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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001/09/10 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session ST.CITY LOUISOF OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION September 10, 2001 The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Present at the meeting were Councilmembers Jim Bnmeyer, Ron Latz, Chns Nelson, Susan Sanger, Robert Young, Jeff Jacobs and Sue Santa. Staff present: City Manager(Mr Meyer), Deputy City Manager(Mr Pires), Community Outreach Coordinator(Ms. McDonell), Parks and Recreation Director(Ms. Walsh), Environmental Health Official (Mr. Camilon), Community Development Director(Mr. Harmening), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. Jeremiah), Planner(Mr. Smith), Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker), and City Clerk (Ms. Reichert). 1. Reallocation of CDBG Funds for Improvements to the Lenox Community Center Ms. Schnitker bnefed Council on the renovation request for Lenox Community Center that would fund improvements not included in the current remodeling project. She explained that these are CDBG eligible expenses. Ms Schnitker stated that two funds will need to be reprogrammed in the next year and will allow $160,000 to be made available to reallocate. Councilmember Sanger inquired if other neighborhood programs could use the CDBG funding. Ms. Schnitker said it was possible, but with the new funding cycle coming up and income qualifications, it may be tough to utilize. Councilmember Sanger asked if Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH) funding needs to be used by St. Louis Park residents. Ms. Schnitker replied that it must. Councilmember Nelson felt surpnsed at the funding request from the School Distnct because he had thought the city funding was to be used only for emergency repairs. Linda Saveraid, Community Education Director, stated that these improvements can't be made out of the distnct capital improvement plan as there is not enough funding. Mr. Meyer felt all parts of school capital be looked upon as a potential CDBG fund recipient. He added that the community center is an eligible facility and the proposed projects are needed. Councilmembers Nelson and Bnmeyer stated they thought it was a good use of CDBG funds. Councilmember Latz stated that histoncally the school distnct has taken care of the facility. He said that he did not want this to set a precedent, but felt it was appropnate at this time. Mr. Meyer stated that a public hearing will be set. 2. Public Art Ms Walsh introduced Jack Becker of Forecast, Inc. Mr. Becker reported that the survey shows a strong desire within the community for public art. Study Session Minutes -2- September 10, 2001 Councilmember Bnmeyer inquired if determining a theme is a typical starting point for cities looking to initiate a public art process. Mr. Becker replied that it is generally not and determining a funding source is a more logical first step. Councilmember Brimeyer asked how well those communities work that have developers set aside a percentage of project costs to fund public art. Ms. Becker replied that it is very successful and common in many parts of the country. Mayor Jacobs arnved at the meeting. The Study Session recessed at 7:32 p m. The meeting reconvened at 7:40 p.m. Councilmember Sanger inquired if Friends of the Arts would be the only group to be involved in the discussions. Mr. Becker replied that he would like to see a broad community involvement. Councilmember Sanger inquired if other forms of art could be incorporated such as theatre, etc. Mr. Becker stated that all forms of art would be welcome. Councilmember Nelson felt that the funding source should be identified immediately. He added that he was not in support of having the developer's dedicate part of their money to public art. Councilmember Young stated that is common for developers to contribute to a fund dedicated to public art. He added that the neighborhoods might want to do a grant request for art in the neighborhoods. Councilmember Santa felt a funding source must be determined to underscore the city's commitment to art in St. Louis Park. Mr. Meyer felt that establishing funding and determining what to fund should be decisions made together. Mayor Jacobs stated that he supported public art but felt funding should be established for individuals projects before they are begun. Mayor Jacobs stated that Council should move forward. Mr. Becker replied that he would consolidate the survey results and work to define a vision and mission statement for the public art initiative. He would also work toward developing strategies to gain public support for the initiative and would come before council again in the near future. 3. South Side of Excelsior Boulevard Mr. Meyer spoke of the neighborhood meetings that had taken place last year and the concern of the neighborhood residents about controls to placed on any developments on the south side of Excelsior Boulevard. Councilmember Nelson stated that the Council was already planning to review architectural standards contained in our ordinances and that it was appropriate to consider neighborhood •concerns during that series of discussions. Mayor Jacobs agreed that current requirements should be reviewed, stating that he does not want to see the level of development on the south side the same as on the north side. Study Session Minutes -3- September 10, 2001 Councilmember Nelson clanfied that in this case the term "study" means a review of existing zoning regulations and how appropriate they are in this area. Staff reported that there are no new projects currently proposed for the south side and that they would move forward with a staff review. 4. Community Foundation Mr Pires introduced Lynn Lyng from the Minnesota Foundation. Ms Lyng explained that the Minnesota Foundation was a statewide community foundation that helps to establish local community foundations to aid in funding a vanety of causes and activities. The St. Louis Park School District has currently been working with the Minnesota Foundation on setting up a Public Schools Foundation. Ms. Lyng gave several samples of successes that have occurred in the state. She went on to explain the distribution of wealth, endowment power and the Family of Funds model. Councilmember Nelson inquired if the St. Louis Park Foundation could `de-affiliate' from the Minnesota Foundation if it seemed warranted some time in the future. Ms Lyng replied that the structure was designed to be permanent, but the entities could divest in the future if all parties agreed to terms. Councilmember Nelson inquired about the management expense. Ms. Lyng stated that .7 percent of the market value of the funds is used. Councilmember Sanger asked if the Minnesota Foundation educates the community members. Ms. Lyng replied that the do. Councilmember Sanger asked Mr. Pires if the staff has identified and designated funds. Mr. Pires stated that staff is currently working to evaluate the options. Councilmember Sanger would like housing to be a part of the fund and asked if the city would be in competition with the school district for contributions. Ms. Lyng explained that the two would work together. The Family of Funds model solved any perception of competition. Councilmember Latz felt that one St. Louis Park fund used by the city and the school district would be the best option. Mr. Pires stated that staff will continue to move forward in regard to this issue. 5. Housing Conditions Mr. Hoffman informed council that staff will soon begin the identifying the deteriorating and blighted residential properties. This data will then be used to develop financial and enforcement programs to ensure maintenance of housing in the city. Mayor Jacobs stated that a reasonable enforcement program should be an integral part of the evaluation and felt it would help to improve the housing stock in the city. Councilmember Sanger emphasized making sure that properties that are already known about as problems are placed on the list. Study Session Minutes -4- September 10, 2001 6. Communications Mr. Meyer informed Council of the trail dedication on Sept. 15, the Fiftieth anniversary of Miracle Mile, and the changes in the upcoming meetings. He also informed Council about a dinner and proclamation dedicated to Lyle Hanks given by the Masons. 7. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. C'-f Clerk M. or