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Home My WebLink About2006/11/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY IFS OFFICIAL MINUTES "ft . LOCITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION RK November 13, 2006 The meeting convened at 7:01 p.m. Councilmembers present: Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki, Susan Sanger, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Councilmembers absent: John Basill and C. Paul Carver. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening); Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin); Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg); Director Technology and Support Services (Mr. Pires); Director of Parks & Recreation (Ms. Walsh); Community Development Director (Mr. Locke); Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal); Senior Planner (Mr. Walther); Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt); Finance Director (Mr. DeJong); and Recording Secretary(Ms. Samson). Guest: Jean Morrison, Morrison &Associates. 1. Council Organizational Development Follow Up Jean Morrison, Morrison & Associates, reviewed the next steps in the Organizational Development process to increase Council effectiveness. Councilmember Sanger commented that in her view, the point is to discuss group dynamics and patterns and not the individualized approach. Councilmember Sanger would prefer to focus on the patterns of behavior among the group and do as a group. Councilmember Finkelstein asked Organizational Development Coordinator Bridget Gothberg and Ms. Momson for a book recommendation for the Council to read regarding how to work effectively as a team. In order to have a common understanding, Councilmember Finkelstein would like to know what everyone's definition of a highly effective Council is Councilmember Paprocki suggested getting feedback from an individual not in the group but knowledgeable of the group. City Manager Tom Harmening said a special meeting may be required in order to complete the steps listed in the staff report. Ms. Gothberg distributed handouts entitled "Help Us Understand You" and "What is Important to You." Council concurred with the process and requested staff continue to move forward with this. 2. Duke Concept Plan Update Community Development Director Kevin Locke said the purpose of this discussion is to update Council on the Duke development proposal for the southwest corner of 394 and Highway 100, referred to as the West End project by Duke Mr. Locke and his staff met with Duke on November 13, 2006, and Duke has prepared preliminary plans for a life-style retail center of Study Session Minutes -2- November 13, 2006 approximately 350,000 square feet and 1,000,000 square feet of office development. Mr. Locke said the basic concept is to build a retail/lifestyle/center on the west side and an office development on the east side of the site. Mr. Locke said staff is looking for buildings at least two stories in height. Councilmember Omodt asked where the pond is. Mr. Locke said in terms of storm water, it will for the most part be handled below ground. Mr. Locked added that Duke is looking for TIF. Councilmember Sanger said she agrees with staffs assessment and would also like to see a major public gathering space for St. Louis Park residents, especially if TIF is involved; good architecture; hidden or concealed parking behind or under retail; and more green space. Councilmember Sanger disagrees with one-story retail on this site. There should be no cookie- cutter development, and a 16`h Street extension must cut through to the 394 frontage road (by Highway 100). She also requested consideration of an indoor park, and avoidance of big box retail. Councilmember Finkelstein agrees with Councilmember Sanger. The design, he said, is uninspinng. At this point, Councilmember Finkelstein would not be able to support TIF Councilmember Paprocki envisions at least three stones for the entire project. Mayor Jacobs said this is a desirable place to develop, and he is not inspired by the developer's design. Mayor Jacobs likes the idea of turning Park Center Blvd. into a true boulevard that would be pedestnan and bicycle friendly. Councilmember Sanger asked for an updated communication mechanism in regard to the nearby Golden Valley and St. Louis Park neighborhoods. Typically, the Blackstone and Cedarhurst neighborhoods have meetings in early winter and this item could, and should, be placed on their agendas. Councilmember Sanger added that she hopes a day care center will be included in the development. Councilmember Paprocki would like Park Center Blvd. to be a walkable and a bikeable boulevard, and he urged staff to be mindful of pedestrian cues. Councilmember Sanger suggested a teen center; Mayor Jacobs would like a teen community center, i e., a public center that would attract a lot of young adults and teens. Planning and Zoning Supervisor Meg McMonigal and Mr. Locke asked for feedback from the Council. Councilmember Finkelstein said the development would not be a good use of TIF; Councilmember Sanger does not favor a hotel Economic Development Coordinator Greg Hunt said a hotel would help to create a 24/7 environment. Mayor Jacobs favors a hotel if it would create a sense of vibrancy and energy. Councilmember Omodt favors a hotel Councilmember Sanger favors a small amount of housing but not concentrated housing. She remarked that bicyclists must be accommodated in a safe way. 3. 2007 Economic Development Authority (EDA) Budget Finance Director Bruce DeJong presented the staff report. Study Session Minutes -3- November 13, 2006 Mr. Harmening said some projects are unfunded and with the help of local legislators, he thinks the City should make transportation St. Louis Park's top pnonty. Councilmember Paprocki asked what the deadline for Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue is. Director of Public Works Mike Rardin said the funding for Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue must be under contract by 2011. 4. 2007-2011 Capital Improvement Program Discussion Mr. DeJong presented the staff report. Staff and Council discussed allocation. Director of Technology and Support Services Clint Pires discussed technology replacement. The Technology Replacement Fund covers replacement of all computers, network infrastructure, and software for the City. Director of Parks and Recreation Cindy Walsh discussed the Park Improvement Fund, which covers building maintenance, landscaping, trails, and small remodeling projects for all parks and park buildings. Ms Walsh asked Councilmember Finkelstein and the Council about an adult- type of playground. Councilmember Finkelstein would like to talk to Mr. Harmening and Ms. Walsh about it in detail Councilmember Sanger suggested contacting the Lenox Community Center for feedback. Councilmember Paprocki asked for solid market research. Mr. Pires commented that Park Nicollet could partner with the community. An activity that Councilmember Sanger finds worthwhile for consideration is canoeing on Minnehaha Creek. Mr. Harmening said, at this time, the 36th Street Art Corridor Initiative is not in the CIP but resources are available. Mr. Rardin said the Enterpnse Funds will be discussed on November 27. Mr. Rardin discussed the Pavement Management Fund, which covers annual improvements on non-MSA roads in the City. Councilmember Sanger would like to begin to identify the funding sources for the sanitary sewer and storm water systems. Mr. Harmening summarized that Council is directing Staff to maintain positive fund balances. 5. Annual Performance Evaluation for City Manager There was Council consensus to bnng in Jean Morrison to facilitate and handle the evaluation process. 6. Future Study Session Agenda Planning Mr. Harmening and the Council discussed study session agenda planning The meeting ended at 10:25 p.m. If I , --» City aAl D ...ybbc66_, Clerk . Mayo I