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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/02/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session /4 St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 28, 2011 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), Director of Commumty Development (Mr. Locke), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Director of Parks & Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Fire Chief (Mr. Stemmer), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Planner (Mr. Fulton), Environmental Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Hughes). Guests: Kathy Schoenbauer (Schoenbauer Consulting, LLC), Jeff Schoenbauer (Schoenbauer Consulting, LLC), Mike Gould (Silver Crest Properties), David Gevers (E. J. Plesko & Associates), Bob Bistry(HOK Architects), Andy Plesko (E. J. Plesko & Associates), Mike Clark (DLR Group KKE), and Brian Hook (Kraus-Anderson). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—March 7 & March 14, 2011 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed special study session agenda for March 7th and the proposed study session agenda for March 14`h. He stated that the special study session on March 7th is intended to be a follow-up discussion regarding Highway 100. 2. Park Summit Apartment Proposal—Project Overview Mr. Locke presented the staff report and introduced Mr. Mike Gould of Silver Crest Properties. Mr. Gould stated that he believes the revised plans for the site will tie in well with the Parkshores Senior Apartments as well as the assisted living building. He then introduced David Gevers (E. J. Plesko & Associates), Bob Bistry (HOK Architects), Andy Plesko and Sarah Weissman (E. J. Plesko &Associates). Mr. Gevers, Director of Development for E. J. Plesko & Associates, provided historical information regarding E. J. Plesko & Associates, stating that the company specializes in the development and management of shopping centers, senior housing, and multi-family housing. He explained that the current site was originally going to be senior condos, but this concept does not work well in today's market and it is proposed to construct a 12-story market rate rental building with 192 units. He stated that there is a need for this type of housing for people who do not want home ownership and who are not ready to move into an independent or assisted living type of facility. Mr. Bistry, HOK Architects, presented an architectural rendenng of the site and discussed the importance of meeting the goals of the community, including making 36th Street a more livable, walkable community, reinforcing the City's public art commitment, and providing a suburban natural setting with connectivity to the park and trail system. He also presented draft architectural drawings of the site and discussed potential building materials and use of sustainable material. He added that the value of the project is projected to be $30 million. He Study Session Minutes -2- February 28, 2011 noted that the mix of unit sizes is based on market analysis and the building will include one and two bedroom units with an average size of 930 square feet. Mr. Gevers stated that it is anticipated that rental rates will be $1.62 per square foot or approximately $1,500 per month for a one bedroom unit. He added that the goal is to be smart about how they approach the design of the exterior and intenor of the building and to use materials that are both esthetically pleasing and cost effective. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that the City has invested a lot of money on the 36th Street streetscape to make this area a premier boulevard in the City. He expressed concern regarding intensity of pedestrian traffic and encouraged the developer to consider a pedestrian walk light. Mr. Bistry stated that a traffic study was conducted which suggested installation of a new traffic signal to improve safety and overall flow in the area. Councilmember Mavity stated it will be important to make sure the area is safe as well as pedestrian friendly, and to maintain the walkway from the Rec Center to Target. She also asked if a shadow study has been done, particularly to make sure people using the rec center are not put into shadow when using the pool area. Mr. Locke stated that the developer will be required to do a shadow study as part of their application. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern about the lack of green space around this site and stated that she would prefer to see a building that is taller with a lesser footprint to allow more green space. Mayor Jacobs noted that there is a 100-acre park in the area. Mr. Locke stated that it will be important to achieve the right balance for this site and it is important to recognize that the Park Commons area was part of the City's 1994 visioning process which identified this area as the downtown area for St. Louis Park. Councilmember Santa requested further information regarding available parking and expressed concern that sufficient parking is not provided in the plans. She also stated that the City has previously talked about balance and meeting Vision goals as it relates to owner-occupied housing and rental housing. She questioned how a shift to rental meets that Vision goal and requested that the City remain aware of the proportion of owner-occupied housing to rental housing. Mr. Gevers stated that the parking plans provide one car per bedroom with a 10% reduction, noting that the original entitlement had a 15%reduction as part of the entire PUD. Ms. McMonigal stated that staff has not yet gotten to the final analysis on parking and the concern expressed by Councilmember Santa was noted. Councilmember Finkelstein expressed support for the project, noting that this plan follows a continuum of care with the senior apartments and assisted living facility in close proximity. Councilmembers Ross and Omodt also expressed support for the project. Study Session Minutes -3- February 28, 2011 3. Community Recreation Survey Results Mr. Harmening presented the staff report. Ms. Walsh introduced Kathy Schoenbauer and Jeff Schoenbauer of Schoenbauer Consulting, LLC. Ms. Schoenbauer provided a summary of the key results of the survey and indicated that the survey was administered online and via paper with 1,055 residents responding, representing an approximate 5% response rate. She stated that all neighborhoods were represented in the survey and nearly three-quarters of respondents were aged 35-54 and over half of respondents had children ages 6-12 years. Councilmember Mavity asked how the response data compares to the City's overall population in terms of who responded the survey. Ms. Walsh agreed to provide this information to Council. Ms. Schoenbauer advised that 89.9% of respondents agreed that public parks and recreation are important and 72.3% of respondents agreed that the City is doing a good job. She stated that respondents felt it was most important for the City to add trails, an indoor recreation space, indoor swimming pool, and natural open spaces. She indicated that 144 respondents added write-in ideas for other recreation facilities, with 43% indicating a preference for an outdoor ice rink and 12% indicating a preference for a multi-use indoor facility. She discussed the responses regarding limitations on use and participation, with lack of time cited as the primary reason for not using public parks or participating in recreational activities. She stated that 461 respondents provided comments on what is missing with the top themes being an indoor park with play and fitness areas and north/south trail connections. She indicated that some residents also commented about the need to update the rec center. She reviewed the responses with respect to pnorities by age group, and the greatest need was found in the 13-17 year old age group, followed by those in the 6-12 year old age group. She then reviewed responses regarding public gathering places and resident's willingness to pay additional user fees, noting that 86.8% of respondents were willing to pay more per month in user fees and most respondents indicated a preference for user fees over taxes. She added that 228 residents provided additional comments with many residents stating that St. Louis Park is a great community and to keep up the good work. She suggested that the indoor park and recreation facility theme be explored further in a phone survey as a way of testing some ideas with residents. Councilmember Ross stated that Council previously discussed ways of reaching the immigrant populations and people of color in conducting the survey and questioned whether some of the survey results would be different if this demographic scored higher in the survey results, particularly as it relates to gathering spaces. Councilmember Sanger commented that we should look at functions rather than facilities right now as we plan for the future. She also requested that Council discuss current obstacles or barriers as it relates to resident complaints on how to get to facilities without driving and what kind of systems could be put in place to help out. Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the survey data be broken down by neighborhood as it relates to the one thing respondents would change about the City's park and recreation facilities. Study Session Minutes -4- February 28, 2011 Councilmember Santa stated that the comments regarding an updated rec center indicate that this facility is important and has a presence in the community. She requested that the Council further discuss what that means and how the City can enhance what it already has. 4. Fire Stations Project Update Mr. Walther presented the staff report and introduced Brian Hook from Kraus-Anderson and Mike Clark,project manager, DLR Group KKE. Mr. Hook presented the estimated overall project costs, noting that the total project cost is currently $45,000 below budget and they are confident with the numbers contained in the construction document estimate. He stated that Council will be asked to approve the plans and specifications and authorize advertising for bids at its meeting on March 7th, with bid opening on March 29`x'. It was the consensus of the City Council to proceed into the Bidding Phase. Mr. Clark presented a concept sketch of Fire Station No. 1 and stated that the site plan has been modified slightly resulting in less pavement and less retaining wall, saving approximately $25,000 and incorporating more green space on the site. He then reviewed the Fire Station No. 2 site plan. Mr. Walther stated that staff has been working with Walgreens to negotiate a new easement, resulting in a new easement that would shift ten of the parking stalls in Northside Park to the south side of Fire Station No. 2; this easement would allow City employees to access Northside Park through the Walgreens property. Councilmember Ross expressed concern about the width of the existing entrance off Louisiana Avenue and asked if there was any way to make the driveway wider. Mr. Walther replied that the driveway is currently the standard 25' width and agreed to review this further. Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding how the public will enter and exit Northside Park and how the City will make sure that the public is not using the access reserved for maintenance vehicles. Mr. Walther stated that the access point for most users will be Nevada Avenue and there is some on-street parking on Louisiana Avenue. He added that it will be Walgreens' responsibility to maintain the easement areas and if they want to limit parking, they have the option of posting signs. He added that on the north side of the site, there is existing stormwater drainage and catch basins and the City wanted to avoid having to change the current underground stormwater drainage system and this proposal allows the City to facilitate a quick and easy solution with Walgreens. Councilmember Ross expressed concern that vehicles using the parking spaces on the south side of the building will be required to back out into traffic. It was the consensus of the City Council that the proposed terms for a replacement easement with Walgreens/Little Caesars to accommodate the Fire Station No. 2 plans are acceptable. Mr. Clark then presented interior design concept sketches for Fire Station No. 1. Study Session Minutes -5- February 28, 2011 Councilmember Mavity requested an update regarding the plans for tree replacement. Mr. Walther stated that the required amount of caliper inches could not be reached due to space constraints on the site, but more trees were added to the landscaping plan and the amount being paid into the tree replacement fund has been reduced to approximately$20,000. Mr. Stemmer stated that throughout the development design phase there has been a lot of give and take in the area of equipment and furnishings. He requested that the Council consider approving some of the equipment and/or furnishings that were left out of the project if the bids come in below budget. He also expressed the Fire Department's thanks to the City Council for its support of this project. 5. Deer Update Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and advised that a number of calls have been received from residents in the Lake Forest area regarding large numbers of deer congregating in back yards. He noted that the City will be conducting its annual deer thinning process at the Nature Center this week and Golden Valley will be undergoing a deer thinning process in the Theodore Wirth Park area. Councilmember Sanger introduced Ms. Marilyn Rohlfing who lives at 26th and Glenhurst has been experiencing a significant number of deer in her back yard. Councilmember Sanger stated that this year the deer problem in the community has been worse and she encouraged Council to become familiar with the City's historical management of the deer population. Ms. Rohlfing indicated that this issue has been an emotional issue in the past and became a very polarized issue within the community. She felt that any action by Council would include the same level of opposition as was seen in the past. She noted that any action would need to be taken before April 1st, which may be administratively difficult, but asked that Council fully understand the issue before taking action. She also asked Council to consider whether changes need to be made to the existing ordinance consistent with other surrounding communities as it relates to management of the deer population. Mr. Vaughan indicated that all of the surrounding communities, except Minneapolis, conduct an annual harvest which helps the City in trying to control the deer population. Minneapolis does not do any deer control which does not help the Lake Forest/Fern Hill area deer population. Ms. Walsh discussed the process for management of deer and stated that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) issues permits based on data from the annual aerial deer survey. Mr. Vaughan stated that permits are typically issued for varying amounts with the typical threshold used being 10-15 deer per habitat square mile. However, the City could request a permit for 7-8 deer or even 3-5 deer per habitat square mile since the threshold numbers are based upon rural habitats, not urban(which are less forested and more fragmented). Mr. Harmening advised that the City conducts removal in the Nature Center as part of an administrative function based upon flyover data; the City can also perform removal in other areas of the City on public property following some form of public notification. Study Session Minutes -6- February 28, 2011 It was the consensus of the City Council that the current deer population in the City is more than the habitat can sustain. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that it did not appear that anything could realistically be done before the April 1st deadline and suggested that staff be given an opportunity to come up with a plan for Council consideration. Councilmember Ross agreed and stated that Council should set a policy whereby the population numbers are reviewed every year and when the population exceeds a certain number, the City's policy outlines the process for thinning the herd without requiring a public hearing every year. Mr. Harmening stated that the DNR rules and permit requirements do not require a public hearing. He advised that since 1993, the Council policy states that the City will do a harvest after it notifies people,but does not state that a public hearing will be held. Councilmember Mavity stated that she appreciates the problems the deer population is causing and added that she wants to make sure Council has adequate background information on the issue before moving forward. She expressed support for establishing a policy so that Council does not have to revisit the issue in the future and added that it will be important to allow people to have their say on the matter. Councilmember Santa stated that she was not opposed to a public hearing, but her experience with the issue is that the City was caught in the middle with people coming down strongly and emotionally on both sides, which caused a great deal of dissension in neighborhoods. Councilmember Ross noted that management of the population comes down to a public safety issue. Ms. Marilyn Rohlfing appeared before the City Council and stated that since 1997, there has been a change in what is known about deer, most notably the statistics related to deer ticks and Lyme disease, which represents a public health issue. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to prepare amendments to the deer management policy for Council approval and to apply for a DNR permit when the flyover information becomes available next January. Councilmember Finkelstein pointed out that Council is not opposed to a public hearing on this issue; rather, Council prefers that its agendas include hearings that deal with issues where public input is vital in terms of making a decision. Councilmember Sanger suggested that the policy consider the deer tick and Lyme disease issue as well. She added that one of the reasons the City has a deer problem is that residents feed them, which is illegal. She asked that staff provide some reinforcing communication about this to residents. Councilmember Finkelstein requested that the illegal feeding of deer be emphasized in the policy as well. Study Session Minutes -7- February 28, 2011 6. Telecommunications Advisory Commission 2010 Annual Report& 2011 Work Plan Mr. Harmening presented the staff report. Councilmember Finkelstein stated that the Telecommunications Advisory Commission is doing great work. Councilmember Santa requested more detail regarding fiber optic opportunities and the Commission's long term plans in this area. Mr. Harmening noted that a task force has been formed to help with a long term plan related to fiber optics. Councilmember Mavity requested that the City provide the new and youth commissioners with sufficient ongoing support to make sure they understand the issues they are dealing with. It was the consensus of the City Council that no meeting is required with the Telecommunications Advisory Commission to discuss the annual report. 7. Housing Authority 2010 Annual Report& 2011 Work Plan Mr. Harmening presented the staff report. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern regarding the Sec. 8 vouchers being pulled out of Wayside House. Councilmember Mavity requested further information regarding the Sec. 8 vouchers and agreed that this puts the entire project at risk. It was the consensus of the City Council that no.meeting is required with the Housing Authority to discuss the annual report. 8. Planning Commission 2010 Annual Report& 2011 Work Plan Mr. Harmening presented the staff report. Council discussed the need to retain a separate Board of Zoning Appeals or whether this could be rolled into the Planning Commission. Councilmember Mavity stated that 'the joint meeting held last year with the Planning Commission was informative, but felt that it did not allow for Council and the Planning Commission to jointly discuss some of the issues facing the City. She requested that Council offer another joint meeting to the Planning Commission to provide an opportunity to discuss specific questions about the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Finkelstein suggested inviting the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals to a joint meeting after the legislative session adjourns. Study Session Minutes -8- February 28, 2011 9. Communications/Meeting Check-in (Verbal) Councilmember Mavity requested that the monthly financial reports include a brief narrative that compares revenues and expenditures year to year. Councilmember Sanger stated that the City has had its first coyote attack of a small dog. She requested that the deer management policy be amended to reflect an overall wildlife management policy. Mr. Harmening reported that the Mayor Lampi of Brooklyn Park recently died and suggested that the City send a memorial to the family. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to send a memorial from the City of St. Louis Park to the Lampi family and community of Brooklyn Park. Mr. Harmening discussed the outstanding property maintenance issues and police calls received at 8400 Minnetonka Boulevard. Councilmember Santa stated that she heard that the property owner has not completed the repairs and some residents have indicated that some of the ongoing maintenance issues have been sliding. Mr. Harmening provided a brief report on the Lakeland Inn property and stated that the City has received some help from the County Attorney's office on this matter. The meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 10. January 2011 Monthly Financial Rep s rt e t �_ / ����'/�( Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk J�' �a bs, ayor