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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/01/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session III SteNLouis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JANUARY 23, 2012 The meeting convened at 6:05 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), Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffiman), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). Guests: Metropolitan Council representative Jim Brimeyer, Hennepin County Commissioner Gail Dorfman, Senator Ron Latz, Representative Steve Simon, Representative Ryan Winkler, and Ellen O'Sullivan, Ph.D. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—February 13,2012 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for February 13, 2012. 2. 2012 Annual Legislative Update Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and list of 2012 legislative issues and priorities. He indicated that the grade separated crossing project at Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue is nearing a critical point and the City faces challenges related to funding for the remainder of the project. He advised the City has secured a grant from the Transportation Advisory Board as part of the Surface Transportation Program (STP) and the City has requested and received preliminary approval for an extension to the 2012 federal funding sunset until 2013 to start the project. He stated that if the project is not underway by the Spring of 2013, the City will lose the STP funding and other State assistance, thereby making the project even more difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish. He noted that the Governor's bonding bill has $10 million set aside for a transportation economic development program and the City is hopeful that funding will be made available through this bonding bill and approved as quickly as possible so the City can make application for funding. , Mayor Jacobs indicated that this project will provide local benefit along Louisiana Avenue, particularly given the planned light rail station at this location. Councilmember Mavity stated that light rail will impact circulation in this area and asked if this will provide an opportunity to leverage funding for the project. Commissioner Dorfman stated the City may be able to make the argument that funding for this project should be provided as part of its station area planning with respect to light rail. She added the City could also try to obtain funding for the project through mitigation for light rail, although she felt that might be a stretch going through the DEIS. Study Session Minutes -2- January 23, 2012 Mr. Rardin advised the project has to be submitted by March 2013, including right-of-way certifications, and then Mn/DOT would authorize the project no later than June 2013. He noted the City would likely start sooner because of the staging associated with the project, including utility relocations. Mr. Harmening noted that in order to be ready by 2013, the City will need to buy property later this year which represents a significant amount of money. Mr. Brimeyer asked if the City has applied for transit oriented funds for some of the costs of the project as it relates to the transit corridor. Mayor Jacobs requested that information regarding these funds be forwarded to the City. Council discussed options for funding the Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue project and encouraged the legislative representatives to support the City's efforts in this regard. Mr. Harmening advised that the Governor has set aside $25 million in the 2012 bonding bill for the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project and the City supports this request and encourages the State to fully participate to make the entire project a reality. Commissioner Dorfman indicated that the SWLRT project appears to be one of the targets in the bonding session and encouraged all the cities along the corridor to continue their conversations with their legislators regarding this project. Representative Simon stated that TwinWest Chamber of Commerce has been very supportive of SWLRT and will push to have the project included in the bonding bill. Mr. Harmening stated that the City's list of legislative issues includes concerns about fiscal disparities and noted the City's net contribution to the fiscal disparities pool has doubled in the last few years with the City ranking in the top ten within the metro as a net loser from a fiscal disparities perspective. He indicated the City recognizes that its commercial and industrial tax base is growing, however, most of the City's commercial development is done through redevelopment which involves tax increment financing so the City is not gaining directly while other cities are benefiting from the value created by St. Louis Park. He added the City is very thankful for its commercial and industrial tax base and is looking forward to the results of the State-ordered study on fiscal disparities to be issued in February. Councilmember Mavity questioned whether the fiscal disparities formula could be tweaked to incorporate tax increment financing. Mr. Harmening stated a bill is scheduled to be heard on January 26th regarding moratoriums which would significantly weaken the ability of cities to impose interim ordinances or zoning moratoriums to allow studies to be done on land use related issues. Councilmember Mavity advised that the City Council has decided to heavily invest in sidewalks and trails in response to resident input. She requested legislative support for complete streets types of projects and referenced Highway 100, Highway 7, and light rail. Commissioner Dorfman stated that the County and several other cities have passed a complete streets policy and encouraged the City to do the same. Study Session Minutes -3- January 23, 2012 Councilmember Mavity asked if a complete streets policy would open doors to additional funding for the City. Commissioner Dorfrnan replied that it might and stated the County is hoping to identify some funding for this. Mr. Brimeyer advised that the Met Council has identified several priorities, including a 20 century transit system, being more actively involved in economic development, and adopting a revised housing policy that does not force communities to have affordable housing but rather targets opportunities for cities to apply for funding related to affordable housing. He stated the Met Council also wants to be more active as it relates to transportation issues and felt the State should not be funding light rail or bus operations. Councilmember Ross stated that ridership is anticipated to increase when light rail is completed and asked if the Met Council is considering increased ridership in terms of restructuring bus service to make it more accessible on local streets. She also asked that consideration be given to making sure adequate parking facilities are available. Councilmember Mavity asked if the City currently has a complete streets policy and if not, asked that the City move toward adopting one. Mr. Harmening agreed to report back to Council on the complete streets policy. Mr. Brimeyer stated that Met Council looks at ridership every year. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern regarding the inconvenience created when frequency of bus service is reduced and people end up driving because of the reduced bus service. Senator Latz stated that the State's budget forecast is projected to be positive with no additional cuts needed. He felt the 2012 legislative session will be short and intense, and there will likely be some efforts to direct funds to the State's reserve and cash flow accounts and to pay back the schools. He added there will likely be a lot of attention given to the Governor's bonding bill and the proposed Vikings stadium, as well as the controversy over the Legacy Amendment funding. Representative Winkler stated a lot of attention will also be directed toward the Constitutional amendments, including Voter ID, the super majority rule to increase taxes, and the right to work bill. Representative Simon stated that the decision regarding redistricting will be published on February 21St Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to Senator Latz, Representative Simon, Representative Winkler, Hennepin County Commissioner Dorfman, and Metropolitan Council representative Brimeyer. 3. Community Recreation Facility Study with Consultant: Trends in Recreation, Facilities and Other Gathering Places Mayor Jacobs welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for participating in the discussion regarding a community recreation facility. Study Session Minutes -4- January 23, 2012 Ms. Walsh introduced Dr. Ellen O'Sullivan and provided brief biographical information regarding Dr. O'Sullivan. Dr. O'Sullivan welcomed everyone and stated she was pleased to see such a great turnout. She presented an outline of the discussion, including a review of trends and emerging directions, the participant's thoughts about potential implications for St. Louis Park, and identifying elements and aspects for possible gathering spaces. She reviewed shifts in behavior including how we live, work, learn, and play, as well as demographics in the City, State, and across the country. She explained that typical senior centers are going to shift throughout the country to a more active living facility or gathering place. She then asked each table of participants to think about trends, changes in behavior, and what the future is going to look like and to generate a list of activities that might be included in a community center or gathering space in St. Louis Park. Each table recited their list and Dr. O'Sullivan noted a recurring theme of a multi-generational use facility and unstructured gathering places to keep folks active year-round. She then asked each group to identify opportunities and conditions or feelings they would like to see in a community facility. Each table recited their list, which included a warm, inviting place where all ages are invited, a multi-use space incorporating the arts, a place to hang out with tech availability, in touch with nature even though you are inside, energized, clean, comfortable, accessible without driving to the facility, a community theater, a place for learning, an indoor gym for various uses, a water park, financially accessible, good value, accessible to trails and light rail, central location, a space where youth want to hang out and to let youth have say in it, strong emphasis on arts with a theater, hands-on workshops, studios, pet drop-in/daycare, healthy eating food court, healthy lifestyle living area, a place that should feel caring, welcoming, and that makes you feel proud and lucky to be there. Dr. O'Sullivan noted the participants felt that any facility should feel welcoming and comfortable, which is critical to anything that is considered a gathering spot. She stated that the traditional senior center concept is a significant issue and will require a transition so that older adults feel they have a spot where they belong. She reminded the City to think about what is right for St. Louis Park as opposed to what everybody else has. She also encouraged the task force to ask what outcomes people want in a community recreation facility to make sure it will meet specific needs in the community. Councilmember Ross stated it will be important for the City to stay ahead of trends and remain flexible enough so that its community center will remain viable for years to come. Councilmember Spano stated it will also be important to make sure the facility relies on green technology as much as possible. Dr. O'Sullivan advised that the lists created by the participants will be compiled and distributed to the community recreation task force. 4. 2011 Telecommunications Advisory Commission Annual Report 5. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2011 Annual Report and 2012 Work Plan Mr. Harmening presented both staff reports for the Telecommunications Advisory Commission's (TAC) 2011 annual report and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2011 annual report and 2012 work plan. Study Session Minutes -5- January 23, 2012 Councilmember Mavity stated that she would like to see more women members on the Telecommunications Advisory Commission, as well as on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Council discussed the ongoing work of the TAC with respect to the fiber optic study and whether to meet with the TAC. Council also discussed the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission's work regarding a community recreation facility. Councilmember Ross questioned whether the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission should be in charge of coming up with two or three standard questions that all committees could think about when planning projects in terms of how these projects impact the environment and what can be done to lessen that impact. She added that this task would be handled by the Environmental Committee once it is formed and felt that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission could help with that process in the interim. Councilmember Sanger felt it was the obligation of every staff person who serves as a liaison to the various commissions to assess environmental impacts of all proposed projects. Councilmember Mavity noted that Council has not met with the Housing Authority and felt it was important to meet as well. Councilmember Santa indicated Council has not met with BOZA and felt a meeting should be scheduled with BOZA given the Supreme Court ruling regarding variances. It was the consensus of the City Council to continue to receive annual reports and work plans of the various Boards and Commissions and to meet with the Commissions following receipt of their annual reports. It was also the consensus of the City Council to meet with the Telecommunications Advisory Commission after completion of the fiber optic study; and to meet with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission at a point when the Commission is ready to report on the work of the Community Recreation Facility Task Force. 6. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Councilmember Santa advised that Councilmember Mavity has agreed to serve on CEAC. Councilmember Mavity indicated that former Councilmember Finkelstein served as an alternate on the SWLRT Community Works Committee and another person needs to be selected. Councilmember Sanger agreed to serve as the alternate on the SWLRT Community Works Committee. Councilmember Sanger advised she has been asked whether the City is interested in or is doing anything to weigh in on the question regarding the voter ID constitutional amendment. Councilmember Santa indicated the League is currently doing a study on this issue and is working with people who are experts on elections. Study Session Minutes -6- January 23, 2012 Council discussed the City's role as well as Council's role related to the voter ID constitutional amendment. Mr. Harmening stated that Council will have a discussion in February about redistricting and how it will impact the City. He stated that Council will also discuss ranked choice voting at a future meeting and Mr. Joe Mansky, Ramsey County Elections Supervisor will present further information and answer questions on this topic. He added that Council could discuss the voter ID constitutional amendment during one of these meetings. Councilmember Mavity requested a staff report be provided prior to the discussion on ranked choice voting including policy issues and possible actions. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 7. Update on Prism Dial-A-Ride Program 8. Fourth Quarter Investment Report(October—December, 2011) 9. 2011 Citywide Residential Property Condition Evaluation Program Summary 10. Proposed Allocation of 2012 Community Development Block Grant(CDBG) Funds 11. 2011 Annual Housing Programs Report Nancy Stroth, ty Clerk Jeff o `., Ma of J ,r