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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008/12/15 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA DECEMBER 15, 2008 All Council must be present for Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar – particularly related to Item 4a. 6:30 p.m. SPECIAL STUDY SESSION – COUNCIL CHAMBERS Discussion Items 1. 6:30 p.m. Energy Audit of City Facilities Preliminary Findings Presentation Written Reports 2. Update on Contract Extensions for Development of Vacant City Lots Located at 5609 Wood Lane and 2715 Monterey Avenue 7:20 p.m. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Economic Development Authority Minutes November 17, 2008 4. Approval of Agenda 5. Reports 5a. EDA Vendor Claims 6. Old Business 7. New Business 7a. Adoption of 2009 EDA Budget and HRA Levy Recommended Action: Motion to Approve a Resolution adopting the EDA Budget for 2009 and approving the 2008 Housing and Redevelopment Authority Property Tax Levy collectible in 2009 8. Communications 9. Adjournment 7:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Council Chambers 1. Call to Order 1a. Pledge of Allegiance 1b. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. St. Louis Park Historical Society Donation to Beehive Restoration Project Meeting of December 15, 2008 City Council Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Study Session Minutes November 10, 2008 3b. Special Study Session Minutes November 17, 2008 3c. City Council Minutes November 17, 2008 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. The items for the Consent Calendar are listed on the last page of the Agenda. Recommended Action: Motion to approve the agenda as presented and to approve items on the consent calendar. (Alternatively: Motion to add or remove items from the agenda, motion to move items from consent calendar to regular agenda for discussion and to approve those items remaining on the consent calendar.) 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Reappointment of Citizen Representatives to Boards and Commissions Recommended Action: Motion to reappoint Commissioners as city representatives to their respective commissions. 6. Public Hearings 6a. Ellipse on Excelsior - Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance Vacating Easements (Case No. 08-39-VAC) Recommended Action: • Mayor to close public hearing • Motion to approve First Reading of an Ordinance vacating easements for the Ellipse on Excelsior redevelopment and set the Second Reading of Ordinance for January 5, 2009 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Adoption of 2009 Budget, Property Tax, and HRA Levies Recommended Action: Motion to Adopt Resolution approving the Budget for 2009 and approving the 2008 Property Tax Levy collectible in 2009 Motion to Adopt Resolution authorizing the HRA Levy for 2009 8b. Summary and Acceptance of City Manager Evaluation Recommended Action: Motion to adopt a Resolution for formal acceptance of the final City Manager annual evaluation Meeting of December 15, 2008 City Council Agenda 8c. 2009 Employee Compensation Recommended Action: Motion to adopt a Resolution confirming a 3% general increase for non-union employees, setting salary for City Manager, continuing the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Program, increasing Performance Program Pay for Paid-on-Call Firefighters by 3% for 2009, and adding a Health Care Savings Plan transfer to the Personnel Manual 8d. 5005 Highway 7 – Nordic Ware Major Amendment to a Special Permit Recommended Action: Motion to Adopt Resolution approving a Major Amendment to a Special Permit for the property at 5005 Highway 7 8e. First Reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendments Relating to Communication Towers and Antennas Recommended Action: Motion to adopt the first reading of the attached ordinance relating to Communication Towers and Antennas, and set the second reading for January 5, 2009 8f. First Reading of Zoning Ordinance Amendments relating to “Service” Land Uses in the Office (O) Zoning District Recommended Action: Motion to adopt the first reading of the attached ordinance, and set the second reading for January 5, 2009 8g. Bid Tabulation: City Building Telephone System Replacement Project – Project No. 2008-0211 Recommended Action: Motion to reject all bids and authorize staff to engage the services of LOGIS to replace the City campus telephone system, provide required hardware and software from the State (already bid) contract, and provide on-going telephone system maintenance services at a capital cost not to exceed $303,629. On-going maintenance services may be canceled with 7 months notice and obtained from an alternate managed service provider or provisioned with existing or additional in- house staff 9. Communication 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 of December 15, 2008 City Council Agenda 4. CONSENT CALENDAR 4a. Approve Second Reading of Ordinance to amend the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter: Table of Contents, Chapters 3, 5, and Index and set publication (7 affirmative votes required) 4b. Adopt Resolution accepting the equipment replacement schedule budgeted for 2009 and authorize staff to acquire equipment as allowed by Statute, Charter, or Ordinance 4c. Adopt the Second Reading of an Ordinance amending the Official Zoning Map to change the zoning of 3409, 3413 and 3417 Glenhurst Avenue South and 3408 and 3412 France Avenue South from R4 - Multiple Family Residence District to MX - Mixed Use District, approve summary ordinance and authorize publication 4d. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 14-04 with T-Mobile (Voice Stream Minneapolis Inc.) at Elevated Water Tower No. 4 (EWT #4), located at 2541 Nevada Ave. So 4e. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract No. 127-07 with ENSR Consulting and Engineering for consultant services related to the implementation of the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action Plan (RAP) during year 2009 4f. Adopt the Water Supply Plan approved by the Department of Natural Resources 4g. Accept Donation from St. Louis Park Historical Society in the amount of $10,000 for the Beehive Restoration project 4h. Accept for Filing Planning Commission Minutes November 19 2008 4i. Accept for Filing Police Advisory Commission Minutes November 5 2008 4j. Accept for Filing Human Rights Commission Minutes August 19 2008 4k. Accept for Filing Human Rights Commission Minutes September 16 2008 4l. Accept for Filing Housing Authority Minutes November 12 2008 4m. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and regular City Council meetings are carried live on Civic TV cable channel 17 and replays are frequent; check www.parktv.org for the schedule. The meetings are also streamed live on the internet at www.parktv.org, and saved for Video on Demand replays. The agenda is posted on Fridays on the official city bulletin board in the lobby of City Hall and on the text display on Civic TV cable channel 17. The agenda and full packet are available by noon on Friday on the city’s website. Meeting Date: December 15, 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: SPECIAL STUDY SESSION TITLE: Energy Audit of City Facilities Preliminary Findings Presentation. RECOMMENDED ACTION: No action is required at this time. This report is intended to update Council on the status of the Technical Energy Analysis of City Operations study with a presentation of the preliminary findings by the consultant and a discussion regarding the Expanding Energy Efficiencies Committee’s (EEEC) recommendation to move forward with a Detailed Engineering Study by consultant. The EEEC is comprised of the following City staff: John Altepeter, Scott Anderson, Mark Hanson, Mark Oestreich, Craig Panning, Cary Smith, Lisa Songle and Brian Hoffman. POLICY CONSIDERATION: After learning of the consultant’s approach from their presentation to assist the City in its efforts to expand its efforts of energy efficiency within its facilities and infrastructure, does Council agree with the EEEC’s recommendation to move forward entering in to a Project Development Agreement with the consultant to perform a Detailed Engineering Study? BACKGROUND: Council adopted the Vision Strategic Directions – 18 Month Guide on March 19, 2007 of which a key focus area was “Expanding Energy Efficiencies in City Operations”. Council and staff discussed this focus area at a Study Session in May 2008 where it was determined that an energy audit of the City’s operations should be performed. In August 2008, staff updated Council through a report on the facilities being recommended for consideration in the energy audit and what the EEEC’s recommendations were for outcomes of the energy audit which are outlined below. Facilities Recommended for Energy Audit Consideration City Hall (5005 Minnetonka Boulevard) (approximately 38,000 square feet) Police Station (3015 Raleigh Avenue) (approximately 26,000 square feet) Rec Center (3700 Monterey Drive) (approximately 99,000 square feet) Westwood Nature Center (8300 West Franklin) (approximately 4,000 square feet) Lift Stations and Well Houses/Water Treatment Plants Lighting (including street and signal lights) Meeting of December 15, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 2 Subject: Energy Audit of City Facilities Preliminary Findings Presentation Energy Audit Recommended Outcomes • Site audits using a standard protocol that is in conformance with the B3 information system – the State of Minnesota energy benchmarking system; • Benchmarked data input into an established program such as EPA Portfolio Manager for Facilities (PM); • Establish a performance rating for each entity audited and create a “baseline” for energy usage; • Development of a list of energy improvements at each facility and infrastructure audited and provide opportunities to explore demonstration projects for renewable energy within the City, along with other long-term opportunities to allow the City to continue to be a leader in environmental stewardship. In November 2008, staff updated Council by report on the continued progress of the energy audit. Staff had researched vendors, determined desired qualifications, submitted Requests for Qualifications to multiple consultants and received and reviewed seven Statements of Qualifications. The EEEC conducted three in-depth interviews in October and proceeded with a preliminary energy audit by McKinstry Essention Inc. (McKinstry) who, at no charge, performed onsite visits of our selected facilities and infrastructure and an analysis of our energy usage. McKinstry presented their preliminary findings to the EEEC in mid-November. An abbreviated presentation of the preliminary findings by consultants Greg Ackerson and Nate Nygaard of McKinstry, along with a discussion with staff, will take place at the Special Study Session on December 15 requesting to proceed with the EEEC’s recommendation to enter in to a Project Development Agreement allowing McKinstry to perform a Detailed Engineering Study. If staff enters into the agreement with McKinstry in December 2008 to perform the Detailed Engineering Study, the study would be completed by March of 2009. Staff would return to Council in April 2008 at a Study Session to present the findings of the Detailed Engineering Study and present options for moving forward at that time. As outlined in staff’s November 2008 update to Council, McKinstry is a traditional “fee for service” consulting firm that also embraces “performance contracting” and the alternative funding process that has been established by the State of Minnesota in MN Statute 471.345. This statute allows companies to perform energy audits, identify energy saving projects, obtain funding for these projects and manage the installation and completion of the projects and use the funds generated by the energy savings of projects implemented to pay for all engineering and consulting fees, all equipment purchased and labor to install, in addition to all principal and interest paid to finance the improvements. Up to this point there has been no cost to the City for the performance of the preliminary energy audit by McKinstry. If Council agrees with staff’s recommendation to retain McKinstry for a Detailed Engineering Study, the City would be obligated to pay a consulting fee of $24,500 if the Council and City take no further action after the consultant completes the Study and presents their findings. The City would not be obligated to pay the consulting fee if the consultant determines that sufficient savings cannot be obtained at any time during the Study. Meeting of December 15, 2008 (Item No. 1) Page 3 Subject: Energy Audit of City Facilities Preliminary Findings Presentation If Council and the City proceed after the Study and enter into an Energy Performance Contract, the fee of $24,500 will be paid from the energy savings of projects implemented as outlined in the Energy Performance Contract and as provided for in MN Statute 471.345. McKinstry must verify energy savings through the life of the project (up to 20 years) and guarantee the savings will pay for all costs of the project. If the savings do not pay for the costs, McKinstry is required by law to pay the costs. McKinstry’s focus if the City proceeds with the Detailed Engineering Study will be on projects with a 15 year energy savings payback. The same facilities identified above would be included in the Detailed Engineering Study. Also included will specifically be the HVAC system at City Hall for air distribution, comfort and operation in addition to energy savings. The HAVC at City Hall has been of concern and addressed in the Employee Climate Study and of which McKinstry and the City have agreed would be the first area addressed in the Detailed Engineering Study. The Municipal Service Center, Utilities Department and Fire Stations will not be included in the Detailed Engineering Study as they are undergoing separate improvement projects or are planned for demolition as previously discussed with Council. FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Funding for the consulting fee associated with the Detailed Engineering Study was included in the 2008 budget carried over to the 2009 budget. VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship by increasing environmental consciousness and responsibilities in all areas of City business. Attachments: None Prepared by: Lisa Songle, Office Assistant Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, Director of Inspections Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager Meeting Date: December 15, 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: SPECIAL STUDY SESSION TITLE: Update on Contract Extensions for Development of Vacant City Lots Located at 5609 Wood Lane and 2715 Monterey Avenue. RECOMMENDED ACTION: The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the excess land parcels. Council action is not required. The St. Louis Park Housing Authority (SLPHA) was given the responsibility to sell the excess city parcels. POLICY CONSIDERATION: Not applicable BACKGROUND: 2715 Monterey Ave Update. The buyers’ plans have been approved by the design committee. The SLPHA sold the vacant lot at 2715 Monterey Ave South to Martin Stillman and Amy Susman- Stillman on December 19, 2007 after executing a contract at the December 2007 SLPHA meeting. The original contract date for completion of construction was November 30, 2008. The owners requested extension of this deadline to December 31, 2009 after their intended mortgage provider decided the Stillman’s needed to sell their existing home before they could receive funds for building their new home. The extension was granted at the November SLPHA meeting, and the contract was amended with conditions. The Stillman’s existing home will go on the market in early spring 2009. 5609 Wood Lane. The SLPHA entered into an amended development agreement with Al Stobbe to construct a home on the 5609 Wood Lane vacant lot by December 31, 2008. This parcel has not been sold to Stobbe as he has been unable to sell his existing home, and the delay led to uncertainty about his ability to complete the home by the deadline. Al Stobbe has requested an extension of this deadline. Staff will be recommending to the SLPHA at its January meeting that the contract for 5609 Wood Lane be amended to have Stobbe purchase the parcel and extend the construction deadline. Impact of Credit and Housing Market on Vacant Lots The tightening credit market and stagnant home sales have impacted the timing of construction on these parcels. Meeting of December 15, 2008 (Item No. 2) Page 2 Subject: Update on Contract Extensions for Development of Vacant City Lots Located at 5609 Wood Lane and 2715 Monterey Avenue 1. Credit Market. In the spring of 2007, both bidders provided lender commitment to provide permanent mortgage on the new homes prior to the sale of the homes. In both cases, the lenders have since, notified the developers that permanent financing for homes was to be dependent upon the sale of their existing homes. The incomes and financial status of the developers has not declined – the lending industry has tightened up. 2. Housing Sales. Housing sales have slowed and the recent worsening of economic conditions has increased the time homes remain on the market. Al Stobbe, the developer of the Wood Lane site has had his Minnetonka home on the market for over a year and it has not yet sold. The Stillman’s have requested to wait until March to put their St. Louis Park home on the market when home sales typically pick-up. Proposed Extension to Contract with Al Stobbe Homes for 5609 Wood Lane. At its January meeting the Housing Authority will consider amending the development contract with Al Stobbe. The amended contract would set the closing date for sale in early 2009, and Stobbe would be obligated to pay the original bid price of $220,200 for the parcel. The amended contract will reiterate conditions that the home be constructed consistent with house and site plans recommended and already approved by the Design Review Committee. The buyer will be required to build their new home within a reasonable period of time as specified in the sale process and guidelines approved by the City Council. The contract would further stipulate that in the event of failure to meet contract requirements, the property could only be sold back to the city. Notification to Residents of Wood Lane. There has been continuing interest in the status of the Wood Lane lot by the immediate neighbors. Staff will keep them informed. The Wood Lane residents will be mailed notices updating them about the intended contract extension before the end of this year (2008). FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The sale price of the Wood Lane parcel is $220,200. The proceeds from the sale will be set aside as have the other land sale proceeds. VISION CONSIDERATION: Housing actions that provide more family homes is consistent with Vision’s Housing Focus. Attachments: None Prepared by: Kathy Larsen, Housing Programs Coordinator Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager