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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/06/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Ifl St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK,MINNESOTA JUNE 25, 2012 The meeting convened at 6:30 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), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Kraayenbrink), Deputy Police Chief(Mr. DiLorenzo), Police Lieutenant (Ms. Dreier), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Harcey), Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Recreation Superintendent (Mr. Birno), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Burr). Guests: Mike Lamb, Cunningham Group Architecture, Inc., Community Recreation Facility Task Force Members (Mr. Odens, Ms. Walters, Mr. Worthington— also present as Vice Chair of Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—July 9, 2012 Mr. Harmening introduced the proposed special study session agenda for July 9, 2012. Councilmember Sanger noted the next meeting is quite full and requested that items be moved to future meetings should anything be added to the agenda. Councilmember Hallfin stated a beekeeper has invited the Council to visit her bees if there is interest. 2. Community Recreation Facility Task Force Update Ms. Walsh introduced the topic, stating that the Task Force has had great, healthy conversations. She noted at the forefront are the residents' surveys, and an emergent theme is gathering places in the community along with an activity-driven location for all ages. Ms. Walters recalled the Task Force site visits in February, including Edinborough Park in Edina, Chaska Community Center, and the Eden Prairie Community Center. She outlined the Edinborough Park first, noting she has taken her grandchildren to the indoor park, but the facility does not offer much for older kids and nothing for teens. The swimming center seems somewhat disjointed, and the facility is inconveniently located. Ms. Walters next highlighted the Task Force visit to the Chaska Community Center, which has an impressive Lodge for senior citizens. There are many other notable amenities, with the confusing layout being its primary drawback. Ms. Walters stated the Eden Prairie Community Center has lots of amenities as well, including top-of-the-line fitness equipment. She noted the atmosphere was different; it was more of a fitness club and competitive athletics and not as family friendly as the other facilities. Study Session Minutes -2- June 25, 2012 Ms. Walters summarized that the tour was helpful to opening the eyes of the Task Force and confirmed the overall goal to help make St. Louis Park engaging, welcoming, convenient, and distinctive for the healthy living of all citizens. Mr. Worthington reviewed the process undergone by the Task Force to date. After the survey results were reviewed, the facilities were toured, and through the course of seven sessions, the 'top 3' lists were created and refined. Programming was discussed extensively. Mr. Worthington stated that the Task Force agreed on a program, which is included in the Council packet, that is aimed at being something warm and open with conversation spaces. Mr. Odens outlined the Working Program as proposed by the Task Force: gymnasium, drop-in childcare, community room, commons/gathering, coffee shop/snack bar, pool, kids' play/flex area, a fireplace with a homey type of feel, track around or over the gym, openings to other spaces and outdoors, fitness equipment, mechanicals, outdoor space, and parking of approximately 227 spaces. He noted the goal is not to compete with Lifetime or L.A. Fitness in terms of a fitness center. Councilmember Mavity asked about the square footage of the Rec Center, and Ms. Walsh responded that it is comparable. Councilmember Mavity thanked the Task Force for their efforts. She asked about indoor turf, and recalled that the turf at the Plymouth Community Center is the only thing that cash-flows. Ms. Walsh responded that the high school is adding turf, and that is a good start for the community. Mr. Worthington stated the idea of turf came up early on but has not been pursued because of the large footprint needed and the difficulty in creating it as a money-making endeavor. Ms. Walsh added that turf did not meet the top of the survey needs, neither did tennis courts. Councilmember Mavity noted that turf allows for multi-use rather than just tennis. She asked the Task Force for more information on including turf. Councilmember Sanger thanked the Task Force for their efforts. She stated that turf is more for teens and organized sports, which is not the focal point of the Community Recreation Facility. She asked if the Task Force has discussed whether Lennox should be merged into a new facility, along the lines of the Lodge model in Chaska. Ms. Walsh responded that some type of a merger may occur naturally over time with active seniors naturally gravitating toward this new type of facility. She stated the community room should be multipurpose for the 16 hours seniors are not using it each day. Councilmember Sanger suggested the following idea be explored if it has not already: a possible partnership with L.A. Fitness or another fitness club to put on the addition the City wants, and in return a discount would be provided to St. Louis Park residents. Mr. Worthington stated next steps include the question of location as well as investigating a few items more deeply, such as the turf and/or merging with an existing facility to take advantage of existing parking. Study Session Minutes -3- June 25, 2012 Mayor Jacobs stated a preference for a location that is central as well as on a public transit line. Councilmember Ross agreed with the importance of a central location as well as public transportation accessibility. Councilmember Santa noted that Highway 100 is a natural barrier in the City. Councilmember Sanger suggested considering the value of tearing down a blighted building and replacing with this new facility. Councilmember Mavity suggested a criterion of considering what the City currently has that can be added on to or made more efficient. One Metro city, for example, built a recreation facility. Councilmember Spano asked the Task Force about looking at the monthly pricing structure for a facility like L.A. Fitness and Lifetime, since this proposed facility seems mostly like a work-out space. He suggested it might be challenging to take people away from those facilities to a new one. He stated the proposed facility feels too focused on the workout piece at the expense of the other priorities. Mr. Worthington responded that a workout facility is not the intent of the proposal, and that the vision for exercise equipment is much smaller than something like a Lifetime. Ms. Walsh noted that theater turned out to be not a high-ranking use, and in actuality, there is quite a bit of underused theater space in the St. Louis Park area. Mr. Odens commented that the goal of the proposed facility is to create a space for all ages and not to compete with Lifetime or L.A. Fitness. Mayor Jacobs concurred that the government should not compete with what the private sector does better. The facility should have a greater public purpose and support the idea of citizens being able to get together. Mr. Harmening indicated that at an approximate project cost of $300/square foot, it would be $18 - $20 million, which does not include land acquisition or parking. Councilmember Mavity noted that figure also does not include annual operating costs. Ms. Walsh noted that at the proposed facility, membership would not be required, a distinctive from Lifetime or L.A. Fitness. Councilmember Spano commented that part of the Council's responsibility is to look at what the needs might be 15 years from now. Councilmember Sanger stated people go to work-out facilities for a specific reason. A much broader group of people would feel comfortable going to this type of community center. Ms. Walters indicated there are multiple rooms with the potential for different types of uses, but affordability also has to be considered and is open for discussion. Study Session Minutes -4- June 25, 2012 Councilmember Santa stated when she thinks about the community center, she thinks about it being an event-driven space rather than for a purpose like Lifetime. She noted that seniors like to be around others, but with the ability to separate from the noise. Councilmember Ross noted that in all practicality this facility would have to be multiple levels. She also noted that any space designated for seniors, like the Lodge, could serve as a dual space. Councilmember Mavity noted that sports teams tend to build community, so including indoor turf would help build community. Councilmember Hallfin thanked the Task Force for their work and agreed that demolishing blighted buildings would be wonderful. Councilmember Santa noted for the record she is not in favor of turf in any way and that other priorities are much more critical. Ms. Walsh summarized that the Task Force will investigate a few other areas of interest to the Council, recommend some locations, and recommend a public process back to the City Council. Councilmember Mavity asked at what point the financing will be discussed. Mr. Harmening noted that bonds will have to be issued to finance the project. Mr. Lamb asked for clarity on whether the Council wants indoor turf to be considered. Mayor Jacobs directed in the affirmative that it can be considered. 3. Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission 2011 Annual Report and 2012 Work Plan Mr. Worthington introduced the 2011 year-end report as well as the 2012 work plan included in the Council packet. He highlighted what the Commission has worked on this past year. Councilmember Santa asked about the old playground equipment being sent to kids in other countries. Ms. Walsh noted a non-profit organization helps them refurbish and send them to other countries so the playsets are entirely safe and usable for other children. Mr. Worthington noted there are a few new members in the work group, and that the Advisory Commission will possibly be inviting the Council on a biking trip. Councilmember Ross asked Ms. Walsh to look into drinking fountains and recycling bins. Ms. Walsh noted all of the active athletic areas have them, and they will look into more. Councilmember Ross noted accessibility to restrooms during the day is an issue and suggested possibly working with the police department to prevent graffiti. Mr. Harmening noted there are consequences to having the restrooms open during the day. Mayor Jacobs thanked Mr. Worthington and the entire Commission. 4. Environment/Sustainability Task Force Member Selection Study Session Minutes -5- June 25, 2012 Ms. Deno presented the staff report and asked for direction. Councilmember Mavity stated she was very impressed by the quality of the applicants. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to take the top 15 applicants for the Task Force. Ms. Deno stated there will be formal appointments on the consent agenda at the next Council meeting. 5. Administrative Penalties—Next Steps Ms. McMonigal introduced the staff report and noted this has been under discussion for quite some time. Mr. Harmening stated the staff wanted to check in one more time with the Council before putting the streamlined ordinance into place. Mr. Morrison highlighted several different methods for enforcing ordinances. He also explained the citation process. Councilmember Spano asked about the citation process for those traveling out of town for extended periods of time. Ms. McMonigal stated the City works with the violators in each situation, and the goal is to have the quickest resolution possible. Councilmember Sanger asked about inconsistent enforcement, particularly with things like lack of snow shoveling. Mr. Harmening stated the City enforces on a complaint basis, since staff cannot drive around looking for violations all day. Mr. Morrison added that staff looks at other properties in close proximity as well. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to move ahead with the next step of implementing the simplified administrative penalties. Ms. McMonigal stated staff will bring the ordinance back for adoption by the Council. 6. Police Department Annual Report Mr. Luse introduced the 2011 Police Department Annual Report. He noted that the policing model has evolved over time into a community policing model that is "a mile wide and a mile deep." He asked the four lieutenants to discuss what they deal with most in their specific areas. Mr. Luse also noted on average, there is one murder per year and most have roots in domestic violence. Mr. DiLorenzo highlighted portions of the annual report, including the Emergency Response Unit, outlining their training and participation in the Southwest ERU consortium. He also noted the department is responsible for solicitor permits. The department also handles the permits to purchase and permits to carry for hand guns and rifles. Study Session Minutes -6- June 25, 2012 Councilmember Ross asked about the procedure for gun shops handling IDs. Mr. DiLorenzo explained the steps the police department takes, which are followed by the gun store calling in to the federal system for an additional layer of checks. Councilmember Sanger asked about mental health situations, and Mr. DiLorenzo stated those are very difficult to track because many are not officially reported. Mr. DiLorenzo also explained the role of Cornerstone, a domestic advocacy group during court services. He stated that Cornerstone does an outstanding job. Mr. Kraayenbrink then discussed patrol operations as outlined in the annual report. He noted there were 25,000 non-emergency calls for service. He explained the various operational strategies and highlighted the electronic Roll Call. Mr. Luse stated that the Roll Call training provides an opportunity to review important policies and procedures such as our"Bias Policing"policy. Mr. Harmening asked Chief Luse to describe the"pursued driving policy." Mr. Luse explained the pursued driving policy is simply that police officers can pursue a suspect when there is good reason to believe great bodily harm or death has happened or might happen. Councilmember Santa stated she is worried about foot chases more than car chases, as suspects end up going into other people's homes while fleeing the police. Mr. Luse stated occurrences of chases are rare and have not increased since this pursued driving policy changed. Mr. Kraayenbrink stated half of police deaths in the line of duty involve car accidents. He noted a lot of police activities revolve around quality of life issues. The issue of coyotes has simmered down the last couple of months. Panhandlers are a tough issue, and traffic complaints are common. He explained the speed board process as well as ticketing for snow, special event staffing, neighborhood events, and the like. Mr. Harcey described that his division supports the efforts of the patrol division. He stated his investigators triage all cases and review for follow-up investigation. He outlined the process for investigation and discussed in particular the role of the investigator who handles all West End cases in order to facilitate continuity in those cases. Councilmember Sanger asked about the West End and whether a crime problem exists there. Mr. Harcey responded that there is not currently a crime problem, and that the City has been able to stay ahead of it. He noted support services also do liquor and tobacco license compliance checks as well as background investigations and predatory offender checks. Councilmember Ross asked if the premises are inspected for predatory offender checks. Mr. Harcey stated there are privacy laws that must be respected, so the basic idea of the check is to ensure the offender is actually living there as reported. Mr. Harcey discussed other support services, including the Meadowbrook Collaborative Homework Help, Louisiana Court Basketball Night, Bike Patrol, Lakeland Hotel Project, 8400 Study Session Minutes -7- June 25, 2012 Minnetonka Project, YesMart information gathering projects, and providing support at public speaking engagements. Mr. Harcey discussed the role of school liaisons as well as participation in the SW Metro Drug Task Force. He described the trends in property crimes, particularly financial fraud. Ms. Dreier discussed her role in police department communications, noting over 30,000 911 calls were received last year, as well as over 70,000 non-emergency calls. Currently, Minnetonka is the back-up call center. Ms. Dreier discussed the various roles of the Community Outreach Officer and Community Outreach Liaison as well as the structure of Information Management, including the website, mapping, monthly and annual reports. She also discussed the successful graffiti initiative. Councilmember Santa noted St. Louis Park has a great reputation for community policing. 7. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Councilmember Mavity noted St. Louis Park received an award at the League of Cities Conference for being a Step One City. The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 8. Brewer Taprooms 9. May 2012 Monthly Financial Report 10. Elected Official Use of City Fitness Facif Nancy Stroth, CI'fy Clerk Jeff/ac01s, M. or