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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010/07/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session I/f St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JULY 26, 2010 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). 1. Closed Executive Session — Threatened Litigation by Ames Construction Relating to Hwy. 7 & Wooddale Project The City Council met in a closed executive session at 6:32 p.m. to discuss threatened litigation by Ames Construction relating to the Highway 7/Wooddale Avenue project. All Councilmembers were present and the closed executive session adjourned at 7:47 p m The City Council Study Session Meeting reconvened at 7:49 p.m. 2. Southwest Transit and Freight Rail Update Mr. Locke presented the staff report and presented information prepared by Kimley-Horn and Associates with respect to the project management team (PMT) for the pending MN&S freight rail study, formerly the Kenilworth freight rail study, funded by the County and Mn/DOT He stated that this document describes the membership of the PMT, roles and responsibilities, and outlines the study process, including environmental analysis and conceptual preliminary engineering work. He added that the PMT's kick-off meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 22, at 6.00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. He agreed to follow-up with the County regarding representation from the Brooklawns and South Oak Hill neighborhoods. Ms. McMonigal explained that Kimley-Horn has been retained to undertake a formal State Environmental Assessment Worksheet and Mn/DOT will be the Responsible Government Unit (RGU), as required by the State. She added that the City's request for further study of the items identified in the City Council's resolution should be factored into this process. Councilmember Sanger asked if the City has received any assurance that all of the items listed in the resolution will be studied. Mr. Locke replied that the PMT will be responsible for responding to the City's requests. Ms. McMonigal then presented information regarding the County's implementation of the Southwest LRT Community Works Project, intended to support community and economic development in concert with the development of light rail transit in the Southwest metro. She explained that the project will be established under the direction of a Steering Committee and will Study Session Minutes -2- July 26, 2010 comprise elected officials from Eden Prairie, Edina, Hopkins, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park, the Chair of the Metropolitan Council, two Hennepin County Commissioners, and one Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Board Member. She stated that the first meeting will be held on September 8 at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall; the County has formally requested that the City appoint one elected official and an alternate to the Steering Committee Ms. McMonigal discussed the role of the Steering Committee in relation to the Corridor Management Committee and stated the Community Works Project will focus on coordinating efforts among all the stations and cities included in the Southwest LRT route Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding funding of the Community Works project. She also asked if the County will be required to complete the project consistent with the City's current zoning requirements. Ms. McMonigal stated that the County does not have land use jurisdiction She added that the County is paying for some of the initial work on the Community Works project, and will likely be applying for grants and other additional funding. It was the consensus of the City Council to appoint Councilmember Mavity to the Steering Committee and to appoint Councilmember Finkelstein as an alternate to the Steering Committee The City Council discussed traffic impacts with freight rail and whether further study should be carried out by the City to assist the PMT as part of the MN&S freight rail study. Mr. Locke stated that the City can retain its own consultant to review the work completed by the PMT. Ms. McMonigal presented the City Council with the Comprehensive Plan recently approved by the Met Council. 3. City Council Norms Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and requested that the Council finalize the norms previously discussed on June 28'h. Ms. Gothberg presented a revised draft of the norms based on feedback received from the Council. Mayor Jacobs stated that he will continue to work with the Council when appropriate in order to stay on task and to be more productive He also asked that the Council designate a timekeeper to assist him with keeping the Council on track. Councilmember Santa agreed to serve as the timekeeper for the Mayor and Council It was the consensus of the City Council to adopt the City Council Norms as revised. The Council requested that staff also prepare norms for the public so that audience members know what to expect during a Council meeting as well as what the Council's expectations are of the public. Study Session Minutes -3- July 26, 2010 Ms. Gothberg agreed to prepare norms for the public for review by the Council. Mr. Harmening suggested that the Council give consideration to holding organizational development sessions as a way to assist the Council in becoming a higher performing governing body. 4. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—August 9 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for August 9th He stated that additional topics for the Council's discussion at upcoming study session include Excelsior Boulevard and a presentation by the Watershed District. Councilmember Sanger stated that she would like the Council to discuss the civic facility study sooner rather than later, and to have that discussion include a recommendation regarding the process the City will use to evaluate a possible civic facility, as well as a discussion regarding a possible public/private partnership so that potential uses are not duplicated. Mr. Harmening stated that this item will be placed on the Council's August 23`d study session agenda. 5. Communications (Verbal) Mr. Harmening advised that Dairy Queen has requested that the City Council delay consideration of its CUP request until sometime in September The City Council discussed the contract with Golden Valley for dispatch services Councilmember Mavity stated that she attended a recent policy committee meeting of the League of Minnesota Cities; the committee discussed local economies and is looking at agenda items for the upcoming legislative session. She stated that it appears the recent Supreme Court decision regarding variances will be a key legislative issue this year. The meeting adjourned at 9.43 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only. 6. June 2010 Monthly Financial Report 7. Second Quarter Investment Report (April — n 2010 oNancY StrothitSClerk Jeff Ja obs, M Y