HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996/11/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF Minutes
, ' ST. LOUIS City Council Study Session
PNovember 25, 1996
The Study Session commenced at 7:00 p.m.
Present were Mayor Gail Dorfman and Councilmembers Jeff Jacobs, Sue Sanger, Jeff Appelquist, Ron
Latz, Robert Young and Jim Brimeyer.
Also present were the City Manager(Charlie Meyer), Deputy City Manager(Joanne Kutzler), Finance
Director(Mac McBride), Director of Inspections (Ernie Petersen); Director of Parks& Rec (Cris Gears),
Planning Coordinator(Janet Jeremiah), Director of Community Development (Tom Harmening), Admin
Asst/City Clerk (Ms. Larsen), Housing Coordinator(Ms. Quarfot), Economic Development Coordinator
(Mr. Anderson), Director of Public Works(Mr. Rardin), Equipment Superintendent(Mr. Millerbernd)
1. Council Policy Issues -Rec Center Art
Jim Brimeyer brought the issue of public art at the renovated Recreation Center to the Council. He gave
a brief history of this project outlining the location, information about the artist, Evelyn Raymond, and
the piece itself. Council discussed strategies for fund raising discussing and the role of Council, staff
and the Friends of the Arts group.
Council agreed that the project should move forward with construction to begin in January and
completion scheduled prior to the grand opening of the new facility. Councilmembers agreed to raise
funds privately as individuals and that the City itself should not be the fundraising agent. It was also
agreed that the Friends of the Arts organization(a designated 501C3 organization)could serve as a
receptacle for the funds as the campaign continues. Jim Brimeyer and Gail Dorfman will be meeting
with the Friends of the Arts to discuss their involvement in the project.
2. Rec Center Issues
Cris Gears presented to Council an update on issues related to the Rec Center Renaissance project. He
informed Council that an ordinance change will be coming to them early in 1997 to allow for liquor to
be consumed at the banquet facility. Based on market studies in the area it has been determined that this
will be necessary to make the facilities marketable.
Mr. Gears informed Council that the Oak Hill Wading Pool is aging and deteriorating rapidly and will
be very costly to repair. He asked Council how they felt about recouping some of the costs through fees
at that facility. Council consensus was that they wished the pool to remain free of charge to the
neighborhood and that the issue of capital investment to repair the Oak Hill Wading Pool should be a .
separate discussion.
The civil engineering component of Wolfe Park design was discussed. This will be an important
element in the Town Center Planning process and staff felt that a consultant with skills in park design,
civil and environmental engineering should be sought. Council agreed that the park design should be
done by a planner with that experience and directed staff to proceed with their search.
3. Railroad Strategy with Committee
Council met with representatives of the neighborhoods affected by the railroad route issue to discuss
next steps for presenting St. Louis Park's position to those parties ultimately responsible for determining
how rail lines will be routed through St. Louis Park. The group discussed who to target and how to best
reach the people who will made the decision. After much discussion the group decided to send the
resolution outlining St. Louis Park's preferred options along with letters from the neighborhoods to all
key players as soon as possible. Council agreed to follow up this action with phone calls and meetings
with the key people.
4. Equipment Requests
Mike Rardin, Public Works Director and Dennis Millerbemd, Equipment Superintendent, requested
Council to review the existing equipment replacement process,policy, practices and requirements.
Some time ago Council and staff created the fleet management program and staff has only involved
Council when necessary purchasing authorizations or approvals were required. Council and staff agreed
that this policy is working well and that it should remain in effect. Staff was directed to continue to
inform the Council annually of planned purchases and to make requests for new equipment purchases as
needed.
Council indicated that they would like to schedule a tour of the MSC at a future date.
5. Review Draft Tax Increment Financing Policy
Staff asked Council for feedback in regard to a draft Tax Increment Financing Policy which was
developed through examining similar policies used in other municipalities, the TwinWest Chamber's
position, the City's strategic planning process,development fund guidelines and Vision St. Louis Park.
This policy would be used as a tool to evaluate future projects and will provide goals and objectives for
the process as well as quantitative, qualitative and statutory tests which can be used to determine
fundability. Council directed staff to continue to develop the housing area of the policy as well as
include livable wage standards in the final document.
6. Review SLP Home Renewal Program
Staff requested feedback and discussion from Council regarding a proposed new housing initiative
called the"Home Renewal"program which would provide for acquisition, demolition and new
construction in St. Louis Park.
Yvette Quarfot informed Council that there are currently 2 - 3 dozen homes in St. Louis Park that would
be eligible with more in the future. Council asked what the incentive would be for putting a more
expensive home than those surrounding it. Ms. Quarfot pointed out that the City would have more
control over construction quality and the homes constructed would be of higher value than if existing
homes were merely renovated.
Council directed staff to expand the rehab portion of the program and bring back to Council at a future
study session.
7. Met Council Regional Blueprint
Janet Jeremiah asked Council to review the proposed amendments to the Metropolitan Council's
Regional Blueprint which involve adoption of a regional growth management strategy., Staff
recommended that Council consider adopting a resolution supporting several components of the Met
Council policy. After discussion, Council agreed and requested that a resolution be brought forward to a
future City Council meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
Gail Dorfman,Mayor,
C' dy Larsen, Recording Secretary