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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/12/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular I/I St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 21, 2009 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, John Basill, C. Paul Carver, Phil Finkelstein, Paul Omodt, Loran Paprocki, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Human Resources Director (Ms. Gohman), Finance Manager (Mr. Swanson), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Assistant Planner (Mr. Fulton), Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffman), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations - None 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Minutes of December 7, 2009 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. Special City Council Minutes of December 14, 2009 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. Closed Executive Session Minutes (Labor Negotiations) of December 14, 2009 The minutes were approved as presented. 3d. Closed Executive Session Minutes (City Manager Evaluation) of December 14, 2009 The minutes were approved as presented. City Council Meeting -2- December 21, 2009 3e. Study Session Minutes of December 14, 2009 Councilmember Paprocki requested that the discussion in Section 2 regarding the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue project be amended to reflect that he expressed concern regarding the use of two-lane roundabouts on Louisiana Avenue and that he suggested giving consideration to the use of a hybrid of the two presented solutions. He stated the hybrid solution would have roundabouts on the ramps and conventional signals on Louisiana Avenue. The minutes were approved as amended. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 09-169 authorizing installation of 3-way stop signs at the intersection of West 29th Street and Yosemite Avenue South, Traffic Study No. 615. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 09-170 authorizing one hour parking restrictions in the parking bays on the north side of West 36th Street in front of the 5700 and 5800 Buildings, Traffic Study No. 616. 4c. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Contract 38-08 modifying the financial terms relating to revenue sharing and bond requirements. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 09-171 approving acceptance of a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in the amount of$45,000 for use by the Parks and Recreation Department for public diseased tree removal and tree replacement. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 09-172 approving acceptance of a grant from the St. Louis Park Youth Development Fund in of the St. Louis Park Community Foundation/Minnesota Community Foundation in the amount of$4,000 for use by the Parks and Recreation Department for the playground program. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 09-173 authorizing Fund Equity Transfers and Fund Closings and Resolution No. 09-174 authorizing an Interfund Loan for the Water Utility Fund. 4g. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims. 4h. Approve for Filing Housing Authority Minutes November 18, 2009. 4i. Approve for Filing Human Rights Commission Minutes October 20, 2009. 4j. Approve for Filing Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes October 21, 2009. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Paprocki, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -3- December 21, 2009 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Reappointment of Citizen Representative to Boards and Commissions It was moved by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councdmember Sanger, to reappoint the following Commissioners as city representatives to their respective commissions with terms as follows: Name Commission Term Expiration Marjorie Douville Fire Civil Service Commission 12/31/2012 William Gavzy Human Rights Commission 12/31/2012 Stuart Morgan Human Rights Commission 12/31/2012 Robert Kramer Planning Commission 12/31/2012 Richard Person Planning Commission 12/31/2012 Joan Barnes Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2012 Cindy Hoffman Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2012 Richard Markgraf Police Advisory Commission 12/31/2012 The motion passed 7-0. Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to all the volunteers who serve on the City's boards and commissions. 6. Public Hearings — None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public— None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update Ms. McMonigal presented the staff report and stated that state law requires all metro area governmental entities to update their Comprehensive Plans at least once every ten years. The plans are reviewed by the Metropolitan Council in order to coordinate and plan on a region-wide basis. She explained the process undertaken by the City in updating the Comprehensive Plan, including several neighborhood and property owner meetings. She then presented an overview of the proposed changes to the updated plan, including the creation of a new "Business Park" (BP) category that designates areas for light industrial and/or office uses. She stated that this designation would be used to better distinguish between heavy industrial and industrial that is lighter in nature and may have a significant office component. She explained other changes to the Plan in the areas of transportation, housing, and surface water management, and noted that the overall plan stresses the importance of being a livable community. City Council Meeting -4- December 21, 2009 Mr. Fulton presented an overview of the proposed Business Park category and stated the Planning Commission reviewed land use designations in the City, particularly with respect to industrial land use and future LRT stations at Beltline, Wooddale, and Louisiana Avenues. He presented the proposed land use map changes and stated that three public meetings were held with property owners in July and October and there was general support for the changes. Ms. McMonigal stated that staff has performed some high level planning with the County with respect to the LRT stations and more planning will be needed for these areas in order to take full advantage of the opportunities that rail will bring to the City. She indicated that as part of the comprehensive neighborhood planning process, seven meetings were held with groups of neighborhoods. Staff is now doing a more in-depth study and will update the plan by neighborhood, bringing this back to the Council for adoption at a later date. She stated the Planning Commission has recommended adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan with three changes to the proposed property designations on the land use map. She explained the Planning Commission recommends retaining the existing land use designations for three properties: the Weis Builders property along Excelsior Boulevard, formerly approved for the Meadowbrook Lofts, the ApplianceSmart property along Excelsior Boulevard, and the Minikanda Mini Storage property located just south of the intersection of France Avenue and the SW LRT Regional Trail. She noted that the Met Council completed its review of the Comprehensive Plan on December 9Lh which allows the City to place the Plan into effect. It was moved by Councilmember Basill, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 09-175 adopting 2030 Comprehensive Plan for the City of St. Louis Park as recommended by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Paprocki encouraged continued efforts by staff with respect to north-south transportation options in the City. Councilmember Sanger concurred and added that in addition to north-south vehicle connections, it will be important to give consideration to bicycles and pedestrians. Councilmember Basill stated that relative to the proposed LRT stations, it will also be important to make sure that parking is controlled in the City's single family neighborhoods so that homes are not devalued in any way. Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's appreciation to staff and residents who have provided valuable input into the Comprehensive Plan process. Mr. Harmening acknowledged Ms. McMonigal and Mr. Fulton for their efforts, as well as all City staff involved in the Comprehensive Plan. Wendy Skinner, 3336 Huntington Avenue South, appeared before the City Council and expressed her appreciation, on behalf of all the residents, for the Planning Commission's thoughtful consideration of their concerns. She asked that consideration be given to placing City Council Meeting -5- December 21, 2009 a dead end at France Avenue and Randall Avenue, thus creating access through Park Glen Road and separating it from the single family neighborhood. Councilmember Finkelstein encouraged the City to consider not only France Avenue, but also West 36`h and Park Glen Road. A letter from Elisabeth White, 4418 Randall Avenue, was presented to the City Council for inclusion into the record. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Property Tax Levies Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks and appreciation to staff for their efforts in creating a balanced budget. Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and stated the 2010 budget closes a $1.8 million gap and is approximately $800,000 less than the 2009 budget. He indicated the proposed property tax levy for 2010 reflects an increase of 2.98%, or $650,000; $500,000 of this amount will go toward operations and the remaining $150,000 will be used for capital needs. He noted the HRA levy is approximately the same as in 2009 and this money will be used for infrastructure improvements in redeveloping areas, most notably for Highway 7/Wooddale Avenue and Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue. He indicated the five year capital plan is very aggressive and involves infrastructure improvements, including Highway 7/Woodale, Highway 7/Louisiana, Highway 100, two new fire stations and improvements to the Municipal Service Center. He expressed his thanks to all City staff involved in preparing the budget, particularly Ms. Gohman, Mr. Swanson, and Ms. Monson It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to adopt Resolution No. 09-176 adopting the budget for 2010 and approving the 2009 tax levy collectible in 2010. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to adopt Resolution No. 09-177 approving the 2009 HRA levy collectible in 2010. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Paprocki, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to adopt Resolution No. 09-178 adopting the 2010-2014 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -6- December 21, 2009 8c. 2010-2011 Police Sergeant (Local #218) Labor Agreement Ms. Gohman presented the staff report and stated that a two year agreement was reached with the Police Sergeants which provides a 1% wage increase effective January 1, 2010, a 2.25% wage increase effective December 31, 2010, and a 0% wage increase for 2011. She added that the City has agreed there will be no layoffs or furloughs with this group in 2010 and 2011. In addition, the Sergeant group requested to swap Veteran's day for Christmas Eve, which is cost neutral to the City. She added the City has also agreed that effective 1/1/11 through 12/31/11, the City will contribute $10 per pay period to each eligible employee's deferred compensation account if the employee contributes a minimum of$50 per pay period. Councilmember Sanger commended Ms. Gohman and the Police Sergeants for their efforts in reaching agreement during these difficult economic times. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to adopt Resolution No. 09-179 approving the Labor Agreement between the City of St. Louis Park and Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc., Local#218 Police Sergeants,January 1, 2010— December 31, 2011. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. 2010 Employee Compensation and Benefits Ms. Gohman presented the staff report and stated staff is recommending a 1% general increase effective January 1, 2010 for non-union employees and department heads will receive a 0% wage adjustment in 2010. She added that staff recommends that the City Manager's salary remain unchanged for 2010, consistent with other department heads (0% wage adjustment). She stated that the volunteer firefighter benefit program includes a life insurance benefit and some disability coverage. This program is very affordable and staff recommends continued participation in the program. She added that staff is recommending a 1% increase in the paid-on-call firefighter performance program; this program is in lieu of PERA. She stated with respect to benefits, staff was able to negotiate a renewal increase of 16% for 2010 with Blue Cross/Blue Shield; the City's health insurance rates continue to be lower than other comparable cities and the plan design will remain unchanged. It was moved by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councilmember Paprocki, to adopt Resolution No. 09-180 confirming compensation for non-union employees; setting City Manager salary; continuing participation in the volunteer firefighter benefit program; continuing performance program pay for paid-on-call firefighters; and establishing 2010 employer benefits contribution. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -7- December 21, 2009 8e. Summary and Acceptance of City Manager Evaluation Mayor Jacobs stated the City Council undertakes an annual evaluation of the City Manager. He indicated the City is fortunate to have Mr. Harmening and expressed the City Council's thanks and appreciation to Mr. Harmening for his exceptional leadership. He explained the City Council retained J. Forrest to assist with the City Manager evaluation and the Council met in closed executive session on December 14, 2009, to review the results. He stated the evaluation consisted of written comments and numerical ratings, and Mr. Harmening received an overall rating of 3.4 out of 4. He stated Mr. Harmening's fiscal and business management, organizational management and leadership, and his relationship with the City Council is all exemplary; Mr. Harmening is a highly valued person on staff as well as in the community and he does a fantastic job of building effective partnerships and collaborations. He noted that Mr. Harmening exceeded expectations in every assessed category and the City Council is very pleased with his performance. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Carver, to adopt Resolution No. 09-181 accepting the annual City Manager evaluation. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs stated this is the final City Council meeting of 2009 as well as the last meeting for Councilmembers Carver, Paprocki, and Basill. He presented Councilmembers Carver, Paprocki, and Basill with a plaque commemorating their outstanding service on the City Council along with a Children First print. He expressed the City Council's profound thanks to all three Councilmembers for their dedication in serving the residents of the City. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Jeff/ acobs, Ma or