HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/08/13 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
AUGUST 13, 2012
(Mayor Jacobs & City Manager Harmening Out)
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – August 27, 2012
2. 6:35 p.m. 2013 Budget Discussion
3. 7:35 p.m. Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
4. 8:20 p.m. Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
5. 8:50 p.m. Project Update - Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project
6. 9:05 p.m. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
9:10 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
7. Federal Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) Disbursement
8. 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report
9. Re-Conveyance of Vacant MnDOT Land at Highway 7 and Blake Road
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 Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Future Study Session Agenda Planning – August 27, 2012
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the regularly scheduled Study
Session on August 27, 2012.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agendas as proposed?
BACKGROUND:
At each study session approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next study session
agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion
items for the regularly scheduled Study Session on August 27, 2012.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – August 27, 2012
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Office Assistant
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – August 27, 2012
Study Session, August 27, 2012 – 6:30 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Update on SWLRT – Administrative Services (15 minutes)
Jim Brimeyer will be present to brief Council on where things stand with SWLRT –
particularly from a preliminary engineering standpoint.
3. Solid Waste Update – Plastic Education – Community Public Works (60 minutes)
Provide Council information on recycling of plastic materials, as it relates to the existing
residential organized collection program.
4. Renewal of Xcel Energy and CPE Franchise Agreements – Public Works (30 minutes)
Get feedback from Council and address any concerns or questions regarding either of these
utilities and/or the renewal of their franchise agreements.
5. Beekeeping in St. Louis Park – Inspections (30 minutes)
Discussion on whether to proceed with a proposal to enact beekeeping regulations for the
City.
6. Use of Lodging Tax Revenue – Parks & Recreation and Community Development (30 minutes)
The City of St. Louis Park gets 5% of the lodging tax for administrative purposes. Staff will
propose some options of how the City may want to spend the money we receive.
7. 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.
Reports
8. Public Safety Software Update
9. Breck School Private Activity Revenue Bonds
End of Meeting: 9:25 p.m.
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
2013 Budget Discussion
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. This report is to assist with the Study S ession discussion regarding
2013 Budget recommendations and to provide information for setting the 2013 Preliminary
Property Tax Levies on September 4, 2012.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Is there other information that Council would like to review in more detail in the
upcoming process?
• Are there any other service delivery changes Council would like to have considered?
• Does the City Council have questions regarding the 2013 budget recommendations prior
to setting the preliminary levy and/or are there other items to discuss, add or change?
• Does the 2013 budget process and timeline meet Council expectations?
• Does the City Council desire to certify a 3.50% increase from 2012 as its 2013
Preliminary Property Tax Levy? Or, does the City Council desire to certify a different
percentage change as its 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy?
• Does the City Council desire to certify the maximum HRA levy amount as allowed by
law, which would be an 8.40% decrease from the 2012 levy?
BACKGROUND:
On June 11, 2012, staff met with the City Council to discuss the 2013 Budget process. Council
agreed that staff should follow recommendations from the “2013 Budget Production Guidelines”,
Attachment 1, when preparing the 2013 Budget. Assumptions for the 2013 Budget included a
pattern similar to past years; a levy increase, modest increase in other fees and charges where
appropriate to fit with business costs, maintain service delivery at current levels, hold
expenditures flat if possible with adjustments for some modest growth based on essential
business needs, funding for a wage and benefit contribution increase, utility rate increases, and
continued long range financial planning.
Based on current budget assumptions, debt service obligations, and information from the CIP
and LRFMP outlined on June 11th, Accounting staff anticipated a levy increase in the 2.5-5%
range. For 2013, the State of Minnesota has not imposed levy limits. The Council will meet to
adopt a 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy and a 2013 Preliminary HRA Levy on September 4,
2012. After adoption of the preliminary levies, the levies may be reduced, but not increased.
Discussion Topics – Monday, August 13:
Department Directors will be available for this discussion to answer questions from the City
Council relating to 2013 recommendations. Below is the suggested order of the budget
presentation and discussion for the Study Session:
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion
1. Discuss and review 2013 Budget Analysis Snapshot Projection – Attachment 2.
• Property Tax Levy
• Other revenues – transfers, fees, charges for services, etc.
• Staffing, wages and benefits
• Other expenditures
• Transfers
• Review of plan for utility rates and franchise fees
2. Discussion and questions/answers on any budgets – All Directors are present.
3. 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy discussion for adoption on September 4, 2012.
4. 2013 Preliminary HRA Levy discussion for adoption on September 4, 2012.
5. Council questions, comments, expectations, and data requests for upcoming meetings,
including the budget calendar.
6. Overview of Capital Improvement Plan and Long Range Financial Management Plan.
7. Communication plan
The 2013 Preliminary Budget projections include the following assumptions:
Staffing Costs: Funds for staffing are the largest expenditure of the City’s operating budget. In
building the 2013 budget recommendations, a wage adjustment of 2% is being used as an
assumption. In addition, a wellness benefit of $35 per employee per month for those that
participate in the program was approved in 2012 for 2013, which is an increase of $10 per month
from 2012. A general employer benefit contribution increase of $20 per month is also included
in the projection. As a reminder, there was no increase to the general employer benefit
contribution in 2012 and it is anticipated there could be up to a 9% increase in rates for 2013.
The proposed increase for wages and benefits is reflected in the budget analysis snapshot.
Staffing levels were also reviewed related to the City’s business needs and, as a result, changes
or requests were made in the following areas:
Administrative Services - HR – Change in how service will be delivered. In conversations with
the school district, it was agreed to change from paying the school district approximately
$35,000 per year for a Volunteer Coordinator to having a part-time benefit earning Volunteer
Coordinator in house. The cost for this change is estimated at a $2,394 increase for 2013.
Information Resources – IT - This division has undergone a reorganization analysis based on
business needs of the entire organization. As a result, some reorganization has been done in
2012. This included changing a contract position to a full time IT Technician, the creation of a
Communications Specialist position and modifying the job values of several other positions. For
2013 one additional IT Technician is proposed. The total cost increase for all of these changes in
2013 is estimated at $130,069.
Inspections – As discussed in the past, a change in service delivery will be made with the
elimination of the Environmental Health program. This program will be run by the County via a
delegation agreement with the Minnesota Dept. of Health. This will allow the Inspections Dept.
to increase its focus on the City’s property maintenance program which will result in an increase
in costs when viewed at the micro level. However, because building permit revenue is also
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion
estimated to increase for 2013, when viewed at the macro level overall results reveal an
estimated net reduction in the Departments budget of $67,015.
Environmental Position– As discussed in the past, given the Councils interest in increasing the
City’s focus on the environment, staff is proposing a new environmental related position be
included in the budget. While the position is still undefined, staff is hopeful that the work of the
Environment/Sustainability Task Force will shed light on the need and focus for such a position.
This position is proposed to be paid out of the Solid Waste Fund, resulting in no direct impact to
the General Fund budget and tax levy.
Other Significant Changes in the 2013 Budget Projections
Operational Costs: A fairly flat budgeting plan is being projected as it relates to general
operations, supplies, materials, etc. Energy costs will continue to be examined closely as they
relate to the MSC and the City’s two newly built Fire Stations. At the time of writing this report,
energy efficiencies are being realized due to the upgrades of our buildings.
Administrative Services – Accounting – This budget covers all the insurance costs for the
General Fund for building/contents, liability, boiler etc. Based on projected costs for 2013, it is
recommended to increase insurance costs by approximately 8.2% or $10,958. In addition, the
City is ending its contract with the Housing Authority beginning in 2013 and shifting this work
to a firm that handles housing authority accounting thereby allowing the Accounting division
time to handle and support other activities and programs. The cost for this change is a favorable
reduction to our Housing Authority and will reduce General Fund revenue by $48,318.
Therefore, based on these two changes in Accounting, the budget will experience an increase of
an estimated $59,276 for 2013.
Administrative Services – Administration – This budget will show a net decrease of $145,000
in two line items based on budgeted decreases of $80,000 for studies conducted in 2012, and
$65,000 for the presidential election.
Cable TV Fund – Reduction of the transfer from Cable TV to the General Fund by $25,000 in
2013. The reduction will help improve the long-term sustainability of the Cable TV Fund, but
will result in a budget increase of $25,000.
Development Fund – The possibility of conducting a community survey and business survey
late in 2013 or in the fall of 2014 has been discussed. As in the past, it has proven beneficial to
formally check in with constituents to gauge what is important to them in their community which
this tool allows to occur as well as to do some comparisons with other cities. In 2011, the City
spent $21,000 on a community survey which was paid out of the Development Fund. It is
anticipated if Council chooses to conduct another survey(s) again; it would be paid from the
same source, with no direct impact to the General Fund budget. Please note that a survey of the
business community has not be done for a number of years
Fees, Charges and Other Revenues: Staff will review current fee data based on cost analyses
and also complete a review of comparable cities before making recommendations for the 2013
Fee Schedules.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion
Housing Rehabilitation Fund – It is recommended to eliminate the $99,000 transfer from the
Housing Rehabilitation Fund to the General Fund in 2013. The fund had long-term sustainability
issues and this is one of the adjustments to the fund to bring it back to long-term financial health.
The elimination of this transfer results in a budget increase of $99,000.
Interest Earnings – Based on current market rates and projections by the Fed and other experts,
rates are projected to remain extremely low at least through 2014. Therefore, budgeted interest
earnings in the General Fund have been reduced by $25,000, which results in an increased
impact to the property tax levy.
Pavement Management Fund – Franchise Fees – It is recommended to increase the franchise
fees by $0.50/month per utility per residential household. It is projected that with this increase,
franchise fees will generate an additional estimated $258,703 per year and allows property tax
dollars allocated to the fund to be utilized by other funds.
Police and Fire Pension Fund – Reduction of the transfer to the General Fund by $134,000 in
2013. The reduction is consistent with the plan to unwind the transfer over a period of years by
$50,000 per year, and includes an increase of an additional $84,000 to eliminate the transfer.
The $134,000 transfer decrease results in a budget increase in 2013 by the same amount.
Utility Funds – Based on analyses from information in the CIP and the plan approved by
Council, the continued phased in increase in the fixed fee for the Water Fund will occur. The
intent is to reduce some of the seasonal volatility, and as such, changes in utility rates are being
recommended. The changes are consistent with information Council received in the past and are
in line with the goals of achieving long-term sustainability in the funds. For 2013, the
approximate cumulative effect on a t ypical residential property for all the utility rate adjustments
would be an increase of $36.12, or 4.08% for the year, or approximately $3.01 per month. This
calculation is based on a family of four using 30 units of water per quarter (22,500 gallons), and
60 gallon solid waste service. The recommended rates will be in place for consumption or
services provided beginning on January 1, 2013 if Council agrees to move forward.
Long Range Financial Management Plan (LRFMP) and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
LRFMP: This document will be distributed at this meeting. Accounting staff will briefly go
through the document and highlight some key points as time allows. The LRFMP is a document
that is updated on a regular basis based on policy direction and new or changing information. As
such, new iterations are brought back to Council throughout the year.
It is important to note that two areas not included in this LRFMP are:
• Trails and sidewalks funding.
• Any funds for another community recreational facility or cooperative initiative.
CIP: Staff has completed preliminary work on the CIP and a second round of review or updates.
As with the LRFMP, Accounting will briefly go through this document and bring it back to
Council as the budget process progresses. Hwy 7 & Louisiana is included in the CIP with the
most up to date information. There is a placeholder for trails and sidewalks with no dollar
amount. A project for a community recreation facility is not included at this time.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion
2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy
In working to develop a 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy for the City Council to consider,
there are some important key items to keep in mind:
• Economic climate
• No state mandated levy limits for 2013
• Funding challenges in several funds impacting long-term sustainability
In addition, as in past years, the 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy adopted by the City
Council on September 4, 2012 can be decreased, but cannot be increased after that date.
2012 Final Levy and 2013 Preliminary Levy
A synopsis of prior year levy information and the 2013 Proposed Preliminary Levy is shown
below:
1. The 2012 Final Levy was $23,762,751, which was 4.70% or $1,066,823 more than 2011.
2. The 2013 Preliminary Levy increase needed to balance the budgets for the General Fund,
Park and Rec, Debt Service and Employee Admin. Fund is estimated at this time to be
2.73% or $649,190
3. The 2013 Preliminary Levy amount is proposed to be at $24,594,441, which is
approximately 3.50% or $831,690 more than the 2012 Final Levy.
4. The proposed levy amount provides Council with approximately $182,500 (difference
between 3.5% and 2.73%) in preliminary levy dollars for utilization in other areas, for
other opportunities, or to decrease the levy. It also allows a buffer for unforeseen issues
between now and the final levy adoption in December.
Fiscal Disparities
At this time, the City has not received its fiscal disparities information, which is consistent with
previous years. Staff has been in contact with Hennepin County and as soon as figures are
available, staff can prepare estimates on what the changes to property taxes will look like.
HRA Levy
This levy was originally implemented in St. Louis Park due to legislative changes in 2001 which
significantly reduced future tax increment revenues. The City Council elected at that time to use
the levy proceeds for future infrastructure improvements in redevelopment areas. Thus far, some
of the HRA Levy proceeds have been used to fund infrastructure studies and analyses for future
improvement projects. By law these funds could also be used for other housing and
redevelopment purposes. Given the significant infrastructure needs facing the City in the future
(particularly transportation infrastructure e.g. Hwy 7 and Louisiana), staff recommends that at
this point in time the HRA Levy continue at the maximum allowed by law for the 2013 budget
year, which is consistent with the City’s Long Range Financial Management Plan. The HRA
Levy cannot exceed 0.0185% of the taxable market value of the City. Therefore, Staff has
calculated the maximum HRA Levy for 2013 to be $900,933 based on data from Hennepin
County which is an $82,641 decrease from the 2012 HRA Levy of $983,574. The remainder of
the City’s $10,784,000 portion for Hwy7 and Louisiana is budgeted in the HRA Levy fund for
2013.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion
NEXT STEPS:
Information from this study session discussion will be used to finalize recommendations for the
2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levies to be set on September 4, 2012. As the 2013 Budget
process continues, the following preliminary schedule snapshot has been developed for Council:
September 4 (Tues) Council establishes 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levies.
(Can be reduced in the future, not increased for final property tax levy.)
October 15 Review and discussion of 2013 Budget, CIP, Utility Rates and LRFMP.
Directors present as needed.
November 13 (Tues) Final 2013 Budget discussion prior to Truth in Taxation public hearing.
December 3 Truth in Taxation public hearing and 2013 Budget presentation.
December 17 Council adopts 2013 Budget, final property tax levies, CIP and utility rates.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Details provided in this report and in the attachments.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Vision is considered throughout the budgeting process and kept at the foreground of budgeting
decisions.
Attachments: 1. 2013 Budget Production Guidelines
2. 2012 – 2013 Budget Analysis Snapshot
3. 2013 Property Tax Levy Allocations
4. 2013 Preliminary Budget Calendar
5. 2013 Proposed Utility Rates Impact
6. CIP Report – Funding Source Summary
7. CIP Report – Projects & Funding Source by Department
Prepared by: Brian A. Swanson, Controller
Steve Heintz, Finance Supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
2013 Budget Production Guidelines
As we move ahead, please review the following assumptions when creating your budget papers for
2013.
1. Review Past Expenditures and Revenues: You’ve received information showing expenditures
and revenues from the past four years. Important note: We will be asking that if line items are
not expensed, that you use reasonable judgment to cut back and get your budget closer to actual
levels of anticipated expenditures. Line items should not be “over budgeted” to prepare for
some excessive or unexpected emergency. Over budgeting for one time emergency expenditure
possibilities only ties up funds that are needed in other operational areas. The same review
should happen if you find that you are continually under budget on an operation. Please continue
to review your operational expenses so we fund things at the appropriate business level.
2. Fees: As in the past, you will receive information on current fees and revenues. These should
be reviewed during the budget process and changes (additions, deletions, increases, etc.) should
be made to cover our costs. Please use 2% minimum as a guide for 2013 fee increase. Important
note: Do you have new services that should have fees? If so, now is the time to make that
change and add fees for 2013. Fee information will be handled by our City Clerk and will need
to be done by the budget due date.
3. Business as Usual: Continue with your high standards of service delivery and responsiveness to
customers.
4. Changes in Staffing Requests are Due July 31, 2012: Changes in staffing, including
recommendations to add, increase or decrease hours, shifts, etc., should be included in the budget
request and a detailed justification is needed. Justification must be pre-submitted to Accounting
before the budget deadline for City Manager review and include if there is a change in business
need, shift in work, mandate, enhancement, etc., to explain the reasons for your
recommendation(s). Staffing request forms should be used for regular, seasonal, temporary,
intern, volunteer and contract type positions. Please discuss estimates on salary levels and
benefits with the HR Coordinator. When making staffing requests, remember to include any
costs for equipment, tools, uniforms, etc., based on the type of work. Discuss this with the City
Manager and Controller to determine if it will be in your final budget request.
5. Changes in Programs and/or Business Operations: Provide an explanation for changes in
business operations when you are adding, deleting, modifying or updating your business
operation. This helps all of us understand why you are requesting changes in the budget.
Important note: If you have a MAJOR program change, addition or deletion, this must be pre-
submitted to Accounting before the budget deadline (by July 31, 2012) for City Manager review.
Discuss this with the City Manager and Controller to determine if it will be in your final budget
request.
6. Vision: As always, keep Vision in consideration during budget and long range planning.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 7
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
BUDGET ANALYSIS SNAPSHOT
FOR YEARS 2011 - 2013
2011 2012 2013
Final Budget Adopted Projected
General Fund Revenues:
Property Taxes 16,093,611 15,998,293 15,930,773
MVHC Loss (667,539) - -
All Other Revenues 7,857,715 7,394,083 7,112,173
Total General Revenues 23,283,787$ 23,392,376$ 23,042,946$
General Fund Expenditures:
General Government:
Total Admininstration/Human Resources/Legislative 1,542,568$ 1,680,166$ 1,544,609$
Total Communications 294,470$ 265,426$ 285,989$
Total Community Outreach 88,515$ 8,185$ 8,185$
Total Information Resources 1,394,226$ 1,507,579$ 1,628,503$
Total Accounting 612,965$ 641,692$ 709,015$
Total Assessing 500,141$ 517,840$ 543,855$
Total Community Development 1,094,186$ 1,076,376$ 1,097,206$
Total Facilities Maintenance 1,114,550$ 1,083,128$ 1,064,614$
Total General Government 6,641,621$ 6,780,392$ 6,881,976$
Public Safety:
Total Police 7,208,512$ 7,273,723$ 7,386,961$
Total Fire 3,164,344$ 3,346,931$ 3,401,498$
Total Inspectional Services 1,863,296$ 1,889,340$ 1,832,886$
Total Public Safety 12,236,152$ 12,509,994$ 12,621,345$
Public Works:
Total Public Works Administration 829,698$ 389,783$ 396,777$
Total Engineering 846,031$ 927,337$ 940,216$
Total Operations 2,550,285$ 2,604,870$ 2,633,268$
Total Public Works 4,226,014$ 3,921,990$ 3,970,261$
Total Non-Departmental 180,000$ 180,000$ 180,000$
Total General Fund Expenditures 23,283,787$ 23,392,376$ 23,653,582$
General Fund Gap -$ -$ (610,636)$
Park & Recreation Revenues:
Property Taxes 4,000,561$ 4,171,506$ 4,149,626$
Subtotal: All Other Revenues 2,131,902 2,156,302 2,156,302
Total Park & Recreation Revenues 6,132,463$ 6,327,808$ 6,305,928$
Park & Recreation Expenditures:
Total Organized Recreation 1,239,230$ 1,305,747$ 1,319,816$
Total Recreation Center 1,442,447$ 1,466,246$ 1,460,851$
Total Park Maintenance 1,435,374$ 1,461,645$ 1,468,933$
Total Westwood Nature Center 502,366$ 515,456$ 528,388$
Total Environment 371,325$ 390,009$ 391,499$
Total Vehicle Maintenance 1,141,721$ 1,188,705$ 1,197,563$
Total Park & Recreation Expenditures 6,132,463$ 6,327,808$ 6,367,050$
Park & Recreation Gap -$ -$ (61,122)$
Total Gap General and P&R Before Adjustments:-$ -$ (671,758)$
Proposed Property Tax Levy Adjustment:-$ -$ 671,758$
- -$
Projected Total Budget Gap for Gen. and Park and Rec. Funds:-$ -$ -$
Levy Increase for G.F. and P&R:2.827%
2013 ASSUMPTIONS:
Assumes 2% salary and step increases for all employees.
Benefit Increases- $30/month ($20/month Employer, $10/month Wellness)
No use of fund balance in 2013.
No increase in non-personnel expenditures.
Elimination of transfer from Housing Rehab to General Fund of $99,000 per year
Final unwinding of Police and Fire Pension Transfer of $134,000
Beginning of unwinding of Cable TV Transfer of $25,000 per year
Transfers agree to LRFMP
$25,000 reduction in Investment Income
Community Survey included in Development Fund LRFMP
No additonal expenditures for environmental programs (funded from Solid Waste)
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2) Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 8
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
2013 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
PROPERTY TAX LEVY ALLOCATIONS
FUND 2012 Levy 2013 Proposed Notes
General Fund 15,998,292$ 15,930,772$ Moved $67,520 to Cap Repl for GF mobile devices
General Fund Additional Levy for 2013 - 610,636
Discretionary Levy or Reduction 182,500 *
Park & Recreation Fund 4,171,506 4,149,626 Moved $21,880 to Cap Repl for P&R mobile devices
Park & Rec. Additional Levy for 2013 - 61,122
Park Improvement fund 810,000 810,000
Capital Replacement Fund 438,300 842,700 $89,400 to Cap Repl for GF & P&R mobiles--P.M. to CRF
Pavement Management Fund 315,000 - Moved to Capital Replacement Fund
Debt Service Funds 1,929,629 1,937,085
Employee Administration Fund 100,024 70,000
23,762,751$ 24,594,441$
Change from 2012 Final to 2013 Proposed 831,690$
Percentage Change 3.500%
* This amount can be used for others areas, council intiatives or as a buffer for unforeseen issues between now and December.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 9
City of St. Louis Park
2013 Budget Calendar
Date Department(s) Description
March 30, 2012 All 2013–2017 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is available for update.
May 18, 2012 @ 4:30 pm All Capital Improvement Plan access restricted by Acctg. to Read-Only
June 11 CM/Admin/Acctg. Study Session with Council to discuss 2013 Budget and assumptions.
June 19 @ 11am-noon All
City Manager, Dep. CM and Controller meet with Departments to
discuss any significant changes in business or staffing.
July 16 @ 4:30 pm All
All 2013 Budget worksheets available on O:\Budget or Insight to all
departments. This includes all Governmental, Special Revenue and
Proprietary Funds. All revenues and expenditures are to be budgeted
including review of fee schedule and Utility Rate Analyses.
July 23–Aug 3 @ 4:30pm All 1st Review/Edit of 2013 – 2017 CIP by Departments
July 31 @ 4:30pm All
Forms for changes in staffing requests and major changes in programs
due to Accounting.
August 1 @ 4:30 pm Inspections Building revenue projections due to Accounting
August 13
City Manager,
Dept. Directors and
Accounting
High level 2013 Budget, CIP, Utility Rates discussion by City
Council, with City Manager, Department Directors and Accounting in
attendance. More of a proposed levy discussion.
August 31 @ 4:30 pm All 2013 Proposed Budget worksheets due and access to Read-Only.
September 4 (Tuesday) C.M./Accounting Preliminary 2013 Budget and Property Tax Levy approval by Council
September 10 - 18 Each Department Individual review of budgets – CM, Dep. CM, Director, and Acctg.
By September 15 Accounting
Certification of 2013 Preliminary Property Tax Levy due to Hennepin
County and levy reports due to State of Minnesota
October 1 – 10 All 2nd and Final Review/Edit of 2013 – 2017 CIP by Departments
October 15
City Manager,
Dept. Directors and
Accounting
Review and discussion of 2013 Budget, CIP, Utility Rates and
LRFMP review and discussion by City Council, with City Manager,
Department Directors and Accounting in attendance.
October 9 – Oct. 31 All
Final review of all 2013 revenues and expenditures for all funds. In
addition, review of the CIP, Utility Rates and LRFMP.
October 31 @ 4:30 pm All Final changes submitted to City Manager/Deputy C.M and Controller
November 13 (Tuesday) CM/Admin/Acctg. Final Budget Discussion with City Council prior to TNT hearing
December 3, 2012 Accounting Truth in Taxation Public Hearing and Budget Presentation
December 10 (if needed) C.M./Accounting Council discussion of any 2013 Budget related items (if necessary)
December 17, 2012 C.M./Accounting
Final 2013 Budget and Property Tax Levy, 2013 Utility Rates, fee
schedules and 2013 – 2017 CIP approved by Council. In addition, the
LRFMP is provided as a report only???
By December 21, 2012 Accounting Certification of tax levy and other required forms – Due 12-28-12
January, 2013 Accounting Budget Summary Report to OSA due 1/31/2013.
Note: Items in blue are meetings with the City Council
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 10
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
ESTIMATED QUARTERLY UTILITY BILL
ACTUAL 2012 AND PROPOSED 2013
Household Size 4
Units per quarter 30
Solid Waste Service 60-gallon
Meter size 3/4 inch
Actual Proposed Dollar Percent
Service Type 2012 2013 Change Change Notes
Water
Per unit rate - Tier 1 1.39$ 1.44$ 0.05$ 3.60%
Service charge 12.59$ 15.03$ 2.44$ 19.38%
State testing fee 1.59$ 1.59$ -$ 0.00%
Consumption 41.70$ 43.20$ 1.50$ 3.60%
Sewer
Service charge 13.04$ 13.43$ 0.39$ 2.99%
Per unit 2.53$ 2.61$ 0.08$ 3.16%
Consumption 75.90$ 78.30$ 2.40$ 3.16%
Storm Drainage
Service charge 15.50$ 16.00$ 0.50$ 3.23%
Bassett Creek Fee*1.60$ 1.93$ 0.33$ 20.63%Bassett Creek fee
Solid Waste (includes tax)61.14$ 62.94$ 1.80$ 2.94%
Total Bill without Bassett*221.46$ 230.49$ 9.03$ 4.08%Not including BCWMC
Increase per quarter (dollars)9.03$
Increase per year (dollars)36.12$
* Since not all property owners would be charged this fee, it is not included in the dollar or percentage change in total bill.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 11
Capital Improvement Program
City of St. Louis Park, MN
FUNDING SOURCE SUMMARY
2013 thru 2017
TotalSource20132014201520162017
Cable TV - Time Warner Equipment Grant 399,80038,900 49,800 265,300 36,550 9,250
Capital Replacement Fund 15,969,6844,689,051 3,717,400 2,622,309 2,782,706 2,158,218
E-911 Funds 170,00030,000 65,000 75,000
EDA Development Fund 00
Henn Co Youth Sports Grant 100,000100,000
Hennepin County 620,000320,000 300,000
HRA Levy 11,796,54210,784,000 1,012,542
Met Council Grant 39,000,00012,000,000 12,000,000 15,000,000
Municipal State Aid 3,534,892185,000 228,314 2,174,578 395,000 552,000
Other Jurisdictions 900,000900,000
Park Improvement Fund 7,340,500998,500 1,332,000 2,497,000 1,388,000 1,125,000
Parks & Recreation 65,00065,000
Pavement Management Fund 8,534,2581,758,697 1,806,750 1,414,815 2,117,598 1,436,398
Police & Fire Pension 1,558,375758,125 622,625 142,625 35,000
PW Engineering Budget 17,5005,000 7,500 5,000
PW Operations Budget 1,550,906369,600 295,800 296,000 293,718 295,788
Sanitary Sewer Utility 2,227,362400,900 133,052 1,235,410 238,000 220,000
Special 100,000100,000
Special Assessments 808,000110,000 658,000 35,000 5,000
State of Minnesota 6,619,0006,619,000
Stormwater Utility 1,960,000580,000 215,000 805,000 230,000 130,000
Tax Increment - Elmwood 3,776,5093,776,509
U.S. Government 7,630,0007,630,000
Unfunded 721,00040,500 41,000 543,000 47,500 49,000
Utilities 10,00010,000
Water Utility 4,206,0001,473,900 130,500 925,000 1,051,600 625,000
Youth Assoc - Park Improvement Fund 15,00015,000
49,081,173 21,602,741 28,826,037 13,404,723 6,715,654 119,630,328GRAND TOTAL
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 12
Capital Improvement Program
City of St. Louis Park, MN
PROJECTS & FUNDING SOURCES BY DEPARTMENT
2013 2017thru
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
Buildings
3,844,0002,358,000 581,000 350,000 325,000 230,000Capital Replacement Fund
20091600 980,000980,000City Hall 1st Floor Renovation 3
2010B2 30,00030,000Renovate City Hall Interior Stairway 1
2012CH1 400,000400,000City Hall Exterior Architectual Features 5
2012CH3 60,00060,000City Hall Desk Conversions 3
2013B1 750,000750,000City Hall 1st Floor Entry Canopy 3
2013CH1 350,000350,000City Hall 2nd Remodeling 1
2013CH2 20,00020,000City Hall Garage Unit Heaters 1
2013CH4 65,00065,000City Hall/PD Power Generator Upgrades 1
2013CH5 7,0007,000City Hall East Prkng Lot - chip seal and re-stripe 1
2013MSC1 8,0008,000MSC Office Humidification System 3
2013PD/CH2 45,00045,000Police Station/City Hall Fire Alarm Panel 1
2013PD1 100,000100,000Police Station Exterior Finishes and Repair 1
2013PD2 5,0005,000Police Squad Parking Lot Chip Seal & Re-stripe 1
2013PD3 5,0005,000Police Station Patio Replacement 1
2013PD4 18,00018,000Police Station - HVAC Computer upgrade 1
2013PD6 10,00010,000Police Station Dispatch workstation remodel 1
2013WNC1 50,00050,000Westwood Nature Center Generator 1
2014CH1 250,000250,000City Hall 3rd Floor Covering and Furniture 1
2014CH3 25,00025,000City Hall Recoat Pedistrian Bridge 1
2014MSC1 40,00040,000MSC - Chip Seal and Re-Stripe parking lot 1
2014MSC2 30,00015,000 15,000MSC & Fire Stations CO systems 1
2014PD1 10,00010,000Police Station ERC Audio Visual System 3
2014WNC1 11,00011,000Westwood Nature Center Parking/Driveway 1
2015CH2 30,00030,000City Hall Garage Overhead Doors 1
2015PD1 35,00035,000Police Station Seal for Air Infiltration 3
2016CH2 100,000100,000Roof Top AC Units Serving 1st and 2nd floor 1
2016CH3 100,000100,000City Hall Roof Top AC Unit Serving 3rd Floor 1
2016CH4 10,00010,000City Hall Chip, Seal, Stripe Main Parking Lot 1
2016PD1 70,00070,000Police Station/MSC - FOB controller replacement 1
2016WNC1 70,00070,000Westwood Nature Center Flooring 1
2017PD1 100,000100,000Police Station Floor Covering 1
2017PD2 60,00060,000Police Station replace boiler system 1
3,844,0002,358,000 581,000 350,000 325,000 230,000Buildings Total
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 13
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
3,844,0002,358,000 581,000 350,000 325,000 230,000Buildings Total
Cable TV
399,80038,900 49,800 265,300 36,550 9,250Cable TV - Time Warner Equipment Grant
399,80038,900 49,800 265,300 36,550 9,250Cable TV Total
TV-201301 300300Annoucer Monitor 3
TV-201302 40040050' audio snake 1
TV-201303 500500Shotgun mics 1
TV-201304 300300Hand-held mics 1
TV-201305 1,5001,500Behringer Audio Equipment 1
TV-201306 900900Camera Monitors 1
TV-201307 35,00035,000Replacement edit systems 1
TV-201401 500500DVD Recorders 1
TV-201402 30,00030,000Slow-motion replay 1
TV-201403 70070012-channel audio mixer 1
TV-201404 7,5007,500Digital camcorders 1
TV-201405 10,20010,200NLE stations 1
TV-201406 900900Microphones1
TV-201501 120,000120,000Van Cameras 3
TV-201502 20,00020,000Van Camera Cases 3
TV-201503 13,00013,000Van Camera Cables 3
TV-201504 15,00015,000LCD monitors 3
TV-201505 2,5002,500Hard-Drive Video Recorder 1
TV201506 6,0006,000Converter for Recorder 1
TV-201507 36,00036,000Tripods for On Location 1
TV-201508 16,50016,500Video Switcher 1
TV-201509 4,2004,200SD/HD converter 1
TV-201510 1,5001,500DVD recorders 1
TV-201511 1,5001,500Tripods1
TV-201512 900900Unit pro light kit 1
TV-201513 28,20028,200Playback systems 1
TV-201601 750750Announcer Headsets 3
TV-201602 500500Shotgun mics 1
TV-201603 300300Hand-held mics 1
TV-201604 35,00035,000Replacement edit systems 1
TV-201701 2,0002,000Wireless mic systems 1
TV-201702 7,0007,000CG1
TV-201703 250250CD Player 1
399,80038,900 49,800 265,300 36,550 9,250Cable TV Total
Community Development
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 14
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
000Unfunded
000Community Development Total
CD-002 000CD-Sidewalks 5
CD-003 00CD-Trails 5
000Community Development Total
Fire
500,00030,000 410,000 30,000 10,000 20,000Capital Replacement Fund
500,00030,000 410,000 30,000 10,000 20,000Fire Total
2013F1 60,00020,000 20,000 20,000Outside Warning Sirens 1
2013F2 40,00010,000 10,000 10,000 10,000Thermal Imagers 1
2014F1 400,000400,000SCBA Replacement 1
500,00030,000 410,000 30,000 10,000 20,000Fire Total
Parks & Recreation
20071010 300,00060,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000Tree Replacement 3
20120200 6,0006,000Rec Center Rental Skate Purchase 5
20130010 20,00020,000Ball Field Backstop Repl - Brndl&Penn Pks 1
20130020 10,00010,000Basketball Hoop Replacement-Jr. High School 3
20130030 15,00015,000Birchwood Park field regrade/reseed 1
20130040 40,00040,000Cedar Knoll Park Storage & Concession Bldg Remodel 3
20130050 30,00030,000Court Resrfcg-Crpntr, FrnHl, Twn Lks Parks 3
20130060 6,5006,500Historical Society Building Concept 5
20130070 250,000250,000Louisiana Oaks Park Field Lighting (NW fields)5
20130080 15,0005,000 5,000 5,000Oak Hill Park Northern Lights (LED)3
20130090 70,00070,000Park Shelter Flooring-Brwndl, Nlsn, & Oak Hill P 3
20130110 35,00035,000Pennsylvania Park Sun Shelter Replacement 3
20130120 100,000100,000Playground Eqpt Repl.-Oak Hill Park 1
20130130 80,00020,000 20,000 20,000 20,000Playground Woodchips 1
20130140 15,00015,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Pump Rebuild 1
20130150 19,00019,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Tile Showers 3
20130160 12,00012,000Rec Center Banquet Room Chair Purchase 3
20130170 40,00040,000Rec Center East Arena Repainting 5
20130180 55,00055,000Rec Center West Arena Rubber Flooring 3
20130190 50,00050,000Rec Center West Arena Rubber Flooring 3
20130210 20,00020,000Rec Center Window Replacement 3
20130220 65,00035,000 30,000Trail Sealcoat 3
20130230 70,00070,000Westwood Hills NC Brick & Rental House Imprvmnts 5
20130240 10,00010,000Westwood Hills NC Brick House Main Parking Lot 5
20130250 30,00030,000Westwood Hills NC Exhibit & Signage Rplcmt 5
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 15
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
20130260 50,00050,000Westwood Hills NC N Staircase&lower deck Replcment 1
20130270 40,00040,000Westwood Hills NC Y-Dock Replacement 3
20140010 25,00025,000Cedar Knoll Park / Carlson Field Renovation 3
20140020 270,000270,000Dakota Park Baseball Field Lighting 1
20140030 22,00022,000Louisiana Oaks Park Parking Lot Seal Coat 3
20140040 35,00035,000Park Shelter Buildings Keyless Entry System 5
20140050 10,00010,000Park Shelter Bldg Stain-Browndale & Nelson Pks 3
20140060 180,000180,000Playground Eqpt Repl-Dakota & Wolfe Parks 1
20140080 40,00040,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Sand&Water Area Shade 3
20140090 80,00080,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Waterslide Resurface 1
20140110 480,000480,000Rec Center Roof Rplc (east arena & main lobby)1
20140120 50,00050,000Rec Center West Arena Painting 3
20140130 15,00015,000Rec Center Programming Office Carpet 3
20140140 30,00030,000Westwood Hills NC Boardwalk Decking Replacement 3
20140160 15,00015,000Wolfe Lake & Cattail Pond Re-landscaping 3
20150010 25,00025,000Aquila Park Tennis Court Resurface 3
20150020 15,00015,000Basketball Court Resurface-Mkda V & Penn Pks 3
20150030 14,00014,000Court Resurface(tns)-Bass Lk & Northside Pks 3
20150040 400,000400,000Junior High School Multi Field Lighting (2)3
20150050 10,00010,000Kilmer Pond Shoreline Restoration 3
20150060 15,00015,000Louisiana Oaks Park Pond Shoreline Restoration 3
20150070 10,00010,000Minikahda Park Backstop Replacement 1
20150080 180,000180,000Playground Structure Repl-Jersey, LA & Nelson 1
20150110 80,00080,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Concession Shade Structure 3
20150120 15,00015,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Mechanical Rebuild 1
20150130 75,00075,000Rec Center Exterior Building Repair 3
20150140 12,00012,000Rec Center Gallery Flooring 1
20150150 380,000380,000Rec Center West Arena Dehumidification 1
20150160 1,000,0001,000,000Rec Center West Arena Refrigeration Replacement 1
20150170 50,00050,000Skate Park Equipment Replacement 3
20150180 30,00030,000Trail Recon. Along CLR - Quentin Ave to Ridge Dr 1
20150200 6,0006,000Westwood Hills NC Wildflower Trail Restoration 3
20150210 100,000100,000Wolfe Park Boardwalk Replacement (south end)3
20160010 60,00060,000Carpenter Park Ball Field Fence Replacement 3
20160020 5,0005,000Court Resurface (bb/Tns)-Browndale Park 3
20160030 250,000250,000Dakota Park Softball Field One Lights 3
20160040 30,00030,000Louisiana Oaks Park NW Sun Shelter 1
20160060 120,000120,000Playground Eqpt Repl-Blackstone,Justad&Rnbw 1
20160080 180,000180,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Pool Resurface 1
20160090 20,00020,000Rec Center Aquatic Park-Rplc Chem Control System 1
20160110 100,000100,000Rec Center Aquatic Park Drop Slide Replacement 3
20160120 8,0008,000Rec Center Banquet Room Carpet 3
20160130 150,000150,000Rec Center West Arena Dasher Board Replacement 1
20160140 110,000110,000Rec Center Parking Lot Resurface/Recoat 3
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 16
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
6,634,6841,030,551 1,553,900 1,302,309 1,599,706 1,148,218Capital Replacement Fund
100,000100,000Henn Co Youth Sports Grant
7,340,500998,500 1,332,000 2,497,000 1,388,000 1,125,000Park Improvement Fund
15,00015,000Youth Assoc - Park Improvement Fund
14,090,1842,144,051 2,885,900 3,799,309 2,987,706 2,273,218Parks & Recreation Total
20160150 40,00040,000Trail Mill & Ovrly-Bass Lake, LA, OH, & Wolfe Pks 1
20160160 125,000125,000Trail Lights (LED) at Shelard Park 3
20160170 55,00055,000Westwood Hills NC Brick House Storage Garage 5
20160180 50,00050,000Westwood Hills NC Ravine Bridge Replacement 1
20170010 450,000450,000Aquila Park - Upgrade field 1-4 lights and poles 1
20170030 60,00060,000Oak Hill Park Splash Pad Feature Replacement 3
20170040 35,00035,000Parking Lots Mill&Ovrlay-Dkta, Fern Hill & OH Pks 1
20170050 160,000160,000Playground Eqpt Repl-BassLake,Shelard,TL&Webste 1
20170060 150,000150,000Rec Center East Arena Dasher Board Replacement 1
20170070 85,00085,000Rec Center Melting Pit Replacement 1
20170080 40,00040,000Rec Center Scoreboards - both arenas 3
20170090 50,00050,000Rec Center West Arena Locker Room Remodel 3
E - XX01 6,634,6841,030,551 1,553,900 1,302,309 1,599,706 1,148,218Annual Equipment Replacement Program 1
14,090,1842,144,051 2,885,900 3,799,309 2,987,706 2,273,218Parks & Recreation Total
Public Works
20052000 3,000,0003,000,000Street Project - TH 100 Reconstruction 1
20072400 350,000350,000Storm Water Project - Lift Sta # 6 (Taft)1
20082500 250,000250,000Traffic Signal Project - W36th St @ Xenwood Ave 5
20100005 420,000420,000Street Project - France Ave Improvements 5
20101500 600,000600,000Water Project - Recoat Reservoir 2 @ WTP#6 1
20120100 25,008,00025,008,000Street Project - Hwy 7 and Louisiana Ave Inter.5
20121000 1,438,3161,438,316Street Project - Local Street Rehab (Area 1)1
20121300 2,000,0002,000,000Street Project - Wooddale Ave Reconstruction 5
20121301 2,039,0512,039,051Street Project - W36th Street Reconstruction 5
20121302 500,000500,000Traffic Signal Project - Wooddale @ W36th St 5
20121500 1,110,0001,110,000Water Project - Recoat Elevated Water Tower #3 1
20130001 308,381308,381Street Mt Proj - Sealcoat Streets (Area 5)1
20130003 82,50082,500Sidewalk Maint. Project - Annual Repairs 1
20130004 62,50062,500Street Maint. Project - Annual C & G Repairs 1
20130006 30,00030,000Storm Water Project - Annual CB Repairs 1
20131000 1,504,7501,504,750Street Project - Local Street Rehab (Area 2)1
20131100 515,000515,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (Walker)1
20131101 160,000160,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (Parkdale)1
20131200 200,000200,000Storm Water Project - Sewer Rehab / Replacement 1
20131301 250,000250,000Railroad Proj. - RR Xing Devices on Brookside Ave 1
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 17
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
20131400 263,900263,900Water Project - Watermain Replacement 1
20132200 175,900175,900Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Mainline Rehab (Area 1)1
20132300 125,000125,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - LS #7 Generator Replacement 1
20140001 290,000290,000Street Mt Proj - Sealcoat Streets (Area 6)1
20140003 82,50082,500Sidewalk Maint. Project - Annual Repairs 1
20140004 62,50062,500Street Maint. Project - Annual C & G Repairs 1
20140006 30,00030,000Storm Water Project - Annual CB Repairs 1
20141000 1,184,8151,184,815Street Project - Local Street Rehab (Area 3)1
20141100 500,000500,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (Edgewood)1
20141200 185,000185,000Storm Water Project - Sewer Rehab / Replacement 1
20141400 130,500130,500Water Project - Watermain Replacement 1
20142200 75,55275,552Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Mainline Rehab (Area 2)1
20150001 250,000250,000Street Mt Proj - Sealcoat Streets (Area 7)1
20150003 82,50082,500Sidewalk Maint. Project - Annual Repairs 1
20150004 37,50037,500Street Maint. Project - Annual C & G Repairs 1
20150006 30,00030,000Storm Water Project - Annual CB Repairs 1
20150100 1,000,0001,000,000Street Project - TH 169 Noise Wall 3
20151000 1,887,4421,887,442Street Project - Local Street Rehab (Area 4)1
20151100 420,000420,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (CLR / Flag)1
20151102 1,139,5771,139,577Bridge Project - Louisiana Ave @ Minnehaha Creek 1
20151200 175,000175,000Storm Water Project - Sewer Rehab (Area 3)1
20151400 25,00025,000Water Project - Watermain Replacement (Area 3)1
20152200 150,000150,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Mainline Rehab (Area 3)1
20152300 57,50057,500Sanitary Sewer Proj. - LS #9 & FM Rehab 1
20152301 85,41085,410Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Forcemain Rehabs 1
20160001 248,674248,674Street Mt Proj - Sealcoat Streets (Area 8)1
20160003 82,50082,500Sidewalk Maint. Project - Annual Repairs 1
20160004 37,50037,500Street Maint. Project - Annual C & G Repairs 1
20160006 30,00030,000Storm Water Project - Annual CB Repairs 1
20161000 1,202,1381,202,138Street Project - Local Street Rehab (Area 5)1
20161100 395,000395,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (Pennsylvania)1
20161200 200,000200,000Storm Water Project - Sewer Rehab (Area 4)1
20161400 551,600551,600Water Project - Watermain Replacement (Area 4)1
20161500 500,000500,000Water Project - Recoat Elevated Water Tower #2 1
20162200 150,000150,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Mainline Rehab (Area 4)1
20162300 88,00088,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - LS #1 & FM Rehab 1
20170001 253,648253,648Street Mt Proj - Sealcoat Streets (Area 1)1
20170003 82,50082,500Sidewalk Maint. Project - Annual Repairs 1
20170004 37,50037,500Street Maint. Project - Annual C & G Repairs 1
20170006 30,00030,000Storm Water Project - Annual CB Repairs 1
20171100 192,000192,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (W28th St)1
20171101 360,000360,000Street Project - MSA Street Rehab (Louisiana Ave)1
20171200 100,000100,000Storm Water Project - Sewer Rehab (Area 5)1
20171400 25,00025,000Water Project - Watermain Replacement (Area 5)1
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 18
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
620,000320,000 300,000Hennepin County
11,796,54210,784,000 1,012,542HRA Levy
39,000,00012,000,000 12,000,000 15,000,000Met Council Grant
3,534,892185,000 228,314 2,174,578 395,000 552,000Municipal State Aid
900,000900,000Other Jurisdictions
8,534,2581,758,697 1,806,750 1,414,815 2,117,598 1,436,398Pavement Management Fund
17,5005,000 7,500 5,000PW Engineering Budget
1,500,906319,600 295,800 296,000 293,718 295,788PW Operations Budget
2,227,362400,900 133,052 1,235,410 238,000 220,000Sanitary Sewer Utility
100,000100,000Special
808,000110,000 658,000 35,000 5,000Special Assessments
6,619,0006,619,000State of Minnesota
1,960,000580,000 215,000 805,000 230,000 130,000Stormwater Utility
3,776,5093,776,509Tax Increment - Elmwood
7,630,0007,630,000U.S. Government
721,00040,500 41,000 543,000 47,500 49,000Unfunded
4,206,0001,473,900 130,500 925,000 1,051,600 625,000Water Utility
93,951,96942,326,597 15,815,916 23,298,803 9,197,467 3,313,186Public Works Total
20172200 150,000150,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - Mainline Rehab (Area 5)1
20172300 70,00070,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - LS #13 & FM Rehab 1
20211102 228,315228,315Bridge Project - W 36th St @ Minnehaha Creek 1
M - XX06 221,00040,500 41,000 43,000 47,500 49,000Traffic Signal Maint. Proj - Repl Control Cabinets 1
M - XX07 55,00010,600 10,800 11,000 11,200 11,400Traffic Signal Maint. Project - Paint Signals 1
M - XX08 50,00010,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000Retaining Wall Maint. Project - Wall Repair 1
M - XX10 821,000275,000 142,000 135,000 134,000 135,000Street Light Project - System Replacement 1
M - XX12 31,00031,000Bus Shelter Project - Shelter Replacements 1
M - XX13 308,000110,000 158,000 35,000 5,000PW Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project 1
TEMP-0012 302,500302,500Street Project - Excelsior Blvd Resurfacing 1
TEMP-0015 39,015,00012,005,000 12,005,000 15,005,000Sanitary Sewer Proj. - MCES Hopkins Interceptor 1
94,091,96942,466,597 15,815,917 23,298,802 9,197,467 3,313,186Public Works Total
Technology
ACCT-1 75,00015,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000ACCT- Insight Budgeting Annual Maintenance 3
TRF-001 500,000100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000IT: On-going Hardware / Telephone Replacement 1
TRF-002 750,000150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000 150,000IT: On-going Software Replacement 1
TRF-003 500,000100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000IT: On-going Network Replacement 1
TRF-111 660,000660,000Fire/Police: 800 MHz Radio/Console Replacements 1
TRF-215 25,00025,000PW: Asset Mgmt Software Consolidation/Site License 3
TRF-218 200,00025,000 25,000 25,000 100,000 25,000IT: On-going SAN Storage Additions 1
TRF-220 100,000100,000IT: E-Mail Archival / Document Management Solution 3
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 19
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
TRF-221 10,00010,000Parks: Point of Sale Equipment Replacements 3
TRF-222 6,0006,000Assessing: Wireless Equipment for Field Work 3
TRF-306 15,00015,000IT: Fiber Conduit - Excelsior Blvd, La Ave-Hopkins 3
TRF-307 20,00020,000IT: Fiber Conduit - West End Fr. Rd, Gamble, Utica 3
TRF-308 65,00065,000IR/SS: City Hall Production Copiers 3
TRF-309 30,00030,000PW / Parks: MSC Copiers (2)3
TRF-310 75,00075,000Fire / Police: Dispatch Voice Recorders 1
TRF-312 40,00020,000 20,000IT: Fiber Conduit - TBD 3
TRF-313 5,0005,000IT: Wireless Controller and Hotspots 3
TRF-314 50,00050,000Police / Rec Center / Nature Center: Copiers 3
TRF-315 100,000100,000Police: Mobile Replacements 1
TRF-316 5,0005,000Fire: Firehouse Web / Inspections iPads 3
TRF-321 250,000250,000Admin Serv: Financial / HR/Payroll App Replacement 1
TRF-322 210,000210,000Admin Serv: Utility Billing App Replacement 1
TRF-323 82,87527,625 27,625 27,625Police: Motorola CAD/RMS/Mobile App Replacement 1
TRF-335 100,000100,000IT: Telephone System Upgrade 3
TRF-342 10,00010,000Fire: EOC Equipment 3
TRF-344 15,0007,500 7,500IT: Smart Boards 5
TRF-345 15,00015,000Admin Serv: Council Laptops / Tablets 3
TRF-346 105,000105,000Admin Serv: Voting Machines 1
TRF-348 75,00010,000 10,000 55,000Parks: Nature & Rec Centers Surveillance Cameras 3
TRF-352 8,0008,000Parks: Square Rigger Mobiles 1
TRF-353 35,00035,000IT: Server Farm / UPS Enhancements 3
TRF-355 75,00015,000 15,000 15,000 15,000 15,000IR / Communications: Reverse 911 - ParkAlert 3
TRF-356 10,00010,000PW: HP Scanner / Plotter / Copier 3
TRF-400 100,000100,000IT: Network Switches 1
TRF-501 50,00050,000IT: Tape Library Replacement 1
TRF-503 100,000100,000Fire: Stations Media Package 3
TRF-504 00IR: Placeholder Only: Big Fiber Project???5
TRF-505 75,00075,000Admin Serv: Property Data System Replacement 1
TRF-506 75,00075,000Parks: Class / E-Connect (Parks) Replacement 1
TRF-507 30,00030,000Insp: Permits / E-Permits System Replacement 1
TRF-508 23,00023,000Police: Jail Cameras 1
TRF-509 12,00012,000Police: Exterior Cameras 1
TRF-510 20,00020,000IR: Video Conferencing 5
TRF-511 1,000,000200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000 200,000IT: Mobile Device and Service Cost Consolidation 5
TRF-512 150,000150,000IR / Support Serv: Microfiche Conversion to Images 3
TRF-513 30,00030,000Fire / Police: Dispatch Intercity Backup 3
TRF-515 10,00010,000Utilities: SCADA Server 5
TRF-516 50,00050,000PW: AVL 5
TRF-551 650,000650,000Police: New CAD/RMS/Mobile Suite 5
TRF-552 30,00015,000 15,000IT: Plotter Replacements 3
TRF-553 10,00010,000Parks: Rec Center Speaker System 3
TRF-554 10,00010,000Parks: Multi-Function Device in Programs Office 3
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 20
Total20132014201520162017DepartmentProject#Priority
4,991,0001,270,500 1,172,500 940,000 848,000 760,000Capital Replacement Fund
170,00030,000 65,000 75,000E-911 Funds
00EDA Development Fund
65,00065,000Parks & Recreation
1,558,375758,125 622,625 142,625 35,000Police & Fire Pension
50,00050,000PW Operations Budget
10,00010,000Utilities
6,844,3752,183,625 1,860,125 1,082,625 848,000 870,000Technology Total
TRF-555 20,00020,000IT: Fire 1 / Rec Ctr / 511 Fiber Redundancy 3
TRF-556 25,00025,000PD: Texa-Tonka COP Shop Fiber Connection 3
TRF-561 5,5005,500Police: Booking and Intox Room Cameras (2)3
TRF-562 55,00055,000Police: Dispatch Camera Viewing Workstations 5
TRF-563 27,00027,000Facilities: City Hall Cameras 3
TRF-565 45,00045,000Parks: Rec Center Camera Additions 3
TRF-566 20,00020,000Fire: Regional CAD Data Pooling 3
6,844,3752,183,625 1,860,125 1,082,625 848,000 870,000Technology Total
119,770,32849,221,173 21,602,742 28,826,036 13,404,723 6,715,654Grand Total
Monday, August 06, 2012
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 2)
Subject: 2013 Budget Discussion Page 21
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss the next steps for pursuing concepts related to
improving the circulation system in the future Beltline LRT station area. SRF Consulting Group
will be present to discuss and explain the circulation work completed to date.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Is the City Council ready to continue the needed engineering work and move forward with
the involvement of the community in the planning for circulation improvements in the
future Beltline Station area? A process for moving forward using the Beltline LRT Station
Area Advisory Committee to work on circulation planning for the area is outlined in the
staff report for the City Councils consideration. Meetings with residents and property
owners would also be included in the planning process. The Advisory Committee will make
recommendations for City Council consideration.
• Is there any additional information Council needs at this time?
PROCESS:
In February 2012, the Council discussed the three concepts and several elements developed by
SRF Consulting Group regarding circulation and possibly roadway improvements in the Beltline
Station Area. The Council directed Staff to continue its work in evaluating several options. SRF
has continued to work to determine the viability of several of the options by looking at property,
grades, potential costs and complications. The options have been examined in more detail, and
further recommendations are discussed below. The next step would be to involve the community
in further refinement and evaluation of the alternative solutions and for the consultants to provide
more detailed engineering studies for the recommended options.
It is proposed that the Beltline LRT Station Area Advisory Committee would be reconvened to
serve as the advisory committee for the circulation improvement planning process and work with
the engineering consultants and staff. This would allow surrounding property and business
owners to provide input and evaluate the outcomes with the traffic engineers, prior to the Council
making decisions on any new roadway configurations. Using the same committee that worked on
the Beltline Station Land Use planning will help ensure consistency between the future land use
and future circulation plans; and, take advantage of the in depth knowledge the Beltline LRT
Station Area the Advisory Committee already has from the land use planning discussions.
Meetings with individual property owners, residents and businesses, as well as public meetings
will be part of the process as well.
BACKGROUND:
The area surrounding the future Beltline LRT station is an area with a severely constrained
circulation system that limits mobility and creates congestion that will be impacted by additional
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Subject: Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
activities in the area. There is only one north-south roadway crossing over the railroad tracks
and the regional trail between Highway 100 to the west and Lake Calhoun to the east. East-west
mobility is hampered by long dead end streets such as Park Glen Road. Among other issues, the
lack of circulation infrastructure will limit access to the Beltline LRT station and future
development around the station area.
Studies to date
An initial transportation study was conducted to develop transportation system alternatives that
improve access and circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, as well as trucks, buses
and automobiles in the future station area. This work was discussed with the City Council at the
Study Session February 13th.
The following issues were identified in that report:
• Exploring additional north/south connections (other than Beltline Blvd)
• Grade separation of trail and tracks at Beltline
• Improving County Highway (CSAH) 25 frontage road access by moving it or offering
other options
• Revising CSAH 25 to more of an urban boulevard, thereby reducing the overall width
and right-of-way
• Evaluate changing Beltline Blvd to a 3-lane design
Secondary considerations included:
• Minnetonka Blvd east of Highway 100 – intersections, pedestrian access and possible
roadway changes
• Options/improvements for the configuration of the triangular intersection of Minnetonka
Blvd in Inglewood/France area
As a result of the study and the discussions with the City Council in February, three system
concepts were developed that identified several roadway and intersection improvements. SRF
was engaged to undertake the following:
• Conduct an alignment study for new north-south connections on the west side of Beltline
Boulevard. This includes a proposed crossing of CSAH 25 and impacts to TH 100.
• Conduct an alignment study for new north-south connections on the east side of Beltline
Boulevard via Inglewood Avenue, France Avenue (limited to the north) or other roadway
options. This includes the proposed Park Glen Avenue extension to Excelsior Boulevard.
• Develop roadway options to improve pedestrian access and connections via Ottawa
Avenue.
Work on these tasks included meetings with MNDOT, Hennepin County, City of Minneapolis,
and the SWLRT Project office staff for input on the possible circulation improvements from each
of these stakeholders perspective. The results of the work by SRF is summarized in the attached
Area Overview Layout drawing and the Beltline Station Area Circulation Evaluation of Elements
table.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Subject: Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
The Area Overview Layout shows potential improvements in three geographical sub areas
(Areas A, B and C) of the Beltline Station area and also highlights the need for a future design
for Beltline Blvd itself. No matter what new circulation routes are added to the Beltline Station
Area, Beltline Blvd will continue to be the dominant and most important transportation element
serving the Beltline area because of its central location and the location of the SWLRT Station.
It is important to identify what the design (number of lanes, sidewalk, boulevard dimensions,
etc.) will be and to have a concept for the design in mind as the SWLRT project is in the design
stages. Beltline Blvd is highlighted in green on the Area Overview Layout.
Each of the sub-areas of the Beltline Station Area (Areas A, B and C) identifies one or more
alternative ways of improving circulation in each of these areas. The alternative means of
making circulation easier in each of the sub areas are shown on the Area Overview Layout in
blue, red and yellow. In some cases more than one sub-area circulation improvement could be
implemented. These improvements will be discussed at the Council Study Session.
A summary of issues and recommendations for the potential circulation improvements is
provided in the Beltline Station Area Circulation – Evaluation of Elements table attached to this
report. Note that not all the potential improvements shown in the table are highlighted on the
Area Overview Layout drawing.
RECOMMENDED NEXT STEPS:
Sifting through the many and varied potential circulation improvements for the Beltline Station
area, the following potential improvements are recommended as being of the highest priority
(please see attached map and table for further explanations). Pursuit of these priorities would be
the focus of Beltline Advisory Committees work and are recommended for further engineering
design analysis. The high priority next steps include:
• 1st priority – Beltline Blvd. Pursue the study of Beltline Blvd for its configuration, grade
separation, CSAH 25 frontage roads locations and the Ottawa Avenue
connection/configuration.
• 2nd priority – North/south connections. Pursue the option connecting Park Glen on the
west side of Beltline south to 36th Street. Pursue connecting Park Glen to Inglewood
and/or W32nd Street. Dismiss the options of a west of Beltline roadway across the
railroad tracks and connecting Raleigh across CSAH 25.
• 3rd priority – CSAH 25 and Minnetonka Blvd. Pursue the options to improve these two
roadways for vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclist.
These recommended priorities will be the focus of the Council Study Session discussion. These
priorities would be focus of the Beltline Advisory Committee’s work. They would be directed to
further evaluate and refine these recommendations with the technical assistance of SRF and with
input from the community, property owners, residents and businesses in the area.
It is further recommended that the Beltline Station Area Advisory Committee provide
recommendations for the City Council at the conclusion of their work. This would be an
approximately 6 month process, expected to be finished in the 1st quarter of 2013.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Subject: Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Consulting services are funded by the Development Fund.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community, including promoting
regional transportation issues including SW LRT and pursuing options for additional north/south
connections in the community.
Attachments: Area Overview Layout
Evaluation of Elements Table
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 3) Subject: Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation PlanningPage 5
BELTLINE STATION AREA CIRCULATION - EVALUATION OF ELEMENTS
Element & Sub-elements Issues Recommendation Priority
Beltline Blvd Configuration
• Design the cross-section from
Monterey to CSAH 25
Determine configuration of # of
lanes, boulevards, center median,
trails and sidewalks.
Pursue first.
1
• Evaluate grade separation of
Beltline Blvd under railroad tracks
and trail.
Delays from at-grade crossing vary if
freight rail, light rail and trail are all
present.
Pursue further, with Beltline
configuration. 1
• Move frontage road south closer
to tracks/trail.
Moving local traffic between tracks
and CSAH 25.
Pursue further, with Beltline
configuration. 1
• Ottawa Avenue connection R-o-w is narrow; how to
accommodate pedestrians, bikes
and autos.
Pursue further, with Beltline
configuration. 1
North/south Connections
• West of Beltline from CR 25
crossing tracks from frontage road
to south (not shown on Area
Overview Layout)
Difficult crossing due to grades;
historic grain elevator; new park; city
water tower. Doesn’t serve many
users.
Drop from consideration.
(Not
recommended)
• West of Beltline connecting Park
Glen to 36th Street (Area A on
Area Overview Layout)
Connect between properties to 36th
Street as an alternate for Beltline
Industrial Park businesses.
Pursue further.
2
• East of Beltline crossing tracks to
north (Area C on Area Overview
Layout)
Inglewood is best option to pursue
due to fewest property impacts and
workable grades.
Pursue further.
2
• Connecting across CR 25 at
Raleigh (Area B on Area Overview
Layout)
Crossing would not serve enough
users and would not meet warrants
for a signal.
Drop from consideration. (Not
recommended)
CSAH 25 and Minnetonka Blvd
east of Highway 100
• Improve CR 25 to a more urban
boulevard and reclaim right-of-
way
Reconfigure roadway to be narrower,
more pedestrian friendly and use
right-of-way for other uses.
Pursue further after determining
Beltline configuration and n/s
connection east of Beltline.
3
• Explore options to improve Mtka
Blvd pedestrian and bicycling
experience; review intersections;
and # of lanes east of Ottawa
Crossings and traveling along
Minnetonka Blvd for pedestrians and
bikes; intersections, especially at
east end.
Pursue further.
3
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 3)
Subject: Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning Page 6
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 4
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
None at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS:
None at this time. However, staff would be interested in any concerns or questions Council may
have regarding either of these utilities, the renewal of their franchise agreements, or the proposed
increase in franchise fees.
BACKGROUND:
History
The City currently has franchise agreements with Xcel Energy (agreement expires Feb 21, 2013)
and with CenterPoint Energy (agreement expires June 30, 2013). Staff from these two utilities
approached City staff early this year to begin discussing renewal of their respective franchise
agreements. At that time staff discussed issues / concerns with each respective utility. Since
then each utility has provided us a proposed agreement for consideration. City Attorney Tom
Scott has been involved in most, if not all, renewal discussions and has reviewed and commented
on each of the proposed agreements. The most recent conversations held last month involved
discussing the adoption process, schedule, issues, and proposed agreements. Each utility is
currently considering city staff / attorney comments to their proposed agreements.
Xcel Energy (Xcel)
City staff has identified and has been discussing the following issues with Xcel with the
expectation these are satisfactorily addressed either in the new agreement or separately outside
the agreement:
1. Permit violations:
a. occasional lack of notice prior to starting work
b. occasionally performs work without permits
c. occasionally does not remove abandoned infrastructure
d. blocks or takes City infrastructure out of service without approval or mitigation
e. extensive time taken to perform permit work and restore City infrastructure
2. Construction / relocation difficulties (very poor responsiveness associated with utility
coordination and relocation needs - i.e., poor past relocation performance)
a. lack of participation in coordination / planning meetings
b. slow effort or refusal to relocate their utility on city infrastructure projects
3. Difficulty in obtaining an infrastructure map or GIS info for internal planning and
emergency response purposes
4. Need to assess permit fees to Xcel like all others working in the city right of way
5. Reduce term of the agreement from 20 to 10 years
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Subject: Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
Staff has been working with Xcel staff to revise their proposed agreement to address the above
issues, to make it consistent with the CPE agreement, and also to increase the current basic
Franchise Fee by $0.50/month.
The current Xcel agreement expires February 20, 2013. Staff is proposing to adopt the new Xcel
Franchise Agreement and Franchise Fee increase at the same time utilizing the process, steps,
and schedule shown below.
CenterPoint Energy (CPE)
City staff has not identified any issues associated with adoption of a new franchise agreement
with CPE. Staff is proposing to revise the CPE agreement to make it consistent with the Xcel
agreement and to increase the current basic Franchise Fee by $0.50/month. CPE generally seems
amenable to these proposals.
The current CPE agreement expires June 30, 2013. For a variety of reasons, staff is proposing to
adopt the new CPE Franchise Agreement and Franchise Fee increase utilizing the same process,
steps, and schedule as that proposed for Xcel.
Proposed Franchise Fee Increases
The City Council acted to implement franchise fees with CPE and Xcel in January of 2004.
These franchise fees were increased by $0.75/month per utility by the Council in 2010. These
increases took effect on February 1, 2011, which changed the fee to $2.00/month per utility for a
residential customer. Franchise fees in St. Louis Park are used in their entirety to assist in
funding the cost the City experiences to maintain, reconstruct and repair the street system via the
City’s Pavement Management Program. Neither General Fund dollars nor special assessments to
property owners are used to fund this program. The franchise fee is essentially a user fee
collected from customers on their utility bill and paid to CPE and Xcel. The utility then
functions essentially as a pass through entity with the franchise fee revenue being remitted to the
City of St. Louis Park.
Given funding deficits projected for the City’s Pavement Management Fund over the next ten
years, in 2009 the City Council inquired about the City’s ability to increase franchise fees to
insure the Pavement Management Program could be continued and fully funded. Based on
discussions with CPE and Xcel, there is no opposition for the City to increase the franchise fees
to assist in funding the Pavement Management Program. Further, it was the goal of the City to
negotiate an agreement with the utilities that allowed for automatic yearly or alternating year
increases, but this is not allowed by the Public Utilities Commission.
Staff is proposing a $0.50/month per utility increase to residential customers for 2013 to continue
funding the Pavement Management Program. Based on customer class, customers would see
increases ranging from $0.50/month per utility for residential to $4.00/month per utility for large
commercial/industrial (please see attachment - Franchise Fee Estimate). Residential customers
make up approximately 90% of the total customers.
Per the City’s Long Range Financial Management Plan, by increasing franchise fees in 2013 and
again in 2015, it is projected that the Pavement Management Program could be funded entirely
by franchise fees, and make the fund sustainable in the long-term.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Subject: Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
Adoption Process and Schedule
The following adoption process applies to each of the franchise agreements:
1. Ordinances must contain all the terms and conditions of the franchise
2. These ordinances require a public hearing
3. Hearing notice must be published at least once in the City's official newspaper at least
twenty (20) days prior to the public hearing.
4. At least seven days must pass between first reading (public hearing) and 2nd reading
5. At second reading motion will be “Motion to adopt the ordinance, approve the summary
and authorize summary publication”
6. Ordinance becomes effective 15 days following summary publication OR date certain
specified (must be a minimum of 15 days following summary publication)
7. Utility requires a 90 day review / notice period after Council adoption in order to
implement the ordinance and franchise fees and notify the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission (MPUC)
Based on the above process, staff has developed the following steps and schedule for adopting
the franchise agreements and franchise fees:
Study Session - Written Report July 23, 2012
Study Session – Discussion Aug 13, 2012
Study Session - Discussion (if needed) Aug 27, 2012
Submit Public Hearing Notice to Sun Sailor Aug 30, 2012
Public Hearing Notice Published Sept 6, 2012
First Reading and Public Hearing Oct 1, 2012
Second Reading (adopt ordinance, approve summary, and authorize summary
publication)
Oct 15, 2012
Submit Summary to Sun Sailor Oct 18, 2012
Summary Publication Oct 25, 2012
First date Ordinance(s) COULD be effective Nov 9, 2102
City submits Ordinance(s) to Utility(s) (90 days required to effective date) Nov 12, 2012
Utility(s) submits Ordinance(s) to MPUC (60 days required to effective date) Dec 12, 2012
Date certain Ordinance(s) needs to become effective Feb 21, 2013
Summary and Next Steps
The City Attorney is currently discussing franchise agreement terms with both Xcel and CPE.
Staff expects to update the Council on these negotiations at the August 27th Study Session. The
utilities have not raised any issues associated with the proposed franchise fee increases described
above.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:
The city’s pavement management program is currently funded by franchise fee revenues,
collected for us by both Xcel and CPE, along with some general funds. Franchise fees cannot be
collected by either utility unless the city has a franchise agreement providing for this. Thus,
failure to negotiate franchise agreement(s) would result in the loss of franchise fee revenues for
our pavement management program. Alternatively, the City Attorney has determined equivalent
revenues (fees) could be collected by the city as a part of our quarterly utility fee billings.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Subject: Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
Based on the current fees, franchise fees generate approximately $1.3 million annually, which is
used to fund the Pavement Management Program. The proposed increases would add
approximately $260,000 in additional annual revenue to the Pavement Management Program,
and provide greater sustainability into the future. By implementing the proposed franchise fee
increases for 2013, St. Louis Park would still be competitive with other cities in the area (staff
will provide comparative city information at the Study Session). Any approved additional
franchise fees will remain dedicated to funding capital needs.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: Franchise Fee Estimate
Prepared by: Michael P. Rardin, Public Works Director
Steve Heintz, Finance Supervisor
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Subject: Renewal of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy (CPE) Franchise Agreements
City of St Louis Park, Minnesota
Franchise Fee Estimate
Variable Increases Proposed for 2013
Beginning in 2013 and Every Other Year After an Increase of $0.50 For
All Non Large C/I, With Large C/I Increase of $4.00.
Xcel - Electric
CUSTOMER CLASS
AVERAGE
MONTHLY
CUSTOMER
COUNT
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
FRANCHISE
FEE
REVENUES
2013 New
Revenue
Estimate
MONTHLY
FLAT FEE
2013
New Fee
Proposal
Residential* 22,242 $533,808 $667,260 $2.00 $2.50
Small C&I – Non-Demand* 1,350 $64,800 $72,900 $4.00 $4.50
Small C&I – Demand 699 $111,141 $115,335 $13.25 $13.75
Large C&I 149 $130,524 $137,676 $73.00 $77.00
Public Street Lighting 75 $0
Municipal Pumping – Non-Demand 21 $1,012 $1,139 $4.00 $4.50
Municipal Pumping – Demand 18 $2,160 $2,268 $10.00 $10.50
Total 24,554 $843,445 $996,578
Net Increase
$153,133
CenterPoint - Heating Gas
CUSTOMER CLASS
AVERAGE
MONTHLY
CUSTOMER
COUNT
ESTIMATED
ANNUAL
FRANCHISE
FEE
REVENUES
2013 New
Revenue
Estimate
MONTHLY
FLAT FEE
New Fee
Proposal
Residential 16,382 $393,168 $491,460 $2.00 $2.50
Commercial A 0 $0 $0 $2.00 $2.50
Commercial B 407 $19,536 $21,978 $4.00 $4.50
Commercial C 519 $82,521 $85,635 $13.25 $13.75
SVDF A & B 75 $11,925 $12,375 $13.25 $13.75
LVDF 4 $3,504 $3,696 $73.00 $77.00
Total 17,387 $510,654 $615,144
Net Increase
$104,490
Total $257,623
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 5
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Project Update - Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action required. The purpose of this report and discussion is to review duties related
to construction administration, consultant engineering support, project oversight and the handling
of contract changes during the project construction.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Staff seeks Council input and feedback on the following:
1. Does the City Council wish to use Mn/DOT personnel to perform the construction
engineering/administration duties (value of at least $1.8 million)?
2. Does the City Council have any specific questions or concerns related to project oversight
or approval of contract changes?
BACKGROUND:
History
The City’s Capital Improvement Program (C.I.P.) indentifies the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue
intersection as a priority improvement project. The proposed project, which provides for the
construction of a grade-separated interchange at Louisiana Avenue and Highway 7, also includes
pedestrian and bicycle friendly improvements along with re-configuration of the frontage roads
in order to improve access, safety, and traffic flow for both the Highway 7 corridor and
Louisiana Avenue. This proposed improvement is essential in meeting long term transportation
and safety needs of both Mn/DOT and the City as well as quality of life and redevelopment
needs in this area of the city.
Phase 4 Activities (underway)
Phase 4 activities, described as Final Design and Plan Preparation, include detailed engineering
work needed to complete plans and specifications to obtain final Mn/DOT project approvals and
authorization for bidding. SEH continues work on the final plan preparation phase. As result of the
extra work on the soil and geotechnical investigations, final plan completion is now anticipated in
October. A copy of the revised project schedule is attached (Attachment 1).
The right of way activities which are part of the final design are also underway. The City’s
consultant, Evergreen Land Services, is currently meeting with property owners and presenting
offers for the easements needed to construct the interchange project.
Construction Administration and Project Oversight
The estimated cost for performing the construction engineering work is $1.8 million. Mn/DOT
has indicated that they are willing to perform this work as part of their cost participation in the
project. Mn/DOT will be our agent in the field and the City will retain its role as Lead Agency
and have complete oversight of the project and final approval on all contract changes throughout
the course of the project. The City’s consultant, SEH, Inc. will provide support to the City and
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Subject: Project Update - Hwy 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project
Mn/DOT on critical engineering questions and assist in the interpretation of plans during
construction as questions arise. In addition, a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the project is
nearing completion. This required environmental document, to be reviewed and approved by
respective environmental regulatory agencies, will describe how environmental remediation
during the project will be dealt with. Some definite activities and costs will be incorporated into
the construction plans while others will need to be dealt with individually by the city if / as
contamination is encountered. The city will need to retain an environmental consultant during
construction to provide RAP oversight and help us determine necessary remediation actions.
If Council is comfortable with having Mn/DOT perform construction engineering services,
Mn/DOT and City Staff with assistance from the City Attorney will begin drafting language
about roles, responsibilities and obligations for a Cooperative Agreement to allow for this.
Change Order Approvals
During the construction of large complex projects, unforeseen work and/or changed conditions
will arise which are typically addressed through change orders and supplemental agreements.
Oftentimes the extra work needs to be approved in an expedient manner to prevent work delays
and work delay claims. This will again require staff authority to approve extra work as was done
during the Hwy 7 / Wooddale Interchange and recent Fire Station projects.
Summary
At the Study Session meeting, Staff will further discuss project oversight, agency roles during
construction, and approval of contract changes.
Future Discussions and Project Updates
Staff will be reporting to Council at future Study Sessions on the following topics:
• Xcel Energy power line undergrounding and customer facilities surcharge
• R/W Acquisition and Billboard relocations
• RAP activities and estimated costs
• Funding
• Schedule
• Construction Staging Plans and Traffic Impacts
• Future infrastructure ownership and maintenance obligations
• Public Review and Input on Final Plans
• Approval of Cooperative Agreements, Final Plans, and Project Authorizations
• Ground Breaking Ceremony
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Project Costs
Presented below are the estimated project costs based on current design work. All of the funding
sources are also presented below:
Current Estimated Project Costs
Construction $18,090,000
Preliminary and Final Design Engineering $ 1,818,000
Construction Engineering (estimated consultant cost) $ 1,800,000
Undergrounding Power Lines $ 600,000
Right of Way Acquisition Services (appraisals, title work, attorney fees) $ 100,000
Right of Way (Purchasing land and easements, condemnation costs) $ 2,600,000
Total Costs $25,008,000
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Subject: Project Update - Hwy 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project
Funding Sources
Federal (STP) Funds $7,630,000
Mn/DOT Access Management Funds $1,000,000
Mn/DOT Municipal Cooperative Agreement Funds $ 594,000
Mn/DOT (Construction Eng’r - in lieu of funds) $1,800,000
TED Grant (Mn/DOT & DEED Program) $3,000,000
City Funds (20% construction grant match – source HRA Levies) $2,398,000
City Funds (Preliminary and Final Design Eng’r – source HRA Levies) $1,818,000
City Funds (Right of Way – source HRA Levies) $2,700,000
City Water and Sewer Utility Funds $ 200,000
City Funds (TBD) $3,868,000
Total Committed Funds $25,008,000
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The following Strategic Directions and focus areas have been identified by Council.
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Focus will be on:
• Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding
sources affecting St. Louis Park including but not limited to Hwy. 100 and
SWLRT.
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture and community
aesthetics in all city initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
Attachments: Attachment 1 – Schedule (Revised August 2012)
Prepared by: Jim Olson, Engineering Project Manager
Reviewed by: Michael P. Rardin, Public Works Director
Scott Brink, City Engineer
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
DRAFT Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange
Final Design and Right of Way Schedule
Revised August 2012
Printed 8/2/2012
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul
Final Design
Final plans
Agency Review/Approval Final Plans
Utility Coordination
Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
Agency Review of RAP
Special Provisions
Engineer's estimate
FHWA Authorization
Utility relocation certificate
Permit applications submitted
R/W Acquisition
Appraisals
Offers/Negotiation
Condemnation initiated
Right of Way Certificate 1
Private Utility Relocation
Advertise for bids
Open bids (February 2013)
Award contract
Begin construction (April 1, 2013)
2012 2013
Z:\PT\S\Stlou\116227\2-mgmt\Final Design-Right of Way Schedule Revised Aug 2012.xlsx
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Project Update - Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project Page 4
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 7
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Federal Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) Disbursement
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action requested. Staff requests any feedback the Council might have on the policy question
noted below.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does Council wish to have more detailed information provided on the proposed ERRP
disbursement plans and the recommendation for distribution?
BACKGROUND:
What is ERRP? As part of the Affordable Care and Patient Protection Act of 2010, an Early
Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) was established by the Federal government. This is a
temporary program (program ends when the $5 billion allocated funds are exhausted) that
provides approved entities with a reimbursement of health care expenses incurred by its retirees.
The purpose and intent of the ERRP is to lower premium costs for all plan participants who may
have high premiums because of claims incurred by retirees still on our health insurance plans.
Did the City apply for the funds? The City of St. Louis Park applied and was approved to
participate in this program in July, 2010. We received our first reimbursement on January 12,
2011, and funds were disbursed directly to plan participants in April, 2011. Council approved
the “premium holiday” method of disbursement on March 21, 2011 in Resolution 11-038.
Are there restrictions on fund distribution? We are prohibited from using reimbursement funds
as general revenue. The City must be able to demonstrate that funds (including any interest
accrued) were used exclusively to reduce or offset increases in plan participants’ health benefit
premium contributions, copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, or a combination of these costs.
How were funds previously disbursed? The City transferred ERRP reimbursement funds directly
to our plan participants in April, 2011. In determining the method for distribution, we contacted
other cities, our benefits consultant, and legal counsel. It was determined (with Council approval)
that each plan participant would receive a premium reduction of $420. Council approved the
“premium holiday” method of disbursement on March 21, 2011 in Resolution 11-038. This was
a clear pass through of the reimbursement from ERRP to those who pay the premiums. Plan
participants include active, retired and COBRA participants who pay insurance premiums.
How are funds proposed to be disbursed this time? The City has received additional funds from
ERRP in the amount of $24,796.25, and earned $83.38 in interest. It is recommended that funds
be disbursed in the same method as approved by Council in 2011 (Resolution 11-038). This
method results in a one-time premium reduction to active health insurance plan participants who
pay premiums as of October 1, 2012. The amount of premium reduction is estimated to be
approximately $96 per plan participant.
Study Session of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Subject: Federal Early Retiree Reinsurance Program (ERRP) Disbursement
What about the possibility of receiving future funds? We will continue to participate in ERRP.
As stated above, additional funds may be distributed to the City based on federal funding. It is
unlikely that any future funds will be received (we are listed as #3,980 on the wait list of 6,100
employers). If any future funds are received, it is recommended that the City Manager be
authorized to approve future premium reductions. If the distribution method is recommended to
change, staff will present the updated program to Council for review and approval.
What are the next steps?
Communication with benefits committee, all employees (union and non-union), and former
employees who are plan participants.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Ali Fosse, HR Coordinator
Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 8
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a summary of stormwater activities and
comments received in 2011 as a part of the City’s Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4)
permit.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the City Council have any concerns or questions relating to the MS4 permit program? If
so, please contact staff.
BACKGROUND:
The City of St. Louis Park has a permit with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
for the discharge of stormwater from the city. This permit is required based on the 1987
amendment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act, through the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). St Louis Park, along with 110 other
Minnesota cities, is permitted as a Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4).
As a part of the MS4 permit, the City has submitted a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP) to the MPCA. The SWPPP lists out all the activities the City undertakes to fulfill the
requirements of the MS4 permit. The City also holds an annual meeting to collect input on the
SWPPP and the City’s storm water program and completes an MS4 Annual Report (attached).
The 2011 Annual Storm Water Meeting was held on July 17, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers. There were 11 attendees (sign-in sheet attached, only 8 people signed in).
One written comment was received (attached), and verbal comments were received during the
meeting. The verbal comments were addressed at the meeting, a video of which can be seen at
http://www.stlouispark.org/water-sewer.html. Among other things, the written comment
suggested that we increase the publicity of the meeting and improve the web presence, which
staff plans to do.
Next year the Annual Storm Water Meeting will be held in conjunction with a regular City
Council meeting. This year’s meeting is posted on the website (link above) along with our
SWPPP (http://www.stlouispark.org/webfiles/file/public-works/2008_swppp.pdf) and a list of
SWPPP highlights from our 2011 activities (attached).
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The activities above support or complement the following Vision areas:
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
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.
Attachments: MS4 Annual Report
Summary of Verbal Comments Received
Written Comments
Attendee List
2011 SWPPP Activity Highlights
Prepared by: Laura Adler, Engineering Program Coordinator
Reviewed by: Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator
Scott Anderson, Superintendent of Utilities
Michael P. Rardin, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 3
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 4
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 5
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 6
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 7
City of St. Louis Park
MS4 Annual Meeting for 2011
July 17, 2012; 6pm
City Hall – Council Chambers
Number of folks in attendance = 11
Comments/Questions from attendees:
• Can our system handle a rain that Duluth recently experienced (8+ inches in 48
hour period)?
• Can you create a system for the newer projected (more intense) rainfalls that will
decrease/lessen flooding? Are you working on a plan for more intense rainfall
events with “100 year rain events occurring every 5 years”?
• What is City of St. Louis Park doing for promoting development of raingardens
and then for the maintenance of those gardens and similar BMP’s?
• How does City spread word on raingardens, creek buffers, grants for doing them
and other related areas to keep water on individual sites?
• There is too much stuff (leaves, grass clippings) still going into streets – what can
be done?
• Is SWPPP available for review by citizens? Hard copies? Where available?
• In other cities annual reports, plans for current activities are included, not just
review of old activities – suggest City of St. Louis Park does this next time.
• Is there anything of significance in terms of stormwater projects in long-range
plan?
• Twin Lakes outfall into Forest Road/Lane creek – is it functioning properly?
• Is the surrounding Forest Road/Lane going to be improved (vegetation – lots of
garlic mustard and buckthorn)?
• Is the Glenhurst Road/Highwood Road ditch functioning properly?
• Will the ‘Dorfman Ditch’ improvement lead to improved water quality in Twin
Lakes?
• Do you have water quality sample results for all/any surface waters in SLP?
• Does PCA have standards for lake water quality (i.e. impaired)?
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 8
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 9
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 10
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 11
2011 Storm Water Activity Highlights
MMC-1 Public Education and Outreach
• Westwood Environmental Center Educational Programs MMC-1
o Over 15,000 participants
• Sun-Sailor Articles
o 3 articles published
• Storm Water Web Site
o 102 site visits
• Metro Blooms Raingarden Workshop May 17 & May 26
o 45 people attended
• Metro Watershed Partners & The Clean Water Media Campaign
o See annual report
• Eco Fair @ Parktacular – 1000 visits
• Spring Landscape Workshop – 20 attendees
• School Presentations
o 1st Grade, 3rd Grade SLP Primary Schools
• Information Booths
o Staffed booth with displays and brochures
8 Events, 4 different brochures, 2,500 brochures distributed
MMC-2 Public Involvement and Participation
• CAMP (Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program)
o Seasonal samples at selected water bodies
• Volunteer Opportunities
o Minnehaha Creek Cleanup
65 participants
o Beautify the Park
600 + participants
MMC-3 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• 5 discharges were reported and documented
• City staff continually monitors as they travel throughout the city performing their routine
activities
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 12
MMC-4 Construction Site Storm Water Run-off Control
• Erosion Control Inspections
o 625 Inspections
o 22 correction notices issued
• Erosion Control Permits
o 14 Permits reviewed and issued
o 10 Permits were over 1 acre
MMC-5 Post Construction Runoff Control
MMC-6 Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
• BMP Completed
o Installation of the storm sump for the collection of street sweeper cleaning
debris.
o MCWD Cedar Meadows storm outlet reconstruction
o Browndale Pond structural improvements
o Twin Lakes Sed Basin dredging
o Over 100 structures repaired/rebuilt
o Outlet cleaning
o Street Sweeping
5838 cubic yards of debris collected during 9 sweeping events
• Prairie Restoration Pond Shorelines
o Intrusive weed control and minor maintenance
• Storm pond inventory completed
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 8)
Subject: 2011 Annual MS4 Meeting Report Page 13
Meeting Date: August 13, 2012
Agenda Item #: 9
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Re-Conveyance of Vacant MnDOT Land at Highway 7 and Blake Road
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action is required at this time. This report is for information purposes only.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The purpose of this report is to update the Council on a request by Solomon Real Estate Group
(Solomon) to purchase excess MnDOT right-of-way.
BACKGROUND:
Solomon is in the process of acquiring the old BP gas station located in Hopkins on Blake Road
south of Highway 7. This property was in foreclosure, and was purchased by Solomon. The
final six month redemption period ends on September 28, 2012, after which, Solomon will have
clear title if it is not redeemed.
Solomon is also in the process of
re-conveying excess MnDOT
property located adjacent to the BP
property. The MnDOT property
runs north along Blake Road up to
the Highway 7 intersection. Most
of the MnDOT property is in
Hopkins, however, a small portion
is in St. Louis Park. The total re-
conveyance involves approximately
18,000 square feet, 7,000 square
feet of which is in St. Louis Park.
Development Proposal:
Solomon is proposing to redevelop
the property by removing the gas station and constructing a small retail center. The development
will have room for two small restaurants and six small retailers. A copy of the concept plan is
attached. The portion of the MnDOT property in the City will be utilized for additional parking,
a sign, and a second driveway to the development. The driveway will extend from the development
to the cul-de-sac; it will not have another direct access to either Blake Road or Highway 7.
While Solomon has been working with Hopkins City staff on the re-conveyance and
redevelopment proposal, they have not yet made application, because an application cannot be
made until they have clear title to the land. Preliminary review conducted by Hopkins staff has
determined that the proposal is reasonable for the area, and the redevelopment will enable
Hopkins to improve pedestrian access along Blake Road. St. Louis Park staff has also reviewed
the preliminary proposal, and have not identified any concerns, and concur with Hopkins
preliminary assessment.
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 9) Page 2
Subject: Re-Conveyance of Vacant MnDOT Land at Highway 7 and Blake Road
Landscaped City Monument:
There is a landscaped city monument at the corner of Highway 7 and Blake Road. This property
and monument are currently maintained by St. Louis Park staff. Upon completion of the re-
conveyance, Solomon has offered to re-landscape the corner, provide irrigation and take over
maintenance. All improvements and maintenance standards will be detailed in a maintenance
agreement between the City and Solomon.
Process for Re-Conveyance of MnDOT Land:
State law requires the sale of MnDOT land to be conveyed through the city. The process is for
MnDOT to sell the land to the city, and the city would sell it to Solomon. The transactions are
set up to be simultaneous, so the city would own the land for only a moment. All costs
associated with the sale of the land would be paid by Solomon, including city staff time.
Next Step:
City Council approval is required to re-convey the land. Therefore, an agreement to purchase the
land will be prepared by Solomon’s attorney, and reviewed by the city attorney. After staff has
reviewed the agreement, it will be scheduled for City Council consideration. It’s expected that
this will be at a September meeting.
Solomon will be re-plating the properties, so a plat will also be presented to the City for
consideration this fall.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The re-conveyance of MnDOT land would place more land in the private sector, and increase the
city tax base at no cost to the city. It would also result in reduced cost for maintaining the public
property at the corner of Highway 7 and Blake Road.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The re-conveyance would enhance the intersection, neighborhood commercial presence, and
pedestrian connections.
Attachments: Concept Plan
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, Assistant Zoning Administrator
Reviewed by: Meg McMonigal, Planning & Zoning Supervisor
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Study Session Meeting of August 13, 2012 (Item No. 9) Page 3
Subject: Re-Conveyance of Vacant MnDOT Land at Highway 7 and Blake Road
SITE MAP