HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026/08/03 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
August 3, 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, Sue Budd, Tim Brausen, Paul Baudhuin, Jim
Engelking, Yolanda Farris, Mayor Nadia Mohamed
Council members absent: none
Staff present: recreation supervisor (Ms. Abernathy), police lieutenant (Mr. Barnes), community
development director (Ms. Barton), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), police
lieutenant (Mr. Blomsness), facilities superintendent (Mr. Eisold), recreation superintendent
(Ms. Friederich), police lieutenant (Mr. Hagen), public works director (Mr. Hall), fire chief (Mr.
Hanlin), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), city manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick),
deputy chief of police (Mr. Nadem), finance director (Ms. Stephens), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy),
deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), parks
superintendent (Mr. Umphrey), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), human resources director
(Mr. Vorpahl)
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the
agenda.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Presentations.
a. Recognition of junior playground leaders
Ms. Abernathy introduced the Junior Playground Leader volunteers. She shared that the
program has operated for 39 years. This summer, the program reached a record 50 volunteers.
Junior Playground Leaders are young people ages 12 to 15 and this year, the group has logged
over 1,500 hours assisting staff with games, crafts and other activities.
Mayor Mohamed presented certificates to the following volunteers: Oliver Aanenson, Charlie
Aanenson, Isla Arhelger, Isa Bianchi, Anders Walstrom, Violet Malm, Nora Pederson, Len
Rosengren, Garrett Naylor and Ryan Schulte.
Council Member Engelking thanked the volunteers and their parents for their support
throughout the summer.
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b. Proclamation observing National Purple Heart Day
Council Member Baudhuin read the proclamation observing National Purple Heart Day,
honoring military members wounded or killed in combat. The proclamation recognized the
origins of the Purple Heart Medal dating to 1782, acknowledged the challenges veterans face
upon returning to civilian life and affirmed St. Louis Park's commitment to honoring veterans
and supporting their employment.
Council Member Brausen spoke to the difficulties veterans face in transitioning to civilian life,
including chemical addiction, mental health challenges and questions about the value of their
service. He stated the country does not do enough for veterans and encouraged community
members to connect veterans in need with available resources.
4. Minutes.
a. Special study session meeting minutes of July 6, 2026
b. City council meeting minutes of July 20, 2026
c. Special study session meeting minutes of July 20, 2026
Council Member Budd requested a correction to item 4c, noting a comment on page 6
attributed to her about previously working in the Bremer Bank building was actually made by
Council Member Brausen.
Council Member Engelking requested a correction in the communications section of item 4b,
noting a reference should read northbound Louisiana in the context of directing traffic to Cedar
Lake businesses.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve
the special study session meeting minutes of July 6, 2026, as presented and the city council and
special study session meeting minutes of July 20, 2026, as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Consent items.
a. Approve city disbursements
b. Resolution No. 26-109 approving 2025 Audit and Comprehensive Financial Report
c. Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 2704-26 to amend St. Louis Park City
Code Chapter 36 related to zoning and Ordinance No. 2705-26 mending the St. Louis
Park official zoning map
d. Resolution No. 26-110 authorizing special assessment for repair of sewer and water
service lines at 3328 Alabama Avenue South - Ward 1
e. Resolution No. 26-111 authorizing special assessment for repair of sewer service line at
6528 Lake Street - Ward 1
f. Resolution No. 26-112 authorizing special assessment for sewer line service repair at
3201 Idaho Avenue South - Ward 3
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Council Member Brausen commented on consent item 5b, the resolution approving the 2025
audit and Comprehensive Financial Report. He noted the report exceeded 175 pages with
additional appendices and that staff presented it clearly at a prior study session. He highlighted
that the city received a financial reporting award for the 42nd consecutive year and received a
completely clean audit with no recommended changes. He attributed this result to the finance
department and broader city staff. He further noted the clean audit supports the city's AAA
bond rating, reducing borrowing costs for taxpayers.
Council Member Brausen noted the monthly disbursements in item 5a, approximately
$3,300,000, were money well spent.
It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Bashore, to approve the
consent items and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. Public hearing.
a. Public hearing for on-sale 3.2 and wine liquor license - Taste of India MN Inc.
Ms. Scott-Lerdal presented the staff report.
Council Member Brausen expressed support for the license, noting the restaurant has operated
for many years and serves quality food. He encouraged residents to visit.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to approve
the on-sale 3.2 malt liquor with Sunday sales and wine liquor license for Taste of India
Minnesota Incorporated.
The motion passed 7 - 0.
7. Regular business - none.
8. Communications and announcements - none.
Ms. Keller reminded residents that early voting for the state primary election was ongoing at
city hall from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily for St. Louis Park residents. She noted early voting
extended hours on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Monday, Aug.
10, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. She reminded voters that on Election Day, Aug. 11, 2026,
they should go to their designated polling place to vote. Ms. Keller encouraged anyone with
questions to contact city elections staff.
Ms. Keller announced a celebration at Westwood Shopping Center at Cedar Lake and Louisiana
Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, marking the shopping center's 72nd anniversary and
Ullsperger Brewing's 3rd anniversary, running from noon to 10:00 p.m.
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Council Member Brausen shared that the Westwood Shopping Center businesses had
experienced revenue losses of 20 to 50 percent due to construction and that one day of strong
community attendance could equal a month's worth of business for small operators. He
encouraged residents to attend the Saturday celebration, noting activities and games for
children would be available.
Mayor Mohamed noted that National Night Out was the following day, Aug. 4, 2026, and
encouraged residents to attend or host block parties.
Council Member Engelking shared that Children's First was launching its reading festival with a
kickoff ice cream social offering free ice cream to the community, with local elected officials
serving as celebrity scoopers. He noted the event was located near the Recreation Outdoor
Center.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:36 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.
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