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Home My WebLink About2014/03/17 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Regular AGENDA MARCH 17, 2014 6:30 p.m. SPECIAL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers Discussion Items 1. 6:30 p.m. Highway 169 – W. 16th Street Access Closure 2. 7:00 p.m. 2014 Connect the Park! Projects 7:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 1a. Pledge of Allegiance - Led by St. Louis Park Troop 738 1b. Roll Call 2. Presentations -- None 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Study Session Minutes February 10, 2014 3b. Study Session Minutes February 24, 2014 3c. Special Study Session Minutes March 3, 2014 3d. City Council Meeting Minutes March 3, 2014 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. The items for the Consent Calendar are listed on the last page of the Agenda. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. (Alternatively: Motion to add or remove items from the agenda, or move items from Consent Calendar to regular agenda for discussion.) 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Appointment of Citizen Representatives to Boards and Commissions Recommended Action: Motion to appoint Citizen Representatives to the commissions and terms listed below: Name Commission Term Expiration Jake Anderson Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 David Dyer Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Alanna Hjortland Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Fatuma Irshat Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Kevin Klett Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2015 Andrew Reinhardt Telecommunications Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Meeting of March 17, 2014 City Council Agenda 6. Public Hearings 6a. Sandler Imports, LLC, dba Vitali’s Bistro–On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License Recommended Action: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to approve application from Sandler Imports, LLC, dba Vitali’s Bistro, for an On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License to be located at 5101 Minnetonka Boulevard, with the license term through March 1, 2015. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public -- None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #49 Labor Agreement 2014- 2015 Recommended Action: Motion to Adopt Resolution approving a Labor Agreement between the City and Local 49 Union, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/14 – 12/31/15. 9. Communications – None 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 of March 17, 2014 City Council Agenda CONSENT CALENDAR 4a. Adopt Resolution designating 2014 polling places and appointing Election Judges for the April 29, 2014, Special Primary Election; the May 13, 2014, Special General Election; the August 12, 2014, State Primary Election; and the November 4, 2014, State General Election. 4b. Adopt Resolution authorizing opening of a money market account and designation of signatories. 4c. Approve for filing Environment & Sustainability Commission – Sustainable SLP Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2014. 4d. Approve for filing Environment & Sustainability Commission – Sustainable SLP Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2014. St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and regular City Council meetings are carried live on Civic TV cable channel 17 and replays are frequent; check www.parktv.org for the schedule. The meetings are also streamed live on the internet at www.parktv.org, and saved for Video on Demand replays. The agenda is posted on Fridays on the official city bulletin board in the lobby of City Hall and on the text display on Civic TV cable channel 17. The agenda and full packet are available by noon on Friday on the city’s website. Meeting: Special Study Session Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Written Report: 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Highway 169 – W. 16th Street Access Closure RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required. The purpose of this item is to provide Council with an update on MnDOT’s proposal to close the access to TH 169 from 16th Street W. POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the City Council wish to support or not support MnDOT’s request to close the TH 169 access at 16th street? SUMMARY: In March 2011, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) presented the City Council with various options for future noise walls and access closures along Highway 169. The locations were based on noise abatement studies and traffic safety initiatives. The plan included the noise wall along the east side of Highway 169 from 14th to 16th Street, as well as the closure of the existing access from 16th Street onto TH 169. The City Council approved the noise wall project at the February 18, 2014 meeting. This proposed access closure at 16th Street is being considered separately from the noise wall because of separate funding sources and different property owner concerns. The proposed closure includes the installation of a 10 ft. high visual barrier wall along the east side of Highway 169 from 16th Street W south to the edge of wetland/City property. This would be similar to the closure that occurred at W. 22nd and 23rd Streets along Highway 169 in 2012. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The closure of the Highway 169 ramp access at 16th Street is a MnDOT led project with an estimated cost of $800,000. Both the ramp closure and the visual barrier wall would be fully paid for by MnDOT. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion Figure 1 - 16th Street Graphic Response Graphic Figures 4 and 5 from Traffic Study Resident Feedback-Comments and Emails Prepared by: Phillip Elkin, Senior Engineering Project Manager Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Page 2 Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure DISCUSSION This traffic configuration is a remnant from when TH 169 was a lower volume county road. While the right out access has its own lane onto eastbound I-394, it has poor sight lines and a short merge distance for getting into northbound lanes on TH 169. In addition, there is a very short deceleration lane for cars exiting TH 169 onto 16th Street and cars often swerve into the west bound lane of 16th Street upon leaving the highway. It is generally understood that MnDOT will close this access the next time there is a major project along this section of TH 169. At this time, MnDOT has funding to construct a visual barrier in association with the closure. If the City does not support the closure at this time, the funding for the visual barrier will be used to fund a different project. It is unlikely that MnDOT will have funding to construct a visual barrier in the future. Traffic Traffic currently entering and exiting northbound TH 169 via the 16th Street ramps will need to find alternate routes upon closure of the access. A traffic study was completed to document and summarize the existing traffic operations on the local roadway system and the effect of the proposed closure of the ramp access for TH 169 at 16th Street. The study analyzed the impacts of the proposed ramp closure at key local intersections located within close proximity of the proposed access closure. Intersection levels of service, roadway volume-capacity ratios, and vehicle travel times were evaluated to determine whether the redistribution of trips throughout the existing network will have a negative impact on the surrounding intersections. The existing traffic using the ramps was counted in December 2013. Traffic conditions were not ideal during the completion of the count; therefore a seasonal correction factor was applied to the highest PM peak traffic volumes to better estimate the number of trips entering and exiting 16th Street on a daily basis. What follows is information gathered. Ramp 2013 ADT AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour 16th Street (Entering TH 169) 240 32 13.3% 20 8.3% 16th Street (Exiting TH 169) 184 26 14.1% 21 11.4% From a pure traffic engineering perspective, the closure of the 16th Street access on TH 169 is expected to have a relatively minor impact on traffic conditions on the surrounding local roadways and intersections. Trips displaced by the closure are expected to be readily accommodated by available capacity and connections in the roadway system. Traffic operations at the intersections of Cedar Lake Rd at Flag Ave, 14th St at Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata Blvd at General Mills Blvd, and General Mills Blvd at I-394 Eastbound Ramps are relatively unaffected by the change in traffic patterns during the AM and PM peak hours. Changes in intersection delay are not expected to be significant and changes in traffic control are not necessary. Changes in traffic levels on local street segments are expected to be relatively minor due to the 16th Street access closure. Figures 4 and 5 from the traffic report are attached to show the assumed traffic routing for the neighborhood with and without the 16th Street access. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Page 3 Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Public Safety Engineering staff discussed the proposed closure with representatives of the Fire and Police department. They indicated that they do not use TH 169, or the 16th Street access to respond to calls in these neighborhoods. The probability of slow, impassable traffic was cited as primary reason for avoidance. The Fire Marshal cited three alternative routes to reach this neighborhood, none of which included TH 169. Neighborhood Response MnDOT staff hosted a public meeting in February where 147 households were invited to share their feedback on the proposal with MnDOT and City Staff. In addition, emails were sent to 12 neighborhood leaders also inviting them to attend and notify others. Attached to this document we have included a map which outlines the project notification area, the number of residences that responded either by email or in person and an indicator on whether they are for or against the closure. In addition, we have included the responses that were submitted both at the public meeting and by email. ÑÐFORD WAYZATA HIGHWAY 169FLAGMELROSE16TH HILLSBORO14TH JORDANKILMER18TH FRANKLINPARKERINDEPENDENCELANCASTER WESTMORELANDNB HWY169 TO EB I394FAIRWAYRUNNYMEADE HIGHWAY 16918TH KILMERFLAGFRANKLININDEPENDENCE1290 1437 9431 1620 9322 1621 93011605 1810 1641 1820 18401820 1640 1830 1810 1607931194111811 1 6 0 0 94219321940193311801 1831 1821 1800 1841 9400 1811 931193211631 1631 1630 1821 1601 1631 1621 1811 9101 1611 1801 1805 1630 9301 18301830 1820 18311600162116101640 1810 9109931013311800 144116041 6 0 8 145114551460145014 7 0 9021145013009425 13 3 5 14 4 6 13259117 1316 1 3 0 8 912513111315 1456 1320 1436 1304 1451 1601 1405 1 3 3 2 14461330 13 1 2 1401 1411 941613 2 4 1421 1321 1311 1425 141513049405 1 4 4 0 1400 14359435 14401426 1445 143113401415 131 6 94011315 1308 14211401 145614411410 1430 1305 14301435 13411436 14251420 1411 1431 940094201416 1326 94161406 94361420 94069426941094101426 1321 1420 14 3 1 14051416 1301 1410 1430 1406 143694301411 1421 1415 1406 1416 14761410 1425 14351345 1460 9400 1440 1426 9406 1300 1405 Resident's Response to the Proposed16th Street Ramp Closure on Highway 169 M 0 300 600 900 1,200Feet Legend Resident's Response Pro Con Undecided Effected Parcels Area ÑÐ 16th St. Northbound Ramp Closure 16th St. Visual Barrier Wall 16th St. Noisewall Parcels MinneapolisGolf Club Document Path: O:\Pubwks\ENGTECH\INTERNS\GIS\Luke GIS\Phil\16th St. Ramp Closure (Resident's Response)\16th St Ramp Closure (Resident Responses).mxd Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 4 Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access ClosurePage 5 Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access ClosurePage 6 Address Comments 1830 Independence Ave So Agree to the closure as long as they get the visual wall built behind my house. It would reduce the traffic from the golf club – cut through 1320 Independence Ave So Support closing – this will be another MnDOT stupid move. 22nd was dumb two years ago. 1460 Independence Ave So Support closing – Backyard back up to 16th St. – would like to see the closed road turned into green space and perhaps given to the landowner. 1608 Fairway Lane Support closing – Safety issue. 1840 Independence Ave So Support closing – Only close if barrier if built and Flag is made no parking on one side. 1460 Independence Ave So Support closing – Would like to see the property turned over to existing property owners. 1631 Fairway Lane Undecided – See benefits both ways. “+” – less traffic on Flag, 18th, and Hillsboro in neighborhood. “-“ – Convenience – don’t really see much safety gained at the intersection. 1476 Independence Ave So Do not support – This needs more traffic studies. Four or more through-out the year. Looking at where the golf course traffic is coming from, to where they would use in the future. If more traffic was added at Flag and Cedar Lake Road, making a left would take even longer. 1605 Fairway Lane Do not support – This project doesn’t improve driving safety for residents in the NW areas. 1426 Flag Ave So Do not support – We use the access out often. 1605 Fairway Lane Do not support – This is a solution looking for a problem – no reason to move forward with this $$ project anytime soon. 1430 Independence Ave So Do not support – I have concerns about where the displaced traffic will go. 1631 Independence Ave So Do not support – Good road for disabled car and it connects to the emergency snow route. 1611 Fairway Lane Do not support – Few issues related to the access. There is plenty of acceleration space before 394. Other access points (Cedar Lake Road, General Mills to 169) are substandard. What is the bigger plan for Cedar Lake to 55? 1801 Flag Ave So To worried about Flag and Cedar Lake Road. Volume and access to 169 N from Cedar Lake Road. 9416 W. 14th Street Do not support – Closing access would add time to emergency services fire and rescue - that is not preferred – possible 4 mts. What is the plan the Westdale and Crestview neighborhoods? Closing access adds distance from FS#2, Insurance Companies rate on-distance you will drive my insurance rate up! There was an agreement in place that MnDOT would not close W. 16 Street in order to build 169 / 394 interchange. 9435 W. 14th Street Do not support – Making one less alternative to access Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 7 neighborhood is simply a bad idea. 1425 Flag Ave So Do not support - Not sure what this will accomplish. Spoke with MnDOT staff tonight, doesn’t sound like this will improve safety or congestion. No history of fatalities at this exit. Given the lack of benefit I don’t feel it is worth removing this convenient exit. Doing so would increase traffic through other neighborhoods where many children play. The lack of this exit also would increase response time for emergency vehicles. I oppose closure of this exit. 9430 W. 14th Street Do not support – Please do not close 16th. We use all time. 9322 W. 18th Street Do not support – Cedar Lake Road accelerations lane going north is already a hug problem. That should be addressed before anything is done on 16th. Emergency vehicles’ going north out of area is a big concern. 9430 W. 14th Street Do not support. 1640 Independence Ave So Do not support – We use this exit daily. We also live 4 houses away from the exit and don’t notice any traffic. 9425 W. 14th Street Do not support – I am not in favor of this closure. It is convenient and safe and a nice access to neighborhood. 1621 Independence Ave So Do not support – Good road for disabled vehicles to exit highway. Emergency vehicles have access to neighborhood. Do not close – this may not be the answer. 9426 W. 14th Street Do not support – This is a dumb idea. There is enough gridlock in the Twin Cities with spending money to restrict what is now 3 choices for access to 2. Fix some potholes instead. 1608 Fairway Lane Joanne Citerony I attended the Open House last night and was very disappointed with those neighbors who said they wanted to leave this open due to "convenience." In fact one neighbor told the group and Chad Erickson, who is with MnDOT, that his wife recently was exiting Hwy 169 and driving onto 16th Street when her car slide and hit the sign and divider. She was okay but the car wasn't. What's odd is that he still supports this to be open...go figure. My worry is someone will be killed due to either exiting or merging onto Hwy 169. There have been many occasions I fear I'm going to be killed due to the highway speed and the time it takes my car to get up to the speed of the traffic. Or even existing, when I have to pull over to the far right shoulder to decelerate. Cars then begin to either drive very close to the back of my car or brake hard, causing the traffic to come to very slow speeds. It only takes one person to be killed before others will realize this is a hazard/safety issue in this area, and at this point it's too late. If the majority of neighbors want this to remain open and MnDOT supports this then my suggestion would be to lower the speed limit Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 8 in this area...from Cedar Lake Road to Hwy 394. Rather than 55 miles/hour lower it to 45 mph. Just an idea. Again, I hope MnDOT does the right thing here and realize safety, especially with 15 crashes already reported in this area, is much more important than those that are in a hurry to get on/off a very high traffic/high speed area. Thank you for your time with reading this. 1608 Fairway Lane Dan Wood I am currently a resident in the Crestview neighborhood in St. Louis Park and last night there was an "Open House" regarding the 16th Street/Highway 169 Access Closure. Unfortunately I was unable to attend but wanted to email you to let you know my "vote" and opinion on this subject. I am supportive of the closure of this entrance/exit of 16th Street due to safety. I think a number of neighbors believe they want it to remain open due to "convenience" but I hope MnDOT will look beyond the convenience and focus on safety. For those traveling on Hwy 169, whether being a neighbor or not, it is an absolute safety issue when people are merging or exiting Hwy 169 to travel into Crestview. I believe it was stated in last night's meeting there have been 15 crashes in or at this area, too many in my mind and hope, if it remains open, does not cause a fatality or fatalities. The safety issue needs to much more important versus just having the convenience factor. Thank you and again, I hope MnDOT looks to this closure as a safety issue, which is much more important than any other reason. Dan Wood 1608 Fairway Lane St. Louis Park 1316 Independence Ave So Vivian Worthingham I will not be able to attend the meeting on Feb. 25 at the SLP Middle School. I would like, however, to vote YES for the closing. It is a dangerous/sometimes testy exit/entrance. I think it would be safer to have it closed. Please acknowledge my vote. Thank you. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 9 ADDITIONAL EMAIL RESPONSES From: The Crockers <landscrocker@gmail.com> Date: Sat, Mar 8, 2014 at 10:19 AM Subject: Proposed 16th St 169 access closure To: dheiser@stlouispark.org, tpbrausen@gmail.com Thank you for hosting the open house regarding the proposed change at Highway 169 and 16th street. I just wanted to send a quick email restating that I support the closing of that access. I feel the traffic counts support this decision as well. Based on those counts each house in the neighborhoods here use the access once per day. The extra 5 minutes it would take us is outweighed by the potential time savings and safety on 169 if all accesses like this one were addressed. Just last night there was a rear end collision on 169 by this access. At the open house, some residents expressed concerns about emergency response times being greatly impacted. I am guessing that only an ambulance from Methodist would use that route. Fire or HCMC would not come that way and I doubt there are a large number of calls anyways. We do not have a senior living facility like the one by the new 494/169 interchange. That project still went forward and has made a great impact on the overall flow of traffic. There are two items I would like to be a part of this project. I would like the visual barrier to 169 built where the chain link fence currently along 169. I also would like the route from Cedar Lake Road, up Flag Ave, to 18th ST, to Hillboro Ave, to 14th ST marked No Parking on one side of those streets with a parking lane on the other to help guarantee free flowing access for everyone including those emergency response vehicles. Every house along those streets have driveways and garages plus there are 4 cul-de-sacs along Flag so there should be ample parking to allow for this enhancement. Thank you again for your consideration of this project. Scott Crocker 1840 Independence Av S Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 10 ADDITIONAL EMAIL RESPONSES Dear Council Members, I live on Flag directly across from the Minneapolis Golf Club. I am against closing this access to 169. It provides easy access to 169 and 394. If it closes it will do nothing but drive more traffic to Flag Ave. I hope you remember the accident that happen a few years back where a car of teenagers broad sided a car coming out of the club’s parking lot. We already have enough trouble with the golf club members speeding on our road. We do not need commuters doing the same. Please do not let this access to 169 close. Sincerely, Mary Mattson, CBAP Dear Mr. Brausen, I was a attendee at the the open house on February 25th regarding the proposed closing of the 16th street exit. Given the lack of attendance by elected city officials, I am writing to convey my thoughts and that of many others that attended the meeting. First and most important is that of the 30-40 people I mingled with, only one supported the closing. Many were more than a little vocal about what most of us think is a absurd idea. The MNDOT official with whom I spoke with could offer only the argument that it was the desire of MNDOT to "standardize" the exits on the 169 corridor. There was no apparent safety reason or other tangible logic that I heard as a argument for the proposal. I would hope that the functionality of this exit, and strong neighborhood support for keeping this exit as is, would supercede any MNDOT wish spend money needlessly on a project that I view as purely cosmetic. I am not sure how one can possibly take the view that forcing what is now three viable ways to enter and exit this neighborhood down to two can be construed as a improvement. I am hoping that you will be as vocal as the attendees of the open house in expressing opposition to the closing to the city council and MNDOT. regards, Dennis Lyons 9426 W 14th Street Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 1) Title: Highway 169 – 16th Street W Access Closure Page 11 Meeting: Special Study Session Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Discussion Item: 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discuss design alternatives for the 39th Street sidewalk, part of the 2014 Connect the Park! proposal. POLICY CONSIDERATION: What approach should staff pursue relative to the 39th St. sidewalk design? Also – should staff contact property owners on street segments adjacent to the 2014 Connect the Park project to see if they are interested in having their sidewalk gaps filled? SUMMARY: Staff presented the proposed design for the 2014 Connect the Park! segments to Council at the March 10, 2014 Study Session. Council asked staff for clarification and additional explanation on various components of the Connect the Park! plan and directed staff to evaluate additional sidewalk design alternatives for 39th Street to minimize impacts to large diameter trees. Staff has attached discussion and graphics for design options that replaces the boulevard style sidewalk with a back of curb sidewalk. Both the north side and the south side of the road are evaluated for this style of curb between Inglewood to Lynn Avenue. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: None at this time. VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Exhibit 1 – Definition of Walks Exhibit 2 – Purpose and Goals Exhibit 8 – Guiding Principles Exhibit A– Proposed Future Sidewalk System Maintenance Excerpt A – Active Living Sidewalk and Trail Plan Sidewalk Graphic – North Side Sidewalk Sidewalk Graphic – South Side Sidewalk Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, Senior Engineering Project Manager Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, Engineering Director Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Page 2 Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects DISCUSSION ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: During the Council Study S ession on March 10, 2014 a number of questions were raised regarding the principles and policies behind the recommended design for the sidewalk segments. The following is a summary: 1. What is the definition of a Community and Neighborhood sidewalk? a. See the attached Exhibit 1 – Sidewalk Definition. The City has been using this definition or very similar definition since the mid-1970’s. 2. What were the criteria used for designing the sidewalks? a. See the attached Exhibit 2 – Purpose and Goals, Exhibit 8 – Guiding Principles and the Excerpt A from the Active Living Sidewalk and Trail plan (2009). 3. What are the lengths of the missing sidewalk segments that abut the 2014 Connect the Park! sidewalk segments? a. There is approximately 800 feet of missing sidewalk abutting the proposed 39th Street sidewalk that could be added to the project. b. There is approximately 260 feet of missing sidewalk abutting the proposed Morningside Street sidewalk that could be added to the project. c. There is approximately 400 feet of missing sidewalk within the proposed 2014 Pavement Management Area 2 project. d. If Council wished to proceed with all or some of these walks, staff would suggest that they be added at no cost to the residents. Note that the basic cost to construct a 5 ft. wide sidewalk is approximately $30/ft. These new segments would be considered Neighborhood Sidewalks and snow removal would be the responsibility of the homeowner. At the request of Council, staff could contact residents to determine if they support including these segments into the current proposed project. 4. Does our City Code require sidewalk on both sides of a street? a. In accordance with City Code 26-153 Subdivisions all newly proposed subdivisions are required to have sidewalk on both sides of the street. This type of dual sidewalk was not envisioned for the Connect the Park! plan. 5. If the City desires more north-south connections why aren’t we addressing these first, instead of the east-west segments proposed in 2014? a. See the attached Excerpt A from the Active Living Sidewalk and Trail plan (2009). Many of the north-south gaps that exist today are the result of the barriers that the MN&S and BNSF rail line create in our community. The ten year plan does include many north-south infrastructure improvements in the coming years. The project scope, budget and complexity of designing safe rail crossings require a multi-year design effort. 6. Should the City accept the maintenance responsibility for all the segments of sidewalk that are constructed as part of the Connect the Park! plan such as 39th Street and Joppa Avenue? a. With the Connect the Park! plan staff is proposing to install approximately 8 miles of Community sidewalk and 2 miles of Neighborhood sidewalk. Currently, the annual maintenance cost to remove sidewalk snow is approximately Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Page 3 Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects $8,000/mile. A route consists of approximately 10-12 miles. The addition of 8-10 miles of new sidewalks will require the addition of a new maintenance route. Staff will be working with the City Manager on options to provide additional staffing and equipment to maintain the new sidewalks in the winter. Since a route is 10-12 miles, the addition of another 2 miles (should the Council wish to make all 10 miles into community routes) does have cost implications but they are not significant given that we will need to add a route anyway. 39TH STREET DESIGN ALTERNATIVES: Council asked staff to evaluate additional sidewalk design alternatives along 39th Street to determine if they would avoid or minimize impacts to large diameter trees and other site conditions. Both the north side and the south side of the road between Inglewood Avenue and Lynn Avenue were evaluated for alternative sidewalk configurations. Attached are graphics that depict the various sidewalk styles. Due to the scale of the graphics the layouts are best viewable via the digital council packet. Trees along 39th Street are classified into two distinct groups, under 5 inches in diameter and over 18 inches in diameter. Many of the 5 inch and under trees were planted recently to replace older elm trees that have been removed from the right of way. Option #1 6 foot sidewalk with 4 foot boulevard, north side of 39th Street (Original Design - proposed on March 10, 2014) • This option removes a total of 11 boulevard trees including: • a 20” Linden • a 28” Linden • and a 20” Norway Maple • Staff has developed design options that could protect the 28” Linden tree. The City forester, the resident, and the engineering department will evaluate the tree after the snow has melted. Option #2 Back of curb sidewalk, north side of 39th Street (Requested by Council on March 10, 2014) • This option removes a total of 10 boulevard trees including: • a 20” Linden • a 28” Linden • and a 20” Norway maple • Staff has developed design options that could protect the 28” Linden tree. The City f orester, the resident, and the engineering department will evaluate the tree after the snow has melted. • Option #2 protects one more tree than option #1, a 4” Ginko tree. The 20” Linden and 20” Norway Maple are impacted in either scenario and have root structures that will make the trees extremely difficult to protect. Option #3 Back of curb sidewalk, south side of 39th Street (additional option reviewed by staff) • This option removes a total of 8 boulevard trees including: • a 18” diameter Ash • 20” diameter Ash Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Page 4 Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Option #4 6 foot sidewalk and boulevard, south side of 39th Street (Additional option reviewed by staff) • Staff will not be recommending this option based on the extensive overhead utility pole relocations. If the goal is to construct a back of curb style sidewalk in order to minimize the number of trees impacted by the construction of the sidewalk, staff recommends that we evaluate Option #3 in more detail. This moves the sidewalk to the south side of the street which is a significant change from the plans at our last public meeting. Additional public input should be sought before we move ahead with this option. August 1, 2012 Exhibit 1 Definition of Walks Sidewalks, Bikeways, and Trails Community Sidewalks - are intended to link activity nodes in the City and to provide logical routes through town; they are intended to benefit the larger community and are generally used more intensely by more pedestrians than neighborhood sidewalks. They generally create a network to major points of interest such as transit, schools, shopping areas, parks and other key community destinations in an attempt to make important connections within the City and to neighboring cities’ systems. Most of these walks are located along collector and arterial roadways carrying many thousands of vehicles per day. The planned system attempts to provide pedestrian facilities (sidewalks and/or trails) at roughly ¼-mile intervals across the community. Community walks link residents to: • Activity nodes (generally viewed as community or area destinations, e.g., the Library, schools, retail areas, major parks, etc. • Transit nodes • Regional trails Neighborhood Sidewalks – these walks generally occur in the established older neighborhoods within the City and are described as being more of localized interest and use. They provide accessibility for pedestrians within their immediate area to transit, schools, parks, commercial areas, and “Community” walks. They also serve as a safe place for smaller children to play near their home as well as to serve as informal places for neighbors to meet. Neighborhood walks link residents to: • Community walks or trails (e.g., Minnetonka Boulevard or W. 26th Street) • Their neighbors • Close or immediate destinations Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 5 August 1, 2012 Exhibit 2 Purpose and Goals Sidewalks, Bikeways, and Trails Purpose - "To develop a comprehensive, city-wide system of trails and sidewalks that provides local and regional connectivity, improves safety and accessibility, and enhances overall community livability." Goals and Objectives - The following goals and objectives were developed for this planning effort: • Develop an interconnected network of pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the city and linked to transit systems, providing options to automobile dependence. § establish a citywide grid-system of sidewalks approximately every ¼-mile § establish a citywide grid-system of bicycle facilities approximately every ½-mile § close gaps in neighborhoods’ existing sidewalk networks • Anticipate increases in the use of mass transit, including the possibility of a much improved multi-modal system comprising buses, light rail, heavy commuter rail, local circulators, etc. • Establish safe crossings of highways, arterial roads and rail corridors using innovative traffic calming strategies, improved traffic control systems, grade separations, etc. • Develop safe links to schools, commercial hubs, employment centers, institutions and transit facilities. • Develop recreational pathways that link neighborhoods to parks and natural areas, providing opportunities to improve the health and well-being of community residents and workers. • Make connections to regional and recreational trails to link St. Louis Park to larger metropolitan open space systems and destinations. • Provide safe and easily accessible routes for residents and workers in the community, including children, seniors and the disabled. • Provide for walks along high traffic pedestrian and street use areas. • Create a cohesive, well-designed system that includes a coordinated approach for signs and orientation, standard designs for street crossings and additional "user-friendly" amenities such as rest areas, information kiosks and upgraded landscaping. • Incorporate strategies for funding, maintenance and snow removal into the overall plan. • Develop a Capital Improvement Plan based on priorities, needs and available resources. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 6 August 1, 2012 Exhibit 8 Guiding Principles Sidewalks, Bikeways, and Trails Design & Construction: 1. Current Designs: • Sidewalk - 6' concrete with 7' grass boulevard • Trail - 10' bituminous with 7' grass boulevard 2. Design Options (when necessary): • Narrow grass boulevard up to nothing (eliminate) • Narrow sidewalks up to 5' in width • Narrow trails up to 8' in width 3. Minimize parking restrictions associated with Bikeway designations 4. Facilities to be ADA accessible. 5. Narrow existing streets to accepted standards • Restrict or eliminate parking (when necessary). 6. Curve sidewalks/trails to avoid tree removals. 7. Forester determines tree viability (remove or trim). 8. Leave trees, walks, fences, etc. wherever possible. 9. Relocate or bury utilities in lieu of moving walk or trail. 10. Avoid right of way acquisition whenever possible. 11. Improvements should not decrease public safety. 12. Retaining wall need and ownership to be determined per existing Council policy. 13. Design and construct facilities as adopted by Council unless Council directs otherwise. Maintenance: 1. Facilities to be maintained to Ordinance requirements or better. 2. All sidewalk and trail repairs are City responsibility and at City cost. 3. Community sidewalk and trail snow removal will be by the City at city cost. 4. Neighborhood sidewalk snow removal will be by residents at resident cost. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 7 34TH ST LAKE S T 27TH ST WALKE R ST ALABAMA AVETEXAS AVE44 TH S TFLORIDA AVEOXFOR D S T GEORGIA AVEYOSEMITE AVE41ST STIDAHO AVERH ODE ISL AND AVEJERSEY AVEWOODDALE AVE37TH ST LOUISIANA AVEBNSF RR EXCELSI O R B L V D LI B R A R Y L N 3 5 T H S T 38TH STKENTUCKY AVE39TH ST CEDAR LAKE R D VERNON AVEKIPLING AVEWAYZATA B L V D 2 8 T H S T F O R D R D INGLEWOOD AVESHELARD PKWY 25 1/2 ST GORHAM AVEPARK G L E N R D BRUNSWICK AVEBELT LINE BLVDMINN ETON KA BLVD EXCELSIOR B L V D 31ST ST BROWNDALE AVE16TH ST HUNTINGTON AVEZARTHAN AVEC LUB RD 3 6TH S T 2 3 R D S T 26TH ST 3 6 1/2 STMARYLAND AVEMOR NING SIDE RDZINRAN AVETOLEDO AVEMELROSE AVE32ND ST UTICA AVENORTH S T 42ND ST DOUGLAS AVE GLENHURST AVE24TH ST HAMILT ON ST XENWOOD AVEWEBSTER AVENEVADA AVEF R A N K LIN AV E P OWELL R D VIRGINIA CIR 22ND ST 29TH ST 40TH STDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVE25TH S T BASSWOO D RD18TH STOTTAWA AVE14TH ST FRANCE AVECAMBRIDGE STQUEBEC AVERALEIGH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEAQUILA AVECOLORADO AVEPENNSYLVA NIA AVEEDGEWOOD AVERIDGE DR MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE33RD STOREGON AVES UNS ET BLVDCP RRPA R K C E N TER BLVDUTICA AVE35TH ST 18TH ST AQUI L A A V E WEBSTER AVEUTICA AVE32ND ST XENWOOD AVEYOSEMITE AVE31ST STBRUNSWICK AVEIDAHO AVEQUEBEC AVECP RR CP RR CP RRKENTUCKY AVEGEORGIA AVE29TH ST 3 7 T H S T 27TH ST 2 2N D S T QUENTIN AVEWAYZATA BLVD JOPPA AVE37TH ST 36TH ST TEXAS AVE34TH STFLAG A VE JERSEY AVEALABAMA AVE2 3 R D S TQUENT I N AVEFLAG AVEFORD RDLAKE ST34TH ST OXFORD ST OTTAWA AVEWO O D D A L E A V E 33RD ST 28TH ST 16TH ST 36TH ST HUNTINGTON AVE35TH ST JOPPA AVE26TH ST 27TH ST ALABA MA AVEEDGEWOOD AVE28TH ST CEDAR L A K E R D 31ST ST 25TH ST 3 9 T H S T 26TH ST 16TH S T 1ST ST2ND STPARK PLACE BLVDZARTHAN AVEZARTHAN AVETOLEDO AVE 32ND ST 42ND ST 42ND STAQUILA LNGLENHURST AVEBROOK AVEXENWOOD AVEEDGEB R O O K D R FOREST RD NEVADA AVE40TH L N ELIOT VI E W R D 43 1/2 ST MACKEY AVE40TH S T DAKOTA AVEDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVELYNN AVE18TH ST MO N T E R E Y D R V A L L A C H E R A V EWESTWOOD HILLS D R WESTWOODHILLSDR30 1/2 ST 34 1/2 ST 14TH ST BOONE AVEBOONE AVE BOONEAVEWEST M ORELAND LNUTAH DRQUE B E C A V E Q UEBEC AVERALEIGH AVERALEIGH AVEX YLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEGAMBLE DR 22ND LN B R O W N L O W A V E 35 TH STJORDAN AVEDART AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEBURD PL STA NLE N RD CA V E L L AVECAVELL AVECAVELL AVEPARKLANDS RDCOLORADO AVECOLORADO AVECEDAR LAKE AVEKILMER AVEKILMER AVEPARK C OM M O N S D R 32 1/2 ST CEDARWOOD R D C ED ARWO O D R D MEADOWBROOK RDPARKER RD BLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVE13TH LN 13TH LN TAFT AVEWYOMING AVEWYOMING AVEEDGEWOOD AVEEDGEWOOD AVE13 1/2 ST M O NIT O R S T FORD LN RANDAL L A V E INDEPENDENCE A VEINDEPENDENCE AVEINDEPEND ENCE AVEINDEPENDENCE AVEPA RKWOODS R D MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE3 3 R D S T 33RD ST 33RD ST NATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVEW O L F E PKW Y24TH ST W OREGON AVEOREGON AVEOREGON AVEREPUBLIC AVEVIRGINIA A V E VIRGINIA AVEVIRGINIA AV E VIRGINIA AVEPRINCETON AVEPRINCETON AVEWESTSIDE DR DECATUR LNYUKON AVEY U KON AVEGETTYSBURGAVEGETTYSBURG AVECAVELL LN H ILLSBORO AVEH I L LSBORO AVEHILLSBORO AVEHILL SBORO AVEPARKDALE D RLANCASTERAVE PHILLIPS PKWYGLENHURST RDC E D AR LAKE RDHILL LN DECATURAVEDECATUR AVEM EADOWBROO K B L VDMEADO WBROOK B L V D GLEN PL HIG HWOOD RD MINNEHAHA C I R NEXCELSIORWAYWOODLAND DRBROOKVIEWDR F O R E S T L N LOUISIANA CTLNFAIRWAYLN ENSIGNAVETE X A TONKA AVEWILLOW LNWILLOWLNPRKR24THLN WESTWOOD HILLS CRV AQUILA CIRBOONECT WESTRIDGE LNMINNEHAHA CT TEXAS CIR OAK LEAF CT FORD CIR OTTAWA AVE28TH STAQUILA AVE 31ST ST YOSEMI TE AVEAQUILA AVEFLAG AVE31ST ST C ED A R L AK E RD 24TH S T 31ST ST 22NDST COLORADO AVEBARRY ST ZARTHAN AVE16TH ST ALABAMA AVE14TH ST FLAG AVE16TH ST 1 6 T H ST 26TH ST SALEM AVEQUEBEC AVEPENNSYL VANIA AVEZINR AN AVEGLENHURST AVETOLEDO AVE18TH ST 2 3 R D ST 31ST ST SALEM AVELYNN AVEPENNSYLVANIAAVECOLORADO AVE23 RD ST 24TH ST HUNTINGTON AVE18TH ST 27TH STDAKOTA AVE25TH ST VERNON AVE41ST ST 29TH STMARYLAND AVE28TH ST 25TH ST 18 T H S T 26TH ST ID A H ONEVADA AVE24THST 23RD ST RALE IGH AVE 37TH ST 22ND ST 31ST ST 18TH KIPLING AVEPENNSYLVANIA AVESUMTER AVE23RD ST FR A N K L IN A V E WEBSTER AVEWEBSTERAVEFLORIDA AVE28TH ST OTTAWA AVEOTTAWA AVE14TH ST RHODE ISLAND AVE16TH ST 22ND ST BRUNSWICK AVE16TH ST DIVISION ST YOSEMITE AVEJOPPA AVEDAKOTAAVE39TH ST INGLEWOOD AVEFRANKLIN AVE 41ST ST 29TH STWEST END BLVDDUKE DR16TH ST UTICA AVECOBBLECREST CTCOOLIDGE AVEBROWNDALE AVELOUISIANA CIRLOUISIANA AVECAMBRIDGE STGETTYSBURG AVE3 5 T H S T MINNEHAHA CIR N FLAG AVE WAYZATA BLVD WAYZATA BLVD Exhibit A Proposed Future Sidewalk System 5-8-2013tw Legend Community Sidewalks City Maintained 46.2 miles/243,901 feet Community Sidewalks SSD Maintained 2.1 Miles/11,018 feet Neighborhood Sidewalks Resident Maintained 59 miles/311,584 feet Neighborhood Sidewalks Developer Maintained 2.15 miles/ 11,342 feet .(Sidewalk Systems 2023) Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 8 Page 16 III. BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN St. Louis Park residents benefit from two significant regional trails, a network of sidewalks that encompass a large portion of the City and city trails within an extensive park system. This system can be improved and in doing so, St. Louis Park will become a more livable community in which its residents can lead more active, healthy lives. Filling in gaps in the sidewalk system, bridging barriers in the community like railroads and highways, improving pedestrian crossings and providing places for bicycle parking will improve the existing sidewalk and trail system in St. Louis Park. The following goals for the bicycle and pedestrian systems in St. Louis Park incorporate the goals from the 1999 plan, input from the Community Advisory Committee and the public. Bicycle and Pedestrian Goals 1. Develop an interconnected network of pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the City that is linked to transit systems in order to provide alternatives to automobile travel for residents and workers in the community, including children, seniors and the disabled. 2. Establish safe crossings of highways, arterial roads and rail corridors using innovative traffic calming strategies, improved traffic control systems and, where possible, grade separations. 3. Develop safe links to schools, commercial hubs, employment centers, institutions and transit facilities. 4. Develop recreational pathways that link neighborhoods to parks and natural areas, providing opportunities to improve the health and well-being of community residents and workers. 5. Make connections to regional and recreational trails to link St. Louis Park to larger metropolitan open space systems and destinations. 6. Create a cohesive, well-designed pedestrian system that includes a coordinated approach for signs and orientation, standard designs for street crossings and additional "user-friendly" amenities such as rest areas, information kiosks and upgraded landscaping. 7. Incorporate strategies for short- and long-term funding of proposed improvements and maintenance of bicycle and pedestrian systems and transit stops. 8. Develop phasing strategies for implementation based on priorities, needs and available resources. Objectives 1. Construct four to five additional sidewalks to fill gaps in City and neighborhood sidewalk systems. 2. Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system within one-half mile radius of all community parks and facilities to make walking to and from community parks pleasant, safe and convenient. 3. Create neighborhood pedestrian sidewalk connections to major transit hubs, including bus stops and future light rail transit stations. 4. Provide tools for trail users to determine their present location and nearby points of interest. 5. Reduce the number and severity of pedestrian and bicycle accidents in St. Louis Park. 6. Create inviting sidewalks, trails and transit stops. 7. Make all pedestrian bridges accessible for pedestrians and bicycles. 8. Provide comfortable, safe and accessible transit stops for pedestrians. 9. Establish a network of tree-lined streets with landscaped medians and boulevards accommodate pedestrians and bicycles, calm traffic and connect community parks and/or community gathering centers. 10. Keep trails and sidewalks clear and safe for bicyclists and pedestrians year- round. 11. Create north/south trail(s) that connect with other local and regional trails. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 9 Page 17 12. Promote installation of bicycle parking at public buildings, commercial buildings and major transit stops. 13. Improve regional trail connections to neighborhoods that are adjacent to regional trail corridors. 14. Educate bicycle riders and automobile drivers about their duties and responsibilities while on the road. 15. Accommodate walking and bicycling in all planning efforts including public, commercial and residential projects within the City. 16. Promote bicycle commuting and recreation through education and special events. Strategies Sidewalks • Fill gaps in sidewalk system, based on the conceptual sidewalk grid identified in the analysis phase and prioritize additional sidewalk construction to provide connections near schools, parks and community gathering places. • Install pedestrian-friendly street elements to sidewalks such as bump- outs, curb cuts, bollards, banner poles, bicycle racks, trash receptacles and enhanced paving. • Add median and/or boulevard landscape plantings to create a safer and more pleasant pedestrian environment. • Repair existing sidewalks to maintain high level of service across entire City sidewalk network. • Use innovative designs to calm traffic and enhance streetscapes to make streets safer and more pleasant for pedestrians. • Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system within one-quarter mile radius of schools to provide children and families safe connections. • Develop a comprehensive sidewalk system within one-quarter mile radius of community gathering spaces to make walking to and from community gathering places pleasant, safe and convenient. • Provide local sidewalk connections within one-half mile of major bus stops and future light rail transit stations. Trails • Mark distances of certain trail loops or routes at trail entrances. • Add directional signage along trails that point out the location of public buildings, schools and parks. • Develop consistent wayfinding signage on all trails and bikeways to improve the pedestrian experience. • Add distances for exercise routes (eg. one and one-half miles around Bass Lake). • Consider lighting on City trails located in parks such that the lights do not disrupt neighbors. • Continue police patrols on City trails using bicycles, squad cars, and on foot. • Manage trail-side vegetation to improve sightlines along trails. • Coordinate future independent trail planning with adjacent communities. • Widen the trail on the south side of Walker Park and Louisiana Avenue Park to ten feet. On-Street Bicycle Facilities • Extend Hennepin County’s on-street bicycle route east to Minneapolis along Minnetonka Boulevard and east along Cedar Lake Road to the pedestrian bridge over the North Cedar Lake Regional Trail. • Connect the City’s on-street bicycle routes with the Hennepin County bicycle route on Minnetonka Boulevard and the City bicycle route on Cedar Lake Road. • Provide additional maintenance for roads with on-street bike lanes/routes (i.e. street sweeping, snow removal on shoulders). • Link on-street bike lanes in adjacent communities with bike lanes in St. Louis Park. • Sign and/or stripe all City bike routes. Special Study Session Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 2) Title: 2014 Connect the Park! Projects Page 10 .........ΞBolton & Menk, Inc. 2013, All Rights ReservedH:\STLP\C12106992\C3D\DISPLAY\106992_LAYOUT 2_FINAL(NARROWING).DWG 03/13/2014 6:29 PMCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK2014 SIDEWALK & TRAILIMPROVEMENTS REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAHACKBERRY TREEPROTECTSHRUB/BUSHRIGHT OF WAY (TYP)RIGHT OF WAY (TYP)IRRIGATION TO BERELOCATEDBY HOMEOWNERRIGHT OF WAY (TYP)ROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNLAYOUT HISTORY:THE LAYOUT WAS DEVELOPED FOR DISPLAY AT THE FIRSTNEIGHBORHOOD MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 19, 2013.THE LAYOUT WAS REVISED FOR DISPLAY AT THE SECONDNEIGHBORHOOD MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014.ROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNCONSTRUCTIONLIMIT (TYP)PROTECT 14" DIASILVER MAPLETREEPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTER28" DIALINDEN TREEADDITIONALEVALUATION BYCITY FORESTERREQUIRED TOPOTENTIALLYSAVE TREE6' CONC WALKPROTECTFENCE6' CONC WALKPROTECT4" DIA GINKOTREEPROTECT TREE REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAJAPANESE LILAC REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAMAPLE TREEPROTECTBUSH6' CONC WALK REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAASH TREE REMOVE 20"DIALINDEN TREEREMOVE6" DIAOAK TREE REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT2" DIAMAPLE TREEREMOVE 20" DIANORWAY MAPLETREEREMOVE ORTRANSPLANT3" DIALILAC TREE6' CONC WALKPROTECT FENCEPROTECT LANDSCAPINGNO PARKINGNO PARKING26' F-F26' F-F26' F-F5:1 TAPER10'PARKING ALLOWEDFROM THIS LOCATIONTO FRANCE AVE0' BLVD0' BLVD0' BLVD0' BLVD0' BLVDPROTECT LANDSCAPING4' BLVD6' CONC WALK4' BLVD6' CONC WALK4' BLVD6' CONC WALK4' BLVD6' CONC WALK4' BLVD REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAHACKBERRY TREEREMOVESHRUB/BUSHRIGHT OF WAY (TYP)RIGHT OF WAY (TYP)IRRIGATION TO BERELOCATEDBY HOMEOWNERRIGHT OF WAY (TYP)ROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNCONSTRUCTIONLIMIT (TYP)PROTECT 14" DIASILVER MAPLETREEPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERREMOVE 28" DIALINDEN TREEPROTECTFENCEREMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIA GINKOTREEPROTECT TREE REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAJAPANESE LILAC REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAMAPLE TREEPROTECTBUSH REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT4" DIAASH TREE REMOVE 20"DIALINDEN TREEREMOVE6" DIAOAK TREE REMOVE ORTRANSPLANT2" DIAMAPLE TREEREMOVE 20" DIANORWAY MAPLETREEREMOVE ORTRANSPLANT3" DIALILAC TREEPROTECT FENCEPROTECT LANDSCAPINGNO PARKINGNO PARKING26' F-F26' F-F26' F-F5:1 TAPER10'PARKING ALLOWEDFROM THIS LOCATIONTO FRANCE AVELEGENDPROPOSED 6' CONCRETE SIDEWALKPROPOSED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYPROPOSED BITUMINOUS DRIVEWAYREMOVE OR RELOCATE LANDSCAPINGREMOVE SIDEWALKPROPOSED CURB & GUTTERREMOVE TREEPROTECT (SAVE) TREE W/ BOTH OPTIONSPROTECT (SAVE) TREE W/ BACK OF CURB OPTIONRIGHT OF WAYCONSTRUCTION LIMITSXONORTH SIDE - BACK OF CURB OPTIONNORTH SIDE - 4' BOULEVARD OPTION ..PROTECTSHRUBS/BUSHESON INSIDE OFFENCEREMOVESHRUBS/BUSHESON OUTSIDE OFFENCEPROTECT 24" DIAKENTUCKYCOFFEE TREEREMOVE20" DIALINDEN TREE REMOVE2" DIASPECIES TBDREMOVE2" DIACRABAPPLETREEREMOVE4" DIA MAPLETREEREMOVE6" DIACONIFER TREEREMOVE4" DIACRABAPPLETREEREMOVE20" DIAASH TREEREMOVE18" DIAASH TREETRIM ORREMOVE2" - 4" DIALINDEN TREEPROTECT 4" DIAWHITE BIRCHTREES6' CONC WALK4' BLVD6' CONC WALK4' BLVDROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNREMOVE2" DIATRI-FLORALMAPLE TREEPROTECTSHRUBS/BUSHESROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNPROTECT14" DIASILVER MAPLETREE3' BLVD4' BLVD6' CONC WALK6' CONC WALK26' F-F26' F-FΞBolton & Menk, Inc. 2013, All Rights ReservedH:\STLP\C12106992\C3D\DISPLAY\106992_LAYOUT 2_FINAL(NARROWING).DWG 03/14/2014 10:29 AMCITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK2014 SIDEWALK & TRAILIMPROVEMENTSLAYOUT HISTORY:THE LAYOUT WAS DEVELOPED FOR DISPLAY AT THE FIRSTNEIGHBORHOOD MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 19, 2013.THE LAYOUT WAS REVISED FOR DISPLAY AT THE SECONDNEIGHBORHOOD MEETING HELD ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014.RIGHT OF WAY (TYP)CONSTRUCTION LIMITS (TYP)RIGHT OF WAY (TYP)PROTECT TREEPROTECT FENCEPROTECT LANDSCAPINGPROTECT EXISTING FENCERELOCATE HYDRANTRELOCATE UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLEIRRIGATION TO BERELOCATEDBY HOMEOWNERRELOCATE UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLETRIM OR REMOVE4" DIALINDEN TREETRIM OR REMOVE4" DIALINDEN TREEPROTECT10"DIABIRCH TREECONSTRUCTIONLIMIT (TYP)PROTECTSHRUBSPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROTECT SHRUBPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERNO PARKINGNO PARKINGPARKING ALLOWEDFROM THIS LOCATIONTO FRANCE AVE.PROTECTSHRUBS/BUSHESON INSIDE OFFENCEPROTECTSHRUBS/BUSHESON OUTSIDE OFFENCEPROTECT 24" DIAKENTUCKYCOFFEE TREEPROTECT20" DIALINDEN TREE REMOVE2" DIASPECIES TBDTRIM 2" DIACRABAPPLETREETRIM 4" DIAMAPLE TREEPROTECT6" DIACONIFER TREEREMOVE4" DIACRABAPPLETREEREMOVE20" DIAASH TREEREMOVE18" DIAASH TREETRIM ORREMOVE2" - 4" DIALINDEN TREEPROTECT 4" DIAWHITE BIRCHTREES6' CONC WALKROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNPROTECT2" DIATRI-FLORALMAPLE TREEPROTECTSHRUBS/BUSHESROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNROADWAY NARROWED TO26' F-F FROM INGLEWOOD TOLYNN AS SHOWNPROTECT14" DIASILVER MAPLETREE6' CONC WALK6' CONC WALK26' F-F26' F-FCONSTRUCTION LIMITS (TYP)RIGHT OF WAY (TYP)PROTECT TREEPROTECT FENCEPROTECT LANDSCAPINGPROTECT EXISTING FENCERELOCATE HYDRANTRELOCATE UTILITY POLERELOCATE UTILITY POLEIRRIGATION TO BERELOCATEDBY HOMEOWNERPROTECT UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLEPROTECT UTILITY POLETRIM 4" DIALINDEN TREETRIM 4" DIALINDEN TREEPROTECT10"DIABIRCH TREECONSTRUCTIONLIMIT (TYP)PROTECTSHRUBSPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROTECT SHRUBPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERPROPOSEDCURB & GUTTERNO PARKINGNO PARKINGPARKING ALLOWEDFROM THIS LOCATIONTO FRANCE AVE0' BLVD0' BLVD0' BLVDPROTECT SHRUBLEGENDPROPOSED 6' CONCRETE SIDEWALKPROPOSED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYPROPOSED BITUMINOUS DRIVEWAYREMOVE OR RELOCATE LANDSCAPINGREMOVE SIDEWALKPROPOSED CURB & GUTTERREMOVE TREEPROTECT (SAVE) TREE W/ BOTH OPTIONSPROTECT (SAVE) TREE W/ BACK OF CURB OPTIONRIGHT OF WAYCONSTRUCTION LIMITSXORIGHT OF WAY (TYP)SOUTH SIDE - 4' BOULEVARD OPTIONSOUTH SIDE - BACK OF CURB OPTIONDUE TO EXTENSIVE UTILITY RELOCATIONS, THIS OPTION IS NOT RECOMMENDED BY STAFF Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Minutes: 3a UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 10, 2014 The meeting convened at 6:41 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Associate Planner (Mr. Kelley), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). Guest: Leslie Oberholtzer (CodaMetrics). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – February 18 and 24, 2014 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed special study session agenda for February 18th and the proposed study session agenda for February 24th. 2. Introduction to Form-Based Codes Mr. Kelley presented the staff report and introduced Ms. Leslie Oberholtzer from CodaMetrics. He advised the City received a grant from the Met Council to develop a form-based code in the three light rail station areas in order to foster transit-oriented development and the City has contracted with CodaMetrics to assist in this process. Ms. Oberholtzer stated that the City’s current Zoning Code is set up with zoning districts that use dimensional standards such as setbacks as well as floor area ratios and dwelling units per acre to define the intensity of different built forms; in addition, the current Code regulates permitted uses, uses with conditions, and uses that require a Conditional Use Permit along with a series of performance standards. She explained that all those elements are addressed in form-based codes and stated that form-based codes foster predictable built results, foster a high quality public realm, and are intended to be regulations adopted into city ordinance rather than simply guidelines and can be very similar to what is found in the City’s codes. She presented several examples of buildings using form-based code depicting how far buildings are from sidewalks and the orientation of the building to the street and indicated most codes are a mixture of conventional use-based codes and form-based code resulting in a hybrid code that meshes both form and use. She stated when a city has a fairly specific vision for an area, a form-based code is a great way to implement that vision and is intended to be very specific. She reviewed the process defined for this project stating that the first objective is to understand the context of the place in order to be able to write the regulations for that place. She indicated that the three station areas are very different, and it will be important to understand what those differences are and to write a code that addresses those differences. She advised that the first community workshop will consist of an image preference workshop where participants talk about City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3a) Page 2 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 10, 2014 developments that have been done in the community, in the region, and nationally and have people score them and talk about those images in smaller groups, adding that each station area will have its own table and everyone attending will be able to talk about each individual station area. Councilmember Sanger felt it was important to promote high quality architectural designs and that any form-based code needs to allow for architectural creativity. She asked how much discretion the City would have to modify any plan that is presented using form-based code. Ms. Oberholtzer stated the City has to be careful about what the form-based code requires, adding that when the Planning Commission reviews a project, it needs to consider what kinds of things everyone can agree on, e.g., where the building is located, where the entrance is located, and all the basic design principles that can be readily agreed upon, and to get those written into the form-based code. Councilmember Sanger asked what regulations could be included in the form-based code with respect to noise, fumes, and other adverse impacts to avoid impact to other uses in the same building. Ms. Oberholtzer stated that the form-based code would include performance standards for light, sound, odor, etc. Councilmember Mavity felt it was important to have creative, distinctive architecture especially in the station areas and encouraged the City to obtain feedback from a developer panel or architect panel. Ms. Oberholtzer responded that a form-based code does not guarantee great architecture and she does not recommend incorporating architectural standards that are too specific. Ms. Oberholtzer stated that a form-based code can allow for creative buildings, an improved pedestrian environment and public space and can assist a community in implementing a defined vision. Mr. Kelley indicated the City is forming a workgroup including architects and developers and Ms. Oberholtzer will interview specific stakeholders during this process. He stated that the community workshops will be scheduled in April or May and further updates will be provided to Council and the Planning Commission. 3. Southwest LRT Update Mr. Harmening presented the staff report. Mr. Locke presented several diagrams of the Southwest LRT engineering evaluation of freight rail relocation alternatives prepared by TranSystems and provided a detailed explanation of the new reroute option. He stated that the design includes the lowering of Highway 7 approximately three or four feet and the full or partial taking of twenty parcels and the City has significant concerns about the Xcel substation and the lowering of Highway 7. He explained the proposed changes in the Walker/Lake Street and Library Lane areas and stated the proposal includes the taking of five to seven homes on Library Lane. He advised that TC&W has indicated they are not very confident that this alignment solves the undulations and reverse curves and does not address their concerns regarding safety and cost of operation. He explained that the switch from using the Bass Lake to MNS is actively used by CP and TC&W would have to wait for permission to get onto the BNSF line and could result in significant delays, adding that City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3a) Page 3 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 10, 2014 TranSystems has proposed that this could be regulated by Centralized Traffic Control, a computerized electronic system of switches where TC&W would have to wait west of Blake Road to get permission to continue onto the MNS route. He stated the City is in the process of preparing its comments and will review the comments with Council prior to March 3rd. Councilmember Mavity stated she assumed that many of the same issues raised in the City’s DEIS comments are applicable to this and felt the City should raise all these issues again as part of a complete response. Councilmember Sanger agreed, adding that she felt the City’s comments should also include all the environmental mitigation needed in terms of additional properties that need to be taken, as well as park safety and wetland protection that are not addressed in this plan. She felt the City needs to state that if this is going to be built, all this mitigation has to be provided and has to be provided by some entity other than St. Louis Park. She stated it also needs to address the process and compare it to the process for evaluating routes in the Kenilworth corridor because this represents yet another plan where properties are taken in St. Louis Park and discards plans in Kenilworth because it requires the taking of property, resulting in an issue of equity and not using consistent criteria for evaluating these plans. She felt the City needs to point out that even if this plan is safe for train operations, it is not safe for the community at large and needs to address community impacts, including noise, vibration, and community cohesion. Councilmember Brausen felt the City should emphasize that the consultant’s report said the Kenilworth shallow tunnel option would work and that the hydrologist said it was okay and that TC&W approved it. He also felt the City needs to stress this does not provide a reason to look at other options and to start emphasizing the process and whether it was arbitrary and capricious. Councilmember Spano felt it was important to stress that there is an option on the table that maintains the integrity of the neighborhood in Minneapolis and that does not force a reroute on St. Louis Park. Councilmember Hallfin agreed with the earlier comments but felt the City’s comments on the TranSystems plan did not need to go into great detail, adding that the City’s stated position is that other viable options exist and the TranSystems plan does not represent a viable alternative. Mr. Harmening requested Council input regarding the media and whether the City should make a statement at the community meeting on Wednesday. Councilmember Sanger felt the City should make a statement at the meeting on Wednesday that indicates the City’s view is that the TranSystems plan is not acceptable and the City is not in favor of the TranSystems plan. She also felt the City should get its message out to the media. She stated she has received feedback from members of the community indicating their belief that Council needs to be clearer about the municipal consent question, adding there appears to be some unwritten principle that Council has never publicly stated it would not grant municipal consent for this route. Councilmember Brausen expressed support for reiterating Mayor Jacobs’s media response that given the current circumstances, Council cannot see any path forward to municipal consent. Councilmember Lindberg felt that the City’s messaging needed to be stronger and stated he would not grant municipal consent. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3a) Page 4 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 10, 2014 Councilmember Hallfin stated he did not believe Council should comment on whether it will grant municipal consent until final plans are on the table. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare a statement to be presented by Mayor Jacobs at the community meeting on Wednesday, February 12th. It was also the consensus of the majority of the City Council that the City’s position regarding municipal consent will include a reiteration of the City’s earlier statement that given the current circumstances, the City Council cannot see any path forward to municipal consent. It was also the consensus of the City Council to contact the media for an interview. 4. Review Outcomes and Agenda for City Council Workshop Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and proposed outcomes and agenda for the City Council workshop. Councilmember Sanger requested that the agenda include a discussion about whether Council is comfortable using TIF funding for single family housing. Councilmember Spano stated that the Workshop Planning Committee felt that that level of detail could be addressed in relation to gaps in the housing policy. He stated the Workshop Planning Committee felt the housing policies should be revisited to make sure they are in alignment with what the community desires now, including a discussion about general market trends and who the City wants to attract to the community with several follow-up discussions after the workshop. Councilmember Sanger requested that staff provide basic data on the City’s housing stock. Councilmember Mavity requested that this data also include historical information about what the housing stock was ten years ago, what it is now, and what it is projected to be in the future. It was the consensus of the City Council to approve the Desired Outcomes and Agenda for the City Council Workshop. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening requested input from Council regarding proposed dates for a joint meeting with the School Board in March. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to schedule a joint meeting with the School Board on either March 10, 17, or 24. The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Proposed Allocation of 2014 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds 6. Highway 169 – Noise Wall Project 7. Highway 169 – W. 16th Street Access Closure 8. EDA Redevelopment Contract Status Update 9. Annual Open to Business Program Update 10. Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) 2013 Annual Report ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacobs, Mayor Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Minutes: 3b UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 24, 2014 The meeting convened at 6:37 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: Jake Spano. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Communications & Marketing Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Technology/Web Coordinator (Mr. Huber), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – March 3 and 10, 2014 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed special study session agenda for March 3rd and the proposed study session agenda for March 10th. He requested input regarding Council’s interest in a study session discussion about the City’s off-sale liquor licenses. Councilmember Mavity stated she would like to explore potential impacts and the City’s choices as it relates to creating spacing requirements for granting liquor licenses. Councilmember Sanger stated that Council had an earlier study session discussion on this topic and felt there was no reason why the City should limit liquor licenses unless there are safety issues associated with a liquor store. She felt when a city starts limiting liquor licenses it limits competition for existing businesses and ups the ante when they sell the business because of scarcity of the resource. Councilmember Mavity stated the issue for her has more to do with how the City promotes local businesses and wanted to make sure the City has policies in place to both support and attract locally owned businesses, adding that her concern is the City has seen a pure straight market approach that could knock out the local business flavor in the community. Councilmember Sanger agreed that the City should have a more local flavor and she was fine with Council having a discussion about what it can do to promote locally owned businesses but did not see any reason to tie that discussion to liquor licenses. Councilmember Hallfin stated it appears that liquor-type warehouses are moving in and crushing the locally owned businesses and he would like to have a conversation about that. He added he would also like to revisit the 50-50 food/liquor requirement. Councilmember Lindberg agreed with Councilmember Sanger and stated he was not interested in a study session discussion at this time, adding that if the issue becomes more of a small business issue, he would rather talk about promoting locally owned businesses than about limiting distances for off-sale licenses. He also questioned whether on-sale licenses should be included if City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3b) Page 2 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 24, 2014 the City is going to consider limiting off-sale licenses, adding that he understood Councilmember Mavity’s concerns but felt there were different ways to address her concerns. Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Lindberg. It was the consensus of the City Council to not have a further discussion regarding limiting liquor licenses at this time. It was also the consensus of the City Council to have a further discussion about promoting locally owned businesses and to have this discussion later this year. 2. Comments on SWLRT/TranSystems Report Mr. Locke presented the staff report and draft comments prepared in response to the TranSystems Reroute Plan. Councilmember Sanger presented her written comments to staff and stated she felt the City’s comments regarding the taking of six homes should be expanded to point out that the TranSystems plan did not propose to take the two homes on Minnetonka Boulevard that were proposed to be taken with the other reroutes, as well as the additional homes taken along the MN&S as part of the mitigation plan. She also felt the comments should address the costs and derailment issues associated with the new bridge structures proposed in the TranSystems plan. She requested that the City expand its comments regarding the conflicts with Highway 7 at Wooddale and Louisiana Avenues and the implications of lowering the roadway. She requested that the City contact Xcel Energy about the safety risks associated with trains traveling next to its substation and to note that the costs of any alteration to the substation were not included in this estimate. She requested that the comments also spell out why the curves and elevation changes are unsafe and to make a comparison with the curves in the Kenilworth route as well as to point out that the railroad has talked about why it is a problem for them to get clearance from two railroads to merge onto their tracks. She stated the cost and source of funding for maintenance of the new infrastructure was not included in the overall cost estimate and the cost comparisons that TranSystems put in the report are wrong and do not include the extra costs the SPO has identified. She stated the reference to the 1999 study left a false impression because TranSystems did not note that this study resulted in official opposition to the reroute. She requested further information about the proposed new roadway referenced in the TranSystems report and whether it will solve the traffic problems created by closing road crossings and to address the negative impacts on business operations left behind in this area, adding that there appears to be an inherent presumption that dislocated businesses could find equally advantageous sites within St. Louis Park, but the report fails to mention that shutting off roads will mean longer route times for cars and pedestrians. She stated the TranSystems report does not mention the impact on wetlands in St. Louis Park or the impact on parklands adjacent to the reroute. She requested that the City challenge the statement that Kenilworth was planned as a temporary route because Mn/DOT has clearly stated that is not true, as evidenced by the Mn/DOT memo where Mn/DOT told Hennepin County to get rid of any references to temporary. Councilmember Mavity stated it might be useful to submit an executive summary with key points, rather than submitting another lengthy report. She wanted the City’s comments to be concise on each point and backed up by facts and research that can be referenced back to the City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3b) Page 3 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 24, 2014 DEIS comments. She requested that the City include a table outlining the costs and shared costs as a way of showing an apples-to-apples comparison and to point out that the costs associated with the tunnel option represent a mitigation cost. Councilmember Brausen felt the City should frame its comments with its strongest point, i.e., the negative impacts to the community and to contrast clearly the human cost the City is going to experience with a reroute. He requested the comments also include a comparison of freight rail going through the Kenilworth corridor and how many homes would be impacted versus how many homes would be impacted by a reroute through St. Louis Park. Councilmember Lindberg felt that the statements made by Mayor Jacobs at the community open house should be continued in these comments, adding that he agreed the City’s comments should include an executive summary with concise factual details. Councilmember Hallfin agreed with all the comments made by his colleagues, but felt that the City should simply restate its resolution and state that the City’s position has not changed, and that this plan will not result in municipal consent from the City of St. Louis Park. He felt that the City’s comments should be concise and to the point instead of providing mass information. Councilmember Sanger strongly disagreed and stated the City has been asked and given an opportunity to comment on the TranSystems plan and the City should provide sufficient data to the CMC and Met Council. Mayor Jacobs felt it was appropriate to set forth some additional details and facts, adding that there was a lot of information in the TranSystems report that was factually wrong and should be pointed out. He agreed that an executive summary should be included stating that the City’s position has been clear for a long time, that the TranSystems plan will not work, and that the City will not give municipal consent. After further discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to include sufficient factual detail and data in the City’s comments. Mr. Harmening agreed to send the City’s comments to Council for review prior to the March 3rd deadline. He referenced the SWLRT report rollout schedule and advised that a meeting has been scheduled with the Governor next week; in addition, there will be a meeting with the local STB staff on Wednesday. 3. 2014-2015 Communications Plan Mr. Pires presented the staff report and the 2014-2015 Communications Plan. Mr. Zwilling stated that the website continues to be a driving force of the City’s communications and the Communications Plan includes an analysis of the City’s website development needs, staffing, and future of website administration, adding that the City has one of the best websites in the nation. He stated that staff will begin planning for the next redesign anticipated in 2015 and will include improved search capabilities. He presented statistics for the City’s website that indicate the City has 20,000-30,000 unique visitors to the website per month, with the three most popular days in 2013 being July 4th, June 22nd after the storm/power outages, and June 22nd, the Monday after the storm. He stated that another area of focus is improving customer service throughout the City, including implementation of a Citizen Response System (CRM) where residents can call, text, or email the City to report a problem and the information is then put into City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3b) Page 4 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 24, 2014 a central database that tracks the reported problem and assigns the issue to an appropriate staff member. He stated that residents would get an immediate automated response and staff will be able to report back to the resident. Mr. Pires stated that the CRM can tailor the response based on the type of complaint so that if there is going to be a delay, the automated response can mention that in the response. Councilmember Sanger asked if phoned-in calls can be entered into the CRM as well. Mr. Zwilling replied in the affirmative and stated that anyone who answers the phone can type the message into the system and send the work order to the appropriate staff member. He added that a note can be put into the CRM requesting that the resident receive a call back if they do not have access to a computer. He presented an example of the resident kiosks available at City Hall and stated that consideration is being given to adding the kiosks to other City locations, e.g., the Rec Center. He discussed the City’s marketing and branding efforts and advised that during the next two years staff will be updating the brand and considering changes to the brand messages. He also discussed the joint marketing efforts with the School District including the City/School calendar, adding that consideration is being given to the concept of a joint Parks and Recreation/Community Education guide. He stated that the Communications Plan includes a community survey of residents and businesses about their use and access to technology, City communication tools, and communications preferences, adding that Council will be asked for input on the types of questions to include in the survey. He advised that another component of the Communications Plan includes an analysis of the current role of the Telecommunications Advisory Commission (TAC). Councilmember Sanger requested that the City consider how it can upgrade its notification system related to zoning, etc., so that these notices can be sent by email rather than mailed. She suggested having a calendar posted on the website and updated regularly rather than sending out a paper calendar. She also requested information about the anticipated decline in funding for cable and adjustments to the budget. Mr. Zwilling advised that staff lowered the long-term revenue projections through 2021 and staff believes the fund is in good shape through 2021. He stated that the survey will address the question about notification preferences and how the City should send notifications to residents. Councilmember Mavity asked if the City is laying new fiber in its construction projects. Mr. Pires replied that the City adds conduit and/or fiber as construction projects are being completed throughout the City and the City continues to leverage the fiber that already exists, e.g., wi-fi supported by fiber was recently added at the West End Community Room. He suggested that staff come back to Council and discuss how much it wants to expand the fiber network and the role the City should play in that expansion. Councilmember Mavity expressed concern about Nextdoor.com and stated it feels exclusive and she did not like it. Mr. Zwilling stated that the City does not put anything on Nextdoor.com that is exclusive, adding that staff learned that 50% of neighborhoods were already using this tool and neighborhood leaders were asking for it. He stated that staff would monitor Nextdoor.com to see if it is effective and watch for feedback from neighborhoods. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3b) Page 5 Title: Study Session Minutes of February 24, 2014 Councilmember Brausen requested that the website include information on the City’s history and past elected officials. Councilmember Mavity stated the City received a suggestion to add signposts in neighborhoods and encouraged the City to use signposts in neighborhoods for posting of events. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Councilmember Mavity stated she currently serves as one of the two councilmembers on CEAC and asked that another councilmember be appointed to CEAC because her schedule does not permit her continued attendance at the meetings. Councilmember Hallfin requested an update regarding the odd side parking restrictions. Mr. Harmening advised that approximately twelve cars have been towed through Sunday. He stated that the number of streets being impacted by snow continues to increase and staff is considering whether to implement mandatory parking restrictions throughout the City. After discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to continue to enforce the odd side parking restrictions and to ticket and tow as appropriate. Mr. Harmening stated that the Housing Authority 2013 Annual Report and 2013 Housing Activity Report including in the agenda contains useful information and urged Council to review these documents prior to the City Council workshop on Thursday. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 4. Housing Authority (HA) 2013 Annual Report and 2013 Housing Activity Report 5. January 2014 Monthly Financial Report 6. Blake Road/Aquila Avenue Corridor Study ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacobs, Mayor Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Minutes: 3c UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 3, 2014 The meeting convened at 6:39 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). 1. Pilot Program with Park Nicollet Healthcare/Methodist Hospital Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and stated that the City is uniquely situated to have a relationship with Park Nicollet and Methodist Hospital and to be more proactive from a pre-911 perspective and the pilot program could serve to improve the lives of the City’s residents, enhance the City’s brand, and serve as a potential revenue source for the City. Councilmember Hallfin asked if the City foresees the possibility of working with other hospital systems if the pilot program is a success. He also requested further information about liability and the City’s potential exposure if a patient is readmitted within the thirty-day timeframe. Mr. Koering stated that staff believes this pilot program could serve as a launching point for this type of program throughout the metro area to manage patients being discharged from other hospital systems. He indicated that significant details remain to be worked out, including mutual aid, and staff is currently engaged in these conversations with other communities with the idea that if crews were tied up on a structure fire and were only able to visit with ten patients on a given day, the Fire Department would offload its patient visits to a neighboring community. He stated the Fire Department currently performs EMS and in-home visits and the duties performed during the pilot program’s patient visits would be no different and are very much within the firefighter’s scope of practice and all fall within the framework of care that firefighters are allowed to give. He added that the liability questions are currently being reviewed. Councilmember Brausen stated he was concerned about making sure that Fire Department personnel are available for 911 services. He also asked about HIPAA issues and medical reporting requirements. Mr. Koering explained that hypothetically one person would be assigned to perform in-home visits leaving the rest of the shift at the fire station to handle 911 calls. He added that the in- home visits are not considered emergent calls so the Fire Department can better plan its capacity and daily work schedule. He stated that Park Nicollet’s compliance and legal staff are working on HIPAA issues to determine what information can be shared and part of the process will include an opt-in or opt-out for patients to approve or deny the release of their medical information to Fire Department personnel. He stated that firefighters will have a checklist and format to be followed for every in-home visit. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3c) Page 2 Title: Special Study Session Minutes of March 3, 2014 Mr. Harmening stated that the Fire Department is covered by the League and staff is working with them on the liability questions. Councilmember Mavity asked who is liable if something is missed during an in-home visit. Councilmember Sanger asked if Park Nicollet’s medical malpractice insurance would cover the City’s firefighters during the in-home visits. Mr. Koering agreed to check on the liability question and medical malpractice insurance question. Councilmember Sanger requested that the City use fuel-efficient vehicles for the in-home visits as well as for all other medical related calls. She asked if any additional staff would need to be hired for the pilot program. Mr. Koering advised that 81% of the time the Fire Department takes a small vehicle to a medical call and 19% of the time a larger vehicle is used. He stated that staff will need to figure out what vehicle to assign for the patient visits with the idea of using a smaller vehicle and not tying up any of the expensive apparatus. He stated that no additional staff will need to be hired for the pilot program. Councilmember Sanger asked how the City is going to evaluate whether the pilot program is successful. She requested further information about the revenue being paid to the City as part of this program. Mr. Koering advised that a work group has been creating a list of outcomes for the program that will measure the success of the program. He stated that the revenue to be paid to the City has not yet been finalized, adding that the discussions lean towards the Fire Department getting paid a flat rate per patient visit. Councilmember Mavity requested the program include outcomes for the City overall as well as outcomes related to the community and residents. She asked about the feedback received from the firefighters about this pilot program. Mr. Koering stated that this initiative is the #1 priority for the Professional Firefighters Union for the State of Minnesota and the firefighters have started to embrace this model and they understand that they have to continue to look at ways to change the current service model. He pointed out that the firefighters are already seeing these patients as part of their responsibilities and this program will allow them to better plan their day. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to pursue undertaking a pilot program to test the feasibility of a partnership with Park Nicollet/Methodist Hospital for post-discharge firefighter visits. The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacobs, Mayor Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Minutes: 3d UNOFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 3, 2014 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Shamla), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). 1a. Pledge of Allegiance 1b. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Communication of Donation Appreciation Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council’s thanks to the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture, Discover St. Louis Park, Barbara Levie and Mark Kawell, and the Minnesota Cycling Team for their generous donations. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Special Study Session Minutes February 18, 2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. City Council Meeting Minutes February 18, 2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3d) Page 2 Title: City Council Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2014 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 14-034 amending the St. Louis Park City Council Rules of Procedure relating to the appointment and rotation of the Mayor Pro Tem. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 14-035 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture in an amount not to exceed $2,000 for all related expenses, for Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator, to attend the 2014 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 14-036 approving acceptance of a donation from Discover St. Louis Park for registration, hotel, airfare and cab fare for Jason West, Recreation Superintendent to attend the 2014 National Association of Sports Commission (“NASC”) Sports Event Symposium held March 31 – April 3, 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in an approximate amount not to exceed $2,200. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 14-037 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Barbara Levie and Mark Kawell in the amount of $15 for Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 14-038 accepting a donation from the Minnesota Cycling Team in the amount of $2,000 to be available for individuals who qualify for financial assistance through the Parks and Recreation Department. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 14-039 establishing a special assessment for the installation of a Fire Suppression Sprinkler System at 4212 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN. 4g. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of January 25 through February 21, 2014. Councilmember Mavity noted one addition to the agenda of the appointment of a business representative to the Environment and Sustainability Commission. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Appointment of Business Representative to Environment and Sustainability Commission It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to appoint Ryan Griffin as Business Member to the Environment and Sustainability Commission for a term which expires December 31, 2015. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public Hearings - None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public – None City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3d) Page 3 Title: City Council Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2014 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Bin & Keg, LLC, Conditional Use Permit (CUP)/Variance – 8128 Minnetonka Blvd. Resolution No. 14-040 and Resolution No. 14-041. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report and explained that Bin & Keg, LLC, has requested a Conditional Use Permit for a restaurant in the Texa-Tonka shopping center. He presented a diagram of the site and the restaurant floor plan, noting that the CUP is conditioned upon approval of a full kitchen, capable of preparing and serving the proposed menu. He also noted that the CUP contains a condition that the CUP and variance will be null and void if the liquor license is not approved. He explained that there is 24’ between the restaurant and adjacent residential property requiring a 76’ variance and the restaurant is located in an existing mall with access facing Minnetonka Boulevard and the mall itself acts as a barrier protecting the residential properties from vehicle traffic. He stated the variance request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan; the request is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance; practical difficulties exist in complying with the Ordinance; and the proposed use would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. He advised that a neighborhood meeting was held on December 5th where residents spoke in favor of the proposed use. He then introduced Mr. Brent Olson, owner of Bin & Keg, LLC. Councilmember Hallfin expressed support for the project and asked if the bowling alley has a restaurant and full service bar. Mr. John Ketelhohn, 2961 Texa Tonka Avenue, approached the City Council and stated when the bowling alley switched to a bar/restaurant, it went through the same process. Mr. Morrison advised that a CUP was approved for the bowling alley. Councilmember Sanger stated that the proposed land use makes sense but was concerned about the criteria used for granting a variance. She stated that variances are applicable when there is something about the property that makes it difficult for the land use to comply and there does not appear to be anything about this real estate that creates a hardship. She referenced the criteria stating the plight of the landowner is due to circumstances that the landowner did not create and was troubled by the statement that the plight of the applicant is the result of the zoning ordinance. She stated she was having a hard time seeing that the criteria for granting a variance had been legally satisfied, adding that if the applicant was asking for only a wine and beer license, Council would not be having this discussion. She added she was troubled by the precedent that would be set in granting this variance. Ms. McMonigal explained that the plight is a result of the building’s location and the length of time the building has been in this location and the City cannot change that. Councilmember Sanger requested that staff modify the findings to make it clear that the City’s zoning ordinance is not the problem. Councilmember Brausen expressed concerns about the parking at Texa-Tonka and the possibility of cars being forced to park on the street and down Virginia Avenue. He encouraged Bin & Keg to ask employees to park on the other side of Texas Avenue. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3d) Page 4 Title: City Council Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2014 Councilmember Mavity requested confirmation that the owner of Bin & Keg, LLC, is aware of the City’s 50-50 food/liquor requirements. Mr. Brent Olson, owner of Bin & Keg, LLC, appeared before the City Council and acknowledged that he understood the City’s 50-50 food/liquor requirements. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 14-040 Granting a Variance to Allow a 76 Foot Variance to the Required 100 Foot Setback Between a Restaurant with Intoxicating Liquor License and Property that is Residentially Zoned and Used. The Property is Located at 8128 Minnetonka Boulevard. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 14-041 Granting Conditional Use Permit Under Section 36-194(d)(4) of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code Relating to Zoning to Permit a Restaurant with Intoxicating Liquor for Property Zoned C-2 General Commercial District Located at 8128 Minnetonka Boulevard. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Project Report: Municipal State Aid Project – Pennsylvania Avenue – Project No. 2016-1100. Resolution No. 14-042 and Resolution No. 14-043. Ms. Heiser presented the staff report and introduced Senior Engineering Project Manager Joe Shamla who has been working as the project lead for the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue project as well as the Pennsylvania Avenue MSA project. Mr. Shamla presented the 2014 MSA rehabilitation project on Pennsylvania Avenue and explained that in order to receive MSA funding the project needs to meet the MSA standard of only allowing parking on one side of the street. He stated that in order to achieve parking on both sides, the roadway would have to be increased a minimum of six feet and would result in steeper driveways and the removal of mature trees. He stated that the project includes removing and replacing asphalt, minor soil corrections, curb and gutter replacement, and water main replacement from Franklin Avenue to 14th Street. He indicated there are 33 residential service line connections and residents have the option of replacing their water service line from the main to the shut off valve at an estimated cost of $1,000-1,200 per line which can be prepaid or assessed for three years. He stated that an open house was held on January 18th and residents indicated they would like to maximize the parking that is available; as a result, staff changed the parking restrictions and was able to secure seven to ten additional parking stalls. He stated that the road will be open to local traffic during construction and the project will begin in late May and is anticipated to last approximately four months. He stated the engineering estimate for this project is $871,965 with funding from MSA funds and the water utility budget. Councilmember Mavity stated it appears there is no sidewalk on the two southern blocks of the project and asked if staff has looked into installing a sidewalk in this area. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 3d) Page 5 Title: City Council Meeting Minutes of March 3, 2014 Ms. Heiser stated this is not part of the Connect the Park initiative, adding there is a sidewalk on the east side and crossing at 14th Street and staff has been talking to residents about upgrading the sidewalk in this area. Councilmember Brausen complimented staff for working with residents and accommodating their concerns about parking. He encouraged residents to replace their water service line during construction, adding that the City is most accommodating in helping finance this repair. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to adopt Resolution No. 14-042 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project No. 2016-1100, Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Improvement Project No. 2016-1100. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to adopt Resolution No. 14-043 Authorizing Installation of “No Parking” Restrictions on Pennsylvania Avenue between Wayzata Boulevard and Franklin Avenue. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs stated he attended the Health in the Park meeting yesterday and thanked the organizers of this event. Mr. Harmening reminded residents of the “State of the City” event on Thursday, March 6th, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Rec Center. Councilmember Mavity stated that the Sun Sailor published a misleading headline regarding the City’s parking restrictions and clarified that the City is asking for voluntary compliance to park only on the odd side of the street and in certain segments where the roadways are particularly narrow, the City has implemented a mandatory system of parking only on the odd side of the street. Mayor Jacobs complimented the City’s Public Works staff for doing a great job of plowing, sanding, and salting. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacobs, Mayor Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Consent Agenda Item: 4a EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Designating Polling Places and Appointing Election Judges for 2014 Elections RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt Resolution designating 2014 polling places and appointing Election Judges for the April 29, 2014, Special Primary Election; the May 13, 2014, Special General Election; the August 12, 2014, State Primary Election; and the November 4, 2014, State General Election. POLICY CONSIDERATION: None SUMMARY: The City has been notified by Hennepin County that the City will need to run a Special Election for the seat of County Commissioner–3rd District, due to the resignation of Gail Dorfman. MN Statute 204B.21, Subd. 2 and City Charter Section 4.05 provides that Election Judges for precincts shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality and that the appointments be made at least 25 days before the election at which the Election Judges will serve. Election Judges are assigned to precincts based on availability, party balance, and the number required for each location. Election Judges without affiliation to a major political party are also allowed to serve but are not allowed to perform certain tasks at the precinct. The resolution contains the names of those who have indicated a willingness and ability to serve as an Election Judge. Appointment by the Council will allow these judges to serve at the 2014 Elections. In Hennepin County, each city is responsible for training their Election Judges. Two 2-hour paid training sessions are scheduled to accommodate Election Judges who will work at the Special Primary and Special General Elections, as well as at the State Primary Election. Additional Election Judge training will be scheduled in the fall. Also, Chair and Co-Chair Judges will be meeting for training. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Hennepin County has agreed that they will be responsible for the costs that the City incurs for the Special Primary and the Special General Elections. Election expenses for judges for the State Primary and the State General Elections are included in the City’s adopted 2014 budget. Election Judge hourly pay is as follows: $8.42 Regular Judges; $9.44 Co-Chair Judges; $9.95 Chair Judges. VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community through recruitment and training of community members to serve as Election Judges. Attachments: Resolution Prepared by: Kay Midura, Assistant - City Clerk’s Office Reviewed by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4a) Page 2 Title: Designating Polling Places and Appointing Election Judges for 2014 Elections RESOLUTION NO. 14 -____ RESOLUTION DESIGNATING POLLING PLACES AND APPOINTING ELECTION JUDGES FOR THE 2014 SPECIAL PRIMARY AND SPECIAL GENERAL ELECTIONS AND THE 2014 STATE PRIMARY AND GENERAL ELECTIONS WHEREAS, the Special Primary Election will be held on April 29, 2014; the Special General Election will be held on May 13, 2014; the State Primary Election will be held on August 12, 2014, and the State General Election will be held on November 4, 2014, at the following precinct polling locations: Ward 1 Precinct 1 – Beth El Synagogue, 5225 Barry St W Ward 1 Precinct 2 – Peter Hobart Elementary School, 6500 26th St W Ward 1 Precinct 3 – St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd Ward 1 Precinct 4 – Central Community Center, 6300 Walker St Ward 2 Precinct 5 – Union Congregational Church, 3700 Alabama Ave S Ward 2 Precinct 6 – St. Louis Park Recreation Center, 3700 Monterey Dr Ward 2 Precinct 7 – Susan Lindgren Elementary School, 4801 41st St W Ward 2 Precinct 8 – Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 3801 Wooddale Ave S Ward 3 Precinct 9 – Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8115 State Hwy No 7 Ward 3 Precinct 10 – Lenox Community Center, 6715 Minnetonka Blvd Ward 3 Precinct 11 – St. Louis Park Senior High School, 6425 33rd St W Ward 3 Precinct 12 – Aquila Elementary School, 8500 31st St W Ward 4 Precinct 13 – Westwood Lutheran Church, 9001 Cedar Lake Road Ward 4 Precinct 14 – Park Assembly Church, 1615 Texas Ave S Ward 4 Precinct 15 – Peace Presbyterian Church, 7624 Cedar Lake Road Ward 4 Precinct 16 – Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 Cedar Lake Rd WHEREAS, as authorized by MN Statute 204B.21, Subd. 2, Election Judges for precincts shall be appointed by the governing body of the municipality no later than 25 days before each election; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Louis Park City Council that the following individuals named on Exhibit A and on file in the Office of the City Clerk are hereby appointed to serve as Election Judges, Absentee Ballot Board Judges, or Alternate Judges for the 2014 Special Primary and Special General Elections and for the 2014 State Primary and General Elections; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the St. Louis Park City Council also appoints other individuals and all members appointed to the Hennepin County Absentee Ballot Board as authorized under Minn. Stat. 204B.21, subd. 2 under direction of the Election Manager to serve as members of the St. Louis Park Absentee Ballot Board; and City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4a) Page 3 Title: Designating Polling Places and Appointing Election Judges for 2014 Elections BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is with this, authorized to make any substitutions or additions as deemed necessary. Reviewed for Administration Adopted by the City Council March 17, 2013 City Manager Mayor Attest: City Clerk City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4a) Page 4 Title: Designating Polling Places and Appointing Election Judges for 2014 Elections Resolution No. 14 - ___ Exhibit A Appointed 2014 Election Judges The following individuals are appointed to serve in the 2014 Special Primary and Special General Elections and the State Primary and State General Elections: First Name Last Name Jane Ahrens Barbara Barbo Donald Becker Janet Benson Gary Berkovitz Nan Blomquist Loren Botner Rose Bratland David Brehmer Jacqueline Buda Mary Lou Christensen Melissa Connell Judith Cook Patricia Davis Helen Desens Kevin Donnan-Marsh Kay Drache Richard Dworsky Mary Enz Brian Fiderlein Heidi Finnerud Angela Fischels Lynne Fischer Beverly Fricke Roberta Gale Jorge Garcia Michael George Joan Gerhardson Tom Green Kathy Grose Lawrence Grose John Hemmerle Mary Hendrix First Name Last Name Linda Hines Todd Hintz Shirley Huiras Ken Huiras John Iacono Mary Johnson Carol Johnson Kimball Justesen Todd Kalk Katherine Kloehn Carol Kohler Marguerite Krause Carla Kulas J. Hamilton Kurtz Kirsten Kurtz Jami LaPray David Larson Joan Lee Martin Lee Philip Lindblad Barbara Lindblad Brendalee Litman Shammi Lochan Mary Jo Lochan Heather Mainella Paula Maisel Nanette Malcomson Julie Anne Manuel Margaret Marek Brenda Martens Susanne Mattison Mary Maynard Katherine McElroy City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4a) Page 5 Title: Designating Polling Places and Appointing Election Judges for 2014 Elections First Name Last Name Kathy McKay Kathy Metzker Myrtle Monroe Cynthia Mueller Gloria Murman Lois Nalezny Donna Ness Dolores Novotney Carol Nulsen Ross Oden Richard Olson Barb Osfar Carol Pappone Forrest Peiper Josie Petermeier Ross Plovnick Martha Rice David Richards Camille Ritter Barbara Ruhl Elizabeth Rung Roger Ruth Elaine Savick John Schaefer Mark Schwartz Karen Secor Judith Serrell Judy Shapiro Joy Showalter Regina Smith Richard Steege Michele Struss William Tape Jo Tennison Irene Thoennes Rich Thorne Lucille Thornsjo Carolyn Turk Ernest Tursich First Name Last Name Gay Urness Julie Weaver Nancy Wood Sheila Woodbeck Debra Wuebker Roz Wyles Absentee Ballot Board Melonie Danovsky Josephine Jacob Jodie Meckle Darla Monson Deb Montilino Lori Vail Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Consent Agenda Item: 4b EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Approval of Authorized Staff on Northeast Bank Money Market Account RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt Resolution authorizing opening of a money market account and designation of signatories. POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council desire to open a new money market account at Northeast Bank and designate City staff as signatories? SUMMARY: Interest rates with the City’s current money market accounts at Citizen’s Independent Bank, the 4M Fund and UBS have continued to decline, with the 4M Fund and UBS money market accounts yielding .02% and the Citizens Independent Bank money market yielding .08%. Therefore, with treasury rates still extremely low, staff looked at other options, and met with the CFO and credit officer at Northeast Bank. They are an institution slightly larger than Citizen’s in terms of assets, have solid ratios when analyzing information as provided by the FDIC, and have locations in Minneapolis, Columbia Heights and Coon Rapids. The money market fund they offer yields .40%. Further, they are more of a commercial bank and have more involvement in the areas of private activity revenue bonds, and this may benefit the City in the future to broker more opportunities for the City to collect private activity revenue bond fees. There will be no check writing privileges with this account. Wire transfers will be allowed in order to move funds as necessary for cash flow needs or to purchase longer term securities. Wires also require a telephone confirmation as an added security feature protecting City resources. The City anticipates investing $5 million of available cash in this money market coming from the Citizen’s money market account, which will increase interest earnings by approximately $16,000 – $19,000 annually on a $5 million investment with same day liquidity. Staff recommends the following individuals as signatories on the new money market account to: Brian Swanson* Controller Tom Harmening* City Manager Nancy Deno** Deputy City Manager/HR Director Steven Heintz ** Finance Supervisor *Primary authority **Secondary authority FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Northeast Bank’s Money Market Fund adheres to the City’s Investment Policy as well as the required 110% collateralization of assets. VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Resolution Prepared by: Darla Monson, Senior Accountant Reviewed by: Brian A. Swanson, Controller Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4b) Page 2 Title: Approval of Authorized Staff on Northeast Bank Money Market Account RESOLUTION NO. 14-____ RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING OPENING OF A MONEY MARKET ACCOUNT AND DESIGNATING SIGNATORIES WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park has money market accounts for investing available cash; and WHEREAS, the addition of a new money market account at Northeast Bank would provide a sound investment option for investing short-term cash; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the St. Louis Park City Council: Approval is hereby given to authorize the Controller to open a money market account at Northeast Bank with the following bank signatories. Northeast Bank Money Market Brian Swanson* Controller Tom Harmening* City Manager Nancy Deno** Deputy City Manager/HR Director Steven Heintz ** Finance Supervisor *Primary authority **Secondary authority Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 17, 2014 City Manager Mayor Attest: City Clerk Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Consent Agenda Item: 4c MINUTES ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: SUSTAINABLE SLP ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA February 5, 2014 Community Room, City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Anderson, Tim Brausen, Mark Eilers, Terry Gips, Caitlin Glennon, Rachel Harris, Tom Hillstrom, Mary Karius, Renee McGarvey, Cindy Larson O’Neil, Alex Sundvall, Judy Voigt MEMBERS ABSENT: Whitney Thesing STAFF PRESENT: Bridget Gothberg, Cindy Walsh, Debra Heiser, Phil Elkin CONSULTANTS: Mike Lamb, Fred Rozumalski, Barr Engineering Company 1. The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. 2. The minutes of the January 8, 2014 meeting were moved by the Chair and were unanimously approved. 3. Unfinished Business a. Update on meeting with City Council Chair Harris shared the positive response of the City Council regarding the Work Plan. Commissioners Gips, Voigt and Eilers also made comments regarding the City Council’s response to the work of the Commission, stating that the Commission hasd Council support and they were impressed with all that was completed. 4. New Business: a. Begin plan for Natural Steps New business focused on The Natural Step training, with an introduction by Mike Lamb, followed by an overview by Terry Gips. Discussion addressed potential dates and times based on two 2.5 hour long meetings. The group thought meeting on Wednesdays would be the best day of the week. Initial optional dates included February 26th and March 5th (the regularly scheduled Commission meeting date). Bridget will check with the absent Commissioners to see what dates will work. b. Determine Groups/Timelines for the areas using the Priorities Framework: The Commission had a discussion about forming work groups. After a bit of back and forth, they decided to wait until after the TNS training was complete. Mike Lamb did conduct an informal poll of the Commissioners to see what work groups they would be interested in. City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 4c) Page 2 Title: Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP Meeting Minutes of February 5, 2014 5. Communications: a. Commissioner Sundvall shared information on the Minneapolis Roberts Bird Sanctuary. The Met Council has responsibility for the sewer line, which needs maintenance and unfortunately runs through the sanctuary. This puts the sanctuary in peril. Commissioner Sundvall said that he would get further information to Ms. Gothberg to share with the entire Commission. b. Commissioner Glennon shared that the high school has a family science night on March 13th and would like the Commission to be a part of the event. Commissioners Sundvall, Gips and Karius agreed to assist. c. Ms. Gothberg shared Health in the Park with the Commissioners. She said this is important work involving our citizens to have a voice in the health of our community. Two community conversations will be held: Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Marriott in St. Louis Park, and Sunday, March 2, from 1:30—4:40 p.m. at Central Community Center. Transportation and child care are available. d. Commissioners had some discussion about getting a website going. Ms. Gothberg said that Jamie Zwilling, Communications and Marketing, has branding of Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP as a part of his Communication Plan for 2014. 6. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Consent Agenda Item: 4d MINUTES ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: SUSTAINABLE SLP Special Meeting ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA February 26, 2014 Gallery, Recreation Center MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Anderson, Terry Gips, Caitlin Glennon, Rachel Harris, Tom Hillstrom, Mary Karius, Renee McGarvey, Cindy Larson O’Neil, Alex Sundvall, Judy Voigt, Whitney Thesing MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Karius, Mark Eilers STAFF PRESENT: Debra Heiser, Phil Elkin CONSULTANTS: Mike Lamb, Fred Rozumalski, Barr Engineering Company GUEST: Matt Metzger, resident 1. The meeting was called to order at 6:36 p.m. 2. Chair Harris introduced Commissioner Terry Gips who presented Part I of The Natural Step training. 3. Chair Harris paused the presentation at 8:59 p.m. to respond to Commissioner Gips request for going an additional 5-10 minutes. Chair Harris informally polled the Commission then decided to allow an additional 5 minutes for the presentation. 4. Communications: a. Chair Harris reminded everyone about the next meeting March 5. b. Chair Harris reminded everyone about the upcoming Health in the Park meeting schedule for March 2. 5. Meeting was adjourned at 9:10pm Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Boards and Commissions: 5a EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Appointment of Citizen Representatives to Boards and Commissions RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to appoint Citizen Representatives to the commissions and terms listed below: Name Commission Term Expiration Jake Anderson Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 David Dyer Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Alanna Hjortland Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Fatuma Irshat Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 Kevin Klett Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2015 Andrew Reinhardt Telecommunications Advisory Commission 12/31/2016 POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council wish to appoint the Citizen Representatives listed above to serve on the commissions listed for the respective terms? SUMMARY: A total of thirteen applications were received in the City Clerk’s Office. The City Council began interviewing applicants in February to fill vacancies on Boards and Commissions, with the final interview taking place on March 10. There were more candidates than positions available, so not all candidates could be appointed at this time. Appointments were made in previous weeks to the Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP, the Human Rights Commission, and the Planning Commission. There are current vacancies for Youth Commissioners on the Human Rights Commission (2), the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, the Police Advisory Commission, and the Telecommunications Advisory Commission FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable. VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None Prepared by: Kay Midura, Office Assistant – City Clerk’s Office Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, HR Director/Deputy City Manager Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Public Hearing Agenda Item: 6a EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: Sandler Imports, LLC, dba Vitali’s Bistro–On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License RECOMMENDED ACTION: Mayor to close public hearing. Motion to approve application from Sandler Imports, LLC, dba Vitali’s Bistro, for an On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License to be located at 5101 Minnetonka Boulevard, with the license term through March 1, 2015. POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council wish to approve the liquor license for Sandler Imports, LLC? SUMMARY: The City received an application from Sandler Imports, LLC, dba Vitali’s Bistro, for an On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor license for their existing restaurant at 5101 Minnetonka Boulevard. The premise is 1,750 square feet, with indoor seating capacity of 42 and outdoor patio seating for 8. Maria Kaganovich is the President and owner of the establishment, and her husband, Vitali Logman, is the store manager. Sandler Imports, LLC has been operating Vitali’s Bistro since December of 2012. The Police Department has run a full background investigation, and nothing was discovered during the course of this investigation that would warrant denial of the license. The application and police report are on file in the City Clerk’s office, should Council members wish to review the information. The required notice of the public hearing was published March 6, 2014. Should Council approve the liquor license, no actual license is issued until all required compliance is met with the City Inspections Department and the State Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Fees for this applicant include $500 for the police background investigation and $2,750 for the On-Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor yearly license fee. VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None Prepared by: Kay Midura, Office Assistant - City Clerk’s Office Reviewed by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager Meeting: City Council Meeting Date: March 17, 2014 Action Agenda Item: 8a EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TITLE: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #49 Labor Agreement 2014-2015 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to Adopt Resolution approving a Labor Agreement between the City and Local 49 Union, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/14 – 12/31/15. POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does Council wish to approve the Labor Agreement between the City and the Local 49 Union? SUMMARY: Staff is pleased to bring to Council the details of this contract agreement between the City and Union for 2014-2015. This is the last of our five union groups to settle a contract for 2014-2015. The City and the Union have had several negotiation sessions and have come to agreement on the following changes to the contract: • Duration of two years (1/1/14 – 12/31/15). • Wage increase of 2% for 2014 (consistent with non-union). Wage increase of 2.5% for 2015 (consistent with other settled union groups). Additional 40 cents/hour market adjustment for Fleet Mechanics only in 2015. • Employer contribution for health insurance consistent with other groups for 2014 at $885 per month. Employer contribution same as other groups for 2015. • Effective January 1, 2014, expanding pager pay to apply to Field Supervisors only if assigned by supervisor to carry pager (in the past, this was only available to Public Service Workers, but Field Supervisors may be assigned to carry a pager as well). • Effective July 1, 2014, increase in pager pay/on-call stipend from $280/week to $350/week. Assignment is made by supervisor. Comment: Market surveys indicated that our weekly pager pay was lagging the market rate. • Effective January 1, 2014, increase in Lead Worker Assignment Pay from $140/month ($0.81/hour) to $1.00/hour to recognize employees who assume lead worker responsibilities. Staff is pleased with this agreement and recommends approval. The proposed contract is on file with the City Clerk. More detail is available upon request. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The amount recommended has been included in the 2014 budget and will be incorporated into the 2015 budget. VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Resolution Prepared by: Ali Fosse, HR Coordinator Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Meeting of March 17, 2014 (Item No. 8a) Page 2 Title: International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #49 Labor Agreement 2014-2015 RESOLUTION NO. 14-____ RESOLUTION APPROVING THE LABOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK AND INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS (IUOE), LOCAL #49 JANUARY 1, 2014 – DECEMBER 31, 2015 WHEREAS, the City and the Union have reached a negotiated settlement covering the terms and conditions of a Labor Agreement as permitted by the State of Minnesota Public Employees Labor Relations Act, and WHEREAS, the City Council may enter into such agreements as authorized by its Charter; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that the Mayor and City Manager are authorized to execute a Collective Bargaining Agreement, City Contract #______ between the City of St. Louis Park and IUOE Local #49, effective January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2015. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 17, 2014 City Manager Mayor Attest: City Clerk