HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/11/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF
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PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
Minutes of November 26, 2001
The meeting convened at 7:00 p m.
Present at the meeting were Councilmcmbers Jim Brimeyer, Ron Latz, Sue Santa and Mayor Jeff
Jacobs
Staff present: City Manager (Mr Meyer), Director of Community Development (Mr.
Haimening), Human Resources Manager (Ms. Gohman), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert).
1. Dan Patch Commuter Rail Study Presentation
Scott Peterson and Stephanie Eilers of Parsons Brinkerhoff were present at the meeting.
Ms. Eicher discussed the process used over the past few months in their analysis, such as an
interactive public process, identifying technical, community, and environmental issues and using
technical and policy advisory committees. She also shared results and findings and stated that
the Dan Patch Commuter Rail Line was no longer considered to be a viable option.
Councilmember Brimeyer asked if the reaction by the public to the line was different south of the
metro area Mr Peterson stated that there was better acceptance closer to the metro area.
Councilmember Latz asked what the experiences in start-up lines around the country was in
terms of-n-ojected ridership compared to the actual numbers after start-up. Ms. Eicher replied
that piojeLtions became mole accurate as different phases of the projects were brought on line.
Councilmember Latz remarked that most of the projections made regarding experiences of start-
up lines (foi commuter rails) were eventually met or exceeded by the commuter rails; the
pioblem with the proposed Dan patch line are the low projections
2. Private Activity Revenue Bonds
Mr Harmening stated that West Suburban Housing Partners has a proposal for a multi-family
housing project for the old Hutchinson Spur right-of-way located south of 36th St and west of
Rainbow Foods. Staff would like to receive feedback from Council as to whether they would
have u,tcicst in issuing private activity revenue bonds for the pioject.
Todd Urness, West Suburban Housing Partners, explained the proposal to the Council. He said
they would like to build an 88-unit apartment building with approximately 41 units set aside for
households whose income is sixty percent of the gross median income. They have requested that
the City of St. Louis Park issue private activity revenue bonds that would be used to construct the
building and finance the land acquisition
Councilmember Brimeyei inquiied about the availability of private financing. Mr. Urness stated
that is difficult to get cents on this site high enough to meet the standards of a private financier.
Study Session Minutes -2- November 26, 2001
Councilmember Bii.neyer asked if this type of proposal is compatible with the surrounding
neighborhood. Mr. Harmening stated that it was located in the highest density land use
designation and was also close to transit systems and services.
Councilmember Brimeyer asked staff about the goals for affordable housing in St. Louis Park.
Mr. Harmening replied that St Louis Park has met or will soon meet the goals.
Councilmember Santa said that residents were concerned that the apartments would house a lot
families, but have no amenities for the children such as parks, playground, etc.
Councilmember Latz asked if there would be a playground at the proposed apartment complex.
He shares the same concerns Councilmember Santa raised
Mr. Harmening listed several issues that need to be considered in relation to this proposal:
pedestrian crossings to shopping areas, sidewalk improvement, playground space, scheduling a
meeting with adjacent property owners, and having the pro-forma reviewed.
Mr Harmening informed Council that staff would be presenting a preliminary resolution for this
project on December 17.
Councilmember Brimeyer stated that he did not want to see a vanance presented for this project.
Mayor Jacobs was concerned about the number of affordable units and the impact on schools,
traffic and adjacent properties.
Councilmember Latz stated that he very much wants to see more affordable housing in the city to
maintain the balance in St. Louis Park in light of the recent addition of market rate housing and,
specifically, Park Commons
3. Salary Cap
Ms. Gohman explained that Minnesota statutes place an upper limit on the amount of
compensation that can be provided to City Managers. The compensation can not be more than
ninety-five percent of the governor's salary. In keeping with the standard 3.5 % adjustment at
the end of the year, the City Manager's salary would go over that cap.
Ms Gohman asked Council to suppoit the process of a formal request for an exemption to the
salary cap for 2002. She added that staff plans to work with the city's compensation consultant,
Rod Kelsey, as well as several other cities.
Council agreed that staff should move forward with the exemption process.
4. Appoinment and Dismissal of Department 1-leads
Ms Gohman stated that the City Charter requires Council approval for the appointment and
dismissal of department heads. Several member of the Council had expressed some interest in a
past meet ng on removing that language from the Charter and giving the City Manager power to
hire and dismiss depwrtment heads
Study Session Minutes -3- November 26, 2001
Council dis.ussed how the dismissal of a department head,should take place and if Council
should be involved.
After considenng different scenarios, councilmembers present at the meeting reached concensus
that the Charter provisions as written provide reasonable protection for department heads and
should remain in the Charter.
5. Adjournment
The meeting was adjuurned at 9 10 p.m
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