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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013/06/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 111 St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JUNE 24,2013 __ The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Julia Ross (arrived at 6:39 p.m.), Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Jake Spano (arrived at 6:35 p.m.). Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Director of Human Resources (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Communications Coordinator (Mr. Zwilling), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), Associate Planner (Mr. Kelly), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Burr). 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—July 1 & 8,2013 Mr. Harmening presented the staff report, proposed special study session agenda for July 1, 2013, and the proposed study session agenda for July 8, 2013. Mr. Harmening reported that on July 1, 2013, anoint meeting will be held with the School Board. Wooddale Flats will not be on the agenda. He noted that on July 8th there will be another LRT update with a special meeting afterwards to adopt the official comments on the freight rail issue. Councilmember Mavity stated she would like to discuss the National League of Cities meeting in Seattle this year. 2. Deer Management Update This item was postponed. 3. Southwest LRT Update Mr. Harmening introduced the Southwest LRT update and noted Mr. Locke will be leading the discussion. Mr. Locke began by stating staff continues to determine and illustrate key facts related to the LRT/ freight rail issue. He distributed a redline copy of the comments as well as the letter, noting there is nothing substantively different, other than a correction to an error indicating three elementary schools rather than four. He indicated the biggest section of changes is the language on safety impacts, especially relating to safety issues for raised tracks. Mr. Locke summarized that the bulk of the key issues concerning the two alternative relocation routes and things that need to be mitigated. Councilmember Hallfin commended staff for its work on the letter and the changes made. Councilmember Spano arrived at 6:35 p.m. Councilmember Hallfin suggested removing any reference to cost with regard to tunnels, since it is unknown whether or not tunnels are more costly Study Session Minutes -2- June 24, 2013 Councilmember Ross arrived 6:39 pm. Councilmember Mavity discussed the issue of co-location and whether grade separation is actually the issue. She stated co-location can be viable, but not unless there is a grade separation for traffic to get through. The underpass proposal for some kind of traffic must be included in order to make traffic viable at Wooddale. She discussed the traffic delays for the LRT (of only 1 to 2 minutes) and for freight, which would be 10-minute delays, five or six times daily, and would therefore necessitate an underpass. Councilmember Mavity discussed the importance of grade separation at Wooddale for freight trains. The Council discussed whether grade separation should be required. Councilmember Santa emphasized the importance of requinng a grade separation now in order to include it in the project costs. Mr. Locke summarized that staff will include language for a grade separation at Xenwood or Yosemite Avenues. Councilmember Mavity suggested several changes throughout the document, including: removing the words "or other means," adding verbiage related to a possible northern connection, modifying language to reflect "this should be a process funded and resolved by the LRT," and adding language to ensure playgrounds must be replaced, and access to football fields must be resolved. She offered several additional suggestions, including language emphasizing the importance of minimizing loss of locally owned businesses; she also suggested deleting the rest of the sentence on number 24 in the Property Impacts Section after "including potentially expanding parking in the area"because there may be other opportunities. Councilmember Mavity suggested a change to the letter stating the project is not viable without grade separation at Wooddale; the Council stated it is still viable and did not agree to this suggested change. Councilmember Spano observed that the language regarding property acquisition should read "must"rather than"should." Councilmember Ross stated she is disappointed there are no figures available currently; when those numbers come in, she wants to include them to show it is probably cheaper to co-locate freight and light rail. Councilmember Sanger stated she does not believe the list of issues is complete. She noted that currently, TC&W is running trains north five days a week, which is contrary to the current language. Mr. Locke stated those are CP, not TC&W trains. Councilmember Sanger asked staff to clarify the statement and make it accurate. She also mentioned that the City has requested that the Bass Lake spur storage tracks be removed, but there is nowhere else to put them. Mr. Locke stated the SWLRT plans rest on the Bass Lake spur storage tracks being removed. Councilmember Sanger stated she would like specificity on how mitigation would be provided for tracks that are 20 feet up in the air and would like to require a derailment study to discuss elevated track risks compared with derailment risks at grade level. She questioned whether a 100-foot right-of-way is sufficient, and requested an apples-to-apples comparison by the Met Council with other light rail lines. Mr. Locke noted the challenge of possibly acquiring another 40 homes for an expanded right-of-way. Study Session Minutes -3- June 24, 2013 Ms. McMonigal stated the goal in that section was to be consistent with previous Council comments, and Councilmember Sanger stated things have changed in light of the current freight rail route proposals. Councilmember Sanger stated the language should clarify if the 100 feet is between property lines or between homes. Mr. Locke responded that it is 100 feet of right-of-way and indicated the language can be crafted to ensure accuracy. Mr. Harmening commented that staff is not here to debate the issue but rather ask for direction. Councilmember Mavity noted the 100 feet is reflected in the DEIS comments as well. Taking another row of homes would have to have a very compelling reason. Councilmember Sanger indicated it should state 100 feet from any property lines. Councilmember Hallfin stated right now, there are buildings much closer than that to the tracks. Councilmember Sanger stated some houses are closer to the tracks than others, but not necessarily every house. She wants to ensure every house keeps its whole backyard so that there backyard is not included in the right-of-way measurement. Mr. Locke stated the maps can be brought back before the Council if that is helpful. The Council agreed that would be helpful. Mayor Jacobs directed staff to bring it back with the maps. Councilmember Sanger continued with several more suggestions for language changes related to the impact on locally owned business, traffic mitigation, if any TIF district will be impacted, and the importance of noise and vibration studies. Councilmember Santa suggested stronger language regarding storm water plans and drainage issues. Councilmember Mavity asked Mr. Locke to include DEIS comments on the side in the next draft before the Council. Councilmember Mavity asked staff to bring back best practices on how to get folks to stations, especially as it relates to keeping things at grade level. The Council discussed whether the main point of the LRT is moving people from point A to point B, economic development, or a combination of both. 4. 2014 Budget Discussion Ms. Deno stated no action is required tonight; rather, this is a discussion to ensure staff is "between the lines" going forward. She provided an overview of the timeline, budget recommendations, and guiding principles, highlighting that the five union contracts are open this year. Study Session Minutes -4- June 24, 2013 Mr. Swanson discussed the levy limits in place, as outlined on page 2 of the packet. The levy limits were put in for one year, 2014, at 3%. He noted the figure is less any local government aid received, so the net levy increase available to the City is approximately$282,000. Councilmember Santa asked how fiscal disparity plays into that figure. Mr. Swanson explained that the levy limit and fiscal disparity do not have a correlation. Councilmember Sanger asked whether the City has enough money for a 2% wage increase plus benefits increase. Ms. Deno responded that staff will use the local aid as a contributing factor to the budget. Mr. Harmening added that the budget can work as long as there is not a change in service delivery. Councilmember Spano noted the Council has placed a high value on planning/engineering for Highway 100 and suggested this be part of the City's budgeting process. Councilmember Sanger asked about money included for feasibility planning for the potential community center. She also suggested setting aside money for legal fees for the LRT. Mr. Swanson responded the development fund will absorb community center funds. Ms. Deno made a note of possible legal fees related to the LRT. Mr. Swanson discussed the previous two-year plan and the capital replacement fund. Councilmember Mavity asked staff to come back and report how the budget is coming along, and Ms. Deno stated staff will return and show how the"puzzle" fits together. Mr. Swanson noted that staff has worked to help reduce the volatility in building permit revenues by assigning fund balance within the General Fund, which can be utilized if revenues don't meet budget. Councilmember Santa encouraged the staff to keep the Council realistic in terms of budget feasibility. Mr. Harmening noted that the community center's operating costs will be seven figures, though that figure will be offset somewhat by revenue. Mr. Heintz indicated the Met Council grant is simply a pass-through for the sanitary sewer project. Ms. Deno presented an overview of the General Fund and Park and Rec Fund. Mr. Swanson noted the City's overall financial position has not declined in terms of available resources. Councilmember Mavity asked about staffing at dispatch. Ms. Deno responded that dispatch is holding, except for the staffing situation, and there are some good candidates. Mr. Harmemng added that overall staffing is lean,but the dispatchers have acclimated. Councilmember Sanger asked about a need for additional resources in public works and community development. Ms. Deno indicated some of those areas are called out for special attention, and discussions have been held regarding whether two public engineers are needed. Councilmember Sanger added that if there is a need for additional staff, the Council will support it. Study Session Minutes -5- June 24, 2013 Councilmember Sanger stated that she plans to revisit the sidewalk issue in relation to snowplowing on sidewalks and whether the City should take that over. 5. Wooddale Flats Comprehensive Plan Amendment from CIV Civic to RM Medium Density Residential Mr. Harmening introduced the report, noting this proposal has gone before the Planning Commission, which recommended approval. It was scheduled for next Monday, but has since been removed from the agenda. Ms. McMonigal presented the staff report, noting the next step for this proposal is to come before the Council on July 15 for approval. She noted staff recommends approving the Comp Plan Amendment. Councilmember Mavity reported that she attended both meetings the developer had with neighbors. The neighbors expressed a significant number of issues at the first meeting, especially regarding traffic and height of the building. The developer came back to the second meeting, and support seemed to increase. Councilmember Hallfin concurred, noting more people seemed to be on board with the plan due to changes made by the developer. Ms. McMonigal stated the traffic study shows there is not an increase in traffic from previous use to the new use. Councilmember Santa asked about the number of bedrooms in each unit. Mr. Kelley responded that the plan calls for two- and three-bedroom units with a price point of$325,000 to $500,000. Councilmember Spano stated he likes the lack of traffic increase and also likes that they are not rentals. He asked about playground equipment. Councilmember Hallfin noted the current playground is there, and the City did not want to take it over. Councilmember Sanger asked whether the developer is asking for TIF, and Mr. Kelley responded he is not. Councilmember Sanger suggested the development agreement should be ironclad regarding owner-occupation of the units. Councilmember Mavity expressed support for the project as it is a new housing option not currently available in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Hallfin stated the proposed housing units are in his neighborhood, and he expressed significant concern about the impact on traffic in an already congested area. He noted that Excelsior Boulevard and Wooddale traffic is awful and needs to be figured out. He also expressed support for commercial rather than residential units, while also noting that 41st Street is an interesting engineering issue for sidewalks. Councilmember Spano noted the traffic at the intersection is an issue independent of this development. Mr. Kelley noted the traffic study is being revised by the consultant. In terms of daily trips, the estimation is 198 from this project, compared to a range of 139 to 238 for school use. The Study Session Minutes -6- June 24, 2013 original plan had the two parking lots connected, but there was concern at the first meeting that it was a bad idea, so it was taken out. Staff has discussed putting it back in to help with traffic. Councilmember Hallfin commented it is a nice-looking project, though it may not be the best use of this land. Mayor Jacobs concurred that the intersection of Excelsior Boulevard and Wooddale is awful and has to be fixed. Mr. Harmening stated this project will allow the City to look at that issue. He noted it is a highly complex system of traffic signal system in that area, and is probably doing the best it can do. Ms. McMonigal stated there were a few recommendations from the traffic consultants not related to this project, and staff will look at them. Mayor Jacobs stated that removing the right-out will solve the problem. Councilmember Mavity reiterated that this is a good project and adds value to the City. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening passed around a thank-you card from the residents of 41st Street. He asked whether any Councilmembers had questions about storm clean-up. Councilmember Spano thanked Mr. Harmening and Mr. Zwilling for coordinating the curb-side pickup. Councilmember Sanger stated the crews have done a great job, but her concern is getting information to residents without Internet access. She has received several calls from residents not understanding what the City has been doing to clean up. She suggested the City publish a summary of clean-up efforts when it is completed. She also suggested discussing underground lines with Xcel Energy and the importance of repairing or replacing the aging infrastructure. Mr. Harmening suggested an Xcel representative come in before the Council. Mayor Jacobs stated in 1986, the City adopted a policy in support of undergrounding the electrical lines. Mr. Harmening noted the City has 300 block captains and numerous association representatives, some of whom are helping distribute flyers. Mr. Zwilling stated the flyer to be distributed will outline the tree and brush pick-up timeline, with a second round of pickup in a week or two, as well as communication from Excel that the power should be turned on by Wednesday. Councilmember Sanger noted she has been impressed with neighbors helping each other. Councilmember Spano asked about a list of licensed contractors for tree removal, and Mr. Zwilling responded that information will be included on the flyer. Mr. Harmening indicated the City will cut down the boulevard trees for homeowners and then ask the homeowner to file a claim through the City's insurance policy. Mayor Jacobs expressed appreciation for all the clean-up efforts so far. Study Session Minutes -7- June 24, 2013 Mr. Harmening noted it is not advised by the engineering community to put up portable four-way stoplights when stoplights are down. Zac Farber was introduced as the new Patch editor. Councilmember Sanger reported she received an invitation to attend a meeting regarding the Kenilworth corridor area and what happened at the Met Council open house. She noted she will be attending as an individual and not as a Councilmember. Councilmember Mavity stated she recently attended the Minnesota League of Cities conference and had lunch with the Hopkins' City Council, who discussed the value in all attending the national conference each year. She noted that the national annual meeting will be in Seattle in November. Councilmember Sanger stated she attended the conference a few years ago, and her expenence was that it was of mixed value for the City's money. She noted there is another League of Cities meeting in Washington, D.C., concerning national issues, which may be of greater interest. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 6. May 2013 Monthly Financial Report 7. Defeasance of the 2004A Bonds 8. Proposed Modification to the Victoria Ponds Tax Increment Financing District Plan SLP 9. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Parking Uses Nancy Stroth, ity Clerk Jeff Jacob , ay