HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/12/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular I/I St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 21,2015
1. Call to Order
Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present. Mayor Pro Tern Gregg Lindberg, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin,
Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano.
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
(Ms. Deno), Solid Waste Program Coordinator (Ms. Fisher), Economic Development
Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Operations and Recreation Director (Ms.
Walsh), Communications & Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson), Communications Specialist (Ms.
Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Batra).
Guests: Deb McMillian (Director of Government Affairs, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce)
la. Pledge of Allegiance
lb. Roll Call
2. Presentations - None
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. City Council Meeting Minutes November 16, 2015
Councilmember Sanger requested a revision on page 9 in the paragraph which begins,
"Councilmember Mavity also asked if the neighborhood also supports sidewalks . ." In
the response Councilmember Mavity received, there are some words missing. For
clarity, the sentence should also include "there are sidewalks currently on the 2900 block
of Ottawa."
3b. Study Session Meeting Minutes November 23, 2015
Councilmember Mavity requested a revision to the top of Page 3, in the sentence that
states "Councilmember Mavity stated the City needs to ensure that sufficient support and
incentives are provided to the local businesses ..." The word "other" needs to be added
before local businesses.
Councilmember Brausen requested a revision to Page 2, third paragraph, fourth line
down. The minutes should state "Councilmember Brausen stated that he might volunteer
for the FOTA Board ..."
Councilmember Brausen requested a revision to that same paragraph, the third to last
sentence, which should instead state "[h]e explained that he wants to see the City's
support of the arts through this organization grow as it's work benefits the entire
community."
City Council Meeting -2- December 21, 2015
Councilmember Brausen requested a revision to Page 6, topic number 5, to the sentence
that states "Councilmember Brausen stated that both sides are equally supported and it's
a safety issue." It should instead read "both sides are equally vocal, but that he feels
there's an overriding safety issue here."
Councilmember Brausen requested a revision to that same paragraph, third to last line,
the word"preliminary" should be added before the word "support."
Councilmember Brausen requested a revision to Page 7, the top line. The word
"preliminary" should be added before the word"consensus."
The minutes were approved with changes.
3c. City Council Meeting Minutes December 7,2015
Councilmember Spano requested a revision to the bottom of Page 7, second sentence.
The sentence should read "which is once every 11 weeks."
Councilmember Spano requested a revision to the same paragraph, last sentence. The
sentence should instead state that"the design was deficient," not"structurally deficient."
Councilmember Brausen requested two revisions to Page 7, the paragraph that starts with
"Councilmember Brausen." The second sentence should read "He noted he lives in Ward
4, has travelled through the area hundreds of time, including today, and fully understands
the competing interests here for access, safety, traffic, and noise." In addition, before the
sentence which starts "[h]e explained it's a difficult problem to balance" the end of that
sentence should include "and he apologized for that in advance to those unhappy
residents."
The minutes were approved with changes.
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
appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion.
4a. Moved to 8f.
4b. Moved to 8g.
4c. Approve authorization for the City Manager to enter into fiber strand and/or conduit lease
agreements with other organizations for purposes of promoting economic development in
the City of St. Louis Park.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 15-198 authorizing fund equity and operating transfers.
4e. Approve the second reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2484-15 amending St. Louis Park
City Code Chapter 3, Section 57 to provide for microdistillery cocktail room licenses and
microdistillery off-sale licenses and to approve the summary ordinance for publication.
4f. Approve entering into a service agreement with the Hennepin County Department of
Corrections for continuing to use their crews from the Sentencing to Service Program
(STS Program)
City Council Meeting -3- December 21, 2015
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 15-199 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the
sewer service line at 4140 Utica Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN - P.I.D. 07-028-24-
32-0010.
4h. Approve for filing Telecommunication Commission Minutes August 12, 2015
4i. Approve for filing Telecommunication Commission Minutes September 23, 2015.
4j. Approve for filing Environment & Sustainability Commission Minutes November 4,
2015.
Councilmember Brausen requested that Consent Calendar item 4a and 4b be removed and
placed on the Regular Agenda to 8f and 8g, respectively.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move
Consent Calendar item 4a to the Regular Agenda as item 8f and Consent Calendar item
4b to the Regular Agenda as Item 8g, and to waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor JeffJacobs absent)
5. Boards and Commissions -None
6. Public Hearings - None
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items
8a. 2016 Budget, Final City and HRA Property Tax Levies, and 2016-2025
Capital Improvement Plan. Resolution Nos. 15-200, 15-201 and 15-202.
Mr. Swanson presented the staff report regarding the 2016 Budget, the Final City and
HRA Property Tax Levies, and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). He noted this topic has
been discussed by the Council since June to add and remove budget considerations as the
Council worked towards the property tax levy. At the Truth in Taxation public hearing,
the focus is typically on the General Fund; however, there are many other budgets that
City staff manages and prepares for Council approval.
Mr. Swanson stated the policy consideration is if the Council desires to set the 2016 Final
Property Tax Levy at $28,604,474, an increase of$1,619,097 or approximately 6% over
the 2015 Final Tax Levy. This increase has been discussed throughout the year and was
also reviewed at the public hearing held on December 7, 2015. For a median valued
residential home, this results in an approximate increase of$16.47 for the City portion of
the property taxes.
Mr. Swanson stated the next policy consideration is if the Council desires to levy the
maximum 2016 HRA Levy allowed, $1,011,208, which is an increase of $57,970 or
approximately 6.08% over the 2015 Final HRA Levy. He explained this levy was
originally implemented in 2001 and has been used to fund the City's infrastructure
improvements in redevelopment areas Presently, the levy is committed to funding
City Council Meeting -4- December 21, 2015
Highway 7 and Louisiana until 2021 based on the current Long Range Financial
Management Plan.
Mr. Swanson explained the final policy consideration is if the Council desires to approve
the 2016-2025 Capital Improvement Plan(CIP). He stated the City Council reviewed the
CIP at study sessions throughout the 2016 budget process. He explained the CIP
considers the capital needs in the community for the next ten years. He noted that only
those projects included in the CIP for 2016 are authorized during the next year. Years
2017 — 2025 are for planning purposes only and do not represent a commitment to
construct or purchase any specific assets until authorized by the City Council. He added
any projects estimated to cost more than $100,000 will be formally bid and brought back
for acceptance by the City Council.
It was moved by Councilmember Spano, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 15-200, approving the 2016 Budgets and 2016 Final Property Tax Levy,
Resolution No. 15-201, approving the authorization of the 2016 Final HRA Levy, and
Resolution No. 15-202, approving the 2016- 2025 Capital Improvement Program
Councilmember Spano stated there have been many discussions on this topic and directed
everyone to the City's website for more detailed budget information
Councilmember Brausen stated the final budget is the result of hundreds of hours of work
on the part of City staff He explained that the Council takes this responsibility very
seriously and encouraged community members to contact Council or staff directly with
questions on the budget.
Councilmember Sanger stated it may look like the Council is voting without discussing
these topics, but that is not accurate because there was a public hearing held on
December 7, 2015, where the details of the 2016 budget were presented and community
members had a chance to speak and ask questions about it. In addition to the City's
website, she directed community members to the video recording of the meeting from
two weeks ago that anyone can access to learn the details.
Councilmember Hallfin stated that the presentation during the hearing two weeks ago
included the details of the budget and levies. Councilmember Mavity stated that she
hopes the fact that not many people were in attendance at the meeting is a sign of
confidence from the community that the Council is maintaining a high level of service at
an affordable price. Mayor Pro Tern Lindberg stated it is important that the Council
provide a high level of service at a good price. He explained that the Council is doing a
good job at balancing that need as evidenced by the process that was started in June He
noted that the Council has reduced the original levy amount that was proposed.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
8b. Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance (Second Reading). Ordinance No. 2485-15.
Ms. Fisher presented the staff report regarding the Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance.
She explained the ordinance was developed over the past year with input from both
industry and business and stakeholders, most recently at the October 12, 2015 listening
session and the December 7, 2015 public hearing. The ordinance would increase
City Council Meeting -5- December 21, 2015
traditional recycling and organics recycling by requiring licensed food establishments to
use zero waste packaging. Ms. Fisher stated the effective date of the ordinance would be
January 1, 2017, which would allow time for education and outreach to affected
businesses
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2485-15,for Zero Waste Packaging
and to authorize publication of an ordinance summary
Deb McMillian, Twin West Chamber of Commerce, stated small businesses, which are
defined as less than 50 employees, make up approximately 82% of all local businesses. ,
She asked the City to consider the amendments outlined in the letter that was sent to City
Council and included in the packet. She explained that the cost of operating a business in
the City is now higher than surrounding cities due to the requirements of the ordinance.
She requested the City reinstate the economic hardship provision which would exempt a
business if the cost to abide by the ordinance is greater than a 10% increase. In addition,
she asked the Council to reconsider adding polystyrene to the list of recyclable products
as soon as it can be processed locally.
Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the resolution as written. He noted that the
business community continues to lobby the Council with concerns about the competitive
cost of complying with the proposed resolution. However, the suggestion to amend the
resolution to exempt any substitute product that exceeds 10% of the cost is not workable.
He noted that this ordinance is not about cheap and easy, but is about sustainable and
healthy. He stated the initiative was both healthy and good business practice and fits with
the new State requirement for businesses to recycle effective January 1, 2016. He
encouraged the community to embrace this ordinance and consider it a unique
opportunity to allow and encourage new ways to do business such as bringing your own
food container like you would bring a coffee cup to a coffee shop. He stated the
community can all share in the effort to act in a heathy and less wasteful manner.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
8c. 2016 Employee Compensation. Resolution No. 15-203.
Ms. Deno presented the staff report regarding the proposed 2016 employee
compensation. Staff is recommending the Council approve the recommended 2.5%
standard adjustment for all non-union employees. The pay range for the City Manager
will also increase 2 5% upon successful completion of the performance evaluation and in
compliance with the salary cap. Also, to approve continuance of the Volunteer
Firefighter Benefit Program and Paid-On-Call Bonus Program to increase by 2.5%. The
funding for this is in the 2016 Budget
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 15-203, confirming a 2 5% general increase for non-union employees
effective 1/1/16, approving the City Manager's salary for 2016, continuing participation
in the Volunteer Firefighter Benefit Program, and increasing performance program pay
by 2 5%for Paid-On-Call Firefighters for 2016
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
City Council Meeting -6- December 21, 2015
8d. 2016 International Association of Firefighters Local #993 Labor Agreement.
Resolution No. 15-204.
Ms Deno presented the staff report regarding the 2016 contract with International
Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local #993. The City and the union participated in
active negotiations earlier this year. After lengthy discussions in negotiation, the Fire
Union requested a one-year, rather than two-year, contract proposal, and there was
agreement. The proposal is very basic and allows for a 2.5% wage increase; a health
insurance contribution that is the same as other employee groups; and folds in the Paid
Parenting Leave Program adopted mid-contract last period. She stated she is pleased
with the outcome and stated the discussions were very productive.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 15-204, approving a Labor Agreement between the City and the IAFF
Local #993, establishing terms and conditions of employment for one year,from 1/1/16—
12/31/16
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
8e. 2016-2017 International Union of Operating Engineers Local #49
(Maintenance) Labor Agreement. Resolution No. 15-205.
Ms. Deno presented the staff report regarding the proposed two-year contract with
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local #49. She explained that IUOE
Local #49 is the City's maintenance group. She stated that negotiations were lengthy,
with difficult and productive discussions with agreement on this two-year contract. The
proposed contract includes a wage pattern of a 2.5% increase for 2016 and 2.75%
increase for 2017 In addition, the employer contribution is the same as other employee
groups for both years. She explained the contract also includes, effective 2016, some
new certification classifications for utilities' employees, which would encourage these
employees to receive certifications as outlined in the staff report. The contract also
contains adjustments to pager pay lead worker and traffic assignments, and incorporates
the Paid Parental Leave Program as agreed midway through the last contract. Finally, the
contract adds some minor adjustments to the language on seasonal/temporary employees.
She stated she is very pleased with the cooperation and discussions of all parties
involved.
It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 15-205, approving a Labor Agreement between the City and Local 49
Union, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/16-
12/31/17
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
8f. Amendment No. 1 to the 2015 Contract with Summit Envirosolutions, Inc.
for Consultant Services related to the Implementation of the Reilly Tar and
Chemical Corporation Remedial Action Plan.
and
City Council Meeting -7- December 21, 2015
8g. Amendment No. 2 to the 2015 contract with Summit Envirosolutions, Inc. for
Consultant Services related to the Implementation of the Reilly Tar &
Chemical Corporation Remedial Action Plan.
Councilmember Brausen explained he requested these items be removed from the
consent agenda to note to the community that the City is spending a significant amount
on consultant services related to ongoing testing and reporting regarding the Reilly Tar
Chemical Corporation Remedial Action Plan. He explained that this cost reflects testing
and monitoring of this site. Due to concerns on the safety of the area and water supply,
he wanted to assure the community that the City is actively addressing this to guarantee
that the City's drinking water is safe and the ground water is healthy.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, adopt
Amendment No 1 to the 2015 Contract with Summit Envirosolutions, Inc for Consultant
Services related to the Implementation of the Reilly Tar and Chemical Corporation
Remedial Action Plan, and to adopt Amendment No 2 to the 2015 contract with Summit
Envirosolutions, Inc for Consultant Services related to the Implementation of the Reilly
Tar & Chemical Corporation Remedial Action Plan
Councilmember Mavity stated that the City responded to this issue decades ago and has
safeguards in place that have led to some of the most highly tested water in the State.
She stated that she has noticed some chatter online expressing concern, but this issue is
not new and the City has been proactive and ahead of the game in terms of addressing the
problem. She clarified the City is not responding because of a new problem that has
arisen, but the matter is continually addressed. She assured the community that the water
is healthy and some of the best water in the State. Mr. Harmening stated the City has
been diligent and working on this action plan for 30 years. He also explained that the
City enters into a contract with a consultant every year for technical assistance because
the City doesn't have the resources internally to complete the required reporting to
various agencies.
Councilmember Sanger noted the cost associated with these two contracts for technical
assistance to ensure water quality is over a half a million dollars, in addition to all of the
staff time dedicating to making sure our water is safe She stated this is a large expense
in our budget, but is something the City supports to ensure the water is clean, potable,
and safe.
Councilmember Spano stated Mr. Harmening recently met with some residents regarding
this topic. One of the takeaways from the meeting was that the City has been dealing
with this issue for 30 years, but for people that just moved here, it's a new issue. The
Council wants to make sure accurate information is given out and if any community
members have questions, the City will be happy to answer them. Mayor Pro Tem
Lindberg stated his agreement and that he is happy to answer any questions as the Ward 3
representative. He directed community members looking for more information to visit
the City's website or the websites for the Minnesota Department of Health or the EPA
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Jeff Jacobs absent)
9. Communications
City Council Meeting -8- December 21, 2015
Councilmember Mavity noted the City has decided to participate with The League of
Minnesota Cities in looking at race equity issues to learn how the City can be more
responsive as a community on these issues.
Councilmember Mavity stated the Metropolitan Council is currently accepting
applications for a new committee they are forming called the Equity Advisory
Committee. The committee will be divided up by district and she encouraged the City's
residents to apply before January 4, 2016, if interested. If interested, please visit
MetroCouncil.org to get more information about the committee and how to submit an
application.
Councilmember Brausen stated that on behalf of the Council and City staff, he would like
to wish all residents a happy holidays and happy New Year.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m
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Meliss Kennedy, City Clerk Greg LirYdb�rg, Mayor Pro Tem