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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/10/12 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session f/` St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 12, 2015 Mayor Jacobs called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jeff Jacobs, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Anne Mavity. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), CIO (Mr. Pires), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), Director of Operations & Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Human Resources Director (Ms Deno), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Police Chief(Mr. Luse), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Fire Chief(Mr. Koenng), Deputy Fire Chief(Mr. Wolff), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Wirth). Guest: None 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—October 19 and October 26, 2015 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for October 19th and the proposed special study session agenda for October 26` . Councilmember Brausen asked that staff add the topic of organics recycling to a future study session agenda. 2. Review of Proposed 2016 Budget, Utility Rates, CIP, and LRFMP Mr. Harmening reviewed the Council's past budget considerations and stated the purpose of tonight's discussion is to provide feedback. He stated staff reduced expenditures and increased revenues resulting in a proposed property tax levy, if accepted, of 5.5% versus 6.5% Staff can prepare options should the Council support deeper cuts, however, it may impact services and programs. Mr Swanson presented the 2016 levy, proposed new staffing, revenue, and expenditure adjustments. He stated staff finds these to be reasonably conservative figures. Councilmember Spano asked if the approved fee adjustments were reflected in the calculations. Mr. Swanson answered in the affirmative. Councilmember Brausen asked if funds could be designated and set aside for future projects. Mr. Swanson stated that can be done. Mr Swanson presented the 2016 HRA levy, noting the recommendation is to set it at the maximum. He then referenced the information related to utility rates, which will be considered by the Council on October 19`n Councilmember Sanger suggested building in the cost of organics recycling to the solid waste payment. Ms. Deno stated staff is currently analyzing models and options for organics recycling It is expected this will be considered by the Council during the second half of 2016 Councilmember Spano asked if larger trash generators should be approached about taking advantage of organics collection to lower their rate. Staff reviewed the rates charged for larger container sizes and anticipated that this rate structure would entice reduced container size. Study Session Minutes -2- October 12, 2015 Councilmember Lindberg asked about the billing cycle. Mr. Swanson stated monthly billing will be explored by the end of 2016, once the meter replacement project is completed. Ms. Heiser presented the 2016 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the engineering department, projects planned within Area 5, public process that will be followed, MSA project, sidewalk projects, locations of pushbutton pedestnan crossings and flashers, and time spent with planning for the light rail transit (LRT). Ms. Walsh advised of the four park playground structures planned for replacement in 2016, reconstruction of trails, Rec Center refrigeration project, meter replacement, and updating of park building locks and security cameras to reduce vandalism. She stated planning also continues for water treatment plants and future road projects. Mr. Pires stated capital projects in 2016 include replacing production cameras, which are 10 years old, as well as the purchase of high-end workstations. He descnbed proposed technical projects, extension of fiber and Wi-Fi to parks to support park security equipment, provide Wi-Fi to the public at a small incremental cost, replace police and fire department's portable and mobile radios, replace police vehicle mobile computers, and provide Wi-Fi at the ice nnk and parking lot. They will also upgrade the City's website with a more robust search engine and streamline information. He noted that St. Louis Park offers two cable television providers and there will be some changes if the CenturyLink franchise is approved. Councilmember Sanger asked about the anticipated impact to residents and staff with the City having cable television competitors. Mr. Pires stated why he thinks there will be little impact on subscnbership overall. He explained in the beginning, there will be an impact to staff time related to unresolved customer complaints. Mr. Pires stated staff has been meeting with the Southwest project office to find out what technology will be offered on the Louisiana LRT. Since St. Louis Park has City-owned fiber close to all three stations, staff has explored offering Wi-Fi service to the station parking lot and platforms. Staff has also considered the options for providing police and fire with secunty camera access and other opportunities to provide kiosk messaging and way-finding Mr. Hoffman presented the 2016 Facilities Maintenance CIP, noting in 2017 it is slated to remodel the Council chambers. He explained that from a safety standpoint, the layout of the chambers is not ideal as people enter the front of the room. However, the cost to address that orientation is estimated at $700,000 to $800,000 and not included in the CIP. Mr. Pires stated funds have been allocated to upgrade cameras in the chambers. Councilmember Brausen stated he is not concerned with the safety issue but asked staff to address the camera angle. Mayor Jacobs stated he is also not concerned with the safety issue. Councilmember Spano stated he would still like the safety issue explored. Mr. Harmening stated staff was asked to conduct a safety audit of the Council chambers, noting if something should occur, a Police response would be difficult and there is little ability for the Council to leave the chambers. Mr. Luse agreed a place of refuge should be identified if the issue of safety is addressed. Mr. Harmening noted if seating is reoriented to the south end of the building, there would be locations of refuge. Study Session Minutes -3- October 12, 2015 Councilmember Lindberg supported exploring the safety aspect and holding that conversation. He believed there was good reason to consider a chambers update from a public access and welcoming perspective Mayor Jacobs noted some chambers have a large window to see into the chambers. Councilmember Spano descnbed a chambers that could be opened to accommodate a large crowd. He stated if the chambers is updated, he would like everything considered. Mr. Heintz presented the Long Range Financial Management Plan (LRFMP) and projected level of franchise fees out to 2020. Councilmember Sanger asked whether adding a second franchise provider will impact the cable television fund. Mr Harmening explained if the subscnber rate goes down due to competition, revenue from franchise fees would also go down. Councilmember Hallfin stated if the revenues are going down, he would ask how the expenditures are staying the same. Mr. Pires stated staffing remains the same but they expect to continue the trend of using volunteers more often. Mr. Heintz and Mr. Swanson continued presentation of the 2016 LRFMP for police and fire pension, housing rehabilitation, development fund, Housing & Redevelopment Authonty (HRA) levy, permanent improvement revolving fund, park improvement, and pavement management Mr. Harmening stated staff will be analyzing whether to increase franchise fees so the City can be more aggressive on pavement replacement and repair than currently scheduled That topic will be considered by the Council at a future study session. Mr. Heintz presented the 2016 LRFMP for sidewalk and trails fund (Connect the Park!) and capital replacement fund. Mr. Swanson stated staff was asked for $1.2-$1.3 million in cuts or revenue enhancements over three years. That amount was exceeded with most coming from cuts or pushing projects to future years. Ms. Deno acknowledged staff team leaders who did an excellent job to analyze the budget and identify those reductions. Mr. Heintz presented the 2016 LRFMP for the water utility fund and sewer utility fund. Councilmember Hallfin asked about the increase in the water utility fund for Reilly. Ms. Walsh explained the increases relate to additional legal costs to try and change Department of Health testing standards, consultant charges, and hinng environmental experts to build data. Councilmember Sanger stated this involves unfunded mandates and suggested that be remembered when the Council next discusses help needed from the City's legislators. Mr. Harmening agreed and explained that Charlie Noonan is recommending at this time that the City continue to address it with the State. He suggested inviting Mr. Noonan to a future meeting to address this situation and whether a different approach is warranted. Mayor Jacobs stated his doubt that the State will consider changing its rules or testing requirement. Mr. Heintz presented the 2016 LRFMP for the solid waste utility fund, storm water utility fund, uninsured loss fund, and benefits administration fund. Mr. Harmening asked staff which funds are on the watch list. Mr. Heintz stated it would be the capital replacement fund, which is sustainable now; pavement management because some changes are needed; and, utility funds as infrastructure is aging. Ms Deno stated staff needs Council guidance on the unknowns of which projects to do, such as the Southwest LRT. Mr. Study Session Minutes -4- October 12, 2015 Swanson stated they target fund balance or cash balance with different percentages and different projections to attain sustainability. Mr. Harmening stated overall the City is in a good financial position, as agreed by rating agencies, but the challenges are in the area of capital. He commented on the importance of addressing capital so resources are available when needed. Councilmember Sanger asked whether staff runs through exercises to look at 'what if' scenanos should a crisis occur. Mr. Koenng stated staff is reopening that discussion with nsk assessment to conduct a hazard nsk analysis. If conducted, it will position St. Louis Park with the County to recognize these areas so if federal funds become available, the City would be eligible. Ms. Heiser and Mr. Pires described the infrastructure inspections and modeling that are conducted annually. Mr. Harmening stated that this results in the City being able to more effectively use its resources. Ms. Deno stated the Truth in Taxation is scheduled for December 7th with a 5.5% levy and, if needed, another budget discussion could be held on November 9th. Mr. Swanson stated if there are a lot of residents at the Truth in Taxation meeting, it could be continued to December 14`n Councilmember Brausen expressed his thanks to staff for their work on the 2016 levy. He stated he does not support a reduction below 5.5% but would consider an increase to 6% to accumulate funds for the housing rehabilitation fund and CIP around the Southwest LRT He felt this was the best environment to consider a tax increase because the economy is doing well and the impact on the average residential property owner will not be substantial. He supported putting money aside now to facilitate where the Council wants St. Louis Park to be in 2025. Councilmember Spano asked about the impact of a .5% increase on an average-valued home. Mr. Swanson answered $3 per year and it would bnng in about $185,000 for the City. Councilmember Sanger stated she agrees with Councilmember Brausen, especially for Southwest LRT infrastructure needs, as long as the money is set aside in some fashion. She noted that 6% is still .5% lower than what was previously considered. Mr. Harmening stated staff will prepare that analysis and how the funds could be designated, noting it could eliminate the potential for a sharp rise in the future. Councilmember Hallfin stated he was going to suggest incenting organics recycling and making it an opt in or opt out and putting some funds toward that effort; however, staff has indicated that is already under analysis. Ms. Deno explained that would not be an impact on the general levy as it comes from the solid waste fund. Mr. Swanson thanked the department heads for their work in prepanng the 2016 levy. Ms. Deno stated the Truth in Taxation Statement will show a preliminary 6.5% levy and staff will prepare a report on 5.5% and 6%, and with the 6% figure, a recommendation on how the .5% can be designated for future use due to capital needs. Mayor Jacobs thanked staff for their presentations. Study Session Minutes -5- October 12, 2015 Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening stated staff hired an architect to design the outdoor nnk project and retained a third party cost estimator. Ms. Walsh explained the areas where cost estimates are higher than anticipated including grading, site work, and upgraded roof design She recommended still going out for bids to see what the market is. It was the consensus of the City Council to support staffs recommendation to go out for bids. Ms. Deno stated the consultant is suggesting an on-line future-focused goal setting as part of the City Manager's performance evaluation. Mr. Harmening stated he supported a different evaluation format that helps him understand more clearly the Council's goals and prionties and what they want him to accomplish versus a numerical ranking on different aspects. Councilmember Sanger suggested delaying the evaluation until after the January study session when those Council goals are set. Ms. Deno noted if the evaluation is delayed, then direction would be needed on how to deal with the salary. The Council discussed whether to consider this topic tonight Mayor Jacobs noted this item is not on tonight's agenda so he would prefer it be discussed at a future meeting. Ms. Deno stated she will prepare a report on what the consultant is recommending. With regard to 40`h and France, Mr. Harmening stated Minneapolis has proposed that to simplify things they retain ownership of the 125-foot by 125-foot piece, rather than having the City of St. Louis Park granting an easement for the same space. Mr Harmemng also noted the pnce has already been discounted for the easement. He advised that Edina concurs with the City's position in general on the language changes to the purchase agreement The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p m. Wntten Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 3. Business District Initiative Grant Application 4. Upcoming Grant Applications and Resolutions of Authorization 5. Sidewalk Management Policy Discussion 6. Westwood Hills Nature Center Master Plan : s . e 7. Capital Bonding Pr'posal to ate of Minn ota MelYennedyityierk Jeff Jai,s or ✓ f/f St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL LISTENING SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 12, 2015 The meeting convened at 5:34 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tern Gregg Lindberg, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs and Anne Mavity. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Public Works Services Manager (Mr. Merkley), Environment and Sustainability Coordinator (Ms. Pine), Communications and Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson), Solid Waste Program Coordinator (Ms. Fisher), Civic TV Coordinator (Mr Dunlap), and Recording Secretary(Ms. Wirth). Guest: Bridget Gothberg, Environment and Sustainability Commissioners Terry Gips, Rachel Hams, Nancy Rose, and Judy Voigt. 1. LISTENING SESSION: Polystyrene Food &Beverage Containers Mayor Pro Tern Lindberg commented on the environmental leadership of St. Louis Park to consider a Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance. He explained tonight is the opportunity for the Council to hear comments from the public. Mayor Pro Tern Lindberg welcomed members of the Environmental and Sustainability Commission and introduced resident facilitator Bridget Gothberg. Ms. Gothberg described tonight's process to make comment and opportunity to also provide comment through the City's website. John Easter, American Chemistry Council, suggested the City also consider the option of recycling polystyrene rather than only banning. He advised that Alpine Waste and Recycling provides recycling of foam in the metro Denver area and will soon add polystyrene. Mr. Easter stated Alpine Waste and Recycling in Commerce City is the first recipient of a North American Funding Program designed to increase the collection, processing, and marketing of post- consumer polystyrene. Mr. Easter stated the City of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has adopted a policy to encourage recycling of polystyrene foam. Mr. Easter stated recycling is an option for polystyrene foam and encouraged the City to add to the plastics under the recycling provision in the proposed policy. Anne Mane Treglia, Dart Container Corporation, stated one of the goals of the ordinance is to increase recycling and encouraged that to be the case in St. Louis Park and not limiting it to Just the three plastics noted for recycling. She also supported alternative methods, including waste- to-energy for other materials. Ms. Treglia described the types of products manufactured from recycled plastics. She encouraged the City, as already done by over 60 California cities, to offer curbside collection for foam recycling. She noted that Highland Park decided not to take away people's choice or increase cost, but to recycle polystyrene and plastics by piggybacking with other e-waste recycling options. Tim Wilken, Minnesota Beverage Association, explained that beverage cold cups for fountain drinks are lined with polyethylene (PE) to prevent seepage. His understanding is that other alternatives fail sooner, creating quality issues with customers. Mr. Wilken stated the City of Listening Session Minutes -2- October 12, 2015 Minneapolis took that into consideration and included it as an exemption He noted the City will need a solution to that material one way or another. Margaret Rog, 2817 Zarthan Avenue S., stated her support for the ban of polystyrene as it is a known carcinogen in animals and also affects human bodies; the carcinogen increases with exposure to heat, fatty, or acidic foods; and, Clean Water Action indicates use of polystyrene impacts low-income communities at a higher rate as they use fast food to-go containers more often than higher income populations so it is also an issue of equity. Ms. Rog stated her concern with the safety of workers who make this type of packaging and suggested that all humans have polystyrene in their fatty tissue because of its pervasive use. Ms. Rog stated there are many alternatives to polystyrene that are competitively pnced and California cities (and elsewhere) have made this change without negative impact. Gayle Gaumer, Gael's Gourmet, 8114 Minnetonka Boulevard, stated her take-out and delivery business uses polystyrene containers for salads and ice cream as there is nothing else that keeps those foods fresh, cold, and allows delivery. She commented on the federal court decision in the District of New York City that found banning polystyrene and Styrofoam was unconstitutional and arbitrary as those materials are cheaper to recycle than paper. In addition, the court found New York City would actually profit if it recycled polystyrene, as it was so inexpensive. Ms. Gaumer described their large delivery area and expressed concern that her business would be pnced out of the market and no longer competitive if polystyrene containers are banned. Dan McElroy, Minnesota Restaurant and Lodging Association, applauded the industry for calling on St. Louis Park to take a leadership approach to recycle rather than prohibit polystyrene. He commented on the federal court case and stated the City needs to think about a practical approach for granting exemptions as the alternatives to polyethylene lined paper cups are not as good and more expensive. He advised that Dairy Queens do not have a good alternative for a treat cup and the same is true with other types of packaging. Mr. McElroy stated if the ban is approved, they are concerned with the resulting additional costs for food and lodging businesses. Mr. McElroy stated it was mentioned previously that Hennepin County is not inclined to enforce such a ban through its Health Department and the State of Minnesota Health Department is not enforcing anything like this throughout the State, so enforcement is an issue. Mr. McElroy stated their concern is who will do enforcement and how it will be paid for. Mike Levy, ACC Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group, stated he had previously submitted information for the record. With regard to health impacts, he felt there may be some confusion with styrene (a liquid) that is used to make products because polystyrene (a solid) has been approved by the FDA for 50 years and no one, including workers, has ever gotten sick from finished polystyrene products. Mr. Levy stated he would like to see the ordinance expanded to include recycling of foam. With regard to the mentioned lawsuit, New York City's ban of polystyrene was overturned because the judge found polystyrene is recycled and recyclable and there were plenty of markets for it. Mr. Levy commented on the challenges of establishing a composting infrastructure for food service and support to include foam for recycling until that type of composting program is available. Mr. Levy noted that at the July session, representatives from the Minnesota PCA and Hennepin County Environment & Energy indicated they didn't take a position on polystyrene from a waste disposal standpoint because it is already recovenng this material. Emily Barker, 3149 Kentucky Avenue S., stated her general support for the ordinance, noting it bans more than foam. She encouraged emphasis on reusable and returnable containers. Ms ' I II Listening Session Minutes -3- October 12;,2015 Barker stated she shares the concern about the New York City lawsuit ruling because plastics are all over the.place and there is potential to see pushback from polystyrene manufacturers. She suggested(the Council could consider eliminating the specific list of plastics to allow,staff more flexibility.' She also suggested the City define `recyclable' every five years based on what waste haulers are willing to-collect: Ms. Barker stated she thinks requiring businesses-to-set up a collection,program°'is important as the City has an organics program that businesses can take advantage of. 'She stated-the challenge is to find reasonabl'e-alternative&for food containers and, in general,,the ordinance is a great start. _ I Mayor Pro Tern Lindberg thanked all those who provided comments and outlined future input opportunities arid next steps. Mayor Pro Tern Lindber r,adjourn,ed the meeting at 6.15 p. n. IA - Melis a Kenned , City Clerk ' Jeff Jleb f*ayt I ,I - I I