HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/09/10 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
(Mayor Jacobs Out)
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION – Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – September 24, 2012
2. 6:35 p.m. Navigating the New Normal Workshop
8:35 p.m. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
8:40 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
3. Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
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: September 10, 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 – September 24, 2012
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the regularly scheduled Study
Session on September 24, 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 September 24, 2012.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – September 24, 2012
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – September 24, 2012
Study Session, September 24, 2012 – **6:00 p.m.
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Toby Keith’s Liquor License Probation Results – Administrative Services (30 minutes)
Staff will report probationary results of food and liquor sales for the period of March 1, 2012
through August 31, 2012 to determine if compliance requirements have been met and next
steps in their liquor license renewal.
3. 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.
4. Council Report Executive Summary – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
Discussion on possible new council report format with an executive summary page.
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
5. Beltline LRT Station Area Circulation Planning
6. SW / Trails Plan Update
7. August 2012 Monthly Financial Report
End of Meeting: 7:15 p.m.
The Study Session will be followed by an EDA meeting at 7:20pm and Regular City Council
meeting 7:30pm.
**Please note early start time.
Meeting Date: September 10, 2012
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Special Meeting Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Special Session Other:
TITLE:
Navigating the New Normal Workshop
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Not applicable.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The purpose of this panel discussion with the Urban Land Institute of Minnesota (ULI MN) is to
provide context and insights for future City Council policy decisions regarding land use and
development.
BACKGROUND:
A panel of experts assembled and led by ULI MN will discuss with the City Council the
implications of the dramatic changes in demographics, the economy and the environment facing
the City of St. Louis Park in the years ahead. The Planning Commission and Housing Authority
have also been invited to participate in the workshop.
The focus of the workshop will be on the development opportunities and challenges the “New
Normal” conditions will present for St. Louis Park in general and within the SWLRT corridor
specifically. Particular attention will be directed toward the issues of housing, housing
affordability and commercial/industrial development. The panel will offer their insights on the
challenges and opportunities facing St. Louis Park. The workshop will include an overview of
the impact of the “New Normal” on the community and an opportunity for the Council,
Commissioners and Board members to ask questions of the panelists. Gordon Hughes with ULI
MN and former Edina City Manager will moderate the workshop. Cathy Bennett also with ULI
MN will provide background demographic information as well.
The panelists include:
• Colleen Carey, President. The Cornerstone Group
• Mark Ruff, Executive Vice President. Ehlers
• Jeff Huggett, Vice President and Project Partner, Dominium
• John Breitinger, V.P. Retail Advisory Services, Cushman&Wakefield/Northmarq
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The Navigating the New Normal Workshop is consistent with the City’s commitment to
anticipate change, adapt and be innovative. It will help the City achieve its Vision of being good
Environmental Stewards and building a Connected Community of diverse well maintained housing.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: September 10, 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:
Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this report is to update Council on recent project development activities and to
present an anticipated schedule of upcoming project steps and activities for this project – Project
No. 2005-2000.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None at this time. Please let staff know of any comments or questions you might have.
BACKGROUND:
History - At the September 8, 2008 Study Session, Council was provided information and an
update regarding staff’s evaluation and investigation into improving north-south transportation
options as identified in the Vision St. Louis Park process. A copy of the SEH Technical
Memorandum, St. Louis Park TH 100 Underpass Study – Forecasting Methodology – Draft
dated August 11, 2008 was also provided to the Council at that time.
At the January 24, 2011 Study Session, City and Mn/DOT staff explained Concepts B and C and
answered questions regarding the project. Council expressed an interest in an earlier version of
Concept C that included a two way frontage road on the east side of Highway 100 south of
Minnetonka Boulevard, and retention of the W. 27th Street entrance ramp to southbound
Highway 100. Additional issues were identified such as determining the impact on Toledo
Avenue homes, minimizing cut-through traffic in the neighborhoods, retaining full access
between Minnetonka Boulevard and Highway 100, the potential need for noise walls, and
maintaining the existing trail along the east side of the highway. Other issues discussed included
mitigating congestion on Highway 100 to reduce local traffic, the future of Utica Avenue north
of Minnetonka Boulevard, and the design of the Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge to include
accommodations for pedestrians and bicycles.
At the February 7, 2011 Study Session, staff informed Council that Mn/DOT proposed closing
the W. 27th Street entrance ramp to southbound Highway 100 for Concepts B, C, and D.
Council expressed significant concern over the proposed closure of the W. 27th Street entrance
ramp and requested staff to evaluate impacts and possible mitigation associated with that closure.
Council also expressed a desire to discuss north - south transportation needs in the City and how
they related to the proposed Highway 100 project. At the March 7, 2011 Study Session staff
presented impacts (traffic projections or shifts and right of way implications) for the various W.
27th Street entrance ramp options. Council then directed staff to conduct a meeting(s) to obtain
area property owner input on the ramp options, traffic impacts, access needs, and possible street
changes near the W. 27th Street ramp. Council was also presented a report providing information
regarding changes in Mn/DOT’s noisewall installation practice and how that new policy was
expected to relate to the Highway 100 project.
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
At the June 27th Study Session, staff updated Council on results of the public involvement
process and input that had been received regarding the W. 27th Street entrance ramp options
under consideration. Council conveyed a preference to extending the ramp south to Minnetonka
Boulevard as a separate southbound ramp merging with Highway 100 exit traffic on the east side
of the Holiday Station. Council directed staff to convey their ramp preference to area residents
and respond to comments, if any. In addition, Council informed staff they desired to solicit
residents to sit on Mn/DOT’s proposed Noise Advisory Committee (NAC).
Area residents were notified of this ramp preference during July and no comments were
received. During August staff informed Mn/DOT that Council was interested in Mn/DOT
pursuing Concept C with enhancements (a two way frontage road on the east side of Highway
100 south of Minnetonka Boulevard and a one way southbound frontage road on the west side of
Highway 100 south of Minnetonka Boulevard) and ramp Option D at the W. 27th Street entrance
ramp.
From September, 2011 through November, 2011, Mn/DOT conducted a Value Engineering (VE)
Study and performed a traffic modeling and operational analysis for this project. As a result of
City comments and these engineering activities, Mn/DOT developed a proposed geometric
layout for the project. This was all presented to Council at a Study Session on December 12,
2011.
1. Added an exit ramp from northbound Highway 100 to Minnetonka Boulevard
2. Eliminated the northbound connection on the east side of Highway 100 between Highway 7
/ Highway 25 and Minnetonka Boulevard (no longer needed due to the added exit ramp to
Minnetonka Boulevard). It was determined from traffic modeling that both the one-way
and two-way frontage road connections were not viable due to service level breakdowns on
Minnetonka Boulevard east of the bridge.
3. Added a southbound connection on the west side of Highway 100 between Minnetonka
Boulevard and Highway 7
4. Revised the exit and entrance ramps on the west side of Highway 100 at the Highway 7
interchange.
5. Retained the W. 27th Street entrance ramp as it exists except it is relocated north about
200’ (to immediately south of the existing overhead pedestrian bridge)
Mn/DOT conducted a traffic modeling and operational analysis on this new layout and has
concluded that the proposed layout will operate acceptably. Upon further comments and review,
the layout was subsequently tweaked with minor adjustments. Staff verified in March of 2012
(with the help of a consultant) that the layout as designed will operate acceptably. Mn/DOT also
completed a detailed drainage analysis and preliminary engineering with regards to addressing
storm water, utilities, and other environmental impacts, including noise. Staff also solicited
further feedback from internal stakeholders such as police and fire, and Hennepin County during
this time.
Public “subgroup” informational meetings were conducted on April 24 and May 1, 2012 to
solicit feedback from residents and property owners located more immediately adjacent to
Highway 100. The meetings essentially gathered input with regards to proposed local street
changes and access issues. In addition, residents were provided general information with regards
to the noise wall determination process.
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
At the May 7, 2012 Study Session, Council was provided an update with regards to the project
process and refinement of the layout, including the determination of an appropriate cross-section
for the Minnetonka Boulevard bridge. This update was provided to Council prior to the May 15
public open house meeting where additional comments were received. Comments received
indicated support for the proposed final layout, no real preference for ped and bike
accommodations on the Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge, and some questions over noise wall and
storm water pond locations.
Based on the comments received, Mn/DOT further refined and tweaked the layout, and it was
again presented to the City Council for review and comment at the July 9, 2012 Study Session.
Since that date, Mn/DOT has been finalizing the layout internally and preparing for a municipal
consent request. At the July 9th Study Session Council also directed staff to begin the process of
investigating opportunities for the incorporation of public art into the project.
NEXT STEPS:
Municipal Consent: Municipal consent is required when any of the following three conditions
are a result of the improvement: Access changes, capacity increases or decreases, and the
acquisition of right of way. Mn/DOT has indicated they intend to submit a formal request for
municipal consent within the next week. This request is expected to include a copy of the final
layout and the following:
1. A good faith cost estimate of the City’s share of the project’s cost (cost participation
breakdown).
2. Project purpose
3. Route location
4. Short description of the proposed design
5. Any additional supporting data
Presuming a request is received within the next week, the following process and schedule is
anticipated:
1. The City must set a public hearing date within 15 days of the official request. We
anticipate bringing this as a consent action to Council at the regular Council meeting
scheduled for September 24, 2012.
2. The City must conduct a Public Hearing within 60 days of the official request.
Presuming action can proceed on September 24 as previously described, we would
anticipate scheduling the public hearing at the Council meeting ofNovember 5th.
3. Prior to holding the public hearing, Mn/DOT will host an Open House Meeting. We
anticipate Mn/DOT will schedule this meeting for some time in mid to late October.
4. The City must provide a 30-day notice of the Public Hearing, prior to the scheduled date.
Based on the above, the expected publication date is October 4, 2012.
5. The City must approve or disapprove the Mn/DOT municipal consent request within 90
days of the Public Hearing or let the time period expire, in which case it is deemed
approved. If the City disapproves, Mn/DOT’s options are:
1. Make the changes requested by the City (if any)
2. Refer the layout to an Appeal Board
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
3. Stop the project
4. Modify the project so municipal consent is not required
5. Prepare a new final layout and start the municipal consent process over from the
beginning
Noise Walls and Environmental Assessment: Concurrent with the Municipal Consent process,
Mn/DOT will be conducting parallel processes with approval of the Environmental Assessment
(EA) and whether or not to remove noise walls from the project design plans. Mn/DOT has
indicated intent to release the EA for public comment sometime within the next few weeks, with
a public hearing date yet to be determined.
Noise Advisory Committee (NAC) meetings have been held since the end of last year and the
fourth and final meeting was held on June 19, 2012. As previously reported, Mn/DOT created
the NAC to comply with the “new” federal Noise Analysis process required for this project. The
intent of the NAC was to provide two-way communication between the community and the
project team, educate residents about the noise evaluation process, review the noise analysis
methodology and results, and provide feedback to the City Council as well as communicate
project information to neighborhood residents. As a result of these meetings and the information
conveyed by committee members to their neighbors, many residents already have a good deal of
knowledge and background information regarding this matter.
Noise walls are presently included as part of the project layout and design. The State of
Minnesota, in accordance with federal regulations follows a process that allows for adjacent
property owners to remove the walls from the project should they desire through a voting
procedure. Informational meetings explaining this process have been scheduled for October 16
and October 18. Notification of the meetings will be sent to affected property owners at least
two weeks prior to those dates.
Visual Quality Process and Public Art: Mn/DOT is in the process of hiring a consultant to
help facilitate a Visual Quality Process Manual Development for the project. This process
typically includes a committee to allow for articulation of community values and objectives to
ensure sensitivity to visual quality and aesthetics in the design. This process will also include the
consideration of public art, similar to procedures utilized for the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue
project. Currently, staff is working to put together a list of potential community representatives
that might be interested in serving on the Visual Quality Process committee. We anticipate
having a list of the committee members available sometime within the next few weeks.
Project Advisory Committee: Mn/DOT is also working to form a Project Advisory
Committee. This group would meet on a biannual basis through the design phase and more
frequently during actual construction. The purpose of this committee will be to allow Mn/DOT
to provide current project information and receive feedback from stakeholders to help better
understand and address the many issues that arise during a project of this magnitude. Specific
committee members have not yet been determined, but it is expected that members will include a
wide variety of interests, including representatives of the many agencies involved (both elected
representatives and staff), such as the City, County, State, the business community, and other
stakeholders as appropriate.
Based on the current project status and progress made to date, the following schedule is
anticipated at this time:
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction Project
September, 2012
(Subject to Change)
Municipal Consent Approval Process
Municipal Consent Request Received Mid-September
City Sets Public Hearing Date September 24, 2012
City Publishes Notice of Public Hearing October 4, 2012
MnDOT Hosts Public Meeting Mid to Late October
City Holds Public Hearing November 5, 2012
Deadline to Approve / Deny Request February 3, 2012
Public Environmental Assessment (EA) Released September - October, 2012
Noisewall Voting Process
Ballots and Information Mailed Early October
Information Meetings October 16 and 18, 2012
Voting Period Expires December 28, 2012
Development of Construction Plans and Specifications Fall 2012 - September 2014
EA Process Completed Early 2013
Right of Way Acquisition May 2013 - May 2014
Open Bids and Award Contract May 2014
Construction Late 2014 - 2016
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Mn/DOT has not yet provided a cost participation breakdown for the project. At this time, we
expect the City’s share of the cost to be minimal, based on a preliminary cost share exhibit
provided by Mn/DOT. Actual numbers will be provided by Mn/DOT when Municipal Consent
is formally received.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The following Strategic Direction and focus area was identified by Council in 2007:
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Focus will be on:
• Developing an expanded and organized network of sidewalks and trails.
• Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding sources affecting
St. Louis Park including but not limited to Highway 100 and SWLRT.
• Evaluating and investigating additional north/south transportation options for the
community.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Current Layout
Prepared by: Scott Brink, City Engineer
Reviewed by: April Crockett, West Area Engineer, Mn/DOT
Michael P. Rardin, Public Works Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction ProjectPage 6
Study Session Meeting of September 10, 2012 (Item No. 3) Subject: Project Update - Highway 100 Reconstruction ProjectPage 7