HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/11/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Nov. 18, 2019
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne
Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Building & Energy
Director (Mr. Hoffman), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr.
Sullivan), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Solid Waste Program Manager (Ms. Fisher),
Solid Waste Program Specialist (Ms. Barker), Sustainability Manager (Ms. Ziring), Director of
Community Development (Ms. Barton), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Katie Jones, Center for Energy & Environment
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes - none
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2575-19 amending Section
36-4 definitions and Section 36-366 architectural design to establish
transparency requirements for ground floor street facing facades in the C-1, C-2,
and MX Districts, and retail, service and restaurant uses in the O and BP Districts,
and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 19-143 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 2749 Blackstone Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN.
P.I.D. 09-117-21-32-0024.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 19-144 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $27,368.18 for the Utica Avenue Trail project with G.L.
Contracting, Inc. – Project No. 4017-2000D
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 19-145 supporting Perspectives’ State Capital Grants
Bonding Request of $4.9 million to complete their Seed the Change Capital
Project.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 19-146 authorizing the award of the 2020 arts and culture
grants.
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4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-147 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $30,253.85 to Northwest Asphalt, Inc. for the reconstruction of
three tennis courts at Carpenter Park, city contract no. 87-19.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-148 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the
amount of $9,648.63 to K. A. Witt Construction, Inc. for the construction of five
pickleball courts in Wolfe Park, city contract no. 94 -19.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-149 authorizing installation of all-way stop controls on
Quentin Avenue at 40th Street.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as presented and to waive reading
of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. 2019 Connect the Park – Dakota Avenue South bikeway (4019-2000).
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He stated this project is part of Connect the
Park, the city’s 10-year capital improvement plan to add additional bikeways, sidewalks,
and trails throughout the community. He noted the project focuses on the segment
from Minnetonka Boulevard to Lake Street and noted staff estimates the total cost to
construct the bikeway will be $443,000. If the council approves the project at the Dec. 2
meeting, construction will begin in spring of 2020.
Councilmember Hallfin asked how many parking stalls will be removed and how many
will be left. Mr. Sullivan stated today there are 175 parking stalls on Dakota Avenue.
After the parking study, staff began with 63 stalls, but after public feedback, this
number was increased to 70 stalls. He added some curb extensions were removed
afterwards, increasing the stalls to 80, as proposed today.
Councilmember Harris asked how the beacon at the intersection near the high school
will be used. Mr. Manibog stated it will be activated when the button is pressed on
either side of the intersection.
Councilmember Harris asked about parking on the east side of the road at the 3100-
3200 block. Mr. Manibog stated parking there is dictated on resident’s access to public
alleys and businesses near Minnetonka Boulevard.
Councilmember Harris asked if the alley in this location can be extended for ease of
transportation and if staff had considered this. Mr. Manibog stated this had not been
considered at this point.
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Councilmember Mavity asked if the flashing beacon at the intersection of 33rd and
Dakota Avenue will have a beacon in the middle of the street, as in other locations. Mr.
Manibog stated no, this will not be included.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Ross Preheim, 3247 Dakota Ave., stated even with the reduction of bump outs, there
are too many parking spaces lost. He stated he does not believe the neighborhood was
listened to by the city and does not think a “share the road” option was considered. He
stated the traffic study was conducted during the week, when there are no visitors as on
weekends, and added that “share the road” marked lanes would have been a better
alternative. He stated he is a biker also, but no considerations were made for
seasonality, and losing 100 parking spots on the block is inconceivable.
Darlene Soltis, 3205 Dakota Ave., stated she has lived there for 52 years and there needs
to be some restrictions in the alley, to allow for access. She indicated the parking should
be marked on the street and she appreciated the council listening, noting that little by
little, more parking spots have been added, which she appreciate s.
John Tadewald, 3148 Dakota Ave., stated he has been involved in this since the
beginning, and there was a lot of negative feedback from residents. He thanked the
council for listening and attempting to change plans, and he appreciates more parking
stalls. However, there are not enough parking stalls, especially when considering the
weekends, and this will create hardships for residents, as well as negatively affect
property values. He stated he and his wife love the area and their neighbors, but the y
will reconsider living there if this plan goes through.
Matt Wandzel, 2832 Georgia Ave., stated he bikes many areas of the city and also on
Dakota Avenue. He stated there is a low shoulder on Dakota Avenue and they will need
to make sure no cars are too close to bikers. He is supportive of the latest revision and
excited about the north side of Cedar Lake Road having a trail as well . He said it is a
delicate balance and you cannot please every person, but this is a successful layout . Mr.
Wandzel stated in the future, the bike lanes will become more popular, and will need to
be expanded.
Brandon Eddy, 3274 Blackstone Ave., stated he bikes 3,000-4,000 miles per year and
rides all winter. He is the father of three, adding they ride as a family to Peter Hobart
School. He stated he chose to live in this location because it was between bike paths,
and Dakota Avenue is a connection now. He is excited for the project, adding in the
future there will need to be a larger bike lane to make it safer for bikers an d families
who bike. He noted high school mountain biking is the fastest growing sport today.
Erin Freidman, 3236 Dakota Ave., thanked the staff for the revisions. She has concerns
about the driveways on the northern end of Dakota Avenue and stated 16-17 houses
will need to accommodate parking spaces, while homes across the street will not have
parking in front. She said no one is opposed to the bike lanes, but she has concerns this
is only a temporary band-aid, and this should be done correctly. She stated she will use
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the light rail and will drive and park to use it, but feels a bigger and stronger plan would
be useful and support this into the future. She stated she would love to stay in her home
in this neighborhood, but there would be no parking for h er husband or children in front
of her single-car garage, adding parking spots should be marked and designated.
Lynne Stobbe, 3056 Dakota Ave., stated she walked on Dakota Avenue recently and
counted 23 homes on the west side that do not have driveways, and only had alleys and
single-car garages. On the east side, there are 13 homes with no driveways. She is
concerned about parking for these folks, and also asked if the parking lots near the pizza
place can be used for customers, so they will not park on the street.
Ted Kroeteh, 3221 Dakota Ave., stated he bikes all the time and has concerns for safety
in the area, with very dark streets and poor lighting. He noted cars drive too fast here,
and now with two biking lanes, it should be better throughout. He stated this should
have been done on Colorado Avenue instead, where there is no traffic.
William Regan, owner of property at 2211 Edgewood Ave., stated he is concerned about
the bus facility located here and buses crossing into the bike trail area. He stated it is a
high-risk area, and he urged council to use as much discretion and safety as possible
when working to get buses in and out of this location safely without striking a biker. He
stated he hopes for a full stop at the crossing here and hopes the council makes it a high
priority.
Marc Berg, 2913 Webster Ave., stated he is in favor of the staff recommendations, and
had been from the beginning as well. He is administrator of the “Bike in the Park” group
on Facebook and stated this will be a great north/south route. He thanked staff for
preserving more parking and stated this is the best compromise. He added this is an
upstream fight with over 75 years of a car-centric philosophy, which is no longer
sustainable. He stated we have to think big picture, and asked the council to please
adopt this.
Dale Stenseth, 3351 Edgewood Ave., stated tonight on Dakota Avenue he saw one biker
and another one during the day. He added over the next five months, he does not
expect to see many more, adding this is a lot of work for only 6-7 months’ worth of use
during the year. He stated the city is not cyclist or walker-centric in the winter, adding
many of the aspects of this project are age discriminatory. He stated he likes to walk and
do activities outside in the summer but there is a high risk for seniors to fall in winter,
and they will continue to drive as a matter of survival. He asked what will be done about
emergency services with the no parking locations, and also what about deliveries. He
stated this is an expensive project and suggested the council delay a decision, so the
project is done properly. He thanked staff for accommodating additional parking.
Steve Kinney, 9200 West 28th St., stated he is an avid biker and he likes this plan. He
appreciates the lit crosswalks to make it more noticeable for drivers.
Susan Tadewald, 3148 Dakota Ave., stated she emailed a petition to staff where 80
people signed and are concerned about the parking and this plan as laid out currently.
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She stated the people are in favor of the bike lane, but do not support this layout and
also are concerned about the green permit parking for the high school students. She
asked when the other parking goes away, where will the students park, adding this
needs to be addressed. She also asked where residents will park if students are parking
in the spots in front of their homes. She stated there is also concern about buses and
safety at this busy corner on 32nd Street. She noted folks have not been heard.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Council will take final action on this project at the Dec. 2, 2019 meeting.
Councilmember Mavity asked if staff will respond to the questions of residents and
where the answers will be available. Mr. Manibog stated they will be included in the
council packet as part of the staff report, which will be available on the city website.
Councilmember Mavity asked about infrastructure issues and traffic management,
adding she would like to understand options on permit parking when this comes back to
council, in order to ensure the high school students will not be parking there. She added
she would like the staff report to also address safety measures that will be in place for
turns and sightlines.
Councilmember Harris asked about lighting safety and marking of parking spots and
asked staff to provide the costs for this in the staff report as well.
Councilmember Rog asked that staff provide information also about a separated bike
lane, and the cost of a multi-use trail in the staff report.
Councilmember Harris asked staff for more information about biking infrastructure and
additional costs for protected bike lanes.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Planned unit development major amendment to Section 36 -268-PUD 9
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to table
the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 36-268-PUD 9 based on information
learned at the study session held earlier this evening.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Benilde-St. Margaret’s – conditional use permit approving a major amendment
to the existing special permit
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Mr. Morrison stated the request is to convert an interior courtyard to classrooms and to
construct an accessory building for the athletic complex. Mr. Morrison stated the
planning commission recommends approval of the major amendment.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
conditional use permit authorizing a major amendment to the special permit to allow a
building expansion and accessory building at Benilde-St. Margaret’s school with
conditions.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Zero Waste Packaging 2020 Acceptable Materials, Exemptions List and
Administrative Rules
Ms. Barker presented the staff report. She noted the existing exemptions which were
recommended to be kept and the new proposed exemptions.
Councilmember Harris asked about the exempted Asian takeout pails, and suggested
they not be exempted, as alternative takeout containers that are acceptable, could be
utilized.
Councilmember Hallfin agreed with Councilmember Harris, and noted he agreed with
the staff recommendations as well.
Councilmember Miller also agreed with both Councilmembers Harris and Hallfin . He
asked staff how many city restaurants this would affect. Ms. Barker stated seven (7)
restaurants use this type of takeout container.
Councilmember Miller asked if paper plates are not compostable. Ms. Barker stated that
due to changes in the certification requirements, most brands of paper plates are losing
their certification at the end of 2019. She stated the city is working to find alternatives
that are certified and acceptable for composting, and then will educate residents on this
change.
Councilmember Brausen asked if this change will be imposed on restaurants in Jan uary
of 2020. Ms. Barker stated that if the takeout pail exemption is removed, there should
be a six-month delay for restaurants to have time to implement new supplies.
Ashley Kennedy and Kim Erickson, Zero Waste West Metro, spoke briefly and noted it is
in the city’s best interest to pursue these sustainability measures .
Councilmember Rog asked if staff has had any comments from the restaurants affected
by the Asian takeout pail exemption, and if cost is considered by the city for the changes
these restaurants will have to make. Ms. Barker stated cost is not a factor the c ity
considers as part of the ordinance.
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Councilmember Rog stated she would like to hear more from the ESC on this issue and
after understanding the impact of these actions, she will not support this motion .
Councilmember Rog asked how well businesses in the city follow the recycling and
composting ordinances. Ms. Barker stated it depends on how each are set up and it
varies a lot. She added when they have good signage, and when customers sort
correctly, that is helpful. Councilmember Rog suggested all restaurants use visuals and
signage to help with recycling and composting of items.
Councilmember Miller asked why this list is only reviewed once per year . Ms. Barker
stated exemptions are reviewed annually, as it could be difficult for restaurants if it
were reviewed more often.
Councilmember Brausen asked if staff has authority to issue citations if restaurants do
not follow the requirements. Mr. Mattick stated yes, it is enforceable.
Mayor Spano added he would be interested in seeing a more robust engagement with
the community on cleaning recyclable items before they are put into bins . Ms. Barker
agreed and noted this practice has gotten stricter in the last two years.
Mayor Spano stated that Hennepin County has started to require cities to offer curbside
organics programs to residents and what that might mean related to the availability of
compostable products. Ms. Barker stated that all cities in the county will be required to
have an organics program by 2022, that is available to all city’s residents, or drop-sites
for smaller cities. She is not sure how much the county’s ordinance will have an impact
on the availability of compostable products, but stated that the City of St. Paul’s
packaging ordinance going into effect in 2020 may have more of an impact.
Mayor Spano added he would like to see staff come back sooner than a year from now
to review updates on this issue.
Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for their work on this , adding the bottom line is
that consumers need to participate and be active on this as well, and business leaders
need to step up and lead in this area.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
the 2020 Acceptable Materials and Exemptions List and Administrative Rules, and
remove the Asian take-out pails from the exempt materials, effective July 1, 2020.
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Rog opposed).
8d. Efficient building benchmarking ordinance
Mr. Hoffman introduced the city’s new Sustainability Manager, Emily Ziring, and Katie
Jones from the Center for Energy and Environment.
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Ms. Jones presented a report on how the proposed efficient building benchmarking
program would look, including how data would be gathered and presented, within the
EPA standards.
Ms. Jones stated St. Louis Park is a pilot city in the collaborative, which is an initiative of
Hennepin County to support the benchmarking ordinance.
Mr. Hoffman stated the goal with the ordinance is to work with companies and help
them with carbon emissions and to help them save money, adding it’s a win-win
situation.
Mayor Spano stated he is pleased to see this program in place and said it will be helpful
when speaking to residents about the priorities of the city related to the CAP.
Ryan Griffin, ESC commissioner, stated this is one of the initiatives the city can do in
2019, and it is awesome and exciting. He added this has helped other cities see
significant reductions, and this is just the beginning. He noted this is an easy incentive
which will save businesses money.
Stephan Collinet, ESC commissioner, encouraged the council to adopt the ordinance. He
stated this initial roll out will incentivize other businesses to jump in, as well as
residents, and encouraged the city to work with other cities.
Larry Kraft, ESC commissioner, stated this is step one of a broader business engagement
initiative and he is excited to build partnerships and help businesses move forward on
this.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the first reading of the efficient building benchmarking ordinance and set the
second reading of ordinance for Dec. 2, 2019.
The motion passed 7-0
9. Communications
Mayor Spano thanked all residents for voting in the most recent municipal election,
noting there was great voter turnout and he appreciates folks being involved in their
municipal government.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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