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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/07/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota July 15, 2019 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: None Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Police Chief (Mr. Harcey), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Sr. Management Analyst (Ms. Carrillo Perez). 1a. Roll call 1b. At this time, it was moved by Councilmember Miller and seconded by Councilmember Harris, to suspend the city council rules of procedure and to add an item to reinstate the pledge of allegiance to the agenda as the first order of business. This motion passes 7-0. Councilmember Miller stated he fully agrees with the vote in June to eliminate the pledge, but will not discuss that at this time. He stated the council took the correct action on this matter 100%, adding, however, the feedback from St. Louis Park residents on all sides of the issue has been fair, honest, and constructive. He stated there are people from outside St. Louis Park who are abusing and harassing city staff, and making it difficult for them to serve the residents of our city, which is the very reason our local government exists. He added some folks from outside the city have even threatened some St. Louis Park residents and he is very concerned about the safety and productivity of city staff. That is why he is making this motion. He stated perhaps this issue can be taken up again sometime in the future, but for now he will present the aforementioned motion. Councilmember Rog thanked residents for reaching out over the past few weeks regarding this issue. She noted St. Louis Park residents were thoughtful and respectful, but this was not true from comments made from people outside the city and state . She stated we don’t need to have a manufactured stand-off on what it means to be a good American. She said we know who we are and it is not this – adding this circus needs to end. She stated this is costing money and affecting the productivity and mental health of the city’s wonderful staff. She added this is taking away time from the issues that impact the city on a daily basis, like safe streets and housing. She stated with the local election coming up this fall, it would be a real shame if the upcoming election was dominated by this singular issue and an elected official’s stand on the pledge of DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -2- July 15, 2019 allegiance. She stated we have much more to discuss and work on in our city. She suggested folks from outside of St. Louis Park to go home and work on issues that affect their own cities. She added this is not how St. Louis Park does things, and this conversation needs to come back to the community. She stated she is looking forward to more discussion on this in the future in the city’s own time, but for the safety of staff and residents, and to refuse to let the city be played as a pawn, she is in support of Councilmember Miller’s motion. Councilmember Hallfin stated when he voted, he was voting on making a change in procedure. He noted he wanted to make it clear, the council did not vote to ban saying the Pledge of Allegiance or anything of the sort . He stated the pledge has become routine, through rote memorization and he felt that all things recited such as this , tend to lose their meaning. He added he thought the pledge would regain some meaning for all when it was recited at special city events and special meetings, instead of at every council meeting. He stated this was the reason for his vote, not what the press ran as the narrative. He stated he is a proud US Army veteran and when he raised his hand and took an oath many years ago, it was to protect and defend the constitution of the United States of America. He added that nowhere in the constitution does it say we have to say the Pledge of Allegiance, not one place. Councilmember Hallfin stated all of the councilmembers sitting up here are flawed, he has received many emails about this issue, and after doing much soul -searching, has concluded he has made a mistake and stated he is sorry. He is asking for forgiveness from those affected by this issue. He added he now has a challenge for all elected officials across the country, to admit their mistakes in an open meeting, such as he is doing now, and ask for forgiveness. He stated these past three weeks, aside from personal matters in his life, have been the most difficult for him and he is hopeful this mistake can be corrected and the council can return to doing city business . Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of returning to the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of meetings. She stated coming to this conclusion has involved reading many thoughtful and extreme emails. She added this community and residents have pride in coming together, talking about issues, and residents have expressed both opposition and alliance with this vote. She noted in reading both points of view, as well as hearing from residents who are fine with leaving things as they are, she has concluded for the sake of the community and staff, there is much business to tend to beyond this conversation, including revitalizing business districts within the city. Councilmember Brausen thanked the staff for their hard work, noting they did not ask for this controversy, should not have to pay for it, and he apologized to staff. He also thanked the residents of St. Louis Park, and particularly the voters in Ward 4, who have been very respectful and thoughtful. He stated he has had conversations about patriotism, service, community, has learned a lot, and been impressed with the depth of love folks have for the city, state, and country – and stated you are the best. He also apologized to immigrant citizens and any blame from others towards them, adding while he talked for others, he was the one who wanted to change the opening of the DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -3- July 15, 2019 council meetings. He directed comments to Fox News Network and asked why their shows don’t start with the pledge – as it only takes 15 seconds. Also, he asked Fox News why they cover stories such as this, which divides us all. He asked where is the justice in St. Louis Park not having their own meeting agenda and added this council works on America’s problems. He noted this reaction is similar to what happened during the McCarthy era, when folks were bullied. He stated this is the United States of America and as we strive to have liberty for all, let us have our liberty here, and respect our local control. Councilmember Brausen stated he has heard from residents equally divided on this issue. He stated we need to get back to working on climate change issues, housing, quality healthcare that’s affordable for all, and tearing down barriers to success. He stated he votes to put the pledge back on the agenda and invited those who want to discuss this to do so. He asked folks to join the council in working on this, adding the work of democracy calls all to participate, and he asked residents to join in that work. Councilmember Mavity stated as she looks around this room, she sees many who love their country, adding she is confident that everyone here loves their country and that this response is an expression of love of country. She stated she doesn’t need anyone to pledge allegiance to the flag in order to express the values enshrined in the con stitution, and the very fact that someone comes to meetings, engages, and displays they care about the community, represents the values of the constitution. She added folks share this respect and display it in different ways. She stated she takes seriously the oath of office she took as a councilmember, to uphold the constitution, adding that all the ways folks care about their country and community are what make this nation great. She added almost all of the residents of St. Louis Park have been respectful, and that no matter what their faith, politics, or beliefs are, her neighbors and constituents have been respectful. She stated she will support the motion to reinstate the Pledge of Allegiance at the 1st and 3rd meetings of the month. She added many of the calls to city staff from outside of the city, have been vile, vulgar, and threatening – adding it has made it difficult for staff to conduct regular city business with the quality residents expect. She stated we need to end this issue about the pledge and move on to more important issues such as affordable housing for all residents, and the local climate action plan, adding she stands by actions over words any day. Mayor Spano stated we live in interesting times. He stated for the last month, this is all the council and staff has dealt with. He addressed Councilmember Hallfin, stating his humility is a lesson everyone can learn from, this is the most important characteristic anyone can have, and he thanked Councilmember Hallfin. He added he and his wife chose to live in St. Louis Park because it was the place they wanted to raise their children, and this past month has been one of the most challenging in the last 40 years. He also added that he has never been more proud to live in St. Louis Park. He stated many were respectful when contacting him and he has never been prouder of being Mayor than he is tonight. DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -4- July 15, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Miller and seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 19-073 to amend city council rules of procedure to reinstate reciting of the pledge of allegiance at regular city council meetings. The motion passed 7-0. The American Legion members led the council and residents in the Pledge of Allegiance. 2. Presentations 2a. Retirement recognition for Naturalist Mark Zembryki Mayor Spano presented a plaque on behalf of the city thanking Mr. Zembryki for all he has done. 2b. Presentation accepting monetary donation from the American Legion Mayor Spano recognized the American Legion’s $6,000 donation to the police department for the Vitals application. 2c. Recognition of donations  Cub Foods, Knollwood- donated at $200 gift card to the fire department open house  Northland Aluminum Products- donated $300 to the fire department open house  Rainbow Tree Care donated $1,500 for the city arborist to attend a conference on the Emerald Ash bore.  The Recycling Partnership donated $1,400 for the city recycling coordinator to attend a conference in New Orleans.  MN American Water Works Association donated $1,800 for attendance to the 2019 AAWA and Exposition Conference in Denver, Co. 3. Approval of minutes 3a. Study session minutes of May 28, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the May 28, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. Study session minutes of June 10, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the June 10, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3c. Special study session minutes of June 17, 2019 DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -5- July 15, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the June 17, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3d. City council meeting minutes of June 17, 2019 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the June 17, 2019 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of June 8, through July 5, 2019. 4b. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with Walker Design Studio, LLC in the amount of $180,000 for public art on the Louisiana Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Project – city project 4018-1700. 4c. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2563-19 amending chapter 36 of the St. Louis Park code of ordinances pertaining to mobile uses and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication. 4d. Approve a temporary extension of the licensed premises for one-day events at Copperwing Distillery, located at 6409 Cambridge Street. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 19-074 to recognize Mark Zembryki for his years of service. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-075 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the American Legion to allow the police department to implement the Vitals Aware Services APP. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-076 accepting donations to the fire department. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-077, Resolution No. 19-078, Resolution No. 19-079 accepting monetary donations to the Operations and Recreation Department. 4i. Moved to 8b. Councilmember Rog requested that Consent Calendar item 4i be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8b. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended and to move consent calendar item 4i to the regular agenda as item 8b; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and commissions - none 6. Public hearing DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -6- July 15, 2019 6a. Dampfwerk Distillery Co. – on sale cocktail room, off-sale microdistillery and on sale Sunday liquor license Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report, noting a background investigation was conducted and nothing was found that would warrant denial of the license application . Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Louis Peterson, 2737 Hampshire Ave S, stated he is supportive of this distillery, and thinks it’s a great idea. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Mavity agreed with Mr. Peterson’s comments and thinks this is a great idea, and another indication and step of making the Louisiana Station a vibrant area . Councilmember Miller thanked the management at Dampfwerk Distillery for a tour they provided. He stated a business like this is a risk, but thanked the owners for taking the risk and opening this establishment. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve application from The Dampfwerk Distillery Co. for on-sale cocktail room, off-sale microdistillery, and on-sale Sunday liquor license for the premises located at 6311 Cambridge Street. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center – major amendment to Section 36-268- PUD 13. Ordinance No. 2564-19. Mr. Walther presented the staff report. This involves expanding the square footage of the project, to allow a 5,500 square footage. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2564-19, amending section 36-268-PUD 13 of the zoning code relating to the planned unit development (PUD) major amendment for Bridgewater Bank Corporate Center and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication. Councilmember Rog stated it is exciting to see this project coming to the community. Mayor Spano stated this has moved from residential to mixed use and balances out the master plan better for the area, from a traffic and a business standpoint. The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Mavity abstained). DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513 City council meeting -7- July 15, 2019 8b. Resolution authorizing installation of all-way stop controls on 28th Street and Quentin Avenue. Resolution No. 19-080. Councilmember Rog commended the residents of this area for providing overwhelming support for the 4-way stop sign at 28th and Quentin Ave, and also thanked staff for their quick response as well. Additionally, Councilmember Rog thanked John Waters for his efficient and timely work on this project as well. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 19-080, authorizing installation of all-way stop controls on 28th Street and Quentin Avenue. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications – none 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 151982B0-ABDD-4B9A-884A-2D8F7C956513