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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/02/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY ST. Louis OFFICIAL MINUTES PARK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION February 2, 2004 The meeting convened at 8:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phillip Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Sue Santa, Susan Sanger, Sally Velick, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Chief of Police (Mr. Luse), Fire Chief(Mr. Stemmer), PSAP Manager(Ms. Alex), Planning and Zoning Supervisor(Ms. Jeremiah), Housing Programs Coordinator(Ms. Larsen); Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker), and Deputy City Clerk (Ms. Stroth). Others present: Jeff Nelson, PSC Alliance; Stonebridge Development Project Team. 1. Public Safety Answering Point(PSAP) Consolidation Study Update PSAP Manager, Heather Alex,presented a brief overview of the need for future options for the delivery and infrastructure of public safety 9-1-1 dispatching services. She stated PSC Alliance conducted a study of alternatives to deal with the impact of declining LGA funds; and ways to maximize effectiveness and save money while still maintaining an acceptable level of service. She stated the two options include sharing dispatching services with other cities or requesting dispatching services from Hennepin County Sheriff. Jeff Nelson, PSC Alliance, summanzed the analysis of the study. He stated similarities and differences were found in technology, staffing,policies, procedures,protocols, and governance. Mr. Nelson indicated the importance of how well partners get along and that the needs are being met. He discussed demographic issues and the economies of consolidation. He concluded there are opportunities for better use of staff and technology. Councilmember Finkelstein questioned why some suburbs who use Hennepin County Dispatch Services do not have to pay while others are charged. City Manager Harmening stated conversations were held with County Commissioner Gail Dorfman regarding training and startup costs; and that the County Board will be discussing policy issues. Councilmember Sanger suggested to not only look at the costs, but also the long range plan. She also indicated that the City Attorney look at the issue City Manager Harmening and Mayor Jacobs both agreed there is still the need to continue working with Hennepin County. Councilmember Santa asked if funds could be available from Department of Justice through homeland security. She felt that more consolidation might produce a more rapid response. Mr. Nelson responded these grants are more technology based and not for staffing levels. Ms. Alex indicated the possibility of a grant up to $500,000 for radio equipment and infrastructure to connect our system with Hennepin County radio system. She stated the Governor is proposing some funding for brick and mortar projects. Study Session Minutes -2- February 2, 2004 Fire Chief Stemmer commented that availability of funds since in the aftermath of September 11 is now starting agencies to operate together. Ms. Alex reviewed the timeline. She stated the first portion of funds must be spent by July 1, 2005 and that the clear direction with Richfield, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, and Brooklyn Center be determined by June 2004. Mr. Nelson indicated the need for space, newer technology and resources for command and control. Discussion took place regarding the dual track approach and the cluster approach. Mayor Jacobs concluded the incentive was to go forward with the dual track approach and that we would be better served with the consolidation of other cities; and also to continue working with Hennepin County. City Manager Harmening commented on the importance for citizens to know we have looked at all the options. 2. Stonebridge Development presentation regarding a proposed Senior Cooperative Housing Redevelopment Project on the former Talmud Torah school property and its request for Tax Increment Financing Assistance Mr. Hunt introduced the following Stonebridge Development Project Team members: Ron Mehl, Stonebridge; Mary Bujold, Maxfield Research Inc.; Jim Deanovie, Peter Andrea Company; Gary Tushie, Tushie Architects; Tim Larkin, Glaser Financial; and Mark Ruff& Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers &Associates. He reminded the Council that the purpose of a Preliminary TIF Application was to allow a developer to present a proposal in a project's initial stages to determine if there was interest for staff and the developer to work further on the project Mr. Mehl discussed how limited equity senior coops work, their track record in other suburban communities, and the need for TIF assistance. He stated it would not be feasible to do rental property at this location nor condominiums due to the market conditions. Ms. Bujold stated from research, seniors are concerned about housing costs and in most cases want to downsize or make a lateral move. She indicated this project provides a much needed, more affordable housing option providing greater flexibility for seniors in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Sanger questioned cost issues, advantages and disadvantages of senior coop housing verses senior condominium housing. Mr. Mehl responded that the market is the key issue where the downpayment is a source of the funds and a function of financing the project verses taking out a loan. He stated there is less market risk with cooperative housing and that it is a lifestyle choice. Discussion took place regarding advantages and disadvantages of Cooperative Housing and Condominium Housing. Councilmembers Sanger and Santa asked if household incomes will be above or below a certain threshold. Mr. Ruff indicated there are no limits on income or assets and that the terms could be negotiated. Study Session Minutes -3- February 2, 2004 Mayor Jacobs asked if there needs to be subsidizing or if the project could be developed without TIF. Mr. Ruff stated there is a need for some level of subsidizing and the amount can be discussed later. Mr. Hunt stated the Tax Increment Financing will payout in less than 9 years. He stated the funds will directly assist in the acquisition of the land at the site and also aid in the cost of demolition of the building that is on site. Councilmember Omodt stated he was not comfortable using TIF at this time and the need to further discuss further goals in affordable senior housing, and other ways to develop the site. Councilmember Santa indicated the need to figure out the main reasons to base a decision on whether it is affordability, living environment of similar ages, or renting verses moving lateral, etc. Councilmember Velick felt there was a need for this kind of housing but was not committed to do TIF and would like to know more regarding what makes this project a worthy TIF Project. Councilmember Sanger requested staff to put together some business points and market study for further discussion. Mr. Hunt discussed the"very good"result of the TIF Proposal report card. He stated the affordable income limit factor mode was determined by the value of unit as defined by the Metropolitan Council. City Manager Harmening summarized there is an interest for different types of housing products, a need for more time to work with developer and develop operational business points. Councilmember Omodt requested more information on the entire TIF policy. It was the consensus of the Council to continue discussion on the Senior Cooperative Housing Redevelopment Project and the policies and criteria for Tax Increment Financing. 3. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. 5,.__4___, ---.. . fi-e-4,-A-----4"-- 4( phi City Clerk ayor