HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/04/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
April 8, 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: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms.
Walsh), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser),
Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Engineering
Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Planner (Ms. Monson), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick),
Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Planning Commission members (Jessica Kraft, Vice Chair; Claudia Johnston, Carl Robertson,
Lynne Carper, Alana Franklin); Derek Reise, STEP Executive Director
1. Future study session agenda planning – April, 2019
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed study session agenda for April, 2019. He noted on April
22, there will be a groundbreaking that council members will attend, just prior to the LBAE
meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. that same day.
2. Community center project
Ms. Walsh noted the report is available for council as background, and was developed out of
the 2005 – 2007 city visioning process. She stated a feasibility study and schematic design were
developed, and then council stopped the process, and did not pursue it any further.
Mayor Spano stated he and the council wanted to look at the project again now, and addr ess it,
to decide if any additional measures or information should be given to staff at this time related
to the community center.
Councilmember Mavity stated previous councils had done much work and study on the
community center concept. She continued different sites were reviewed and the council then
decided to hold on the project related to budget pressures and the fact tha t SWLRT came into
the picture. She stated the council will need to now decide if this is still a priority, adding she is
sensitive to costs of the potential project, which will not have a revenue generating component.
Councilmember Hallfin asked if this is still a priority in the city. He added in the most recent
visioning process, the community seemed as though it was not in the same place with this
project.
Councilmember Harris stated in Ward 3, constituents are interested in seeing more amenities
and are supportive of a potential community center. She added the central western side of St.
Louis Park has the highest percentage of low-income school lunches and the highest percentage
of apartments.
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Councilmember Rog noted she is interested in this concept around the request from STEP for a
family service center type of operation. She added the city has just invested in two significant
facilities and it seems odd to be talking about another, stating she would like to look at
repurposing the Sam’s Club facility or another location, if the council decides to move forward
on this.
Councilmember Brausen stated a survey in 2011 noted that 23% of folks wanted more trails and
23% wanted a true community center with indoor play area. Others wanted a covered hockey
facility – which the city has addressed with the ROC. He stated the council may want to go back
to the community to see if they are still interested in a community center concept. He stated
the costs were substantial and he would not support building a large community center.
However, he is interested in having a conversation about a community facility, ideally in Ward
3, that would have additional meeting rooms (a constant need in our city), plus health and
wellness programs, but not a huge facility. He stated he also supports continuing to explore a
joint facility with STEP.
Councilmember Miller stated he has not heard much t alk in the community about this, adding
this did not come out in the most recent visioning process either. With the ROC and Nature
Center now added and upgraded, he would not want to add the cost of a community center to
the mix. He added he is not interested in spending council and staff time on this concept, but
would like to discuss the STEP proposal, which might fit a need the city is not serving today.
Mayor Spano stated the concept was very expensive when first introduced 15 years ago.
However, he acknowledged that Councilmember Harris brings up a good point related to the
Texatonka area of the city. He agreed the city was a totally different community 15 years ago,
adding the city now has gathering spaces including the ROC and the Nest. He added money
could be better spent in smaller increments around the city, noting the needs and interests of
the community have changed, and he does not have any interest in staff researching this, as the
city now has bigger priorities to pursue.
Councilmember Harris agreed.
Councilmember Mavity stated a community survey in the next couple years could be an option
for further discussion.
It was the consensus of the city council to not pursue the concept of a community center at this
time, but to keep listening to the community, in case interests change.
3. Zoning regulations for ground floor transparency requirements
Ms. Monson stated after several months of reviewing ground floor transparency requirements,
the planning commission voted 6-0 to recommend denial of the ground floor transparency
ordinance draft. She stated the vote was based on concerns about lack of flexibility both
externally and internally for retail and commercial spaces, and placing undue burdens on
businesses.
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Councilmember Mavity stated this is about a philosophical framework, adding the council
outlined visibility and walkability as a directive, and this decision is a big change drawn from the
comprehensive plan, where the city prioritizes people first, then bikes, and then cars. She
added this directive helps create balance between pedestrians and cars.
Mayor Spano added the planning commission’s decision is a stark difference from the staff
recommendation, and asked the commission to explain.
Commissioner Kraft stated she agrees with the nice pedestrian environment, but felt the
ordinance limits business and architects and developers on their designs.
Commissioner Robertson agreed, adding while the concept of the ordinance is good, there is a
place where you draw the line. He stated the ordinance is too limiting, and he disagrees that a
blank wall is a bad thing, especially when design can juxtapose and include artwork on the wall.
He added 65% transparency is not a lot of flexibility, and while the intent is correct, the
ordinance feels too limiting. He also stated that 65% minimum transparency could conflict with
building energy goals and the climate action plan.
Commissioner Carper stated he drove all over the city, viewing different businesses, noting that
25% of businesses in the West End, Excelsior and Grand, and on Lake Street are vacant. He
stated the city needs to help businesses run their business, and noted some shops cover their
windows from the sunlight, so it won’t fade their goods. He stated the ordinance is limiting and
government interference with business operations will drive business out of St. Louis Park.
Commissioner Johnson agreed with her fellow commissioners.
Councilmember Miller stated he agrees with the planning commission on this case, and noted
the differences between destination businesses and shopping stores, and the size of stores in
the city’s C1 districts being all around 5,000-10,000 square feet. He added no windows are
typically found in destination stores, so smaller stores are needed in walkable areas, where
windows will be included.
Councilmember Hallfin stated this seems logical to him as well, and thanked Councilmember
Miller for his tutorial on destination vs. shopping stores. He added, however, the one window
that bothers him is the breakroom area window on Excelsior Avenue.
Councilmember Rog stated it is good to hear from the planning commission on this topic,
adding she struggles going against the staff recommendation on this. She added the city has all
kinds of requirements, as do other cities, on transparency and for walkability, and this is a
reasonable requirement for the outcome the council is seeking. She added, however, she is still
sorting out where she falls on this issue.
Councilmember Harris stated there are some grocery stores in Minneapolis that have windows
and transparency, which inspires curiosity about what is inside. She added these stores are in
walkable, retail areas that are nice. She asked the planning commission what they would
recommend to create walkable experiences in St. Louis Park.
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Commissioner Robertson stated every project is unique, and not one size fits all. He noted at
Louisiana Avenue and Cedar Lake Road there are six shops, and it is half a block long. He added
it’s a small area and it needs to be walkable, but it’s not a 10-block long area where folks can
walk a long way in front of the shops. He said let each development design appropriately for
the site and businesses that are there.
Councilmember Harris stated for the ordinance under consideration, she would like to table the
discussion and give greater consideration to the problem that is to be solved.
Councilmember Mavity stated the council and planning commission have a different
perspective on this, but no matter what, there are guidelines to follow, adding we have to land
somewhere along the continuum. She noted staff recommends 65% transparency, which is
within the norm.
Councilmember Mavity added the council’s job is to actually create the environment outside
those buildings, for folks walking by. She noted not every business is appropriate for every area,
but stated we don’t need to let the market figure this out, noting we are building toward the
next 100 years, not only for what is in front of us.
Councilmember Mavity stated this ordinance is the appropriate tool, and creating walkability
and a safe place to walk, while it may not be perfect, it is a tool that the city has to use. She
added the city gives developers a lot, and it’s okay for the city to ask for something back that
fulfills the ideals of the city. She stated we are building to a future of what the city wants to see,
and this needs to move forward now, before more development comes into the city.
Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Mavity, adding he is supportive of the
staff recommendation on this.
Commissioner Carper stated when considering walkability, he would like to also see benches
added to these areas, especially in the Excelsior and Gran d area, and up to Bridgewater. He
added there are those who can’t walk long distances so there needs to be more spaces to sit
down and reflect.
Councilmember Mavity agreed, adding there is nothing at Excelsior and Grand that prevents
driving either. She asked about other cities, such as Denver and Cincinnati and their
transparency and walkability.
Commissioner Robertson stated these cities are bigger than St. Louis Park which is more
limited; however, he does agree the city needs to have a minimum transparency.
Mayor Spano stated the council also needs to be careful about comparisons with other cities.
He agrees in principle with Councilmember Mavity, but added we are missing a discussion of
ways to look at walkability, and this should go back to staff for further review. Mayor Spano
added the entire planning commission is at odds with the staff recommendations, and he is
worried about that.
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Councilmember Miller stated he finds it odd the council is discussin g this very small bowl item,
adding they should be looking at the C1 guidelines vs. discussing one offs and changing that for
the goal of walkability.
Councilmember Mavity stated the council needs to be careful about how big of a scope this
issue is for staff, adding the application clearly is not working here, with what the council
intended.
It was the consensus of the city council to have the planning commission meet with staff to
revise the ordinance, and then bring the ordinance back for city council’s consideration.
4. Planning commission annual work plan
The planning commission presented their annual work plan to the council.
Councilmember Rog asked about home occupations and why this is on the commission’s
“parking lot” list for future discussion when this is scheduled to be presented to council. Mr.
Walther stated planning commission generated its work plan in December. Interest in a broader
review of home occupations was not raised by commissioners or Councilmember Rog until
more recently, and other items on the list were more urgent and a higher priority based on the
2040 comprehensive plan. The city council as a whole has not yet discussed the issue or
provided policy direction. This item will be presented for the first time in June at a study
session, along with information on timing and priorities.
Councilmember Rog asked if the study session will address both ADUs and home occupations.
Mr. Walther stated both will be discussed in June as requested by city council.
Councilmember Harris asked the planning commission where transportation fits into their
priorities and if a transportation commission or task force might be valuable.
Commissioner Robertson stated yes, transportation transcends many areas, and a
transportation commission would be worth discussing, as it could help bridge both planning
and zoning together.
Commissioner Johnston added the planning commission would like more communication with
staff on bikes and trails, as well as background about what the council is planning with
transportation, especially when new developments come to the planning commission.
Councilmember Mavity thanked the commissioners for serving on the planning commission,
and asked about form-based code for transit-oriented development near the future light rail
transit stations, noting the report says the commission initiated this. She asked if this is the
right time to discuss the topic.
Mr. Walther stated the last time form-based code was presented to council was in August of
2015. The city shifted efforts to Vision St. Louis Park and the St. Louis Park 2040 comprehensive
plan, and the intent is to re-introduce form-based code as an appropriate tool to implement
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transit-oriented development land use surrounding the light rail train stations. This topic will be
shared with city council later in 2019.
Mayor Spano asked the planning commissioners what sort of things come up in their
discussions, as they talk with, listen to and engage the community.
Commissioner Robertson said they are still working on how to engage with the city’s diverse
population; however, it has been difficult as the diverse populations do not always engage in
the process.
Mayor Spano stated he saw in the planning commission’s minutes that there are hardly ever
more than one or two people in attendance to speak on an issue, and added the council has
tried to move meetings out of city hall, to locations where impacts are happening. He stated
this is very important to the council.
Councilmember Rog asked about the food security study, if the commission has any ideas about
that, and what a task list might look like for the planning commission.
Commissioner Robertson stated the planning commission recognizes the issue, but they are not
sure how to address it through zoning. The commission will review the results of the study.
Commissioner Johnston added many community members look at the planning commission as
only a recommending body and save their speaking on issues for the council. Commissioner
Johnston added by the time a topic reaches the planning commission, the y know there has
already been a lot of discussion with staff, developers and neighborhoods.
Mayor Spano asked Youth Commissioner Franklin if she liked the idea of having at least two youth
on the planning commission, and what she thought of creating a youth panel.
Commissioner Franklin stated both were good ideas for allowing youth to weigh in on topics. She
added students might also be more comfortable talking at meetings if there were two students in
attendance.
Councilmember Hallfin added, as he has mentioned in the past, the National League of Cities
meeting in November has many cities that send their youth members. He stated it would be a great
idea to send some youth from St. Louis Park, and he is hopeful this can be done in the future.
Mayor Spano stated a study session topic on a transportation commission would be helpful.
Commissioner Johnston added it would also be helpful to have a wide range of ages on a
transportation commission, in order to hear from all age groups.
Councilmember Mavity liked the idea of a transportation commission, but noted before doing this,
it would be helpful to start with an ad hoc transportation group to scope out some questions and
issues.
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Councilmember Rog stated she supports the idea of an ad hoc committee as well, on
transportation and other areas, adding this is a good idea also for folks who are interested in
serving on commissions, but are not selected.
Commissioner Robertson stated the planning commission would like to have more thorough
background from council on issues that come to them, and would also like to continue
communications between the council and planning commission, so as to understand what the
council is looking for.
Councilmember Rog asked how the planning commission gets their questions to council answered.
Commissioner Robertson stated the questions all go into the minutes, and the commission hopes
they are seen by council and addressed. The commission relies on staff to share the key issues in
staff reports and presentations as well.
Councilmember Mavity added the council and planning commission work together and clarification
of roles of the planning commission and council would help. She noted the planning commission
makes sure the technical requirements of the city are met, while the council’s job is to address the
policy issues. She added the council also needs to be sure they are giving the planning commission
enough guidance.
Mr. Walther added the planning commission’s role is also to gather public input and provide their
own input and make recommendations to city council on ordinances and current planning, zoning
and subdivision applications within the context of the city’s long-range plans. He noted this effort
saves the council time, provides other perspectives, and helps the council to make informed
decisions.
5. 2019 Connect the Park update – Dakota/Edgewood bikeway and bridge (4019-2000)
Mr. Sullivan presented the report, and provided an overview of the project and update of t he
preliminary design process. He noted this project is scheduled to have a public hearing at the
April 15, 2019 council meeting, and council will be asked to take final action on this project at
the May 6, 2019 meeting.
Councilmember Harris stated she met with several residents today that live in the 32nd and
Dakota area and are impacted by the project. She stated there are concerns related to the
restricted parking on both sides of the street, and at the meeting, the residents offered to come
forward with three suggested design changes, while requesting the same of the city.
Mr. Harmening pointed out this project will affect four wards in the city, with parking
restrictions, and concerns about losing parking.
Mr. Manibog stated some folks will have one side parking, some have driveways , and others
have an alley for parking.
Mr. Sullivan stated when adding biking along a corridor, something will be lost, so one -sided
parking and flipping from one side to the other was included, with narrowing of streets at key
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intersections. He stated the project adds in bike lanes, but is not reconstructing the corridor to
balance bike needs and parking needs.
Mayor Spano asked why the parking flips from side to side along the corridor. Ms. Heiser stated
it has to do with land use approvals.
Councilmember Harris asked how they can minimize the impact at 32nd and Dakota, adding the
residents felt putting parking on one side only would help. She added the residents don’t realize
this is public space. She asked for some leniency on what is proposed in the plan.
Mr. Harmening stated starting last September, three meetings have been held, notices
distributed, and meetings and information put on Next Door, social media, the city website, and
folks did turn out for meetings. He added the notices did not say parking would be eliminated
from one side of the street, but just asked folks to come to the meeting for information on the
project. Now some residents are saying this was not explained fully by the city in the notices.
Mayor Spano stated, however, when staff starts including all details in the notice, there is
always the risk of excluding items as well.
Councilmember Rog disagreed with not mentioning the potential impacts to residents in the
notices, adding the city does better when all the potential things that might occur are
discussed.
Mr. Harmening pointed out, however, that citizens do have a responsibility after receiving three
notices and multiple postings in social media, to seek out more information if they have
questions and concerns. He added the city notified 1,000 people.
Councilmember Rog pointed out a photographer on the corridor whose customers will now not
be able to park in front of her business near 32 nd and Dakota.
Councilmember Hallfin stated the city has been through this many times before and it i s
difficult; however, he will go with staff’s recommendation on this. He added when he gets
emails from folks who have had ample opportunities to engage and do not – this does not hold
weight with him.
Councilmember Mavity stated the city has a larger goal of a connected community, adding that
one of those goals is to put bike lanes there. She stated this is a critical connection within this
whole system and is for the whole community. Councilmember Mavity added the council wants
to make sure they are listening, but we will not make three recommendations for this group of
residents. She stated the city has a professional staff that do that, adding she does not want to
delay this project.
Councilmember Miller asked why the cost has gone up so drastically due to the bridge design
costs. He also asked about the city’s forecasted use of the bridge.
Mr. Sullivan explained $1 million for the bridge is land acquisition, along with materials and
labor cost increases, as well as railroad and landfill cleanup. He added usage forecast on the
bridge is hard to determine, but it will be used by pedestrians and bikers, adding that over 125
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students live north of the railroad tracks and have difficulty getting to Peter Hobart School and
fields, so the bridge will help with this.
Councilmember Brausen stated his constituents want this project and have been asking when it
will be done. He stated the city needs to do it, and the public process around it has been fine.
He stated if this impacts folks, they need to show up at the meetings, and the city cannot
placate everyone. He added he is in favor of staff’s plans. He also advocated that staff in future
Connect the Park notice letters include the following language near the top of the letter, in bold
and highlighted in yellow: “these plans propose changes that may impact you.”
Mayor Spano asked about the bridge design and the large lots of land needed. Mr. Sullivan
stated staff looked at over 25 designs, and many have problems related to ADA compliance,
and challenges with accommodating both bikes and pedestrians, adding the design presented
works well.
Mayor Spano stated a north-south connection through the community was identified early on
for connecting the city, and he is excited this is finally getting done. He stated he has cost
concerns, but understands the issues. Mayor Spano stated if there is a way to find a solution for
Ward 3 residents, he would like to try to mitigate their concerns. However, there will always be
some folks that are upset, but Connect the Park is a city priority, and sometimes we can’t
address every concern. He added the idea of bartering with residents is not fair or appropriate.
It was the consensus of the city council to proceed with the recommendations in the staff
report and the public hearing on April 15, 2019.
Mr. Sullivan stated staff will continue to review this and respond to feedback of residents.
Councilmember Harris stated the project is a huge quality of life initiative with more safe routes
to school and a bikeway connection from Peter Hobart to the High School, adding that most
folks are in favor of bikes lanes, if they didn’t lose parking. She added she is disappointed there
is not more support from the council for parking on one side of the street only.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
6. Proposed property acquisition – 5643 Minnetonka Blvd.
7. Zero waste packaging ordinance amendment
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor
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