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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/03/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular III St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA , MARCH 2, 2015 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:30 p m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Tim Brausen. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), City Clerk (Ms. Stroth), Community Development Intern (Mr. Boyce), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Hughes). la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Donations Mayor Jacobs expressed the City Council's thanks to the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture for its donation up to $2,200 to allow Mr. Vaughan to attend the 2015 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Orlando. He also expressed the City Council's thanks to Discover St. Louis Park for its donation up to $1,650 to allow Mr. West to attend the 2015 National Association of Sports Commission Sports Event Symposium in Milwaukee. 2b. Recognition of Commissioner Tom Worthington Mayor Jacobs presented a Plaque of Appreciation to Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioner Tom Worthington. He stated that Mr. Worthington's commitment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission has been exemplary and extended the City Council's thanks to Mr. Worthington for his 14 years of service. 2c. Retirement Recognition Resolution for Inspector Manny Camilon Mayor Jacobs recited the Resolution recognizing the contributions of and expressing appreciation to Inspector Manny Camilon and presented a plaque to Mr. Camilon for his 37 years of service to the City. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Study Session Minutes February 9, 2015 The minutes were approved as presented. City Council Meeting -2- March 2, 2015 3b. City Council Meeting Minutes February 17, 2015 The minutes were approved as presented. 3c. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes February 17, 2015 Councilmember Spano requested that the second sentence of the second full paragraph on page 2 be revised to state "He agreed that the data retention and data request issues could become onerous and if that is the case, the Police Department could decide to re-evaluate the use of body cameras based on cost -. •• - - . - - • - - • . • - - • -- - is-tee-expensive." The minutes were approved as amended. 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. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the penod of January 24, 2015 through February 20, 2015. 4b. Moved to 8d. 4c. Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 15-026 to recognize Inspector Manny Camilon for his 37 years of service to the City of St. Louis Park. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 15-027 authonzing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 3154 Hillsboro Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN - P I.D. 18- 117-21-22-0003. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 15-028 to approve St. Louis Park Lions Club's request for placing temporary signs in the public nght-of-way. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 15-029 authonzing final payment in the amount of$35,080.00 and accepting work for Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 2 Work Scope 14 (Tile) for Project Nos. 2008-3001 and 2008-3002, City Contract No. 75-11. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 15-030 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture in an amount not to exceed $2,200 for all related expenses, for Jim Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator, to attend the 2015 International Society of Arbonculture Conference in Orlando, Florida 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 15-031 approving acceptance of a donation from Discover St Louis Park for registration, hotel, airfare and cab fare for Jason West, Recreation Superintendent to attend the 2015 National Association of Sports Commission ("NASC") Sports Event Symposium held Apnl 26-30, 2015, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in an approximate amount not to exceed $1,650. City Council Meeting -3- March 2, 2015 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 15-032 appointing Patnck Noon as Alternate Commissioner, and Erick Francis as the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) member to the Basset Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) to serve terms expiring on January 31, 2017. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 15-033 Supporting Dedicated State Funding for City Streets. 4k. Approve for filing Telecommunications Advisory Commission meeting minutes of December 9, 2014. Councilmember Spano requested that Consent Calendar item #4b be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda. 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 #4b to the Regular Agenda as item #8d, and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Brausen absent). 5. Boards and Commissions -None 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing/Project Report: 2015 Connect the Park! Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report and proposed 2015 Connect the Park! projects consisting of seventeen sidewalk and trail segments at a total cost of approximately $1.85 million. He described the proposed sidewalk segments near Flag Avenue, 18th Street, Hillsboro Avenue, and 14th Street and noted that this area is also scheduled for construction as part of this year's Pavement Management project. He also discussed the proposed sidewalk segments around Louisiana Oaks Park and the proposed 32nd Street trail improvements. He then descnbed the proposed additions to the plan based on discussions with Council intended to fill gaps and create continuous connections Mayor Jacobs stated that Council would not be taking action this evening and is defemng action on this item until March 16, 2015. He then opened the public hearing Mr. Marc Fnedman, 9321 West 18th Street, expressed concern about the number of large trees that would be removed and stated these trees create a canopy and is a big reason why they came to the Crestview neighborhood, adding he felt that home values would be negatively affected. He was also concerned about the poor timing of this project given the Highway 100 reconstruction project and additional traffic on 169 causing drivers to cut through onto Flag Avenue and asked Council to consider defemng construction until 2017 if it is decided to move forward with this project. Ms. Nancy Gores, 3929 Kipling Avenue South, stated she has been a resident for 29 years and on the School Board for 11 years and wished to speak as a resident and as one member of the School Board. She thanked the City Council for doing its best to add sidewalks, to listen to its neighbors, and to mitigate impacts and believed that sidewalks serve the greater good. City Council Meeting -4- March 2, 2015 Mr. Alaric Poseley-Hatton, 2030 Texas Avenue South, stated he would like to see a sidewalk along his side of the street and was not concerned about how much of his yard would be sacrificed. He stated that the closest crosswalk is at Cedar Lake Road or Wayzata Boulevard and he has seen many close calls from people jaywalking and encouraged the City to put in the sidewalk for the safety of the kids Ms. Darlene Olson, 1309 Westwood Hills Road, stated her opposition to the sidewalk on the west side of Texas and felt the proposed sidewalk was redundant and destructive to the landscape. She expressed concern about the amount of mature trees that would be removed and greatly change the appearance of Texas Avenue. She stated there are several areas with 3-4' changes in elevation that would result in substantial excavation and retaining walls, adding this is an expensive project that is not needed. Mr. Gerald Neuman, 1426 Flag Avenue South, agreed with the earlier comments and stated he was not in favor of the proposed sidewalk. Mr. James Poulter, 1631 Fairway Lane, stated he appreciated all the work done by staff and for working tirelessly with residents. He stated the proposed sidewalk would cut through his neighborhood and then dead end. He stated the construction would be an added disruption due to the congestion from the Highway 100 reconstruction and asked Council to consider that this is an area where new sound barriers were installed to mitigate noise from Highway 169 and now the City would be cutting down mature trees that represent a natural sound bamer for the area Ms. Judy Voigt, 1603 Utah Dnve South, stated she understood the desire to get kids off of the busy street but the trees create oxygen and clean the air and she knows the City wants to be a leader in sustainability. She requested that Council consider the "Living Streets" program in Maplewood that incorporates trees, rain gardens, sidewalks, and bike lanes, especially on Texas Avenue and felt this could be a model for the City Mr. Terry Gips, 9000 West 28th Street, stated he appreciated the work done by Council and staff to support Connect the Park! and Health in the Park He stated he walks his kids to Cedar Manor School and it is dangerous because of distracted dnvers or dnvers swerving out of the way, adding this has been an issue in their neighborhood for a long time. He felt it would be difficult and expensive to put in a sidewalk because of the steep embankment and all of the snow being removed from the frontage road on the east side of TH 169 would end up on the sidewalk, making it useless. He suggested that the roadway be narrowed to create a 4' bike/pedestrian path, adding they feel this would be inexpensive and would like to include it in the 2015 plan Mr. Brad Bream, 3836 Glenhurst Avenue, stated the proposed sidewalk on the 3800 block covers three homes on Glenhurst at a cost of approximately $75,000 or $330 per foot, which is approximately six times the normal cost of a sidewalk and he found this cost to be excessive and part of Council's job is to use funds appropriately. He stated his strong opposition to the sidewalk on Glenhurst and indicated the other two homes are also strongly opposed due to the destructive impact to their front yards. He stated the City proposes to construct a 3' retaining wall starting in the middle of his yard and he has an existing retaining wall that runs perpendicular to the street and the City is recommending that the end of that wall be cut off and turned at 90 degrees to run parallel to the street and then extend directly into his neighbor's yard He stated all three homes City Council Meeting -5- March 2, 2015 have limestone facing and the retaining wall proposed by the City does not match the limestone. He was concerned that the replacement driveway would not match his existing concrete dnveway and was also concerned that the tree in his front yard would be at risk. He stated the proposed sidewalk would run downhill at a significant slope that faces south and he was concerned about icy conditions from snow melting and freezing on the sidewalk thus creating an unsafe sidewalk. He stated it was his understanding that all three homeowners are legally liable for anyone who slips and falls on that sidewalk. He stated that Councilmember Mavity indicated the reason for the proposed sidewalk is because Susan Lindgren School wants to see more sidewalks, but the fact is that all the children on Glenhurst are bused to Susan Lindgren School. He stated the City is proposing to fill a small gap that is going to be destructive and expensive and all three homes are strongly opposed. He also requested that Councilmember Mavity not participate in the vote because she lives on the block and is not objective on this matter. Councilmember Hallfin requested comment from the City Attorney about the liability question raised by Mr. Bream. Mr. Mattick advised that generally speaking, this is the City's sidewalk and the City's liability related to maintenance and repair. Councilmember Mavity asked if any Councilmembers needed to recuse themselves from voting. Mr. Mattick replied that in his opinion, none of the Councilmembers needed to recuse themselves from voting Mr. Tom Stutsman, 3830 Glenhurst, felt it was absurd to pay $75,000 for this sidewalk. He stated the canopy in the City is disappearing and the City wants to take out more trees, adding that the maple tree in his yard will likely die. He suggested installing a sidewalk on the other side of the street that is built up to the curb. Mr. Sean Barrett, 3543 Rhode Island Avenue South, presented several pictures to Council and stated the planned sidewalk is going to cut off a good portion of his yard, adding he was not totally against it but would like to see something that benefits them and suggested moving the sidewalk to the other side of the utility pole and reducing the width to reduce damage to his yard. Ms. Lauren Grouws, 2340 Sumter Avenue, questioned the need for sidewalks on both sides of Texas Avenue and asked if user counts were done. She was concerned about tree removal and referenced City Code language about tree replacement. She was concerned about spacing of trees and protection of trees and referenced City Code language about placement of drip lines on significant trees, adding it did not appear there was any way the City could construct the sidewalk because the drip line would cover the construction area. She asked that the City defer this sidewalk on the west side of Texas Avenue because the City cannot meet its ordinance standards for protecting and replacing trees. Mr George Gianoulis, 1600 Hillsboro Avenue South, recited his letter to Councilmember Brausen and stated they were attracted to the Crestview neighborhood because of the mature trees and putting in a sidewalk will change the character of their neighborhood. He stated he did not want to take on the added responsibility for snow removal on the City Council Meeting -6- March 2, 2015 sidewalk. He stated the proposed sidewalk would remove the silver maple tree that shades their house in the summer and he wondered about the environmental soundness of removing a tree and the runoff caused by concrete being added. He stated it was his understanding that the Westmoreland sidewalk was removed from the plan and he felt they should be able to opt out of the plan as well. Mr. Brian Kelly, 1811 Hillsboro Avenue, agreed with the previous comments and stated the sidewalk is not needed. Mr. Laxmana Godishels, 9435 West 14th Street, stated most residents in his neighborhood are not interested in a sidewalk and are concerned about losing mature trees. Mr. Jeff Gust, 1426 Hillsboro Avenue, stated he was against the proposed sidewalk and was concerned about losing his tree. He stated the only safety thing their neighborhood needs is the addition of a speed bump because nobody stops at either of the stop signs. Mr. Robert McChane, 8000 Westwood Hills Drive, stated they are in favor of the sidewalk. He stated Texas Avenue is quite busy and people do not adhere to the speed limit and they are concerned about safety and while losing trees would be less than ideal, they feel that City staff are doing everything they can to prevent loss of trees. Ms. Sara Bergen, 2939 Princeton Avenue South, thanked staff and Council for all their work and stated they support the Connect the Park! initiative. She pointed out that the land that the sidewalks go on is land owned by the City and offered by easement to homeowners and it is up to the residents to decide what type of city they want and the connections they want for their families to safely transport themselves. Ms. Jena Bjorgen, 4281 Ottawa Avenue South, thanked staff and Council for its work in putting the Connect the Park! plan in place. She referenced a petition and letter of support from the principal at Susan Lindgren along with a letter of support from the Susan Lindgren PTSO supporting implementation of sidewalks in the Minnekanda Vista neighborhood. She stated the PTSO is actively encouraging kids to walk and bike to school whether they take the bus or not and they have implemented the Safe Routes to Schools program to enable and encourage children to walk and bike to school. Ms. Jodi Lindskog, 2336 Sumter Avenue South, stated they are active users of the sidewalk system and already use the sidewalk on Texas and would like to see some of this money put into fixing the existing sidewalk and putting in usable crosswalks. She stated this would make the area safer and would save the tree cover Mr. John Hiner, 4000 Quentin, questioned the need for the sidewalk on 40`h and stated he will lose six trees and the sidewalk will be very close to his house. Ms. Martha Takata, 3601 Quebec, stated that sidewalks are great but was concerned about the impact to her yard and how close it would be to her dining room window She stated she did not understand the need for a sidewalk on the south side and felt that people could walk on the north side of Walker. City Council Meeting -7- March 2, 2015 Mayor Jacobs closed the public heanng. He thanked all the residents for attending and providing comments this evening. He encouraged residents to call if they have further questions or would like to provide comments. Mayor Jacobs recessed the City Council meeting at 8:54 p.m. and reconvened the City Council meeting at 8:56 p.m. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Project Report: Pavement Management Project — Area 3 — Project #4015- 1003. Resolution No. 15-034. Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report and explained the proposed 2015 project in Area 3 totaling approximately $3.2 million. He noted that Area A includes sidewalk construction and if the project report is accepted, the sidewalk construction is proposed to be included as a bid alternate so that staff may continue to develop the plans and specifications and get the project out for bid without making a final decision on the sidewalk component at this time. Councilmember Mavityasked about the access from Highway 169 and Mn/DOT's requested closure of 16`h Street. Mr. Sullivan explained that Mn/DOT's current proposal is to leave open the 16th Street exit for the northbound lanes of Hwy. 169, however it is expected that closure of 16th Street will be re-evaluated in the future. Councilmember Mavity stated that this is one of the areas where traffic will end up due to the Highway 100 reconstruction project and questioned the timing of this particular pavement management project at a time when there will be additional traffic in the area. Mr. Sullivan indicated that the pavement in this area needs improvement and the water main needs to be addressed. He stated this area will not be traversable when construction begins and this will stem the cut-through traffic in the area. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to adopt Resolution No. 15-034 Accepting the Project Report, Establishing Improvement Project No. 4015-1003 Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Improvement Project No. 4015-1003. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Brausen absent) 8b. Methodist Hospital Expansion—Major Amendment to PUD. Resolution No. 15-035. Mr. Walther presented the staff report and explained that Park Nicollet has proposed a 58,869 square foot addition to Methodist Hospital. The plan would add two floors to the east side of the building, a one story addition on the west side of the campus for surgery center improvements, and a 200 square foot addition on the third floor connecting the City Council Meeting -8- March 2, 2015 Meadowbrook Building to the Cancer Center. He noted that a portion of the stair tower and storage on the first floor of the surgery center improvements will be located within the floodplain with 77 cubic yards of fill and excavation that will add 122 cubic yards, so the compensatory flood storage requirements are met or exceeded. He presented several renderings of the project that is intended for patient room modernization and noted the addition does not add any additional beds to the hospital. He stated the applicant has requested a height modification for the east side expansion and explained the maximum height allowed is 45' within 100' of a residential district and the eight-story tower of the hospital has already been granted approval to exceed the height limit of the RC zoning district. He stated the portion within 100' of the residential area would be higher than normally allowed and the neighborhood met with the hospital and there was some discussion about whether the building could be stepped back but there are some structural limitations to doing so; in addition, there were some practical difficulties creating ongoing staffing efficiency issues. He stated that staff also reviewed potential shadow impacts and found no violations of the Ordinance. Mr. Robert Riesselman, Park Nicollet Director of Engineenng, thanked the City for supporting their projects. He stated the proposed addition is intended to modernize and create pnvate rooms to assist with infection control, promote healing, and provide more space for families and care teams. He stated they have the support of the neighbors and have worked hard to be a good neighbor. Councilmember Spano stated that Mr. Riesselman and his team have been very good about listening to resident concerns and have always been willing to address those concerns. He requested further information about the curtain wall matenal on the east tower vertical expansion and expressed concern about glass matenal reflecting into the bedrooms of the residential distnct and asked how the light impact would be mitigated. Mr. Matt Sanders, consulting architect, stated they tned to model the sun angles as best they could and shared this with the neighborhood. He stated that the location where the glass starts is about 45' up in the air and the houses are not more than 18' tall. He indicated they are in the process of selecting the glass matenal and intend to include non- reflective glass and they are also looking at technology that exists to reduce impacts. It was moved by Councilmember Mainly, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to adopt Resolution No. 15-035 Amending and Restating Nos 03-174, 07-083, 07-165, 08-077 and 14-169 and Approving a Major Amendment to a Final Planned Unit Development under Section 36-367 of the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code Relating to Zoning for Building Additions on Property Zoned R-C Multi-Family Residential located at 6500 Excelsior Boulevard—Methodist Hospital. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Brausen absent) 8c. Meadowbrook Golf Course Rezoning Mr. Walther introduced Mr. Alex Boyce, Community Development Intern. Mr. Boyce presented the staff report and background information regarding the site location and stated the majonty of the site is located within the FEMA floodplain and owned by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board He stated the site is proposed to City Council Meeting -9- March 2, 2015 be rezoned to Parks and Open Space (POS) because this more closely aligns with the current use of the property and rezoning the site would maintain consistency with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan which guides the site as POS. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve First Reading of Ordinance Amending the St. Louis Park Ordinance Code Changing Boundaries of Zoning Districts—Meadowbrook Golf Course The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Brausen absent). 8d. Approve Premises Amendment to the On-Sale Brewer's Taproom and Off- Sale Brewer Malt Liquor Licenses for Steel Toe Brewing, LLC, located at 4848 35th Street West Councilmember Spano requested further information about the timing of Steel Toe Brewing's planned expansion. Ms. Stroth stated that Steel Toe Brewing has entered into a lease for the additional building space and is waiting for Council approval before beginning construction It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Spano, to approve premises amendment to the on-sale brewer's taproom and off-sale brewer malt liquor licenses for Steel Toe Brewing, LLC, located at 4848 35`i' Street West The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Brausen absent) 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs extended condolences to Julie Sweitzer and her family on the sudden passing of her husband. He reminded residents about the "Waters Riot" event on Thursday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Granite City. He reminded residents about the March Foodshare Campaign and encouraged residents to donate to STEP He stated the Police Department is in the process of setting up neighborhood meetings and residents may contact their neighborhood leader or Bnanna Enckson at City Hall with any questions. Councilmember Hallfin reminded residents about the Children First fundraiser breakfast on Thursday, March 5, at 7:00 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel. He stated seats are still available and further information is available on the website Mr. Harmening advised that the City has declared a snow emergency at 4:00 a.m on Tuesday, March 3rd, and encouraged residents to move their vehicles off the street. 10. Adjournment ayor Jacobs adjourn the meeting at 9 38 ..m. if li a I / dr1 Meliss• Kennedy, City Clerk Jeff J J. o' Maya r