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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/05/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota May 6, 2019 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: Steve Hallfin Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffman), Fire Chief Koering, Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Management Assistant (Ms. Carillo-Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Boy Scout Troop 307; CERT representatives; St. Louis Park Parktacular representatives 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations 2a. Bike Month Proclamation Mayor Spano read the proclamation stating that biking improves health and well-being, and that May 2019 will be bike month in St. Louis Park. He added that on May 17th it is bike to work day in the city as well. 2b. Building safety month Mayor Spano read the proclamation which ensure city buildings are well constructed and maintained as a vital part of remaining an inviting, safe and vibrant community. Mayor Spano also pointed out that Home Depot is the sponsor of the International Code Conference this year and is promoting building safety month. Local stores are inviting city code officials to partner in offering education about construction standards and materials. Mr. Hoffman added the city will host an open house on May 21 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. for community members to talk with inspectors about home remodeling projects and construction. 2c. St. Louis Park Parktacular Ambassador introduction, recap and retirement recognition DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -2- May 6, 2019 Mayor Spano thanked the group for their travels around the region and for representing St. Louis Park at parades and events throughout 2018-19. Marla Destache, co-director of the ambassador program introduced the senior and junior representatives to the city council. The council received dinner invitations to Parktacular which will be held on June 12. Ms. Destache also introduced the co-directors of the Parktacular event who will be retiring after this year. Mayor Spano thanked everyone for their hard work over the years. Councilmember Brausen also thanked the group, adding the council and city are honored to have them represent St. Louis Park around the state, while sharing what a great place St. Louis Park is to live. Councilmember Rog acknowledged the group, also offering her gratitude and respect to Ms. McKenna for her constant smile and complete composure, over the years, which has been so impressive and comforting, when seeing her in the community. She thanked Ms. McKenna for being such an excellent role model throughout the years. 2d. Recognition of Boy Scout Troop 307 and CERT for service to community Chief Koering thanked Boy Scout Troop #307 and CERT for their recent community service project of clearing snow around hydrants. He stated the scout troop cleared 30 hydrants, adding that the city has over 70 hydrant heroes who adopt a hydrant and clean and take care of it. Chief Koering added the community emergency response team (CERT) also organized an event to clear out hydrants, and thanked them for their work. He stated keeping hydrants clear is important for home and business safety throughout the city, and he thanked council for their support. 2e. Recognition of donations Mayor Spano thanked the following groups for their recent donations:  The National Association of Government Web Professionals for up to $2,500 for travel expenses for IT Manager Jason Huber to attend the 2019 National Association of Government professionals National Board Retreat in Salt Lake City, UT.  Sara Mielke and Ryan Johnson for $2,200 for a memorial bench honoring Lisa Johnson.  Arlyce and John Wiersma, Ellen Hopkins, Floyd Olson, Bruce and Julie Ekholm, David and Maureen Ewald, Benton and Susan Ford, Lavonne Blount, Robert and Lori Anderson, Raymond and Colleen Langren, Allen and Shirley Carlson, and Bill and Gail Ewald for $2,200 for a memorial bench honoring Joe and Arlyce Wiersma. DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -3- May 6, 2019 3. Approval of minutes 3a. LBAE minutes of April 8, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen to approve the April 8, 2019 LBAE minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 3b. City council meeting minutes of April 1, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the April 1, 2019 city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 3c. Study session minutes of April 8, 2019 Councilmember Brausen stated on page 2, item # 2, the Community Center discussion should read: 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, which would have additional meeting rooms. There is 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 Brausen also noted on page 9, item #5, should read: He also advocated that staff in future do a Connect the Park notice and include the following language at the top of the letter in bold, and highlighted in yellow, “these plans propose changes that may impact you”. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the April 8, 2019 study session minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 3d. City Council meeting minutes of April 15, 2019 Councilmember Brausen noted on page 9 regarding grants, it should read: “…. funds to be used for community building…” It was moved by Councilmember Brausen seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the April 15, 2019 city council meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -4- May 6, 2019 3e. Study session minutes of April 22, 2019 Councilmember Rog noted a change on page 2, it should read: “…contrary to the developer’s comments where renters live are neighborhoods too.” Councilmember Mavity noted at the bottom of page 2, it should read: “…in other properties instead of the others being considered at that moment.” She added she does want affordable housing in all the other properties as well. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller to approve the April 22, 2019 study session minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of March 23, through April 26, 2019. 4b. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2558-19 revising lighting standards for outdoor parking, and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4c. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2559-19 assigning the individuals serving on the planning commission to the board of zoning appeals (BOZA), and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4d. Approve Resolution No. 19-051 authorizing fund equity transfers. 4e. Approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for JCI Hopkins at the West End Festival Site, 5376 Gamble Drive, for the City Pages Beer Festival to be held June 1, 2019. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-052 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the National Association of Government Web Professionals in an amount not to exceed $2,500 for all related expenses for Jason Huber, Information Technology Manager, to attend the 2019 National Association of Government Web Professionals National Board Retreat in Salt Lake City, Utah. 4g. Approve an estoppel certificate for 1511 Utica Ave. S. 4h. Approve Amendment No. 1, between the city and Sprint Spectrum Realty Company LLC, for additional communication equipment being installed on the city’s water tower at 2541 Nevada Avenue South. 4i. Approve a parking agreement with Sidal Crossroads Company, LLC (Louisiana Oaks Apartments) to lease 20 parking spaces to accommodate overnight guests of Louisiana Oaks apartment complex provided a permit is displayed on the vehicle. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 19-053 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from Sara Mielke and Ryan Johnson for the purchase and installation of a memorial bench on city property, along the paved trail by Minnehaha Creek, honoring Lisa Johnson. 4k. Adopt Resolution No. 19-054 approving acceptance of the following donations for a memorial bench at Westwood Hills Nature Center in honor of Joe and Alyce DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -5- May 6, 2019 Wiersma, dedicated, long-time volunteers: Arlyce Wiersma ($1,575), John Wiersma ($105), Ellen Hopkins ($50), Floyd Olson ($50), Bruce and Julie Ekholm ($100), David and Maureen Ewald ($100), Benton and Susan Ford ($25), Lavonne Blount ($25), Robert and Lori Anderson ($20), Raymond and Colleen Langren ($25), Allen and Shirley Carlson ($25), and Bill and Gail Ewald ($100) for a total of $2,200. 4l. Adopt Resolution No. 19-055 to recognize Traffic Field Supervisor Rick Kiefer for more than 29 years of service. 4m. Approve for filing Parks and recreation advisory commission minutes of March 20, 2019. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity seconded by Councilmember Miller 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 Hallfin absent). 5. Boards and commissions - None 6. Public hearings 6a. The Block Restaurant, LLC dba The Block – on-sale intoxicating and on-sale Sunday liquor license Ms. Carrillo Perez presented the staff report. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Harris stated folks are eager for this restaurant to open, and asked about the timeline. Owners Luke Durheim and David Benowitz stated they are excited about the project and will be starting construction soon, with an opening scheduled for the late September. Councilmember Harris thanked the owners for their engagement with the neighborhood and the focus groups held and asked them what inspired them to do this. Mr. Durheim stated it is important for them to provide a product that customers will want vs. what we want, and this has helped their success over the last 15 years in other projects. He added they want to give residents what they want, and will be more successful because of this. Mr. Benowitz added folks want healthier, cleaner food options, and they want to be welcoming to all people and their dietary needs and restrictions. DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -6- May 6, 2019 Councilmember Miller thanked them also, especially since the city is working to invigorate the Walker Lake district. He noted they will be an anchor in the area, thanked them for taking a risk, and driving traffic to this area. Councilmember Rog added she is also excited and happy the owners chose this location and asked if the owners had heard any concerns from folks about obtaining a liq uor license or parking issues. The owners stated they had not heard anything in their focus groups about this, and noted that staff is addressing parking issues. The owners added they are confident about parking in the area, and will instruct their staff to park offsite. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve application from The Block Restaurant, LLC dba The Block for an on-sale intoxicating and on-sale Sunday liquor license for the premises located at 7007 Walker Street. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the p ublic – None 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Dakota bikeway and bridge project No. 4019-2000. Resolution No. 19-056. Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. Councilmember Brausen stated folks in the 4th Ward have asked him about the proposal of the trail and bridge, since he has been on the council since 2011. He added folks are very excited to see this project moving forward and believe it will be a crucial link to establishing north/south routes across the city. He added he appreciates that staff will wait on the rest of the project in order to get more community input, but is hopeful the full project will be completed. Councilmember Rog added she too supports this, and appreciates the hard work of staff to find a design that works well for most folks as well as the public engagement on this project. She noted the project is expensive, but added that residents in her ward are very supportive of the north/south connection, and of kids attending Peter Hobart being able to walk and bike to school. She hopes the costs will be lower in the end and encouraged staff to work on that, adding; however, this must be done now. She stated the bridge has potential to be a community landmark, which could involve artists and design elements, and could make this area a destination and point of pride for the community. Councilmember Harris stated this project is a key piece in promoting more active uses of parks, biking, and walking. She added this will allow for alternatives to taking the bus to school and will add access to safer connections and routes. She noted the approval tonight will be up to Minnetonka Boulevard, and the conversation will continue later DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0 City council meeting -7- May 6, 2019 this summer about the rest of the route. She thanked staff for collaborating and editing the timeline of the project. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt Resolution No. 19-056, accepting the project report, establishing Improvement Project No. 4019-2000, approving the staff recommended layout for the Dakota/Edgewood corridor from Cedar Lake Road to Minnetonka Boulevard. The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Miller opposed and Councilmember Hallfin absent). 9. Communications Councilmember Brausen noted item 4d on the consent agenda tonight was a routine item authorizing the transfer of excess balances when cash on hand is exceeded. He added the redirection of funds adds $50,000 to the general budget for unanticipated expenses. He reiterated this can be used for the city to sign up for the 100% renewable windsource program, to power city facilities. He added although this is more expensive, he feels it is consistent with the city’s Climate Action Plan, addressing greenhouse emissions, and the operations of city facilities. He thanked the ESC for addressing this during this year’s budget cycle, noting it is another step that addresses climate change sooner rather than later. Councilmember Rog stated the Walker Lake public meeting will take place on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Perspectives. She noted the SLP Nest will have upcoming events on Wednesday, May 8, and Wednesday, May 15, and referred folks to the website for more details. She noted also that former councilmember Sue Sanger will present Workplace Stories on May 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, and added the Children First Ice Cream Social will be held on May 15 at The Roc, and the SLP Unity Sing will be held at Wat Prom in Birchwood on May 20 at 6:30 p.m. Councilmember Harris stated an open house on zoning changes in St. Louis Park will take place on May 8 at City Hall at 6:30 p.m., adding there is a map on the city website under the development section. Councilmember Mavity noted on May 8 at 6 p.m., there is a meeting at the MSC regarding different components of city bike trails in the Minnekada Vista area. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: CF183422-191A-4E4E-8473-89AF694093F0