HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/07/23 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionCity Council Study Session
July 23, 2007
6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Agenda Planning
2. 6:35 p.m. Preliminary Business Terms for Duke Realty’s Proposed West End Project
3. 7:20 p.m. Land Sale Proceeds
4. 7:50 p.m. Semi Annual Housing Report
5. 8:20 p.m. 2008 Budget Overview
6. 8:50 p.m. Vision Update
Written Reports
7. 2007 Volunteers in the Park Annual Report
8. Floodplain Update: Park Nicollet LOMR Application
9. June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
10. Quarterly Investment Report (April – June 2007)
11. ParkWiFi Update
9:20 p.m. Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make
arrangements, please call the Administrative Services Department at (952) 924-2525 (TDD
(952) 924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 1 - Future Study Session Agenda
Page 1
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning Administrative Services
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
To assist the City Council and the City Manager in setting the next study session agenda.
BACKGROUND:
At each study session, approximately five minutes are set aside to discuss the next study session
agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion
items for the regularly scheduled study session on August 13.
Attachment: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 1 - Future Study Session Agenda
Page 2
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Tentative Discussion Items
Monday, August 13, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. VIP III David Bernard Project Discussion – Community Development (45 minutes)
Council and staff will review the design for Wooddale Avenue and streetscape adjacent
to the VIP II project and discuss the proposed charge to the developer for participating in
the area wide storm water pond located at Hoigaard Village.
3. Discuss 2008 Budget – Finance (60 minutes)
Council and staff will review the preliminary 2008 City budget including General Fund,
Park & Recreation Fund, Park Improvement levy, Pavement Management levy, and debt
service levies.
8:20 p.m. End of Meeting
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 1
2. Preliminary Business Terms for Duke Realty’s Proposed
West End Project. Community Development
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
Staff wishes to review and receive feedback on the preliminary Business Terms related to Duke
Realty’s West End redevelopment project proposed for the Southwest corner of I-394 and
Highway 100. Specific items staff wishes to discuss include:
• Revised site plan.
• Preliminary Business Terms.
• Next steps.
BACKGROUND:
On May 21, 2007 the EDA and City Council approved a Preliminary Development Agreement
with Duke Realty relative to its proposed West End project. Per that agreement staff and the
Redeveloper have negotiated preliminary Business Terms (attached) that would form the
substance of a future redevelopment contract with the Redeveloper. This draft document is
being presented at this time as a “check-in” with the EDA/City Council to ascertain decision
makers’ thoughts on the terms currently being considered. This particular version is the
Redeveloper’s response to the original Business Terms prepared by staff. Staff has not yet
agreed to the revisions proposed by the Redeveloper in the document. The item notably absent
from the Terms is the mutually agreeable amount of financial assistance needed by the
Redeveloper to bring the project to fruition. The Redeveloper recently submitted its project
proforma to the EDA’s financial consultant for review and, due to the project’s complexity; the
consultant needs time to properly analyze it.
Staff will provide a summary of the business terms during the study session
NEXT STEPS:
Staff would like to receive feedback from the EDA/Council on the revised site plan and
preliminary Business Terms prepared to date. If generally acceptable, staff would continue to
negotiate the remaining Business Terms with the Redeveloper. Once all the Business Terms
have been worked out, staff will review them with the EDA/City Council in a subsequent Study
Session. When all the terms are mutually acceptable, the EDA/City Council will be asked to
hold a public hearing to formally consider the creation of a Redevelopment TIF District.
Attachment: Preliminary Business Terms
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 2
DRAFT
July 17, 2007
Proposed Business Terms
Redevelopment Contract between
City of St. Louis Park,
St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority
Duke Realty Limited Partnership
West End Development
SW Corner I-394 & Highway 100
St. Louis Park, MN
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 3
PROPOSED BUSINESS TERMS
FOR A REDEVELOPMENT CONTRACT
FOR THE WEST END DEVELOPMENT
The following are proposed deal points between the City of St. Louis Park (“City”) and the St.
Louis Park Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) and Duke Realty Limited Partnership, an
Indiana limited partnership (“Redeveloper”), which, upon mutual agreement, will be
incorporated into a Redevelopment Contract (“Redevelopment Contract”) for the “West End
Property” (SW quadrant of I-394 and Highway 100, St. Louis Park).
This Agreement is in addition and in conjunction with the Preliminary Development Agreement
between the above parties dated May 21, 2007.
Construction of Minimum Improvements and Public Improvements
The Redeveloper agrees that it will construct or cause construction of the Minimum Improvements
and the Redeveloper Public Improvements (except those portions constructed by the City) on, or
adjacent to, the Redevelopment Property substantially in accordance with the Master Site Plan and
approved Construction Plans and that it will at all times while Redeveloper owns any Phase and
through the date when all Notes are paid in full or terminated, operate and maintain, preserve and
keep each Phase of the Minimum Improvements, or cause each Phase, to be maintained, preserved
and kept with the appurtenances and every part and parcel thereof, in good repair and condition.
Minimum Improvements. The Minimum Improvements consist of the following constructed in
phases, located as shown on the Master Site Plan (Exhibit):
Phase IA: Demolition of buildings, public utility relocation and construction
work under Utica Avenue and 16th Street, soil correction and
earthwork for Phase IB and Phase II (north of 16th Street),
construction of Utica Avenue and 16th Street, construction of offsite
road improvements.
Phase IB: Approximately 1,100,000 square feet of Class A office space
distributed between three or four buildings located on the eastern
portion of the Redevelopment Property along with site improvements
and structured/surface parking as required.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 4
Phase II Approximately 350,000 square feet of retail, entertainment, and
restaurants, hotel, office, public space and structured/surface parking
on the western portion of the redevelopment in a pedestrian and
transit friendly configuration integrated with and connected to Phase
1B and the broader community. The specific plan, mix of uses,
timing and market value of the development will be determined
following a community planning process.
Additional Covenants. In addition to any other requirements of this Agreement, the Minimum
Improvements must meet the following specifications:
(1) The Redeveloper shall put forth commercially reasonable efforts to achieve
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) core and shell certification
for Phase IB of the speculative office development. Such characteristics shall be
identified and articulated in a report to the EDA upon construction completion.
(2) The Redeveloper agrees to provide outdoor public gathering places: Phase IB
approximately 30,000 square feet and Phase 2 approximately 12,000 square feet.
The indicated areas are aggregate totals and may occur in more than one location.
The outdoor public gathering places shall include parks, plazas, town greens, and/or
other open space designed for use by the general public and incorporating features
such as fountains, public art, street furnishings, special lighting or other public
amenities.
(3) The Redeveloper agrees to provide at least one indoor public gathering place in
Phase II approximately 5,000 square feet. Part of this space will include a separate
meeting room of approximately 750 square feet for use by the public.
(4) The Redeveloper shall put forth commercially reasonable efforts to provide safe and
convenient pedestrian connections throughout the Redevelopment Property.
(5) The Redeveloper shall put forth commercially reasonable efforts to provide an
attractive public pedestrian/bicycle connection through the structured parking in
Phase IB that joins Wayzata Boulevard and Utica Avenue.
(6) The Redeveloper shall put forth commercially reasonable efforts to provide public
transit throughout the Redevelopment Property.
(7) The Redeveloper shall put forth commercially reasonable efforts to accommodate
public art throughout the Redevelopment Property.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 5
(8) The Redeveloper agrees to provide to the City, without charge, approximately 250
square feet of finished space for use as a neighborhood City police station. The
police station must include restroom facilities, the area of which may not be included
in calculating the minimum square footage. The area of the police station will be
part of the 5,000 square foot public gathering space identified in Item 3 above. The
restroom facility for the police station can be part of an adjacent public restroom.
The police station must be located within Phase II at a site approved in writing by
the City. The City’s approval of site location may not be unreasonably withheld.
Upon completion, the Redeveloper must operate and maintain the facility at
Redeveloper’s cost, including without limitation cleaning, heat and electricity, and
servicing of the restroom.
(10) The Redeveloper agrees to construct a public restroom including three fixtures for
men and three fixtures for women located within Phase II at a site mutually agreed
by the Redeveloper and the City. The area of the public restroom will be part of the
5,000 square foot public space identified in Item 3 above. Upon completion, the
Redeveloper must operate and maintain the public restroom at Redeveloper’s cost,
including without limitation cleaning, heat and electricity and general restroom
servicing.
Master Site Plan. The initial Master Site Plan for the Redevelopment Property is attached hereto
as Exhibit B. The parties agree and understand that the Master Site Plan may be refined and
modified as part of the review and approval process for the PUD, and that upon City approval of the
preliminary PUD for the entire Redevelopment Property (and the final PUD for each Phase), the
preliminary or final PUD (as the case may be) will supersede the Master Site Plan shown in
Schedule. Any changes to any preliminary or final PUD after approval by the City will be
processed according to City codes and procedures, including any provisions described in the PUD
approvals and the Planning Contract.
The initial Master Site Plan will show the site development plan for Phase 1B, the location of public
streets and sidewalks and the location for the future as yet undersigned Phase II area.
Construction Plans. TO BE DISCUSSED Before commencing construction of each Phase, the
Redeveloper shall submit to the Authority Construction Plans for the subject Phase. The City’s
chief building official and planning and zoning supervisor will review and approve all Construction
Plans on behalf of the EDA, and for the purposes of this Section the term “Authority” means the
City's chief building official and planning and zoning supervisor. The Construction Plans shall
provide for the construction of the subject Phase and shall be in conformity with this Agreement, the
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 6
Master Site Plan as it may be revised, the TIF Plan and all applicable State and local laws and
regulations. The Authority will approve the Construction Plans in writing or by issuance of a permit
if (i) the Construction Plans conform to all terms and conditions of the Master Site Plan, this
Agreement, the final plat and PUD for the relevant Phase (ii) the Construction Plans conform to the
goals and objectives of the TIF Plan; (iii) the Construction Plans conform to all applicable federal,
state and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations; (iv) the Construction Plans are adequate to
provide for construction of the subject Phase; and (v) there is no uncured Event of Default under
this Agreement. No approval by the Authority shall relieve the Redeveloper of the obligation to
comply with the terms of this Agreement, applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules
and regulations, or to construct the subject Phase in accordance therewith. No approval by the
Authority shall constitute a waiver of an Event of Default, or waiver of any State or City building or
other code requirements that may apply. Within 30 calendar days after receipt of complete
Construction Plans and permit applications for a building within any Phase, the Authority will
deliver to the Redeveloper an initial review letter describing any comments or changes requested by
Authority staff. Thereafter, the parties shall negotiate in good faith regarding final approval of
Construction Plans for that building. The Authority’s approval shall not be unreasonably withheld
or delayed. Said approval shall constitute a conclusive determination that the Construction Plans
(and the Subject Phase, constructed in accordance with said plans) comply to the Authority’s
satisfaction with the provisions of this Agreement relating thereto.
The Redeveloper waives any and all claims and causes of action whatsoever resulting from the
review of the Construction Plans by the Authority and/or any changes in the Construction Plans
requested by the Authority, except for any failure by Authority to perform its obligations under this
Section. Neither the Authority, the City, nor any employee or official of the Authority or City shall
be responsible in any manner whatsoever for any defect in the Construction Plans or in any work
done pursuant to the Construction Plans, including changes requested by the Authority.
Construction Plan Changes. TO BE DISCUSSED If the Redeveloper desires to make any
material change in the Construction Plans or any component thereof after their approval by the
Authority, the Redeveloper shall submit the proposed change to the Authority for its approval. If
the Construction Plans, as modified by the proposed change, conform to the requirements of this
Section of this Agreement with respect to such previously approved Construction Plans, the
Authority shall approve the proposed change and notify the Redeveloper in writing of its approval.
Such change in the Construction Plans shall, in any event, be deemed approved by the Authority
unless rejected, in whole or in part, by written notice by the Authority to the Redeveloper, setting
forth in detail the reasons therefor. Such rejection shall be made within 30 days after receipt of the
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 7
notice of such change. The Authority’s approval of any such change in the Construction Plans will
not be unreasonably withheld.
Commencement and Completion of Construction. Subject to Unavoidable Delays and market
delays and provided the Authority and/or City have issued a building permit, the Redeveloper
agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to commence and to complete construction of the
Minimum Improvements according to the Schedule below:
Project Phase Commencement Completion
IA 2007 2008
IB 2008 2014
II 2008 2009
The commencement and completion dates for Phase II are subject to City approval of Phase II
master plan and PUD.
The term “commence” means the making of visible improvements, including without limitation
subsurface excavation but excluding mere surface grading. All work with respect to the Minimum
Improvements to be constructed or provided by the Redeveloper on the Redevelopment Property
shall be in conformity with the Construction Plans as submitted by the Redeveloper and approved
by the Authority.
The Redeveloper agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to commence and complete
construction of each Phase by the Target Commencement Date and Target Completion Date for
each Phase as described in the above Schedule. Failure to commence or complete construction by
those dates is not an Event of Default under this Agreement, provided that if the target timetable for
any Phase is not met, Redeveloper shall provide a written and oral presentation to the City Council
of the City by no later than the first regular City Council meeting after the relevant Target
Commencement Date or Target Completion Date. The report must describe the reasons for failure
to meet the target schedule, evidence of Redeveloper’s due diligence in working toward
construction of the relevant Phase, and a detailed revised schedule. Failure to timely provide such
written and oral report is an Event of Default.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 8
Redeveloper Public Improvements. For Phase 1A, the Redeveloper must prepare plans and
specifications for and construct all streets, sewer, water, storm sewer improvements, sidewalks,
landscaping, streetlights, streetscaping and other related amenities related to:
• The new “16th Street” extended east from Park Place Boulevard to Utica Avenue South.
• Utica Avenue extended starting from its current alignment north to Wayzata Boulevard.
All improvements to these roadways must include the lane configurations as recommended in the
AUAR.
Before commencing such construction, the Redeveloper must submit plans and specifications
regarding the Redeveloper Public Improvements for approval by the City substantially in
accordance with procedures for Construction Plans.
All work on the Redeveloper Public Improvements shall be in accordance with the approved
construction plans and shall comply with all City requirements regarding such improvements.
The parties agree and understand that the City will accept the improvements in accordance with
City procedures.
Subject to Unavoidable Delays, market conditions and issuance of all applicable permits by the
City and/or Authority, Redeveloper agrees to substantially complete construction of the
Redeveloper Public Improvements by July 2009.
City Public Improvements. The City will prepare plans and specifications for and construct all
road and traffic signal improvements located within the right of way of Park Place Boulevard
adjacent to the west of the Redevelopment Property (the “Park Place Improvements”) between
Gamble Drive and 16th Street and the following:
• Improvements to the T-intersection along Wayzata Blvd in Golden Valley.
• Traffic calming improvements along Wayzata Blvd in Golden Valley.
• Reconstruction of Park Place Boulevard.
• Improvements at Park Place Boulevard/I-394 South Ramp:
o Install a westbound right-turn lane to provide a dual right-turn lane. In addition,
modify the signal phasing to provide a right-turn overlap phase and optimize
timing.
o Install an eastbound right-turn lane to provide a dual right-turn lane. In addition,
modify the signal phasing to provide a right-turn overlap phase.
o Install a northbound right-turn lane to provide a dual right-turn lane. In addition,
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 9
extend the northbound right-turn lane to Wayzata Boulevard and modify phasing
to provide a right-turn overlap phase and optimize timing.
o Widen the entrance ramp onto eastbound I-394 to maintain a two-lane entrance
onto the collector-distributor roadway.
• Improvements at Park Place Boulevard/Wayzata Boulevard:
o Install a southbound left-turn lane to provide dual left-turn lanes. In addition,
widen eastbound Wayzata Boulevard to accommodate the dual-left turn lane.
o Install a westbound right-turn lane to provide dual right-turn lanes. In addition,
modify the signal phasing to provide a right-turn overlap phase and optimize
timing.
o Install an additional northbound through lane beginning at north of Wayzata
Boulevard and ending at the I-394 South Ramp.
o Install an additional northbound through lane beginning at West 16th Street,
connecting to the through lane recommended at Wayzata Boulevard.
o Install an exclusive northbound right-turn lane.
• Park Place Boulevard/West 16th Street:
o Extend the existing southbound left-turn lane to provide 300 feet of storage.
o Modify the existing northbound shared through/right-turn lane to a through lane
only.
o Install a northbound right-turn lane.
o Modify the westbound approach to provide dual left-turn lanes, one through lane
and a right-turn lane. In addition, modify the signal phasing to provide a right-turn
overlap phase.
o Modify the eastbound shared through/left-turn lane to an exclusive left-turn lane
to provide dual left-turn lanes.
o Modify the existing exclusive eastbound right-turn lane to provide a shared
through/right-turn lane.
o Eliminate the current split phasing and optimize the signal timing.
• Park Place Boulevard/Gamble Drive:
o Modify the existing westbound shared through/left-turn lane to an exclusive left-
turn lane to provide dual left-turn lanes.
o Convert the existing westbound right-turn lane to a through lane and install an
exclusive right turn lane on this approach. In addition, modify the signal phasing
to provide a right-turn overlap phase.
o Eliminate the current split phasing and optimize the signal timing.
• Quentin Avenue/Wayzata Boulevard (improvements not shown in figures):
o Install a southbound right-turn lane.
o Install an eastbound right-turn lane.
• Quentin Avenue/Old Cedar Lake Road :
o Install a northbound left-turn lane.
o Modify the current striping to provide a southbound right-turn lane.
• TH 100 East Frontage Road/Old Cedar Lake Road:
o Modify and widen the westbound approach and re-stripe as two lanes.
o Widen the west end of the concrete island to create a 90-degree T-intersection.
• Improvements to the T-intersection along Wayzata Boulevard in Golden Valley.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 10
Redeveloper is responsible for initial financing $__________ of the City Public Improvements.
The City must construct the balance of the Improvements located in accordance with the
construction plans and all City procedures for such improvements.
Subject to Unavoidable Delays City agrees to substantially complete construction of the City
Public Improvements by July 2009.
City Financial Assistance. The Redeveloper is initially responsible for: all costs of the
Redeveloper Public Improvements and City Public Improvements. All Public Improvement
Costs that are Redeveloper’s initial responsibility are subject to reimbursement through tax
increment financing.
In order to offset the extraordinary costs associated with developing the Redevelopment Property
as well as the costs of the Redeveloper and City Public Improvements, the EDA agrees to take all
steps necessary in accordance with State law to establish a new Redevelopment TIF District, and
to utilize tax increment from the Redevelopment Property and other legally available funds, if
necessary, to fund such Public Improvement Costs in an amount not to exceed $ .
The tax increment from the Redevelopment TIF District will be payable to Redeveloper in the
form of a “TIF Note(s)”, which would be structured on the following basis:
Issue total: $
Type: Pay-as-you-go note
Term: ___ years
Interest Rate: ___ %
Admin Fee: 5%
Fiscal Disparities: Paid from within the district
Reports. The Redeveloper must submit to the Authority a written report at least quarterly, starting
with the commencement of Phase IA and continuing until issuance of the Certificate of Completion
for the final Phase of the Minimum Improvements. The report must describe progress on
construction of the Minimum Improvements and Public Improvements as well as progress on
leasing the commercial and office space within the project.
The Redeveloper also agrees to submit to the Authority written reports so as to allow the Authority
to remain in compliance with reporting requirements under state statutes. The Authority will
provide information to the Redeveloper regarding the required forms.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 11
Contract Requirements. Redeveloper shall undertake all work related to the Redeveloper Public
Redevelopments and the Minimum Improvements in compliance with all applicable federal and
state laws, including without limitation all applicable state and federal Occupational Safety and
Health Act regulations. Any subcontractors retained by Redeveloper shall be subject to the same
requirements.
Indemnifications. Redeveloper acknowledges that the City/EDA makes no representations or
warranties as to the condition of the soils on the Redevelopment Property or its fitness for
construction of the Minimum Improvements.
Redeveloper, City and Authority agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless each other and their
officers, employees, and agents (“Indemnified Parties”) from and against all cost, loss, claim,
damage or expense, including reasonable attorney fees, arising out of (i) any injury, property loss or
damage whatsoever that results or arises from the undertakings of this Agreement under this
Section, except to the extent such injury, loss or damage arises from the negligence of the
Indemnified Parties; and (ii) any work performed on or for the benefit of the Redevelopment
Property by a person or entity not a party to this Agreement, including without limitation all costs
related to defense against or removal of any lien or encumbrance, except to the extent such claim
arises from a party directly engaged by the Indemnified Parties.
The Redeveloper must deliver to the City and maintain a payment bond or other security in a form
reasonably satisfactory to the City, in an amount reasonably necessary to protect the interests of the
City in connection with the work to be performed.
Look Back Provision. TO BE DISCUSSED The EDA acknowledges that it is Redeveloper’s
intent to sell a portion of the Redevelopment Property to a third party at or subsequent to the
issuance of the Certificate of Completion and occupancy by Tenants of the Redevelopment
Property (“Third Party Sale”). Within 60 days after closing on a Third Party Sale, Redeveloper
agrees to provide financial data to the EDA’s financial consultant as may be necessary for the
consultant to calculate the Prepayment Amount (defined below). If, based on such review, the
actual profit for the Redeveloper exceeds a __% rate of return on total project costs, then fifty
percent (50%) of excess amount of profit (the “Prepayment Amount”) will be applied as
prepayment of the outstanding principal amount of the TIF Note in accordance with the terms of
the Note. Such prepayment will be effective upon delivery to Redeveloper of a written notice
stating the amount of excess profit determined by the EDA in accordance with this Section;
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 12
however, the prepayment of the Note will be deemed to have occurred as of the Closing Date, as
supplemental Purchase Price.
Maintenance of Improvements. The parties agree that the Redeveloper shall be responsible for
all maintenance costs (including snow and ice removal) associated with the Redeveloper Public
Improvements on the Redevelopment Property (“Maintenance Costs”) including:
Private streets, alleys, driveways, service drives, surface parking stalls and parking lots.
Boulevards
Parking structures
Sidewalks
Public gathering areas and spaces
Landscaping
Stormwater ponds
Streetlighting
Redeveloper agrees to keep the above Redeveloper Public Improvements in good condition and
is resposibile for all repairs of same.
Certificate of Completion. Upon substantial completion of the Minimum Improvements, the
EDA will provide the Redeveloper with a Certificate of Completion in recordable form, which
shall specifically provide that the Redeveloper’s obligation to construct the Minimum
Improvements pursuant to the Redevelopment Agreement is deemed satisfied.
Property Transfer. Redeveloper agrees not to transfer the Redevelopment Agreement or the
Redevelopment Property (except to an affiliate) prior to receiving a Certificate of Completion
without the prior written consent of the EDA, except for: (i) construction mortgage financing
and/or permanent financing; (ii) transfer to Tenant; (iii) sale of an outlot; and (iv) a ground lease
of a portion of the Redevelopment Property. EDA's consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
conditioned or delayed. The EDA agrees to provide its consent or refusal to consent to
Redeveloper in writing within 10 days after a request for such consent from Redeveloper.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 13
Other Provisions. The Redeveloper agrees that no portion of the Redevelopment Property will
be used for a sexually-oriented business, a pawnshop, a check-cashing business, a tattoo
business, or a gun business, and that such restrictions may be placed in the Redevelopment Deed.
The Redeveloper agrees not to discriminate upon the basis of race, color, creed, sex or national
origin in the construction and maintenance of the Minimum Improvements and Public
Improvements as well as the sale, lease, rental, use or occupancy of the Redevelopment Property
or any improvements erected thereon.
e:\real estate\minn office\west end\agreements\redevelopment business terms (revised) 2007-07-06.doc 8/11/2017 10:16:00 AM
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 14
EXHIBIT A
SUBJECT PROPERTIES
The Redevelopment Property includes all or portions of the following properties and as
reflected in the Master Plan.
PID: 3002924320018
City Address:* 5201 WAYZATA BLVD
PID: 3002924320007
City Address:* 5245 WAYZATA BLVD
PID: 3002924320011
City Address:* 1551 PARK PLACE BLVD
PID: 3002924330002
City Address:* 1621 PARK PLACE BLVD
PID: 3002924330019
City Address:* 1600 UTICA AVE S
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 2 - Preliminary Business Terms for Duke West End Project
Page 15
EXHIBIT B
Master Site Plan
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 3 - Land Sale Proceeds Report
Page 1
3. Land Sale Proceeds Community Development
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this council agenda item is to discuss a proposed process for preparing a
plan/strategy for how to handle the net proceeds from the sale of city property for move-up
homes.
BACKGROUND:
On December 5, 2005 the City Council directed staff to proceed with the sale of several parcels
of city owned/tax forfeited property to accommodate Move-up Housing. Since that time the City
has entered into agreements to sell seven parcels. Four more parcels are expected to be sold in
coming months.
The primary goal of the sale of public land for Move-Up Housing was not to raise revenue.
However it was recognized from the beginning of the process that there would likely be
significant revenue generated from the sale of these parcels. It was also recognized that the
funds generated from the sale of public land should be used for special purposes. They were one-
time funds, which should be segregated from the city’s general day to day revenues and used for
one or more special purposes. It was envisioned that the city would use some type of public
process to decide how to use these special funds.
To date the funds from the land sales have been segregated from other city funds, but what to do
with the funds has not yet been decided. The purpose of this council discussion item is to
identify a process for deciding how to handle the net land sale proceeds. One possible approach
staff has discussed is outlined below. Hopefully this will help stimulate conversation on this
topic.
“Blue Ribbon” Land Sale Proceeds Committee
Staff is proposing that the City Council form a 5 to 7 member “blue ribbon” committee to
prepare a plan for consideration by the City Council for how to handle the net land sale proceeds.
The intent would be to select committee members with knowledge of the community, expertise
in finance and managing/leveraging money, understanding of the community vision, and
credibility as community leaders. Possible committee members could be local bankers, former
city council members, representatives from area foundations and others familiar with the Move-
Up housing activities over the past three years.
Issues that the committee would be asked to address would include items such as -
1. Should the net land sales proceeds be treated as an endowment to provide an on-going
source of revenue or used for direct funding, or some mix of both?
2. Could the funds be used to leverage other funds, and if so, how could it be done?
3. What should the priorities for the use of the funds be?
4. How can community input be incorporated into the funding process?
The broad time frame for the work of the committee would be roughly the next six to nine
months. The goal would be for the committee to complete its work and make a recommendation
to the City Council by the end of the year or first part of 2008.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 3 - Land Sale Proceeds Report
Page 2
Next Steps
If the City Council believes this approach has merit, staff will assemble a list of prospective
committee members for Council approval at a future regular Council meeting.
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 1
4. Semi Annual Housing Report Community Development
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
To provide Council an update on 2007 housing activity and to provide background information
for discussion related to foreclosures and affordability goals.
Attachments: Housing Report – 2007 First Half
Housing Matrix
Affordability Goal
Foreclosure Status
Housing Goals
Prepared by: Kathy Larsen, Housing Programs Coordinator
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 2
City of St. Louis Park Housing Report – First Half 2007
The purpose of this report is to apprise the City Council of 2007 year to date housing activity
including the City’s vigorous 2007 “Move Up in the Park” activity. In addition to the program
activity, this report includes:
• Housing Matrix including Housing Affordability Goals and Status
• Recent Foreclosure Activity in St. Louis Park
1. MOVE UP IN THE PARK ACTIVITY SUMMARY
Again, in 2007, the Move Up program is very active and on pace to exceed last year’s activity.
The comprehensive package of services and loans resulted from the Housing Summit’s emphasis
of facilitating and promoting the expansion of existing homes as the most effective tool to
achieve more family size homes in the city. The Move Up in the Park program successfully
kicked off in 2005 and 2006 was an active year of vigorous home improvement activity. A
synergy between the marketing of our “Move up in the Park” programs and services, with strong
remodeling interest, has resulted in resident use that continues to outpace projections.
Chart 1. Resident Investment in 2006 and First Half 2007
In 2006, residents invested over fifteen
million dollars in renovations to their
homes. In 2007, residents are on track
to exceed last year’s investments. The
resident investment for the first half of
2007 is over $12,000,000.
Over 65 permits for major
remodeling/expansion projects have
been issued so far this year, compared
to 86 during 2006.
The following table provides a
snapshot of the 2007 use of the Move Up programs and services along with funding levels. It is
followed by the description of each of the program components.
• The transformation-move up loans have exceeded projected 2007 estimates. Twenty
homes have been significantly expanded using the transformation loan.
• The architectural design service seems to be slowing down during its second year. This
service is designed for residents making significant expansions to their homes. After
meeting the pent up desire for this service in the first year, its use may be plateauing.
• Despite vigorous rehab activity, the discount loan program is not as active as last year.
To date 27 loans have been closed compared to 88 for all of 2006. Staff is unsure why
the loans are not being used at the same rate as last year, and notes that the use of these
loans has fluctuated in previous years.
Resident Rehab/Remodeling Investment based on
Permit Valuations
$15,200,000
$12,100,000
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
2006 2007 1st Half
Year$ Amount
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 3
• The remodeling home tour was very successful.
• The “green” home remodeling fair was less well attended this year due to a very snowy
day, and approximately 2,000 folks attended.
• Even with the softened housing market, the private sector is still purchasing and
renovating small homes, and staff has not identified suitable homes for the small home
acquisition and expansion program at a reasonable price point.
Table 1. Move Up Housing Activity January 1 – June 30, 2007
Activity 2007
Goal
Through June 30, 2007 Annual
Budget
Expended
through
6/30/2007
Move Up -
Transformation Loan
15 20 $500,000 $500,000
Architectural Design
Service
100 27 $22,500 $6,075
Remodeling Advisor 300 157 $39,000 $20,410
Discount Loans 80 27 $150,000 $60,200
Home Remodeling
Tour
1,000 1,000 $5,000 $5,000
attendees
Home Remodeling
Fair
2,000
attendees
2,000 $0 $0
Small Home
Acquisition Program
5 0 $137,500 $0
Neighborhood Green
Home Improvement
and Energy
Workshops (Fall)
2 0 $3,500 0
Vacant Public Land
for SF Homes
8 parcels have been bid out:
final multi-lot parcel to bid
in August; 2600 Natchez to
bid this summer
Move Up In the Park Programs & Loans
The initiatives include educational, technical and financial activities designed to motivate and
assist residents with renovation to their homes. These programs are funded from the Housing
Rehabilitation Fund.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 4
• Move – Up Transformation Loan
The purpose of this loan is to encourage residents with incomes at or below 120% of median
area income ($92,000 for a family of four) to expand their homes. The program provides
deferred loans for 25% of the applicant’s home expansion project cost. Loan repayment at
0% interest is deferred until the home is sold - if the resident remains in the home for 30
years, the loan will be forgiven. This in effect establishes a revolving loan pool which will
continue to fund future expansions.
This loan requires significant upfront work by the residents, from deciding on the scope of
the project to selecting contractors. The average loan is approximately $25,000.
o Only residents making significant expansions are eligible. The minimum project cost
must exceed $35,000.
o The maximum loan amount is $37,500, if construction costs are $150,000.
o The City has established a revolving loan pool, administered by a third party.
o The loan has 0% interest with a carrying cost fee of 3% paid by the borrower.
• Architectural Design Service
This service provides an architectural consultation for residents to assist with brainstorming
remodeling possibilities and to raise the awareness of design possibilities for expansions.
Residents select an approved architect from a pool developed in conjunction with the
American Institute of Architects and local architects. All homeowners considering
renovations would be eligible for this service regardless of income, however to ensure
committed participants, residents make a $25 co-pay. Resident surveys not only provided
ideas to refine the program, but indicated a high level of satisfaction with the service.
• Remodeling/Rehab Advisor
The intention of this service is to help residents improve their homes (either maintenance or
value added improvements) by providing technical help before and during the construction
process. All homeowners are eligible for this service regardless of income. Resident surveys
indicated that homeowners valued the service and would recommend it to others. The City
contracts with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) for this service.
• Discount Loan Program
This program encourages residents to improve their homes by “discounting” the interest rate
on the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) home improvement loans. The
MHFA’s Community Fix-up Fund is restricted to Minnesota residents residing in cities that
elect to participate in the program. Residents with incomes of $63,000 or less qualify for a
greater discount than those with incomes of $90,000 or less. Eligible improvements include
most home improvement projects with the exception of luxury items such as pools and spas.
The City’s Housing Rehabilitation Fund is the funding source for the discount loan program,
and CEE is the loan administrator.
St. Louis Park implemented the discounting of MHFA loans in late 1999 as a pilot project.
Successful marketing efforts have led the City to be third among all Minnesota cities to use
the MHFA loans, only exceeded by Minneapolis and St. Paul.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 5
• Home Remodeling Tour
The 3rd annual Home Remodeling Tour of six recently remodeled homes proved very popular
with an average 400 residents visiting each of the six tour homes. The Tour’s goal is to
provide residents hands-on examples of remodeling and expansion projects of typical St.
Louis Park housing, to motivate and encourage residents to enlarge and enhance their homes.
• Annual Home Remodeling Fair
The cities and community education departments of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka
and Golden Valley co-sponsored the 2007 Fair. The 2007 Fair had a “green theme” and over
2,000 residents from the four cities attended the one day event, with over half of the
attendees living in St. Louis Park. The fair provides residents an opportunity to attend
seminars, talk with vendors and city staff about permits, zoning, home improvement loans,
and environmental issues related to remodeling. The fair is now a self-sustaining event
where vendor registration fees more than cover the costs of the event.
• Small Home Acquisition Program. Staff is recommending this program be coupled with
the existing home renewal program. Even with the softened housing market, the private
sector is still purchasing and renovating small homes, and staff has not identified suitable
homes for the small home acquisition and expansion program at a reasonable price point.
• Neighborhood Green Home Improvement and Energy Workshops
Two neighborhood workshops are planned for fall 2007. The timing of the workshops is to
being coordinated with the New State Green Remodeling Guidelines and could continue the
excitement and buzz about remodeling into the fall. The purpose is to provide concrete
education about green remodeling, codes and zoning, design and rehab assistance and
information about the city’s financial incentives including existing loan programs.
• Vacant Public Land
The first eight parcels have been bid out. Two remaining parcels located at 9019 Cedar Lake
Road and 2600 Natchez Ave are scheduled to be bid out in August.
2. OTHER HOUSING PROGRAM ACTIVITY
Other city housing activity is outlined in the table with descriptions below:
Table 2. Housing Activity Report, January 1 – June 30, 2007
Activity
Goal
To Date Annual
Budget
Expended
6/30/2007
Citywide Inspection Rehab
Program (City & MHFA Funds)
200 units 150 $325,000
(18 months)
$192,600
Housing Improvement Area (HIA) 1 HIA 130 Unit complex $10,000 $800*
CDBG $213,302 $276,213**
*The City fronts legal, financial and City admin costs which will be reimbursed through the HIA loan.
**Actual 2006 CDBG expenditures included CDBG funding from 2004 5 Grant Years.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 6
• Citywide Home Inspection Rehab Program (CHIRP) The City received a $147,000
matching grant from the MN Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) for deferred and discount
loans for low income residents identified by Inspections as requiring exterior maintenance
improvements. Of the 200 homes and owners identified as having significant exterior code
violations, over 150 of the homes have been improved, and close to two thirds of the funds
have been used. As this program winds down, we may not expend all the funds for low-
moderate income eligible residents. This program received MN Housing’s Housing
Development Choice Award in 2006.
• Housing Improvement Area (HIA) The Wolfe Lake Condominium Associations applied
for the HIA, and anticipates having over 50% of the owners petition the Council for the HIA
designation in September 2007. $1,268,000 worth of common area improvements would be
paid with a 15 year term loan at 6.15% interest rate.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Activity completed as of June 30, 2007 included activities that were funded with 2005 and
2006 Grant Year funds, so the budgeted and expended amounts do not match. Contracts have
not yet been disbursed by the County for 2007 funds, and consequently 2007 funds have not
yet been expended.
Table 3. 2006 CDBG Allocation and Activity
2005 - 6 Allocation and Activity
2006
Budget
Actual
Expenditures
6/30/07
Emergency Repair Program - single family housing rehabilitation $57,302 $57,302
Housing Land Trust - acquisition single family housing $18,500 $18,500
Multifamily Rehabilitation – Louisiana Court $80,000 $80,000
Single Family Rehab Deferred Loan Program $0 $120,411
STEP Acquisition $57,500 $0
Total $213,302 $276,213
3. ST. LOUIS PARK HOUSING AUTHORITY
The St. Louis Park Housing Authority activity is outlined the tables below:
Table 4. St. Louis Park Housing Authority Assisted Housing Programs
Public Housing
Public Housing Total
Units
1-BR 2-BR 3-BR 4-BR 5-BR Occupancy
2007
Hamilton House 108 108 98.9%
Scattered Site Single Family 37 0 0 17 17 3 97.8%
Louisiana Court,
Metropolitan Housing
Opportunity (MHOP) Units
12
12
98%
Total (bedroom size) 108 12 17 17 3
Total 157
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 7
Rental Assistance
Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
(HUD Approved)
Units Utilization YTD
2007
Tenant-Based 220 101%
Tenant-Based Portability Units* 91 Avg./month
Project-Based: 45 96%
Wayside House 20 90%
Excelsior & Grand 18 100%
Vail Place 7 100%
Shelter Plus Care Rental Assistance: 38
Perspectives Inc. 11 100%
Community Involvement Program (CIP) –
Scattered Site Homes
11
100%
CIP- Clear Spring Road 8 65%
Project for Pride In Living (PPL) 8 100%
Total 303
*For First Half 2007, the HA administered an average of 78 vouchers for Sec. 8 households that have moved to
SLP from other jurisdictions.
Waiting Lists
Assisted Housing Waiting List as of December 31, 2006
Public Housing 1-BR 1-BR
Handicap
2-BR 3-BR 3-BR
Handicap
4-BR 5-BR Total
194 12 103 120 22 36 19 506
Section 8 1229
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 8
Housing Matrix: Housing Types, Numbers & Percentages - June 2007
In 2005 the Council approved housing goals that evolved from the 2003-05 Housing Summit.
Along with the goals, strategies were defined for implementation to achieve the goals. One of
the strategies was to develop a matrix of existing housing types including detached/attached,
owner/rental, family/senior, and affordable/market rate with production goals for each. The
matrix is to be a guide to evaluate future housing development proposals.
The attached matrix is updated semi-annually and presented to the City Council, Housing
Authority and Planning Commission. It shows at a glance the numbers and percentages of:
housing types, tenure (owner or rental), affordable units, senior designated units and large single
family homes.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 9
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 10
Affordability Goal and Star Tribune Editorial of July 17, 2007
The Star Tribune published an editorial on July 17, noting that St. Louis Park has one of the
worst percentages (9%) in meeting the affordable housing goals established as part of the Met
Council Livable Communities Act of 1995. The STRIB seems to take a very simplistic approach
to determining performance relative to a very complex matter. The portrayal of our efforts to
provide affordable housing in our community is inaccurate and the analysis flawed.
The nine percent that is cited in the editorial only reflects the City’s progress towards
constructing new affordable housing units. The nine percent is based on the cited goal of 1,084
new housing units that are affordable and 100 new affordable units that have been constructed.
This figure does not include any other affordable housing factors or initiatives undertaken by the
City and HA including:
• the number of affordable housing units that currently exist in the community,
• the number of subsidized/assisted units administered in the City, or,
• the number of affordable housing units that the City has assisted with preservation and
rehab initiatives.
In addition to the goal for newly constructed affordable units, the City’s negotiated housing goals
with the Met Council includes that 60-77% of the city’s owner occupied homes should be
affordable for households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income and that 37-
41% of the city’s rental homes should be affordable for households with incomes at or below
50% of the area median income. Currently, 24% of owner occupied units meet the affordability
standard (market value less than $201,800) and 44% of the rental housing are considered
affordable. Although a significant amount of the City’s rental housing is still considered
affordable according to the Met Council’s standards, the recent escalation in owner occupied
housing market has resulted in many of St. Louis Park’s modest single–family homes, once
considered affordable, no longer meeting the affordable home value definition.
Other affordable housing related initiatives undertaken by the City during the past several years
but not included in the 9% referenced in the editorial include:
• the City acting as one of the key funding partners in rehabbing and preserving 128 units
of affordable housing at Louisiana Court whish included 12 Metropolitan Housing
Opportunity Program public housing units,
• the HA project based 20 Section 8 rental assistance units at the Wayside Housing Inc.
supportive housing developments,
• administration of twenty-two existing Shelter Plus Care units and the successful
application and administration of 16 additional units in 2 projects,
• the City partnered and provided financial support to both Habitat for Humanity and West
Hennepin Affordable Housing Land trust to develop 11 affordable homeownership units,
• the administration and financial support of a number of housing rehab programs
designated for low and moderate income households, i.e., the Discount Loan Program,
Citywide Inspection Rehab Program, the deferred loan program and the Emergency
Repair Program,
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 11
• Establishment of 2 Housing Improvement Areas that loaned over $1,500,000 to preserve
300 affordable condo units.
• the annual designation of CDBG funds for the maintenance and rehab of multi-family
housing serving low income households, and
• the administration of 340 Section 8 rental assistance vouchers and management of 157
public housing units.
As you can see, the City is active in serving the needs of low income households in our
community and our efforts cannot be accurately reflected by measuring only one component of a
comprehensive approach to affordable housing.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 12
City Of St. Louis Park Foreclosure Information
The foreclosure of mortgages is surfacing as an important housing issue as evidenced by the
flurry of recent media attention and government activity. The purpose of this report is to inform
city policy makers regarding the foreclosure situation in St. Louis Park. Staff from Community
Development, Assessing and Inspections have worked to understand the current environment in
an effort to provide background information for the Council, to determine what, if any, the city’s
role should or could be.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
1. The foreclosure rate in St. Louis Park, though likely higher than in the past, is not similar to
the dramatic rates being experienced in Minneapolis and some of the other modest -income
first ring suburbs. The impact on the community should not be critical since:
a. There is no concentration of foreclosed properties in any one neighborhood. This is good
for residents and good for stability of neighborhoods.
b. The Police and Inspections Departments are not being over taxed by foreclosed property
“problems”.
c. Value retention exists. The values of foreclosed properties are still strong, in that the sale
prices are consistent with estimated values.
2. Almost half of the foreclosures were experienced by people that have owned their homes for
over a decade. Individual reasons for foreclosure are varied, however it is likely that
predatory lending and misguided financial decisions resulted in the equity cash-out from
multiple refinancing deals.
3. The State has implemented anti-predatory lending legislation this summer. This will
decrease some predatory and negative sub prime practices from continuing.
4. The County is addressing the issue of foreclosures through a promotion campaign to alert
owners at risk. The county is also proposing to increase the number of foreclosure
prevention specialist by four, which is significant increase from the current one specialist.
The City could consider assisting with these costs using CDBG funds.
5. It is believed by mortgage and housing experts that the drastic foreclosure situation will
continue for two more years, by which time most sub prime, adjusted rate low interest
mortgages will come due.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 13
A. DATA
Hennepin County began electronically tracking foreclosures in December of 2005, prior to this,
information on foreclosures was scattered among individual private lenders, with no centralized
data source.
Table 1. Housing Type and Tenure of Foreclosed Properties
Year
#
Units
Single Family
Detached
Condo-
Townhome Homestead
Non-
Homestead
2006 71 54 17 56 15
Qtr 1 2007 16 14 2 14 2
Totals 87 68 19 70 17
Eighty-seven single family homes in St. Louis Park were foreclosed from January 1,
2006 through the first quarter of 2007; 71 in 2006 and 16 in the first quarter of 2007.
Not quite 20% of the properties are non-homesteaded, equal percentages for the single
family detached and single family condo units.
Just over 20% of the foreclosed units were condos or townhomes.
Chart 1. Foreclosure Rates
The following chart illustrates 2006 & 2007 foreclosure rates for the State, County, St. Louis
Park and other cities. The foreclosure rate in St. Louis Park .53% is nearly twice as high as the
statewide rate, yet significantly lower than that of the cities of Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park,
Brooklyn Center and Hopkins. The City Assessor states the “rule of thumb” threshold factor for
foreclosures is 1.0%. Foreclosure rates over that threshold are generally perceived as signs of
significant financial distress in a community.
2006 Foreclosure Rates
0.19%
0.21%
0.27%
0.28%
0.33%
0.38%
0.41%
0.49%
0.53%
0.63%
0.75%
0.97%
1.12%
1.15%
1.62%
1.71%
1.88%
0.00%0.50%1.00%1.50%2.00%
Edina
Minnetonka
STATE
Golden Valley
Plymouth
Eden Prairie
Bloomington
New Hope
St. Louis Park
Richfield
Robbinsdale
Crystal
Hopkins
Hennepin
Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Park
Minneapolis
Percentage
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 14
Location of Foreclosures
The map below illustrates that the foreclosures are distributed relatively evenly throughout the
community and not concentrated in any particular area of the city. This is positive. The negative
impacts of concentrated vacant homes within a neighborhood will not be experienced.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 15
Property Values of Foreclosed Homes
The table below illustrates the number of homes in different value ranges. The foreclosed
properties are relatively modest valued homes.
• The median value is just over $200,000
• Most of the homes are in the $150,000 - $250,000 range.
• The 2007 Met Council affordable house value is $201,800.
• The 2006 median estimated market value of SLP homes is $238,600.
Table 2. Values of Foreclosed Homes
Values ranged from $80,000 to $553,700, with an average value of $210,049 and median value
of $201,600.
Values # Homes %
less $100,000 4 5%
$100,000-$150,000 12 14%
$150 - $250,000 55 63%
$250-300,000 8 9%
$300-350,000 4 5%
$350,000 4 5%
Total 87 100%
Chart 2. Length of Ownership Prior to Foreclosure
Length of ownership prior to foreclosure
8
9
35
35
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
1970's
1980's
1990's
2000's
Decade homes purchasedNumber of Homes
The table above shows that almost half of the homes were purchased more than a decade before
foreclosure. Over half the homes were purchased less than 10 years ago, 35 of the homes were
purchased since the year 2000. The factors that lead to foreclosure are discussed later in this
report.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 16
B. IMPACT OF FORECLOSURES ON CITY
1. The relative equal distribution of foreclosures throughout the community, rather
than in concentrated neighborhoods is positive.
Communities such as Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park have heavily concentrated
neighborhoods with multiple foreclosures on single blocks. The foreclosures in St. Louis
Park simply are not located in any one neighborhood. Therefore the negative impact of
numerous vacant properties on the surrounding area is not being experienced in SLP.
2. Property Values
Since the properties are scattered throughout the city and we are not experiencing blocks
with multiple foreclosures, the foreclosure rate is not expected to affect value retention.
Property values of foreclosed properties and adjacent properties are not prone to decrease
other than the market norm of “motivated” seller in the sense that the lenders will seek to
dispose of the homes as expeditiously as possible.
3. City Inspections & Police
Foreclosed properties are not generating a significant number of nuisance complaints.
• Eleven of the foreclosed properties elicited complaints between 2006 and the first
quarter of 2007, from a total of 1,002 complaints during this period.
• Three of the eleven complaints were for rental/investment property.
• Inspections staff resolved issues related to litter, expired tabs, unsecured home,
outside storage, junk pile trash in ally, debris and junk. All properties were brought
into compliance.
• The police department has not received additional complaints related to vacant
foreclosed properties.
Based on complaints called into city staff, the number of complaints generated
from the foreclosed properties is minimal. The properties have been cleaned up in a short
period of time.
4. City Loans
None of the foreclosed properties used any of the city financing tools; no city discount
state loans, CDBG rehab loans, move up loans or emergency repair grants were recorded
on the mortgages of the foreclosed properties. Our loan underwriting and subordination
guidelines reduce the risk to city investments.
C. FACTORS LEADING TO FORECLOSURE
Mortgage bankers and housing advocates cannot point to a single cause of the problem, but cite
several factors:
1. Relaxed lending standards since 2000 have enticed marginal borrowers into the market
with risky and subprime mortgages that are generally at higher than prevailing interest
rates.
2. Relaxed lending standards also resulted in refinancing options that allowed owners to
cash-out equity to cover other debt.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 17
3. Rising short-term interest rates are increasing monthly expenses for family who have
adjustable-rate mortgages (prime was at 4% two years ago, it now is over 8%)
4. Stagnant sale prices are making it difficult for homeowners in crisis to cash out.
5. Stagnant sale prices are also making it difficult for investors entering the market at high
home prices to cash out.
D. SERVICES AVAILABLE TO RESIDENTS FACING POSSIBLE FORECLOSURE
The MN Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) has an established Foreclosure Prevention
Assistance Program, with one agency that serves residents in suburban Hennepin County -
Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin (CAPSH). This service is primarily
funded through the State and County, with no funding from the city.
In addition to the MHFA’s foreclosure program, the “Don’t Borrow Trouble” campaign attempts
to educate borrowers about mortgage options that will most likely be sustainable for the
borrower. This program is advertised through agencies and websites.
Hennepin County plans to implement a promotion campaign directed at owners at risk of
foreclosure. They also plan to fund additional foreclosure prevention counselors through
Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin County.
E. RECENT INITIATIVES - 2007 METRO/STATEWIDE
The 2007 legislature passed anti predatory lending laws to provide more oversight to lending
practices for sub-prime, at risk borrowers.
In 2007 MHFA, the Family Housing Fund and City of Minneapolis are partnering to develop a
strategy to address the large number of vacant foreclosed homes in Minneapolis’s north side and
Brooklyn Park neighborhoods.
Hennepin County began tracking foreclosures in December of 2005, and is actively studying the
foreclosure situation. They anticipate implementing a promotion campaign directed at owners at
risk of foreclosure. They also will be funding additional foreclosure prevention counselors
through Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin County.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 18
Housing Goals - City of St. Louis Park
Vision 2007
Housing has been identified as one of the primary vision topics and 3 strategic directions have
been identified to meet the vision. It is anticipated that the current housing activity will be
enhanced to more aggressively meet the strategic directions.
Housing Summit 2003-2005
As a means to educate, revisit and consider any necessary changes to St. Louis Park’s current
housing policies, strategies and goals, a series of meetings were held between the City Council,
Planning Commission, Housing Authority Board, School Board, County Commissioner and a
business representative regarding the status of housing in St. Louis Park. The discussions that
were held at these meetings and subsequent changes made to the City’s goals, policies and
strategies reflect what is best for the collective good of the entire St. Louis Park community.
The meetings provided an opportunity to:
• Review the status of housing in St. Louis Park (rental and owner occupied),
• Examine historical, current and future housing trends in the city, and metro, state
• Evaluate current and future community needs using 2000 Census data/other available info.
• Examine the effectiveness of current policy/strategies in meeting the community’s needs,
• Allow the Planning Commission, Housing Authority Board, School Board and Business
Community to provide input to the City Council.
Process
All members of the City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Authority, School Board, the
Hennepin County Commissioner, and a business representative attended an initial meeting to
review general statistical and housing data. A Steering Committee met 6 times to examine
specific housing topics and report back to the entire group at “check-in/progress” meetings. The
4 check-in/progress review meetings provided an opportunity to review findings and discuss
possible policy changes/initiatives with the entire group. The public input process included
conducting a Housing Survey, a Moving Survey and ten focus groups with resident groups to
garner input regarding housing issues and response to drafted goals. The public input was
presented at a final meeting of the entire group along with a review of the recommended changes
to the City’s current housing policies and goals. The City Council considered and approved
housing goals at the March 7, 2005 Council Meeting.
City of St. Louis Park Housing Goals
The Housing Summit resulted in a set of Housing Goals that were approved by the City Council
in April 2005. The goals reflect the city’s housing policy and will serve as guides to direct
officials, staff, and advisory boards now and into the future.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 19
Housing Production
• Promote & facilitate a balanced and sustainable housing stock to meet diverse needs both
today and in the future
• The City should establish target numbers of units by housing types needed to ensure life
cycle housing options, with housing types disbursed throughout the city.
• The City acknowledges that there is demand for different types and sizes of housing
units, but due to limitations of available space and other resources, all demands cannot be
fully satisfied. At the present time, the greatest deficit and need is for the creation and
maintenance of detached, owner-occupied single family housing which are large enough
to accommodate families. City housing efforts and resources should primarily address
this need.
Housing Condition and Preservation
• Ensure housing is safe and well maintained.
• Preserve and enhance housing quality through proactive promotional and educational
activities and housing programs related to home rehab, code, and design and safety
issues.
Owner / Rental Ratio
• The ratio of owner/rental housing should be approximately 60% owner occupied and
40% rental.
• Explore traditional and non-traditional owner occupied housing options such as, but not
limited to: row houses, courtyard housing, alternative housing, cluster housing, hi-rises,
3-story homes, multi-generational housing, etc.
Affordable, Workforce and Supportive Housing
• Promote and facilitate a mix of housing types, prices and rents that maintains a balance of
affordable housing for low and moderate income households. Future affordability goals
with the Met Council should be negotiated to reflect the average percentages for other
first ring suburbs in Hennepin County.
Note: In 2004, the City’s negotiated goal for housing affordability with the Met Council was that 60-
77% of the city’s owner occupied homes should be affordable for households with incomes at or below
80% of the area median income and that 37-41% of the city’s rental homes should be affordable for
households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income.
• Mixed income units should be disbursed throughout the City and not concentrated in any
one area of the City or any one development.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 4 - Semi-Annual Housing Report
Page 20
Large Homes for Families
• Promote and facilitate expansion of existing homes through remodeling which adds more
bedrooms and more bathrooms, 2+ car garages and other amenities.
• Promote and facilitate construction of large family-size homes with more bedrooms and
more bathrooms, (e.g. minimum 3+ bedrooms and 2+ bathrooms, 2+ car garage and
additional amenities such as den/fourth bedroom or porch or superior architecture)
suitable for families with children.
Senior Housing
• Promote and facilitate more housing options for seniors.
Land Use
• Planning Goals:
o Use infill and redevelopment opportunities to help meet housing goals.
o Promote higher density housing near transit corridors & employment
centers.
o Encourage housing density in commercial mixed use districts.
• Explore and, if appropriate promote ordinances to allow development of non-
traditional housing types and increased density in single family neighborhood that is
compatible with surrounding neighborhood.
• Explore and promote reclassification of non-residential properties and designate for
housing and other purposes.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 5 - Preliminary 2008 Budget
Page 1
5. Preliminary 2008 Budget Finance
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
This discussion will assist the City Council and City Staff in setting expectations for the
preliminary budget work session on August 13. We will talk about the levy process, initial
figures for taxable valuation growth, and the acceptable range of tax levy increase. Our review
will focus on tax-supported budgets. During the study session staff will provide a very
preliminary summary of the proposed 2008 tax supported budgets (General Fund and Park and
Recreation Fund)
BACKGROUND:
Levy Process
The tax levy process has a very long cycle in Minnesota. The City starts preparing budget
documents for the next fiscal year in May - before the audit from the prior fiscal year is
complete. Departments work on those budgets into July before they are sent to the Finance
Department. The City Manager and Finance Director then review the requests and bring a
proposed budget to the Council for review in August.
Our preliminary tax levy must be adopted by September 15 and transmitted to Hennepin County.
This levy sets the maximum amount of property taxes for the next year. The Council can reduce
the final property tax levy but may not raise it. The levy information is combined with the levies
from other overlapping jurisdictions by the County for inclusion in the Truth-in-Taxation (T-n-T)
notices that are mailed to property owners in November. Between September and November the
Council reviews the proposed budget and may make any changes that it feels are necessary.
In December, a T-n-T hearing is held to receive public input regarding the budget and tax levy
prior to adoption by the Council. No action is allowed to be taken at that meeting. A week later
the Council may adopt the final budget and tax levy, which must be transmitted to the County by
December 27 this year. An entity may avoid having a T-n-T hearing any year in which their levy
increases less than a benchmark set by the Department of Revenue – 4.2853% for 2007.
Taxable Valuation Growth
A big part of the preliminary budget process is determining the impact of the proposed levy on
taxpayers. That requires getting an estimate of taxable tax capacity for the entire city. We have
some of that information available in our Assessing department.
For taxes payable in 2008, the city’s taxable market values have increased by 7.6%.
Unfortunately, that value increase doesn’t fall straight to our bottom line for general property tax
purposes. Most of the new construction has occurred in Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Districts. The city only receives the base value taxes of the property (taxable value prior to
redevelopment). The increment (difference between the base value taxes and the current taxes)
is deposited to special accounts to pay off the qualified expenditures incurred in by the project.
We do not have the information on TIF available in-house. Hennepin County usually provides
the computer runs in mid to late August. We should be able to provide approximate tax impacts
on a range of property values after we know the amount of captured value in the TIF districts.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 5 - Preliminary 2008 Budget
Page 2
Range of Tax Levy Increase
The city budget has limited revenue sources other than property taxes. Unless we were to create
new revenue streams (e.g. street light utility fee), those other revenues are estimated to be
essentially unchanged in total compared to the 2007 budget. While we will review our fees this
year, any increases will have a very modest impact on total revenues. That leaves the burden of
covering any spending increases to the property tax.
The budget for the operations budget is driven primarily by wage and benefit costs. We have a
3% wage increase budgeted for 2008. Because recently hired employees receive step increases,
the salary area always increases more than the stated figure. For 2008, the increase is
approximately 3.67%. The only way to eliminate that anomaly is to budget the top step salary
level for each employee regardless of where they may fall in the pay range. This method would
slightly overstate our salary expense, but would allow the stated salary increase to match the
change in the budget.
A lot of our other costs are energy related such as heating, electrical, gasoline, diesel, and
blacktop. That means our average costs are going up faster than inflation while our revenue
sources are essentially flat except for property taxes. Just doing the math, with a 4.25%
expenditure increase on a roughly $27,500,000 budget ($1,168,750) and dividing by this year’s
taxes ($19,626,124) leaves us with a 5.95% increase in our levy for providing the same baseline
services.
The Park & Recreation funds have experienced similar expenditure growth. They will also need
some additional tax levy to provide the same level of service.
For 2008, our review of debt service levies for general obligation (GO) bonds shows no increase
is necessary. The 2005A bond step increases were completed with the 2007 budget.
Staff is recommending no tax levy increase at this time for Pavement Management or the Park
Improvement Fund for 2008. We will discuss potential increases during the 2009 budget after
we have completed the long-range financial planning process.
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What amount of tax levy increase will the City Council support as a preliminary
maximum for Truth in Taxation levy?
2. Are there specific new programs or services that the City Council would like included in
the preliminary budget?
3. Is Council interested in staff exploring other revenue enhancements? An example would
be street light utility fees.
Prepared by: Bruce DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 1
6. Vision Update Administrative Services
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this discussion is to update the Council on activities related to Vision SLP and
the 18-Month Strategic Directions the City Council adopted on March 19, 2007. Reports will be
presented quarterly, with the next update for Council scheduled for November, 2007.
BACKGROUND:
Putting the ideas of Vision into action is a journey. The first step for the City Manager was to
communicate the results of Vision and the 18-Month Strategic Directions to staff and the
community. We believe that it is very important to make sure that those who work on Vision
first understand what was adopted by Council in March.
We have been working with staff to put together a structure for communication and action to
help support activities. When handling programs, projects and activities, we have already started
looking at what we do through the eyes of Vision and the 18 Month guide.
Staff is spreading the word, working with others in teams and connecting with others in all
departments to carry out Vision activities. The Vision report is out to the community and the
Vision partners will accept the results of the Visioning process by the end of July.
As you may expect, some funds may be needed to carry out various Vision related activities. As
we are putting together the 2008 budget recommendations, staff is reviewing Vision budget
needs. These will be presented to Council during the regular budget process.
The Details – Building the foundation to allow staff to work on Vision
In order to work and track Vision activities, we found the need to set up a formal structure. After
discussions with Department Heads and Supervisors, we set up teams to work in the four areas of
Strategic Direction adopted by the Council and to work on the focus areas under each of these
four main areas. In the attached July 2007 Activities Update for the 18-month Strategic
Directions Guide you will see teams set up with “Strategic Direction Leaders” and “Action
Champions”.
The Strategic Direction Leader (SDL) is the individual who will lead one of the four major
Strategic Direction areas. Under three of the four areas, the Council identified focus areas
related to the main topic. For example, John Luse, Police Chief, is the SDL for the first Strategic
Direction area - “St Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community”.
Each of the focus areas under this have Action Champions to lead this area.
The responsibility of the SDL is to make sure the Action Champions are moving Vision
activities forward in a strategic and planned manner. The SDL also connects with the City
Manager on a regular basis to provide updates and get guidance as needed for that Vision. SDLs
work with Action Champions on activities, communication and reports.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 2
The responsibility of the Action Champion is to lead a focus area. They may create teams of
staff members to help with work and to connect activities throughout the city. Action
Champions are responsible for keeping SDLs informed of activities and providing reports as
needed. SDLs and Action Champions will also look into the Vision Workbook documents for
guidance when following through with implementing the 18-month Guide.
Action Champion Teams may be formed to work with others on a focus area. Teams may also
choose to invite key people to specific meetings to discuss pertinent items on a regular or as
needed basis. In some cases, an Action Champion may not work with a team. Their task may
involve research and will gather resources from others as needed.
Status Report - What are the SDLs, Action Champions and Teams doing
The attached report is a status update of activities from all areas of focus under the four major
Strategic Directions.
The Vision Journey - What have we been doing up to this point
Below is the background and timeline of events showing our Vision process to date:
2005:
• Bridget Gothberg, Organizational Development worked with all partners, staff and
consultants on the appreciative inquiry process for Vision.
• Staff worked with consultants from Mobius on the Vision process.
• Groups of community partners were gathered to reach out to expand and deepen the
Visioning process for the City of St. Louis Park.
• McKnight awarded a grant to the City for Vision.
2006:
• Hundreds of people meet and had conversations on Vision goals and Challenging
possibilities.
• Town Summit held to review data obtained from Vision appreciative inquiry interviews
and set direction for next Vision steps (February).
• Vision Action Teams were formed around eight specific areas and were asked to take the
information from the discussions on Challenging Possibilities, do additional research if
needed, and develop recommended goals and actions steps for our Vision through 2016.
• Vision Action Teams developed the Book of Dreams (November).
• The Action teams created a Vision Workbook with recommendations and goals in the
eight areas (November).
• Under the leadership of Jim Brimeyer, the Vision Action Teams completed their work
and submitted their reports to the community partners (November).
• The city hosted the community Vision Celebration and expressed thanks and appreciation
for the work of the Vision Action Teams. Their work in this process was successfully
completed (November).
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 3
2007:
• Council participated in a workshop and discussed, in detail, the results of the community
visioning process. An 18-month Vision Strategic Directions guide was developed as a
result of the discussion and information in the Vision Workbook (February).
• Council formally received the 2006 Vision St. Louis Park recommendations and adopted
the St. Louis Park Strategic Directions 18-month Guide (March).
• The City Manager held meetings with Department Heads to discuss Vision and
implementation of the 18-month guide (April).
• The City Manager held meetings with Supervisors to discuss Vision and the 18-month
guide. The purpose was to make sure supervisors understood the Vision process and to
answer questions they had regarding the new Vision and guide. Supervisors were given
direction to have conversations with staff about Vision and the 18-month guide (April).
• Vision communications were developed including creation of the Vision SLP Report to
the Community (April-June).
• Tom Harmening, City Manager, was asked to write an article for the League of
Minnesota Cities publication. Vision St. Louis Park – Setting Your Sights on the Future
This article was published and distributed to all cities in Minnesota through the League
(April).
• St. Louis Park received award from the LMC and AMM on the Vision process. (April)
• Staff presented an overview of the St Louis Park visioning process to other cities at the
Transforming Local Government Conference - Alliance for Innovation. The City was
sought out to present this concept because it was considered one most innovative and
unique visioning activities that a city has successfully completed (June).
• A report on Vision and the 18-Month Strategic Directions were presented to our partners
in the visioning process - St. Louis Park School Board and TwinWest Chamber. Park
Nicollet is scheduled to be presented to in July (May-July).
• Staff developed the concept of forming teams to work on concepts, programs and
activities. After conversations with Department Heads, it was determined that the four
main areas in the Vision 18 Month Strategic Directions Guide would each have a
Strategic Direction Leader (SDL). Leaders were also designated as Action Champions
for each focus area (each bullet). Significant staff time has been used in meeting and
determining the best method to help with ideas, action and coordination in our Vision
journey (May-June).
• SDLs and Action Champions have met several times and are forming Action Champion
Teams consisting of staff throughout the organization to assist in carrying out the
direction provided by Council and reporting back to the City Manager (June-July).
• First quarterly update on our Vision activities is presented to Council (July 23).
• Our journey continues.
What’s Next
As our journey continues, staff and Vision Action Teams will continue with their work on Vision
and the strategic directions. This will include the following:
SDLs work with Vision Action Champions on their focus area.
Action Champions work with their team members on activities.
SDLs work with and update the City Manager on Vision activities.
Staff is reviewing funding needs and will incorporate requests in the 2008 budget process.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 4
Creation and implementation of Vision Scorecard to track our journey, activities and actions
related to the strategic direction.
All staff on Vision Action Teams come together on October 2 for updates and direction.
Continued recording of Vision activities.
Continued communication with all city staff on Vision.
Reports on Vision are planned for Council as follows:
2007: Quarterly reports presented at second study sessions in July and November
2008: Quarterly reports presented at second study sessions in March and July
18-month report due September 2008
Attachments: Strategic Direction 18 Month Guide
Vision Status Update
Prepared by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 5
St. Louis Park Strategic Directions
18 Month Guide
Adopted March 19, 2007
St. Louis Park is committed to being a connected and engaged community.
Focus will be on:
• Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization
strong, viable and sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening
neighborhoods.
• Developing an expanded and organized network of sidewalks and trails.
• Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding sources
affecting St. Louis Park including but not limited to Hwy. 100 and SWLRT.
• Evaluating and investigating additional north/south transportation options for the
community.
• Increasing use of new and existing gathering places and ensuring accessibility
throughout the community.
• Exploring creation of a multi-use civic center, including indoor/winter use.
• Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of
Vision St. Louis Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions
St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental stewardship. We will
increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city business.
Focus will be on:
• Expanding energy efficiencies in the City’s operations.
• Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness, stewardship and
best practices.
• Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development projects, permits
etc, encourage (and provide incentives where appropriate) green building design
(LEED), creation of open spaces, environmental innovations etc.
• Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks.
• Investigating the need and purpose for an energy/environmental commission.
St. Louis Park is committed to providing a well-maintained and diverse housing stock.
Focus will be on:
• Remodeling and expanding move-up, single-family, owner-occupied homes.
• Property maintenance to foster quality housing and community aesthetics.
• Working towards affordable single-family home ownership throughout the city.
St. Louis Park is committed to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community
aesthetics in all City initiatives, including implementation where appropriate.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 6
St. Louis Park Strategic Directions 18 Month Guide
July 2007 Activity Update
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Conducting research to determine what makes a neighborhood organization strong, viable and
sustainable with an aim toward increasing and strengthening neighborhoods.
Asset Champion: Marney Olson
Action Team Members: Other departments as needed.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Attended two Community and Neighborhood Revitalization courses in May, 2007 presented by
NeighborWorks America. The courses were “Essential Tools of the Trade: Neighborhood
Analysis, Visioning and Planning for Action” and a second course titled “Getting Things Done
in Neighborhoods through Strategic Collaborations”.
Met with Community Development on neighborhood comprehensive plan and will continue to
work with other departments as consultants as I continue this research.
Researching other cities that have Neighborhood Revitalization Programs and working on
getting contacts with these NRP groups to learn from their research.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Continue the research of other cities and continue working with St. Louis Park city departments.
Research how St. Louis Park got started working with neighborhood associations.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
This research will be ongoing as I work with other cities and departments to research what makes
a neighborhood organization strong, viable and sustainable.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 7
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Developing an expanded and organized network of sidewalks and trails.
Asset Champion: Sean Walther
Action Team Members: Scott Brink, Public Works/Engineering.; Rick Beane, Park
& Recreation; Others?
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Active Community Planning Initiative (July, 2006)
City applies for planning funding to advance sidewalk and trail planning, fitness goals
BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota announces St. Louis Park will receive funding through
its Prevention Minnesota program (see attached press release)
SLP proposal primarily updates bicycle and pedestrian system plans
City hires SRF Consulting Group to assist with Active Community Planning Initiative (February,
2007).
Active Community Citizen Advisory Committee (April, 2007-June 30, 2007)
City Council appoints committee members on April 9, 2006
Provides early direction to the planning process, evaluates public input, suggests priorities,
and will make recommendations
Met April 19, 2007 and May 30, 2007
Completed goals exercise on June 30, 2007
Community Workshop (May 17, 2007)
35 citizens provide input on desired improvements to the sidewalk and trails system
Online Questionnaire
210 citizens respond to the questionnaire between May 17 and June 30, 2007
Summary report of citizen responses (coming soon)
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Compile and report results of the Online Questionnaires and CAC Committee planning goals
Prepare plan outline, begin drafting goal and policy language, sidewalk and trail plans
Schedule a technical review meeting
Set date for next Community Advisory Committee meeting
Set date for Community Open House
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 8
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Compile and report results of the Online Questionnaires and CAC Committee
planning goals
SRF and city staff will summarize the data
SRF will report results to CAC members
City staff will post results of the Online Questionnaire on City website
7/2-7/13
Prepare plan outline, begin drafting goal and policy language, sidewalk and trail
plans
SRF Consulting is responsible for preparing the document
City staff will provide direction and assistance to SRF Consulting Group
7/13-
8/15
Staff will contact the following representatives to schedule technical review
Mpls, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Hopkins, Edina, Hennepin
County, Three Rivers Park District
U of M Metropolitan Design Center (Blue Cross Blue Shield Technical
Assistance provider)
Park Nicollet
7/9-7/20
Set date for next Community Advisory Committee meeting
Contact Staff, Consultant, CAC members with possible dates
Send “hold the date” notice
By 7/18
Set date for Community Open House
Coordinate with consultant, CAC members
Post date on website
By 7/18
Other
Attachments: BCBS Press Release
Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails – Project Process
Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails – Project Schedule
Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails – Project Organization Chart
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 9
NEWS RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Karen Lyons 651-662-1415 Karl Oestreich 651-662-1502
Blue Cross Announces Finalists for Active Community Funding
Funding through Prevention Minnesota supports community-led efforts to adopt community
design strategies that help residents incorporate physical activity into daily routines.
EAGAN, Minn. (July 26, 2006) — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) has
announced the selection of 11 proposals for two programs that will help Minnesota city and county
governments plan their communities to better support physically active lifestyles. The two programs —
Active Community Planning and Active Community Assessment & Engagement — are part of Prevention
Minnesota, Blue Cross’ long-term health initiative to improve the health of all Minnesotans. Prevention
Minnesota tackles preventable heart disease and cancers by addressing their root causes — tobacco use,
physical inactivity, and unhealthy eating.
“Physical inactivity is one of the top causes of preventable death and disability in Minnesota,”
said Marc Manley, M.D., vice president and medical director of population health at Blue Cross. “As
more people recognize the need to build physical activity into their daily lives to improve their overall
health, our environments need to support that choice. For example, safe and attractive pedestrian and
bicycle routes can make it easier for people to choose active transportation for commuting, daily chores
and recreation.” continued Manley. “It’s all about improving the health of Minnesotans, and we’re
pleased that counties and municipalities are eager to plan for active community environments so their
residents have a choice.”
The selected projects emerged from a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Each
eligible application went through a two-part expert review process, and funding is still contingent on
successful contract negotiation. The following applicants were selected for the Active Community
Planning funding. They will be incorporating active living principles into their comprehensive plans,
which govern issues such as land use, housing, and transportation.
• City of Arden Hills
• City of Bloomington
— more —
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 10
Blue Cross announces funding for Active Community Design Funding /Page 2
• City of Eden Prairie
• City of St. Louis Park
• City of St. Paul
• City of St. Paul Park
• City of Two Harbors
• Ramsey County
The following applicants were selected for Active Community Assessment & Engagement
funding. They will be working with community stakeholders about active living principles and help them
apply those principles to their community planning processes.
• Arrowhead Regional Development Commission/Northeastern Minnesota Obesity Prevention
Project
• Dakota County
• Hennepin County
Active Community Planning and Active Community Assessment & Engagement funding is part of a
larger community funding initiative by Blue Cross’ Prevention Minnesota. Communities on the Move
projects encourage regular physical activity among insufficiently active adults, and Communities for
Healthy Air proj ects support community-led efforts to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in the state.
Communities on the Move is still accepting proposals through September and plans to fund an additional
20-50 projects. Funding for all these programs in 2006 will total approximately $5.8 million.
Community funding complements Prevention Minnesota’s other core strategies, which include
policy change, clinical initiatives, public awareness campaigns and outreach to high-risk groups.
Prevention Minnesota’s broad-based approach follows the strategic guidance of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, which has cited community programs as an essential part of a comprehensive
health improvement program.
For more information visit www.preventionminnesota.com.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, with headquarters in the St. Paul suburb of Eagan, was
chartered in 1933 as Minnesota’s first health plan and continues to carry out its charter mission today: to promote
a wider, more economical and timely availability of health services for the people of Minnesota. A not-for-profit,
taxable organization, Blue Cross is the largest health plan based in Minnesota, covering 2.7 million members in
Minnesota and nationally through its health plans or plans administered by its affiliated companies. Blue Cross and
Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, headquartered
in Chicago. Go to www.bluecrossmn.com to learn more about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
—30—
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 11
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 12
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 13
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 14
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Promoting regional transportation issues and related dedicated funding sources affecting St.
Louis Park including, but not limited to, Hwy. 100 and SWLRT.
Asset Champion: Marcia Honold
Action Team Members: Tom Harmening, Administrative Services; Mike Rardin,
Public Works; Meg McMonigal, Community Development;
Scott Brink, Public Works/Engineering.; Rick Birno, Park
& Recreation
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Submitted bonding requests to the State Department of Finance for TH 7 & Wooddale and the
TH 100 Full Build Project, $9million and $10 million respectively.
On July 5, held strategy meetings with elected officials on key transportation projects and toured
elected officials and other delegates to key transportation sites in SLP. Press release on the tour
was sent on Friday, July 6. A summary of the tour will be inserted into the next Park
Perspective. Thank you letters sent to participants on the tour and meeting (elected officials).
Council adopted resolutions of support for both bonding requests on July 16 that were forwarded
to the Department of Finance.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Waiting for announcement on the Federal Transportation Bill and the Glencoe RR Mitigation
Project.
Washington D.C. legislative trip in October in coordination with travel for the 100 Best Forum
with Mayor Jacobs.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
With assistance from staff and our legislative strategists
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 15
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Evaluating and investigating additional north/south transportation options for the community.
Asset Champion: Scott Brink
Action Team Members: Sean Walter, Community Development (still filling out
remainder of team)
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Evaluate broad picture – what is the problem/issue in general and begin breaking down into
smaller issues
Evaluate and discuss known issues of focus area through sidewalk and trail planning update
(healthy communities initiative) and Highway 100, TH 7/Wooddale, TH 7/Louisiana and other
current project and planning activities.
Evaluate information (citizen input and other) from previous vision activity.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Complete committee.
Provide agenda and hold committee meeting (brainstorming).
Determine next steps/courses of action.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Will not know for certain until committee “brainstorming” occurs.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 16
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Increasing use of new and existing gathering places and ensuring accessibility throughout the
community.
Asset Champion: Meg McMonigal
Action Team Members: Not yet determined
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Began creating an inventory of gathering places:
Public facilities including city, school, county, etc., owned properties
Private schools, churches and synagogues, cultural facilities
Retail, dining and lodging facilities
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Inventory additional private facilities with rooms open for public use (Methodist Hospital, for
example)
Inventory formal gathering activities:
Organized groups
Programs
Other
Discuss idea of using citywide survey in 2008 to determine interest in gathering spaces and
activities.
Determine true interest in places and need for additional activities.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Completing inventories currently – expect completion by October 1, 2007.
.
Will work with Marcia on survey – Fall 2007
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 17
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Exploring creation of a multi-use civic center, including indoor/winter use.
Asset Champion: Rick Birno
Action Team Members: Craig Panning, Park & Recreation; Adam Fulton,
Community Development; Darla Monson, Finance; Nate
Graham, Information Resources; Ann Boettcher,
Inspections; Jim Lombardi, Park & Recreation (still waiting
to hear from George Foulkes, Mike Harcey, Ali Fosse,
Cary Smith & Jim Olson)
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Organized Action Team
Scheduled first Action Team meeting (7-19-07)
Developed first meeting agenda
Organized community survey results into civic center categories
Finalized plans to attend civic center facility design school in early August
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Set meeting schedule for Action Team
Review community input
Categorize input into high, medium and low options
Identify expansion options and alternative locations
Develop a list of partnership opportunities
Organize off-site tour for Action Team
Write/review document with civic center priorities and options for SDL
Based on senior staff and council recommendations, begin working with consultant to develop
formal proposal
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Working with the Action Team at the scheduled work sessions.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 18
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING
A CONNECTED AND ENGAGED COMMUNITY
Strategic Direction Leader: John Luse
FOCUS AREA
Directing the Human Rights Commission to examine the Diversity section of Vision St. Louis
Park and develop goals/recommendations for actions.
Asset Champion: Lori Dreier, Marney Olson
Action Team Members: Human Rights Commissioners, Ali Fosse, Administrative
Services/Human Resources.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
We reviewed the Diversity Action Team’s report from Vision St. Louis Park prior to the June
Human Rights Commission (HRC) meeting. A copy of the report was given to the Human
Rights Commissioners and we discussed the role of the HRC in developing
goals/recommendations for action.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Further discussion and review of the report is on the agenda for the July HRC meeting. At this
meeting, we will identify goals from the Vision report that are unclear and then seek clarification
from the Diversity Action Team. We will also begin to evaluate and prioritize the goals.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
We will devote a portion of our HRC meetings which occur monthly to this task. Marney Olson
and Lori Dreier will work on clarification of goals that are unclear prior to the August HRC
meeting.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 19
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. WE WILL INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND
RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL AREAS OF CITY BUSINESS
Strategic Direction Leader: Nancy Gohman
FOCUS AREA
Expanding energy efficiencies in the City’s operations.
Asset Champion: Brian Hoffman
Action Team Members: Cary Smith, Fire; Craig Panning, Park & Recreation; John
Altepeter, Inspections/Facilities Maintenance; Mark
Hanson, Public Works/Operations, Mark Oestreich, Park &
Recreation/Nature Center
Summary of Activities-to-Date
This team will be exploring the various areas in which energy efficiencies can be improved in all
city operations.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Initial meetings will be determining information we currently have and center scope to pursue
including vehicles, existing building audits, new building designs and alternative ways of
improving energy efficiency.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 20
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. WE WILL INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND
RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL AREAS OF CITY BUSINESS
Strategic Direction Leader: Nancy Gohman
FOCUS AREA
Educating staff and the public on environmental consciousness, stewardship and best practices.
Asset Champion: Jamie Zwilling
Action Team Members: Mark Oestreich, Park & Rec. Nature Center and other
Westwood Hills Nature Center staff as needed
Summary of Activities-to-Date
We evaluated our charge to educate and continue as leaders in environmental stewardship and
decided that making the Westwood Hills Nature Center a showcase for the community would be
an appropriate and exciting goal for this focus area. I discussed this idea with our SDL as well as
the Parks and Recreation Director and we all agreed to move forward.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Next steps will be to meet with Mark Oestreich and discuss how best to organize this initiative
(i.e. regular meetings, involvement of his staff, others, etc.) We will be discussing the Nature
Center as it is today and what it could be in the future. We will then develop a communication
plan to begin promoting all of the great things currently happening at the Nature Center, and
brainstorm other tenets of this showcase.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
This initiative is not just one big event, but really a series of continuing pieces that will be
moving all at the same time so some of this action will start soon, probably within the next few
months. I anticipate that there will be new/enhanced publications, Web presence, video
production and activities and programming planned. The timeline for these activities will be
determined during the initial planning to be done over the next two months.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 21
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. WE WILL INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND
RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL AREAS OF CITY BUSINESS
Strategic Direction Leader: Nancy Gohman
FOCUS AREA
Working in areas such as the rehab loan program, development projects, permits etc, encourage
(and provide incentives where appropriate) green building design (LEED), creation of open
spaces, environmental innovations, etc.
Asset Champion: Brian Hoffman
Action Team Members: John Tilton, Inspections; Kimberly Bretza, Inspections;
Adam Fulton, Community Development; Kathy Larsen,
Community Development; Reg Dunlap, Information
Resources
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Time to review the topic. A summation title for this working group, while not losing any of the
specific potentials, may be modified to developing education, innovation and incentives for
construction, development projects and rehabilitation programs.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
We will be setting up meetings to consider the wide range of possibilities for new programs and
integration of existing programs operated by the city.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 22
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. WE WILL INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND
RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL AREAS OF CITY BUSINESS
Strategic Direction Leader: Nancy Gohman
FOCUS AREA
Preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks.
Asset Champion: Rick Beane
Action Team Members: Chad Kraayenbrink, Police; Jenny Buskey, Park &
Recreation; Jim Thompson, Park & Recreation; Jim
Vaughan, Park & Recreation; Mark Oestreich, Park &
Recreation/Nature Center
Summary of Activities-to-Date
The action team members have agreed to be part of this process. I have printed copies of the
Goals from the Vision CD to distribute to the members.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
I plan on getting together in a week with this group of people to start to get their opinion of what
this means to them.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
ASAP
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 23
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO BEING A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP. WE WILL INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND
RESPONSIBILITY IN ALL AREAS OF CITY BUSINESS
Strategic Direction Leader: Nancy Gohman
FOCUS AREA
Investigating the need and purpose for an energy/environmental commission.
Asset Champion: Marcia Honold
Action Team Members: None named at this time.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Have conducted research into what types of energy and/or environment commissions exist in
other communities
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Will continue to research and review this question.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Fine tune research, meet with staff liaisons for Planning Commission and Park & Recreation
Advisory Commission to learn more about possible need for a new and separate commission.
When Will this be Done
By September, 2007
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 24
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-MAINTAINED
AND DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK.
Strategic Direction Leader: Kevin Locke
FOCUS AREA
Remodeling and expanding move-up, single-family, owner-occupied homes
Asset Champion: Kathy Larsen
Action Team Members: Michele Schnitker, Community Development/Housing;
consulting staff from Public Works, Administrative
Services, Housing Authority, Assessing, Zoning, Finance,
Fire, Police Department
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Met with SDL, Kevin and Action Champion, Michele, to discuss overview of focus area within
the strategic direction. Reviewed inventory of current ongoing activity that meets vision
strategic direction/focus area. Planned initial brainstorming session with other staff to develop
direction. Include Vision funds in 2008 budget.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Summer - Fall 2007 - Invite potential brainstormers to development sessions. The two
housing focus areas will hold a joint session(s) with diverse city staff from Zoning, PW,
Administrative Services, Police, Fire and Finance to review current housing programs and goals
and review input from the Vision housing action team, interviews and community survey
Summer – Fall 2007 - Meet with other municipalities, non-profits and businesses to
review best practice activities that are currently being implemented by others. Compile list of
other possibilities.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 25
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-MAINTAINED
AND DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK.
Strategic Direction Leader: Kevin Locke
FOCUS AREA: HOUSING STOCK
Property maintenance to foster quality housing and community aesthetics.
Asset Champion: Manny Camilon
Action Team Members: Possibly Sara Heling, Police and Dale Antonson, Fire, but
not yet determined or Ok’d by their supervisors. I would
also like someone from the City Forestry department.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Began putting team together from Fire, Police and City Forestry department.
Will put together a 5-7 question survey to distribute to housing staff, some long term residents
and business owners.
The survey will include questions regarding housing & aesthetics for the Park residents and ask
people what visible things may need improvement – roads, trees, buildings and properties,
signage, curb & gutters, walking paths, open space, store front maintenance, etc. It will also ask
what other things that they see in other attractive communities that we might incorporate here in
SLP.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
We will meet and begin putting together this survey. We will also begin discussion on the
purpose of our group and how this fits in the larger picture and why our group is important, etc.
Give a little history on the residential maintenance projects, past and current, but emphasize our
work will entail ALL of SLP, including commercial and industrial, streetscapes, parks,
infrastructure, signs, tree trimming – just about anything aesthetic to the City!
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Through meetings, surveys, interviews and reporting back to strategic direction leader, Kevin
Locke.
May need postage for surveys to be send out : budget item.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 26
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-MAINTAINED
AND DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK.
Strategic Direction Leader: Kevin Locke
FOCUS AREA: HOUSING STOCK
Working towards affordable single-family home ownership throughout the city.
Asset Champion: Michele Schnitker
Action Team Members: Kathy Larsen, Community Development/Housing – Team
Partner.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Inventoried programs and initiatives already underway, forwarded to Marcia Honold.
Meeting held with SDL, Kevin Locke and Kathy Larsen to discuss strategies for addressing
focus areas.
Submitted letter of support and additional information needed for West Hennepin Affordable
Housing Land Trust (WHALHT) application to MHFA Consolidated Funding NOFA. Funding
would support the purchase of Land Trust homeownership units in SLP.
Met with Kim Bretza, Inspections, to discuss the duplex conversion program. Identified several
neighborhood areas to focus efforts and several properties that might be possible prospects.
Proposed 2008 budget include Housing Rehab funding targeted for Affordable Homeownership.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Summer 2007: Invite potential “brainstormers” to development sessions. The two
housing focus areas will hold a joint session(s) with diverse city staff from
Zoning, PW, Administrative Services, Police, Fire and Finance to review
current housing programs and goals and review input from the Vision
housing action team, interviews and community survey.
Duplex Program: Follow-up on identification of potential targeted
neighborhoods and specific properties. Work with WHAHLT on potential
partnership.
Review Section 8 Voucher Homeownership program/assess feasibility of
implementing a program in SLP.
Summer/Fall 2007: Meet with other municipalities, non-profits and businesses to review best
practice activities that are currently being implemented by others.
Compile list of other possibilities.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 27
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING AND INTEGRATING ARTS,
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY AESTHETICS IN ALL CITY INITIATIVES,
INCLUDING IMPLEMENTATION WHERE APPROPRIATE
Strategic Direction Leader: Cindy Walsh
Action Team Members: Tom Harmening, Administrative Services; Marcia Honold,
Administrative Services
Summary of Activities-to-Date
SLP Arts & Culture Grants have been awarded and we are waiting for contracts to come back
from grantees.
FORECAST Public Artworks and Denise Tennen have completed work on their 2006 grant
award, which is the temporary art installation at the Hoigaard’s construction site fence.
Julia Caston and Perspectives will unveil her art mural on August 6 or 7. This project was also a
2006 grant recipient, which means that we will be closing out the grant files for 2006 by
September.
Staff from the Westwood Hills Nature Center have been meeting with Friends of the Arts to
design an artist in residence program. This would be a trial program funded through a grant we
received to help kids gain appreciation for arts and nature.
The artists selected to work on 36th street are in the design development phase of developing
their art pieces.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
We are working with the SLP Arts & Culture Review Committee to strengthen the application
and review process. Tom Harmening and I will be meeting with Friends of the Arts to review
their accomplishments over the past year and talk about our relationship and the money we
provide to them for a staff position.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
We hope to get some local media coverage on the arts through our local paper and/or cable TV.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 072307 - 6 - Vision Update
Page 28
DEFINITION OF ROLES:
Strategic Direction Leader (SDL) - individual who will lead one of the 4 major areas.
Action Champion - person assigned as lead for the bulleted area under a strategic direction.
Action Champion Team - a member of the team who is working with others on a bulleted area
under a strategic direction. Teams may also choose to invite key people to specific meetings to
discuss pertinent items, i.e., perhaps a team is talking about budget and wants someone from
Finance to come to one meeting to talk about money; a team may be talking about gathering
places and invite the Community Education Director to a meeting, etc. In some cases, Action
Champions may not work with a team. Their task may involve research and they will use people
resources (city employees, community groups, etc.) to move the strategic direction forward.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 1
7. 2007 Volunteers in the Park Annual Report Administrative Services
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
The Volunteers in the Park Annual Report provides information about the number and range of
services provided by community residents and workers each year. Volunteer programming
supports part of our city’s vision in our commitment “to being a connected and engaged
community” and aiming to increase and strengthen neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND:
The City of St. Louis Park and the School District partner together to provide volunteer
programming. The City of St. Louis Park supports the expenses of the City / School Volunteer
office and staff by providing annual funding of $32,600. Volunteer Coordinator Sarah
Krzesowiak implements the volunteer program by organizing youth and adult volunteer efforts in
the schools, local social service agencies, and with city departments.
Attachments: 2007 Volunteers in the Park Annual Report
Prepared by: Ali Fosse, HR Coordinator
Reviewed by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 2
Volunteers in the Park
Annual Report
2006-2007
The Mission
The mission of the V.I.P. program is to promote quality volunteerism in the City of St. Louis
Park and in the St. Louis Park School District.
V.I.P. Program Summary
The program is responsible for the recruitment of hundreds of volunteers for the City and the
Schools of St. Louis Park. It also ensures that the volunteers are appropriately screened, placed,
and trained. Before a volunteer is placed in a position through the volunteer office, a risk
management process is put into place. Volunteers are required to complete an application and
list two references. Both references are checked and city volunteers also go through a Police
Background check. The only volunteers who are not required to complete an application are
parents who are working in their child’s school and people doing one time supervised activities.
The Volunteer Office staff is dedicated to making sure that the volunteers it recruits and places
are given the information and training they need to be successful at their volunteer positions. It
conducts evaluations and makes adjustments to program materials, training and operation based
on feedback from volunteers. Recognition of volunteers is also an important job of the V.I.P.
office. It works with staff to insure that volunteers are thanked and recognized in a variety of
ways.
The dollar value for volunteer service as determined by the Independent Sector is $18.77 per
hour. This rate is based on the hourly earnings for private non-agricultural workers as
determined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That figure is then increased by 12% to
estimate fringe benefits. The estimated value of volunteer services channeled through the V.I.P.
Office is $293,309 (1475 volunteers with a total of 15,626.5 hours x $18.77). However, the value
of volunteerism in St. Louis Park goes far beyond any monetary assessment; the benefits of
volunteer time and commitment to our community and our schools are immeasurable. Via the
V.I.P. Program, volunteers gain first hand knowledge about the city and schools, giving them an
appreciation for the dedicated staff and the excellent work they do on behalf of the students and
the community.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 3
Adopt a Park/Garden 2006
Volunteers in this program are assigned to their
neighborhood park and/or garden. Their job
duties include patrolling and cleaning their park,
weeding and tending the garden as well as
reporting any damaged equipment, vandalism
etc. to the park staff.
# of volunteers – 100 (22 individuals, 12
families, 7 neighborhood, business or civic
groups. Average of 3 per family and 6 per
group.)
# of parks and/or trail areas – 39
# of gardens –27 (note, some volunteers only
tend a garden or a park, but not both – and some
parks do not have gardens)
# of hours – 906
Adult ELL and GED programs
The goal of these dedicated volunteers is to
provide extra one to one help and extra language
practice for students in Community Education’s
adult classes.
# of volunteers - 26
# of hours – 1050
Art Appreciation
Volunteers are trained to teach six lessons in art
appreciation to children in grades K-6.
American Art was the theme of this year’s
curriculum. Note: at PSI the lessons are taught
by the Amity staff. We train them and provide
materials.
# of volunteers - 58
# of classrooms - 93
# of students - 2232
# of presentations - 558
# of hours – 1229
Band Volunteers at Jr. High
Community members join the band class for
regular practice.
# of volunteers -5
# of students – 150
# of hours –210
BRAVO!
Classical music is the focus of the BRAVO!
Program for grades 1-3 at Peter Hobart and
Aquila. A music background is a requirement
for BRAVO! volunteers. They are trained to
teach six lessons that focus on classical music
and composers.
# of volunteers - 20
# of classrooms - 25
# of students - 575
# of presentations – 150
# of hours – 358
Classroom VIPs
By working in the classroom these volunteers
provide enrichment or reinforcement of the
classroom curriculum. Most volunteers are in the
school once a week helping students in the areas
of reading, writing or math.
# of volunteers - 76
# of students -1300
# of classes - 51
# of hours – 3330
Early Childhood Screening
Volunteers assisted with registration and
screening
# of volunteers – 3
# of hours - 60
Election Judges 2006
High School students were recruited and trained
to be precinct judges for the November 7, 2006
general election.
# of volunteers – 52
# of hours - 520
ELL (English Language Learners) Volunteers
Volunteers help students practice their English
verbal and written skills. They also assist
students in learning about American culture and
customs.
# of volunteers - 11
# of students - 13
# of hours – 234
Event Judges
Volunteers play a key role in several High
School programs including mock interviews,
judges for DECA and also as judges for the
science fair at Cedar Manor.
# of volunteers - 73
# of hours - 346
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 4
Family Fishing Day - June 17, 2006
Assisted the Park and Rec in recruiting
volunteers for the Family Fishing Day held at
Wolfe Park.
# of volunteers – 4
# of hours – 10
Garden Planting Volunteers – 2006
There are 40 flowerbeds in 30 locations in St.
Louis Park. In May, volunteers work with city
staff to plant over 7000 flowers. 3 groups, 2
families and 24 individuals planted flowers.
# of volunteers – 43
# of hours - 129
Goblin March and Boogie Concert 2006
Volunteers work at this Halloween event held at
the Rec Center which is geared for young
children.
# of volunteers – 25
# of hours – 62
Halloween Party 2006-Westwood Hills Nature
Ctr
Volunteers work before, during and after the
annual Halloween Party. They help with set-up,
work the nights
of the party and help with clean-up. The V.I.P.
office recruits, places, schedules and thanks the
party volunteers.
# of volunteers –32 for pre-party set up help
-74per night for the party and
many stayed late for clean up.
# of hours – 106 for set up help
602for the party
708 total hours
Kids Place Student Volunteers for summer
2006
Students ages 14 and older volunteer in the SLP
Community Ed Kids Place Program for the
summer.
# of volunteers – 8
# of hours – 980
Literacy 1st
Volunteers are trained and receive information
specific to working with beginning readers. They
spend 1-1 1/2 hours in the classroom during
literacy time.
# of volunteers – 19 # of classrooms –15
# of students - 742
# of hours – 613
Monarch Butterfly Monitors
Volunteers were recruited to monitor the life
cycle of Monarchs through a program at
Westwood Nature Center.
# of volunteers – 4 families/individuals
# of hours – 56
Math Program
Volunteers help once a week in 4th or 5th grade
Math classes at Susan Lindgren and Cedar
Manor schools.
# of volunteers – 14
# of students – 250
# of hours – 515
Media Center/ Clerical Volunteers
Volunteers assist in the schools media centers or
offices.
# of volunteers – 10
# of hours - 474
Park and Run Fun Run
September 16, 2006
Volunteers helped by staffing the trails, assisting
with registration and passing out “goodie bags.”
# of volunteers – 12
# of hours - 24
Parktacular - 2006
Volunteers helped with the Parktacular Booth
and parade.
# of volunteers – 25
# of hours – 56
Pick up the Park 2006
Volunteers are students, local service groups and
individuals. The goal of Pick up the Park is to
get as much public space cleaned as possible
before mid-May.
# of volunteers – 663
# of parks cleaned – 25 (also cleaned were all the
school playgrounds and surrounding areas and
sections of the bike trail)
# of bags of trash – 118
# of hours – 497
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 5
Read Naturally at the Jr. High
Volunteers were recruited to work one-to-one
with students using a computer program
designed to increase student reading proficiency.
# of volunteers – 8
# of hours – 214
Resource Speakers
Volunteers enriched the classroom curriculum by
sharing their hobby, career or special interest
with students.
# of volunteers – 20
# of presentations – 66
# of hours – 35
Special Before and After School Reading
Programs
Start the Day Reading Program
DoubleTree Hotel staff volunteer at Peter Hobart
three mornings a week.
Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club and Collegians
Volunteered two days a week after school at
Aquila
# of volunteers – 22
# of hours - 199
Water Testing Volunteers 2006
Volunteers take water samples from area lakes
every two weeks April through October.
# of volunteers – 4
# of hours – 208
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Regular Adult Volunteers 2006
Adult volunteers at Westwood Hills Nature
Center assist the staff by helping with classes,
working on maintenance projects, studying
wildlife, maintaining the computer web site, and
staffing the front desk between 11 and 1 almost
every day so the staff can have lunch and run
errands for the Center.
# of volunteers – 27
# of hours – 1287.5
Breakfast Buddies Mentorship Program
Volunteers meet with girls from the Junior High
in a group, serving as positive adult role models
and listeners as they explore a variety of interests
and issues important to the students.
# of volunteers -24
# of students - 55
# of hours - 422
Total number of hours -15,626.5
Total number of volunteers - 1475
-In addition to these programs, the V.I.P. assisted
in placing the high school community service
students in as classroom volunteers.
-Most hours are estimated based on volunteer
start date, schedule, and program, and include
training and preparation time for some programs.
Some volunteers participate in more than one
program and are counted for each activity.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 6
Highlights from 2006-2007
Recognition for volunteers happens throughout the year. In addition to specific letters
of thanks, 2006-2007 volunteers received specially designed note pads, a thank you
letter from the city maintenance staff and a gift went to all park volunteers at the end of
the season, candy treats were in the schools for Valentine’s day and a coupon book
along with a thank you from Superintendent Debra Bowers went in school baskets.
Sarah also organized a special presentation (in conjunction with Benilde-St. Margaret’s
School and the Community Ed Youth Services Program) for Volunteer Recognition
week, featuring Nathan Dungan, the nationally known speaker on youth, money, and
habits. It was held at the Recreation Center on April 25. Over 2500 people received a
thank you and invitation; about 90 people attended.
The Volunteer Office worked to help facilitate a program between the Pi Beta Phi
Alumni Club and Collegians and Aquila School. For five weeks in February and March,
volunteers from the sorority worked one-to-one with students helping them practice and
develop reading skills under the supervision of the after school Kids Place Staff. The
program was a success for all the participants and we hope to work with the sorority
again next year.
The Volunteer Office submitted articles for the city newsletter, school newsletters, the
city web page and other publications highlighting various volunteer programs and
recruiting for many activities.
Sarah Krzesowiak served on committees for Empty Bowls, the high school IT program
and Bookmark in the Park representing both the school and the city.
This was the first year volunteers were recruited to help with the Park and Run, Fun Run
held at Wolfe Park in September.
Sarah assisted the high school staff in finding a Somali woman to meet with Somali girls
at the high school so that they could ask questions and discuss issues with a Somali
adult.
The Volunteer Office worked with the St. Louis Park National Honor Society helping
them with their group volunteer activities by making arrangements for them to help with
the City Halloween Parties in the fall and with the Pick up the Park program in the
spring.
The Volunteer Office recruited over 50 high school students who served as election
judges on November 7, 2006. Each student attended a two-hour training and served an
8-hour shift as an election judge.
At the request of the Jr. High principal and reading staff, the Volunteer Office recruited
and placed volunteers to work one-to-one with students using a computer program
designed to increase student reading proficiency.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 7 - Volunteers In The Park Annual Report
Page 7
Members of the V.I.P. Advisory Council meet regularly to share information and discuss
issues related to the volunteer programs. Members of the 2006-2007 V. I. P. Advisory
Council were:
Susan Benus Debbie Danielson Kathleen Huyck
Ruth Kasdan Joan Monicatti Sharyll Smith
Yvonne Thomas Anne Monique Vos Rapoport Sarah Zubke
Sarah Krzesowiak, Program Coordinator, City and School of St. Louis Park
Volunteers in the Park is a program in the department of Community Education,
952-928-6025, krzesowiak.sarah@slpschools.org
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 8 - Floodplain Update Park Nicollet LOMR Application
Page 1
8. Floodplain Update: Park Nicollet LOMR Application Comm. Dev./Public Works
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To update the City Council regarding the proposed Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) flood map revisions and a recent Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) application to FEMA
by Park Nicollet.
BACKGROUND:
FEMA is in the process of updating the Flood Insurance Rate Maps for all of Hennepin County.
FEMA, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Hennepin County, Minnehaha
Creek Watershed District (MCWD), City of St. Louis Park, and other local jurisdictions have
been reviewing proposed changes.
Park Nicollet has been following the map revision process, because the changes have a
significant impact on the Methodist Hospital Campus and the design of the proposed Cancer
Center addition. However, Park Nicollet’s desired construction schedule has spurred them to
submit an application for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) in order to speed up FEMA’s
review process for the area around the Methodist Hospital Campus.
The changes to the map in St. Louis Park affect an entire Flood Insurance Rate Map panel (see
attached map). The affected Flood Insurance Rate Map panel also extends into Edina and
Hopkins. In St. Louis Park, approximately 160 properties are currently shown in the 100-year
floodplain. If FEMA approves the LOMR, approximately 100 of those properties would no
longer be within the 100-year floodplain (see attached map).
After FEMA approves the LOMR, the City of St. Louis Park will need to amend the zoning
ordinance and zoning map to be consistent with the approved Flood Insurance Rate Map. The
City’s floodplain ordinance references specific map revision dates and the zoning map includes a
floodplain overlay district. We expect to proceed with the zoning ordinance and map
amendments concurrently with the FEMA review process, with final approval occurring after the
FEMA process concludes.
The City and/or Park Nicollet might hold an informational meeting about the proposed changes
in August. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the zoning ordinance and
zoning map amendments on either August 15 or September 4. The ordinance and map
amendments could tentatively come to the City Council for consideration of the first reading in
September.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 8 - Floodplain Update Park Nicollet LOMR Application
Page 2
SUMMARY:
Park Nicollet applied for a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) in order to speed up FEMA’s review
process for the Flood Insurance Rate Map panel that includes the Methodist Hospital Campus.
Staff anticipates FEMA will approve the LOMR, and that the notice of their decision could
arrive in mid-September. The City may begin the zoning ordinance and zoning map amendment
process in August, so that it runs concurrently with FEMA’ review process.
Attachments: Copy of the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Panel 27053C0361E
Map of Proposed Floodplain Changes in St. Louis Park
Prepared by: Sean Walther, Senior Planner
Reviewed by: Scott Brink, City Engineer
Meg McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 8 - Floodplain Update Park Nicollet LOMR Application
Page 3
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 8 - Floodplain Update Park Nicollet LOMR Application
Page 4
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 1
9. June 2007 Monthly Financial Report Finance
PURPOSE:
This report is designed to provide summary information regarding the overall level of revenues
and expenditures in both the General Fund and the Park and Recreation fund. These funds
should be a primary concern in analyzing the city’s financial health because they represent the
discretionary use of tax levy dollars.
For the first six months of the year, actual revenues and expenditures should generally run about
50% of the annual budget. Significant items that exceed the norm are highlighted below along
with a general discussion of the cause for the variance.
General Fund
Expenditures:
• Finance expenditures look high because some salary allocations have not been made for
the year. Several Finance employees are allocated to the enterprise funds to cover the
utility billing function. This department is below budget in other respects.
• Community Development expenditures look high because some salary allocations have
not been made for the year. Several Community Development employees are allocated to
Housing and EDA activities. This department is below budget in other respects.
• Community Outreach looks high because there is one large payment that is made
annually to fund a school district outreach program. That $33,000 payment has been
made for the year. This department is below budget in other respects.
Parks and Recreation
Expenditures:
• Organized Recreation expenditures are higher due to the bulk of their activities occurring
during the summer recreation season.
Attachments: Monthly Financial Reports
Prepared by: Bruce M. DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 2
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 3
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 4
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 5
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 6
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 7
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 8
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 9
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 9 - June 2007 Monthly Financial Report
Page 10
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 10 - Quarterly Investment Report
Page 1
10. Quarterly Investment Report (April – June 2007) Finance
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the quarterly status of the various
investment accounts that the city maintains.
BACKGROUND:
Our portfolio remains focused on short term cash flow needs, but Finance has locked in some
longer term securities in order to bridge any potential downturn from the current rates. At June
30, we had a significant balance in the money market funds because of two large cash deposits.
We received a partial tax settlement ($7 million) and the utility revenue bond proceeds ($4
million) at the end of the month. These proceeds have since been invested.
A benchmark rate of return has not been established by our investment policy. Cities generally
use a short horizon benchmark such as the two year Treasury (currently 4.84%) or some similar
measure. Our current portfolio yield is roughly 4.69%. This is calculated by taking the yield
times the current value for each investment and dividing the resulting amount by the total
portfolio value. As investments purchased from 2003-2005 mature we will continue to replace
them with higher yielding securities.
Liquidity has been easy to maintain for last several months because we have a flat yield curve.
This means that there is not much difference between investing for a long period of time or a
short one. Our primary money market investment is the 4M Fund. It currently yields 4.93%
with daily withdrawal privileges. This compares very well with the up to 4.96% yields that are
available when five year investment options are considered and is about at our overall portfolio
return.
Investment totals by type are:
Attachments: City Investments
Prepared by: Bruce M. DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
6/30/07 3/31/07
<1 Year 42% 31%
1-2 Years 21% 22%
2-3 Years 12% 17%
>3 Years 24% 30%
Commercial Paper 3,406,834.30
Agency Bonds 50,102 ,939.30
Money Market 17,664,977.27
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 10 - Quarterly Investment Report
Page 2
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 10 - Quarterly Investment Report
Page 3
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 11 - ParkWiFi Update
Page 1
11. ParkWiFi Update Information Resources
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
The purpose of this report is to update the City Council on the status of ParkWiFi.
BACKGROUND:
Since the last update on June 25, the most significant pieces of news are: (1) construction has
progressed significantly on Phase 1 of ParkWiFi using Council direction and pole location
criteria (2) to date, Xcel Energy has not indicated that we can use any Xcel poles for mounting
radios, though Xcel continues to consider it, (3) Xcel is behind on getting electrical service to the
few but critical locations needed in Phase 1, and (4) to meet contract requirements, ARINC has
identified the need to add poles and radios in geographically challenging areas to provide
coverage. With respect to lack of Xcel electrical service, we are able to use the backup batteries
to power these devices on a temporary basis. As Council knows, City staff has also continued to
deal with resident concerns with pole and radio locations and this has also contributed to Phase 1
delays.
Phase 1 of the project includes the northeast section of the city – bounded by the east City limits,
Brunswick Avenue on the west, the north City limits, and Minnetonka Boulevard on the south.
Phase 1 also includes the triangle area east of Highway 100, south of Minnetonka Boulevard, and
north of County Road 25.
CURRENT SCHEDULE:
This area was scheduled to go live July 21. Construction firm ARINC has stepped up the pace of
construction and this has helped address some of the delays. At this time, we expect some
subscribers in Phase 1 to be using the network by July 21. They are located primarily in the
southwest area of Phase 1, where most testing and adjustments are being completed first.
Following that area, we expect to move north, east, and west to substantially complete Phase 1
service availability by the end of July. This places this phase about 10 days behind schedule.
Some pilot subscribers and pre-registered households and businesses have been notified and
rescheduled for their site visit. Others have chosen to transition later due to personal vacation
schedules. However, subscriber frustration with the delay is increasing. We are emphasizing the
need to deliver a wireless system that works reliably as requested by residents and that this
requires more attention, adjustments, and testing than anticipated. This has also been
complicated by the Xcel energy service delay.
COMPONENT BOX:
Staff has also been working on options for changing the appearance of the white component
boxes to brown to match the poles. The most promising option at this time is a brown metal
shroud that would cover the sides of the box along with painting the bottom of the box brown.
This metal shroud would allow necessary air flow, be made of heat-reflective aluminum, and be
removable for maintenance. This appears to be a more cost-effective and safe approach to
address this issue compared to installation of fans, the other primary option to create a brown
appearance and keep components cool enough. Staff is currently awaiting a prototype. If all goes
well, we should see most shrouds arrive in the next 6 weeks.
St. Louis Park City Council Study Session
Written Report: 072307 - 11 - ParkWiFi Update
Page 2
HOSTING A POLE:
We also continue to receive offers from residents to host a pole with solar panel on public right-
of-way boulevard areas along their property. To the extent possible, we will include these sites in
the final design of Phases 2 - 4.
CURRENT STATUS:
Construction continues with radios, batteries, and other components now being added to the
poles and solar panels previously installed in Phase 1. In addition, 4 additional radio locations (as
noted above) need to be installed. It is hoped that this will be the extent of additional radios in
Phase 1; however, final field testing may reveal more locations. Additional poles and solar
panels are currently being installed in the remainder of Phase 1, generally north of Twin Lakes
and west of Highway 100. Council-approved pole design and location criteria continue to be
used. Some people continue to express concern over the poles, but fewer than before Council
approved the pole location and design criteria.
Core network equipment is being fine tuned, some brochures have been printed, and pilot and
pre-registered subscribers are being contacted to ensure they are aware of the current status and
receive instructions on acquiring needed equipment. Staff wishes to complete the testing and
provisioning of Phase 1 subscribers, especially current pilot and pre-registered subscribers, and
refine service before more aggressively recruiting additional subscribers in Phase 1. The goal is
to build a system that works, and working with an initial group of subscribers makes that process
much more achievable.
There is still much work left in Phase 1 as well as the other three phases. It is expected that
project partners will continue to work hard the rest of this summer and fall.
Prepared by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager