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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/03/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular 7 Sto Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA MARCH 19,2012 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), Housing Program Coordinator (Ms. Larsen), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), City Engineer (Mr. Brink), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Olson), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). la. Pledge of Allegiance lc. Roll Call 2. Presentations -None 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Study Session Meeting Minutes February 27, 2012 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes March 5,2012 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. City Council Meeting Minutes March 5, 2012 Councilmember Mavity requested that the third sentence in the first full paragraph on page six be revised to state "She stated there are over 500 state laws and 1,000 federal laws that convey benefits to individuals based on their marital status and as long as the government is providing benefits for marriage and at the same time denying the ability to access those benefits, it becomes a City issue and the City has an interest in making sure it is upholding its values and is not discriminating." Councilmember Santa requested that the fourth paragraph under agenda item 8a on page 3 be revised to state"Councilmember Santa advised she would abstain from voting due to her employment with ING which causes a conflict of interest." Councilmember Spano requested that the spelling of Ms. Pam Rykken's last name be corrected in the third paragraph on page 5. Councilmember Sanger said Karmit Bulman's name on page 5 needed to be corrected. City Council Meeting -2- March 19, 2012 The minutes were approved as amended. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Authorize the Mayor and City Manager to enter into an Inspection Services Mutual Aid Agreement with the City of Minnetonka. 4b. Approve Amendment No. 4 to Contract 142-08 which will provide additional engineering consulting services for preparing a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) as part of Phase 4 activities (Final Design) and extends the contract time period by one year for the Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange project, Project No. 2012-0100. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 12-046 identifying the need for Metropolitan Council Transit Oriented Development (TOD) funding, authorizing an application for grant funds, and amending Resolution 12-038. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 12-047 authorizing a PUD Development Agreement with WEA, LLC related to a multifamily housing development at 5310 16th Street West and release of the property from two previous agreements. 4e. Adopt Resolution No 12-048 supporting the EDA's application for a Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grant on behalf of Bader Development's e2 project. 4f. Approve for Filing Vendor Claims. 4g. Approve for Filing Planning Commission Minutes February 1, 2012. 4h. Approve for Filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes December 7, 2011. Mayor Jacobs noted that the City Council will take action this evening with respect to Board and Commission appointments. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions Councilmember Sanger indicated she had no problem with either Ms. Griffin or Ms. Foulkes,but expressed concern regarding Ms. Foulkes because her father currently serves as a member of the same commission. She stated she felt strongly that the City's boards and commissions should not include more than one member of the same immediate family or household because it can lead to issues of perception of unfairness in the community. She added she would have no problem appointing Ms. Foulkes after her father is off the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. She requested that the commission appointments be voted on in two separate actions. City Council Meeting -3- March 19, 2012 Councilmember Mavity indicated the City does not currently have a policy in place that would prohibit this and Council would like to have a discussion regarding this issue in the future. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to appoint Elizabeth Griffin to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Mavtty, seconded by Councilmember Santa, to appoint Sarah Foulkes to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed). 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance Amending Ward Boundaries Ms. Stroth presented the staff report and proposed plan for amending ward boundaries. She explained the redistricting process occurs after every ten year Census and the City will remain in the 5th Congressional District and the Senate districts have been renumbered to 46a and 46b. She presented the ward population deviation and noted the resulting deviation is well within the 5% deviation allowed. She then presented the redistricting plan wards and precincts, noting the City will now have 16 precincts, one less than previously, and presented the changes in wards by neighborhood and precinct boundary guidelines with proposed polling locations. She indicated the redistricting plan must be submitted to the County and State by April 3'd and notices will be mailed to residents in June indicating voting precincts for all registered voters. Mayor Jacobs expressed thanks to Ms. Stroth and her staff for their efforts in preparing the plan for amending ward boundaries. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public hearing. Councilmember Santa urged residents to keep in mind that some of the precinct numbers may have changed for existing polling locations. Councilmember Sanger stated that she has worked with the Blackstone and Cedarhurst neighborhoods for 16 years and she was saddened to not have them as part of Ward 1 anymore, but was confident that Councilmember Ross will do a great job. She added she was looking forward to working with the Triangle neighborhood. It was moved by Councilmember Santa, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve First Reading of Ordinance Amending Chapter 10: Elections - Establishing Ward Boundaries Following the 2010 U.S. Census and to set Second Reading for April 2, 2012. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None City Council Meeting -4- March 19, 2012 8. Resolutions, Ordinances,Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Holy Family Academy Expansion — Preliminary/Final Plat and Conditional Use Permit. Resolutions No. 12-049 and No. 12-050 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report and proposed Preliminary and Final Plat and Conditional Use Permit. He explained the project will be completed in two phases and Phase 1 includes combining the properties and grading the site, scheduled to be done during May. He noted that Phase 2 does not yet have a timeline for completion and includes expansion of the school, expansion of the parking lot and drop-off areas, and storm water improvements. He stated that a neighborhood advocacy team was formed that has been in close contact with Holy Family Academy regarding the proposed improvements and referenced the summary of neighborhood meetings contained in the agenda. He presented the concept plan and explained that the proposal will take the existing Holy Family property and add four more properties, replatting it into one lot called Lot 1, Block 1, Holy Family Addition. He noted that a portion of the unplatted parcel will be dedicated back to the City for right-of-way purposes. He explained the Conditional Use Permit will be used to expand the existing educational use facility and allow the applicant to bring in approximately 1,600 cubic yards of material. He indicated all Phase 1 improvements lie south of the existing parking lot and including construction of a basketball court, a fenced-in grade school play yard, and a flat green area for recreational use. He stated that concerns were raised by the neighbors regarding the grade changes and a swale has been added across the south property line to capture water and redirect it towards Alabama Avenue. He described the truck routes leaving and coming on to the site and indicated City Code allows construction activities to occur between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekends; however, the City Council can alter those times because of the proximity to a residential area. He presented the landscaping plan which provides 11 trees to be planted in Phase 1 and the remaining trees will be added during Phase 2. He stated that a six foot privacy fence will be installed along the south property line and the City has required that the fence terminate five feet prior to the right-of-way and that the fence be reduced to 3.5 feet adjacent to the front yards. He then introduced several representatives from Holy Family Academy. Councilmember Sanger asked if the driveway aprons will be removed and curb and gutter replaced in the location where the houses are removed. Mr. Morrison replied that four driveway aprons will be removed and the curb and gutter restored. Councilmember Sanger requested that condition 4a of the Conditional Use Permit be amended to require that there be no construction activity after 7:00 p.m. rather than 10:00 p.m. She expressed thanks to Holy Family Academy for including the neighbors in their planning process and listening to their concerns. She added she regrets losing four single family homes and hoped there was a way the homes could be moved to other locations. Councilmember Spano agreed that construction activity should be limited and asked Holy Family Academy to be respectful of the neighborhood. He requested assurance that City Council Meeting -5- March 19, 2012 Council will have a further opportunity to review and revise Phase 2 when Holy Family Academy is read to proceed with that phase of the project. Mr. Morrison replied that all Phase 2 plans for construction will be submitted to the City Council for approval. Councilmember Mavity indicated that Holy Family has been a long-standing member of the community and she shared Councilmember Sanger's concern about losing four single family homes. She stated it is an important priority for the City to retain and build new single family homes and she had mixed feelings about this proposal. Councilmember Hallfin stated that Holy Family Academy owns the four single family homes and questioned what would happen if Council does not approve their request. Mr. Morrison explained that any property owner can take down their house and Holy Family Academy would have issues to address if it wanted to expand the school because it would not have received approval for consolidation of its properties. Ms. McMonigal stated that a Conditional Use Permit is a permitted use that can include conditions imposed by the City and Holy Family Academy is allowed to do this under the Zoning Code. She added it is difficult for the City to say no to their request since this is a permitted use with conditions. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to adopt Resolution No. 12-049 giving approval for Preliminary and Final Plat of Holy Family Addition. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Hallfin opposed). It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Ross, to adopt Resolution No. 12-050 Granting Conditional Use Permit Under Section 36-164(d)(4) of the St Louis Park Ordinance Code Relating to Zoning to Permit an Expansion of the Educational Facility (Holy Family Academy) for Property Zoned R-2 Single Family Residential District Located at 5925 Lake Street West, as amended to modify Condition 4a requiring no construction activity after 7:00 p.m. seven days a week The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Hallfin opposed). 8b. Community Energy Services (CES)/Green Remodeling Home Improvement Program. Resolution No. 12-051 Ms. Larsen presented the staff report and explained that the CES program is intended to help residents save money and energy and uses City funds leveraged with funding from CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy. She then introduced Mr. Carl Nelson, Program and Policy Manager for the Center for Energy and Environment(CEE). Mr. Carl Nelson stated that CEE has been a leader in implementing energy-efficiency programs for over 30 years with the goal of making saving energy easy and fun, as well as focusing on a range of cost efficient energy saving opportunities achievable by all households that get results, including reduced energy bills and less carbon emissions. He City Council Meeting -6- March 19, 2012 reviewed the services provided and indicated 80% of the program is funded by CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy. He explained that a series of community workshops will be held to provide education on no-cost and low-cost ways to save energy. He stated that residents have the options of 3 levels of home energy visits. The $50 energy visit includes conservation information and installation of materials valued at fifty dollars, including CFLs, door weather-stripping, low flow shower heads and more. The $70 visit includes installation of conservation materials, a detailed analysis of energy use, blower door and combustion safety tests and recommendations for improvements. He noted the comparable energy audit offered by CenterPoint costs $100 and does not include installation of materials. He noted residents can request the home visit premium audit for $100 which includes all of the above plus an estimate for completing work and an infrared camera inspection after the work has been completed. He noted that CEE also provides a home energy score which gives a visual representation of a home's energy efficiency level and this is only available through CES. He stated that CEE provides training and certification for its participating contractors in this program and performs audit control checks. He indicated that CEE has done approximately 4,500 homes in Minneapolis with an average savings of$85 per year and the program has received a high satisfaction rate. He advised that workshops would be held on April 5, April 14, and April 24. Councilmember Mavity stated she hoped that residents will take advantage of this program and expressed appreciation to staff for making this program available. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 12-051 Approving Community Energy Services Program 2012. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Project Report: Local Street Rehabilitation Project—Pavement Management Area 8, Project Nos. 2011-1000 and 2012-1400 Resolution No. 12-052 Mr. Olson presented the staff report and explained that this project includes 3.7 miles of streets in the Fern Hill, Lake Forest, Cedarhurst and Blackstone neighborhoods. He presented a map showing the streets to be worked on and indicated asphalt will be removed and replaced, minor soil corrections will be made, curb and gutter will be replaced including some driveway aprons, minor drainage system repairs will be made, and fire hydrants will be replaced. He noted that some gas main work will be performed by CenterPoint Energy during this project and will precede the City's work. He reviewed the public process and indicated residents will be notified regarding timelines for construction in their neighborhoods. He advised that roads will be open to local traffic during the project, each block will see five to six weeks of construction, and access will be provided to driveways at most times with overnight parking allowed on streets. He stated the estimated cost of the project is $1,906,160 and will be paid by the Pavement Management Fund and Water Utility Fund. He added construction is scheduled to begin in late June, 2012. Councilmember Sanger stated that a number of streets being redone are long streets with no cross streets, e.g., Cedar Lake Road, and expressed concern that residents will have a City Council Meeting -7- March 19, 2012 difficult time finding a place to park if their driveways are blocked. She also expressed concern about access to the Jewish Community Center which has only one entrance. Mr. Olson indicated that the City will stage all work accordingly and in some situations, the road will be re-built in sections. He added the City does not anticipate blocking any driveways. Councilmember Mavity requested that the City make sure residents are properly notified regarding temporary water shut-off. She stated that if residents need to replace their sewer service lines out into the street, they should be notified of this opportunity and to coordinate sewer line replacement with the City. Mr. Olson advised that residents will be notified regarding sewer line replacement as part of the overall notification process and agreed the City can coordinate this work prior to street paving. Councilmember Ross agreed with the concerns raised about road closures and noted that buses use some of these roads which will make it difficult to access. She urged the City to remain sensitive to this issue and stated she did not want to see a repeat of the issues experienced during last year's road sealcoating project in the Kilmer Neighborhood. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 12-052 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project Nos. 2011-1000 & 20121400 Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Improvement Project Nos. 2011-1000 & 2012-1400. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. Highway 7/Wooddale Interchange Traffic Improvement Options Mr. Brink presented the staff report and proposed traffic improvements for Wooddale Avenue. He noted that traffic improvement options for Beltline Boulevard will be presented to Council at a future study session. He explained that the Wooddale Avenue improvements include extending and widening the center median, restriping Wooddale Avenue, and shifting the crosswalks at the ramp approaches to improve sight lines. He presented a drawing of the planned improvements which will serve to slow traffic and give people a wider refuge to stop in the middle if needed. He stated that a surmountable curb will be required when making a southbound left turn from the frontage road to Wooddale Avenue in order to make it obvious that this serves as a refuge and vehicles should not be driving in this area. He indicated the cost of these improvements is approximately $25,000 and will be paid through existing operating budgets. He added that Council also discussed in-pavement lighting and the City's consultant has recommended that the other improvements be implemented first and then re-evaluate the in-pavement lighting at a later date. He indicated the cost of in-pavement lighting is approximately$25,000. Councilmember Mavity expressed thanks to the City for moving forward with the proposed improvements. She stated nothing will replace bikers, walkers, and vehicles from being aware of what is going on around them and it is still everyone's responsibility to remain alert. She expressed support for the improvements and is hopeful they will City Council Meeting -8- March 19, 2012 improve the safety of this intersection. She noted that the trail crossing at Beltline Boulevard presents a more difficult challenge from an engineering perspective and urged the City to do whatever it can to fast track the solutions Council previously discussed. Mayor Jacobs stated the best solution is a grade separated crossing at Beltline and felt this could be discussed when the light rail stations are added. He stated he attended a meeting with representatives from Three Rivers Park District and mentioned to them that this crossing is a major concern for the City and the City would like to have the crossings separated for traffic management and safety. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the three traffic improvement options for Wooddale Avenue as recommended in the staff report and detailed in the consultant's report dated March 13, 2012. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Hallfin congratulated Benilde St. Margaret for winning the State High School Hockey Tournament. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. • � Nancy Stroth, Ci y Clerk Jeff Jacob., I ayo.