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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/02/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota February 19, 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, Anne Mavity, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: Thom Miller Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), CFO (Mr. Simon), Housing Programs Coordinator (Ms. Olson), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Stacy Kvilvang and Martha Ingram, Ehlers. 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations – None 3. Approval of minutes 3a. City council minutes of December 17, 2018 Councilmember Brausen noted he submitted changes to page 9 and they will be incorporated into the Dec. 17, 2019 minutes by staff. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Dec. 17, 2019 city council meeting minutes as revised. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). 3b. City council meeting minutes of January 7, 2019 Councilmember Harris noted a correction on page 5 in the last paragraph which should read: 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 the Jan. 7, 2019 city council meeting minutes as revised. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F13504B-D52A-41E0-BBC6-6A498200D928 City council meeting -2- February 19, 2019 3c. City council study session minutes of January 14, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the Jan. 14, 2019 study session meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). 3d. City council meeting minutes of January 22, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the Jan. 22, 2019 city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Approve out-of-state travel of Mayor Jake Spano and Councilmember Rachel Harris to attend the National League of Cities (NLC) Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC on March 9 – 13, 2019. 4b. Approve an agreement between the City of St. Louis Park and Loffler Companies, Inc. for 5-year managed printer / copier / scanner / fax (document) ser vices. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 19-022 approving renewal of liquor licenses for the license term March 1, 2019 through March 1, 2020. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 19-023 in support of application for MnDOT local road improvement program funding for the Louisiana Avenue Bridge and Road Reconstruction project (4018-1700) phase 1. 4e. Designate Cempour LLC the lowest responsible bidder, and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $193,500.00 for concrete replacement – Project No. 4019-0003. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, 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 (Councilmember Miller absent). 5. Boards and commissions 5a. Appointment of youth representative to boards and commissions It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to appoint Yonah Davis to the Telecommunications Advisory Commission as youth member for the term ending Aug. 31, 2019. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F13504B-D52A-41E0-BBC6-6A498200D928 City council meeting -3- February 19, 2019 6. Public hearings 6a. Public hearing to consider allocation of 2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Resolution No. 19-024. Ms. Olson presented the staff report. She noted each year the city decides how to use its annual allocation of CDBG funds. The funds are distributed through Hennepin County by Housing and Urban Development, and the city must submit its proposed use of the allocation to Hennepin County by Feb. 28, 2019. Prior to submittal, a public hearing is required. Ms. Olson stated the city’s estimated direct allocation is $155,550. Councilmember Brausen asked where citizens can get further information . Ms. Olson stated they can contact her at city hall, adding the funds are administered by Hennepin County. Councilmember Harris asked how the funds are allocated and how many people are served in St. Louis Park. Ms. Olson stated the maximum amount of an individual loan is $30,000, and this could serve 5 or more households depending on the size of loan. Councilmember Harris asked for examples of projects where funds are used. Ms. Olson stated the funds are used for repair and maintenance needs, only necessary repairs such as new windows, siding, roof, bathroom, or kitchen repairs. She added they are not available to use for cosmetic upgrades. Councilmember Brausen asked if this is the total amount available for funding in St. Louis Park, or is there more funding available. Ms. Olson stated the dollar amount from CDBG is for St. Louis Park residents, adding there are also state programs where funding is available for lower income residents. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Mayor Spano thanked staff and Ms. Olson for their work on this program which has a direct impact on the community. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 19-024, approving proposed use of 2019 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and authorize execution of sub - recipient agreement with Hennepin County and third-party agreements. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – None. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F13504B-D52A-41E0-BBC6-6A498200D928 City council meeting -4- February 19, 2019 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Series 2019A General Obligation Bonds. Resolution No. 19-025. Resolution No. 19-026. Mr. Simon presented the staff report. He referenced the staff report asking if the council desires to issue general obligation charter bonds in the amount of $9,330,000 for sidewalk and trails project, SWLRT, fiber, and the Cedar Lake Road projects. He also noted general obligation abatement bonds in the amount of $12,890,000 to finance all of the Westwood Hills Nature Center project, of which bids were approved on Nov . 19, 2018. Mr. Simon reviewed the schedule with council which is as follows:  March 4 – public hearing on tax abatement portion of the bonds  March 18 – city council awards sale of bonds  April – closing on bonds and city receives funds Mr. Harmening informed the council that Councilmember Miller was not available to be at the meeting this evening. However, Councilmember Miller had asked if the council could be flexible with the proposed schedule so he could speak to the issue of G.O. Abatement bonds, and if the March 18 meeting could be moved to April 1. Mr. Harmening added the cost implications of this change to the schedule would be immaterial, and would not be an issue. Councilmember Brausen stated this request seems reasonable. Councilmember Rog stated she has already expressed her support of Councilmember Miller’s request in an email, adding it seems fair to push the dates out so Councilmember Miller will have a chance to make comments. Councilmember Mavity disagreed, stating all the councilmembers have varying opinions about this issue. She added she does not think there will be any changes on outcomes and changing the schedule will slow down the work that needs to be done. Councilmember Hallfin stated the schedule should remain as staff has laid out, adding that many councilmembers, including himself, have missed meetings and votes in the past. He stated all councilmembers have had plenty of time to address this topic and he prefers to move forward with the schedule staff has presented . Councilmember Harris stated that while she is in favor of giving everyone time to voice their concerns on this topic, it will not change the outcom e of funding. She stated it is important to continue on with the schedule as staff has presented . Mayor Spano stated he wants to facilitate everyone weighing in on projects. He added out of respect for Councilmember Miller’s request, he will hold off o n supporting the schedule presented by staff. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F13504B-D52A-41E0-BBC6-6A498200D928 City council meeting -5- February 19, 2019 Councilmember Brausen pointed out the city is obligated to have the hearing on March 4, 2019 as public notice has already been distributed. He urged all to abide with the proposed schedule as is consistent with the city’s practice. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 19-025, providing for the sale of general obligation charter bonds in the amount of approximately $9,330,000. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Miller absent). It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 19-026, calling a public hearing on a proposed property tax abatement for the purpose of financing the Westwood Hills Nature Center project. The motion passed 4-2 (Councilmember Rog and Mayor Spano opposed, Councilmember Miller absent). 9. Communications Councilmember Hallfin stated Thurs., Feb. 28, is the Empty Bowls event, which is STEP’s largest fundraiser of the year. He asked everyone to please support this worthy cause, enjoy some soup, and the entertainment. Councilmember Brausen noted the Children First Banquet will be held on March 7. Councilmember Harris stated the Lenox Neighborhood Alley Repaving meeting will be held on Thurs., Feb. 21, from 6-7 p.m. in community room. Councilmember Rog noted on March 21, there will be an event on food insecurity with STEP and a panel from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lenox Community Center. Councilmember Brausen stated on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. the 3rd open house regarding the upcoming Cedar Lake Road project will be held. He encouraged folks to attend to have their questions answered. Mr. Harmening encouraged anyone interested in serving on a city board or commission to complete an application. He added the city is accepting applications until Feb. 28, and further information is available on the city’s website. Mayor Spano reminded folks of the city’s snow emergency policies in effect when there is three or more inches of snow on the ground. He also thanked city snow plow drivers for all their work during February, which is now the snowiest month on record in Minnesota. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F13504B-D52A-41E0-BBC6-6A498200D928