HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/02/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
February 4, 2019
1. Call to order
Mayor Pro Tem Miller called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Pro Tem Thom Miller, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel
Harris, Anne Mavity, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jake Spano.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms.
Barton), Operations and Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser),
Civil Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez).
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Tommy Johnson Award
Presentation
Michelle Schneider, Executive Director with MN Rec and Park Association, presented the
Tommy Johnson Award to staff and the city for The Roc, a year-round community
gathering place, for its ice arena, concert venue, community center, and impressive
four-season event center. Ms. Schneider noted the facility demonstrates Mr.
Johnson’s spirit and vision.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller thanked Ms. Schneider and the MRPA for this award on behalf of
the city and Ms. Walsh thanked them on behalf of staff.
Councilmember Brausen also congratulated staff on the award, noting The Roc has
exceeded expectations as a place for diverse participation. He also thanked the hockey
association which helped make this facility possible as well.
Councilmember Mavity added she is happy to see The Roc recognized as well, and
thanked staff for their creativity in creating programs beyond skating.
Councilmember Hallfin thanked MRP for this award, and for the great work they do.
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3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council workshop minutes of Jan. 10-11, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
the Jan. 10-11, 2019 city council workshop meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of Dec. 29, 2018 through
Jan. 25, 2019.
4b. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with SRF Consulting
Group, Inc. in the amount of $508,938 for the final design of phase 1 and phase 2
of the Historic Walker Lake Street and alley reconstruction project no. 4018 -
1050.
4c. Approve an agreement with Care Resource Connection relating to HIPAA
compliance as part of sharing data between electronic health record systems.
4d. Approve an agreement that establishes the business relationship between the
City of St. Louis Park and Care Resource Connection.
4e. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2553-19 imposing a franchise
fee on Xcel Energy and approve the ordinance summary for publication.
4f. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2554-19 imposing a franchise
fee on Centerpoint Energy and approve the ordinance summary for publication.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-019 approving acceptance of a monetary donation
from the International Society of Arboriculture in an amount not to exceed
$1500.00 for all related expenses for Jim Vaughan, Natural Resources
Coordinator, to attend the 2019 International Society of Arboriculture March
board meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve
the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading
of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
5. Boards and commissions – None
6. Public hearings – None
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the p ublic – None.
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8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Bid tabulation: award bid for exhibits for the Westwood Hills Nature Center
project
Ms. Walsh presented the staff report. She noted Color-Ad backed out of its original bid,
and staff recommends the bid from Split Rock Studios .
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to reject
the previously approved bid category EX from Color-Ad Inc. for the prefabrication and
construction of the exhibits for the Nature Center project in the amount of $229,863; and
to approve bid category EX from Split Rock Studios for the prefabrication and
construction of the exhibits for the Nature Center project in the amount of $265,142.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
8b. 2019 Pavement Management Project No. 4019-1000. Resolution No. 19-020.
Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report. He noted the project includes pavement
rehabilitation, sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA upgrades, storm and sanitary repairs, and
fiber conduit. He reviewed recommendations from the Jan. 22 public hearing. All streets
that were 30 feet wide are recommended to be reduced to 28 feet, except for
Hampshire and Nevada Avenues, which have heavy parking needs.
Mr. Wiesen noted the rainwater rewards program which offers financial and technical
assistance to residents that implement storm water management projects on their
property, including projects such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, green roofs,
tree planting, and rain barrels. He added staff will send postcards to neighbors in the
area to explain the program opportunities, and more information can be found on the
rainwater management project website. Mr. Wiesen explained the project costs are
estimated at $5,723,000.
Councilmember Hallfin asked if this project is part of Connect the Park or only a
pavement management project. Mr. Wiesen stated segments of the project are part of
Connect the Park.
Councilmember Harris asked if feedback will be provided for those who attended the
public hearing. Mr. Wiesen stated the packet is on the city website and the information
will also be added to the project management website. Councilmember Harris added
sharing resident’s feedback shows the city cares about this, and she thanked staff for
doing this.
Councilmember Rog noted some residents have concerns about loss of trees, and she
asked for further reassurance and acknowledgement of this issue and how mature trees
in the line of a sidewalk might be addressed. Mr. Wiesen stated trees in the right-of-way
can be a challenge, but staff will work with resid ents, and work to save trees if possible.
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Councilmember Brausen noted Hampshire Avenue on the east side and that neighbors
clear the snow on this segment, adding this is a 1,200-foot sidewalk. He proposed an
amendment that it not be a neighborhood sidewalk where residents would have to
shovel, but that it be community sidewalk and maintained by the city. He noted the
average daily traffic count is substantial here, and it’s an imposition on two landowners,
the church which is not fully staffed during the week, and also a single-family residence,
which seems like a large burden for them. He also noted that some residents are
opposed to the sidewalks and removal of 23 trees and asked that staff preserve as many
trees as possible. He did add; however, he is in favor of the sidewalk in light of the
apartments there.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has been a supporter of sidewalks, but will not
support the proposed amendment. She noted the preservation of trees is essential,
adding that staff will help residents work through this. She stated when this process
began, the neighborhood and community sidewalks policy was created, but as a city if
this is a burden, council needs to reflect on this policy and look at it differently. She
noted that a policy needs to be applied evenly. She stated she will vote against the
proposed amendment, but not because she does not support sidewalks.
Peter C. Erickson, 6730 Elliot Rd., noted he is personally impacted by this, many trees
will have to come down, and it’s an expenditure that should not be made. He stated he
has concerns about the sidewalk there.
Councilmember Brausen stated he has concerns on imposing this burden on two
landowners. But if it’s not done, it is difficult to encourage them to walk up to transit, if
sidewalk is not cleared. For very little cost, he is in favor of amending the plan.
Councilmember Harris asked how many residents are on the block and in the
apartments. Ms. Heiser stated she does not have that information . Councilmember
Harris stated she has concerns about how many folks are walking in the area. Ms. Heiser
explained that community walks are included in projects when there is a church or park
in the area, and as it relates to Connect the Park. Councilmember Harris asked about
costs to have snow removed from this area. Ms. Heiser stated staff is looking at this and
can bring back to council any gaps that will need to be discussed.
Mr. Harmening stated the cost to remove snow on a segment this size, depending on
how much snow, is not consequential. He added it’s the cumulative effect and if
sidewalks such as this are added to projects each year, the cumulative effect will add up .
Councilmember Hallfin stated there is a policy, the church and homeowners will need to
clear sidewalks, and the city should stick to the policy. He stated he will oppose the
proposed amendment as well.
Councilmember Rog stated she understands these concerns, and she is interested in
having sidewalks as clear as possible.
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Councilmember Mavity added equity is a con cern here, and different areas and
segments have different criteria for being community or city sidewalks. She proposed
the council take time, put this on a future agenda, and revisit the policy before next
winter, as this is not in line with current policy.
Councilmember Harris stated she wants to honor the policy that council has created, but
would like to also give further consideration to the policy. She stated she is not in favor
of Hampshire Avenue becoming a community sidewalk.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated there are some elements that do make this a community
sidewalk, so he would support the amendment.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-020, accepting the project report, establishing the 2019 Pavement
Management Project (4019-1000), approving plans and specifications, and authorizing
advertisement for bids, and changing sidewalk #2 from a neighborhood sidewalk to a
community sidewalk.
The motion failed 3-3 (Councilmembers Hallfin, Mavity, Harris opposed; Mayor Spano
absent).
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin to adopt
Resolution No. 19-020, accepting the project report, establishing the 2019 Pavement
Management Project (4019-1000), approving plans and specifications, and authorizing
advertisement for bids.
The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Brausen opposed; Mayor Spano absent).
Councilmember Mavity asked staff and council to relook at city policy on neighborhood
sidewalks at a future meeting.
8c. Resolution accepting annual city manager evaluation. Resolution No. 19-021.
Ms. Deno presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated the city directors and council, along with facilitators
provided input and produced the evaluation. He added Mr. Harmening is collaborative,
and works towards strategic initiatives. He is a high performing executive, proactive, and
informs staff and council of new initiatives and issues as they arise. He stated the city is
very fortunate to have Mr. Harmening at its city manager, and thanked Mr. Harmening
for his hard work, and dedication to the city.
Councilmember Harris stated as a new councilmember, when she shares with others
that she is on the St Louis Park city council, she receives comments on Mr. Harmening
and his service. She thanked Mr. Harmening for his service to the city.
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It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-021, for formal acceptance of the final 2018 city manager annual
evaluation.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
9. Communications
Councilmember Rog noted on Tues., Feb. 5, the Lenox Foundation is having a fundraiser
and trivia contest at Parkway Pizza, and 10% will be donated to the senior Lenox
program. Also, she stated there is a Historical Walker Lake meeting at the Oak Hill 2
office building at 3240 Republic Ave.
Councilmember Rog added on Thurs., Feb. 7, the Community Advisory Council will host
an event along with STEP on food insecurity, at 6:30 p.m., at the Lenox Community
Center. Also, Friends of the Arts will host an event on immigration stories led by Ms.
Sojourner at the St. Louis Park Library on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmember Brausen cautioned all residents to be careful on sidewalks during this
current weather. Mayor Pro Tem Miller added waste pick up has been moved back one
day due to inclement weather.
Councilmember Harris noted the annual home remodeling fair is this Sun., Feb. 10, at
Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins, and is a multi-city event, from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Councilmember Hallfin noted STEP’s Empty Bowls event will be held on Feb. 28 at
Westwood Lutheran Church, and lunch and dinner will be served .
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor
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