HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/09/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Sept. 16, 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 Attorney (Mr. Mattick), CFO (Mr. Simon), Deputy City Manager/Human
Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Natural Resources Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan), and Recording
Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Evergreen Award Winners
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. 2019 Evergreen Awards
Mr. Vaughan presented the winners of the 2019 Evergreen Award. Mayor Spano, along
with Mayor for a Day Lathan Harmston, presented each winner with a small evergreen
plant. The winners are listed below:
Rebecca & James Wesslund – 5926 W. 39th Street (Elmwood Neighborhood)
Elizabeth and Joseph Muggli – 3029 Oregon Ave S (Oak Hill Neighborhood)
Jennifer Dalquist – 2830 Webster Ave S (Birchwood Neighborhood)
2b. Recognition of donations
Athletic Business awarded up to $450 for the registration fee for Recreation and
Facilities Supervisor Kori Shingles to attend the Athletic Business Conference in Orlando,
FL on November 13-16, 2019.
National Association of Government Web Professionals (NAGW) awarded up to $2,500
for expenses related to Information Technology Manager Jason Huber’s attendance at
the 2019 NAGW National Conference in Salt Lake City, UT on September 18-20, 2019.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Aug. 19, 2019
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Councilmember Rog noted a correction on page 7 and stated it should read “…She asked
staff to review the letter and add language that acknowledges residents’ concerns about
safety in their area.”
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Aug. 19, 2019 meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Special city council minutes of Aug. 26, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen to approve
the Aug. 26, 2019 special city council meeting minutes as presented.
3c. Study session minutes of Aug. 26, 2019
Councilmember Mavity noted on page 4 it should read “…giving clear direction to staff
and being committed to the policies and principles as we have been in the past.”
Councilmember Brausen noted on page 2, the name PLACES, should be all capitalized,
and added it should not read “light rail” but should read “SWLRT” when mentioned
within the minutes.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the Aug. 26, 2019 study session minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3e. Study session minutes of Sept. 3, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the
Sept. 3, 2019 study session minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2569-19 amending the official
zoning map under Chapter 36 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances and
approve the Summary Ordinance for publication.
Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2570-19 amending Chapter
36 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances relating to self-storage facilities and
approve the summary ordinance for publication.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 19-106 approving acceptance of a monetary donation
from the National Association of Government Web Professionals in an amount
not to exceed $2,500 for all related expenses for Jason Huber, Information
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Technology Manager, to attend the 2019 National Association of Government
Web Professionals National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 19-107 appointing election judges for the Nov. 5, 2019
municipal and school district general election.
4d. Approve a premises amendment to the off-sale intoxicating liquor license for
Yayin Gadol, LLC dba Top Ten Liquors, located at 5111 Excelsior Blvd. in St. Louis
Park.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 19-108 approving bylaw revisions allowing for the
transition of the telecommunications advisory commission to the community
technology advisory commission.
4f. Authorize the mayor and city manager to execute the North Cedar Lake Regional
Trail cooperative agreement with Three Rivers Park District.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-109 approving acceptance of a donation from Athletic
Business in an amount not to exceed $450 to cover the registration fee for Kori
Shingles, Recreation and Facilities Supervisor, to attend the Athletic Business
Conference in Orlando, Florida Nov. 13 - 16, 2019.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-110 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the east side of Vernon Avenue from Minnetonka Boulevard to 2955/2957
Vernon Ave.
4i. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2571-19 pertaining to size
limitations for retail and service uses in the C-1 zoning district and approve
summary ordinance for publication.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, 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 – none
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. 2020 preliminary property tax levy certification. Resolution No. 19-111.
Mr. Simon presented the report. He noted the budget review schedule through the end
of the year, pointing out the possible Facebook meeting in November. Mr. Simon stated
final budget approval will be at the Dec. 16th city council meeting, as well as adoption of
the capital improvement budget.
Mr. Simon stated the maximum number, if approved this evening, will be a 5.61%
increase in the tax levy, which covers council priorities of climate action and racial
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equity. He added for the median home value, this is a change of $6.15 per month on
average.
Councilmember Harris asked Mr. Simon to mention some outreach tools being used to
engage the public in this process. Mr. Simon noted the public can email the city with
questions and concerns anytime throughout the year, and they will get a response . He
added every staff report related to the budget is posted on the website, along with the
Clear Gov interactive tool.
Mr. Simon added a property tax video was filmed and will be on the city’s YouTube
channel, which explains the various mailings that go out to homes during the year,
related to the budget process and taxes. He also noted the Facebook Live meeting,
which will be held in November, and be an easy to understand look at the numbers.
Councilmember Harris stated since she has been on the council, Mr. Simon and his staff
have increased the number of pictures, pie charts, and graphs used to help convey
information, and she thanked him for that .
Councilmember Miller stated he will not support the preliminary levy this evening,
adding this is his fourth year running that he will not support the increase. He stated the
general levy is not nearly focused narrowly enough on our strategic priorities. He added
that certainly some parts of our budget are focused on our strategic priorities, such as
the additional salaries for race equity and inclusion staff, and for sustainability staff, but
there are other parts of our budget that are not as focused on our strategic priorities as
they should be.
Councilmember Miller added going back 5 years, and looking at increase s, the city has
raised taxes 30%. He added in addition to this, there are county, school, and utility taxes
to add on to that. He stated the city is layering increase upon increase, while 6% of
those living in St. Louis Park live in poverty. He stated the city does have assistance and
deferrals, but that is not helpful enough.
Councilmember Miller added the city has done a great job developing parcels and taxes,
along with using TIF; however, he cannot support this levy, which he added is not
focused enough on the strategic priorities.
Councilmember Rog stated the Clear Gov page on the city’s website is interesting,
noting folks can enter in their own tax bill and see how those tax dollars are being
utilized in the city. However, she opposes the 5.61% levy and shares Councilmember
Miller’s concerns on strategic priorities. She stated it is not about if our staff provides a
high level of service or whether she trust staff, but beyond the 2-3% increase tied to
cost of living, she wants to know more about exactly what residents are getting for the
5.61% increase.
Councilmember Rog stated she has asked many residents how they feel about this and
they always say it depends on what we are getting for paying this much. She asked what
this increase will yield in outcomes and especially with low income residents. She stated
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she understands this is the city manager’s response to the council’s directions and
priorities, but it is not an outcome. She added she is hopeful the city can invest in
outcomes vs. inputs and without knowing those, she will vote against the levy.
Councilmember Brausen stated this is his sixth year on the council and going through
this process. He noted the process this year began earlier in April, and staff works on it
prior to that, adding staff takes into account the premise of what council wants to do
and then works on the most cost-effective way to get there.
Councilmember Brausen added that citizens have become accustomed to high level
service, with streets maintained, snow cleared fast, infrastructure , and 37 park facilities
that are maintained and made available to the public. He noted staff gets a standard
increase of 3%, with benefits, along with the council’s priorities of race equity, climate
action, and other priorities, so the property tax will increase. He stated this is all done to
make St. Louis Park a place that folks want to live in, and the rising city property values
prove that. He noted this is a double-edged sword adding that the St. Louis Park tax levy
increase is smaller than other cities including Hopkins and Edina.
Councilmember Brausen continued, city staff allocated resources effectively in a cost -
effective manner, while the police department remains understaffed. He stated
everyone must pay for what we want done in St. Louis Park, and he encouraged
residents to reach out to their council members, and let them know what they feel they
are not getting or what they might want to see discontinued.
Councilmember Harris stated the council has recently adopted a 10-year strategic plan
and within that are 5 strategic priorities including the climate action plan and race
equity. She suggested the city create a membership program where fees are paid in
order to generate income. She added when she looks at the scope of council priorities,
she will support the additional tax recommended by the city manager and finance
department.
She also supports adding to the police force, noting she has done ride-alongs and
learned about impacts police services provide. She added residents care about the
responsiveness of police, fire, and snow plowing. Councilmember Harris also added as a
council, they need to be forward thinking about a sustainable environment everyone
can live in and she is proud of the city’s goal to reach carbon neutral ity in 25 years. She
invited Ward 3 residents to reach out to her or Mr. Simon, adding she will support the
preliminary tax levy of 5.61%
Councilmember Mavity stated she has been on council for 10 years, and pointed out in
those 10 years, the city has never gone above the agreed upon levy in each respective
year. She added in her recollection, every single year this was the case and was set out
of an abundance of caution. She is hopeful the tax levy may even end up at a bit lower
rate. She stated she will support this, noting this is always one of the most significant
votes of the council each year. Councilmember Mavity added the budget reflects the
city’s values and comes down to where the money is allocated. She pointed out if the
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council were discussing sidewalks this evening, there would be a crowd in the room. But
tonight, for the budget discussion, there are 5 people in the room .
Councilmember Hallfin stated he too will support the 5.61% levy. He stated this is his
eighth year on city council and he is sure that typically the rate starts higher and ends
lower. He stated he respects staff on this process and looks forward to staff sharpening
their pencils to see if it can go down a bit. He added he always looks at value for service,
and he will support this.
Councilmember Rog stated she was intrigued by Councilmember Harris’ idea that paying
taxes is like paying membership dues. She noted though, that about 60% of visitors to
the nature center are from outside St. Louis Park, so tax payers are in effect subsidizing
their membership. She added she does not know if council knows everything the city is
paying for, therefore, staff and council do not recognize ways to save or generate
revenue or create more opportunity for housing. She stated there is a lot of opportunity
for more scrutiny on the budget.
Mayor Spano stated he will support this levy increase at 5.61%. He thanked staff for
their incredible creativity in how they spend money, and the careful and deliberate
thought that goes into that. He stated staff works to achieve the goals of council, comes
back with ideas, and if there is a savings in the budget one year, the money will be used
the next year to keep from raising taxes to a higher rate. He added St. Louis Park shares
various services and resources with neighboring cities, including a milling machine and
specialized fire trucks, in order to keep taxes as low as possible.
Mayor Spano added public response he generally receives is that they like the services
they get from St. Louis Park, and are very specific about what money is spent on in the
city. He stated council has been clear on their priorities, and staff must be added as
needed, as well as cost of living increases.
Mayor Spano noted there are cities that charge a local sales tax to pay for their needs,
adding this might be another option to review, so folks from outside of the city provide
revenue also.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-111, approving 2020 preliminary property tax levy at 5.61%. The
motion passed 5-2 (Councilmember Rog and Miller opposed).
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to set
the budget public hearing date for Dec. 2, 2019.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. 2020 preliminary HRA levy certification. Resolution No. 19-112.
Mr. Simon presented the report.
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It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-112, authorizing the 2020 preliminary HRA levy.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. First reading of ordinance repealing and replacing city code Section 2-184
related to the TAC
Mayor Spano stated this new name better reflects the work of the commission.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve first reading of ordinance repealing and replacing city code section 2-184
transitioning the telecommunication advisory commission (TAC) to the community
technology advisory commission (CTAC) and set the second reading for Oct . 7, 2019
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Brausen stated on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 2-8 p.m. at the Roc, there will be
the Roctober Fest, for all to enjoy. There is a $10 fee to attend.
Mayor Spano noted the upcoming ranked choice voting mock elections to be held Tuesday from
4-8 p.m. at 4 locations around the city: Knollwood Place Apartments, city hall, the rec center,
and Park Harbor Church. He recommended folks participate and learn about the process.
Mayor Spano also noted absentee ballots for upcoming elections will need to be requested in
writing and are not able to be done online. Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 20, and details are
on the city website.
Councilmember Rog noted an upcoming open house on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at city hall, regarding
the Dakota Avenue bikeway from Minnetonka Boulevard to Lake Street.
Councilmember Harris stated Thursday, Sept. 26, is a Heart of the Matter community
conversation from 5-7 p.m. at the Lennox Community Center, on childhood experiences and
teaching resiliency.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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