HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/05/11 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
MAY 11, 2009
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Councilmembers Basill and Finkelstein Absent
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – May 26, 2009
2. 6:35 p.m. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report and 2009
Work Plan (with Commission)
3. 6:50 p.m. Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles
and Pedestrians Discussion
4. 7:50 p.m. Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
5. 8:35 p.m. Communications (Verbal)
Written Reports
6. Project Update - W. 36th Street Streetscape - Project 2008-2600
7. Quarterly Investment Report (January-March, 2009)
8:45 p.m. Adjourn
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: May 11, 2009
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 – May 26, 2009.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council and the City Manager meet to set the agenda for the study session on May 26, 2009.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agenda 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 study session on Tuesday, May 26, 2009.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning for May 26, 2009
Prepared by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant
Approved by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Tentative Discussion Items
Study Session, Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 6:30 p.m. (Councilmember Sanger absent)
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Detailed Engineering Study Results – Inspections (45 minutes)
The city’s consultant will discuss the detailed engineering study results with the City
Council. Does the Council wish to proceed with the recommendations as proposed?
3. Legislative Update – Administrative Services (45 minutes)
Staff will provide the Council with an update on the state and federal legislative activities,
including funding initiatives and the Glencoe Railroad Mitigation Project. What are the
Council’s future legislative priorities?
4. Highway 7 / Wooddale Avenue Update – Public Works (45 minutes)
Staff will provide Council with an update on the Highway 7 / Wooddale Avenue
Interchange Project, including scheduled and funding implications. Does the Council wish
for staff to proceed with the bid letting for this project?
5. Communications – Administrative Services (10 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
for the purposes of information sharing.
End of Meeting: 8:45 p.m.
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
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:
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report and 2009 Work Plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This report summarizes work performed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
(“PRAC”) in 2008 and outlines the intentions of PRAC for work to be performed in 2009. PRAC
requests feedback and guidance from Council regarding both reports.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Is the City Council comfortable with PRAC’s work plan for 2009?
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with Council policy, the 2008 Year End Report and 2009 Work Plan were submitted
for Council review at the February 23, 2009 study session. Vice Chair, George Hagemann will be
present to discuss.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The 2009 PRAC Work Plan includes participation in several focus areas of the Vision Process.
Attachments: Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2009 Work Plan
Prepared by: Stacy Voelker, Administrative Secretary
Reviewed by: Cindy Walsh, Director of Parks and Recreation
Approved by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Subject: Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report and 2009 Work Plan
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (“PRAC”)
2008 Year End Report
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Purpose:
The Commission shall study and consider all phases of public parks and recreation and recommend
to the City of St. Louis Park and Independent School District #283 a park and public recreation
program which best meets the needs of all residents of St. Louis Park.
2008 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Steve Hallfin, Chair
Kirk Hawkinson, Vice Chair
R. Bruce Cornwall
George Foulkes
George Hagemann
Tom Worthington
Lauren Webb-Hazlett, Student Representative
Vacant, School Board Representative
Parks and Recreation Department Staff
Cindy Walsh, Director
Rick Beane, Park Superintendent
Rick Birno, Recreation Superintendent
Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center Manager
Craig Panning, Manager of Buildings and Structures
Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator
Stacy Voelker, Administrative Secretary
2008 Highlights
Members of the Commission actively participated in the community visioning process by
contributing to the regular vision meetings and keeping the Commission apprised of its activity.
Commission member George Hagemann was a member of the Sidewalks and Trails vision action
team and Commission member George Foulkes participated on the Gathering Places vision action
team.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Subject: Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report and 2009 Work Plan
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, along with the Planning Commission, met,
reviewed and discussed the Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources chapter of the comprehensive
plan. Throughout the year, staff presented Park Improvement project updates to the Commission
such as playground replacement, field maintenance, easements, park dedication, building renovation,
etc.
The Commission assisted staff to make the annual Park & Run Fun Run held in May successful.
Along with the 5k run event, members assisted in offering a new event at the Aquatic Park. This
event, “Splash in Movie at the Pool” was offered on Friday, August 15 and was sponsored by M & I
Bank.
The Commission participated in the Minnehaha Creek clean up on Saturday, April 19. Two dump
truck loads of debris were removed from the creek in this two-hour venture. On June 23, 2008 the
Commission, along with the City Council, enjoyed a canoe ride on Minnehaha Creek.
Youth Association representatives have attended monthly Commission meetings providing an
update of their association and discussing ideas to foster a better relationship with participants, other
associations and the city. In 2008, the Commission met with the Football Association, Girls
Traveling Basketball Association, and the Traveling Baseball Association.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Subject: Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission 2008 Year End Report and 2009 Work Plan
2009 Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Kirk Hawkinson, Chair
George Hagemann, Vice Chair
Jenny Coig, School Representative
George Foulkes, School Representative
Steve Hallfin, City Representative
Tom Worthington, City Representative
Christina Barberot, City Representative
Vacant, Student Representative
2009 Goals
¾ Athletic Association Relationship: Invite each association to their monthly meetings to
continue a positive relationship.
¾ City Vision: Participate and keep updated on Vision to meet the goals.
¾ Commissions: Meet with other commissions as appropriate.
¾ Group facilitation: Assist in facilitating interested groups and other park and recreation users.
¾ Minnehaha Creek Clean-Up: Organize a clean up of the creek and creek shores.
¾ Planning Initiatives: Provide continual input on Comprehensive Plan and actively participate
in the Active Community Planning Initiative for trails and sidewalks or other initiatives as
appropriate.
¾ Recreation Resources: Invite Council to participate in exploring the city’s recreation resources.
¾ Staff Appreciation Luncheon: Serve an appreciation luncheon for staff.
2009 Parks and Recreation Advisory
Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
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:
Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians
Discussion.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
• Discuss the Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Studies
• Discuss the Bicycles and Pedestrians Plan
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
• Review the recommended goals and policies in the Minnetonka Boulevard Study, Park Place
Boulevard Study, and Bicycles and Pedestrians section of the Comprehensive Plan
BACKGROUND:
The City has made many sidewalk, trail and intersection improvements since adoption of the
existing “1999 Sidewalks and Trails Plan”. The Bicycles and Pedestrians section is an update of the
existing plan. It is not a major departure from the existing plan; rather, it suggests the next areas of
focus based upon extensive public input from Vision St. Louis Park, Active Living-Sidewalks and
Trails Plan, Minnetonka Boulevard Study, and Park Place Boulevard Study.
The City undertook the Minnetonka Boulevard Study and the Park Place Boulevard Corridor Study
following the bulk of the work done on Active Living-Sidewalks and Trails plan. Aspects of each
study will be included in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan update for sidewalk and trails; in addition,
each study has unique goals and next steps, listed below. Full copies of each study are available
online at the City’s website ( http://www.stlouispark.org/development_projects.htm#3219 ).
MINNETONKA BOULEVARD STUDY:
The Minnetonka Boulevard Study looks in detail at the overall roadway function for vehicles,
transit, bicycles and pedestrians in the area between Interstate 494 in Minnetonka and Highway 100
in St. Louis Park. The study was funded by Hennepin County, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park.
Stakeholder involvement included one large meeting attended by interested parties from
neighborhoods abutting Minnetonka Boulevard.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Next Steps:
• City Council accepts the Minnetonka Boulevard Study as complete
• Use design standards from the study for private redevelopment and public investment in and
around the corridor, including the use of ‘Complete Streets” principals.
• Review the study’s suggestions for the Minnetonka Boulevard bridge over Highway 100 in
light of the forthcoming MnDOT Highway 100 reconstruction project.
• Incorporate the recommendations of the study into future reconstruction projects along
Minnetonka Boulevard.
PARK PLACE BOULEVARD CORRIDOR STUDY:
The Park Place Boulevard Corridor Study is designed to enhance the bicycle and walking
environments within the Xenia Avenue / Park Place Boulevard corridor between St. Louis Park and
Golden Valley. Major priorities of the study include improvements to the walking environment
around the I-394 and Park Place Boulevard intersection, improved access to regional trails and parks,
and increasing accessibility to key destinations like office towers by bike or transit. The study was
funded through the Federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program through a partnership
with Transit for Livable Communities. Major stakeholder involvement included web-based
outreach, meetings with employees in the area, and a neighborhood meeting to foster resident
interest in the outcomes of the study.
Next Steps:
• City Council accepts the Park Place Boulevard Study as complete
• Incorporate priority improvements into projects taking place in the study area when
improvements are appropriate and cost-neutral.
• Seek grant funding to complete a demonstration project that will achieve goals of the study.
• Continue educating residents and area employees using the study as a guide to opportunities
for increased bicycling and walking.
BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS:
Attached for your review is the Bicycles and Pedestrians section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan
update. It summarizes the findings, goals and policies from the Active Living-Sidewalks and Trails
Plan, Minnetonka Boulevard Study, and Park Place Boulevard Study. This summary is part of the
Transportation Section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Next Steps:
• City Council accepts the Active Living-Sidewalks and Trails plan as complete
• Staff completes an implementation plan and incorporates the plan into future budget and
capital improvement plan discussions
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
City Council would make financial and budget decisions later (next steps).
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Recommendations are intended to advance the vision – St. Louis Park is a connected and engaged
community with an organized and expanded network of sidewalks and trails.
Attachments: Section from draft of 2030 Comp Plan re: Bicycles and Pedestrians
Prepared by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Adam Fulton, Planner
Reviewed by: Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
C. BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS
I. Vision for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Systems
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community. The community will
focus on developing an expanded and organized network of sidewalks and trails.
St. Louis Park residents benefit from two significant regional trails, a network of sidewalks that
encompass a large portion of the City and city trails within an extensive park system. This system
can be improved and in doing so, St. Louis Park will become a more livable community in which its
citizens can lead more active, healthy lives. Filling in gaps in the bicycle and pedestrian networks,
crossing barriers in the community like railroads and highways, complete street design, improving
road crossings, and providing bicycle parking will improve the existing bicycle and pedestrian
systems in St. Louis Park.
Goals for the Bicycles and Pedestrian System:
• Improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
• Establish a citywide grid-system of sidewalks every ¼-mile.
• Establish a citywide grid-system of bicycle facilities every ½-mile.
• Close gaps in neighborhoods’ existing sidewalk networks.
• Improve citizens’ transportation and recreation choices.
• Provide an accessible, convenient, inviting and easily understood system.
II. Where we are Today
St. Louis Park has 109 miles of sidewalks, 35 miles of trails, and 5 miles of on-street bikeways. The
City’s focus is on upgrading, improving, and expanding bicycle and pedestrian networks to meet
citizens’ transportation and recreation needs. The City works to improve safety and convenience of
walking, biking and transit use, preserve and maintain the existing system, expand the system to
close gaps, cross barriers, improve multimodal transportation, and connect to important community
destinations.
A. Recent Accomplishments
The City Council adopted a Sidewalks and Trails Plan in 1999, and has since implemented many of
the identified highest priorities. The City built seven miles of new sidewalks, 2½ miles of trails,
several new connections to the regional trail for neighborhood access, and numerous intersection
crossing safety improvements such as Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible curb ramps,
crosswalk striping, countdown timers and enhanced signage. Most recently, the City built a
pedestrian bridge over CSAH 25 that helps link Carpenter Park and the northern side of the city
with the Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail and other destinations to the south.
B. Bicycle and Pedestrian Networks
The City organizes its pedestrian and sidewalk networks into three categories: regional, citywide, and
neighborhood systems. These categories help describe or prescribe the purpose, connections, design,
activity, and maintenance level of each system.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Regional System
The City is fortunate to have two regional trails that loop through the City and extend for miles east
and west. The Cedar Lake LRT Regional Trail stretches from Hopkins to the Midtown Greenway
in Minneapolis. The North Cedar Lake Regional Trail starts at Highway 169 and Excelsior
Boulevard (intersecting with the Cedar Lake LRT) and connects to downtown Minneapolis. Both
trails link up with the celebrated Minneapolis Grand Rounds Scenic Byway that encircles most of
Minneapolis with 50 miles of off-street trails.
A possible third future regional trail is being studied by Three Rivers Park District. It would follow
the Canadian Pacific (CP) railroad corridor and could stretch from the Minnesota River in
Bloomington to Hopkins.
The regional trail system is the backbone of the City’s bicycle system. It also provides great
recreational walking/jogging routes. The regional system has the highest level of use and is the
highest priority for snow removal and other maintenance of the bicycle and pedestrian systems.
In addition to regional trails, the City has a few on-road bikeways that are shown on Hennepin
County’s bicycle system map. Minnetonka Boulevard from 169 to Highway 100 is the only road
that has signs indicating it is a Hennepin County bike route.
Citywide System
Citywide trails, sidewalks and bikeways make important connections within the City and to
neighboring cities’ systems. These facilities tend to locate along major road corridors and connect to
key community destinations. The existing and planned system provides pedestrian facilities
(sidewalks and/or trails) at roughly ¼-mile intervals, and bicycle facilities at ½-mile intervals.
City trails are predominantly within parks and open spaces. A few trails run along streets, but many
do not make continuous bicycle connections. Instead, they connect with sidewalks and help form
the citywide pedestrian network.
The City has a few on-road bikeways shown on Hennepin County’s bicycle system map. Some of
these have basic signs to indicate a bicycle route, but most are roads with striped shoulders, or are
noted to be used frequently by bicyclists. Examples include Cedar Lake Road, Texas Avenue and
Wooddale Avenue.
The City clears snow from nearly 48 miles of sidewalks in the citywide pedestrian network. These
sidewalks/trails are 5 to 8 feet wide. Immediately adjacent to key destinations the sidewalk width,
amenities and level of maintenance may increase. For example, on parts of Excelsior Boulevard, the
City collaborated with neighboring commercial property owners to create special services districts
that help pay for ongoing maintenance of pedestrian lighting, banners, landscaping, special surface
treatments, and snow removal.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 6
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Neighborhood System
Neighborhood sidewalks serve predominantly nearby residences. They link to neighborhood parks,
schools, shops, transit stops and the citywide pedestrian network. City maintenance is generally
limited to fixing trip hazards. Adjacent property owners are required to shovel snow from sidewalks
by City ordinance, and the City ensures compliance through random inspections and complaints.
Figure 14: Existing Sidewalks and Trails
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 7
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
III. Planning for the Future
St. Louis Park is committed to provide street, sidewalks, trails, and transit networks that are safe and
inviting for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders. The City will continue its efforts to maintain
bicycle and pedestrian systems that provide transportation and recreation opportunities for its
citizens. Changing demographics, shifts in transportation policies, and increased awareness in the
natural environment are shaping plans for the future.
A. Emerging Trends
Important and growing segments of the population do not or cannot drive. Children under 16,
people with certain disabilities, elderly adults, and people that cannot afford a vehicle need
alternative transportation options to live independent lives. Other people choose to walk, bike or
ride transit because it is less expensive, non-polluting, healthy, and a fun activity for them. Walking,
biking and transit systems that are safe and accessible can greatly improve the overall quality of life in
the community.
Nationwide and in Minnesota there are many campaigns that promote walking, biking, and transit
use for a variety of reasons. Some focus on accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Some focus on safety, such as Safe Routes to School and Complete Streets programs. Others focus
on health and preventing chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity. Still others focus on
protecting the natural environment or creating unique and pleasant places. Each of these campaigns
presents compelling arguments to improve non-motorized transportation and transit.
B. Current Plans, Studies and Partnerships
The City has been doing extensive planning for its bicycle and pedestrian systems. The 2006
Vision process showed there is a call to be a connected and engaged community and expand
sidewalks and trails. Below is a summary of these plans, studies and partnerships.
Active Living
Active Living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines through activities
such as biking, walking and/or taking transit to work or school, to do errands, and includes other
activities such as playing in the park, walking the dog and gardening. The Center for Disease
Control recommends that adults get 30 minutes, and children get 60 minutes, of moderately
physical activity per day most days of the week.
• Active Living Hennepin Communities Partnership:
This partnership includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Hennepin County, the cities of
Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Excelsior, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Independence and St. Louis
Park, and representatives from the health care, development and architecture professions. Its
mission is to “Plan, provide and promote active living environments and opportunities for
everyone.” City of St. Louis Park is helping this group to develop policies relating to physical
infrastructure and programs that support active living based on the principles that:
o Physical activity improves health and quality of life in our communities;
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 8
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
o Places should be designed to provide everyone – regardless of age, gender, language,
ethnicity, economic status or ability – with a variety of opportunities for safe, convenient,
and affordable physical activity;
o Development patterns should encourage mixed uses, compact designs, and a variety of
transportation choices that link roads, transit, bicycling and walking;
o Buildings and their landscapes should be designed with features that promote opportunities
for active living and active transportation, including highly visible stairs, orientation to
streets and sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit stops at main building entries; and
o Transportation systems, including transit and trails, should provide safe, convenient, and
affordable access to destinations such as housing, employment, schools, and community
services.
• Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails Plan:
This plan establishes a vision for the City’s future bicycle and pedestrian networks. It highlights
the City’s advances over the past ten years, and describes the existing sidewalk, trail, and transit
systems. The plan also recognizes the need for additional study of important corridors and more
public engagement at the neighborhood level as the City implements the plan.
This plan built upon the recommendations of the Vision St. Louis Park Action Teams and the
1999 Sidewalks and Trails Plan. The planning process included a thorough public review and
analysis process that included an 8-member citizen advisory committee, a community workshop,
a community open house, and input from the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation
Advisory Commission. This plan identified places in the community where bicycle and
pedestrian access is most important to its citizens. The process revealed gaps in St. Louis Park’s
bicycle and pedestrian networks, and began to prioritize areas where the City should concentrate
its efforts.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 9
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 15. Analysis Diagrams
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 10
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 16. Pedestrian Plan
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 11
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 17: Bicycle Network Plan
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 12
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Minnetonka Boulevard Design Plan
This is plan is a collaboration between Hennepin County and the cities of Minnetonka, Hopkins
and St. Louis Park to conceive a travel corridor that addresses the needs of a variety of commuting,
recreational and local travelers. The study focused on from Interstate 494 to State Highway 100,
includes a key segment of the road that links two city halls and establishes core design concepts that
could be applied farther east and west on the corridor. The Design Plan capitalizes on the corridor’s
natural setting, cultural resources and location between major lakes and adjacent regional trails.
Citizens provided comments about how the road functions, how it looks, and how local citizens
were using it. They also identified which potential improvements they would give the highest (or
lowest) priority. The top priorities for improvements were:
1. Pedestrian safety improvements
2. Providing a continuous east-west bike route
3. Creating a multi-modal scenic corridor (“Link to the Lakes”)
4. Additional Tree Planting/Landscaping
The Design Plan identifies important functions of the boulevard, develops a set of general principles,
and suggests a range of ways to address multiple modes of transportation from commuting to
recreation to local shopping. Based on a positive response received at the two public meetings, an
overall theme of “Link to the Lakes” was recommended, which ultimately could extend from Lake
Minnetonka to the Minneapolis Grand Rounds. In addition, the overall idea of making Minnetonka
Boulevard as a “Scenic Corridor” was strongly endorsed.
The Design Plan presents recommendations in diagrammatic form for the entire study area and on
several prototype plans at key intersections along the corridor. The first of two diagrammatic plans,
entitled “Bike and Trail Improvement Opportunities”, describes these four general design principles:
1. Provide for a continuous on-street bike route
2. Enhance pedestrian crossings, especially at primary intersections
3. Create better connections to regional trails
4. Provide additional bike and transit support facilities
Figure 18: Minnetonka Boulevard “Link to the Lakes”
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 13
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
The second diagrammatic plan, entitled “Landscape and Streetscape Opportunities”, describes these
five general design principles:
1. Emphasize the natural landscape by framing views and by installing new plantings within the
road ROW and on adjacent institutional properties.
2. Use formal arrangements of trees and lighting in commercial areas only.
3. Use landscape as the main unifier along the corridor; allow other features to change between
districts to reflect their unique identities.
4. Develop a hierarchy of gateways, at highway interchanges, commercial districts and at pedestrian
crossings, to reinforce regional and city identity.
5. Identify opportunities to improve views of Minnehaha Creek by thinning out vegetation and to
improve access for recreational users of the Creek and open space areas.
Figure 19. Landscape and Streetscape Opportunities Example
Minnetonka Boulevard at Texas Avenue
Xenia/Park Place Area Plan
This plan studied the biking and walking environments within the Xenia Avenue/Park Place
Boulevard Corridor, located in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. It suggests ways to enhance non-
motorized connections in this automobile dominated mixed-use area. The goal of this plan is to
improve bicycle and pedestrian connections; within the study area, to and from nearby commuting
destinations and to the regional trail and walk network.
Currently, bicycle and pedestrian traffic movement is constrained by the lack of facilities and
uncomfortable conditions for biking and walking. Bicycle and pedestrian movement is limited by
heavy traffic, railways, Highways I-394 and TH 100, and by areas without safe travel ways. The
study area contains large businesses and regional commercial/retail uses that draw employees and
customers from all over the metro area.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 14
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
The plan suggests enhancements to bicycle and pedestrian connections across Trunk Highway 100,
Interstate 394, and the BNSF and CP railroad corridors, as well as to adjacent neighborhoods,
existing regional trails, transit stops, key destinations and employment concentrations. The plan also
provides a set of informative guidelines to create and support a functional non-motorized
transportation system.
The following improvements are recommended by the plan:
First priority improvements include:
1. Bikeway striping, signing, and lane marking projects along corridors with wide shoulders
2. Adding a pedestrian and bike bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF)
railroad near TH 100 to connect to the Cedar Lake Trail
3. Adding bicycle parking at retail areas and employment centers
4. Sidewalk additions within a Xenia/Park Place area called a “walkability zone”
Near-term improvements include:
1. Adding at-grade crossings across the BNSF railroad tracks near Dakota Park
2. Improving the pedestrian/bicycle crossing of I-394 along the Xenia Ave./Park Place Blvd. bridge
3. Adding new off-street trail facilities to encourage connectivity
4. Working with retailers and developers to incorporate pedestrian/bicycle friendly design
5. Encouraging area employers to provide secure bicycle parking for employees
Long-term improvements include:
1. Incorporate a regional trail along the Canadian Pacific Railroad, in conjunction with Three
Rivers Parks District
2. Construct a new pedestrian/bicycle bridge over I-394 just east of the Xenia Ave./Park Place Blvd.
bridge
3. Connection over I-394 on the Xenia Ave./Park Place Blvd. Bridge
4. Connections to the Cedar Lake Regional Trail from the north, crossing the BNSF railroad
This study is a step in the realization of a more walkable, more bikeable, more mobile community.
Many cities recognize that a healthy community is a vibrant and prosperous community. Providing
trail and sidewalk connections allows the option of choosing to bike or walk rather than driving.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 15
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 20: Xenia/Park Place Bike Walk Corridors and Walkability Area
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 16
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 21: Street Sections Examples
Cedar Lake Road West of Park Place Boulevard (Existing)
Cedar Lake Road West of Park Place Boulevard (Future concept)
Possibilities for Park Place Boulevard/Xenia Avenue Bridge over I 394
Possibilities for Park Place Boulevard/Xenia Avenue Bridge over I-394
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 17
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Figure 22. Existing and Proposed Trails
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 18
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Goals, Policies and Implementation Strategies
The City of St. Louis Park is proactively making the community better place to live. Designing and
operating a transportation network that assures safety and accessibility for all users, including
pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders is a key component of that effort. Improving the City’s
bicycle and pedestrian systems will provide transportation and recreation choices that are safe,
healthy, economical, environmentally friendly, and available to all people.
Goal #1
Safety
Improve the safety of the bicycle and pedestrian networks.
Policy 1-A
Systematically review and improve bicycle and pedestrian crossings at major road intersections,
highways and railroad tracks.
Implementation:
• Install countdown timers at all signalized intersections as new signal are installed or
existing signals are routinely replaced or upgraded
• Consider improvements to lighting, striping or other measures at intersections
having repeated crashes involving pedestrians or bicycles.
Policy 1-B
The City will provide for the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders when designing
roads and road improvements.
Implementation:
• Prepare and consider a Complete Streets resolution and policy. (Complete Streets are
designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists
and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete
street.)
Progress Measures:
• Track and periodically review bicycle and pedestrian crashes and severity (Data Sources:
MN DOT, St. Louis Park Police Department)
Goal #2
City-wide Sidewalk Network
Establish a citywide grid-system of sidewalks every ¼-mile (see Figure 16: Pedestrian Plan).
Implementation:
• Identify funding sources for capital and operational expenses to expand and maintain the
city-wide sidewalk network
• Build new sidewalks that are part of the city-wide network
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 19
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
o Focus on segments serving several key destinations or key corridors as prioritized in
the Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails Plan
Progress Measure:
• Miles of new sidewalk
Goal #3
City-wide Bicycle Network
Establish a citywide grid-system of bikeways every ½-mile (see Figure 17: Bicycle Network Plan).
Implementation:
• Identify funding sources for capital and operational expenses to expand and maintain the
city-wide bicycle network
• Build off-road trails and on-street bikeways that are part of the city-wide bicycle network
as prioritized in the Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails Plan
o Provide new north-south bikeways connecting to the regional trail system
o Improve existing east-west commuter bicycle routes (Cedar Lake Road, Minnetonka
Boulevard, Regional Trails)
o Focus on corridors that connect several key destinations as prioritized in the Active
Living, Sidewalks and Trails Plan
• Work with other jurisdictions to study the feasibility and alignment of a potential
regional trail from Bloomington to Hopkins along the CP Rail line
Progress Measures:
• Miles of new off-road trails
• Miles of new on-road bikeways
Goal #4
Neighborhood Sidewalk Network
Close gaps in neighborhoods sidewalk network.
Implementation:
• Identify funding source to construct up to ½-mile of sidewalk per year to close gaps in
the neighborhood sidewalk network
• Build sidewalk segments that are missing within a block, or on a block that is between
blocks with sidewalks
o Consider incentives for property owners that petition the City for sidewalk
construction that close gaps in neighborhood sidewalk network (i.e. fund
installation)
• Require sidewalks (or off-road trails or on-street bikeways where planned and
appropriate) on all new subdivisions, new streets, and road reconstruction projects
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 3) Page 20
Subject: Minnetonka Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard Study Updates, and Bicycles and Pedestrians Discussion
Progress Measures:
• Miles of new sidewalks
• Number of gaps closed
Goal #5
Choices
Improve transportation and recreation choices
Implementation:
• Provide on-road bikeways that connect to regional trails, transit, and employment
centers
• Improve walking and biking connections to schools and parks
• Develop park trails along Minnehaha Creek, where appropriate.
Progress Measures:
• Commuter travel mode; share of trips made by walking, biking and transit (data source:
Census, American Community Survey, Metropolitan Council)
• Number of kids that walk and bike to school (data source: schools/SLP Transportation?)
• Percent of people getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day (data source: Hennepin
County SHAPE survey)
Goal #6
Provide accessible, convenient, attractive and easily understood bicycle and pedestrian systems
Implementation:
• Continue the City’s annual condition analysis and maintenance activities
• Improve way finding for users
o Maps
o Coordinated Signs (work with Three Rivers Park District, Hennepin County)
• Work with St. Louis Park School District or individual schools to identify and promote
preferred walk and bike routes to students and parents
• Provide bicycle parking with all new commercial, multiple family residential and public
facility developments and additions.
• Prepare new sidewalk performance standards that address the entire sidewalk corridor
from street to building.
Progress Measures:
• Number of bicycle parking spaces added
• Maps distributed (printed/website visits)
• Transit ridership (increase/decrease)
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
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:
Comprehensive Plan – Land Use.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Discuss land use changes and directions for the Comprehensive Plan Update.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Are the proposed directions on land use acceptable to the Council?
BACKGROUND:
Land Use Changes
The following are the highlights of changes to the Comprehensive Plan land use section:
(1) Creating a new category of Business Park that designates areas for light industrial and/or office
uses. These areas would be in our more visible industrial areas and be required to have a higher
quality finish to the site and building.
(2) Change some land use designations on property – including several areas to the new BP category,
some changes in the 36th Street area in accordance with the Elmwood Plan, and changes around
Southwest LRT sites.
(3) Combining “Civic Mixed Use” with “Commercial Mixed Use” for a category that simply called
“Mixed Use.” There are currently only two sites designated “Civic Mixed Use” and this would
simplify the map. We would retain the “Civic” category as well.
(4) Discussion of additional areas for study, including addressing commercial nodes and strips;
looking at new environmentally-friendly provisions for such items as wind generators; updating
the PUD provisions to better accomplish redevelopment.
Attached are the Existing Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map and the proposed Future Land Use
Map showing areas of proposed changes. Planning staff is planning a meeting of the property
owners of these properties to discuss the proposed changes and obtain more information on the
properties.
Future Directions for Land Use
The following are the highlights for the future of land use planning in the city:
A. Neighborhood Commercial Corridors and Nodes
Within the community are a significant number of small neighborhood commercial corridors and
nodes. These essential, highly visible, and continuously changing neighborhood commercial centers
are integral to creating a livable community. The 2030 land use plan continues to guide
neighborhood commercial corridors and nodes for commercial land uses. However, the plan also
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
recommends that all existing commercial corridors and nodes be studied to review their existing
challenges, market viability, and revitalization opportunities. In general, reinvestment or
redevelopment in neighborhood commercial centers is challenged by inadequate space for business
expansions, parking, and stormwater management. Neighborhood commercial corridors and nodes
may offer attractive opportunities for adding new housing options, such as residential in mixed-use
buildings. These neighborhood centers also can have significant potential for enhancing
neighborhoods as important public gathering places, transportation nodes, and significantly
contributing to a neighborhood’s sense of identity.
B. LRT Station Areas
The proposed light rail line, Southwest Transitway, would be located in the Hennepin County
Regional Railroad Authority’s (HCRRA) right-of-way corridor that is located south of and largely
parallel to Highway 7 as it travels through St. Louis Park. Three station areas are proposed for the
city: Beltline, Wooddale, and Louisiana. Although the final route of the transitway has not been
finalized in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie, the St. Louis Park stations are set.
The HCRRA began a station area planning study, working with a planning consultant, for all of the
station areas outside of Minneapolis in mid-2008 and anticipates completion of the study in mid-
2009. The study is reviewing existing conditions and developing concept plan alternatives for the
areas within a ¼ and a ½ mile of each station. The objective is to integrate the principles of health,
safety, sustainability, and quality of life into a cohesive future plan for each station area, including
desired land uses. These concept plans will consider the following elements:
• Sidewalk and street locations
• Transit station approaches and exits
• Public open space, green space, streetscape, and public realm
• Building types, density, massing, and locations
• Land use patterns
• Opportunities for integrated sustainability/LEED-ND
• Pedestrian and bicycle paths and trails
• Landmarks
Currently, the Beltline Station Area is primarily an industrial area with a high-density residential area
in the southeast quadrant. In the future, the area south of the transit line is envisioned as primarily
an employment center in the southwest quadrant and a primarily residential area in the southeast
quadrant. As a transit-oriented employment center, the southwest quadrant offers the most potential
for redevelopment. Similar to the Wooddale Station Area, the area north of the transit line is more
challenging due to the close proximity of Highway 7. Nonetheless, this current industrial area offers
some redevelopment potential and is guided for primarily business park and industrial uses as part of
the overall Wooddale employment center.
The Wooddale Station Area is envisioned as a transit-oriented development (TOD) neighborhood,
particularly south of the future transit line, and is guided for primarily mixed-use, medium- & high-
density residential, and office land uses. The southeast quadrant has the most potential for land use
change and transit-oriented development, much of which is already well underway with
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
redevelopment of the Village in the Park area (formerly Quadion) and Hoigaard Village (formerly
Hoigaard’s store). The northern portion is more challenging for good transit access and
redevelopment opportunities due to the close proximity of Highway 7, including a future
interchange, and land uses are guided toward a mix of office, industrial, and business park.
The Louisiana Station Area is also envisioned for development intensification as an employment
center that capitalizes on its convenient transit access. Building upon its current mix of industrial,
medical, and commercial land uses, this area is guided for a broader mix of land uses, particularly the
development of business park uses with higher jobs per acre nearest to the transit station.
The Station Area Plans will be incorporated into the city’s land use plan.
C. Industrial and Business Park Areas
As the City’s existing industrial areas face significant economic and technological changes and
potential redevelopment opportunities, the City is considering how to manage its decreasing
inventory of industrial land wisely. The 2030 land use plan guides land for industrial uses in six (6)
strategic industrial areas:
• Oxford/Louisiana Industrial Park
• Gorham/Walker Industrial Park
• Beltline Industrial Park
• Novartis/Westside Volkswagon area
• Edgewood Industrial Park
• Smith Industrial Park
Three (3) of these existing industrial areas are proposed for further study for redevelopment -
Gorham/Walker, Oxford/Louisiana, and Beltline – as they offer potential redevelopment
opportunities that are broader than just industrial uses. Both the Oxford/Louisiana and Beltline
industrial parks are located within Southwest Transitway station areas, which are intended to
continue as employment centers that leverage the benefits of transit access in the long-term. The
Walker-Lake area is also identified as a redevelopment study area to address non-conforming uses,
outdated development types, and transportation issues.
The City’s industrial areas contain a substantial number of buildings that are older and obsolete
compared to contemporary industrial standards. The current industrial market demands more
efficient building types that provide ample parking, high clear heights for maximum stacking of
product inventory, deep truck courts for semi-trailer loading, and aesthetically pleasing building
exteriors and sites. As these industrial areas are considered for redevelopment, a new category,
“Business Park” is proposed. This category is intended to allow a broader range of uses, including
office, office-showroom-warehousing, research and development services, light and high-tech
electronic manufacturing and assembly, and medical laboratories. The 2030 land use plan guides
substantial areas in the Oxford/Louisiana and Beltline industrial parks for Business Park uses while
also retaining a portion of these areas for industrial uses.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
D. Town Center - Park Commons
Over the past decade, a majority of the redevelopment of the Park Commons area has occurred to
create St. Louis Park’s “town center”. This redevelopment was guided by the Park Commons
Concept Plan and the subsequent Park Commons East Redevelopment Concept Plan, as well as the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Park Commons has been redeveloped with a broad mix of uses,
higher densities, and urban design features that create the community’s “town center.” Mixed-use
development is faces Excelsior Boulevard as well as the Town Green, which is on Grand Way and
connects Excelsior Boulevard to Wolfe Park. High-density residential is located within the “town
center”, both above and adjacent to commercial uses.
Future redevelopment of the Park Commons area should focus on adding complementary land uses
that support and complete the “town center” concept and completing the internal network of streets
and pathways that create a cohesive and connected downtown neighborhood. Future redevelopment
and infill development should fill in the Excelsior Boulevard “gap” between the Excelsior & Grand
storefronts to the east and the Park Village commercial businesses to the west. The 2030 land use
plan guides mixed-use redevelopment to be extended to the west one block with office uses
continuing in the Park Nicollet Clinic area. Redevelopment or infill development with buildings
located close to Excelsior Boulevard is preferred. Additional high-density housing is guided for any
redevelopment that may occur around Wolfe Park. Improving connections between the residential
and mixed-use areas of Excelsior & Grand and the commercial areas to the west should be
accommodated as part of redevelopment planning for the interior of Park Commons.
E. Neighborhoods
The City’s 35 individual neighborhoods are the backbone of the community. Although each
neighborhood has a unique history, development pattern, character, challenges, and opportunities,
all neighborhoods should ideally provide a healthy living environment with convenient access to
essential community services, including transportation options, jobs, parks and open space,
shopping, services, entertainment, and other urban amenities.
The 2030 land use plan is intended to guide land use patterns and development types that support
healthy and accessible neighborhoods in St. Louis Park. As redevelopment opportunities emerge and
plans are created, the City will promote land uses that support and enhance neighborhoods.
Commercial corridors and nodes will be planned to accommodate neighborhood retail and services
as well as pedestrian-oriented design to support walkable access from neighborhoods. New housing
types are encouraged in appropriate areas, including mixed-use buildings and move-up housing, to
enable residents to have options to remain in or near their neighborhood as their lifestyle and
housing needs change. Public facilities and gathering spaces will be provided in redevelopment plans
as strategic and accessible places for neighborhood residents to use. Redevelopment will
accommodate needs for sidewalks and trails where appropriate.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
This process has been planned and budgeted for through the Development Fund.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The Vision process undertaken in 2006 provides the basis for the direction of our Comprehensive
Plan. All of the Vision elements will be incorporated throughout the plan. In this way, we build
each Vision element into our goals, policies and action plans to be implemented on a daily and
weekly basis.
Attachments: Existing Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map
Proposed Future Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 6
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 4) Page 7
Subject: Comprehensive Plan – Land Use
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
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:
Communications (Verbal).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Not Applicable.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND:
At every Study Session, verbal communications will take place between staff and Council for the
purpose of information sharing.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: None
Prepared and Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
Agenda Item #: 6
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 - W. 36th Street Streetscape - Project 2008-2600.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The purpose of this report is to update the Council on the project status, anticipated actions and
proposed schedule.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Is the City Council comfortable with the direction and schedule for the proposed improvements?
BACKGROUND:
Over the past few years, a portion of the Elmwood Neighborhood, more closely defined as the area
surrounding W. 36th Street and the intersection of W. 36th and Wooddale, has received a significant
amount of activity and attention. Recent redevelopment activities such as Hoigaard Village and
Village in the Park (Rottlund Homes) have helped to bring an added awareness of traffic issues in
this area. The upcoming reconstruction of the Highway 7/Wooddale intersection, the construction
of an LRT station at Wooddale, and other potential redevelopment activities in the immediate and
greater area also bring an extra sense of urgency to assure that the future roadway and transportation
infrastructure in this area will function adequately. As a result, the City engaged in several planning,
transportation, and traffic related studies with the assistance of SRF consulting engineers. The
Council was previously provided an update with regards to these efforts on March 24, 2008.
As part of the longer term improvements for the W. 36th Street and Wooddale area, more immediate
streetscape improvements have been programmed for construction this year. In conjunction with
the Hoigaard Village Development, the City of St. Louis Park was awarded a Livable Communities
Development Account Grant by the Metropolitan Council. The grant of $1,500,000 was awarded
to pay for several aspects related to the redevelopment of W. 36th Street (Highway 100 to Wooddale
Avenue) in the Elmwood Neighborhood. The grant essentially provides funding for the following:
1. A regional stormwater pond (now completed) within the Hoigaard Village redevelopment that
serves a portion of the greater Elmwood Neighborhood.
2. Demolition of sidewalk and other structures in the right-of-way in preparation for pedestrian
amenities on W. 36th Street.
3. Construction of new sidewalks, street lighting, benches, bike racks, and other streetscape
amenities along W. 36th Street.
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 6) Page 2
Subject: Project Update - W. 36th Street Streetscape - Project 2008-2600
Some of these improvements have already been constructed as part of the Hoigaard Village
redevelopment project. Other proposed improvements on the remainder of W. 36th Street, including
curb bump-outs for on street parking and plantings are not eligible under the grant.
NEXT STEPS:
Based on past discussions and direction, SRF has completed the streetscape design in a manner that
will provide for minimal or basic streetscape improvements that can best work with present and
future needs, particularly after the Highway 7/Wooddale project is completed and future traffic
patterns are better known.
The streetscape design also includes the installation of a traffic signal at W. 36th Street and Xenwood
Avenue as programmed in the Capital Improvement Program. At this time, there is no need to
construct the signal with the streetscape improvements as the signal is not yet warranted. However,
design of the signal system itself has been substantially completed, and can be constructed at an
appropriate future time.
An uncompleted matter is the establishment of a Special Service District (SSD) for the long term
maintenance of these proposed improvements. In order to establish the SSD, a petition process by
the adjacent property owners and a subsequent public hearing must be conducted and approved.
This is essentially the same process that has been followed for establishing similar SSD’s on Excelsior
Boulevard and Park Place Boulevard. To date, this process has been slow due to the mixed support
of property owners and further complications brought by changes in ownership of one of the larger
parcels. However, the Community Development Department has been working closely with
property owners over the past year to move this matter forward, and a Public Hearing for the SSD
has now been scheduled for June 1, 2009.
The Livable Communities grant does expire at the end of this year. Therefore, therefore a project
must be let this year if the remaining funds are to be utilized. Because the plans are complete and
ready to be bid, the following schedule is recommended:
May 11, 2009 Status Report to City Council
June 1, 2009 Public Hearing – Special Service District
June 15, 2009 City Council Approve Plans and Specifications and
Authorize Advertisement for Bids
Special Service District 2nd Reading
July 14, 2009 Open Bids
July 20, 2009 Award Contract
August 1, 2009 Commence Construction
October 15, 2009 Complete Construction
In order for a project to proceed and be completed this year, this schedule must be followed as
closely as possible. In the event property owners and the City decide not to establish a Special
Service District, the process can be halted at anytime prior to awarding a contract (July 20).
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 6) Page 3
Subject: Project Update - W. 36th Street Streetscape - Project 2008-2600
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The Capital Improvement Program provides for a total project cost of $1.5 million dollars with
funding from a combination of the Livable Communities Grant and Elmwood District Tax
Increment Financing. With the most recent construction estimates provided by SRF, along with
anticipated engineering and administrative costs, we expect the total project cost to remain within
that amount. Professional services at this time are being funded from HRA Levy Funds.
More details regarding the project cost and funding will be provided when plans are presented to the
City Council for approval on June 15.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The proposed project will consider the following facets of Vision St. Louis Park:
1. Arts and Culture: The project will consider and include a public art element through the project
development and public process. This will contribute to several Vision goals related to Arts and
Culture.
2. Environment: The project will consider the Vision goal of expanding and enhancing green
spaces and parks by incorporating design standards that increase green medians on roadways and
tree planting initiatives.
3. Sidewalks and Trails: The project will contribute to the Vision goal of creating a safe and
efficient bicycle and pedestrian grid.
4. Transportation: The project will incorporate many of the transportation related Vision goals,
including inter-connect of “urban villages”, consideration of transit needs and connections, road
safety, and enhancing aesthetics of key corridors.
Attachments: None
Prepared By: Scott Brink, City Engineer
Reviewed By: Michael P. Rardin, Director of Public Works
Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development
Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Approved By: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Meeting Date: May 11, 2009
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:
Quarterly Investment Report (January-March, 2009).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action required at this time. This is a written report for information sharing purposes.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None.
BACKGROUND:
Our portfolio has become focused on short term cash flow needs, with only a few longer term
securities locked in to try to maximize interest income potential in the recent precipitous fall in
interest rates. We have seen a large part of our portfolio turn over as calls have come in on many of
our securities.
It is always necessary to have a reasonable amount of cash available to cover the normal cash flow
needs for payroll and general expenses, in addition to large payments for debt service that is due
February 1 each year. As of March 31, the balance in the city’s money market funds is higher than
normal due to the many bond calls and unspent bond issue proceeds. Since commercial paper is no
longer considered as secure as it once was, we have very few options to lock in short-term
investments for cash flow purposes.
Over the past three months, we have rebalanced our maturities out a little longer. This should
increase yield as any economic recovery seems to have stagnated despite the stimulus packages that
have been approved.
Investment totals by type are:
12/31/08 03/31/09
<1 Year 45% 31%
1-2 Years 4% 3%
2-3 Years 9% 20%
>3 Years 42% 46%
Commercial Paper None
Agency Bonds/CD’s $47,941,509
Money Market $17,955,776
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Subject: Quarterly Investment Report (January - March, 2009)
Longer term investments are being purchased whenever reasonable interest rates can be obtained.
The definition of reasonable has dropped considerably since last year. Treasury bond yields remain
mere basis points away from their historical lows of last month as shown on the following graph.
Two-year notes are trading around 0.76%, while the ten-year bill is yielding 2.43%.
Our current portfolio yield is roughly 2.7%. Cities generally use a short horizon benchmark such as
the two year Treasury (0.81% at 3/31 up from 0.76% at 12/31) or some similar measure. This is
calculated by taking the yield times the current value for each investment and dividing the resulting
amount by the total portfolio value. While our primary money market investment, the 4M Fund,
has dropped to an average yield of .50%, longer term investments that have been purchased raise the
total portfolio yield.
Most of our recent purchases are callable agency bonds. They typically have reasonable interest rates
for the final maturity date which is in three to five years, but are callable in three months to a year.
This effectively reduces the average life of our investments, since we expect most of these securities to
be called. We need to be careful though – if inflation and interest rates jump up dramatically, we
will be stuck holding these bonds at low interest rates. Staff intends to carefully review our options
in order to keep sufficient liquidity to lock in higher rates once the economy begins to expand again.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None at this time.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not Applicable.
Attachments: Quarterly Investment Report
Prepared by: Bruce DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
City of St. Louis Park
Investments
March 31, 2009
Institution Main Type Maturity Yield Basis
Adjusted Market
Value 12/31/08
Value at
3/31/2009 Annual Yield
4M MM 0.50%24,099,804 10,596,887 52,984
Citigroup/Smith Barney FFCB 08/25/2009 4.75% 745,313 745,097 762,892 35,402
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLBC 12/29/2010 2.00% 750,000 747,252 753,750 15,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FNMA 7/6/2011 2.00% 2,000,167 1,987,500 40,003
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLB 10/26/2011 5.25% 1,000,310 1,003,257 1,022,500 52,516
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLB 11/21/2011 5.10% 993,130 1,006,271 1,005,310 50,650
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLB 01/04/2012 5.00% 1,000,000 987,116 1,027,500 50,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLMC 2/13/2012 1.50% 1,000,000 999,460 15,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FNMA 3/23/2012 1.50% 1,000,000 1,001,250 15,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLBC 4/9/2012 3.00% 1,000,000 100,000 30,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLBC 6/18/2012 4.15% 672,819 668,763 669,156 27,922
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLMC 8/24/2012 3.00% 1,000,000 1,000,842 1,003,240 30,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLBC 5/14/2013 4.15% 1,000,000 1,001,792 1,003,440 41,500
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLB 05/20/2013 4.00% 1,000,000 1,001,897 1,021,820 40,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLBC 6/11/2013 4.38% 998,750 1,005,858 106,560 43,745
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLMC 7/2/2013 5.00% 1,000,000 986,432 1,009,960 50,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FNMA 2/26/2014 2.00% 1,000,000 1,003,750 20,000
Citigroup/Smith Barney FHLMC 3/10/2014 2.25% 1,000,000 1,002,420 22,500
Citigroup/Smith Barney GNMA 7.19%59,175 57,425 4,129
Citigroup/Smith Barney MM 0.67%3,144,943 195,434 1,309
15,733,367
Prudential/Wachovia CD 12/24/2009 2.25% 250,000 249,314 251,215 5,625
Prudential/Wachovia CD 12/30/2009 2.20% 250,000 249,345 250,187 5,500
Prudential/Wachovia CD 7/16/2010 4.20% 96,000 94,798 98,393 4,032
Prudential/Wachovia CD 7/16/2010 4.20% 96,000 94,798 98,393 4,032
Prudential/Wachovia CD 7/16/2010 4.20% 96,000 94,798 98,393 4,032
Prudential/Wachovia CD 7/19/2010 4.25% 96,000 94,799 98,465 4,080
Prudential/Wachovia CD 7/19/2010 4.25% 96,000 94,799 98,465 4,080
Prudential/Wachovia FHLMC 1/27/2012 2.00% 2,000,000 1,999,500 40,000
Prudential/Wachovia Fannie Mae 6/3/2013 4.13% 1,624,028 1,631,252 1,637,694 66,991
Prudential/Wachovia FHLMC 6/10/2013 4.00% 1,000,000 1,004,089 1,008,055 40,000
Prudential/Wachovia Freddie Mac 12/15/2013 3.00% 1,000,000 1,000,103 992,460 30,000
Prudential/Wachovia FNMA 1/22/2014 2.00% 1,000,000 988,750 20,000
Prudential/Wachovia Cash 44.92
7,620,016
UBS/Paine Webber Cashfund 0.31%5,747,091 6,783,384 21,028
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 02/12/2010 5.00% 1,067,800 992,459 1,054,820 53,390
Sterne, Agee FFCB 1/20/2011 1.62% 1,000,000 1,000,290 16,200
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 6/22/2011 5.50% 1,943,503 1,943,987 1,938,969 106,893
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLMC 9/30/2011 2.25% 1,000,000 997,627 948,430 22,500
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 12/9/2011 2.63% 1,026,113 997,632 1,043,720 26,987
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 7/23/2012 4.15% 1,055,968 988,830 1,053,310 43,812
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 8/27/2012 5.05% 1,000,000 994,179 1,053,040 50,500
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 08/27/2012 2.81% 1,063,803 990,767 1,050,470 29,850
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 10/22/2012 4.48% 1,031,768 1,005,095 1,023,500 46,254
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 10/29/2012 4.03% 1,030,220 999,567 1,054,530 41,466
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 01/04/2013 2.77% 1,041,216 986,842 1,023,040 28,883
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 1/18/2013 3.85% 1,004,210 988,135 1,043,020 38,662
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLB 2/25/2013 3.65% 523,010 520,774 542,152 19,064
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 2/26/2013 3.05% 1,022,043 991,053 1,025,580 31,162
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 03/18/2013 3.96% 1,000,000 994,908 1,045,670 39,600
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc 4/29/2013 3.60% 815,084 793,559 831,101 29,319
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FHLMC 5/6/2013 4.00% 999,663 1,001,368 1,010,510 39,987
Sterne, Agee & Leach Inc FNMA 5/28/2013 4.05% 999,000 1,002,755 1,067,910 40,460
Sterne, Agee Overseas Inv Corp 12/15/2013 4.11% 2,084,125 2,000,000 85,658
Sterne, Agee FFCB 12/27/2013 2.20% 974,412 962,073 21,398
Sterne, Agee FNMA 1/30/2014 2.00% 1,000,000 999,330 20,000
Sterne, Agee FHLMC 2/11/2014 2.00% 999,500 998,390 19,990
Sterne, Agee Cash Trust MM 124,248 380,026
24,149,881
Wells Fargo FHLB 07/20/2012 5.70% 1,000,000 989,389 1,013,750 57,000
GRAND TOTAL 65,897,285 1,796,096
Portfolio Yield 2.73%
Meeting of May 11, 2009 (Item No. 7)
Subject: Quarterly Investment Report (January - March, 2009)Page 3