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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/04/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session f/f St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 9, 2012 The meeting convened at 6:38 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: Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Police Chief (Mr. Luse), Police Lieutenant (Ms. Dreier), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Harcey), Community Liaison (Ms. Olson), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Public Works Coordinator (Mr. Merkley), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Larsen), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Planner (Mr. Fulton), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Hughes). Guests: Brian Johnson (HRC Chair), Jim Smith (PAC Chair), Catherine Courtney (Housing Authority Chair), Justin Kaufnan, Susan Metzger, and Renee DuFour (Housing Authority Members), and Jeff Miller(HKG1). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—April 16 and April 23, 2012 Ms. Deno presented the proposed special study session agenda for April 16, 2012, and the proposed study session agenda for April 23, 2012. Councilmember Mavity indicated that the City is doing a lot of tree planting now that may make it difficult to put in sidewalks at a later date. She urged the City to make sure it is aligning its park and recreation strategies with its sidewalk strategies. 2. Human Rights Commission Annual Report and Work Plan (w/Commission) Ms. Dreier presented the staff report and introduced Marney Olson, staff liaison for the Human Rights Commission(HRC). Ms. Olson introduced Bnan Johnson, Chair of the HRC, and presented the HRC's 2011 Annual Report and 2012 Work Plan. Councilmember Mavity requested further information regarding the bullying initiative and coordination with schools and other community groups, as well as expected outcomes. Mr. Johnson advised that one of the goals of the bullying project is to involve as many community groups as possible, including religious organizations, businesses, and senior citizen facilities, because the reach of bullying cannot be limited to just students. He stated that the HRC felt that a focus on students was the best place to start and intends to focus the project on students first and to branch out to other areas next. Ms. Olson stated the HRC is currently working with Sara Thompson at the School District and participants in the project will include DPAC (District Parent Advisory Council) members and representatives from the Police Advisory Commission. Study Session Minutes -2- April 9, 2012 Councilmember Ross asked if the project will include neighborhood bullying. Mr. Johnson replied that this has not been discussed by the HRC but thought it was a great idea and agreed that neighborhood bullying was an area that should be discussed. Councilmember Sanger requested further information regarding the HRC's use of the Diversity Lens. Ms. Olson indicated the Diversity Lens is handed out at community events such as National Night Out or Children First events and is intended as a tool to get people engaged, to ask questions, and to have a conversation with the HRC. She added that this year the HRC will have anti-bullying bookmarks. Councilmember Spano requested further information regarding the City's work to reach out to its immigrant populations. He asked if this outreach is part of the work of the HRC and urged the City to do more to reach out to recent immigrant communities. Ms. Dreier stated the City is currently working with the Police Advisory Commission on this outreach and has developed a police academy program for new immigrants or non-English speaking residents to provide education regarding municipal policing in the United States. Mr. Johnson added the HRC has discussed reaching out to these groups and including representatives from this community on various task forces. Councilmember Hallfin expressed thanks to Mr. Johnson for serving on the Human Rights Commission. He asked if the bullying project will include private schools. Ms. Olson replied in the affirmative. Councilmember Santa stated that several years ago the HRC, in conjunction with other groups, hosted a forum for people of different ethnicities who recently moved to the United States to talk about their customs and how those customs might be interpreted in this country. She felt it would be worthwhile to consider revisiting this type of educational program again. It was the consensus of the City Council that the HRC's 2012 Work Plan is in alignment with the expectations of the City Council. 3. Police Advisory Commission (PAC) 2011 Annual Report and 2012 Work Plan (w/Commission) Mr. Harcey presented the staff report and introduced Jim Smith, Chair of the Police Advisory Commission. Councilmember Ross noted that the issue of safety on the trails has been at the forefront in recent Council discussions. She requested that the PAC work with Parks and Recreation staff to make certain there is consistency in the City's education of trail users and drivers regarding trail crossings. Mr. Luse advised the Police Department has police officers on bikes, particularly on the trails, and the City partners with Three Rivers Park District. He stated that the information given to Study Session Minutes -3- April 9, 2012 trail users is based on the opinion of the City Attorney and the Police Department is consistent in its message with respect to right-of-way on the trails. He indicated that difficulties arise because consistency with trail signage throughout the metro area is lacking. He stated that drivers failing to yield for trail users in crosswalks are ticketed if a clear violation is observed. Council discussed the Beltline trail crossing and planned improvements to this area. Councilmember Mavity stated she has asked staff to look at making the Beltline crossing a one lane to increase safety in this area. Councilmember Santa urged the City to continue its public service announcements on cable and other media streams. She also requested further information regarding the domestic violence awareness program. Mr. Harcey indicated that staff is working on the public service announcements and added that the previously filmed program related to safety on the trails will be aired soon. He advised that the City partnered with Cornerstone and the Human Rights Commission on the Domestic Violence Awareness project and presented several posters that have been distributed throughout the City to increase awareness and provide contact information. Councilmember Sanger indicated that several years ago, the PAC and HRC sponsored a joint project where members of the Somali community were invited to talk about their impressions on living in St. Louis Park, including how it was to be stopped by the police. She asked if the PAC has considered hosting another event like this with immigrant groups. Mr. Luse stated the Police Department has been working for over a year to gain acceptance into the joint community police partnership which provides a liaison to the community for the specific purpose of outreach to new populations. He added the City is hopeful it will be the next city to gain entrance into this program. It was the consensus of the City Council that the PAC's 2012 Work Plan is in alignment with the expectations of the City Council. 4. Housing Authority Annual Report and Work Plan (w/Commission) Ms. Schnitker presented the staff report and introduced Catherine Courtney, Housing Authonty Chair, and Justin Kauffman, Susan Metzger, and Renee DuFour, Housing Authority Members. Councilmember Ross stated she would like to see the City blend affordable housing across the entire City and avoid concentrated areas of affordable housing. She added she did not want to see only high end housing built around the light rail stations. Ms. Courtney agreed with Councilmember Ross and stated the Housing Authority typically hears about housing projects after they are well underway and the Housing Authority would like to have some involvement in these projects before they are built to determine if there is an opportunity to include affordable housing. Mayor Jacobs agreed that the City should seek input from the Housing Authority when new developments are being proposed. Study Session Minutes -4- Apnl 9, 2012 Councilmember Mavity felt there were tools available that the City could use to create more scattered site affordable housing units throughout the City, e.g., incentives that allowed a developer to have an extra floor in its proposed development if affordable units were included. She added the City could also relax some of its restrictions and/or provide more TIF for a project if affordable housing units were included. Councilmember Sanger agreed with the concept of de-concentrated housing but felt that the City should first address its housing policy and address how much affordable housing is enough. She indicated the City has a lot of affordable housing and provides funding for HIAs which is in harmony with the City's policy of favoring owner occupied housing. Councilmember Santa agreed and stated those tools would provide affordable, owner occupied housing scattered throughout the community, which should be the goal. She added she wanted to see some balance between rental and ownership. Councilmember Sanger stated that a policy consideration for Council will be to define balance. She indicated the City has a number of vacant homes in foreclosure and urged the City to implement a program to use these homes to augment its current programs. She felt this concept would be worth exploring and could solve a neighborhood problem to benefit people who need housing. Ms. DuFour agreed this issue should be put on the Housing Authority's agenda for discussion. Ms. Schnitker advised that purchasing homes to operate as low income rentals could be costly. She stated that the City has talked about another option in which rent subsidies would be provided similar to the Section 8 voucher program and felt the City could serve many more households by funding a rent subsidy rather than purchasing foreclosed houses It was the consensus of the City Council that the Housing Authority's 2012 Work Plan is in alignment with the expectations of the City Council. It was also the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to work with the Housing Authority on exploring strategies and tools to include affordable housing units as a component of future housing projects as they come into the City, including future housing projects in the light rail station areas. 5. Review of City's Housing Goals Staff presented the report and revised housing goals for Council consideration. Councilmember Mavity stated that transit oriented development has been discussed as part of the light rail station area planning meetings and bringing in workforce housing to these areas which is part of the broader goal and vision of SWLRT. She referenced the second bullet under goal #5 which states affordable housing units should be disbursed throughout the City and not concentrated in any one area of the City or any one development and felt that the words 'or any one development' should be deleted or modified because there may be times, based on business reasons, that it may be appropriate if located next to other high end luxury apartments. Mayor Jacobs and Councilmembers Sanger, Santa, and Ross respectfully disagreed that these words should be deleted. Study Session Minutes -5- April 9, 2012 Councilmember Sanger suggested that this clause be revised to state affordable housing units should not be concentrated in any one area of the City or any one development absent extraordinary circumstances. Mr. Locke noted it was important to recognize these are goals and are intended to provide general direction for the City. Councilmember Sanger stated it was important for Council to continue to think about the City's long term housing needs and to focus on rental or single family housing units that are big enough for families with children and that serve to keep people living in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Hallfin expressed support for new single family homes versus multi-family housing and urged Council to consider single family homes as part of the redevelopment of the Eliot School site. Councilmember Santa requested that the housing goals address the issue of workforce housing. She felt it was important to attract and keep younger people in the community so they can decide where they want to buy a home. Councilmember Spano stated he would like to see a specific bullet in the goals that mentions the role that transit will play in the City's housing decisions. He stated he would also like to see the City expand its eligibility for the move-up housing program. He asked if the City has any type of program that takes renters and moves them into housing before purchasing a home, similar to a rent to own program. He added his sister participated in this type of program and agreed to provide details of the program to staff. Ms. Schnitker indicated the City participates in a first time homebuyers program and has affordable home ownership programs. She added the City also financially supports the West Hennepin Land Trust program. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to include workforce housing in the housing goals. It was also the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to include a specific bullet in the housing goals that describes the role of transit in the City's housing decisions. It was also the consensus of the City Council to revise the second bullet in housing goal #5 to add "absent extraordinary circumstances or when in the best interest of the City." Ms. Deno advised that the next step will be to revise the housing goals and to bring to them Council for formal adoption. 6. Outdoor Lighting Ordinance Ms. McMonigal presented the staff report and introduced Jeff Miller, consultant with HKGi. Mr. Miller presented the findings of the exterior lighting ordinance study and stated that the cntical issues identified in the study include the need to change the standard that prohibits a light source from being visible off site, addressing spillover or glare, standards for recreational fields, and it was found that the current measurement methods are confusing. Study Session Minutes -6- April 9, 2012 Councilmember Sanger requested clarification regarding recreational lighting versus other outdoor lighting. She questioned why there is currently so much spillover recreational lighting on adjacent properties. Mr. Miller explained it is typical for recreational lighting to be treated differently because lighting needs for spectators and participants is challenging and the amount of time that lighting is used is limited compared to a parking lot or street light. He stated the lighting for different types of sports needs to be different, must be aimed in different directions, and requires different light levels. He indicated they are recommending that the City focus on shielding of lights and aiming of lights in preparing an outdoor lighting ordinance. Councilmember Santa stated that lighted recreational facilities in the City have spillover issues and the City appears to be the biggest offender. She reminded Council that it needs to think about how it is going to apply these standards to its own facilities and not just Benilde-St. Margaret's. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern that the City previously approved the plan by Benilde-St. Margaret's to build an athletic field and Benilde-St. Margaret's was aware of the City's Ordinance requirements and has failed to comply. She stated the City has received complaints and the City has not forced Benilde-St. Margaret's to resolve the problem. She requested that any outdoor lighting ordinance include a requirement to eliminate glare. Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciated Councilmember Sanger's frustration but it is not possible to meet the City's current ordinance and it needs to be amended. She added that light pollution is part of life in an urban setting and to require the elimination of all glare is not reasonable. Councilmember Hallfin suggested that the hours of operation be expanded to allow operation of lights whenever games are being played because it is sometimes dark before 4:00 p.m. and lights are needed for games. He requested that staff look at the best practice for this requirement. Councilmember Spano requested that the ordinance include a requirement for natural buffers, e.g., trees, around lighting sources. He stated that when Methodist expanded its facility, plantings were used as light shields and the trees have done a great job of shielding the neighboring properties from the lights on the sides of the building. Councilmember Sanger requested that the setback requirements be reviewed to require lighting be installed a minimum number of feet from adjacent residential property lines. She also asked if height restrictions on lights could be added. Ms. Deno agreed that staff would look at best practices in other models for residential property setbacks and height restrictions. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to develop specific outdoor lighting ordinance provisions with the Planning Commission and prepare an updated ordinance for Council review in study session. 7. Solid Waste Collection Program and Services Mr. Rardin presented the staff report. Study Session Minutes -7- April 9, 2012 Ms. Deno requested further feedback from Council on what it means to be No. 1 or a leader in the industry. Councilmember Spano indicated that Exhibit 3 does a great job of demonstrating why the City is not #1 compared to neighboring communities and stated it was surprising to see that the City does not take #3-7 plastics. He stated if the City added plastics #1-5 plus #7 bottles, the City could be#1 in recycling. Councilmember Sanger agreed and urged the City to find ways to incent more recycling and less trash, such as having smaller trash carts at a reduced price and charging more for people using larger and more trash carts. She urged the City to require any haulers responding to an RFP for recycling to give the City data on how much material intended for recycling actually gets thrown into the landfill. She also urged the City to consider what it can do to limit the number of plastic bags and plastic water bottles sold in the City and to require businesses that use Styrofoam to agree to recycle it. She added the City needs to be a model for recycling and should have recycling in its parks. Councilmember Mavity agreed that the range of items collected for recycling should be expanded to the extent possible and that recycling opportunities should be provided for multi- family housing. She indicated she was shocked to see how much of the recycling streams do not get recycled and felt that the City has the ability to increase that accountability level. Councilmember Hallfin requested that staff reach out to the School Board to see if there is a way for the City to help the School District start recycling. Councilmember Santa stated she would like to see 100% of the City's residents have an opportunity to recycle. Mayor Jacobs stated he would also like to see the City's businesses recycle. He added he would like to make recycling as convenient and as easy as possible for everyone. Councilmember Ross did not think it was feasible for the City to start legislating what stores can sell or use, e.g., no plastic bags, no plastic water bottles. She questioned who would be responsible for the enforcement of measuring trash and recyclables and the cost to the City. She stated that some residents are unable to recycle and urged Council to be realistic in its goals. She added that drop-off locations for recycling of batteries and CFL bulbs should be as easy and convenient as possible for residents. She stated she would like to see additional drop-off sites for recycling. Council discussed single sort and dual sort recycling. Mr. Rardin noted that the industry may be trending toward a single sort system of recycling. He stated that a dual sort system provides purer recyclable material while a single sort system results in more contamination but higher volumes of recyclable material. He indicated there is a trade- off for having less volume and higher quality recyclables versus higher volume and lower quality recyclables. He stated that staff will prepare a list of materials that will be collected curbside for Council review; in addition, staff will propose Pay As You Throw (PAYT) rates that provide economic incentives for increasing recycling and cutting down on waste generation. Study Session Minutes -8- April 9, 2012 It was the consensus of the City Council that the City should continue to work to broaden and increase its recycling numbers; single sort and dual sort recycling collection should both be allowed for consideration during the future contract collection process. It was also the consensus of the City Council to use locally based existing drop-off facilities for recycling and to continue to educate residents about these facilities. It was also the consensus of the City Council to strive for greater accountability with respect to recycling and to expand the City's program to include recycling of plastics and organic materials, including CFL bulbs and batteries. 8. Communications/Meeting Check-In Councilmember Ross requested further information regarding the Westwood Villa HIA improvements, specifically the replacement of bathroom vents. She also expressed concern about the average assessment of$33,000. Ms. Deno explained that anytime a roof is replaced, all vents need to be replaced at the same time. She stated that when an HIA is proposed, the City Assessor will review the project to make sure the improvements will hold up in the City's housing market. She agreed to provide further information regarding the improvements to Council. Councilmember Sanger expressed support for the City's use of HIAs but was uncomfortable with the amount of money that the Westwood Villa residents will be required to pay and the relative ratio of the cost of improvements compared to the low property value. She expressed concern that residents would be unable to afford their dues to continue ongoing maintenance at Westwood Villa. She requested that Council have an overall policy discussion about HIAs and whether there should be some kind of cap on the size of payments compared to the value of the housing units. Councilmember Hallfin requested that Council revisit the Eliot School site and possible use of the site. Councilmember Ross noted that the neighbors were clear about wanting a mixed use in that area. Ms. Deno agreed to provide Council with a written report regarding the Eliot School site. The meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 9. Westwood Villa HIA 10. Open to Business Update and Contract ' • i ewal 11. Outstanding Citizen Awards Task For e Nancy Stroth, 1Ity Clerk Jeff .co s, :yor