HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007/11/26 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionCity Council Study Session
November 26, 2007
6:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Discussion Items
1. 6:30 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning
2. 6:35 p.m. Housing Authority Report & Work Plan
3. 6:45 p.m. Duke “West End” Development Update
4. 7:30 p.m. 2008 Budget
5. 8:30 p.m. Wireless Update
6. 9:15 p.m. Communications (verbal)
Written Reports
7. October Financial Reports
8. Vision Update
9. Tobacco Penalties
10. Marketing and Branding Update
9:25 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.
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 1
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the Monday December 10, 2007 study
session, which will start at 6:30 p.m.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Does the Council agree with the agenda as proposed?
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 study session on December 10.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None
Attachment: Tentative Study Session Agenda for December 10, 2007
Prepared by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 1)
Subject: Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Tentative Discussion Items
Monday, December 10, 2007 – 6:30 p.m.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2. Housing Authority Annual Meeting with Council – Community Development (30 min.)
Housing Authority to meet with Council as a part of their annual review with Council to
update on housing activities.
3. CIP/Budget Discussion – Finance (45 minutes)
Staff will lead Council in a discussion about the 5-year CIP prior to the adoption of the
2008 budget. Also, any remaining discussion regarding the 2008 budget in general can also
occur.
4. Solid Waste Collection – Public Works (45 minutes)
Staff to return to Council to discuss RFP’s, contracts and the evaluation process.
5. Pawnshop Study – Community Development (45 minutes)
Staff to present preliminary findings of the pawnshop study.
6. Communications – Administrative Services (10 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study
session for the purposes of information sharing.
Reports:
Sign Ordinance Amendments – Community Development
Beehive Relocation – Parks and Recreation
9:30 p.m. End of Meeting
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 2
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Housing Authority Report & Work Plan.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
To provide the Council with the work plan and annual report prepared by the Housing Authority (HA)
Board in advance of the meeting with the Commissioners on December 10, 2007.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Ensure the work of St. Louis Park’s Housing Authority supports the strategic direction and
vision of the City of St. Louis Park.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council has requested draft copies of each commission’s work plan and annual report prior
to the annual meeting with commissions. The HA’s current 2007/2008 annual Action Plan and the
tables from the Bi-Annual Housing Activity report noting housing program activity through October
31, 2007 is attached for the Council’s review and discussion. The HA Action Plan runs concurrent
with the HA’s fiscal year, April 1 through March 31.
2007 St. Louis Park Authority Board Members
• Catherine Courtney, Chairperson
• Steve Fillbrandt, Vice- Chairperson
• Anne Mavity, Secretary
• Judith Moore
• Trinicia Hill
St. Louis Park Housing Authority Staff
• Kevin Locke, Director
• Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor
• Shannon Bodnar, Housing Manager
• Kathy Larsen, Housing Programs Coordinator
• Cindy Stromberg, Section 8 Manager
• Tanya Warren, Public Housing Specialist
• Abe Shariff, Maintenance Coordinator
• Joe Wellentin, Maintenance Technician
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Page 2
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan
2007 HA Highlights
• Provided rental assistance to over 500 low income households
• Attained HUD’s High Performer status for the administration of both the Section 8 Voucher
and Public Housing programs.
• Facilitated the approval of the Louisiana Court rehab loan and implemented the LC
Development Oversight Committee.
• Implemented two new Shelter Plus Care rental assistance grants in partnership with
Community Involvement Program and Pillsbury United Communities, bringing the total
number of S+C grants administered by the HA to 5 with a total number of units of 38.
• Renewed contract to provide 20 Project Based rental assistance vouchers for Wayside’s
supportive housing development.
• Exceeded 97% annual occupancy in the Public Housing program and 94% annual utilization
in the Section 8 Voucher rental assistance program.
• Completed approximately $200,000 in capital improvement in the Public Housing units.
• West Hennepin Affordable Housing Land trust (WHAHLT) purchased, rehabbed and sold
three affordable homes in SLP to low income families.
• Staff members served as staff liaison to the 2006 Vision Housing Action Team and are now
working on specific focus areas - affordable housing and housing remodeling and expansion.
• Approved six development agreements for the sale of lots under the Excess Land program.
One home completed and occupied, another nearing completion and the others are in the
design phase.
• Successfully submitted a grant application to fund the coordinator services for the Section 8
portion of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. 41 individuals participating in the
rental assistance programs received services to promote economic self-sufficiency.
• Utilization of the Move-Up-In-The-Park housing rehab programs are exceeding original
estimates.
• Housing Matrix completed – 1st Housing Activity Report distributed to policy makers in 2007.
• Implemented new process for opening waiting lists for Public Housing involving requests for
applications through a phone bank.
• Participated as Board member in the completion of strategic planning for the Meadowbrook
Collaborative creating a new oversight structure.
• MHFA Excellence in Housing Choice Award for Citywide Inspection/Rehab program.
• Successfully submitted a grant in partnership with Vail Place to provide service coordination
and case management services to the residents at Hamilton House.
In 2005 the HA board went through a strategic planning session facilitated by Bridget Gothberg.
At the meeting, two goals were established for the Board to be accomplished over the next year.
The two HA Board goals identified at that meeting are as follows:
1. Review and confirm our Mission Statement, and
2. Define HA Commission’s and HA Board’s level of influence and involvement.
Later that year the Board adopted an amended Mission Statement reflective of the HA’s vision
and the work being accomplished. Vision Elements previously adopted will remain unchanged.
The new Mission Statement is as follows:
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Page 3
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan
HA Mission
The Housing Authority develops, integrates and operates housing and
housing assistance policies and programs to ensure the availability of safe,
affordable and desirable housing options that meet the diverse,
lifecycle housing needs of all of the residents of St. Louis Park.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
The activities of the Housing Authority have a direct relationship to the Strategic Direction the
Council adopted related to “St Louis Park is committed to a well maintained and diverse housing
stock”.
Attachments: HA Board Goals
2007 Housing Activity Report Tables through October 31, 2007
HA Action Plan 2007/2008
Prepared By: Michele Schnitker, Housing Supervisor
Reviewed By: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager
HA Board Goal: Define HA Commissioner’s and HA Board’s level of
influence and involvement.
Action Plan
Influence/Involvement – Current/Continue
Board
Staff
Provide Planning Agendas for Board Review
X
X
Annually Review the Status of New Development in the City
X
Provide Case-by-Case Review of Specific Projects/Developments
X
X
Influence/Involvement – Future
Board
Staff
Provide Timely Information to Board on New Developments that
Impact Housing in the Community
X
X
Work with Planning Staff to Develop Process for Reviewing
Housing Impact of New Development that Incorporates the Use
of the Housing Summit Housing Matrix
X
Effectively Administer Current Programs and Make them Better –
Choose a Focus
X
X
Improve Existing Housing: Assist and Make Existing Affordable
Housing in the Community Better, especially Underutilized
Developments
X
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 4
City of St. Louis Park Housing Report – Through October 31,
2007
The purpose of this report is to apprise the Housing Authority 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 2007 through October 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
remodeling and
expansion through
October 2007 is over
$23,000,000.
Over 97 permits for
major remodeling/expansion projects have been issued so far this year, compared to 86
during 2006.
Resident Remodeling Investment based on Permit Valuations
$15,200,000
$23,050,000
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
$25,000,000
2006 2007 through October
Year$ Permit Valuation
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.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 5
• The transformation-move up loans, have exceeded 2007 estimates. Twenty homes
have been significantly expanded using the transformation loan. The architectural
design service remains popular. There are a limited number of residents that can
use this service, and staff expects the saturation point is being reached. This will
continue to be popular with newer residents seeking to expand their starter homes.
• The discount loan program though not as active as last year continues to be used
by residents. Through October 31, 41 loans have been closed compared to 88 for
all of 2006.
• 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 – October 31, 2007
Activity Goal Through October 31, 2007 Annual
Budget
Expended
through
10/31/2007
Move Up -
Transformation Loan
15 20 $500,000 $620,000
Architectural Design
Service
100 45 $22,500 $10,025
Remodeling Advisor 300 171 $39,000 $22,230
Discount Loans 80 41 $150,000 $74,300
1,000 Home Remodeling Tour
attendees
1,000 $5,000 $5,000
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
(Spring 2008l)
2 0 $3,500 0
All multi-lot parcels have been bid
out, and all sf except one have
been bid out.
Vacant Public Land for
SF Homes
Move Up In the Park Programs & Loans
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 6
The initiatives include educational, technical and financial activities designed to motivate
and assist residents with renovation to their homes. The overall initiatives are more
successful than projected, especially for the technical and design assistance, and program
costs are being held in line. These programs are funded from the Housing Rehabilitation
Fund.
• 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 exceeded $25,000.
o Only residents making significant expansions are eligible. The minimum
project cost must exceed $35,000.
o The maximum loan amount of $37,500 will be reduced to $25,000 to serve
even more residents.
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
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 7
$63,000 or less qualify for a greater discount than those with incomes of $89,000 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.
• 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 1,500 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 codes and zoning, design and rehab
assistance and information about the city’s financial incentives including existing
loan programs. Last years attendance quite low, however the new green guidelines
could increase interest.
• Vacant Public Land
Progress of the single family and multi-family lots is bulleted below. Sale proceeds
for the first seven parcels is $644,000. The most recent update is that the deadline
for request for proposals (RFP) for up to four single family homes on the 9019 Cedar
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 8
Lake Road occurred. No RFPs were received. Two interested developers relayed to
staff that the soft housing market is too uncertain to pursue development at this time.
Complete or well underway.
4525 West 42nd Street, home complete, family moved in.
4515 West 42nd Street, under construction, completion fall 2007.
4309 Browndale Ave side-yard sliver sold to abutting property owner.
Designs approved, closings scheduled, construction scheduled.
7701 Edgebrook Drive. Still trying for fall construction start.
2715 Monterey Ave S. Spring construction start.
Design phase – Design Review Committee has reviewed and provided feedback.
2005 Louisiana Ave S. Spring construction start.
5609 Wood Lane. Spring construction start.
Lot to bid – Green criteria incorporated into bid design
2600 Natchez Ave. Green component bid in November.
Multi-lot parcels.
Requests for housing development proposals for I-394 Frontage Road & 13th Lane
and Frontage Road & Texas Ave were solicited and due to the slow housing
market no proposals were received. Staff suggests that these parcels not be
purchased from MNDOT by the City at this time, and that they be revisited for
development in the future.
9019 Cedar Lake Road. No RFP’s received. Staff suggests this parcel be retained
in City ownership, and revisited for development in the future.
2. OTHER HOUSING PROGRAM ACTIVITY
Other city housing activity is outlined in the table with descriptions below:
Table 2. Housing Activity Report, January 1 – October 31, 2007
Activity
Goal
To Date Annual
Budget
Expended
10/31//2007
Citywide Inspection Rehab
Program (City & MHFA Funds)
200 units 184 $325,000
(18 months)
$291,100
Housing Improvement Area (HIA) 1 HIA Wolfe Lake HIA
(130 units)
established and
Westmoreland in
process (72 units)
$10,000 $6,000*
CDBG $211,913 $287, 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.
• 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
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 9
identified as having significant exterior code violations, over 184 of the homes have
been improved, and almost all the funds have been expended. This program received
MN Housing’s Housing Development Choice Award in 2006.
• Housing Improvement Area (HIA) The Wolfe Lake Association HIA was
established on October 1, 2007. $1,268,000 worth of common area improvements
would be paid with a 15 year term loan at 5.85% interest rate. The Westmoreland
Hills Owner Association anticipates submitting an HIA application by end of 2007.
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Activity completed as of October 31, 2007 included activities that were funded with
2005 and 2006 Grant Year funds. 2007 contracts are being disbursed by the County
the week of November 19, 2007.
Table 3. 2007 CDBG Allocation and Activity
2005/6 Allocation and Activity Budget
Expended
10/31//07
Emergency Repair Program - single family housing rehabilitation $56,413 $68,302
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 $120,411
STEP Acquisition $57,500
Total $211,913 $287,213
• Housing Trust Affordable Homeownership. The Housing Trust closed on one St.
Louis Park homes in May 2007. It was sold to an owner with income below 50%
median area income.
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 57 0 0 17 17 3 97.8%
Louisiana Court,
Metropolitan Housing
Opportunity (MHOP) Units
12
12
97.9%
Total (bedroom size) 108 12 17 17 3
Total 157
Rental Assistance
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 10
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
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.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2)
Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work Plan Page 11
St. Louis Park Housing Types, Numbers and PercentagesHOUSING MATRIXJune 30, 20007Housing TypeUnits added 1/1/07-6/30/07# Units % Units # UnitsSingle Family Detached11,565 50% 5Duplex424 2% 0Condos and townhomes 3313 14% 349Apartments 7526 33% 0COOPs125 1% 0Total22,953 100% 354 14,581 64% 8372 36% 1,073 5% 5,993 26% 1057 5% 946 4% Data source: SLP Community Development, Multiple Residential Developments 1998-2007 and SLP Assessing. Percentages are based on the percentage of the total number of all housing units.0Large Family Homes, Affordable and Senior Housing0Large Family Home - 1,500 sq ft., 3+Bedrooms, 2+ Bath & 2+ Car Garage#1,073Senior Designated00Housing UnitsAffordable Market Rate (includes 2,633 rental & 3360 owner occupied units)Affordable Subsidized (includes 1010 rental & 120 owner occupied units)Owner Occupied Rental0##390188268752611,17523630450Large Single Family Homes: As of June 30, 2007, 65 major expansions, 5 new large single family homes and 3 "tear down" large homes were issued permits. In 2006, there were 86 major expansions, in 2005 there were 57.2,1251911,1022560836110470Affordable Rental Housing is defined as housing affordable to households with incomes at or below 50% MAI ($39,250 family of four), paying thirty percent of their income for housing costs. Monthly rent of $883, or less for a 2 bedroom apartment for a family of four is considered affordable.Affordable Owner Occupied Housing is defined as housing affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% MAI ($62,800 family of four), paying thirty percent of their income for housing costs. Homes selling at $201,800 or less, are considered affordable for a family of four with household income of $62,800 or less.Housing Production by Type15##97337125#11/21/2007Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 12
St. Louis Park Housing Authority Fiscal Year End March 31, 2008 - Updated 11/20/2007 HA Vision Elements Implementation Status Action Items In Progress Complete Comments The Community a. Desirable housing choices exist for families and individuals of all incomes. a. Apply for 1st Time Homebuyer funds in cooperation with MN Housing Finance Agency, MN Cities Participation and Community Action Set-Aside Programs. b. Monitor the ongoing administration and utilization of Sec. 8 project-based developments. Review results with the HA Board, including the impact of project basing on the administration of the Section 8 program. c. Continue to look for opportunities to facilitate and promote affordable home ownership i. e., partner with Habitat for Humanity, continue partnering and support of WHAHLT. d. Encourage expansion, remodeling and maintenance of single-family homes through the development, application and marketing of rehab loan products, including the Move-Up-In-The-Park programs. e. Continue working with homeowner associations interested in utilizing HIA as a resource to meet the housing rehab needs of condominium and townhouse development. f. Consider applying for additional “Fair Share” Section 8 units, Shelter Plus Care or other assisted housing X X X X X X 1st time Home-buyer funds are available through MHFA. Staff is continuing to collaborate with WHAHLT and is also exploring other possible programs to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for 1st time home buyers. Staff monitors the utilization of the Sec. 8 program, as well as, the 45 project based units on an ongoing basis. Current utilization rates through June 30 where included in the Housing Activity report distributed to the Board at the August meeting. A thorough analysis of the voucher program’s utilization will be provided prior to renewal of the Wayside project-based contract in February 2008. The HA submitted a letter supporting WHAHLT’s application to MHFA’s super NOFA. Staff is researching programming provided in other communities and meeting with other community and housing industry organizations to explore possible programming and partnerships options. The Home Remodeling Tour was held at the end of April. An informational announcement was mailed to all single family homes. Staff continues to market housing programs through on the WEB, through the utility bills and the Park Perspective. The Wolfe Lake Condominium Assoc. gathered the required number of petitions to request that the Council establish them as a HIA – the first reading was held Sept. 10th , the second reading was on Oct.1st . $1.25 mil in improvements are proposed, construction scheduled to begin late November. HUD recently requested that the HA administer Disaster Housing Agency Program (DHAP) rental ass’t. to 4 families living in the SLP jurisdiction Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 13
resources based on community need, community goals and staff capacity to administer additional units when available. Support other service and housing agencies efforts to secure additional affordable housing units. g. Explore potential/financial feasibility/need for creating acquisition/rehab duplex program to create affordable homeownership opportunities for low income households. X through. The program provides rental ass’t. and case management services for families displaced by Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita. Staff agreed to administer 2 additional DHAP households: I in Hopkins and 1 in Spring Brook. Staff submitted renewal applications for the 22 units of rental assistance for the Perspectives and Community Involvement Program S+C programs. Staff has met with staff from another community currently administering a similar program; housing staff has also met with inspection department staff and identified several possible target areas and specific properties. Staff is in the process of contacting owners to determine their interest in selling and recently inspected a potential property with WHAHLT. A follow-up meeting with WHAHLT is scheduled for early December. There is a balance of housing choices for households at all phases of the life cycle. a. Continue to address housing strategies identified in Vision St. Louis Park, HA strategic planning and Housing Summit Goals. b. Complete Excess Public Land process to sell vacant land for construction of large family housing units. Assist in process for use of sale proceeds. c. Assist nonprofit and for profit developers who will work with the City on the acquisition, improvement and/or development of additional and/or non-traditional housing opportunities to meet the City’s diverse housing needs. d. Maintain/distribute Housing Activities Report bi-annually and Matrix of existing housing types to confirm benchmarks and to evaluate future housing development. e. Explore interest/feasibility of conducting a senior housing market study to determine future senior housing needs in the community. X X X X X Two housing staff persons have been named as the “asset champions” and are overseeing efforts to address two of the focus areas identified by the Council in the 18 month Strategic Plan. Staff is also serving as team members on other focus areas. 1 single family property complete and occupied, 1 under construction, 4 in design phase, 1 going out to bid this month. 2 of the multi-family lots did not receive viable bids-will re-bid at a later date. Bids for the Cedar Lake Road parcel closed on 11/16- no bids were received – a reflection of the soft housing market. Staff has met with WHAHLT to explore collaborating on additional affordable housing programs. Staff is also working with multiple non profits providing affordable multi-family housing regarding rehab needs to their rental properties. The 2006 Housing Activity Report was distributed in Feb. 2007, the mid-year Report was distributed to the Council at their July and the HA at their August Board meeting. Staff is working with Hennepin County staff on the possibility of a conducting a County wide senior housing study. The County has indicated some interest – staff will be following –up with the County. St. Louis Park is a unique, safe, a. Incorporate livable communities’ principles into policies Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 14
pedestrian- and transit-oriented community. and planning including downtown center; pedestrian, bicycle and public transit oriented development; strong neighborhoods and developments located with access to employment opportunities. b. Work with the Inspections department to complete 2005/2006 citywide housing inspection program to inspect single family homes for exterior code violations b. Assist with amendment of Comp Plan and review and determine the impact of the revised Livable Community Goals on the City’s housing initiatives. c. Consider development of a “green” incentive program for use of environmentally friendly design and products in home rehab/expansion/maintenance. X X Program is finishing up, 184 have complied and made improvements. $291,000 of the MHFA and City funds have been expended. ($325,000 was available). Staff met with the Green Institute to discuss possible environmentally friendly home remodeling programs that the City could support or help facilitate. Staff is in the process of developing program specifics. Staff is submitting a grant to the MN Pollution Control Agency for a technical assistance grant to assist with start up costs for new programs. Agency Administration and Programs The public housing stock is well-maintained and a positive community asset. a. Continue efforts to improve PHAS property inspection indicator score through regular and thorough assessment of properties addressing maintenance deficiencies, maintaining properties at a level that ensures we meet the highest PHAS property inspection standards. b. Implement improvements as noted in the public housing one-year capital fund improvement plan utilizing the formula allocated Capital Improvement grant funds. Continue to enhance 5 year Plan, developing a comprehensive PH property condition inventory that includes all capital and equipment improvements/replacements regardless of funding source. X X Staff conducts inspections of the Hamilton House apartments annually and the scattered site homes semi-annually. More frequent inspections may be conducted for tenants with noted housekeeping concerns. The PH Manager conducts walk through inspections of all turnovers to assess extra ordinary needs and ensure quality control standards are being met. The PH Manager conducted a thorough inspection of all PH properties and developed a comprehensive 5 year capital improvement program. The 2005 CFP funds are spent and closed out. Bids were recently obtained for 2006 CFP funds – contracts presented at the September 2007 meeting and the work is underway. Plans are being made for use of the of the 2007 CFP funds. A grant application was submitted to the state for $120,000 in capital funds to assist with roof and patio door replacements at Hamilton House. The Housing Authority is financially solvent and strives for a. Achieve and maintain adequate accounting systems and internal control procedures to comply with HUD’s asset X Audit for FY 2007 completed, auditors noted two “significant” findings. Neither was of any major program consequence that compromised the Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 15
greater financial capacity. management and audit requirements b. Continue to assess maintenance operation and activities ensuring the most effective and efficient use of staff and resources. c. Develop budgets for agency programs that reflect prudent fiscal operation and are responsive to HUD’s recent declining federal funding policies. Continue to review financial principles and policies related to HA reserve funds. d. Continue to apply for HUD grant opportunities to ensure a self-supported TRAILS program and service coordinator at Hamilton House. e. Enhance financial monitoring of housing rehab programs; determine approach to ensure long-term viability and use of the Housing Rehab fund and the Park Center TIF (affordable housing related uses). X X X financial integrity of the HA’s programs. Both findings were resolved immediately. The PH Manager meets with maintenance staff weekly to assess maintenance needs, staff work assignments and establish work plans. Established balanced budgets for FYE 2008 for both the Sec. 8 and PH programs. Budgeting for FYE 2009 will begin in Nov./Dec.. HA received a 3-year grant for $210,000 to fund coordination and case management services at HH. Applications have been submitted to HUD for FSS grant funding to serve both the Section 8 and PH programs participants. The HA is currently administering a $22,000 HUD grant to support FSS Coordinator services for the Sec. 8 Voucher program participants. The administration of Housing Authority programs is efficient, effective and productive. a. Continue to “Rethink” our products, services and systems. Institute uniform policies across programs to improve management functions reflective of Congressional changes, HUD rules and procedural practices. b. Continue to develop “monthly management reports” utilizing the new Hab. Inc. software to track key program indicators needed for Public Housing Management System (PHAS), asset management, Section Eight Management Assessment System (SEMAP) and operational performance. c. Revise/update Public Housing Leasing and Occupancy X X X Housing staff met with finance staff to develop a new system for applying PH payments. Staff drafted and the Board approved new policies to comply with the VAWA. Waiting list inquires revised to eliminate applicant speculation and confusion in numbering system. Hab. Inc Software that will enhance the reporting capability of the current software was purchased and installed. Staff working with Hab Inc on modifying software to accurately reflect SLP data. Lease is currently under review. The HA recently purchased the Nan McKay Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 16
Plan and Lease to reflect Congressional changes, HUD rules, HA policies and Family Resident Handbook. d. Continue to operate the Section 8 and Public Housing programs in a manner that maintains HUD “high performer” status under SEMAP & PHAS. e. Maximize utilization of Sec. 8 program and occupancy of the PH program. f. Implement new computer applications to enhance program administration, i.e. management software. X X X leasing and Occupancy handbook Template and will begin a significant revision of the PH policy. Staff has developed a work plan and begun a series of meetings to review and update the plan. Both programs are currently rated a “High Performers” under HUD’s PHAS and SEMAP systems. Staff recently resolved long standing issues related to PIC reporting to ensure that our HUD tenant reporting rate exceeds 95% for both Sec. 8 and PH. On June 30th Section 8 utilization was > 96% and the occupancy of the PH program exceeded 97%. Hab Inc. management software which provides multiple management reports was purchased and installed. The Housing Authority has a good professional image as a developer, property manager and policy maker in St. Louis Park. a. Continue to pursue community outreach opportunities such as the Neighborhood Home Remodeling Fair & Tour. b. Enhance the information related to City housing programs provided on the City’s web site, appropriately ensure policy makers and the public are kept informed of housing related activities and programs. c. Be responsive to inquires or comments from the policy makers, businesses, service agencies and the public. d. Develop long range plan for City rehab development funds and Park Center TIF (affordable housing). X X X X (ongoing) This year’s Remodeling Fair and Tour were very successful. Dates for next year’s Remodeling Fair and Tour have already been scheduled and on the community calendar. Staff continues to work with the IT department to enhance the info available to the public on the City’s web site. New housing program information is kept up to date. Staff responds in a timely and appropriate manner to all internal and external inquiries. Park Center TIF was used as a funding resource for the Louisiana Court Deferred Loan. The Agency as Partner The Housing Authority seeks opportunities to work in partnership with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to address housing needs in St. Louis Park a. Continue to participate in NAHRO activities and work with Hennepin County, MHFA and other housing related organizations etc. b. Seek opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit and for profit developers to expand home improvement programming, resources and financing options. X X Staff attended the Spring and Fall NAHRO conference and participates in the Metro HA/City bi-monthly meetings. Staff attends bi-monthly meetings with Anoka and Ramsey county communities to discuss housing issues. Staff regularly attends Sensible Land Use educational seminars. Staff met with the Green Institute to discuss possible environmentally friendly home remodeling programs that the City could support or help facilitate. Staff is in the process of developing program specifics. Staff is submitting a grant to the MN Pollution Control Agency for a technical assistance grant to assist with Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 17
c. Act as staff liaison working with Louisiana Court funding partners. Support council appointed Board member to Louisiana Court Board of Governors. Create and participate in oversight committee to monitor project’s ongoing operational and financial status. d. Continue to seek ways to utilize CDBG funds for non-profits serving low income households in a fair and open manner. e. Support/collaborate with nonprofit and for profit developers to address housing needs in the community, both, ownership and rental. X X X start up costs for new programs. Staff continues to monitor the ongoing operation of Louisiana Court, attends weekly police/management meetings and serves on the Oversight Comm. with other funders. A notice will be sent in December to all multi-family affordable housing providers to inquiry about rehab needs. Staff has assisted WHAHLT with 3 affordable land trust homeownership properties. One more is funded and we are exploring partnering on other programs including a duplex conversion. Staff works with the rental owners and managers through the SPARC organization that meets monthly. The Housing Authority has a strong relationship with the City Council, City staff and the citizens of St. Louis Park. a. Continue to collaborate with the Police Department to support the St. Louis Park Rental Coalition (SPARC) and serve as Community Development staff liaison to the Coalition. b. Conduct neighborhood workshops on housing rehab resources and programs. Work with neighborhoods to address housing related issues. Through analysis of housing rehab activity, determine need to target under represented neighborhoods. c. Staff representation on the Intra-City Community Connections Committee to build collaboration and awareness of City’s department activities with residents. d. Continue to identify activities to better market City housing-related programs to the residents. Enhance information on the City’s WEB. e. Maintain comprehensive housing report on various X X X Ongoing X X Bi-monthly meetings continue. Coalition has combined with the Hopkins Rental Coalition to hold joint meetings on topics of interest. SLP Coalition will continue to meet separately 2-3x per year. Picnic held in June at Oak Hill Park sponsored by the SLP Police Dept. Funding was proposed in the 2008 Rehab budget to implement another “targeted neighborhood” program. Kathy Larsen continues to participate as the CD/Hsg. Representative on the Community Connections Comm. Staff worked with P & R to fund park shelter & park programming at Ainsworth Park (adjacent to Louisiana Court). Staff extensively markets programs on a regular basis, i.e., the Park Perspective, Star & Tribune articles, Sun Sailor, Utility Bills, remodeling Fair, remodeling Tour, Web, Direct mailing, annual City Neighborhood Meeting, etc. The 2006 report was distributed in Feb. 2007 and the mid-year Housing Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 18
11/21/2007 housing activities/programs in the City, include housing matrix and information on rental assistance program, distribute to policy makers semi-annually. Activity Report distributed to Council and the HA at their July/Aug meetings. Reported included info on Met Council affordable housing goals and SLP foreclosures. Next report due in Jan, 2008 Our Residents Current and past residents of subsidized housing have improved their economic status and are less dependent on public assistance. a. Continue to administer the Trails family self-sufficiency program, submit HUID application to support coordinator position to service Sec. 8 clients. Cont. to seek funding to support services to PH clients. b. Investigate role of HA and opportunities for linking to programming with community supportive services organizations. X X Current program is serving 27 individuals; 15 of whom have established escrow accounts. Staff recently submitted 2 applications for continued funding through HUD’s Sec. 8 and PH FSS grant program. Worked with Senior Community Services on Dial-a-ride program, implementation currently on hold, working with Lennox to address transportation needs to senior activities, other agencies providing services to residents at Hamilton House include STEP, Meals on Wheels, Community Involvement Program, Jewish & Family Service, Methodist Hospital . Residents unable to achieve economic independence because of age, disability or circumstance have improved their quality of life and are contributing members of the community. a. Help tenants through referral and advocacy to strengthen their relationships with local service organizations. b. Partner with Vail Place in seeking funding to sustain social service coordination staff at Hamilton House. X X The ROSS grant award now enables the HA to have a service coordinator/case management at Hamilton House fulltime. The HA received a HUD ROSS grant to fund a service coordinator at Hamilton House for three years. Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 2) Subject: Housing Authority Report & Work PlanPage 19
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 3
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Duke “West End” Development Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Provide input and direction on revised development plans.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
At the March 26 and April 23, 2007 Study Sessions the EDA/City Council expressed its general
support for Duke Realty’s West End commercial redevelopment project at the southwest corner
of I-394 and Highway 100. This led to the EDA authorizing execution of a Preliminary
Redevelopment Agreement on May 21, 2007. The agreement was further amended on
September 4, 2007.
The Preliminary Agreement was based on a two pronged approach to further consideration of
Duke’s proposed project. The first element was pursuit of a full redevelopment agreement for
the office component of Duke’s project. The second element was refinement of the concept plan
for the retail component of the project and the public spaces.
Refinement of the retail portion of the project and the public spaces was to include the
participation of a citizen advisory committee consisting of representatives from the
neighborhoods, the Planning Commission, the Park and Recreation Commission and Golden
Valley.
The purpose of this agenda item is to report back to the City Council on the progress to date on
the improvement/refinement of Duke’s retail redevelopment plan and the results of the citizen
advisory committee’s work over the past several months. It is also an opportunity for input and
direction from the City Council. The hope is that the proposed plan is sufficiently acceptable to
the City Council that they would encourage the redeveloper (Duke) to proceed to the next level
of the design and city approval process. The next level of the design process would be to further
refine project plans and prepare applications for the appropriate zoning and subdivision
approvals.
BACKGROUND:
Revised Retail Layout
Attached is the revised retail layout site plan. In response to the Council’s comments, Duke
revised the retail layout earlier this summer. It includes:
Placing stores along Park Place Boulevard
Opening up a walkway from Park Place Boulevard to West End Boulevard
Adding 2nd story office space on the west side of West End Boulevard
Two additional drawings showing the character of the retail area as it is developing are attached
also. At the meeting, Duke representatives will present the plan with a computerized “fly
through” and more drawings and will provide more details on the plans.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3) Page 2
Subject: Duke West End Development Update
Citizen Committee
In June the Council appointed 7 members to a Citizen Committee to review the retail area
design, public gathering spaces and connections to and through the development.
The Committee met four times with city staff, consultants and Duke/Anderson representatives
from August to November. The discussion was fruitful, with much give and take and ideas
incorporated into the plans between meetings. At the final meeting, Committee members were
asked to give their overall impressions and comments, and to note if they would recommend the
Council move forward on the design for the retail area. Comments included the following:
Thanks to Duke for being receptive.
Pleased to see a 2nd story office above retail; it gives it a sense of being complete, invigorates it.
The variety of materials means it’s not a typical suburban project.
Opening Park Place Blvd. up is great.
Nice to see the referral and reference back into project through the process. It appears Duke is
getting to the point to flesh out plans more fully.
Has confidence in Duke and Anderson to see the plans through.
Major concern in neighborhood connections (Cedarhurst, S. Tyrol) - accessibility and
connectivity is very important – to get people over to the development.
Likes urban look.
Thinks it is very exciting and has now met all of earlier concerns.
Will be stunning.
Excited about project. Appreciates that every month they brought back changes more than
tweaking.
Neighbors to west will have good access - a lot of people will walk.
Excited about restaurants.
All members present at the final meeting (5) recommended the project move forward into the
formal approval process.
PUD/Plat applications
In December and January, Duke is expected to present formal applications to the City for public
hearings for Preliminary Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat approvals. It is the
intent to schedule a neighborhood meeting prior to a public hearing, as was done for the
environmental review; this would include the Cedarhurst and Blackstone neighborhoods, as well
as the South Tyrol Hills neighborhood in Golden Valley.
Details covered during this review will include many site items including zoning and platting
requirements
Conditional Use Permit
Duke is proceeding with the items previously approved in the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for
grading, soil correction and utilities work. Some buildings are currently being demolished.
Park Place Boulevard
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3) Page 3
Subject: Duke West End Development Update
City Staff and SRF are proceeding with the re-design of Park Place Boulevard. Details of the
roadway and the streetscape are being studied and reviewed. Scott Brink has set up a meeting
with the property owners on the west side of the road to determine what changes may be possible
on that side of the street.
MnDOT
City Staff and SRF are working with MnDOT to look at potential changes to the
collector/distributor roads adjacent to Highway 394. MnDOT has agreed to look into
opportunities for congestion mitigation funds to offset the costs that will have area wide value.
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) granted a storm water permit for Duke’s grading
and utility work on the site. The Board asked City staff and Duke Realty to explore
opportunities to incorporate innovative low impact development elements into the plan, and
these are being explored. MCWD has a Low Impact Redevelopment Grant Program for
practices that treat/manage storm water over and above existing regulatory requirements and
some funds may be available for this development. Duke and the city staff continue to work on
such ideas.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The proposed project will not move forward without assistance form the City to help with the
redevelopment and public improvement costs associated with this project. The EDA/City
Council created a Tax Increment District for this project at its meeting of November 19, 2007.
Creation of the TIF district does not commit the City in providing assistance, but it makes
providing assistance possible. The proposed Redevelopment Contract addressing the level of
assistance to be provided to the developer is expected to be on the December 3, 2007 EDA
agenda. The target is to use no more than 20 years of tax increments to assist the project. As
reported in the November 13th staff report to the City Council, the Ehlers analysis of the Duke
West End project suggests that $27 million in assistance is justified. A good deal of the
assistance would be for public improvements. Staff can provide an update on the redevelopment
agreement at the study session.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Several areas of Vision will be touched through the implementation of this development,
including: Transportation, Sidewalks and Trails, Gathering Spaces, Community Events, Arts and
Culture. Transportation improvements in and around the development will improve access to
and through the site. Improved sidewalk and trail access for the entire area should encourage
more biking and walking. Transit service may be rerouted to better serve area employees. In
addition to the restaurants and retail stores, the atrium space, the pedestrian walkway and the
green space in the office area will become gathering spaces for the community. West End
Boulevard will be designed to be occasionally closed for community and promotional events.
Opportunities for arts and culture will be available in the community gathering spaces.
Attachments: Overall Site Plan
Site Schematics (3)
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Reviewed by: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
N1
W1 W2
W3
W4
W5 W6
E4
E5
E2
E1
N2
EXISTING MONEYGRAMEXISTING 1600 TOWEREXISTING
RAMP
EXISTING
DATA CENTER
E3 PARK PLACE BOULEVARD GAMBLE DRIVE WEST END BOULEVARD16TH STREET
HOTEL PAD SITE
PROPOSED
PARKING
STRUCTURE
PEDESTRIAN
ACCESS
OFFICE TOWER
2
OFFICE TOWER
3
OFFICE
TOWER
1
OFFICE
TOWER
4
EXISTING
HEALTH
PARTNERS
OVERALL SITE PLAN
THEATER/PARKING
SECOND LEVEL
(LOBBY)
(OFFICE)
E3
W3
W4
(SKYWAY ABOVE) (SKYWAY ABOVE) SKYWAY SKYWAY
UNDERGROUND
PARKING
(1000 PARKS)
(500 STALLS)
NEW 5
LEVEL
PARKING
RAMP
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3)
Subject: Duke West End Development Update Page 1
1060.002.00 I 13 NOVEMBER 2007PARK PLACE PERSPECTIVE
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3)
Subject: Duke West End Development Update Page 2
1060.002.00 I 13 NOVEMBER 2007WESTEND PERSPECTIVE
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3)
Subject: Duke West End Development Update Page 3
1060.002.00 I 13 NOVEMBER 2007SITE ISOMETRIC
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 3)
Subject: Duke West End Development Update Page 4
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item # : 4
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
2008 Budget Discussion.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action proposed. This agenda item is intended to allow the City Council to discuss the
City’s budget in general and to review and discuss potential changes in the 2008 General Fund
and Park & Recreation budgets in order to arrive at a final tax levy for discussion at the Truth-in-
Taxation hearing on December 3rd and for adoption on December 17th.
At the September 4, 2007 Council meeting, the preliminary tax levy increase was established at
6%. Using revenue changes that staff has identified since that time would reduce the tax levy
down to 5.6%.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
The City Charter requires a balanced budget to be adopted annually.
BACKGROUND:
The City of St. Louis Park s property tax levy helps support the operations of the General Fund,
Park and Recreation Fund, the Park Improvement Fund, the Pavement Management Fund, and
covers the debt service on General Obligation bonds. The current allocation of the proposed
property tax levy is indicated in the chart below.
2007 2008 2008 After % Incr
TAX LEVIES Levy Prelim Levy Discussion Over ‘07
General Fund/Park & Recreation $ 16,711,202 $ 17,884,382 $17,815,376
Park Improvement 1,010,000 1,010,000 1,010,000
Pavement Management 415,000 415,000 415,000
Debt Service 1,341,800 1,337,300 1,337,300
TOTAL TAX LEVIES $ 19,478,002 $ 20,646,682 $20,577,676 5.6%
The original preliminary levy was arrived at by using budget shifts for one-time and capital costs
going to the Development Fund, Equipment Replacement Fund, and Technology Replacement
Fund.
To reduce the preliminary increase, staff looked at a variety of options.. The levy could be
reduced by making reductions in expenditures, identifying new sources of revenue, or by shifting
expenditures to another funding source not supported by tax levy dollars.
Meeting of November 13, 2007 (Item 4) Page 2
Subject: 2008 Budget Discussion
Staff has identified a number of potential budget changes from these reviews. We have included
an additional $91,115 in revenue above our projection on September 4. These include an
additional $22,000 due to the changes adopted with the fee schedule in early November. We
have added $32,000 in revenue based on the Fire Department receiving a grant to fund new
turnout gear (protective coats, pants, hat, gloves & boots) purchases for next year. We also
added revenue received from the Housing Authority for performing their accounting functions.
In addition we continue to look at possible areas to reduce the budget. More information will be
provided on this Monday night.
Based on the discussion at a recent Council budget meeting, we have looked at cost projections
for expediting sidewalk snow clearing. Staff will bring a potential solution to the Council for
review on Monday evening. As requested by the Council we are also reviewing the expenditures
in the Housing Rehab Fund which will be reported back on Monday evening also.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Funds for possible vision-related projects have been set aside in the Development Fund budget.
Attachments: Summary of Revenues and Expenditures
Homestead Property Taxes at 5.6%
Prepared by: Bruce DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City of St. Louis Park
General Fund and Park & Rec
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures
Department, Division 2007 2008 New Program 2008
and Activity Adopted Baseline Requested Requested % change
General Government:
Administration/Legislative 982,931 1,050,329 6.9% 4,000 1,054,329 7.3%
Communications & Marketing 218,751 307,864 40.7% 12,918 320,782 46.6%
Community Outreach 116,397 83,983 -27.8%- 83,983 -27.8%
Human Resources 568,372 629,673 10.8%- 629,673 10.8%
Information Resources 1,490,176 1,457,339 -2.2% 3,500 1,460,839 -2.0%
Finance 1,053,482 1,123,214 6.6%- 1,123,214 6.6%
Community Development 1,024,954 1,075,897 5.0% 5,000 1,080,897 5.5%
Facilities Maintenance 1,164,367 1,187,925 2.0%0 1,187,925 2.0%
Total General Government 6,619,431 6,916,224 4.5% 25,418 6,941,642 4.9%
Public Safety:
Police 6,676,605 6,922,114 3.7% 5,000 6,927,114 3.8%
Fire Protection 2,756,522 2,984,120 8.3%- 2,984,120 8.3%
Inspectional Services 1,793,306 1,844,261 2.8% 8,612 1,852,873 3.3%
Total Public Safety 11,226,433 11,750,495 4.7% 13,612 11,764,107 4.8%
Public Works:
Public Works Administration 799,587 824,083 3.1% 8,500 832,583 4.1%
Engineering 745,302 785,182 5.4%- 785,182 5.4%
Operations 2,295,663 2,412,414 5.1%0 2,412,414 5.1%
Total Public Works 3,840,552 4,021,679 4.7% 8,500 4,030,179 4.9%
Park & Recreation:
Organized Recreation 1,223,354 1,250,699 2.2%- 1,250,699 2.2%
Recreation Center 1,319,600 1,358,382 2.9%- 1,358,382 2.9%
Park Maintenance 1,333,382 1,372,518 2.9% 5,000 1,377,518 3.3%
Westwood 452,085 466,677 3.2%- 466,677 3.2%
Environment 276,598 288,982 4.5%- 288,982 4.5%
Vehicle Maintenance 1,003,119 1,033,271 3.0%- 1,033,271 3.0%
Total Park & Recreation 5,608,137 5,770,530 2.9% 5,000 5,775,530 3.0%
Non-Departmental:
Allowance for Uncollectible Taxes 180,000 180,000 0.0%180,000 0.0%
Total Non-Departmental 180,000 180,000 0.0%- 180,000 0.0%
Total General & Park Funds 27,474,553$ 28,638,927$ 4.2% 52,530$ 28,691,457$ 4.4%
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 4)
Subject: 2008 Budget DiscussionPage 3 Page 3
City of St. Louis Park
General Fund and Park & Rec
Summary of Revenues and Expenditures
2008 2008 2008
Adopted Baseline Total w/ New Total Budget
AVAILABLE RESOURCES Budget Budget Requests w/ Adjustments
Revenues:
General Property Taxes 16,711,202$ 16,711,202$ 16,711,202$ 16,711,202$
Licenses and Permits 2,636,500 2,667,000 2,667,000 2,712,715
Intergovernmental 1,685,206 1,765,767 1,765,767 1,765,767
Charges for Services 2,123,049 2,143,145 2,143,145 2,143,145
Fines, Forfeits, and Penalties 309,600 311,000 311,000 311,000
Investment Earnings 309,099 326,600 326,600 326,600
Miscellaneous Revenue 945,061 936,161 936,161 936,161
Transfers In 2,754,836 2,680,694 2,680,694 2,680,694
Total Revenues 27,474,553$ 27,541,568$ 27,541,568$ 27,587,283$
Appropriations 27,474,553$ 28,638,927$ 28,691,457$ 28,691,457$
Net Tax Levy Increase 0 (1,097,359) (1,149,889) (1,104,174)
Total Appropriations 27,474,553$ 28,638,927$ 28,691,457$ 28,691,457$ 4.4%
Less All Revenues except Property Tax (10,763,351) (10,830,366) (10,830,366) (10,876,081) 1.0%
Property Tax to Balance Budget 16,711,202$ 17,808,561$ 17,861,091$ 17,815,376$
Other Tax Levies:
Park Improvement 1,010,000$ 1,010,000$ 1,010,000$ 1,010,000$
Pavement Management 415,000$ 415,000$ 415,000$ 415,000$
Debt Service 1,341,800$ 1,337,300$ 1,337,300$ 1,337,300$
Total Other Tax Levies:2,766,800$ 2,762,300$ 2,762,300$ 2,762,300$
Total Tax Levy 19,478,002$ 20,570,861$ 20,623,391$ 20,577,676$ 5.6%
2007
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 4)
Subject: 2008 Budget DiscussionPage 4 Page 4
34.737 34.671 Market ValueProperty Value Tax Capacity Tax Capacity Rate Homestead Credit Estimated City Tax DollarPercent2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 IncrIncr200,000 204,0002,000 2,040 694.74 707.29 (65.19) (63.97) 629.55 643.3213.77 1.98%227,562 232,1132,276 2,321 790.48 804.76 (56.78) (55.39) 733.70 749.3715.67 1.98%250,000 255,0002,500 2,550 868.43 884.11 (49.94) (48.41) 818.49 835.7017.21 1.98%300,000 306,0003,000 3,060 1,042.11 1,060.93 (34.69) (32.86) 1,007.42 1,028.0720.65 1.98%350,000 357,0003,500 3,570 1,215.80 1,237.75 (19.45) (17.31) 1,196.35 1,220.4424.09 1.98%400,000 408,0004,000 4,080 1,389.48 1,414.58 (4.20) (1.76) 1,385.28 1,412.8227.54 1.98%500,000 510,0005,000 5,125 1,736.85 1,776.89 - - 1,736.85 1,776.8940.04 2.31%600,000 612,0006,250 6,400 2,171.06 2,218.94 - - 2,171.06 2,218.9447.88 2.21%700,000 714,0007,500 7,675 2,605.28 2,661.00 - - 2,605.28 2,661.0055.72 2.14%Assumptions: Median assessed market value of record increased by 2% and does not include Limited Market Value impact. 2007 tax capacity rate based on published Hennepin County information. 2008 tax capacity rate based on Hennepin County estimate. Tax capacity rates increase from 1% to 1.25% for values over $500,000.HOMESTEAD PROPERTY TAXES -- City of St. Louis Park Portion at 5.6% Levy Increase Assumed 2% Market Value IncreaseMeeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 4) Subject: 2008 Budget DiscussionPage 5Page 5
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 5
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other: Special Meeting
TITLE:
Wireless Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
To update Council on the wireless project. Please note that the actual status of the project may
change between the time Council receives this report and the study session, based on additional
work. As a result, an updated status will be provided at the Study Session.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None.
BACKGROUND:
At its November 19, 2007 study session, Council received and discussed an update on the
wireless project. The purpose of this meeting is to provide another update based on work
performed since November 19.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Prepared by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 7
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
October 2007 Monthly Financial Report.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action required at this time. This is a written report for information sharing purposes.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None.
BACKGROUND:
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 ten months of the year, actual revenues and expenditures should generally run about
83.3% of the annual budget. Currently, the General Fund has expenditures totaling
approximately 80% and the Park and Recreation Fund is at 90%. Significant variances
exceeding budget are highlighted below accompanied with a general discussion for the variance.
General Fund
Expenditures:
• Finance expenditures appear to exceed budget because two contract employees hired to
help fill vacancies left by the departure of staff have not been allocated out to
departments. The Finance employees who left were allocated to the enterprise funds and
EDA.
• Human Resources expenditures are slightly over budget due to additional advertisements
for open positions and two personnel testing/assessments.
• 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 and part of the fall recreation season.
• Park Maintenance is slightly exceeding budget due to some fall final cleanup, contractual
payments for the Hutch Spur/Cedar Lake Trail and an additional cycle of payroll that
occurs twice each year.
• The Environmental Budget is high because we are continuing to experience a lot of tree
removal work due to Dutch Elm. This will be offset by resident billing revenue.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7) Page 2
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report
• Vehicle Maintenance is exceeding budget due to several large fuel purchases and the
additional cycle of payroll that occurs twice each year.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None required at this time.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Not applicable.
Attachments: Monthly Financial Reports
Prepared by: Brian A. Swanson, Assistant Finance Director
Reviewed by: Bruce DeJong, Finance Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
11/19/2007CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 15:11:55R5509FDO SLCOUNCIL1
1Page -Expenditure Report by CompanySt Louis Park Monthly Expenditure Council Report
10/31/2007
Description
Annual
Budget
Current Month
Actual
YTD
Balance Balance
Exp.
%
Avail.
%
01000 GENERAL FUND
100 GENERAL 21.50 21.50-.0 .0
110 ADMINISTRATION 982,930.60 79,094.52 755,075.86 227,854.74 76.8 23.2
120 FINANCE 1,053,032.00 87,971.95 928,957.71 124,074.29 88.2 11.8
130 HUMAN RESOURCES 568,372.46 55,750.35 480,514.16 87,858.30 84.5 15.5
135 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 1,024,954.14 38,487.97 814,061.76 210,892.38 79.4 20.6
140 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 1,164,367.24 85,288.52 853,169.02 311,198.22 73.3 26.7
145 TECHNOLOGY & SUPPORT SERVICES 1,490,175.71 112,811.65 1,233,064.03 257,111.68 82.7 17.3
150 COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING 218,751.47 12,020.18 153,814.08 64,937.39 70.3 29.7
160 POLICE 6,676,103.09 572,094.32 5,203,411.09 1,472,692.00 77.9 22.1
161 COMMUNITY OUTREACH - POLICE 116,397.35 6,200.95 98,650.92 17,746.43 84.8 15.2
165 FIRE PROTECTION 2,756,522.00 221,118.51 2,237,756.89 518,765.11 81.2 18.8
170 INSPECTIONAL SERVICES 1,793,306.00 161,599.98 1,433,153.59 360,152.41 79.9 20.1
175 PUBLIC WORKS 3,840,552.01 366,469.02 3,173,876.01 666,676.00 82.6 17.4
01000 GENERAL FUND 21,685,464.07 1,798,907.92 17,365,526.62 4,319,937.45 80.1 19.9
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 3
11/19/2007CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 15:13:10R5509FDO SLPCOUCIL2
1Page -Expenditure Report by CompanyExpenditure report for Park & Rec
10/31/2007
Description
Annual
Budget
Current Month
Actual
YTD
Balance Balance
Exp.
%
Avail.
%
02000 PARK AND RECREATION
200 ORGANIZED RECREATION 1,223,354.00 80,658.88 1,055,645.83 167,708.17 86.3 13.7
210 PARK MAINTENANCE 1,333,381.73 125,178.73 1,170,962.19 162,419.54 87.8 12.2
220 ENVIRONMENT 276,597.52 100,604.31 446,052.99 169,455.47- 161.3 61.3-
230 WESTWOOD 452,084.59 36,411.70 380,898.31 71,186.28 84.3 15.7
240 RECREATION CENTER 1,319,599.56 85,252.05 1,109,764.53 209,835.03 84.1 15.9
250 VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 994,373.73 86,741.20 864,522.92 129,850.81 86.9 13.1
02000 PARK AND RECREATION 5,599,391.13 514,846.87 5,027,846.77 571,544.36 89.8 10.2
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 4
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 1Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
01000 GENERAL FUND
4000 REVENUES & EXPENSES
4001 REVENUES
4010 GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES
4011 CURRENT AD VALOREM 6,086,689.42- 13,170,348.00- 46.22 13,170,348.00- |13,001,118.00-6,073,616.51- 46.72
4012 DELINQ AD VALOREM 104,876.01-|27,494.57-
4013 FISCAL DISPARITY 518,359.14-|523,752.49-
4016 PENALTIES/INTEREST 4,623.06-|1,841.57-
4018 MARKET VALUE HOMESTEAD CREDIT |987,893.68
4010 GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES 6,714,547.63-13,170,348.00-50.98 13,170,348.00-|13,001,118.00-5,638,811.46-43.37
4100 LICENSES & PERMITS
4101 LICENSES 6,479.50-557,347.50- 507,700.00- 109.78 507,700.00- |491,700.00-309,329.70- 62.91
4200 PERMITS 499,105.29-2,085,105.30- 2,128,800.00- 97.95 2,128,800.00- |2,233,800.00-2,286,817.77- 102.37
4100 LICENSES & PERMITS 505,584.79-2,642,452.80-2,636,500.00-100.23 2,636,500.00-|2,725,500.00-2,596,147.47-95.25
4270 FINES & FORFEITS
4271 MUNICIPAL COURT 15,693.40-196,134.82- 300,000.00- 65.38 300,000.00- |300,000.00-250,514.29- 83.50
4273 FORFEITURES/PENALTIES 4,969.82- 6,500.00- 76.46 6,500.00- |6,500.00-2,461.72- 37.87
4275 LIQUOR VIOLATION FINES 3,000.00-3,000.00- |3,000.00-7,000.00- 233.33
4276 MISC LICENSE VIOLATIONS 35.00-100.00- 35.00 100.00- |100.00-140.00- 140.00
4277 NON-COMPLIANCE VIOLATIONS/FEES 930.00-|
4279 CONTRACT REIMB.-SNOW REMOVAL 70.00 |
4270 FINES & FORFEITS 15,693.40-201,999.64-309,600.00-65.25 309,600.00-|309,600.00-260,116.01-84.02
4300 INTERGOVERNMENTAL
4310 FEDERAL |12,888.00-94,263.01- 731.40
4350 STATE 502,161.77- 1,189,229.00- 42.23 1,189,229.00- |1,335,706.00-2,254,437.83- 168.78
4400 OTHER 25,424.75-400,752.36- 439,575.15- 91.17 439,575.15- |411,120.00-376,478.94- 91.57
4300 INTERGOVERNMENTAL 25,424.75-902,914.13-1,628,804.15-55.43 1,628,804.15-|1,759,714.00-2,725,179.78-154.86
4600 CHARGES FOR SERVICES
4601 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 2,374.82 416,900.30- 625,028.63- 66.70 625,028.63- |603,339.32-466,161.42- 77.26
4700 PUBLIC SAFETY 23,940.27-83,287.54- 117,800.00- 70.70 117,800.00- |117,800.00-82,025.66- 69.63
4800 HIGHWAYS/STREETS 825.00-135,324.23- 303,000.00- 44.66 303,000.00- |284,000.00-220,178.02- 77.53
4600 CHARGES FOR SERVICES 22,390.45-635,512.07-1,045,828.63-60.77 1,045,828.63-|1,005,139.32-768,365.10-76.44
5100 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
5102 CURRENT |804.51-
5100 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS |804.51-
5200 MISCELLANEOUS 146.20-108.20-
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 5
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 2Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
5300 RENT REVENUE 8,333.33-85,049.98- 111,400.00- 76.35 111,400.00- |101,400.00-85,866.67- 84.68
5330 REFUNDS & REIMBURSEMENTS |5,000.00-12,759.36- 255.19
5200 MISCELLANEOUS 8,333.33-85,196.18-111,400.00-76.48 111,400.00-|106,400.00-98,734.23-92.80
4001 REVENUES 577,426.72-11,182,622.45-18,902,480.78-59.16 18,902,480.78-|18,907,471.32-12,088,158.56-63.93
6001 EXPENDITURES
6002 PERSONAL SERVICES
6010 SALARIES 1,104,947.50 10,610,888.80 13,070,190.81 81.18 13,070,190.81 |12,429,864.67 10,213,819.07 82.17
6060 PERA 93,950.40 895,264.33 1,103,634.75 81.12 1,103,634.75 |957,521.77 796,640.98 83.20
6075 FICA 53,988.06 534,154.39 638,521.59 83.65 638,521.59 |603,690.84 510,771.52 84.61
6080 INSURANCE 155,016.59 1,347,480.80 1,676,253.67 80.39 1,676,253.67 |1,677,294.84 1,312,162.79 78.23
6100 OTHER 33,839.77 344,772.76 369,461.25 93.32 369,461.25 |353,734.54 335,095.46 94.73
6002 PERSONAL SERVICES 1,441,742.32 13,732,561.08 16,858,062.07 81.46 16,858,062.07 |16,022,106.66 13,168,489.82 82.19
6210 SUPPLIES
6211 OFFICE SUPPLIES 2,697.80 36,185.66 50,550.00 71.58 50,550.00 |47,200.00 33,076.45 70.08
6212 GENERAL SUPPLIES 8,048.90 45,526.95 82,400.00 55.25 82,400.00 |82,760.00 50,211.16 60.67
6213 FIRE PREVENTION SUPPLIES 2,666.00-846.71 7,000.00 12.10 7,000.00 |5,000.00 3,534.28 70.69
6214 OPERATIONAL SUPPLIES 7,019.64 73,835.58 156,825.00 47.08 156,825.00 |132,600.00 65,891.79 49.69
6215 COMPUTER SUPPLIES 146.07 871.44 3,750.00 23.24 3,750.00 |3,500.00 796.81 22.77
6217 SMALL TOOLS 77.29 2,223.78 5,200.00 42.77 5,200.00 |4,536.00 4,240.14 93.48
6218 MOTOR FUELS 168.50 2,000.00 8.43 2,000.00 |1,500.00 106.68 7.11
6221 EQUIPMENT PARTS 57.39 11,216.30 21,600.00 51.93 21,600.00 |24,400.00 10,532.08 43.16
6222 BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 248.36 12,467.92 43,530.00 28.64 43,530.00 |34,750.00 11,228.80 32.31
6223 OTHER IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES 32,598.36 273,905.02 271,000.00 101.07 271,000.00 |268,000.00 197,386.43 73.65
6224 LANDSCAPING MATERIALS 13,860.94 18,285.07 6,500.00 281.31 6,500.00 |6,500.00 2,590.95 39.86
6225 SUBSISTENCE SUPPLIES 196.13 2,646.17 5,150.00 51.38 5,150.00 |5,000.00 3,258.28 65.17
6226 CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SUPPLY 206.54 16,611.09 29,943.00 55.48 29,943.00 |28,643.00 16,724.41 58.39
6227 MERCHANDISE FOR RESALE 1,125.00 1,000.00 112.50 1,000.00 |
6210 SUPPLIES 62,491.42 495,915.19 686,448.00 72.24 686,448.00 |644,389.00 399,578.26 62.01
6300 NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
6301 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 1,152.75 20,939.62 8,500.00 246.35 8,500.00 |8,770.00 8,088.97 92.23
6302 POLICE EQUIPMENT 5,298.49 15,486.06 22,150.00 69.91 22,150.00 |23,160.00 17,194.57 74.24
6303 OTHER 13,252.85 31,600.00 41.94 31,600.00 |43,860.00 99,041.74 225.81
6304 FIRE EQUIPMENT 1,700.00 1,700.00 |5,700.00 149.90 2.63
6300 NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 6,451.24 49,678.53 63,950.00 77.68 63,950.00 |81,490.00 124,475.18 152.75
6350 SERVICES & OTHER CHARGES
6400 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 112,535.48 958,719.12 1,257,925.00 76.21 1,257,925.00 |1,257,704.38 699,984.21 55.66
6700 POSTAGE 5,537.05 126,742.18 133,470.00 94.96 133,470.00 |130,715.00 98,736.39 75.54
6720 DELIVERY |39.35
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 6
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 3Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
6830 COMMUNICATIONS 13,738.40 155,191.86 232,710.00 66.69 232,710.00 |213,425.00 170,302.95 79.80
6900 AWARDS/INDEMNITIES 200.00 200.00 |200.00 23.94 11.97
6950 LEGAL NOTICES 815.14 4,165.03 11,000.00 37.86 11,000.00 |13,000.00 4,703.11 36.18
7000 ADVERTISING 100.00 100.00 |
7050 PRINTING & PUBLISHING 3,263.51 46,322.96 62,760.00 73.81 62,760.00 |54,758.00 41,544.29 75.87
7100 INSURANCE 9,074.80 89,397.76 96,882.00 92.27 96,882.00 |96,882.00 78,335.22 80.86
7200 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 20,753.22 225,032.56 421,023.00 53.45 421,023.00 |360,820.00 228,455.31 63.32
7300 UTILITIES 11,159.20 422,012.00 550,096.00 76.72 550,096.00 |419,496.00 356,903.61 85.08
7410 COMPUTER SERVICES 40,725.55 423,163.51 504,000.00 83.96 504,000.00 |493,000.00 402,395.18 81.62
7500 RENTALS 1,515.89 31,641.31 42,878.00 73.79 42,878.00 |737,951.00 609,565.35 82.60
7550 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT CHARGE 35,668.66 356,686.60 428,024.00 83.33 428,024.00 |419,447.00 349,539.20 83.33
7600 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT 28,045.13 208,590.05 294,266.00 70.88 294,266.00 |266,564.00 176,733.90 66.30
7620 TRAVEL/MEETINGS 2,728.14 27,613.91 31,450.00 87.80 31,450.00 |30,695.00 19,233.63 62.66
7650 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 47.77 6,080.67 7,000.00 86.87 7,000.00 |5,718.00 11,797.67 206.33
7670 LICENSES 20.00 2,123.00 3,320.00 63.95 3,320.00 |3,220.00 2,207.00 68.54
7699 CAPITAL LEASE PAYMENT |5,584.34
6350 SERVICES & OTHER CHARGES 285,727.94 3,083,582.52 4,077,004.00 75.63 4,077,004.00 |4,503,595.38 3,256,084.65 72.30
7800 CAPITAL OUTLAY
7803 IMPROVEMENTS OTHER THAN BUILDI 95.30 |
7805 OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT 2,495.00 3,694.00 |
7800 CAPITAL OUTLAY 2,495.00 3,789.30 |
6001 EXPENDITURES 1,798,907.92 17,365,526.62 21,685,464.07 80.08 21,685,464.07 |21,251,581.04 16,948,627.91 79.75
8001 OTHER INCOME
8010 TRANSFERS IN
8013 CABLE TV 12,921.92-129,219.20- 155,063.00- 83.33 155,063.00- |155,063.00-129,219.20- 83.33
8014 HOUSING REHABILITATION 16,066.42-160,664.20- 192,797.00- 83.33 192,797.00- |199,211.00-166,009.20- 83.33
8017 MSC 728.83-7,288.30- 8,746.00- 83.33 8,746.00- |41,575.00-34,645.80- 83.33
8019 WATER UTILITY 43,197.17-431,971.70- 518,366.00- 83.33 518,366.00- |483,516.00-402,930.00- 83.33
8021 REFUSE UTILITY 27,362.58-273,625.80- 328,351.00- 83.33 328,351.00- |312,171.00-260,142.50- 83.33
8022 STORM WATER UTILITY 24,765.00-247,650.00- 297,180.00- 83.33 297,180.00- |311,671.00-259,725.80- 83.33
8023 SANITARY SEWER UTILITY 64,194.42-641,944.20- 770,333.00- 83.33 770,333.00- |722,612.00-602,176.70- 83.33
8024 PENSION 32,000.00-320,000.00- 384,000.00- 83.33 384,000.00- |384,000.00-320,000.00- 83.33
8010 TRANSFERS IN 221,236.34-2,212,363.40-2,654,836.00-83.33 2,654,836.00-|2,609,819.00-2,174,849.20-83.33
8060 DISPOSAL OF ASSET
8065 SALE OF SALVAGE 10,063.00-|
8070 OTHER RECOVERIES 1,042.34- 1,500.00- 69.49 1,500.00-1,000.00-1,867.43- 186.74
8070.831 Police 1,308.88-500.00- 261.78 500.00- |270.62-
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 7
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 4Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
8070 OTHER RECOVERIES 2,351.22-2,000.00-117.56 2,000.00-|1,000.00-2,138.05-213.81
8080 BONDS
8084 CAPITAL LEASE
8100 INTEREST
8101 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS 60,971.18 301,099.00- 20.25- 301,099.00- |173,500.00-178,804.95- 103.06
8102 OTHER INTEREST |.25-
8100 INTEREST 60,971.18 301,099.00-20.25-301,099.00-|173,500.00-178,805.20-103.06
8130 CONTRIBUTIONS/DONATIONS 4,800.00-9,800.00-7,119.50-
8130 CONTRIBUTIONS/DONATIONS 4,800.00-9,800.00-|7,119.50-
8170 ADMINISTRATION FEES 2,500.00-
8171 REVENUE BOND FEES 5,000.00- 5,000.00- 100.00 5,000.00- |5,000.00-
8174 NSF FEES 1,525.00- 1,000.00- 152.50 1,000.00- |1,000.00-1,096.33- 109.63
8170 ADMINISTRATION FEES 6,525.00-6,000.00-108.75 6,000.00-|6,000.00-3,596.33-59.94
8200 MISC REVENUE 328.55-|141.00-1,342.71- 952.28
8001 OTHER INCOME 226,036.34-2,180,459.99-2,963,935.00-73.57 2,963,935.00-|2,790,460.00-2,367,850.99-84.86
8501 OTHER EXPENSE
8510 TRANSFERS OUT
8550 INTEREST/FINANCE CHARGES 11.10 |315.66
8580 MISC EXPENSE 272.81 650.00 41.97 650.00 473.00 521.33 110.22
8580.995 Contingency Budget 4,789.04 180,000.00 2.66 180,000.00 |445,580.00 15,061.50 3.38
8580.996 Uncollectable Debt 2,023.55 |650.00
8580 MISC EXPENSE 7,085.40 180,650.00 3.92 180,650.00 |446,053.00 16,232.83 3.64
8590 BANK CHARGES/CREDIT CD FEES 1.43 13,368.43 300.00 4,456.14 300.00 |300.00 14,154.74 4,718.25
8501 OTHER EXPENSE 1.43 20,464.93 180,950.00 11.31 180,950.00 |446,353.00 30,703.23 6.88
4000 REVENUES & EXPENSES 995,446.29 4,022,909.11 1.71-***********1.71-|2.72 2,523,321.59 *********
01000 GENERAL FUND 995,446.29 4,022,909.11 1.71-***********1.71-|2.72 2,523,321.59 *********
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 8
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 5Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
02000 PARK AND RECREATION
4000 REVENUES & EXPENSES
4001 REVENUES
4010 GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES
4011 CURRENT AD VALOREM 1,648,127.68- 3,540,854.00- 46.55 3,540,854.00- |2,887,292.00-1,322,053.80- 45.79
4012 DELINQ AD VALOREM |5,986.80-
4013 FISCAL DISPARITY 140,359.07-|114,006.04-
4016 PENALTIES/INTEREST 1,006.65-|402.06-
4010 GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES 1,789,493.40-3,540,854.00-50.54 3,540,854.00-|2,887,292.00-1,442,448.70-49.96
4100 LICENSES & PERMITS
4200 PERMITS 200.00-6,150.00-|7,110.00-
4100 LICENSES & PERMITS 200.00-6,150.00-|7,110.00-
4300 INTERGOVERNMENTAL
4350 STATE |50,000.00-26,500.00- 53.00
4400 OTHER 962.33-23,313.33- 56,402.00- 41.33 56,402.00- |44,702.00-27,660.32- 61.88
4300 INTERGOVERNMENTAL 962.33-23,313.33-56,402.00-41.33 56,402.00-|94,702.00-54,160.32-57.19
4600 CHARGES FOR SERVICES
4601 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 31,507.71-159,371.26- 113,150.00- 140.85 113,150.00- |148,700.00-217,451.15- 146.23
4900 PROGRAM REVENUE 48,928.67-936,811.70- 964,070.00- 97.17 964,070.00- |999,188.00-896,016.38- 89.67
4600 CHARGES FOR SERVICES 80,436.38-1,096,182.96-1,077,220.00-101.76 1,077,220.00-|1,147,888.00-1,113,467.53-97.00
5100 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
5102 CURRENT |34,794.67-
5103 DELINQUENT |537.62-
5100 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS |35,332.29-
5200 MISCELLANEOUS
5300 RENT REVENUE 110,377.10-506,142.36- 807,061.00- 62.71 807,061.00- |681,072.00-495,438.27- 72.74
5330 REFUNDS & REIMBURSEMENTS 3,371.50-8,732.83- 2,000.00- 436.64 2,000.00- |2,000.00-4,410.99 220.55-
5200 MISCELLANEOUS 113,748.60-514,875.19-809,061.00-63.64 809,061.00-|683,072.00-491,027.28-71.89
4001 REVENUES 195,347.31-3,430,014.88-5,483,537.00-62.55 5,483,537.00-|4,812,954.00-3,143,546.12-65.31
6001 EXPENDITURES
6002 PERSONAL SERVICES
6010 SALARIES 192,541.97 2,188,505.30 2,575,797.79 84.96 2,575,797.79 |2,161,008.62 1,852,954.00 85.74
6060 PERA 11,757.15 112,777.64 131,415.11 85.82 131,415.11 |101,694.45 89,589.46 88.10
6075 FICA 15,075.63 169,342.34 196,435.35 86.21 196,435.35 |164,380.53 142,233.54 86.53
6080 INSURANCE 29,623.15 252,983.46 310,528.22 81.47 310,528.22 |262,438.32 208,849.54 79.58
6100 OTHER 12,951.34 101,807.84 72,151.66 141.10 72,151.66 |50,148.53 68,316.10 136.23
6002 PERSONAL SERVICES 261,949.24 2,825,416.58 3,286,328.13 85.97 3,286,328.13 |2,739,670.45 2,361,942.64 86.21
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 9
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 6Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
6210 SUPPLIES
6211 OFFICE SUPPLIES 295.17 5,980.24 6,950.00 86.05 6,950.00 |5,900.00 5,550.86 94.08
6212 GENERAL SUPPLIES 14,204.78 139,987.11 188,030.00 74.45 188,030.00 |159,880.00 131,075.79 81.98
6214 OPERATIONAL SUPPLIES 744.93 12,383.94 18,502.00 66.93 18,502.00 |16,002.00 20,371.85 127.31
6216 CONCESSION SUPPLIES 685.00 63,144.36 64,600.00 97.75 64,600.00 |64,900.00 51,238.30 78.95
6217 SMALL TOOLS 7.78 4,041.15 6,550.00 61.70 6,550.00 |3,550.00 2,722.26 76.68
6218 MOTOR FUELS 21,875.15 243,552.04 259,000.00 94.04 259,000.00 |9,000.00 9,786.75 108.74
6219 LUBRICANTS/ADDITIVES 151.84-12,587.70 9,300.00 135.35 9,300.00 |
6220 TIRES 3,071.56 19,021.25 14,000.00 135.87 14,000.00 |
6221 EQUIPMENT PARTS 5,646.55 90,501.80 106,800.00 84.74 106,800.00 |2,500.00 231.00 9.24
6222 BLDG/STRUCTURE SUPPLIES 2,444.05 33,318.73 36,150.00 92.17 36,150.00 |33,400.00 22,792.28 68.24
6223 OTHER IMPROVEMENT SUPPLIES 5,474.82 45,168.25 47,100.00 95.90 47,100.00 |47,000.00 53,427.25 113.68
6224 LANDSCAPING MATERIALS 1,921.68 9,045.45 11,100.00 81.49 11,100.00 |12,000.00 11,633.22 96.94
6226 CLEANING/WASTE REMOVAL SUPPLY 699.96 750.00 93.33 750.00 |655.03
6210 SUPPLIES 56,219.63 679,431.98 768,832.00 88.37 768,832.00 |354,132.00 309,484.59 87.39
6300 NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
6301 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 200.00 |590.28
6303 OTHER 8,029.09 4,500.00 178.42 4,500.00 |4,500.00 3,864.95 85.89
6300 NON-CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 8,229.09 4,500.00 182.87 4,500.00 |4,500.00 4,455.23 99.01
6350 SERVICES & OTHER CHARGES
6400 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 28,759.11 496,313.75 502,304.00 98.81 502,304.00 |525,779.00 518,797.68 98.67
6700 POSTAGE 3,726.18 11,781.19 11,375.00 103.57 11,375.00 |10,275.00 6,995.39 68.08
6830 COMMUNICATIONS 1,556.48 17,657.86 25,200.00 70.07 25,200.00 |23,550.00 18,780.14 79.75
6950 LEGAL NOTICES 200.00 200.00 |
7000 ADVERTISING 191.50 5,458.67 5,650.00 96.61 5,650.00 |5,650.00 9,157.59 162.08
7050 PRINTING & PUBLISHING 24,357.71 36,000.00 67.66 36,000.00 |36,000.00 25,251.99 70.14
7100 INSURANCE 9,197.07 80,449.92 102,146.00 78.76 102,146.00 |58,346.00 53,528.10 91.74
7200 REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE 116,669.00 400,631.35 239,550.00 167.24 239,550.00 |162,550.00 325,611.72 200.31
7300 UTILITIES 18,946.60 324,603.15 409,350.00 79.30 409,350.00 |448,783.00 366,925.44 81.76
7500 RENTALS 306.99 4,515.70 12,280.00 36.77 12,280.00 |240,617.00 201,139.93 83.59
7550 EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT CHARGE 10,751.42 107,514.20 129,026.00 83.33 129,026.00 |112,575.00 93,812.60 83.33
7600 EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT 6,121.74 25,323.01 34,525.00 73.35 34,525.00 |27,385.00 19,482.37 71.14
7620 TRAVEL/MEETINGS 146.95 3,935.01 11,125.00 35.37 11,125.00 |10,725.00 4,756.13 44.35
7670 LICENSES 1,607.68 2,000.00 80.38 2,000.00 |1,000.00 280.00 28.00
6350 SERVICES & OTHER CHARGES 196,373.04 1,504,149.20 1,520,731.00 98.91 1,520,731.00 |1,663,235.00 1,644,519.08 98.87
7800 CAPITAL OUTLAY
7803 IMPROVEMENTS OTHER THAN BUILDI 304.96 304.96 7,000.00 4.36 7,000.00 |4,500.00
7804 MACHINERY & AUTO EQUIPMENT 9,849.20 12,000.00 82.08 12,000.00 |10,000.00
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 10
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 7Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
7806 LANDSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS 465.76 |117.16
7800 CAPITAL OUTLAY 304.96 10,619.92 19,000.00 55.89 19,000.00 |14,500.00 117.16 .81
6001 EXPENDITURES 514,846.87 5,027,846.77 5,599,391.13 89.79 5,599,391.13 |4,776,037.45 4,320,518.70 90.46
8001 OTHER INCOME
8010 TRANSFERS IN
8011 GENERAL 100,000.00-100,000.00- |
8010 TRANSFERS IN 100,000.00-100,000.00-|
8060 DISPOSAL OF ASSET
8070 OTHER RECOVERIES |25.00-
8100 INTEREST
8101 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS 8,000.00-8,000.00- |8,000.00-1,569.64- 19.62
8100 INTEREST 8,000.00-8,000.00-|8,000.00-1,569.64-19.62
8130 CONTRIBUTIONS/DONATIONS 2,500.00-11,634.42- 9,100.00- 127.85 9,100.00-10,000.00-28,855.76- 288.56
8130.980 Fee assistance 1,219.38 7,500.00- 16.26- 7,500.00- |4,300.00-890.00 20.70-
8130 CONTRIBUTIONS/DONATIONS 2,500.00-10,415.04-16,600.00-62.74 16,600.00-|14,300.00-27,965.76-195.56
8170 ADMINISTRATION FEES
8200 MISC REVENUE |185.63-
8001 OTHER INCOME 2,500.00-10,415.04-124,600.00-8.36 124,600.00-|22,300.00-29,746.03-133.39
8501 OTHER EXPENSE
8510 TRANSFERS OUT
8511 GENERAL 728.83 7,288.30 8,745.73 83.34 8,745.73 |
8510 TRANSFERS OUT 728.83 7,288.30 8,745.73 83.34 8,745.73 |
8550 INTEREST/FINANCE CHARGES 65.42 |24.14
8560 SCHOLARSHIP PAYMENTS |500.00
8580 MISC EXPENSE
8580.995 Contingency Budget |59,217.00
8580.996 Uncollectable Debt 1,316.50 |530.75
8580 MISC EXPENSE 1,316.50 |59,217.00 530.75 .90
8590 BANK CHARGES/CREDIT CD FEES 11,948.59 |11,777.38
8501 OTHER EXPENSE 728.83 20,618.81 8,745.73 235.76 8,745.73 |59,217.00 12,832.27 21.67
4000 REVENUES & EXPENSES 317,728.39 1,608,035.66 .14-***********.14-|.45 1,160,058.82 *********
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 11
R5509FIN4 CITY OF ST LOUIS PARK 11/19/200715:17:40LOGIS001
Monthly Financial Report w/ YTD BudgetBy Co (pb), Obj.Sub 8Page -
10/31/2007 2007 <===================== =====================>2007 200610/31/2007 2007
Description
Current
Period Actual
Current
Period Budget
Year to Date
Actual
Year to Date
Budget
Per Cent
Used
Annual
Budget
|
|
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Budget
Same Period Prior
Year YTD Actual
Per Cent
Used
02000 PARK AND RECREATION 317,728.39 1,608,035.66 .14-***********.14-|.45 1,160,058.82 *********
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 7)
Subject: October 2007 Monthly Financial Report Page 12
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 8
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Vision/Strategic Directions – 2nd Quarter Report.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No formal action is requested at this time. Staff requests Council review the attached
information and forward any questions to staff.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Are the steps being taken by staff consistent with the Strategic Directions adopted by the City
Council?
BACKGROUND:
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; the first update was July, 2007. The next quarterly report is scheduled for
the second study session in March, 2008. However, given the Council workshop scheduled for
early February, it may be appropriate to spend some time at the workshop receiving a more
detailed presentation of what has happened over the last year.
What’s been going on with Vision since the update in July?
• Staff have been meeting and working on the four main areas of Strategic Direction.
• Vision Action Champions from staff have been working with other groups and staff
members on the focus areas (bulleted items) under each of the four main strategic
directions.
• A Vision scorecard has been created to show how far we are coming along in each area
of strategic direction. This scorecard is outside of the City Manager’s office.
• We are collecting information on all the work, activities and initiatives that are taking
place each week that relate to Vision and the Strategic Directions and have compiled that
in a Vision Log.
• Update reports from each area of Strategic Direction follow in this report.
The Vision story and journey continues.
We started with the adoption of the four Strategic Directions. Staff was assigned to work on the
four areas and the focus areas under each Strategic Direction. The work of Vision continues to
spread through Vision teams and our daily work. You saw the first chapter in the July 23, 2007
report to Council. Attached is the second chapter of the work on Vision, connecting our staff
and activities to the strategic direction.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
None at this time.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 2
Subject: Vision Update
VISION CONSIDERATION:
This report is all about Vision!
To help you understand terms used in this report – the definitions are as follows:
• Strategic Direction Leader (SDL) is the individual leading one of the four major areas.
• Action Champion is the person assigned as lead for the bulleted area under a strategic
direction (focus area). The Action Champions are the staff members who wrote the
attached reports, updating activities in each focus area.
• As you read through the Action Team reports, some are lead by an Action Champion
only, others have an Action Champion Team. 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.
Attachments: Council’s 18 Month Strategic Directions
November, 2007 Activity Update
Prepared by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager/HR Director &
Vision SDLs and Action Champions
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 3
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 4
Subject: Vision Update
St. Louis Park Strategic Directions 18 Month Guide
November, 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.
Action Champion: Marney Olson
Action Team Members: Other departments as needed
Summary of Activities-to-Date
• Researching Neighborhood Organizations in several communities around the United States
including Bellevue, WA; Battle Creek, MI; and Portland, OR.
• Researching Neighborhood Organizations within the state of Minnesota including Rochester, St.
Paul, and Minneapolis.
• Interviewing current and previous St. Louis Park Neighborhoods.
Many of the larger cities known for their neighborhood organizations are set up as non-profit
organizations and the neighborhoods are much larger than the neighborhoods in St. Louis Park. Most of
these cities do have Neighborhood Liaisons which are city employees that serve as a contact point for
residents. Some also have paid staff for the neighborhood organization. Regardless of the size or
location of the neighborhood organization, the premise behind organized neighborhoods is to involve
residents in the community.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Continue the research of other cities and continue working with St. Louis Park city departments.
Continue interviewing current and previous St. Louis Park neighborhood association leaders. I am
working on developing a neighborhood organizing kit with information for new neighborhoods or new
neighborhood leaders.
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.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 5
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Sean Walther
Action Team Members: Mike Rardin, Public Works; Scott Brink, Public Works; Rick
Beane, Park & Recreation; Adam Fulton, Community
Development; Mark Hanson, Public Works; Meg McMonigal,
Community Development; Cindy Walsh, Park & Recreation
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Online Questionnaire
The city posted a summary report of citizen responses to an online questionnaire conducted May-
June 2007 on the city website.
Draft Plan, Maps and Graphics
Prepared by project consultant, SRF Consulting Group, Inc., with input from the city staff.
Developed presentation maps of proposed pedestrian and bicycle improvements.
The draft plan proposed new sidewalks, trails, on-street bicycle lanes, intersection improvements, and
bus stop improvements.
Active Community Citizen Advisory Committee
Met October 10, 2007
Provided feedback on the draft “Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails Action Plan”.
Four members attended a Community Open House.
City Council Work Session
City Council discussed the draft plan on October 15, 2007.
Community Open House (October 24, 2007)
40 citizens attended and provided input on the proposed plan and improvements to the pedestrian
and bicycle system.
A summary of the comments was posted on the city website.
University of Minnesota Metropolitan Design Center
The University of Minnesota Metropolitan Design Center (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota’s
technical assistance provider) reviewed the draft plan and provided comments.
**Several updates posted on the city website at http://www.stlouispark.org/about/whats_new.htm#2510 .
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Circulate plans to various commissions and adjacent jurisdictions for review and comments.
Complete the Implementation Section of the plan, include cost estimates of various high priority
projects.
City Council review and acceptance of the plan.
Capital Improvements Planning
Formally amend the Comprehensive Plan to include the “Active Living, Sidewalks and Trails Plan”.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 6
Subject: Vision Update
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Staff will send the draft plan to the following entities for review and comments
Cities of Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Hopkins and Edina
Hennepin County
Three Rivers Park District
Nov. 2007
Present plan to Citizen Advisory Committee for comments and recommendation Nov. 14, 2007
Present plan to Planning Commission for comments and recommendation Nov. 7, 2007
Present plan to Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for comments and
recommendation
Dec. 2007
Complete Implementation section of the plan, including cost estimates for
incorporation into Capital Improvements Planning
Dec. 2007
Present plan to City Council for review and acceptance Dec. 2007
Capital Improvements Planning 2008 - ?
Formally amend the Comprehensive Plan to include the “Active Living, Sidewalks and
Trails Plan”
2007-2008
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 7
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Marcia Honold
Action Team Members: Mike Rardin, Public Works; Meg McMonigal, Community
Development; Scott Brink, Public Works/Engineering; Rick Birno,
Park & Recreation; Jamie Zwilling, Communication Coordinator
Summary of Activities-to-Date
• Mayor Pro-Tem Sue Sanger and Marcia Honold attended meeting sponsored by the AMM and
Twin West Chamber in August to discuss setting a transportation agenda and agreeing on
funding prior to the 2008 state legislative session.
• Mayor Jeff Jacobs and Marcia Honold were in Washington D.C. in October as a part of the 100
Best Communities for Young People National Forum. While in D.C., we met with our Washington
delegation’s staff about transportation projects, such as the Glencoe Railroad Mitigation Project,
Hwy. 7 & Wooddale, and TH100 Full Build Project. While funding for the Glencoe Project was
not included in the FY2008 Trans-HUD bill, Congressman Peterson is asking the House
Conferees to include the $2.5 million into the final version of the bill. Staff is waiting word on the
outcome of this request.
• Public Works staff (Mike Rardin and Scott Brink) and consultants at SRF Consulting prepared an
application to the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) for STP funding for
the Hwy. 7 & Louisiana grade separated crossing in July and the application was rated highly for
this $7.2 million request. Staff will learn if this project is funded by March 2009.
• The Southwest Transit planning process by the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority
(HCRRA) continues. The Alternatives Analysis (AA) phase is completed.
• Staff is working on ways to get the message out that the Council is committed to community
transportation needs and has made funding issues a priority.
• Rick Birno and Meg McMonigal have been working with the School District and other community
leaders to establish a summer bus for students which will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during
the summer to help get youth to activities. There will be two bus routes, A & B, which will
circulate on their routes every 40 minutes. Adults may accompany youth on the bus (a city staff
person will be assigned to ride the bus during hours of operation).
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• Increase state and federally elected officials awareness for the need for a regional transportation
plan with funding.
• Promote transportation funding – letter to the editor from Mayor Jacobs to both the Star Tribune
and the Sun Sailor.
• Finalize plans/funding for the summer circulator bus, including bus routes.
• Highway 7 & Wooddale Phase II findings will be presented at a public meeting on December 6,
2007 at Central Community Center. Phase III, which includes preliminary design detail, cost
estimates, environmental scoping, and project documentation/reporting, etc., needs to start in
December to keep on schedule.
• For Southwest LRT, the next phase will be the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).
This is expected to begin in 2008 and be a 2-3 year process.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 8
Subject: Vision Update
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
• The Senate Capitol Investment Committee will be in St. Louis Park on November 30 to tour 2008
state bond requests: $10 million for TH100 and $9 million for Hwy 7 & Wooddale.
• City Manager Tom Harmening and Mayor Jacobs are meeting with Hennepin County
Commissioner Gail Dorfman in November to discuss funding options for the Hwy. 7 & Wooddale
project, specifically how to secure the remaining $9 million needed.
• Senator Steve Murphy, Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, will be meeting with City
Manager Tom Harmening in December to hear the city’s concerns about transportation funding.
• Council and elected officials will be meeting at a Study Session in December, 2007 or January,
2008 to discuss the 2008 Legislative Session and lay-out transportation priorities.
• Staff will begin collecting information in preparation of the FY2009 Trans-HUD solicitations.
Requests are usually due into federal offices in February and March.
• Staff is working to secure a total of $60,000 in funding from the public and private partners to
make the summer circulator bus possible.
• The Wooddale & Hwy. 7 work plan for the next phase (Phase III) is being developed by SRF.
The formal agreement for SRF’s work on Phase III work will be presented to Council for approval
at the December 3, 2007 meeting. If approved, SRF Consulting will start work on the next phase
in December and be completed with the work by September, 2008. If the project stays on
schedule and funding can be secured, this project is scheduled for bid letting in April, 2009.
• To receive federal funds for the SWLRT, a prescribed process must be followed (including the AA
and DEIS). Federal funds are available for up to 50% of the capital costs; communities must
compete for this money. When the time comes, local governments will have to identify a source
for the other 50% of the capital costs. The Policy Advisory Committee of the Southwest Transit
study has a Funding Subcommittee that has been meeting to discuss future funding options.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 9
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Scott Brink
Action Team Members: Sean Walter, Community Development; Mike Rardin, Public
Works; and other staff as needed
Summary of Activities-to-Date
1. Highway 100 reconstruction work (full build) update provided to City Council at 9/24/07 study
session. Presentation included traffic options, north/south connection consideration for TH 100
and beyond, including City of St. Louis Park as a whole (SEH Consultants).
2. Sidewalk and trail plan development process and open house conducted on October 24, 2007.
3. Prior to above meetings, staff committee met on 8/23/07.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
1. SEH Consultants to continue TH/100 related and overall north/south evaluation alternatives, as
directed by Council and staff input.
2. Sidewalk/trail plan to be summarized based on pubic process and meetings. Staff and Council
review, comments and approvals to ultimately follow.
3. Staff committee to meet again prior to 1/1/08. More committee members may be added.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
1. Further define technical process and refine.
2. Discuss findings and process as reported above – provide recommendations.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 10
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Meg McMonigal
Action Team Members: Not yet determined
Summary of Activities-to-Date
• Continues on 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
• Inventory additional private facilities with rooms open for public use (Methodist Hospital, for
example).
• Inventory formal gathering activities:
- Organized groups
- Programs
- Other
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• 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
• Will work with Marcia on survey – Fall 2007
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 11
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action 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
• The Multi-Use Civic Center Action team has met twice since our last report.
• Team toured community centers, indoor parks, centers for the arts and art themed hotel.
• Discussed opportunities for partnerships, green initiatives, models for operation and
transportation.
• Developed a potential amenity list based on community input, Vision process and tour.
• Amenities were prioritized in categories of high, medium and low.
• Developed a list of the benefits of expanding at the current Rec Center location.
• Developed a list of the negative aspects to a potential Rec Center expansion.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• Next Action Team meetings are scheduled for November 29 and January 24.
• Identify civic center expansion alternative locations.
• Develop a list of partnership opportunities.
• 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.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 12
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Lori Dreier, Marney Olson
Action Team Members: Human Rights Commissioners; Ali Fosse, Administrative
Services/Human Resources.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Human Rights Commissioner Lisa Miller and Marney Olson met with Sandy Johnson, member of the
Diversity Action Team, to review the Diversity Action Team document and gain a better understanding of
each of the items.
Marney Olson, Lori Dreier, and Ali Fosse met in September to review the human resources and training
items in the document.
After careful review of the document prepared by the Diversity Action Team, several key areas stood out
including Communications, Community Development, and Human Resources and Training. In addition,
several items coincided directly with other Strategic Directions identified by Council. The original
document was then revised to group goals by category. As these documents were reviewed, we noticed
that many of the goals are actually things the city already has identified either through other Vision areas
or are areas specifically related to various departments. The HRC determined one of the goals we should
have for this Vision exercise is creating a basic checklist of simple questions that can be used by
everyone. These questions would be a “filter” or “diversity lens” to ensure that diversity is something
incorporated into our daily work by everyone, not just the Diversity Vision team.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
The November 20, 2007 HRC agenda includes reviewing the draft of the Diversity Categories document
and comparing it to the original Diversity Action Team document and making any necessary changes.
We will also begin work on developing the “filter” or “diversity lens”.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
We will devote a portion of our monthly HRC meetings to this task.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 13
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Brian Hoffman
Action Team Members: Cary Smith, Fire; John Altepeter, Inspections/Facilities
Maintenance; Craig Panning, Park & Recreation; Mark
Oestreich, Park & Recreation/Westwood; Mark Hanson, Public
Works/Operations
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Continued to meet and develop a systematic plan to evaluate energy usage in all aspects of city
operations. Collected information on current consumption and the dollar cost.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Finalize the plan in writing and present to SDL and City Manager for review.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Plan will be ready during December, 2007.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 14
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Jamie Zwilling
Action Team Members: Mark Oestreich, Park & Recreation/Westwood Hills; other
Westwood Hills Nature Center staff as needed
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Following our decision to showcase Westwood Hills Nature Center as a prime example of our
environmental stewardship, we discussed the Nature Center’s current activities, its programming
strengths and its potential capabilities. We began discussions about whether the marketing push for
Westwood should be solely within the community or really as a regional asset. We determined that one
of the greatest assets of the Nature Center is its educational programming.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Next steps include further research about how other communities position their nature centers and an
analysis of what sets Westwood apart from these centers, or what makes it similar. We’re continuing to
explore whether an attempt should be made to market the educational opportunities available outside of
our community, or whether we should focus solely on our schools. Once we answer this question, we will
continue development of a communication plan to begin promoting all the opportunities strategically. This
communication plan will also utilize the standards and themes developing under the current marketing
and branding initiative, but they will be uniquely applied to Westwood.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
As mentioned before, this initiative is not just one big event, but really a series of continuing pieces that
will be moving all at the same time. We want to make sure that our marketing of the Nature Center is in
line with the overall marketing and communications plan for the city. So between now and the end of the
year, we will be focusing on research and examining marketing efforts of other nature centers and
examining our own marketing activities. We will continue exploration of the question of whether we
should market our educational programs to schools outside of our city. Once this research is complete,
we will meet with the City Manager and Park & Recreation Director and make a recommendation about
the direction we want to take the marketing. Once that is settled upon, we will move forward, after the
first of the year to begin marketing Westwood through the previously mentioned avenues such as
new/enhanced publications, Web presence, video production and activities and programming. Strategic
marketing will take time and will be ongoing. We expect it to begin in the first quarter of 2008, but it will
grow and continue to enhance over the next couple of years.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 15
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action 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
Continued meeting to consider effective and reasonable proposals to assist community members in
making green choices regarding buildings.
After working in this area, the team feels that this focus area is really about:
• Environmental Stewardship
• Education, Innovation, and Incentives in Green Design and Building Development/Rehabilitation
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Finalize a plan outline in writing and present to SDL and City Manager for review.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished?
The plan will be ready for initial review during December, 2007.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 16
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action 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/Westwood Hills
Summary of Activities-to-Date
The Action Team members discussed the focus area. All Action Team members agreed to put together
information in writing on what does “good stewardship” mean to them. Comments have been received
from the team on “What does” preserving, enhancing and providing good stewardship of our parks mean
to them. Action Champion Beane compiled all comments into one document and will be sending the info
back out to the team.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
In the next several months we plan to meet and go over the comments. This meeting will be facilitated by
our Organizational Development staff person, Bridget Gothberg. We plan to use this process to clearly
define this focus area and to develop next steps and goal(s).
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
Over the next several months.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 17
Subject: Vision Update
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.
Action Champion: Marcia Honold
Action Team Members: None named at this time.
Summary of Activities-to-Date
The survey of other cities and their environmental commissions is completed. Interviews with staff
liaisons of existing boards and commissions are scheduled. A review of internal needs and identifying a
purpose for a new board/commission is underway.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• Set up focus groups in January with staff to discuss possible need for a new and separate
commission or a function area added to an existing group.
• If the Council was to establish an environmental commission, what would be its purpose? Are
there unmet needs? Should this be an arm of an existing group? If it is added to an existing
group, how would that function?
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
All data should be collected by the end of January. Preliminary report will be sent to Council by March,
2008.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 18
Subject: Vision Update
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
Action Champion: Kathy Larsen
Action Team Members: Michele Schnitker, Community Development; external resources,
including other housing providers and government entities
Summary of Activities-to-Date
The existing programs and services directed toward remodeling and expanding move up homes are
significant. The proposed budget for 2008 continues to build on the successful past programs and
includes a funding for visionary programs including a green remodeling program. St. Louis Park has
been cited as a best practice city for its housing preservation, remodeling and expansions.
An exhaustive inventory of housing activity has been conducted. Staff has reviewed the activity, the
Housing Team’s ideas, and Housing summit ideas, as well as reviewed practices in other cities to
develop a vision that builds upon our successes. As a precursor to the next steps, staff has met with
“green remodeling” experts and will be submitting a technical assistance grant to the MPCA to assist in
design of a green remodeling program for 2008.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• In early December, a diverse group of city staff will participate in a focus group that explores a
range of visionary strategies from green technical assistance, subdivision policies, potential
parcel assembly for row houses, “green” assessments for major heating retrofits, to redefining the
term “move-up” to include components beyond the structure itself.
• Marketing has been identified as a needed tool to implement our Vision. City housing programs
and services will be enhanced with the city’s emphasis on branding. Housing will be working
more closely with Communications.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
• Technical Assistance Grant is being completed by housing staff, and will be submitted to State by
December 7, 2007.
• Focus Group will be facilitated by housing staff and is scheduled for December 3, 2007.
• Community Development staff will be meeting with Communications staff to discuss housing
branding emphasis in December.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 19
Subject: Vision Update
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-MAINTAINED
AND DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK.
Strategic Direction Leader: Kevin Locke
FOCUS AREA
Property maintenance to foster quality housing and community aesthetics.
Action Champion: Manny Camilon
Action Team Members: Jim Vaughan, Park & Recreation; Dale Antonson, Fire; Colby
Cartney, Inspections; Bruce Berthiaume, Public Works/Utilities;
Char Rohlik, Public Works; Sarah Hellekson, Public Works; Ann
Boettcher, Inspections
Summary of Activities-to-Date
Invited and met with team to discuss goals, ideas and approach for next meetings. Discussed currently
how we are maintaining quality housing through programs and how we could improve the public areas as
well. Discussed finding new and improved ways to meet our goals. Discussed Top 3 specific issues
pertaining to corridors, business and commercial properties, residential and landscaping, and what can
be done now.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Meet again with group, possibly document some concerns and direct to appropriate departments for
immediate repair/correction. Take field trip throughout community and look for other “aesthetic” issues
and discuss better solutions.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
We will continue to accumulate these issues over the next meetings, report back to our SDL and put
these to action in the near future.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 20
Subject: Vision Update
ST. LOUIS PARK IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WELL-MAINTAINED
AND DIVERSE HOUSING STOCK.
Strategic Direction Leader: Kevin Locke
FOCUS AREA
Working towards affordable single-family home ownership throughout the city.
Action 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.
• Continue to meet with SDL Kevin Locke and Kathy Larsen to discuss strategies for addressing
focus areas – last meeting 11/07/2007
• 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.
Verified acceptable affordable housing uses of the Park TIF funds with legal.
• Met with WHAHLT to discuss ideas our continued partnership and explore additional
opportunities.
• Through internet searches sand contacts with other communities, identified several affordable
homeownership programs that could be modified to fit the needs of SLP.
• Working with the Community Development and Specialized lending staff person for Wells Fargo
to explore the possibility of purchasing foreclosed properties for sale to low income families.
• Identified several duplex properties that have the potential to convert to home ownership.
Contacted owners to see if there is any interest in selling. Meeting with owners who have
indicated an interest in selling to inspect property and determine potential for conversion to
ownership. Janet Lindbo, Director of WHAHLT, accompany staff on inspection.
• Contacted several other municipalities and counties to specifics related to the effectiveness of
their current affordable homeownership programs.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
Winter 2007:
• Invite potential “brainstormers” to a focus group to review/respond to narrowed list of potential
programs/ideas. The three housing focus areas will hold a joint session(s) with diverse city
staff from Zoning, PW, Admin, Police, Fire and Finance to review current housing programs
and goals and review input from the Vision Housing Action Team, interviews and community
survey. Meeting scheduled for December 3, 2007.
• Review Section 8 Voucher Homeownership program/assess feasibility of implementing a
program in SLP.
• Continue to 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.
• Contact businesses to explore interest in creating a “Live Where You Work” affordable
homeownership program in partnership with the City – schedule to meet with the St. Louis
Park Business Council to get feedback on potential support/participation.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 8) Page 21
Subject: Vision Update
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; Kevin Locke,
Community Development; Mike Rardin, Public Works; Rick
Birno, Park & Recreation; Susan Schneck, Friends of the Arts;
George Hageman, Friends of the Arts; Marcia Honold,
Administrative Services
Summary of Activities-to-Date
The application deadline for the 2008 St. Louis Parks Arts and Culture Grants was in October and while
we have fewer grant applications, the quality of the applications has improved. There are eight grant
proposals still under consideration. The Review Committee is in final stages of reviewing applications
and making funding recommendations.
There were eight arts grants awarded in 2007 and three grantees, Community Education’s Summer
Spark Program, Bad Attitude Theater Company’s play and Homeward Bound’s mural have completed
their projects. Trolling for Olives’ short film is still in production but is anticipated to be completed in 2007
and the last of the Human Rights Commission’s film series was shown in November. Three projects will
be extended into 2008: Denise Tennen’s ceramic mural at Lenox and Marilyn Turisch’s book for STEP
are expected to be completed in January; Harmony Theatre received an extension for their play to
February, 2008 because of performance space issues.
Describe Upcoming Activities/Next Steps
• The Review Committee will select grantees for 2008 by the end of November. List of
recommended projects for funding will go to Council in December.
• Public Art Policy - Staff is drafting a policy that would provide emphasis and support for art in the
City of St. Louis Park. A committee made up of Cindy Walsh, Kevin Locke, Mike Rardin, Tom
Harmening, George Hageman, and Margaret Rog will be reviewing the policy. This policy will go
to Council at some point for review and approval.
How and When will these Steps/Activities be Accomplished
2008 applicants will receive technical guidance from Friends of the Arts if needed.
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 9
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Tobacco Penalties.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No Council action required at this time. Council is asked to review the staff report and the
attached draft tobacco ordinance, which has been slightly modified since reviewed at the October
8, 2007 study session. Staff revised the penalty section of the ordinance to say “36 months”
instead of “3 years” and revised the penalties for failure to attend mandatory training.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
Are the proposed changes to the administrative penalties section of the tobacco ordinance
sufficient?
BACKGROUND:
Council has expressed concern about the sale of tobacco to minors and discussed options for
amending and increasing administrative penalties at their August 27, 2007 Study Session. A
draft ordinance was presented to Council at the October 8, 2007 Study Session which included
increased violation penalties for sale of tobacco to minors, extending the timeframe for second
and third violations, and revocation of repeat violations (4 violations within 36 months).
The 34 tobacco licensees received a copy of the proposed ordinance amendments and were
invited to provide their feedback regarding tobacco violations, proposed administrative penalties,
and strategies to prevent the sale of tobacco to minors at a meeting on November 14, 2007.
Licensees in attendance were Greg Whitman & Kraig Elliott representing Speedy
SuperAmerica; and Dave Anderly representing, Liquor Barrel. Staff in attendance included
John Luse, Police Chief; Mike Harcey, Police Lieutenant; Marcia Honold, Management
Assistant; Nancy Stroth, City Clerk; Ann Boettcher, Inspections Administrative Supervisor; and
Kris Luedke, Office Assistant. Police Chief John Luse informed the licensees of the importance
of education, cooperation, and training for employees.
The license holders in attendance were generally supportive of the proposed ordinance changes
to address the high number of violations occurring in compliance checks and the importance of
keeping youth from purchasing tobacco. They currently use various tools such as internal
compliance checks, computer tools that swipe licenses, training every 6 months, and employee
termination. They feel they provide good job training to employees and that the business should
not be penalized if an employee makes a bad choice. They would like to see stricter penalties on
the individual employee selling tobacco. Licensee holders thanked the city for the opportunity to
provide their feedback.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 9) Page 2
Subject: Tobacco Penalties
Chief Luse reminded the licensees that employees who violate the law need to understand it is a
serious issue and has serious implications to the employer. He will be working with the city
prosecutor to make sure the employees who are cited for both tobacco and alcohol are treated
seriously by the courts. Criminal penalties on the individual employee are mandated by MN
State Statute. The first violation for selling to an underage person is a misdemeanor, and a
subsequent violation in five years is a gross misdemeanor.
Staff recommends that upon adoption of the proposed ordinance, the city would not count
previous violations toward determining the penalty. That is to say that if the establishment failed
a compliance check for sale of tobacco to a minor, it would be considered a first time violation.
Unless Council should express concerns with the direction this is going, first reading of the
proposed ordinance is scheduled for December 17, 2007 to allow time for notification to all
tobacco licensees. If adopted, the ordinance will become effective February 1, 2008 and soon
thereafter, tobacco compliance checks will begin.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
Not at this time. Penalties are part of the ordinance and not a part of the fee schedule, so if
approved, this would not have an affect on the 2007 budget or the proposed 2008 budget.
The penalties are meant to serve as a deterrent to establishments; the ordinance is being revised
with the hope that establishments will be in compliance and there will be no need to collect fees
and hold administrative hearings. However, establishments which fail compliance checks will
pay more money in penalties to the city if this ordinance is approved.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
None.
Attachments: Draft Ordinance to Chapter 8 Subdivision X. Tobacco Products and Tobacco
Related Devices
Prepared by: Nancy Stroth, City Clerk
Reviewed by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 9) Page 3
Subject: Tobacco Penalties
ORDINANCE NO. _____-07
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8 SUBDIVISION X
OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK CITY CODE CONCERNING
TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND TOBACCO RELATED DEVICES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA ORDAINS:
Section 1. Section 8-378 of the St. Louis Park City Code is amended to read as
follows:
Sec. 8-378. Violation; penalty.
(a) Generally. Any violation of this subdivision shall be grounds to revoke or suspend a
license under this subdivision.
(b) Criminal penalty. As set forth in M.S.A. ch. 609, it shall be a:
(1) Misdemeanor for anyone to sell tobacco or tobacco-related products to a person under
the age of 18 years for the first violation. Whoever violates this subdivision a
subsequent time within five years of a previous conviction under this subdivision is
guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
(2) Misdemeanor to furnish tobacco or tobacco related devices to a person under the age
of 18 years. Whoever violates this paragraph a subsequent time is guilty of a gross
misdemeanor.
(3) Petty misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 18 years to possesses, smoke, chew, or
otherwise ingest, purchase, or attempt to purchase tobacco related products.
(4) Petty misdemeanor for anyone under the age of 18 years to sell, furnish or give away
any tobacco related products. This subsection shall not apply to an employee of the
license holder under the age of 18 years while such employee is stocking tobacco
related products.
(c) Administrative penalty. A licensee shall pay to the city a civil penalty of $250.00 for an
initial violation and $500.00 for a second violation of a provision of this subdivision or a state
law governing the sale of tobacco related products within a 12-month period. The city council
may revoke or suspend a license, impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000.00 or impose a
combination of these sanctions for a third or subsequent offense of this subdivision within a 24-
month time period.
(c). Presumed penalties for Violations: The presumed penalties for violations are as
follows (unless specified, numbers below indicate consecutive days’ suspension):
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 9) Page 4
Subject: Tobacco Penalties
Type of Violation
1st
Violation
2nd
Violation
within
36 months
3rd
Violation
within
36 months
4th
Violation
within
36 months
1. Commission of a felony related to the
licensed activity.
Revocation
N/A
N/A
N/A
2. Sale of tobacco while license is under
suspension.
Revocation
N/A
N/A
N/A
3. Sale of tobacco to underage person:
$250
$750
and 1 day
$2,000
and 3 days
Revocation
4. Refusal to allow government
inspectors or police admission to
inspect premises.
5 days
15 days
Revocation
N/A
5. Illegal gambling on premises.
3 days
6 days
18 days
Revocation
6. Failure to attend mandatory
education training
$250
$750 and
1 day
$2,000 and
3 days
Revocation
The penalty for violations without a presumptive penalty shall be determined by the City
Council. The imposition of the presumptive penalty shall be a written notice to the licensee and
may be appealed through an administrative hearing process as set by the city manager. The city
manager's decision may be appealed to the city council by filing a written appeal to the city clerk
within ten days of receiving written notice of the city manager's decision.
(d). Multiple violations: At a licensee’s first appearance before the Council, the Council must
act upon all of the violations that have been alleged in the notice sent to the licensee. The
Council in that case must consider the presumptive penalty for each violation under the first
appearance column in subsection (B) above. The occurrence of multiple violations is grounds
for deviation from the presumed penalties in the Council’s discretion.
(e). Subsequent violations: Violations occurring after the notice of hearing has been mailed,
but prior to the hearing, must be treated as a separate violation and dealt with as a second
appearance before the Council, unless the City Manager and licensee agree in writing to add the
violation to the first appearance. The same procedure applies to the second, third, or fourth
appearance before the Council.
(f). Subsequent appearances: Upon a second, third, or fourth appearance before the Council
by the same licensee, the Council must impose the presumptive penalty for the violation or
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 9) Page 5
Subject: Tobacco Penalties
violations giving rise to the subsequent appearance without regard to the particular violation or
violations that were the subject of the first or prior appearance. However, the Council may
consider the amount of time elapsed between appearances as a basis for deviating from the
presumptive penalty imposed by this Section.
(g). Computation of violations: Multiple violations are computed by checking the time period
of the three (3) years immediately prior to the date of the most current violation.
(h). Other penalties: Nothing in this Section shall restrict or limit the authority of the Council
to suspend up to sixty (60) days, revoke the license, impose a civil fee not to exceed two
thousand dollars ($2,000.00), to impose conditions, or take any other action in accordance with
law; provided, that the license holder has been afforded an opportunity for a hearing in the
manner provided in this Chapter.
(i). Additional Requirements. In addition to civil penalties, every licensee that has been found
in violation of this Chapter must enter into and complete an education training program approved
by the City’s Police Department.
(d) Notice and hearing. The imposition of the civil penalty shall be a written notice to the
licensee and may be appealed through an administrative hearing before the city manager. The
city manager's decision may be appealed to the city council by filing a written appeal to the city
clerk within ten days of receiving written notice of the city manager's decision.
(e) Revocation or suspension. Revocation or suspension of a license by the city council shall
be preceded by a public hearing. The city council may appoint a hearing examiner or may
conduct a hearing itself. The hearing notice shall be given at least 20 days prior to the hearing,
include notice of the time and place of the hearing and state the nature of the charges against the
licensee and specify the penalty that the city may impose for the violation.
(f) Criminal prosecution. Any civil penalty, suspension or revocation, or combination
thereof, under this section does not preclude criminal prosecution under this subdivision or under
any applicable state statute.
(g) (j). Exceptions and defenses. Nothing in this subdivision shall prevent the providing of
tobacco, tobacco products or tobacco related devices to a minor as part of a bona fide religious,
spiritual or cultural ceremony. It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of this subdivision
for a person to have reasonably relied upon proof of age as set forth by state law.
Section 2 This ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
First Reading December 17, 2007
Second Reading January 7, 2008
Date of Publication January 17, 2008
Date Ordinance takes effect February 1, 2008
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council , 2007
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
Meeting Date: November 26, 2007
Agenda Item #: 10
Regular Meeting Public Hearing Action Item Consent Item Resolution Ordinance
Presentation Other:
EDA Meeting Action Item Resolution Other:
Study Session Discussion Item Written Report Other:
TITLE:
Marketing & Branding Update.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action required at this time. This is a written report for information sharing purposes. Unless
indicated otherwise by the City Council, staff will assume the revised recommendations from
Periscope regarding the proposed tag line and the treatment of the city’s logo can be
implemented.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
None at this time.
BACKGROUND:
Staff and representatives from Periscope presented a suggested tagline and treatment for the
city’s logo at the Nov. 5 Study Session. At the session, a majority of the council supported the
use of the tagline, “Experience LIFE in the Park,” and the variations in which it will be used, in
addition to the treatments made to the city’s logo. Staff did hear several suggestions from council
related to the logo and tagline and has made some adjustments, which you can see in the first
attachment.
First, it was noted that the proposed font for “St. Louis Park” was perhaps too strong of a
presentation or too bold. Staff took the comments and worked with Periscope to present a much
softer font going forward. While the font is still bold, it is not in all caps and is a more modern-
looking choice, although still retaining a classic look that can be used for a long time.
Secondly, there were some concerns about the proposed colors (green & teal) not looking good
together. So, we have presented the logo with the tagline color matching the logo itself, however
staff still likes the nod to the environment that emerges with the use of a green tagline and the
emphasis added with an additional color.
In the second attachment Periscope has provided reasoning for its recommendation for the
tagline, which staff accepts and endorses. As noted in the Nov. 5 meeting by staff and several
council members, the ability to adapt this tagline to other areas of city business is really its
strength.
NEXT STEPS:
Staff believes the suggestions from staff and council greatly improved the look and feel of the
tagline and logo as presented and we are prepared to move forward with the development of a
style guide and redesign of publications, along with the implementation of the strategic
messaging throughout city publications.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 10) Page 2
Subject: Marketing & Branding Update
Periscope will also work with staff to offer training and presentation of the branding plan to city
staff. We anticipate a redesign of the city newsletter early next year, the creation of a new
community handbook/new resident guide, and a redesign of the city website. In addition, you
will see messaging appearing in our cable television programming as well as other aspects of city
communications. Full implementation of branding initiatives are designed to take time and staff
will be checking in with council with regular updates about what we’re doing and how it’s
working, and to receive council feedback.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION:
The work completed to date and that outlined above was approved as part of the 2007 city
budget. Much of the messaging and design recommendations will be implemented into city
publications, advertising, etc. seamlessly. However, the introduction of consistent marketing and
messaging will take place over time and there may be future recommendations from staff for
additional marketing materials in future years.
VISION CONSIDERATION:
Vision St. Louis Park calls for a commitment to a connected and engaged community.
Consistent, frequent communication is one way that the city can exemplify this commitment.
Attachments: Marketing Message Strategies
Marketing & Branding Research Report
Prepared by: Jamie Zwilling, Communications Coordinator
Reviewed by: Clint Pires, Chief Information Officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Experience LIFE in the Park
St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
This is Officina Sans Book sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOOK ALL CAPS
This is Officina Sans Bold sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOLD ALL CAPS
Experience LIFE in the Park
St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
This is Officina Sans Book sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOOK ALL CAPS
This is Officina Sans Bold sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOLD ALL CAPS
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 10)
Subject: Marketing & Branding Update Page 3
Experience LIFE in the Park
St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
This is Officina Sans Book sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOOK ALL CAPS
This is Officina Sans Bold sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOLD ALL CAPS
Experience LIFE in the Park
St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
This is Officina Sans Book sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOOK ALL CAPS
This is Officina Sans Bold sentence case
THIS IS OFFICINA SANS BOLD ALL CAPS
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 10)
Subject: Marketing & Branding Update Page 4
TO: St. Louis Park
FROM: Jim Detmar — Associate Creative Director
DATE: November 12, 2007
RE: St. Louis Park Tagline
CC: Matt Miller, Tara Meagher, Martha Burnett
St. Louis Park Tagline
Experience Life in The Park
How we got there:
During the course of our creative homework, we started with the existing SLP tagline – Our Community of
Choice For a Lifetime – trying to determine whether it had the power to continue to serve the community,
city government and all of its stakeholders, as the city moves forward with the current branding initiative.
The basis for this decision was determined to be whether the current tagline could support the messaging
to be used by all facets of city government. For it is the messaging that holds the true power of consistent
and effective communication between the city and its stakeholders.
We concluded that the current tagline had definite usability as a communications tool, however, we
strongly believed that we could deliver a new recommendation for a tagline that would better serve the
city and its stakeholders by having a greater degree of adaptability and tie more succinctly to the
messaging. We believed that a new tagline could serve as the vehicle to deliver messaging to specific
and targeted audiences, helping to focus city government communications, internally and externally.
After numerous work sessions with our Periscope creative team, we collectively chose Experience Life in
The Park as our recommendation. The reasons we felt this tagline would strongly support the city, its
brand and its messaging are listed below:
• It is an actionable phrase, as well as being aspirational.
• It makes no grand claims — claims that are hard to substantiate or to deliver on consistently.
Rather, it offers the opportunity for everyone to be involved in the city to the level of his or her
own comfort. This includes residents, business owners and visitors.
• We chose the word — Experience — to lead our tagline, because we live in an age where people
demand to play a more active role in things they encounter, or that which engages them.
(American Idol, Dancing with The Stars, MySpace, Facebook, YouTube) They want to be a part
of the experience, yet they want to determine the level or degree of that engagement.
• We submit that the word — Experience — by its own definition, works on multiple levels. As a
verb it is synonymous with feeling, wherein as a noun, it refers to an event or happening, and also
as a sense of familiarity and understanding. Each of these words can be directly related back to
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 10)
Subject: Marketing & Branding Update Page 5
PAGE 2 OF 2
the 2006 Vision Project and our own Periscope research as words that people use to identify how
they envision St. Louis Park now, and in the future.
• We also believe that when the word — Experience — is used in concert with the word Life, it
provides a wonderful sense of momentum, driving forward. It welcomes all stakeholders to
become an active participant in what St. Louis Park has to offer.
• In addition, the word — Experience — also delivers another subtle, under the radar message:
Our city government has the “Experience” to guide our city in the right direction and in the
stakeholder’s best interest.
As we continued to dive deeper into determining the feasibility of Experience Life in The Park as the
recommended tagline for the city of St. Louis Park, it continued to circle back to the messaging and how
this tagline would impact the messaging. It is here where the tagline holds its most promise.
The ability to adapt the full tagline for use in the various departments of city government is vital. The
concept that you can “Experience” these different departments is, once again, in-line with creating an
active relationship between city government and its stakeholders.
Of all the other words that could potentially replace “Experience”, none have the power to stand as a part
of the overall tag and also speak to the needs of the government departments and their communication
goals. A few examples:
• Live Life in the Park
Although this might work for an overarching tagline, it does not serve the messaging for various
departments. (ie. Live Business in The Park, Live Security in The Park)
• Choose Life in The Park
We felt that this tagline might lend itself to concerns about a pro-life versus pro-choice stance —
potentially volatile.
• A Great Life in The Park
We felt the use of a word like Great makes a promise to stakeholders that they will have a great
life in St. Louis Park. If we can’t promise and then deliver that Great life, then we have tarnished
our brand.
• Capture Life in The Park
We felt the word capture, while active and with intention, is a bit too aggressive and may have
negative implications.
Meeting of November 26, 2007 (Item 10)
Subject: Marketing & Branding Update Page 6