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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/07/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota July 20, 2026 1. Call to order. Mayor pro tem Farris called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. a. Pledge of Allegiance. b. Roll call. Council members present: Daniel Bashore, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Paul Baudhuin, Jim Engelking, Mayor pro tem Yolanda Farris Council members absent: Mayor Nadia Mohamed Staff present: city manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), community development director (Ms. Barton), recreation and facilities supervisor (Ms. Batistich), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), city planner (Ms. Champoux), recreation superintendent (Ms. Friederich), planning and economic development manager (Ms. Monson), zoning administrator (Mr. Morrison), deputy finance director (Mr. Olson), communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), fire chief (Mr. Hanlin) Guest: Mr. Jamie Neldner, Minnesota Recreation and Park Association 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve the agenda. The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent). Mayor pro tem Farris acknowledged the fire at the Helix Apartments on July 17, 2026, and invited Council Member Budd, as the ward representative, to address the community. Council Member Budd acknowledged the trauma experienced by residents of the Helix Apartments near Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue, where over 100 people lost their homes and belongings on the evening of July 17, 2026. She noted that all residents evacuated safely, though some pets were lost, with rescue efforts ongoing as conditions stabilized. She expressed gratitude to St. Louis Park Fire Chief Peter Hanlin. More than 20 mutual aid fire departments and medical units responded to the fire and several firefighters suffered heat exhaustion. Council Member Budd recognized the immediate community response, including volunteers who brought supplies to the perimeter, and highlighted the work of the St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP), which opened an emergency support session on Sunday and has continued operations. She also acknowledged the work of the Red Cross, which established a temporary shelter at St. Louis Park Middle School. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 2 - July 20, 2026 Council Member Brausen noted that STEP established an online donation mechanism to support those impacted by the fire. He urged residents to contribute. Council Member Baudhuin added his thanks to Chief Hanlin, describing his leadership during the emergency as exceptional. 3. Presentations. a. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Award of Excellence for "Rollin' @ the ROC" Mr. Neldner, Program Advancement Administrator with the Minneapolis Park Board and member of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Awards Committee, presented an MRPA Award of Excellence in the Programming and Events category to the City of St. Louis Park Parks and Recreation Department for the “Rollin' @ the ROC” program. Mr. Neldner explained that MRPA, founded in 1937, administers an annual Awards of Excellence program recognizing exemplary parks and recreation programs implemented or substantially revised in the prior year. He described how “Rollin' @ the ROC” was created after St. Louis Park's longtime indoor roller rink closed in 2021, leaving no skating rinks within 15 miles. Recreation Outdoor Center (ROC) staff obtained a Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant to purchase 80 pairs of roller skates and launched twice-monthly skate sessions at $5 per person, including admission and rental. Free lessons are provided by program partner Twin Cities Skaters. Ms. Batistich accepted the award and gave special recognition to Twin Cities Skaters for their partnership in establishing the program and assisting with equipment procurement. b. Acknowledge recognition of the City of St. Louis Park by two awards programs Ms. Smith presented awards received by Park TV and communications staff from two professional organizations. The Foundation for the Alliance for Community Media presented a Hometown Media Award in the Public Student Safety category to the "Training as a St. Louis Park Firefighter" video, produced by Park TV Production Assistant Monica Munsell in her previous role as a Park TV intern, in coordination with Assistant Fire Chief Beauvais and other fire department staff. The Minnesota Association of Government Communicators recognized three projects in its Northern Lights Awards Program. The "Is It Ready Yet?" video series received a Silver Award, with project leads Savannah Byers and Prakshi Malik. The "Pitch-a-Pumpkin" video series received a Northern Lights Award, with project lead Savannah Byers. The "Pothole Patrol" video received a Silver Award, with project leads Prakshi Malik and Savannah Byers. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 3 - July 20, 2026 Council Member Engelking thanked the communications staff and acknowledged city staff who participated in video appearances, recognizing that being asked to appear on camera is not always comfortable. c. Recognition of donations Mayor pro tem Farris recognized the donation from consent item 3c: a $45,000 donation from Paige Bueckers and Gatorade Fuel Tomorrow, in partnership with Good Sports, for the renovation of the basketball court at Blackstone Park. Council Member Baudhuin noted that Ms. Bueckers is one of the top women's basketball players in the world, currently playing for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA, and recognized her longstanding generosity and connection to the St. Louis Park community where she grew up. Council Member Brausen shared that he met Ms. Bueckers at the prior dedication of the Blackstone Park basketball court five years earlier, at which time she donated her name, image and likeness earnings to rebuild the court and inspired a large youth event. He expressed gratitude that Ms. Bueckers continues to invest in the St. Louis Park community. 4. Minutes. a. City council meeting minutes of July 6, 2026 It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the city council meeting minutes of July 6, 2026, as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent). 5. Consent items. a. Resolution No. 26-103 authorizing union contract changes by memorandum of understanding b. Resolution No. 26-104 accepting a donation to the city for Rita Vorpahl to attend the 2026 Minnesota Public Employer Labor Relations Association conference c. Resolution No. 26-105 accepting a donation to the city for the Parks and Recreation Department d. Resolution No. 26-106 for disposition of public land adjacent to 2754 Xenwood Avenue South - Ward 1 e. Resolution No. 107 authorizing final payment for South Oak Pond Water Quality Improvement Project (4024-4000) - Ward 2 It was moved by Council Member Bashore, seconded by Council Member Engelking, to approve the consent items and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent). 6. Public hearings - none. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 4 - July 20, 2026 7. Regular business. a. First reading of zoning ordinance and map amendments; Resolution No. 26-108 approving comp plan amendment - commercial districts Mayor pro tem Farris noted that public comment was welcome and that staff would be available after the meeting to answer questions. Mr. Morrison and Ms. Champoux presented the staff report. Mr. Morrison noted that the ordinance was first presented to the council in a study session in November 2025; the planning commission had since conducted ten study sessions on the matter. Ms. Champoux presented the proposed comprehensive plan amendment, which proposed three changes: adjusting the descriptions and minimum densities for the medium density residential and high density residential land use designations; changing the future land use of a 4.4-acre parcel at 8800 Highway 7 from commercial to high density residential; and updating applicable land use tables to reflect these changes. Ms. Champoux explained that the density adjustments were a cleanup amendment to close a gap between the comprehensive plan and the zoning code that remained after Phase 1 of the zoning code update and were intended to preserve flexibility for a wider range of housing types across the city. Mr. Morrison presented the zoning ordinance and map amendments. He described Phase 2 of the zoning code update as restructuring the remaining articles of the ordinance from 6 articles to 10 articles for easier navigation, consolidating non-neighborhood zoning districts from 9 to 7 districts, and expanding density and height bonuses to the MU2, MU3 and B1 districts by conditional use permit, subject to the city's inclusionary housing and energy policies. He highlighted that the updated ordinance presents information in table format, substantially reducing redundancy. Mr. Morrison described proposed parking changes, including applying historic Walker Lake parking minimums to mixed use districts, so that uses in existing buildings would not need to meet minimum parking requirements, while requiring existing on-site parking to remain and requiring new construction or additions to meet mixed use district minimums. He further noted that parking minimums in the historic Walker Lake Overlay District would be removed entirely, allowing existing parking lots to be converted to other uses and removing minimum parking requirements for new construction. The zoning map amendments would center mixed use districts on transit station areas and the West End, with MU1 districts along corridors such as Excelsior Boulevard and Minnetonka Boulevard. The amendments would rezone current C2 General Commercial areas to B1 Business, largely confining the B1 designation to existing big box retailers and to car dealerships along Wayzata Boulevard. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 5 - July 20, 2026 Mr. Morrison stated that if the council approved the first reading, the second reading would come before the council on Aug. 3, 2026, with publication anticipated Aug. 13, 2026; the ordinance and map becoming effective Aug. 28, 2026. Mr. Morrison confirmed that the planning commission had conducted a public hearing and recommended approval of all three actions. Council Member Brausen asked whether form-based zoning was effectively discontinued. Mr. Morrison clarified that elements of form-based zoning had been incorporated into the new ordinance, however the city was primarily transitioning to the mixed-use district structure as presented. Council Member Budd asked whether a parking minimums study was planned. Mr. Morrison confirmed that the planning commission is undertaking a study during 2026 to research and develop a recommendation on parking minimums citywide. He encouraged interested residents and business owners to monitor planning commission agendas for upcoming sessions on the topic. Council Member Budd asked for clarification regarding the Gorham Avenue parking lot and whether action on its conversion would occur now or later. Mr. Morrison confirmed that converting the city-owned Gorham Avenue parking lot to another use would require both a zoning map change and a comprehensive plan amendment, and that the appropriate venue for that conversation would be the upcoming comprehensive plan update process. He confirmed that since the city owns the parcel, no proposal would be entertained without city consent. Mayor pro tem Farris opened the public comment period. No members of the public came forward to speak. Mayor pro tem Farris closed the public comment period. Council Member Engelking shared that he had heard concerns from constituents in his ward regarding the compression of zoning types along the south side of Excelsior Boulevard, particularly for properties such as Miracle Mile and nearby areas now zoned for up to six stories with potential height bonuses. He emphasized the importance of thoughtfully managing the transition from higher-density development to adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods, noting the impact that a six-story structure immediately adjacent to residential backyards could have on sunlight, views and neighborhood character. He stated that areas near light rail stations or in industrial areas are better suited for high-density development and called on the council to give further consideration to transition planning. Council Member Baudhuin expressed enthusiasm for the proposed changes, stating that greater flexibility in housing types addresses longstanding community desires and equity considerations. He projected that the changes would facilitate “missing middle” housing rather than exclusively large-scale development. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 6 - July 20, 2026 Council Member Brausen thanked staff for the extensive work involved in this second phase of the zoning code update and recognized the planning commission for its significant contribution through study sessions and substantive critique. Council Member Bashore expressed support for the parking changes affecting existing buildings and the Walker Lake District, stating he hoped they would promote additional growth and development in that area. He noted disappointment that broader citywide parking minimum changes were not included in this update but stated he would await the planning commission's study recommendations. He encouraged residents with strong views on parking minimums to attend planning commission meetings and contact their council members. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Budd, to adopt the resolution approving amendments to the comprehensive plan; approve the first reading of amendments to the zoning ordinance and set the second reading for Aug. 3, 2026; approve the first reading of amendments to the zoning map and set the second reading for Aug. 3, 2026. The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent). b. Approve professional services agreement for 2050 Comprehensive Plan update Ms. Monson presented the staff report. She explained that state law requires communities in the seven-county metro area to update their comprehensive plan every ten years in conformance with Metropolitan Council guidelines. She noted that St. Louis Park historically begins the process by updating its community vision, which was completed in 2025 through Vision 4.0, establishing new strategic priorities to be incorporated throughout the updated plan. Ms. Monson described the goal of creating a digital, interactive plan that is easier to read and update, while still producing a print version to meet Metropolitan Council requirements. She stated that three strong proposals were received in response to the city's request for proposals (RFP), all similar in cost and experience. A staff committee reviewed, ranked and interviewed all of the teams who submitted proposals. Staff recommended Stantec Consulting Services, whose team includes Modern Day Me for community engagement and SRF Consulting Group for planning and engineering. The team demonstrated a thoughtful approach and strong enthusiasm during the RFP and interview process. The project would run from 2026 through anticipated plan adoption at the end of 2028. The recommended contract amount was $214,925. Mayor pro tem Farris opened the public comment period. No members of the public came forward to speak. Mayor pro tem Farris closed the public comment period. It was moved by Council Member Baudhuin seconded by Council Member Bashore, to approve the professional services agreement for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan update. Docusign Envelope ID: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45 City council meeting - 7 - July 20, 2026 The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Mohamed absent). 8. Communications and announcements - none. Ms. Keller announced several upcoming community events. A pavement management open house for the 2027 project, covering streets in the Aquila, Cobble Crest and South Oak Hill neighborhoods, is July 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Services Center. Skate-a-Palooza, featuring professional skaters from 3rd Layer, free skate items, lessons, food vendors and giveaways, is July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Park. The Penny Carnival is July 24, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the ROC. Council Member Brausen informed residents that construction on Cedar Lake Road at Louisiana Avenue for a new roundabout was causing significant disruption to the 14 small businesses and Walgreens located at that intersection. He encouraged residents to visit and support those businesses, noting that access was available despite construction. He added the businesses are planning an event on Aug. 8, 2026, celebrating 72 years of the Westwood Mall, with games and events alongside open businesses. Council Member Engelking added that residents encountering "Local Traffic Only" signs on Cedar Lake Road approaching Louisiana should continue driving to access businesses. He clarified access to the intersection was available from all directions except northbound Louisiana. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 7:02 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: A10D92F0-4C13-8349-8148-91CB7E159C45