HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/08/26 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
AUG. 26, 2019
5:30 p.m. PICKLEBALL COURTS RIBBON CUTTING – Wolfe Park
6:20 p.m. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING – Community room
1.Call to order
1a. Roll call
8.Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Second reading of interim ordinance extending moratorium on use and development of
3745 Louisiana Ave S
Recommended action: Motion to approve second reading and Adopt Ordinance extending
the moratorium temporarily restricting development at 3745 Louisiana Avenue South, St.
Louis Park (“Subject Property”) and approve summary ordinance for publication.
6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION – Community room
Discussion items
1. 6:30 p.m. Arts and culture strategic framework development process
2. 7:00 p.m. Connect the Park status update
3. 8:00 p.m. Future study session agenda planning
8:30 p.m. Communications/updates (verbal)
8:35 p.m. Adjourn
Written reports
4. July 2019 monthly financial report
5. Connect the Park - 28th Street pedestrian improvements update
6. Food security and access study update
7. Overhead utility undergrounding discussion
8. Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal
9. Update - PLACE Via Sol and Via Luna projects
10. Telecommunication advisory commission transition update
11. Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) Quarterly Report
Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make arrangements, please call
the administration department at 952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting.
Meeting: Special city council
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Action agenda item: 8a
Executive summary
Title: Second reading of interim ordinance extending moratorium on use and development of
3745 Louisiana Ave S
Recommended action: Motion to approve second reading and Adopt Ordinance extending the
moratorium temporarily restricting development at 3745 Louisiana Avenue South, St. Louis
Park (“Subject Property”) and approve summary ordinance for publication.
Policy consideration: Does city council support extending the moratorium temporarily
restricting the use and development of the building and lands located on the Subject Property
for up to 120 days to allow more time for the city to enact changes to the land use and other
city’s official controls that were recommended in the land use and development study?
Summary: The Subject Property is a 13-acre site and contains an approximately 150,000-square-
foot building located adjacent to a future light rail transit station. The building has been vacant
since Sam’s Club closed on January 26, 2018. It is currently guided for commercial use and zoned
C-2 General Commercial. The city, through the process to update the comprehensive plan,
proposed a change to the land use. City council directed staff to conduct a study of the site
conditions, land use and the city’s official controls for the Subject Property on August 20, 2018.
Council received reports regarding the study progress and findings on March 11 and May 28, 2019.
There are substantial concerns that the city’s official comprehensive plan future land use map and
zoning ordinance provisions relating to the Subject Property do not adequately address issues
relating to the present use, future land use, development or redevelopment of this vacant
property. The city’s concerns include, and are not limited to, compatibility with existing uses,
recent public improvements, planned future land uses, and the planned light rail transit station in
the area surrounding the Subject Property.
Temporary restrictions on the use and development of the Subject Property are needed to
prevent use and development that might be inconsistent with potential changes to the city’s
official controls resulting from the study. The original moratorium expires September 14, 2019.
Financial or budget considerations: The study costs were paid with existing budgeted resources
and did not require separate city council authorization.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Interim ordinance
Summary ordinance for publication
Prepared by: Sean Walther, planning and zoning supervisor
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Special city council meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8a) Page 2
Title: Second reading of interim ordinance extending moratorium on use and development of 3745 Louisiana Ave S
City of St. Louis Park
Hennepin County, Minnesota
Ordinance No.____-19
An ordinance extending a moratorium on
The use and development of the building and lands
Located at 3745 Louisiana Avenue South
The City of St. Louis Park does ordain:
Section 1. Findings.
1.01. The City adopted Ordinance No. 2542-18 An Interim Ordinance Establishing a
Moratorium on the Use and Development of the Building and Lands Located at 3745 Louisiana
Avenue South on August 27, 2018.
1.02. The City made the following findings in support of adopting Ordinance No. 2542-
18:
•There are substantial concerns that the city’s official comprehensive plan future
land use map and zoning ordinance provisions relating to the Subject Property do
not adequately address issues relating to the present use, future land use,
development or redevelopment of this vacant property.
•The city’s concerns include, and are not limited to, compatibility with existing uses,
recent public improvements, planned future land uses, and the planned light rail
transit station in the area surrounding the Subject Property.
•As a result of the important land use and zoning issues cited above the city council
finds that it is necessary to conduct a study to address the types of
developments and land uses that are appropriate on the Subject Property. The
study may also identify appropriate changes, if any, that should be made to the
city’s official land use controls, including but not limited to the city’s zoning
ordinance and comprehensive plan.
•The city council directs the planning and zoning division staff to conduct a study for
the purpose of consideration of possible amendments to the city’s official controls
to address the issues concerning the subject property.
•The city finds that this interim ordinance must be adopted to protect the planning
process and the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.
1.03. Ordinance No. 2542-18 expires on September 14, 2019.
Special city council meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8a) Page 3
Title: Second reading of interim ordinance extending moratorium on use and development of 3745 Louisiana Ave S
1.04. The City is considering a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for 3745 Louisiana
Avenue South.
1.05. The City held a neighborhood meeting on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment
for 3745 Louisiana Avenue South on August 8, 2018.
1.05 Minn. Stat. § 462.355 subd. 2 requires a planning commission to hold a public
hearing before a city adopts a comprehensive plan amendment.
1.06 A City Planning Commission Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan
Amendment for 3745 Louisiana Avenues South is scheduled for August 21, 2019.
1.07 Minn. Stat. § 462.355 subd. 4 (d) permits cities to extend an interim ordinance
“up to an additional 120 days following the completion of any other process required by state
statute, federal law, or court order, when the process is not completed at least 30 days before
the expiration of the interim ordinance.”
1.08 The public hearing required by Minn. Stat. § 462.355 subd. 2 will not be
completed 30 days before the expiration of Ordinance 2542-18.
1.09 The City Council will not be able to review the Planning Commission’s
recommendation on the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment until after September 14,
2019.
Section 2. Interim Ordinance Extension. Ordinance No. 2542-18 is hereby extended for
120 days.
Section 3. Duration. This Ordinance takes effect fifteen days after its publication and
shall remain in effect January 12, 2020.
First Reading August 19, 2019
Second Reading August 26, 2019
Date of Publication August 29, 2019
Date Ordinance Takes Effect September 13, 2019
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council August 26, 2019
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Soren Mattick, city attorney
Special city council meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8a) Page 4
Title: Second reading of interim ordinance extending moratorium on use and development of 3745 Louisiana Ave S
Summary for publication
Ordinance No. ____-18
An interim ordinance extending a moratorium on
the use and development of the building and lands located at
3745 Louisiana Avenue South
This ordinance states that a previous 12-month moratorium is extended for up to 120 days on
the property at 3745 Louisiana Avenue South (“Subject Property”). The moratorium establishes
temporary restrictions on the use and development of the Subject Property that require
approval of most zoning or land use applications. A few exceptions are allowed. Applications for
development of office, medical office, dental office, medical and dental laboratories and
business/trade schools/colleges would be allowed; provided the development results in
buildings(s) at least four stories tall and a floor area ratio of at least 1.0.
This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after publication.
Adopted by the City Council August 26, 2019
Jake Spano /s/
mayor
A copy of the full text of this ordinance is available for inspection with the City Clerk.
Published in St. Louis Park Sailor: August 29, 2019
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Arts and culture strategic framework development process
Recommended action: None currently. The purpose of this topic is to introduce a proposed
process for the development of an arts and culture strategic framework and outline next steps
for the city council.
Policy consideration: Does the city council need more information on the development of the
arts and culture strategic framework?
Summary: The St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts (FOTA) was recently awarded a grant by the
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council to complete a strategic framework outlining the future
development of arts and culture in the community. The city is working with FOTA on this
initiative. FOTA has hired Sharon Rodning Bash to facilitate this process.
The city has several public art programs currently, and has worked closely with FOTA over the
years, including providing annual funding to the organization. In addition, the city has benefited
for many years from the contributions of many artists and arts organizations, galleries, and
businesses that contribute to art in the community. This project seeks to provide a cohesive
roadmap for arts and culture to continue to grow and thrive in the community. The framework
will identify key assets and opportunities within St. Louis Park that benefit the quality of life and
seek realization of the city’s five strategic priorities using the arts. This plan also seeks to create
opportunities for leaders across sectors in the community to work together in establishing a
common set of goals and vision for their collective future.
A follow-up meeting on this topic will be scheduled for October 2019.
Financial or budget considerations: The development of the strategic framework is funded by a
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council grant.
Strategic priority consideration: All five strategic priorities are impacted by this process.
Supporting documents: Arts & Culture Strategic Framework Development Project Scope
Prepared by: Maria Carrillo Perez, senior management analyst
Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
ST. LOUIS P ARK ARTS & C ULTURE
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT SCOPE
Steering
Committee
Retreats
Late July, 2019: Contextualize and Dream—External and Internal
Assessment
-Map arts and culture in the community – our history, our
triumphs, our relationships, our resources and assets
-What are the trends, competitions, obstacles to building a strong
arts economy? What are the strengths? The big possibilities?
-How does the arts and culture map overlay with the city’s strategic
priorities?
July 30, 1-5pm
Wat
Promwachirayan
Late September, 2019: Distill Strategic Issues and Find Common
Cause
-Who are our key stakeholders?
-What key long term outcomes can we name in common with key
stakeholders?
-How can these outcomes be tested?
Half-day
September 24-26
Early November, 2019: Outline our Strategic Priorities—Strategy
Formation
-What is our vision?
-What is our strategic focus, our trajectory, our path forward?
Half-day
November 5-7
Early January, 2020: Setting our Goals – Identifying the path to
success
-Constituencies: What work must we do in audience development?
What ownership must be cultivated that is critical to achieving this
plan?
-Programs: Where must we focus in mission/program
advancement?
-Operations: Where must we strengthen our organizational
capacity?
-Finance: What resources are required; how must we achieve
financial goals?
-Leadership: How must we develop as a strategically focused,
learning organization?
Half-day
January 7-9
Final
Framework
February, 2020
-Creation of final document
-Final approval process
-Planning launch communications
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 1)
Title: Arts and culture strategic framework development process Page 2
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: Connect the Park status update
Recommended action: No action required at this time. Staff desires direction on the policy
question noted below.
Policy consideration: Should staff to continue to pursue the installation of the sidewalk, trail,
and bikeway segments identified in this report?
Summary: The original 10 year Connect the Park plan was approved in 2013 and 2019 marks
the halfway point of this initiative. This report and presentation will provide the city council
with an overview of the entire Connect the Park initiative and highlight the evolution of the
plan since its approval.
Connect the Park is the city's 10-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) to add additional
sidewalks, trails, and bikeways throughout the community.
The primary goal of Connect the Park is to develop a comprehensive, city-wide network of
sidewalks, trails, and bikeways that provides local and regional connectivity, improves safety
and accessibility, and enhances overall community livability. This is achieved by creating a
system plan that provides sidewalks approximately every 1/4-mile and bikeways every 1/2-mile
in order to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity throughout the community.
Financial or budget considerations: The original estimated cost for implementing the entire 10-
year plan was $26,672,915. To date, $15,275,164 has been spent on Connect the Park projects,
including the segments approved for construction. Information regarding the cost of future
projects is included in the discussion section. The funding source for these improvements is
primarily General Obligation bonds.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents:
•Discussion
•Original Connect the Park approved map (attached)
•Connect the Park construction status map (attached)
•June 17, 2013 public hearing council report (page 318 – 354)
•The Active Living Sidewalk and Trails Plan
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, senior engineering project manager
Ben Manibog Jr., transportation engineer
Reviewed by: Deb Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: Connect the Park status update
Discussion
Background: At the conclusion of an extensive public process, the Connect the Park Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) was approved by council on June 17, 2013. In 2014, the CIP was
modified in order to take advantage of some of the other projects already identified in the city’s
CIP and minimize construction scheduling impacts from other transportation projects proposed
by the city, Hennepin County, MnDOT and SWLRT.
To ensure the city is being responsive to the momentum caused by this initiative and keeping
the plan updated considering community feedback, the city council developed a process to
amend the Connect the Park CIP at the September 22, 2014 study session. The Connect the
Park CIP is now updated annually, usually within the first quarter of the year.
Projects completed: The Connect the Park CIP included the construction of 32 miles of bikeway,
10 miles of sidewalk, 3 miles of trail and two bridges throughout the community. 2019 marks
the halfway point for this initiative. 14.2 miles of bikeways, 8.6 miles of sidewalk, and 2.15 miles
of trails have been constructed to date.
Update on pending Connect the Park projects: There are several Connect the Park efforts that
are in various stages of the public engagement process but are not yet constructed. Based on
council direction, staff was not intending on discussing these projects at the study session.
•Southeast bikeway improvements: This proposal includes the installation of bikeways
on Wooddale Avenue from 44th Street to 42nd 1/2 Street, along Princeton
Avenue/Quentin Avenue to Park Commons Drive and then through Wolfe Park to the
intersection of Monterey Drive and 36th 1/2 Street. In addition, the segment of 38th
Street from Excelsior Boulevard to France Avenue. This project is proposed to be
constructed in 2020.
•Dakota Avenue bikeway: This proposal includes a bikeway on Dakota Avenue from Lake
Street through Dakota Park, on a bridge over the BNSF railroad and the North Cedar
Lake trail, then along the east side of Edgewood Avenue to Cedar Lake Road. The
segment from Minnetonka Boulevard to Cedar Lake Road has been approved by council.
The segment to the south is still in the public engagement phase. Both segments are
proposed to be constructed in 2020.
•Monterey Drive/ Beltline Boulevard/36th Street bikeway improvements: This proposal
includes the installation of various bikeways on the following roadway segments:
− Monterey Drive (between Excelsior Boulevard and Beltline Boulevard)
o From Excelsior Boulevard to just north of Park Commons Drive:
Rehabilitation anticipated to take place in 2020 to add on-street bike
facilities to the corridor. This includes changes to the intersections at
Excelsior Boulevard and Park Commons Drive.
o From Park Commons Drive to the intersection of Beltline Boulevard and
36th Street: Rehabilitation anticipated to take place in 2021 to add on-street
bike facilities to the corridor. This includes changing the intersection at 36th
Street and Beltline Boulevard to a roundabout.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: Connect the Park status update
− Beltline Boulevard (between 36th Street to Park Glen Road): Rehabilitation
anticipated to take place in 2021 to add on-street bike facilities to the corridor and
connect with the SWLRT project.
− 36th Street (between Beltline Boulevard to Wooddale Avenue): Rehabilitation
anticipated to take place in 2022 to add bike facilities to the corridor. This is
expected to be a combination of on-street and off-street facilities.
Evolution of the Connect the Park initiative since 2013: The initiative, as it was originally
proposed, was estimated to cost $24 million to install. The estimate was based on the
following:
• On-street bikeways – via on-road striping and signs.
• Sidewalks - within the right-of-way between the curb and property line.
• Trails - within the right-of-way between the curb and property line.
There has been considerable community input and council policy changes since the plan was
approved in 2013 that have influenced the scope and cost of the plan.
Additional city council policy direction: The following timeline outlines the history of the
initiative.
• June 17, 2013 - Connect the Park CIP approved by council.
The goals and objectives of the plan are to:
o Develop an interconnected network of pedestrian and bicycle routes throughout the
city and linked to transit systems.
Establish a citywide grid-system of sidewalks approximately every 1/4-mile.
Establish a citywide grid-system of bicycle facilities approximately every 1/2-
mile.
Close gaps in the existing neighborhood sidewalk network.
o Provide active connections to transit, including buses and light rail.
o Establish safe crossings of highways, arterial roads and rail corridors.
o Develop safe connections to schools, commercial hubs, employment centers,
institutions, and transit.
o Develop links from neighborhoods to parks and natural areas, providing
opportunities to improve the health and well-being of residents and workers.
o Improve connections to regional trails to link the city to larger metropolitan open
space systems and destinations.
o Provide safe and easily accessible routes for residents and workers in the
community, including children, seniors and the disabled.
o Create a cohesive, well-designed system that includes a coordinated approach for
signs, wayfinding and other "user-friendly" amenities such as rest areas, information
kiosks, and upgraded landscaping.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: Connect the Park status update
•June 17, 2013 - Complete Streets policy approved by council.
The Complete Streets policy encompasses the planning, scoping, design, implementation,
operation, and maintenance of roads in order to reasonably address the safety and
accessibility needs of users of all ages and abilities. Complete Streets considers the needs of
motorists, pedestrians, transit users and vehicles, bicyclists, and commercial and emergency
vehicles moving along and across roads, intersections, and crossings in a manner that is
sensitive to the local context and recognizes that the needs vary in urban, suburban, and
rural settings.
•Spring 2014 - To ensure that the city was being responsive to the momentum caused by this
initiative and keeping the plan updated considering community feedback, the city council
requested that the Connect the Park CIP be updated annually, usually within the first
quarter of the year. This has led to the inclusion of several additional pedestrian and bicycle
improvements:
o 41st Street Sidewalk (Princeton Avenue to Ottawa Avenue) – constructed in 2014.
o France Avenue pedestrian signal (at Cedarwood) -constructed in 2016.
o Xenwood Avenue sidewalk (27th Street to 29th Street) - constructed in 2017.
o Monterey Avenue pedestrian signal (at 36 1/2 Street) – constructed in 2017.
o 16th Street pedestrian signal (at West End) – constructed in 2018.
o 38th Street pedestrian signal (at France Avenue) – constructed in 2018.
o Monterey Drive sidewalk (across from Park Commons Drive to 36th 1/2 Street) –
proposed for 2020.
•March 2014 - Council directed that all sidewalks proposed as a part of Connect the Park
plan be city maintained (defined as community sidewalks).
This action required that the city remove snow from all future sidewalks proposed as part of
Connect the Park. This policy increased the mileage, labor hours and equipment of the
city’s Operations and Recreation Department to clear these walks.
•June 2014 - Council directed staff to identify gap segments near Connect the Park sidewalk
segments and add to the implementation plan.
A gap is a sidewalk segment that if completed would create continuous connections from
the neighborhood sidewalk system to the community sidewalk system. To date, the city has
constructed 1.4 miles of gap sidewalk segments. It is anticipated that there is an additional
0.9 miles remaining. This added about $1.5 million to the overall cost.
•2016 - Living Streets policy added to the Environment and Sustainability Commission work
plan.
Living Streets principles are first discussed and are being implemented on all transportation
projects. This includes infill sidewalk gaps on all transportation projects, not just Connect
the Park projects. In addition, many of the Climate Action goals set by the council are
inherent to the Living Streets policy.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: Connect the Park status update
•2016 - NACTO (National Association of City Transportation Officials) standards become the
city’s “best practices” for the implementation of sidewalks, bikeways and trails within urban
environments.
These standards represent a significant increase in the level of comfort and safety for non-
motorized users of the right-of-way. The phrase “all ages, all abilities” is used to illustrate
that bike facilities should be constructed commensurate with the type of roadway to allow
users of all ages and all abilities to safely bike on the facility with a high level of safety and
low level of stress.
A bikeway designed for all ages and abilities usually is more than on-street paint and
signage. The first project that incorporated these design standards was the Louisiana
Avenue bridge project. The cost for this bikeway as proposed in 2013 was $70,000. The cost
for the cycle track that was included in the project approval is $1,850,000.
•2017 - Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) designation.
Staff began the application process for the city to be designated as a bronze level BFC in
2016. According to The League of American Bicyclists, who run BFC program, “[The
program] provides a roadmap to improving conditions for bicycling and guidance to help
make your community’s vision for a better, bikeable community a reality”. Cities that
demonstrate a commitment to bettering safe bicycling receive this designation.
•2018 - Definition of sidewalk gap expanded to include connections from naturally occurring
affordable housing (NOAH) to the community sidewalk system.
At the request of the city council, staff took a closer look at the city’s sidewalk network with
a racial equity lens. Staff was asked to locate all the sidewalk gaps between NOAH
properties and transit corridors, which often coincide with our community sidewalk system.
Staff included these gaps into existing projects in the CIP. The cost of construction also
includes the installation of new street trees in the boulevards adjacent to the sidewalks.
This added about $1.6 million to the CIP.
•2018 - Comprehensive Plan incorporates the policy, “The city will plan, design, build, and
operate the city’s mobility system in a way that prioritizes walking first, followed by
bicycling and transit use, and then motor vehicle use”.
This is a significant change from previous comprehensive plan priorities. Flipping the
prioritization enables staff to plan, design and implement projects to optimize the
pedestrian and bicycle experience.
•2018 – Climate Action Plan approved by council. The plan sets the goal of achieving carbon
neutrality — having a net-zero carbon footprint — by 2040.
The plan provides guidance for residents, businesses, and the city on reducing the
greenhouse gas emissions and impacts of climate change. The Connect the Park plan will
help in achieving the goals set forth in the Climate Action Plan goal #6:
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Title: Connect the Park status update
o Reduce vehicle emissions by 25%, as compared to the business-as-usual forecast.
6.4: Enable reduction of vehicle miles traveled [VMT] from single-occupancy
vehicles.
• Action 6.4.1: Continue to modify land use to encourage alternative
modes of transportation, consistent with the city’s complete streets
policy and any future living streets policy.
Making non-vehicle travel safer and more attractive encourages people to drive less.
Designing in this way also increases safety for all road users.
• August 19, 2019 - Living Streets policy formally adopted.
There are six principles that guide the implementation of the Living Streets policy. These
principles will be incorporated into the planning and design of transportation projects and
referenced when making land use decisions.
1. Enhance walking/ biking conditions and connections
2. Traffic management
3. Stormwater management
4. Support the urban forest
5. Create a sense of place
6. Ensure cost-effective and practical solutions
Community input related to Connect the Park: There has been considerable community input
since the initiative was approved in 2013, which has shaped the design considerations staff uses
for the implementation of projects. This communication has come about via community
engagement related to many of the projects constructed in the last five years. Many times, the
design solution proposed, and eventually implemented, created a new standard for project
implementation and increased project costs. Some examples are as follows:
• 2014 Connect the Park project: Concern over loss of trees on 39th Street caused the
city to look to narrowing streets in order to install sidewalk segments. Now, this is
routinely proposed to limit the impact to existing trees, homes, and driveways.
• 2016 Connect the Park project: Concern regarding pedestrian crossing safety near
St. Louis Park Middle School prompted the city to add a pedestrian signal to the
Texas Avenue sidewalk project. Now, these are routinely recommended for
crosswalks where a high volume of crossings is expected.
• 2017 Connect the Park project: Loss of parking along 28th Street at Ainsworth Park
prompted the city to widen the street and install a parking bay. Now, parking bays
are routinely proposed to address neighborhood parking loss concerns as a result of
bikeway projects.
Looking ahead to future Connect the Park projects: The straightforward projects have already
been implemented. The projects that remain have a significantly higher level of complexity in
the design and execution, thus increasing the impacts and associated costs to achieve the
original goals of Connect the Park. This is due to the volume of traffic, width of existing roadway,
available right-of-way, on-street parking, mature trees and grades adjacent to the road. In
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2) Page 7
Title: Connect the Park status update
addition, many of the remaining projects will include some level of parking restrictions to
implement, making these projects much more complex and expensive than envisioned in 2013.
Two examples of projects programmed in the next 5 years:
• Alabama Avenue from Excelsior Boulevard to 36th Street: This roadway has parking on
both sides and the demand for available parking is very high. Installing a bikeway on this
segment, as it was originally proposed in 2013, will likely require a partial or full
restriction of parking.
• Louisiana Avenue from Cedar Lake Road to Wayzata Boulevard: Connect the Park
envisions a sidewalk on the east side of the road and a bikeway. The road has between
15,000 and 20,000 vehicles a day. While there is currently parking restrictions along the
entire length, NACTO design standards recommend a protected bicycle facility (cycle
track) for a low-stress facility. There is not adequate room between the curbs on the
existing roadway to accommodate this design. In addition, there is not enough right-of-
way to widen the road and install a sidewalk on the east side as well. Also due to
existing grades, there would be extensive tree loss and retaining wall construction.
Financial considerations: When the project was approved in 2013, the estimate for the full
build-out of Connect the Park was $26,672,915. The original plan was to complete all segments
by 2023. The funding is provided for the most part by general obligation bonds.
The Capital improvement plan is updated, reviewed, and approved by the city council annually.
As a part of the 2019 update staff has carefully reviewed each Connect the Park segment
included in the CIP and updated the costs to reflect the council policy direction summarized
above and past project experience. The result of this is a significant change to the cost estimate
for plan build-out. In addition, the public engagement process for each project is taking more
time, as a result, staff recommends that the plan completion date be extended to at least 2027.
A breakdown of the costs:
2013 2019
Estimated
cost
Actual cost
to date
Estimated
cost
Complete segments $9,974,970
Segments approved or under construction $5,300,194
Total cost to date $15,275,164
Estimate for segments completed to date $8,150,637
Future projects $18,522,278 $36,306,327
Total $26,672,915 $51,581,491
To provide the council with a full snapshot of the anticipated general obligation costs in our CIP
related to transportation projects, we also wanted to include our estimated cost to implement
the Living streets policy. Living streets elements funded through general obligation bonds
include Gap sidewalks, NOAH sidewalks, Traffic management, and street trees. The estimate for
these elements for the next 10 years is $6,212,789.
34TH ST
LAKE S
T
27TH ST
WALKE R ST ALABAMA AVETEXAS AVE44 TH STFLORIDA AVEOXFOR
D
S
T GEORGIA AVEYOSEMITE AVE41ST STIDAHO AVERH ODE ISL AND AVEJERSEY AVEWOODDALEAVE37TH ST LOUISIANAAVEBNSF RR
EXCELSI
O
R
B
L
V
D
LI
B
R
A
R
Y
L
N
3 5 T H S T
38TH STKENTUCKYAVE
39TH ST
CEDARLAKE R D
VERNON AVEKIPLINGAVEWAYZATA B L V D
2 8 T H S T
F O R D R D
INGLEWOOD AVESHELARD PKWY
25 1/2 ST
GORHAMAVEPARK G
L
E
N
R
D
BRUNSWICK AVEBELTLINEBLVDMINN ETON KA BLVD
EXCELSIOR BL
V
D
31ST ST
BROWNDALE AVE
16TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVEZARTHAN AVEC
LUB RD
36 TH S T
2 3 R D S T
26TH ST
3 61/2STMARYLAND AVEMOR NINGSIDE RDZINRAN AVETOLEDO AVEMELROSEAVE32ND ST
UTICAAVENORTH
S
T
42ND ST
DOUGLAS AVE
GLENHURSTAVE24TH ST
HAMILT ON ST
XENWOOD AVEWEBSTER AVENEVADA AVEF R A N K LINAV E
POW ELL RD
VIRGINIA CIR
22ND ST
29TH ST
40TH STDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVE25TH S T
BASSWOOD RD18THSTOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
FRANCE AVECAMBRIDGE STQUEBEC AVERALEIGHAVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEAQUILAAVECOLORADO AVEPENNSYLVA NIA AVEEDGEWOOD AVERIDGEDR
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE33RD STOREGON AVESUNS ET BLVDCPRR
PA RK CE N TERBLVDUTICA AVE35TH ST
18TH ST
AQUI
L
A
A
V
E
WEBSTER AVEUTICA AVE32ND ST XENWOOD AVEYOSEMITE AVE31ST STBRUNSWICK AVEIDAHO AVEQUEBEC AVECP RR
CP
RRCP RRKENTUCKY AVEGEORGIA AVE29TH ST
3 7 T H S T
27TH ST
2 2N D S T
QUENTIN AVEWAYZATA BLVD
JOPPA AVE37TH ST
36TH ST TEXASAVE34TH STFLAGA
VE
JERSEY AVEALABAMAAVE2 3 R D S TQUENTI
NAVEFLAG
AVEFORD RDLAKE ST34TH ST
OXFORD ST OTTAWA AVEWO
O
D
D
A
L
E
A
V
E
33RD ST
28TH ST
16TH ST
36TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE35TH ST
JOPPA AVE26TH ST
27TH ST
ALABA MA AVEEDGEWOOD AVE28TH ST
CEDAR
L
A
K
E
R
D
31ST ST
25TH ST
3 9 T H S T
26TH ST
16TH S T
1ST ST2ND STPARKPLACEBLVDZARTHANAVEZARTHAN AVETOLEDOAVE
32ND ST
42ND ST
42ND STAQUILALN GLENHURST AVEBROOK AVEXENWOOD AVEEDGEB
R
O
O
K
D
R
FORESTRD
NEVADA AVE40TH L
N
ELIOT
VI
E
W
R
D
43 1/2 ST
MACKEY AVE40TH S
T
DAKOTA AVEDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVELYNN AVE18TH ST
MO
N
T
E
R
E
Y
D
R
V A L L A C H E R A V EWESTWOODHILLSDRWESTWOODHILLSDR30 1/2 ST
34 1/2 ST
14TH ST
BOONEAVEBOONEAVE
BOONEAVEWEST
M
ORELANDLNUTAHDRQUE
B
E
C
A
V
E
Q UEBECAVERALEIGH AVERALEIGH AVEX YLONAVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEGAMBLE DR
22ND LN
B
R
O
W
N
L
O
W
A
V
E
35 TH STJORDAN AVEDART AVEUTAH AVEUTAHAVEUTAHAVESUMTERAVEBURD
PL
STANL EN RD
CA
V
E
L
L
AVECAVELL AVECAVELL AVEPARKLANDSRDCOLORADO AVECOLORADO AVECEDAR LAKE AVEKILMER AVEKILMERAVEPARK COM M O N S D R
32 1/2 ST
CEDARWOOD RD
C ED ARWO
O
D
R
D
MEADOWBROOK RDPARKERRD
BLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVE13TH LN
13TH LN
TAFT AVEWYOMING AVEWYOMINGAVEEDGEWOODAVEEDGEWOOD AVE13 1/2 ST
M
O
NIT
O
R
S
T
FORD LN
RANDAL
L
A
V
E
INDEPENDENCEA
VEINDEPENDENCEAVEINDEPENDENCEAVEINDEPENDENCE AVEPA RKWOODSR D
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE3 3 R D S T
33RD ST 33RD ST NATCHEZ AVENATCHEZAVENATCHEZ AVEW O L F E PKW Y24TH ST W
OREGON AVEOREGON AVEOREGON AVEREPUBLIC AVEVIRGINIAA
V
E
VIRGINIA AVEVIRGINIAAV E
VIRGINIA AVEPRINCETON AVEPRINCETON AVEWESTSIDE DR
DECATURLNYUKON AVEY U KONAVEGETTYSBURGAVEGETTYSBURG AVECAVELL
LN
H ILLSBOROAVEH
I
L
LSBOROAVEHILLSBORO AVEHILLSBOROAVEPARKDALE D
RLANCASTERAVE
PHILLIPS PKWYGLENHURSTRDC
E
D
ARLAKERDHILLLN
DECATURAVEDECATUR AVEM EADOWBROO
K
B
L
VDMEADO
WBROOKB
L
V
D
GLEN PL
HIGHWOODRD
MINNEHAHA C
I
RNEXCELSIORWAYWOODLAND DRBROOKVIEWDR F
O
R
E
S
T
L
N
LOUISIANA CTLNFAIRWAYLN
ENSIGNAVETE X A TONKAAVEWILLOW LNWILLOWLNPRKR24THLN WESTWOODHILLSCRV
AQUILACIRBOONECT WESTRIDGE LNMINNEHAHA
CT
TEXAS
CIR
OAK LEAF
CT
FORD
CIR
OTTAWA AVE28TH STAQUILAAVE
31ST
ST
YOSEMI TE AVEAQUILAAVEFLAG AVE31ST ST
C ED AR LAK E RD
24TH S
T
31ST ST
22NDST COLORADOAVEBARRY ST
ZARTHAN AVE16TH ST
ALABAMA AVE14T H S T
FLAG AVE16TH ST
1 6 TH ST
26TH
ST
SALEM AVEQUEBEC AVEPENNSYL VANIA AVEZINR AN AVEGLENHURST AVETOLEDOAVE18TH ST
2 3 R D ST
31STST
SALEMAVELYNN AVEPENNSYLVANIAAVECOLORADO AVE23 RD ST
24TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE18TH ST
27TH STDAKOTA AVE25TH ST
VERNON AVE41ST ST
29TH STMARYLAND AVE28TH
ST
25TH ST
18 T H S T
26TH ST
ID
A
H
ONEVADA AVE24THST
23RD ST
RALE
IGH
AVE
37TH ST
22ND ST
31ST
ST
18TH
KIPLING AVEPENNSYLVANIA AVESUMTER AVE23RD
ST
FRA N K L I N AV E
WEBSTER AVEWEBSTERAVEFLORIDA AVE28TH ST
OTTAWA AVEOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
RHODE ISLAND AVE16TH ST
22 ND ST BRUNSWICK AVE16TH ST
DIVISION ST YOSEMITE AVEJOPPA AVEDAKOTAAVE39TH ST INGLEWOOD AVEFRANKLIN AVE
41ST ST
29TH STWEST END BLVDDUKE DR16TH ST
UTICA AVECOBBLECREST CTCOOLIDGE AVEBROWNDALE AVELOUISIANA CIRLOUISIANAAVECAMBRIDGE STGETTYSBURGAVE 3 5 T H S T
MINNEHAHA CIR N
FLAG AVE
WAYZATA BLVD
WAYZATA BLVD
Exhibit A2
Sidewalk CIP
5-23-2013tw
Legend
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
.By Year
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Connect the Park status update Page 8
34TH ST
LAKE S
T
27TH ST
WALKE R ST ALABAMA AVETEXAS AVE44 TH STFLORIDA AVEOXFOR
D
S
T GEORGIA AVEYOSEMITE AVE41ST STIDAHO AVERH ODE ISL AND AVEJERSEY AVEWOODDALE
AVE37TH ST LOUISIANA AVEBNSF RR
EXCELSI
O
R
B
L
V
D
LI
B
R
A
R
Y
L
N
3 5 T H S T
38TH STKENTUCKY AVE39TH ST
CEDAR LAKE R D
VERNON AVEKIPLING AVEWAYZATA B L V D
2 8 T H S T
F O R D R D
INGLEWOOD AVESHELARD PKWY
25 1/2 ST
GORHAM AVEPARK G
L
E
N
R
D
BRUNSWICK AVEBELT LINE BLVDMINN ETON KA BLVD
EXCELSIOR BL
V
D
31ST ST
BROWNDALE AVE16TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVEZARTHAN AVEC
LUB RD
3 6TH S T
23 R D S T
26TH ST
3 6 1/2 STMARYLAND AVEMOR NING SIDE RDZINRAN AVETOLEDO AVEMELROSE AVE32ND ST
UTICA AVENORTH
S
T
42ND ST
DOUGLAS AVE
GLENHURST AVE24TH ST
HAMILT ON ST
XENWOOD AVEWEBSTER AVENEVADA AVEF R A N K LIN AV E
P OWELL RD
VIRGINIA CIR
22ND ST
29TH ST
40TH STDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVE25TH S T
BASSWOOD RD18TH STOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
FRANCE AVECAMBRIDGE STQUEBEC AVERALEIGH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEAQUILA AVECOLORADO AVEPENNSYLVA NIA AVEEDGEWOOD AVERIDGE DR
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE33RD STOREGON AVESUNS ET BLVDCP RRPAR K C E N TER BLVDUTICA AVE35TH ST
18TH ST
AQUI
L
A A
V
E
WEBSTER AVEUTICA AVE32ND ST XENWOOD AVEYOSEMITE AVE31ST STBRUNSWICK AVEIDAHO AVEQUEBEC AVECP RR
CP
RR
CP RRKENTUCKY AVEGEORGIA AVE29TH ST
3 7 T H S T
27TH ST
2 2N D S T
QUENTIN AVEWAYZATA BLVD
JOPPA AVE37TH ST
36TH ST TEXAS AVE34TH STFLAG
A
VE
JERSEY AVEALABAMA AVE2 3 R D S TQUENT
I
N AVEFLA
G
AVEFORD RDLAKE ST34TH ST
OXFORD ST OTTAWA AVEWO
O
D
D
A
L
E
A
V
E
33RD ST
28TH ST
16TH ST
36TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE35TH ST
JOPPA AVE26TH ST
27TH ST
ALABA MA AVEEDGEWOOD AVE28TH ST
CEDAR
L
A
K
E
R
D
31ST ST
25TH ST
3 9 T H S T
26TH ST
16TH S T
1ST ST2ND STPARK PLACE BLVDZARTHAN AVEZARTHAN AVETOLEDO AVE
32ND ST
42ND ST
42ND STAQUILA LNGLENHURST AVEBROOK AVEXENWOOD AVEEDGEB
R
O
O
K
D
R
FOREST RD
NEVADA AVE40TH L
N
ELIOT
VI
E
W
R
D
43 1/2 ST
MACKEY AVE40TH S
T
DAKOTA AVEDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVELYNN AVE18TH ST
MO
N
T
E
R
E
Y
D
R
V A L L A C H E R A V EWESTWOOD HILLSD R WESTWOODHILLSDR30 1/2 ST
34 1/2 ST
14TH ST
BOONE AVEBOONE AVE
BOONEAVEWEST
M
ORELAND LNUTAH DRQUE
B
E
C
A
V
E
Q UEBEC AVERALEIGH AVERALEIGH AVEX YLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEGAMBLE DR
22ND LN
B
R
O
W
N
L
O
W
A
V
E
35 TH STJORDAN AVEDART AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEBURD
PL
STANLE N RD
CA
V
E
L
L
AVECAVELL AVECAVELL AVEPARKLANDS RDCOLORADO AVECOLORADO AVECEDAR LAKE AVEKILMER AVEKILMER AVEPARK COM M O N S D R
32 1/2 ST
CEDARWOOD RD
C ED ARWO
O
D
R
D
MEADOWBROOK RDPARKER RD
BLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVE13TH LN
13TH LN
TAFT AVEWYOMING AVEWYOMING AVEEDGEWOOD AVEEDGEWOOD AVE13 1/2 ST
M
O
NIT
O
R
S
T
FORD LN
RANDALL
A
V
E
INDEPENDENCE
A
VEINDEPENDENCE AVEINDEPEND ENCE AVEINDEPENDENCE AVEPA RKWOODS R D
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE3 3 R D S T
33RD ST 33RD ST NATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVEW O L F E PKW Y24TH ST W
OREGON AVEOREGON AVEOREGON AVEREPUBLIC AVEVIRGINIA
A
V
E
VIRGINIA AVEVIRGINIA AV E
VIRGINIA AVEPRINCETON AVEPRINCETON AVEWESTSIDE DR
DECATUR LNYUKON AVEY U KON AVEGETTYSBURGAVEGETTYSBURG AVECAVELL
LN
H ILLSBORO AVEH
I
L
LSBORO AVEHILLSBORO AVEHILL SBORO AVEPARKDALE D
RLANCASTERAVE
PHILLIPS PKWYGLENHURST RDC
E
D
AR LAKE RDHILL LN
DECATURAVEDECATUR AVEMEADOWBROO
K
B
L
VDMEADO
WBROOK
B
L
V
D
GLEN PL
HIG
HWOOD RD
MINNEHAHA C
I
REXCELSIORWAYWOODLAND
DRBROOKVIEWDR F
O
R
E
S
T L
N
LOUISIANA CTLNFAIRWAYLN
ENSIGNAVETE X A TONKA AVEWILLOW LNWILLOWLNPRKR24THLN WESTWOOD HILLS CRV
AQUILA CIRBOONECT WESTRIDGE LNMINNEHAHA
CT
TEXAS
CIR
OAK LEAF
CT
FORD
CIR
OTTAWA AVE28TH STAQUILAAVE
31ST
ST
YOSEMI TE AVEAQUILA AVEFLAG AVE31ST ST
C ED AR LAK E RD
24TH S
T
31ST ST
22NDST COLORADO AVE25 1/2 ST
ZARTHAN AVE16TH ST
ALABAMA AVE14TH ST
FLAG AVE16TH ST
1 6 T H ST
26TH
ST
SALEM AVEQUEBEC AVEPENNSYL VANIA AVEZINR AN AVEGLENHURST AVETOLEDO AVE18TH ST
2 3 R D ST
31ST ST
SALEM AVELYNN AVEPENNSYLVANIAAVECOLORADO AVE23RD ST
24TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE18TH ST
27TH STDAKOTA AVE25TH ST
VERNON AVE41ST ST
29TH STMARYLAND AVE28TH
ST
25TH ST
1 8 T H S T
26TH ST
ID
A
H
ONEVADA AVE24THST
23RD ST
RALE
IGH
AVE
37TH ST
22ND ST
31ST
ST
18TH
KIPLING AVEPENNSYLVANIA AVESUMTER AVE23RD
ST
FRA NK L IN A V E
WEBSTER AVEWEBSTERAVEFLORIDA AVE28TH ST
OTTAWA AVEOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
RHODE ISLAND AVE16TH ST
22 ND ST BRUNSWICK AVE16TH ST
OXFORD ST YOSEMITE AVEJOPPA AVEDAKOTAAVE39TH ST INGLEWOOD AVEFRANKLIN AVE
41ST ST
29TH STWEST END BLVDDUKE DR16TH ST
UTICA AVEExhibit C2
Bikeway CIP .
6-26-2012tw
Legend
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2020
2021
2022
Existing Bikeways
Continuation in adjacent City
By Year
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Connect the Park status update Page 9
34TH ST
LAKE S
T
27TH ST
WALKE R ST ALABAMA AVETEXAS AVE44 TH S
TFLORIDA AVEOXFOR
D
S
T GEORGIA AVEYOSEMITE AVE41ST STIDAHO AVERH ODE ISL AND AVEJERSEY AVEWOODDALE
AVE37TH ST LOUISIANA AVEBNSF RR
EXCEL
SI
O
R
B
L
V
D
LI
B
R
A
R
Y
L
N
3 5 T H S T
38TH STKENTUCKY AVE39TH ST
CEDAR LAKE R D
VERNON AVEKIPLING AVEWAYZATA B L V D
2 8 T H S T
F O R D R D
INGLEWOOD AVESHELARD PKWY
25 1/2 ST
GORHAM AVEPARK G
L
E
N
R
D
BRUNSWICK AVEBELT LINE BLVDMINN ETON KA BLVD
EXCELSIOR B
L
V
D
31ST ST
BROWNDALE AVE16TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVEZARTHAN AVEC
LUB RD
36 TH S T
2 3 R D S T
26TH ST
3 6 1/2 STMARYLAND AVEMOR NING SIDE RDZINRAN AVETOLEDO AVEMELROSE AVE32ND ST
UTICA AVENORTH
S
T
42ND ST
DOUGLAS AVE
GLENHURST AVE24TH ST
HAMILT ON ST
XENWOOD AVEWEBSTER AVENEVADA AVEF R A N K LIN AV E
POWELL RD
VIRGINIA CIR
22ND ST
29TH ST
40TH STDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVE25TH S T
BASSWOO D RD18TH STOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
FRANCE AVECAMBRIDGE STQUEBEC AVERALEIGH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEAQUILA AVECOLORADO AVEPENNSYLVA NIA AVEEDGEWOOD AVERIDGE DR
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE33RD STOREGON AVESUN S ET BLVDCP RRPA R K C E N TER BLVDUTICA AVE35TH ST
18TH ST
AQUI
L
A
A
V
E
WEBSTER AVEUTICA AVE32ND ST XENWOOD AVEYOSEMITE AVE31ST STBRUNSWICK AVEIDAHO AVEQUEBEC AVECP RR
CP
RR
CP RRKENTUCKY AVEGEORGIA AVE29TH ST
3 7 T H S T
27TH ST
2 2N D S T
QUENTIN AVEWAYZATA BLVD
JOPPA AVE37TH ST
36TH ST TEXAS AVE34TH STFLAG A
VE
JERSEY AVEALABAMA AVE2 3 R D S TQUENT
I
N AVEFLA
G
AVEFORD RDLAKE ST34TH ST
OXFORD ST OTTAWA AVEWO
O
D
D
A
L
E
A
V
E
33RD ST
28TH ST
16TH ST
36TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE35TH ST
JOPPA AVE26TH ST
27TH ST
ALABA MA AVEEDGEWOOD AVE28TH ST
CEDAR
L
A
K
E
R
D
31ST ST
25TH ST
3 9 T H S T
26TH ST
16TH S T
1ST ST2ND STPARK PLACE BLVDZARTHAN AVEZARTHAN AVETOLEDO AVE
32ND ST
42ND ST
42ND STAQUILA LNGLENHURST AVEBROOK AVEXENWOOD AVEEDGEB
R
O
O
K
D
R
FOREST RD
NEVADA AVE40TH L
N
ELIOT
VI
E
W
R
D
43 1/2 ST
MACKEY AVE40TH S
T
DAKOTA AVEDAKOTA AVESALEM AVELYNN AVELYNN AVE18TH ST
MO
N
T
E
R
E
Y
D
R
V A L L A C H E R A V EWESTWOOD HILLSD R WESTWOODHILLSDR30 1/2 ST
34 1/2 ST
14TH ST
BOONE AVEBOONE AVE
BOONEAVEWEST
M
ORELANDLNUTAH DRQUE
B
E
C
A
V
E
Q UEBEC AVERALEIGH AVERALEIGH AVEX YLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEXYLON AVEGAMBLE DR
22ND LN
B
R
O
W
N
L
O
W
A
V
E
35 TH STJORDAN AVEDART AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVEUTAH AVESUMTER AVEBURD
PL
STAN LEN RD
CA
V
E
L
L
AVECAVELL AVECAVELL AVEPARKLANDS RDCOLORADO AVECOLORADO AVECEDAR LAKE AVEKILMER AVEKILMER AVEPARK COM M O N S D R
32 1/2 ST
CEDARWOOD RD
C ED ARWO
O
D
R
D
MEADOWBROOK RDPARKER RD
BLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVEBLACKSTONE AVE13TH LN
13TH LN
TAFT AVEWYOMING AVEWYOMING AVEEDGEWOOD AVEEDGEWOOD AVE13 1/2 ST
M
O
NIT
O
R
S
T
FORD LN
RANDAL
L
A
V
E
INDEPENDENCE
A
VEINDEPENDENCE AVEINDEPEND ENCE AVEINDEPENDENCE AVEPA RKWOODS R D
MONTEREY AVEHAMPSHIRE AVEHAMPSHIRE AVE3 3 R D S T
33RD ST 33RD ST NATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVENATCHEZ AVEW O L F E PKW Y24TH ST W
OREGON AVEOREGON AVEOREGON AVEREPUBLIC AVEVIRGINIA
A
V
E
VIRGINIA AVEVIRGINIA AV E
VIRGINIA AVEPRINCETON AVEPRINCETON AVEWESTSIDE DR
DECATUR LNYUKON AVEY U KON AVEGETTYSBURGAVEGETTYSBURG AVECAVELL
LN
H ILLSBORO AVEH
I
L
LSBORO AVEHILLSBORO AVEHILL SBORO AVEPARKDALE D
RLANCASTERAVE
PHILLIPS PKWYGLENHURST RDC
E
D
AR LAKE RDHILL LN
DECATURAVEDECATUR AVEMEADOWBRO
O
K
B
L
VDMEADO
WBROOK
B
L
V
D
GLEN PL
HIG
HWOOD RD
MINNEHAHA C
I
REXCELSIORWAYWOODLAND
DRBROOKVIEWDR F
O
R
E
S
T LN
LOUISIANA CTLNFAIRWAYLN
ENSIGNAVETE X A TONKA AVEWILLOW LNWILLOWLNPRKR24THLN WESTWOOD HILLS CRV
AQUILA CIRBOONECT WESTRIDGE LNMINNEHAHA
CT
TEXAS
CIR
OAK LEAF
CT
FORD
CIR
OTTAWA AVE28TH STAQUILAAVE
31ST
ST
YOSEMI TE AVEAQUILA AVEFLAG AVE31ST ST
C E D AR LA KE RD
24TH S
T
31ST ST
22NDST COLORADO AVE25 1/2 ST
ZARTHAN AVE16TH ST
ALABAMA AVE14T H S T
FLAG AVE16TH ST
1 6 TH ST
26TH
ST
SALEM AVEQUEBEC AVEPENNSYL VANIA AVEZINR AN AVEGLENHURST AVETOLEDO AVE18TH ST
2 3 R D ST
31ST ST
SALEM AVELYNN AVEPENNSYLVANIAAVECOLORADO AVE2 3RD ST
24TH ST
HUNTINGTON AVE18TH ST
27TH STDAKOTA AVE25TH ST
VERNON AVE41ST ST
29TH STMARYLAND AVE28TH
ST
25TH ST
1 8 T H S T
26TH ST
ID
A
H
ONEVADA AVE24THST
23RD ST
RALE
IGH
AVE
37TH ST
22ND ST
31ST
ST
18TH
KIPLING AVEPENNSYLVANIA AVESUMTER AVE23RD
ST
FRA N K L I N A V E
WEBSTER AVEWEBSTERAVEFLORIDA AVE28TH ST
OTTAWA AVEOTTAWA AVE14TH ST
RHODE ISLAND AVE16TH ST
22 ND ST BRUNSWICK AVE16TH ST
OXFORD ST YOSEMITE AVEJOPPA AVEDAKOTAAVE39TH ST INGLEWOOD AVEFRANKLIN AVE
41ST ST
29TH STWEST END BLVDDUKE DR16TH ST
UTICA AVEExhibit B1
Trail CIP
6-20-2012tw
.
Legend
Future Bridges
Future Trails
2013
2014
2015
2020
Existing Trails
By Year
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Connect the Park status update Page 10
£¤
?A@
£¤
£¤
\]^
\]^
?A@
\]^
?A@
GWX
GWX
GWX
?A@
GWX
?A@
GWX GWX
GWX
169
169
169
7
394
394
100
394
100
25
5
3
100
3
7
5
5
17
LYNNAVESMINNETONKA BLVD
LOUISIANAAVESMINNETONKA BLVD
29TH ST W
TEXASAVESMORNINGSIDE RD
EXCELSIOR BLVD
36TH ST W
LAKE S
T
W
M
O
N
T
E
R
E
Y
D
R
16TH ST W
PARK PLACE BLVDWO
O
D
D
A
L
E
A
V
E
QUENTINAVESPARKCENTERBLVD42ND ST W VERNONAVESKIPLINGAVES25TH ST WHAMPSHIREAVES
BELTLINE BLVDUTICAAVESCEDAR LAK
E
R
D
MINNETONKA BLVD
32ND ST W
W A Y Z A TA BLVD
WOODDALE AVE
FR A N K L IN AVE
W
G
R
A
N
D WAYALABAMAAVES1 6 T H STW
SERVICE DR H I G H W A Y 7
WAYZATA BLVD
FRANCEAVESLOUISIANAAVES28TH ST W
33RD ST W
YOSEMITEAVESW O LF E PKWY
CAMBRIDGE ST QUENTINAVESMONTEREYAVESTEXASAVES34TH ST W ZARTHANAVES4 1 S T S T WZARTHANAVES C
E
D
A
R
LAKE RD
WEBSTERAVESC E D A R L A K E R D
COOLIDGEAVESPARKPLACEBLVDBROOKAVESMACKEYAVES29TH ST W
FOREST RD
UTICAAVESW ALKE R STVIRGINIAAVES
JOPPAAVESGLENHURSTAVESLAKESTW INGLEWOODAVESWALKER STGEORGIAAVES TOLEDOAVES22ND S T W
26TH ST W
CLUB RD
GOODRICH AVE
14TH ST W
XENWOODAVESDAKOTAAVESLOUISIANAAVES36TH STW
W A LK E R STPENNSYLVANIAAVESSHELARDPKWY
FRANCEAVESGLENHURSTAVES42ND ST W
C O U N T Y R O A D 2 5
VIRGINIA CIR N
XENWOODAVESOXFOR
D
S
T PARKLANDSRD26TH ST W
RHODEISLANDAVESEXCELSIOR BLVDAQUILAAVES34TH ST W
YOSEMITE AVE S
C
A
V
E
L
L
AVESCOLORADOAVESFORD RD28TH ST W
27TH ST W
GORHAMAVEIDAHOAVESBRUNSWICKAVESFLAGAVESJOPPAAVES36TH ST W
CEDARWOOD
R
D
BRUNSWICKAVESOTTAWAAVES41ST ST W
LI
B
R
A
R
Y
L
N25THSTW
41ST ST W
V I C T O R I A W A Y
S E R V IC E D R H IG H W A Y 7UTAHDR
36TH ST WVIRGINIAAVES35TH ST WBOONEAVES KENTUCKYAVESWESTWOODHILLS DR
27TH ST W27TH ST W
UTICAAVESBURDP
L
SUNSET BLVD
FLAGAVES33RD ST W
36TH ST W HILLLN S
Q
U
E
B
E
C
AVES26TH ST W
31ST ST W
VALLAC
H
E
R
A
V
E
32ND ST W
40TH ST W
16TH ST W
FRANKLIN AVE W
NATCHEZAVESBARRY
ST18TH ST W
39TH ST W
22ND ST W
HAMILTON ST
DIVISION ST
24TH ST W
34TH ST W
25 1/2 ST W
XENWOOD AVE S
S E R V I C E D R H IG H WAY 7
37TH ST W 361/2 ST W
18TH ST W
EDGEWOODAVESS E R V IC E D R H IG H W A Y 713THLNW
EDGEB
R
O
O
K
D
R BRUNSWICKAVES31ST ST W
DAKOTAAVES30 1/2 ST W
2 6 T H S T W
W AY ZATA BLVD
1 8 T H STW44TH ST W
31STSTW
E LIO TV IE W R D
ALABAMAAVESOXFORD STCOLORADOAVESPARKE
R R D
ZARTHANAVESUTAHAVES34 1/2 ST W
INGLEWOODAVESKIPLINGAVESBOONEAVE S
JORDANAVESSUMTERAVES1 8T H ST
W
AQUILALNSF O R D RDBRUNSWICKAVESJERSEYAVESHUNTINGTON AVE S
23 RD S T WFLAGAVES
LYNN AVE SGETTYSBURGAVESKENTUCKYAVESB
R
O
W
N
L
O
W
A
V
E ALLEYUTICAAVESOREGONCTWEBSTERAVESVIRGINIAAVES31ST ST WAQUILAAVES
SALEMAVE SQUEBECAVESQUEBECAVESZINRANAVESOREGONAVESMARYLANDAVESNEVADAAVESVERNONAVESIDAHOAVESNEVADAAVESVIRGINIA CIR S
EDGEWOODAVESHAMPSHIREAVESJERSEYAVESBLACKSTONEAVESFLORIDAAVESPENNSYLVANIAAVESIDAHOAVESMARYLANDAVESALABAMAAVESSALEMAVESYOSEMITEAVESRALEIGHAVESQUENTINAVESHUNTINGTONAVESALABAMAAVESTOLEDOAVESSALEMAVES2 8 T H S T W NEVADAAVESNORTH
S
TMELROSEAVES37THSTW
WEBSTERAVESUTAHAVES35TH ST WDUKE DR40TH L
N
W
22ND ST WJORDANAVES
STANLE N R
D
X Y L O N AVESP A R K GLENR D
CEDARWOOD RD
RALEIGHAVESPOWELLRD HIGHWAY 100 S28TH ST
W 23R D ST
WHOSPITAL
SERVICEDRRIDGEDRP
R
I
V
A
T
E
RD
PRIVATE
RD
0 0.5 10.25
Miles ´
Connect the Park
Legend
Completed Sidewalks (5.6 miles)
Completed Trails (2.2 miles)
Completed Bikeways (13.4 miles)
Proposed Sidewalks (6.3 miles)
Proposed Trails (1.5 miles)
Proposed Bikeways (21.9 miles)
Municipal Boundaries
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 2)
Title: Connect the Park status update Page 11
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Discussion item: 3
Executive summary
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Recommended action: The city council and city manager to set the agenda for the special study
session scheduled for Sept. 3, 2019 and the regularly scheduled study session on Sept. 9, 2019 and
to provide time for the city council to discuss future study session prioritization.
Policy consideration: Not applicable.
Summary: This report summarizes the proposed agenda for the special study session scheduled
for Sept. 3.
You will note that no topics are proposed for the September 9 study session at this time. Staff
proposes to review the results of the recent study session prioritization survey completed by
council as part of planning the September 9 agenda and beyond.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Tentative agenda – Sept. 3
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, administrative services office assistant
Maria Carrillo Perez, senior management analyst
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Sept. 3, 2019.
5:20 p.m. Special study session – Community room
Tentative discussion items
1.2020 Budget – Administrative services (60 minutes)
As the 2020 budget process continues staff will update city council on the current preliminary
levy and adjustments since the last meeting.
Sept. 9, 2019.
6:30 p.m. Study session – Community room
Tentative discussion items
1.Future study session agenda planning – Administrative services (5 minutes)
2.TBD
Communications/meeting check-in – Administrative services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Discussion topic Comments Date Scheduled
C-1 zoning district retail and
service use restrictions
Discussed on 6/11/18; referred to PC. Discussed
11/26/18; SS report 2/25/19; Discussed 3/11/19 –
further discussion requested by council; SS discussion
7/8/19; PC public hearing late Aug.
1st reading
9/3/19
Accessory dwelling units/home-
based businesses
SS discussion 6/10/2019. Referred to planning
commission. Staff to prepare ADU ordinance for pc
discussion Qtr. 3 2019. Home occupation-based
businesses pc discussion Qtr. 4 2019 or Qtr. 1 2020
Qtr. 4 2019 and
Qtr. 2 2020
Revitalization of Walker Lake area
Part of preserving Walker building reports: 8/28/17,
9/25/17, 1/22/18, design study 2/12/18, update
4/23/18, design study update 8/27/18; SS report
2/11/19; SS discussion 5/28/19, planning commission to
review ordinances for implementation Qtr. 3 & 4 2019
Qtr. 4 2019
Election holiday discussion 3rd Qtr.
Community and neighborhood
sidewalk designations 3rd Qtr.
Crime free ordinance/affordable
housing strategies
Discussed 5/14/18. 1st reading housing trust fund
10/1/18; Other affordable housing strategies/Crime
Free Ordinance – Nov/Dec, 12/10 and 12/17/18 and
1/14/19 council discussion; Certain provisions of crime
free ord. suspended; Work group being formed; CFO
work group discussed on 3/25/2019; Work group had
first meeting in May, two meetings in June, one in July.
Next meeting is August 28th
TBD; Pending
workgroup
recommendation
Quarterly public forums at city
council meetings TBD
Revisit housing setback, FRA, and
more to maintain and create more
affordable housing
TBD
Immigration & supporting families
Discussed 8/6 and referred to HRC. HRC held comm.
mtg. in Oct. Council/HRC discussion on 12/10; referred
back to HRC for refinement of recommendations
TBD
Discuss public process expectations
and outcomes TBD
Easy access to nature, across city,
starting with low-income
neighborhoods
TBD
STEP discussion: facilities Discussed on 1/14/19; city, STEP & school toured
Central Community Ctr and continuing discussions TBD
Prioritizing transit options through
investments, and engineering and
operations decisions
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Access Fund *On hold pending discussion with school district.*On hold
SEED’s community greenhouse/
resilient cities initiative
*On hold until Food Access and Security study is
complete and recommendations have been made.*On hold
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 4
Executive summary
Title: July 2019 monthly financial report
Recommended action: No action required at this time.
Policy consideration: Monthly financial reports are part of our financial management policies.
Summary: The monthly financial report provides a summary of general fund revenues and
departmental expenditures and a comparison of budget to actual throughout the year. A
budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in this report.
Financial or budget considerations: At the end of July, general fund expenditures were at
approximately 56.5% of the adopted annual budget, which is about 2% under budget.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Summary of revenues and expenditures – general fund
Budget to actual – enterprise funds
Prepared by: Darla Monson, accountant
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, chief financial officer
Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: July 2019 monthly financial report
Discussion
Background: This monthly report provides summary information of the overall level of
revenues and departmental expenditures in the general fund compared to the adopted budget
throughout the year. A budget to actual summary for the four utility funds is also included in
this report.
Present considerations:
General Fund
Actual expenditures should generally be at 58% of the annual budget at the end of July. General
Fund expenditures were at 56.5% through July. Revenues are harder to measure in the same way
due to the timing of when they are received, examples of which include property taxes, grants
and State aid payments.
License and permit revenues combined are at almost 94% of the budget through July. Nearly
90% of the 2019 business and liquor license revenue has been received, which is typical of prior
years since the majority are renewals paid early in the year. Permit revenues increased to 95%
of the annual budget. Larger building permits issued to date in 2019 include PLACE, Bridgewater
Bank, Yeshiva School, St. Louis Park School District, Elan West End Apartments, Urban Park
Apartments, The Block restaurant, Aldi and the nature center.
There are no significant expenditure variances through July.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Actual $2,885 $5,979 $8,957 $11,824 $15,327 $18,496 $22,069
Budget $3,257 $6,515 $9,772 $13,029 $16,287 $19,544 $22,801 $26,058 $29,316 $32,573 $35,830 $39,088
$0
$5,000
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$45,000
$ THOUSANDS Monthly Expenditures -General Fund
Summary of Revenues & Expenditures - General Fund
As of July 31, 2019
2019 2019
2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 Balance YTD Budget
Budget Audited Budget Audited Budget YTD July Remaining to Actual %
General Fund Revenues:
General Property Taxes 24,748,436$ 24,837,901$ 25,705,886$ 26,597,928$ 26,880,004$ 13,895,097$ 12,984,907$ 51.69%
Licenses and Permits 3,745,736 3,985,517 3,924,648 4,001,644 4,103,424 3,844,970 258,454 93.70%
Fines & Forfeits 254,200 293,236 269,200 282,146 279,700 176,962 102,738 63.27%
Intergovernmental 1,631,669 1,899,006 1,864,877 2,006,435 1,760,900 669,263 1,091,637 38.01%
Charges for Services 2,027,637 2,051,552 2,162,410 2,180,589 2,187,319 1,289,169 898,150 58.94%
Miscellaneous Revenue 1,274,415 1,294,452 1,318,037 1,427,744 1,367,012 791,363 575,649 57.89%
Transfers In 1,899,927 1,951,218 1,929,090 1,929,076 1,999,877 1,137,428 862,449 56.87%
Investment Earnings 140,000 125,984 160,000 251,494 180,000 180,000 0.00%
Other Income 30,450 54,303 40,950 35,802 31,300 29,085 2,215 92.92%
Use of Fund Balance *58,541 - 523,835 298,156 298,156 0.00%
Total General Fund Revenues 35,811,011$ 36,493,169$ 37,898,933$ 38,712,858$ 39,087,692$ 21,833,337$ 17,254,355$ 55.86%
General Fund Expenditures:
General Government:
Administration 1,049,123$ 1,056,796$ 1,341,606$ 1,340,282$ 1,837,620$ 866,323$ 971,297$ 47.14%
Finance 957,275 924,832 978,752 964,036 1,034,199 627,645 406,554 60.69%
Assessing 707,139 652,015 759,865 710,715 772,746 447,214 325,532 57.87%
Human Resources 754,699 730,731 796,666 735,050 805,620 429,027 376,593 53.25%
Community Development 1,366,055 1,353,476 1,479,911 1,559,721 1,502,521 882,838 619,683 58.76%
Facilities Maintenance 1,132,774 1,128,339 1,162,342 1,223,109 1,170,211 627,160 543,051 53.59%
Information Resources 1,570,712 1,421,685 1,589,432 1,526,028 1,674,937 853,622 821,315 50.96%
Communications & Marketing 646,841 722,199 755,940 829,732 805,674 455,893 349,781 56.59%
Community Outreach 26,553 24,403 27,637 12,085
Engineering 376,601 339,876 525,834 552,432 570,377 313,756 256,621 55.01%
Total General Government 8,587,772$ 8,354,352$ 9,417,985$ 9,453,190$ 10,173,905$ 5,503,479$ 4,670,426$ 54.09%
Public Safety:
Police 9,217,988$ 9,255,342$ 9,930,681$ 9,877,014$ 10,335,497$ 6,143,248$ 4,192,249$ 59.44%
Fire Protection 4,407,656 4,319,457 4,657,973 4,630,520 4,813,078 2,783,522 2,029,556 57.83%
Building & Energy 2,419,073 2,271,301 2,544,762 2,295,910 2,555,335 1,399,954 1,155,381 54.79%
Total Public Safety 16,044,717$ 15,846,100$ 17,133,416$ 16,803,444$ 17,703,910$ 10,326,724$ 7,377,186$ 58.33%
Operations & Recreation:
Public Works Administration 266,249$ 245,942$ 230,753$ 208,050$ 290,753$ 158,922$ 131,831$ 54.66%
Public Works Operations 3,019,017 2,809,715 3,091,857 2,998,935 3,111,481 1,599,371 1,512,110 51.40%
Organized Recreation 1,472,996 1,470,613 1,582,490 1,499,780 1,579,569 964,311 615,258 61.05%
Recreation Center 1,744,651 1,856,529 1,860,755 2,004,937 1,949,657 1,135,972 813,685 58.27%
Park Maintenance 1,721,732 1,797,271 1,830,530 1,866,744 1,833,297 1,034,050 799,247 56.40%
Westwood Nature Center 602,400 572,942 622,346 599,704 643,750 357,977 285,773 55.61%
Natural Resources 550,235 430,995 559,662 376,359 484,784 249,994 234,790 51.57%
Vehicle Maintenance 1,384,038 1,088,375 1,253,367 1,210,279 1,242,236 735,044 507,192 59.17%
Total Operations & Recreation 10,761,318$ 10,272,383$ 11,031,760$ 10,764,788$ 11,135,527$ 6,235,640$ 4,899,887$ 56.00%
Non-Departmental:
General 31,909$ 31,859$ 43,422$ 52,421$ -$ -$ -$ 0.00%
Transfers Out - 885,000 - 1,040,000 0.00%
Council Programs 198,000 110,105 0.00%
Contingency 385,295 188,254 74,350 24,440 74,350 3,069 71,281 4.13%
Total Non-Departmental 417,204$ 1,105,113$ 315,772$ 1,226,966$ 74,350$ 3,069$ 71,281$ 4.13%
Total General Fund Expenditures 35,811,011$ 35,577,947$ 37,898,933$ 38,248,388$ 39,087,692$ 22,068,912$ 17,018,780$ 56.46%
*Primarily related to E911 capital items from restricted fund balance.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: July 2019 monthly financial report Page 3
Budget to Actual - Enterprise Funds
As of July 31, 2019
Current
Budget
Jul Year To
Date
Budget
Variance
% of
Budget
Current
Budget
Jul Year To
Date
Budget
Variance
% of
Budget
Current
Budget
Jul Year To
Date
Budget
Variance
% of
Budget
Current
Budget
Jul Year To
Date
Budget
Variance
% of
Budget
Operating revenues:
User charges 6,857,853$ 3,280,938$ 3,576,915$ 47.84%7,513,922$ 3,514,346$ 3,999,576$ 46.77%3,409,250$ 1,592,941$ 1,816,309$ 46.72%2,900,839$ 1,583,720$ 1,317,119$ 54.60%
Other 375,750 477,569 (101,819) 127.10%30,000 14,110 15,890 47.03%153,500 73,959 79,541 48.18%- -
Total operating revenues 7,233,603 3,758,507 3,475,096 51.96%7,543,922 3,528,456 4,015,466 46.77%3,562,750 1,666,900 1,895,850 46.79%2,900,839 1,583,720 1,317,119 54.60%
Operating expenses:
Personal services 1,397,512 827,849 569,663 59.24%717,237 479,673 237,564 66.88%599,774 328,833 270,941 54.83%807,245 366,378 440,867 45.39%
Supplies & non-capital 324,800 158,853 165,947 48.91%68,600 14,422 54,178 21.02%222,550 61,094 161,456 27.45%12,500 907 11,593 7.26%
Services & other charges 1,736,196 1,252,405 483,791 72.14%4,784,255 2,822,945 1,961,310 59.00%2,952,323 1,318,076 1,634,247 44.65%325,903 254,694 71,209 78.15%
Depreciation *
Total operating expenses 3,458,508 2,239,107 1,219,401 64.74%5,570,092 3,317,040 2,253,052 59.55%3,774,647 1,708,003 2,066,644 45.25%1,145,648 621,979 523,669 54.29%
Operating income (loss)3,775,095 1,519,400 2,255,695 40.25%1,973,830 211,416 1,762,414 10.71%(211,897) (41,103) (170,794) 19.40%1,755,191 961,741 793,450 54.79%
Nonoperating revenues (expenses):
Interest income 15,172 15,172 0.00%7,200 7,200 0.00%18,100 18,100 0.00%14,175 14,175 0.00%
Debt issuance costs - - - - - - -
Interest expense/bank charges (478,969) (464,611) (14,358) 97.00%(137,428) (82,209) (55,219) 59.82%(25,500) (8,701) (16,799) 34.12%(37,672) (22,720) (14,952) 60.31%
Total nonoperating rev (exp)(463,797) (464,611) 814 100.18%(130,228) (82,209) (48,019) 63.13%(7,400) (8,701) 1,301 117.58%(23,497) (22,720) (777) 96.69%
Income (loss) before transfers 3,311,298 1,054,789 2,256,509 31.85%1,843,602 129,207 1,714,395 7.01%(219,297) (49,804) (169,493) 22.71%1,731,694 939,021 792,673 54.23%
Transfers in
Transfers out (620,034) (361,687) (258,347) 58.33%(848,335) (494,862) (353,473) 58.33%(241,057) (140,617) (100,440) 58.33%(332,165) (193,763) (138,402) 58.33%
NET INCOME (LOSS)2,691,264 693,102 1,998,162 25.75%995,267 (365,655) 1,360,922 -36.74%(460,354) (190,421) (269,933) 41.36%1,399,529 745,258 654,271 53.25%
Items reclassified to bal sht at year end:
Capital Outlay (5,383,474) (414,550) (4,968,924) 7.70%(1,530,238) (52,036) (1,478,202) 3.40%- - - (3,139,505) (47,375) (3,092,130) 1.51%
Revenues over/(under) expenditures (2,692,210) 278,552 (2,970,762) (534,971) (417,691) (117,280) (460,354) (190,421) (269,933) (1,739,976) 697,883 (2,437,859)
*Depreciation is recorded at end of year (non-cash item).
Water Sewer Solid Waste Storm Water
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 4)
Title: July 2019 monthly financial report Page 4
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: Connect the Park - 28th Street pedestrian improvements update
Recommended action: Staff is recommending to not move forward with pedestrian
improvements along 28th Street and Jordan Avenue for the foreseeable future due to the high
project costs and complications of the project.
Policy consideration: Does the city council accept staff’s recommendation to remove this
segment from the Connect the Park CIP?
Summary: Council amended the Connect the Park capital improvement plan in 2015 to include
the segment of 28th Street and West Jordan Avenue south of Cedar Lake Road and east of
Highway 169. The objective was to find ways to improve pedestrian and biking connections
from the dead-end roadway that has 18 residential properties past the Hwy 169 ramp terminals
to gain better access to Cedar Lake Road. At that time staff recommended implementation in
2018.
Staff began the feasibility analysis and public engagement in late 2017 with the 18 property
owners and the state of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Staff took the next
six months to engage stakeholders in the design analysis and preliminary concept development.
MnDOT owns and manages a significant portion of the right-of-way and design would have to
have to adhere to their design standards to receive approval.
The final concepts that MnDOT supports are considerably more expensive than typical
pedestrian improvements and were not consistent with the feedback we heard from the
community. With the high estimated costs of a project and the limited support from MnDOT,
staff is recommending that pedestrian improvements along 28th Street be postponed until
there are projects proposed by MnDOT that would address some of the major design
challenges at the northbound Highway 169 ramp terminals.
Financial or budget considerations: The design options presented in the attached project
report range in estimated construction costs from $300,000 to $720,000. These design options
are significantly higher than typical pedestrian improvements. General obligation bonds are
typically used to fund Connect the Park projects.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Discussion
28th Street project map
Project Report
Prepared by: Jack Sullivan, senior engineering project manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Page 2 Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: Connect the Park - 28th Street pedestrian improvements update
Discussion
Background: 28th Street and West Jordan Avenue south of Cedar Lake Road and east of
Highway 169 is a unique dead-end roadway that is a mix of residential lots along Hannan Lake
paired with Highway 169 on/off ramps for northbound traffic which ultimately connects to
Cedar Lake Road at a traffic signal. This unique configuration experiences high levels of traffic
on the MnDOT ramp segments and very low traffic on the neighborhood segment further to the
south. (See the attached 28th Street project map.)
Public Engagement: Staff held the first open house on November 28, 2017, to gather feedback
from the community regarding the desired safe option for getting from the homes along 28th
Street to Cedar Lake Road. The input gathered was valuable in understanding and prioritizing
the concerns of the community.
Staff was able to utilize the feedback from the community to engage MnDOT to discuss how to
safely connect pedestrians and bicyclists from the 18 homes along 28th Street to Cedar Lake
Road. Most of the ideas and preliminary concepts discussed at the first open house were not
supported by MnDOT. MnDOT was able to provide minimum design parameters for their
ramps, unfortunately, the design requirements create scientifically higher construction costs
and aren’t necessarily constant with the community feedback.
Staff held a second public meeting on April 9, 2019, to present the concept designs, project
costs and project impacts to the public and to inform the community that staff is not
recommending moving forward with a project at this time. A detailed overview of the design
concepts, project costs, and MnDOT’s comments can be found in the attached project report.
The community was informed via letter on August 2, 2019, that staff would be bringing this
item to the council study session on August 26, 2019. It was stated that staff’s recommendation
to council is to not move forward with a project at this time due to the high cost of
construction.
Financial considerations: The design options presented in the attached project report range in
estimated construction costs from $300,000 to $720,000. The options allowable by MnDOT are
4 to 7 times the cost of a typical sidewalk or trail project. It is for this reason that staff is not
recommending moving forward with construction at this time. Refer to the linked project
report for additional cost details.
Hannan Lake
Cobble Crest Lake
CEDAR L
A
K
E
R
D
HILLSBOROAVESJORDANAVESGETTYSBURGAVESFLAGAVES2 8 T H
S
T W
9511
9205
9315
2902
2930
2759
9339
8820
9200
2924
2901
2900
2973
2937
2909
2907
9330
2951
2849
2962
2905
2820
9375
9000
2922
2946
2929
8920
9015
9212
9425
2920
2839
2951
2927
2901 2840
9202
2913
9340
9209
2914
2916
2932
2901
9204
296528012909
2923
90202945
2924
8900
2915
2917
2518
8900
2933
2939
2909
8830
9344
8930
2900
2917
2912
2940
2906
2925
9001
29129320
2912
2932 2950
9301
2918
9219
2910
29389320 28109310
2932
2924
9400
9403
29202916
2931
88109415
9206
2815
9019
8800
9100
2920
2908
9300
£¤169
0 500 1,000250
Feet ´
28th Street W. Connection
Legend
28th Street Connection
Project Area
Existing Sidewalks
Existing Trails
Railroad
Parcels
City Limits
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 5)
Title: Connect the Park - 28th Street pedestrian improvements update Page 3
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 6
Executive summary
Title: Food security and access study update
Recommended action: No action at this time. The purpose of this report is to update the city
council about the community assessment study of food security and access that is underway by
the city’s consultant, Wilder Research.
Policy consideration: This study is consistent with the goals and strategies identified in the
2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Summary: One of the goals in the city’s health section of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is to
“Ensure all in our community have access to healthy food.” The strategies associated with this
goal are to:
1) Conduct a detailed study to assess food accessibility and security in the community,
and determine if there are any gaps; and
2) Determine what steps the city can take to address gaps in food access and security.
For the first part of the study, Wilder Research staff completed interviews with key informants
around the community to gain an understanding of the issues surrounding this topic. Wilder is
currently conducting focus groups and surveys with residents who may be impacted by food
insecurity, as well as interviewing individuals who can share their personal experiences with
food insecurity and access in St. Louis Park. They have had focus groups at STEP and Oak Park
Village apartments recently. Wilder is experiencing some difficulties in engaging some of the
groups it would like to talk to, such as elderly and youth, and is taking some additional time to
ensure they are able to include them. For example, they are looking at some options to engage
high school students when school begins. Wilder is also in the process of researching what
other cities have done and what has been effective in increasing food access and security.
From the research and information, Wilder will develop recommendations and strategies
around ways in which the city can support greater food access and security for residents. The
study is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Financial or budget considerations: The budget for this work is $50,000 and will be paid for
through the 2019 Development Fund budget.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: None
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, principal planner
Reviewed by: Laura Smith, wellness & volunteer coordinator
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 7
Executive summary
Title: Overhead utility undergrounding discussion
Recommended action: No action currently. This report is intended for information purposes
only.
Policy consideration: Should the city actively pursue the undergrounding of overhead utilities
as a part of transportation projects?
Summary: During the January 7, 2019 public hearing for the Historic Walker Lake Street project,
the city council asked staff questions regarding the costs to underground the overhead utilities
in this area. This question has been asked in the past by council and residents. In the interest of
understanding what this would entail, staff has been exploring this policy question and has put
together our findings in this report.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost to underground the utilities varies depending
on how many utilities are on the utility poles and the type of facility on the poles. Cost for
distribution lines generally range from $30,000 to $100,000 per 100 feet. The cost to
underground a high voltage transmission line is considerably more expensive. In addition to
the public cost, there is also a private cost to homes or businesses to modify their wiring to
accommodate underground service. Typical residential cost is $2,000; however, the cost for
businesses can be far greater. More information on the cost is in the discussion section.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Historic Walker Lake location map
Prepared by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Reviewed by: Joe Shamla, sr. engineering project manager
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Title: Overhead utility undergrounding discussion
Discussion
Background: A majority of the electric utility power lines in St. Louis Park are constructed
“overhead”. These poles are owned by utility companies and are used to distribute electric,
cable, fiber, and telephone cables. Lights are attached to many of the overhead utility poles.
Staff has identified the following benefits associated with having underground utilities.
• Visual aesthetics of the corridors.
• Available space in the right of way for sidewalks, bikeways and bus stops.
• Impacts to street trees due to trimming around lines.
• More flexibility in tree species selection.
• Reduction in potential outages during a storm.
• Providing sidewalks that are not blocked or narrowed by the presence of a utility pole.
• More room for sidewalk snow removal and storage.
In general, in Minnesota, the cost to convert an overhead utility to underground is the
responsibility of the government agency requesting the change. This cost is only shared when the
pole needs to be relocated for a transportation project. If the pole needs to be relocated, the
utility will deduct the cost of pole relocation from the overall cost of undergrounding. As a result,
the best time to ask is early in the project design so that these cost savings can be realized.
Public cost: The cost of underground the utilities vary depending upon how many utilities are
on the utility poles and the type of facility on the poles. Cost for distribution lines generally
range from $30,000 to $100,000 per 100 feet. The cost to underground a high voltage
transmission line is considerably more expensive.
Location: The overhead lines are generally placed underground in utility conduits. Electric
transformers, which are generally on the poles, must be replaced with pad-mounted
transformers. These pad-mounted transformers occupy about a five-foot by five-foot space.
The utilities must be located on an easement or right-of-way, if there is not adequate room in
the right-of-way, the cost of an easement on private property is borne by the city. In addition,
service pedestals are often required for each utility and aesthetics can be a concern when
adding transformer boxes and pedestals.
Private cost: Services to homes and businesses, which were above ground, are routed below
ground and the wiring may have to be modified in the home or business to accommodate the
new underground service. When the home or business owner is required to modify the wiring
in the building, typical costs are about $2,000. However, in some instances, costs can be far
greater.
Funding: There are two ways to fund the public cost for undergrounding. Funding can be
provided by a City Requested Special Facilities Surcharge (CRFS) or city funds. A CRFS is a pass-
through charge that Xcel will add to the bills of all St Louis Park electric customers. The fee has a
set duration and a maximum total allowed. We have estimated that the maximum fee that could
be recovered in a one-year period is $1,567,380. The CRFS cannot be used to fund private costs.
The other way to fund undergrounding would be to use city funding. This could be provided
through the development fund or general obligation bonds.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 7) Page 3
Title: Overhead utility undergrounding discussion
The private costs associated with underground service could be funded in one of the following
ways:
•Expand our Business loan program to include these as eligible costs.
•Work with property owners on an agreement to have the costs assessed to their
properties.
Present considerations: City code requires all new utility services to be underground. In
addition, new subdivisions must install private utilities underground.
In the last 10 years, the city has only undergrounded utilities for one transportation project -
the Highway 7/ Louisiana interchange. The overhead utilities conflicted with the proposed
design, so the poles had to be relocated. For aesthetic reasons, the city requested that Xcel
bury the lines. There were 5 private services off this line which added up to a private cost of
undergrounding of $17,383. The total cost for undergrounding the public lines was $871,986.
These costs were paid for using the development fund.
Hennepin County plans to reconstruct Minnetonka Boulevard in 2024. Throughout the corridor
the overhead utility line poles are placed in such a way that they narrow the sidewalk to less
than 4 feet which makes it difficult to remove snow and for people to use the facility. Due to
right of way constraints, staff believes that undergrounding the electric will be necessary to
rebuild the sidewalk to meet ADA minimum requirements.
Case study: To get a better understanding of the cost to underground overhead utilities, staff
asked Xcel Energy to develop a cost to underground the distribution lines in and around the
Historic Walker Lake area. Specifically, on Library Lane between Lake Street and Walker Street and
on Walker Street between Lake Street and Dakota Avenue. The estimated costs are shown below:
Public Private
Estimate $119,064.50 $156,308.00
Public cost: We had Xcel Energy run the CRFS for the estimated cost for this project
Excess Expenditures = $119,000
Customer Class Customers Surcharge(1) Months Recovery
Residential 21,892 $ 0.39 12 $ 102,454.56
Res Low Income 600 $ 0.39 12 $ 2,808.00
Small C&I ND 1,369 $ 0.39 12 $ 6,406.92
Small C&I 655 $ 1.17 12 $ 9,196.20
Large C&I 156 $ 1.56 12 $ 2,920.32
Street Lighting 77 $ 0.39 12 $ 360.36
Sm Mun Pump ND 21 $ 0.39 12 $ 98.28
Small Mun Pump 13 $ 1.17 12 $ 182.52
Large Mun Pump 4 $ 1.56 12 $ 74.88
Total 24,787 $ 124,502.04
Total Carrying Charges included in recovery amount(2) $ 5,812.00
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 7) Page 4
Title: Overhead utility undergrounding discussion
Allowable Class Surcharge Levels per Month Under CRSF Tariff
Residential: $0.25 up to $5.00
Low Income
Residential:
$0.25 up to $1.00
Small C&I Non-Dmd: $0.25 up to $5.00
Small C&I - Demand: 3 Times Residential Amount
Large C&I - Demand: 4 Times Residential Amount
1-Adjustment possible in final months of recovery period for more precise cost recovery.
2-Monthly carrying charge of 0.9616% applies to outstanding balance, equal to compounded rate based on 8.32% overall
rate of return from the last general rate case (2010) and 3.85% tax factor.
Private cost: Please see below for the estimated costs to the businesses in the area. These costs
are high because of the age of the buildings and the equipment being supplied power.
Address Cost
6416 Walker Street Building $65,165.00
3546 Walker Street Building $28,815.00
6415 Walker Street Building $18,048.00
6509 Walker Street Building $31,175.00
6500 Library Street Building $13,105.00
Total $156,308.00
Next steps: Before proceeding staff recommends that the city develop a policy that addresses
utility undergrounding. This policy would explore the following:
•Under what circumstance utility undergrounding would be pursued.
•Funding
?A@ :9
:9
:9:9
:9
:9:9:9:9:9:9:9 ³l:9
:9:9:9:9:9
7
SERVICE DR HIGHWAY 7
WALKER ST
35TH ST W
LAKE ST WBRUNSWICK A V E SDAKOTAAVESDAKOTAAVESB
R
O
W
N
L
O
W
A
V
E
LI
B
R
A
R
Y
L
N
0 100 20050
Feet
´
Electric Location
Legend
³l Add Transformer
:9 Keep Poles:9 Remove Poles
Add Underground
2019 Road Construction
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 7)
Title: Overhead utility undergrounding discussion Page 5
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 8
Executive summary
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal
Recommended action: The information presented is for information only. No action is
required. Please inform staff of any questions you might have.
Policy consideration: As franchise renewal discussions continue, staff will ask council for its
input on the items of most importance in the franchise agreement. The needs assessment will
allow for council and staff to make informed decisions throughout that process.
Summary: The city’s current franchise agreement with Comcast is set to expire in January 2021.
The city has notified Comcast of its intent to conduct informal renewal negotiations in
accordance with the federal Cable Act. In preparation for negotiations, the city intends to
assess Comcast’s past performance under the existing franchise and the future cable-related
Public-Educational-Government (PEG) community needs and interests of the city which is the
criteria prescribed by the Cable Act.
A request for proposal for consulting services was issued in May 2019, with proposals received
from two consulting firms. The city has hired The Buske Group due to its: 1) plan for gathering
insightful community engagement; 2) technical expertise in assessing current and future
equipment and technology needs; and 3) approach to planning for the future of cable television
and PEG programming produced by the city.
Financial or budget considerations: The cost for the assessment is not to exceed $32,020, an
expense that was budgeted for in the cable television (franchise) fund as part of the franchise
renewal process.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents:
•Discussion
•Agreement between the City of St. Louis Park and The Buske Group
•Request for proposal for consulting services
•Letter to Comcast about informal renewal proceedings
•Letter from Comcast about franchise renewal
Prepared by: Jacque Smith, communications and marketing manager
Reviewed by: Clint Pires, chief information officer
Brian Grogan, attorney at law, Moss & Barnett
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8) Page 2
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal
Discussion
Background: The city’s current franchise agreement with Comcast is set to expire in January
2021. The city has notified Comcast of its intent to conduct informal renewal negotiations in
accordance with the federal Cable Act. In preparation for negotiations, the city intends to
assess Comcast’s past performance under the existing franchise and the future cable-related
Public-Educational-Government (PEG) community needs and interests of the city which is the
criteria prescribed by the Cable Act.
A request for proposal for consulting services was issued in May 2019, with two proposals
received. The city has hired The Buske Group due to its approach to gathering insightful
community engagement as well as technical expertise in assessing current and future
equipment and technology needs.
The assessment began in August and will continue into 2020, with a final report issued in April
2020. Equipment assessments, review of the current franchise and meetings with staff will take
place in 2019. Community engagement activities, including focus groups and online surveys, will
be held in early 2020.
Present considerations: In August 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
approved changes to cable franchise fees collected by cities. This is likely to have a negative
effect on the franchise fees collected by the city from cable operators and may affect the city’s
approach to negotiating future franchise agreements, as well as operational capabilities.
The League of Minnesota Cities summarized the order at https://www.lmc.org/page/1/FCC-
CableFranchise.jsp?ssl=true. The main feature of the order affecting St. Louis Park is that “in-
kind” provisions will be considered as franchise fees. According to the LMC, “The fair market
value of non-monetary provisions, including complimentary or discounted cable service to
public buildings, must be calculated in the 5% franchise fee cap. The order specifies that fair
market value will be determined by the cable operators based on rate cards utilized to set rates
they charge customers for services. With these changes, cities and other local franchising
authorities could take a substantial financial hit.” However, the city can also seek to reduce the
financial impact of the FCC order by modifying the provisions it seeks to include in a renewed
cable franchise thereby mitigating some of the potential adverse impact to franchise fee
revenue received by the city.
In St. Louis Park, preparation for this anticipated change will require:
•Assessment of program origination sites at city and school district facilities that are
currently provided at no charge as part of the franchise agreement as the new FCC order
may permit Comcast to assess “maintenance costs” for each fiber connection;
•Assessment of the community and business need for each of the five ParkTV channels;
and
•Inventory of the various free and discounted Comcast cable viewing services provided to
city buildings and ranking of those services according to business need.
The proposal submitted by The Buske Group will assist with the first and second items; city staff
will work with departments on the third item. City staff is working in close partnership with
Brian Grogan, attorney at law, Moss & Barnett, throughout this process.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8) Page 3
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal
Next steps: The needs assessment is underway with review of current franchise documents. In
October, The Buske Group will meet with city staff and will begin its review of equipment,
facilities and services as well as planning for focus groups and the online survey.
CONTRACT NO.
118-19
AGREEMENT
CITYOFst~ffi ~§N:J IHE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA AND THE BUSKE GROUP
·UU@5#'gOMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PEG ACCESS REVIEW
THIS AGREEMENT is made this 5th day of August, 2019, by and between the City of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota ("City") and The Buske Group ("Consultant"). The City and the
Consultant are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties". In consideration of the mutual
covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The following documents shall be referred to as the
"Contract Documents", all of which shall be taken together as a whole as the contract between
the Parties as if they were set verbatim and in full herein:
A. This Agreement.
B. The Buske Group Proposal dated August 5, 2019 (attached hereto).
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT. The Consultant shall provide the goods,
services, and perform the services (the "Work") in accordance with the Contract Documents.
3. CONTRACT PRICE. The City shall pay Consultant for completion of the Work in
accordance with the Contract Documents not to exceed the amount determined below:
A. For all Work, Project Fees and Expenses, a sum not to exceed $32,020 (as
specified in The Buske Group Proposal). ,
4. PAYMENT PROCEDURES.
A. Consultant shall submit detailed monthly invoices to the City for payment. Each
invoice will be processed by the City and payment shall be delivered to
Consultant no later than 30 days after receipt of the invoice.
B. All invoices shall be addressed to:
Jacque Smith, Communications and Marketing Manager
City of St. Louis Park
5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
5. CONSULTANT REPRESENTATIONS.
A. Consultant has examined and carefully studied the Contract Documents and
other related data identified in the Contract Documents.
B . Consultant is familiar with and is satisfied as to the conditions that may affect
cost, progress, and performance of the Work.
C. Consultant is familiar with and is satisfied as to all federal, state, and local Laws
and Regulations that may affect cost, progress, and performance of the Work.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 4
D . C o n s u lt a n t is a w a r e o f th e g e n e r a l n a t u r e o f wo r k to b e p e rf o r m e d b y th e C ity
th a t re la te s to th e W o r k a s in d ic a t e d in th e C o n tr a c t D o c u m e n ts .
6. INDEMNITY AND INSURA NCE. The Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold the
City harmless from any claim made by third parties as a result of the services performed by
Consultant. Consultant shall provide to the City a certificated demonstration proof of insurance
of $2 million dollars general liability insurance and $1 million dollars professional liability
coverage.
7. MISCELLANEOUS.
A. Binding Agreement. The City and the Consultant each binds itself, its partners,
successors, assigns and legal representatives to the other party hereto, its
partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives in respect to all
covenants, agreements, and obligations contained in the Contract Documents.
B. Data Practices/Records. All books, records, documents and accounting
procedures and practices to the Consultant and its subcontractors, if any,
relative to this Agreement are subject to examination by the City. All reports and
documents provided to the City under this Agreement shall be the property of the
City.
C. Assignment. Neither party may assign, sublet, or transfer any interest or
obligation in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party,
and then only upon such terms and conditions as both parties may agree to and
set forth in writing.
D. Waiver. In the particular event that either party shall at any time or times waive
any breach of this Agreement by the other, such waiver shall not constitute a
waiver of any other or any succeeding breach of this Contract by either party,
whether of the same or any other covenant, condition or obligation.
E. Govern ing LawNenue. The laws of the State of Minnesota govern the
interpretation of this Agreement.
F. Severability. If any provision, term or condition of this Agreement is found to be
or become unenforceable or invalid, it shall not effect the remaining provisions,
terms and conditions of this Agreement, unless such invalid or unenforceable
provision, term or condition renders this Agreement impossible to perform. Such
remaining terms and conditions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect and shall continue to operate as the Parties' entire Agreement.
G. Entire Agreement. This Contract represents the entire agreement of the Parties
and is a final, complete and all inclusive statement of the terms thereof, and
supersedes and terminates any prior agreement(s), understandings or written or
verbal representations made between the parties with respect thereto.
2
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 5
CITY
T om Harm ling
Its: City M anager
s. -[af ro
Address fo r giving notices:
City of St. Louis Park
5005 M innetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
CO NSU L TA NT:
TH E BUSKE G RO UP
.. 5S,,fl 3-Ac
Sue Mier sis
Its: G eneral Partner
Date: August 5 2019
Address for giving notices:
The Buske G ro up
4808 T Street
Sacram ento, CA 95819
3
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 6
1
AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA AND THE BUSKE GROUP
FOR COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PEG ACCESS REVIEW
THIS AGREEMENT is made this 5th day of August, 2019, by and between the City of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota (“City”) and The Buske Group (“Consultant”). The City and the
Consultant are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties”. In consideration of the mutual
covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. The following documents shall be referred to as the
“Contract Documents”, all of which shall be taken together as a whole as the contract between
the Parties as if they were set verbatim and in full herein:
A. This Agreement.
B. The Buske Group Proposal dated August 5, 2019 (attached hereto).
2. OBLIGATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT. The Consultant shall provide the goods,
services, and perform the services (the “Work”) in accordance with the Contract Documents.
3. CONTRACT PRICE. The City shall pay Consultant for completion of the Work in
accordance with the Contract Documents not to exceed the amount determined below:
A. For all Work, Project Fees and Expenses, a sum not to exceed $32,020 (as
specified in The Buske Group Proposal).
4. PAYMENT PROCEDURES.
A. Consultant shall submit detailed monthly invoices to the City for payment. Each
invoice will be processed by the City and payment shall be delivered to
Consultant no later than 30 days after receipt of the invoice.
B. All invoices shall be addressed to:
Jacque Smith, Communications and Marketing Manager
City of St. Louis Park
5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
5. CONSULTANT REPRESENTATIONS.
A. Consultant has examined and carefully studied the Contract Documents and
other related data identified in the Contract Documents.
B. Consultant is familiar with and is satisfied as to the conditions that may affect
cost, progress, and performance of the Work.
C. Consultant is familiar with and is satisfied as to all federal, state, and local Laws
and Regulations that may affect cost, progress, and performance of the Work.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 7
2
D.Consultant is aware of the general nature of work to be performed by the City
that relates to the Work as indicated in the Contract Documents.
6. INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE. The Consultant agrees to indemnify and hold the
City harmless from any claim made by third parties as a result of the services performed by
Consultant. Consultant shall provide to the City a certificated demonstration proof of insurance
of $2 million dollars general liability insurance and $1 million dollars professional liability
coverage.
7.MISCELLANEOUS.
A.Binding Agreement. The City and the Consultant each binds itself, its partners,
successors, assigns and legal representatives to the other party hereto, its
partners, successors, assigns and legal representatives in respect to all
covenants, agreements, and obligations contained in the Contract Documents.
B.Data Practices/Records. All books, records, documents and accounting
procedures and practices to the Consultant and its subcontractors, if any,
relative to this Agreement are subject to examination by the City. All reports and
documents provided to the City under this Agreement shall be the property of the
City.
C.Assignment. Neither party may assign, sublet, or transfer any interest or
obligation in this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party,
and then only upon such terms and conditions as both parties may agree to and
set forth in writing.
D.Waiver. In the particular event that either party shall at any time or times waive
any breach of this Agreement by the other, such waiver shall not constitute a
waiver of any other or any succeeding breach of this Contract by either party,
whether of the same or any other covenant, condition or obligation.
E.Governing Law/Venue. The laws of the State of Minnesota govern the
interpretation of this Agreement.
F.Severability. If any provision, term or condition of this Agreement is found to be
or become unenforceable or invalid, it shall not effect the remaining provisions,
terms and conditions of this Agreement, unless such invalid or unenforceable
provision, term or condition renders this Agreement impossible to perform. Such
remaining terms and conditions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect and shall continue to operate as the Parties’ entire Agreement.
G.Entire Agreement. This Contract represents the entire agreement of the Parties
and is a final, complete and all inclusive statement of the terms thereof, and
supersedes and terminates any prior agreement(s), understandings or written or
verbal representations made between the parties with respect thereto.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 8
3
CONSULTANT:
CITY THE BUSKE GROUP
By: By: _________________________________
Jacque Smith Sue Miller Buske
Its: Communications and Marketing Manager Its: General Partner
Date: Date: August 5, 2019
Address for giving notices: Address for giving notices:
City of St. Louis Park The Buske Group
5005 Minnetonka Blvd. 4808 T Street
St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Sacramento, CA 95819
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 9
PROPOSAL
CONSULTING SERVICES:
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND
PEG ACCESS REVIEW
FOR
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
August 5, 2019 (updated)
Submitted by
THE BUSKE GROUP
4808 T STREET
SACRAMENTO, CA 95819
PHONE: (916) 441-6277
E-MAIL: sue@thebuskegroup.com
CONTACT PERSON: SUE BUSKE
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I.INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1
II.SCOPE OF SERVICES:
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PEG ACCESS REVIEW .................................. 2
1.Review of Current Franchise Documents, Reports, and Contracts ...................................... 2
2.Meetings with City and ParkTV Staff and Telecommunications Advisory Commission .......... 2
3.Review of Existing PEG Access Facilities, Equipment and Services ............................... 3
4.Review of Existing PEG Transmission Capability (Connectivity, Equipment, etc.) ........... 3
5.Focus Group Sessions ..................................................................................................... 3
6.On-Line Survey ................................................................................................................ 4
7.Information Analysis and Report ..................................................................................... 5
III.TIMELINE .............................................................................................................................7
IV. COST ESTIMATE .................................................................................................................8
APPENDICES:
REFERENCES
CABLE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
QUALIFICATIONS OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
RESUMES OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 11
1
PROPOSAL
CONSULTING SERVICES:
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PEG ACCESS REVIEW
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
I. INTRODUCTION
The Buske Group is pleased to offer this proposal to the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
(“City”), in response to its Request for Proposal.
Based upon our review of the RFP, we understand that the City seeks consulting assistance to
support the City during the cable franchise renewal process with Comcast. The desired consulting
services include: (1) conduct a community needs assessment that will identify current and future
public, educational and government (“PEG”) access needs and interests; (2) review the existing PEG
access resources and related services provided by ParkTV, (3) review the existing PEG transmission
capability (connections, equipment, maintenance and related services); and (4) provide a series of
recommendations regarding the number and technical capabilities of the PEG access channels,
adequate and appropriate fiber connections, and PEG capital equipment packages designed to meet
community needs during the next ten years .
The activities associated with our proposed assessment of needs and interests will include:
a review of current franchise agreements and other franchise related documents, the City’s
cable ordinance (if applicable), and documents regarding PEG access, live two-way
connections, service to public buildings, and other cable-related provisions;
three focus groups;
an online survey;
a review of current PEG access resources, services and transmission capability; and
information gathered through a public hearing.
All data obtained would be used in the preparation of a written report of findings and
recommendations, for use in conjunction with the cable franchise renewal negotiations with Comcast.
The Buske Group – now in its 32nd year of providing cable communications consulting services
to communities throughout the United States -- is highly qualified to provide such assistance. Our
proposal provides a detailed description of our proposed tasks, information about our experience and
qualifications, and an itemization of the costs associated with each task.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 12
2
II.SCOPE OF SERVICES: COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PEG ACCESS REVIEW
1.Review of Current Franchise Documents, Reports, and Contracts
The Buske Group will review the current franchise agreements and cable ordinance (if
applicable), other franchise documents and reports, and other cable-related documents. We
anticipate that these documents might include reports regarding: [1] current PEG operations and
resources; [2] the adequacy of existing live two-way connections and services provided by Comcast;
and [3] reports submitted by Comcast as required by the franchise agreement.
After completing the review of these documents, we will contact City staff to discuss any
concerns that arise from this review and how we propose to apply such findings to the other tasks
that we will conduct as part of this project.
2.Meetings with City and ParkTV Staff and Telecommunications Advisory Commission
The community needs assessment will begin with a series of meetings conducted by Sue
Buske with representatives of the City, ParkTV staff, and members of the Telecommunications
Advisory Commission. One purpose of the meetings with these individuals would be to obtain their
perspectives regarding the existing PEG access resources and services, and their thoughts regarding
ways to improve the PEG access operations and services. Another purpose of these meetings would
be to provide the participants information about the state-of-the art in PEG access/community media
centers across the country, and the impact of the franchise renewal process on future opportunities.
The comments, concerns and advice of those in attendance will be carefully considered in the
development of the consultant’s findings regarding the current capabilities of the PEG access
facilities and equipment, and our recommendations regarding the resources needed that would
enable ParkTV to continue and expand its services.
These meetings will also be an opportunity to discuss the elements of the community
needs assessment and PEG access review, especially the upcoming focus group sessions (as
described below). We will work with representatives of the City, ParkTV staff, and members of the
Telecommunications Advisory Commission to determine the makeup of the focus group sessions;
discuss how they can be promoted to local residents, organizations, and public access producers;
and identify the logistical support that we will need (e.g., reserve suitable meeting places, provide
refreshments, promote the sessions, etc.). It will require a well-coordinated, team approach to plan
for and promote the focus groups, thereby assuring the highest possible attendance.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 13
3
3.Review of Existing PEG Access Facilities, Equipment and Services
An important service that The Buske Group is well-qualified to conduct is a review of the
current PEG access resources and services in City. We will prepare questionnaires regarding PEG
access operations/programming and facilities/equipment, and will rely on ParkTV staff to complete
these questionnaires, including up-to-date equipment inventory lists and any materials that would
describe the PEG access services, programming and activities. This information would be used to
compare the existing PEG access facilities, services, programming and activities with the future
community needs of the City, as identified through the focus groups and online survey.
After reviewing the information provided in the questionnaires completed by the ParkTV
staff, we will conduct an on-site inspection of the PEG access facilities and equipment. We will draw
upon the expertise of Todd Thayer (highly regarded as a technical expert in this field), who will
develop recommendations to include the community needs assessment report regarding initial and
ongoing upgrades to the current PEG access equipment packages over the 10-year franchise
renewal term. Thayer is recognized as a reliable source of such information in the PEG access field.
4.Review of Existing PEG Transmission Capability (Connectivity, Equipment, etc.)
Todd Thayer, who will participate in the on-site inspection of the PEG access facilities and
equipment as mentioned above, will also examine Comcast’s PEG access connections at City Hall,
St. Louis Park High School, and the other locations specified in the RFP. Mr. Thayer will need to
conduct this inspection with an appropriate member of the ParkTV technical staff, who could provide
access to these connections and answer his questions about the maintenance of the PEG access
transmission equipment and any performance issues. Mr. Thayer will also have questions about the
existence of any City-owned fiber and associated equipment (or other transmission technology) that
might be considered as a better option than the fiber connections and related resources provided by
Comcast.
5. Focus Group Sessions
The Buske Group will conduct three structured focus group sessions organized by defined
constituencies. One of the sessions will be limited to existing public access producers, as requested
in the City’s RFP, and the intended audience(s) of other two will be determined during our meetings
with representatives of the City, ParkTV staff, and members of the Telecommunications Advisory
Commission.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 14
4
In order to provide adequate time to conduct our other proposed tasks, make preparations
for and promote participation in the focus groups, avoid scheduling them to occur during the busy
year-end holiday periods, and complete our proposed tasks early next year, we suggest that the focus
group sessions occur in mid- to late-January 2020.
Each focus group session will be overseen by Sue Buske, and will begin with an
introduction that provides an overview of the cable and PEG access experience throughout the United
States. In each session, Buske will emphasize the developments most pertinent to the participants
and the experiences of similar cities throughout the United States. Current and developing
governmental regulatory policies relating to cable, PEG access and community media will be
summarized as needed. Ample opportunity for questions will be provided.
Following the introductory informational segment of each focus group session, a guided
brainstorming process will allow participants to clarify their thinking about the uses of the cable
communication system that they would most like to see maintained, or made possible, through the
franchise renewal process; determine the PEG access services that they would most like to see
maintained; and offer their opinions about the desirability of a variety of potential PEG access
services that could be provided in the future as a result of the requirements of the renewed franchise
agreement with Comcast.
These structured focus group sessions will help to assure that each participant's
expression of needs, interests and concerns is well-informed. These sessions are frequently very
helpful in developing significant involvement in the franchise renewal process by a wide variety of
vitally interested groups. The method is efficient, because it will permit the City to obtain information
relevant to a number of critical franchising tasks through a series of simple and inexpensive sessions.
In short, the focus group sessions can create an informed and involved constituency, often useful in
subsequent negotiations and in the political process. The information gathered during these sessions
would complement the data obtained through the on-line survey, as described below.
6.On-Line Survey
The Buske Group proposes to work closely with representatives of the City, ParkTV staff,
members of the Telecommunications Advisory Commission, and perhaps others to prepare a
questionnaire for an interactive survey -- to be conducted via the Internet -- of residents and
representatives of organizations within City.
The on-line survey would provide another mechanism for the public (especially those not
able to attend a focus group session) to provide input to the franchise renewal process. Links to the on-
line survey could be posted on the websites of the City, ParkTV, local schools, etc. Our experience
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 15
5
shows that active outreach via email blasts and website posts to the public and PEG access community
partners helps to ensure that responses are obtained from as many residents as possible through this
aspect of the community needs assessment.
The on-line survey will be designed to identify the desirable qualities and perceived
shortcomings of the existing PEG access resources and services, and gather information regarding a
wide variety of concerns and user needs that may be addressed during the cable franchise renewal
process. This survey would also be designed to direct current public access producers to a set of
questions that only they would be asked to answer. All survey participants could be asked a series of
questions regarding cable-related community needs and interests, including:
A.whether they subscribe to the Comcast cable TV service, Comcast’s high definition
and DVR options, the degree to which they rely on Comcast’s on-screen program guide for upcoming
program information, etc.;
B.their level of satisfaction with the current programming offered by Comcast, signal
quality, customer service, system reliability, etc.;
C.their awareness, level of understanding, and evaluation of the PEG access facilities
and equipment, services, and programming as community resources;
D.their level of interest in seeing various types of local programs that could be provided
on the PEG access channels in the future;
E.the degree to which they watch the PEG access channels and specific programs;
F. their level of interest in several types of local cable TV programs or services; and
G. their level of interest in other media-related resources or services.
The on-line survey would be made available on the web for responses to be provided by
participants for a specified period (e.g., 30-45 days), after which the data would be downloaded and
analyzed by The Buske Group.
7. Information Analysis and Report
The needs assessment will conclude with the preparation and submission of a detailed
written report, which will compile and analyze all of the input gathered through the: (a) focus group
sessions; (b) on-line survey; and (c) review of the existing PEG access facilities, equipment, services,
and transmission capability. In addition, we will include information gathered through a public hearing
that we suggest be conducted after completion of the focus groups. The public hearing would be
convened by a designated City official as appropriate. If possible, a transcript or synopsis of the
public hearing testimony would be provided to The Buske Group for analysis and inclusion in a
section of the report.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 16
6
The Needs Assessment Report will include an executive summary, and will detail all findings
of the various information-gathering activities described in this proposal, including:
A.Subscriber services, satisfaction, customer service concerns
B.PEG access facilities, equipment, and transmission needs
C.PEG access services and activities
The recommendations section of the Needs Assessment Report will draw extensively from
the findings described above, to address current and future cable distribution system needs, subscriber
services and customer satisfaction matters, suggested upgrades to the current PEG access equipment
packages, and potential PEG access activities and services for consideration. Estimated costs for
recommended capital equipment upgrades will be provided.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 17
7
III. TIMELINE 1
TASK DESCRIPTION RESPONSIBLE
PERSONS
Aug.
2019
Sept.
2019
Oct.
2019
Nov.
2019
Dec.
2019
Jan.
2020
Feb.
2020
Mar.
2020
April
2020
1. Review Current Franchise
Documents, Reports, and
Contracts
2. Meet with City and ParkTV Staff
and Telecommunications
Advisory Commission Members
3. Review Existing PEG Access
Facilities, Equipment and Services
4. Review Existing PEG Transmission
Capability
5. Focus Group Sessions
a. Preparations and planning
b. Conduct focus groups
6. Prepare/Conduct On-Line Survey
7. Hold Public Hearing
8. Prepare Information Analysis and
Report
Buske, VanDalsen
Buske
VanDalsen, Thayer
VanDalsen, Thayer
Buske, City and
ParkTV staff
Buske, VanDalsen
VanDalsen
City staff
VanDalsen, Buske,
Thayer
1 This suggested timeline is flexible, and depends upon the tasks selected, when the project actually begins, and other factors.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 18
8
IV. COST ESTIMATE
The Buske Group fees and expenses for the proposed tasks are itemized below as a "menu,”
which permits the City to select the tasks that it wants to be provided by The Buske Group. Please
examine the notes following the budget that explain the assumptions used for our cost estimates.
PROPOSED PROJECT FEES AND EXPENSES
Prof. Travel
Task Consultant Hours Fees(1) Expenses(2) Total
1.Review Franchise Documents,Buske 8 $1,200 $1,200
Reports and Contracts VanDalsen 2 $240 240
$1,440
2. Meet with City and ParkTV Staff Buske 12 $1,800 $1,200 $3,000
and Telecommunications
Advisory Commission Members
3. Review of Existing PEG Facilities,
Equipment, Services and
Transmission Capability
a.Prepare Questionnaires, VanDalsen 4 $480 $480
Review Inventory
b.Inspect Facilities & Equipment VanDalsen, 4 $480 $800 1,280
Thayer 4 $400 $900 1,300
c.Review Transmission Capability Thayer 4 $400 400
d. Review Existing Services and VanDalsen 8 $960 960
Activities
e.Prepare PEG Findings VanDalsen 8 $960 960
and Recommendations Thayer 16 $1,600 1,600
$6,980
4. Focus Group Sessions
a.Preparations and planning Buske 32 $4,800 (incl. in Task 2) $4,800
b.Prepare questionnaires VanDalsen 4 $480 480
c.Conduct focus groups Buske 12 $1,800 $1,200 3,000
VanDalsen 12 $1,440 $800 2,240
$10,520
5.On-Line Survey VanDalsen 24 $2,880 $2,880
6. Information Analysis and Buske 16 $2,400 $2,400
Report VanDalsen 40 $4,800 4,800
$7,200
TOTAL FEES AND EXPENSES: $32,020
FOOTNOTES TO PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET:
1.Fee assumptions – Buske: $150/hr.; VanDalsen: $120/hr.; Thayer: $100/hr.
2.Expense assumptions: Air travel @ $700/trip; rental car/gas @ $75/day; lodging: $150/night; meals @ $35/day.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 19
APPENDICES
REFERENCES
CABLE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
QUALIFICATIONS OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
RESUMES OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 20
REFERENCES
The Buske Group provides the following three references for which we have performed similar work
to that described in this proposal. For each of these communities, we conducted community needs
assessments as a part of the franchise/franchise renewal process, including the following activities:
(a) conducted focus group sessions; (b) conducted on-line surveys; (c) evaluated PEG facilities,
equipment and services; and (d) prepared reports documenting key findings and recommendations
regarding community cable related needs and interests.
Jodie Miller, Executive Director
NDC4 Cable Commission & Town Square Television
5845 Blaine Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
(651)450-9891 ext. 308
jmiller@townsquare.tv
Jon Funfar, Communication Specialist
City of Pasco, Washington
525 N. 3rd Avenue
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 545-3485
FUNFARJ@pasco-wa.gov
Dana Healy, Executive Director
CTV North Suburbs
2670 Arthur Street
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 792-7515
dhealy@ctvnorthsuburbs.org
(NOTE: Dana Healy was the Executive Director for Danvers Community Access
Television when The Buske Group conducted a community needs assessment and
PEG access review for the Town of Danvers, Massachusetts in 2016-2017. In 2018,
Dana was hired by CTV North Suburbs, for whom we conducted a community needs
assessment and PEG access review in 2011-2013.)
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 21
CABLE COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
The Buske Group offers a broad range of cable communication services. Our experienced team of
media professionals meets the needs of our clients in many areas, including:
Cable franchise/franchise renewal.
Cable regulation and policy.
Cable rate regulatory assistance.
Cable company franchise/franchise compliance and performance reviews.
Cable transfer of ownership
Identification of community cable related needs and interests through focus groups
and surveys
Development of management plans for public, educational or government (PEG)
channels and operations.
Executive search processes
Analysis of PEG policies, procedures and personnel policies.
Compliance and performance reviews of cable company or nonprofit PEG
operations, as well as educational and government access and local origination.
Needs assessments associated with utilization of cable by nonprofit organizations,
schools, universities and government agencies.
Strategic and long range planning.
The Buske Group has provided cable communications consulting services since 1987
on behalf of over 200 governmental jurisdictions throughout the United States, including
those listed on the following pages.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 22
The Buske Group’s Current and Past Clients (Governmental Jurisdictions)
* City of Aberdeen, South Dakota
* City of Alameda, California
* City of Albuquerque, New Mexico
* City of American Canyon, California
* City of Ann Arbor, Michigan
* City of Arcata, California
* City of Ashland, Oregon
* City of Atherton, California
* City of Auburn, California
* City of Berkeley, California
* City of Blue Lake, California
* City of Boulder, Colorado
* City of Bremerton, Washington
* City of Brunswick, Ohio
* City of Burnsville, Minnesota
* City of Calistoga, California
* City of Cambridge, Massachusetts
* City of Carpinteria, California
* City of Carson City, Nevada
* City of Clearlake, California
* City of Clovis, California
* City of Cohoes, New York
* City of Colonie, New York
* City of Columbia, Missouri
* City of Columbus, Ohio
* City of Cotati, California
* City of Davis, California
* City/County of Denver, Colorado
* City of Eagan, Minnesota
* City of East Palo Alto, California
* City of Eureka, California
* City of Evanston, Illinois
* City of Ferndale, California
* City of Flint, Michigan
* City of Fortuna, California
* City of Fresno, California
* City of Gilroy, California
* City of Glendale, California
* City of Gonzales, California
* City of Grand Rapids, Michigan
* City of Grass Valley, California
* City of Greenfield, California
* City of Hayward, California
* City of Healdsburg, California
* City of Hercules, California
* City of Hollister, California
* City of Hood River, Oregon
* City of Indianapolis, Indiana
* City of Iowa City, Iowa
* City of Issaquah, Washington
* City of Kansas City, Kansas
* City of King City, California
* City of Laredo, Texas
* City of LaVerne, California
* City of Lompoc, California
* City of Los Altos, California
* City of Los Angeles, California
* City of Los Banos, California
* City of Los Gatos, California
* City of Malden, Massachusetts
* City of Marina, California
* City of Menlo Park, California
* City of Milpitas, California
* City of Modesto, California
* City of Monterey, California
* City of Morgan Hill, California
* City of Morro Bay, California
* City of Napa, California
* City of Nashville, Tennessee
* City of Nevada City, California
* City of Newport Beach, California
* City of Norfolk, Virginia
* City of Novato, California
* City of Oceanside, California
* City of Pacifica, California
* City of Pacific Grove, California
* City of Palm Springs, California
* City of Palo Alto, California
* City of Pasco, Washington
* City of Petaluma, California
* City of Pico Rivera, California
* City of Pinole, California
* City of Pontiac, Michigan
* City of Port Angeles, Washington
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 23
The Buske Group’s Current and Past Clients (Governmental Jurisdictions)
* City of Reno, Nevada
* City of Rhinebeck, New York
* City of Richland, Washington
* City of Rio Dell, California
* City of Rohnert Park, California
* City of Rye, New York
* City of St. Helena, California
* City of Salina, Kansas
* City of Salinas, California
* City of San Jose, California
* City of San Juan Bautista, California
* City of San Luis Obispo, California
* City of Sand City, California
* City/County of Santa Cruz, California
* City of Santa Maria, California
* City of Santa Monica, California
* City of Santa Rosa, California
* City of Seaside, California
* City of Seattle, Washington
* City of Sebastopol, California
* City of Soledad, California
* City of Sonoma, California
* City of Sonora, California
* City of Sparks, Nevada
* City of Springfield, Illinois
* City of Stockton, California
* City of Syracuse, New York
* City of Tampa, Florida
* City of Topeka, Kansas
* City of Troy, New York
* City of Tucson, Arizona
* City of Union City, California
* City of Vallejo, California
*City of Ventura, California
* City of Wadsworth, Ohio
* City of West Linn, Oregon
* City of West Sacramento, California
* City of Winters, California
* City of Yuma, Arizona
* Town of Belmont, Massachusetts
* Town of Colma, California
* Town of Middleborough, Massachusetts
* Town of Truckee, California
* Town of Woodstock, New York
* Town of Yountville, California
* Anderson Township, Michigan
* Brunswick Hills Township, Ohio
* Independence Township, Michigan
* Waterford Township, Michigan
* Village of Harrison, New York
* Village of Larchmont, New York
* Village of Mamaroneck, New York
* Village of Scarsdale, New York
* Arlington County, Virginia
* Clackamas County, Oregon
* Contra Costa County, California
* Humboldt County, California
* King County, Washington
* Kitsap County, Washington
* Marin County, California
* Monterey County, California
* Montgomery County, Maryland
* Multnomah County, Oregon
* Napa County, California
* Nevada County, California
* Plumas County, California
* San Benito County, California
* San Luis Obispo County, California
* Santa Barbara County, California
* Santa Clara County, California
* Skamania County, Washington
* Sonoma County, California
* Thurston County, Washington
* Tuolumne County, California
* Washoe County, Nevada
* Fort Ord Reuse Authority, Monterey,
California
* Lockport Community Cable
Commission, Lockport, New York
* North Suburban Communications
Commission, Roseville, Minnesota
* Northern Dakota County Cable
Communications Commission, Inver
Grove Heights, Minnesota
* SW Oakland Cable Commission,
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 24
Community Needs Assessment Experience
The Buske Group has conducted extensive needs assessments as part of the franchise/franchise
renewal process on behalf of the local governments listed below, in communities served by the cable
operators indicated. Our needs ascertainment duties included: (a) conduct focus group meetings; (b)
conduct on-line surveys; (c) review all aspects of PEG access operations and channel management;
and (d) prepare reports documenting key findings and recommendations regarding community cable
related needs and interests.
CALIFORNIA:
American Canyon (1)
Arcata (2)
Auburn (1)
Blue Lake (2)
Carpinteria (2)
Clovis (1)
Colma (1)
Contra Costa County (1)
Davis (1)
Eureka (2)
Ferndale (2)
Fortuna (2)
Fresno (1)
Gilroy (3)
Gonzales (3)
Grass Valley (1)
Greenfield (3)
Healdsburg (1)
Hollister (3)
Humboldt County (2)
King City (3)
Lompoc (1)
Los Altos (1)
Los Angeles (1) (2) (4)
Los Gatos (1)
Monterey (1)
Monterey County (3)
Napa (1)
Napa County (1)
Nevada City (1)
Nevada County (1)
Newport Beach (2)
Oceanside (2)
Pacific Grove (1)
Pacifica (1)
Palm Springs (4)
Palo Alto (1)
Petaluma (1)
Rio Dell (2)
San Jose (1)
San Juan Bautista (3)
San Luis Obispo County (3)
Santa Clara County (1)
Santa Maria (1)
Santa Rosa (1)
Seaside (1)
Soledad (3)
Sonora (1)
Tuolumne County (1)
Union City (1)
Ventura (3) (4)
FLORIDA: Tampa (4)
ILLINOIS: Evanston (5)
KANSAS: Salina (2)
MARYLAND: Montgomery County (1)
MASSACHUSETTS: Cambridge (1), Martha’s Vineyard (1), Belmont (1) (10), Malden (1) (10), Danvers (1) (10),
Reading (1), Middleborough (1) (10), Fall River (1)
MICHIGAN: Ann Arbor (6), Independence Township (1)
MINNESOTA: North Suburban Communications Commission (1), Burnsville (1), Eagan (1), St. Paul (1),
Northern Dakota County Cable Communications Commission (1)
MISSOURI: Columbia (3) (7)
MONTANA: Missoula (3)
NEW YORK: Manhattan (4) (11), Brooklyn (4) (8), Syracuse (4), Harrison (8), Larchmont (8), Mamaroneck (8), Rye (8),
Scarsdale (8) (10)
OHIO: Brunswick (8)
PENNSYLVANIA: Pittsburgh (1) (10)
TENNESSEE: Nashville (1), Davidson County (1)
VIRGINIA: Arlington County (1)
WASHINGTON: King County (1), Pasco (3), Richland (3), Port Angeles (9), Kitsap County (1) (9)
(1)=Comcast; (2)=Cox; (3)=Charter; (4)=Time Warner; (5)=Continental; (6)=MediaOne; (7)=Mediacom;
(8)=Altice/Cablevision; (9)=Wave Broadband; (10)=Verizon; (11)=RCN
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 25
QUALIFICATIONS OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
The Buske Group has assembled a highly qualified consulting team to provide the services
described in this proposal. Following are brief synopses of their experience and qualifications.
1.Sue Buske, President of The Buske Group
Sue Buske has been involved in cable television field and local cable programming since
1972. Her practice includes providing advice in the areas of initial franchising, license/franchise
renewal, ownership transfer, cable operator performance monitoring, assessment, and all
aspects of local cable programming.
Ms. Buske served as the principal license/franchise consultant and negotiator to many
cities, ranging from Santa Rosa and Monterey, California to Salina, Kansas and Cambridge,
Massachusetts; and as a principal member of license/franchise renewal consulting teams that
assisted scores of other communities. Her work has required her to analyze license/franchise
agreements, develop and implement monitoring and compliance processes, develop franchising
procedures, conduct needs assessments specific to license/franchise renewal, translate the
outcome of those assessments to license/franchise and ordinance language, analyze proposals
submitted to cities by cable companies, and serve as a principal negotiator during
license/franchise renewal and compliance proceedings. Ms. Buske is recognized as one of the
foremost national experts in the PEG field. Her background and experience in cable policy,
regulation and PEG comes not only from the perspective of a consultant, but also from having
served as a full-time cable administrator and also as a pioneer in the field of PEG management.
Prior to the creation of The Buske Group, Ms. Buske served for six years as the Executive
Director of the National Federation of Local Cable Programmers (NFLCP, now known as the
Alliance for Community Media), a Washington, DC based national organization serving cities,
schools, and nonprofit PEG corporations. During those years she served as the coordinator for
numerous projects undertaken by the organization. She conducted extensive research into all
types of local cable programming and published numerous articles on PEG and
telecommunications policy.
Ms. Buske's tenure at NFLCP was during a time when hundreds of Access corporations
were being created in the United States. She assisted many of those entities via telephone or
on a consulting basis as part of her duties as Executive Director of NFLCP.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 26
Prior to her employment with NFLCP, Ms. Buske served as Regional Director at the
Cable Television Information Center at the Urban Institute (also in Washington, DC) and was
involved in supervising city franchising processes on behalf of C.T.I.C. While at C.T.I.C. she
conducted in-depth analysis of cable proposals submitted during franchising processes.
From 1978-1980, Ms. Buske served as the first Executive Director of the Miami
Valley Cable Television Council, a multi-city council of governments that included a cluster of
cities and towns located in the south suburbs of Dayton, Ohio. While employed by M.V.C.T.C.
she served as the Chief Regulatory Officer for the cities and established and coordinated all
aspects of PEG operations. Ms. Buske's early years in the cable television field were spent as
Director of Access and Local Origination in Dubuque, Iowa (1972-1977).
Ms. Buske is widely recognized as one of the leading experts in the United States on
cable policy and local cable programming issues. She has received numerous national awards,
including the George Stoney Award for Humanistic Communications. An award bearing her
name, The Buske Leadership Award, is presented annually by the Alliance for Community
Media to persons providing outstanding leadership in the field of local cable programming. She
co-authored the Access Manager's Handbook and has written many articles for a number of
publications.
2.Randy VanDalsen, Vice President of The Buske Group
Randy VanDalsen has one of the longest and most successful records of PEG
management in the United States. He has been directly involved in the myriad of issues faced
by PEG operations on the local, regional and national levels. With over 20 years of hands-on
management experience in the PEG field, VanDalsen brings a unique perspective to such
issues as organizational start-up concerns, facility design, policy formation, staff and volunteer
development, outreach and promotion, etc.
As a partner in The Buske Group since 1991, he has had extensive experience in
the preparation of focus group, telephone, and online survey research materials; analysis of the
responses to such surveys; conducting performance evaluations of PEG centers; and the
preparation of detailed written reports of findings and recommendations.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 27
Prior to joining The Buske Group, VanDalsen was hired in 1985 as the initial
Executive Director of Access Sacramento, now widely recognized as one of the nation's leading
Public Access operations. During his six-and-a-half years there, Access Sacramento and its
programming received 45 nominations as finalists and 23 First Place awards in national and
regional competitions, including the prestigious "Overall Excellence in Public Access" award
from the Hometown Video Festival in 1989 and 1991, and the first "Overall Commitment to
Local Cable Programming" award from the Western Access Video Excellence awards
competition in 1991.
Before his employment with Access Sacramento, VanDalsen gained a valuable
national perspective on the NFLCP staff as Director of Membership Services and Finance from
1983 - 1985. He served as a member of the NFLCP Board of Directors for three years, Treasurer
for one year, Central States Regional Coordinator for one year, and a member of the original By-
Laws Committee in 1978. He has been a speaker at many NFLCP/Alliance for Community Media
National Conventions to date and at conferences of six different NFLCP/Alliance regions.
VanDalsen received a Master’s Degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State
University, where he received that department’s “Outstanding Student Award” in 1974.
VanDalsen began his career in the PEG access field at Michigan State where he held cable-
related staff positions with the University in 1973 and United Cable Television of Mid-Michigan
in 1974. VanDalsen was promoted to Public Access Coordinator in East Lansing by United
Cable in 1975, and developed that operation to one of national recognition. East Lansing was
selected as the site of the NFLCP National Convention in 1980, and its Public Access facility
received the NFLCP's first "Community Communication Award" in 1982.
In 2005, VanDalsen received the Brian Wilson Memorial Award for Outstanding PEG
Mentorship from the Western Region of the Alliance for Community Media.
In 2009, he was honored as the recipient of the Dirk Koning-George Stoney Award
for Humanistic Communication from the national Alliance for Community Media.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 28
3.Todd Thayer, Consulting Engineer
Todd Thayer is a broadcast engineer with an extensive background in startup and
relocation of broadcast and community media center operations, studio production, post
production and new media technologies. He is conversant with all facets of technical facility
design and build-out, systems design, integration, signal transmission, installation and training.
He brings strong project management and problem solving skills to his work.
Thayer has worked with The Buske Group on many projects involving analysis of
current public, education, and government facilities and equipment. His analysis of the
condition, quality, and age of existing equipment and facilities, tied to information gathered
during the community needs assessment, permits him to build detailed spreadsheets outlining
the equipment needed to meet cable and community media needs throughout the term of a
renewal franchise.
Thayer works with The Buske Group to analyze current PEG access equipment and
facilities and recommend equipment packages that will be needed to meet future community
media needs. This information will be useful to the City during its franchise renewal
negotiations.
Todd currently works as an engineer with Costal Media Group. He served as the
Executive Director of Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura for 11 years. His prior
experience involved positions with several television stations in California.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 29
RESUMES OF CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS
Sue Buske
Randy VanDalsen
Todd Thayer
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 30
PROFESSIONAL
EXPERIENCE:
Ms. Buske has been involved in the field of cable television and
local cable and community programming since 1972. In her
practice she represents local governments, community media/PEG
access organizations, and educational institutions. She has
provided advice in the areas of communication policy relating to
cable and telecommunications corporations and their delivery of
video, voice, and data communications. This has included topics
such as initial franchising, franchise renewal, transfer of ownership,
cable operator performance monitoring, needs assessment, and all
aspects of local cable programming.
Her work has required her to analyze franchise agreements, develop
and implement franchise monitoring and compliance processes,
develop franchising procedures, draft RFP documents for initial
franchising and the franchise renewal process, analyze proposals
submitted to cities by cable companies, conduct needs assessments
specific to franchise renewal, translate the outcome of those
assessments to specific and ordinance language, and serve as
principal negotiator during franchise renewal and franchise
compliance proceedings.
She has conducted in-depth communications studies analyzing the
community communication needs and interests of citizens, local
educational institutions, and community and civic organizations in
communities such as Los Angeles, San Jose, Monterey, Fresno,
Ventura, Gilroy, Hollister, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Pacifica, Santa
Maria, Humboldt County, Contra Costa County and Santa Clara
County, CA; Montgomery County, MD; Arlington County, VA;
Cambridge and Belmont, MA; St. Paul, Roseville, Eagan, Burnsville,
and numerous other Minneapolis/St. Paul, area cities; Tampa, FL;
King County, WA; Columbia, MO; Ann Arbor, MI, and Manhattan
and Brooklyn, NY.
With respect to local cable programming, Ms. Buske is recognized
as one of the foremost national experts in the field of public,
educational, and government access. She has written several books
SUE MILLER BUSKE
PRESIDENT
THE BUSKE GROUP
4808 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
Telephone: 916-441-6277
sue@thebuskegroup.com
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 31
and numerous articles on access and is in demand as a consultant
and speaker.
She has established or assisted in the establishment of public,
educational, and government access channels in hundreds of
communities, including San Jose, Monterey, Ventura, Sacramento,
Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Napa, Petaluma, Auburn, Hollister, Gilroy, San
Juan Bautista, Marin County, and Humboldt County, CA; Salina, KS;
Grand Rapids, MI; Enid, OK; Gresham and Portland OR; Rockville,
MD; Flushing and Staten Island, NY; and Milwaukee, WI.
SIGNIFICANT PREVIOUS
EMPLOYMENT:
Executive Director of the National Federation of Local Cable
Programmers (now known as the Alliance for Community Media), a
Washington, D.C. based national organization serving cities, schools,
and nonprofit access corporations. Lead consultant for the NFLCP’s
Cable Utilization Services. Responsible for day-to-day operation of
NFLCP. National spokesperson for the NFLCP on federal, state, and
local cable legislation and regulatory issues. (1981-1987)
Regional Coordinator, Urban Institute, Cable Television Information
Center, Washington, D.C. Franchising and Renewal consultant.
(1980-1981)
Executive Director, Miami Valley Cable Television Council.
Responsible for all institutional and access programming. Cable
regulatory officer for six-city council of government. (1978-1980)
Program Director, Group W Channel 10 Dubuque, Iowa.
Development of access and local origination programming. (1972-
1977)
Cable Fellow-Alternate Media Center- New York University
School of the Arts (1972-76)
SELECTED EXAMPLES OF
SPEECHES:
Alliance for Community Media-Midwest: Strategic Planning and
Community Needs Assessment” and “PEG Access Operating
Policies” (April 2015)
National Association of Telecommunication Officers and
Advisors Annual Conference (1987-8201 : Presentations at 6 2 of
the past 2 3 annual conferences) Selected topics included:
The“
Franchise “
(2018) ;Franchising” Cable on Streaming Video of Impact
Renewal and Cable Regulations in a Digital World"
“ (2014); Franchise Renewal 101: A Prime ”r (2012);
“Conducting Successful Needs Assessments” (200 );8
“Developing A Pro-Active Strategy for Protecting Localism”
(2007); “Hot Technologies for PEG Access” (2004); “What’s
Next for Your PEG Facilities” (2003).
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 32
Alliance for Community Media Annual Conference (1978-8201 :
Presentations at every 14[ ] annual conference) Selected topics
included: “Cable Franchise Renewal”; “Boards that Work”; “Key
PEG Provisions in Renewal Franchises”; “Successful Needs
Assessments”; “Strategic Planning”; “PEG Operating Rules and
Procedures”; “Getting Your Ducks in a Row: The Politics of
Franchise Renewal”; “Profiles of Successful Network Projects”.
Minnesota Association of Telecommunication Officers and
Advisors: “ Due Diligence Doing Your Homework: Needs
Assessments (May 2012) and “Renewal Trends and Issues”
(November 2011)
National Conference for Media Reform: “Organizing for Access in
a Changing Regulatory Environment.” Memphis, TN. (January
2007)
National Conference for Media Reform: “Winning Community
Media Through Cable Franchise Renewal.” St. Louis, MO. (March
2005)
Symposium on the Los Angeles Cable System: Univ. of Southern
California. (June 2004)
Law Seminars International: “I-Net and Community
Broadband.” San Francisco, CA. (September 2002)
Three Days in the Desert: “Envisioning Community Media and
Information Culture in a Networked Society.” Tucson, AZ (July
2000)
Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments 1996
Telecommunications Seminar: “Telecommunications Issues for
Local Governments.” Monterey, CA.
California Association of Public Information Officials: “Cable
Television Trends.” Monterey, CA. (August, 1989)
Festival International des Televisions Locales. Marne-la-Valle,
France. (June, 1988)
Telecommunications and the First Amendment: “Whose First
Amendment Is It?” Washington, DC. (April, 1988.)
Mediaville: “Free Speech On Cable Channels.” Metz, France.
(June, 1987).
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 33
4
SELECTED BOOKS &
ARTICLES:
“Forget PEG ...Community"Stations" the are Centers Media
Future ” Washington Association of Telecommunication Officers
and Advisors. (Spring 2012)
“300 Words for the Next 30 Years.” Community Media
Review. (Spring 2006)
“The Future of PEG Funding and Renewals in the Face of
the Ch anges in the Cable Industry.” Journal of Municipal
Telecommunications Policy, NATOA. (Summer 2005)
“Maintaining the Foundation of PEG Access in a Changing
World.” Community Media Review. (Winter 2004-2005)
“Successfully Negotiating a Franchise Renewal -- 2004 Revised
Edition.” Published by Alliance for Community Media. (2 chapters)
“Why Government Access .” Journal of Municipal
Telecommunications Policy, NATOA. (Summer 2003)
“A Paella Called Access.” Community Media Review. (Summer
2001)
Access Managers Handbook. Focal Press. author.-Co (1987)
Community Television: A Handbook for Production. American
Association of Retired Persons. Editor. (1987)
Community Programming Resource Directory. Communications
Press. Executive Book Editor and Author of “Community
Programming Analysis.” (1987)
Video User Magazine. Associate Editor.
Cable Broadband Communication Book Volume 3.
Communication Press. "Status Report on Community Access
Programming." (1983)
American Cities in the 80's. "Cable Communications." Conference
on Alternative State and Local Policy. (May 1983)
"Model Language for Request for Proposals: Renewal and
Refranchising.” Communication Press. (1983)
Community Television Review. NFLCP, Regular contributor.
Guest editor of Spring 1981 issue.
"Community Access: Don't Just View It - Do It." Videomaker
Magazine. (November 1981)
Cable TV Franchising Primer. NFLCP. Co-author. (1980)
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 34
5
OTHER: Alliance for Communications Democrac y - Board of Directors -
Secretary (2011-5201 ;) 2019)6-(201 Chair
Alliance for Community Media (formerly National Federation
of Local Cable Programmers) – Former Member of the Board of
Directors
Adjunct Faculty: George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Instructor, 1984-1985. "The Telecommunications Revolution,"
"Cable Television and Telecommunications: An Overview."
Adjunct Faculty: Montgomery College, Rockville, MD. Instructor.
(1982-83)
Adjunct Faculty: Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH. (1979-1980)
AWARDS AND HONORS 2013. Recipient of the Annual Friend of Access Award from
Wisconsin Community Access Association.
2012. Recipient of the Joseph Sakey Award from Cambridge
Community Television, Cambridge, MA.
2000. Recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the
University of Wisconsin at Platteville.
1987. Recipient of the Buske Leadership Award from the NFLCP.
1980. Recipient of the George Stoney Award for Humanistic
Communication from the NFLCP.
1979-83. Selected for inclusion in Who’s Who in Cable Television.
1972-76. Cable Fellowship. New York University School of the
Arts, Alternate Media Center.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 35
RANDY VAN DALSEN
T he
thebuskegroup.com@randy
441-6277(916)
95819 CA Sacramento,
Street T4808
Group Buske
QUALIFICATIONS
Over 45 years of professional experience in cable television local programming
management, systems analysis and consulting services. Responsibilities have included:
Performance Evaluation Executive Director Search
Survey Research Budget Preparation and Review
Data Analysis Community Media Facility System Design
Management Plan Development Video Production and Post-Production
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1991 - Present
Vice President, The Buske Group; Sacramento, California
1985 - 1991
Executive Director, Access Sacramento; Sacramento, California
1983 - 1985
Director of Membership Services and Finance, Alliance for Community Media;
Washington, D. C.
1981 - 1983
Corporate Director of Community Programming, United Cable Television Corporation;
Denver, Colorado
1980 - 1981
Eastern Region Director of Community Programming, United Cable Television
Corporation; Denver, Colorado
1975 - 1980
Public Access Coordinator, United Cable of Mid-Michigan; East Lansing, Michigan
1974 - 1975
Director, Local Origination Dept., United Cable of Mid-Michigan; East Lansing, Michigan
1973 - 1974
Cable TV Coordinator, Michigan State University Housing; East Lansing, Michigan
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 36
RELATED EXPERIENCE
1977 - Present
Life member of the Alliance for Community Media (ACM).
Current Chief Financial Officer of the ACM Western Region Board of Directors; former
member of the ACM national Board of Directors (3 years) and Treasurer (1 year); Central
States Regional Coordinator (1 year); founder and chair of the Colorado Front Range
Chapter in 1982; Coordinator of the 1980 ACM National Convention and two regional
conferences (Central States in 1979, Mountain in 1982); member of the original ACM By-
Laws Committee (1978). Selected as a speaker at many ACM national conventions and
regional conferences of the Central States, Midwest, Mountain, Mid-Atlantic, Western,
and Northwest Regions of the ACM
1977 - 1979
Founder/Steering Committee member, Michigan Assn. for Community Cable Development.
1972 - 1974
Founder and Director of the Michigan State University "Video Workshop."
AWARDS AND HONORS
2009
"Dirk Koning - George Stoney Award for Humanistic Communication." Alliance for
Community Media.
2005
"Brian Wilson Memorial Award for Outstanding PEG Access Mentorship." Alliance for
Community Media -- Western Region.
1985 - 1991
During my tenure as Executive Director, Access Sacramento received 23 First Place
awards in national and regional competitions, including "Overall Excellence in Public
Access" from the Alliance's "Hometown Video Festival" in 1989 and 1991.
1983
Selected for inclusion in Who's Who in Local Origination Programming.
1980
Selected for inclusion in Who's Who in Cable Television.
1977
"ACE Award" as executive producer of sports special, "Bull Bowl `76." National Cable
Television Association.
1975
"ACE Award" as producer/director of documentary, "The Handicappers: An Equal Rights
Movement." National Cable Television Association.
1974
"Outstanding Student Award." TV/Radio Department, Michigan State University.
EDUCATION
1980
M. A. degree in Telecommunication, Michigan State University.
1974
B. A. degree in TV/Radio (with high honors), Michigan State University.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 37
Todd Thayer
2528 Woodpecker Ave (805) 407-8940
Ventura, Ca 93003 e-mail toddpthayer@yahoo.com
Summary of Qualifications:
Strong executive management background with specific expertise in startup and relocation of media
operations, broadcast / cablecast, studio production, post-production and other media technologies.
Extensive experience with all facets of technical facility and staff development, including facility design &
build-out, systems design, integration, installation & training. Strong project management & problem
solving skills with heavy emphasis on partnership development, customer service and sales support.
Professional Experience:
Coastal Media Group
Broadcast Engineer 9/2014 - Present
Responsible for operation and diagnostic / maintenance support of mobile satellite vehicles and
associated video production. Experience with analog and digital C/Ku band up/downlink operations
including encoding, compression, modulation and format parameters. Strong background in HD video
production, post-production and digital media.
Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura
Executive Director 2/2003 – 5/2014
Responsible all aspects of management of a community not-for-profit media center, including stakeholder
and partnership relations, revenue development and strategic planning. Responsible for the design,
construction and operation of 6,800 sq/ft facility ground-up build, including civil, site/core & shell through
equipment acquisition and systems integration. Successfully developed and implemented earned income
revenue strategies to offset changes in funding.
Reported to Board of Directors.
Liberty Livewire Interactive Services Group
Director of Engineering 6/2000 – 6/2002
Responsible for design, installation and operation of startup interactive television facility. Provided
facilities for the integration of enhanced content (web, MSO network, etc) with traditional broadcast
programming. Unique understanding of the process of integrating broadcast and enhanced content.
Responsibilities also included IT / network & telecomm administration.
Reported to Vice President - Operations.
NDTC-LA
Director of Production 8/98 – 7/2000
Responsible for all aspects of television production in four studio, 80,000 sq/ft facility.
Responsible for oversight of design and installation of studio facilities. Coordinated relocation and
expansion into new facility. Developed and maintained expense & revenue (>$6M/year) budgets for
studio operations. Recruited, trained and maintained staff more than 60 for various client networks,
including TVG network launch.
Reported to General Manager.
International Channel
Production Manager 11/97 - 8/98
Managed all operational issues in production and post-production. Supervised staff of 15, 2 studios and 2
edit bays.
Reported to Executive Vice President.
IS Manager 7/95 - 11/97
Managed all aspects of hardware and software acquisition, design, installation and support. Experience
with Windows system administration, TCP/IP configuration, LAN / WAN design - installation, application
deployment and support etc.
Reported to Executive Vice President.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 38
Production Engineer 7/94 - 7-95
Provided end to end support for master control, studio and post-production design installation and
operation.
Reported to Chief Engineer.
Contract Television Engineer 10/88 - 7/94
Television Systems Engineer: KSCI Los Angeles, CA / KHSC Ontario, CA / KLCS Los Angeles, CA
Provide design and installation consultation and technical support for television studios and technical
facilities.
Transmission Engineer: Conus - Los Angeles, CA. Operate and maintain Ku band satellite uplink truck.
Freelance Video / Ultimatte Operator: Various studios and production companies.
Staff Engineer 12/80 - 10/88
Performed various operational and supervisory duties in master control and studio environments.
KADY TV-63 Oxnard, CA / KDOC TV-56 Anaheim, CA / Trinity Broadcasting Network Tustin, CA
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 39
St. Louis Park Information Resources Department • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2500 • TTY: 952.924.2518
March 5, 2018
Ms. Karly Werner
Sr. Director, Government & Regulatory Affairs
Comcast Twin Cities
10 River Park Plaza
St. Paul, MN 55107
Re: Cable Television Franchise Renewal – St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Dear Ms. Werner:
I received your letter dated January 18, 2018, to Mr. Reg Dunlap, wherein Comcast gives notice of its
desire to renew its cable television franchise in the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota (“City”), and
requests commencement of renewal proceedings. Per your request and pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 546, the
city has initiated proceedings within the city to: 1) assess Comcast’s past performance under the existing
franchise; and 2) assess the future cable-related community needs and interests of the city.
In the letter Comcast indicates its desire to conduct renewal proceedings informally. The city is open to
informal renewal negotiations with Comcast and looks forward to working with the company during this
process. If Comcast objects to proceeding in an informal manner and would rather pursue a formal
renewal process, please respond in writing, within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of this letter. If
the city does not receive a written objection, we will conclude Comcast’s silence indicates agreement to
proceed in an informal manner at this time.
Based upon our review of federal law, if at any time in the process either the city or Comcast believes
that renewal cannot be achieved through informal negotiations, either party has the right to move
forward in the formal process pursuant to 47 U.S.C. § 546 (a-g).
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline A. Larson, APR
Communications and Marketing Manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8)
Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewal Page 40
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 8) Title: Needs assessment for cable television franchise renewalPage 41
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 9
Executive summary
Title: Update - PLACE Via Sol and Via Luna projects
Recommended action: No action required at this time.
Policy consideration: Not applicable. Please inform staff of any questions you might have.
Summary: Required remediation activities have been completed on both 5909 Highway 7 (the
parcel at the southeast corner of Highway 7 and Wooddale Ave) and 5855 Highway 7 (former
McGarvey property). Both North parcels have been appropriately backfilled, graded and are
now construction-ready. According to PLACE, precast concrete walls for the Via Sol foundation
were manufactured off-site and are awaiting transport to the site. Excavation for pouring
footings and placement of pre-cast walls was expected to begin immediately after remediation
activities were completed. Recently, PLACE informed us it is transitioning its architect/engineer
of record from Stantec to a new team led by Minnesota-based MSR. Pursuant to copywrite laws
and the MN Board of Registration, Stantec must agree to transfer its previously approved
architectural, structural, and civil plans to MSR. PLACE maintains that the parties are working
through the plan transfer as expeditiously as possible. Once received, MSR must review the
plans, make any necessary revisions, then sign and resubmit all plan sheets to the Buildings and
Energy Department for final review and approval. In the event Stantec does not release its
plans, they will become null and void and MSR must prepare and submit new plans for city
review and approval. The reason being, that once construction commences there must be an
approved plan set on file by the project’s current architect/engineer of record for the building
contractor to follow and the city to reference. Until either of these actions are satisfactorily
completed, no construction activity can begin on the North Parcels.
Meanwhile, PLACE submitted its planned unit development amendment application for Via
Luna on the South Parcels. However, they were deemed incomplete as the civil drawings were
not updated. The most notable changes are that the hotel and apartment building have
switched places on the site and that most of the parking is underground versus in a structured
ramp. Also, both buildings would be constructed of concrete and steel which will be higher
quality building material than previously proposed. Programmatically, the two buildings would
function similarly to the previously approved plan.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this point.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: PLACE Via update memo
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, economic development coordinator
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, executive director and city manager
MEMORANDUM
DATE: August 12, 2019
TO: St. Louis Park City Council
FROM: Chris Velasco
RE: Update on Via
Dear Councilmembers:
The purpose of this memo is to update you on our Via project.
Via Sol (Phase I)
The first phase of Via, Via Sol, is still on schedule to be completed by the deadline in our agreement.
Much off-site construction work has been completed, including over $1 million in precast foundations.
Recently, an environmental finding forced us to delay the installation of our footings. Discarded railroad ties were
discovered during excavation. These ties had not appeared on any previous environmental assessment. The project
paused construction while we underwent a full review by the MPCA to make sure we were handling the new
conditions properly.
The team continues to move energy modeling and commissioning forward to produce a LEED-certified, high-
performance building. In addition, Civil Engineering is preparing the project to be the first Envision® certified
project in Minnesota, and the first affordable housing in the country to receive Envision certification.
New project team members who have been added include MSR, taking over all architectural services, ISS structural
and and Barr Civil Engineering. Project documents, which were maintained in proprietary format, are being
translated into new formats for the new team members.
Due to these new local team members, the project is being reviewed again by City Building Inspections. No work can
proceed during that review, which is expected to take several weeks.
The Via project team expects to complete Via Sol by the completion date in our amended Purchase and
Redevelopment Contract, December 31, 2020.
PLACE is a nonprofit with a mission to create places that foster a sustainable, just, and inspiring world.
100 Portland Avenue South
Suite 100
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
info@welcometoplace.org
welcometoplace.org
T (612) 309-3889
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 9)
Title: Update - PLACE Via Sol and Via Luna projects Page 2
Phase II
Phase II is currently on track to close on financing by November 25.
Phase II of the Via project includes Via Luna, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites, which are connected as one building,
but have separate financing and ownership structures.
Via Luna will use previously-awarded tax-exempt bonds and 4% tax credits as its primary funding sources. In
addition to R4 out of New York, who have already provided a financing term sheet, PLACE is now talking to St.
Louis Park bank, Old National about keeping the bonds and purchasing tax credits.
Phase II architects, LHB, submitted a PUD amendment on August 5, updating the previously approved designs.
Hotel/PACE financing team from Twain, who previously submitted financing term sheet for the hotel, made a site
visit on August 14.
PLACE held hotel design teleconference with LHB Architects and hotel operator Aimbridge on August 15.
We receive preliminary construction pricing for Via Luna and Fairfield from General Contractor, TGE, on August
23.
We expect 80% design approval from Marriott on September 27.
We expect financing commitment for Via Luna by October 18.
We expect financing commitment for Fairfield by October 25.
We expect final design approval from Marriott on October 25.
We currently expect Phase II to close on financing by November 25.
PLACE is a nonprofit with a mission to create places that foster a sustainable, just, and inspiring world.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 9)
Title: Update - PLACE Via Sol and Via Luna projects Page 3
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 10
Executive summary
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update
Recommended action: City council is asked to review this update and provide any feedback
before presentation for official approval at a future city council meeting.
Policy consideration: Will the proposed changes to the bylaws and city code to transition the
telecommunications advisory commission to the community technology advisory commission,
and the proposed 2019 work plan, support the city council and the city in achieving progress in
the city’s five strategic priorities?
Summary: At the June 24, 2019, city council study session, commission members and city staff
presented a proposed change to the commission name and mission, along with tentative work
plan items. The city council expressed its support for these items. At an August 7, 2019,
meeting, commission members reviewed the existing bylaws and city code and approved
proposed changes to allow for the new community technology advisory commission. They also
approved a work plan to be submitted to city council.
Financial or budget considerations: Costs may be associated with outreach and education
initiatives suggested by the commission. It’s expected that the city’s cable TV fund can support
those incidental costs. Any future major initiatives recommended by the commission may result
in more significant budget implications.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. This commission believes changes to its bylaws
and to the city code supporting the transition to the community technology advisory
commission will result in support and advancement of all the city’s strategic priorities.
Supporting documents:
•Discussion
•Proposed changes to bylaws
•Proposed changes to city code
•Proposed work plan for 2019
•August 7, 2019, unofficial meeting minutes
Prepared by: Jacque Smith, communications and marketing manager
Reviewed by: Clint Pires, chief information officer
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Maria Carrillo-Perez, senior management assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10) Page 2
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update
Discussion
Background: At the June 24, 2019, city council study session, telecommunications advisory
commission members and city staff presented a proposed change to the commission name and
mission, along with tentative work plan items. The city council expressed its support for these
items. At an August 7, 2019, meeting, commission members reviewed the existing bylaws and
city code and approved proposed changes to allow for the new commission. They also
approved a work plan to be submitted to city council.
Present considerations: The commission is interested in any feedback from council on the
proposed bylaw and city code changes and to the proposed workplan, prior to official approval
at a future city council meeting.
Next steps: If the council agrees with the proposed changes and the work plan, these are the
next steps for the commission:
•Include the proposed bylaw and city code changes as a consent agenda item at a
September regular city council meeting, along with the proposed work plan.
•At its next meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019, 6 p.m., begin discussion on how to
conduct community engagement efforts. The results of community engagement will
help determine topics and formation of committees.
1
Commission members
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY
ADVISORY COMMISSION BYLAWS ARTICLE I
–THE COMMISSION
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1
2.2
2.2
2.3
Name of the Commission. The Commission was officially created as the Cable
Television Advisory Commission by Ordinance 1783-89 on April 17, 1989, and
reestablished and renamed the Telecommunications Advisory Commission (“The
Commission” by Ordinance 2216-01 effective January 1, 2002.
The powers of the Commission shall be as stated in section 2-184 of the St.
Louis Park City Code.
Relation to the Ordinance. These bylaws supplement the Ordinance, and in the case of
conflict, are subordinate to the Ordinance.
ARTICLE II – OFFICERS, MEMBERS & STAFF
Officers and Members. The officers of the Commission shall be the Chair and Vice-
Chair. There shall be at least seven commission members, one of whom is appointed by
the St. Louis Park school board and one of whom is a youth member.
Chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and is eligible to vote
on all matters coming before the Commission. The chair shall appoint all committees.
The chair shall have the responsibility for calling special meetings of the Commission
and for conducting all meetings in an orderly manner.
Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the absence or
incapacity of the Chair.
Staff Liaison. A staff liaison to the Commission shall be appointed by the city manager
and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city. The staff
liaison may facilitate or assist in the meetings and shall be responsible for recording
attendance of commission members and for preparation of minutes. The staff liaison is
responsible for keeping the city manager informed regarding the business of the
commission and shall communicate to the city manager any problems or issues that may
arise. The staff liaison shall also be responsible for assisting the commission in
considering their financial needs and, if deemed necessary by the commission, shall
request appropriate the annual budget process.
ARTICLE III - ELECTIONS
voted August 7, 2019, to change the name of the commission to the
Community Technology Advisory Commission.
Powers.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 3
2
3.1 Elections. A regular election shall be held at the annual first meeting each
yearfollowing city council boards and commissions appointments in May. Officers
shall be nominated from the floor by any voting member of the commission.
3.2 Term of Office. Officers will assume office at the first meeting following an election.
The term for officers shall be one year and the chair may only serve oneserve for up to
two consecutive years as chair.
3.3 Succession of Office. The Vice-Chair shall succeed to the office of Chair in the event
the Chair is vacant by virtue of any inability to fulfill the duties of the office. Should the
Vice-Chair thus move to the Chair, a special election shall be held to fill the unexpired
term of the Vice-Chair.
ARTICLE IV – CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
4.1 Voting. Each regular member of the Commission including the Commissioner
appointed by the School Board and any Youth Member appointed by the City Council
shall be entitled to one vote on all matters brought to a vote.
4.2 Quorum. Four (4)A majority of commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the purpose
of transacting its business. A smaller number may adjourn from time to time until a
quorum is obtained.
4.3 Majority Vote Required. A simple majority vote of the members present and voting is
required for passage of all matters before the Commission.
ARTICLE V – MEETINGS
5.1 Meetings. All meetings of the commission will be conducted in accordance with the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Proceedings of the Commission will be conducted as
outlined in the Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
5.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Commission shall be the last meeting held
each year at which time elections will be held and a summation of progress made, work
accomplished and a proposed work program for the coming year shall be prepared for
delivery to the City Council.
5.35.2 Regular Meetings. The Commission will hold at least four regular meetings each year.
Regular meeting dates shall be set during the final meeting of each year for the upcoming
year and shall not be held on any of the holidays recognized by the St. Louis Park City
Council. Those holidays include: Ash Wednesday, Chanukah, Christmas, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Passover (first two nights),
President’s Day, New Year's Day, Rosh Hashanah, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after
Thanksgiving Day, Veterans Day and Yom Kippur. (For Chanukah, Christmas, Passover,
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiday includes the evening before the holiday.)
The meeting time shall be 7:006 p.m. promptly. Meeting dates shall be posted in advance
in the city offices. The commission may change the regular meeting time or date as
Commented [JS1]: Commission business doesn’t require
simple or super majorities.
Commented [JS2]: The commission would like to delete
this section as there’s no reason for annual meeting, since
elections take place earlier in the year (see 3.1)
Commented [JS3]: Because holidays can be changed by
the city council, instead of listing the holidays individually
this refers back to the document of council-approved
holidays that is updated annually.
Commented [JS4]: Meeting time has changed.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 4
3
deemed appropriate, provided the public notice requirement for a special meeting is met.
5.45.3 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the chair or
three commissioners for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the call.
The call for special meeting shall be delivered in compliance with state law. At least one
day prior to the meeting, a notice must be delivered to the Commissioners of the date,
time, place and purpose of the special meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose
of a special meeting must also be posted on the principal bulletin board of the city at least three
days prior to the date of the meeting. Commissioners should be notified of the special meeting
before or at the same time the meeting is officially posted.
5.55.4 Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the chair due to
circumstances which require immediate consideration. Notice must be made to
commissioners by any means available. A good faith effort shall be made to provide
notice of the meeting to any news medium that has filed a written request for notice of
meetings. The notice shall include the purpose of the meeting.
5.65.5 Record of Proceedings. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be
recorded in the journal of the proceedings of the commission. Records shall be kept in
accordance with MN Statute and rules regarding preservation of public records and the
MN Government Data Privacy Practices Act.
ARTICLE VI – ATTENDANCE
6.1 Absences. If a Commissioner is unable to attend a regularly scheduled or special meeting
of the Commission, that member shall notify the city staff liaison of this fact no later than
4 p.m. the day of the meeting.
6.2 Attendance. Commission members are expected to attend regular and special
commission meetings and assigned committee meetings. A roster of attendance shall be
maintained. Repeated absences shall result in the chair contacting the member to
ascertain his/herask their intentions as toabout continuing involvement on this
Commission.
6.3 Request for Council Action. Should the member not wish to continue to serve on the
Commission, or should the member have continuing absences, the chair shall inform the
City Council of this fact, recommending the Council appoint a replacement.
ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS
7.1 Amendments. Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any voting member.
All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to each member of the
Commission at least fifteen (15) days prior to the regular meeting of the Commission at
which that amendment is to be considered. A statement explaining the purpose and effect
of the proposed amendment shall be attached to the proposed amendment. Amendments
shall be considered only at regular meetings of the Commission.
Commented [JS5]: One-day notice before a meeting
didn’t seem to make a lot of sense. Commissioners would
like it to say they are notified before or at the same time as
the official notice.
Commented [JS6]: Changes made for plain language.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 5
4
Adopted January 27, 1983
Revised August 23, 1984
Revised March 10, 1997
Revised December 5, 2002
Revised May 5, 2005
Revised December 7, 2006
Revised May 3, 2007
Revised August 7, 2019
Adopted [insert date]
Formatted: Centered
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 6
City code CURRENT VERSION
Sec. 2-184. Powers and duties.
The telecommunications advisory commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1)Provide a public forum for the expression of cable television concerns of franchise subscribers
and public and private cable television users;
(2)Promote and encourage the widest range of use of the city's public access channels;
(3)Encourage a diversity of programs and services to cable subscribers through a working
relationship with the cable television company that fosters an examination of new programs
and services and of changing community needs;
(4)Oversee future interconnections with metropolitan communities;
(5) Monitor the day-to-day operations of the cable television system as well as any experimentation
that is done with new and specialized cable services;
(6)Assist in any evaluation of the cable television system that are conducted during the term of the
franchise or in anticipation of refranchising;
(7)Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(8)Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as directed by
the city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council.
(Code 1976, § 1-323)
SUGGESTED REVISION
Sec. 2-184. Powers and duties.
The community technology advisory commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1)Advise and collaborate with the city council and boards and commissions on the application and
use of technology for the purpose of improving city services and quality of life for St. Louis
Park’s citizens, businesses and visitors.
(2)Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(3)Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as directed by
the city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council.
(Code 1976, § 1-323)
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 7
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: TBD
Updated: July 10, 2019
1
Work Plan Template│ telecommunications advisory commission
City of St. Louis Park Strategic Priorities
1.St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all.
2.St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship.
3.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood oriented development.
4.St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
5.St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement
OR Other
Time
Frame
Initiative Strategic
Priorities
Purpose
(see page 2 for definitions)
Outcome (fill in after
completed)
4Q 2019 Establish committees to research
technologies, providers, implementation
issues and risks.
☐New Initiative
☒Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5 ☒
N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
3Q-4Q
2019
Attend meetings of other city boards
and commissions to learn how
technology might help their activities
and related city services
☒New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5 ☒
N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
3Q-4Q
2019
Connect with similar commissions from
other agencies
☒New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☐ 5 ☒
N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
3Q 2019 Develop a plan for community
engagement. Determine methods for
informed public input on activities and
priorities.
☒New Initiative
☐Continued
Initiative
☐Ongoing
Responsibility
☐1 ☐ 2 ☐ 3
☐4 ☒ 5
☐N/A
☒Commission Initiated Project
☐Council Initiated Project
☐Report Findings (council requested)
☐Formal Recommendation (council
requested)
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 8
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: November 19, 2018
Updated:
2
Purpose: definitions
Modifications:
Work plans may be modified, to add or delete items, in one of three ways:
•Work plans can be modified by mutual agreement during a joint work session.
•If immediate approval is important, the board or commission can work with their staff liaison to present a modified work plan for city
council approval at a council meeting.
•The city council can direct a change to the work plan at their discretion.
•Project initiated by the board or commission
Commission Initiated Project
•Project tasked to a board or commission by the city council
Council Initiated Project
•Initiated by the city council
•Board and commission will study a specific issue or topic and report its findings or comments to the city council in
writing
•No direct action is taken by the board/commission
Report Findings
•Initiated by the city council
•Board and commission will study a specific issue or topic and makes a formal recommendation to the city council on
what action to take
•A recommendation requires a majoirty of the commissioners' support
Formal Recommandation
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 9
Board and Commission
Annual Workplan
Approved: November 19, 2018
Updated:
3
Parking Lot
Items that are being considered by the board/commission but not proposed in the annual work plan. Council approval is needed if the
board/commission decides they would like to move forward with an initiative.
Initiative Comments:
Produce a quarterly report
for the city council of
relevant technology
activities and advances.
Produce final reports on
completed commission
activities, with
recommendations for
consideration by other
commissions or by the city
council.
Enhance the commission’s
presence on the city
website.
Provide analysis of
proposed or considered
technology for the
community and city
operations and provide
recommendations and
feedback to staff, the city
council and other
commissions.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 10
Telecommunications advisory commission
Unofficial minutes
Meeting of August 7, 2019
1.Call to order
Chair Abe Levine called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Present: Maren Anderson, Cindy Hoffman, Abe Levine, David Dyer, Yonah Davis,
Mohamud Mohamed
Absent: Bruce Browning, Rolf Peterson
Staff: Jermaine Wheeler, Jacque Smith, John McHugh, Clint Pires
2.Adoption of agenda
No changes to the agenda. Motion by David Dyer, second by Cindy Hoffman to approve agenda; all
voted in favor of approval.
3.Approval of minutes: March 13, 2019
No changes. Motion by Mohamud Mohamed, second by Cindy Hoffman; all voted in favor of
approval.
4.Unofficial minutes for information only (no vote required). There were no changes to the minutes.
a.May 7, 2019
b.June 11, 2019
5.Public comment: none
6.A brief history of fiber and futures in St. Louis Park (Clint Pires)
Pires suggested this be deferred to next meeting in the interest of time. The commission members
agreed.
7.Communications from the chair/commissioners
a.May 7 workshop
Members present agreed they were familiar with the information from May 7.
b.June 11 subcommittee meeting
No comments on this; notes in the packet from this non-official meeting (less than a quorum
present).
c.Outcome of June 24 meeting with city council
Levine shared that he, Browning and Pires were present at the meeting. He said the only point
of discussion was related to having a council member at the commission meetings. The directive
was to go forward as the commission had decided on June 11. Abe stated the council was
satisfied with the direction of the commission. Pires noted several council members liked the
committee structure and to come back to the council quarterly or so; or whenever there was
something to discuss/report.
8.Election of chair/vice chair for remainder of 2019
Smith shared an email from Browning related to allowing Chair Levine to be considered as chair for a
second one-year term. Levine said the role of the chair is to set up meetings and to run the
meetings. There will be more work to do with committee work and coordinating information as well
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 11
Page 2
as communicating with council. Chair should work with Pires and Smith on what will be said to
council and how to present it. Pires said that’s a great approach, but staff will let the chair know
what’s needed on the agenda from an official business standpoint. From there staff will provide a
skeleton agenda and let the chair fill in the rest. Levine thought we could agree on a framework for
each meeting, then items from staff could be added in.
Levine asked for volunteers who would like to be chair; Levine offered to serve as chair. Pires
suggested that as we go forward with additional changes, let the council know who is serving as
chair.
Dyer motion to have Levine continue as chair until the December 2019 meeting; Mohamed
seconded. All voted in favor.
Commission members asked who was vice chair. Smith said the most recent vice chair was Nathan
Munson who is no longer with the commission. Dyer motioned that Cindy Hoffman be vice chair;
second by Maren Anderson, all voted in favor.
9.Presentation from election staff on ranked-choice voting
Michael Sund from city elections staff gave a presentation about ranked-choice voting. He asked the
commission members about how results and tabulation should be presented. Dyer suggested use of
social media the day after polls close. Sund said that Minneapolis announced on Twitter, then posts
on website. McHugh suggested a sign at polling places that counting would take place at 8 a.m. the
following day. Hoffman said Carver County did the counting the night of the election. Sund
explained the initial machine count will be posted that night; but if no one receives 50% there will
be a manual count the next day. Sund invited the commission to attend the Sept. 17 mock election.
10.Review proposed changes to bylaws
Smith suggested 1.1 should read “Commission members voted Aug. 7, 2019, to reorganize as the
Community Technology Advisory Commission.”
Dyer suggested 2.1 should read “There shall be at least seven members…” Pires pointed out that the
commission can have non-commission members on committees, etc.
Hoffman mentioned that in 2.2 commission should be small C.
Dyer suggested that in 3.1 the language be changed to read “A regular election shall be held at the
first meeting following city council boards and commissions appointments in May.”
Pires pointed out 3.2 and asked if the commission would like to change. Levine suggested a caveat,
…”unless otherwise voted on by the commission.” There was discussion of what “consecutive”
means. The language will read, “The term for officers shall be one year and the chair may serve for
up to two consecutive years.”
Levine noted that 4.2 should be changed to “A majority of commissioners shall constitute a
quorum…”
The commission agreed with striking 4.3 as simple majorities aren’t required.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 12
Page 3
The commission agreed with the change to 5.3.
5.2 can be removed as there’s no reason for an annual meeting.
Levine asked about meeting time and if that needs to be specified. Pires said there is language to
allow for changes.
5.4 there was discussion about why only one day’s notice for commissioners for special meetings.
Pires recalled it was from a time when postal mail was the way to notify people officially. Staff will
check in with the city clerk on language for this item to see if it can or should be changed; if it can
preference would be notice is given at the same time meeting is posted officially.
Motion to approve the slate of changes for the bylaws by Dyer; Hoffman seconded. All voted in
favor.
11.Changes to code
Smith explained that city code language has been simplified so that commission can be nimble and
make changes as needed to their work.
Dyer moved to permit staff to amend the code section 2 per direction by city clerk’s office.
Mohamed seconded. All approved.
Anderson moved to approve the revisions to city code as presented. Davis seconded. All approved.
12.Review/approve work plan for 2019
Levine asked if the commission wanted to decide committees at another meeting; the commission
agreed. Hoffman moved to approve the work plan as presented. Davis seconded. All voted in favor.
13.Staff items
Staff will check on any applications for a new youth member, which was due August 1.
Pires asked who would attend the August 14, 2:30 p.m. Verizon meeting; Browning, Levine and
Mohamed plan to attend. Since there is not a quorum expected no official notice has to be posted of
the meeting.
Levine proposed a meeting on September 10, 6 p.m. to tackle the commission’s next item on
establishing subcommittees. He asked if commission members would be willing to be part of more
than one committee; there was general agreement to this. Levine suggested that not much can be
done on committees until community engagement is done and he wants to do exploration on how
they can learn more from the community. Pires recapped by saying the commission wants to do
some exploration, which will at the same time serve other items on the workplan.
Levine didn’t think the commission was ready to form committees. Pires explained the change of a
city department from inspections to building and energy to encompass climate action plan and
sustainability.
Levine asked that everyone think about main components of community to which the commission
should do outreach. Next meeting is Sept. 10 to review that input. Commission members should
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 13
Page 4
send their ideas to jsmith@stlouispark.org by Tuesday, Sept. 3. Idea is to figure out what it means to
get input from the community. Other homework is to review a list from Browning that has ideas for
several committees; commission members weren’t familiar with this list so Levine said he would
email it to Smith, who will then send it to the commission. Dyer reminded commission members to
be careful emailing, and that “replying all” or having conversation by email about official
commission business could violate open meeting laws. Smith and Pires agreed and thanked Dyer for
providing that reminder to the commission.
Pires said he wanted to bring up one item regarding fiber. Since 2005 the city has installed fiber
conduit whenever a street is reconstructed; that has contributed to the 50 miles of fiber in the
community. In 2012, a study by CTC consultants helped determine what to do with excess fiber and
how to lease the fiber. For the first time, in 2020 the city is considering not putting fiber conduit into
the ground during these projects. The reason is primarily financial as the city looks to manage the
property tax levy amount. Pires said the city manager and city council will be interested in how the
commission would react to that.
Dyer stated this seems to be against everything the commission is trying to accomplish. Pires
pointed out that conduit laid in the Sorensen neighborhood was recently leased back to US Internet
to provide service in that area. Anderson asked if enough money was recouped to cover the cost of
installation of the conduit. Pires said they do a trade, it’s not monetary. Hoffman asked about the
demographic of the neighborhood and raised concerns about perceptions of inequities if this
practice is discontinued going forward.
Dyer said it’s difficult to know how to respond to this proposed change without understanding the
entire picture and what pressures are on the finances.
Pires understands the commission direction is to look for more opportunities with outside vendors
to expand in St. Louis Park and to look at alternative ways to provide same infrastructure but with
private vendors.
Levine made a motion that the commission believes high speed data communication is important to
the future of the city, and where costs are prohibitive to provide fiber, the city will look at
alternative business models and technologies that can or will provide equivalent capabilities to fiber.
Hoffman seconded the motion. All voted in favor.
14.Adjournment
Hoffman moved to adjourn the meeting, Dyer seconded. All voted in favor. Meeting adjourned at
8:05 p.m.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 10)
Title: Telecommunication advisory commission transition update Page 14
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: August 26, 2019
Written report: 11
Executive summary
Title: Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) Quarterly Report
Recommended action: This is a quarterly report from the ESC to provide information to the
council to highlight and focus on environmental and sustainability activities and opportunities
for the city.
Policy consideration: None currently. Attached is a memo from the ESC members to the city
council. The ESC would like to foster a regular communication with the city council and will
submit memos 4-6 times throughout the year.
Summary: There are three categories in the attached memo discussing positive steps, concerns
and awareness items. The positive steps include being supportive of the city department
reorganization with additional resources being put toward climate action and sustainability,
particularly the Efficient Building ordinance (also known as Benchmarking). Concerns include
focusing on businesses. The commission also recommends three key areas of focus including
business engagement, residential engagement and measurement for the Climate Action Plan
(CAP). Awareness concerns include the declaration of a climate emergency by many
governments and organizations; focusing actions not just words, but actions to address the
urgency of climate change; needing more than just individual actions from city departments in
an emergency; and catalyzing response by joining with the county and state level to declare a
climate emergency.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: ESC memo to city council
Prepared by: Meg J. McMonigal, principal planner
Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building and energy director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
MEMO
From: Environment & Sustainability Commission
To: St. Louis Park City Council
Approved: August 7, 2019
Re: ESC report to Council, August 2019
As discussed in our April 22 meeting with City Council, we would like to foster a better, more
regular connection between Council and the Environment & Sustainability Commission (ESC) to
advance sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the city. The ESC plans to
regularly (every 2-3 months) submit memos to the Council to keep them apprised of progress
and possible opportunities for improvement. We would be open to discussing the topics with
City Council members individually or at an upcoming meeting, as these memos are meant to
encourage dialogue and collaboration to advance our collective goal.
Below, we have outlined some areas of work where we see positive steps being made, where
we have some concerns, and what we would like to bring to the attention of the Council.
Positive steps:
•We're supportive of the reorganization Tom Harmening recently announced creating a
Division of Sustainability within the Department of Building and Energy (formerly
Inspection). While we're happy to see additional resources on climate action, we're
especially encouraged to see climate action being woven into the fabric of existing
departments, and we urge staff to continue to look for ways to do this. It's our belief that
climate work should not just require additional resources, but should primarily entail a re-
examination of how existing departments function and integrate sustainability into their
work (as opposed to a reliance on the new staff members).
•We're excited to see progress on the building benchmarking ordinance, called the
Efficient Building Program. It seems to be on track for approval by the end of the year or
perhaps January.
Concerns:
•The ESC and Roots ‘n Shoots started developing a business engagement program in
2018 with the goal of making connections with businesses in St. Louis Park and starting
a conversation with them about the Climate Action Plan. The development, strategy, and
implementation of a business engagement program has stalled, and we believe it should
be a key focus of the city’s consultant and new Department of Building and Energy.
•We recommend staff revisit the consultant’s work plan and explore the focus and goals,
as we have questions about the strategy and therefore the tactics being employed. With
new sustainability staff coming on board, this is a great opportunity to rethink and
elevate our work with the consultant. We recommend three key areas for focus:
business engagement program, residential engagement program, and Climate Action
Plan measurement.
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 11)
Title: Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) Quarterly Report Page 2
Awareness:
● There is a global transition occurring, changing the way cities and countries talk about
and respond to climate change. In fact, a “climate emergency” has been declared in 850
jurisdictions in 18 countries, covering 160 million people worldwide. In addition to formal
declarations of emergency, many organizations are simply choosing to use words more
in line with the seriousness of the threat, such as “climate crisis” and “existential threat.”
● Our focus should be on actions, not just words, but we feel that even with the Climate
Action Plan in place, we are not responding with the urgency needed, and we are not
operating the city like it’s an emergency.
● In an emergency, we can not rely on promoting individual actions when systems change
is the only truly effective option. In an emergency, we would be mobilizing resources at a
much faster rate and we would be calling ‘all hands on deck’ from every city department.
● We understand that we cannot address this alone, but there is power in a city like ours
catalyzing a response at the local, county, or state level. Could we convince Hennepin
County or other cities to join us in a declaration of climate emergency?
Study session meeting of August 26, 2019 (Item No. 11)
Title: Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) Quarterly Report Page 3