HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/04/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
April 20, 2026
1. Call to order.
Mayor pro tem Budd called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
a. Pledge of Allegiance.
b. Roll call.
Council members present: Daniel Bashore, Jim Engelking, Tim Brausen, Yolanda Farris, Paul
Baudhuin, Mayor pro tem Sue Budd
Council member absent: Mayor Nadia Mohamed
Staff present: city manager (Ms. Keller), recreation supervisor (Ms. Abernathy), recreation
superintendent (Ms. Friederich) deputy engineering director (Mr. Sullivan)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve
the agenda as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent).
3. Presentations
a. Presentation accepting a donation to the city to support the summer concert series
Ms. Abernathy spoke on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Department. She recognized the St.
Louis Park Rotary for their continued support of the summer concert series held at Veterans
Memorial Amphitheater. Throughout the summer, Ms. Abernathy noted the series includes
Wednesday morning kids’ concerts, Wednesday evening concerts, an open mic series, theater
performances and Saturday night concerts. Rotary also participates in the evening
performances and Ms. Abernathy encouraged residents to attend the summer concert series.
b. Proclamation observing International Compost Awareness Week
Council Member Brausen read the proclamation recognizing the week of May 3–9, 2026 as
International Compost Awareness Week, consistent with the declaration of the Composting
Council Research and Education Foundation. The proclamation highlighted composting as a
method of organic waste reduction, soil enrichment and conservation. He called attention to
the 2026 theme “Feed the Soil that Feeds Us” and its relationship to the fact that organic
materials comprise approximately 30% of trash.
Council Member Brausen stated he was previously unaware of the Minnesota and U.S.
Composting Councils and encouraged all residents to compost.
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Mayor pro tem Budd shared that she composts at home and expressed appreciation for how
much less waste is generated as a result.
c. Proclamation observing National Therapy Animal Day
Mayor pro tem Budd read the proclamation observing National Therapy Animal Day on April 30,
2026, in St. Louis Park. The proclamation recognized the work of therapy animal teams serving
students, veterans, seniors, patients and those approaching end of life.
Bonnie Theiss and her therapy dog Annie received the proclamation on behalf of North Star
Therapy Animals.
Mayor pro tem Budd noted her sister is a member of a therapy animal team and acknowledged
the meaningful impact of their work.
d. Recognition of donations
Mayor pro tem Budd recognized a donation from the St. Louis Park Rotary in the amount of
$7,250 to support the Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series.
4. Minutes.
a. City council meeting minutes of April 6, 2026
b. Special study session meeting minutes of April 6, 2026
It was moved by Council Member Bashore, seconded by Council Member Engelking to approve
the April 6, 2026 city council and special study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent).
5. Consent Items
a. Resolution No. 26-059 accepting a donation to the city to support the summer concert
series
b. Resolution No. 26-060 accepting grant award from the Park Public Schools and
Community Foundation
c. Resolution No. 26-061 authorizing recognition event for Westwood Hills Nature Center
volunteers
d. Approve donation of retired city computer equipment to PCs for People
e. Resolution No. 26-062 approving 2026 -2028 International Association of Fire Fighters
Local #993 Assistant Chief Battalion Chief labor agreement
f. Approve mobility sharing licenses for Spin and Lime
g. Approve extension of dates for special event
h. Approve temporary seasonal premises amendment for liquor establishment
Mayor pro tem Budd commented on item 5d, noting that donating retired computer
equipment to PCs for People diverts equipment from landfill. She highlighted that 32,000
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pounds of e-waste was saved, more than 200 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent was prevented and
the environmental impact is equivalent to removing 46 cars annually from the road.
Council Member Brausen commented on item 5e, thanking human resources staff and the
firefighters' union for reaching a new labor agreement. He expressed his appreciation for
consistently peaceful labor relations in St. Louis Park. He also commented on item 5f,
encouraging residents to utilize the Spin and Lime shared mobility scooters responsibly and to
avoid leaving them on sidewalks.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the
consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent).
6. Public hearings - none.
7. Regular business – none.
8. Communications and announcements – none.
Ms. Keller announced upcoming community events and budget planning dates:
Community Events:
● Earth Day celebration at the library on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m.
● Creek cleanup event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, beginning at the Municipal Service
Center. Attendees were encouraged to dress for the weather.
● Annual kite fly at Louisiana Oaks Park on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2026, beginning
at noon, in partnership with the Minnesota Kite Society.
Budget Planning:
● Aug. 3, 2026 is the general fund proposed budget presentation during council’s study
session.
● Sept. 8, 2026 is the capital plan presentation during council’s study session.
● Sept. 22, 2026 is the preliminary levy consideration during council’s regular meeting.
Ms. Keller also announced the launch of a new online budget book, replacing the traditional
printed format, allowing residents to explore department-level accomplishments and
expenditures on the city's website.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:30 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.
City council meeting - 4 - April 20, 2026