HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019/12/02 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Dec. 2, 2019
1. Call to order
Mayor Pro Tem Rog called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller,
and Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jake Spano
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton),
City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Police Chief Harcey, Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Building & Energy Director (Mr. Hoffman),
Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Senior
Planner (Mr. Walther), Planner (Mr. Monson), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), City Assessor (Mr.
Bultema), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Transportation Engineer (Mr.
Manibog), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Family and friends of Officer Alcantara; St. Louis Park residents; Larry Kraft and Nadia
Mohamed.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. Police officer oath of office
Police Chief Harcey introduced new police officer Stanikka Alcantara. Ms. Kennedy
administered the oath of office. Officer Alcantara thanked her family and friends for
being in attendance, as well as for their support over the years. She thanked her trainers
and the St. Louis Park police force, and stated she will keep striving to do her best, no
matter what.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog congratulated Officer Alcantara on behalf of the city council, adding
she is so glad Officer Alcantara kept chasing her dreams, and it is the city’s good fortune
to have her on the force.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Oct. 21, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the city council meeting minutes of Oct. 21, 2019 as presented.
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The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3b. Special study session minutes of Oct. 21, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the special study minutes of Oct. 21, 2019 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3c. Joint meeting minutes of Oct. 22, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to
approve the joint meeting minutes of Oct. 22, 2019 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3d. Study session minutes of Oct. 28, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve
the study session minutes of Oct. 28, 2019 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3e. City council meeting minutes of Nov. 4, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve
the city council meeting minutes of Nov. 4, 2019 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3f. Special city council meeting minutes of Nov. 12, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the special city council meeting minutes of Nov 12, 2019 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
3g. Study session minutes of Nov 12, 2019
Councilmember Brausen stated on page 1 related to future agenda items, it should read,
“…for development of a strategic plan for implementation of their ambitious goal of
funding and creating $3 million worth of public art at SWLTR transit station areas. He
stated it would be desirable if all cities involved could make donations and that
Hennepin County is also providing funding for development of this plan…”
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It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the study session minutes of Nov. 12, 2019 as amended.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve for filing city disbursement claims for the period of Oct. 26 through Nov.
22, 2019.
4b. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2576-19 related to Efficient
Building Benchmarking and approve summary ordinance for publication.
4c. Enter into a joint powers agreement (JPA) with Hennepin County for contracting
professional services for energy benchmarking.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 19-150 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 3712 France Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 06-
028-24-44-0140.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 19-151 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 3785 Kipling Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 06-
028-24-43-0030.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 19-152 modifying the tax increment financing plan for the
Wolfe Lake TIF District to allow for additional pooling for affordable housing.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 19-153 modifying the tax increment financing plan for the
Ellipse TIF District to allow for additional pooling for affordable housing.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 19-154 authorizing bank signatories for the Home
Remodeling Fair.
4i. Approve first reading of an ordinance to prohibit parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
for the city hall east lot and set the second reading of the ordinance for Dec. 16,
2019.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, 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 6-0. (Mayor Spano absent)
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. 2020 proposed budget, tax levies, and truth in taxation public hearing
Mr. Simon presented the staff report and noted the budget schedule for 2019.
He stated at the December 16 meeting, council will be asked to adopt the 2019 revised
budget, 2020 budgets, final tax levies for city and HRA and the 2020 -2029 CIP.
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Mr. Simon noted on Nov. 21, 2019, staff conducted their third Facebook 2020 budget
overview and, earlier in the year, launched an on-line transparency tool and property
tax process video. He noted the general fund revenues, the primary operating fund of
the city for services and council priorities. Mr. Simon also outlined the general fund
expenditures including general government, public safety, operations and recreation ,
and non-departmental.
Mr. Simon stated the proposed 2020 tax levy is a 4.96% increase, which has been
lowered from 5.61%. He noted the tax levy allocations, along with city, county and
school tax allocations.
Mr. Simon added, for a median value home in St. Louis Park, there is a dollar change per
month of $5.46 per month for the tax, and depending on the value of the home, could
be more of less than this amount. He also noted state homeowner tax relief programs
and resources.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog opened the public hearing.
Judith Moore, 1430 Independence Ave. S, stated she is an 82-year-old who does not like
to come out in the evenings, but wanted to express her concerns about the function of
assessments conducted in St. Louis Park. She stated her only home improvement since
her last inspection in 2011, was a fireplace insert. Because of a 17% increase to her
home value last April, she called the city, and city inspectors were sent to her home for
re-evaluation. She stated the two inspectors told her if she went to the April tax meeting
of the city, her taxes would not be raised. She stated this seemed like extortion to her
and she wondered why these inspectors still worked for the city. Ms. Moore asked how
many other residents did not attend the April meeting, because they received the same
threat.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated city staff would contact her after tonight’s meeting to discuss
this issue further.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog closed the public hearing.
No formal action required for this item this evening, and it will return to the council at
the Dec. 16, 2019 meeting.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. 2019 Connect the Park – Dakota South Bikeway (4019-2000) Resolution No. 19-
155
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He noted answers to questions and concerns
raised at the public hearing were included in the staff report this evening. Mr. Manibog
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noted issues to mitigate included bus turning movements for the school, along with
resident parking vs. school parking vs. business parking.
Councilmember Harris stated she appreciates residents and staff taking a pause to talk.
Over the past six months she received dozens of requests about the design of the
roadway, both in opposition and in support. Noting that neighbor requests are
sometimes at odds with one another, staff and councilmember Harris discussed
methods to reduce speeding, create safer crossings for people who walk, minimize
potential parking impacts, and add safe bike lanes. She supports the project which
results in added parking; and buffered bike lanes through a pilot project.
Councilmember Mavity stated these projects are never easy, especially when trying to
retrofit a 100-year-old area for today and the future. She appreciated the time
neighbors have spent looking into this and informing the council, adding she
understands how hard these decisions are. She stated she will support this because it is
the direction residents have asked the council to go - prioritizing walkers and bikers over
cars. She added safety is the top goal for this project and she wants to understand from
staff what they need from the council in order to prioritize safety.
Mr. Manibog stated staff can give council an estimate for the pilot project along with
more details.
Councilmember Brausen stated he will be supporting this also, noting the three-block
link is essential in order to create a more robust and safer bikeway. This goal is
consistent with the city’s climate action goals and the community goals determined
through the visioning process. He added there is strong community support for creating
a more walkable city landscape. He noted this segment is essential in order to do this as
it connects the city north and south, and also provides access to the high school and
Central Community Center. For those who reside along this street, he apologized to
them for the dislocation of parking and this new configuration of the roadway.
Councilmember Brausen noted he views the public right-of-way as essential to moving
walkers, bikers and cars, while parking for residents is a secondary use of the streets.
He stated the parking study concludes there will still be adequate parking on th e street.
To those who say the council is not listening to their needs, he would state the council is
listening, noting the community visioning process, public hearings, and other comments
related to Connect the Park.
Councilmember Brausen added comments from residents on Texas Avenue, near the
middle school, have been positive and the project will fulfill the goals of safer mobility
for all. He referenced resident comments about home value decreases in this area
because of this project that have been unsubstantiated, stating this will be a safer
system to all users. He asked residents to give the project an opportunity to succeed.
Councilmember Miller stated he will oppose this and would like staff to look at more
serious alternatives for this important north/south three block section. He would like to
discuss this further and also table the Louisiana and Wooddale bike facilities, adding he
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would like to see the Dakota bike trail be more robust and separated with grading. He
stated the city should put more money into this project so there will be a great biking
facility along Dakota Avenue.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated she has struggled with this decision, has done research on
the project, and does not feel in a position to make this choice as it’s not the best
option. She would also like to look at a multi-use trail here, feels the street is for moving
people, and should be multi-modal, and not just used for parking.
Mr. Harmening stated in the future, if council wanted to look at different
accommodations on Dakota Avenue, they could explore it further as an option.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated her primary concern is for the safety of potential users.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-155, accepting the project report and approving the staff
recommended layout for the Dakota Avenue corridor from Minnetonka Boulevard to
Lake Street, and including a pilot project to be brought back to council for review.
The motion passed 4-2 (Councilmember Miller and Mayor Pro Tem Rog opposed; Mayor
Spano absent).
8b. First reading of ordinance rezoning C-2 parcels to C-1
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris stated in the Texatonka area, folks are excited about the small
area plan, which will help them to buy local and be an advantage.
Councilmember Brausen asked if current businesses can continue in their same location
and for their same commercial uses, after the rezoning. Mr. Morrison stated yes, adding
the business can be sold and operated in the same manner by the new owner.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has been wanting to create a city that is walkable,
while also reducing the number of big box retailers, especially along Excelsior Boulevard.
She added a small area plan is also needed for west of Highway 100 along Excelsior
Boulevard.
Councilmember Miller agreed and added he would prefer businesses with smaller
square footage.
It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance amending the zoning map under chapter 36 and set
second reading for Dec. 16, 2019.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
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8c. First reading Historic Walker Lake parking ordinance
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris asked how a parking stall is defined and if a business must keep
all stalls existing on site, or if one might be used for bike parking. Mr. Morrison stated
the specifications are in the ordinance for parking. The dimensions are all established
and not proposed to be changed, and the parking spaces will need to be maintained.
Mr. Morrison stated there are numerous bike racks in the rights-of-way, and they will be
scattered about the historic district. Additionally, more racks will be encouraged on
private property when they can be properly designed into the site plan.
Councilmember Harris asked if bike parking maps exist for this area. Mr. Morrison
stated they do not, but way-finding signage is being considered for the area. The
wayfinding signs may include maps that show locations of bike facilities.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve
first reading of an ordinance amending section 36-361 pertaining to off-street parking
and set second reading of Dec. 16, 2019.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
8d. Parkway Residences EAW Resolution No. 19-156
Ms. Monson presented the staff report.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated this redevelopment in Ward 1 is exciting and is a mixed
income project, with support for those being displaced. She stated she looks forward to
next steps.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-156 certifying the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) as an
adequate examination of the environmental impacts and accepting the record of
decision, declaring no need for an environmental impact statement for the Parkway
Residences redevelopment project.
The motion passed 6-0 (Mayor Spano absent).
8e. Off-sale intoxicating liquor resolution revision Resolution No. 19-157
Mr. Walther presented the staff report. He noted the city attorney is comfortable with
staff’s proposal to extend the limit on the number of off -sale liquor licenses for another
two months, to February 29, 2020.
Councilmember Harris asked if any requests had been made for new licenses since t he
moratorium. Mr. Harmening stated there have been none.
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Councilmember Brausen stated he will oppose this motion, as he has consistently,
adding the free market should rule this, and not the city council.
It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 19-157 amending Resolution Nos. 17-196, 18-026, 18-71 and 18-198
limiting the number of off-sale intoxicating liquor licenses in St. Louis Park.
The motion passed 5-1 (Councilmember Brausen opposed; Mayor Spano absent).
9. Communications
Councilmember Harris noted the upcoming Texatonka small area plan open house next
Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the evening. She stated details can be found on the small area plan
website.
Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for their proactive approach related to the first snowfall
of the year, and the great job done cleaning the city streets.
Councilmember Brausen also thanked staff and the city for allowing him to participate in the
recent National League of Cities Summit, where council members receive professional
development and training with city officials from across the nation . He added it is a wonderful
opportunity to learn best practices and share with colleagues.
Councilmember Hallfin stated the Holiday Train will arrive in St. Louis Park on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m.,
noting it is another great way to show support and appreciation for STEP, as it is one of their
major fundraisers. He said STEP will accept food and monetary donations that evening, and
folks can gather at the STEP building.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated during the Holiday Train event, the Nest will be open and serving
coffee and Mexico City Café will also be serving food.
Mayor Pro Tem Rog noted the Ugly Sweater Dash 5K will be held Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m.,
and is a fun community event, with a raffle and gathering at Park Tavern after the run .
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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