HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/02/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session fit St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Susan
Sanger, and Sue Santa.
Councilmembers absent:Julia Ross.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke),
Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Housing Program Coordinator (Ms. Larsen),
Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), Communications Coordinator (Mr.
Zwilling), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Wirth).
Guest: Rick Carter, LHB, Inc..
1. Green Building Policy
Mr. Locke presented the staff report and described staff's work to develop and refine a green
building policy for projects that is practical and incorporates sustainable green goals.
Councilmember Sanger asked why these standards would only apply to projects that receive City
financial assistance. She also asked if the City can consider a tradeoff to waive some building
requirements if green practices are adopted.
Mr. Locke explained the City cannot require features beyond the Building Code requirement but if
City funds are being expended for assistance, the City can set policies that have to be met He
indicated the City could offer incentives beyond what is currently being considered.
Councilmember Sanger stated her support for the thrust of the policy. However, she felt the policy
should address that developers may seek additional TIF to comply with green regulations yet the
building owner will reap the benefits through lower energy costs.
Mr. Hunt described the education component for developers. He advised there should not be any
net added costs to build green and the City can demonstrate resulting cost savings.
Mr. Locke agreed that for the most part there will not be a significant cost to build green, and noted
that TIF cannot be used to buy things like a more energy efficient furnace or a green roof.
Councilmember Mavity reviewed staff's per project cost estimates and asked what it would cost the
City in terms of activity.
Mr. Hunt noted development projects take a long time to complete and often overlap. He stated
the number of commercial and mixed use redevelopment projects subject to the policy would likely
average about one per year. There would be even fewer multifamily housing projects.
Study Session Minutes -2- February 1, 2010
Councilmember Finkelstein raised the scenario of residential home remodeling being presented as a
development and stated the City needs the ability to change this policy, if needed, and put a cap on
funding.
Ms. Larsen explained why it would be difficult to call a single-family home remodel a "project" and
noted residential homes are addressed in a separate section of the policy.
Councilmember Sanger asked who will review of the proposed project to assure it meets green
standards.
Mr. Hunt stated an independent consultant will do so and the development contract will contain a
reporting requirement to prove the project abides by green policy standards.
Mr. Locke commented on the evolving building practices and stated he thought it was appropriate
to require developers to deal with green initiatives. He clarified that the City will help developers
but there will be no reimbursement unless they go forward with the project.
Councilmember Santa asked whether other cities have adopted similar green policies.
Mr. Hunt stated that more than 128 cities in 44 states have adopted some kind of green building
policy and that the proposed policy is in line with other cities' policies yet more practical.
Councilmember Santa asked what it will mean for the City's projects such as the Fire Station, noting
they could be used as demonstration projects for builders and developers.
Mr. Locke described the process that will be used to interview developers and architects regarding
their"green" knowledge and belief that the impact on the costs would not be significant.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated his support for the green building policy but he remained
concerned about single-family renovations that require an energy audit.
Ms. Larsen stated they would be obligated, if they are receiving City funds, to obtain an energy
audit. She advised the cost is $35 for a utility audit for the electric and gas company, and that low
income residents can receive at no cost through Sustainable Resources, Inc.
The Council and staff discussed tax abatement projects, projects that involve State or County funds,
and projects that may require an emergency repair.
Ms. Larsen agreed there may be a time delay with certain projects and suggested a time requirement
be included saying it was dependent upon the Sustainable Resource Center doing the energy audit to
assure there is follow through.
Study Session Minutes -3- February 1, 2010
Councilmember Mavity stated support for the policy as long as costs are kept reasonable, thinking it
would not be burdensome but an opportunity to help residents save money in the future with green
initiatives.
Councilmember Santa agreed, noting public and developer education go together and this is an
opportunity to get the public on board. She pointed out that the Housing Remodeling Fair may
present an opportunity for education.
Ms. Larsen stated the outreach component is part of the policy, not just to residents but all
stakeholders in the community.
Councilmember Finkelstein asked which governmental body would determine if the policy should
be waived.
Mr. Hunt stated projects requesting waivers would be brought before the EDA/Council in a Study
Session.
It was the consensus of the City Council for Staff to proceed and that the policy also address timing
of emergency repairs, placing a cap, and to assure simple reporting procedures.
2. Finalize 2010 City Council Workshop Agenda
Ms. Gothberg presented the February 19-20, 2010, City Council Workshop agenda.
The Council discussed the format and consensus was reached that additional time should be
scheduled to discuss the next big projects the Council will focus on and implementation.
Mr. Harmening noted this is not the last time these items will be discussed. He stated staff thought
the Council wanted to understand the impact to City services and how they may have to be adapted
in the future given expected trends and aging demographics, and if the City wants to reshape how it
delivers those services. In addition, the Council survey indicated it wanted a quantity of time to talk
about how they work together to become a high performing team.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to revise the agenda to consider
"Overview of Vision St. Louis Park" on Friday.
7. Communications (verbal)
None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Jeff Jac bs, Mayo