HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000/05/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY
ST. LOUIOFS OFFICIAL MINUTES
PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
May 8, 2000
The meeting convened at 7:03 p.m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Ron Latz, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa,
Robert Young, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr Meyer), Public Works Director(Mr Rardin), Supenntendent
of Engineering (Mr. Moore), Finance Director(Ms. McGann), Community Development
Director(Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Kleve), Planning and
Zoning Supervisor (Ms. Jeremiah), Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker), Housing Manager(Ms
Anderson), and City Clerk(Ms Larsen)
1. Housing Authority
All members of the Housing Authority were present and introductions were made. Chair Bill
Gavzy thanked the Council for appointing them as board members and for the chance to serve on
the board. Bridget Gothberg reported on the accomplishments of the board and stated that in
addition to their core functions, they are focusing on the Vision St. Louis Park outcomes and
gave examples of programs they work on such as the TRAILS program and Meadowbrook
Collaborative. Chair Gavzy commended the staff on receiving an excellent rating from the
federal government. He added that the Housing Authority needs to be certified annually.
Catherine Courtney reported that the new and larger projects are going well such as the home
renewal program and the Louisiana Court redevelopment.
Councilmember Latz asked if Home Renewal projects where inspiring surrounding neighbors to
make improvements in their homes as well. Ms. Schnitker replied that she would check permit
activity in the neighborhoods to determine if more improvements had been done.
Chair Gavzy felt that the diverse members of the board helped to improve projects. He stated the
action plan is being developed for 2000 and requested direction from Council on the bigger
issues The Holman units will be looked at and the board would like direction from Council on
how much affordable housing should be provided. The future direction of housing will be
discussed to consider whether the housing trends show the need for multi-family, pedestrian
friendly, and mixed-use housing. He stated that multi-family housing is aging and the Housing
Authority could consider ways to improve it. Mr. Hannemng said staff could conduct an
analysis of how the ratio of affordable housing has changed in relation to incomes. Council
indicated that move-up housing in an important need.
Councilmember Latz requested to know the reasons behind several lease terminations in the
public housing buildings Ms. Anderson responded that some problems had occurred where they
deemed that action appropriate. Councilmember Latz expressed his thanks for the enforcement
of lease requirements related to behavior of tenants.
Mr. Meyer thanked the Housing Authonty and staff for their quality contributions.
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2. Park Commons Update
Alan Bloom and Clinton Miller of Grubb & Ellis were present at the meeting.
Mr Harmemng reported that Avalon Bay had withdrawn from the project and that a press release
had been issued on May 5 In light of that development, identified short-term goals will be to
select a new developer and continue momentum and progress on the project such as commercial
tenant leasing and property acquisition. He stated that the next steps would include creating a
short list of potential developers, utilizing Grubb & Ellis in tenant development and general
project assistance, and continuation of property acquisition Mr. Harmemng stated that the
developer selection process should be completed no later than August 1, 2000.
Mr. Harmening informed the council that the Minikanda Vista neighborhood had asked him to
pass along their request that councilmembers reconsider the scope of the Park Commons East
project to lower the density and intensity of the development. He added that staff recommends
that the city stay the course and continue with the project as planned.
Mr Bloom stated that even though Avalon Bay's withdrawal from the project was unfortunate,
he also felt that this particular turn of events could be considered an opportunity He reported
that Grubb & Ellis has met with developers and that retailers are very enthusiastic
Councilmember Sanger asked if the developer chosen for the project would specialize in
commercial business or housing. Mr. Harmening replied that many interested developers are
taking a team approach where developers that specialize in certain areas would collaborate
together to provide the broad spectrum of expertise needed for a successful develoment Mr.
Bloom stated that the project holds strong appeal to developers. Councilmember Brimeyer was
concerned about creating too much office space as had been done years ago in many commercial
developments. Mr. Bloom replied that extensive market research has been done and that the
targeted markets for this mixed use development are very strong.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the council needed to respond to the concerns expressed by
residents of the Minnekanda Vista neighborhood. Councilmember Latz stated that he felt the
City had taken great care to hear resident concerns and that despite those concerns the minds of
the Council had not been changed.
Councilmembers directed staff to continue to move forward with the project as currently
conceived and to begin their search for a developer Mr. Harmening replied that staff will return
with a short list of possible developers in the very near future
3. Louisiana Avenue Congestion
Mr Moore distnbuted handouts to the Council and described the alternatives available
Mayor Jacobs felt they needed to focus on the end result of this project and let the consultants
develop the plans. Councilmember Latz felt that all alternatives presented retained adequate
parking to accommodate the existing need. Councilmember Sanger felt that alternatives 1, 2,
and 2a would be feasible.
The Council discussed the neighborhood need for parking on both the east and west side of
Louisiana Avenue.
Study Session Minutes -3- May 8, 2000
Mr. Rardin stated that weighing the neighborhood needs is very important and staff will be able
to produce sound plans if the Council is clear on what the pnonties are. Council then went into
discussion on priorities and options. Council felt that option 2a may be the most appropriate as it
will allow parking on both sides of the street. They discussed synchronizing traffic lights and
lead lag. Council then discussed option 2 and agreed that it would be the alternative they would
pursue.
Councilmember Latz would like a follow up report considering options for the 2900 block of
Louisiana Ave.
4. Sidewalks and Trails
Mr. Rardin stated that the purpose of the discussion was to update Council and receive input
from Council on the proposed six-year plan.
Mr. Rardin replied that public notice will be occurring soon and materials will be made available
at several sites Staff and Council discussed the notification process and felt that the Park
Perspective, direct mail and communication with the neighborhoods should all be used as means
of notification. Council discussed the timing of events to accommodate and receive public input
at the meetings. Mr. Rardin stated that guiding principles and issues will be brought to Council
at the May 22 study session along with costs and maintenance of the project. Mr. Rardin stated
that a two-page mailing will be mailed to all affected properties, and in addition a letter will be
published in the Park Perspective.
Mr Rardm stated that the phasing of the project would be incorporated into the Capital
Improvement Plan. He reported that staff had divided the City into six sections and will adopt a
six-year plan Each year one section will be addressed beginning with the ones in most critical
need. Staff will send Council a map that identifies the needs in each of the sections.
5. Audit Presentation
Jeff Wilson and David Mol, representatives of Tautges Redpath, Ltd., were present at the
meeting. They gave an overview presentation of the 1999 Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report and the Management Report.
Council had several detailed questions regarding the 1999 CAFR.
Mr. Wilson indicated that St. Louis Park would most likely once again receive the award for
excellence in financial reporting. Mr Mol stated that future changes will affect the reporting
requirements for municipalities.
6. 2001 Budget Update
Ms McGann briefly updated the Council on the progress of the budget process. She stated that
the 1999 financial statements indicate that there is an excess of money in the general fund and
Council may allocate the money to any number of uses or programs.
Councilmember Sanger had questions regarding replacement funds. The Council discussed the
benefit of funding computer systems,park improvements and the municipal building fund
Study Session Minutes -4- May 8, 2000
Ms. McGann would like to see the budget process stress clanty and present relevant information
in an easy to understand format. Ms. McGann stated that the timeline for the budget process will
be realigned to allow additional time for staff to analyze programs and services. Departments
will meet to discuss any proposed program changes and preliminary budgets should be submitted
by the middle of June. A preliminary budget presentation will be brought to Council in July and
a balance budget presentation in August.
Ms. McGann reported that narratives were a large part of the budget in past years and would like
to see them somehow reorganized to present information in a clearer format. She asked for
Council's opinion on the narratives.
Council and staff then briefly discussed levy limits and the effects on the budget, employee
benefit fund and police/fire pension funds.
7. Communications
Mr. Meyer informed Council of a break in a water main that required an emergency ordinance to
be passed. Councilmember Brimeyer moved to adopt the ordinance with Councilmember Young
seconding the motion.
Mr. Meyer stated that the Wide Open West proposal would be back on the agenda.
Mr. Meyer reported that Jeff Fine has submitted a proposal to expand the Texa-Tonka study.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 10.40 p.m.
Ci Clerk M. or