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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/03/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota March 25, 2019 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Staff present: Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Appraiser (Mr. Jurick), Appraiser (Ms. Clark), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: None. 1. Future study session agenda planning – April, 2019 Mayor Spano will be out on April 15-16, as will Councilmember Miller so they will not be in attendance at the council meeting or the joint council and school board meetings . Councilmember Rog asked about the placemaking project on public art. Ms. Deno stated a written report is scheduled for council on April 8 during the study session, adding by May 6 a final decision will be needed. She noted the project is still on time with regard to federal funding. Councilmember Rog stated this will need more conversation by the council, especially as it relates to the Historic Walker District. Councilmember Hallfin stated the city is already exploring projects like this, along with the Friends of the Arts. Councilmember Rog stated more community engagement is needed on this project. Mayor Spano stated the council should discuss this further, if staff has the report ready on April 8. Councilmember Mavity added she would like the report to provide the cost of placemaking in other areas and what the costs are. Mayor Spano added because this was removed from the SWLRT, possibly the city can add placemaking back into SWLRT. 2. Outdoor parking lighting ordinance Mr. Morrison presented the report. He stated an ordinance was presented to council on January 7, 2019 establishing standards for electric vehicle supply equipment and revised lighting requirements for parking lots. The council approved the electric vehicle standards, but tabled the parking lot lighting revisions. DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -2- March 25, 2019 Mr. Morrison reviewed the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) recommendations, noting this is an accredited organization that is recognized as a technical and educational authority on illumination. He added the purpose of the proposed changes are to provide safe, secure and effective lighting for users of parking lots in the city, and reconcile conflicting provisions in the current ordinance. The changes allow for more lighting during business hours in order to address the needs of all users, require lighting to be reduced after business hours, and continu e to protect neighboring properties from nuisances that can be caused by outdoor lighting . Councilmember Harris asked about impacts of the conflicts in the city code. Mr. Morrison stated there are inconsistencies between the lighting requirements listed in the parking section of the code, and the standards required in the lighting section of the code. Councilmember Harris asked if the change in city code is coming from general housekeeping issues or from business owner’s requests. Mr. Morrison stated there is some housekeeping, but mostly the intent is to reconcile the differences. Councilmember Mavity asked about the space that light can spill onto a boundary line at ½ foot-candle, and if that is a proposed change for residential only. Mr. Morrison stated that the code currently allows up to ½ footcandle at the property line adjacent to residential, and that is not proposed to change. Councilmember Mavity asked if the limits at the property line affects residential single or multi family. Mr. Morrison stated the limitation affects both. Councilmember Mavity asked if this would be enforced. Mr. Morrison stated yes, adding that the city conducts inspections, especially when complaints are received . He added if the property owner is in violation, they are required to make a correction to the lighting. Councilmember Mavity noted light pollution is an issue, related to how wide upward lighting spreads. Mr. Morrison stated that current code requires parking lot lighting to be downward cast lights. Councilmember Rog asked about the lighting at Westside Volkswagen, and if it will be allowed to continue as is after adoption of the amended ordinance. Mr. Morrison stated Westside Volkswagen intends to replace their existing lighting with LED’s, adding that the light levels on the site will be reduced as a result. Councilmember Hallfin noted that the city needs to hold itself to these standards. Mayor Spano stated he agrees with the policy, and appreciated examples of parking lot lighting levels provided by staff. He noted his experience living behind Methodist Hospital, and the issue with lighting at their parking ramp, adding the lights there were shielded to reduce glare. He stated also that plantings can help shield lighting and this should be consider ed when dealing with lighting issues. He asked that city staff go back to locations and view the lighting after new installations take place, in order to review and be certain it is correct . DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -3- March 25, 2019 It was the consensus of the council to direct staff to bring the proposed ordinance changes as presented to the council for formal consideration. Mr. Morrison stated the first reading of the ordinance will take place at the April 15th council meeting. 3. Affordable housing strategies and tenant protection tools Ms. Schnitker noted four proposed initiatives, and reviewed amending the inclusionary housing policy to expand the eligibility criteria and include a one-for-one NOAH unit replacement requirement. She added the policy only applies to developments seeking a PUD and land use approvals and/or a comprehensive plan amendment. Councilmember Rog noted that some communities, including Bloomington, are now requiring affordable housing in all new developments. Ms. Schnitker stated while staff does not know the details of Bloomington’s ordinance, they could be a greater risk of litigation related to applying the requirements to all developments regardless of the circumstances. Ms. Barton stated St. Louis Park has been concerned about inclusionary zoning and stayed away from blanket requirements. Councilmember Harris asked about the empty parking lot by Erik’s bike shop and if there could be a lower density building there. Mr. Walther stated this area is being studied. Councilmember Miller stated he has concerns abou t losing affordability with the one for one replacement amendment. Councilmember Mavity noted the city’s goal has been to expand the number of triggers to the policy, and to apply the inclusionary housing policy as wide and broad as possible. She added the Bloomington model is interesting, and worth considering. Councilmember Mavity asked what happens if there is major rehabilitation to a home, is there a trigger amount to help define this. Ms. Schnitker stated no, the policy does not apply to developments undergoing rehab unless they are adding 10 or more dwelling units as part of the rehabilitation project. Councilmember Mavity stated the concern then is the city losing units to folks who come in and fix up existing units. Councilmember Rog stated she has concerns about the eviction notices amendment, adding that most folks don’t show up for court dates, and also have no legal assistance. She hopes the city can help with this process and provide emergency rental assistance, noting the county assistance programs take 30 days. She added STEP could be a partner to help provide emergency assistance quicker, which could make a big difference for folks. DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -4- March 25, 2019 Ms. Schnitker stated the city provided $60,000 to STEP for funding their emergency assistance program, which assists persons facing eviction. She added this pays rental assistance for one month only, allowing them to stay in their home. Councilmember Mavity stated Minneapolis created a program that is a public private partnership along with 12 law firms that work pro bono to support tenants in need. She stated representation for tenant’s matters dramatically, and helps folks stay in their homes . She stated she would like to explore something similar for St. Louis Park. Mayor Spano stated the city may be able to participate in the Minneapolis program, and provide financial support to the program - in order to be included. Councilmember Harris asked how many evictions occur in St. Louis Park annually. Ms. Schnitker stated that there is information by zip code, but that the reporting of eviction information is at the annual rental license renewal process. Councilmember Hallfin added as a building owner, he finds the eviction notice a burden on landlords, especially those with larger properties, adding he does not agree with this amendment. Ms. Barton noted there have been many studies on evictions, and many people don’t understand if you don’t pay rent, you must leave. This 14-day eviction notice gives folks time to be notified and do something about the situation. Councilmember Brausen stated he wants to do everything possible to preserve or create affordable housing in St. Louis Park adding, however, as an attorney, he works on a daily basis on evictions. He stated in Hennepin County there is volunteer legal assistance available, but the process takes time. Councilmember Brausen also noted, at some point, the landlord is entitled to get paid. He added he sees a vast number of tenants agree to move out and negotiate for clearing their records. He pointed out, however, if a person has no record, how does a landlord know they won’t pay rent. He stated he wants folks to have affordable housing, but he is hesitant to support this. Councilmember Miller stated he supports all four amendment s. He added he is not certain if folks being evicted know about resources available to them . Councilmember Brausen pointed out that when residents receive a notice, all the resources are listed out, and in multiple languages. Councilmember Mavity stated the council might want to consider a study session including more about what other cities are doing and what policies are in place. She added possibly a representative from MN Legal Aid could speak to the council about challenges in the existing system, and problems that tenants have. She added again that representation is an important piece of this process, and she wants to see if there are ways to do this more holistically and provide other supports to tenants. DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -5- March 25, 2019 Councilmember Harris asked what are ways used to resolve issues with eviction for tenants in the city’s public housing. Ms. Schnitker stated in public housing, rents are affordable and based on a person’s income. Some folks are chronic late payers, use funds for other things, while not making rent a priority. However, she added, the city wants to work with residents so they are not evicted, and here is where STEP or the county may come in, however, residents have to pay their rent to stay. Councilmember Rog stated she supports all four amendments and appreci ates the fluidity and re-looking at this, adding she is interested in trying this out now, and also looking at legal representation later. Councilmember Harris stated she also supports all four amendments. Mayor Spano and Councilmembers Hallfin and Brausen are in favor of all of the amendments except #3, adding they need a better understanding. It was the consensus of the council to have staff move forward with the proposed initiatives/amendments 1, 2, and 4, to send back initiative/amendment 3 for further review, and to allow the council to further discuss it in depth at a future study session. 4. Crime/drug free rental ordinance workgroup applications Ms. Schnitker presented an outline of a proposed process for convening the crime/drug free rental ordinance workgroup at the January 14, 2019 study session, and a revised process at the January 28, 2019 meeting that incorporated comments and suggestions from the council . Staff then advertised and solicited applications for workgroup members and received 25 applications, consisting of renters, rental property owners, neighbors, community members and advocates. The council decided to recommend 13 members for appointment to the workgroup. Councilmember Mavity asked that the workgroup and staff not treat this subject as business as usual, and proposed asking a consultant to assist the workgroup in developing a better engagement process on this. Mayor Spano asked that before going to an outside consultant, what Ms. Sojourner’s role would be in this process first, with issues around race to explore. Councilmember Rog added council will also need to see data first, to know the scope and scale of this process, noting the workgroup might find out this is a different problem than what was first discovered. Ms. Schnitker stated the work group will have access to all information, and staff will do additional work on community engagement and developing a better process . Ms. Deno added that Ms. Sojourner and her staff will be engaged in this process as well . DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -6- March 25, 2019 5. 2019 market value overview Mr. Bultema presented the overview related to assessed market valuation and classification for each property in the city. This review gives council additional information on how the community’s real estate is reacting to the significant evolution of the housing stock, market performance trends for commercial-industrial space, thoughts on current market cycle, and the foundation looking forward. Mr. Bultema outlined the appeal process and board duties that will take place at the St. Louis Park Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting on Monday, April 8, with a follow-up meeting on April 22. Mr. Bultema added the city started mailing 17,000+ valuation notices on March 6, which includes 2018 and 2019 information for classification, market value, improvement value, exclusions, referendum value and taxable value, and the appeal process. He stated total valuation for the city was at $7.73 billion as of January 2, 2019, adding that the median single- family home price in St. Louis Park is $298,000. Mr. Bultema invited the council to contact him if they have questions . Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Ms. Deno noted potholes in the city are being repaired, and if anyone sees a pothole for repair, to please contact the city offices, or notify the city on the My St. Louis Park app . Councilmember Rog asked about the Historic Walker District loan program and if money was received from Hennepin County for the façade. Ms. Deno stated she will check on this and report back. Mayor Spano noted during last week’s discussion with the council on media, the group was not able to come to consensus on this issue. He noted the topic should be removed from the list. Councilmember Rog pointed out that respect is the norm when talkin g to media, and each council member speaks from their own experience. Ms. Deno stated it would be helpful to revisit this and the building relationships portion at the council’s workshop next January 2020. Councilmember Miller asked about council support on issues the majority want to move forward on. Mayor Spano stated the general rule has been a council member can be 100% against a project until it passes in the council, then they must be 100% in favor of it, so it will be a successful project for the city. Councilmember Mavity stated we are the city council, and while we are individuals, we do represent the city as a whole and the policies of the city. DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922 Study session minutes -7- March 25, 2019 Councilmember Rog, however, noted the councilmembers represent the residents of the community also. Councilmember Mavity agreed, but added that is up until the vote. Then when it becomes city policy, the councilmembers represent that city policy, stating this is the shift place. Councilmember Rog stated policies influence the future . Councilmember Hallfin added that policies can be changed in the future, also they can be revisited and changed at a later date. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Written reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 6. Proposed Historic Walker Lake Business District Loan Program 7. SWLRT update 8. February 2019 monthly financial report 9. Update to private activity revenue bond policy 10. Mobility sharing pilot recommendations ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 741C1976-8B5A-421D-BE44-197D378C3922