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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/09/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular ffiSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia Ross, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: Councilmember Sue Santa. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Larsen), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). 1 a. Pledge of Allegiance 1 b. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Payroll Week Proclamation Mayor Jacobs recited the Proclamation designating September 5-11, 2010 Payroll Week. Terry Meggitt, past President of the Northstar Chapter of the American Payroll Association, stated that the American Payroll Association serves to educate payroll professionals and help them understand the various tax laws. He indicated that one opportunity the Association would like to pursue is educating the City's youth regarding their paychecks; the Association has a national program called "Money Matters" that has been used for this purpose. Mr. Harmening introduced Tricia Wegner-Koense, the City's Payroll Specialist, and asked that the City Council recognize her efforts, along with Ali Fosse, Human Resources Coordinator. Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to Ms. Wegner-Koense and Ms. Fosse. Councilmember Finkelstein noted the Council did not have a meeting last week because of Labor Day. The purpose of Labor Day is to thank working people and retirees because without their efforts, there would not have been health insurance and, overtime, a 5-day work week, pensions, and indeed it took the Teamster's Strike in 1924 that resulted in the death of four being shot by police cannons that led to the adoption of the Labor Relations Act. He commented that we need to remember what led to its passage and asked that all pause and reflect on that. Council Meeting -2- September 7, 2010 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Study Session Minutes of August 9, 2010 Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the third sentence of the first paragraph under "2011 Budget Discussion" on page 1 be revised to state "He stated that the combined preliminary General Fund/Park and Recreation Fund budget reflects a 1.6% increase from 2010 to 2011 and that even with a 1.6% increase in the budget, most people would see a decrease in their City property tax." Councilmember Mavity requested that the third full paragraph on page 2 be revised to state "Councilmember Mavity asked if there will be other G.O. bond requirements through 2020 that are not currently outlined in the debt service levy requirements and expressed concern that there may be other projects in the future requiring bond issuance. She also expressed concern that some of the future projects that require bonding are not reflected in the budget." The minutes were approved as amended. 3b. City Council Minutes of August 16, 2010 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. Study Session Minutes of August 23, 2010 Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the second paragraph on page 3 be revised by adding "He pointed out that at this point in time, given the City's finances, it is not clear that there is a need for a community center building and it is also not clear what needs are not currently being met." Councilmember Sanger requested that the fourth sentence in the first paragraph on page 3 be revised to state "She stated it will be important to differentiate between the need and desire for recreational facility space versus what residents want, e.g., upgrading existing recreational facilities versus adding facilities or amenities that do not already exist in St. Louis Park. 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. Council Meeting -3- September 7, 2010 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 10-086 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 7430 North Street, St. Louis Park, MN - P.I.D. 20-117-21- 21-0052. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 10-087 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 5736 - 251/2 Street West, St. Louis Park, MN — P.I.D. 09- 117-21-24-0048. 4c. Removed from Consent and placed on regular Agenda as Item 8e. (Designating Global Specialty Contractors the lowest responsible bidder for the West 36th Street Streetscape Bridge Enhancement- Project No. 2010-2600.) 4d. Approve an Encroachment Agreement at 1600 West End Boulevard (Rojo) for Temporary Private Use of Public Land for outdoor dining and Approve premises amendment to the on-sale intoxicating and Sunday liquor license for Rojo West End, ' LLC, dba Rojo Mexican Grill, 1602 West End Boulevard. 4e. ' Approve Contract with Three Rivers Park District to clear and remove snow from the LRT and Cedar Lake Extension Trails through the City of St. Louis Park for the 2010-2011 Winter Season. 4f. Approve a Temporary On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Most Holy Trinity Parish, 4017 Utica Avenue South, for their Fall Celebration Event to be held September 11, 2010. 4g. Removed from Consent and placed on regular Agenda as Item 8f (Resolution approving designation of nonconservation land shown on Classification List "1528 C/NC" by Board of County Commissioners of Hennepin County for the property at 2944 Brunswick Ave South and approving acquisition) 4h. Approve a one-year extension for the filing of the plat of METROPOINT. 4i. Approve a one-year extension for the Sam's Club Fuel Station CUP for excavation. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 10-088 approving the EDA's issuance of Tax Exempt TIF Refunding Bonds (Series 2010) related to Hoigaard Village. 4k. Adopt Resolution No. 10-089 electing to continue participation in the Local Housing Incentives Account Program under the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act and agree to the affordable and life-cycle housing goals as determined by the Metropolitan Council for calendar years 2011 —2020. 41. Reappoint Isabella Stewart as a Youth Commissioner to the Human Rights Commission for the term ending August 31, 2011. 4m. Accept for Filing Vendor Claims for the period August 14, 2010 through September 3, 2010. 4n. Approve for Filing Planning Commission Minutes July 21, 2010. Mr. Harmening advised that the City received a request today from the applicant in item 8b to again postpone Council action on its request for a Conditional Use Permit in order to allow the applicant time to continue to work on its application. He also advised that Councilmember Omodt has requested that Consent Calendar items 4c and 4g be removed from the Consent Calendar and placed on the Regular Agenda. Council Meeting -4- September 7, 2010 Councilmember Mavity requested that item 8b (Dairy Queen —Conditional Use Permit for In-Vehicle Service) be removed from the regular agenda. She stated that Dairy Queen is working hard to address all of the City's concerns and pointed out that the applicant's request to postpone Council action was received at the last minute. She acknowledged that there are many residents paying attention to this issue and who are ready each time this item is put on the agenda. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the Agenda as amended to remove item 8b, and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move Consent Calendar items 4c and 4g to the regular agenda as items 8e and 81;and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing and First Reading Gambling Ordinance Amendments Ms Stroth presented the staff report and stated that the proposed amendments to Chapter 15 include an increase to 1.25% of the local gambling tax to cover certain administrative expenses related to charitable gambling and adding a requirement that charitable gambling organizations contribute to a 10% Contribution Fund with an exemption for those organizations that expend 100% of their lawful purpose expenditures within the City. She noted that additional language has been added to clarify that organizations with more than one site must report their distribution of gambling proceeds from each site separately. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. Mr. Bill Stump, sitting Commander of the St. Louis Park Legion, requested that the City Council further study this issue and not take action this evening. He stated that the Legion is the last veteran's organization in St. Louis Park and any increase in the local gambling tax will have an impact on the City's veterans. He stated if the tax is approved, he asked that the City Council consider a special exemption for the Legion. Councilmember Omodt stated his preference would be to take this matter back to study session to ensure that there are no unintended consequences as a result of the ordinance amendments. He indicated the Council's intent was to keep as much funding as possible in the City for the various nonprofit organizations. Councilmember Sanger stated that she felt the proposed amendments accurately represent the Council's direction and encouraged the Council to take action on the first reading. She indicated that there are many worthwhile nonprofits in the community and she does not want the Council to be in a position of having to determine who gets a special exemption. Council Meeting -5- September 7, 2010 Councilmember Ross agreed with Councilmember Omodt and stated she would like more information on how similar organizations work and how their charitable gambling operations may be impacted by the amendments. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that when the Council initially discussed the proposed amendments, the Council wanted to make sure the City's administrative expenses were being covered as well as to have an understanding of where charitable gambling proceeds were being spent. He acknowledged that full consideration may not have been given to the impact the amendments would have on the veteran's organizations. He stated that he was in favor of continuing this matter for further discussion by the Council. Mr. Stump stated that the Legion currently gives 74% of all donations to St. Louis Park charities and 26% of all donations to primary veteran's organizations. He presented the Council with a list of all donations provided by the Legion. Mr. Bill MacMillan, 1800 Louisiana Avenue South, stated that the Legion is currently the only nonprofit that runs charitable gambling in the City. Councilmember Finkelstein expressed concern about any for-profit restaurant or bar using the charitable gambling as a way to subsidize its business operations. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to defer action and bring the issue back to Council at a Study Session in September. Mayor Jacobs stated that the Council can discuss this matter further in study session and defer the first reading, or the Council can pass the first reading tonight and hold its study session discussion between the first and second readings. Councilmember Mavity stated her preference would be to pass the first reading and then have a study session discussion prior to the second reading. She indicated that if the City receives a new request for a charitable gambling license, the City will be ready with whatever amendments are finally adopted by the Council. Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Mavity. Councilmember Omodt reiterated his request to bring the issue back to study session for discussion by the entire Council. Mr. Scott advised that the Council can make revisions to the ordinance between the time of the first and second readings. Council Meeting -6- September 7, 2010 Councilmember Finkelstein asked if the approval or denial of a new charitable gambling license could be delayed if the first reading is not passed this evening. Mr. Scott replied that the timeline for approval of a premises permit is fairly open. Ms. Stroth added that the City likely has more than sixty days to take action on a new premises permit application. She pointed out that the City no longer takes action on premises permit renewals. Mayor Jacobs called for a roll call vote: Councilmember Omodt:• aye Councilmember Ross: aye Councilmember Finkelstein: aye Councilmember Mavity.• nay Councilmember Sanger:: nay Mayor Jacobs: aye The motion passed 4-2 Mayor Jacobs requested that this item be placed on the study session agenda as soon as possible. He stated there appears to be some consensus that the City should consider granting an exemption to organizations that operate a nonprofit premise. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public— None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. West End PUD Major Amendment and Shadow Variance Resolution No. 10-093 and 10-094 Mr. Walther presented the staff report and stated that the Final PUD approved for the site included a hotel pad site on 16th Street and this approval anticipated a variance would be required due to shadowing requirements. He advised that the applicant is proposing to change the hotel pad site use to a multiple family residential six story building with 120 apartments with structured parking. He presented the site plan and proposed parking for the site, and noted that because the proposed use is located in an office district, a PUD modification is being requested for density of 112.6 units/acre and a floor area ratio of 3.9. He discussed the shadow rules wherein the City sets a daily limit in the Code that cannot be exceeded for more than 60 days per year; the shadow study indicates there will be 123 days where the project shades exceeds the daily limit. He reviewed staff's variance analysis. He noted the City's shadow rules do not apply to buildings within the same PUD. The purpose of a PUD is to develop in a coordinated fashion. Although the Hilton Homewood Suites was built under a separate PUD; in this case, the City and Duke Realty were in the planning stages for the Shops at West End and the Hilton was aware of this project and it has been Council Meeting -7- September 7, 2010 developed in a coordinated fashion. He added that the hotel owner and the developer provided a letter of support for the variance 8 months before the hotel even started construction. He then introduced Christopher Culp from Excelsior Group. Councilmember Sanger asked how many of the apartments would be one bedroom and two bedroom units. Mr. Culp stated they anticipate that approximately 50% of the units will be one bedroom, approximately 40% of the units will be two bedrooms, and approximately 10% of the units will be studio apartments. Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding tandem parking and asked if people who live in different apartments will have to share tandem space. She expressed concern about creating a situation where people end up parking in the Rainbow lot and crowding the parking in that lot. Mr. Culp replied that only residents living in the same unit will be assigned tandem parking spaces. He added that they have worked with Duke to alleviate this concern and Duke has agreed to provide hang tags to residents so that they will be allowed to park in the Moneygram office tower parking ramp from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 a.m. and anytime on weekends and holidays. Councilmember Sanger asked how the recent Supreme Court decision on variances affects the City Council's decision on the shadow variance. Mr. Scott advised that the City Council can approve the variance in this case due to the unique circumstance of the prior PUD approval. He explained that the Supreme Court case says you can only grant a variance if, but for granting of the variance, the property owner would not have reasonable use of the property; in this case, the property owner would be limited to a two-story building and there is a good argument under the context of the prior PUD approval that a tall building was intended under the PUD, i.e., a hotel, and the shadow issue was addressed in the context of the regulations. He stated that the argument in this case, the limitation of a two-story building,would not be a reasonable use of the property. Councilmember Ross expressed concern about the parking and traffic flow in the area and stated that parking is an ongoing issue at Rainbow and the restaurant parking is taken up in the Rainbow lot. She requested information regarding how traffic will flow in the area, as well as how the guest parking and extended parking will work. She also expressed concern regarding the driveway that goes between Rainbow and the proposed site because it tends to get very crowded. Councilmember Omodt noted that Rainbow has recently re-signed their lot and has posted "no restaurant parking" signs in their lot,which has eased the parking burden. Council Meeting -8- September 7, 2010 Mr. Culp advised that he hopes to offer the residents a better alternative than parking in the Rainbow parking lot and felt this will be accomplished with the underground as well as covered parking. He stated that a single driveway will be used by all residents to the 71 grade level parking spaces off 16th Street; is drivers continue on 16th Street, they will approach the ramp and proceed to the 99 underground parking spaces. He added the AUAR update suggested that traffic with this use is slightly less than expected with a hotel use. Mr. Culp also stated he had not given much thought and did not know about guest parking. Mr. Walther noted that the original PUD approval included a hotel drop-off location that would connect 16th Street to the Rainbow driveway; the proposed use is far superior in terms of controlling traffic and speeds and maintaining the safety of that intersection. He added that staff is working with SRF Consulting regarding this intersection to determine what would be appropriate in this area for changes or improvements. Councilmember Mavity expressed her support for this project and requested further information regarding the DORA requirements. Mr. Walther stated that the Designed Outdoor Recreation Area (DORA) requirements are meant to define exactly what is expected of outdoor spaces on these types of projects. He indicated this project is a good example of showing a good mix of passive and active people spaces on the project. He stated that in most districts, 12% of the land area is required to be DORA; the Office District is peculiar because it allows for DORA to be provided off-site and it requires more DORA than other districts for high density developments anticipates higher density with a minimum of 12% of the land area or 12% of the building area, whichever is greater. He explained that in this case, the building area is the guiding rule. The City Code allows the development to provide the required DORA outside of the actual space where the development is occurring, i.e., this development uses a small portion of the people spaces which were already developed as part of the Shops at West End. He added that overall, the Shops at West End provided 15% DORA based on building area and this project provides 9-10% on site and 2-2.5% on other property. He pointed out that DORA cannot be double counted. Ms. McMonigal provided a comparison by stating if this project were in an R-4 zoning district, it would have to provide approximately 5,600 square feet of DORA; this project is providing 12,000 square feet of DORA on-site. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 10-093 Amending and Restating Resolution Nos. 08-057, 08-128, 09-040, and 09-064 Relating to a Final Planned Unit Development for the West End Redevelopment Project Located at the Southwest Quadrant of Interstate 394 and Highway 100. The motion passed 6-0. Council Meeting -9- September 7, 2010 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to adopt Resolution No. 10-094 Granting a Variance from Section 36-366(B)(1)G. of the Ordinance Code Relating to Building Design to Permit a Planned Unit Development Exceeding the Shadow Regulations for Property Located in the Office Zoning District at 5310 16th Street West. The motion passed 6-0. Councilmember Sanger noted that the Council is supportive of this project because it fits well in the context of the overall West End project; however, this kind of dense use with little outdoor green space would be troublesome in most other parts of the City. 8b. Dairy Queen— Conditional Use Permit for In-Vehicle Service This item was removed from the agenda. 8c. Adoption of the 2011 Preliminary General Fund and Park and Recreation Budgets, 2011 Preliminary City and HRA Property Tax Levies Resolution No. 10-090 and 10-091 Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and policy questions for Council consideration. He stated that based on earlier discussions with the Council, the 2011 General Fund and Park and Recreation budgets have been prepared under the premise of holding the line on operating expenditures and to continue to reinvest in the City's infrastructure. He explained that the 2011 loss of approximately $667,000 of market value homestead credit (MVHC) has been reflected in the preliminary budget and following discussions with the Council, the 2011 budget proposes a maximum levy increase of 4.88%, which equates to approximately $1.1 million. He noted that 2.82% of this amount relates to operations and the remaining 2.60% will go toward infrastructure improvements. He pointed out that even with this levy increase, most property owners will see a reduction in the City portion of their 2011 taxes. He indicated that the Council's policy decisions in the past related to promoting redevelopment in the City have resulted in several TIF districts coming back on line and all that value is now being made available to soak up property tax increases. He asked the Council to acknowledge staff's efforts in preparing a balanced budget. Mr. Swanson presented an overview of the 2011 preliminary budget and property tax levy and reiterated that the City will not receive MVHC in 2011; the City also does not receive LGA, which means that the City's share of property taxes is slightly higher than other cities who receive these funds. He added that 65% of the City's revenue is from property taxes. Councilmember Finkelstein pointed out that at one time the City was receiving $2.1 million in LGA and those monies were cut six years ago and the City has had to make up the difference. Council Meeting -10- September 7, 2010 Mr. Swanson stated that 2011 budget expenditures show a 1.6% increase over 2010, with the most significant increase in public safety. He indicated the budget proposes to continue to invest in public safety with an overall increase of 2.4% over the 2010 adopted budget. He presented an overview of 2011 personnel versus non-personnel expenditures and indicated that personnel-related costs for the General Fund represent approximately 79% of the total budget, or approximately $18 million and the Park and Recreation Fund's personnel costs are 57% out of an approximate $6 million budget. He then reviewed the 2010-2011 tax levy allocation, noting that a 4.8% increase equates to an approximate $1 million increase over 2010. He reviewed the tax levy allocation and stated the capital replacement fund includes a significant increase; this increase is based on the City's long range financial management plan which seeks long term sustainability of the funds. He noted that the City had some bonds retired in 2010 and 2009 which allowed for a significant decrease in the City's debt service and allows the City to reallocate those funds into the capital replacement fund. He then reviewed the City tax implications for 2011 based on a preliminary levy increase of 4.88%which shows a decrease in the City tax for a majority of properties owners. He advised that the City Council will hold additional study session meetings to discuss the budget, utility rates, and capital items through November, with final budget and tax levy approval occurring in December. It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 10-090 Approving 2011 Preliminary General Fund and Park and Recreation Budgets, 2011 Preliminary Property Tax Levy, and Setting Public Hearing Date for the 2011 Proposed Budget and Property Tax Levy and adopt Resolution No. 10-091 Authorizing the Preliminary HRA Levy for 2011. The motion passed 6-0. Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to staff for their efforts in preparing a balanced budget. 8d. Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Contract No. 119-09, Highway 7/Wooddale Interchange Project— Project No. 2004-1700 Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and stated that the City entered into a contract with Ames Construction last fall for the Highway 7/Wooddale interchange project; Ames Construction was the lowest responsible bidder for this approximate $11.5 million project. He stated that the total estimated cost for this project was approximately $16.3 million. He explained that Ames recently informed the City it was making a claim for approximately $1.6 million for costs they would experience due to utility construction delays relating to private utility companies; staff and the City Attorney have reviewed the claim with various Mn/DOT staff and they have indicated the claim by Ames has merit and recommended we negotiate a settlement. He indicated that staff has been working on a settlement with Ames and based upon the totality of the circumstances associated with the claim, the City has entertained a settlement with Ames in the amount of$400,000, with $200,000 provided as base compensation for delays and $200,000 as incentive pay for substantial completion by Council Meeting -11- September 7, 2010 November 19, 2010. He added that the City's share of the settlement would be $60,000, with Mn/DOT contributing $20,000 and $320,000 coming from Federal stimulus monies. He noted that this amount is within the $658,000 contingency budget for the project. Councilmember Sanger stated that she would not support this settlement and indicated she was not convinced that there is any legal liability for the City in this claim. She stated she also does not agree with the timing of the settlement where the claim is settled in the middle of a contract. She added that while she understands the practical reality of settling, this is a $400,000 settlement, it is all taxpayer money, and it is not a proper use of taxpayer money. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that the City can settle for $60,000 or risk being sued for well over $500,000. He indicated the City has been informed by the City Attorney that the settlement is not covered by insurance, and the City has also been informed by Mn/DOT, who is administering the project on the City's behalf as its agent, that the claim should be settled, and Mn/DOT has offered to pay $20,000 toward that settlement. He felt that the City should follow its role and be good stewards of taxpayer money and pay $60,000 to settle this claim. He added that he is not happy with Ames and whether the City settles this claim or not, there is nothing to prevent Ames from doing something further in this regard. It was moved by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to Approve Supplemental Agreement No. 2 to Contract No. 119-09, Highway 7/Wooddale Interchange Project—Project No. 2004-1700. Councilmember Omodt stated that it is wrong to assume that anyone who votes against this settlement is not a good steward of taxpayer money. He indicated that Ames was asking for up to $4 million and he questioned Ames' motives in bidding the project low and now coming back and asking for additional money. He stated he did not feel the City should pay the contractor an incentive to settle its claim. He added that Ames and/or Mn/DOT should have recognized early on that there were problems with the utilities. He asked the Council to consider a broader study session discussion regarding alternative dispute resolution in future projects. Councilmember Mavity agreed with the concerns expressed by the Council and stated that staff feels the proposed settlement is appropriate and the settlement reduces further exposure of the taxpayers. Councilmember Ross stated that she agreed with Councilmember Finkelstein that this claim should be settled now rather than further tying up the project and incurring additional legal expenses. She agreed that the City needs to review its bidding process and how to approach the bidding process in the future. Mayor Jacobs stated that nobody is happy about this, but on balance, the City is trying to be good stewards of taxpayer money and there was no wrongdoing on the part of the Council or City staff. He stated that given the circumstances and based on advice from the City Attorney and the engineers, the City should pay this and move on. He agreed that the Council Meeting -12- September 7, 2010 Council needs to have a discussion about how to prevent this from happening again and how to protect the City. The motion passed 4-2(Councilmembers Sanger and Omodt opposed). 8e. Designate Global Specialty Contractors the Lowest Responsible Bidder and Authorize Execution of a Contract with the Firm in the Amount of $181,965.77 for the West 36th Street Streetscape Bridge Enhancement - Project No. 2010-2600 Councilmember Omodt stated that he requested the removal of this item from the consent calendar based on the discussion regarding the settlement with Ames. He indicated the engineer's estimate for this project was $177,000 and the lowest bid was $4,000 more than the engineer's estimate, while the other bids were considerably higher. He expressed concern about this contractor's ability to complete the project for the bid amount, and questioned whether this contractor purposely bid the project low only to come back later with extensive change orders. Councilmember Finkelstein asked what authority the Council has to reject the lowest bidder if there are concerns by the Council regarding the bid and/or the contractor's experience. Mayor Jacobs discouraged the Council from micromanaging construction projects and stated the Council's job is to make sure a bidder is responsible and that their bids are accurate. He added that staff does a good job of vetting out contractors. It was moved by Councilmember Finkelstein, seconded by Councilmember Omodt, to \Designate Global Specialty Contractors the Lowest Responsible Bidder and Authorize Execution of a Contract with the Firm in the Amount of$181,965.77 for the West 36th Street Streetscape Bridge Enhancement-Project No. 2010-2600. The motion passed 6-0. 8f. Adopt Resolution Approving Designation of Nonconservation Land Shown on Classification List "1528 C/NC" by Board of County Commissioners of Hennepin County for the Property at 2944 Brunswick Ave South and Approving Acquisition of Property for $87,915.00. Resolution No. 10-092 Councilmember Omodt stated that he requested this item be pulled from the Consent Calendar in order to formally recognize the City's affordable housing programs. He added that an article will be published soon regarding affordable housing in St. Louis Park and this property is a good example of the City's efforts in this regard. Mr. Locke stated that the City has worked with the West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land Trust to occasionally acquire homes that then get remodeled and resold to people as Council Meeting -13- September 7, 2010 affordable housing. He indicated that one of the ways these homes are made affordable is that the Land Trust continues to hold title to the land, selling only the house to the buyer with a 99 year land lease. He added the City has done several of these projects in the past. Councilmember Omodt stated that this is important work and represents a good news story for the City. He complimented staff for their efforts on the City's affordable housing programs. It was moved by Councilmember Omodt, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 10-092 Approving Designation of Nonconservation Land Shown on Classification List "1528 C/NC"by Board of County Commissioners of Hennepin County. The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs reminded residents of the waffle dinner at the Lenox Center on Friday, September 24th beginning at 4:30 p.m. and that tickets are available and include a designated time for dinner. Councilmember Sanger reminded residents of the St. Louis Park Historical Society's Ice Cream Social on Saturday, September 18th, at the Depot from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Councilmember Omodt stated that Darrin James Salon will be hosting an event on Saturday, September 11th, from 9:00-5:00 p.m. and all proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m. Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jacob:, I .yor