HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011/07/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session iffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA
JULY 25,2011
The meeting convened at 8:19 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Phil Finkelstein, Susan Sanger, and Sue Santa.
Councilmembers absent: Anne Mavity, Paul Omodt, and Julia Ross.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schmtker), Director of
Community Development(Mr. Locke), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Hughes).
Guest: Ms. Courtney Whited, (Prism).
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—August 8 and August 15,2011
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for August 8th and proposed special
study session agenda for August 15tH
2. Prism Dial-A-Ride Program
Ms. Schnitker presented the staff report and introduced Ms. Courtney Whited of Prism. She
indicated that Ms. Whited worked with Council on the Dial-A-Ride program in 2006 and is
familiar with the City and the needs of St. Louis Park. She stated that the City has been talking
about the need for a door-to-door dial-a-ride program in the community and this type of program
was identified by the Park Nicollet Successful Aging Initiative as a program that would help
seniors stay active and connected to the community. She explained that the proposed program
would not have nder eligibility restrictions, there would be no restrictions on destination, riders
would be asked to pay a fee of approximately $3 each way, and the initial hours of operation
would be Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. She stated that communities in Prism's
service area are asked for a contribution and the City has been asked for a $20,000 annual
contribution, which would support approximately 2,000 rides. She stated that Prism was notified
that it will receive a grant from Park Nicollet Foundation, contingent upon the City's decision to
provide funding. She stated that the proposed program would begin September 1 for a six month
period and following the first six months, Council would review the program and determine
whether to continue the program into 2012. She added that the City subsidizes part of the cost of
each ride and the City will pay based on the number of rides, so if the City's entire contribution
is not spent, the money will carry over.
Ms. Whited stated that Prism will provide the City with a quarterly report based on rider
information, including age, sex, and income. She noted that Prism is required to obtain certain
demographic information from riders and this information will be included in the City's report.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated that this he felt this was a great program. He expressed
concern that there are no limits on the number of trips that riders can take in any week which
may result in someone being denied service.
Ms. Whited stated that the dial-a-ride program is an on-demand service and it fills up quickly.
She noted that ADA regulations require that the program limit its standing orders to 50%, but it
does not limit the number of rides someone can take in a week.
Study Session Minutes -2- July 25, 2011
It was the consensus of the City Council to support adding Prism's Dial-a-Ride program to
enhance the level of transportation services available for St. Louis Park residents.
Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding publicity of the program.
Ms. Whited presented a flyer that Prism will be sending to all riders; in addition, Prism will post
informational materials in area churches, synagogues, at Lenox Community Center, Rainbow
Foods, and other locations throughout the City.
Councilmember Sanger suggested that Prism provide Council with informational materials to be
handed out by Council at next week's National Night Out activities.
3. Freight Rail—Letter from Hennepin County
Mr. Harmening presented the staff report.
Councilmember Sanger stated that she was disappointed by the letter from the County and felt
the letter represented one more example of the County ignoring the City's policy statement that
freight rail can be located in the Kenilworth corridor. She added that she felt a response to the
letter should be submitted that states that the City feels the offer to meet regarding mitigation is
premature and that the City wants to first sit down and talk about co-location in the Kenilworth
corridor.
Councilmember Finkelstein stated that he did not feel it was appropriate to comment on the letter
at this time given Council's earlier discussion in closed executive session.
Councilmember Santa agreed, adding that it was also not appropriate to comment at this time
given the absence of three Councilmembers.
It was the consensus of the City Council to postpone discussion of this item until August 8th
4. Communications/Meeting Check-in (Verbal)
Mr. Harmening stated that Council is required to canvass the primary election results three days
after the August 9th primary election. He agreed to send a calendar for August 12th so
Councilmembers can fill in their availability to meet on August 12th. He added that only four
Councilmembers are required to canvass the election results.
Mr. Harmening advised that one of the City's inspectors was hit by a semi-truck earlier today
near Knollwood. He stated the truck hit the rear driver's side quarter panel and the City's
employee seems to be okay.
Councilmember Santa stated that a CenterPoint Energy project will begin around August 1St in
the area of Highway 7 and Aquila which will create significant congestion. She added the
project may take up to four weeks to complete.
The�- meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
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