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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/04/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (if St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 6, 2015 1. Call to Order Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 7:35 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. Hannening), City Attorney (Mr Scott), Organizational Development Coordinator (Ms. Gothberg), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Senior Project Manager(Mr. Elkin), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Staple) Guests: None. la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Donation Councilmember Spano expressed the City Council's gratitude to Donna Hill for her donation of$50 for the purchase of supplies for Westwood Nature Center. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Meeting Minutes March 2, 2015 Councilmember Sanger requested on page four, the last full paragraph, should read, "rids the frontage road on the east side of TH 169..." The minutes were approved as amended. 3b. Special City Council Meeting Minutes (Closed Executive Session) March 23, 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. City Council Meeting -2- Apnl 6, 2015 4a. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the penod of February 21, 2015 through March 27, 2015 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 15-046 of Support for Bader Development's submission of a grant application to the Hennepin County Transit Onented Development (TOD) Program for its proposed Encore project. 4c. Designate Park Construction Company the lowest responsible bidder and authonze execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $2,485,387.92 for the 2015 Local Street Rehabilitation Project (Area 3) - Project No. 4015-1003. 4d. Designate Thomas & Sons Construction, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder and authonze execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of$454,916 for the 36th Street W. at Wooddale Avenue and at Xenwood Avenue - Project#4014-1300. 4e. Designate Insituform Technologies as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $273,460.80 for the Sanitary Sewer Main Rehab Project#4014-3003. 4f. Appoint City Clerk Melissa Kennedy as responsible authonty and data practices compliance official under MN Statutes Chapter 13. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 15-047 Authorizing Revision of Parking Restrictions along Excelsior Boulevard at 4901, 4907, and 4911. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 15-048 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Donna Hill in the amount of $50 for Westwood Hills Nature Center to be used for program supplies. 4i Approve for filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of December 3, 2014 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 15-049 authorizing final payment in the amount of $5,634.45 and accepting work for Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 2 Work Scope 18 (Painting) for Project Nos. 2008-3001 and 2008-3002, City Contract No. 59-11. 4k. Approve the agreement to allow Fire Department personnel to have access to the electronic patient record system within Park Nicollet. 41. Approve Resolution No. 15-050 of Support for Oppidan's submission of a grant application to the Hennepin County Transit Onented Development (TOD) Program for its proposed "Bally's"redevelopment project. The Council approved 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 Councilmember Lindberg stated that the Council interviewed several youth applicants He reviewed the Council recommended appointments to the Police Advisory Commission and to the Planning Commission. He encouraged other youth in the community to find opportunities to get involved in City government. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to appoint Ian McIntyre as Youth Commissioner to the Police Advisory Commission for a City Council Meeting -3- April 6, 2015 term to expire August 31, 2015, and to appoint Ethan Rickert as Youth Commissioner to the Planning Commission for a term to expire August 31, 2015 The motion passed 7-0 6. Public Hearings 6a. Central Park West — Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinances Vacating Easements and Right-of-Way Mr. Walther presented the staff report regarding the vacation of the sewer easement and recommended that the vacation be conditioned upon installation and City acceptance of the new, rerouted sewer main. He advised that the applicant also requested vacation of a portion of excess nght-of-way along Utica Avenue. Mayor Jacobs opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Jacobs closed the public heanng. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve First Reading of an Ordinance Vacating a Public Sewer Easement and Sewer Construction Easement and set the Second Reading of Ordinance for April 20, 2015 Councilmember Sanger confirmed that it would be the financial responsibility of the applicant to relocate the sewer. The motion passed 7-0 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve First Reading of an Ordinance vacating right-of-way and set the Second Reading of Ordinance for April 20, 2015. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public—None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Confirm Appointment of Melissa Kennedy to City Clerk for the City of St. Louis Park—Resolution No. 15-051 Ms. Gothberg presented the staff report regarding the City Clerk position. She reviewed the interview process and advised that the proposed candidate previously worked in Inver Grove Heights for nine years. Melissa Kennedy stated that she was excited for the opportunity to work for the City. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-051, Confirming the Appointment of Melissa Kennedy to the Position of City Clerk of St Louis Park City Council Meeting -4- Apnl 6, 2015 The motion passed 7-0 8b. Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy Mr. Elkin introduced the members of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy (EPPP) Work Group. Ryan Griffin, member of the EPPP Work Group, stated that they developed a policy through great collaborative effort. Councilmember Sanger stated it was obvious that a great deal of effort went into the development of the policy. She questioned how staff would know if a product qualified under the guidelines of the policy. Mr. Griffin stated there would be a list available to staff for reference. He stated that the policy was intended to be a guide and the environmentally preferable purchase should be made when available. He stated whenever a department had success in finding a product that met the guidelines, they should report that to the City Sustainability Coordinator in order to track that information. Councilmember Brausen thanked City staff for their efforts throughout the process and also thanked the Work Group and Commission for their efforts. He stated he liked the goals listed in the policy and believed that if everyone worked together the idea could be successfully implemented to make the City an environmentally sustainable community. He noted that the cheapest and easiest option was not always the best option. Councilmember Mavity stated she was impressed by the level of professionalism that continued to come out of the Commission and their Work Groups Councilmember Spano referenced F1 on page six, specifically the mention of quarterly evaluations, and wanted to ensure that reviews were done on a time schedule that actually produced the best amount of data. He noted that some facilities may only need to be reviewed every six months based on the timing of their purchasing. He questioned why the Rec Center was exempt from a lot of the policies. Mr. Griffin stated that the Rec Center specifically had to purchase chemicals for the pool. Councilmember Spano asked for additional information regarding the mechanics of pursuing clean energy investments. Mr. Griffin explained that whenever possible, when making an investment of that nature, clean energy should be the preferred option Mr. Harmening stated that language would primarily apply to the purchase of fleet and mechanical equipment, such as possibly transitioning to electric vehicles and natural gas powered equipment. Councilmember Lindberg stated that not only was the policy doing the nght thing, it was also an example of financial stewardship and investment in future generations. City Council Meeting -5- April 6, 2015 Mayor Jacobs stated this policy demonstrated that there are times when you need to spend a little more money in order to save money in the future It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive the reading and adopt the Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy The motion passed 7-0 8c. Central Park West Final Plat & Final Planned Unit Development — Resolution No. 15-052 and Resolution No. 15-053 Mr. Walther presented the staff report regarding the Final Plat and Final Planned Unit Development for Central Park West He reviewed the property location, features, and the original concept. He provided an update regarding the revised concept. He stated an environmental review was done with the Shops at West End process and had been updated since that time. He reviewed the infrastructure including sanitary sewer, water use, and also discussed the traffic information. He stated the property consisted of an outlot in St. Louis Park and three unplatted lots in Golden Valley. A subdivision vanance was approved as part of the preliminary plat and the final plat was consistent with the preliminary approval. He reviewed the public dedication of drainage and utility easements as well as right-of-way, and stated that Utica Boulevard would also be reconstructed into a four-lane roadway with a landscaped median as part of this project The project consisted of five buildings, as well as a parking ramp, and each building would have its own underground parking. Mr. Walther stated approximately 12 9 percent of the site would be designated as outdoor recreation area, which would meet the requirements of the City. He highlighted how the concept met the criteria of the Planned Unit Development requirements and reviewed the modifications requested. He reported the Planning Commission met on March 4`h and recommended approval of the Final Plat and Planned Unit Development subject to the conditions in the draft resolution. He referenced Condition 1.F.(1) of the Final Plat and provided the corrected park dedication figure. David Graham, ESG Architects, stated there were key urban design elements in the concept. He stated this project included private buildings as well as privately developed and publicly accessible outdoor areas. This would include a network of pedestrian and streetscape features to extend the Shops at West End to help create a signature walkable urban community He stated that the residential elements reduced the traffic figures and residential features would provide lifecycle and affordable housing to serve empty nesters, families, and millennials. The concept included a great lawn in the center with high-quality pavement for pedestrians and cyclists to move through the park, as well as a water feature. He explained the storm water would be harvested, treated, and then used for imgation and service of the water feature. He noted they were also considenng the artistic use of boulders and climbing walls as play structures. He advised that Utica Avenue would become a tree-lined boulevard with townhomes along the streetscape and activity connected to the street and landscaping. Each residential building would have its own amenities, including pools and rooftop terraces. Mr. Walther stated that the City of Golden Valley was also acting on this request, because a portion of the project was located in that city. He advised both cities had granted preliminary approval and noted Golden Valley would be considering the request City Council Meeting -6- April 6, 2015 the following evening. He indicated the future hotel and office buildings would come back separately for additional review when proposed for construction. Councilmember Brausen asked for additional information on the phasing of construction, specifically the park features. Mr. Graham reviewed the elements of the first phase of construction, including the park. Councilmember Spano referenced storm water treatment and asked for additional information regarding the sanitary sewer and storm water needs, as well as possibilities for the future. Mr. Walther stated that a number of innovative techniques were proposed for the treatment of storm water. The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District had established goals for phosphorus removal and the treatment for the West End and Central Park West areas alone would provide almost five times the 2020 goal amount. He stated additional future development could be accommodated as this would add capacity to the system. He noted there had never been an issue with storm water capacity on this site and reviewed the City requirements. Councilmember Mavity referenced the water use analysis and stated with this development the City would exceed the 90 percent water use threshold She noted the Council had previously provided direction that this development should provide mitigation measures to address the issue of water capacity and questioned if there had been any changes to the development since the last time the Council provided that direction. Mr. Walther provided an update of the measures staff had taken, including the collection of a fee to make future improvements to the capacity. Luke Payne, Kimley-Horn, stated they heard the concern of the City with respect to water use and mitigated irrigation use with the water reuse system in order to reduce consumption up to 10% and provide a storm water benefit. Councilmember Sanger stated she was concerned with the capacity level that the City would be reaching with this development and questioned what additional measures staff was pursuing to improve that situation. Mr. Walther stated this project was simply contnbuting the last portion and did not account for the total water consumption rate. He explained the high level was not the usual capacity but was the amount used during peak demand in July. In an emergency situation, the City had the ability to tap into the water supply of four neighboring communities. Mr. Walther explained that as part of the long-term system and comprehensive planning processes, staff identified additional options, including the addition of treatment services at one of the well sites. He stated there had been some capacity improvements realized as a result of other things the City had done since the study began. He advised of additional strategies the City pursued, including watering bans, native plantings, low flow fixtures, and the collection of a fee to fund future improvements. . City Council Meeting -7- April 6,2015 Councilmember Sanger stated those were things that the City could do community-wide and were not specific to this development. She stated she was concerned with the installation of a water feature. Councilmember Mavity stated this issue, in the course of this development, was raising concerns on a community basis. She asked that staff bnng the policy issue back to a Study Session for the Council to further discuss capacity. Mr. Harmening stated this project did not 'own' the situation that the City was in and advised that the community `owned' that situation. He stated if the City did not want to increase capacity, other measures would need to be pursued in regard to conservation. Mr. Harmening stated the developer did include the water reuse mechanism in addition to other conservation measures that would be met as required by the City. Councilmember Sanger stated the plan did not appear to provide safe bicycle access to the east side of Highway 100. Mr. Walther advised that portion of the plan was in Golden Valley and advised that Golden Valley was pursuing the option of collaborating with the developer in order to provide a bike path on the south side as you go through the underpass. He advised there were connections proposed through another program, but not specifically as part of this project, to add bike paths along Wayzata Boulevard and Quentin Avenue in both Golden Valley and St. Louis Park to connect to the Regional Trails. Councilmember Sanger stated it did not appear that there would be a Joint Powers Agreement between the two cities and she was concerned because the project crossed the boundaries of two municipalities. She questioned if the project would be allowed to begin construction without the execution of such an agreement. Mr. Walther believed the project could move forward with construction without such an agreement but noted that would be a more difficult route. He advised that Golden Valley had stated they would not be comfortable with one city taking over global control of the development and would instead like to consider each phase of the project as it moved forward. He stated there were existing mutual aid agreements in place in the case of fire response. Councilmember Sanger stated she would not be comfortable with the construction beginning until such an agreement was in place between St Louis Park and Golden Valley. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-052, Approving Final Plat for Central Park West, subject to conditions Councilmember Mavity asked for additional information regarding the concerns expressed by Councilmember Sanger. Mr. Harmening stated that the City was well versed in the use of Joint Powers Agreements and advised that Golden Valley was not interested in that type of agreement. He stated that Golden Valley would like to deal with the project in chunks as they moved City Council Meeting -8- Apnl 6, 2015 forward for development. He stated that while this may not be the preferred option, staff believed that the cities would be able to work together to figure it out. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed) It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Counctlmember Lindberg, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 15-053, Approving Final Planned Unit Development (PUD)for Central Park West, subject to conditions The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed). 9. Communications Mayor Jacobs stated that the City was aware of the poor condition of Highway 100 and staff sent a letter to MnDOT advising them of the City's concerns. He asked that dnvers be extra diligent and courteous dunng this time Councilmember Hallfin announced the STEP annual fundraiser, Empty Bowls, would be held on Apnl 23, 2015. Councilmember Lindberg referenced the Oak Hill Splash Pad and noted that residents would not have to pay a fee and the $1 fee would apply only to non-residents. Councilmember Brausen advised that a past Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Commission did come to the meeting but arnved late and was not able to provide her comments on the policy discussed tonight. He asked that any residents with input contact the City. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. 4019 if/° /414 MYellsennedy, City Clerk ( Jeff Jacob , y r