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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/12/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionSt. Louis Park MINNESOTA The meeting convened at 6:32 p.m. OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 14, 2015 Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tem Gregg Lindberg, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Susan Sanger, and Jake Spano. Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Staff present: Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Manager of Westwood Hills Nature Center (Mr. Oestreich), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Recreation Superintendent (Mr. West), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Batra). Guest: Sarah Ghandour, Ryan Kronzer, Andrea Arnold, Nkongo Cigolo (Southwest Project Office) 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — December 21, 2015 & January 11, 2016 Mr. Harmening proposed adding an item to the January 11, 2016 agenda for Becky Bakken to provide an annual update on the activities of Discover St. Louis Park. Councilmember Mavity stated she has not heard much about the Wooddale Avenue interchange and wanted to touch base on how traffic is being managed. Councilmember Sanger stated before the Highway 100 project started, the problems were heavy on the Wooddale Bridge. She suggested the need to address fixing the issues on the bridge on a more permanent basis. Mr. Harmening indicated he would have staff provide a report to the Council for an upcoming study session. 2. SWLRT Station Design Ms. McMonigal introduced the Southwest Project Office (SPO) staff that have been working on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) project. Ms. Ghandour stated the discussion items consisted of reviewing the site plan, looking at the architectural rendering and deciding the colors to be used at the stations. She discussed the concept plan and the landscaping plan for the Louisiana Station Councilmember Brausen asked about bike spaces. Ms. Ghandour responded that this station will have 22 loops, which provides spaces for 44 bikes. Ms. Ghandour stated they are also looking at options for long-term bike storage at the station. Councilmember Brausen asked about security at the station. Ms. Ghandour explained there will be cameras on the platform and in the park and ride. The City has also been in contact with the Police Department to determine how to broadcast the video from these cameras to the Police Department. Councilmember Sanger asked if parking at the station would be at grade. Ms. Ghandour stated that the parking at the station is at grade and not structured. Study Session Minutes -2- December 14, 2015 Ms. Ghandour explained that the public art funding for the project was cut 100%. The Council and staff discussed funding public art and the possibility of getting public art included in the project. Councilmember Mavity stated she would like the City to figure out how to incorporate art into the platform. She noted her understanding of the budget cuts, but felt incorporating art into the actual infrastructure would add some interest. Councilmember Sanger asked about fencing at the station. Ms. Ghandour stated there will be a controlled -access path across the tracks of the light rail. In addition, a retaining wall going down the track will restrict access to the tracks. She stated there is sufficient fencing so people can't cross the tracks from the south. Ms. Ghandour explained the SPO staff is looking for input on landscaping, colors of the station and the building materials. In addition, the pylons on the station are being held in place to display graphics. She expressed a desire to work with the Council to help decide themes for the graphics at each station. Councilmember Spano stated he did not recall the Council being asked for input on the design of the station. He explained the need to be clear on where the City is at in the process so Council can give input where they see fit. Councilmember Mavity stated there seems to be a lack of communication and also requested that staff be clear on what's being asked of the Council. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg expressed the importance of influencing the project where appropriate to integrate the station into the philosophy of the City. Councilmember Spano stated he prefers a clean design approach, but agrees with the importance of incorporating the project into the community. He suggested one way to accomplish that goal would be to use lighting to make the station stand out. He noted the City needs to be more creative on the infrastructure since public art was not an option. Ms. Ghandour stated the SPO would like to have solid concepts in place by February to bid the project in early May, 2016. She explained the project involved working with a graphic design team to create the design for the pylons. She discussed the possibility of adding a high-end fence to the station to make it stand out. The City is looking to find additional areas for landscaping to add to the area over time. Councilmember Mavity stated the station is a car -centric design where people are walking through a parking lot to get to the station. She added that the project, with the exception of the Wooddale Station, is not people friendly. She stated the plans as presented are not what was discussed and are not a transit -oriented environment. Ms. McMonigal explained there are sidewalks surrounding the parking lot, crosswalks through the parking lot, and an underpass to the regional trail that was added. She stated that the plan also includes bus connections on Louisiana for Metro Transit. She explained that diverting buses off their route while maintaining the bus schedule, and making the bus stops pedestrian -friendly, is a delicate balance. Councilmember Mavity asked about the 20 -year plan for the site. She wanted to make sure infrastructure isn't installed that may need to be built -out in the future. She stated that this design will not stand the test of time. Study Session Minutes -3- December 14, 2015 In response to Councilmember Sanger's question about the station structures, Ms. Ghandour responded that the enclosures will have heating and some will provide seating. Ms. Ghandour reviewed the design plan for the Wooddale Station. She explained there are stairs on the station side of the trail to provide more direct and quicker access to the street. She noted it was a small, constrained site so there wasn't a lot of room for landscaping. Ms. Ghandour explained that there is bike parking at the station for a maximum of 40 bikes. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg suggested the City look at the possibility of adding additional bicycle storage. Councilmember Spano stated 40 spaces is not going to cover the demand for bicycle storage at this station as residents will want to leave their bikes at the station all day. In response to Councilmember Mavity's inquiry about a secure box that can be rented to store bikes, Ms. Ghandour responded that Metro Transit is no longer using them because they believe the boxes are a public safety issue. The City is working with Metro Transit outside of the project office for recommendations on other options to add to the site Councilmember Hallfin stated the light rail has storage on the train so bikes can accompany passengers rather than leaving them at the station. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg stated he is familiar with this option; however, the Wooddale Station is a unique station and the City needs to have ample discussion about adding more bike spaces. In response to Councilmember Sanger's question, Ms. Ghandour explained that the bus stops for this station are located at the intersection of Yosemite and 36`h Street Councilmember Sanger stated she does not agree with that location because the light rail is not convenient. Mr. Kroner stated that in late 2017 or early 2018, Metro Transit will be conducting a study on rerouting bus stops to facilitate better access to light rail. Ms. Ghandour reviewed the proposed plan for the Beltline Station. She stated the structure includes stairs on both sides for access and the bus connections are the most direct out of the three stations. She noted there will be ornamental trees outside of the station. Councilmember Mavity asked about the Joint Development, and Ms. McMonigal explained the plan as presented is the base plan in the event the Joint Development does not move forward. Ms. Ghandour presented a rendering of the platform of the station, and showed the Council the materials proposed for the structures. She stated this station possesses a lantern element. Staff suggests using a bold color to highlight this station. SPO also asked the Council for feedback on the lantern -like structures and the panels that can be filled with a design element. Councilmember Sanger expressed concern regarding the brightness of the lanterns, because of the apartments in close proximity to the station Councilmember Mavity stated bright colors at the other stations would be welcomed as well. Ms. Ghandour stated there are a lot of choices as far as colors are concerned Councilmember Mavity asked Ms. Ghandour to look at the Louisiana bridge project as an example of what she wants the stations to look like. Ms. McMonigal indicated that more details will be brought back to Council in the coming months. Study Session Minutes -4- December 14, 2015 3. Local and Regional Government Alliance on Race & Equity — 2016 Initiative Mr. Harmening asked the Council how it would like the City to participate in this initiative. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg and Councilmember Mavity have signed up individually to at least attend the speaker sessions. Councilmember Sanger asked how this initiative is different from what the Human Rights Commission proposed. Councilmember Mavity responded that the initiative is limited to equity -based racial issues. Councilmember Spano clarified that the focus of the initiative is on race. Councilmember Mavity stated the tools learned would be broadly applicable to the City. Councilmember Spano asked Mr. Harmening if staff has spoken with other cities regarding whether this initiative is a good time investment. He stated his support of the initiative but requested the City ask for a list of cities that have accomplished the program to find out what benefit was received Mr. Harmening stated he will look into that Councilmember Mavity stated she thinks it would be beneficial to work on this with neighboring cities. She added that this would be a valuable opportunity. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg stated he is looking forward to participating because he thinks this initiative is very important work. He explained that there is a focus on race and equity, but the information learned could be construed broadly. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports this initiative, noting the initiative will possess a strong educational component. He explained the issue exists and the initiative is a proactive solution. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg stated he agrees the initiative is imperative, but would like to proceed with caution and make the initiative a comprehensive approach. Mr. Harmening stated that, from what he's heard from discussions so far, feedback about the initiative will be positive. Councilmember Hallfin stated constituents of the City would want the Council to look into this issue seriously. Mr. Harmening stated he will register the City for the initiative and asked the Council to contact him if participation is desired with the City reimbursing the expense. 4. Westwood Hills Nature Center Master Plan Update Ms Walsh presented the staff report and introduced other staff members working on the project. Several different future locations were discussed. Staff wanted to check in with the Council to make sure the update is going in the right direction Mr. Hoffman stated Westwood Hills Nature Center has some deficiencies. He explained that the water coming into the structure is concerning because the water causes mold in the walls. He explained that fixing the current structure would be a major remodel, and he inquired if any value would exist if the building is remodeled. Mr. West explained there has been an extensive public process, including surveys and public meetings. He noted at the next public meeting, on January 12 at Westwood Hills Nature Center, the public can see the designs. The common themes brought up through Study Session Minutes -5- December 14, 2015 the public process were constructing the building closer to the parking lot for ease of access; the desire for more parking at the site; keeping the size of the meeting areas intimate; preschool possibilities at the center; and building a Net Zero structure for educational opportunities. Mr. West presented the proposals for both building locations, Options A and B. Option A would include reconstructing the building on the current site. Option B would include an expanded parking lot, possibly an amphitheater on the building's current site, and the ability to park and walk through the building to access the trails at grade. In response to the request of the community, Mr. West stated the far northwest corner could be constructed into a large rest area, picnic shelter, or facilities, so that the whole space could be utilized. Councilmember Spano asked staff to consider other ways to get from the parking lot to the building to make it more accessible so that the parking lot would not need to be moved closer to the center. Councilmember Sanger stated she agrees the building needs to be replaced, but would rather determine use before design so the building can meet those needs. She wants to know the thoughts and ideas of the community members who don't use the space currently. Mr. West stated that over 3,500 invitations were sent out for the meetings. This included community education, rotary clubs, Discover St. Louis Park, Robbinsdale, Minnetonka, Plymouth, principals of schools, and the business community. He stated he was surprised that only 20 people attended the meeting. Councilmember Mavity stated that she wants the opinion of the people who currently use the Nature Center, and that public process has been on -point. She suggested the plans orient everything facing the nature preserve, away from the parking lot. She noted that this site would be a great opportunity to incorporate sustainability elements. Mr. Harmening stated the building will be a Net Zero building, with opportunities for solar, possibly wind, and geothermal. In addition, the Nature Center can be used as an educational tool on sustainability. Councilmember Brausen asked about fundraising or a donor to help with the costs. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg stated that he thinks the City should continue to move forward on this project. He explained that this area is a gem and an environmental educational tool He added that the Nature Center is an excellent opportunity to educate the community on sustainability. 5. Review Draft Agenda for 2016 City Council Workshop Mr. Harmening presented the topic. A survey was conducted with the Council, and is summarized in the staff report. He explained that a well -executed visioning process can help build community trust so the topic is found in different agenda items. Councilmember Hallfin stated the Council did not utilize the homework assigned from last year's meeting and wants to be careful not to do that again. Related to the racial equity issue, Mr. Harmening suggested the Council apply that idea as part of the workshop discussions. Study Session Minutes -6- December 14, 2015 Councilmember Sanger stated that she wants the Council to envision what success looks like for each member at the end of the Workshop. Consultant Bridget Gothberg will survey the Council prior to the workshop to get information from each of them regarding what success looks like for the outcome of the workshop. Councilmember Spano stated Friday has been devoted to some deep policy discussions. He wants to focus on high-level items and not get too bogged down with a specific initiative. He wants the Council to consider how it is interacting with the public, what that looks like, and how to handle different communication styles. Councilmember Mavity wants to ensure the Council has concrete takeaways from the meeting. 6. Discuss City Manager Evaluation (Verbal) Mr. 'Harmening stated he has been in contact with Council and discussed with Mayor Elect Spano a different version for his 2015 performance evaluation. The current plan is to pose two questions he will address and then obtain Council feedback. Mr. Harmening asked the Council if this approach is agreeable, noting the goal is to have meaningful communication that's different from the past, providing review of the past year and looking at the future. Councilmember Brausen stated his only interest is discovering what's needed from the Council to ensure the success of Mr. Harmening. Mr. Harmening stated there would be space in the evaluation for overall comments. Councilmember Spano stated that he doesn't want to be the only one involved in review so he suggested the whole Council be involved. Councilmember Hallfin stated he wants to ensure the Council focuses on the positive things. Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg stated that the proposed tool sounds very productive and will provide beneficial and useable feedback. It was the consensus of the City Council to proceed with the proposed evaluation tool for City Manager. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Mayor Pro Tem Lindberg asked whether the deed submission for MoneyGram could be longer than three years. Relating to the City website redesign, Councilmember Mavity suggested that the website possess the ability to search topics that have been discussed at City Council meetings. She stated without this feature it makes the City appear to lack transparency. Councilmember Sanger inquired if anybody plans to apply for a seat on the GEARS Committee because she is interested in applying. Councilmember Mavity stated that she will assist getting Councilmember Sanger appointed. The application is due within a week. Study Session Minutes -7- December 14, 2015 The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 7. Meadowbrook Golf Course and Mmnehaha Creek Improvement Project 8. Resolution of Support for Submission of a DEED Minnesota Investment Fund Application on Behalf of MoneyGram 9. Resolution of Support for Submission of a DEED Job Creation Fund Application on Behalf of Novu 10. Approve Right of Way Purchase - Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project (City Project 2012-0100) 11. Partnership with Center for Energy and Environment 12. City Website Redesign 13. Fiber Lease Agreements Meliss Kennedy, City Clerk Greg Li b rg, Mayor Pro Tem