HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/03/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
March 11, 2019
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Mayor Pro Tem Thom
Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jake Spano and Rachel Harris.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief Harcey, Sergeant Weigel, Community
Development Director (Ms. Barton), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Planner (Ms.
Monson), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: Brad Scheib, HKGI Consultants.
1. Future study session agenda planning – March 2019
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for March, 2019. Mr. Harmening
noted there will be a discussion about Belt Line at the March 18 study session with Sherman
and Associates. He noted discussions were scheduled on community development and housing
strategies and Crime Free Drug Free workgroup.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated he would like to review the possibility of Election Day being a city
public holiday.
Councilmember Rog added she would like to have the council discuss the Equal Rights
Amendment, and consider passing a resolution in order to create momentum for its passage at
the state level.
2. Body worn camera update
Chief Harcey and Sergeant Weigel presented an update along with videos of two body camera
incidents since the force began using body cameras in late 2018. Chief Harcey stated the force
has had a 92% compliance rate for use of body cameras during the trial period, and has learned
things from records management and how to categorize and monitor for record retention and
release of data. Chief Harcey noted the vendor was chosen and all hardware and software has
been purchased, requiring minor adjustments to the policy to reflect the hardware and
software purchased.
Councilmember Brausen asked when the cameras are activated. Chief Harcey stated when the
police vehicle lights are activated, the body and dash cameras are activated.
Councilmember Mavity pointed out that Minneapolis only had a 50% compliance rating for
their officers after the introduction of body cameras. She commended the St. Louis Park police
for being at 92% compliance, noting this is impressive.
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Councilmember Mavity asked about the cameras’ activation, and when this happens with the
officer. Chief Harcey stated when an officer pulls a gun from the holster, the body cam is
automatically activated, adding this has been tested by the force. He stated the body cam is
also activated when a TASER is turned on by an officer.
Councilmember Rog asked about data related to body cams and calls, and where the data is
stored. Sergeant Weigel stated the data is all stored in the cloud. Councilmember Rog asked
about officer feedback and if there had been any citizen response or feedback related to body
cameras. Chief Harcey said officers were happy to have them, and there has been no response
or feedback from the public.
Councilmember Brausen thanked Chief Harcey and the force for their work on this.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller asked if the police force had asked officers for any anonymous feedback
and apologized this direction had not come from the council initially. Chief Harcey stated there
was no anonymous feedback from officers, adding that the police force has been positive about
the introduction of body cameras.
Councilmember Rog asked if all was on track with the budget for this project. Chief Harcey
stated yes.
Councilmember Rog asked when the contract with Axon would be reviewed. Chief Harcey
stated it is a five-year contract, so it will be re-evaluated in four years.
3. Mixed-use zoning district amendments
Ms. Monson and Mr. Walther presented. They asked the council for feedback on the proposed
amendments to the mixed use zoning district. Ms. Monson stated properties in the city
currently zoned M-X mixed use were required to apply for a PUD to allow mixed-use buildings.
Then in 2015, the city adopted a specific PUD zoning district, which essentially made th e
existing M-X district obsolete. The city proposes amendments to the existing M-X district to
provide a zoning district that creates district-wide standards for mixed-use development that
are site and context sensitive, and will weave more mixed-use buildings into the fabric of St.
Louis Park’s built environment. The city will need to amend the zoning map to apply this new
district to more properties.
Councilmembers Brausen and Hallfin thanked the staff for their work on this, and stated they
liked it.
Councilmember Mavity asked if staff knows what the impact might be on increased density or
affordability, in light of these amendments. Ms. Monson stated the sites that are guided to
change to mixed use in the St. Louis Park 2040 comprehensive plan are all larger sites which are
suitable to provide the target density ranges and inclusionary housing.
Councilmember Rog thanked staff for their work on this, and asked if this creates a district -wide
or city-wide standard. Mr. Walther stated this will only apply to the mixed use district, not the
whole city or other districts within the city.
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Councilmember Rog stated she liked the density bonus idea presented by staff, and would like
an opportunity to look at the list and provide feedback on the density poin ts. Ms. Monson
stated staff can send this to council for further review and feedback.
Ms. Monson added staff is still working on defining sustainability targets to award density
points, and defining affordable commercial space and fair market rent for each building.
Councilmember Brausen added he likes the density bonus approach and asked if staff is looking
to expand this into other areas of the city. Mr. Walther stated not yet, adding this is a test at
this point, and may be applied elsewhere in the city in the future.
Councilmember Mavity asked after the Metropolitan Council approves the city’s
comprehensive plan, how long until all the zoning changes must be finalized. Mr. Walther
stated the city has 9 months to bring the zoning into conformance with the plan, adding any
changes will be brought forward to the council in stages and by priority level based on whether
there are conflicts between the plan and zoning code. The comprehensive plan is a 20-year plan
and some policy direction in the plan is intended to be implemented over the next 10 years, not
in the next 9 months.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated overall the ordinance makes sense and he also likes the density
bonuses, adding they align with the city’s priorities. He asked about some of the parcels noted
and if they should have included additional parcels in the city to be guided and rezoned to
mixed use. He asked once this is all completed, will there be any chances for changes in the
future. Mr. Walther stated the council can amend the comprehensive plan and zoning at any
time, adding the present plan re-guided properties in the comprehensive plan based upon
previous small area planning efforts over the past decade, multiple study session discussions
with the Planning Commission, public input and at least two city council study sessions on land
use specifically.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller asked why the Wayside House was on the list . Mr. Walther stated the
property has been guided and zoned for mixed use development since the Park Commons
planning in the late 1990’s. The present use was already established and included as a
permitted use in the district when the M-X district was first established in the community.
4. Sam’s Club land use and development study
Mr. Walther stated in August of 2018, the council adopted an interim ordinance establishing a
moratorium on the use and development of the property at 3745 Louisiana Ave. S., the former
Sam’s Club site. Mr. Walther noted that staff and the consultant team of HKGI and Mr. Scheib,
have completed background work including previous planning efforts, site environmental
assessment, market overview and opportunities/constraints analysis. The consultant has
generated a series of land use alternatives recommended for further consideration by the
council including:
1. Industrial re-use
2. Employment focused reuse with infill development
3. Multi-family residential redevelopment
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4. Transit oriented mixed use
Mr. Scheib stated the location constraints include the environmental history and contaminated
structural soil issues. He stated creative solutions will be required to provide landscaping and
green space. Mr. Walther further stated the environmental assessment stated the area would
need to be capped due to the environmental issues, adding there will be remediation costs, and
MPCA involvement; however, with these issues comes eligibility for a range of grant funding for
environmental clean-up through MN Deed, Metropolitan Council, and Hennepin County.
Mr. Walther stated staff will come back to council on May 13 with next steps, and a plan to
implement land use and zoning official controls before the moratorium ends in September
2019.
Councilmember Rog noted there are some soil remediation processes that include planting
trees that grow fast vs. capping the site, and asked if alternatives can be looking into for the
site.
Councilmember Mavity asked about the area of the site east of the train tracks. Mr. Walther
said it is leased by Park Nicollet and used for off-site parking at one time.
Councilmember Mavity stated if the parcel is repurposed, that unused parking lot ought to be
factored into the use. She added the site currently contributes about $150,000 per year to the
city’s property tax base annually, and this must also be factored in when looking at possible
scenarios. She also noted there are several goals and opportunities here, including support of
transit oriented development and Southwest Light Rail Transit ridership, reducing cars, and
increasing tax capacity and walkability, all helping reach the city’s Climate Action Plan goals, as
well as affordable housing goals. Councilmember Mavity also pointed out the current narrative
related to businesses desperate for workers, the need for housing and transportation, and this
is an opportunity for maximum use in this space, so these principles need to be addressed.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated he supports Councilmember Mavity’s comments as it relates to
the city’s strategic goals. He noted scenario #3 would be most appropriate in order to meet the
city’s goals.
Councilmember Rog thanked staff for the report, which was informative and helpful . She stated
the four scenarios are not all that can be considered, and hoped the council will not get locked
into one plan, but will look at many creative ideas and uses.
Councilmember Brausen said he is interested in all four scenarios and would add a fifth, which
would be a community center or public space, and would like to hear more about how this
might work.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he would also add a fifth scenario, to look at some kind of public
use for the space, with respect for what Councilmember Mavity laid out as well . He would
definitely look to repurpose the existing building, which already has a parking lot area, and
asked the councilmembers to consider this as another option.
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Councilmember Rog stated there is no reason to do any industrial plan in this part of the city,
adding she is most interested in scenarios 3 and 4.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller agreed.
Councilmembers Brausen and Hallfin agreed and would like to explore scenario 2 as well.
The council consensus direction was to drop site analysis of scenario 1 – industrial reuse. To
pursue scenarios 2, 3 and 4 – employment focused reuse with infill development, multifamily
residential redevelopment, and transit oriented mixed use.
5. C-1 zoning district retail and service use restrictions
Mr. Walther asked if council supports the Planning Commission’s recommendations on this
item, and if this needs to come back to council at a future study session.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated there was some concern, after the Planning Commission reviewed
this, about the potential for some buildings to be up to 20,000 square feet with conditional use.
He stated this was not what council had asked for, and this does not feel like C1 zoning.
Councilmember Rog added this should be discussed again by council, as it does not reflect what
was discussed for this area.
Councilmember Mavity agreed stating this does not seem to reflect the direction from council
especially when working to accomplish a pedestrian-oriented development.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he is willing to discuss it again, but added the council will need to
ensure it looks at the recommendations of the Planning Commission, as they put a lot of good
work into developing this.
Councilmember Brausen stated he had no issue with the recommendations.
Communications/Meeting Check-In (Verbal)
Mr. Harmening noted the funding package the governor is proposing can be added to the next
agenda, for the council to adopt a resolution in support of it.
Mayor Pro Tem Miller stated he is planning to run again this fall for his seat on the council,
unless a person of color, and/or progressive person wants to run for it. Then he would not run
again.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he too plans to run again, unless his new job limits the time he
can spend at council meetings.
Ms. Carrillo Perez distributed board and commission packets to all council members, and noted
the workbooks are due back to her by Wednesday, March 27. She stated there were 57
applicants, and 8 are people of color. She noted BOZA applications were not included in the
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packet. There were applicants; however, BOZA may be dissolved at some point. She added also
that under the housing section, Paul Beck was not listed, but staff will get his application for
reappointment to council for review.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
6. Outdoor parking lighting ordinance
7. Proposed use of donation to Westwood Hills Nature Center
Councilmember Brausen asked about this adding it seems premature to look at this, as council does
not know the immediate needs yet. He stated he would like to be more strategic on this.
Councilmember Mavity agreed, she would like to be more thoughtful about uses with this
donation.
8. Discover St. Louis Park 2018 annual report
Councilmember Brausen stated this is useful information for the community and it could be
presented on ParkTV, instead of presenting to the council. He added the written report is sufficient,
and an in-person report can be done periodically, but not every year.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor
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