HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/08/11 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:30 P.M.
AUGUST 11, 2008
Councilmember Basill Absent
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
2. 6:35 p.m. Telephone System Replacement Project
3. 7:05 p.m. Update on Water Monitoring Report (Verbal)
4. 7:15 p.m.
Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update. Focus Area:
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity
section of Vision St. Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for
actions.
5. 7:45 p.m.
Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction Focus Area Update. Focus Area:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood
organization strong, viable and sustainable with an aim toward
increasing and strengthening neighborhoods.
6. 8:15 p.m. Communications (Verbal)
Written Reports
7. West End Office Redevelopment Project Update
8. PNMC Holdings Redevelopment Contract Update
8:25 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: August 11, 2008
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 18, 2008 and August 25, 2008.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the Special Study Session planned for Monday,
August 18, 2008 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on Monday, August 25, 2008.
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 Special Study Session on August 18, 2008 and the regularly scheduled Study Session on
August 25, 2008.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning for August 18 and August 25, 2008
Prepared by: Lisa Songle, Office Assistant
Reviewed by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of July 14, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Tentative Discussion Items
Special Study Session, Monday, August 18, 2008 – 6:00 p.m. – box lunches provided upon
return to City Hall
1. Tour of Municipal Services Center – Public Works/Parks & Rec/Inspections (45 minutes)
In preparation for a discussion later in the evening regarding facilities, staff would like to give
Council a tour of the Municipal Services Center (MSC) at 7305 Oxford Street. Please meet
at MSC for tour and then proceed to City Hall for Special Study Session discussion.
2. Communication Tower Height – Community Development (30 minutes)
Staff will discuss possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance regarding communication
tower height.
Reconvene Study Session Meeting after City Council Meeting
3. Update on Fire Stations/MSC – City Manager/Inspections (60 minutes)
Staff will provide the Council with an update on the progress of facility planning regarding
Fire Stations and Municipal Services Center.
End of Meeting (TBD – 60 minutes from start time)
Tentative Discussion Items
Study Session, Monday, August 25, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.
(Councilmember Paprocki Scheduled Absent)
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. West End Theater -- Community Development (30 minutes)
Staff and Developer will explain their movie theater concepts.
3. Real Estate Recycling Additional TIF Request – Community Development (30 minutes)
Staff and Developer will discuss their request for an application for additional Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) for the development of the Real Estate Recycling (RER) site. Does the
Council wish to provide additional TIF for this request?
4. Hoigaard Village Adagio Senior Housing Proposal – Community Development (30 minutes)
Staff and Developer will discuss a request to convert the second proposed condominium
building in its Hoigaard Village project (“The Adagio”) to an age-restricted (55 & better)
rental building.
Meeting of July 14, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
5. 2009 Budget – Finance (60 minutes)
Staff and Council will discuss the 2009 Budget and the proposed tax levy adjustment for
2009.
6. 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.
Reports
July 2008 Monthly Financial Reports
Telecommunications Advisory Commission Mid-Year Update
Human Rights Commission Mid-Year Update
Police Advisory Commission Mid-Year Update
Best Value Contracting
Solid Waste Transition
9:15 p.m. End of Meeting
Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
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:
Telephone System Replacement Project.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff wishes to update Council on the project and receive input. No action is required.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND:
At its July 21 meeting, Council received an update on plans to replace the existing PBX-based Nortel
phone system, which serves most major City buildings including City Hall, Police Station, Fire
Stations, MSC, Utilities, Recreation Center, and Nature Center. The Nortel telephone system was
installed in the mid-1980’s and has been upgraded several times in the intervening 20+ years. The
Nortel system has served the City well and been quite reliable. However, any phone system that has
been around this long is a candidate for replacement due to reasons presented in the July 21 report.
Elert & Associates was selected as the consultant to assist the City in defining needs, preparing a
Request for Proposal, and assisting with system implementation. One of the steps in defining needs
is to meet with various employee groups to solicit input. We also felt it appropriate to discuss our
phone system needs with those external to City Hall - those who call into the system. That is why
we are asking Council for input. Following a brief introduction to the project, Council will be asked
to provide feedback on our current and future system. To assist Council, here are four questions
designed to provide some focus:
• As a resident of St. Louis Park who calls City offices, what are some features of phone
systems you would like to see added or ensure are kept as a new system is selected?
• As you talk with residents, business people, and others who call City offices, what kinds of
phone system features do you think are important to highlight in providing enhanced
customer service?
• What are some features of phone systems you have utilized at your own place of work or
when calling other organizations for service you feel are worth considering in the City’s
phone system replacement?
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Subject: Telephone System Replacement Project
• What features of phone systems do you feel are important to not have in the City’s new
system?
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None relative to this phase of the project.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
In the 21st century, “St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community”,
certainly includes a telephone system with something more than 20th century features.
Attachment: None
Prepared by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
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:
Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update.
Focus Area:
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of Vision St.
Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action requested. Council is asked to provide feedback on the findings and
recommendations provided in this report.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Should staff and the Human Rights Commission continue working on the recommendations and
findings outlined in this report?
BACKGROUND:
On March 19, 2007, the Council adopted the Vision Strategic Directions – 18 month guide. Since
adoption of the 18 month guide, Vision team members have been working on each of the Strategic
Directions and related Focus Areas. As discussed at the Council work session in February, staff will
present information for Council consideration on each Vision focus area now through September
2008.
The following Strategic Direction and related focus area will be discussed at the meeting:
Strategic Direction - St Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
Focus area:
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of Vision St.
Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions.
In the past 18 months, the Human Rights Commission has reviewed the document prepared by the
Diversity Action Team and several key areas stood out including: Communications, Community
Development, and Human Resources & Training. In addition, several items coincided directly with
other Strategic Directions identified by Council. The original document prepared by the Diversity
Action Team was then revised to group goals by category. As these documents were reviewed, the
HRC noticed that many of the goals are actually things the city is already doing, areas identified
through other Vision teams or are areas specifically related to a city department. Representatives
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – HRC Review of Diversity Section
from the HRC met with these departments and Vision Action Champions to discuss the Diversity
goals and what is currently in place and how to move forward with diversity in mind. The revised
document, Vision Diversity Categories, is attached which includes the category, goals and
status/action steps identified by the HRC as important to integrating diversity into city processes,
programs, and events.
In addition to the work already being done, the HRC also determined that a primary goal for this
Vision exercise is creating a basic “Diversity Lens” philosophy that can be used by everyone in the
city. The “Diversity Lens” will ensure that Diversity is something incorporated into our daily work
by everyone, not just the Diversity Vision team.
Through meeting with the Human Rights Commission and staff from various departments
(Communications, Community Development, Housing, Human Resources, and Park & Rec) the
Diversity Lens was created in graphic form (see attached). In addition to internal use in the city, this
lens can also be used as a marketing tool and in New Resident Packets, in conjunction with
community wide events, etc. As the Diversity Lens states, WE: respect, reflect, include, invite,
and value US. As events are planned, programs put in place, and as we deal with the residents on a
daily basis, the Diversity Lens is one of many tools to help us accomplish our goals.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The only financial or budget considerations for this action team is printing the Diversity Lens for
staff use and as a give away the Human Rights Commission would share with residents at various
events that the HRC participates in. Other efforts are already incorporated into the budget.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
This is about the Vision Strategic Direction: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and
engaged community.
And the focus area:
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of Vision St.
Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions.
Attachments: Vision Diversity Categories
Diversity Lens Circle
Diversity Lens New
Prepared by: Marney Olson, Community Liaison
Reviewed by: John Luse, Police Chief
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Vision St. Louis Park – Diversity Categories August 11, 2008
Study Session
City of St. Louis Park Staff
Communications
Goals Status/Action Steps
Make newcomers feel welcome and help
them integrate into the community: New
Neighbor Packets
Communications department is finalizing the
creation of a new Community Handbook for fall and
new resident packets will complement the handbook.
We are exploring the use of translating a few key
elements such as highlighting the language line.
Incorporate the Diversity Lens into the publication.
Provide information of “who we are” as a
community.
Incorporate this into the New Neighbor packets and
Citizen Involvement Guide.
Educate the community about diversity and
human rights.
Diversity Lens - Human Rights Commission to
incorporate this into the annual work plan
Human Resources & Training
Goals Status
Recruitment of diverse applicants. HR has been advertising in DiversityMN.com,
minority publications, and Jobsinminneapolis.com
since late 2006. HR will explore other options and
continue to actively recruit diverse applicants.
Translation/Interpreter Response Team:
Promote the city’s Telelanguage Line
Telelanguage line is available and staff have been
trained.
Diversity Training and Education for city
staff
Training is currently done as needed to address issues.
Respect is one of the City Values and interview
process looks for people that meet these core values.
Encourage CITE committee to create multi cultural
events each year for city staff. Bridget Gothberg is
working a collaborative training with Minnetonka,
Burnsville, and Eden Prairie for staff in 2009 titled
“Working Across Cultures”.
Train and educate new police officers of zero
tolerance for racial profiling policy.
Part of training for new officers.
Vision – Strategic Directions
Goals Status/Action Steps
Gathering Places Team/Multi Use Civic
Center Team: develop international,
intergenerational gathering places.
Gathering Places Team and Multi Use Civic Center
Team are working on their strategic directions. Met
with Action Champions of both teams and they
participated in developing the Diversity Lens.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 4)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – HRC Review of Diversity Section Page 3
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a
well-maintained and diverse housing stock:
• Working towards affordable single-
family home ownership throughout
the city.
Met with Action Champion and reviewed the
Diversity Lens concept.
SLP is committed to promoting and
integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including
implementation where appropriate.
Team in place. Provide Strategic Direction Leader
with diversity lens to use in development and
promotion of programs. Provide “diversity lens” to
Arts & Culture Grant Review Committee.
The art at Lenox Senior Center is a great example of
art in the community.
Other
Goals Status/Action Steps
City Wide: Have an on-going celebration of
“who we are”.
Use diversity lens and share with city departments
and other groups holding community celebrations.
The 2009 Community Open House is a great
example of a city wide celebration and every resident
will be invited and included.
Community Development: Encourage
diverse businesses.
Promote and market to diverse communities. Reach
out to many organizations. Use diversity lens.
Landlord/Tenant relationships and inform
tenants of rights and responsibilities.
Continue to use SPARC as an information tool.
Promote HOME line.
Schools
Goals Status/Action Steps
The school has created an Equity Plan for 2007.
Establish e-mentoring between HS students
and ELL students. Tie in recruiting
volunteers to mentor new arrivals and others.
Recruitment of diverse applicants. Equity Plan
Adult Options Adult Options offers ELL classes and GED classes
and has been a key resource for the HRC.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 4)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – HRC Review of Diversity Section Page 4
WE
Respect • Reflect • Include
Invite • ValueUS
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 4)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – HRC Review of Diversity Section Page 5
WE USRespect -> Reflect -> Include -> Invite -> Value ->
WE USRespect -> Reflect -> Include -> Invite -> Value ->
WE
Respect • Reflect • Include
Invite • ValueUS
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 4)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – HRC Review of Diversity Section Page 6
Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
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:
Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update.
Focus Area:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization strong, viable
and sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening neighborhoods.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action requested. Council is asked to provide feedback on the findings and
recommendations staff has provided in this report.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Is the direction recommended by staff consistent with the expectations of the City Council?
BACKGROUND:
On March 19, 2007, the Council adopted the St Louis Park Strategic Directions – 18 month Guide.
Since adoption of the 18 month guide, Vision team members have been working on each of the
Strategic Directions and related Focus Areas. As discussed at the Council work session in February,
staff will present information for Council consideration on each focus area through September,
2008.
The following Strategic Direction and related focus area will be discussed at the meeting:
Strategic Direction - St Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged
community.
Focus area:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization strong, viable
and sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening neighborhoods.
In the past 18 months, staff has researched other communities such as St. Paul, Minneapolis,
Rochester, San Jose, CA, and Bellevue, WA. In addition to researching other communities, staff
met with several St. Louis Park neighborhood leaders and various city staff to discuss neighborhoods
in St. Louis Park and developed a Neighborhood Organizing Kit for new neighborhood leaders.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods
Staff has attached a detailed list of neighborhood related activities and findings over the past 18
months including:
• Neighborhood Leader Insights into Strong Neighborhoods
• Neighborhood Association Grant Program and Forum
• Neighborhood Organizing Kit
• Neighborhood Watch/Block Captain Program
• Neighborhood Surveys
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Each year the City of St. Louis Park allocates money for the Neighborhood Grant Program. The
2008 Neighborhood Grant budgeted $30,000 for neighborhood grants and $15,000 for
neighborhood insurance needs. Staff has submitted a budget proposal for 2009 to ensure ongoing
support of St. Louis Park Neighborhood Organizations.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
This is about the Vision Strategic Direction: St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and
engaged community.
And the focus area:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization strong, viable
and sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening neighborhoods.
Attachments: St. Louis Park – Building Strong Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Organizing Kit
Prepared by: Marney Olson, Community Liaison
Reviewed by: John Luse, Police Chief
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Strong Neighborhoods Page 1
St. Louis Park – Building Strong Neighborhoods
St. Louis Park Neighborhood Associations are unique. Although other cities have Neighborhood Associations, the
focus and purpose can be quite different. Budgets and size impact the goals and objectives for a neighborhood
association and what works for larger cities with neighborhoods of 4,000 plus households and large budgets may not
be the best organization or approach for St. Louis Park which has neighborhoods ranging from 60 to 1900
households. Based on the size of our city and our neighborhoods, many St. Louis Park neighborhood associations
have been successful. Rather than focusing on what other cities and neighborhood associations do that work for
them (due to the disparities of other cities), the focus of this report is on the strength of the St. Louis Park
neighborhoods and neighborhood associations, what the city does that helps keep the neighbors connected and
engaged, and next steps to make our neighborhoods even stronger.
What do SLP Neighborhood Leaders feel are important to strong neighborhoods and strong neighborhood
associations?
Neighborhoods
• Friendly
• Quiet
• Well Maintained
• Safe
• Location
• Traffic Level
• City Services
• Community
• Park Systems & Trails
• Schools
• The People
• Central Gathering Places
Neighborhood Associations
• Leadership
• Communication
• Sense of Community
• Community Building
• Neighborhood Cohesion
• Positive Focus
• City Responsiveness
• Strong Steering Committee
• Having Fun
Neighborhoods organize for different reasons. In some cases, neighborhoods organize because of one specific issue.
Other neighborhoods choose to organize because they would like to create a friendlier neighborhood and enjoy
more planned neighborhood events and activities. Neighborhood Leaders indicate that two key elements to a
strong, viable and sustainable neighborhood organization are leadership and a strong steering committee. As
compared to similar sized cities, the City offers many resources to neighborhood associations; however, without
strong leadership from neighborhood steering committees and a way of transferring that leadership (leadership and
volunteer succession), our neighborhood organizations will not stand the test of time.
So, moving forward, it is recommended that we continue on with the neighborhood programs and activities the
City currently supports. In addition, in order to insure our neighborhood organizations remain strong, staff will use
the Neighborhood Forum and other avenues to build on the elements Neighborhood Leaders have identified as
important to insure strong neighborhoods and neighborhood associations. This is an important step towards the
sustainability of our neighborhood associations.
Resources and programs currently in place to help build strong neighborhoods:
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 3
Strong Neighborhoods Page 2
• Neighborhood Grant Program
In 1996, the City of St. Louis Park established the Neighborhood Grant Program to support neighborhoods and
enhance community connections by bringing neighbors together. Financial support is provided for special projects
initiated by neighbors to address issues, implement ideas or create opportunities that are meaningful and important
to their neighborhoods.
In 2008, $30,000 was granted to twenty two organized St. Louis Park neighborhoods for activities that physically
improve the neighborhood, enhance the sense of community within the neighborhood, support citizen involvement,
and communicate with neighbors via newsletters, flyers, and/or neighborhood websites.
Money was also available for neighborhood associations seeking additional insurance for neighborhood activities.
• Neighborhood Forum
Each year in late January/early February, the Community Liaison organizes a Neighborhood Forum for
neighborhood leaders and any residents in St. Louis Park interested in building strong neighborhoods.
The 2008 Neighborhood Forum was held January 31st at the Rec Center in the Banquet Room. In 2008, 20
neighborhoods were represented with approximately 40 neighborhood leaders in attendance. Neighborhood leaders
had the opportunity to meet with city staff and find out what is happening in their neighborhoods in 2008 and were
treated to a welcome from Mayor Jeff Jacobs. The forum also gave neighborhood leaders an opportunity to share
ideas and learn from one another.
Representatives from the following city departments participated in the Open House and/or presented during the
forum: Administrative Services, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Inspections, Public Works, Fire,
Police, Information Resources and Finance.
To keep the forum fresh the format changes from year to year, but the opportunity for neighborhood leaders to
learn from each other and share their success stories remains constant.
• Resources
The city offers many resources that assist neighborhood leaders. See attached Neighborhood Organizing Kit.
• City participation/partnership in neighborhood meetings and events.
Neighborhoods in St. Louis Park have expressed their thanks and realize the value in having city staff and council
members attend neighborhood meetings and events. City responsiveness was one of the characteristics that leaders
attributed to helping to sustain a strong neighborhood association. Whether it is the police, fire or public works
attending a neighborhood picnic or a council member speaking at a “State of the Neighborhood” annual meeting,
residents and neighborhood leaders understand that this level of involvement benefits their entire neighborhood.
• Public Process Meetings
Public Process plays a significant role in the way the City conducts business. Presenting the project to the
neighborhood is a benefit to both the city and the residents. Cindy Walsh, Director of Parks & Rec, stated that the
reason for public process meetings in her department is twofold, input and buy-in. She stated that residents
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 4
Strong Neighborhoods Page 3
sometimes see things that staff doesn’t see and there are things done differently on nearly ever project at the
suggestion of the neighborhood and they also do their best to make the timing of the project work with the
neighbors.
Including the residents in public process meetings is a great way to engage the community and show them that the
City is listening. Although neighbors can disagree about what they want, the meetings give each resident an
opportunity to share their opinion and know that even if they don’t get their way, they have been listened to by the
City.
• Neighborhood Watch/Block Captains
The St. Louis Park Neighborhood Watch Block Captains program helps build strong neighborhoods. Although
these block captains are working on a smaller scale, what they do helps build strong blocks which in turn create
strong neighborhoods. The block captain’s role is as follows:
1. Provide support, communication, education and leadership for the citizens of their block.
2. Work in partnership with the St. Louis Park Police Department to facilitate communication with
citizens on their block.
3. Energize citizens on their block to take an active interest in their community.
One of the break-out sessions at the 2008 Block Captain Annual Meeting was Neighborhood Associations and the
Community Liaison and Block Captains discussed ways the block captains can work in conjunction with their
Neighborhood Association. Several block captains assist in distributing newsletters, flyers, and encouraging
residents to take part in their neighborhood association.
• Neighborhood Surveys
The Police Department conducts a neighborhood survey in each neighborhood every two years. There are four
police districts and one district is surveyed every six months. The survey is a great way for residents to comment on
the safety of their neighborhood as well as particular issues that affect them. Residents are also given the
opportunity to add any additional comments which are then relayed to other departments for follow up. Each
resident that leaves contact information receives a call following up on their comments which reinforces the idea
that the City is listening to residents and neighbors.
Citizens or Just Customers?
(From the City of San Jose’s Strong Neighborhoods website, http://www.strongneighborhoods.org/Aboutsni06.asp)
Treating residents as customers has helped the City improve its service delivery system, but Strong Neighborhoods is
about more than that. Organizing neighborhoods is normally thought to be outside the bounds of what local
governments do –but the San Jose experience suggests that local governments can do this – in a certain manner –
and that this sort of organizing can have a profound positive effect on both the neighborhoods and how local
government agencies do their business. By approaching residents as citizens rather than just customers, local
government is in a better position to work with them toward the vision of Building Strong Neighborhoods. When
residents are engaged as partners and seen, and see themselves, as part of the solution then a collaborative
relationship is possible. If, on the other hand, residents are viewed solely as customers then the conversation
becomes one of how to satisfy residents' expectations and address residents' problems with city solutions and city
resources. The conversation with a customer is an important one and is crucial to improving service delivery. But if
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 5
Strong Neighborhoods Page 4
it is the only conversation that is taking place, then the underlying dynamic can become adversarial and the
opportunity for collaborative change missed.
The City of St. Louis Park does a great job of treating our residents as citizens and partners, not just customers. San
Jose is known for strong neighborhoods and their philosophy of treating residents as citizens, not just customers was
echoed at the 2008 Neighborhood and Housing Event, “Building Communities through Multi-Disciplinary
Neighborhood Strategies” conference. It is important to have good customer service, but the St. Louis Park
Neighborhood Associations and Block Captain Program show that we work in partnership with our residents which
helps keep them connected and engaged in this community.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 6
neighborhood emergency
would neighbors know
how to get in touch with
you?
• Could your neighbor-
hood be friendlier?
• Would you enjoy more
planned activities in your
neighborhood for chil-
dren and adults?
Did you answer “yes” to a
majority of these questions?
If so, let’s work together to
organize your neighborhood!
Before you ask your neighbors
to organize, you have to be
able to explain to them the
benefits and value of forming
a neighborhood group.
Organizing is mostly about
developing relationships with
each other, the city govern-
ment, and other neighbor-
hoods.
When deciding whether or
not to organize as a neighbor-
hood, ask yourself and others
the following questions.
• Do you know how to
get in touch with
neighbors in case of an
emergency?
• Would you like to ad-
dress some problems in
your neighborhood that
need to be corrected?
• If your children needed
to reach someone
nearby for help when
you’re not home, would
they know who to call?
• In the case of a
Getting Started—Build a Core Group
The first thing to
do is meet with the
neighbors who
want to form a
neighborhood
group. Create a
core group that will
serve as the tempo-
rary steering com-
mittee until you
decide the formal
structure of your
neighborhood asso-
ciation and officers
are elected. The
core group, three or
four are enough,
handles arranging
and advertising the
first few meetings.
Often the core
group is made up
of all the people
who have decided
to form a neighbor-
hood group.
A neighborhood
association is a
group of
neighbors who
work together
to make a
stronger
neighborhood.
Inside:
Hold Core Group
Meetings
2
Plan a General
Meeting
2
Reach Out to the
Community
3
Bylaws 4
City Services and
Resources
4
Caption describing picture
or graphic.
Why should my neighborhood organize?
How to Start a
Neighborhood
Association
Experience NEIGHBORHOODS in the Park
Vision:
St. Louis Park
is committed
to being a
connected
and engaged
community.
Andrew Tilman/SLP Friends of
the Arts
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 7
As the temporary steering com-
mittee, the core group will be
the one that picks the first issues
to discuss (not necessarily to act
on!), selects the location and
time for the first general meet-
ing, and gathers information
that will help the whole group
begin to work on issues that
people care about. Here is what
your core group should work on
during the first few meetings:
• Come up with some ideas for
kick-off projects. Start with
fairly simple activities like a
block clean-up or a potluck.
This will give the people who
come to the first general meet-
ing a list of projects to get
involved in and think about.
Remember, when you have
other people on board, they
may come up with other sug-
gestions. It’s always a good
idea to make the first project
one that is visible and gets
quick results. This shows
people that your group means
business and can get things
done. People are more likely
to join a group that works on
issues they care about and that
can really make some changes.
• Decide who you want to tell
about your new organization.
Which neighborhood organi-
zations, businesses, etc. can
you involve to help you spread
the word? Make a list of or-
ganizations with contact
names and phone numbers.
You’ll want to start contacting
them after the first general
meeting.
• Start to divide up tasks based
on people’s interests. Keeping
people interested is the best
way to keep them involved.
Some of the tasks that the core
group will take on are:
∗ Contacting other groups
within the neighborhood.
∗ Recruiting residents to be
general members of the
neighborhood association.
∗ Creating the agenda and
arranging for future core
group meetings.
∗ Researching specific issues
in depth so you have all of
the information you need
when it’s time for the gen-
eral membership to meet.
community centers, schools, and
public libraries are usually easy
for neighborhood residents to
get to and will often provide the
room without charge. Do you
really want to get people to
come? Have some local teenag-
ers provide babysitting and
make sure you put that on your
outreach flyer!
As soon as you are ready, your
core group should decide on a
time, date and place for a gen-
eral membership meeting.
Choose a time that is conven-
ient for the largest number of
people to increase your chances
of a good turnout. An evening
during the week or a day dur-
ing the weekend generally
works best. Church buildings,
Simple rules to remember to
have a good first neighborhood
association meeting: 1) All ideas
should be given fair considera-
tion. 2) People need to be
treated with respect. 3) No one
should leave the meeting with-
out a task. 4) Everyone should
sign in. Collect contact infor-
mation.
Plan a General Meeting
Hold Core Group Meetings
Page 2
“To catch the
reader's
attention, place
an interesting
sentence or
quote from the
story here.”
Caption describing
picture or graphic.
Adjo Habia/SLP Friends of the
Arts
Max Bentley/SLP Friends of
the Arts
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 8
When you prepare an agenda for your
first general meeting, keep in mind that
the purpose of this meeting is to lay the
groundwork for the organization. Your
goal is to come out of this meeting with
an agreement on the goals for the organi-
zation and the issues that it will take on.
A good agenda should look something
like the one below. Note—the informa-
tion in parentheses is for your reference
only and should not be on the agenda.
1. Introduction
− Meet the core group (The core
group should introduce themselves
and someone from this group should
explain the purpose of the meeting.
− Meet everyone in the room
(Everyone should share who they
are, where they live, and what they
would like to see happen in our
neighborhood.
2. Discussion of issues and chal-
lenges (At this point in the meet-
ing, everyone should have the
chance to voice their opinions and
make suggestions. You may have to
work hard to make sure everyone
has this chance and keep the agenda
moving.
3. Setting priorities
− Brainstorm (based on the challenges
discussion, help everyone brainstorm
their interest in helping the commu-
nity as a neighborhood association.)
− Top priorities selected (Prioritize
one or two areas of interest that your
group can work on first.)
− Project ideas developed (Develop
projects or ideas based on areas of
interest that were top priorities.)
− Volunteers assigned (Break project
ideas down into a series of tasks.
Assign volunteers to be responsible
for the tasks that need to be done. If
the work is complicated or if there
are a lot of people involved, ask
someone to head a committee on
each issue.)
4. Creating the structure
− Leadership team (ask the general
members to approve the current core
group as the steering committee or to
choose new leaders for a temporary
period of time)
− By-laws and elections (The structure
should be kept simple. Samples by-
laws are available)
− Time and date of next meeting
soon. Once neighbors start coming to-
gether and making changes, more people
will get involved and then, the possibilities
are endless.
Here are some tips to reach out to your
neighbors and recruit them to come to the
general meeting:
− Flyers: Print flyers listing time, date,
place and purpose of the first general
meeting. Post them in apartment
buildings, lobbies, coffee shop or
grocery store bulletin boards, etc.
Outreach is the one job that never stops for
a block or neighborhood association. Get-
ting the word out and bringing in new par-
ticipants will ensure that your group is well
balanced and fully representative of its
community. After every meeting and
event, and between meetings, you will want
to have people talking to their neighbors
and community organizations to let them
know what you’re planning and doing to
try to get them involved. Don’t give up too
− Door-to-door visits—take the flyers
you created and distribute them door
to door in your neighborhood.
− Survey—conduct a survey of
neighborhood needs and issues
− Attendance—your first meeting may
be large or very small, low attendance
is common for organizations just
starting out, so stay positive and work
with the people in attendance to
reach more neighbors.
Reach out to the Community
General Meeting—continued
Page 3
How to Start a Neighborhood Association
Neighborhoods
can be made up
of single-family
homes,
condominiums,
apartments,
townhouses, or
all of the above!
Ph Marcie Murray/SLP Friends of the Arts Ruth RasmussenSLP Friends of the Arts
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on Neighborhoods Page 9
ways the City supports
Neighborhood Associations.
Included in this organizing
kit are the following resources
to help you get started and to
learn what the City has to
offer:
• Neighborhood Support
• Sample Bylaws
• Sample Start-Up Letter
• Sample Survey
• Park Volunteer Opportu-
nities
The City of St. Louis Park
values strong neighborhoods
and has set aside limited
funds to assist neighbor-
hoods.
Each year the city offers
Neighborhood Grants for
organized neighborhoods.
These grants can be used for
community building activi-
ties, communications such as
newsletters, and service pro-
jects in the neighborhoods.
In addition to Neighborhood
Grant there are several other
The St. Louis Park Commu-
nity Liaison is here to help
you organize your neighbor-
hood or re-organize if your
neighborhood association has
not been active for awhile.
Congratulations on taking
the first step to organize your
neighborhood!
City Services and Resources
Sources:
“Yes we can! How
to Start a
Neighborhood
Association” Battle
Creek, MI
“RNeighborhood
Association Tool-
kit” Rochester,
MN
St. Louis Park Or-
ganizing Book
Bylaws explain the purpose of
your organization and spell out
the rules and procedures for how
your group will function. Each
neighborhood group should have
its own bylaws to make its opera-
tion more predictable and less
confusing. The core group or
other subcommittee should de-
velop bylaws, and then present
them to the general membership
for modification and approval.
Final approval of bylaws should
come after your neighborhood
group has met several times and
you have a good idea about where
the group is heading.
Bylaws do not have to be compli-
cated. Bylaws should include the
following items:
• Name and purpose of your
group
• Requirements for membership
(living in the neighborhood is
the only requirement for most
St. Louis Park neighborhood
associations)
• Structure of your group
(including terms of officers)
• Membership dues (if any, most
St. Louis Park neighborhoods do
not have dues)
• How often the group plans to
meet
• How decisions are made
• Process by which bylaws are ap-
proved and changed.
Use the sample bylaws as a guide
and adapt them to your neighbor-
hood.
Bylaws
For more information contact:
Marney Olson
Community Liaison
(952) 924-2184
molson@stlouispark.org
3015 Raleigh Ave S
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Experience NEIGHBORHOODS in the Park
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 10
Experience Neighborhoods in the Park
Neighborhood Support
Updated: April 2008
The City of St. Louis Park has set aside limited funds to assist neighborhoods in need of the
following services. This list is not intended to be all inclusive of the services that may be provided to
a neighborhood. Therefore if a neighborhood is interested in a service not listed please contact the
Community Liaison at 924-2184.
1. The City will copy neighborhood newsletters and fliers. Neighborhoods should provide
their copying projects to the Community Liaison at 924-2184. Copying projects usually
take two to four days.
2. The City will provide postage for mailing notices for a neighborhood’s initial organizing
meeting. Additional mailings will need to be covered by the neighborhood via dues,
donations or with grant funds. Many neighborhoods utilize block captains or other
volunteers to deliver newsletters or fliers. Contact the Community Liaison office located in
the Police Department, 3015 Raleigh Ave S, or call 924-2184.
3. Meeting space is available at the City and school buildings free of charge. For City meeting
space please contact the City Operator at 924-2500. For meeting space at a school or
community center, contact the school district at 928-6060.
4. The City will assist newly organized neighborhoods in designing neighborhood identification
signs. The organized neighborhood must submit a rendering of a logo. The City will have
the logo adapted to the established sign format. Neighbors will be responsible for funding
the production of the signs and the city public works staff will install them. Contact the
Community Liaison at 924-2184.
5. The City offers a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program that is available at the
beginning of each year to organized neighborhoods. A neighborhood may receive funding
for activities or projects that are targeted to enhance or build community within their
neighborhood. Grants range up to $2000 per neighborhood. Contact the Community
Liaison at 924-2184.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 11
Experience Neighborhoods in the Park
6. The City will provide additional resources for organizing upon request. Contact the
Community Liaison with any questions and for help with the initial neighborhood
organization start-up.
7. Other services provided to neighborhoods by City Departments:
a. City Park and Recreation Department provides a variety of items for parties and
information on park services. Associations may have tables & chairs delivered for
their outdoor picnics for a small delivery fee. Contact the Park and Recreation
Department at 924-2540.
b. City Fire Department is pleased to meet with neighborhoods to discuss fire in
general, home safety, fire prevention, and careers in fire service. Contact the Fire
Department at 924-2595.
c. City Police Department is committed to neighborhood policing and will meet with
neighborhoods on issues relating to safety, block clubs, crime watch, etc. Contact the
Community Policing Officer at 924-2661.
d. City staff will meet with neighborhoods to provide assistance and information, which
may help to keep your association active and successful. Contact the Community
Liaison at 924-2184.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 12
Experience NEIGHBORHOODS in the Park
Park Volunteers Wanted
Do you have a special neighborhood park? If so, here is your chance to volunteer in your special
park. The Volunteer Office is looking for people who are interested in volunteering as individuals,
families or civic groups for the following programs which are all designed to help keep the parks
beautiful:
Pick-up the Park: Volunteer to give your neighborhood park a good spring cleaning during
the month of April. Volunteers are assigned a neighborhood park and will receive a kit from the
Volunteer Office with garbage bags and a form for reporting any needed repairs to the maintenance
department. Time commitment: about 2-3 hours during the month of April.
Adopt a Park: Volunteer to adopt your neighborhood park. Help the maintenance
department by patrolling the park at least once a week, helping to keep the park clean and reporting
any vandalism or needed repairs. Park volunteers report to the Manager of Grounds and Natural
Resources. Volunteers may adopt the park of their choice. Time commitment: about 1-3 hours a
week during the summer.
Park Gardener: Do you enjoy beautiful gardens and have a green thumb? If so, please
consider volunteering to tend your neighborhood park’s annual garden. Volunteers will be
responsible for maintaining their annual garden by weeding and pruning as needed. All the flowers
are provided. Volunteers may request a garden in the park of their choice . All gardening volunteers
will report to the Manager of Grounds and Natural Resources. The time commitment is about 1
hour a week during the summer.
Note: If you take a summer vacation, we will work around your schedule.
To volunteer or receive more information, please call Sarah in the
Volunteer Office for the City and Schools of St. Louis Park at 928-6790
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 13
Sample Neighborhood Association
Bylaws
Purpose: To promote and maintain our neighborhood through group action
representing the interests of our residents; to represent neighborhood
interests to city and county affairs; to work for the improvement and
beautification of our neighborhood, and; to promote a sense of
community in our neighborhood.
Membership: Membership is open to all residents and property owners of the
neighborhood who are at least 18 years of age.
Steering Committee: The Steering Committee and committee chair persons shall comprise
the Steering Committee. They will be elected by the membership.
Elections will be held during the annual neighborhood meeting, to
which all members of the neighborhood are invited.
Executive Officers: The officers of the association including Chair or Co-Chairs, Treasurer,
and/or Secretary will be appointed by the Steering Committee Members
and will be members of the Steering Committee.
Officers: The officers will manage the day to day business of the association.
They hold all duties and responsibilities for the association including
chairing all general meetings, taking action between meetings (as
instructed by the membership) and dealing with emergency problems.
Committees: Committees will be formed on the basis of neighborhood interest and
volunteer action.
Meetings: Steering committee meetings will be held as needed. Special meetings
of the members may be called at any time by the Executive Officers.
Members will be notified of special meetings and the annual meeting.
Newsletter: The Executive Committee will keep the membership notified of
progress and upcoming events by publishing newsletters or event
announcements.
Amendments: Amendments to the bylaws may be made by a majority vote of the
members present at the annual meeting.
*
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 14
SAMPLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION BYLAWS
Adopted December 5
Name: The name of the association is the Sample Neighborhood Association.
Purpose: The purpose of the association is to promote a better community through group
action, representing the interests of residents and institutions in the neighborhood, with particular
attention to strengthening community spirit and connectedness, enhancing safety, and
maintaining the climate of quality and affordability of living.
Membership: All residents, businesses and non-profit institutions located within the
Neighborhood, which is defined as _______________________________________.
Meetings: Meetings will be held at locations to be announced. General Membership
Meetings will be held at least semi-annually on the second Monday of the months of April and
October. Special Meetings may be called by the Steering Committee, as needed, or also may be
called by collective action of at least twelve (12) members who must each sign the meeting
notice with their membership class address.
All members will be notified of any General or Special Membership Meeting prior to the
scheduled meeting date.
Officers: The Association shall have four officers (a President, Vice President, Secretary
and Treasurer), each holding office for the term of one year beginning in January. Officers will
be elected at the October meeting, and a transitional meeting for both old and new officers shall
be held during the two months following the election.
Committees: A Steering Committee shall consist of all officers and Committee Chairs.
Other committees shall include, initially, a Newsletter Committee, which shall be responsible for
publication of a newsletter periodically; and a Social Committee, and a Neighborhood
Development Committee, which shall define issues, concerns or needs worthy of action by the
Neighborhood Association and bring them, with appropriate research, to the attention of the
Steering Committee and the General Membership. Additional committees may be recruited and
organized at the initiative of the General Membership Meeting. The Steering Committee may
create and recruit task forces for short-term purposes or to purpose to the General Membership as
new committees.
Quorum: The Quorum required for action at any General Membership of Committee
Meeting of the Association shall consist of a majority of the members present at the meeting.
Voting: At any General or Committee Meeting, each member (of the Association, for
General Meeting; of the Committee, for a Committee meeting) present is entitled to one vote.
Amendments: Amendments to the Bylaws may be made by a 2/3 vote of those members
present at General Membership Meetings.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 15
Experience NEIGHBORHOODS in the Park
Greetings Neighbors,
Our neighborhood has the opportunity to form a neighborhood association. The first part
to getting started involves finding out the interests of all neighbors. Please complete the
enclosed survey and mail the survey back to the address on the back of the postcard or email
your response to the email address listed on the bottom of the card.
What Is A Neighborhood Association?
A neighborhood association is simply a group of neighbors who come together to coordinate
efforts to maintain or improve a good neighborhood. Most neighborhood associations in
our city keep neighbors updated through a newsletter or regular email updates and sponsor
community building activities. You can see some of the ideas for activities listed on the
postcard survey. Unlike a condo association or an historic preservation district, our city
neighborhood associations have no governing authority and cannot implement ordinances or
regulations.
What Assistance Is Available?
The City of St. Louis Park has a program to support neighbors who want to form
associations. While we are getting started, the city will pay for the postage for a couple of
mailings. After we officially form our association, we are eligible for neighborhood signs of
our own design and grant money for neighborhood activities or capital improvements.
Community Liaison Marney Olson is available to assist us as we get started. You can reach
Marney at the police department, 952-924-2184 or email molson@stlouispark.org.
Next Steps
After the survey is completed, a second meeting of the start-up committee will gather. The
start-up committee will analyze the results of the survey, draft organizational bylaws and plan
the next neighborhood wide meeting. At the neighborhood wide meeting, neighbors will be
asked to elect officers to guide the organization. Elected officers will then work to apply for a
neighborhood grant and decide what activities to host over the next year.
Thank you for your time and interest. I encourage you to take part in our new
Neighborhood Association.
Neighborhood Start-up Committee
Sample Letter
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 16
Name: Name: Name: Name:
Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone:
Address: Address: Address: Address:
Email: Email: Email: Email:
Sample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood Survey
What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?
A neighborhood association is simply a group of neighbors who come together to coordinate efforts to maintain or improve a
good neighborhood. Most neighborhood associations in our city keep neighbors updated through a newsletter or regular email
updates and sponsor community building activities.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey below regarding your interest in a Fern Hill Neighborhood Asso-
ciation.
Please return survey to your neighborhood steering
committee by mail or email. If you have any questions,
please contact the steering committee chair.
!" !" # $ $ %&# ’ (#)* &+ ,-------------------------------
Name: Name: Name: Name:
Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone:
Address: Address: Address: Address:
Email: Email: Email: Email:
Sample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood SurveySample Neighborhood Survey
What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?What Is A Neighborhood Association?
A neighborhood association is simply a group of neighbors who come together to coordinate efforts to maintain or improve a
good neighborhood. Most neighborhood associations in our city keep neighbors updated through a newsletter or regular email
updates and sponsor community building activities.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey below regarding your interest in a Fern Hill Neighborhood Asso-
ciation.
Please return survey to your neighborhood steering
committee by mail or email. If you have any questions,
please contact the steering committee chair.
!" !" # $ $ %&# ’ (#)* &+ ,-------------------------------
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 17
• Neighborhood Picnic
• Winter Party (& ice skating)
• Volleyball, Frisbee, Kickball game
and BBQ
• Family Bike Event
• Ice Cream Social
• Halloween Party
• Oktoberfest
• Family Camp Out
• Spring Egg Hunt
• Hayride
• Movie Night
• National Night Out
• Garage Sale
• Pizza Night
• Neighborhood Signs
• Adult Gathering
• New Neighbor Welcome
For more information, contact
Marney Olson
Community Liaison
Phone: 952-924-2184
E-mail: molson@stlouispark.org
Service Projects such as:
• Trail Beautification
• Earth Day Event
• Pond or Marsh Clean-Up
• Flowers and Tree Planting
• Sign Planting
• Park Pick-Up after your dog signs
& bags
• Environmental Service Project
• Community Garden
• Plant sale/exchange
• Service exchange such as shoveling,
painting, raking, babysitting, etc.
Other Ideas:
• Neighborhood Newsletter
• Dedicated Park Bench
St. Louis Park Neighborhood Association Ideas
There are a lot of great things you can do as a
neighborhood association. Be creative and have fun!
Here are some examples from other neighborhoods:
Experience NEIGHBORHOODS in the Park
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 5)
Subject: Vision St. Louis Park Strategic Direction/Focus Area Update – Conducting Research on NeighborhoodsPage 18
Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
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:
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: August 11, 2008
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:
West End Office Redevelopment Project Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Not Applicable.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the status of office component of the
West End redevelopment project and the Joint Powers Agreement with Golden Valley.
BACKGROUND:
The West End project consists essentially of two components. The retail component on the west
portion of Duke’s property and the office component on the east side of Duke’s property. The retail
component of the West End redevelopment project is well underway and on schedule to be
completed by September 2009. The office component is yet to begin and will be built on the land
east of Utica Avenue.
Before the office component of the project begins construction the site will need a plat and a PUD
reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by the City Council. It was also anticipated
that the City would enter into a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with the City of Golden Valley prior
to proceeding with the office component of the project since 6 acres of the 15 acre office site is in
Golden Valley.
It was thought that a JPA would be in place in the spring of 2008. Golden Valley has been reluctant
to enter into a JPA that ceded its land use control authority to St. Louis Park for its portion of the
West End site. As a result there is no JPA at this time, and Duke is prepared to move forward
seeking separate zoning approvals from both cities. Essentially Duke will proceed on a “dual” land
use approval process. They will seek PUD and plat approvals for the respective components of the
development in each city.
The proposed development concept for the office development remains unchanged from previous
plans. The concept consists of three or four office towers fronting on Utica Avenue served by
parking structures to the east of the towers, along Hwy 100. That means St. Louis Park’s land use
approvals will be for the actual office towers; and, the Golden Valley land use approvals will be for
the parking structures. The timing and approval processes for both cities are very similar and it is
anticipated that a master schedule with both cities meeting schedules and deadlines will be prepared.
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Subject: West End Office Redevelopment Project Update
Duke’s goal is to secure its zoning approvals (PUDs and plats) this fall. They hope to be ready to
submit applications in September of this year (9/08).
Eventually a limited Joint Powers Agreement maybe appropriate. Discussions are on-going
regarding how best to address building permits and inspections; as well as delivery of public services
once the West End offices are complete. For now the primary focus is on the land use approvals.
The city certainly has many developments that essentially straddle a boundary with a neighboring
city. In that sense developing a project partially in two different cities is not unusual. What is
different in this case is the scale of the development and the integration of the project into a broader
district, the West End.
Since the redevelopment contract with Duke expected a JPA to be approved in early 2008, we may
need to some minor amendments to the agreement. We may also need to make modifications to the
development schedule shown in the contract now that we have a more complete understanding of
the scope and timing of the project.
The key elements of the West End’s office component schedule are listed below.
1. Land use approvals – fall 2008
2. Office area infrastructure (Utica Avenue, sewer relocation, etc) – Spring 2009
3. First parking structure for offices – summer 2009
4. First office tower – fall 2009 start, spring 2011 complete
5. 2nd, 3rd and possibly 4th office towers will follow as market dictates – complete by 6/1/16
We hope to have a proposed solution for EDA/City Council consideration in the next couple
months. We will keep you informed as we move forward.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Ehlers is updating the financial analysis of the West End development. We are not expected any big
differences from earlier financial analysis of the project. As new figures are available we will update
City Council.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The West End project is consistent with the City’s Vision. Especially the Strategic Directions
concerning gathering places, public art, trails, sidewalks and transportation.
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: August 11, 2008
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:
PNMC Holdings Redevelopment Contract Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action required at this time.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the status of a contract for private
redevelopment the EDA has with Park Nicollet that dates back to 1993. Under the terms of the
contract, Park Nicollet was required to construct a certain amount of office space on the clinic
campus by certain dates. Some of the building construction called for in that agreement has not
occurred. Technically Park Nicollet is in default of the agreement.
In the near future some type of action will need to be taken, most likely an amendment to the
redevelopment contract, to address this issue. This report is intended to provide background
information and a base of understanding from which to make future decisions.
BACKGROUND:
The EDA entered into a contract for private redevelopment with PNMC Holdings (Park Nicollet
Medical) in 1993. The agreement called for the phased construction of much of what we now know
as the Park Nicollet Clinic Campus at Excelsior Blvd and Hwy 100. Under the terms of the
agreement the “3850 Building”, the “3900 Building” and the parking ramp serving the Park Nicollet
Clinic were constructed. Additional construction was required under the terms of the redevelopment
contract. If the construction was not completed within the timelines in the contract, Park Nicollet
would be required to make a payment in lieu of taxes.
Development of this site required addressing significant environmental issues. An MPCA approved
Remedial Action Plan (RAP) was prepared to address the environmental problems and Park Nicollet
has incurred substantial remediation expenses in the development of their site. Under the terms of
the contract, city is providing tax increment assistance to them to help with the remediation
expenses. Park Nicollet is within the Excelsior Blvd TIF district and a Hazardous Substance Sub-
district was created specifically to address the contamination remediation expenses.
The original contract has been amended twice, most recently in May 2001. The Second
Amendment established new deadlines for construction of phase II of Park Nicollet’s project. The
Second amendment called for PNMC Holdings to construct 50,690 square feet of new medical
office space by December 31, 2006 and another 45,000 square feet of new medical office space by
Meeting of August 11, 2008 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Subject: PNMC Holdings Redevelopment Contract Update
December 31, 2010. The first of these deadlines has not been met; and, Park Nicollet does not
expect to meet the second deadline either. Technically PNMC Holdings is in default under the
terms of the redevelopment contract. An official notice of default has not yet been sent to Park
Nicollet.
City staff and Park Nicollet have been in extended discussions regarding how best to address the
situation. While Park Nicollet has not constructed the 95,690 square feet of new medical office
buildings called for in Phase II of the contract, they have pointed out that they have continued to
make substantial investments in St. Louis Park. The 206,000 square foot Heart and Vascular Center
has been completed, while the Melrose Institute (68,000 square feet) and the Cancer Center (80,000
square feet) are under construction. None of these buildings are within the Excelsior Blvd TIF
district and in some cases they do not pay property taxes. They do not satisfy the development
requirement of our redevelopment contract with PNMC Holdings.
In our discussions with Park Nicollet we are striving to find an equitable, “win/win” resolution to
the default situation. Park Nicollet has proven itself to be a dependable and strong community
partner over and over again.
Solutions being explored include Park Nicollet participation/funding of the “Live Where You
Work” housing program which we have discussed with the Council as part of the Vision Strategic
Directions update. The concept is to provide modest grants to help people who work in St. Louis
Park but live else where, to afford to buy homes in the city. We also are exploring some form of
payment in lieu of taxes. Other ideas may also be explored.
We hope to have a proposed solution for EDA/City Council consideration in the next couple
months. We will keep you informed as we move forward.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The medical office buildings that have not or will not be built will result in less tax increment
revenue available for addressing community needs; and ultimately less tax base to support the city’s
general fund tax needs. The city’s obligation to provide assistance to cover Park Nicollet’s
environmental remediation expenses are limited to the amount of tax increment generated by their
development. Therefore less development means less increment available annually to reimburse Park
Nicollet for expenses incurred. It means Park Nicollet will be reimbursed more slowly.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable at this time
Attachments: None
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager