HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/06/13 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
JUNE 13, 2016
5:30 p.m. CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION – Westwood Room
Discussion Items
1. 5:30 p.m. Attorney-Client Discussion on Pending Arbitration Hearing - Closed Pursuant
M.S. 13D.05
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Community Room
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – June 20 & 27, 2016
2. 6:35 p.m. Highway 7 Rehabilitation Project in Knollwood Area
3. 7:05 p.m. Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
4. 7:50 p.m. Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
8:20 p.m. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
8:25 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
5. Solid Waste Program Update
6. Update on Proposed Eliot Park TIF Revenue Note
7. Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design
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: Closed Executive Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Discussion Item: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Attorney-Client Discussion on Pending Arbitration Hearing - Closed Pursuant to M.S.
13D.05
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time.
SUMMARY: City Attorney Roger Knutson will meet with City Council and the City Manager
in a Closed Executive Session to discuss a pending arbitration hearing.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable at this time.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Discussion Item: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – June 20 and June 27, 2016
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for
the Special Study Session on June 20, 2016 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on June
27, 2016.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council agree with the agendas 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
the Special Study Session on June 20, 2016 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on June
27, 2016.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Tentative Agenda – June 20 and June 27, 2016
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – June 20 and June 27, 2016
JUNE 20, 2016
6:15 p.m. – Special Study Session (Community Room)
Tentative Discussion Items
1. 2017 Budget – Administrative Services (25 minutes)
Staff will provide Council with information and recommendations regarding the timeline and
guidelines on upcoming 2017 budgeting process. This discussion is to allow Council to
provide direction on how to proceed with 2017 budget preparation and to inform staff about
other information they may want to have during this process.
2. 2015 Financial Statements & Audit Review – Administrative Services (45 minutes)
The City Auditor will present the audit results and opinion issued on the 2015 financial
statements.
JUNE 27, 2016
6:30 p.m. – Study Session (Community Room)
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Council Chambers Remodel – Inspections (30 minutes)
Discussion regarding the extent of remodeling for the council chambers. Current CIP
funding allows for replacement finishes, furnishings, and technology. Police, IR, and the
Architect from the first floor/entrance project will discuss existing layout considerations and
possible changes to the orientation of the chambers.
3. Construction Noise Regulations – Inspections (20 minutes)
As directed by Council, staff will present information and look for direction regarding
complaints from residents living near residential projects which include excavation
equipment and trucks.
4. Public Process/Community Engagement – Information Resources (45 minutes)
Discuss the council’s expectations for and definition of a successful public process related to
projects and initiatives affecting residents/property owners.
5. Comprehensive Plan Update – Community Development (30 minutes)
Brief presentation to provide context and a progress report on preparations for undertaking
the Visioning portion of the Comprehensive Plan Update.
Written Reports
6. May 2016 Monthly Financial Report
7. SWLRT Design Committee Recommendation
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Discussion Item: 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Highway 7 Rehabilitation Project in Knollwood Area
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required. The purpose of this item is to allow MnDOT
to provide Council with an introduction to their proposal to rehabilitate Highway 7 and close the
access from west bound Highway 7 into Knollwood Mall.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: MnDOT desires feedback from the Council regarding the
proposed project.
SUMMARY: MnDOT has a project programmed for 2018 on Highway 7 from just east of I 494
to just west of Louisiana Avenue. This project is primarily a pavement preservation project. This
includes bituminous mill and overlay, ADA work, possible intersection revisions and 2 potential
access closures. These proposed access closures require municipal consent by the city within
which the access closures would occur.
The City of Hopkins is reviewing the request to close the right- in access just west of 5th.
St. Louis Park would need to approve the proposed closure of the west bound right- in just west of
Texas Ave into Knollwood Mall.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: This project is being developed and funded
by MnDOT. As plans are refined, there may be some associated cost participation from the City.
No formal request for City funding has been made at this time.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Crash Diagram for Highway 7 between Aquila and Texas
Prepared by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
2011-2015 Crash Data
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 2)
Title: Highway 7 Rehabilitation Project in Knollwood Area Page 2
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Discussion Item: 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. This report is a continuation of a several
month long process the Council has been going thru to update the City’s assessment policies. Staff
will bring back an overall/comprehensive Assessment Policy for City Council to consider later this
summer.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the City Council wish to change how we fund certain
improvement projects? Please inform staff of any question or concerns you might have regarding
this report.
SUMMARY: The City’s assessment policy was last updated in 2000; prior to that the policy was
updated more frequently. The following improvement areas are ones that have historically been
assessed in the City of St. Louis Park:
1. Paving, Curb and Gutter- Discussed on 11/9/15
2. Alley Paving- Discussed on 11/23/15
3. Sidewalks- Discussed on 1/19/16
4. Street lighting- Discussed on 1/19/16
5. Unimproved Street Maintenance- Discussed on 1/19/16
6. Administrative items: Discussed on 3/28/16
Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer Mains and Services
Watermain and Services
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Delinquent Charges (nuisances, tree removal, weed removal, curb / gutter repair and
responding to fire alarms)
7. Municipal Parking Lots- Discussed on 5/9/16
Since the last update in 2000, Council direction, improvement costs and infrastructure needs have
changed in a number of the areas covered by this policy. Staff from Assessing, Finance, Fire,
Inspections, Operations, and Engineering have been reviewing this policy and updating it so that
it is current and consistent with legal guidance.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The recommended assessment policy for the
various improvements will have funding implications. Information regarding financial impacts
are discussed in this report.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Information on Special Assessments
Financial Management Plan (Pavement Management Fund)
Franchise Fee Estimate
Prepared by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director
Reviewed by: Phillip Elkin, Sr. Engineering Project Manager; Steve Heintz, Finance
Supervisor; Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: Since November 2015, the City Council has provided direction on the use of
special assessments to fund a number of public improvements. In general, the City Council’s
direction for the public improvements discussed as a part of this policy was “If there is a public
purpose for the infrastructure, the City should fund construction.” What follows is a summary of
the proposed assessment policy for each of these areas:
1. Streets:
The City has 146 centerline miles of streets under our jurisdiction. These streets are broken
down into two categories, Municipal State Aid (MSA) and local streets. There are 37 miles of
MSA streets, 108 miles of improved local streets and 1 mile of unimproved streets in the City.
The 2000 assessment policy differentiated assessments based on land use and road type. The
policy discussed with Council in November 2015 resulted in the following guidance:
Residential Property: No assessments for any level of street construction.
All other land uses: Assess up to 50% of the reconstruction cost, including Engineering
and Administration for any level of street construction.
An improved street usually requires rehabilitation every 20-30 years. Rehabilitation
techniques such as mill and overlay or reclaim and overlay are used to maintain the pavement
condition.
Unimproved streets do not have curb and gutter, adequate base or asphalt, or proper drainage.
Therefore they require complete reconstruction. After they are improved, they can be
maintained by rehabilitation.
This need to rehabilitate streets is continuous, to meet this need the City implemented a
Pavement Management Program (PMP) in 2004. This eight-year cycle focuses on
maintenance and rehabilitation activities for improved residential local streets in one area of
the City every year. An eight-year cycle was chosen based on preventive maintenance research
which shows that roads, in good condition, should be sealcoated every 6-10 years. To
accomplish this, the City was divided into 8 areas of comparable size in terms of pavement
square footage. The areas were also divided along neighborhood boundaries in order to
facilitate communications and public process.
We are a little over halfway through the second cycle of the PMP. The City uses the proceeds
of franchise fees with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy to pay for local residential streets.
When there is utility infrastructure that requires replacement, franchise fees are supplemented
by Sewer and Water Utility Funds.
Based on the assessment policy direction provided last fall, staff has taken a look at the existing
PMP and updated the plan to incorporate all streets, improved and unimproved into our 10 year
Capital Improvement Plan.
In developing this plan, we took a look at the financial and process impacts of assessing a
portion of the project costs to property owners based on land use. We also took into
consideration the City Council’s general direction regarding assessments, “if there is a public
purpose for the infrastructure, the City should fund construction”
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
Financial considerations: A 10 year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was developed to meet
the street rehabilitation needs. Our funding sources for street rehabilitation projects are funded
using either MSA dollars, or Franchise Fees.
There are MSA dollars available to fund the MSA portion of the CIP without using
assessments.
On local roads, our average annual pavement rehabilitation cost is $2,400,000. We estimate
that an additional $670,000 is needed annually to proceed with incorporating all roads into our
PMP,for a total annual pavement rehabilitation cost of $3,070,000. With a policy of up to 50%
assessment to non-single family property owners, $335,000 (9.16%) would be specially
assessed.
Process impacts: Special assessments add a complexity to projects. The requirements to prove
benefit to property owner’s means that this funding mechanism is not guaranteed if the
proposed improvement does not demonstrably increase property values. Additional steps for
public hearings and collection of funds add administration time and process to each project.
Many of our street segments have a mix of land use. The state statute does allow the City to
develop a policy that differentiates between land uses. If we proceed with a policy to assess
all land uses except residential, this may raise questions from non-residential property owners.
Having a street system, in residential neighborhoods and in commercial areas, that is in good
condition benefits everyone in the City.
For these reasons, with less than 10% of the overall projects costs projected to be funded
through assessments, staff is recommending that we not use special assessments to fund out
local street rehabilitation projects in the City. Instead we propose that we adjust our Franchise
fees to adequately fund these projects.
Total cost: $3,070,000/ year
Assessment Policy: No Special Assessments
Funding source: Franchise Fees
2. Alleys:
There are 21.25 miles of alleys throughout the City. 16 miles of alleys have a concrete surface
and meet the minimum standard for an improved alley. 5.2 miles of these alleys are considered
unimproved according to City policy. Of the unimproved alleys, 2.36 miles are asphalt and
2.85 miles are gravel. Past policy was to assess the cost of alley improvements to the benefiting
properties. Based on Council direction last November, Staff has developed a plan that will
reconstruct these alleys over 10 years, between 2017 and 2026 utilizing no assessments. This
represents approximately one half mile a year.
Total cost: $2,853,000 ($285,000/ year)
Assessment Policy: No Special Assessments
Funding source: Franchise Fees
3. Sidewalks:
City Council supports active transportation, including Bikeway, Sidewalks and Trails. In the
interest of constructing a continuous network of sidewalks throughout the City as robust as our
street system, City Council has developed a Connect the Park! CIP. The projects currently
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
identified in Connect the Park have been factored into a longer term financial plan. The
information below relates to those projects not yet identified.
Total cost: Determined as new projects are identified.
Assessment Policy: No Special Assessments for sidewalks constructed by the City
Funding source: General Obligation Bonds/Property Tax Levy
4. Street lighting:
As requests for streetlights are received, consideration for installation will be given based on
public purpose. The main public purpose would be safety; aesthetics would not be considered
a public purpose.
Total cost: Determined as projects are identified.
Assessment Policy: No Special Assessments
Funding source: General Obligation Bonds/Property Tax Levy
5. Administrative Items:
Administrative items include:
Storm Sewer, Sanitary Sewer Mains and Services
Watermain and Services
Fire Sprinkler Systems
Delinquent Charges
Many of these areas are initiated through a petition from the property owner to assist with financing
of private improvements or the extension of a public utility line to serve a new development.
Others are set up in our ordinances as ways to recoup costs for unpaid bills or nuisance
abatement. There were no proposed changes to these items, so there is not a financial impact.
6. Municipal Parking Lots:
The city owns and operates 10 municipal parking lots. These lots are located throughout the
City and are not adjacent to City buildings. Their primary use is for park and ride or private
property parking. Annual and seasonal maintenance are performed by Operations. Staff has
developed a plan that will reconstruct these parking lots over 6 years, between 2017 and 2023.
Total cost: $1,016,364
Assessment Policy: Assess 100% of reconstruction cost, including engineering and
Administration to benefitting property owners.
Funding source: Special Assessments
In order to move forward with each project, the following process will be followed:
The City Council will order a Feasibility Report for each lot. This would happen the
year before proposed reconstruction.
Complete a parking study to determine which properties have customers or employees
that are using the lot.
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
Complete a land use review to determine parking ratios required by City Code.
Determine if the property has adequate private parking.
Using this information, determine the number of stalls to assign to each property use to
meet the City Code parking requirements.
Work with property owners surrounding the lots to discuss the projects and proposed
assessments.
Provide a recommendation to the City Council on the project. Recommendations may
include moving ahead with reconstruction or elimination of the parking lot.
If the lot is reconstructed, staff is exploring the process to assess property owners for annual
maintenance. More information on this will be provided to the Council with the final
Assessment Policy.
FUNDING: The two major changes in funding as a result of the recommended Assessment Policy
modifications are to use franchise fees to fund all local street and alley construction projects.
Attached is the 10 year Financial Management Plan for Pavement Management Funds. The
Council has historically considered franchise fee adjustments every other year and based on that
schedule 2017 and 2019 would be the years to consider adjusting the fees. In the long range
financial plan the current estimates reflect a $.75 increase per utility/per month for single family
home in 2017 and $.75 again in 2019 to fully fund the pavement management program. Beyond
2019, we have not programmed any changes but will review annually as part of the CIP process.
This plan reflects the 10 year CIP assuming no assessments.
Pavement Management Funds are also used to pay for city facility parking lot rehabilitation, street
sealcoating, bridge repair, and sidewalk repair/ replacement.
Information regarding proposed increase to the franchise fee to fund these improvements is
attached to this report. Finance will be at the City Council at the study session on Monday night
and will have information regarding how the proposed fees compare to franchise fees in other
metro area cities.
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Page 6
Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – Financial
INFORMATION ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
What are special assessments?
Special assessments are a charge imposed on properties for a particular improvement that benefits
the owners of those selected properties. The authority to use special assessments originates in the
state constitution which allows the state legislature to give cities and other governmental units the
authority “to levy and collect assessments for local improvements upon property benefited
thereby.” The legislature confers that authority to cities in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429. Court
decisions and attorney general opinions interpreting the statute add complexity to the issue.
To ensure full protection for property owners, state law and courts applying that law insist on strict
compliance with complex procedural requirements. Because these requirements have legal
implications, city councils should have the city attorney guide assessment proceedings. Special
assessments have three distinct characteristics:
They are a levy a city uses to finance, or partially finance, a particular public improvement
program.
The city levies the charge only against those particular parcels of property that receive
some special benefit from the program or service
The amount of the charge bears a direct relationship to the value of the benefits the property
receives.
What can special assessments pay for?
Special assessments have a number of important uses:
The most typical use is to pay for construction of new infrastructure, particularly when the
city is converting new tracts of land to urban or residential use. Special assessments
frequently pay for new streets; installing utility lines and constructing curbs, gutters, and
sidewalks.
Special assessments may partially underwrite the cost of major maintenance programs.
Cities often finance large scale repairs and maintenance operations on streets, sidewalks,
sewers, and similar facilities in part with special assessments.
The special benefit test
Special assessments reflect the influence of a specific local improvement on the value of selected
property. No matter what method the city uses to establish the amount of the assessment, the real
measure of benefit is the increase in the market value of the land because of the improvement.
Under the special benefit test, special assessments are presumptively valid if:
The land receives a special benefit from the improvement.
The assessment does not exceed the special benefit measured by the increase in market
value due to the improvement.
The assessment is uniform as applied to the same class of property, in the assessed area.
A special assessment that exceeds the special benefit is a taking of property without fair
compensation and violates both the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and
the Minnesota Constitution. Property assessed must enjoy a corresponding benefit from the local
improvement. This is a different concept than property tax valuation. The Minnesota Constitution
states: “The Legislature may authorize municipal corporations to levy and collect assessments for
local improvements upon property benefited thereby without regard to cash valuation.”
As the courts have made clear, the special benefit is the increase in market value of the land as a
result of the improvement.
Financial Management PlanPavement Management Fund - Funds expenditures are used for pavement rehabilitation within the City.2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026Actual Budgeted Proposed Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected Projected ProjectedRevenuesFranchise Fees2,245,935 2,315,777 2,373,671 2,433,013 2,493,839 2,556,185 2,620,089 2,685,591 2,752,731 2,821,549 2,892,088 2,964,390 Add'l Franchise Fees699,837 699,837 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 1,478,363 Interest Income7,785 30,588 32,783 3,226 (4,883) 2,917 3,605 519 7,589 6,963 6,498 17,571 Transfers In750,000 Total Revenues3,003,720$ 2,346,365$ 3,106,291$ 3,136,076$ 3,967,318$ 4,037,465$ 4,102,058$ 4,164,473$ 4,238,683$ 4,306,876$ 4,376,950$ 4,460,324$ ExpendituresServices & Other Charges37,504 37,504 38,629 39,788 40,982 42,211 43,477 44,782 46,125 47,509 48,934 50,402 Capital Outlay (Mod Approach) 2,013,401 2,162,500 5,038,166 3,636,865 3,406,303 3,949,380 4,264,361 3,648,350 4,234,269 4,290,350 3,589,850 3,932,350 Total Expenditures2,050,905$ 2,200,004$ 5,076,795$ 3,676,653$ 3,447,285$ 3,991,591$ 4,307,838$ 3,693,132$ 4,280,394$ 4,337,859$ 3,638,784$ 3,982,752$ Incr/(Decr) in Fund Balance952,815$ 146,361$ (1,970,504)$ (540,577)$ 520,034$ 45,874$ (205,781)$ 471,341$ (41,711)$ (30,983)$ 738,165$ 477,572$ Fund Balance - Beginning 1,086,362$ 2,039,177$ 2,185,538$ 215,034$ (325,543)$ 194,490$ 240,364$ 34,583$ 505,925$ 464,214$ 433,230$ 1,171,396$ Fund Balance - Ending2,039,177$ 2,185,538$ 215,034$ (325,543)$ 194,490$ 240,364$ 34,583$ 505,925$ 464,214$ 433,230$ 1,171,396$ 1,648,968$ Fund Balance Percentage92.69% 43.05% 5.85% -9.44% 4.87% 5.58% 0.94% 11.82% 10.70% 11.91% 29.41% 46.42%Cash Available at Year End 2,039,177$ 2,185,538$ 215,034$ (325,543)$ 194,490$ 240,364$ 34,583$ 505,925$ 464,214$ 433,230$ 1,171,396$ 1,648,968$ Cash Available Percentage92.69% 43.05% 5.85%-9.44% 4.87% 5.58% 0.94% 11.82% 10.70% 11.91% 29.41% 46.42%*Adjusted for 2.5% growth factor in existing franchise fee basePage 15Updated 6/8/2016City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – FinancialPage 7
City of St Louis Park, MinnesotaFranchise Fee EstimateVariable Increases Proposed for 2017 & 2019Xcel - ElectricCUSTOMER CLASSAVERAGE MONTHLY CUSTOMER COUNTESTIMATED ANNUAL FRANCHISE FEE REVENUES CURRENT MONTHLY FLAT FEE2017 New Fee Proposal2017 New Revenue Estimate2019 New Fee Proposal2019 New Revenue EstimateResidential*22,242 $867,438 $3.25 $4.00$1,067,616 $4.75$1,267,794Small C&I – Non-Demand*1,350 $105,300 $6.50 $8.50$137,700 $11.00$178,200Small C&I – Demand699 $251,640 $30.00 $45.00$377,460 $65.00$545,220Large C&I 149 $187,740 $105.00 $145.00$259,260 $180.00$321,840Public Street Lighting75 $0$0Municipal Pumping – Non-Demand21 $1,518 $6.00 $8.50$2,151 $10.00$2,530Municipal Pumping – Demand18 $6,480 $30.00 $45.00$9,720 $60.00$12,960Total24,554 $1,420,116$1,853,907$2,328,544Net Increase$433,791$474,638CenterPoint - Heating GasCUSTOMER CLASSAVERAGE MONTHLY CUSTOMER COUNTESTIMATED ANNUAL FRANCHISE FEE REVENUES CURRENT MONTHLY FLAT FEE2017 New Fee Proposal2017 New Revenue Estimate2019 New Fee Proposal2019 New Revenue EstimateResidential16,382 $638,898 $3.25 $4.00$786,336 $4.75$933,774Commercial B407 $31,746 $6.50 $8.50$41,514 $11.00$53,724Commercial C519 $186,840 $30.00 $45.00$280,260 $65.00$404,820SVDF A & B75 $27,000 $30.00 $45.00$40,500 $65.00$58,500LVDF4 $5,040 $105.00 $145.00$6,960 $180.00$8,640Total17,387 $889,524$1,155,570$1,459,458Net Increase$266,046$303,888Total$699,837$778,526Grand Total Increase for 2017 & 2019$1,478,3626/8/2016City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 3) Title: Assessment Policy Discussion (Continued) – FinancialPage 8
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Discussion Item: 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Some time ago the Council directed that this topic be put on a
future study session agenda. At that time the ward councilmember indicated an interest in the site
being developed with single family homes. This report is intended to facilitate the Councils
discussion on the future use of this site.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: How should this site be used in the future?
SUMMARY: The former Holiday Station at 5430 Minnetonka Blvd was acquired for the
Highway 100 project by MnDOT. Currently, it is being used by MnDOT for highway construction
staging. Holiday was approximately .9 of an acre in size, and if declared as excess property by
MnDOT, it would likely be somewhat smaller in size. Some of the right-of-way from the former
Highway 100 exit ramp to the north could possibly be used for redevelopment or access to the
property.
The site has been used as a gas station since at least 1958. In 1994 the gasoline pumps and canopy
were reconstructed, and in 2006 Holiday constructed a new convenience store building and
dramatically improved the site with new pavement, parking and landscaping. Holiday used some
MNDOT property for parking and was aware of the pending highway reconstruction.
The property is guided in the Comp Plan as Commercial and Zoned C-2
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Former Holiday Station Aerial
Prepared by: Meg McMonigal, Principal Planning
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND:
Current Use
The former Holiday Station at 5430 Minnetonka Blvd has been closed for some time. Holiday
operated a convenience store, gas station and car wash on the site. The property was acquired by
MnDOT for the Highway 100 project, and is now being used for construction staging.
The site is bounded by Vernon Avenue on the west, the former exit ramp from Highway 100 on
the north, Highway 100 on the east, and Minnetonka Blvd on the south. It is a relatively level site,
with very little vegetation other than some landscaping. Currently, the convenience store and car
wash buildings are still on the site and being used by MnDOT. The site is under an acre in size
(.87 of an acre).
Driveway accesses to Minnetonka Blvd have been closed since MnDOT acquired the property,
and the trail has been extended along the edge of the site. It is expected MnDOT will use the site
for at least another year, and will demolish the buildings when it does not need the site anymore.
MnDOT may want to dispose of a portion of the property in the future, as it has done with other
excess r-o-w. This process will take some time to determine how much could be sold, separating
a parcel from the r-o-w, and to go through the process of selling it. It is unclear how much of the
site would be available for redevelopment in the future, however it is expected it would likely be
somewhat smaller than the original Holiday site. To the north of the site is the r-o-w of the former
Highway 100 exit ramp; some of this property could theoretically be used for redevelopment as
well, or as access to development on the site. Access to any redevelopment would have to be from
Vernon Avenue, on the north side of the site.
Overall, the timeline for this re-use of this site is expected to be 2-3 years out.
Former Use
The site of the former Holiday Station at 5430 Minnetonka Boulevard was a gas station since at
least 1958. In 1994 the gasoline pumps and canopy were reconstructed, and in 2006 Holiday
constructed a new convenience store building and dramatically improved the site with new
pavement, parking and landscaping. Holiday used some MNDOT property for parking and was
aware of the pending highway reconstruction.
Comprehensive Plan Land Use Guidance for the Property
The City’s Comprehensive Plan guides the land use on this property for Commercial, which is
described as follows:
IV. C - Commercial
The Commercial land use category is intended to accommodate a wide range and scale of
commercial uses, such as retail, service, entertainment, and office. Commercial uses can range
from small neighborhood convenience nodes, to community retail areas along major roadways,
to large shopping centers, to auto-related commercial uses along freeways. Residential uses are
also appropriate as part of a mixed-use commercial development, with a net residential density
range of 20 to 50 units per acre allowed.
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
Zoning and Allowed Uses
The property is zoned C-2 in Zoning Ordinance. The purposes of the C-2 general commercial
district are to:
Allow the concentration of general commercial development for convenience of the public
and mutually beneficial relationship to each other in those areas located away from
residential areas designated by the comprehensive plan;
Provide space for community facilities and institutions that appropriately may be located
in commercial areas;
Provide adequate space to meet the needs of modern commercial development, including
off-street parking and truck loading areas;
Minimize traffic congestion; and
Carefully regulate the intensity of commercial development as it refers to both internal site
factors and external impacts.
Uses allowed under this category include a wide variety of retail, offices, restaurants, shopping
centers, motor vehicle uses and some residential uses.
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
Surrounding Land Uses
This site is a typical commercial site; it is located at the crossroads of a highway and two collector
streets, at the edge of single family neighborhoods. Two of the three other corners on the
intersection are commercially used as well.
Commercial uses at this intersection include a gas station, a coffee shop, a small office building, a
flower shop, and a take-out pizza place.
Commercial Corridors Market Analysis
In 2010 the City hired McComb Group, Ltd. To conduct a “Commercial Corridor Market
Analysis” for several sites located in commercial nodes and corridors around the city. The
Minnetonka Blvd and TH 100 Commercial Corridor was one of the areas analyzed. Retail stores
in this area were shown to have a high level of convenience. The relatively small amount of
available retail and commercial space in the area makes it viable for continued retail on this site;
the area would support reuse of the site for retail or commercial business.
Neighborhood Plan
During the “Plan by Neighborhood” neighborhood engagement process as a part of the 2009
Comprehensive Plan update, many comments were made about the local commercial area. Input
was focused on enhancing the types of neighborhood businesses, such as those oriented to
community gathering, (café, coffee shop, bookstore, etc.,) restaurants, grocery stores, a health
fitness center and supporting small businesses. Comments were also made about the future of the
Holiday store, with citizens noting it was very much a convenience grocery for the area, and they
did not want to see it close. Since that time, city staff has received many calls about it as well,
with people inquiring if it will open again or if another convenience store could replace it.
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Title: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)
Land Use Change
Changes to the land use designation for this site would require:
1. Acquiring the land from MnDOT
2. A Comprehensive Plan Land Use Amendment
3. Zoning Amendment
4. Platting of the property and vacating of any easements
Item 1, as noted above, would not occur until MnDOT is finished with the TH 100 project and was
ready to sell it. It is expected the process would not begin for at least another year or so. Items 2-
4 require a public hearing before the Planning Commission and action by the City Council. A
typical development project takes anywhere from 6-18 months from concept to final approvals.
This results in a timeframe of at least 2-3 years, as noted above.
Single Family Use
Given that a suggestion was made that the property should be used for single family homes, staff
undertook a quick assessment of how many homes could be accommodated. It appears (without
a survey or other detailed analysis) that at most three homes could be built on the remaining
property. Access would probably have to be from the north side of the site, via a shared driveway
or improved public street along the north side. Unlike the commercial corridor market study
mentioned earlier, there has been no analysis on the market viability of single family homes for
this site.
NEXT STEPS: If it is the City Council’s direction that the subject property’s current land use
(Commercial) and zoning (C-2) should remain unchanged, then there is no need for the Council to
take further action. If the Council would like to pursue single family homes or other non-
commercial uses on this property, Staff can take such action up during the City’s Comprehensive
Plan update over the next two years.
Former Holiday Gas Station, Convenience Store and Car Wash
5430 Minnetonka Blvd
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 4)
Title: Reuse of Former Holiday Station Property (Hwy 100/Minnetonka Blvd.)Page 6
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Written Report: 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Solid Waste Program Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update
on the Recycling, Organics Recycling, and other Solid Waste Program activities.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time. Does Council have any questions related to
Solid Waste activities outlined in this report?
SUMMARY: This report includes updates on the Organics Recycling Program, the Zero Waste
Packaging Ordinance, Parks Recycling Grant Project, and suggested timeline for discussing the
draft Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance. Details and additional Solid Waste Program updates are
provided in the Discussion section of the report.
Organics Recycling Program – The city is working to increase the overall recycling rate by
diverting organic material from the waste stream. The program began in October 2013 and
participation has slowly and steadily increased with continued education. A new incentive is
currently underway using Hennepin County SCORE Funds.
Zero Waste Packaging (ZWP) – The ZWP ordinance goes into effect January 1, 2017. Staff is
currently working with businesses to educate them and connect them with product suppliers.
Parks Recycling Grant – One of the city goals is to increase recycling in our Parks. To help make
this happen, staff applied for and received a $15,190 grant from Hennepin County to purchase
recycling carts for the city’s parks.
Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) – Staff is aware of Council’s desire to continue discussion on the
draft BYOB Ordinance, previously discussed in 2015. Staff has created a proposed timeline for
future discussion.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
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: Kala Fisher, Solid Waste Program Coordinator
Reviewed by: Scott Merkley, Public Works Services Manager
Cindy S. Walsh, Director of Operations & Recreation
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Solid Waste Program Update
DISCUSSION
Organics Recycling Update
The Organics Recycling program accepts food scraps, food soiled paper, and non-recyclable paper
such as: pizza delivery boxes, napkins, paper towels, facial tissues, paper egg cartons, and certified
compostable cups, plates, bowls and containers. This organic material is then bagged in certified
compostable bags by residents and collected by Advanced Disposal in city owned brown-lidded
organics carts. Residents have the added benefit of placing yard waste inside the same cart for
collection. The program is an opt-in program, where residents sign-up to receive service and pay
a fee of $10 per quarter. The chart below shows the gradual increase in Organics Recycling
participation since the program became available in October 2013. The current participation rate
is 14%.
New Incentive to Residents
The city is using the awarded SCORE funds (Select Committee On Recycling and the
Environment) to offer an incentive to residents to join the Organics Recycling Program. SCORE
was established by Governor Perpich to provide a funding source for solid waste programs
throughout Minnesota. SCORE funds are derived from a 6.5% tax on garbage collection and
disposal fees from Hennepin County.
In 2016, Hennepin County made available an additional $406,882 in SCORE funds to help cities
support curbside organics recycling. Cities with existing organics recycling programs were
required to submit a short application, with number of households participating and a brief
description of how funds may be used to support the program. Hennepin County received
applications from 13 cities, including St. Louis Park. The award amount for the city was $38,065.
This incentive provides new customers with two free quarters of organics recycling service (a $20
value) after signing up. Existing customers receive one free quarter (a $10 value) for each new
customer they refer who signs up and mentions their name. The incentive began May 1, 2016, and
is offered to the first 1,000 new organics customers that sign-up for service. As of June 6, 2016,
the incentive has been given to 130 new organics customers. The incentive will continue to be
promoted until the goal is met.
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
Organics Recycling Participation
Total Participation
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Solid Waste Program Update
Tour of Composting Facility
An educational tour of Specialized Environmental Technologies (SET) commercial composting
facility, where the city’s organic material is processed, is being offered to organics customers in
June. This will be an opportunity for residents to see what happens to the city’s organics and yard
waste. Another tour will be scheduled in September for the business community affected by the
Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance. Both tours will have an emphasis on the importance of
composting organic material and reducing contamination at home and at businesses.
Compostable Bag Pick-up at City Hall
Residents will now have two options for picking up their compostable bags. While previously only
available at the Municipal Service Center front desk, compostable bags provided through the
Organics Recycling program are now also available for pick-up at City Hall first floor service desk
from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Zero Waste Packaging Update
The Zero Waste Packaging (ZWP) Fair held on May 17 at the Beth El Synagogue was a success.
While attendance from the business community was lower than hoped, those who came found a
lot of useful resources. A welcome was given by Council Member Brausen, followed by
presentations by city staff on ordinance requirements, Hennepin County staff regarding grant
funding and free resources available to businesses, SET/The Mulch Store (the city’s composting
facility) on the composting process and how non-compostable materials can contaminate finished
compost, DemCon (recycling facility) on recyclability issues, and Chipotle shared their process of
switching to compostable packaging and plans for collecting organic materials in the front of the
store. Twenty-five food and beverage packaging vendors were present and displayed a wide array
of compliant packaging options.
The city’s ZWP webpage www.slpmn.us/zerowastepackaging is regularly updated to include more
information. A “supplier list” has been added include all of the packaging fair vendors, as well as
others, as an easy way for businesses to procure compliant packaging.
The next outreach effort will be business “cluster” meetings in late July and the first half of August.
Impacted businesses have been grouped together in geographic areas and meetings will be held
out in the community, in hopes of providing education to those businesses who were not able to
attend the packaging fair. Staff is coordinating ten meetings that will bring together restaurants,
hotels, grocery stores, and convenience stores, as well as separate meetings for schools/daycare
centers and senior living facilities.
Parks Recycling Grant Update
Staff applied for and the city was awarded $15,190 in incentive funds from the Hennepin County
Board to purchase, install, and service over 100 new recycling carts (similar to what is used in the
residential program) in the city’s park system during the 2016 season. All recycling carts are blue
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: Solid Waste Program Update
and have educational labels with color pictures to show acceptable recyclable material. Carts were
added to 41 parks that previously didn’t have recycling options available. Increasing the number
of parks with recycling should at least double the amount of recyclables collected in public spaces
within the city. The recycling carts were assembled, stickered, and delivered to designated park
locations by the Parks Maintenance Division. Data will be collected over the course of the spring
through fall months to measure the success of the project. Parks recycling is promoted at events,
including Parktacular, through the city’s online and print publications, and neighborhood associations.
See more information below in “Recycling & Organics Recycling at Community Events”.
Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance
Based on Council direction, staff will bring the draft Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance (BYOB)
back to Council in July to discuss goals, unresolved ordinance items, and next steps. Should the
Council want to proceed with implementing an ordinance, we have created a suggested timeline
for the ordinance below.
1. July 25, 2016 Study Session Discussion – Direction from Council on how to proceed
2. October 2016 Study Session Discussion – Update on research and data collection
3. December 2016/January 2017 Study Session Report – Updated Draft Ordinance
4. January 2017 Council Listening Session
5. March 2017 Public Hearing – Ordinance Adoption
6. July 1, 2018 – Ordinance Effective Date
The suggested timeline allows time for research needed to finalize the draft ordinance, collection
of baseline program monitoring data, to hold a public listening session, and for education and
outreach prior to the ordinance actually being in effect.
Other Program Updates
Solid Waste Ordinance:
Chapter 22 of the city code covers the solid waste management of the city, including garbage and
recycling collection, multi-family recycling, and backyard composting. The ordinance needs to be
updated to reflect current solid waste program and industry standards and terminology. Staff will
be developing a timeline to complete the ordinance revision.
Organics Recycling at Middle School
St. Louis Park School District 283 recently submitted a grant application to the Hennepin County
School Recycling Program with the help of Public Works staff. The grant would improve existing
Study Session Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: Solid Waste Program Update
recycling throughout the districts’ schools and implement a new organics recycling program at the
middle school. The middle school is the only district school without organics recycling.
Recycling and Organics Recycling at Community Events
Events tend to generate large amount of trash, and keeping recycling and organics free of
contamination is a particular struggle. Planning, proper containers and signage, as well as
volunteers, can be keys to a successful event recycling program. With new recycling carts in the
parks, event attendees will see the same blue carts and signage at many community events. In
addition, city staff are helping with some events, such as Parktacular, to recruit volunteers to help
guests at recycling/discard stations properly sort materials.
In 2017, these events will need to be in compliance with the Zero Waste Packaging ordinance as
well, which will help with increasing event recycling. Staff are communicating with event
organizers and food vendors about the ordinance to let them know early on about the requirements.
Commercial and Multi-Family Recycling
The state commercial recycling law went into effect on January 1, 2016. While the city does not
have a direct role in the implementation of this law, it is complimentary to the city’s Zero Waste
Packaging ordinance, which includes a collection component for recycling and/or organics as
appropriate. City staff will continue to include information about the state recycling law when
doing education and outreach on the Zero Waste Packaging ordinance requirements.
A number of recommendations for increasing recycling in multifamily buildings were presented
by staff to Council at a Study Session on June 23, 2014. With the Zero Waste Packaging and Bring
Your Own Bag ordinances, further work in this area was put on hold. With the addition of new
staff, there will be a renewed focus on multifamily recycling in the coming months.
With articles in the Park Perspective and information at events, city staff have received a number
of inquiries from residents in multifamily buildings who are interested in having access to organics
recycling. Currently, the only option available to them is the Hennepin County drop-off facility in
Brooklyn Park. While staff does not have any specific proposals at this time, we are beginning to
brainstorm potential ideas to serve this significant portion of the population who currently have
very limited access to organics recycling.
2018-2023 Residential Collection Contracts
The city currently holds contracts with Waste Management for garbage and recycling collection,
and Advanced Disposal for organics recycling and yard waste collection. Both contracts expire on
September 30, 2018. Staff has already begun reviewing the contracts for improvements and will
prepare Request for Proposals in 2017, with Council’s input.
Construction & Demolition Recycling Pilot Project
Staff is looking at ways to reuse / recycle building materials from demolition projects in the city,
and prevent the buildings from just being knocked down and hauled to a landfill. Recently
Hennepin County “deconstructed” 10+ houses in Richfield. Deconstruction is essentially
disassembling a building in a reverse order from the original construction, with the goal is to
preserve all reusable material, recycle most of the remaining materials, and remove foundations
and clear the lot of the next use. In the near future Public Works staff will be meeting with county
representatives to better understand the process and related costs. Next we intend to work with
Community Development and Building Inspection staff to schedule several pilot deconstruction
projects in the city.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Written Report: 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Update on Proposed Eliot Park TIF Revenue Note
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the EDA consent that the conditions required for the
issuance of the proposed TIF Revenue Note to Cedar Lake Rd Apartments, LLC related to the
Eliot Park Apartments have been met?
SUMMARY: The EDA and City entered into a Contract for Private Redevelopment with Cedar
Lake Road Apartments, LLC on July 1, 2014 related to the redevelopment of 6800 & 6720 Cedar
Lake Road (former Eliot School property) and the construction of the Eliot Park Apartments
(now Siena Apartments). Under the Contract, the Redeveloper agreed to construct two apartment
buildings with 138 market rate units between them as well as two single family houses. In order
to make the project financially feasible, the EDA agreed in the Contract to reimburse the
Redeveloper up to $1,100,000 from tax increment generated by the project for qualified costs it
incurred related to environmental remediation, building demolition, site preparation and
underground structured parking (the “Public Redevelopment Costs”) associated with the
redevelopment of the former school property.
Tax increment generated from the related Eliot Park TIF District would be payable to
Redeveloper according to the terms expressed in a single tax increment revenue note (the
“Note”). The Contract states that the TIF Note would be issued when the Redeveloper had
submitted to the EDA, and the EDA certified, that the required Public Redevelopment Costs
were actually incurred by the Redeveloper. The apartment project was completed in November
2015. Staff and EDA legal counsel recently reviewed the Public Redevelopment Costs submitted
by Cedar Lake Rd Apartments, LLC and verified that the Redeveloper incurred more than
sufficient certified Public Redevelopment Costs within the project to warrant the issuance of the
Note. Given that the Redeveloper has met the required conditions under the Contract for issuance
of the Note, the EDA is being asked to formally approve the TIF Revenue Note. Such approval is
tentatively scheduled for consideration on June 20th.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Issuance of the TIF Revenue Note to Cedar
Lake Rd Apartments, LLC will not require any cash payments from the EDA or City. All costs
associated with issuance of the Note (Kennedy & Graven and Ehlers) are paid from gross
proceeds of the tax increment generated by the Eliot Park TIF District.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director and City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: June 13, 2016
Written Report: 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. The purpose of this report is to update the
City Council of the process for developing a name and a logo for the outdoor recreation facility at
The Rec Center campus.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time.
SUMMARY: In response to a request for proposal, the city has hired St. Louis Park-based
advertising agency Nemer Fieger to develop a name and a logo for the new outdoor recreation
facility. In cooperation with city staff, Nemer Fieger will undertake a collaborative effort with key
stakeholders and community members to develop a name for the new facility. Additionally, Nemer
Fieger will develop a logo that will encompass The Rec Center, Aquatic Center and outdoor
recreation facility. This logo will replace those currently used by The Rec and Aquatic centers.
This process will be used as a way to build community awareness and support for the new outdoor
recreation facility. Nemer Fieger will conduct an in-person focus group with a select group of
stakeholders and community members who represent a wide variety of interests in the city. Nemer
Fieger will then develop a set of potential names that capture, describe and brand the new facility.
Once the name is determined, the agency creative team will undertake logo development, which
will fit within the current St. Louis Park brand. Logo options will be presented with three rounds
of revisions provided to the selected logo. Deliverables include a logo style guide and electronic
files for print and digital needs. Nemer Fieger has been asked to complete work by September 1,
2016, in order to meet marketing deadlines for the outdoor recreation facility, which will open in
January, 2017.
As part of its proposal, Nemer Fieger can also provide marketing services for launching the new
facility. City staff are not currently moving ahead with this portion of the proposal. However, it
may be required later due to demands on communications staff time and resources.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Total agency fee for account service,
research, name, logo and file delivery is $23,400, funded by the city’s communications budget.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Nemer Fieger Proposal
Timeline
Prepared by: Jacque Larson, Communications and Marketing Manager
Reviewed by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Cindy Walsh, Operations and Recreation Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
WITHOUT A SENSE
OF CARING, THERE
CAN BE NO SENSE
OF COMMUNITY.
-ANTHONY J. D’ANGELO
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK PROPSAL
2016
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 2
INTRODUCTION
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 3
NEMER FIEGER
~ request for proposal ~
Nemer Fieger is a mid-size, full-service advertising agency with 28 experts
providing our clients with a full suite of flexible and responsive services.
We are proud to have been based in St. Louis Park on Excelsior Boulevard since 1985.
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 4
5819575541662502519028$36M+410+
4 communications
disciplines working
seamlessly as 1.
28 full-time staffers,
1 handful of interns.
Media Planning and Buying
team has more than 90 years
of combined experience.
Award-winning Media
Buying team –
annually planning
and buying $36MM+.
22 of our valued clients have
been with us for 10+ years.
Over 58 years young,
founded in 1957.
6250 Excelsior Blvd, 55416 is our home.
22
Annual representation
on Minneapolis/St. Paul
Business Journal’s
list of Top 25
Public Relations firms.
NEMER FIEGER BY THE NUMBERS
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 5
THE COMPANY WE KEEP
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 6
ABOUT US
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 7
NEMER FIEGER
~ in our community ~
One of our company’s core values is giving back to our community, and our volunteer roots run deep
in St. Louis Park. As an agency we dedicate one day per calendar quarter to volunteer at a local non-profit,
and many of those hours have been dedicated to Perspectives Inc. and Matter.
Nemer Fieger is eager to partner with the City of St. Louis Park. We have worked with several cities including Edina,
St. Paul, Minneapolis, Farmington and others. Additionally, we have done business with a variety of local Chambers
of Commerce, professional and college athletic teams, and recreational organizations including Courage Center
Sports and Rec, University of Minnesota Gopher Athletics, Minnesota Twins, and the Harlem Globetrotters.
We excel at forging and creating identities for brands. Putting our team to work for the City of St. Louis Park
to drive the effort of naming, branding, and introducing the new, multi-use outdoor recreational facility on the
campus of The Rec Center will be a great challenge with long-lasting impact.
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 8
NEMER FIEGER
~ naming experience ~
Clients have looked to us for a variety of naming solutions, including event and product names. Examples of event
names we have created include Smoothie Smackdown, Chili Cook-Off, Midtown Global Music Festival among
others for the Midtown Global Market.
Our office serves as a testing site for local Subway Restaurant markets to create sandwich builds, taste testing,
product naming and the creation of campaigns for a variety of food products including:
Rotisserie-Style Chicken and Savory Herb Blend.
We have also partnered with clients on creating and naming cause marketing efforts such as the Subway Bedrace
for Bridging, now in its 20th year.
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 9
NEMER FIEGER
~ collaborative approach ~
Nemer Fieger gathers competitive and collaborative information, hosting focus groups and/or listening sessions.
Upon compilation of all of this input, we create a short list of recommendations along with the rationale behind
the recommended names. We partner with a variety of boards, franchise groups, and corporate brand
representatives to agree on strategies that work for the designated market.
Knowing that the group of influencers and stakeholders for this project is broad, our account service team will bring
groups together to collaborate on a central theme and vision, creating excitement and building consensus.
The Nemer Fieger team will ensure that our naming solutions:
• Reflect the status of a multi-use recreation asset
• Resonate with stakeholders
• Be recognizable to visitors/potential users from outside St. Louis Park
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 10
NEMER FIEGER
~ logo design ~
Before we begin the design process, we need to gather input and involve city staff and stakeholders in
brainstorming and ideation exercises. All of that information would then go into a Communications Strategy
Outline format. This process generally takes 2-3 weeks, depending on the availability of the invitees.
The timeline for design concepts will be 3-4 weeks. During this time period, our creative team uses our
Communications Strategy Outline as a guide for creation and development of the logo. The logo will need to
adhere to the City’s brand style guide, as well as demonstrate cohesiveness with existing city marks and logos.
The deliverables for the logo design will include a thorough exploratory of city and brand requirements. Concepts
will be created from the approved naming exploratory and presented for final approval. A logo style guideline will
be developed for logo application and color, as well as providing all necessary digital files for print and online use.
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 11
NEMER FIEGER
~ logo design ~
Here is a collection of before and after logo examples that Nemer Fieger
has designed or refreshed on behalf of our clients:
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
(Previous Logo)
Apple Autos
The challenge: develop a contemporary new look for the Apple
Autos group of dealerships that transitions the brand from a dated
look and captures the business’ energy and motion, while still
offering the equity of their apple-like appearance.
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 12
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
(Previous Logo)
CEAP: Community Emergency Assistance Program
The previous logo did not convey the important breadth of services
to support the tagline “Growing a Stronger Community.” The new
logo was built on the concept of human growth and the services
that touch the community. The hand as a tree, deeply rooted in the
community, and the six leaves symbolize the vision and purpose of
the organization.
(Previous Logo)
Giants Ridge
The client requested that their current logo be refreshed to portray
the area as a more contemporary and progressive destination.
The positive result was a more timeless font for the name and a
brighter color palette for the illustration.
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 13
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
Ispíri
This high-end design, build and remodel firm also wanted to
refresh its logo, prior to its new website launching (also designed
by Nemer Fieger). The new logo is more contemporary and elegant
with adjustments made in color, spacing and the relationship with
their service description below.
Explore Edina
This new tourism organization was initiated just two years ago.
They needed an identity that didn’t go far afield from Edina’s existing
marks. The new logo fit into the city’s current color palette and
created a look that is fresh and inviting.
DESIGN • BUILD • RENOVAT E
(Previous Logo)
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 14
MARKETING &
COMMUNICATIONS
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 15
NEMER FIEGER
~ marketing and communications plan ~
We will develop a marketing and communication plan that will guide the launch and branding of the new facility,
including ideas for the grand opening event for the facility. Our plan will be approved by city staff by the end of the
project period in late July. (To give you a sense of our communication style, attached is a plan we created for the
City of Farmington’s Economic Development effort.)
Where communication is the concern, telling the story to reporters, editors, neighborhood leaders, and other influencers,
i.e. starting conversations, is Nemer Fieger’s core talent. Our public relations team works with newsrooms, bloggers and
influencers daily to help build attendance, reputation, and drive sales on behalf of more than 75 clients each year.
Positioning St. Louis Park’s new location as the first option when our target audiences make their plans will be job #1.
Additionally, our media team plans and buys more than $36,000,000 in media investments annually on behalf of our
clients, so we have a unique opportunity to leverage our relationships with the media on your behalf.
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 16
EVENT EXPERIENCE
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 17
NEMER FIEGER
~ local event experience ~
Our Entertainment Marketing group excels at introducing new movies, events and venues to a wide variety of
audiences across the Midwest. We have planned and implemented events that attract media attention and provide a
buzz-worthy experience.
When Nemer Fieger’s experienced mix of thorough planning, detail management and spot-on creativity are
combined, events and grand openings are launched in an effective and efficient manner.
A couple local examples include:
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 18
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
Midtown Global Market
Nemer Fieger has been involved with MIDTOWN GLOBAL MARKET since its opening in 2007, providing full creative,
advertising, marketing, public relations and event planning services. We help plan more than 30 events annually including
the Midtown Music Fest. Our agency helps with all aspects of the music fest including band bookings, stage managing,
stage rentals and media relations.
NEMER FIEGER
~ local event experience ~
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 19
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
10,000 Lakes Concours d’Elegance
This is a Nemer Fieger-owned event. Each June, we organize this ticketed event that is held on the shore of Lake
Minnetonka in Excelsior. Guests take a step back in time to view vintage automobiles, boats and other forms of
transportation from ‘back in the day.’
NEMER FIEGER
~ our event experience ~
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 20
BUDGET
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 21
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
NEMER FIEGER
~ budget ~
Naming - $8,400
Includes copy writing, project management and presentation for approval. Three rounds of naming options.
Logo Creation - $15,000
Includes one round of concepts, presentation and three rounds of revisions of preferred design for approval.
Additional time will be estimated based on request at agency standard hourly rate. Also includes final digital logo files
and style guide to client.
Communications/Marketing Plan - $7,500
Includes comprehensive plan to implement all activities. Implementation will be estimated when approved at agency
standard hourly rate and will not cover production costs.
Grand Opening - $7,500
Includes comprehensive Grand Opening plan for all recommended and approved event activities and revisions.
Coordination and implementation (including on-site support) will be estimated when plan is approved at agency
standard hourly rate.
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 22
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
NEMER FIEGER
~ budget ~
Separate Line Items
Out-of-pocket costs not more than 5% of total budget
Refreshments
Printing
Mileage
Staging
Sound
Invites
Staffing
Wearables
Promotional items
Signage
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 23
Advertising, Marketing and Communications nemerfieger.com
NEMER FIEGER
~ client references ~
Alan Krutsch
APPLE AUTOS
akrutsch@appleautos.com
612.308.8539
Lori Severson
EDINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lori@Edina.org
952.806.9060
Clare Brumback
CEAP
clare.brumback@ceap.com
763.566.9600
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 24
THANK YOU
for the opportunity to present these recommendations.
We look forward to discussing this with you.
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 25
May 31, 2106
Agency Assignment – Nemer Fieger is pleased to join with the City of St. Louis Park in
the naming and logo design for the new outdoor recreation multi‐use facility opening in
early January 2017.
We realize that the deadline for a name and a logo is September 1, 2016. This is an
aggressive timeline and we will need to stay on track to enable timely delivery.
Process
The process will be a collaborative effort that includes the client, key stakeholders and
Nemer Fieger. We will work with leaders in the parks and rec, hockey association,
residents, staff and elected officials to help to build awareness and community support
through these communication efforts.
Step 1
Fact Finding ‐ June 1 – June 30, 2016
A written description of the new facility needs to be secured from the client. From this
document, agency will create interview questions targeting the purpose and vision of
the facility for key stakeholders. Client will need to approve this step.
We request a stakeholder contact list be provided. This list will enable agency to be
efficient and thorough as we place and record interview calls.
Nemer Fieger will create a recap document from information procured and use this to
proceed to naming ideation.
Step 2
Naming Ideation ‐ July 1 – July 15, 2016
The agency creative team will develop a set of potential venue names that capture,
describe and brand the new facility.
Step 3
Client Presentation ‐ July 15 – 20, 2016
A meeting will be held where agency can present the best names for consideration and
approval. (Step 2 and 3 may need to be repeated until a name is approved.)
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 26
Step 4
Logo Development ‐ July 21 – August 10, 2016
Once the name is determined, the agency creative team will start the logo design
development, which will be fit into the “brand family” of the current St. Louis Park
brand. A set of compelling logos will be designed that combine the approved name,
along with a graphic representation.
Step 5
Client Presentation ‐ August 11 – 15, 2016
Agency will present logo options. Once a logo is chosen, the agency will provide up to
three rounds of revisions to chosen logo design.
Step 6
File Delivery ‐ September 1, 2016
Upon final name and logo approval, agency will provide to the client a simple logo style
guide for usage and a complete set of electronic files for print and digital needs.
The total agency fee for account service, research, name, logo and file delivery is:
$23,400.
Thank you. We will create a letter of agreement based on your approval of this timeline
and process document.
Warmly,
J. Marie Fieger & Les Hazelton
Client Approval:
Name ____________________________________
Title _____________________________________
Date _____________________________________
City Council Meeting of June 13, 2016 (Item No. 7)
Title: Outdoor Recreation Facility Naming and Logo Design Page 27