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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/06/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session III St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA JUNE 11, 2012 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tern Susan Sanger, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity (arrived at 6:33 p.m.), Julia Ross (arrived at 6:38 p.m.), Sue Santa, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), City Engineer(Mr. Brink), Director of Public Works (Mr. Rardin), Engineering Project Manager(Mr. Olson), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Planner (Mr. Walther), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), Administration Department Intern (Mr. French), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Hughes). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—June 18 and June 25, 2012 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed special study session agenda for June 18, 2012, and the proposed study session agenda for June 25, 2012. Councilmember Santa requested an update regarding the insurance being offered by the National League. Mr. Harmening explained this item will be brought back to Council in July or August for formal action. 2. 2013 Budget Discussion Mr. Harmening presented the staff report and introduced Ray French, an intern working in the Administration Department. Ms. Deno explained that staff is beginning to prepare the 2013 budget which will include a full review of past expenditures as well as a review of the City's fees compared with other cities. She stated the 2013 budget will be prepared with an eye toward business as usual and to continue the City's high standards of service delivery with Vision in the forefront. She indicated that all five of the City's union contracts are set with a wage adjustment of 2%; in addition, a wellness benefit increase of$10 has already been approved. She stated that the 2013 budget will include an increase of$20 per month for benefit contnbutions and the budget assumes a 9% increase in rates for 2013. Mr. Heintz reviewed the 2011-2013 budget analysis snapshot for the General Fund and Park and Recreation Fund and noted the total gap before adjustments is $75,491, the proposed benefit contribution increases total $77,090, and salary adjustments total $437,384, for a total 2013 budget gap of$589,965 compared to 2012. He indicated the budget assumes no use of the City's fund balance in 2013 and continues the unwinding of the Police and Fire pension transfer of $50,000 per year, as well as unwinding of the Cable TV transfer starting in 2013 of$25,000 per year in order to help the Cable TV fund get closer to financial stability. He noted these transfers are consistent with the City's Long Range Financial Management Plan. He also noted that the community survey has been included for 2013 and will be funded through the Development Study Session Minutes -2- June 11, 2012 Fund. He added that no additional expenses for environmental programs are included and it is assumed this program will be funded through the solid waste fund rather than the General Fund. Councilmember Ross requested further information regarding the budget impact of future development and the loss of Novartis. Mr. Swanson stated that increased development and redevelopment will generate more permit revenue and will show up under projections in 2013. He indicated the City expects to see some impact to its water and utility funds from the loss of Novartis but is not anticipating any significant change with that loss. He added that staff will review the utility funds toward the end of 2012 to determine if any adjustments are needed to ensure the sustainability of those funds; in addition, Council will review utility rates in August. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger asked if the 2013 budget will include additional money for the feasibility study for the community center. Mr. Harmening explained that this item is not currently reflected in the 2013 budget but will be added back in, noting that these types of costs typically get folded into the overall project cost. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger requested that data be provided to Council regarding the wellness benefit and the efficacy of this benefit. Ms. Deno stated this is a longer-term initiative and data will be provided to Council. Councilmember Mavity asked if any funds have been set aside for consulting work related to light rail should the need arise. Mr. Harmening replied that this has been reflected in the Development Fund budget and not the General Fund or Park and Recreation Fund. Mr. Heintz presented the preliminary CIP funding source summary and five year CIP, noting that the summary includes other funding sources such as the County, State, or Met Council. Councilmember Mavity stated that the City has been experiencing significant development and a police officer was recently added because of the increased activity at West End. She requested information on how a determination is made whether to add additional police and fire to meet the City's needs. Mr. Harmening advised that last year, Council agreed to do some long range planning relative to the City's police and fire needs and an RFP is currently out to retain a consultant to help the City understand long-term changes from a redevelopment and demographic perspective and how those changes will impact public safety. Mr. Heintz presented a summary of the City's long-range financial management plan, which is used to make sure the City's funds are sustainable and which includes assumptions for inflation and interest. He stated the pavement management fund includes a $.50 per utility franchise fee increase in 2013. He noted that franchise fees were increased by $.75 two years ago and staff will continue to work on this and come back to Council with a recommendation. Study Session Minutes -3- June 11, 2012 Mr. Harmening pointed out the City funds the pavement management fund entirely with franchise fees and does not impose any special assessments for these types of improvements. Councilmember Santa stated it would be helpful for Council to have a further general understanding of what it means to be healthy as it relates to the City's fund balance. Mr. Swanson explained the City uses the State Auditor's fund balance position and targets a fund balance percentage of 35-50%. It was the consensus of the City Council that the general direction outlined for the 2013 budget is in line with Council expectations. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger thanked staff for all their work on the budget. 3. Environment/Sustainability Task Force Application Review Ms. Deno presented the staff report and 25 applications received for the task force. She noted that no address information for the applicants was included in the public agenda packet. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger noted that Council will need to decide if it wants to narrow the list down from 25 applicants and if so, what criteria should be used to ensure the task force has the appropriate mix of residents. Ms. Gothberg advised that research states that 8-15 persons on a task force will provide the most effective dynamics and it will be easier to keep the group on task. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger indicated that when the community facility task force was appointed, Council did not narrow the group down and appointed 21 people because not everyone will show up to all of the meetings. She requested that Council refer to each of the applicants by the letter associated with their name on the map provided by staff. Mr. Harmening stated that of the 25 applications, 13 are men, 12 are women, and their geographic locations are well disbursed throughout the City with a small cluster in Minikanda Vista. He added that a diversity of interests appear to be represented in the applications. Councilmember Santa felt the number should be narrowed down particularly since the task force will be of limited duration. Councilmember Ross agreed. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger recited an email from Mayor Jacobs stating he did not have any strong preference to reject any of the applicants. Councilmember Spano felt that 25 members would be difficult to manage. Councilmember Hallfin felt that 10-15 members would be better and liked the idea of having a set number of representatives from each ward as well as a set number of representatives to serve at large. Study Session Minutes -4- June 11, 2012 Ms. Deno stated that staff could develop a score sheet that Council can use to help guide Council through the list in order to make its selections. It was the consensus of the City Council to review the 25 applications received for the Environment/Sustainability Task Force and to rank their selections on a scale of 1 to 25, with 1 being the highest and 25 being the lowest. 4. Project Update—Highway 7/Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project Mr. Olson presented the staff report and advised that the City's $3 million TED Grant application was successful and will help with financing of the project. He explained that appraisal activities have started as part of the right of way process and the City will be ready to begin making offers in July or early August. He stated the City Attorney has recommended that the City should initiate the condemnation process at about the same time that the initial offers are made to the property owners. He noted that the City will still go through negotiations with property owners. He added that seven parcels are being acquired and all parcels are represented by different owners. He indicated that Mn/DOT has provided comments on the design and has asked the City to do more soil borings on the project; Mn/DOT has indicated this additional testing could result in cost savings of approximately $200,000-$300,000 if deeper soil borings are taken. He added that the consultants agree with Mn/DOT's recommendation. Mr. Rardin advised that the project costs include estimated costs for underground power lines of approximately $600,000 which is included in the funding gap of$3,868,000. He noted that no funding source has been determined to pay for these underground power lines. He also noted that the City can order Xcel Energy to install the underground power lines, but Xcel Energy may or may not choose to assess that cost to properties through a tariff process. He stated the City is currently negotiating with Xcel Energy on the underground power lines and plans are being developed, but Xcel Energy's standard is to install above ground relocation of power lines. He stated if Xcel Energy decides to assess the undergrounding cost, it would go through the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for approval but staff is uncertain who determines the area of benefitting properties. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to further investigate the process for installing underground power lines in the project area, including responsibility for payment of the additional cost to install underground power lines as well as determining benefitting properties. Councilmember Ross asked if fiber has been installed under Highway 7. Mr. Olson agreed to check with Mr. Pires regarding whether fiber and/or conduit has been installed in this area. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger requested further information regarding the possibility of reimbursing property owners if Xcel Energy decides to impose a special assessment for the underground power lines, assuming the area to be assessed is a narrow area. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to continue moving forward with this project. Study Session Minutes -5- June 11, 2012 5. Pedestrian and Bicycle System Implementation Plan and Policy Review Mr. Rardm presented the staff report. Councilmember Santa reiterated her request to remove the bikeway listed in item #11 on Exhibit G and to swap that for the sidewalk listed in item #145. She stated that residents in this area do not feel safe, particularly since there are many residents in this area who are not able-bodied and who need to share the road in their wheelchairs or walkers. She felt the wrong message would be sent if the City installed a bikeway first and waited four years to put in a sidewalk. Councilmember Mavity felt that a bikeway in this location was important and the addition of bikeway signing would be helpful. Councilmember Ross agreed with Councilmember Santa and stated there are significant safety issues in this area. Mr. Rardin agreed to change the construction year to 2013 for item#145. Councilmember Mavity requested that the City move up the date for installation of the sidewalk segment between Ottawa and Wooddale on Morningside Road (#134 - coordinate installation with Edina). She indicated that the City of Edina has asked the City to install a sidewalk on the north side of the street. She also requested the City accelerate the installation of sidewalks all along Morningside Road because this is a high traffic street with a lot of children in the area (#133 - moved from 2022 to 2015). She requested the installation of sidewalks along 40`h Street be moved up as well (#128). Mr. Rardin stated the City has been coordinating sidewalk installation with the City of Edina. He indicated that 40`h Street(#128) would be rescheduled for completion in 2015. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger requested that item #103 and item #104 on Exhibit G be moved up from the current construction year of 2020. Mr. Rardin suggested that item #103 and item #104 be moved up to 2016. He added that item #87 should match the construction year for item#104. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger requested that item #7 be pushed back and not made a high priority (moved from 2013 to 2020). She noted that she would be okay with the installation of bikeway signs. Councilmember Mavity expressed concern regarding 39th Street leading to Minikanda Vista Park and requested that item#126 and item#127 be moved up. Mr. Brink agreed to review these items further. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger requested that West Lake Street(item#53)be revised from a bike lane to a bikeway from Minnetonka Boulevard to Walker Street. Councilmember Ross requested that sidewalks be added on the south side of Cedar Lake Road (item #8) and stated this area is used by pedestnans waiting for the bus and people end up standing in the street during the winter. Study Session Minutes -6- June 11, 2012 Mayor Pro Tern Sanger requested Council provide Mr. Rardin with any additional deletions or additions to the 10-year CIP. She also requested that Council be provided with cost estimates and funding sources before determining if the ten-year term for the CIP is appropriate. Mr. Rardin stated that further information will be presented to Council at its July 9th meeting. Council discussed possible removal of on street parking to accommodate on street biking. Mr. Rardin stated that staff will identify problem areas if on street parking were removed for further discussion with Council. He pointed out that Exhibit B1 needs to be corrected as part of the creek remeander plan and explained that the earlier plan included a bridge to connect over to Louisiana Court and another bridge to the north side of the creek leading west. He stated there is currently no proposal to have a connector to Louisiana Court, and there is currently only one bridge in the creek remeander plan. He noted the City could add this connector later if desired. Councilmember Mavity previously requested a sidewalk be added from the MSC on the south side of Oxford Street east to Louisiana Ave. Mr. Rardin stated that he also had incorrect information related to the proposed trail from Twin Lakes Park through Benilde to the Hwy 100 frontage Rd. That proposed link should be revised to provide for the existing Twin Lakes trail to be extended only to the dead end at the cul-de-sac at the south end of Westndge Lane. He explained that the City has an easement only from Westridge Lane south along the east property line of Benilde. In past involvements, Benilde was not willing to provide an easement through their property to the Hwy 100 frontage road. Mr. Zwilling advised that staff is working on an outline for the public process, which will be presented to Council this summer. 6. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening stated that a member of the Human Rights Commission is interested in proposing that the Human Rights Commission sponsor a forum with an organization such as OutFront Minnesota to educate the community about why the marriage amendment should not pass. He indicated this forum can be done provided the City does not spend any money on the forum. He added the City cannot spend money to actively lobby against the marriage amendment. Mayor Pro Tern Sanger suggested that the Human Rights Commission invite someone from the opposing side to attend the forum to have a point/counterpoint forum. Mr. Harmening clanfied that this approach is not what is being proposed. Councilmember Mavity stated it will be important to make sure the City is in full compliance with the letter and intent of the law. Councilmember Santa stated the City Council has already passed a resolution stating its position on the matter and agreed with Councilmember Mavity. Councilmember Spano stated he had no problem with the Human Rights Commission sponsoring this forum. Study Session Minutes -7- June 11, 2012 It was the consensus of the City Council to state its agreement with the Human Rights Commission's possible sponsorship of a forum intended to educate the community about why the marriage amendment should not pass, as long as the forum is in compliance with state law. Mr. Harmening stated that Councilmembers can use the fire station's workout facility and asked whether he should bring back a policy allowing for this. It was agreed that he should do so. Councilmember Ross advised that a resident from Hamilton House recently contacted her expressing concern about the number of residents who smoke in their apartments and its impact on non-smokers as the smoke travels through the vents. She stated the resident wants to know if there is anything the City can do. Mr. Harmening agreed to check on this and report back to Council. Mayor Pro Tem Sanger advised that she has been contacted about a number of issues at Menorah Plaza with residents being disruptive and sometimes violent and whether the City can do anything. Mr. Harmening agreed to work with the Police Department regarding these issues. The meeting adjourned at 9:41 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 7. 2013—2018 Solid Waste Collection Program "71 aArt Nancy Y Stroth, Cit Clerk Susan Sanger, M or Pro Tem