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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004/08/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session i JIkouis ITY OF LOFFICIAL MINUTES K CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION August 9, 2004 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Sally Velick and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager(Mr. Harmening), Housing Supervisor(Ms. Schnitker); Housing Coordinator(Ms Larsen); Community Development Director(Mr. Locke); Planning Coordinator (Ms Erickson); Human Resources Director(Ms. Gohman); Finance Director(Ms. McGann), and City Clerk (Ms Reichert). 1. Brookside School Site—Development Proposal and Options Several representatives of the developer were present at the meeting to discuss their concept plan with the council and to present other options that include some or all single family homes on the site. Present at the meeting were Charlie Nestor, Master Development; Bruce Bahneman, Master Development; Jeff Wrede, Tushie Montgomery Architects; Jim Donovan, Foundation Land Development. Charlie Nestor gave a presentation of the project. Councilmembers asked questions to clarify details of the proposal including questions about building height, parking, price of the units and questions about green space. Councilmember Basill thanked the developer for the number of neighborhood meetings and for his willingness to work through the issues He noted that density had been lowered from the original proposal and stated that he had been conflicted about the proposal and that he believed that council should at least be given an opportunity to review a plan that had more single family homes as part of the development. Councilmember Sanger asked how many single family homes could go on the site and the developer responded that it could vary depending on the size of the homes and the lots on which they were placed. The problem would be access to parking for the school building. The cost of removing the school entirely would be between $400,000 and$500,000. The developer offered a member which outlined tax implications of various configurations of single family and multi family housing options on the site. Mayor Jacobs suggested that the policy question at hand is do we want 53 units of multi-family housing with no tax increment financing dollars spent, or do we want to encourage more single family homes on the site, which would increase the amount of TIF needed to fund the project. . Councilmember Sanger asked to see a revision to the proposal that would show removal of the school, all single family homes on the site and the corresponding formula of TIF versus private development dollars. The developer offered to come back to the next study session with variations for council review. Study Session Minutes - 2 - August 9, 2004 Councilmember Sanger suggested that if the council really wanted to create more move-up housing in the city, then we needed to "bite the bullet" and do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal— including use of public dollars to encourage that result. Mr. Harmening questioned how neighborhood notification should take place regarding council's request for alternate development proposals. He noted that the council needed to act on the proposal before late September. Garfield Clark, the real estate agent secured by the school board, informed the council that there is an anticipated sequence that must be adhered to. There were timing restrictions associated with the purchase agreement. He also questioned whether the purchase amount of 1.8 million would still be appropriate if a different proposal was approved. Mr. Harmening noted that the timeframe for staff and the developer to work together on presenting alternate designs was very short. If the packets come out on the Thursday prior to the council meeting at which this item will be discussed, it may be necessary to provide additional materials for council review after Thursday, and perhaps even at the Monday meeting. 2. Housing Summit Draft Goals Ms. Schnitker reviewed the planning process and the comments from the City Council. Councilmember Santa stated that they had talked about concentrating housing types in the area. She had questions regarding lots that are combined or subdivided. Councilmember Finkelstein felt that staff did great work on the draft goals. Council discussed revisions to the goals to be more specific Ms. Schnitker stated that these were only draft goals, and that staff was anxious to take them out for public comment. Staff was looking for true opinions from members of the public who would be reviewing them. She felt keeping the goals more broad would allow for solicitation of many different kinds of ideas. She was concerned that presenting specific policy statements would narrow public discussion. With minor revisions, council directed staff to proceed with solicitation of public comments on the goals. 3. Planning Commission Request for Joint Meeting Mr. Locke stated that the housing summit and recent housing/redevelopment proposals have generated interest among the Planning Commission and they have requested a joint Planning Commission/City Council meeting. Council was interested and asked staff to set a time and topics for discussion. 4. 2005 Proposed Budget,Property Tax Levy,2004 Revised Budget, 2005-2009 CIP and MSA Discussion Staff presented the revised proposed budget for 2005 with Council's suggestions incorporated into it. Ms. McGann stated that they assumed a six percent property tax levy. Council discussed diseased tree trimming and removal costs and how to budget for it in the future. Ms. McGann reported that the analysis on the Park and Rec fund will be coming later in August. Study Session Minutes - 3 - August 9, 2004 Mayor Jacobs felt that a raise in the tax levy was preferable to a "nickel and dime" approach. Councilmember Santa felt that the fees for service is also appropriate and encouraged staff to make sure fees were set at an amount that actually covered the services. Staff proposed tha more money be appropriated for website enhancement and proposed reinstatement of cuts made earlier to weekend maintenance at the Police Station, tree trimming, and administrative clerical support. Mr. Harmening stated goals are needed for the technology in the CIP program. Ms. McGann then detailed the nine primary areas of the CIP projects and funds. She stated that the the pedestrian bridge is unfunded in the CIP plan and the source of funding is not identified. Mr. Harmening inquired if the Council wanted to tour the CIP sites. The Council directed staff to move forward with the budget process as well as the six percent property tax levy. 5. City Manager Salary Ms. Gohman reported that with a six month review and probationary period completed it was time to look at the City Manager's salary. She stated that pay should be at the mid-point salary range. Salary is set at the local range but it should be set at the national range. Councilmember Basill stated that Mr. Harmening had a proven track record and should receive a pay increase. Ms. Gohman stated that there is a five percent increase once an employee is off of probation Councilmember Finkelstein suggested an increase to $120,000 and Council agreed. 6. City Council Workshop Council felt that dialogue on Vision St. Louis Park and public process would be suitable topics to discuss. 7. Communications Council discussed an appointment to the Planning Commission. Council requested an update on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District visioning process and the vacancy on the Bassett Creek Water Management District. Mr. Harmening informed Council that Associate Planner, Julie Grove, delivered her child recently and will be on maternity leave for the next few months. 8. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:28 p.m. / A City Clerk May.