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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014/11/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular fJ/ St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 17, 2014 1. Call to Order Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin called the meeting to order at 7.35 p m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tern Steve Hallfin, Tim Brausen, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Scott), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Momson), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Associate Planner (Mr. Kelley), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Staple). Guests: Eilseen Knisely and Dorothy Karlson (League of Women Voters) la. Pledge of Allegiance 1 b. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Donations Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin expressed thanks to Kathleen Hugget and her trust for the $250,000 donation to the preservation of Westwood Nature Center. Her donation will be use to care for and maintain for the Westwood Nature Center. He thanked the trust for the donation Councilmember Spano stated that item will be discussed at a future date to determine the capital needs for the facility and best use of the funds. Councilmember Mavity stated that the City does not often receive this kind of donation She noted that Ms. Hugget passed away and this trust was a portion of her will She stated that the City was unsuccessful in finding family members to recognize for the donation. Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin Rolland Larson for purchase and installation of a bench at Wilf Lake Park in the amount of$2,200. 2b. Kids Voting Project Eilseen Knisely, League of Women Voters, presented the information for Kids Voting in St. Louis Park project. She stated that the mission of this project is to foster an educated and engaged electorate. She stated that the project has different stages, including education through the classroom, noting that the cumculum is loaded onto servers available to teachers. She stated that the second phase is to allow students to vote, noting that volunteers would be needed for that process. She stated that grant funds are available in the amount of$2,000, which will mostly cover printing and promotion. She City Council Meeting -2- November 17, 2014 advised of two pilot sites that will test the program the following year. She stated that Duluth is a great example of this program, noting that their program began 20 years ago, and they had the highest number of voter turnout in the younger voting age range. Councilmember Lindberg stated that personally he would love to volunteer, as he believes that this is a great project for youth. Councilmember Sanger stated that next year is a City Council election, noting that three offices of the Council will be included on the ballot and suggested a candidate forum could be held at the test schools. Dorothy Karlson stated that there has been discussion where members up for election on the School Board and City Council could make a presentation to the elementary school and answer questions from those students. Councilmember Spano stated that there is a huge benefit in promoting voter education and participation in the younger generation, as it is important to receive their input Councilmember Mavity agreed that it is very impactful to get kids involved in this process early. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Meeting Minutes October 20, 2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. City Council Minutes November 3, 2014 The minutes were approved as presented. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropnate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 14-153 authorizing Worker's Compensation insurance renewal effective December 1, 2014 and ongoing. 4b Adopt Resolution No. 14-154 authonzmg the submission of a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAC) grant application to the Federal Transit Administration to partially 4c Adopt Resolution No. 14-155 approving the Joint Powers Agreement between the Port Authonty of the City of Saint Paul and the City of St Louis Park to implement the Minnesota Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE of MN) in St. Louis Park. 4d Approve for Filing Environment and Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP Meeting Minutes October 1, 2014. City Council Meeting -3- November 17, 2014 4e Adopt Resolution No. 14-156 authonzing special assessments for the installation of a traffic signal at the shared entrance of 36 Park Apartments and Target. 4f Adopt Resolution No. 14-157 authonzing special assessments for the installation of a traffic signal at the shared entrance of 36 Park Apartments and Target. 4g Approve Special Assessment Agreement and Adopt Resolution No. 14-158 authonzing the special assessment for the abatement of hazardous buildings located at 3925 Zarthan 4h Adopt Resolution No. 14-159 authonzing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 2000 Utah Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, P I.D 07- 117-21-11-0054. 4i Adopt Resolution No. 14-160 authonzing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 2037 Utah Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, P.I.D. 07- 4j Adopt Resolution No. 14-161 authonzing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 2410 Rhode Island Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, PID 4k Adopt Resolution No. 14-162 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 1821 Louisiana Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, P.I D 05-117-21-43-0133. 41 Adopt Resolution No. 14-163 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 2901 Colorado Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, P I D. 09-117-21-33-0189. 4m Approve second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2461-14 amending St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances Sections 32-41, 32-202, and 32-204 relating to the partial ownership of residential water service lines, approve summary ordinance, and authorize publication. 4n Adopt Resolution No. 14-164 approving acceptance of monetary donation from the Trust of Kathleen Hugget in the approximate amount of $250,000 for the care and 4o Adopt Resolution No. 14-165 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from Roland S. Larson for the purchase and installation of a bench in Wolfe Park honoring Doris and 4p Approve Amendment No 2 to City Agreement No. 4219, between the City and Venzon Wireless (VAW) LLC d/b/a Verizon Wireless for communication antennas on the City's water tower at 2541 Nevada Avenue. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar, and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0. (Mayor Jacobs absent) 5. Boards and Commissions Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin stated that earlier tonight, the Council interviewed candidates for open Board and Commission positions. He welcomed any interested residents to apply for open positions. 6. Public Hearings City Council Meeting -4- November 17, 2014 6a. Public Hearing—2015 Liquor License Fees. Resolution No. 14-166 Ms. Stroth presented the staff report regarding the proposed 2015 liquor license fee schedule. She advised that each year the Council sets the fees by Resolution She stated the proposed fee amounts reflect the costs of providing administration and enforcement, and are consistent with other metro cities fees. She explained that the proposed fees include one increase to the on sale intoxicating license fee which has not increased since 2011. Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin opened the public heanng. No speakers were present. Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin closed the public hearing. It,was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 14-166 Approving 2015 Liquor License Fees for the License Term March 1, 2015 through March 1, 2016 Pursuant to M.S.A. Ch 340A and Section 3-59 of the St. Louis Park City Code. The motion passed 6-0. (Mayor Jacobs absent.) 6b. Public Hearing — The Loop — On Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Sale Liquor License Ms. Stroth presented the staff report regarding the request for an on sale intoxicating and Sunday sale liquor license for The Loop. She described the plans for the establishment, noting that it will be owned by four owners who also own restaurants in Minneapolis and Rochester. She stated that the facility plans to open in December and the license term expires March 1, 2015. Councilmember Brausen stated that the fees appear to state a total of$8,700 plus a $500 police investigation fee. Ms. Stroth stated that the fee would be prorated based on the amount of months the restaurant is open during the current fee term. Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to Approve Application from Loop West End, LLC, dba The Loop, for an On Sale Intoxicating and Sunday Sales Liquor License located at 5331 16th Street West, with the License Term through March 1, 2015 The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent.) 6c. Public Hearing—Target—Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Ms Stroth presented the staff report regarding a request for an off sale intoxicating liquor license for the Target location at 8900 Highway 7, near the Knollwood Mall. She stated that as required by State law there will be separate entrances for the retail store and liquor store. She stated that in order to construct the building a Conditional Use Permit is City Council Meeting -5- November 17, 2014 required, which is the next item on the Council agenda She stated that there are currently 15 off sale intoxicating liquor licensed locations in the City. Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin opened the public hearing. John Dietrich, Target Corporation, 1000 Nicolette Mall, Minneapolis, spoke in favor of the application tonight as well as the Conditional Use Permit to follow. He stated that they have followed the process necessary and are present to answer any questions. Councilmember Lindberg asked for additional information regarding the business model and the reason this location was chosen. Mr. Dietnch stated that Target continuously reviews the aspects of each store and have reviewed liquor sales nationwide. He stated that currently there are 1,300 Target stores with liquor operations nationwide. He stated that it is more challenging in Minnesota, in terms of how that must be done, including the separate entrances. He stated that there have been numerous requests from guests to have one stop shopping He noted that to date Target has opened one liquor location in Minnesota, which is in Otsego He advised that both stores are Super Target locations. He stated there are also applications submitted, or that will be submitted, in the next few months for three other locations in Minnesota. Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin closed the public hearing. Councilmember Lindberg stated that this is an important issue for this ward He recognized the number of similar off sale liquor sales locations within walking distance within ward three. He recognized that this application has followed the process necessary and he has no reason to deny the request but asked that the Council discuss this issue in the future He stated that perhaps the City could place a moratonum on additional licenses in this area in the future. Councilmember Spano stated that if the Council is going to have that discussion, it should be citywide and not just in ward three. Councilmember Sanger stated that this Council has had repeated discussions over the years on whether there should be a limit on the number of liquor stores within the city. She stated that there have been limits placed through zoning and stated that she is not interested in discussing the issue further. Councilmember Brausen agreed with the comments made by Councilmember Sanger, as market forces drive development and he did not think the role of government is to limit activity. Councilmember Mavity stated that she will support this, as she believes that if an application is submitted that meets the guidelines of the City, it should be approved. She stated that she would also be in favor of this Council studying the issue as this Council may come to a different conclusion than past Councils have. She believed that businesses should be supported, especially locally owned businesses, to ensure that they have incentives to thrive. She did not want to see an environment where the larger stores are able to crowd out the locally owned stores City Council Meeting -6- November 17, 2014 Councilmember Lindberg stated that he would simply like the Council to further study the issue and what that could look like in future development. He also recognized the point made by Councilmember Mavity regarding local businesses and impacts to those. Mayor Pro Tem Hallfin stated that when a new liquor store comes into town there is not additional business that is generated. Those funds are simply being shifted from one business to another. He agreed that this issue should be further discussed by this Council He agreed that Target has followed all the rules and therefore should be approved. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve Application from Target Corporation, dba Target Store T2189,for an Off Sale Intoxicating Liquor License located at 8900 Highway 7, with the License Term through March 1, 2015 The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent.) 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Conditional Use Permit—Knollwood Target Liquor Store. Resolution No. 14-167 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report regarding an application for a Conditional Use Permit, submitted by Target for a liquor store at their Knollwood Mall location. He provided a floor plan of the Target store identifying the current entrances and the location and entrance for the proposed liquor store. He identified additional stores in the City, which have similar arrangements including Byerly's, Trader Joe's, Costco, Cub Foods- West End, and Sam's Club. He stated that the liquor store will be displacing the café He advised that no additional parking will be required and the setback requirement will be met. He stated that the Planning Commission held a public heanng and are recommending approval of the request. It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 14-167 Approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)for a Liquor Store at the Knollwood Target location, with conditions as recommended by staff. The motion passed 6-0. (Mayor Jacobs absent) 8b. Conditional Use Permits for Grading, Motor Vehicle Sales, Service and Repair for New Kia Dealership. Resolution No. 14-168 Mr. Kelley presented the staff report regarding an application to establish a new Kia dealership at 6475 and 6501 Wayzata Boulevard. He stated that there are three Conditional Use Permits (CUP) being requested but explained that the permits are all related to one dealership and may be acted on in one motion He recognized the two properties that are currently vacant and would be combined as a part of this project, and identified the adjacent property uses. He described the aspects of the project, including land reclamation/fill, storm water management, parking and setbacks, landscaping, City Council Meeting -7- November 17, 2014 building elevations and height He stated that staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permits subject to the conditions recommended by staff. Councilmember Sanger questioned if auto body repair work would not be allowed and stated that she wanted a condition added prohibiting auto body repair. Mr. Kelley confirmed that item would not be included and advised that an additional condition could be added to specify that item. Councilmember Brausen questioned if a green roof had been considered for this project. Mr. Kelley stated that had not been considered but noted that LED lighting would be installed. Councilmember Brausen questioned if there would be a light control aspect, where lights would be turned off at night. He encouraged the ownership to look into a system that would turn off the lights between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Councilmember Spano referenced another project in the City, noting that a challenge had been the lighting at the top level of the building and the impact that has on adjacent homeowners. He stated that there is a residential neighborhood to the southwest and did not want to see an impact to those residents. He stated that he would staff to consider a provision regarding mass lighting projects near neighborhoods that would introduce the issue pnor to this point in the process. Councilmember Sanger stated that this is not only a problem for residential neighborhoods as LED lights, while they are good for energy, there is an impact on dnvers from the glare. Mayor Pro Tern Hallfin thanked Mr Kelley for his efforts. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to adopt Resolution No. 14-168 Approving the Conditional Use Permits for NLD 394 LLC for a new Kia Dealership, with conditions as recommended by staff and the Planning Commission The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jacobs absent) 8c. Methodist Hospital PUD Minor Amendment for Landscaping. Resolution No. 14-169 Mr. Walther presented the staff report regarding a request from Methodist Hospital for a change to their landscaping along the east property line. He displayed an aenal photograph of the site, noting that there is a 50-foot wide easement for the Xcel transmission line along the east property boundary He stated that Xcel visited the site earlier this year and found the landscaping to not be in compliance with their regulations. He stated that a number of the plants have been removed because of the noncompliance. He advised that the applicant is attempting to comply with the easement regulations while still meeting the spirit of the landscaping that had been provided to buffer the neighboring property owners. He stated that the applicant has submitted a landscaping plan, which City Council Meeting -8- November 17, 2014 would remove 97 trees and replace those with 104 ornamental trees that would comply with the 15-foot maximum height regulation. He also reviewed the shrubs and ornamental grasses, which would be proposed for planting. He stated that the hospital did hold three neighborhood meetings to obtain input on the proposed plan. He advised that the plan has also been submit to Xcel Energy for their review. Councilmember Spano stated that this item had onginally been on the Consent Agenda but he asked that additional discussion be allowed. He thanked those involved for their contnbution as well as the applicant for their cooperation. He stated that Methodist Hospital is also undergoing an expansion plan, which will be considered as a separate application. He stated that a number of the Council received emails today asking that the plantings be friendly to bees. He stated that it had been asked that the plantings be from local stock, which is required by the City, and that pesticides friendly to bees be used, which has also been agreed to by the hospital. Councilmember Mavity asked for additional information regarding the bee friendly aspects, which have been requested by residents. She questioned if the assurance from the applicant has been documented. Mr. Walther stated that the City Ordinance does not specifically call out the issue of bees and therefore that has not been included as a condition of approval. He stated that the applicant has voluntarily offered to amend their plan specifications to require that proposed plantings are not pre-treated with neomcotinoids. He stated that there will be an opportunity for staff to review the amended specifications and will confirm that the language has been included. Councilmember Mavity thanked Methodist for their willingness to be a good partner. She wanted to ensure that long-term maintenance is also included. Councilmember Spano agreed that the requirements for landscape architecture should be reviewed, as this is another example of a request that is being made at a late stage in the process. Mr. Harmening confirmed that the Council would like to review the Ordinance and possibly amend that language to include bee friendliness, and until then discuss the issue early in the process with developers. Councilmember Lindberg thanked staff and Methodist for their willingness to work together on this issue. He agreed that he would like to discuss the issue further in the future. It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 14-169 Approving a Minor Amendment to the Final Planned Unit Development (PUD)for Methodist Hospital. Judy Chucker, 2260 Ridge Dnve, and Nora Wildgen-White 4144 Brookside Avenue, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak tonight. She stated that the wetland and path of the creek has been restored on one side of the hospital but stated that the opportunity was almost missed to ensure proper plants that promote bees are being planted on the other side of the hospital. She referenced an example where trash used to City.Council Meeting -9- November 17, 2014 be thrown-out the windows of vehicles and noted that people have been educated on that issue now. ,She stated that this,issue is similar'to that;and -education simply needs to occur to ensure the health of the bee population. -, ,Nora Wildgen-White thanked the Council, staff, and Methodist, for being on board with the-health of the'environment. The motion passed 6-0. (Mayor Jacobs absent.) 9. Communications—None r - 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m. Nancy StrotYt,City Clerk Steve Hallfin, Mayor P�m . I _ n I u - l •I