HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/08/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
August 5, 2019
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne
Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton),
City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Public Works Superintendent
(Mr. Hanson), Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Operations & Recreation Director
(Ms. Walsh), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Elkin),
Recreation Coordinator (Ms. Abernathy), Sr. Management Analyst (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: David Zoll, Outside Legal Counsel; Summer Playground Junior Leaders and parents
1. 1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. Playground junior leader recognition
Ms. Abernathy stated 40 volunteers completed over 1,500 hours this summer in the
program. She explained the volunteers are required to work a minimum of 40 hours
during the summer playground program, and are rewarded special recognition, a letter
of recommendation and passes to the Rec Center’s ice arena and Aquatic Park. She
explained the junior volunteers participate in outdoor activities, leadership games, t -
ball, group games, name games and activities traveling around to various parks, and
special art projects.
Ms. Abernathy noted this experience helps youth learn about having a job, learning
responsibilities, and leadership skills.
Mayor Spano congratulated the volunteers and handed each a certificate on behalf of
the city council.
Councilmember Brausen stated this is a remarkable program and he thanked Ms.
Abernathy and the volunteers for all their work. He also requested that staff utilize the
volunteers as a ready made focus group for our study of access to nature and
transportation for youth to the new nature center, when the time is appropriate.
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2b. 5th annual SLP Harvest Festival proclamation
Member of the SLP SEEDS group spoke, each highlighting what gardening, food equity,
well-being, and resilience through life-skill education, engagement, and advocacy have
done for them and those in the community.
Mayor Spano read the proclamation and encouraged all to attend the August 25 lunch
and community visioning session, bike tour, and free bus tour of the seven educational
edible food bank gardens in St. Louis Park. Mayor Spano stated he talked about this
group at a recent conference he attended in Columbia, SC.
Councilmember Brausen thanked SLP SEEDS for their work on food justice.
Councilmember Rog added this is a wonderful example of the great growth
opportunities provided to youth in St Louis Park.
Councilmember Harris added the gardens are flourishing and she thanked the interns
and staff for all they do for the community.
2c. Recognition of donations
Mayor Spano thanked the following donors on behalf of the city and council:
International Code Council for $750 to pay for travel expenses of Building and
Energy Director Brian Hoffman to attend the 2019 National Energy Codes
Conference in Denver, Co.
Stephen & Lynn Spencer, Arlyce Wiersma, Susan Smereka, Sharon Ridgeway,
Mary Nietge, Becky McConnell, Diana Gratz, Arlyss Dirkx, Doreen Nickels, Jessie
& Wally Daniels and Ronald & Beatrice Hasselmann for their donation totaling
$855 for education programming at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session minutes of June 24, 2019
Councilmember Rog noted on the first page, last paragraph, it should read, “…quarterly
public forums.”
Councilmember Rog noted also on page two, in the second sentence, it should read
“….work being done to support immigrant families.”
Councilmember Rog also noted on page four, in the fifth paragraph, it should read
“…equity language seems to be missing from the report.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to
approve the June 24, 2019 meeting minutes as amended.
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The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of July 8, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the July 8, 2019 meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3c. City council meeting minutes of July 15, 2019
Councilmember Rog noted on page two, in the third sentence, it should read, “…she
suggested folks from outside St Louis Park.” And in the second to last sentence, in same
paragraph, it should read, “… and to refuse to let the city be played as a pawn.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to
approve the July 15, 2019 meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of July 6, through July
26, 2019.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 19-081 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $101,449.81 to C.S. McCrossan Inc. for the replacement of the W.
37th Street Bridge city contract No. 112-17
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 19-082 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $1,200.00 for the Carpenter Park Regional Stormwater
Improvement Project with Peterson Companies, city contract No. 72 -17.
4d. Approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Church of the Holy
Family at 5925 West Lake Street for their event to be held September 7 and 8,
2019.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 19-083 approving matching funds to SLP Nest in the
amount of $20,000.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-084 approving acceptance of a monetary donation
from the International Code Council in the amount of $750 to reimburse in part
related travel expenses for Brian Hoffman, Director of Building & Energy, to have
participated at the 2019 National Energy Codes Conference May 28-31 in
Denver, CO.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-085 approving and authorizing the mayor and city
manager to execute a temporary right to construct and acceptance of a
temporary access for the Met Council’s Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT)
Project.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-086 accepting monetary donations to Westwood Hills
Nature Center for educational programming.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 19-087 authorizing installation of permit parking
restrictions in front of 2600 Raleigh Avenue.
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4j. Adopt Resolution No. 19-088 approving relocation of polling place for Ward 3,
Precinct 9, from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church to Knollwood Place
Apartments, 3630 Phillips Parkway.
4k. Adopt Resolution No. 19-089 electing not to waive the statutory tort limits for
liability insurance.
4l. Adopt Resolution No. 19-090 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $20,956.80 for the 2018 Alley Reconstruction project with G.L.
Contracting, Inc., city contract No. 63-18.
4m. Adopt Resolution No. 19-091 approving the removal of assessment of $1,677.16
in delinquent charge for PID 3102924330115.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the agenda as presented and items listed on the consent calendar; and to waive
reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions – none.
6. Public hearings
6a. Surface Water Management Plan update. Resolution No. 19-092.
Mr. Elkin presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rog stated she is not an expert on surface water management, but is
pleased to see this topic being more fully integrated into council discussions.
Mr. Elkin agreed, stating staff is working to find opportunities to work on projects
before issues arise, and to work on them regionally vs. on a project by project basis.
Councilmember Rog asked what other projects might come up in the near future . Mr.
Elkin stated projects related to SWLRT will be more visible in the coming months.
Councilmember Rog asked if there will be quarterly meetings with the watershed
district, and if so, she would like to attend to learn more . She also asked if there will be
any clean up around Twin Lakes, as residents are concerned. Mr. Elkin stated the
watershed district is taking the lead on this, and he does not have specific details on
what is being proposed at this time.
Councilmember Rog asked if rain water rewards is in the works. Mr. Elkin stated an
agreement was just drafted and there are regular meetings with the watershed . He
noted the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District’s participation in the rain water rewards
program will be implemented as part of the agreement.
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Councilmember Harris asked about slopes in the city that are greater than 2%, and
others that are 12-18% and if these are more impacted with heavy rain events. She
wondered also if there is a concerted effort to place curb cuts for rain gardens in these
areas, and if there is a strategic approach on this. Mr. Elkin stated if erosion presents
itself, the city responds if there is a building or housing project in these locations or if
someone wants to place a rain garden in that area.
Councilmember Harris stated given the data, she encourages a strategic approach to
placing rain gardens in certain neighborhoods to help reduce localized flooding, adding
that while rain gardens alone cannot prevent flooding, they can help and can be a
strategic element to prevention of flooding.
Councilmember Harris added residents have reached out to her about Westling P ond in
Ward 3 and she asked if there will be an effort with neighbors to clean the area around
the pond, asking if it is a city issue or a watershed issue. Mr. Elkin stated he is not aware
of this issue, and has not heard anything from residents about the city helping to clean
up the pond, other than providing public education materials to residents in that area .
Councilmember Harris stated she is aware of conversations that have occurred over
time regarding this pond, adding she would be happy to be part of any conversations
with residents and convey information back to city staff.
Councilmember Mavity stated this is a vast improvement from what she has seen in her
time on the council. She asked about Chapter 5, projects the city funds, how the city
determines specific projects, what the process is for creating the list, the criteria, and if
the projects are public and competitive. Mr. Elkin stated staff has done hydrological or
water quality modeling, looking to treat the highest polluting areas. He added they also
look at existing ponds and facilities, what condition they are in, and create lists and
develop cost estimates for each area. He stated the projects are then discussed by staff
and whatever is most cost effective is what is added to the list.
Councilmember Mavity stated in future documents, it would be helpful to have a better
understanding of this process and criteria, and where there are opportunities for council
and the public to be able to evaluate and access the relative urgency of projects.
Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated the level of detail here, adding staff is
doing much to work on the surface water management plan. He asked if there is any
type of scorecard or general criteria for projects, adding he will support adoption of this
plan.
Councilmember Rog added the process does not have a regional component and it
sounds like staff is trying to do more of this and working toward a return on investment.
Mr. Elkin agreed and stated staff does look for regional projects.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-092, approving the 2018 Surface Water Management Plan update.
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The motion passed 7-0.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Consent decree and remedial action plan for Reilly Tar superfund site
Mr. Hanson and Mr. Zoll presented the staff report.
Mr. Hanson reviewed the history of the Reilly Tar superfund site and stated the
amendment will offer greater flexibility for the city and the regulatory agencies to tailor
the remedy, address current and future conditions at the site, and ensure the health
and safety of the community.
Mr. Zoll added the MPCA, EPA, and US Department of Justice (DOJ) will go through a
formal approval process as well. He added once the amended consent decree is signed
by all parties, the DOJ will file a Notice of Lodging Consent Decree with the US District
Court. This will begin a 30-day public comment period after which the court will give
final approval.
Councilmember Miller asked if the consent decree brings everything up to date, allows
for more flexibility, and still measures water safety against city standards and the
Department of Health standards. Mr. Hanson stated that is correct.
Mr. Zoll added the EPA deals with clean up and the Department of Health’s role is to
watch the integrity of the drinking water itself.
Mayor Spano asked how the city will make sure they continue to adhere to the
standards in this process. Mr. Hanson stated the number one goal is always clean and
safe drinking water, and along with the city, the Department of Health will always be
involved in enforcing these standards in order to protect human health . He added the
city also follows the Department of Health issued health risk limits, which are advisory
levels and are always the tightest standards, above and beyond the levels the EPA sets.
Mayor Spano asked for the annual cost savings. Mr. Hanson noted the annual cost
savings are $60,000 - $80,000, and will increase over time. He added the cost savings
are expected from reduced pumping requirements, reduced maintenance costs, and
reduced testing requirements over the long term.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the amended consent decree and remedial action plan for the Reilly Tar
Superfund site.
The motion passed 7-0.
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8b. Adoption of the St. Louis Park 2040 comprehensive plan. Resolution No. 19-
093.
Ms. McMonigal presented the report. She noted the 2040 comprehensive plan was
approved by the city council for submission to the Metropolitan Council on December
17, 2018. The Metropolitan Council authorized the city to place the document into
effect on July 10, 2019, and it currently is available for review on the city website. She
noted the steps involved in the Vision 3.0 process, including over 40 meetings and
participation of 1,500 residents, followed by four community input meetings and an on-
line survey in which 1,083 residents participated.
Ms. McMonigal noted the 5 strategic directions which came out of the planning process:
Increasing density in residential areas
Adding new land use categories for areas near the SWLRT stations
Prioritizing walking first, bicycling and transit next, and then motor vehicle use
Promoting affordable housing options for low-and moderate-income households
Adding new sections on racial equity and climate and energy
Councilmember Rog asked how walking, biking/transit, and motor vehicles came to be
included in the plan. Ms. McMonigal stated it is part of a bigger process including
Connect the Park and the redoing of city streets, noting it allows the community to find
alternative methods for getting around the city. She continued, this will mean the city
will continue to spend money on roadways, but also have systems in place for other
methods of travel.
Councilmember Mavity stated the city has had a long-view vision to make sure to have a
walkable connected community, knowing this won’t happen without intention. She
stated it is extraordinarily important how this is prioritized, with pedestrians and
walking first. She added we have spent 125 years being intentional for cars. Now we
have to catch up in other areas and offer new options for future mobility in order to
reach the goals of the city’s climate action plan. She added this is intentional, was
developed from input from the community, and offers a clear guide on projects to be
brought forward to the council for consideration.
Councilmember Harris stated she is proud of the document created based on
community input, and glad for the noticeable policy chan ges, with racial equity and
climate action prominently displayed. She asked staff for their thoughts related to areas
in the city that would benefit greatly from increased density, along corridors and transit
sites.
Ms. McMonigal stated the Metropolitan Council requires density along transit stations,
which will be a benefit to the community. Mr. Walther concurred adding that increasing
density will be explored not only in residential areas, but throughout the city, and in
areas where accessory dwelling units and duplexes will be explored.
Councilmember Miller stated the most important outcome of the plan are the 5
strategic priorities, adding he sees the comprehensive plan primarily as a land use plan.
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He added this is an investment in our community, and walking and biking will be
foremost.
Councilmember Brausen added this has been a community process, and it is what the
community wanted. He stated the public pushed to increase mobility by walking, biking,
and transit, adding this wasn’t council driven – it was community driven. He added this
also works well towards the next 20-year cycle and fits in well with the city’s Climate
Action Plan, to be carbon neutral by 2040. He noted the priorities are a reflection of this
community and he will support the plan.
Mayor Spano stated the visioning process of the comprehensive plan is like the
declaration of independence, a statement of principles, while the plan itself is like the
constitution – the rule book. He asked staff why there was so much more public input
this time.
Ms. McMonigal stated last time this was done – there were only 150 people involved in
the process. She stated since then, staff has reached out more to the community for
public engagement, and much more effort was put into it.
Ms. McMonigal added the comprehensive plan is a policy document and is much
broader today than 40 years ago. She stated St. Louis Park has made the plan its own,
and all of the community input resulted in what the plan is today.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-093, approving the St. Louis Park 2040 comprehensive plan.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Comprehensive plan related zoning map amendments
Mr. Walther discussed the report. He noted the land use changes in the comprehensive
plan result in a number of parcels throughout the city having a mismatch between the
new land use guidance and the existing zoning district. He stated the city now must
bring the zoning into substantial conformance with the plan.
Mr. Walther stated there are over 72 properties in 12 different areas across the city that
will be affected by proposed rezoning. He stated the public was invited to attend an
informational meeting in May, and only 10 residents attended, all of whom were
generally supportive of the changes.
Mr. Walther stated many of the changes are focused along the SWLRT corridor and
Highway 394 corridor, and also other commercial nodes in the city that the city finds
could support a mix of uses, by adding residential uses.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve the first reading of an ordinance amending the zoning map under Chapter 36
and set the second reading for August 19, 2019.
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The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Mayor Spano stated Tuesday, August 6, is National Night Out and encouraged residents
to attend their own event, or find one in the city to attend. He stated the city has a
record 160 events happening tomorrow night.
Mayor Spano gave condolences on behalf of the council and city to the family of
Detective Kevin Hegyi, a police officer with the city of Hopkins, who was hit and killed
while bicycling.
Councilmember Rog stated that Solar TC is hosting an event on August 20 at city hall to
teach the basics of solar and how to invest for home and business.
Councilmember Harris added on Tuesday, August 13, there is a Texatonka area planning
meeting and conversation at the Lenox Community Center from 6 – 7:30 p.m., and all
are welcome.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Jake Spano, Mayor
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