HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/08/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CTY OF OFFICIAL MINUTES
CLOUIS CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
RK August 14, 2006
The meeting convened at 6.35 p.m.
Councilmembers present. John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki, Susan
Sanger, and Mayor Jeff Jacobs.
Councilmember C. Paul Carver was absent.
Staff present. City Manager (Mr. Harmening); Community Development Director (Mr. Locke);
- Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh),
Finance Director (Mr. DeJong); Housing Program Coordinator (Ms. Larsen); Housing Supervisor
(Ms. Schnitker); and Recording Secretary (Ms. Samson).
Guest present: Tom Worthington, Chair, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.
1. Park and Rec Advisory Commission Year End Report
Director of Parks and Recreation Cindy Walsh introduced Tom Worthington, Chair, Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission. Mr. Worthington presented highlights from 2005 and goals for
2006.
Councilmember Finkelstein said he becomes concerned when competition is set up to the Sports
Associations Councilmember Paprocki said, as a coach for two different soccer teams, i.e., parks
and recreation soccer teams, Parks and Recreation is a good introduction because it is not as
competitive as an association
Councilmember Omodt asked if more than one off-leash dog park is needed. Mr. Worthington
responded in the affirmative.
Councilmember Sanger would like-to see organized canoe trips. She suggested getting input
from people who use the trail system Mr Worthington responded that one of the 2006 Parks
and Recreation Advisory Commission goals is to implement a trail forum, i.e., how facilities,
trails, and bicycle trails are used; what is good, what is bad; and identify buffers needed.
Councilmember Omodt suggested an exchange between Children First and the Youth
Associations. Councilmember Finkelstein would like a fitness goal set each year for the
community, e.g, to get people to walk more, a campaign to lower blood pressure or to bike to
work
Councilmember Sanger would like to see community education in the parks. Ms Walsh
commented that in addition to a run, the 5K is also a walk, and Park Nicollet is helping to
sponsor the 5K.
Councilmember Basill said many parents have commented to him that it would be nice to have
an indoor workout area so that parents could workout while their children practice.
Study Session Minutes -2- August 14, 2006
Councilmember Sanger asked about public safety on a portion of the bike trail near downtown
Minneapolis and Midtown. She asked staff for recommendations to prevent unsavory behavior
on St. Louis Park trails. Ms. Walsh said one thing that is helping is the St. Louis Park bike
patrol—and they are visible on the trail. Councilmember Omodt said seeing graffiti along the
trail routes is disconcerting. Councilmember Finkelstein mentioned that WiFi cameras on the
trails could be beneficial.
2. Budget Discussion
City Manager Tom Harmening made some introductory comments about the budget and Finance
Director Bruce DeJong presented his report, which included a preliminary levy increase of 6.2%
for 2007 Councilmember Sanger and Councilmember Finkelstein raised questions about the
increase in department percentages from last year. After discussion, there was consensus among
the Council that they would like to see a 6% maximum preliminary levy for truth in taxation
purposes. The City Council intends to further address budget reduction, with a goal of a 5.2%
levy increase, at the time of final budget adoption.
Councilmember Basill and Mayor Jacobs would like staff to return at a future study session for a
tax levy 101 discussion at which staff should also provide information about the potential impact
of TIF districts on the overall budget. The next budget discussion is tentatively set for the
September 5th Council meeting.
3. Duke Joint Powers Agreement
Community Development Director Kevin Locke presented the report regarding the preliminary
draft of the Joint Powers Agreement for the proposed Duke Realty development. Mr. Locke said
one key issue is the extension of 16th Street to Wayzata Blvd.
Councilmember Sanger said Golden Valley should not have the final say—it must be a joint
decision. Councilmember Omodt agreed. Councilmember Sanger added that we don't know
what the design will be. Councilmember Sanger doesn't agree with the original premise, i.e., if
St Louis Park doesn't agree to give Golden Valley total control over the access, Golden Valley
will walk away.
Councilmember Omodt doesn't like the term veto power; he would prefer a dispute resolution
group be in place. Councilmember Sanger said a traffic study would be informative.
Councilmember Paprocki agreed that not enough is known yet and a traffic study is necessary
Planning and Zoning Supervisor Meg McMonigal said an environmental review is currently
underway, part of the traffic review, and it is expected to be done at the end of October. She said
when the environmental review is done, Duke would like to start a formal approval process in
January 2007.
4. Move Up Housing
Housing Supervisor Michele Schmtker presented the staff report. Ms. Schmtker said she and
Housing Program Coordinator Kathy Larsen plan to return in September to present a slide show
to demonstrate on camera to the community what is being done.
Councilmember Finkelstein suggested staff point out what programs are open to everyone.
Study Session Minutes -3- August 14, 2006
Councilmember Omodt favors raising income limits. Councilmember Finkelstein would like to
help people to transitional housing
5. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Mr. Harmening and the Council discussed study session agenda planning.
The meeting ended at 9:15 p.m. •.
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