Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/01/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota January 28, 2019 The meeting convened at 5:30 pm Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity (arrived at 6:05 pm), Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager (Ms. Deno), Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator (Ms. Pinc), Environmental and Sustainability Intern (Ms. Michaels), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), Deputy Fire Chief (Mr. Wolff) and Management Assistant/Acting Recording Secretary (Ms. Carrillo Perez). Guest: Sandy Fazeli, consultant with Lotus Engineering and Sustainability, Amy Lucht Founder/Director/Care Coordinator with Care Resource Connections Closed executive session- Westwood Room 1. City Manager performance evaluation Closed executive session adjourned at 6:40pm 6:45 p.m. Study Session- Community Room 1. Future study session agenda planning- February 2019 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for February 2019. Councilmember Rog presented her proposal of accessory dwelling units/home based businesses, noting she would like the council to study this and consider it during an upcoming study session. Mr. Harmening noted that this item has been raised by several councilmembers in the past and noted that staff is working on these items. Councilmember Rog asked that any changes allow accessory dwelling units and home-based businesses to work together. Councilmember Harris suggested to discuss home based business after deciding what to do with accessory dwelling units. Councilmember Brausen noted that accessory dwelling units need regulations and this will take time for the council to discuss. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9 Study session minutes -2- January 28, 2019 Councilmember Mavity stated that this is an opportunity to discuss expanded opportunities for housing, including duplexes as stated in the comp plan. She noted that it would be helpful to see the big picture of all the housing related items. Ms. McMonigal added that there are a number of items that will have to be decided on related to accessory dwelling units/home based businesses. She noted that staff is working with the planning commission and staff from other cities to review sample ordinances. The council decided to add this topic to a future study session agenda. 2. Climate action plan update Ms. Pinc, Ms. Michaels, and Ms. Fazeli presented the report. Ms. Pinc reviewed the Climate Action Plan (CAP) and events staff have participated in including the CAP kickoff event, Ecotacular at Parktacular, and the second Solar Power Hour event where four residents signed contracts. She noted that the Environment and Sustainability Commission has developed materials in partnership with youth from the Roots and Shoot club. In addition, students are asking businesses and the school district to pledge their commitment to the CAP. Ms. Pinc noted that the ESC will continue to support youth efforts. Ms. Pinc shared that staff is working on developing a resource hub on the city’s webpage and a solar map for residents. In addition city staff joined a cohort group offered by Green Steps Cities to learn about electric vehicles. She noted that staff assisted with the planning department’s recent ordinance on electric vehicle chargers and a goal in 2019 is to look for opportunities to provide electric vehicle chargers in public areas. Ms. Pinc reviewed data on municipal energy use in the eight key municipal buildings including City Hall, Police Station, Fire Stations 1 and 2, Rec Center, Westwood Hills Nature Center, Municipal Service Center and Hamilton House. Ms. Pinc noted that warm winters decrease energy use data. She noted that municipal emissions for key city buildings has reduced since 2015. She explained that the reduction can be attributed to additional renewable energy, solar production at two city buildings. She noted the limitation of solar production during predominantly cloudy months. Ms. Pinc also stated the four buildings are on Xcel Energy’s renewable-connect program, which also contributes to the reduction. She explained that there is a study being conducted at the Recreation Center, the largest energy user, in an effort to find additional energy efficiencies. Ms. Pinc summarized the community wide energy use data that shows St. Louis Park as lower than average in usage. She stated that community wide emissions have reduced about 10% since 2015. Ms. Fazeli from Lotus Engineering and Sustainability, shared the work being done to normalize sustainability by tracking sustainability initiatives, maximizing the resource hub, outreach goals DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9 Study session minutes -3- January 28, 2019 and resident education. She stated the importance of reviewing environment and sustainability impacts on populations that have been traditionally underrepresented. Ms. Pinc summarized next steps including continuing to invest in renewable energy, continue collecting and adding data, consider a benchmark disclosure ordinance, continue to develop partnerships, energy stretch code in Minnesota, and energy audits. Councilmember Harris asked about smart cities opportunities with B3 benchmarking data source software. Ms. Pinc stated that the software is only for public users. Councilmember Harris asked for more information about the pledge efforts. Ms. Pinc stated that staff wants future pledge efforts to work complimentary to the work being done by the Roots and Shoots Club. Councilmember Brausen stated that he would like to see energy audits be required and find incentives for residents to do renewable energy including bonus cards or waived inspection fees. He stated that the city should continue to promote current initiatives to the public. Councilmember Brausen noted that users may be required to do some of this work in the future. He also stated the importance in continuing to work with the school district on building energy efficiency. Councilmember Rog noted that there are opportunities to engage with the community including ad hoc committees for residents to contribute to the CAP. She noted that the city should display CAP items in high traffic areas such as the Rec Center during the summer. She stated that a CAP tab on the city’s main webpage would be helpful in finding information. Councilmember Rog asked that the city consider a bike rack program at businesses and municipal buildings and invest in reduction efforts at buildings that are using the most energy such as the Rec Center. Councilmember Miller stated that changing municipal buildings will hopefully inspire others. He asked about other initiatives that will achieve the 2040 carbon neutrality goal. Ms. Pinc responded that staff is working on getting additional data in order to work towards that trajectory. Councilmember Miller stated his supports for a benchmark disclosure ordinance and energy stretch code. Councilmember Brausen noted that the council has asked legislators to pursue the energy stretch goals during the legislative session. Councilmember Mavity asked if the benchmarking disclosure ordinance has been discussed with Twin West and local businesses. Ms. Pinc stated that she has connected with Twin West on the CAP goals but needs to do further outreach with businesses on such an ordinance. Councilmember Mavity also stated that work can be done on how home tear downs reuse materials. Mayor Spano asked what the biggest impediment is for people installing solar. Ms. Pinc stated that the cost and length of payment commitment are the biggest factors. Mayor Spano stated that having residents who participate in the solar program share their experience would be helpful to others. He shared the need to increase awareness of the CAP in high traffic areas like DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9 Study session minutes -4- January 28, 2019 the Rec Center by installing a solar powered phone charger as an example. Mayor Spano also agrees that the Rec Center needs to be looked at since it’s the highest c onsumer of energy. He stated his support for city-branded and high quality bike racks. Councilmember Brausen noted the importance of converting street lights to LED considering the quick pay back. Councilmember Harris stated her support for a benchmark disclosure ordinance. She noted the need to address the poor insulation in homes. Councilmember Mavity explained the need for energy efficiency incentives for home expansions. 3. Emergency medical services/community health management Mr. Koering, Mr. Wolff, and Ms. Lucht presented the report. Mr. Harmening explained that community health management is about transforming the way the city responds to medical calls in St. Louis Park. He noted that despite 911 being used as health care and being dispatched to the same location multiple times, there is no revenue generated from 911 calls. Mr. Harmening explained that the fire department is looking to change the outcomes of patients. He noted that this initiative has been tested, refined and is now ready to scale up with approval of the city council. Mr. Koering explained that seniors are struggling to remain in their homes and their families are struggling to manage their care. He noted that fire departments are dealing with a lift assist crisis which is an opportunity to connect individuals with care coordinators. He notes that the 911 system has become a primary source of health care for many residents. In the new initiative a Community Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) meets with patients to discuss their needs, provides home safety visits and connects them to resources including a referral to Care Resource Connection. Ms. Lucht stated that individuals are more likely to share their needs with the fire departments because of the trust that they have. Mr. Koe ring states that this program allows the fire department to bill for services within the framework of the healthcare system i.e.; Medicaid and Medicare. Mr. Wolff explained the operations of the program and described the pilot period. He stated that fire department staff have adapted well to the program. He noted that mobile integrated programs across the country have failed because they are based on grant funds that eventually run out. He explained that this program is different because there is revenue and any surplus funds will be used to make the service to the community better. Councilmember Harris stated that she likes the method for recouping costs and providing the service which is better than it’s been done before. She noted that it is similar to what Methodist Hospital is doing by connecting people in the community. She shared her support of DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9 Study session minutes -5- January 28, 2019 this initiative as many seniors who want to stay in their homes and this will help increase their quality of life. Councilmember Miller expressed his support for this initiative. He asked staff to explain the billing and incentive for residents to use this service. Mr. Wolff explained that the medical director does the billing to Medicaid and Medicare, this effort is coordinated by Care Resource Connections. Mr. Wolff noted that state statute only allows billing for certain services and the Community EMT is given only one billing code- those on Medicare/Medicaid. Ms. Lucht explained the incentive is the low cost of $40.00 versus the cost of an ambulance/emergen cy visit. Mr. Koering emphasized that there is no cost for the initial 911 visit. Mr. Wolff explained that the medical provider has a 7% fee and then reimburses the city. Councilmember Rog said she is impressed with this program and its innovation. She st ated that she would like to see similar innovations across the city. She asked staff to share efforts with mental health calls. Mr. Koering stated that the fire department is working closely with the police department on having social workers make visits, similar to what Minneapolis is doing. Councilmember Rog asked if this leads to reduction in vehicles that go on call. Mr. Wolff stated that smaller vehicles are used by the community EMT’s. Councilmember Mavity asked how the additional revenue from the program would be used. Mr. Koering stated that some possibilities include staffing and equipment. Mr. Harmening noted that if there was a surplus in revenue it would be up to the city council to decide how it’s used. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is supportive of this program even if it doesn’t pay for itself because of the impact to quality of life. Councilmember Hallfin stated that he is also supportive and asked about the frequency of which the fire department goes on calls that require difficult conversations of a senior’s ability to stay in their homes. Mr. Koering stated that this happens frequently , but before the fire department didn’t have anything to offer, now the department has access to resources to refer patients to. Mayor Spano said that he is excited about this opportunity and said this is a good example of how the city is finding gaps in service and figuring out solutions. Mr. Koering notified the council that the next city council agenda would include contracts for Care Resources and noted that all contracts have been reviewed by the city attorney and the League of Minnesota Cities. The council was in agreement to continue the community health management program. Communications/ Meeting Check-In (Verbal) Councilmember Hallfin noted that he was contacted by residents who were concerned about the snow emergency at 1:00 am. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9 Study session minutes -6- January 28, 2019 Councilmember Harris concurred and stated that having a snow emergency declared at 1:00 am was difficult for people. She stated that it’s important to declare sn ow emergencies when people are generally awake. Mr. Harmening noted that the ordinance states that vehicles must be off the street when 3 inches has fallen, the ordinance does not require a snow emergency. He also noted that there are exempt locations throughout the city that are given more time to move their vehicles. Councilmember Mavity stated that the ordinance doesn’t have to change , but the messaging and communication needs to be looked at. Councilmember Brausen stated that the city should require property managers to sign up for Park alerts. Mayor Spano noted that the city does a great job of snow removal which is important for people to navigate in the community safely. Mr. Harmening announced that waste collection will be canceled on Wednesday due to the weather, collection will get pushed back one day for the rest of the week. He also noted that the application for the crime free housing workgroup is live on the city’s website, applications will be accepted until the end of February. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 4. Fourth quarter investment report (Oct. – Dec. 2018) 5. Senior Community Services Annual Report 6. Crime/drug free rental housing workgroup process ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 7F915287-B687-45CA-8A84-BF210566F3C9