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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/03/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota March 23, 2026 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: Daniel Bashore, Jim Engelking, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Yolanda Farris, Paul Baudhuin, Mayor Nadia Mohamed Council members absent: none Staff present: city manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Ms. Asani), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), public works director (Mr. Hall), fire chief (Mr. Hanlin), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), secretary program aide (Ms. Mandler), Westwood Hills Nature Center manager (Mr. Oestreich), deputy engineering director (Mr. Sullivan), human resources director (Ms. Vorpahl), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), deputy community development director (Mr. Walther), parks and recreation director (Mr. West) Guests: Chelsea Moore Ritchie, Short Elliott Hendrickson; Tom Sachi, resident and Stakeholder Committee Member 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Farris, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Recognition of retirement of Westwood Hills Nature Center Secretary and Program Aide Carrie Mandler Mayor Mohamed read a resolution recognizing Ms. Mandler for her 40 years of service with the city. Ms. Mandler began employment on Jan. 27, 1986. She served as the parks and recreation department secretary for five years before spending 35 years as secretary and program aide at Westwood Hills Nature Center. The resolution highlighted her commitment to serving the community and her role in creating a welcoming environment for visitors. Mr. Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center manager, honored Ms. Mandler's dedication to every visitor who walked through the doors. He noted her rare level of care and warmth in every interaction whether greeting someone at the front door or answering phone calls. Mr. Oestreich shared that he worked with Ms. Mandler for 36 of her 40 years and expressed that Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 2 - March 23, 2026 she would be deeply missed. He wished her well in retirement and hoped her time with family included plans to bring her grandchildren to Westwood Hills Nature Center for programming. Ms. Mandler expressed gratitude for the awesome support system of city employees throughout her 40 years. Ms. Mandler credited the exceptional staff for making it possible to stay in one position for four decades. She described learning about parks and recreation during her first five years in the Parks and Recreation office and being part of the history of the new nature center building in 2020. She looked forward to spending more time with her family and continuing to make a difference in enriching lives. Council Member Bashore recalled his first experience at the nature center when Ms. Mandler showed him around with kindness and warmth. He shared that the nature center is one of his favorite places and Ms. Mandler would be truly missed. Council Member Baudhuin stated that 40 years is a remarkable career and reflected on how Ms. Mandler has contributed to the city throughout her service, noting that she has served the city for over half of its existence since incorporation in 1954. Council Member Brausen shared his experiences of visiting the nature center with his grandchildren and noted Ms. Mandler’s presence as one of the constants there. He praised her for making it a warm and welcoming place where many new things about nature can be discovered. Council Member Budd expressed appreciation for her many years of visiting the nature center and recognizing the good people behind the scenes making the center what it is. She wished Ms. Mandler the best and noted excitement about her having more time with family. Mayor Mohamed acknowledged that 40 years is a significant milestone and thanked Ms. Mandler for her service; for being part of the community and family. She shared her personal connection as a former St. Louis Park Middle School student who took field trips to Westwood Hills Nature Center. She thanked both Ms. Mandler and Mr. Oestreich for making the place magical. a. Proclamation observing Unity Day on March 25, 2026 Council Member Budd read a proclamation observing March 25, 2026, as Unity Day in the City of St. Louis Park. The proclamation recognized St. Louis Park as a diverse community enriched by residents of various backgrounds, cultures, faiths and perspectives. It emphasized that the city's greatest strength lies in unity and fostering an environment of mutual respect, understanding and kindness. The proclamation called for residents to reach out to neighbors and celebrate common values that bind the community together. Residents were encouraged to wear orange and black on March 25, 2026, as a visual expression of unity. Diane Jackson, Decatur Ave. S., spoke on behalf of parent-teacher associations (PTAs) across St. Louis Park. She explained that the idea for Unity Day originated from challenges during Operation Metro Surge when many experienced trauma from federal government actions. She noted seeing community members pull together as helpers during difficult times. Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 3 - March 23, 2026 Ms. Jackson thanked various partners including Aquila parents Ross Teichner and Monica Guzzos, parent Kristen Cook, Park Spanish Immersion parent Asia Hill Dant, business leaders Stacy Atlas and Carrey Martinez of Park Prints and Hillary Feder of Hillary's Personalized Gifts. She acknowledged Council Member Budd for helping bring the initiative across the finish line. Mayor Mohamed thanked the PTA for the initiative and expressed pride in their work protecting children during traumatic times. She noted that people showed up even during cold weather. She praised the community for leading with joy and kindness; characteristics of St. Louis Park. b. Recognition of donations Mayor Mohamed recognized donations from Canadian Pacific Railway of $10,000 for fire department equipment and from 454 Training of $3,500 for fitness equipment. She thanked all donations to the city, noting that all dollar amounts are important. 4. Minutes. a. Joint meeting minutes of February 9, 2026 b. Special city council meeting minutes of February 10, 2026 c. City council meeting minutes of February 17, 2026 d. Special study session meeting minutes of February 17, 2026 e. City council workshop meeting minutes of February 26 and 27, 2026 f. City council meeting minutes of March 2, 2026 g. Closed executive session meeting minutes of March 2, 2026 It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin to approve the Feb. 9, 2026 joint meeting minutes, the Feb. 10, 2026 special city council meeting minutes, the Feb. 17 and March 2, 2026 city council meeting minutes, the Feb. 17, 2026 special study session meeting minutes, the Feb. 26 and 27, 2026 city council workshop meeting minutes and the March 2, 2026 closed executive meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7–0. 5. Consent items. a. Resolution No. 26-038 recognizing retirement of Carrie Mandler b. Resolution No. 26-039 accepting city manager's performance evaluation c. Resolution No. 26-040 approving 2026 - 2028 Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) #206 labor agreement d. Approve ladder truck replacement e. Resolution No. 26-041 accepting donations to the city to support the fire department f. Resolution No. 26-042 authorizing donation of office supplies g. Resolution No. 26-043 authorizing city bank signatories h. Approve extension of Achromatic 6013 approvals for 6013 and 6019 Cedar Lake Road - Ward 4 i. Approve Letter of Intent for 4300 36 1/2 Street - Ward 2 Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 4 - March 23, 2026 j. Approve bid for 2026 Alley Reconstruction project (4026-1500) - Ward 3 k. Resolution No. 26-044 authorizing final payment for Dakota Park Infrastructure Improvements project (2122-1806) - Ward 1 l. Approve professional services agreement for Oxford Louisiana Area Infrastructure Investment project (4028-1100) - Ward 2 m. Resolution No. 26-045 appointing Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission members n. Resolution No. 26-046 authorizing application for the Met Council Municipal Inflow and Infiltration Grant Program o. Resolution No. 26-047 approving a gambling premises permit - Heroes Helping Heroes p. Approve temporary/seasonal premises amendments for liquor establishments q. Approve temporary extension of licensed premises - Copperwing Distillery Council Member Brausen commented on item 5c, 2026-2028 law enforcement labor services agreement. He thanked human resources staff for completing the agreement and law enforcement personnel for their service. He also noted item 5h approving of an extension for the Achromatic 6013 development at 6013 and 6019 Cedar Lake Road in Ward 4, explaining the developer needed additional time to secure financing under current financial circumstances and was receiving a two-year extension. Council Member Baudhuin commented on the lengthy consent agenda representing the longest he had seen during his time serving on the council. He praised staff for their work ensuring all items were in order to make the council's job easier. Mayor Mohamed noted item 5b recognizing the city manager's exemplary performance review and thanked Ms. Keller for her service. Council Member Engelking commented on item 5d for the approval of a new ladder truck for the fire department, noting the new equipment would be 14-15 feet taller than the previous unit. He explained that the funds budgeted for the item in 2028 came in at about $100,000 less because of equipment trade-ins. Council Member Engelking highlighted items 5p and 5q for approval of seasonal premises permits for liquor establishments, noting that patios are a sign that spring is coming. Council Member Budd expressed appreciation for item 5j and the alley reconstruction project in Ward 3, noting many residents were excited to have their alleys improved. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Bashore, 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. Safe Streets Action Plan Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 5 - March 23, 2026 Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report. He introduced Ms. Moore Ritchie of Short Elliott Hendrickson and Mr. Sachi, resident and stakeholder committee member for the Safe Streets Action Plan. Mr. Sullivan explained the plan is a comprehensive data-driven design to significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate serious injury and fatal crashes on all roadways. The plan is funded through federal and state government entities, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The plan takes a safe systems approach with a goal of zero fatal and severe injury crashes by 2050 with a benchmark of 50 % reduction by 2040. Ms. Moore Ritchie described the robust public engagement process that engaged over 600 residents and community members with over 830 mapped comments used in prioritizing locations. Key themes from public feedback included traffic management and speed concerns, pedestrian and bicyclist safety at intersections, and positive feedback on the city's direction toward improving pedestrian and bicyclist infrastructure. The process included a technical advisory committee with city staff and county, state and federal representatives as well as a stakeholder committee that helped develop prioritization processes. Mr. Sachi spoke as a resident of the Bronx Park neighborhood near Peter Hobart Elementary, and shared that he has young children. As a registered professional engineer in Minnesota, he provided technical expertise throughout the process. He appreciated the collaborative approach with the community and the data-driven prioritization considering proximity to schools and senior centers, roadway types and speeds. He was pleased to see integration with county and state plans and emphasis on identifying simple, attainable, affordable projects for immediate implementation while planning for longer-term major projects. Ms. Moore Ritchie explained the development of seven key strategies with 18 individual action items including infrastructure upgrades, exploring new technology, reviewing city policies, education initiatives, safe routes to schools programming, incentive programs and additional safety evaluation. For prioritizing locations, the team developed a high injury network based on crash history that represents 7.5% of the road network but accounts for 61% of fatal and severe injury crashes. The analysis considered past and future construction, intersection injuries, high- risk locations, equity considerations and public feedback. Mr. Sullivan reported on public feedback received during the 30-day comment period. Comments included identification of high-risk locations, neighborhood traffic calming and speed enforcement requests, education needs for roundabouts and e-bikes, support for existing improvements, light rail transit station safety concerns, intersection control preferences, and general support for the plan's comprehensive approach. Council Member Budd asked about roundabouts in relation to the evening's discussion of Minnetonka Boulevard roundabouts being removed from plans. Mr. Sullivan responded that analysis of 10 years of crash data showed roundabouts dramatically reduced severe and fatal incident crash rates compared to signalized intersections. Most crashes at roundabouts are sideswipes or fender benders rather than T-bone or 90-degree crashes. For pedestrians and bicyclists, roundabouts typically require crossing fewer lanes of traffic than signalized intersections. However, roundabouts do not fit everywhere due to traffic volume and right-of- way constraints. Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 6 - March 23, 2026 Council Member Brausen excused himself from the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Mayor Mohamed opened the public comment period. Ian Thomas, 2925 Monterey Avenue in Ward 1, shared that he had served on the stakeholder committee. He praised the team's goal of eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes by 2050 through reducing vehicle speeds and kinetic energy. Mr. Thomas highlighted action item 2C regarding safety technology for city-owned vehicles, specifically intelligent speed assistance technology that uses GPS tracking and speed limit databases to control vehicle acceleration. He noted this technology has been adopted in Europe and recommended St. Louis Park implement it as a pilot program on the city’s fleet vehicles. The upfront cost of $1,500 per vehicle would be recouped within one to two years through reduced gasoline costs. Sylvie Hyman, 9200 West 28th Street, apologized for comments made during previous meetings regarding the Louisiana Avenue lane configuration being out of compliance with FHWA guidance. She acknowledged it should not be the council's job to understand all laws and standards governing street design. Ms. Hyman urged creation of a city transportation commission with both drivers and non-drivers to review road construction projects and ensure streets serve all users. She emphasized the need for meaningful improvements and resident buy-in at every stage rather than waiting for public comment periods when changes are no longer possible. Mayor Mohamed closed the public comment period. Council Member Baudhuin expressed his appreciation for both speakers' engagement in transit issues. He emphasized that people use the infrastructure built for them and noted that historically, big investments were made for automobile infrastructure across the nation. He expressed desire for St. Louis Park to think big about doing major projects to build infrastructure for public transit, pedestrians and bicycles while being a leader in this effort despite limitations from MnDOT and Hennepin County. Council Member Budd noted the unique timing with light rail transit coming soon to St. Louis Park and the opportunity to optimize around that development. Council Member Engelking observed that while the Cedar Lake Trail is nice for exercise, St. Louis Park presents challenges for point-to-point bicycle travel for errands like grocery shopping. He noted that he would prefer to ride on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis at rush hour rather than Louisiana Avenue or other arterial streets due to safety concerns. 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Keller announced that street sweeping began on main roadways with residential streets starting in about one week. MnDOT construction on I-394 between Louisiana Avenue and Xenia Avenue is scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026, to add an auxiliary lane under I-394. Completion is expected in September 2026. Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22 City council meeting - 7 - March 23, 2026 Ms. Keller promoted the Move into Spring challenge, encouraging 30 minutes of daily activity for 46 days with tracking sheets. Participants are eligible for prize drawings and a one-day aquatic park pass. Council Member Budd promoted the Minnehaha Creek cleanup event on April 25, 2026, organized by the Parks and Recreation Commission at two sites. Council Member Baudhuin congratulated the Benilde-St. Margaret's girls basketball team on winning their fourth consecutive state championship. Mayor Mohamed praised street staff for quickly clearing snow from a recent storm. She noted a personal shout-out from the lieutenant governor, who resides in St. Louis Park. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 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 city staff person. Docusign Envelope ID: F2F73E59-882C-4EE4-8812-EE45A0ABFF22