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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/02/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session jfSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 8, 2010 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, and Susan Santa. Councilmember absent was Phil Finkelstein. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffman), Park and Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Police Chief(Chief Luse), Fire Chief(Chief Stemmer) and Recording Secretary (Ms. Wirth). Guest: Bob DeGroot (AECOM) 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning— February 22, 2010 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for February 22, 2010. He indicated there is staff support to discuss an amendment to strengthen enforcement of the rental license ordinance at a March study session. Councilmember Sanger requested a future discussion on IRV, instant-runoff voting also known as ranked-choice voting, which had been discussed in the past. The Council discussed whether the matter of IRV should be referred directly to the Charter Commission. It was the consensus of the City Council that the topic will first be discussed by the Council so direction can be formulated. 2. Boards and Commissions Policies Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and described issues raised with regard to potential conflicts of interest and length of residency for commission and board appointments. Ms. Stroth reviewed the results of staffs survey of eleven other municipalities and asked for Council input whether a policy should be set for a minimum residency requirement for board and commission applicants. The Council discussed that longer term residents may have more knowledge of the City, yet they did not want to restrict the appointment of a newer resident that may have valuable expertise. Councilmember Sanger indicated support for a residence requirement or written indication on the application form, noting one past application contained two addresses. She stated that longer term residents would bring a perspective on issues and how it would affect the City and their neighbors, which a resident new to St. Louis Park may not know. Study Session Minutes -2- February 8, 2010 Mayor Jacobs stated he did not support a residence requirement because he did not want to exclude residents that may be highly qualified. In addition, he wanted residents to easily become involved in the City, even if just moving to St. Louis Park. Mayor Jacobs noted this may be a case-by-case analysis depending on the applicant's background. Councilmember Ross stated she agreed with Mayor Jacobs and wanted to encourage residents to become involved. Councilmember Mavity noted some residents may have been raised and educated in St. Louis Park, leave for a while, and then return. She did not want regulations to exclude these residents since they would know the community. Councilmember Santa stated an applicant may have just moved to St. Louis Park and want to get involved, while other applicants may have deeper ties with the City. She stated she would like to give the applicants a realistic expectation of their chances for appointment. 1 The Council directed staff to revise the application to include a question on how long the applicant has been a St. Louis Park resident. Ms. Stroth presented the second policy question and asked whether the Council wished to have a code of ethics policy for board and commission members. The Council discussed potential conflicts of interest for commission and board members and consensus was reached to direct staff to draft language in the Rules of Procedures for Boards and Commissions. In addition, staff was directed to also add language to the current application regarding conflicts of interest and asking applicants to disclose potential conflicts of interest that may or will arise if they are appointed. 3. Municipal Service Center (MSC) Soil Removal Mr. Hoffmann report resented the staff and provided an overview of two options to dispose of the PP 17,000 cubic yards of excavated soils currently stockpiled at the Municipal Service Center (MSC) site. He explained that the City applied for and received a Hennepin County grant of$534,000 to assist with the unexpected costs associated with mitigation of this impacted soil. During the grant application process, Hennepin County encouraged the City to consider options to reuse the soil on other City-owned property as an alternative to landfill disposal. Staff reviewed City-owned property and determined the most feasible location would be the southwest corner of the Louisiana Oaks Park that has experienced some settlement. Mr. Hoffman reviewed the lengthy timeline for this option, noting it may be October or November of 2010 to follow that process. Mr. DeGroot explained that prior to the City owning the MSC property, it was an asphalt plant that excavated gravel and backfilled with project soils containing concrete, asphalt, and wood debris. The Council discussed options for reuse of the stockpiled material. It was determined i not to be financially feasible to clean the soil or stockpile the material in another location for future use. Study Session Minutes -3- February 8, 2010 Mr. Hoffman stated the City pursued options for reuse of the soil at the urging of Hennepin County. However, if it cannot be reused at Louisiana Oaks Park staff would recommend the City obtain bids to transport the soil to a landfill as early as possible, enabling the contractor to complete the MSC site early this summer. Mr. Hoffman advised the grant will cover the cost of the contract to haul and landfill the soil. It was noted that the material is now covering the entire Creekside Park. Ms. Walsh clarified that Louisiana Oaks Park is not a problem looking for a solution. The Park is being used and neighbors are happy with it. She noted the City would have to go through a comprehensive public hearing process with residents if it is considering the use of this material to fill the southwest corner of that Park. Councilmember Santa agreed residents are happy with the Park and at some point the southwest area will have to be enhanced since there has been some settlement and it is less useable. The Council discussed that it would prefer to have an answer from the US-EPA and MPCA about the use of this material in the Park before opening the public process. Councilmember Omodt noted there is a public perception about the placement of soils with contaminants and asked how Louisiana Oaks Park was identified as an option. Mr. Harmening stated it was identified because there was settlement that the City would like to fix, even though it is not a liability issue. Staff was going to ask the Council if it was willing to start the public process with the adjacent neighborhood; however, now it has been discovered that receiving approvals from the US-EPA and MPCA would expand the timeline beyond what is feasible so there may be no other option than to landfill the material. He indicated it was a good alternative to consider reuse but in this case, the timeline is not feasible so staff would support moving forward to get a bid for transportation to a landfill. Mayor Jacobs agreed it was a good exercise to consider the reuse option since the Council may be asked about the process used to make this decision. Councilmember Santa stated it was also a valuable exercise because of the City's green policy and if the City is asking residents to make those considerations, the City needs to do the same and look at all of the implications. Mr. Hoffmann advised that Hennepin County had indicated to staff, through discussions, that reuse was probably not feasible because of the extended timeline. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to obtain bids to hire a contractor to transport and dispose of the stockpiled material at a landfill. 4. Update on Public Safety Dispatch Study Session Minutes -4- February 8, 2010 Mr. Harmening reviewed the staff report and briefed the Council that Golden Valley has given notice that it will cease using the St. Louis Park dispatch system effective December 31, 2010. He advised that the cost to run the City's dispatch operation, not including technology, is about $860,000 and Golden Valley's share is $330,000. It was noted that in the mid-1990s, Hennepin County had offered cities the ability to join their dispatch operation and that the opportunity would not be offered again until 2012. Mr. Harmening stated at that time the Council had determined partnering with Golden Valley was still affordable and would provide faster response times to its constituents. Mr. Harmening stated the Hennepin County Board considered Golden Valley's request to join their dispatch service but tabled the decision for 30 days so they could obtain more information. The question was also raised that if Hennepin County allowed Golden Valley to join prior to the planned 2012 offering, other cities may make a similar request. Mr. Harmening stated that Mr. Pires, the Fire Chief and Police Chief are conducting a comprehensive analysis of options should Golden Valley terminate dispatch services. This analysis will be presented to the Council at its February 22, 2010 Study Session. Chief Luse stated the City had spent a lot of time building its dispatch model, which worked very well because it included community oriented policing, and kept track of rental ordinance and dog ordinance violations. He noted the Sheriff's Department is not in the patrol business and its dispatch service will be different than currently provided. In addition, residents appreciate the ability to track crime statistics on the City's website. Chief Luse stated their analysis will research whether there is a work around for that service. It was noted the current dispatch service also coordinates vehicle tagging, towing, and snow plows when there is a snow emergency. Mr. Pires stated staff has talked with other cities about the option of providing their dispatch service and will continue to pursue that option to help share the cost. He advised that Minnetonka has approached St. Louis Park about reciprocal back up during emergency situations since the two cities use the same LOGIS software and telephone systems, and can grant each other database access. Mr. Pires stated their analysis will address technology and software compatibility with Hennepin County. He advised that the County does not use the same LOGIS software but can transfer data every ten minutes to the City's LOGIS system so that data can be incorporated into the City's records system. Chief Stemmer explained the Fire Department does not have the same patrol issues as the Police Department but there is an issue of response time and communication between departments. He explained there are currently 19 fire departments with Hennepin County and all are on one channel for calls and paging. So, when a fire call goes out you have to go to another channel, then back to their main transmit channel to talk with dispatch. Hennepin County does not have the ability to monitor those other channels, only the tactical channel, which will be a concern during major emergencies. Currently, the City's dispatch service gets calls out in 30 seconds to one minute. With a County dispatch, you have to identify your city, fire location, and station. Because of this, a Study Session Minutes -5- February 8, 2010 number of departments are discussing whether it would be feasible to have a fire-only dispatch center. It was noted that the Fire Department's radio equipment could be reprogrammed if dispatch services are provided by Hennepin County. Mr. Pires explained that since the police vehicle laptops are used for dispatch and have access to records and State data bases for registration and licensing, they will probably be retained and the capability added to communicate with Hennepin County. Councilmember Ross questioned how many other cities would want County dispatch services if it is opened to Golden Valley and whether Hennepin County will start to charge for dispatch services. Mr. Harmening stated they have discussed how Hennepin County could justify charging some cities for dispatch services while not charging other cities. He stated it is the posture of the Sheriff that it is not appropriate to charge cities for dispatch services but he is not sure of the County Board's position. Mr. Harmening noted that whether or not Hennepin County takes on Golden Valley before 2012, staff believed it was only a matter of time before they terminate dispatch services so it is wise to start planning for that occurrence. Mr. Harmening noted the City has ten outstanding dispatchers who are aware that if Golden Valley goes with the County for dispatch services, the City will probably reduce its staff level by three. Because of that cloud of uncertainty, the dispatchers may be looking for other employment. Councilmember Sanger stated it seems to be in the City's best interest to set a date certain deadline for Golden Valley to make its decision. She requested additional information on the City's jail service, monitoring, how often it is used, and whether inmates can be housed in a County facility. Councilmember Santa requested information on other cities that may be interested in partnering for dispatch services. Councilmember Mavity indicated reluctance with giving Golden Valley a set deadline because of the impact to the City's budget and dispatching staff. She suggested the Council make its decision based on staffs analysis. The Council discussed the logistics of Golden Valley's switch to County dispatch and time needed to accomplish that transition. Councilmember Mavity noted that cost is a concern but also how residents feel about it and the impact to response times. Mayor Jacobs stated there is a source of pride in St. Louis Park that if you call 911, there are lights in your driveway when you hang up the phone. Councilmember Santa concurred and indicated she does not want to lose the dispatcher's partnership with the City's neighborhoods. Study Session Minutes -6- February 8, 2010 Chief Luse advised that 700 prisoners a year are booked into the jail so it is used every day. In addition, St. Louis Park and Golden Valley jointly own a communication van that the City's dispatchers operate. If Golden Valley goes with County dispatch, it would have to retool a van and find their own operators. Councilmember Ross stated she has reservations about the City going to Hennepin County for dispatch. It was noted that staff's analysis will be presented to the City Council at its February 22, 2010, Study Session. 5. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Annual Report and 2010 Work Plan Mr. Harmening asked for Council input on the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission's annual report and work plan. Councilmember Maviry stated that the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission is doing an excellent job as reflected in its 2010 work plan. She stated her support to have an advocate for green space, explaining that during the election she spoke to many residents who felt this was a need Councilmember Santa stated she had served on the Park and Recreation Advisory Commission in the past and felt it was more youth oriented. She supported holding a policy discussion on this matter. Councilmember Sanger stated she had raised the same issue and whether a separate board was needed to deal with open and green spaces and environmental areas. Mayor Jacobs stated this had been discussed in the past and it was determined to have each commission and board deal with environmental issues as they came up. Councilmember Omodt noted the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission contains membership that is not all youth focused and the Council requires the Commission to meet once a year with athletic associations. He suggested the Council provide direction to the Commission if it felt open space needed to be addressed. The Council discussed the goals that should be accomplished and whether a new commission should be created that focused on use of green and open spaces, i.e., natural resources. Councilmember Santa stated since it is a new Council, it is important to meet with commissions and boards so they understand the Council's goals. However, she felt the Council should first hold a discussion to refine those goals. Mayor Jacobs commented on the importance of Council decisions with lasting significance. Study Session Minutes -7- February 8, 2010 It was the consensus of the City Council to hold a further discussion on the use of natural resources and invite the Park and Recreation Association to a future Study Session to discuss the Council's goals. 6. 2009 Police Advisory Commission (PAC) Annual Report and 2010 Work Plan The Council reviewed the Police Advisory Commission's annual report and work plan. Councilmember Sanger indicated support for more emphasis on how bicycles, vehicles, and pedestrians coexist in the same roadway and to go public with that information. Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to invite the Police Advisory Commission to a future Study Session to hold that discussion 7. Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) 2009 Annual Report The Council reviewed the Board of Zoning Appeals' annual report. The Council discussed the need to streamline government and assure staff efficiency. It was considered whether the duties of BOZA it could be more efficiently handled by the Planning Commission, which would provide better customer service through a streamlined process. Councilmember Sanger commented on the value of BOZA members' technical knowledge, including expertise on variance regulations contained in the ordinance. The Council discussed the City's appointment process, how to maintain current members' expertise while still engaging the appointment of new membership. It was considered whether seats should be posted upon expiration, allowing an application and interview process, instead of an automatic renewal. Councilmember Omodt expressed concern that the process might become political. It was the consensus of the City Council to ask BOZA if they would like to meet with the Council and to hold a discussion on the process for reappointment to assure it is open to new applicants. 8. Communications (verbal) Mr. Harmening informed the Council of a joint meeting with the School Board on April 19, 2010, starting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss findings of an internal feasibility study on artificial turf and the School Board's decision on closure of school facilities. Mr. Harmening advised that the Council's photos have been posted to the City website. Study Session Minutes -8- February 8, 2010 Mr. Harmening updated the Council on the Legislature's indication the State will have a $1.2 billion deficit in this biennium and continuing deficits in the next biennium. He explained the City was informed that the State's $650,000 annual contribution towards pension aid and PERA aid may "be on the table" because the State's bleak financial outlook. Mr. Harmening briefed the Council on the positive conversations held with representatives of the fire union and patrol officers. Councilmember Sanger requested staff schedule a Council discussion and evaluation of the City's civil attorney. The meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 9. Solid Waste Program Survey 10. Municipal Service Center (MSC) Renovation Project History and Update 11. Proposed Acquisition of Tax Forfeited Parking Stall within Phase NE of Excelsior & Grand 12. Update on Redevelopment Contract with Oak Hill 7100 LLC (Anderson Builders) 13. U.S. Census Update 14. Fire Stations Project Update Cid I°, Nancy ryStroth CityClerk Jeff Jaco ,/M(iyor/