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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/01/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota January 7, 2019 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmember absent: Anne Mavity Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Police Chief Harcey, Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Benilde students 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano noted that Park Coin donated $250 for fire prevention programs and equipment. 3. Approval of minutes - none 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of November 24, through December 28, 2018. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 19-001 designating the St. Louis Park Sun-Sailor as the city’s official newspaper for 2019. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 19-002 declaring 2019 city council meeting dates. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 19-003 appointing councilmembers to the office of Mayor Pro Tem for the 2019 calendar year. 4e. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2550-19 pertaining to the ground floor area ratio in the R-3 Two-Family Residence zoning district, and to approve the Ordinance Summary for publication. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-004 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the amount of $228,306.08 for project no. 4018-1101 MSA street reconstruction – Texas Avenue with Park Construction Company, City Contract No. 68-17. DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -2- January 7, 2019 4g. Designate Insituform Technologies as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $320,657.50 for the sanitary sewer mainline rehabilitation project no. 4019-3000. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-005 accepting donation to the fire department from Park Coin for fire prevention programs and equipment. 4i. Moved to 8e. 4j. Approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Midwest Rett Syndrome Foundation at 3700 Monterey Drive for their event to be held Feb. 1 – 2, 2019. 4k. Adopt Resolution No. 19-006 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 4124 Yosemite Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 21-117--31-0091. 4l. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of November 21, 2018. 4m. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of December 19, 2018. 4n. Adopt Resolution No. 19-007 accepting work and authorizing final payment in amount of $128,538.20 for the Rec Center partial roof and exterior rehabilitation with West Construction Company, Inc. - Project Nos. 24185018 and 24185024, City Contract No. 101-18. Councilmember Brausen requested that consent calendar item 4i be removed and placed on the regular agenda as item 8e. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended and to move consent calendar item 4i to the regular agenda as item 8e; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0. 5. Boards and commissions - none 6. Public hearings - none 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the p ublic – none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Historic Walker Lake Street and alley reconstruction. Resolution No. 19-008. Ms. Heiser presented the staff report. She stated the project will make road and alley improvements within the Walker Lake Historic District, and the city engaged consulting firm, SRF, to complete a traffic study and preliminary design for the improvements. She noted the project is scheduled to occur when school is not in session, due to the vicinity of the school. Councilmember Miller asked for a description of the funding arrangement f or the project. Ms. Heiser stated this is a pavement management project, funded by franchise DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -3- January 7, 2019 fees, utility funds and general obligation bonds. She added there is no special assessment for pavement management projects such as this. Councilmember Harris asked for details on lighting. Ms. Heiser stated the city will install street lights, as well as conduit for expansion, if the area becomes a special service district. Councilmember Rog asked about the crosswalks in the area, and if there are plans to have a flasher in the area. Ms. Heiser stated yes, as a part of final design, an enhanced crosswalk will be installed crossing over Lake Street, the location has not been finalized yet. Councilmember Brausen stated he approves of the pedestrian activated crosswalks, and asked if additional expenditures will be incorporated later as part of the small area development plan. Ms. Heiser stated yes, that is correct, noting some banners have been installed with grant funds and bike racks will also be installed later as part of the small area revitalization plan. Both Councilmember Miller and Rog agreed the area is a special place with energy and they are excited about this first step. They noted the project aligns with council strategic priorities, is near the high school, and will make this area a healthier community hub with the Nest, Sota Clothing, STEP, and other small businesses. Mayor Spano pointed out the Walker Historic District is named after the Walker family who donated their personal art collection to the City of Minneapolis, and for which the Walker Art Center was created. He noted the improvements will beautify the area and are necessary to better serve all people. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt Resolution No. 19-008 accepting the project report, establishing improvement project no. 4018-1050, approving the preliminary layout, and authorizing design of final plans. The motion passed 6-0. 8b. Luxe residential preliminary and final planned unit developm ent. Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. She stated the project is a 6-story building at the Olive Garden site at 5235 Wayzata Blvd., and noted the development is approved for multifamily in the West End. She stated the approval will create a new zoning district in the area adding that staff finds the site comparable to 2040 Comprehensive Plan goals. Mr. Kramer noted the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the project on December 19, 2018, and residents and commissioner discussed guest parking and building shadowing. The commission voted to recommend approval of the preliminary and final PUD. DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -4- January 7, 2019 Councilmember Rog asked for clarification on the affordable housing terms as it relates to TIF. Mr. Walther stated the affordability is tied to the standards of TIF, and the project is not subject to the inclusionary housing policy. He added this was negotiated similarly to the Central Park West project. Councilmember Miller asked even though the building is within the TIF district, how the developer deals with this if the parcel is valued so late in the process. Mr. Walther stated the TIF district does not benefit this developer financially, and all TIF went to the Shops at West End project. Councilmember Harris asked about the sunset date of the affordable units. Mr. Walther stated the term ends at the end of 2031, adding they will benefit from TIF. Councilmember Brausen stated it is important for the city to put affordable housing there, and he appreciates the developer’s willingness to also do electrical charging stations and their adherence to the city’s green requirements as well. He added he hopes the developer will explore solar options as well. Mayor Spano thanked the developers also for including 2- and 3-bedroom units, as well as the energy efficient items. He thanked staff for negotiating these terms. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve first reading of an ordinance adding Section 36-268 PUD 14 to the zoning code and amending the zoning map from O-Office to PUD 14 for the property located at 5235 Wayzata Blvd., and set the second reading of an ordinance for January 22, 2019. The motion passed 6-0. 8c. Ordinance regarding parking standards including electric vehicle supply equipment. Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. She stated the proposed zoning ordinance amends the parking regulations to require electric vehicle supply equipment when parking lots and parking structures are proposed to be built or reconstructed . Ms. Kramer added the intent is to facilitate and encourage the use of electric vehicles and to expedite the establishment of convenient, cost-effective electric vehicle infrastructure. The ordinance would apply to any new construction or reconstruction of parking lots, ramps, and structures of 15 spaces or more. Ms. Kramer pointed out additionally, as part of the effort to adopt the building readiness ordinance, staff researched lighting recommendations for parking structures . Based on these recommendations from the Illumin ating Engineering Society, staff drafted revisions to the zoning ordinance to reflect best practices in the industry, adding minimum and maximum illumination levels. Councilmember Harris asked if this includes resurfacing projects. Ms. Kramer stated no, only reconstruction, when actually digging into the ground to lay conduit. DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -5- January 7, 2019 Councilmember Harris asked how many permits are pulled each year for this type of project. Ms. Kramer stated she will research this and provide follow-up to the council. Councilmember Harris asked for examples of proposed lighting in the parking lots. Ms. Kramer stated the parking lot at city hall has 1-2-foot candles at nighttime lighting, as an example. Councilmember Harris asked what the benefit is for the changes to lighting. Ms. Kramer stated users benefit from these changes, and it is also easier to field verify illumination for contractors, and city inspectors, while this benefits city processes as well. Councilmember Brausen asked if staff is proposing 5- or 14-foot candles. Ms. Kramer stated 14 foot during business hours for concrete, and after hours, illumination goes lower. Councilmember Brausen stated this seems like lots of wasted energy lighting up areas that are not active. He did agree some areas need lighting to prevent criminal activity, but if the lighting is bright enough in an area, he wants to be sure the city does not go too much higher than what is allowed, for illumination. Councilmember Rog stated she is in support of reducing light emissions. She asked if the city will not require level 1 charging stations in non-residential areas. Mayor Spano added he too has lighting questions and would be reluctant to support a change if he has no understanding of what the changes in illumination really mean. He added he has concerns also because he lives behind the Methodist Hospital and when the parking ramp is lit, even with shrouds on the fixture, it is very bright at night . He stated he cannot support the ordinance, with the lighting still in question . Councilmember Harris asked for visuals on a map. She requested staff develop a light - shed map, much like we use walk sheds and watersheds to make land use decisions. This will help illuminate the impacts of the suggested changes in policy. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve first reading of an ordinance adding electric vehicle supply equipment requirements to new and reconstructed parking structures/lots and revising lighting standards for outdoor parking, and set the second reading of an ordinance for January 22, 2019. The motion was rescinded. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the electric vehicle supply requirements as presented by staff, and to table the lighting portion of the ordinance. The motion passed 6-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -6- January 7, 2019 Mayor Spano asked staff to provide council with real examples of the lighting changes . Councilmember Harris asked also for visuals on a map, to show what might be beneficial. 8d. 2019-2020 International Union of Operating Engineering Local 49 Labor Agreement. Resolution No. 19-009. Ms. Deno presented the staff report. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 19-009, approving labor agreement between the city and the maintenance employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/19 – 12/31/20. The motion passed 6-0. 8e. Body and dash camera hardware and software contract Police Chief Harcey was present to answer questions from the council. Councilmember Brausen stated education about the body and dash cam policy will be very important for the public, and ongoing updates to the council from the police will also be an important part of the process, especially since the city is committing $120,000 each year on this program. He noted some of the council members were not in favor of this policy, and in some ways, it addressed a non-existent problem; however, he does understand the police force feel this is needed and he will move approval of the contract. Councilmember Rog stated she has been opposed to a number of elements of this policy and wanted to also express caution around the Axon Corporation . She has concerns entering into a financial arrangement with Axon, adding they provide free services for a while, and then expect the city to sign onto their larger contracts. She stressed the city needs to be mindful of costs once the 5-year contract is up, and also be mindful that Axon is developing facial recognition technology, which is very opposed in the civil rights community. She encouraged caution and discretion as the city moves forward with Axon, adding she will not support this contact; however, noting that she does support the St. Louis Park Police Department. Mayor Spano stated he understands Councilmember Rog’s concerns; however, pointed out that Axon did not pitch their services to the city. The city decided to purchase the Axon contract on its own. Councilmember Rog stated she was not saying it was pitched to the city, but that this is Axon’s general sales pitch. DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1 City council meeting -7- January 7, 2019 Councilmember Brausen added the decision for the city to go with this vendor was very well grounded; however, he does share Councilmember Rog’s concerns about civil liberties and facial recognition software. He added he is in favor of the current contract proposed. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the five-year body and dash camera hardware and software contract with Axon Enterprise Incorporated in the amount of $595,426. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Rog opposed). 9. Communications – none 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: AFF3E76E-FAB7-4C16-8B77-74E062DF6FC1