentage point. The impact on a median-value home would be approximately $18 per year ($1.50 per month). Mayor Mohamed opened the public comment period. Antonio Sassin of 9000 Minnetonka Boulevard expressed concern about the tax increase, noting he had recently been laid off and that the increase could potentially lead to displacement for residents in his situation. Mayor Mohamed closed the public comment period. Council members engaged in discussion about whether to maintain the HRA levy at $1,194,133 (the same as 2025) or reduce it to approximately $700,000: In favor of reducing the levy, Council Member Budd argued that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund had a healthy balance of over $7 million and could absorb the reduction while still funding planned projects. Council Member Rog noted the city had met many Metropolitan Council housing goals and that residents had consistently expressed concern about property tax increases. Council Member Farris emphasized the impact of the levy on residents who are struggling financially. In favor of maintaining the levy, Council Member Brausen stressed the importance of steady funding for affordable housing, particularly the residents making 30% of area median income who rely on housing assistance. Council Member Baudhuin argued that while a levy increase of $18 per year might seem small, affordable housing was not the place to make budget cuts during economic uncertainty. Council Member Dumalag expressed concern about the need to support vulnerable renters and potential housing opportunities. Mayor Mohamed emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility for future needs. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to adopt Resolution No. 25-166 for the HRA levy at $1,194,133. The motion passed 4-3 (Council Members Rog, Farris and Budd opposed). It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 25-167 for the EDA levy. The motion passed 7- 0. Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C City council meeting -6- Dec. 15, 2025 It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to adopt Resolution No. 25-168 for the 2026 budget and property tax levy including HRA levy at $1,194,133. The motion passed 4-3 (Council Members Rog, Farris and Budd opposed) It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Rog, to adopt Resolution No. 25-169 for the Capital Improvement Plan. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements – none. Ms. Keller announced that New Year's Eve at the Recreation Outdoor Center is a family event from 4-6:00 p.m. with skating, a DJ and refreshments. She also noted that Louisiana Avenue is now open to traffic, though still waiting on electrical connections for streetlights. Mayor Mohamed acknowledged that it is Hanukkah and expressed concern for the Jewish community following reports of a tragic hate crime in Australia. Council Member Brausen noted this was the last meeting of the year and thanked staff for their hard work. Council Member Rog thanked staff for the Holiday Train event and reminded attendees about an upcoming meeting at City Hall on Dec. 18, 2025, for current and prospective neighborhood leaders. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited and finalized by a human. Docusign Envelope ID: 7386BB07-95B4-4C7D-9D3A-B4D6ED9EC43C