Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/11/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Ifl St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 28,2011 The meeting convened at 7:20 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa. Councilmembers absent: Paul Omodt. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Civic TV Coordinator (Mr. Dunlap), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Hughes). Guest: Stacie Kvilvang(Ehlers &Associates). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—December 12, 2011 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for December 12th. Councilmember Mavity requested that more time be allotted for the discussion regarding the Cedar Lake Regional Trail crossings. Councilmember Sanger asked if Mn/DOT representatives have been confirmed for December 12th because there are a number of residents who want to attend the meeting. Mr. Harmening replied that a representative from Mn/DOT has been confirmed for the December 12th meeting. 2. Eliot School Redevelopment- Update Mr. Locke presented the staff report and advised that the developer is proposing a 144-unit market rate, multi-family development on the site. He stated that given current market conditions, a multi-family residential rental development is the most realistic type of project for the site. He noted that the proposed density is higher than envisioned in the design guidelines. Councilmember Ross indicated that when the listening sessions were held, concerns were expressed from residents about rentals on this site and a desire to not see the property developed for rental. She acknowledged the current real estate market and agreed that rental was probably the best use of the site. She asked if the rental units could be converted at some point in the future to condominiums or townhomes for sale. Mr. Locke agreed that possibility could be explored. Councilmember Mavity suggested the site could include a mix of rentals and owner occupied housing. Study Session Minutes -2- November 28, 2011 Councilmember Santa agreed with Councilmember Ross and stated she did not see how converting the rental units to condominiums would be possible given the increased density. She stated that comments received at the listening sessions were clear that residents wanted to see home ownership and if that is not possible now, she urged the developer to construct the site so that the rentals could be easily converted when the market turns around. She requested further information regarding the proposed rents of"20% less than recent upper-end apartments." Mr. Locke explained that the development proposes market rate rentals with the goal of the project to have more affordable housing compared to the upper-end apartments at the Ellipse. Councilmember Sanger acknowledged the need for rental units on the site and agreed that some or the entire site should be constructed for conversion at a later date. She expressed concern that developers appear to be focusing on relatively small one-bedroom units which will attract only single people without children. She requested information regarding the land valuation for purposes of the sale as it relates to TIF financing and indicated that the property should be valued at its current zoning. She referenced the sale of land in Brookside which she felt was over- valued at the time of sale, resulting in the School District receiving more cash and the City subsidizing the project by providing more TIF money than necessary. She indicated she would not vote for that kind of financing. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that when the City dealt with the Brookside property, there was a strong desire among Council for large single family homes and anytime these types of dictates are added, it has financial implications. He felt that the proposed rental development made sense and noted that if some of the units are going to be converted to condominiums, it will likely mean increased TIF financing. He agreed with Councilmember Sanger's concern regarding the amount of one-bedroom units in the community and encouraged the developer to remember there will be a large park in the area and the site has great bus access. Councilmember Ross stated she has heard from senior constituents that there are not a lot of rentals available to them because the newer developments are geared toward younger, single residents. She encouraged the developer to consider units that cater to seniors or people with disabilities. Councilmember Mavity indicated she did not have a problem with 144 units versus 129, but was concerned that the increased density will mean that the units are smaller in size. She stated that Council has previously talked about areas in the City where poverty is concentrated and this site provides an opportunity to include some scattered subsidized units which could be a good fit. She encouraged the City to find ways to subsidize the rentals and look at capital subsidies to make the units affordable in the long term. 3. Community Recreation Facility Tour Recap Ms. Walsh presented the staff report and policy questions for Council consideration. Councilmember Ross stated that she liked the theater, conference and party rooms, coffee shop, senior facility, day care facility, and free walking track at Chaska. She indicated she also liked that the Chaska facility provided open basketball courts for use by members. Councilmember Mavity noted that the three facilities are sprawling and the City does not have significant acreage to build a facility of this size. She questioned whether the City could have a Study Session Minutes -3- November 28, 2011 facility without that sprawl and make use of its current spaces, including Lenox and the Rec Center. She stated the City wants to serve all areas of the community and asked what the City would gain and lose by spreading out pieces of these functions. She stated it will be important to work in concert with the School District to avoid overlapping uses. She felt that the task force should include someone from the schools and suggested that the task force include someone from the Human Rights Commission to make sure all areas of the City are engaged in the process. Councilmember Finkelstein encouraged Council to consider how the City will pay for a facility initially and on an ongoing basis. He also encouraged Council to consider how a new facility might duplicate what the City already has and how the City can create a facility somewhere in between. He felt that the task force should include people with financial backgrounds. He reminded Council that the City is currently paying for the new MSC facility and two new fire stations; in addition, Council approved a plan to spend $15-20 million on expanded sidewalks and trails. Councilmember Sanger stated that she liked the free walking track, fitness facilities, waterpark and pools, child care facility, coffee shop, and the areas for people to gather, adding that the idea for a community recreation facility started as a need for a gathenng place in the City. She indicated she liked the senior facility at Chaska because it provided a separate place that integrated into the larger community center. She noted that the Chaska facility has a high percentage of their population as members, which she would like to see emulated in St. Louis Park. She stated that a new facility will not be totally self-sustaining and encouraged the City to look carefully at funding models and to what extent the facility will be subsidized. She indicated she would like to have one facility that is accessible by bus. She suggested that the task force include people with firsthand experience running or building these types of facilities. Councilmember Santa stated she would like to see some youth representatives on the task force in addition to representatives of the youth athletic associations. She indicated she liked the synergy of having all activities under one roof. She stated she did not like the structure of the public/private partnership in Plymouth. She stated it will be important to consider what baby boomers want and this process will provide an opportunity to reexamine what an active older adult is looking for. She added that she wanted to see a lot of meeting rooms where neighborhood groups like the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts can meet. Mayor Jacobs stated he liked the indoor domed turf facility at Plymouth. He stated he liked the location of the Eden Prairie facility because kids could walk there from school. He noted that he does not want the facility to be a teen hangout and wanted to see an eclectic mix of people. He indicated he would like to see the facility in a central location, near the bus line and within walking or biking distance of the high school, and noted that the City's demographics will require a different type of facility than Chaska or Eden Prairie. He shared Councilmember Finkelstein's concerns about how to pay for a new facility while giving life to what residents say they want. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move ahead with the formation of a task force. Mr. Harmemng agreed to provide Council with further information regarding the role of the task force and composition of the task force for approval by Council. Study Session Minutes -4- November 28, 2011 4. Tax Increment District Management Review Mr. Swanson presented the staff report and introduced Stacie Kvilvang from Ehlers & Associates. Ms. Kvilvang provided an overview of the City's TIF Districts, tax capacity captured by TIF, the City's increase in tax base, current TIF obligations, the City's Construction Assistance Program, forecast of issues, and recommendations. She explained that the Highway 7 TIF District will decertify in 2011 and the Excelsior Boulevard HSTI District will decertify in 2012. She noted that approximately $326,000 will be redistributed to the City following decertification of the Excelsior Boulevard HSTI District. She discussed the City's pay as you go obligations and existing bonds and noted that over 50% of the City's TIF Districts are being paid off before term. She also discussed the Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC) exclusion and stated that an updated analysis will be prepared regarding the MVHC exclusion and its impact on existing obligations and amounts available for other projects. She recommended that a pooling analysis be completed for all existing districts to determine how much will be available for use by the City. She discussed the City's use of TIF Districts with ongoing cash balances, the five year rule related to new projects, and the importance of monitoring obligations to make sure that increment available for pooling is utilized. She stated that all of the City's TIF Districts are in good financial health, the City has opportunities available to utilize the success of its TIF Districts, and the City has dollars available to augment its housing needs and redevelopment efforts. Councilmember Sanger asked if any excess funds can be used to provide funds for the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue interchange. Mr. Hunt explained that while the report shows a cash balance in the Elmwood TIF district of approximately$3.6 million, these funds have been obligated in the City's CIP. Ms. Kvilvang added that excess funds can be used within reason for the Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue interchange project depending on how it is tied to the project. She stated that they will review this based on Council priorities. Mr. Swanson indicated that the Housing Rehab Fund needs additional resources and staff is looking at what funds might be available and how best to apply those resources. 5. Future of Cable TV Task Force Findings Mr. Zwilling presented the staff report and policy questions for Council consideration. He discussed the assumptions contained indthe report about the future of video services and the study undertaken by the Telecommunications Advisory Commission task force. Councilmember Ross indicated that the trends indicate St. Louis Park is an aging community and also has an increasing immigrant population. She noted that 64% of adults aged 65 and older are dependent on this form of media and asked how video services for this population will change in the future and how the City will balance the need for technology with more traditional forms of media. Mr. Zwilling stated that the City's 65 and older groups will continue to be served by traditional broadcast and cablecast services. Study Session Minutes -5- November 28, 2011 Councilmember Finkelstein stated he felt that the number of people declining use of Cable TV will continue to accelerate, citing a recent article that indicated one-third of people under age 30 do not use cable and get all their information on the computer. He indicated that the City cannot rely on its franchise fees as a funding source and will need to work on finding other ways to utilize its Cable TV channels. He suggested partnering with the CVB and/or the School District on one of its channels. Councilmember Mavity stated that it will be important to consider what the City needs in terms of Cable TV infrastructure and services, including wi fi, to make sure the City continues to be an attractive place for businesses and residents. Mr. Zwilling noted that the contract for a fiber study was recently approved and the study will be completed in the spring. Councilmember Sanger stated she felt it was critical that the City continue broadcasting City meetings and City programs and to maintain the availability of all City channels to the community. Councilmember Santa stated that fiber has the potential to be an income generator for the City and encouraged the City to pay attention to this. She felt it was important to remember that a number of residents have no relationship with Comcast and are not able to access the City's video services through Cable TV and to consider how the City will offer video services to those residents. It was the consensus of the City Council that the City should remain competitive in terms of video services, fiber optic, and other technology because it makes the overall community competitive in terms of attracting residents and businesses. It was also the consensus of the City Council to retain video services as a key communications tool in the future, especially after January 2021 when the current franchise expires, and to work annually on the Cable TV Fund to find other revenue sources to pay for continued video services. Councilmember Ross agreed it will be important for the City to remain competitive but felt the City should also work to get ahead of trends so that St. Louis Park is considered a community in the forefront of technology. Councilmember Sanger stated it will also be important not to lose sight of those residents who are less tech savvy and to find ways of communicating with them. 6. City Council Workshop—January 20-21,2012 Ms. Gothberg presented the staff report and requested feedback from Council on topics for discussion at the workshop in January. She added that a draft agenda will be presented to Council in the near future. Councilmember Santa advised that she may not be able to attend the session on Friday evening and definitely would not be on time. Study Session Minutes -6- November 28, 2011 Mr. Harmening agreed to send a survey to Council requesting input on the workshop agenda and proposed topics for discussion. He noted that the two new Councilmembers will attend the workshop as well. 7. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening advised that Mr. Locke was contacted by a representative of LA Fitness indicating that LA Fitness has acquired a number of Bally's properties around the country including the St. Louis Park facility. He stated that a real estate representative for LA Fitness contacted the City about the Bally's property in St. Louis Park and redevelopment opportunities on this site, including the City's adjacent parcel. Mr. Harmening stated that Giveback Day is Saturday, December 3`d, at Park Tavern. The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 8. October 2011 Monthly Financial Report 9. Charter Amendment for Civil Penalties 10. Cavalia Summary Report o s Je a' Nancy Stroth, City Clerk Mayor