Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/10/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Jfl St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 19, 2015 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:41 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent. None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Momson), Communications Coordinator (Ms Larson), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Staple). la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Outstanding Citizen Award—Elliott Royce Mayor Jacobs read aloud the Outstanding Citizen Award recognizing Elliott Royce Sandie Kaster, Elliot's daughter, stated that she had planned to say a few words but they had already been read aloud by Mayor Jacobs She thanked the City. Elliott's son, Jeff, stated that his dad had a lot to give and wanted to be with a community that responded to him, which St. Louis Park did He thanked the community for their support of his dad. Councilmember Hallfin stated he had the pleasure of attending the Shiva and spoke with the children about their plans for Mr. Royce's bike. He stated they have contacted the St. Louis Park Histoncal Society and the group is interested in honoring his bike. Mr. Koering stated he had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Royce and met his family at the hospital, noting that he was able to share positive stones when he spoke at the funeral. He stated Mr. Royce was a great man and he is thankful to have known him for a short time. Councilmember Mavity stated she had the pleasure of representing Mr. Royce in her position on the Council and shared a memory of her experiences Councilmember Sanger shared a memory she had of her expenences with Mr Royce when he was handing out samples at Byerly's. City Council Meeting -2- October 19, 2015 Mayor Jacobs also described a memory he and his son had with Mr. Royce at Byerly's. He thanked the family of Mr. Royce for attending and sharing him with St. Louis Park for 96 years. 2b. STEP 40-Year Anniversary Recognition Mayor Jacobs read aloud a certificate of recognition hononng STEP for its 40-year anniversary in the community He stated the measure of a community is how well it takes care of those going through tough times and thanked STEP for their service to the community. Derek Burrows Reise, Executive Director of STEP, accepted the certificate on the behalf of all those who have supported and/or benefited from the organization during the past 40 years, as this success is a collaboration of the community. He thanked the City and invited the public to attend the STEP celebration this Thursday evening. Councilmember Brausen stated he was overwhelmed by the way the community supports each other to make this a better place to live 2c. Create MN—Economic Impact of Nonprofit Art & Culture in St. Louis Park George Hagemann, liaison to the Friends of the Arts, provided background information on the desire of the community to support arts and culture. Sheila Smith presented the economic impact study of arts and culture in St. Louis Park. She noted that the study is solely about nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences. She noted on a statewide basis, there were 1,269 organizations identified with a total economic impact of$1,200,000,000, which is an increase of 43 percent from 2006 before the legacy act went into effect. She provided comparison information for other states and their levels of arts and culture. She stated there are 33,381 full-time jobs provided through the organizations and noted that is also an increase from 2006. She stated for every $1 State investment there are about $5 invested from other sources. She stated 19,000,000 are served annually from those organizations, which is also an increase from the audience served in 2006. She stated 43 percent of attendees have annual incomes of under $60,000 per year, which proves that the arts and culture organizations serve people from all walks of life. She stated in St. Louis Park there were 15 participating organizations and provided information on the size and budget of those organizations, which together serve over 27,000 attendees annually. She noted that those 15 organizations within St. Louis Park support 40 jobs within the City. She stated the audience spending for St. Louis Park was found to be $27.58 per person, which includes meals before and after, souvenirs, transportation, refreshments during the event, overnight lodging, clothing, event related childcare and others. She noted that additional information can be found at creativemn.org. Councilmember Spano stated he has expenence with working in the arts and noted that being an artist is a real job and there are people that support their families by working in the arts. He commented that there is sometimes a view that the arts are a luxury but noted that the arts are a much more integral part of the community. City Council Meeting -3- October 19, 2015 Ms. Smith stated the next step of the study would be to study the economic impact of individual artists Mayor Jacobs stated Mr. Royce's grandson is the number one glass blower in the State and has his own shop in Minneapolis. Councilmember Mavity stated there is discussion regarding the development of artistic elements and displays at the Wooddale study, which may have an impact on the results of the next study. Ms. Smith stated the study is done on six-year cycles Mayor Jacobs recognized former Councilmember Bnmeyer and his encouragement for the support of the arts, which continues to have a great benefit to the community. Mr. Hagemann welcomed the Council and public to the upcoming open house presentation. 2d. Update on Kids Voting Initiative Eilseen Knisley, League of Women Voters, stated Aquila Elementary and the St. Louis Park Middle School are sites for the Kids Voting locations and provided an update on the planning process for the setups that will be available at both schools. She stated that additional volunteers are still welcome to join the program and noted that when the polls are closed, the results will be tabulated and returned the next morning. She stated that Kids Voting has been added to the fall cumculum, and notes have been sent home with children regarding the voting process. She descnbed the voting process for students as well as those parents who wish to participate. She thanked the City Council for their support. Councilmember Hallfin stated the candidate forums are available on the City's YouTube channel. Councilmember Sanger asked how others can find the results of the Kids Voting. Ms. Knisley stated the results will be published in the Sun Sailor and posted on the League of Women Voters website. She noted that the results will also be shared with the students in their classrooms. 2e. Recognition of Donations Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks and appreciation to the National Arbor Day Foundation for its $350 donation which will be used to send the City's Natural Resources Coordinator, Jim Vaughan, to the Partners in Community Forestry Conference in Denver, Colorado November 18-19`h; Comcast Foundation for its $655.87 donation for the purchase of matenals for future parks clean-up events; Lisa Butman for her $2,200 donation for a memorial bench in memory of Christopher Michael Bohlinger at Westwood Hills Nature Center; and Cub Foods for its $115 donation of cookies given away at the October 8th Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge ribbon cutting. City Council Meeting -4- October 19, 2015 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Closed Executive Session Minutes October 5, 2015 The minutes were approved as presented. 3b. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes October 5, 2015 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. City Council Meeting Minutes October 5, 2015 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. Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2479-15 establishing fees for 2016 as outlined in Appendix A of the City Code of Ordinances; and to approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 15-154 awarding Elliott Royce with the Outstanding Citizen Award. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 15-155 authonzmg the submission of the Hennepin County Youth Sports Facility Grant Application to the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission in the amount of$300,000 for The Rec Center Outdoor Ice Arena Project. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 15-156 approving acceptance of a donation/scholarship from the National Arbor Day Foundation in an amount not to exceed $350 for registration cost for Jim Vaughan, Natural Resources Coordinator, to attend the Partners in Community Forestry Conference in Denver, Colorado November 18 — 19, 2015. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 15-157 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Comcast Foundation in the amount of$655.87 to be used for the purchase of materials for future parks clean-up events. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 15-158 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Lisa Butman in the amount of $2,200 for a memorial bench in memory of Chnstopher Michael Bohlinger at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4g. Award bids for the 2015 Concrete Replacement—Project No. 4015-0003. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 15-159 setting the 2016 Utility Rates. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 15-166 Declaring the Official Intent of the City of St. Louis Park to Reimburse Certain Expenditures from the Proceeds of Bonds to be Issued by the City. City Council Meeting -5- October 19, 2015 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 15-160 approving acceptance of a donation from Cub Foods, 5370 W. 16th Street, to the City of St. Louis Park for the October 8, 2015, Minnetonka Boulevard Bridge Ribbon Cutting (Value $115) for cookies given away at the event. 4k. Approve for filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 2015. 41. Approve for filing Environment & Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes September 9, 2015. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, 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 7-0 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing—Assessment of Delinquent Charges. Resolution No. 15-161 Mr. Heintz presented the staff report and noted that the Council enacted changes that added a $15 fee to delinquent accounts. He advised that the City sent delinquent account letters representing a total amount of approximately $900,000 and as of the close of business, delinquent accounts totaled approximately $600,000. He stated the City will continue to take payments until 4:30 p.m. on October 30, 2015, and delinquent accounts will be assessed a $30 administrative fee and a $75 penalty for accounts being certified for the second consecutive year. Mayor Jacobs opened the public heanng. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public heanng. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-161, to assess delinquent water, sewer, storm water, refuse, abating grass/weed cutting, tree removal/injection, false alarm fees and other miscellaneous charges Councilmember Hallfin stated he received a call from a resident that was delinquent, recognized that he was delinquent, and had no problem paying the $15 fee but was concerned that other residents may have a hard time paying that additional fee. He explained that the purpose of the fee is to offset the additional administrative services that are needed to handle delinquent accounts. The motion passed 7-0 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items City Council Meeting -6- October 19, 2015 8a. Arlington Row Apartments West — Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Preliminary & Final Plat and Preliminary & Final Planned Unit Development. Resolution No. 15-162 and Resolution No. 15-163 Mr. Kelley presented the staff report regarding Arlington Row Apartments West noting that the presentation would cover the requests for a Comprehensive Plan amendment, Preliminary and Final Plat and Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development. He highlighted the area identified as future development and stated staff anticipates that area will be developed in the future. He provided a history of the properties and the steps that were followed, noting that the Council directive for the Texas Avenue site was towards multi-family residential housing, while the other parcel was directed for mixed use or multi-family residential. He stated the properties were placed for bid in 2006 but no bids were accepted. He noted that in the winter of 2013 the developer approached the City to inquire about the properties and then presented a Project Concept The property acquisition was subsequently discussed at a City Council Study Session in February 2015. He reviewed the steps that have occurred since that time to reach this step in the process. Mr. Kelley described the site location and surrounding properties, noting that the amendment proposed would change the land use designation from low density residential to medium density residential. He stated the amendment request is dnven by the specific development proposal for Arlington Row Apartments West. He stated requests to amend the Comprehensive Plan are weighed against the long-range vision and goals of the community and noted that this request would match a number of the goals identified in the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Kelley stated there have been concerns from the neighborhood regarding possible traffic impacts, the development of vacant land, and that landscaping would be provided. He reviewed the results of the traffic study that was completed and noted that the study found that there would be no changes in the overall level of service for the studied intersection and therefore no changes in traffic controls were recommended. Mr. Kelley reviewed the improvements proposed as related to the Connect the Park! plan. He stated the lot was currently not platted because it was right-of-way, and reviewed the proposed plat, which would include the lot with right-of-way designations, required drainage and utility easements, and a new sidewalk. Mr. Kelley reviewed the existing zoning of the property and neighboring properties. He stated the newly adopted Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ordinance is a rezoning and therefore the property would need to be rezoned. He reviewed details of the Site Plan as well as first floor and second floor plans He displayed a proposed sketch of the building that included the elevation and building matenals, noting that the proposal included 82 percent Class 1 materials on the front and side facades, which include back, stucco and glass. He reviewed the landscaping elements as proposed, which meet the City's tree replacement and landscaping requirements. He identified the areas that would be designated for DORA and include garden plots and rain gardens. He noted that the required bike and vehicle parking stalls are proposed to be provided and reviewed the required and proposed setbacks, noting that the application met and/or exceeded those requirements. City Council Meeting -7- October 19, 2015 Mr. Kelley provided a summary of the public comments received through the public meetings thus far. He stated staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of the actions requested tonight, subject to the conditions noted in the staff report Alan Gibson, Skyehill resident, stated he moved to his home two years ago and is pleased to represent the 34 homeowners in that association. He stated the townhomes are 100 percent owner occupied and are proud to be a part of the community. He stated while they are not all in agreement, the association Board recognizes that the City needs to keep the plans current. He stated while they would like to see the designation remain at R-1, they do appreciate this use over the other possible uses that could be developed in that space. He stated the association had concerns and presented a letter from Mr Cunningham to the Planning Commission and feels comfortable that Mr Cunningham will work with the association regarding screening of the property. He stated the association disagreed with the results of the traffic study, noting that the intersection is already delayed and the delay would increase with the additional development. He noted that the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council further study the intersection and he did not see that matter included in the conditions or report. Mr. Kelley noted the letter was included as part of the public record from the Planning Commission meeting. He stated although the Planning Commission did recommend that staff look more broadly at traffic patterns in this area, the approval for this item was not made contingent upon that. Mr. Gibson thanked the staff for the response regarding the Connect the Park! program and the improvements that will occur as part of that program. He stated the association would like the Council to review the onsite parking as they did not believe that one space per bedroom would be sufficient as that would not allow for snow storage, parties, or visitors. He stated the issue of parking will continue to migrate and encroach on other areas. He noted that Mr. Cunningham has been a cooperative person and is willing to work with the townhome association regarding their concerns. Mark Pineda and Craig Ominski, 1406 Texas Avenue S, appreciated the comments of his neighbor Mr. Gibson and the willingness of Mr Cunningham to work with the townhome development. Mr. Pineda stated they are new residents to the area and are concerned with the potential impacts to traffic and parking He stated they also had concerns regarding the impact the rental units could have on adjacent property values. Mayor Jacobs noted that there are three separate actions before the Council. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-162, amending the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map from RL — Low Density Residential to RM— Medium Density Residential for property at the southwest corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Texas Avenue, authorize summary publication Councilmember Brausen stated he is the Ward 4 representative and appreciates the input of the residents. He noted that this property has been vacant for two decades and the only other interest in the site had been commercial activity. He stated he supported this type of development as it supports the goals for future growth, noting the opportunities for transit and the lower levels of rent available. He stated the current development proposal City Council Meeting -8- October 19, 2015 recognizes the current financial market and noted that the developer hopes that this will be a model for future development. He appreciated the concerns of the neighborhood but acknowledged that development and redevelopment will continue to occur in St. Louis Park in order to make it a healthy and vibrant community rather than an aging and detenorating community. He noted that the Council will continue to monitor and address the needs of the community. Councilmember Sanger stated she is not a fan of rental units but noted that this proposal is a cut above in terms of quality and design. She noted a number of the units are also two bedroom units, which she likes. She asked for the range of rents for the property. Bob Cunningham, Melrose Company, replied the rental range would be 20 to 25 percent below the range of luxury rentals. He stated they are going to get to that range by taking out some of the items that residents do not use or may not desire while also providing other amenities such as an indoor bicycle storage room and raised garden beds. He noted that it seems that they are also going to be able to receive a grant for the innovative features they are proposing. Councilmember Sanger asked if the development is asking for financial assistance from St. Louis Park. Mr. Cunningham stated they are not asking for any financial assistance from the City and the only public funds they are proposing to use are the grant funds. Councilmember Sanger referenced the proposed parking and also expressed concern regarding additional parking that may be needed. She questioned if proof of parking could be provided in another area should it be needed. Mr. Cunningham stated the design was made with the minimum amount of parking in order to encourage the use of transit, which is readily available and accessible at this location. Councilmember Mavity referenced the concerns regarding parking and stated in her experience with managing other developments, they have been able to use other tools, such as permit parking. She stated that she does also support the minimum amount of parking as she believes that transit is evolving in the same way telephones have evolved from landlines to cell phones. She stated that she is very excited with this design as this would provide additional choices in the community that are not currently available. Mr. Cunningham stated they are very pleased with the outcome of the project and how it fits into the neighborhood and community. He stated they are considering using the tagline "live here and know your neighbor", which you cannot get by living in a large apartment building. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-163, approving the Preliminary and Final Plat of Arlington Row Apartments West with conditions The motion passed 7-0 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve First Reading of the Ordinance creating Section 36-268-PUD 3 and amending City Council Meeting -9- October 19, 2015 the Zoning Map from R-1 Single-Family Residence to PUD 3 for property at the southwest corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Texas Avenue and to set the Second Reading of the Ordinance for November 2, 2015 The motion passed 7-0 8b. CUP - Sherwin Williams Retail Store, 4911 Excelsior Boulevard. Resolution No. 15-164 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report regarding the potential redevelopment of the property at 4911 Excelsior Boulevard through a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). He stated the proposal would include demolition of the current property and the reconstruction of a new building and parking lot He noted that the building meets and/or exceeds the required setbacks of the commercial district. He reviewed the proposed vehicle and bicycle parking and noted that an access easement would also be provided for the neighboring commercial properties while the parking spaces would remain for the private use of this site. He reviewed the proposed landscaping, stormwater, and lighting plans for the property. He reviewed the proposed building matenals which exceeded the required amount of Class 1 matenals. He stated a public heanng was held on September l6` and a neighbor expressed concern that the visibility to his property would be impacted. He noted a similar example that occurred in 2001, and that the city changed the signage setbacks to improve the visibility for the impacted property. He stated the Planning Commission recommended approval of the request. Councilmember Sanger stated she understood that the applicant may say there would only be one or two customers at a time for a paint store. She asked if that level of parking would meet the requirements for any other kind of retail use that might go into the site if the paint store were to leave and another retail use came into the site. Mr. Morrison explained that the parking requirements are based on the ratio of retail and storage proposed by the Sherwin Williams store If Sherwin Williams leaves, then the use that replaces it cannot have more required parking spaces than are provided at the site. This evaluation is standard practice for all uses prior to occupying a building. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-164, approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct a new retail building and parking lot with a total impervious surface area exceeding 70%of the total lot area, subject to conditions recommended by staff Councilmember Mavity stated she attended the neighborhood meeting and is pleased to welcome this use. The motion passed 7-0 8c. City of SLP/City of Hopkins Municipal Boundary Adjustment — Japs-Olson. Resolution No. 15-168. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report regarding the boundary adjustment requested by Japs-Olson. He identified other properties in the area owned by Japs-Olson and provided background information on the current CUP and the plans for the property. He displayed the proposed boundary adjustment and identified the area, which is proposed to be City Council Meeting -10- October 19, 2015 transferred to each city in order to accommodate the Japs-Olson expansion, noting that after the adjustment is made the Japs-Olson property, with the expansion area, would be entirely within St. Louis Park. He stated the discussion arose in January 2015 and both the St. Louis Park and Hopkins City Councils directed staff to proceed with the adjustment. He noted that the item would go before the Hopkins City Council the following night and, if approved by both City Councils, the request would move forward to the State for a 60-day review and approval penod. Councilmember Mavity stated Japs-Olson has been a great contnbutor to St. Louis Park and thanked the staff from both cities for their cooperative efforts. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-168,for concurrent detachment and annexation of land to and from the Cities of St. Louis Park and Hopkins. Councilmember Spano asked and received clarification that there is no financial element in this transaction. The motion passed 7-0 8d. Second Reading of Ordinance Modifying Salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers. Ordinance No. 2480-15. Ms. Deno presented the staff report regarding the second reading of an Ordinance modifying salanes for the Mayor and Councilmembers. Councilmember Brausen asked if, as a Charter City, the Council would be required to vote on the potential increases. Ms. Deno replied that this was reviewed by the City Attorney and, in the future, the changes would occur without Council action after each election year and the Council would not be required to vote on the increases identified in the Ordinance. Councilmember Lindberg stated for the same reasons he previously expressed, he would not be supporting this request. Councilmember Spano noted he would also be voting consistent with his previous opposing vote. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2480-15 modifying salaries for the Mayor and Councilmembers and to authorize publication The motion passed 5-2 (Lindberg and Spano opposed) 8e. 2015 — 2025 City Council Goals/Priorities and Related Strategies/Two Year Action Plan Mr. Harmening presented the staff report regarding the 2015-2025 City Council goal/priorities and related strategies/two year action plan. He stated the previously discussed changes and updates had been made to the item since the previous review in City Council Meeting -11- October 19, 2015 June. He noted that this is a living document and the direction had been to review the document annually in order to remain appropriate. Councilmember Sanger stated she was concerned with the language of some of the items, noting that they are written in a manner which makes it appear as though the decision had already been made. She suggested that those sections be worded in a manner that made it clear that the Council will consider whether or not to make that decision Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated the two day planning session that had been held to discuss and update this plan. He appreciated the hard work that staff put into the document and into developing strategies for the goals identified by the Council to help provide a guide for the future. Councilmember Mavity stated she received a call from a commission member in regard to the goals and their relation to the commissions themselves. She stated the Council meets with boards and commissions annually to open the lines of communication. She noted that this document was a summary that is meant to provide direction. She noted that all the good work of the boards and commissions cannot be recognized in this document and stated the Council looks forward to continuing to work with the boards and commissions in the future. It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to Adopt the 2015 — 2025 City Council Goals/Priorities and Related Strategies/Two Year Action Plan. Councilmember Spano stated he looks forward to the Council considenng these items in more depth dunng future planning sessions He referenced the item regarding top ranked school and noted that item would require the participation of the schools as well. He noted that the City has an annual meeting with the School distnct and asked if they have been consulted. Mr. Harmening stated these goals have been discussed with the School District and noted that this could be further discussed at the meeting scheduled to take place in March at Study Session. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs advised of the upcoming event at STEP on Thursday from 5:00 to 7.00 p.m. at the STEP facility on Lake Street 10. Adjournment The meeting adjo ed/t 9.27 p. Meliss. Kennedy, City Clerk Jeff Jaco. , ay