HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/09/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session CITY OF
T. LOUIS OFFICIAL MINUTES
RK CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
September 25, 2006
The meeting convened at 7.01 p.m.
Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki, and Mayor
Jeff Jacobs
Coucilmembers absent C. Paul Carver and Sue Sanger.
Staff present City Manager (Mr Harmening), Director of Park & Recreation (Ms Walsh),
Community Development Director (Mr Locke), Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Ms McMonigal),
Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr Momson), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr Hunt);
Director of Public Works (Mr Rardin), Finance Director (Mr. DeJong), and Recording Secretary
(Ms Samson).
Guests: Fnends of the Arts Margaret Rog and Susan Schneck; Stacy Kilvang from Ehlers &
Associates;
1. Friends of the Arts Update
Susan Schneck, co-chair of Friends of the Arts ("FOTA"), introduced Margaret Rog, FOTA's
Planning and Development Director Ms Schneck and Ms Rog reviewed FOTA's goals and
provided an update of their 2006 activities FOTA will return to Council in 2007 to discuss the
future of arts in St Louis Park, after the visioning process is completed
Ms. Rog said since Apnl, FOTA has accomplished a great deal. Among other things, FOTA has
improved communications through newsletters, website and direct communication with the
school district and business community. FOTA's membership base has grown by 50 people, and
they have received donations from local businesses. They have applied for a grant from the
committee foundation and have opened an office at Lenox. Ms Rog said a brochure will be
designed by a FOTA board member regarding the arts and culture grant program
Councilmember Finkelstein would like to use the city website and city cable to advertise FOTA
and its programs.
Ms. Schneck said there will be literary arts workshops for teens who are interested in writing
through a partnership with The Loft There will also be a creativity lecture senes
Councilmember Finkelstein wants to promote creativity and asked about having poetry time on
cable
Councilmember Finkelstein suggested a community project geared toward recognizing Jim
Rhodes and Steve Kelley Mayor Jacobs suggested talking to Jim Brimeyer
As current chair of Children First, City Manager Tom Harmening said it is exciting to see how
kids and families are being brought into the arts, engaging kids in arts is one of the 40
developmental assets.
Study Session Minutes -2- September 25, 2006
Councilmember Paprocki would like to concentrate on public art, and he asked if metncs are in
place for people to see public art Councilmember Finkelstein would like to make funding for
live performances conditional, i e , St Louis Park may televise live performances and air those
performances on local access cable channels and on the Internet.
Ms. Schneck said an art center is not really just a building and that is one reason to start with the
creativity lecture senes. Ms. Schneck asked if Council would like to hear about arts events
coming up in the community. The response was affirmative. Councilmember Paprocki
requested putting that information into the neighborhood association newsletters. Ms. Schneck
asked Council to check out FOTA's website and respond with comments.
2. Procedure for 36th Streetscape and Art
Director of Parks & Recreation Cindy Walsh presented the staff report
Mayor Jacobs and Councilmember Basill are supportive of the RFQ process Councilmember
Basill appreciates the attempt to refurbish planters at one of the businesses on West 36th Street
Just beyond Hoigaard's where the demolition is occumng, however, they may be unaware of
upcoming improvements to 36th Street.
Councilmember Finkelstein said he would like Wooddale and West 36th Street to be a destination
point Councilmember Paprocki said this location will be its own place. Councilmember
Finkelstein suggested having poetry readings at the train station Councilmember Basill
suggested taking advantage of the historic significance of this area
Ms. Walsh will return with ideas for Council's consideration
3. Village in the Park II Request for TIF Assistance
Community Development Director Kevin Locke presented the staff report. Mr. Locke is
proposing to move forward with Ehlers and David Bernard
Councilmember Finkelstein questioned if TIF assistance for this project is a good use.
Councilmember Basill thinks the Council should consider if retail is an appropriate use here
Either way Councilmember Basill is okay with it, i e , four stories with retail or three stones
without retail He would be concerned about the impacts on parking of four stones with retail
Councilmember Basill said now, however, is the time to move forward.
Mayor Jacobs thinks retail would be imperative in the long term.
Councilmember Basill wants a pedestrian friendly sidewalk on West 36th Street. Councilmember
Omodt said he thinks four stones would be a good choice.
Mr Locke said a look back provision would be required.
Study Session Minutes -3- September 25, 2006
Councilmember Basil! said he is being asked by Elmwood residents if the city is building
without adequate infrastructure. Councilmember Basil! recapped the concern of Elmwood
residents by saying the city is building without ample infrastructure Mr. Harmemng said the
State of Minnesota is not willing to contribute any money toward the bridge project. The city
may need to rely on TIF projects to build a bridge.
Mr. Locke said the next step will be to create a development agreement and return to Council.
4. Sanitary Sewer Back-up Policy
Director of Public Works Mike Rardin provided Council with additional information regarding
sanitary sewer back ups, specifically personal property insurance availability Mr Rardin also
offered staff recommendations. Mr Rardin said the city cannot require back flow prevention
devices.
In regard to costs eligible for reimbursement by the City (point #3 of the staff report),
Councilmember Finkelstein said the costs should be documented third party clean up. Point #4,
Limit City reimbursement, it should be stated one time per owner.
Councilmember Basin is satisfied with points 1 and 2, however, he suggested not excluding
personal property Mr Rardin said the maximum amount of insurance one can buy is $35,000
and the amount will depend on the insurance earner
Councilmember Basil! asked how to educate residents and property owners that they should buy
back-up insurance. Mr. Rardin said a huge public education program should be run by the city
regarding awareness of back ups, the need for back flow prevention devices, and insurance
coverage.
Councilmember Finkelstein would like the sanitary sewer back up policy to state that the city can
change the policy at any time.
Mr Harmening said staff will prepare a draft policy based on tonight's discussion with a little
more information what the impacts will be on rates and return to Council for final consideration
Councilmember Basil] said it must be stated that it is supplemental insurance
5. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Mr Harmening and the Council discussed study session agenda planning.
The meeting ended at 9.17 p m
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