HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/02/08 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
FEBRUARY 8, 2016
5:30 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION INTERVIEWS – Westwood Room
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Community Room
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – February 16 & 22, 2016
2. 6:35 p.m. 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed
Representatives
3. 7:35 p.m. Water Production Capacity/Supply Update
4. 8:20 p.m. 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project
Update
9:05 p.m. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
9:10 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
5. Request to Extend Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE
6. Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
7. PLACE Grant Application to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) Program
8. SWLRT Updates
9. Vescio’s/Valu Stay Redevelopment Proposal
10. 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.
To make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at
952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Discussion Item: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – February 16 and February 22, 2016
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for a
Special Study Session on February 16, 2016 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on
February 22, 2016.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council agree with the agenda as proposed?
SUMMARY: At each study session approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next
study session agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the proposed discussion items for a
Special Study Session on February 16, 2016 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on
February 22, 2016. Note that this meeting will be held at the Rec Center.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Tentative Agenda – February 16 and 22, 2016
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – February 16 and February 22, 2016
Special Study Session, February 16, 2016 – 6:45 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Item
1. Proposed EDA Revolving Loan Fund – Community Development (30 minutes)
Further discussion regarding the EDA’s creation of a Revolving Loan Fund to assist small
business expansions and entry into an agreement with Central Minnesota Development
Company (CMDC) to administer the program.
Study Session, February 22, 2016 – 5:30 p.m. – Rec Center
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Boards & Commissions Annual Meeting with Council – Administrative Services
The following Boards and Commissions will meet collectively to present their annual report
to the City Council.
- Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA)
- Environment & Sustainability Commission
- Housing Authority
- Human Rights Commission
- Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
- Planning Commission
- Police Advisory Commission
- Telecommunications Advisory Commission
Reports
2. January 2016 Monthly Financial Report
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Discussion Item: 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed
Representatives
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Attached is the list of legislative priorities and issues for
Council’s annual review and discussion at the study session with Senator Ron Latz, Representative
Cheryl Youakim, Representative Peggy Flanagan, Hennepin County Commissioner Marion
Greene, and Metropolitan Council representative Gail Dorfman.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: The attached documents reflect the legislative policies and
priories the Council reviewed and discussed in preparation for the meeting with our elected and
appointed representatives.
SUMMARY: Based on the Council’s study session discussions on January 11th and 25th, Staff
has prepared the attached list of legislative priorities and issues for the discussion with our
legislators and representatives. As has been the case in previous years, as the 2016 legislative
session progresses, additional issues may come to light.
It has been our practice to retain lobbying services to help us with legislative and regulatory issues.
Administrative Services has utilized the legislative services of Doug Franzen and Vic Moore,
Franzen & Associates, and Dennis McGrann and Emily Tranter of Lockridge, Grindal, and Nauen.
Unless staff hears otherwise, we will continue to use these services in 2016. Note that Vic Moore
will be attending the study session.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Funding for our lobbyists is included in the
budget.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues
Prepared by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Prioritization of 2016 Legislative Agenda Items
There are twenty four issues identified in the attached 2016 Legislative Issues and Priorities
document broken out into five subject areas. What follows are the top two priorities identified by
the City Council for each of the five areas:
Transportation Issues and Priorities
Southwest LRT Project and the following capital bonding requests:
Beltline Boulevard Station Area
o Regional trail overpass, Lynn Ave extension, TSAAP improvements- opening day,
Beltline Blvd/CSAH 25 intersection: $4,363,000
Wooddale Avenue Station Area
o Ped trail underpass stairways, Xenwood roadway extension, TSAAP improvements
– opening day: $9,741,000
Louisiana Avenue Station Area
o South Wye removal, TSAAP improvements – opening day, Ped walk to Methodist
Hospital, Regional trail underpass: $3,460,000
Transit Financing
Community Development Issues and Priorities
Affordable housing bonding support
Establish a TOD Affordable Housing Fund
Public Safety Issues and Priorities
Railway Safety of Hazardous Materials and Oil Train Operations
(** Federal legislative issue as well)
Body and Squad Car Dash Cameras
General Issues and Priorities
Metropolitan Council Governance
Minnesota Community Forestry Partnership Act (EAB funding)
(**Federal legislative issue – Aircraft Noise)
Financial Issues and Priorities
Levy Limits
Unfunded Mandate – Continued health insurance coverage for peace officer/fire fighter injured
or disabled in the line of duty
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
City of St. Louis Park
2016 Legislative Issues and Priorities
Transportation Issues and Priorities
Southwest LRT
Issue: The Southwest LRT project is of major importance to the City of St. Louis Park. The past
year has been one of significant progress with cost cuts and revised Municipal Consent plans
approved by all five cities along the corridor. The suburban cities and Hennepin County made
contributions in cash and land to the project to ensure it moved forward. The engineering is 90%
complete. The Metropolitan Council has requested $151 million in bonding to complete the local
funding.
As a part of the Municipal Consent process, St. Louis Park (and other cities) worked with the
Southwest Project Office (SPO) of the Met Council to identify important infrastructure projects
that were not included in the base project. Some of these have become part of the base project and
some of them are Locally Requested Capital Improvements (LRCIs), which means they are being
designed with a decision point on building to come later in the process.
Analysis: The final state funding is approximately $150 million or 8.4% of the project and is
critical to moving the project forward. All other local funding is committed and the engineering,
planning and environmental work is nearing completion. The state share is the last piece to
complete the local funding portion which would make the project eligible to receive the 50% share
from the Federal Transit Administration.
Position: The city continues to strongly support the Southwest LRT Project and asks for legislative
support for the following:
Approval by the legislature of the remaining required state funding commitment of $151
million.
Financial assistance from the state for the implementation of the Locally Requested Capital
Improvements, as requested through the Capital Bonding process.
Redesign and Reconstruction of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 25
Issue: The city desires a long-term vision to transform the CSAH 25 corridor from the rural design
through-route it is today to a multimodal urban boulevard with well-designed landscape
architecture and place-making features. The goal is to transform this Hennepin County road from
Highway 100 to France Avenue into a boulevard that is rich in amenities, pedestrian friendly and
attractive to transit-oriented development. A clear long-term vision is needed for CSAH 25 to
guide both public and private investment in this corridor. Already the Southwest LRT Beltline
Station, park & ride and proposed joint development project is beginning to transform the west
end of this corridor. The Shoreham mixed-use project is beginning transformation at the east end.
CSAH 25 should support this change to a more urban place and provide good, attractive access to
the LRT Beltline Station in St. Louis Park and the neighboring LRT West Lake station in
Minneapolis.
Analysis: To transform CSAH 25 into an urban boulevard would require the following actions
and considerations:
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
A commitment from Hennepin County, with involvement from Minneapolis, to changing
the vision for the corridor.
Integration into concept plans of both the planned improvements associated with SWLRT
between Beltline Boulevard and Lynn Avenue and the West Lake Street multi-modal
transportation plan into the vision for the corridor.
Inclusion in concept plans of strong connections to existing and planned bicycle routes,
filling the existing gap in access to the Cedar Lake Trail from the north.
Consideration in concept plans of the MCES interceptor along the south side, the lack of
width on north-south streets, the frontage roadway geometry, circulation/access needs,
future land use assumptions, rail/LRT, Beltline Station area plan and design guidelines.
Addressing storm water treatment, landscape and pedestrians amenities as well as
opportunities for remnant right-of-way to be used for future development.
Consideration of the east end “triangle,” where Minnetonka Blvd, CSAH 25, France
Avenue and West Lake Street meet. This area presents both opportunities for gateway
treatments for both Minneapolis and St Louis Park as well as operational challenges for the
movement of traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists and local businesses.
Analysis of traffic operations analysis, crash/safety, 2040 forecasts (possibly interim year
related to SWLRT improvements), including review of all pedestrian- or bicycle-related
crashes. Limits of operations analysis should be the Hwy. 100 west ramp terminal to France
Avenue.
Inclusion of multimodal improvements, future intersection locations, and lane arrangement
and circulation.
Consideration of a new name for the roadway that provides a positive identity while
eliminating the currently existing address confusion. Just as CSAH 5 is also named
Minnetonka Boulevard, CSAH 25 needs a street name around which an image and identity
can be built. In the case of CSAH 25, there is added confusion because of its history of
being originally part of MN Highway 7, a name that continues to be used by many.
CSAH 25 serves many important functions and is home to a surprising number of
businesses, residents and property owners. All stakeholders should be informed and
involved in the design processes from the beginning.
Development of a funding and phasing plan will be necessary. Transforming CSAH 25
will be a large project and will take time and significant resources to implement. New
development in the corridor may be able to play a significant role in funding the
transformation, but timing will be critical for that to happen.
Position: The city is requesting that Hennepin County support and assist in the re-visioning and
ultimately the transformation of CSAH 25 into an amenity rich, pedestrian- and TOD-supportive
urban boulevard.
Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction of Minnetonka Boulevard
Issue: Minnetonka Boulevard between Trunk Highway (TH) 169 and France Avenue is a
Hennepin County road and is one of the few continuous west-to-east roadway connections in the
City of St. Louis Park. The Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge over TH 100 was reconstructed in 2015
and includes bicycle, pedestrian and intersection improvements that have greatly increased the
efficiency and safety in this segment of the corridor. The road to the west and to the east of the
new bridge is in need of rehabilitation reconstruction to ensure that it accommodates the best
facility for bicycles, pedestrians and motorists.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Analysis: In order to extend the bicycle, pedestrian and roadway enhancements that were
completed at the Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge the following items would need to be addressed.
Curb height: Between TH 100 and France Avenue the road is concrete with a bituminous
overlay. While the overlay improves the ride for motorists, however, it also reduced the
curb height which places the roadway at nearly the same level as the sidewalk on the north
side of the street.
Sidewalks/Landscaping: The sidewalks require updating to meet ADA requirements for
pedestrian ramps, width, and clearance from obstructions. To increase safety and provide
a more pedestrian-friendly environment the city would like the County to move the
sidewalks away from the street and plant trees in the boulevard.
Pedestrian crosswalks: A number of pedestrian crossings should be considered for
enhancements. The addition of pedestrian refuge median or bump outs should be
considered to make the crossings safer on this four-lane road
Bike lanes: The city and county bike plan include bike lanes on this road which could be
accomplished by creating a three-lane cross section for the corridor since currently a
number of segments are not wide enough to accommodate bike lanes.
Intersection modifications: Signal systems and intersection geometrics in the corridor
should be studied and updated to include flashing yellow arrows and turn lanes as needed
to improve traffic flow.
Position: The city is requesting that Hennepin County rehabilitate/reconstruct Minnetonka
Boulevard between TH 169 and France Avenue. The design should include facilities/space for
bicycles, pedestrians, motorists and aesthetic improvements.
Street Improvement District
Issue: For many cities, existing funding mechanisms for street maintenance and reconstruction are
inadequate.
Analysis: Successful economic development efforts and community stability are dependent upon
a city’s ability to make infrastructure investments. Current infrastructure funding options available
to cities do not meet growing funding needs:
Special assessments can be onerous to property owners and are difficult to implement for
some cities.
Property tax dollars are generally not dedicated and are sometimes diverted to more
pressing needs such as public safety, water quality and cost participation in state and county
highway projects.
Municipal state aid (MSA) is limited to cities over 5,000 population—147 of 853 cities in
Minnesota--and cannot be applied to more than 20% of a MSA city’s lane miles. Existing
MSA funding is not keeping up with needs on the MSA system.
Alternatives to special assessments as financing for infrastructure improvements are nearly
nonexistent.
Historically, the legislature has given cities the authority to maintain and operate utility
infrastructure (i.e. waterworks, sanitary sewers, streetlights, and storm sewers). The storm
water utility authority, established in 1983, set the precedent as enabling legislation for cities
to charge a use fee on a utility bill for city infrastructure that benefits everyone in a city. Also,
special service districts are allowed for streetscape and sidewalks. Similar to the storm sewer
and special service district authority, a Street Improvement District would use technical, well-
founded measurements and could equitably distribute the costs of street maintenance and
reconstruction to property owners.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
This authority would allow cities to collect fees from property owners within a district to fund
municipal street maintenance, construction, reconstruction, and facility upgrades. If enacted, this
legislation would provide cities with an additional tool to build and maintain city streets.
Position: The city supports legislative authorization that would allow cities to create Street
Improvement Districts.
Xcel Energy Utility Relocation
Issue: Xcel Energy has utility infrastructure in the public right-of-way. It’s often necessary for
Xcel to relocate their infrastructure in order for the city to complete construction projects. When
it’s not done in a timely manner it delays the completion of city projects, which in turn generates
downtime charges that the contractor passes on to the city.
Analysis: During the design of city infrastructure projects, the city tries to avoid requiring Xcel to
relocate their facilities, however many times it is necessary. Understanding that Xcel needs time
to plan for this work, Xcel is notified of the annual Capital Improvement Plan in the fall of the
year preceding construction. In January of the year of construction, staff has a meeting with all
utilities to review impacts. Also, plans are sent to all utilities indicating areas where there is a
potential conflict with their facilities. Staff will meet individually with Xcel during the design to
discuss the conflicts and their schedule. Even with these efforts, Xcel’s utility relocations have
delayed a number of projects in the city. In 2015, a sidewalk project on Texas was supposed to be
completed by Labor Day but Xcel did not complete their work until mid-October. Due to the warm
weather this fall, the contractor was able to complete the project the week of Thanksgiving.
However, weather is not always on our side. Additionally, the contractor is asking for $22,000 in
downtime charges due to the delays incurred on this project. The city does not have the same
experiences with other private utility providers.
Position: The city supports legislation that assists Xcel Energy in completing their relocation work
in a timely manner to avoid delays and additional cost on city-led infrastructure projects.
Transportation Funding
Issue: A comprehensive transportation system is a vital component in planning for and meeting
the physical, social and economic needs of our state and metropolitan region. Adequate and stable
sources of funding are necessary to ensure the development and maintenance of a high quality,
efficient and safe transportation system that meets these needs and that will position the state and
region to be economically competitive in the years ahead.
Analysis: Under current transportation financing structures, transportation needs in the
metropolitan region continue to be inadequate and underfunded. Our transportation funding system
relies primarily on local property taxes and fees and the motor vehicle sales tax (MVST) for transit.
Automobiles are becoming more fuel efficient and MVST receipts continue to lag behind
projections, resulting in funding levels that continually fail to meet demand. Transportation
funding and planning must be a high priority for state, regional and local policymakers so that the
transportation system can sufficiently meet the needs of the state’s residents and businesses and
its projected population growth. Funding and planning for our regional and statewide systems must
be coordinated at the federal, state, regional and local levels to optimally achieve long term needs
and goals. In addition, cities lack adequate tools and state resources for the maintenance and
improvement of municipal systems, with resources restricted to property taxes and special
assessments. Cost participation requirements have overburdened city budgets. It is imperative that
alternative revenue generating authority be granted to municipalities and state resources be made
available for this purpose to relieve the burden on the property tax system.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 7
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Position: The city:
Supports stable and sufficient statewide transportation funding and local tools to meet the
long-term transportation system needs of the region and local municipal systems;
Supports funding to assist cities overburdened by cost participation responsibilities.;
Supports state funding for state highway projects, including congestion and safety
improvements; and
Supports state financial assistance, as well as innovations in design and construction.
Transit Financing
Issue: The Twin Cities metropolitan area is served by a regional transit system that is expanding
to include rail transit and dedicated busways. Any operating subsidies necessary to support this
system should come from a regional or statewide funding source. The property taxpayers of
individual cities and counties should not be required to fund the operation of specific transit lines
or routes of service within this regional system.
Analysis: MVST revenue projections have not been reliable and the Legislature has repeatedly
reduced general fund support for Metropolitan Transit. As a result, the regional transit providers
continue to operate at a funding deficit. Shifting demographics in the metropolitan region will
mean increased demand for transit in areas with and without current transit service.
Position: The city supports stable and growing revenue sources to fund the operating budget for
all regional transit providers at a level sufficient to meet the growing operational and capital transit
needs of the region and to expand the system to areas that currently have little or no transit options.
The city also supports an increase in the regional sales tax to fund the expansion of regular route
service, the continuing capital expenses and expanded operational needs of the metropolitan transit
system, if the increase is accompanied by sufficient local controls over the collection and
expenditure of the new revenue and geographic balance is maintained in the expansion of service
to allow cities to appropriately plan for growth in population and service needs along new and
expanded transit service. The city opposes diversions of the uses of this tax for any other purposes.
Community Development Issues and Priorities
TIF District Statutory Modifications
Issue: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) remains the most viable tool for local economic
development and community reinvestment efforts. TIF is a method local governments use to pay
for the costs of qualifying improvements necessary to create new investment, redevelopment, or
publicly-assisted housing. The financing of the qualifying improvements is paid from the increased
property taxes generated from the new development, redevelopment, or housing that would not
occur “but for” such assistance. The state could take steps to enhance the effectiveness of TIF,
leverage additional private investment and create more jobs and tax base in communities. The
current types of state-authorized TIF districts lack flexibility and don’t adequately address the
varied and unique redevelopment situations found in urban communities.
Currently, the Minnesota TIF Act requires more than 50% of the buildings in a project area be
found to be substandard to qualify as a Redevelopment TIF District. In redevelopment situations
involving only a small number of parcels, this can be an insurmountable standard to meet thus
preventing new investment from occurring.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 8
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Additionally, the Act does not allow TIF districts to extend beyond municipal boundaries; this
artificially inhibits redevelopment along municipal lines and prevents the sharing of public
improvement costs in areas where there is opportunity for broader public benefit.
Position: The city supports greater flexibility and the inclusion of additional uses within current
TIF districts.
In particular, the city supports a minor modification of the Redevelopment TIF District
statute requiring 50% or more of buildings within project areas be found to be
substandard.
The city supports the elimination of the five-year rule for districts that take longer to
develop.
To spur additional development, the city supports lengthening the duration of Economic
Development TIF Districts to a full ten years, or nine years from first tax increment
collection. In addition, the city supports expanding authority to allow for the establishment
of Economic Development TIF Districts to assist with commercial project development for
the purpose of retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new
business to the state to create and retain jobs.
The city further supports the establishment of new forms of TIF districts to encourage and
facilitate redevelopment in urban areas particularly in proximity to LRT and transit
stations. Such new TIF district types include: Compact Development TIF Districts, Transit
Oriented Development (TOD) TIF Districts, and multi-jurisdictional TIF districts.
DEED Transit Improvement Districts
Issue: Additional financing tools are needed besides TIF to spur economic development along
transit lines and corridors. The state allowed DEED to create Transit Improvement Areas (and
each of the St. Louis Park stations were qualified) but these TIAs lack any funding or authority.
Position: The city supports funding the TIA program and granting TIAs authority to fund various
transit-related public improvements and redevelopment projects (including tax increment
financing, tax abatement, and special service districts) to address the needs of transit-oriented
development.
Special Service Districts Statutory Authority
Issue: In 1988, cities were granted general authority under Minn. Stat. § 428A.01 to § 428A.101
to establish Special Service Districts. As currently written, only commercial properties can
financially participate within Special Service Districts. This is challenging for funding additional
services within mixed-use project areas. The City of St. Louis Park has established six Special
Service Districts, including multiple sections of Excelsior Boulevard. Providing infrastructure
improvements and on-going maintenance at the LRT station areas will also be a need
Position: The city supports the inclusion of multi-family housing developments as financial
participants within Special Service Districts and the establishment of Special Service Districts
around transit and LRT station areas.
Establish a TOD Affordable Housing Fund
Issue: Efforts are being made to develop a corridor-wide housing strategy for the SWLRT Corridor
for providing a full range of housing options specifically within a half-mile of the station areas. The
fundamental issue with respect to the traditional approaches to infill/redevelopment and mixed-
income housing production/preservation is an absence of funds.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 9
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Position: The city supports the creation of a TOD Affordable Housing Fund and requests that t
Hennepin County and the State provide a financial resource to be used to support the preservation
and creation of affordable housing along the SWLRT corridor.
Affordable Housing Financing
Issue: The Governor’s bonding package includes a request for $70 million for Housing
Infrastructure (HIB) and $20 million for General Obligation (GO) Bonds for affordable housing.
GO bonds can be used to rehabilitate public housing. HIB bonds can be used to finan ce several
types of projects including new construction or rehabilitation of supportive and affordable housing
and preservation of existing federally subsidized rental housing.
The bonding request would help fund a number of developments that are currently in the pipeline.
This year’s “Homes for All” request aims to fund housing to serve an estimated 4,100 low-income
households around the state. The $70 million in HIB would help generate roughly 1,700 units and
the $20 million GO bond request would help preserve 2,400 units.
Position: The city supports the bonding package for $70 million for Housing Infrastructure (HIB)
and $20 million for General Obligation (GO) Bonds for housing to fund affordable housing to
serve 4,100 low income households.
Public Safety Issues and Priorities
Body and Squad Car Dash Cameras
Issue: The St. Louis Park Police Department is exploring the purchase and implementation of body
cameras, beginning with trial periods with several vendors. In addition to the logistical and
operational issues and related policies involved, it’s clear that data collection and retention related
to body cameras has resulted in agencies being overwhelmed by public data requests from a variety
of sources. For example, in Washington State one large software developer makes repeated and
recurring blanket requests from law enforcement agencies which overwhelms their resources in
terms of a timely response. Camera data must be reviewed by a qualified staff person to edit and
redact private data in response to a public data request, just as we currently edit and redact private
data from our written reports in responding to public data requests.
An agency the size of St. Louis Park might generate several hundred hours per week of camera
data to be uploaded and stored. A blanket request would require a staff member to watch and
redact/edit this data to prevent the release of private data. In addition, a complicated case might
require staff to consult with the city attorney for guidance (as we do currently for written reports),
which would add additional time to the review process. Some agencies in Washington State are
now opting to pay the fines for non-compliance because of the difficulty of the task.
Position: The city is requesting legislative support for a resolution to this issue that will enable us
to comply with the law but does not overwhelm our resources. This resolution might involve
limiting retention in some categories, limiting what are now open-ended repeating/recurring
requests, or permitting compensation for staff time required to comply with requests.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 10
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Revisions to Chapter 420 Firefighters Civil Service Commission
Issue: Current St. Louis Park Fire Department Civil Service leadership recognizes that certain
elements of the statute should be revised to match current standards, and some areas may be viewed
as unconstitutional.
Analysis: The highlighted areas include
420.03 Membership, Duties, Terms: Delete the sentence “All vacancies in the commission
shall be filled by appointment by the council within 30 days after a vacancy occurs.”
Eliminating this sentence extends the Council the flexibility to fill the position as schedules
and candidates allow.
420.04 Meetings: Eliminate the portion of the sentence that states “thereafter on the first
Monday in February of each year at which meetings: and “meetings shall be held and”.
Eliminating these portions of sentence allow for greater flexibility in meeting when
schedules allow and the location of those meetings can vary.
420.16 Certain Acts Misdemeanors: Eliminate the sentence “Any officer or employee of
the department, when operated under civil service in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter, who shall in any matter directly or indirectly solicit, receive, or pay, or be in any
manner concerned in soliciting, receiving or paying any assessment, subscription or
contribution for any party or political purpose shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject
to suspension or removal. Any person who shall solicit or receive directly or indirectly, or
be in any manner concerned in soliciting or receiving any assessment, contribution, or
payment for any political purpose from any officer or employee in a fire department
operated under civil service as in this chapter provided for, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor.” It is viewed by Civil Service leadership that this portion is unconstitutional.
Position: Making these administrative adjustments will allow current practice to conform to the
actual statute.
Railway Safety of Hazardous Materials and Oil Train Operations
Issue: Current conditions suggest continued future transport via rail through St. Louis Park of
hazardous material commodities, including crude oil and ethanol, at current or increased levels.
Analysis: The demand for these commodities and St. Louis Park’s proximity to Minneapolis
indicates the city will continue to be an alternative for managing heavy traffic and staging within
the railroad system. The potential risk exists across the entire system including the BNSF, CP and
TCW lines. Track improvements resulting from Southwest Light Rail Transit construction in St.
Louis Park will allow for higher speeds and safer options for the rail companies.
Position: The city would like to participate in legislative discussions around the accountability,
safety and funding of accident prevention and responder training. The city also encourages funding
for community awareness, mitigation and resiliency efforts.
General Issues and Priorities
Metropolitan Council Governance
Issue: Dakota, Carver, Scott and Anoka Counties propose to change the governance structure of
the Metropolitan Council so that it is comprised of county and city elected officials. Bills have
been introduced in the House and Senate to put this change into effect.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 11
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Analysis: The Metropolitan Council was created to manage the growth of the metropolitan region,
and cities are responsible for adhering to regional plans as they plan for local growth and service
delivery. The region’s cities are the Metropolitan Council’s primary constituency, with regional
and local growth being primarily managed through city comprehensive planning and
implementation, and the delivery of a wide range of public services. To function successfully, the
Metropolitan Council must be accountable to and work in collaboration with city governments.
Position: The City opposes local elected officials being appointed to the Metropolitan Council due
to the incompatibility of local officials simultaneously holding two offices.
The city supports the appointment of Metropolitan Council members by the Governor with four
year, staggered terms for members. The appointment of the Metropolitan Council Chair should
coincide with the term of the Governor.
The city supports the appointment of Metropolitan Council members who have demonstrated the
ability to work with cities in a collaborative manner and commit to meet with local government
officials regularly, and who understand the diversity and the commonalities of the region, and the
long-term implications of regional decision-making.
Minnesota Community Forestry Partnership Act
Issue: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most destructive and economically costly forest pest ever
to invade North America. Ash trees killed by EAB become brittle very quickly and will begin to
fall apart and threaten overhead cables and power lines, vehicles, buildings and people. Few cities
are prepared and no city can easily afford the costs and the liability threats resulting from EAB.
Peer-reviewed studies have confirmed that a coordinated, landscape-based strategy is more cost
effective than fighting EAB city by city.
Position: The city asks the legislature to support the Minnesota Community Forestry Partnership
(MCFP) Act. Last winter, the Minnesota Community Forest Partnership Group was created to
secure state support for community forests. The group developed the MCFP Act, which would
establish a new program with funding of $13 million per year to provide technical assistance,
guidance, and matching grants to communities for EAB management and related practices. The
Act also includes funding for research regarding pest control, diseases, and other threats that affect
community forests.
Aircraft Noise
Issue: Current aircraft noise monitoring metrics established by the FAA have been in use since the
late 1980s. The resulting DNL contours maps for MSP airport identify only a relatively small area
of the Twin Cities as significantly affected by aircraft noise. Used for eligibility in sound mitigation
programs for homes, the DNL contours also are used when planning future policy on aircraft and
operations. The FAA states that in 2012, only 300,000 people nationwide were exposed to
significant airport noise, a figure that would likely be much larger depending on perspective and
noise contours. Without accurately identifying areas within St. Louis Park and other communities
experiencing significant overhead aircraft traffic, the current DNL contours do not reflect the noise
residents actually experience.
Position: The city requests FAA develop a method of noise measurement and reporting to
accurately reflect the environmental impact of aircraft noise. The information should then be used
to reduce aircraft noise by implement policies regarding operational changes and, when possible,
quieter aircraft technologies.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 12
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Supporting Community Solar Gardens
Issue: Previous legislation established the framework for community solar gardens (CSG) to be
developed in Minnesota, providing an opportunity to increase the amount of renewable energy
production and a method for residents and organizations to participate as subscribers.
Timing is critical to help CSG’s be cost effective through utilizing federal tax incentives ending
2016. Many solar developers have made entered into agreements with subscribers and submitted
applications to Xcel Energy for installing a significant number of CSG’s. Delays in processing
the applications have unfortunately resulted in only a few projects being approved.
City Position: The city supports the continued development of solar as a method to reduce
dependence on fossil fuels for energy production and encourages Xcel Energy be responsive in
approving CSG applications.
Financial Issues and Priorities
Fiscal Disparities
Issue: The City of St. Louis Park has been a net contributor to the fiscal disparities program for
some time. Due to extensive redevelopment and stronger commercial/industrial property values
than most other metro area communities, the city’s net contribution to the fiscal disparities pool
has increased substantially.
Analysis: Below are some statistics related to St. Louis Park showing the increase in the city’s net
tax capacity contribution over the years:
Pay 2010: $1,231,482 Net Contribution
Pay 2011: $2,775,483 Net Contribution
Pay 2012: $3,220,881 Net Contribution
Pay 2013: $2,940,678 Net Contribution
Pay 2014: $3,670,487 Net Contribution
Pay 2015: $3,879,478 Net Contribution
Pay 2016: $3,168,815 Net Contribution
Based on these increases, the city has experienced a 257% increase from Pay 2010 to Pay
2016. The city believes it is being penalized for undertaking aggressive redevelopment efforts
requiring the use of TIF. When using TIF for commercial, industrial or office projects a portion of
the new tax capacity generated from the project is added into the fiscal disparity pool, which in
effect lengthens the number of years the TIF district must exist to provide the necessary assistance
to make the project viable. This results in a longer period of time before the city is able to
experience the benefits of the new tax capacity created by the project.
Position: While the Fiscal Disparities program has many good points, the city asks its legislators
to continue to be aware of the financial implications it represents to St. Louis Park. The city’s tax
rate for Pay 2016 is 5.15% higher due to reduced Net Tax Capacity, creating additional burdens
on local property tax payers to pay for local services, including maintaining infrastructure that
serves the commercial, office and industrial uses that in effect pay into the fiscal disparities pool.
The city supports changes to this program that are prospective in nature and that recognize
aggressive redevelopment efforts that cities undertake using tax increment financing. Additionally,
new tax capacity created by projects using TIF should be omitted from the Fiscal Disparities pool
as long as the TIF district is in place.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 13
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
Legal Notices – Eliminate Requirement for Paid Publication-review
Issue: Current law requires print ads for “proceedings, official notices, and summaries” in local
newspapers. In the 2011 Session, House File 162 called for allowing political subdivisions (cities,
counties, school boards, etc.) to replace the print ads with a single annual notice stating that all
such notices would appear on the political subdivision’s website (i.e. the city website).
Position: The city continues to support the elimination of this requirement, which would save cities
thousands of dollars in annual publishing costs. Publishing legal notices on the city website instead
allows the potential to reach a much greater audience in St. Louis Park than via the local
newspaper, which only reaches about half of the community. Additionally, businesses working
with the city or bidding on city projects find it cumbersome to monitor many different publications.
The city is currently publishing its legal notices at www.stlouispark.org in addition to publishing
them in the official newspaper.
Unfunded mandate in need of full funding: MN Statute 299A.465 Continued health
insurance coverage for peace officer or firefighter disabled in the line of duty
Issue: Cities are required to continue payment of health insurance for peace officers or firefighters
disabled in the line of duty. The determination must be made by the executive director of the Public
Employees Retirement Association (PERA) or by the executive director of the Minnesota State
Retirement System.
Subd. 1(d) - The employer is responsible for the continued payment of the
employer's contribution for coverage of the officer or firefighter and, if applicable,
the officer's or firefighter's dependents. Coverage must continue for the officer or
firefighter and, if applicable, the officer's or firefighter's dependents until the officer
or firefighter reaches or, if deceased, would have reached the age of 65. However,
coverage for dependents does not have to be continued after the person is no longer
a dependent.
Subd. 4. Public employer reimbursement.
A public employer subject to this section may annually apply by August 1 for the
preceding fiscal year to the commissioner of public safety for reimbursement to
help defray a portion of its costs of complying with this section. The commissioner
shall provide an equal pro rata share to the public employer out of the public safety
officer's benefit account based on the availability of funds for each eligible officer,
firefighter, and qualifying dependents. Individual shares must not exceed the actual
costs of providing coverage under this section by a public employer.
Position: The City of St. Louis Park does not have issues with this type of program. The questions
come with the interpretation of “in the line of duty” and also with funding of this unfunded
mandate.
The city has five former public safety employees who qualify for continued payment of
health insurance. In some cases, there were questions about the intent of this language as
it relates to the term “injury in the line of duty.” For example, should a slip and fall in the
office be considered “in the line of duty?”
The city has only been partially reimbursed for the cost of this mandate, and requests that
this program be fully funded by the state.
Levy Limits
Issue: During the 2008 legislative session, levy limits were imposed for three years (2009-2011)
on cities over 2,500 in population.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 2) Page 14
Title: 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues – Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives
A one-time levy limit was applied to taxes levied in 2013, payable in 2014, only. This was in effect
for all counties with a population of 5,000 and over and cities with a population of 2,500 and over.
All cities with a population less than 2,500, all towns and all special taxing districts were exempt
from the limits.
Levy limits replace local accountability with a state judgment about the appropriate level of local
taxation and local services. Additionally, state restrictions on local budgets can have a negative
effect on a city’s bond rating due to the restriction on revenue flexibility.
Position: St. Louis Park opposes efforts to extend the levy limit or other proposed restrictions for
local government budgets. Based on our legislative policies that strongly support local budgetary
decision making St. Louis Park opposes levy limits of any type.
Preliminary Property Tax Levy Certification Due Date for Special Taxing Jurisdiction
Issue: Due date of September 15 for Special Taxing Jurisdictions and September 30 for the
General Ad Valorem Property Tax Levy
It would be beneficial to have both due dates be September 30, allowing for both approvals to
occur on one meeting night in St. Louis Park. It’s the understanding of St. Louis Park that the
September 30 change was enacted to allow time for both the fiscal disparities contribution and
distribution number to be provided to cities and then allow those cities to provide tax implications
to the governing bodies to aid in setting preliminary levies.
Position: St. Louis Park would suggest that the Special Taxing Jurisdiction Levy due date be
moved to September 30, which is congruent with the General Ad Valorem Property Tax Levy.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Discussion Item: 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Water Production Capacity/Supply Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The purpose of this discussion is to provide council with an update
on the status of the City’s water production/supply capacity and our needs to accommodate future
demand.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does council concur with the recommendation to increase water
capacity through the implementation of expanded water conservation measures and targeted water
production projects?
SUMMARY: At a City Council meeting last summer, staff was asked to provide input at a future
meeting on the adequacy of the city’s water capacity to accommodate the anticipated new growth
in the community. The council also commented that if more capacity is needed, the preferred option
was conservation rather than simply adding more capacity. This report addresses council’s request
for additional details on the city’s current water production capacity.
From the perspective of meeting the community’s day to day water needs, the city has the capacity
to meet our current water demand. In addition, existing production capacities can sustain current
and future demand for St. Louis Park through approximately 2020, but a combination of water
conservation efforts and projects to increase production capacity will be need to be implemented
during that time.
A thorough analysis and update of our water supply capacity is presented herein. Previously
presented production capacity numbers have since been updated to reflect system changes.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: There are currently no projects in the 10-year
Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) that would significantly increase water production capacity. One
or more capital projects may be needed to increase water production capacity beyond 2020.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city
business.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Prepared by: Mark Hanson, Public Works Superintendent
Reviewed by: Cindy Walsh, Operations and Recreation Director
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Sean Walther, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Water Production Capacity/Supply Update
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: Although the city’s growth has been as expected, actual water demand continues
to be lower than projections. Unfortunately, the city’s water production capacity has decreased as
well due to the loss of a former standby well. The result is that the city is approaching the limit of
what is commonly accepted as an appropriate ratio of total production capacity compared to peak
demand.
For the purpose of water system planning, cities assume their largest well is out of commission when
calculating their system’s maximum production capacity. This calculation is called Firm System
Capacity. Cities aim to have sufficient water production to need no more than 90% of the system’s
Firm Capacity to meet their peak water demand. This leaves water available for emergency scenarios
such as fires, extended droughts, and loss of system components due to mechanical failure.
By design however, the 90% goal is a conservative basis for planning water systems. Average daily
water demand is much less than peak demand days. System storage capacity, water conservation
measures and water system interconnections with neighboring cities greatly reduces the likelihood
of ever truly exceeding the city’s ability to meet the water needs of the community.
Several potential projects to increase production capacity have been identified, but need to be
coordinated with various stakeholders to better understand how they would complement our Reilly
Superfund site. Nevertheless, the city’s water system capacity is sufficient for anticipated
community needs through 2020, although on-going conservation efforts to reduce water demand as
well as work to improve system production capacity, are needed to remain below the recommended
90% ratio (see chart below).
PROJECTING FUTURE DEMAND: While the concept of firm system capacity is fairly widely
accepted in the water industry, the determination of peak usage (demand) varies greatly. Some cities
average their highest daily usages while others average their highest weekly usage. Some cities use
a 10-year average while other use a 5-year average or anywhere in between. For St. Louis Park, the
recent loss of Novartis (formerly our largest water user), coupled with a greater focus on water
conservation in the recent past, resulted in the need to revise our practice of using a 10-year average
for peak usage to using a 5-year average.
The chart below details our current production capacity verses projected demand. SLP 2020 usage
includes an engineering analysis of anticipated development projects through 2020 including the
full build out of West End, Central Park West, and several other smaller sites. Met Council 2040
usage includes generalized growth projections through 2040 as provided by the Metropolitan
Council using the 2008 data in our Comprehensive Plan. Future growth may exceed these
projections.
Capacity in MGD
Current
Status SLP 2020
Met Council
2040
Total Firm Capacity 12.24 12.24 12.24
Actual City Peak Usage (5-yr average) 9.83 9.83 9.83
Projected Additional Usage 1.55 2.02
Projected Total City Usage 11.38 11.85
Firm Capacity Utilized (<90% is desired) 80.3% 93.0% 96.8%
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Water Production Capacity/Supply Update
SO WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN? It is important to remember the 90% rule is not intended to
limit future development within a city. Rather, it should be considered a guide for identifying and
programming future water capacity upgrades.
Public Works began planning capacity upgrades several years ago but has delayed making firm
decisions due to the unknowns associated with our Reilly Superfund site. Throughout 2016, staff
will be working closely with the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) and our technical consultants to better understand our options for
increasing production capacity in a manner that complements our Reilly obligations. We expect to
have firm options by the end of 2016 that can be programmed for construction in the next two to
three years.
Additionally, the city’s Comprehensive and Water Supply Plans will be updated in 2018. The
background work needed to update these two plans will assist with the scope and timing of necessary
water capacity efforts. In the meantime, Operations and Recreation, Community Development and
Engineering continue to collaborate on efforts to plan for the capacity needs associated with our
2020 and 2040 projections in the most cost effective manner.
FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS: Staff within the Public Works division continually monitors our
production capacities to identify promising opportunities and potential challenges. The following
opportunities and challenges for addressing future water capacity needs have been identified:
Add Additional Emergency Connections: Plans are underway to connect Edina and
Hopkins in 2016. A connection to Minneapolis may occur in 2016 as well. Projected cost:
$10K-$50K; Estimated Timeline: 2016
Increase Water Conservation Education and Enforcement: Leak detection technology
associated with our new water meters, pro-active educational efforts on water conservation
(similar to our educational efforts on organic recycling), and increased sprinkling ban
enforcement are planned for 2016 implementation. Projected costs: Minimal; Estimated
Timeline: 2016
Explore Implementing Residential Irrigation Rates: Most residential properties have a
significant difference in their summer and winter water usages. This difference is primarily
the result of irrigation (lawn sprinkling). Residential properties currently receive a sewer
credit for the difference in their winter and summer usages, but do not pay a higher usage
rate for their irrigation usage as is done with commercial properties. Implementing an
irrigation rate for residential properties in combination with increased education on
how/when to water your lawn should inspire residents to be more conservative in their
irrigation usage. Projected costs: None; Estimated Timeline: 2016
Explore Increasing Capacity at SLP10 and SLP15: Current production at wells SLP10 &
SLP15 is limited by the capacity of the Reilly-related Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
treatment system. It is possible that adding a vessel to the GAC treatment system may allow
us to increase production by 50% (another 1.0 MGD) for fairly reasonable costs. Projected
cost: $300K-$500K; Estimated Timeline: 2-3 years
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Water Production Capacity/Supply Update
Resolve VOC Concerns at SLP4: Unfortunately, SLP4 is pushing the Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC) limits allowed by the Minnesota Department of Health for Vinyl
Chlorides (unrelated to the Reilly Site). If the limits are exceeded we will need to make
modifications to the treatment plant to remove the VOC’s. Staff is exploring the options
related to these potential modifications and costs association with those options. Any
necessary modifications would only prevent the loss of significant production capacity, it
would not increase capacity. Projected costs: $500K-$1.5M; Estimated Timeline: 2-3 years
Explore Bringing SLP6 on line: SLP6 is a 1200 GPM well that is plumbed for conventional
treatment, but currently not pumped due to Reilly-related water quality concerns. It is likely
some form of treatment would be necessary to begin pumping SLP6. Projected costs (if
treatment is necessary): $2.0M-$3.0M; Estimated Timeline: 2-3 years
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS:
Work with MDH, EPA & MPCA to understand production capacity options and
recommendations that complement our Reilly obligations (2016-17)
Determine concept designs/estimates for water production options (2016-17)
Select and implement additional water conservation initiatives (2016-17)
Select (and possibly implement) short term water production efforts (2017-18)
Background research for updating Comprehensive and Water Supply Plans (2017)
Select and implement long term water production efforts (2018-2020)
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Discussion Item: 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss the proposed 2016 Pavement Management and Connect
the Park! projects and provide direction to staff, particularly related to the proposed sidewalks,
water service replacement, and the resulting tree impacts related to both of these items
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Should the City take special measures related to the replacement
of water services that could mitigate the impact on trees?
Should the City take special measures to mitigate impacts the overall project might create for Ash
and Elm trees or other trees that are not considered significant?
Should the Connect the Park! 10 year plan be amended to include the installation of a sidewalk on
34th St. from Aquila Lane to Texas Ave?
SUMMARY: The Engineering Department is proposing to complete the 2016 Connect the Park!
sidewalk improvement in conjunction with the annual pavement management project in the
Minnehaha, Aquila and Cobblecrest Neighborhoods.
Pavement Management
Annually the pavement management project rehabilitates several miles of local residential streets.
This year, the streets to be rehabilitated are located in Pavement Management Area 5 shown on
the attached project map. The street rehabilitation work consists of removing and replacing the
existing bituminous pavement and replacing portions of concrete curb and gutter as needed. Other
work includes sewer repairs and select watermain replacement.
Connect the Park!
Connect the Park! is the city's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan to add sidewalks, trails, and
bikeways throughout the community. This year the sidewalk segments identified in the Connect
the Park! plan are located in Pavement Management Area 5.
This report will provide an overview of the pavement management, watermain replacement and
sidewalk construction for 2016.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The construction cost estimate and financing
approach for Pavement Management and Connect the Park! improvements is still being finalized
and will be available at the late February/ early March Special Council meeting.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
2016 Pavement Management & Connect the Park! Map
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, Senior Engineering Project Manager
Aaron Wiesen, Project Engineer
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: The City’s Pavement Management Program proactively addresses the
condition of the residential streets within the city. Many of these streets are now approaching 40
years of age or more. The city’s residential streets are still in relatively good condition due to the
fact that the streets were built well, are generally situated on good soils, utilize curb & gutter for
drainage and have been well maintained. City maintenance crews have continually worked to keep
residential streets in good condition using maintenance strategies such as patching, crack filling
and seal coating. However, as pavements age, more aggressive maintenance strategies are needed
to prolong their life.
The Pavement Management Program was developed to extend pavement life and enhance system-
wide performance in a cost-effective and efficient way by providing the right pavement strategy
at the right time. Using the City’s pavement management software, staff documents street
condition ratings and monitors their performance. Staff then evaluates the condition of streets and
selects cost-effective treatments to extend pavement life.
Connect the Park! is the city's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan to add sidewalks, trails, and
bikeways throughout the community. As part of Vision St. Louis Park in 2007, the city worked
with community members to create an Active Living Sidewalks and Trails plan..
The primary goal of Connect the Park! is to develop a comprehensive, city-wide system (emphasis
added) of sidewalks, trails, and bikeways that provides local and regional connectivity, improves
safety and accessibility, and enhances overall community livability. This is achieved by creating
a system plan that provides sidewalks approximately every ¼-mile and bikeways every ½-mile in
order to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity throughout the community.
2016 Proposed Pavement Management Project and Proposed Watermain Replacement
This year’s work, Project No. 4016-1000, will be performed in Area 5 of the City’s eight pavement
management areas. It includes work in the Minnehaha, Aquila and Cobblecrest Neighborhoods.
Exhibit 1 identifies the streets in Area 5 that have been selected for rehabilitation and outlines the
various work to be performed on each street. Selection was based on street condition and field
evaluations to determine current conditions of the pavement, curb and gutter, and the city’s
underground utilities. A team of staff members from Streets, Utilities, and Engineering worked
together to select streets and to recommend appropriate rehabilitation techniques for inclusion in
this year’s Pavement Management Project.
Many of the streets within the project area will have random curb and gutter replacement and new
asphalt surfacing. However some of the streets will have a more robust infrastructure upgrade such
as watermain and water service replacement and the installation of sidewalk. These more impactful
construction activities are addressed in the following sections of the report.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Watermain Replacement on Utah Avenue, 33rd Street and 34th Street
The watermain on these streets are approximately 65 years old and experiencing deterioration. The
work shown in Figure 1 will consist of the replacement of the watermain and the water services to
the curb stop. The watermain is approximately 7.5 feet deep and located in and runs parallel to
the street. In order to replace the watermain the street, the asphalt pavement is removed and the
street is open cut to the depth of the watermain. In most cases the curb line closest to the watermain
needs to be removed prior to the watermain replacement otherwise the curb will fall in to the
watermain trench. The removal of the entire curb line on one side of the street gives the city an
opportunity to determine where the curb is replaced and to modify the width of the roadway. Both
33rd Street and 34th Street are proposed to be narrowed as part of the project. There is more
information on the modifications to the street width for 34th Street in the sidewalk segment of the
report.
33rd street is recommended to be narrowed from 36 feet to 30 feet from Aquila Avenue to just east
Utah Avenue. No restriction on parking are anticipated with the street narrowing.
Figure 1 – Watermain replacement on 33rd Street, 34th Street and Utah Avenue
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
The water services connect to the watermain and run perpendicular to the curb stop and then to the
house. The curb stop is located between the curb and gutter and the right of way line. The City
owns the water service between the water main and the curb stop while the property owner owns
the water service between the curb stop and the house.
As a part of this project, the water service is proposed to be replaced between the watermain and
the city owned curb stop. The water service is also approximately 7.5 feet deep and must be open
cut to replace. Replacing the water services has significant impacts on existing trees, landscaping,
sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls, etc.
Water Service Replacement - Tree Impacts
In order to remove and replace the existing water services on Utah Avenue in their original
location, a majority of the boulevard trees in the public right of way between the curb and sidewalk
will be impacted. In these cases the curb stop is located within a few feet the existing tree or the
tree has grown around the curb stop.
Of the existing 35 boulevard trees on Utah Avenue in this street segment, 20 trees would need to
be removed for utility work (16 for water services, 2 for catch basin replacement and 2 for the
proposed sidewalk between 30 ½ Street and Minnetonka Boulevard.
Of the 16 trees, four are Ash, three are Elm, three are Linden, three are Maple, one Japanese Lilac
and one Hackberry tree. The trees trunk sizes range from 4 to 24 inches.
Staff is working with the city’s natural resources coordinator and the utility division to determine
the best approach for avoiding or minimizing tree impacts associated with the water service
replacement. The city has identified alternatives that may prevent tree removal while still
providing the necessary water connection for the resident. These two alternatives are described in
detail on the following pages. The selected alternative will be used on other streets within the
project that have similar water service challenges.
Each property is currently being evaluated and a recommended method of replacement will be
identified prior to the Council meeting. The tree impacts will be quantified in the report to Council.
Residents that are expected to have tree removal will be notified and asked to discuss the process
with staff in advance of the council meeting.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Water Service Alternatives
Alternative 1 is to move the water service connection to a different location on the watermain and
loop the service around the tree roots, making a connection to the existing water service further
back on the resident’s property. Figure #2 below illustrates how this would be constructed. This
technique could be used if the city’s natural resource coordinator determines the tree in question
is in good health and a species of tree desired for the boulevard. The majority of the trees could
be saved by using this approach
This technique is less feasible if there are multiple trees located within the boulevard or if there is
substantial disturbance to sidewalk, driveways, landscaping or other amenities located within the
front yard. Going around the tree produces a longer water service that the city would ultimately
end up owning. This new water service would be located on private property instead of in the city
right of way, presenting a challenge for future maintenance activities. Most likely it would require
easements from each property owner to construct and maintain.
Figure #2 –Alternative 1 Looping around Tree
Existing Watermain, Service & Curb Stop
Existing Excavation Area
Proposed Water Service Solution
City Right of Way
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 6
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Alternative 2 is to not replace the water services and connect the existing water service into the
new watermain as shown in Figure #3. This would save the tree that would have been impacted
by the water service replacement but would leave a 65 year old water service in the ground that
would need to be replaced in the future if there is a break. This would most likely require the tree
to be removed at that time and a portion of the street, curb and sidewalk to be removed and
replaced. The expense of this replacement would be borne by the city.
Figure #3 –Alternative 2 Splicing of Water Service
Existing Water Service & Curb Stop Remain
Proposed Splice of Existing Service into Watermain
City Right of Way
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 7
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Proposed 2016 Connect the Park! Sidewalk Segments
In total, 6,227 feet (1.18 miles) of new sidewalks are recommended for construction in 2016.
SIDEWALK SEGMENTS
Flag Avenue from Minnehaha Cir to 34th Street
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project.
Community Significance: This area of town is currently underserved by pedestrian
facilities. The installation of sidewalk on this street will connect the existing trail on Flag
Avenue to the south of Minnehaha Circle to 34th Street.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a five foot boulevard
along the west side of Flag Avenue. At the intersection of Flag Avenue and 34th Street, the
sidewalk crosses 34th Street and continues to the east on the north side of 34th Street.
There are 9 trees that will need to be removed along Flag Avenue for the construction of
this segment of sidewalk. There is a retaining wall proposed at the southwest corner of
Flag Avenue and 34th Street due to the grade of the existing yard. The sidewalk will also
be against the back of the curb for approximately 75 feet at this corner.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a community sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City for snow removal.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 527 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
final Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 8
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
34th Street from Flag Avenue to Aquila Lane
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project.
Community Significance: This area of town is currently underserved by pedestrian
facilities. The installation of sidewalk on these streets will connect to the proposed
sidewalk on Flag Avenue to the proposed sidewalk on 34th Street and Aquila Lane, the city
park, elementary school and Three Rivers Regional Trail.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a four foot boulevard
along the north side of 34th Street. At the intersection of 34th Street and Aquila Lane, the
sidewalk crosses 34th Street and continues east on 34th Street on the south side of the street.
The sidewalk also continues north on Aquila Lane on the west side to Cavell Lane.
There is 1 tree that will need to be removed along 34th Street for the construction of this
segment of sidewalk.
There is a segment of road from Decatur Lane to 34th Street that is not expected to be
reconstructed at this time. This segment has the wood timber bridge over Minnehaha Creek
that is programed to be replaced within the next five years. It is the recommendation of
staff that permanent sidewalk not be constructed at this location at this time. We are
finalizing a design that will be an interim measure to connect the sidewalk east and west
of the creek and help complete the system of sidewalks proposed for the area.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a community sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City for snow removal.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 1035 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
final Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 9
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
34th Street from Aquila Lane to Texas Avenue
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project. This segment is not part of the Connect the Park! plan but
was added by staff to complete a connection from the sidewalk network in the western
neighborhoods with the regional trail, two city parks and the mass transit options available
on Texas Avenue.
Community Significance: This area of town is currently underserved by pedestrian
facilities. The installation of sidewalk on these streets will connect to the proposed
sidewalk on 34th Street to the existing sidewalks on Aquila Avenue, Zinran Avenue, Utah
Avenue, Texas Avenue, and the regional trail.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a five foot boulevard
along the south side of 34th Street. The City is proposing to narrow the street from 36 feet
to 28 feet to minimize tree impacts and driveway grades from Sunset Ridge to Texas
Avenue. The City is replacing the watermain and water services on 34th Street from Aquila
Avenue to Texas Avenue which includes the removal of the curb and gutter on the south
side of the street.
There are 8 trees that will need to be removed along 34th Street for the construction of this
segment of sidewalk and the replacement of the water services.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a community sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City for snow removal.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 2818 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
final City Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 10
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Aquila Lane from 34th Street to 450 feet south of Boone Avenue
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project.
Community Significance: This area of town is currently underserved by pedestrian
facilities. The installation of sidewalk on these streets will connect to the proposed
sidewalk on 34th Street to the existing sidewalks on Aquila Lane on the east side of the
street.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a four foot boulevard.
The City is proposing that the sidewalk be installed on the west side of Aquila Lane to
Cavell Lane. There the sidewalk would cross the street to the east side and continue till it
meets the existing sidewalk that ends approximately 450 feet south of Boone Avenue.
There are 5 trees that will need to be removed along Aquila Lane for the construction of
this segment of sidewalk.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a community sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City for snow removal.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 969 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
final Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 11
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Aquila Avenue from 500 feet North of Boone Avenue to Minnetonka Boulevard
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project.
Community Significance: This area of town is currently underserved by pedestrian
facilities. The installation of sidewalk on these streets will connect to the existing sidewalk
on the east side of Aquila Avenue to the existing sidewalk on Minnetonka Boulevard.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a five foot boulevard.
The City is proposing that the sidewalk be installed on the east side of Aquila Avenue.
There are 5 trees that will need to be removed along Aquila Avenue for the construction of
this segment of sidewalk.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a community sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City for snow removal.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 517 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 12
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Utah Avenue from 30 ½ Street to Minnetonka Boulevard
Project Overview: This sidewalk is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the 2016
Pavement Management project. This segment is not part of the Connect the Park! plan but
was added by staff to complete a connection from Minnetonka Boulevard to 30 ½ Street
and the large population of residents who live along 30 ½ Street.
Community Significance: The installation of sidewalk on these streets will connect to the
existing sidewalk on the west side of Utah Avenue to the existing sidewalk on Minnetonka
Boulevard.
Public Process: Staff has held two public open houses with residents to discuss issues and
concerns.
Design: The construction of a five foot wide concrete sidewalk with a five foot boulevard.
The City is proposing that the sidewalk be installed on the west side of Utah Avenue.
There are 2 trees that will need to be removed along Utah Avenue for the construction of
this segment of sidewalk.
Walk Type: This is proposed to be a residential sidewalk and would be maintained by the
City by the adjoining property owners.
Cost: The engineering cost estimate for the 361 feet of sidewalk will be available with the
Council report.
Construction Schedule: This sidewalk segment is planned to be built in conjunction with
the Pavement Management street reconstruction project scheduled to be completed in the
summer of 2016.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 13
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Public Engagement and Notifications
Open houses were held in December 2015 and January 2016 as an opportunity for residents to
learn more about the proposed 2016 pavement management and sidewalk segments and to gain
insight on the proposed plans.
Staff presented to the residents the following design criteria that we would use to evaluate the
feasibility of roadway and sidewalk construction.
Pavement, curb and gutter and sidewalk condition
Drainage and other city underground utilities
Minimize impacts to city boulevards
Minimize tree impacts
Driveway grades
Driveway lengths
Maintain a minimum of one side on street parking
Distance from proposed sidewalk to homes
Location of private utilities that occupy the boulevards (electric, gas, communications)
Other items discussed:
Staff discussed the Right of Way policy for addressing private amenities in the public right
of way.
Snow removal
Sidewalk replacement
Funding
This first meeting on December 17, 2015 was attended by 33 property owners out of 723 addresses
that represented 552 single family homes, 162 condominium residents, 5 apartments, three
commercial properties and one nursing home. The goal of the first meeting was to educate the
residents on the process and gain feedback on their concerns and issues related to the proposed
roadway and sidewalk construction. Many residents asked questions, wrote post it notes on the
layouts and provided suggestions for modifications to this base design. Staff tried to incorporate
these comments into a refined design.
The following are the key issues staff heard in this initial open house:
Concern about impacts to trees and other vegetation in the boulevard
Close proximity of the sidewalk to the house
Shortening driveway lengths
Sidewalks were not needed
Narrowing of 34th Street from 36 feet to 28 feet
If property owners were unable to attend the meetings, or if they had specific concerns that they
wanted to walk through, staff offered to meet with them on site. Using the information gathered
from the first round of open houses, individual site visits, phone calls and emails, staff revised the
sidewalk design to try to minimize the number of impacts within the boulevards. When impacts
could not be avoided, staff proposed mitigation of the impacts.
The proposed final design plans were presented to residents at a second open house meeting on
January 26, 2016. This meeting was attended by 24 property owners out of 723 addresses affected.
These meetings were held in a similar format to the first round were residents were able to ask
questions and staff asked for their feedback. Staff shared with the residents the next steps in the
process and informed them of opportunities to contact staff and Council members, the upcoming
study session and future Council reports prior to start of construction.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 14
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update
Correspondence received from the open houses and other forms of communication after the
meetings will be available in the final council report.
NEXT STEPS: The proposed schedule for the segments recommended by staff to facilitate
construction in 2016 is as follows:
Council Study Session February 8, 2016
Council Approval of Project Report Special Council Meeting Late Feb/ Early March
Council Awards Construction Bids Late April
Construction May to November 2016
!!!!!!!!
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
!!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
!
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!
!
!
!!!!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!!!!!!!!HANNAN
LAKE VICTORIA
LAKE
COBBLE
CREST
LAKE
MINNEHAHA
CREEK
WESTLING
POND
MINNEHAHA
CREEK
WETLANDS
SUMTER
SEDIMENT
BASIN
AMHURST
")5
£¤169
¬«7 TEXASMINNETONKA
29TH
BLAKEFREDE
RI
C
K
32ND
34THINDEPENDENCEBOONE32ND
36TH
CAVELL
AQUILAHILLSBORO
28TH
35THBOONE
AQUILA WYOMINGDIVISION
33RD
36TH
37TH
S E R V I C E D R H I G H W A Y 7
WALKERWYOMING31ST
34THSUMTER33RD
32 1/2
HILLSBORO31ST
SUNSET RIDGEENSIGN29TH
30 1/2
BOONEYUKON31ST
34 1/2 UTAHXYLONENSIGNSUMTERSUMTERGETTYSBURGVIRGINIA31ST
ZINRANXYLONYUKONVIRGINIACAMBRIDGECAVELLXYLONVIRGINIAWYOMINGUTAHDECATURFLAGPHILLIPS37TH
A Q U I L A A V E S TO W B H W Y 7HILLSBOROCAVEL
L
28TH
KNOLLWOOD
MALL
ACCES VIRGINIAMINNEHAHA
MINNEHAHA AQUILAAQUILABOONEINDEPENDENCEFLAGVIRGINIAVIRGINIAGETTYSBURGGETTYSBURG AQUI
LA
AQUILAUTAHGETTYSBURGDECATURT E X A TONKACAVELLSBHWY169STOHWY7HWY7TONBHWY169SWBH W Y 7 TOS
B
HWY169PRIVA
T
EPRIVATEPRIVATE2016 Pavement Management & Sidewalk Construction
Ü
Legend
Watermain and Pavement Rehabilitation
Pavement Rehabilitation
Proposed Sidewalks
Existing Sidewalks
!!Existing Trails
Railroad
Lakes
Parcels
0 750 1,500 2,250 3,000 Feet 1 inch = 1,000 feet
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 4)
Title: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update Page 15
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Request to Extend Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. The purpose of this report is to inform the
EDA/City Council of PLACE’s request to extend its Preliminary Development Agreement with
the EDA and City.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the EDA and City Council wish to extend the Preliminary
Development Agreement with PLACE until February 28, 2017?
SUMMARY: On May 18, 2015, the EDA and City Council approved a Preliminary Development
Agreement with PLACE relative to preparing a feasible and acceptable plan for a major mixed-
use, mixed-income development located at 5725, 5925 and 5815 Highway 7 and 3520 Yosemite.
The Agreement terminates on February 29, 2016 unless it is extended. To date, all parties have
been meeting regularly, working diligently on their respective obligations, and making substantial
progress on the proposed project. Specifically, site due diligence has been conducted, a project
program has been developed, market studies, pro forma, appraisals and building massings
prepared, funding partners have been secured, sizable grants have been obtained (with more
pending), and four neighborhood meetings have been held. Yet much more work remains to bring
the proposed project to fruition.
PLACE has requested that the Agreement be extended a year until February 28, 2017. The
extension is necessary to provide PLACE’s funding partners with continued assurance of its ability
to secure the subject properties for the proposed development. It is the expectation of all parties that
a formal Purchase and Redevelopment Contract could be reached by the extended termination date.
The proposed First Amendment is attached for review.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Under the Agreement, PLACE remains
obligated to reimburse the EDA for all out-of-pocket costs it incurs in connection with review and
analysis of the proposed Development prior to the extended termination date.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Proposed First Amendment
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Reviewed by: Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor/Deputy CD Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director and City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Request to Extend Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE
FIRST AMENDMENT TO PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS FIRST AMENDMENT TO PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (this
“Agreement”), dated February __, 2016, by and between the St. Louis Park Economic Development
Authority, a public body corporate and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (the
“Authority”), the City of St. Louis Park, a Minnesota municipal corporation (the “City”), and PLACE,
a Minnesota nonprofit corporation (the “Developer”);
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Authority and the City desire to promote development of certain property
within Redevelopment Project No. 1 (the “Project”) in the City, located at 5725, 5925 and 5815
Highway 7 (the “City and Authority Property”) and 3520 Yosemite Avenue (the “Rail Property”
and together with the City and Authority Property, the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Property is made up of four parcels, of which the City and Authority Property
is owned by the City or the Authority, and the Rail Property is owned by the Hennepin County
Regional Rail Authority; and
WHEREAS, the City and Authority previously determined that it is in the best interests of the
City that the Developer be designated as the sole developer of the City and Authority Property during
the term of an initial Preliminary Development Agreement between the parties, dated as of May 18,
2015 (the “Initial Agreement”); and
WHEREAS, the parties have worked diligently to perform their obligations under the Initial
Agreement and now wish to extend the term of the Initial Agreement pursuant to this First
Amendment.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants and
obligations set forth herein, the Authority, the City and the Developer hereby agree as follows:
1. During the term of this First Amendment, the parties agree to continue working cooperatively
toward the goals outlined in the Initial Agreement, pursuant to its terms.
2. This First Amendment shall terminate by its terms if the governing bodies of the Authority
and City have not approved the Contract (as defined in the Initial Agreement) by February 28, 2017.
Upon such termination, the Developer remains obligated to pay any costs payable under paragraph
13 of the Initial Agreement that were incurred by the Authority and the City prior to such date.
18. Except as amended by this First Amendment, the Initial Agreement shall remain in full force
and effect. Upon execution, the Developer shall reimburse the Authority for all out-of pocket-costs
incurred by the Authority in connection with negotiating, drafting and approval of this First
Amendment.
(The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.)
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Request to Extend Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Authority have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed in their name and behalf and their seal to be duly affixed hereto and the Developer has
caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date and year first above written.
PLACE ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
By:
Its ______________________________ Its President
Its Executive Director
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
Its Mayor
Its City Manager
473908v1 MNI SA285-104
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required at this time. This report is being provided to
inform the Council of the proposed allocation of 2016 CDBG funds.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the City Council concur with the recommendations made
for the allocation of $179,231 in 2016 CDBG funds?
SUMMARY: Each year the city must decide how to use its annual allocation of CDBG Funds.
CDBG funds are US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds distributed through Hennepin
County. Hennepin County determined the allocation by applying 2008-2012 American
Community Survey (ACS) data in the determination of poverty and overcrowding per city. The
city must submit its proposed use of the allocation to Hennepin County by February 26th. Prior
to submittal, the city must hold a public hearing. The hearing and official City Council action is
scheduled for February 16th.
This year’s proposed use of CDBG funds reflects the city’s priorities to preserve existing housing
and increase affordable ownership opportunities. Ninety-six percent of the allocation, or $171,731
of the $179,231 focuses on assisting low-income residents with emergency repairs, rehab loans,
improvement projects and affordable ownership opportunities. The remaining amount is proposed
for youth park programming at Meadowbrook Manor Park.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: CDBG funds allow cities discretion (within
the HUD guidelines) to fund projects that meet the national low income objectives and the needs
of cities. CDBG funding is expected to remain close to the fiscal year 2015 funding level;
however, the federal budget has yet to be finalized. 2015 funding levels will be used for planning
purposes until the 2016 allocation is finalized. St. Louis Park will receive an estimated $179,231
in 2016. The 2016 CDBG year runs from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. Staff anticipates
the proposed projects can expend the funds in a timely manner as has been our historical practice
of fully expending CDBG funds. Final funding amount may vary slightly from the estimate. Staff
will keep Council apprised of actual funding amounts.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Proposed Program Descriptions
Draft Resolution
Prepared by: Marney Olson, Assistant Housing Supervisor
Reviewed by: Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor/Deputy CD director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 6) Page 2
Title: Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: The national objectives of the CDBG program are to benefit low and
moderate-income persons, prevention or elimination of slum or blight and/or to meet a particular
urgent community development need. From a policy perspective, the City Council has typically
focused CDBG funds on “sticks and bricks” improvements to the housing stock for low-income
families, for both single-family (SF) owners and multifamily housing residents. A small portion
of funds have also been allocated to support public services for St. Louis Park Housing Authority
(SLPHA) residents and park programming for low-income youth.
PRESENT CONSIDERATIONS: The proposed use of CDBG funds reflects the city’s priorities
to preserve existing housing and increase affordable ownership opportunities. This year’s
proposed allocation is summarized in Table 1 below. Ninety-six percent of the allocation focuses
on assisting low-income residents with emergency repairs, rehab loans, home renovations and
affordable ownership opportunities. The remaining amount is proposed for youth park
programming at Meadowbrook Manor Park.
Historically, the city has allocated CDBG funds to non-profit affordable housing providers to assist
with their building renovations. Perspectives is requesting funds for security cameras and lighting
upgrades and the Housing Authority will replace windows at scattered site properties.
Table 1: Proposed 2016 CDBG Allocation
Project Activity
Proposed Ongoing
Activity Allocation
Low Income Single Family Emergency Repair Program $45,000 yes
Low Income Single Family Home Rehab Loan $70,000 yes
Affordable Housing Land Trust – Homes within Reach $20,000 yes
St. Louis Park Housing Authority – Windows for scattered sites $16,731 yes
Perspectives, Inc. – Security Cameras and Lighting $20,000 no
Public Service – Youth Park Programming at Meadowbrook Park $7,500 yes
Total $179,231
NEXT STEPS: The St. Louis Park Housing Authority (SLPHA) will review and discuss the
proposed allocation at its February 10, 2016 meeting. The Commissioners’ comments will be
shared at the Public Hearing on February 16, 2016. The following actions are required to receive
2016 CDBG funds:
February 4, 2016 Publication of Public Hearing Notice
February 16, 2016 Public Hearing and Approval of Resolution Outlining Proposed Activities
February 26, 2016 Deadline for Submission of CDBG Application to Hennepin County
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 6) Page 3
Title: Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
Proposed Program Descriptions
Emergency Repair Program – Single Family $45,000
This program is consistent with the Council’s focus on stick and bricks and has proven its
responsiveness to low income seniors and vulnerable residents with annual incomes of 50% or less
of the median area income, or $30,350 for a single person household, and assets less than $25,000.
It provides grants of up to $4,000 for emergencies such as leaking roofs, plumbing repairs, water
heaters or code violations. Community Action Partners for Suburban Hennepin County (CAPSH)
currently administers this program for the City. This is an ongoing CDBG activity.
Low Income Single Family Deferred Loan Program - $70,000
This is the primary ongoing CDBG zero interest deferred rehab loan program targeted for homeowners
with annual income of 50% or less of the median area income based on family size ($30,350 for a
household of one, $43,300 for a household of 4) and assets less than $25,000. Families up to 80% of
AMI would have a 3% simple interest rate. The rehab focuses on improvements to bring homes into
code compliance and provide long-term maintenance free housing. The maximum loan amount is
$30,000 and is forgiven after 15 years. Repayment is required if homeowners sell the property before
the 15-year period expires.
This program is administered by Hennepin County Housing staff. There is currently a waiting list for
the low income single family deferred loan program so staff recommends an increase of $10,000 to this
project over 2015 funding levels. Continued funding, along with the program income realized from
repayment of previous CDBG deferred loans, should make it possible to serve three to five residents
depending on project scope.
Affordable Housing Land Trust – Homes Within Reach - $20,000
Homes within Reach is a program of West Hennepin Housing Land Trust that purchases homes
and sells them to low income homeowners. Buyers pay for the cost of the building only and lease
the land for 99 years. St. Louis Park funds are leveraged with Met Council and Hennepin County
HOME funds, and Homes within Reach administers this activity. Homes within Reach has
purchased thirteen homes in the city that have been sold to low income families.
St. Louis Park Housing Authority – Energy Efficient Window Replacement - $16,731
The SLP Housing Authority provides housing to low income residents that are typically below
50% median income. The HA owns and manages 37 scattered site homes throughout the city. The
HA has requested $16,731 to assist with replacing windows at scattered site homes. Each cabinet
replacement project is expected to cost between $7,000 and $12,000 depending on the size of the
home and number of windows. CDBG funds will be utilized to assist in window replacement at
two scattered site homes identified in the CFP.
CDBG funds were allocated for scattered site improvements from FY2015; however, after the
allocation was approved by council Hennepin County notified the city of a reduction of
approximately $20,000 and the funding for the Housing Authority was cut. If the final budget for
2016 results in a decrease we will reduce funding to the Housing Authority first.
Perspectives Louisiana Court Security Camera and Lighting - $20,000
Perspectives actively collaborates with the St Louis Park police department to promote safety in
Louisiana Court by the use of a surveillance system installed at their Supportive Housing Program
in 2012. At the suggestion of the Police Department, Perspectives proposes to expand the current
surveillance system to add 3 additional outdoor cameras to address viewing deficiencies identified
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 6) Page 4
Title: Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
over the last 4 years of use. The new cameras include 2 cameras to view the parking lots behind
2768 & 2765 Louisiana Court and 1 long distance and omni directional camera mounted on the
exterior of 2753 Louisiana Court to provide a view of road approaching the court as well as a 360
degree view of the court itself. In order to enhance evening footage, lighting will be installed in
the parking lot for 2765 Louisiana Court (currently exterior building lights only) and the existing
lighting fixtures for the parking lot at 2768 Louisiana Court will be replaced (currently non-
operational).
Perspectives supportive housing program is located in five apartment buildings at Louisiana Court.
This project will be for two of the buildings (2759 & 2765 Louisiana Court) utilized for their
Permanent Housing program. Perspectives provides comprehensive supportive housing for
homeless women and children. Women and children are the fastest growing homeless population
in Hennepin County and in the nation. CDBG funds will assist in financing this project.
Public Service – SLP Park and Rec. Programming at Meadowbrook Manor Parks - $7,500
The Park and Recreation Department provides park programming to children at the Meadowbrook
Manor Apartment Community. The $7,500 would provide an enhanced level of programming
and ensure affordable registration fees. The youth park programming has been funded with CDBG
funds since 2007. Meadowbrook Manor Park is CDBG eligible based on the poverty levels in
this neighborhood. If the current management changes at Meadowbrook somehow have an
impact on this program, the use of these dollars may need to be revisited.
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 6) Page 5
Title: Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 16 - ____
RESOLUTION APPROVING PROPOSED APPLICATION FOR 2016 URBAN
HENNEPIN COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
PROGRAM FUNDS AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF SUBRECIPIENT
AGREEMENT WITH URBAN HENNEPIN COUNTY AND ANY THIRD PARTY
AGREEMENTS
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park, through execution of a Joint Cooperation
Agreement with Hennepin County, is cooperating in the Urban Hennepin County Community
Development Block Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park has developed a proposal for the use of 2016 Urban
Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant funds; and
WHEREAS, the City held a public hearing on February 16, 2016 to obtain the views of
citizens on housing and community development needs and priorities and the City's proposed use
of $179,231 from the 2016 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of St. Louis Park approves the following projects
for funding from the 2016 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant
Program and authorizes submittal of the proposal to Urban Hennepin County/Consolidated Pool.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby authorizes and directs the
Mayor and its City Manager to execute the Subrecipient Agreement and any required Third Party
Agreement on behalf of the City to implement the 2016 Community Development Block Grant
Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that should the final amount of FY2016 CDBG available
to the city be different from the preliminary amount provided to the city, the City Council hereby
authorizes the city manager to adjust project budget(s) to reflect an increase or decrease in
funding.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council February 16, 2016
Thomas K. Harmening, City Manager Jake Spano, Mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk
Project Activity Allocation
Low Income Single Family Emergency Repair Program $45,000
Low Income Single Family Home Rehab Loan $70,000
Affordable Housing Land Trust – Homes within Reach $20,000
St. Louis Park Housing Authority – Windows for scattered sites $16,731
Perspectives – Security Cameras and Lighting $20,000
Public Service – Youth Park Programming at Meadowbrook Park $7,500
Total $179,231
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: PLACE Grant Application to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development
(TOD) Program
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required at this time. The purpose of this report is to
inform the City Council of an upcoming resolution of support for PLACE’s submission of a grant
application to the Hennepin County TOD program for development activities at 5725, 5925 &
5815 Highway 7.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the City Council support PLACE’s application for a
$1,000,000 TOD grant to fund development activities for its proposed project at the SE quadrant
of Hwy 7 & Wooddale Ave and near the proposed SWLRT Wooddale Station?
SUMMARY: Hennepin County has made funding available for development projects in
identified TOD areas. This funding can be used for a variety of activities including site acquisition,
public infrastructure, streets, utilities or site improvements.
The PLACE project concept was first introduced to the Council November 25, 2013, and most
recently in May, 2015 where it received favorable support. At that time, PLACE introduced the
concept of a mixed-use, mixed-income development that incorporated a number of renewable
energy sources. PLACE is currently completing pre-development activities under a grant from the
Met Council. In December 2015, the Met Council awarded the PLACE development a $2 million
LCDA-TOD grant for acquisition, stormwater and energy efficiency. To gather community input
PLACE has held four community meetings and attended the Elmwood neighborhood annual
meeting. PLACE has also met with numerous local agencies including Friends of the Arts,
Historical Society, and SEEDS.
The principal activities of this TOD Development grant include: stormwater improvements, site
acquisition, and fuel cells/E-Generation for anaerobic digestion.
Grant applications are due February 11, 2016 and require a resolution of support from the
governing body of the city where the project is to be located. Resolutions of support may be
submitted within 30 days of the application due date.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The grant request is for $1,000,000. There
is no local match requirement for TOD grants.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city
business.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Julie Grove, Economic Development Specialist
Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor/Deputy CD Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director and City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE:
SWLRT Updates
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time. Updates are provided to keep the City Council
informed as the SWLRT project moves forward.
SUMMARY:
Engineering Plans
The 90% engineering plans are completed and out for review. To view St. Louis Park plans, see
our “roll plots” at: http://www.stlouispark.org/swlrt-latest-news.html Staff has been requested to
provide comments to the Southwest Project Office (SPO) by February 12, 2016.
PLACES Art Initiative
The City has agreed to be a part of the PLACES Art Initiative that will conduct a process and
commission artwork in each city at an LRT station plaza (please see attached information).
Forecast Public Art, led by Jack Becker, will be leading a team of consultants to support the
PLACES committee. The County and cities have agreed to provide funding for this process. St.
Louis Park has agreed to contribute $5,000 toward this effort. The PLACES Committee is
initiating fund raising efforts to pay for the actual art.
Noise Wall
In the final environmental review, it was determined that a noise wall would be necessary to
mitigate noise impacts west of Wooddale Avenue. The SPO notified approximately 50 property
owners by letter on January 19, 2016. The affected properties are primarily in the Elmwood
neighborhood. A property owner requested a meeting with SPO and it will be held on February
18th. The noise wall will be below grade and will not be very visible. A map is attached.
Station Names
The Community Works Steering Committee discussed station names at its January meeting and
the Corridor Management Committee discussed it on February 3rd. The question for SLP is whether
to keep the names: Louisiana, Wooddale and Beltline or to add the “Avenue” or “Boulevard” to
the station name. St. Louis Park comments to date have been to keep the station names as they
have been, without the extensions, and Staff is preparing a letter to this regard.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: SWLRT PLACES Art Initiative
Noise Wall Notification Map
Prepared by: Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
P L A C E S
PUBLIC ART & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SOUTHWEST
PLACES is an initiative to facilitate public art along the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Corridor.
Public art creates places and historically it has been a vital part of our civic spaces and transit amenities
in the metro area.
The PLACES Vision
Tell the story, character, heritage and culture of communities along the Southwest Corridor through
art.
The PLACES Approach
Part 1: Art at LRT Station Plazas
• Commission a permanent artwork in each city at an LRT station plaza (off-platform) to celebrate
each city’s unique identity and create a prominent “meet me there…” destination
• Art to reflect the character, makeup and history of the area and be developed in collaboration with
artists, local residents and businesses
• Goal budget: $5 M
Part 2: Engagement and Collaboration with Artists
• Fund a program similar to Hopkins ArtStreet or the Irrigate model from Central Corridor LRT that
connects artists with businesses along the Southwest LRT Corridor
• Goal budget: $500 K
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 8)
Title: SWLRT Updates Page 2
How you can support PLACES
Join the PLACES Committee! The PLACES Committee is seeking members of the business community,
arts patrons and arts organizations to act as champions to support this important initiative. We are
looking for ambassadors with an understanding and appreciation for public art along the Southwest
Corridor.
PLACES Committee Members (as of 11/13/15)
Linda Higgins (co-chair), Hennepin County Commissioner
Nancy Tyra Lukens (co-chair), Eden Prairie Mayor
Andriana Abariotes, Twin Cities Local Initiative Support Corporation Executive Director
Molly Cummings, Hopkins Mayor-Elect
Jan Callison, Hennepin County Board Chair
Jennifer Munt, Metropolitan Councilmember
Larry Redmond, Redmond Associates
Sharon Sayles-Belton, Thompson Reuters Vice President
Terry Schneider, Minnetonka Mayor
Charlie Zelle, Jerome Foundation Chair & MN Department of Transportation Commissioner
Expert Public Art Support
Forecast Public Art, led by Jack Becker, will be leading a team of consultants to support the PLACES
committee. Since 1978, Forecast has been a Twin Cities-based, national leader in the area of public art
and place making. Forecast’s mission is to strengthen and advance the field of public art by expanding
participation, supporting artists, informing audiences and assisting communities. Additional staff
support from the cities of Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Hopkins, St Louis Park and Minneapolis combined
with Hennepin County, Metropolitan Council and other project partners will be provided.
For additional information, contact John Doan at john.doan@hennepin.us or 763-355-8746.
PLACES Committee
Co-Chairs (3)
Cities, County
& Met Council
Business
Community
Public Art
Consultant
Arts
Organizations
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 8)
Title: SWLRT Updates Page 3
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 8) Title: SWLRT UpdatesPage 4
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Vescio’s/Valu Stay Redevelopment Proposal
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required at this time. The purpose of this item is to
inform the city council of this redevelopment proposal. Staff thinks the concept plan should be
presented to the neighborhood and should proceed with additional design and formal applications.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Would the city council consider a Planned Unit Development
(PUD) application on this property that is less than two acres in size? Is the Council open to
considering a residential development density of more than 50 units per acre on this site?
SUMMARY: Sela Group recently acquired the Vescio Cucina and Valu Stay Inn sites at 4001
County Road 25 and 4025 Highway 7. The city has received a concept plan from Sela Group to
redevelop the property with a five-story, mixed-use building. The concept plan shows 14,500
square feet (69%) of the ground floor area as office/commercial use and 6,500 square feet of
apartment amenity and lobby space, 108 residential apartment units on the upper floors,
underground and surface parking, and outdoor ground-level amenity space.
The two sites combined total 1.574 acres. The resulting density of the development would be 68.6
units/acre. While this size of the site is below the two acres generally required for a PUD, city
council may approve PUDs on smaller sites and this location and development seem to be suitable
candidates. A PUD would be required to allow a density greater than 50 units per acre. The concept
plan displays high quality site and building design, efficient land use, and would contribute to a
walkable, transit-oriented environment near an existing bus line and two future LRT stations.
The majority of the ground floor would be commercial uses consistent with the commercial
designation and the concept plan proposes nearly the same commercial floor area as the existing
restaurant and motel buildings. The building height and density are very similar to the neighboring
Shoreham redevelopment. Unlike Shoreham, the development is all north of the existing alley and
does not change the development along 31st Street West.
Sela Group is seeking feedback from city council members on the concept plan and would like to
share the proposal with the surrounding neighborhood. Please contact city staff with any questions
or concerns.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Sela Group has not yet indicated whether
city financial assistance will be requested.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Site Location Map and Concept Drawings
Prepared by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Vescio’s RestaurantValu Stay Inn
Proposed Project Site
Current Design Direction:
• 5 levels housing over 2 below grade parking levels
• +/-100 Market rate units
• No retail preferred
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 9)
Title: Vescio's/Valu Stay Redevelopment Proposal Page 2
SELA GROUP - HIGHWAY 7 & GLENHURST MIXED USE Saint Louis Park, MNSite PlanJanuary 26, 2016Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 9) Title: Vescio's/Valu Stay Redevelopment ProposalPage 3
SELA GROUP - HIGHWAY 7 & GLENHURST MIXED USE Saint Louis Park, MNTypical Upper Floor PlanJanuary 26, 2016Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 9) Title: Vescio's/Valu Stay Redevelopment ProposalPage 4
SELA GROUP - HIGHWAY 7 & GLENHURST MIXED USE Saint Louis Park, MNGarage PlanJANUARY 26, 2016Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 9) Title: Vescio's/Valu Stay Redevelopment ProposalPage 5
SELA GROUP - HIGHWAY 7 & GLENHURST MIXED USE Saint Louis Park, MNRenderingJanuary 26, 2016Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 9) Title: Vescio's/Valu Stay Redevelopment ProposalPage 6
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: February 8, 2016
Written Report: 10
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None required. The purpose of this item is to inform the city
council of a recent request from Weidner Apartment Homes to change certain exterior materials
on the 4900 Excelsior development approved in December 2015 (former Bally’s site).
SUMMARY: Weidner acquired the proposed 4900 Excelsior development and land in December
2015. As Weidner becomes more familiar with the plans and project, Weidner contacted staff
regarding three potential changes to three exterior elements of the building. These include:
Change the brick color from a brown/orange color to a gray brick color.
Change from stone to a manufactured stone (Arriscraft Architectural Stone).
Change from decorative metal staircases to concrete staircases.
Brick color: The proposed change to a gray brick color is similar to earlier renderings of the project,
and similar to the brick color at Siena Apartments (former Eliot School site). This is a noticeable
change from the final approved plans. The approved brown/orange brick color approved by council
was included among a package of plan revisions to gain city council support for the development.
Stone substitution: The change from stone to manufactured stone may be the least noticeable of
the changes; however, it results in the west and north elevations of the building falling below the
minimum 60% class I material requirements. The manufactured stone could not be substituted for
the natural stone unless a change was made to the architectural design ordinance. Photographs of
the proposed material are attached. The honed, not textured, version of the block is proposed.
Staircases: Weidner feels concrete staircases would project a more residential and higher quality
image than the decorative metal. These staircases fall within drainage and utility easements.
Weidner would agree to remove and replace the staircases if needed for public use of the
easements. This would be more difficult and expensive than with metal staircases. Also, this
change would likely eliminate landscaping that was shown under the metal staircases.
Staff is still evaluating the requests and how we would handle these requested changes to the
approved plans. City council members may contact staff is they have any questions or concerns
regarding the proposal.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Proposed Materials Images
Previous Brick and Stairs Images
Prepared by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
4900 Excelsior - St. Louis Park, MN
2016-01-25 - Materials Meeting with City Planning
Perspective from Excelsior and Quentin - View to Northeast
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 2
4900 Excelsior - St. Louis Park, MN
2016-01-25 - Materials Meeting with City Planning
Examples of Arriscraft Architectural Stone
(VUE Building, Minneapolis)
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 3
4900 Excelsior - St. Louis Park, MN
2016-01-25 - Materials Meeting with City Planning
Examples of Arriscraft Architectural Stone
(Eitel Building, Minneapolis)
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 4
4900 Excelsior - St. Louis Park, MN
2016-01-25 - Materials Meeting with City Planning
Examples of Concrete Walk-up Entry Stairs
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 5
REVISIONS DATENo.
DATE
DRAWN BY
CHECKED BY
COMMISSION NO.
CERTIFICATION
License Number
2014 BKV Group, Inc. EOEC
I hereby certify that this plan, specification
or report was prepared by me or under my
direct supervision and that I am a duly
Licensed Professional under
the laws of the State of Minnesota.
08-25-2015
Date
1990.01
BH
BH
A006
4900 Excelsior
RENDERING
PUD SUBMITTAL
11-09-2015
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 6
4900 ExcElsior BoulEvard
07/07/2015
Walk-up Townhome Stairs and Landscaping
Landscaping at Walk-up Townhomes
Landscaping at Walk-up Townhomes
Proposed Walk-up Townhomes - View from Princeton Ave
Proposed Typical Walk-up Townhome - View from Princeton Ave
Study Session Meeting of February 8, 2016 (Item No. 10)
Title: 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment Page 7