HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/07/14 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
JULY 14, 2014
5:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 5:30 p.m. Update on Southwest LRT
6:30 p.m. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
1a. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items
2a. Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Resolution
2b. Southwest LRT Memorandum of Understanding
Recommended Action: Assuming the City Council approves a resolution relating to
Municipal Consent for SWLRT, staff is recommending the City Council approve a
Memorandum of Understanding and authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute
and submit it to the Metropolitan Council.
3. Adjournment
Immediately Following the Special City Council Meeting
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION Continued – Community Room
Discussion Items
2. 5 minutes Future Study Session Agenda Planning – July 21 and 28, 2014
3. 30 minutes Update from the Environment & Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP
4. 30 minutes Future Redevelopment of Northeast Corner of Excelsior Boulevard &
Monterey Drive
5. 45 minutes City Housing Goals: Continued Discussion
6. 30 minutes 2015 Metro Cities Legislative Policies
5 minutes Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
Written Reports
7. Update on Pilot Program with Park Nicollet
8. Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue Update
9. Update on SWLRT Station Area Form-Based Code
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request.
To make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at
952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Update on Southwest LRT
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No formal action required. City staff and the City Attorney
will be in attendance to provide the City Council with an update on the project in preparation for
the Special City Council meeting being held afterwards to consider Municipal Consent and a
Memorandum of Understanding relating to SWLRT.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time.
SUMMARY: On July 7 the City Council deferred taking action on Municipal Consent and a
Memorandum of Understanding relating to SWLRT until July 14 so as to allow extra time to
better understand upcoming discussions scheduled at the Met Council and CMC level. These
discussions have now taken place and staff and the city attorney will be present to provide an
update on recent events to better inform future City Council action related to the project.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Special City Council
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Action Agenda Item: 2a
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Resolution
POLICY CONSIDERATION: What action does the City Council wish to take relative to the
plans for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project to be located in St. Louis Park?
SUMMARY: This item was continued from the July 7, 2014 City Council meeting in order for
the City Council to know the outcome of the July 9, 2014 Corridor Management Committee
(CMC) meeting and Met Council meeting. An update on the SWLRT project will be provided
during a study session discussion prior to the special City Council meeting. Attached is the
resolution of approval of Municipal Consent from the July 7th staff report.
The proposed resolution incorporates the changes discussed at the June 23rd Study Session and
has been reviewed by the City Attorney. July 14, 2014 is the deadline for satisfying the
Minnesota State Statute requirements for City review and approval or disapproval of the SWLRT
design plans
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Resolution Approving Physical Design Plans from 7/7/14
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Special City Council Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2a) Page 2
Title: Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 14-___
RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PHYSICAL DESIGN COMPONENT OF THE
PRELIMINARY DESIGN PLANS FOR THE SOUTHWEST LIGHT RAIL PROJECT
WITHIN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
WHEREAS, a Strategic Priority for the City of St. Louis Park is “to be a connected and
engaged community;” and
WHEREAS, St. Louis Park is committed to enhancing the regional transit system and
recognizes the value the Southwest Light Rail Transit Project (“SW LRT Project”) will bring in
serving St. Louis Park citizens, businesses, employers and employees; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park has been an ardent supporter and active partner of
the SW LRT project since its inception, participating in numerous processes for the SW LRT line
including the Corridor Management Committee (CMC), Community Works Steering Committee,
Business Advisory Committee (BAC), Community Advisory Committee (CAC), Technical
Project Advisory Committee (TPAC), Technical Implementation Committee (TIC), several city
advisory groups, and many community processes and education forums through Corridors of
Opportunity, LISC, ULI Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County and others; and;
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park is committed to protecting and enhancing
the quality of its neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, St. Louis Park and its citizens have dedicated enormous effort, time and
resources into visioning the city’s station areas, including planning, engineering, analyzing,
discussing, and gaining community input in anticipation of the line, and,
WHEREAS, the Governor designated the Metropolitan Council (“Council”) as the
responsible authority for the SW LRT Project, which makes it responsible for planning,
designing, acquiring, constructing and equipping the Project; and
WHEREAS, the SW LRT Project is now in the preliminary design phase; and
WHEREAS, the design at this phase is approximately 15 percent complete; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes section 473.3994 allows cities and counties along a
proposed light rail route to provide input to the Council on the physical design component of the
preliminary design plans; and
WHEREAS, on April 22, 2014, the Council submitted the physical design component of
the preliminary design plans (“Plans”) to the governing body of each statutory and home rule
charter city, county, and town in which the route is proposed to be located; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing on the Plans was held by the City of St. Louis Park on May
19, 2014; and
WHEREAS, within 45 days of a joint hearing held by the Council and the Hennepin
County Regional Rail Authority (“HCRRA”), which was held on May 29, 2014, the City of St.
Louis Park must review and approve or disapprove the Plans for the route to be located in the
City of St. Louis Park; and
Special City Council Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2a) Page 3
Title: Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Resolution
WHEREAS, approval or disapproval by the City of St. Louis Park is part of the statutory
preliminary design process; and
WHEREAS, City of St. Louis Park staff has reviewed the Plans and developed a report
pertaining to these Plans and has made its recommendations; and
WHEREAS, the Plans include continuing the routing of freight rail trains along the Bass
Lake Spur in St. Louis Park and into the Kenilworth corridor of Minneapolis, and not rerouting
them to the MNS line in St. Louis Park, which is consistent with the City of St. Louis Park’s
long-standing formal position on this matter; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park supports the implementation of the Project and is
doing everything possible to support its successful implementation by 2019; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park is committed to work with the Council throughout
the design and construction process; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park has identified the following issues as outstanding,
some of which may become Locally Requested Capital Investments (“LRCIs”) requiring the
identification of funding during the advanced design of the Project:
1. Cedar Lake Regional Trail grade separations at Wooddale Avenue and Beltline
Boulevard;
2. A roadway underpass of Beltline Boulevard at rail and trail crossings;
3. Circulation and access improvements at Beltline Station including implementing the
extension of Lynn Avenue and a new road along the north side of the rail corridor;
4. A commitment to structured parking at the Beltline Park & Ride; and to continue to work
towards a Joint Development project;
5. A new roadway underpass near the Wooddale Station connecting Xenwood Avenue to
the north to meet the Highway 7 frontage road for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists;
6. Pedestrian/bike connection to Methodist Hospital from the Louisiana Avenue station;
7. Streetscape and engineering plans that accommodate development and redevelopment of
the LRT station areas in accordance with City and the Community Works Southwest
Corridor Investment Framework and Transitional Station Area Action Plan (TSAAP)
elements; and
WHEREAS, resolving the outstanding issues is necessary to completing the design of the
SWLRT and creating a healthy, safe, accessible multi-modal transportation system; and,
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park desires that the Council and its staff continue to work
with City staff to evaluate and resolve the above list of design issues; and,
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park desires that the Council and its staff continue to
address and work with the city on SW LRT line and station area design revisions that were
identified in comments sent to the Southwest Project Office on May 2, 2014 (“RCSC Form”).
WHEREAS, the City of St. Louis Park’s understanding is that the Council and its staff are
committed to working cooperatively with the City to evaluate and resolve the above list of
design issues, the referenced May 2, 2014 comments as well as any additional issues that arise
during the course of the SW LRT Advanced Design, Final Design, bidding, contracting,
construction, mitigation of environmental impacts and all aspects of the design and
implementation of the SW LRT Project.
Special City Council Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2a) Page 4
Title: Southwest LRT Municipal Consent Resolution
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The City of St. Louis Park provides its municipal approval of the Plans pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes Section 473.3994.
2. City of St. Louis Park staff are directed to submit the City’s approval to the Metropolitan
Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:
The City of St. Louis Park will be submitting to the Council a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Council and the City of St. Louis Park outlining the
outstanding design issues noted above in this resolution and the May 2, 2014 comments
submitted in the RCSC form; and, confirming both St. Louis Park’s and the Metropolitan
Council intent to work cooperatively toward mutually acceptable solutions.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council July 7, 2014
City Manager Mayor
Attest:
City Clerk
Meeting: Special City Council
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Action Agenda Item: 2b
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Southwest LRT Memorandum of Understanding
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Assuming the City Council approves a resolution relating to
Municipal Consent for SWLRT, staff is recommending the City Council approve a
Memorandum of Understanding and authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute and
submit it to the Metropolitan Council.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Assuming the City Council has reviewed and approved the
physical design component of the plans for the Southwest Light Rail Transit project to be located
in St. Louis Park (Municipal Consent), does the City Council desire to approve and present to the
Met Council a Memorandum of Understanding setting forth the City and Met Council’s intent to
work cooperatively to resolve outstanding design issues?
SUMMARY: This item was continued from the July 7, 2014 City Council meeting in order to
know the results of the July 9, 2014 Corridor Management Committee meeting prior to taking
action on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The proposed MOU from the
July 7th City Council meeting is attached. Note that the Met Council has reviewed this draft and
has indicated that there are no fundamental issues or substantive concerns with the draft.
However, it does appear the Met Council would like to put this document into one of their
standard formats as well as tweak or clarify language in the draft. As a result, it is likely that
staff will need to bring a revised agreement back to a future City Council meeting for approval.
The purpose of the MOU is to document in writing the outstanding design issues of particular
importance to the City and the City’s desire to work cooperatively with the Met Council to
resolve them. The Memorandum includes a list of specific items that need to be addressed
during the SWLRT advanced design process and beyond. The goal is to find mutually acceptable
solutions to the outstanding issues.
It is the expectation that the MOU will be executed by both the City and the Met Council as a
means to acknowledge in writing the City and Met Council’s intent to work cooperatively toward
mutually acceptable solutions to the outstanding design issues. It should be noted that approval
and execution of this document does not mean that either party is committing to include any or
all of the listed items in the final SWLRT project or to pay for the cost of those items. Execution
of the agreement means simply that the parties are agreeing to work cooperatively on these
issues. No action should be taken on the MOU until action has been taken on a resolution
regarding the City’s Municipal Consent of the physical design plans.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Memorandum of Understanding dated 7/7/14
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Special City Council Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2b) Page 2
Title: Southwest LRT Memorandum of Understanding
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Memorandum of Understanding is made and entered into this _____ day of
___________________, 2014, by the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal
corporation (“City”) and the METROPOLITAN COUNCIL, a public body corporate and politic
under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“Council”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, on or about April 22, 2014, the Council submitted the physical design
component of the preliminary design plans (“Plans”) for the Southwest Light Rail Transit Project
(“SW LRT Project”) to the City, Hennepin County and the other cities in which the route is
proposed to be located; and
WHEREAS, on July 14, 2014, the St. Louis Park City Council adopted Resolution No.
_________ providing its municipal approval pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 473.3994 to the Plans for
the SW LRT Project; and
WHEREAS, after the Plans were distributed by the Council, City staff and Council staff
have discussed various modifications and refinements to the Plans, some of which have been
conceptually agreed to by Council staff and others which required further study; and
WHEREAS, the City has also presented to Council staff a list of SW LRT Project High
Priority Elements listed herein which the City believes are necessary components of the SW LRT
Project; and
WHEREAS, there have been professional independent studies of the feasibility of
rerouting freight rail traffic from the Kenilworth corridor to the MN&S Route in St. Louis Park,
none of which have identified a route and design which is safe, operational and acceptable to the
City; and
WHEREAS, it is the City’s understanding that no further study of the feasibility of
rerouting freight traffic to the MN&S Route in St. Louis Park will be undertaken.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
A. Council and its staff will continue to work with the City to evaluate the following
potential additional components to the Project, some of which may become Locally Requested
Capital Investments (“LRCIs”) requiring the identification of funding during the advanced design
of the SW LRT Project:
1. Cedar Lake Regional Trail grade separations at Wooddale Avenue and Beltline Boulevard;
2. A roadway underpass of Beltline Boulevard at rail and trail crossings;
3. Circulation and access improvements at Beltline Station including implementing the
extension of Lynn Avenue and a new road along the north side of the rail corridor;
4. A commitment to structured parking at the Beltline Park & Ride; and to continue to work
towards a Joint Development project;
Special City Council Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2b) Page 3
Title: Southwest LRT Memorandum of Understanding
5. A new roadway underpass near the Wooddale Station connecting Xenwood Avenue to the
north to meet the Highway 7 frontage road for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists;
6. Pedestrian/bike connection to Methodist Hospital from the Louisiana Avenue station; and
7. Streetscape and engineering plans that accommodate development and redevelopment of
the LRT station areas in accordance with City and the Community Works Southwest
Corridor Investment Framework and Transitional Station Area Action Plan (TSAAP)
elements.
B. Council and its staff will continue to address and work with the City on the SW
LRT Project line and station area design revisions that were identified in comments sent to the
Southwest Project Office on May 2, 2014 (RCSC Form).
C. Council and its staff are committed to working cooperatively with the City of St.
Louis Park to evaluate and resolve the above list of design issues, the referenced May 2, 2014
comments as well as any additional issues that arise during the course of the SW LRT Project
Advanced Design, Final Design, bidding, contracting, construction, mitigation of environmental
impacts and all aspects of the design and implementation of the SW LRT Project.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this document effective the
date first set forth above.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
By:_________________________________
Jeffrey W. Jacobs, Mayor
Dated: ______________, 2014. By:_________________________________
Thomas K. Harmening, City Manager
METROPOLITAN COUNCIL
Dated: ______________, 2014. By:
Its:
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – July 21 and 28, 2014
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for
the Special Study Session scheduled for July 21, 2014 and the regularly scheduled Study Session
on July 28 , 2014.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council agree with the agendas as proposed?
SUMMARY: At each study session approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next
study session agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the proposed discussion items for
the Special Study Session scheduled for July 21, 2014 and the regularly scheduled Study Session
on July 28, 2014.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – July 21 & 28, 2014
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – July 21 and 28, 2014
Special Study Session, July 21, 2014 – 6:45 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Delinquent Accounts – Administrative Services (45 minutes)
Discussion on delinquent accounts, penalties charged, effectiveness of those penalties and
whether council would like to take different action to encourage timely payments of utility
bills. This discussion is a result of a request previously made by the City Council.
Study Session, July 28, 2014 – 6:30 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Outdoor Refrigerated Ice Feasibility Study – Operations & Recreation (45 minutes)
The St. Louis Park Hockey Association will present findings from the feasibility study and
cost estimates for the outdoor refrigerated ice.
Communications/Meeting Check-In – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
3. 2014 June Financial Report
4. Second Quarter Investment Report (April – June 2014)
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Update from the Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required. This study session discussion is intended to
provide a briefing to the City Council on the progress of Environment and Sustainability:
Sustainable SLP Advisory Commission toward their 2014 work plan.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Are the activities of the commission in keeping with the City
Councils expectations?
SUMMARY: The Commission presented its 2014 Work Plan to the Council at the January 27
Study Session and has been making progress toward accomplishing their objectives. They have
continued to educate themselves on sustainable initiatives undertaken by other cities, while also
meeting with the City of St. Louis Park staff to learn of sustainable actions in place at the City
and to evaluate current practices. Work groups have also been formed to develop a sustainability
brand and continue to work toward expanding their presence in the City.
The 2014 Work Plan includes the following goals: Prepare a Sustainable Community Vision,
Education, Evaluate Potential Initiatives, Form and Operate Workgroups (groups: Green Step
Cities program and actions, Reduce carbon emissions, Environmentally preferred purchasing
policy, Energy, Establish a creative Sustainable SLP brand, and others as decided by the
Commission), Communications and Public Engagement.
The Commission consists of 13 regular members. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each
month at 6:30 p.m.
The 2014 Work Plan is attached in full for City Council review. The Commission Chair and
work group leaders will be present at the meeting to present their progress.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city
business.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Attachment A: 2014 Work Plan and Meeting Schedule
Attachment B: Sustainable SLP Operating Work Group Guidelines
Attachment C: List of Commissioners
Prepared by: Phillip Elkin, Sr. Project Manager
Reviewed by: Debra M. Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Update from the Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP
ATTACHMENT A
Environment and Sustainability: Sustainable SLP Advisory Commission
2014 Work Plan
Goals
1. Prepare a Sustainable Community Vision
This would use The Natural Step process to create a framework to build on the City’s current
sustainability efforts. The process would involve two steps. One – the Commission will
participate in more detailed training of The Natural Step and then determine if this is the best
process to utilize. And,, as determined by the Commission, a second step would be to facilitate a
broader, community-based process to engage the community, schools, non-profits, businesses,
faith community, and neighborhoods. After the method of framing is set, the Commission will
write a Sustainable Community Vision to be sent to the City Council.
2. Education
This would focus on an on-going effort of the Commission to educate itself on the extensive
body of information about sustainability and the environment; and would also focus on leading
the larger community to learn more about sustainability, environmental stewardship and how the
city is progressing with comprehensive sustainability.
3. Evaluate potential initiatives
The Commission will study and prioritize various initiatives using a criteria evaluation matrix.
An example of criteria evaluation matrix is attached. When the Commission’s analysis has
produced a recommendation on a specific initiative, a recommendation will be prepared for City
Council consideration.
4. Form and operate workgroups
Workgroups will provide the basic operating unit for the Commission and will generate the
necessary energy, investigation and recommendations to the Commission on a variety of topics.
Some of these may include:
• Green Step Cities program and actions
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Environmentally preferred purchasing policy
• Energy
• Establish a Creative Sustainable SLP brand
• Others as decided by the Commission
5. Communications and public engagement
The Commission will seek creative strategies for building two-way communication with
neighborhoods, business, faith community, schools, other entities and the public.
Schedule
• 2014 Meetings: Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 9, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sept 3, Oct 1,
Nov 5, Dec 3
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Update from the Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP
ATTACHMENT B
Work Group Operating Guidelines
Work Groups are anticipated to be the primary information/research gathering unit of the
Commission and will provide the full Commission with detailed information and
recommendations on a variety of topics. After receiving information from work groups the
Commission will decide what to do with the information and recommendations including taking
action, making recommendations to City Council or redirecting efforts. Workgroups will be
identified, charged and will serve at the direction of the Commission. Work groups must include
at least 1 Commissioner and are encouraged to include other citizens and experts as needed.
Workgroups will meet independently of the Commission as necessary to learn about specific
topics/issues and report back to the Commission. Work tasks include:
• Educate itself about the topic
• Identify and prioritize the issues
• Report to the Commission at each regularly scheduled meeting on progress
• Prepare strategy or action as approved by the Commission
• Prepare recommendations (policies, plans or programs) as directed by the Commission
• Other duties/tasks as directed by the Commission
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Update from the Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP
ATTACHMENT C
List of Commissioners
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION: SUSTAINABLE SLP
13 Members (8 regular, 2 business, 1 residential tenant, 2 youth)
1 Chris Anderson Member
2 Mark Eilers Member
3 Rachel Harris Member
7 Tom Hillstrom Member
4 Vacant Member
5 Cindy Larson O'Neil Member
6 Renee McGarvey Member
8 Judy Voigt Member
9 Terry Gips Business Member
10 Whitney Thesing Residential Tenant Member
11 Caitlin Glennon Youth Member
12 Alex Sundvall Youth Member
13 Ryan Griffen Business Member
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Future Redevelopment of Northeast Corner of Excelsior Boulevard & Monterey Drive
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action required at this time. Staff requests City Council
input on the ideas being formulated for the future use of the area in question.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Bridgewater Bank has been invited to discuss its intentions to
redevelop the properties it owns at the northeast corner of Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey
Drive. No specific project is being proposed at this time. Discussion topics include:
• mutual redevelopment visions, goals and preliminary ideas for the site
• proposed land uses
• sale of the small EDA property immediately to the north as part of the proposed land
assemblage
• building massing, orientation, and height
• parking and property ingress & egress
• inclusion of affordable housing units
• provision of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance to facilitate a project
SUMMARY: Bridgewater Bank owns two commercial properties, 4400 and 4424 Excelsior
Blvd, located at the northeast corner of Excelsior Blvd and Monterey Drive directly east of
Excelsior & Grand. It is also interested in acquiring the small parcel immediately to the north
(3743 Monterey Drive) owned by the EDA. Bridgewater is currently seeking to partner with an
experienced housing developer who would purchase the assembled properties, remove the
existing commercial buildings and replace them with a multi-story mixed-use development.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The proposed redevelopment will require
acquisition of the EDA’s property located at 3743 Monterey Drive. The parties have not reached
a purchase price; however it is the EDA’s practice to sell property at market rate. In order for
redevelopment to occur on the assembled site at the proposed scale and density, tax increment
assistance may be needed to defray a portion of the building demolition, site preparation, and
structured parking costs. The precise amount of financial assistance that may be needed has yet
to be determined.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion (including Aerial Photo of Redevelopment Site)
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Ryan Kelley, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director, and City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Future Redevelopment of Northeast Corner of Excelsior Boulevard & Monterey Drive
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: Two years ago Bridgewater Bank became the owner of 4424 Excelsior Blvd;
the .39 acre parcel at the northeast corner of Excelsior Blvd and Monterey Drive. This past
February, Bridgewater purchased the 1.53 acre commercial property immediately to the east and
has been working with Staff on preliminary concept plans for the redevelopment of the block. It
wishes to discuss its vision for redeveloping the block at Monday’s Study Session.
CURRENT PLANS: Bridgewater plans to partner with an experienced housing developer who
would purchase the assembled properties, raze the commercial buildings at 4424 and 4400
Excelsior Blvd and replace them with a multi-story mixed-use development. The proposed
building would likely be 5 to 6 stories tall along Excelsior Blvd. The ground floor would likely
include a combination of commercial space (to be occupied by Bridgewater Bank), some retail
space, as well as lobby space for the housing above. The upper 4 to 5 stories would consist of
apartment units. Given the site configuration, any multi-story development project would likely
include two levels of structured parking as well as surface parking at the street level.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Future Redevelopment of Northeast Corner of Excelsior Boulevard & Monterey Drive
The land assemblage necessary for the proposed redevelopment will require the acquisition of
the small parcel immediately to the north (3743 Monterey Drive). This vacant .5 acre property is
a remnant owned by the EDA. The property is largely covered with volunteer trees and not
needed for public purposes. The EDA acquired the property in 1996 in the event it may be
needed for the future Excelsior & Grand project. The EDA retained ownership of this property in
hopes that a mixed-use redevelopment proposal encompassing the entire block would eventually
emerge. It is the EDA’s practice to sell property at market rate through a Purchase and
Redevelopment Contract.
PRESENT CONSIDERATIONS: All three parcels are guided commercial and zoned C-2
Commercial. In order for a mixed use redevelopment to proceed, all three properties would need
to be reguided and rezoned. At this time, Staff believes that mixed-use guidance and zoning may
be most appropriate. A mixed use project of this scale will also require a PUD. Staff is working
with Bridgewater and prospective developers on applicable zoning regulations with particular
attention to setback requirements from the properties to the north of the site.
In order for the redevelopment team to fully implement its proposed vision on the subject site,
tax increment assistance may be needed to defray a portion of the building demolition, site
preparation, and structured parking costs. The precise amount of financial assistance that may be
requested is undetermined at this time. Recently a TIF District feasibility analysis was completed
of the subject properties by the consulting firm, LHB. In that analysis it was determined that the
subject commercial buildings are structurally obsolete and that the subject redevelopment parcels
meet the criteria necessary to qualify them for a Redevelopment TIF District.
If an acceptable amount of tax increment assistance is reached to move the proposed mixed use
project forward, a new redevelopment TIF district would need to be created.
NEXT STEPS: Staff would like feedback on Bridgewater Bank’s vision for a mixed-use project
on the north corner of Excelsior Blvd & Monterey Drive Additionally, input is needed as to
whether the EDA would be willing to sell its adjoining property as part of the proposed project
and whether it would be willing to consider providing financial assistance to facilitate the
redevelopment of these properties. The EDA may also use this as opportunity to discuss its
desires for the inclusion of affordable housing as part of the future redevelopment.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: City Housing Goals: Continued Discussion
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No formal action at this time. This is a continuation of the
discussion related to the amended City Housing Goals currently under consideration and
strategies and tools for promoting the creation of affordable housing units.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Do the amended Housing Goals appropriately reflect the
Council’s housing directions and priorities? Does the Council want to consider exploring the use
of strategies to require the inclusion of affordable housing units when the City provides financial
assistance to a multi-family development?
SUMMARY: Based on discussions at the Council Workshop in February, a list of housing
directions/priorities was developed reflective of where the Council thinks the City should focus
its efforts to meet the future housing needs of the community. Staff updated the City’s Housing
Goals based on the directions provided by the Council and further revised the goals following
discussions that took place at the April 21 and May 5 Study Sessions. The revised Housing
Goals maintain the policy direction of the originally adopted City Housing Goals while
incorporating the new directions and streamlining the format. Attached to this report is a
proposed draft of the revised Housing Goals.
During the Study Sessions, much of the discussion on specifics related to the affordable housing
goal. Although there was general consensus in support of promoting affordable housing units,
the question was raised whether the City should require the inclusion of affordable housing units
in new multi-family developments when the developer is requesting financial assistance from the
City. Following significant discussion, Council directed staff to return to a future meeting for
further review of the goals and continued discussion on strategies and tools to promote the
creation of affordable housing units.
At Monday night’s meeting the focus of discussion is proposed to be on the following areas:
1. Draft Housing Goals: Are they reflective of the Council’s housing directions and
priorities.
2. Further discuss strategies and tools for promoting the creation of affordable housing
units, specifically whether the inclusion of affordable housing units should be required if
the City is providing tax increment financing for a multi-family development.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and
diverse housing stock.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Amended Housing Goals
Income and Rent Limits
Prepared by: Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: City Housing Goals - Continued Discussion
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: Based on the discussion at the Council Workshop, Council developed a list
of housing directions/priorities reflective of where the Council thinks the City should focus its
efforts to meet the future housing needs of the Community. Council directed staff to update the
Housing Goals incorporating the housing directions/priorities discussed at the workshop and
return to a future Study Session for Council review. Council also requested that data be provided
comparing the proportion of affordable housing in St. Louis Park to that of similar surrounding
communities. Updated Housing Goals and a report drafted by Maxfield Research highlighting
housing characteristics for both St. Louis Park and surrounding communities was reviewed and
discussed at the April 21 Study Session.
In general, there was consensus among Council members on the majority of the housing policy
directions discussed at the workshop with the exception of policy related to affordable housing.
Council directed staff to further revise the Goals to reflect the policy directions discussed at the
Study Session and return to a future meeting for further review and continued discussion.
The Housing Goals were further revised and presented at the May 5 Study Session. Again, the
focus of the discussion was on affordable housing. Although there was general agreement
regarding the inclusion of affordable housing in new market rate multi-family developments, the
discussion centered on whether the City should require the inclusion of affordable housing when
a developer is requesting financial assistance from the City.
The Council directed staff to make several minor revisions to the Housing Goals and identify
strategies for promoting the creation of affordable housing units and return to a future Study
Session for Council review and continued discussion.
PRESENT CONSIDERATIONS: Although the City Housing Goals adopted in 2005 included
a goal that states that the City will “promote and facilitate a mix of housing types, prices and
rents that maintains a balance of affordable housing for low and moderate income households”,
the City has not adopted any strategies or tools that would provide an incentive or require the
inclusion of affordable housing units in new multi-family developments. Listed below are
examples of several Strategies and Tools to promote the creation of affordable housing units.
Staff has categorized the strategies into four areas. The first tool listed focusses on the Council
discussion related to the inclusion of affordable housing units in new market rate multi-family
developments when a developer is requesting financial assistance.
1. Use Local Financing to Encourage Development of Mixed Income Housing and
Affordable Housing Developments
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF): For developers applying for TIF, the City could
impose conditions including requiring that a percentage of the project must be
affordable. What percentage of units should be required and at what affordability
level will require further discussion. An example could be 5 to 15% of the units
must be affordable to households at 60% of area median income. Developers that
don’t include affordable housing units in their development could pay a
payment-in-lieu fee into a housing trust fund. The fund would be used to
promote affordable housing opportunities in the community.
The City’s legal counsel confirmed that the inclusion of affordable housing can
be a requirement if a developer is requesting TIF. Implementation of this
requirement would require an amendment to the City’s TIF Policy.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: City Housing Goals - Continued Discussion
Other Strategy Options:
Use of Local Financial Financing
• Dedicated TIF: Another alternative would be to dedicate a percentage of the
proceeds from TIF projects that do not include affordable housing to a fund
which would be used to promote affordable housing development. The City of
Richfield has a policy that dedicates up to 20% of a projects TIF revenue to a
housing fund when there is no affordable housing in the project.
• HRA Levy: The City could consider making an annual commitment to housing
by adopting the maximum levy and dedicating a portion to support housing
reinvestment, redevelopment and affordability. The City currently utilizes the
HRA Levy primarily to cover infrastructure costs related to redevelopment plans.
If the HRA levy were to be used for this, an alternate source of revenue would
need to be identified to replace the HRA levy revenue that was redirected
• Federal Housing Tax Credit Program: The City could consider providing
additional financial support or regulatory relief to tax credit developments. This
program provides an incentive for developers to produce rental housing for low
income households by allowing a 10-year federal tax credit which is calculated
on the project’s “qualified basis”. The program is administered by the state and
funds are awarded through a competitive application process.
2. Expand the Supply of Affordable Housing through Rezoning and Regulatory Tools
• Inclusionary Zoning/Housing Requirement:
a) Require the inclusion of affordable housing if a development needs some
zoning/land considerations provided by the City in order for the
development to occur.
b) Only require the inclusion of affordable housing if a development is in a
certain geographic area such as the SWLRT Corridor and/or station areas or
in a commercial mixed use area.
The issue of whether you can require affordable units as part of a regulatory
approval (without TIF or other subsidy) has not been decided by the courts in
Minnesota and would need further examination.
• Create a Density Bonus System: Developments that include affordable housing
units in their development would be granted a “density bonus” allowing them to
increase the overall number of units in the development. Example: A new
residential rental project makes 5 percent of units affordable to people earning 60
percent of AMI or less in exchange for a 10 percent density bonus. This could be
coupled with an inclusionary zoning requirement.
3. Make Publicly Owned Land Available for Affordable Housing
Example:
• Land Banking - Land Write-Down: The City would acquire land with the
purpose of developing at a later date. After assembling a suitable site, the City
would transfer or sell publicly held land to developers at a discounted price to
lower overall development costs and leverage additional funding for an
affordable housing project. The City could consider establishing a land bank to
which private land may be donated and public property could be held for future
affordable housing development. The City could be proactive in seeking
development proposals that include affordable housing units.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: City Housing Goals - Continued Discussion
4. Provide Project Based Rent Subsidies
Examples include:
• Section 8 Voucher Project Basing: The HA currently administers 40 units of
Section 8 Project Based Rental Assistance (PBA) in three developments. The
inclusion of PBA would enable a development to serve extremely low income
households. Since the Voucher Payment Standards would restrict the amount of
rent a developer could charge for the PBA units, this type of subsidy would not
entirely eliminate the financial gap between what is being charged for the market
rate units. Under current HUD restrictions, the HA only has the capacity to
project base a total of 54 vouchers.
• Shallow Rent Subsidy: City resources could fund a shallow rent subsidy
program to provide rent subsidy ($200 - $300 per month) to program participants
living in market rate rental units. The funding resource for this initiative could
be the Park Center TIF district and potential funds generated by developers
choosing to pay the payment-in-lieu fee to waive the inclusion of affordable unit
requirement.
NEXT STEPS: Based on the discussion at the Council meeting, the Housing Goals will be
finalized and presented at a future Council meeting for approval. In addition, staff will further
develop potential strategies and tools based on the Council’s direction and present the results at a
future Study Session.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: City Housing Goals - Continued Discussion
Revised St. Louis Park Housing Goals: Draft 07/14/2014
Promote and facilitate a balanced and enduring housing stock that offers a continuum of diverse
life-cycle housing choices suitable for households of all income levels including affordable,
senior, supportive and mixed income housing disbursed throughout the City.
Single Family Homes: The City places a high priority on creating, preserving, and improving
the City’s single family housing stock.
• Promote the creation of family sized, owner-occupied, single-family homes with more
bedrooms, more bathrooms, more amenities and 2+ car garages through the expansion of
existing homes and through construction of new homes.
• Proactively address blighted housing properties through code enforcement and public or
private redevelopment activities such as acquisition, demo and housing replacement.
• Promote high-quality architectural design standards of homes through the use of good design,
quality materials and superior construction.
Multi-Family: The City is committed to promoting quality multi-family developments, both
rental and owner occupied, in appropriate locations such as near transit centers, retail and
employment centers and in commercial mixed use districts.
• Promote the preservation and maintenance of existing multi-family housing stock.
• Promote high-quality architectural design in the construction of new multi-family
developments.
• Be proactive in analyzing and guiding redevelopment opportunities for multi-family
developments.
Home Ownership: The City places a high priority on home ownership including affordable
homeownership options. Explore traditional and non-traditional owner-occupied housing options
such as; row houses, courtyard housing, high-rises, 3-story homes, Land Trust and Habitat
sponsored homes, and multi-generational housing, etc.
Affordable Housing: The City is committed to promoting affordable housing options for low
and moderate income households.
• Affordable housing should be disbursed throughout the City and not concentrated in any one
area of the City.
• Support the preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing.
• Promote the inclusion of affordable housing opportunities in new developments located near
the Southwest Light Rail Transit Corridor and other transit nodes, retail and employment
centers and commercial mixed use districts.
• Future affordability goals with the Metropolitan Council should be reflective of the City’s
existing affordable housing stock as well as City’s future needs.
Preservation, Safety and Sustainability: The City places a high priority on ensuring all
housing is safe and well maintained.
• Preserve and enhance housing quality through code enforcement and the promotion of
housing improvement programs related to home rehabilitation, design and housing safety.
• Encourage the use of green building, energy efficient products, and sustainability in both
single family and multi-family housing construction.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 5) Page 6
Title: City Housing Goals - Continued Discussion
2014 Affordable Rents Based on Income and Bedroom Size
Affordable Rents by Bedroom Size
Household
Income
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
30% AMI $435 $466 $560 $646 $721 $796 $870
50% AMI $726 $778 $933 $1078 $1202 $1326 $1450
60% AMI $871 $933 $1120 $1293 $1443 $1592 $1740
80% AMI $1119 $1196 $1437 $1658 $1851 $2043 $2234
Income Limits by Household Size
Household
Income
Percent
1
2
3
4
5
6
30% AMI $17,430 $19,920 $22,410 $24,870 $26,880 $28,860
50% AMI $29,050 $33,200 $37,350 $41,450 $44,800 $48,100
60% AMI $34,860 $39,840 $44,820 $49,740 $53,760 $57,720
80% AMI $44,750 $51,150 $57,550 $63,900 $74,150 $74,150
2014 HUD Fair Market Rents: Minneapolis-St. Paul
Bedroom Size
0 1 2 3 4
$608 $756 $946 $1332 $1573
St. Louis Park Average Rents: Maxfield 2013 Comprehensive Housing Study
Bedroom Size
0 1 2 2 + Den 3
$752 $1231 $1,272 $1500 $1523
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Discussion Item: 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: 2015 Metro Cities Legislative Policies
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Councilmembers Sanger and Mavity request input on any
policy issues you would like them to advance as a part of their participation in the Metro Cities
annual legislative policy setting process.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Are there any specific issues the Council would like
Councilmember Sanger or Mavity to advance as part of the Metro Cities legislative policy setting
process?
SUMMARY: Metro Cities has four committees made up of city officials that meet annually
during the summer to review and recommend updates to the polices the Metro Cities board and
staff use during the year as issues arise, particularly during the legislative session.
Councilmember Sanger sits on the Transportation and General Government Committee.
Councilmember Mavity sits on the Metro Agencies Committee and the Housing and Economic
Development Committee. Councilmember Mavity also sits on the Board of Directors for Metro
Cities.
Below is a link to the 2014 Metro Cities Legislative Policies.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
www.metrocitiesmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={AA0C5E20-1E93-4EE8-94E9-93ADB8219091}
Prepared by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Written Report: 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Update on Pilot Program with Park Nicollet
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. The purpose of this report is to inform
the City Council on the progress of the Pilot which started May 12, 2014
POLICY CONSIDERATION: No policy considerations at this time. Please inform staff of
any questions or concerns that you might have.
SUMMARY: The Pilot Study, which measures the viability and impact of the intervention by
firefighters within the first 24-48 hours post discharge of a hospital procedure, has been
underway since May 12, 2014. Prior to that date there were 7 weeks of trial visits and testing
which built the process and assumptions from which the pilot was launched.
Since the launch of the pilot there have been 58 patients seen across the three cities of
Minneapolis, Minnetonka and St Louis Park, which is about a 31% engagement rate to patients
who could have consented to be visited. The program continues to evolve and process continues
to be refined.
Unanimously all patients agreed they benefited from the visit with the most noted benefit being
the assistance with the follow up appointment. Second is the clarification of medicine issues.
Current Next steps within the Pilot:
• Park Nicollet has hired a staff person to be the focal point of the program internally
which should increase engagement and staff buy-in.
• The addition of Eden Prairie and Hopkins should be occurring within the next two weeks
• Discussions are underway to extend the Pilot dates.
To date none of the 58 patients which were seen through this program have been readmitted to
the hospital
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: None at this time
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Steve Koering, Fire Chief
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Written Report: 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION: This report is intended to provide the City Council with an
overall update on this project.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does Council need any additional information at this time?
SUMMARY: On May 20, 2013, the City Council awarded the construction contract for the
Highway 7 and Louisiana Ave Interchange Project to C.S. McCrossan. Construction is ongoing
and the project is scheduled to be substantially completed in November 2014 with final
completion by June 2015.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: This is a City led project with an estimated
total adjusted cost of $34.3 million which includes construction, public art, administration,
engineering, right of way, and private utility relocation.
The construction contract award amount was $22,295,084. At this time, construction is close to
70% complete. The contractor has been paid $17,204,000. As has been discussed in the past
construction costs will be greater than awarded. This increase is due to finding more
contaminated soils within the project than originally estimated. The additional cost for removing
contaminated material is now expected to be around $3,300,000. More information regarding the
schedule, contaminated soil, costs, and funding can be found in the “Discussion” section of the
report.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Prepared by: Joseph Shamla, Senior Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Debra M. Heiser, Engineering Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Title: Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue Project Update
DISCUSSION
SCHEDULE: As part of the contract, C.S. McCrossan provides the City monthly schedule
updates. The schedule provided for the period ending June 16th, 2014 indicated that the project
was 20 days behind schedule, which would push the substantial completion date from October
31 to November 20, 2014. The contractor has been working Saturdays to try to get back on
schedule but the weather has been slowing progress the last couple months.
Based on the current project status and progress made to date, the following schedule is
anticipated at this time for the remaining construction phases:
Construction continues on Highway 7, bridge, north ramps, east half
of Louisiana Ave Now thru July 2014
Traffic moved onto the new Hwy. 7
Construction continues on the SW and SE ramps
Work on east half of Louisiana Ave complete
End of July 2014
Construction continues on the SW and SE Ramps
Work on the west half of Louisiana Ave August - November 2014
All segments of road open to traffic November 2014
Final Completion June 2015
The interchange will be open to traffic in the fall of 2014. The work in the spring of 2015 will be
completed under traffic.
CONTAMINATED SOIL: This project is adjacent to the Reilly Tar and Chemical Superfund
site. Due to the location, the City was required to submit a Response Action Plan (RAP) to the
MPCA/EPA for approval. The RAP provides direction on how contamination will be handled
during construction and which soils are reusable on the project. During the design of the project
extensive soil borings and tests were completed throughout the construction limits. These were
used by our consultant SEH, Inc. to determine the location of the contaminated soils and
groundwater elevation, so that estimated quantities for removals could be calculated along with
associated costs.
In December of 2013, staff provided an update of this project to the City Council. Within this
update was information pertaining to an overrun in contaminated soils. At that time, our
consultant S.E.H. Inc. estimated an increase in contaminated soils resulting in an additional cost
of $1,750,000.
In May of 2014, staff provided an update during a City Council work session. At that time our
consultant S.E.H. was projecting an increase in costs related to the contaminated soil. The total
cost estimated in May of 2014 was $2,800,000.
To prepare the May estimate, S.E.H. used a cost for clean material of $3.20 per cubic yard.
However, since the total amount of material that was brought in was greater than the original
quantity, the contract allows for a change in unit pricing. The new price presented by the
contractor for the additional material needed is $10.33 per cubic yard. This increases the cost for
the additional contaminated soil to a total of $3,300,000. This change in price requires approval
of a supplemental agreement, which staff will bring to council on July 21.
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 8) Page 3
Title: Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue Project Update
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS: The following table represents the current
estimated costs that the City of St. Louis Park is responsible for:
CURRENT ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS
Interchange Construction (includes 5% contingency) $23,126,326
MCES Forcemain Construction $3,113,274
Public Art Construction $260,400
Construction Total $26,500,000
Preliminary and Final Design Engineering $2,162,119
Public Art - Artist Contract $189,600
Construction Engineering (by MnDOT) $1,800,000
SEH Consultant Eng'r Support (Const. Eng., RAP admin., CPM schedule) $885,000
City Engineering Staff Time* $320,000
Undergrounding Power Lines $1,003,392
Right of Way Acquisition Services (appraisals, title work, attorney fees) $81,500
Right of Way (Purchasing land and easements, condemnation costs) $1,350,000
Total Estimated Project Costs $34,291,611
FUNDING SOURCES
Federal (STP) Funds $11,152,054
MnDOT Access Management Funds $1,000,000
MnDOT Municipal Cooperative Agreement Funds $594,000
MnDOT (donated Construction Engineering - in lieu of funds) $1,800,000
TED Grant (MnDOT & DEED Program) $3,000,000
MCES Funds for Forcemain Work $3,113,274
City Funds HRA Levy $13,232,283
City Funds – Water, Sewer, Fiber Funds $400,000
$34,291,611
*Previous Council reports did not include city engineering staff time.
The new construction total, $26,500,000, includes a 5% contingency of the work remaining on
the project. The 5% contingency is approximately $450,000 for unexpected costs. A 5%
contingency is based on experience of past construction projects.
This updated overall estimated cost of the project, $34,291,611, is over the budget discussed
when this project was awarded at the May 20, 2013 meeting ($31,951,684) by about 6.8%.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: July 14, 2014
Written Report: 9
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Update on SWLRT Station Area Form-Based Code
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action at this time. The purpose of this item is to provide an
update of the Form-Based Code process.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: No policy consideration at this time. Please let staff know if any
questions or concerns you may have.
SUMMARY: Two public workshops were held May 6 and May 20 to provide an overview of the St.
Louis Park Form-Based Code and form-based codes in general. The workshops also featured an
Image Preference Survey (IPS). The IPS was used to collect residents’ input on form elements such
as: design features of buildings, height, how buildings and parking relate to the street, and
streetscaping. Over 40 residents and business owners, as well as representatives of the Planning
Commission and Environment & Sustainability Commission attended the two meetings.
The results of the IPS have been compared to the current station area plans and discussed with the
Work Group, which is composed of nine property owners, residents, developers and business
representatives. (See attached list) The results of the IPS have been posted on the City’s website and
will be used in the development of the St. Louis Park Station Area Form-based Code. Staff is also
creating an interactive IPS on the City’s website as another opportunity for participation.
The next Work Group meeting is scheduled for July 23rd. The consultant, Leslie Oberholtzer of
CodaMetrics, will then create a draft of the code over the summer and fall.
Staff will continue to provide updates and be available for questions as the project continues.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: $25,000 City Match.
($125,000 total budget with $100,000 from the Metropolitan Council + $25,000 City Match.)
VISION CONSIDERATION:
1. St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
2. St. Louis Park is committed to promoting an integrating arts, culture and community aesthetics in
all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
ATTACHMENTS: Work Group Member List
Prepared by: Ryan Kelley, Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of July 14, 2014 (Item No. 9) Page 2
Title: Update on SWLRT Station Area Form-Based Code
St. Louis Park SWLRT Station Area Form-Base Code Work Group (including Staff)
1. Bob Cunningham Melrose Development
2. Bette Danielson NordicWare
3. Joel Libor Klodt Properties
4. John McCain Beltline Properties
5. Renee McGarvey Landscape Architect, Environment & Sustainability
Commissioner
6. Bob Risselman Park Nicollet
7. Carl Robertson Architect, Planning Commissioner
8. Brent Rogers Greco
9. Tom Whitlock Landscape Architect, Damon-Farber Assoc.
10. Phil Elkin Staff, Engineering
11. Ryan Kelley Staff, Planning
12. Meg McMonigal Staff, Planning
13. Gary Morrison Staff, Planning
14. Sean Walther Staff, Planning