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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/03/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session 1/f St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 9, 2015 The meeting convened at 610 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. Harmening), Fire Chief(Mr. Koenng), Assistant Fire Chief (Mr. Coppa), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Emergency Preparedness Response Group (Mr. Ross), Park Nicollet Director of Nursing and Population Health at Park Nicollet (Ms. Bauermeister), and Recording Secretary (Ms Staple) 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning—March 16 and March 23, 2015 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed special study session agenda for March 16th and the proposed study session agenda for March 23`d 2. Update on City of St. Louis Park Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Mr. Harmening provided background information on the process undertaken by Mr Koenng to update the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). Mr. Koering introduced Lance Ross from Emergency Preparedness Response Group, who he worked with to thoroughly update the EOP. He presented the staff report and reviewed the intent and purpose of the EOP as well as the types of incidents that would tngger the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Mr. Ross stated that when an incident occurs, the EOC could be partially or fully activated depending on the type of incident. He referenced Emergency Support Function (ESF) 14 and explained that is where information can be found identifying the ESF Coordinator, pnmary agencies, support agencies, and State resources. Mr. Koenng stated that the previous EOP provided specific contact information, which would become outdated. He explained that this streamlined format provides the ability to keep the plan current while still providing the necessary information. Mr. Ross reviewed the roles and responsibilities the Mayor and City Council should an incident occur. Councilmember Sanger stated that dunng an incident it is important that the Council be provided with a flow of information that can be passed on to residents with questions. She also questioned if there is an aspect of the EOP, which addresses the prevention of mass panic. Mr. Ross agreed that is a key point for the Council to be provided with correct and current information, noting that aspect is addressed by the EOP. He advised that there are additional aspects of the EOP, which provide the correct support systems to provide the correct message Study Session Minutes -2- March 9, 2015 that would prevent or address panic. He provided examples of alternate communication methods should electronic communication not be possible. Mr. Koenng stated that updating the EOP also provides the opportunity to reinforce preparation as a City and throughout the City. Mayor Jacobs stressed the ability to provide a consistent message to people when incidents occur. Mr. Koering reviewed the next steps that include finalization of the ESFs, ensunng that the reference documents are complete and correction, training, and implementation of the annual maintenance program. He noted that the EOP will come back before the Council for review and adoption once finalized. Mr. Harmening stated that the primary EOC would be the Police Station and should that location not be available, Fire Station 1 would become the EOC. Councilmember Brausen asked for additional information on the emergency siren system. Mr. Koenng provided additional information on the siren system, including the maintenance and monitoring. Councilmember Sanger questioned if there is a policy in place regarding workplace violence and how that would be addressed. Mr. Koering stated that item is not specifically included in the EOP but advised that there are processes in place through the Police Department. He explained that if the incident were to escalate to an emergency incident, the Police Department would become the lead for the EOP. 3. Update on Post Discharge Pilot Program with Park Nicollet Healthcare/Methodist Hospital Mr Koering introduced Linda Bauermeister and presented the staff report. He explained the purpose of the program which will provide brand recognition of the City and its Fire Department, better use and access to the nght resources, improved outcomes which impact the overall cost of healthcare, and the supported the vision of a connected and engaged community He reviewed the process thus far which began on January 6, 2014 with the Fire Department discussing a possible partnership with Park Nicollet Ms. Bauermeister reviewed the current state for the patient discharge flow, which begins with the patient being serviced at the hospital and ends with a follow up call from Park Nicollet that occurs 24-72 hours following discharge. Mr. Koering reviewed the timeline of the pilot program that began in May 12, 2014. He stated that there are now five fully engaged fire departments included in the pilot program. Ms. Bauermeister briefly presented the Park Nicollet Population Health/Care Coordination 2015 Plan and Goals. She also identified challenges found when transitioning from the current state to the future state. Study Session Minutes -3- March 9, 2015 Mr. Koenng played a video presentation that provides residents with information on the firefighter visit and the pilot program. Councilmember Spano referenced the point brought up in the video, which states that if there is not sufficient food in the home the resident can be directed to the food shelf. He stated that the person may not be able to go to the food shelf and asked for additional information. Mr. Koenng stated that information can be left for the family providing the necessary contact information Ms. Bauermeister advised that there is funding available which would allow the food shelf to deliver food if necessary. Mr. Coppa explained that the process that is followed dunng a visit and advised that the firefighter can make the necessary contact for social services Mr. Koering provided visit data for the pilot program. Ms. Bauermeister provided more detailed information regarding patient engagement during the pilot program and the number of completed visits. She advised that the promotional video will be displayed on the hospital's patient education channel, which was not done during the pilot program. She also provided the average response from the patient feedback through the pilot program. Councilmember Sanger stated that she understood the benefit of the program to Park Nicollet but questioned the impact it had on staff time and response times should other emergency situations arise during a home visit. She requested that the City collect and analyze data about the effectiveness of the program in terms of whether it has reduced the number of unnecessary 911 calls. Mr. Koenng stated that the home visits allow additional information to be discussed that is not discussed during a 911 call. He stated that there has not been additional staff hired or overtime incurred because of this program. He stated that they are using smaller vehicles for these calls and are controlling the number of staff attending these visits, which are not able to be controlled during a 911 call. He noted that this process also improves the communication and relationship with the patient and also provides the patient with a clear outline of what to do and who to call. He stated that this program is generating an amazing amount of energy statewide as well as nationally He stated that Fairview and Regions are also beginning pilot partnership programs built off this model and the program is being highlighted nationally, noting that he will speak at a conference in March. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is very supportive of the program and believed the only actual cost to be fuel. He believed that there will be cost savings as the program continues and the number 911 responses needed decreases. 4. 2015 Connect the Park! Mayor Jacobs stated that the Council has discussed this topic at length and suggested instead that the Council address segments of concern. Study Session Minutes -4- March 9, 2015 Councilmember Brausen referenced a segment which begins at Flag Avenue to 16`h and stated that there is a beautiful tree canopy and based on the input of the residents he would be in favor of removing that segment, which the exception of the small segment which runs along 169 and connects to Wayzata Boulevard. Councilmember Spano referenced a specific segment, which is heavily treed along Hillsboro and stated that it does not appear there is a good fit because of the tree locations. Councilmember Sanger stated that she would support the request to remove the segment of sidewalk proposed by Councilmember Brausen, as she did not believe that the segment would provide a connection to a destination. She also believed that perhaps the Westwood Hills segment. Councilmember Mavity stated that she believed that removing small segments in this type of manner would impact the overall connectedness. It was the consensus of the City Council to remove the segment of sidewalk proposed by Councilmember Brausen. Councilmember Brausen referenced the Texas segment and stated that he would be in support of that segment. Councilmember Lindberg referenced the canopy that will be lost and questioned what those trees will be replaced with. Mr. Sullivan stated that he works with the Tree Inspector to determine an adequate planting plan and mix of species. Councilmember Sanger referenced a letter from a resident that was submitted the previous week. Mr. Sullivan explained that the resident letter referred to the Zoning Code and provided additional information on the Tree Preservation Plan. Councilmember Sanger requested that staff reply in wasting to that resident. Councilmember Mavity stated that the comment has been made many times that the City Just planted this tree in my yard. She believed that there had been, and should be, better coordination with staff to prevent planting from occurring in the riht-of-way area where future sidewalks may be built. She provided an example of Jopin and 39' and 40`h. Councilmember Sanger also asked that trees not be planted under the power lines Councilmember Lindberg referenced the a portion of the Walker Street segment and stated that while there is positive comments for this segment the residents question the level of flexibility. He explained that the residents would like that segment pulled to the curb. Mr. Sullivan provided additional information on locations of other segments along Walker. Study Session Minutes -5- March 9, 2015 Mr. Harmening provided additional information on the benefit of boulevards He stated that if the decision would be made to pull the sidewalk to the curb in one situation that would most likely be requested in many other instances. Mr. Sullivan provided additional information regarding storm water treatment as well as other benefits to plantings and tree roots. He stated that the general minimum width would be a five- foot to five-foot ratio between boulevard and sidewalk, or a four-foot to four-foot minimum. Councilmember Spano stated that in reference to the Walker segment he would support a five foot boulevard and five foot sidewalk. He also suggested that perhaps the existing sidewalk segment be made more conformant to the other segments. Councilmember Sanger stated that she would also support a five-foot sidewalk with five foot boulevard, or perhaps even a three foot boulevard. She stated that in reference to the existing segment she would not support replacing the segment for only aesthetic purposes. Councilmember Hallfin stated that he would support reconfigunng the existing segment. Councilmember Sanger stated that she would support the comments made by a resident the previous week regarding the 169 frontage road. Ms. Heiser reviewed the public process that would be followed. Councilmember Mavity referenced comments regarding bicycle lanes planned for 2022. Mr. Harmening suggested that these segments still be included in the presentation the following week and the decision be made by the Council at that time. Ms. Heiser questioned if the segments should be entirely removed from the plan or whether they should simply be postponed. It was the consensus of the City Council to remove the segments entirely when/if direction is given. It was the consensus of the City Council to direct staff to continue to pursue the installation of the proposed 2015 sidewalk, trail, and bikeway segments. Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening advised that the League of Minnesota Cities is encouraging cities to endorse early voting and noted that the Resolution will appear on the Consent Agenda. He advised of a retirement party for Ms Stroth He stated that there has been discussion regarding the State updating the rail plan, which is done approximately every five years. He advised that some southern communities are requesting additional study. It was confirmed to follow the current City policy. Councilmember Brausen commented on the housing report and believed that affordable senior housing is a necessity that he would like to discuss in the future Mayor Jacobs adjourned the meeting at 8.45 p.m Study Session Minutes -6- March 9, 2015 Written reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Update on Hennepin County Ordinance Relating to E-Cigarettes 6. 2014 Annual Housing Programs Activity Report 7. Ottawa Avenue Parking Restrictions (between W. 28th Street and Highway 25) 8. Minnesota State Residential Code Update 9. Update on 2015 Minnesota Department of T • s i 'rtation onstruction Projects di Me1is-4 Kennedy, City Clerk eff J•/o1)1 Ma;or