HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/02/18 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Regular (2)AGENDA
FEB. 18, 2020
5:30 p.m. MEETING with REP. OMAR – community room
6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING – council chambers
1.Call to order
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. Retirement recognition for Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
2b. Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update
2c. Recognition of donations
3.Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Jan.6, 2020
3b. Study session minutes of Jan. 13, 2020
3c. City council meeting minutes of Jan. 21, 2020
3d. Special study session minutes of Feb. 3, 2020
4.Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which
need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a
Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the
regular agenda for discussion. The items for the Consent Calendar are listed on the last page of the Agenda.
Recommended action: Motion to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent
Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. (Alternatively: Motion to add or
remove items from the agenda, or move items from Consent Calendar to regular agenda for discussion.)
5.Boards and commissions – None
6.Public hearings
6a. Public hearing to consider allocation of 2020 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take testimony, and then close the
hearing. Motion to adopt Resolution approving proposed use of 2020 Urban Hennepin
County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and authorize execution of
sub-recipient agreement with Hennepin County and third-party agreements.
6b. Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
Recommended action: To conduct a public hearing and then consider a resolution
authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of multifamily housing revenue obligations
for the benefit of Oak Park Village Partners, LP and authorizing the execution and
delivery of documents related thereto.
6c. First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection
traffic control (TS 713)
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take public testimony, and close
the public hearing. Motion to approve first reading of the ordinance and set second
reading for March 2, 2020.
Meeting of Feb. 18, 2020
City council agenda
6d. Southeast area bikeway project
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take public testimony, and close
the public hearing. Council is asked to take final action on this project at the March 2
meeting.
7.Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – None
8.Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items -- None
9. Communications – None
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 of Feb. 18, 2020
City council agenda
Consent calendar
4a. Adopt Resolutions to recognize Firefighter Bill Ryan and Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
for their years of service.
4b. Approve an extension until February 18, 2021 for SLP Park Ventures to record the final
plat for Platia Place.
4c. Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a $25 donation from Jill Marks for the
Westwood Hills Nature Center Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk, $300 donation from
Joseph and Kristine Cook for the purchase of a memorial tree to be planted in Wolfe Park
honoring Bev and Jerry Slavin and $2,500 donation from Minnesota Society of
Arboriculture for Jim Vaughan to attend the 2020 International Society of Arboriculture
Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
4d. Approve replacement of 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck.
4e. Approve the settlement agreement between the city and MSP Apartment, LLC for parcel
14, located in the northwest quadrant of Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue and directs city
manager and city attorney to execute terms of agreement.
4f. Approve the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide to direct the operation and
use of the AHTF.
4g. Adopt Resolution accepting donation to the fire department from Park Coin for fire
prevention programs and equipment.
4h. Adopt Resolution approving labor agreement between the city and the dispatcher
employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two
years, from 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2021.
4i. Adopt Resolution accepting work and authorizing final payment in the amount of
$13,370.74 for the annual sanitary sewer mainline rehabilitation project with Insituform
Technologies - city contract No. 08-19.
4j. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Nov. 20, 2019.
4k. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Dec. 4, 2019.
4l. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Dec. 18, 2019.
4m. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Jan. 8, 2020.
St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and regular city council meetings are carried live on civic TV cable
channel 17 and replays are frequent; check www.parktv.org for the schedule. The meetings are also streamed live
on the internet at www.parktv.org, and saved for video on demand replays. The agenda is posted on Fridays on
the official city bulletin board in the lobby of city hall and on the text display on civic TV cable channel 17. The
agenda and full packet are available by noon on Friday on the city’s website.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Presentation: 2a
Executive summary
Title: Retirement recognition for Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Recommended action: Read resolution and present plaque to Jean for her years of service to
the City of St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20
years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city
council.
Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman from the MSC will be in attendance for the presentation at
the beginning of the meeting. The mayor is asked to read the resolution and present the
plaque to Jean in recognition of her years of service to the city.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2a) Page 2
Title: Retirement recognition for Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution of the
City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to
Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Whereas, Jean Zimmerman began her employment with the City of St. Louis Park 21
years ago on February 22, 1999; and
Whereas, Jean has provided administrative assistance and support services in a
professional and responsive manner to many city staff to ensure the city’s business needs were
met; and
Whereas, Jean has provided exemplary customer service to thousands of residents
regarding any and all imaginable forms of questions, complaints, concerns and compliments
giving them the assurance that their issues are being responded to; and
Whereas, Jean has processed thousands upon thousands of invoices, created and
managed hundreds of contracts and billing accounts, used her sheer determination and
persistence to successfully track down late payments and challenge late fees from vendors who
did not bill in a timely manner; and
Whereas, Jean has willingly shared her more than two decades of knowledge and
experience with any and all employees that have sought her assistance throughout the years;
and
Whereas, Jean plans to use her newfound free time to escape the harsh winters she has
battled for years (most likely in Las Vegas), catch up on some reading, and most importantly,
spend time with her family;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park,
Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Jean Zimmerman for her
great contributions and 21 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish her
the best in her retirement.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Presentation: 2b
Executive summary
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update
Recommended action: No action required. Becky Bakken, President of Discover St. Louis Park,
will be in attendance to provide an annual update on the activities of our destination marketing
organization.
Policy consideration: Are the activities of DSLP in keeping with the expectations of the city
council?
Summary: Every year DSLP prepares an annual report on their activities and results. Bakken will
present a short annual review and answer any questions. Attached is a copy of the 2019 Annual
Report and the 2019 Year-End Presentation.
As you will see in the report, 2019 proved to be another successful year with revenues up more
than $42,000 and total estimated economic impact up 26% over 2018.
Per DSLP’s by-laws, the mayor and city manager have permanent seats on the DSLP board.
Financial or budget considerations: Pursuant to state law the city retains five percent of the
lodging tax proceeds collected monthly from the hotels.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: 2019 annual report
2019 DSLP end of year presentation
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, administrative services office assistant
Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
2019 ANNUAL REPORT
Discover St. Louis Park’s mission is to strengthen the awareness of St. Louis Park and
Golden Valley as a prime meeting and visitor destination, stimulate economic development
and support community growth.
TOURISM IN MINNESOTA TOURISM MEANS
ECONOMIC VITALITY$15.3 billion in gross sales per year
$42 million per day
270,000 full & part-time jobs
11% of private sector employment
18% of all MN sales taxes
WHO ARE OUR VISITORS?
• Average HHI: $103,208
• Average party: 2
• 72% are married
• Average age: 46 years old
• 74% leisure / 26% business
• Length of stay: 1.9 nights
WHERE DO OUR VISITORS COME FROM?
• 75% of metro area visitors are from MN, ND, SD, IA & WI
• 53% from Minnesota
• 80% arrive via car and travel an average of 300 miles
one way
Spending
by sector
St. Louis Park and Golden Valley’s
9 hotel properties collectively
employed more than 495 people
in 2019.
Tourism generated 41 million in
visitor lodging spending and $158
million in visitor spending through-
out our communities.
MARKETING TACTICS
• Digital Efforts
• Print Advertising
• Connected TV
• Radio
• Billboards
• Other Channels
Without the tax revenue generated by tourism
the average Minnesota household would owe an
additional $625 in state and local taxes each year.
80%
81%
983%
NORTH DAKOTA
SOUTH DAKOTA
IOWA
73%
WISCONSIN
MINNESOTA
68% of our
web traffic
comes from
Minnesota & the
four surrounding states
25%
20%
16%
16%
7%
Food & Beverage
Lodging
16%
Retail
Transportation
Recreation
Other
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Engaging Social Media
• St. Louis Park and Golden Valley lodging tax collection was up year over year by $43,459, even with
2018 being the year that Minneapolis hosted the Super Bowl.
• Tourism’s total Estimated Economic Impact was up 26% over 2018.
• Occupancy and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) continue to remain up from years prior.
• Annual Average Occupancy is 71% - This remains an attractive number for potential hotel growth
and expansion.
Bimonthly E- Newsletter
•“Sweet Happenings”
• 2,275 subscribers
• 17.8% open rate
FACEBOOK
8,285 followers
TWITTER
1,270 followers
INSTAGRAM
1,281 followers
3%
4%
32%
DSLP LODGING TAX SUMMARY
$1,400,000
$1,200,000
$1,000,000
$800,000
$600,000
$400,000
$200,000
$805,421 $828,223 $860,761
$978,573
$
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
$1,226,779 $1,270,238
$
LEAD GENERATION &
ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT
Groups Leads Sent 249
Total room night opportunities 52,729
Average EEI per lead $79,378
Leisure Leads -14,880
13 MEMBER
ACTIVE BOARD
DIGITAL MARKETING
26% over 2018
$20,208,403Total Estimated
Economic Impact
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 3
112019 End of Year Report
CLOSE TO MINNEAPOLIS.
FAR FROM ORDINARY.
Uber-close to Minneapolis attractions.
A stone’s throw from hiking and biking trails.
Walking distance to restaurants and shopping.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 4
2
A Destination Marketing Organization
Representing St. Louis Park
And Golden Valley
Discover St. Louis Park’s mission is to strengthen the awareness of
St. Louis Park and Golden Valley as a prime meeting and
visitor destination, stimulate economic development
and support community growth.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 5
Minnesota State Statute
M.S. 469.190 Local Lodging Tax
Ninety-five percent of the gross proceeds from
any tax imposed under subdivision 1 shall be used
by the statutory or home rule charter city or town
to fund a local convention or tourism bureau for
the purpose of marketing and promoting the
city or town as a tourist or
convention center.
Discover St. Louis Park is a non-profit organization 501 (c) 6,
governed by a 13-member board.
3
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 6
St. Louis Park and Golden Valley’s
nine hotel properties collectively
employed more than 495 people
in 2019.
Tourism generated $41 million in
visitor lodging spending and
another $165 million in visitor
spending throughout our
communities.
Tourism supports existing
companies, while stimulating the
development of new business and
event opportunity.
4
Tourism Means Economic Vitality for
St. Louis Park and Golden Valley
25%
20%
16%
16%
16%
7%
Travel Spending by Sector
Food &
Beverage
Lodging
Retail
Transportation
Recreation
Other
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 7
20
25
16 16 16
7
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
St. Louis Park Tourism Generates:
SLP Lodging Tax (3%): $1,074,002
$1,074,002 in SLP lodging tax collection (3%) =
$35 million in lodging revenues (97%) =
Lodging is 20% of a visitors spend.
This equates to:
$140 million in visitor spending
throughout the community.
Visitor Dollars:
20% spent on lodging
80% spent throughout the community
5
*Sources: Explore Minnesota Tourism, The Economic Expenditures by Travelers
of Minnesota, Davidson-Peterson Associates, MN Dept. of Revenue, MN Dept. of
Employment and Economic Development
80% of visitor spending is in the community while 20% is
on lodging. Without tourism, many of your favorite
businesses and establishments might not exist.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 8
20
25
16 16 16
7
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Golden Valley Tourism Generates:
GV Lodging Tax (3%): $194,844
$194,844 in GV lodging tax receipts (3%) =
$6.3 million in lodging revenues (97%) =
Lodging is 20% of a visitors spend.
This equates to:
$25 million in visitor spending
throughout the community.
Visitor Dollars:
20% spent on lodging
80% spent throughout the community
6
*Sources: Explore Minnesota Tourism, The Economic Expenditures by Travelers
of Minnesota, Davidson-Peterson Associates, MN Dept. of Revenue, MN Dept.
of Employment and Economic Development
80% of visitor spending is on “Main Street” while 20% is on
lodging. Without tourism, many of your favorite businesses
and establishments might not exist.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 9
77
Cast of Hamilton
Twin Cities Film Fest
NCAA Final Four
Thai Street Food FestivalMexico City Café
Under Pressure BrewingPub Curling at Brookview Dallas Smith Photography
LCMS Youth Synod NCAA Final Four Dampfwerk Distilling
The Block SLP
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 10
8
Who Are Our Visitors?
Average HHI $103,208
Average party 2
72% are married
Average age 46 years old
74% leisure / 26% business
Length of say 1.9 nights
52% Day Trippers
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 11
99
Where Do Our Visitors Come From?
75% of metro area visitors are from
MN, ND, SD, IA, and WI
53% are from Greater Minnesota
68% of our web traffic comes from MN & the 4 surrounding states
North Dakota -↑80%
South Dakota -↑81%
Iowa -↑983%
Wisconsin -↑73%
80% arrive via car and travel
an average of 300 miles one way
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 12
Marketing Tactics
Digital
•Improved website homepage
•Robust digital marketing program, with
site retargeting & geofencing
•Strong social media presence
•YouTube marketing
•Chinook Book app with mobile coupons
•Sweet Happenings newsletter
Print Advertising
•Explore Minnesota Travel Guide
•MPLS/St. Paul Official Visitors Guide
•Minnesota Meetings + Events
•Twin Cities Business
•Minnesota Bride
•Minnesota Monthly
•Midwest Living
•Lavender
Videos
•Sweet Escapes Video Itineraries
Radio
•Twins Radio Network
•Minnesota Public Radio
•The Current
•KFAN Network
•KOOL 108 Xmas
Billboards
•Greater MN, North and South Dakota
•MSP Airport –Concourses C, F, G &
baggage claim
Other Channels
•Mall of America kiosk distribution
•MSP Airport brochure distribution
10
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 13
1111
•56% Female
•44% Male
Website Statistics
40,231 unique visitors –↑20% over 2018
32%
26%
16%
7%
6%
5%
4%4%
Most Frequented Web Pages
Entertainment
Events
Restaurants
Shopping
Hotels
Contact
Blog
Plan
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 14
1212
Digital Marketing
Bimonthly E-Newsletter
•“Sweet Happenings”
•2,275 subscribers
•17.8% open rate
Engaging Social Media
•Facebook –8,285 followers, ↑3%
•Twitter –1,270 followers, ↑4%
•Instagram –1,281 followers, ↑32%
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 15
Lead Generation &
Estimated Economic Impact
Groups Leads Sent –249 (↓7%)
Total room night opportunities –52,729
Average EEI* per lead –$79,378 (↑37%)
Group EEI –$19,765,171
Explore Minnesota Tourism, The Economic Impact of Expenditures by Travelers on Minnesota, Davidson-Peterson Associates; MN Dept. of Revenue, MN Dept.
of Employment & Economic Development, Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Travel Association. Sources
13
Leisure Leads** –13,680
Leisure EEI***–$443,232
TOTAL ESTIMATED ECONOMIC IMPACT : $20,208,403 (↑26%)
*Estimated Economic Impact:
Overnight visitor: $245 x # of nights stayed
Event attendee (no room night): $70 x # of days attended
**Leisure leads = Destination Guides distributed to visitors
and residents (print and digital)
***1,368 x $108 x 3
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 16
21
*Sources: Explore Minnesota Tourism, The Economic Impact of
Expenditures by Travelers on Minnesota, Davidson-Peterson Associates;
MN Dept. of Revenue, MN Dept. of Employment & Economic
Development, Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Travel Association.
20
2019 Group Highlights
MYHockey -Gopher State Outdoor Veterans Cup
& Gopher State Presidents Cup
•39 teams (ages 9-14) from outside of MN
•Hosted at the SLP Rec Center & the ROC
•1,101 Room nights in 2019 (1st and 4th Quarter)
•Estimated Economic Impact: $451,675
Chinese Women’s National Hockey Team
•Extended stay in the city while training at SLP Rec Center
•20 nights in hotel upon arrival
•Estimated Economic Impact: $58,800
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 2019 Youth Gathering
•Precursor to the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering
•Over 1,500 rooms contracted for the event
•Estimated Economic Impact: $367,500
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 17
15
Community Partner:
St. Louis Park
Children First –Ice Cream Social
Common Sound Music Festival
Community Link – Meadowbrook
Dollars for Scholars
Friends of the Arts
Historical Society
Parktacular –Ambassadors Sponsor
Rotary Bundled Up Winter Fun Day
SLP Annual Art Fair
SLP Police Crime Prevention Fund
STEP –Holiday Train
Ugly Sweater Dash
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 18
DSLP Lodging Tax Summary
$746,249 $805,421 $828,223 $860,761
$978,573
$1,226,779
$1,268,846
$-
$200,000
$400,000
$600,000
$800,000
$1,000,000
$1,200,000
$1,400,000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
+32,538 +117,812
16
+53,766 +59,172 +22,802 +207,389 +42,067
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 19
17
Looking Ahead -Strategic Landscape
Metro area is a competitive market -22+ DMO’s
Minneapolis had 2,000 more hotel rooms in 2019
than in 2018
Metro visitors continue to increase
We continue to foster relationships with
appropriate regional partners
Metrics for Occupancy and Revenue Per Available
Room represent a 3-year high
Annual average occupancy at 71% (a solid
percentage)
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 20
DSLP Team
18
Becky Bakken
President & CEO
Eva Hansen
Office Administrator
Trish Foster
Marketing Director
Seth Flolid
Business Development Director
Yande Musonda
Business Development Manager
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 21
Beth Anderson, Area Director of Sales –TPI Hospitality
Brad Bakken –Citizens Independent Bank (Treasurer)
Keith Broady, Attorney –Lommen Abdo, P.A.
Jodi Coyer, Senior Property Manager (West End) –Mid America Group (Chair-Elect)
Tim Cruikshank, City Manager –City of Golden Valley
Shannon Full, President/CEO –TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Tom Harmening, City Manager –City of St. Louis Park
Claire Holder, Director of Sales –Minneapolis Marriott West & Courtyard by Marriott
Mike Kottke, Director of Sales & Marketing –DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis-Park Place (Chair)
Shannon Full, President/CEO –TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
Felicia Schaefer, Co-Owner –Twin Cities Road Crew
Jatin Setia –Twin Cities Film Fest
John Smith –Smith Architects (Past Chair)
Jake Spano, Mayor –City of St. Louis Park
2020 Board of Directors
19
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 22
20
Adam Turman Original Design
ST. LOUIS PARK & GOLDEN VALLEY
2020 DESTINATION GUIDE
Q
U
E
S
T
I
O
N
S
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 2b)
Title: Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update Page 23
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Presentation: 2c
Executive summary
Title: Recognition of donations
Recommended action: Mayor to announce and express thanks and appreciation for the
following donations being accepted at the meeting and listed on the consent agenda:
From Donation For
Jill Marks $25 Westwood Hills Nature Center Be the Light Winter Solstice
Walk
Joseph and
Kristine Cook $300 Purchase of a memorial tree to be planted in Wolfe Park
honoring Bev and Jerry Slavin
MN Society of
Arboriculture $2,500 Jim Vaughan to attend the 2020 International Society of
Arboriculture Conference in Albuquerque, NM in Aug. 2020
Park Coin $250 Fire prevention programs and equipment
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: None
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, administrative services office assistant
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 3a
Unofficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 6, 2020
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), City Clerk (Ms.
Kennedy), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano),
and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Community Members
1. Call to order
1a. Elected Officials Oath of Office
The following newly elected officials of the City of St. Louis Park city council were sworn
in for four-year terms commencing January 6, 2020:
• Mayor – Jake Spano
• Councilmember At Large A – Larry Kraft
• Councilmember At Large B – Nadia Mohamed
Oaths were administered and each official signed a copy of the oath which is kept on file
in the city clerk’s office.
Mayor Spano asked the two new councilmembers to share their thoughts.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is excited to get to work and very focused on climate
change. He stated we are in a climate crisis and will want to address these issues.
He thanked his family and key volunteers for their work on his campaign, stating this has
been a humbling and energizing experience, and he feels a real responsibility to make
this a reality now. He thanked outgoing Councilmembers Hallfin and Miller for their
support and looks forward to building on the excellent work being done by the council.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she was very excited to take the oath of office this
evening, adding this is a momentous occasion for her, and a huge deal. She thanked
outgoing Councilmember Miller for giving her the idea to run as a councilmember and
thanked those who ran her campaign, along with her parents and all who voted for her.
She stated there are many issues to address and she hopes the council will get them
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3a) Page 2
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 6, 2020
done. She added she hopes her colleagues will be patient with her, and stated she is
happy and thrilled to get this started.
Mayor Spano added his thanks to all who have supported the council these last years,
especially during a challenging time. He stated this community cares about governance,
and while he will miss both Councilmembers Hallfin and Miller, he is very happy to have
new Councilmembers Kraft and Mohamed on the council.
1b. Pledge of allegiance
1c. Roll Call
2. Presentations – none
3. Approval of minutes – none
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve for filing city disbursement claims for the period of Nov. 23 through Dec.
27, 2019.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 20-001 designating the St. Louis Park Sun-Sailor as the city’s
official newspaper for 2020.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 20-002 declaring 2020 city council meeting dates.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 20-003 appointing councilmembers to the office of mayor
pro tem for the 2020 calendar year.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-004 authorizing execution of a renewed lease with the
State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for Webster Park.
4f. Approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Midwest Rett
Syndrome Foundation for their event to be held Jan. 31 – Feb. 2, 2020 at 3700
Monterey Drive.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 20-005 declaring the official intent of the City of St. Louis
Park to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued
by the city.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 20-006 setting liquor license fees for the license term March
1, 2020 – March 1, 2021 pursuant to Minnesota statute 340A.408 and section 3-59
of the St. Louis Park City Code.
4i. Approve for filing Planning Commission meeting minutes Nov. 6, 2019.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, 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
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3a) Page 3
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 6, 2020
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Second reading prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products
Ordinance No. 2580-20.
Mr. Hoffman presented a short overview of the proposed ordinance. He noted if passed
this evening, the ordinance will be effective Feb. 1, 2020. He added the requirements
prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products would be the same for all
tobacco retailers within the city, and following adoption, notice will be sent to all
licensed establishment detailing the requirements of the ordinance. Staff will conduct
the regular annual license inspections near the effective date to assist store operators in
removing all e-cigarettes and vaping products from their premises.
Councilmember Brausen asked if this ordinance will prohibit the sale of vaping material
ingested into the system. Mr. Hoffman stated yes.
Councilmember Mavity noted the FDA has recently taken action regarding this issue and
asked how it will impact the ordinance. Mr. Hoffman stated the FDA actions would limit
the manufacture and sale of certain types of nicotine delivery systems.
Councilmember Harris asked if all businesses affected were notified of the proposed
ordinance. Mr. Hoffman stated yes, they were. Councilmember Harris asked if other
suburban communities have taken up similar legislation. Mr. Hoffman stated some have
limited sales to tobacco shops, but in St Louis Park, there are no tobacco shops, and this
would be the first city to prevent the sale of e-cigarette products.
Mustafa Garwhal, 7120 Cedar Lk. Rd, stated he has multiple tobacco shops, and last year
purchased a building at Louisiana and Cedar Lake Road for half a million dollars. He
stated he did not receive the notice from the city at his building, and would like to ask
the city to not approve this ordinance, or change the policy, as 40% of his business is
vaping products. He noted that if people do not buy from tobacco shops, they can still
purchase online or in other shops outside of St. Louis Park.
Cap O’Rourke, executive director, Midwest Vapor Coalition, stated there are three
health concerns related to tobacco use – that people can die from overuse, that in 2019,
there are 40 confirmed deaths from elicit vapor products that used vitamin E acetate
and were added THC products, and there has been an increase of vapor usage among
teens and also among regular users, which seems to align with when JUUL appeared on
the market. He noted that JUUL was created as an alternative to tobacco and to help
curb nicotine use, and there has been much success with it. He added that the council’s
actions on the ordinance will leave only cigarettes on the market in St. Louis Park,
adding that cigarettes kill people.
Mike Hindin, 7708 W 13 1/2 St., stated he supports the ordinance and agrees with the
council on what they are doing.
Kristen Ackert, 4626 – 16th Ave S., Minneapolis, thanked the council for their leadership
on this issue.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3a) Page 4
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 6, 2020
Mr. Garwhal’s employee, Grace, stated she knows of people, along with herself, who
were able to quit smoking and get off nicotine with the use of vaping.
Carl Genrud, a St Louis Park resident and former smoker and vaper, stated the vitamin E
and acetate was the cause of earlier problems with vaping, and noted this ordinance will
not prevent access, as folks will just buy online or in different cities where available.
Councilmember Rog stated she is empathetic to the merchants, but she will support the
ordinance for many reasons including those supported by medical advocates. She stated
the main reason she supports the ordinance is she wants the city to contribute to the
momentum going on in the state and nationwide for restricting access to tobacco and
nicotine products, which has harmed generations of individuals and families and is hooking
a new generation of addicts, through vaping and e-cigarettes. She hopes this is one small
step in a wide-ranging effort to restrict access to more tobacco and vaping products,
including mint and menthol. She noted marketing efforts by big tobacco are aggressive and
are difficult for many, especially from vulnerable populations, to resist. She stated policy is
one way to push back on behalf of the public, to exert the city’s influence.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is satisfied with findings of the staff report. She
stated with the health risks, which are detrimental to youth, she recognizes this as a real
problem that needs solutions. She stated the ordinance is the first of many steps, and
she encourages the city to take further steps, to implement and then educate residents
and talk about the health risks. She added the city’s school board is addressing this
issue, and she looks forward to working with them on this also.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is a parent of high school and middle school students
and he is very concerned about how this is targeted and marketed to youth. He is
supportive of the action to keep this out of the hands of students and would be happier
if these products did not exist. However, he noted he has some concerns with the
ordinance, and he will not support it this evening.
Councilmember Kraft recited the ordinance, and then noted that on December 31, 2019,
the CDC website clearly indicated that Vitamin E acetate is associated with the problems
being experienced, with black market THC being sold. He added cases have been
declining since a peak in September and it no longer appears there is a major health
crisis around vaping.
Councilmember Kraft noted he found a similar ban that was done in Massachusetts for
about two months last year and cited a study by Dr. Michael Segal. The study reported
the temporary ban caused an increase in vapers returning to smoking tobacco.
Councilmember Kraft stated in general items such as alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco
are better to be legal and well-regulated vs. being illegal with a risky black market. He
stated the FDA must approve or not approve these devices, adding this is also what the
American Medical Association is looking for. He stated he will vote against the ordinance
for four reasons:
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3a) Page 5
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 6, 2020
• open ended ban and not dependent on the FDA properly regulating the industry
• concern for folks turning back to smoking, which is what seems to have happened in
Massachusetts
• ordinance states main reason is in light of threat of E-valley, but this is no longer the
case
• Has had discussions with folks at the schools, and he does not think this will curb
vaping at the schools
Councilmember Mavity stated she will support the ordinance, and while she agrees with
Councilmember Kraft on most of the points he outlined, she has concluded differently.
She stated there is not a good regulatory framework from the FDA at this time for
residents in general, adding when the FDA provides clarity and a stronger regulatory
framework, she will be open to reconsidering the ordinance.
Councilmember Mavity stated she is also troubled about the small business owner,
adding she wants to support them, and she hopes that staff will connect with Mr.
Mustafa and have him work with the city’s small business consultant.
Councilmember Harris explained she is also alarmed by the numbers of youth who are
vaping. She stated the ordinance will not completely prevent people from accessing the
products; however, it does convey a message that the city cares about our youth. She
added she is also empathetic to the business owner seeking a license and she proposed
a 30-day hold on the ordinance in order to work through any details on behalf of the
small business community.
Councilmember Harris made a motion to delay implementation of the ordinance for 30
days. This motion failed for lack of a second.
Councilmember Brausen stated he will continue to support this ban, adding that like any
local legislation, this is temporary in nature and another council could change it later.
He also stated the current council can change it later as well but at this time, he would
like to prevail on the side of caution. He stated perhaps if this had been done years ago
with cigarettes, many people including his parents, himself, and others maybe would
have quit smoking earlier. He added he realizes prohibitions don’t work; however, he is
in favor of anything that can be done to slow the growth of vaping.
Mayor Spano added the US Health and Human Services secretary called out this issue
recently and this topic will soon be on the State of Minnesota agenda as well. He stated
he will support the ordinance.
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2580-20, prohibiting the sale of e-
cigarettes and vaping products and to approve the summary for publication.
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Kraft opposed).
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3a) Page 6
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 6, 2020
9. Communications
Councilmember Harris stated on Saturday, Jan. 25, from noon – 4 p.m. the annual
“Bundle up for Winter” event will be held at Oak Hill Park.
Councilmember Rog added on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 5 p.m. at city hall, there will be an
open house regarding the Fern Hill pavement management project.
Councilmember Mavity stated a neighborhood meeting will be held at Union
Congregational Church at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
Councilmember Brausen welcomed the new councilmembers to the city council stating
he looks forward to working with them over the next 2 years. He stated it takes energy
and passion to get out and ask for votes - adding he also admires the departing
councilmembers and thanked them for their service to the city.
Mayor Spano noted the Empty Bowls STEP Fundraiser event to be held on Feb. 13, 2019
at Westwood Lutheran Church, adding STEP is looking for volunteers to help.
Mayor Spano also read the preamble of the city charter, stating the document lays out
the city’s cause, and is important for folks to hear and know.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 3b
Unofficial minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 13, 2020
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: none.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), CFO (Mr. Simon), Building and Energy Director
(Mr. Hoffman), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr.
Hunt), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms.
McMonigal), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Planner (Ms. Kramer), Communications Manager
(Ms. Smith), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Vic Moore, St. Louis Park lobbyist, Sharon Rodning Bash, consultant; Jamie Marshall,
Friends of the Arts executive director; George Hagemann, Friends of the Arts board member;
Chris Wilson, director of real estate development at Project for Pride in Living; Reverend
Barbara Martin, Union Congregational Church; Jay Moore, developer with Oppidan.
1. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Councilmember Kraft proposed an in-depth discussion on the climate crisis and asked for the
topic to be included in the Feb. 10, 2020 study session.
Councilmember Mavity and Brausen agreed that the climate crisis is concerning, and asked staff
for a summary report on benchmarks that have been reported in the city thus far, prior to
discussing this at the study session.
Councilmember Harris agreed that this conversation is needed and noted she would like to hear
what sort of influential conversations have been held to expand this to neighboring
communities.
Mayor Spano stated he is interested in discussing this as well, along with other topics the
council needs to address such as community sidewalks and STEP facilities. He agreed an update
from staff is needed prior to discussion.
Councilmember Rog agreed a staff update is needed, adding it will be important to continue
talking about this in the near term on an ongoing basis.
Councilmember Mohamed also agreed, stating she would like to see where the city is on the
Climate Action Plan and how it fits into the strategic plan. She noted the council will need to
remain proactive vs. reactive on this topic.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 2
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss the banning of mint/menthol as a study
session topic.
Councilmember Harris stated she would like to discuss this, noting this flavor is popular among
African Americans, so the council will want to keep the needs of this group in mind when
discussing.
Councilmember Rog agreed and encourage staff to reach out to Patricia Bataw, who is with the
Menthol Coalition, and could be a helpful resource in discussing the topic of mint/menthol.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is causally interested in discussing this but would like some
statistics and is not sure if the topic merits staff and council time, adding he is not sure it has a
large impact.
Councilmember Rog stated the reason she brought this up now is because of the state-wide
momentum currently on this topic.
Councilmember Mohamed added she is open to discussing this in relation to racial equity in St.
Louis Park.
Mayor Spano stated he is less interested in discussing this, but if the majority want to discuss,
staff will need to determine next steps.
Mr. Harmening stated staff will bring back more data to the council and ideas about outreach.
Councilmember Kraft also would like a study session discussion on conversion therapy in St. Louis
Park. He stated one clinic in St. Louis Park does practice this, and it is a dangerous, discredited
practice, which he hopes the city will ban and the state legislature will take action on.
Councilmember Mavity stated she abhors this practice and would support this discussion but
would like to be limited in scope and staff time, while gathering information from Minneapolis
and Duluth on their bans.
Councilmember Brausen agreed, but added he worries about limited bandwidth and the ability
to legislate on every issue, precluding the council from getting to the most important topics
that need to be addressed.
Councilmember Harris and Councilmember Mohamed stated they are conflicted on whether to
pursue this topic; however, noted they do support human rights protections.
Councilmember Mohamed added she sees the need for a ban, would like to discuss this, and
get to the heart of the problem, while searching for actual solutions.
Mayor Spano stated he is in favor of discussing this topic as well. He added he would like to
better understand this issue and not go quickly to banning.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 3
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Councilmember Mavity stated the topic of future study sessions called for five minutes on the
agenda and went over time. She stated since there is a new council now, it would be helpful to
discuss new agreements on topics and what deserves time vs. focus and attention.
2. Arts and culture strategic framework focus group
Ms. Rodning Bash, a consultant with the St Louis Park Friends of the Arts, conducted a focus
group with the council, along with Jamie Marshall, executive director, and George Hagemann,
board member, as well as Ms. McMonigal and Ms. Solano from city staff.
The consultant asked the council when they think about creativity, culture, or history in St.
Louis Park, what comes to mind? The councilmembers replied:
- Unity sing, mural creation in different venues
- Opportunities for youth in schools
- Developments and streets all have art in them
- Wolfe Park music series, cultural and community activities at the Roc, and more to come
at the nature center
- Statue at Excelsior and Grand
- Seeing children play piano at Byerlys
- Piece missing in arts is a connection between young people working through their
creativity and how this can be a vocation for them
- Would like to see better connection between school district and arts community for
young people
- Taking art to a higher level – creativity is not always about music, arts, it’s about our city
government, and the need to look at things within government from a different angle
The consultant asked the council for their thoughts on how the city has in the past supported
arts and culture and where can more be done? The councilmembers replied:
- Friends of the Arts has been helpful for artists in our community and been helpful with
city events
- Allowing home occupation would be helpful for artists, city resources and helpful staff,
city’s financial contribution to friends of the arts
- Absent – pop up bus license to ease the burden of opening new business, find out what
creative entrepreneurs want and need, help to set up grants or co-op workspaces
- Strength are Friends of the Arts and people are willing to participate in cultural events
and want to be engaged, incorporating public art in development projects
- Barriers – the city does not have a community arts facility, possibly the Jr high school
theater can be this facility, however this has not been addressed by the school district as yet
- Facilities – not necessarily a school – could be The Nest
- The Nest supports art by showing rotating art, having open mic nights, along with
storytelling at the library
- Barriers – lack of performance space, not enough art in schools to feed community in
future, arts are still in silos within the community, and there are all kinds of ways art
could be more integrated
- Make a business case on why art matters, and then can leverage this
- Art brings out emotions, and want St. Louis Park residents to feel they can contribute, or
they can engage and own art, and have it represent our community
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 4
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
- Unique identity of St Louis Park, hyper local and creates a unique sense of place with art
– so people love their community
- Identity and landmarks, reflecting identity of the city through logos and icons for city
identity
- Love most about city’s art is it’s participatory and all can get involved
- Opportunities also to do a theme i.e.: climate change thereby bringing more folks into art
Mayor Spano asked the members to highlight from the annual report, things that went well and
things that they might do less of.
Mr. Marshall stated the group facilitated its first public art for the city, with selected artists
creating work, and focused on local artists.
Mr. Hagemann noted the successful St. Louis Park art fair, and the diversity of artists that
participated. He noted smaller events that were successful as well such as the poetry jams,
which he stated were impactful.
Mayor Spano noted the city made it affordable to rent the Roc also, adding the city will need to
continue to support folks to be creative in these public spaces.
3. Draft legislative priorities and local options sales tax
Ms. Solano noted the state legislature will reconvene on Feb. 11, 2020, and as in previous years,
staff has prepared a draft list of legislative topics for the council to review. Staff will make
changes based on council discussion and a final draft will be reviewed at the Jan. 27, 2020 study
session, prior to being presented to the city’s legislators.
Ms. Solano stated additionally, information on a local option sales tax to fund regionally
significant municipal state-aid road projects is provided in the staff report.
Ms. Heiser noted the city can look at one local road improvement program with improvements
at the following locations:
• Cedar Lake Road
• Louisiana Avenue
• Shelard Parkway
• Oxford Industrial Area
• Texas Avenue/Minnetonka Boulevard intersection
Ms. Heiser noted the majority of these projects are already in city’s CIP, adding that big data
was run on these areas, which showed a large percentage of non-local traffic.
Ms. Heiser stated the estimated costs for the road improvements noted above is $37.5 million,
and with the city sales tax, it will propose a 0.5% sales tax (one half of one percent), which
generates $5 million per year for approximately 7.5 years, from 54.8% non-residents and from
45.2% residents. She added the project would conclude when all the funds are collected.
Ms. Solano noted the timeline and stated that a referendum would be needed within 2 years if
the issue was to move forward.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 5
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Mr. Moore stated because the legislature has failed to fund a new transportation bill in recent
years and gas taxes will continue to decline, the city must look for other options. Data shows St.
Louis Park is a destination. As such, he explained, the city can add the sales tax in order to have
those who use the roads, pay for the improvements, vs. putting that burden on city taxpayers.
Councilmember Mavity stated this makes sense rather than asking taxpayers to pay for these
regional roads. She stated she wants to know the actual cost to the city to run a referendum,
along with costs for a marketing team to educate folks, adding this feels like a big job. She
stated she supports moving forward on the sales tax, and recommended talking to Discover St.
Louis Park and the city’s Rotary groups in order to inform and create buy-in.
Mr. Harmening noted the city is not allowed to promote or encourage voting yes on a
referendum but can provide information on what is being proposed. He stated local citizens
committees would be required to promote the sales tax, but the city would not fund that
group. Mr. Harmening added staff has already reached out to the city business council, met
with the chamber of commerce president, and Discover St. Louis Park.
Councilmember Mohamed asked what exactly would be taxed. Mr. Moore stated everything
but food and clothing, adding that restaurants would be included, but most services would not
be taxed.
Councilmember Mohamed asked if other methods of funding had been researched. Mr.
Harmening stated there are limited options and the funding would come from either a tax
increase, special assessments, or increased franchise fees. He noted there would be some
funding from MSA and possibly grants but other than that, there is no other funding source.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is very conflicted but understands the need. She is
concerned about a sales tax on top of the levy, which was just raised, adding it will be a burden
for low income families. She added she will be glad if it goes to a referendum so residents can
decide.
Councilmember Rog stated the sales tax could have a significant impact on residents, upwards
to $100 per household, and if so, she would not support this. Councilmember Rog added this
feels very rushed and she too is very conflicted and would like to examine the data more before
proceeding.
Councilmember Mavity noted she wants to be sure the city takes advantage of a potential
opportunity, and also encourages folks to get on committees in order to encourage pushing this
forward.
Councilmember Kraft added he is also conflicted on this issue and asked if this could be put off
until next year.
Mr. Harmening stated the council can wait a year; however, staff assumption is that they would
want to work on this sooner, rather than later.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 6
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Councilmember Brausen stated the other driver on this is that construction costs have gone up
25% in the last year and will only get worse. So, it is better to share the burden with those who
use the roads, adding he is in favor of this.
It was the consensus of the council to include this item on the agenda for the Jan. 21, 2020 city
council meeting.
Mayor Spano noted the list of city priorities for the state legislators is not manageable with 25
pages of items. Mr. Harmening stated the council should note their highest priorities, but staff
wanted to be sure not to miss anything, so included all items council has been interested in.
Councilmember Brausen stated if marijuana legalization goes before the legislature, he would
like to see a portion of the tax go back to cities and would like this added to the priority list. He
added the mint/menthol and conversion therapy topics might also be added to the list.
Councilmember Kraft stated he would like to see energy and climate concerns, 100% renewable
energy, and low emission vehicles added to the list.
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to add community development state match for local
housing trust funds and using pool TIF for affordable housing trust funds to allow for greater
flexibility.
Councilmember Harris stated what is most impactful for the legislature to hear from St. Louis
Park, and noted the focus from the 3.0 visioning is affordable housing and its impact on all ages
in the city.
Ms. Solano noted the final document will be reviewed by council on Jan. 27, prior to the
meeting with legislators on Feb. 3, 2020.
4. Union Congregational Church affordable housing redevelopment
Reverend Barbara Martin stated due to decreasing church membership, and the fact that the
church has space available, the congregation decided they wanted to do something to help with
affordable housing, which would help those in need, while also helping the church financially
and with their facility. She added the church community would also want to work with
residents and volunteers on programs and projects to help residents.
Mr. Wilson stated Project for Pride in Living (PPL) proposes to develop approximately 80 units
of new affordable and sustainable housing at 6027 37th St. W. and the northern portion of 3700
Alabama Ave. The church would sell a portion of their property to an affiliate of PPL, and PPL
will own and manage this new housing for the long term. The church will preserve the existing
sanctuary building, update the narthex, and continue to operate on the southern portion of the
property.
Mr. Wilson stated the proposed building would be four stories tall and include a mix of studios,
1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom units. Rents will be affordable to households ranging from 30% of the
area median income (AMI) to 80% of AMI or $80,000 for a household of 4 people. He noted
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 7
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
that most of the units will be set aside for households at or below 50% and 60% of AMI and
average incomes for the building will be below 60% of AMI.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has been a consultant in the past with PPL for the Downtown
View Project, but currently is not involved with PPL. She appreciates the congregation coming
forward and leading on this, especially since developers are interested in the land around light
rail, and many higher-end proposals are coming in. She stated she appreciates the church has
chosen this path and it aligns nicely with the city’s affordable housing goals and the city’s
strategic plan, in looking to leverage light rail.
Councilmember Mavity added she appreciates the entrances on the 1st floor and making it
more family friendly and wants to continue to work with neighbors so the project is
appropriately sized for the area. She asked if PPL might look at a program with shared cars, to
help mitigate parking especially in relation to neighbor concerns.
Councilmember Harris also appreciated the church bringing this project forward. She asked if
there are alternatives within the design to make the fronts look more like townhomes and then
have apartments behind the façade, which might also help to mitigate some neighbor concerns.
She stated she is in favor of parking for one car per unit and added that PPL cannot always
count on street parking to be available, especially with city snow removal requirements.
Councilmember Rog stated she would prefer to see greater affordability in the larger bedroom
units and asked if there will be support services for residents. Mr. Wilson stated yes, there are
services as needed, and PPL is speaking with Perspectives in St. Louis Park at this time, while
PPL also has in-house services that can be used as well.
Councilmember Rog asked if there will be any rent to own opportunities for residents. Mr.
Wilson stated no, these are all rental units.
Councilmember Rog supported the parking request and liked Councilmember Mavity’s shared
car idea. She encouraged Mr. Wilson to look at landscaping while keeping sustainability in mind.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she would like to explore using public art on the façade and
hopes the city can get creative on that and explore possibilities, so as to diminish the affordable
housing feel.
Councilmember Kraft appreciated that this fits into the values of the church, adding he likes the
sustainability plans included. He asked if there is any possibility of creating net zero heating
with the use of solar panels. Mr. Wilson stated that would be difficult, especially with the
number of people on site and electricity needed, but added there will be a much lower electric
usage in the development.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of this concept and is familiar with the area.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the historic playground in the area can be incorporated into the
plans.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 8
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Mayor Spano stated he is very interested to see this move forward and asked if Kid Zone will be
relocated. Reverend Martin stated Kid Zone will be moving and the church will help them with
their expenses.
Mayor Spano added the scaling integrates with the neighborhood and asked staff to shift the
curb cut onto West 37th Street vs. having it on Alabama Avenue, as it might create car stacking.
He stated he appreciates the affordability and sustainability within the project and hopes to see
more of this type of project as time goes on.
5. Sam’s Club development proposal
Mr. Walther introduced the developer, Jay Moore from Oppidan, and stated staff is looking for
feedback from the council on this proposal.
Councilmember Mavity stated she is delighted to see the reuse of this existing building, along
with the green space, sees this as a job growth area, and fitting the vision well. She asked about
the large amount of surface parking with 500 spots, if the proposed business needs all those
spots, and if they might also utilize the nearby light rail. She added this parking does not seem
to be a good land use adjacent to the light rail.
Councilmember Rog stated she supports reuse of the building; however, she is really
disappointed by the minimum affordability provided with the plan for apartments here. She
stated there is opportunity to provide affordability near the transit station and she is not happy
with only 14 affordable units, adding this does not match the discussions about this area and
the goals outlined. She stated the plan seems very car-centric and this is not something she
wants to see.
Councilmember Harris stated with the light rail proximity, it seems that reducing the surface
parking to maximize land use would be better. She asked if there might be expansion here as
well. Mr. Moore stated yes, expansion would be part of the plan, but because of the difficulty
with the land and underground stormwater detention system which cannot be undone, the
residential needed to be pushed to the east side of the land. He added the environmental
clean-up would be very costly and dangerous, so is not feasible.
Councilmember Brausen stated he understands about the environmental issues in this area and
asked if they could have 6 floors and increase TIF so as to increase parking as well. He stated he
is supportive of the reuse of the site.
Councilmember Mavity stated this is a signature project near the light rail and asked if the
housing could be denser, with 12 stories if appropriate.
Councilmember Kraft stated he likes the idea of 500 more jobs coming to the city and asked if
solar panels and artwork could be added to the project, in the area facing the light rail.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is very impressed with this project but hopes to make it
more affordable on a larger percent of the units.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3b) Page 9
Title: Study session minutes of January 13, 2020
Councilmember Rog added this project does not meet the city’s affordable goals for the site,
and she does not see the rush in doing this project, especially since it is a significant site for the
city. She noted the goal is to have the site align with affordability and neighborhood goals.
Councilmember Mavity, however, noted the project does comply with the city’s policy
regarding affordability.
Councilmember Brausen added this project will positively impact the city’s tax base and allow
more affordability in other areas, and he will support this.
Mayor Spano stated perhaps the surface parking could be shared by the business and residents,
which could lessen the number of parking stalls and then use funds to create more
affordability. He stated he is interested in this project but wants to look at the parking again.
Mayor Spano summarized that the majority of the councilmembers indicated support for staff
to continue work with the developer to advance the concept, and that there was not consensus
as Councilmember Rog did not agree with this direction.
Communications/meeting check-in (verbal)
Councilmember Brausen referred to the written reports and noted he is supportive of the
former Santorini site and the additional TIF.
Councilmember Mavity noted the written report about the Prince of Peace site and stated the
project should be reversed with the building facing north vs. south in order to move it away
from pointing towards Highway 7.
Councilmember Kraft asked about the St. Louis Park Ventures project and how the numbers work.
Mayor Spano suggested he and Councilmember Mohamed meet with staff to learn more about
and understand TIF.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
6. Traffic Study 713 – Installation of stop controls on Quebec Avenue at 29th Street
7. 2020 Pavement Management Project Update – Fern Hill (4020-1000)
8. Prince of Peach affordable housing project
9. Update on Purchase and Redevelopment Contract with SLP Park Ventures, LLC
10. Texa-Tonka small area plan
11. November 2019 monthly financial report
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 3c
Unofficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 21, 2020
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Knutson), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms.
Barton), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Project
Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Planner (Ms. Monson),
Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Management
Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Mr. Berg, DJR Architects; residents of Fern Hill Neighborhood, Minnetonka Mayor Brad
Wiersum; Dave Unmacht, League of MN Cities Executive Director; Ted Akers, Bill Byer, Henry
Solmer, St. Louis Park Historical Society; Fr. Joseph Johnson.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
2. Presentations
2a. League of MN Cities presentation
Mayor Wiersum of the City of Minnetonka and Mr. Unmacht, Executive Director,
thanked the council and City of St. Louis Park for their active involvement and
collaboration with the League of MN Cities, along with their collaboration with other
cities represented by the League. They also thanked city staff for their time and effort,
and Councilmembers Kraft and Mohamed for attending the upcoming conference.
Councilmember Mavity stated in her ten years on the council, she has found the work
League of MN Cities does to be useful, adding when the League focused on race equity
issues, hosted learning sessions about it, and policies and procedures around it, there
was an enormous impact felt in St. Louis Park and across the state. She added she
appreciates and thanks the League for their courage here.
Councilmember Kraft asked if there is a policy committee around climate change.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 2
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Mr. Unmacht stated yes there is, adding Councilmember Kraft will be able to learn and
contribute to those conversations. Minnetonka Mayor Wiersum added there will also be
a conference held on climate change.
Mayor Spano stated all cities face challenging issues and can get great benefit and cost-
saving measures when cities collaborate, and this is what the League helps to do, along
with being an effective and strong voice for Minnesota in Washington, DC. He thanked
the League for their help in making sure issues are addressed at the legislature.
2b. Historical Society presentation of book “Places in the Park”
Historical Society president Ted Akers, along with members Henry Solmer and Bill Byer,
presented the “Places in the Park” book to the council members, which is a collection of
St. Louis Park history. They are very excited about the new book, and referred residents
to their website, SLPhistory.org, to purchase copies or learn more about the history of
St. Louis Park.
Mayor Spano thanked the members, on behalf of the council, for their work on the
book. Mr. Akers noted all monies raised from the sale of the book, at $20 per copy, go
directly back into the Historical Society, as does all money generated from fundraising
efforts.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Dec. 2, 2019
Councilmember Harris noted an addition to her comments on page 5 which should read,
“Councilmember Harris stated she appreciates residents and staff taking a pause to
talk. She stated over the past six months she received dozens of requests about the
design of the roadway, both in opposition and in support. She noted neighbor requests
are sometimes at odds with one another and staff. Councilmember Harris discussed
methods to reduce speeding, create safer crossings for people who walk, minimize
potential parking impacts, and add safe bike lanes. She stated she supports the
project which results in added parking; and buffered bike lanes through a pilot project.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the Dec. 2, 2019 meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of Dec. 9, 2019
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the Dec. 9, 2019 study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 3
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Adopt Resolution No. 20-007 rescinding Resolution 00-045 and authorizing the
installation of timed parking restrictions at 3381 Gorham Avenue.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 20-008 rescinding Resolutions 89-143, 90-10, and 92-139
and authorizing the installation of permit parking restrictions on the 3900 block
of Princeton Avenue.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 20-009 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the east side of Joppa Ave. between Minnetonka Blvd. and the north County
Road 25 Service Drive.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 20-010 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the south side of Wayzata Boulevard from Louisiana Avenue to Zarthan
Avenue.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-011 authorizing all-way stop controls on Toledo Avenue
at 42nd Street.
4f. Approve replacement of 2013 Elgin Pelican street sweeper.
4g. Approve the appointment of Lt. Greg Weigel as the secondary representative
from the police department to the Metropolitan Emergency Services Board
(MESB), 9-1-1 Technical Operations Committee (TOC). Lt. Weigel would replace
Deputy Chief Bryan Kruelle who was approved in October 2018 as the secondary
member for the police department.
4h. Approve the 2019 Pay Equity Report.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 20-012 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 5512 West 25 ½ Street, St. Louis Park, Minnesota. P.I.D.
09-117-21-24-0045.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, 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. 2020 Pavement Management Project – Fern Hill (4020-1000)
Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report.
Councilmember Rog asked how many trees would be removed on Basswood Road. Mr.
Wiesen stated staff is hoping to save all but two trees on Basswood Road.
Councilmember Rog asked about the city’s success rate on saving trees. Ms. Heiser
stated staff works closely with the city forester and in the last ten years, has had a good
success rate and not lost any trees.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 4
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Councilmember Rog stated she is concerned with emergency vehicles passing on the
street, which is planned to go down to 28 feet wide. Mr. Wiesen stated police and fire
have reviewed our street width standards and there have been no concerns raised
about the 28 feet, with parking on both sides. Likewise, he added, there are no concerns
from staff about snow removal and parking.
Councilmember Harris noted resident feedback related to sidewalk segments and gap
sidewalks and asked which will be added here. Ms. Heiser stated these areas are
identified by staff, as it relates to neighborhood livability, and not to Connect the Park
projects.
Mayor Spano asked about the cost of the project noting CIP budgeted $5.6 million and
yet it comes in under that. He asked staff what changed. Mr. Wiesen stated costs are
initially calculated in the planning phase and then after gathering design information
and resident feedback, the cost of the project was less than anticipated.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Shereen Rahamim, 4248 Basswood Rd., stated she is a longtime resident and
respectfully requests the council leave her street alone. She is concerned about
narrowing the street, as it is many times blocked already, and will not leave enough
room for cars to maneuver. She is also opposed to adding sidewalks, adding that many
folks in the neighborhood walk in the street to synagogue, and she has concerns about
neighbors losing their landscaping and trees.
Susan Landwher Marshall, 4241 Basswood Rd., stated she does not want sidewalks
added and decreasing pavement and then adding more concrete does not make sense
to her. She stated they are very unhappy with the proposal and losing trees, lampposts
and sprinkler systems, noting it will be impossible for them to shovel sidewalks, and
their expenses would double. She stated their street traffic is very modest and she is
firmly opposed to narrowing the street and adding sidewalks.
Toni Halleen, 4255 Basswood Rd., stated she is opposed to curbs, sidewalks, and
narrowing the street. She moved here from Chicago and has been in Fern Hill for ten
years. Ms. Halleen stated this is the best place to live, with wide streets, sprawling
lawns, and groups able to walk across the whole street. She is concerned about impact
to her landscaping and being responsible for shoveling and salting and does not want
the liability if anyone were injured. She asked the council to not remove the green and
put in sidewalks.
Megan Prindville, 4221 Basswood Rd., stated she is a hypocrite here tonight, because
she almost didn’t move into the neighborhood because of the lack of sidewalks.
However, over time, she fell in love with her house and the neighborhood and now
loves the wide streets. She is opposed to narrowing the street and adding sidewalks and
asked the council to consider this.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 5
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Steven Schoonberger, 4235 Basswood Rd., stated he agrees with all his neighbor’s
comments and wants to preserve trees and the nature of the street. He stated biking on
sidewalks will be dangerous, and his neighbors walk to synagogue all the time in the
street. He has concerns related to costs and no significant benefit.
Edward Jorczyk, 4100 Basswood Rd., stated he moved to St. Louis Park in 1981 and
chose this neighborhood because of the wide streets and large lawns. He is opposed to
narrowing the streets and adding sidewalks in this park-like setting and encouraged the
council to leave it as it is.
Steve Duncan, 4100 Basswood Rd., stated this is an amazing street and neighborhood,
and he does not want to see it change. He stated there are some sidewalks in the area,
but no one uses them. He added he works from home, his office faces the street, he
does not see many cars go by during the day, and the cars do not speed. He stated this
plan might deter the sale of homes in the area as well, and he is opposed to it.
Tim Engstrom, 4013 Basswood Rd., stated he has concerns that the concept of
narrowing streets at this location is based on a National Council of Cities Transportation
Committee recommendation; however, this is a local issue. He stated this is decreasing
bituminous areas, but then increasing sidewalks, which is troubling. He asked the
council to not change the area and leave it as it is.
Howard Bach, 4237 W. 25th St., asked if sidewalks are added, what will be gained, noting
it will most likely increase traffic in the area. He is opposed to the project and asked the
council to vote against it.
Arielle Kaufman, 4421 W. 25th St., has concerns with traffic if streets are narrowed and
asked to keep the street as it is.
Jeremy Wunsch, 2510 Monterey Ave., stated the neighborhood wants to keep the street
width as is, adding his back-yard floods every year, but he still loves their space,
location, and uses the front yard to entertain. He does not want to lose the front yard,
along with a raised flower bed at the triangle end of the block that his wife has planted
to keep bees and butterflies in the area. He asked the council to keep it as it is.
Ann Drew Yu, 2636 Lynn Ave., stated she has lived there 24 years and is asking that the
width not be reduced to 28 feet. She stated many of their neighbors are Orthodox Jews,
and she worries about their safety walking along the street, if the street is narrowed.
She also has concerns about the winter months and cars being able to pass on the street
if it is narrowed and with snow piles. She stated it will be a further challenge to get their
cars out of their garages, especially during significant snow falls. She thanked the council
for their consideration and looking at these issues in advance of taking a vote.
Bernie Vlosky, 4330 W. 25th St., thanked the council for reviewing this in advance and
staff for their assistance and allowing neighborhood feedback. He stated he is
concerned about folks walking to synagogue, and also wants to look into rain gardens in
the area to help with rain runoff.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 6
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Bob Kusnetz, 2530 Inglewood Ave. S., stated he has concerns with backing out of his
driveway and about emergency vehicles if the streets are narrowed. He stated the
danger will be more than the benefit if the street is narrowed.
Andrea Zuckman, 2617 Lynn Ave. S., stated emergency vehicles will not be able to get
down the street if cars are parked on both sides of the street. She also noted that
backing out of garages will be difficult and there will be issues with pedestrian traffic.
She stated she is opposed to narrowing the street.
Peggy Weller, 4013 Basswood Rd., stated she is wishy-washy about this but had
communication with staff which has been helpful. She stated her preference is to leave
it all alone, while she has concerns about underground sprinklers having to be removed
and concerns about cyclists and where they would be – on the street or sidewalks. She
stated; however, if the street is narrowed, she then prefers sidewalks be added.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the city would be involved in moving resident’s
underground irrigation. Mr. Wiesen stated that is the responsibility of the homeowner
but noted the city would be responsible for replacing any trees removed or retaining
walls.
It was noted council will take final action on this item at the Feb. 3, 2020 meeting.
6b. Public Hearing Parkway Residencies alley vacation
Ms. Monson presented the report which includes recommended action in agenda item
8a.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
The recommended action to vacate the alley is included in agenda item 8a.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Parkway Residences Redevelopment Project Resolution No. 20-013 and
Resolution No. 20-014
Ms. Monson presented the staff report.
Councilmember Rog stated this is a really good location for high density and she is very
happy the plan to support the displacement of NOAH property residents is working. She
stated she will support this. Councilmember Rog asked if there is access to the Cedar
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 7
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Lake Trail from this property. Ms. Monson stated there is no direct access, but concept
plans for CSAH 25 include bike and trail connections to the Beltline Station where the
trail is accessed.
Councilmember Harris stated it is a terrific project, which cares about affordable
housing. She asked if there is on-street parking included as part of the proof of parking,
and if there is a snow emergency in the winter, where will residents park.
Ms. Monson stated there are exemptions in high density areas, and the assumption is
this will be handled in a similar way, along with extra parking created on the
development. She added there most likely will also be less demand for parking in the
future.
Councilmember Harris asked if residents might have access to park in other adjoining
buildings. Ms. Monson stated no, as there will be secure access for the other buildings.
Councilmember Kraft agreed this is a good location for high density and asked about
meeting the requirements of the Climate Action Plan, the heating methods for the
development, and if solar readiness will be utilized as part of the development plans.
Mr. Berg, DJR Architects, stated the buildings are being designed as solar ready, and
solar will be investigated as an attribute. He added they are looking at using electrical
for heating vs. natural gas, working with Xcel on energy usage costs, and using the most
efficient plan as the project moves forward.
Councilmember Kraft asked if Parkway 25 is LEED Silver. Mr. Berg stated yes, adding
they are working beyond this to extend elements in order to be more energy efficient.
Councilmember Mavity stated she will support the amendments this evening and agrees
this is a very creative project, which addresses multiple city goals. She applauded
Councilmember Rog’s early leadership on this to ensure affordable housing was
retained and being visionary. She stated the project is a good balance, with lower
density buildings that provide affordability, while it also supports higher density as well
and is two blocks from the Lake Street light rail station. Councilmember Mavity stated
she would dissuade the developer from overusing the parking especially since the
project is so close to light rail.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is happy to hear about the climate action work
taking place here and that the developer is compensating existing residents. She asked
how many NOAH units are at the development. Ms. Monson stated there are 24 units.
Councilmember Mohamed asked if the developer is replacing all NOAH at a 1 to 1 ratio.
Ms. Monson stated yes, and because the developer chose to do 10% at 50% AMI, the
amount is actually higher than 1 to 1, adding 4 more additional affordable units under
the inclusionary housing policy.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 8
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-013, approving the amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Plan Map, as well as related figures, tables, and text.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-014, approving the preliminary and final plat for Manhattan Park
Second Addition. Additionally, this change is conditional on Metropolitan Council
approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance vacating the alley between 31st Street West and the
Highway 7 Frontage Road between Glenhurst Avenue and Inglewood Avenue and set the
second reading for Feb. 3, 2020. Additionally, this change is conditional on Metropolitan
Council approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance adding Section 36-268-PUD 15 to the Zoning Code and
amending the Zoning Map from C-2 General Commercial and R-4 Multiple Family
Residential to PUD 15, and set the second reading for Feb. 3, 2020. Additionally, this
change is conditional on Metropolitan Council approval.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Holy Family Academy expansion Resolution No. 20-015 and Resolution No. 20-
016
Ms. Kramer presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kraft asked if the roof will be solar ready and if they will consider
installing solar panels when doing construction. Fr. Joseph Johnson stated this is
currently under consideration.
Councilmember Rog stated she is excited about the potential here, and complimented
Fr. Johnson and his group on recognizing the history and reaching out to the neighbors
to provide information. She was interested that the school will not be increasing the
number of students in the building, and yet are expanding the building and also saving
the rectory. Councilmember Rog added she does not foresee any added traffic to the
area, in light of the expansion.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-015, approving the amendment to the conditional use permit subject
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 9
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
to the conditions recommended by staff and to adopt Resolution No. 20-016, approving
the preliminary and final plat subject to the conditions recommended by staff.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. TS 713 – Authorize traffic control changes on Quebec Avenue at 29th Street
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He noted in order to approve the traffic
committee’s recommendation, a change to the ordinance is required. Therefore, staff
recommends rescinding the ordinance in its entirety and implementing the traffic
controls included in it through resolutions.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the traffic committee recommendation to install two-way stop signs on Quebec
Avenue at 29th Street.
The motion passed 7-0.
8d. Local option sales tax
Ms. Solano presented the staff report.
Councilmember Mavity stated the council has looked at this issue extensively and she
thanked staff for all their work on this, along with the U of MN study on how many folks
use the city’s roads. She stated this is a simple and straightforward question and would
preserve and ensure others contribute for road repairs and maintenance of the city’s
roads, thereby residents would not have to pay 100% for the road maintenance.
Councilmember Mavity added funding by the legislature is hard to predict, and other
cities may also do a sales tax, so St. Louis Park should be a part of that as well. She noted
there will be ample time to educate residents and ensure they understand the sales tax,
and ultimately, this won’t happen unless residents vote in favor of this. She stated the
city should not miss this opportunity to send a clear message to legislators, and she will
support moving this forward.
Councilmember Brausen agreed and stated from the U of MN study, it was noted the
majority of purchases made in the city are from those not living in city. This will shift the
burden to non-residents. He supports continuing to look into this and added the city’s
legislators will carry this forward while the political climate is ripe for this to move
ahead. He noted this does not hurt the city by asking for this authority, and then
spending time studying and educating and listening to what residents want. He stated
he will support this.
Councilmember Harris stated she has had several conversations with small business
owners and residents, to learn how this might impact them or their business. She stated
as a representative of the residents and businesses in the community, her goal is to
reduce what residents would pay, adding this measure would fulfil this goal. She stated
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 10
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
there will need to be a groundswell of support created to help this as a long-term game
plan. She stated she would like to research this further.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she understands the issue here, but growing up in a
family with 5 children, going to movies and restaurants was a luxury, and many in the
city would not be able to have fun in their own city, if this sales tax were implemented.
She stated she would like to research this further before moving ahead.
Councilmember Rog stated she has not had enough time to study this either, and once
momentum starts on this, it is likely it will move forward. She added the city needs to
hear more feedback from the business community and she would like to know the
administrative costs to the city for doing this. She added it is difficult to imagine there
will not be collaboration to find sources of funding for this need, and if this happens, it
will reduce the need for the state to support St. Louis Park on this.
Councilmember Kraft added conceptually he is drawn to having those outside the
community that use the city roads pay for them; however, this is a complex issue. He
stated he is interested in the overall tax burden to city residents and will oppose moving
forward on this.
Mayor Spano stated he discussed this during his campaign and is interested in sharing
the burden; however, he does agree it is regressive. He continued that in the absence of
action from state, it should be studied. He stated he wants to see this move forward,
but also wants to be sure the community understands what is happening, so he will not
support moving ahead at this time and would like to study it more.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to continue
studying the use of a local option sales tax over the next year and determine next steps
for the 2021 legislative session.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Harris noted this Saturday, Jan. 25, is the city’s annual winter fun day from 12
noon – 4 p.m. at Oak Hill Park, where there will be hayrides, presentations from the nature
center, and Discover St. Louis Park will be in attendance as well. More information is available
on the city website and admission is free.
Councilmember Rog noted on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m., the city clerk’s office and the
secretary of state will present on the presidential primary and caucus processes at the Lenox
Community Center. All are welcome to attend.
Councilmember Rog noted on Friday, Jan. 31, the Friends of the Arts will showcase an artist,
and more information is available on their website.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3c) Page 11
Title: City council meeting minutes of January 21, 2020
Ms. Solano stated applications for the city’s boards and commissions will be accepted until the
end of February, and those interested can check the city’s website for further information.
Mayor Spano noted the annual Empty Bowls STEP fundraising event will take place on
February 3, in the afternoon and evening, at Westwood Lutheran Church.
Councilmember Harris noted there are franchise agreement focus groups open to public
participation and there is more information on the city website.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 3d
Unofficial minutes
City council special study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Feb. 3, 2020
The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog.
Councilmembers absent: none.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Director of
Community Development (Ms. Barton), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Legislators representing St. Louis Park: Senator Ron Latz, Rep. Cheryl Youakim, Rep.
Ryan Winkler, and Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Green; Vic Moore, Franzen &
Associates.
1. 2020 legislative priorities – meeting with elected and appointed representatives
Mayor Spano noted the top strategic priorities for St. Louis Park and presented a draft list of
legislative issues and priorities for the city to the elected and appointed representatives. He
stated the top priorities are: affordable housing, climate action, multimodal transportation, and
in the general category, noted funding the Pathways to Policing program, and support of a
statewide system to track race data for police traffic stops, as being priorities.
Councilmember Brausen added marijuana legislation should have consideration for a portion of
tax revenues from sales to come back to the city.
Councilmember Harris noted capital investments bonding requests which provide service to
young children as another priority, as well as partnerships and funding on road maintenance
projects.
Councilmember Mavity thanked the legislators, noting she continues to be impressed with the
city’s delegation and their depth of expertise, which aligns well with St. Louis Park. She stated
affordable housing and climate change are the two main areas of priority in St. Louis Park.
Councilmember Kraft stated climate action is his main priority and asked the legislators what
might be helpful to keep this issue moving forward. Rep. Youakim stated continuing to relate
stories and showing collaboration on the part of the city with others will help to keep pressure
on the issue and create momentum.
Councilmember Mohamed stated while she is very impressed with the priorities noted, racial
equity is her main concern. She would like representatives to know this priority is embedded in
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 3d) Page 2
Title: Special study session minutes of February 3, 2020
all the city does, and she would like them to be cognizant of it as well, in all they do in their
work.
Councilmember Rog stated climate action on a statewide basis, along with affordable housing
are priorities, as well as livable wage concerns.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4a
Executive summary
Title: Retirement recognition for Firefighter Bill Ryan and Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolutions to recognize Firefighter Bill Ryan and
Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman for their years of service.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20
years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city
council. Bill has chosen not to be honored with a presentation and will not be attending the
council meeting. Jean will be in attendance for a presentation.
This consent item will officially adopt the resolutions that honor Bill and Jean for their years of
service.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolutions
Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4a) Page 2
Title: Retirement recognition for Firefighter Bill Ryan and Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Resolution no. 20-____
Resolution of the
City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to
Firefighter Bill Ryan
Whereas, Bill Ryan began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park nearly 24 years
ago on April 15, 1996, and adding his service to the City of Lakeville results in over 30 years of
fire service; and
Whereas, Bill honorably and courageously served his country as a member of the 2nd
Battalion/75th Regiment of the Army Rangers; and
Whereas, Bill was awarded his State of MN Certification as an Emergency Manager; and
Whereas, Bill was a member of Local 993 for 24 years, serving as a board member, as its
President and as an active member of the Labor Management Negotiations Team; and
Whereas, Bill represented the department while serving the citizens of Louisiana when
he was deployed following Hurricane Katrina; and
Whereas, Bill responded to more than 14,000 calls for service during his career with St.
Louis Park; and
Whereas, Bill contributed his time and energy toward mentoring both part time and
career firefighters; and
Whereas, Bill provided countless unrecognized acts of kindness, compassion and
empathy for the residents of St. Louis Park during his time as a firefighter;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park,
Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Bill Ryan for his great
contributions and nearly 24 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish him
the best in his retirement.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4a) Page 3
Title: Retirement recognition for Firefighter Bill Ryan and Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution of the
City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to
Office Assistant Jean Zimmerman
Whereas, Jean Zimmerman began her employment with the City of St. Louis Park 21
years ago on February 22, 1999; and
Whereas, Jean has provided administrative assistance and support services in a
professional and responsive manner to many city staff to ensure the city’s business needs were
met; and
Whereas, Jean has provided exemplary customer service to thousands of residents
regarding any and all imaginable forms of questions, complaints, concerns and compliments
giving them the assurance that their issues are being responded to; and
Whereas, Jean has processed thousands upon thousands of invoices, created and
managed hundreds of contracts and billing accounts, used her sheer determination and
persistence to successfully track down late payments and challenge late fees from vendors who
did not bill in a timely manner; and
Whereas, Jean has willingly shared her more than two decades of knowledge and
experience with any and all employees that have sought her assistance throughout the years;
and
Whereas, Jean plans to use her newfound free time to escape the harsh winters she has
battled for years (most likely in Las Vegas), catch up on some reading, and most importantly,
spend time with her family;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park,
Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Jean Zimmerman for her
great contributions and 21 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish her
the best in her retirement.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4b
Executive summary
Title: Platia Place final plat time extension
Recommended action: Motion to approve an extension until February 18, 2021 for SLP Park
Ventures to record the final plat for Platia Place.
Policy consideration: Does the council wish to allow SLP Park Ventures an additional year to
record the final plat for Platia Place?
Summary: Per the city code, SLP Park Ventures must record the final plat within two years of
receiving city council approval on March 19, 2018. The city received a written request from SLP
Park Ventures for an extension to file the final plat until January 23, 2020.
Since approval of the final plat, SLP Park Ventures has explored several developer partnerships
for each site. SLP Park Ventures has now selected partners to develop the apartment and the
hotel, and plans to apply for one or more PUD amendments in order to revise the plans for both
parcels (9920 Wayzata and 9808 Wayzata). Staff anticipate these applications in the first half of
2020. Staff recommend approval of a one-year extension to file the plat, which would expire on
February 18, 2021.
Site Location Map:
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Extension request letter
Prepared by: Jacquelyn Kramer, associate planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning and zoning supervisor
Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
Interstate 394
9920 Wayzata Blvd. 9808 Wayzata Blvd. Highway 169
January 23, 2020
City of St. Louis Park
5005 Minnetonka Blvd.
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Attn: Jacquelyn Kramer, Associate Planner
RE: Final Plat Extension Request
Dear Ms. Kramer and City Staff:
On behalf of SLP Park Ventures, LLC, we are submitting this letter to request
an extension period of one year for filing the Final Plat regarding Platia Place
development as we need more time to submit our intended PUD Amendment.
We have received positive feedback about our recent apartment phase changes
along with our Hotel phase developer's agreement from Staff to-date.
We will keep you posted on the evolvement of Platia Place and look to forward to
submitting a PUD Amendment shortly.
Golden Villa .. UC
Groveland Pond, LLC
PPSL LLC
S.n,or Housing Ventur11
SHV, Inc.
SUmmitonka Enterprises
Minnetonka Enterprises
Paradise Care Collages
Paradise Care Villas
Excelsior Promenade
Yacht Club Bay
Crystal llea<h
Sewalls Pomt lots
Scx.nh Shore Estates
Big Bay Road
We appreciate your time and efforts in consideration of this extension and remain hopeful
this beautiful project will be approved by you.
WIiiiam J. Stoddard
CEO & Chief Manager
Bill@IBlll.us
612 802-3666
Cc: Brian Bachman
File: SLP Plat Extension
William J. Stoddard, CEO I 4S6 Third Street Suite 2 I Excelsior, MN 55331 t 612.802.3666 f 952.300.8691 I Bill@iBlll.us
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4b)
Title: Platia Place final plat time extension Page 2
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4c
Executive summary
Title: Accept donations to operations and recreation department
Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a $25 donation
from Jill Marks for the Westwood Hills Nature Center Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk, $300
donation from Joseph and Kristine Cook for the purchase of a memorial tree to be planted in
Wolfe Park honoring Bev and Jerry Slavin and $2,500 donation from Minnesota Society of
Arboriculture for Jim Vaughan to attend the 2020 International Society of Arboriculture
Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to accept these gifts with restrictions on their
use?
Summary: State statute requires city council’s acceptance of donations. This requirement is
necessary in order to make sure the city council has knowledge of any restrictions placed on the
use of each donation prior to it being expended.
Jill Marks graciously donated $25 to be used for the Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk at
Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Joseph and Kristine Cook graciously donated $300 for the purchase of a memorial tree to be
planted in Wolfe Park honoring Bev and Jerry Slavin.
The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture elected Jim Vaughan as their representative to the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA requires chapter Council Representatives
attend each annual ISA conference. As a result of Mr. Vaughan’s election/appointment, the
Minnesota Society of Arboriculture has offered to pay all related conference expenses in an
amount not to exceed $2,500 for Jim Vaughan to attend the 2020 Arboriculture Conference in
Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 8 - 13, 2020.
Financial or budget considerations: These donations will be used as specified above.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Stacy Voelker, senior office assistant
Reviewed by: Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center manager
Jim Vaughan, natural resources coordinator
Cynthia S. Walsh, director of operations and recreation
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4c) Page 2
Title: Accept donations to operations and recreation department
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution approving acceptance of a donation in the amount of $25 for Be the
Light Winter Solstice walk at Westwood Hills Nature Center, $300 for the
purchase and planting of a memorial tree and $2,500 for Jim Vaughan to attend
the 2020 International Society of Arboriculture Conference
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park is required by state statute to authorize acceptance
of any donations; and
Whereas, the city council must also ratify any restrictions placed on the donation by the
donor; and
Whereas, Jill Marks donated $25, Joseph and Kristine Cook donated $300 and Minnesota
Society of Arboriculture donated $2,500.
Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that these
gifts are hereby accepted with thanks to Jill Marks with the understanding that it must be used
for the Be the Light Winter Solstice Walk, Joseph and Kristine Cook with the understanding it
must be used for the purchase of a memorial tree to be planted in Wolfe Park honoring Bev and
Jerry Slavin and the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture with the understanding it must be used
for Jim Vaughan to attend the 2020 Arboriculture Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico on
August 8 – 13, 2020.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council Feb. 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4d
Executive summary
Title: Replace 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck (unit #324)
Recommended action: Motion to approve replacement of 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck.
Policy consideration: Is the council ok with replacing our 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck (Unit
#324)?
Summary: Our 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck is an 18-year-old single rear-axel dump truck
and is scheduled to be replaced in the 2020 capital improvement plan. This type of vehicle
performs significant maintenance duties including snow removal, asphalt and general hauling
for all city departments. Staff has reviewed the replacement and based on age, condition,
salvage value as is recommended to be replaced as planned.
The replacement dump truck will have a tier 4 diesel system which will reduce emissions
compared to the current dump truck. Staff has explored electric/hybrid options for this
purchase. Currently, busses and other types of equipment have emerging opportunities, but at
this time staff feels the best option for this type of heavy maintenance truck will be the tier 4
diesel system. As we do our fleet planning in the future, we will continue to explore all
opportunities.
The replacement will be made via the State of Minnesota cooperative purchasing venture
(state contract) with ISTATE truck center (Chassis) and Towmaster (truck body and snow
equipment installer). The replacement is part of the 2020 budget and long-range financial
management plan. Since the purchase price is over the amount the city manager is authorized
to approve, staff is bringing this to council for approval.
Financial or budget considerations: The replacement vehicle will be auctioned and proceeds
will go to the capital replacement fund. The new vehicle including cab, chassis, plow, sander is
budgeted in the amount of $290,101 and the estimated replacement amount is $232,044.
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
Prepared by: Tom O’Donnell, fleet maintenance manger
Reviewed by: Tim Simon, chief financial officer
Cindy Walsh, operations & recreation director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
Page 2 City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4d)
Title: Replace 2003 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck (unit #324)
Discussion
Fleet and equipment review as it relates to improvements options in energy efficiency is part of
the standard practice. Staff regularly researched alternative-fueled vehicles options to lower our
Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions, and we have observed a variety of new options emerging for
battery electric and hybrid vehicles.
At this time, the market for heavy-duty battery-electric and hybrid vehicles is growing;
manufacturers have been offering hybrid technology with city buses for years and now we are
seeing full-electric school buses. Our fleet manager continues to research and read articles
regarding a Freightliner Class 6-8 hybrid, but at this time have not viewed a plow type
application or reviewed any specifications from Freightliner. This is a future possibility as we
hear it is scheduled to begin production in 2021 in long haul and delivery applications. We need
to ensure that any purchase we make for the city would meet our business needs and have the
support needed to keep our vehicle in operation.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is another alternative that is available now for purchase. Staff
has concluded that this is not a choice at this time due to additional costs, fueling locations,
performance, reliability and questionable reduction in greenhouse gasses. Currently (CNG) is
primarily offered in refuse and delivery tractors, not meeting the requirements of our
application.
Any direction we chose to follow will require retooling, education and purchasing new
infrastructure-such as charging or fueling stations. We have been installing charging stations,
evaluating and purchasing testing equipment for electric vehicle along with researching training
for technicians.
Staff continues to be been active with local fleet organizations reviewing alternative fueled
vehicles, attending alternative fueled equipment presentations, and involved in discussions
with vehicle up-fitters of electronic drive additions. Staff will continue to monitor and review
this area as it relates to our fleet and will attend a national Fleet Expo/conference this year in
order to enhance knowledge in this evolving market. In addition to research, continuing
education for our technicians and upgrading and testing our equipment to make sure systems
work and are reliable.
Based on the research and information, the replacement Dump Truck will have a tier 4 diesel
system which will reduce emissions compared to the current Dump Truck.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4e
Executive summary
Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)
Recommended action: Motion to approve the settlement agreement between the city and
MSP Apartment, LLC for parcel 14, located in the northwest quadrant of Highway 7 and
Louisiana Avenue and directs city manager and city attorney to execute terms of agreement.
Policy consideration: This action is consistent with the previous direction given by the city
council as part of Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue Interchange Project.
Summary: Staff has reached an agreement on terms to purchase right of way from MSP
Apartments, LLC for the construction of Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange.
The project began construction in 2012 and involved large-scale reconstruction of the
intersection at Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue as well as adjacent intersections. The highway
intersection was changed from an at-grade intersection controlled by traffic lights to
construction of an overpass bridge raising Highway 7 above the grade at Louisiana Avenue,
installation of highway on-ramps and off-ramps, and construction of multiple roundabouts
connecting the ramps from Highway 7 to Louisiana Avenue and Louisiana Avenue to Walker
Street. Construction occurred in 2013 and 2014.
The city acquired property necessary for the project using eminent domain. Parcel 14 is the
final parcel to be settled. This final property acquisition is the taking from the Louisiana Oaks
Apartment Building located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highway 7 and
Louisiana Avenue. This is a large apartment building complex, valued in excess of $39 million. A
portion of the new roundabout at Louisiana Avenue and Walker Street, as well as the new on-
ramp from Louisiana Avenue to Highway 7, were constructed on portions of the apartment
building property.
Financial or budget considerations: The city paid MSP Apartments $116,200 as part of the
original “quick take” process. Staff is finalizing the source(s) of funding for the remaining
$613,800. These sources include using one or a combination of the following – Development
Fund, pooled TIF, General Fund reserves and/or proceeds from an upcoming G.O. bond sale.
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
Parcel 14 exhibit
Settlement agreement
Prepared by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Reviewed by: Joe Shamla, senior engineering project manager
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e) Page 2
Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)
Discussion
Background: To construct the Highway 7 / Louisiana Avenue interchange project, land needed
to be acquired from MSP Apartments, LLC. Parcel 14 is located in the NW corner of the
interchange between Walker Street to the north and Highway 7 to the south (map attached).
The project began construction in 2012 and involved large-scale reconstruction of the
intersection at Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue as well as adjacent intersections. The highway
intersection was changed from an at-grade intersection controlled by traffic lights to
construction of an overpass bridge raising Highway 7 above the grade at Louisiana Avenue,
installation of highway on-ramps and off-ramps, and construction of multiple roundabouts
connecting the ramps from Highway 7 to Louisiana Avenue and Louisiana Avenue to Walker
Street. Construction occurred in 2013 and 2014.
There were a number of reasons this project was undertaken including insuring safe north- south
access for pedestrians and bicyclists to the anticipated the SWLRT station location, to address
congestion and traffic safety concerns at the at grade Highway 7 and Louisiana Ave intersection,
and to facilitate anticipated economic development and redevelopment coming to the area.
Parcel 14
The city acquired property necessary for the project using eminent domain. Parcel 14 is the
final parcel to be settled. This final property acquisition is the taking from the Louisiana Oaks
Apartment Building located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highway 7 and
Louisiana Avenue. This is a large apartment building complex, valued in excess of $39 million. A
portion of the new roundabout at Louisiana Avenue and Walker Street, as well as the new on-
ramp from Louisiana Avenue to Highway 7, were constructed on portions of the apartment
building property.
The city obtained an appraisal of the Property and offered to acquire the easements for the
Project from the property owner for $116,200. The city deposited this amount into the District
Court as the city’s “quick take” deposit. This allowed the city to take possession of the property
in 2012 and to construct the project in 2013-2014, with final damages to be determined later.
The property owner rejected the city’s offer, ordered a new appraisal, and made a counterclaim
for approximately $1.52 million in damages. The case went to trial in February of 2019, and the
Condemnation Commissioners reached a verdict of $360,000 in damages to the property owner.
Minnesota law regarding eminent domain requires that if the total damages are more than 40%
above the city’s offer, the city is required to pay all of the property owner’s attorney fees,
litigation expenses, expert appraisal fees, expert witness fees, and other costs and expenses
incurred in securing that award (Minn. Stat. § 117.031). This verdict was more than 40% above
the city’s offer. Thus, the city’s obligations with respect to attorney fees, appraisal fees, and
interest nearly exceeded the damages awarded by the commissioners.
In January, staff worked with the property owner to mediate a settlement for this matter. The
negotiated settlement is for the city to pay a final amount of $730,000. Meaning, a payment of
an additional $613,800 more than the $116,200 already deposited with the district court in
2012. Staff is requesting that the city council finalize the settlement agreement.
14
980+00
985+00
10+00
980+00
985+00
20+0025+0025+0010+0011+00
15+00
11+00
15+005/7/20123:57:18 PMS:\PT\S\Stlou\116227\5-dsgn\51-cadd\R-O-W\parcel sketches\Parcel Sketches.dgn5/7/201214 ParcelDATE:
RIGHT OF WAY PARCEL LAYOUT
LAYOUT BY: SEH Inc.Parcel No.
SCALE: 1" = ’ OWNER :
OWNER:
PID NO.
COUNTY : HENNEPIN
CITY : ST. LOUIS PARK
S.P. 163-080-083, 2706-226
NO.
PARCEL
SQ FT
MNDOT R/W
NEW
SQ FT
CITY R/W
NEW
SQ FT
EASEMENT
TEMPORARY
MNDOT
SQ FT
EASEMENT
TEMPORARY
CITYADDITION NAME:
LEGEND
PROPOSED TEMPORARY EASEMENT
PROPOSED RIGHT OF WAY
EXISTING CITY RIGHT OF WAY/PARCEL LINES
EXISTING MNDOT RIGHT OF WAY
PROPOSED LIMITS OF CONSTRUCTION
PROPOSED CONSRUCTION
100
14
14
MSP SLP APARTMENTS LLC 171-172-134-0087
MSP SLP APARTMENTS LLC 1,305 2,528 2,589 4,176
MILL CITY ADDITION 25’8’30
.04’
67’
67’
47’
47’
5’
5’20’
20’152.12’
145.49’20’20’
BLK 001
LOT 001
WALKER ST.
WB TH 7
EB TH 7
L
OUI
SI
ANA AVE.
N.W. RAMP
S.W. RAMP
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e)
Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)Page 3
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e) Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)Page 4
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e) Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)Page 5
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e) Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)Page 6
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4e) Title: Approve right of way purchase – Highway 7/ Louisiana Avenue interchange – (2012-0100)Page 7
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4f
Executive summary
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund Use Guide: final
Recommended action: Motion to approve the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
to direct the operation and use of the AHTF.
Policy consideration: Does the council agree that the guidelines as proposed in the AHTF Use
Guide reflect the intended use and distribution of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund?
Summary: At the October 15, 2018 city council meeting, the council approved the adoption of
an ordinance to create an AHTF policy that identified the fund objectives, funding resources
and eligible uses of the funds. The AHTF was established to provide a source of funds to
facilitate the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and families in St. Louis
Park. The fund will be a permanent endowment and continually renewable source of revenue
to provide loans and grants to housing developers for costs associated with the creation of new
affordable multi-family rental and owner-occupied housing, for the rehabilitation and
preservation of existing Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) residential rental
housing, for rental assistance and homeownership assistance to low- and moderate- income
individuals and families. The fund is administered by the city and the primary source of funding
is an annual budgeted allocation of HRA levy funds, which will be available beginning this year.
At the December 9, 2019 study session, the council reviewed and provided input on a draft
AHTF Use Guide to direct the operation and use of the AHTF. The Guide was amended to reflect
the council’s input and presented as a written report at the February 10, 2020 study session
meeting. Two clarifying changes were made to the Guide based on council feedback.
Financial or budget considerations: The primary sources of funding for the AHTF will be an
annual budgeted allocation of funds from the city’s HRA tax levy as approved by the city
council, and through pooled tax-increment; although the city may finance the fund with any
money available to a local government unless prohibited by state law.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Discussion
AHTF policy
AHTF use guide: final
Prepared by: Michele Schnitker, housing supervisor and CD deputy director
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 2
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
Discussion
Background: Local affordable housing trust fund: The Minnesota legislature passed a bill in
2017 that allows local communities to establish housing trust funds. The housing trust fund
must be established by ordinance and administered by the city. Money in a housing trust fund
may only be used to:
•pay for administrative expenses not to exceed 10% of the balance of the fund;
•make grants, loans, and loan guarantees for the development, rehabilitation, or
financing of housing;
•match other funds from federal, state, or private resources for housing projects; and/or
•provide down-payment assistance, rental assistance, and homebuyer counseling services.
The city may finance the fund with any money available to a local government, unless expressly
prohibited by state law. Sources include, but are not limited to:
•donations;
•bond proceeds;
•grants and loans from a state, federal, or private source;
•appropriations by a local government to the fund;
•investment earnings of the fund;
•Tax Increment Financing (TIF) pooled funds; and
•housing and redevelopment authority levies.
At the October 15, 2018 city council meeting, the council approved the adoption of an
ordinance to create an AHTF policy that identified the fund objectives, funding resources and
eligible uses of the funds. The proposed primary sources of funding for the city’s trust fund is
an annual budgeted allocation of HRA levy funds and pooled tax increment, which will be
available beginning in 2020.
At the December 9, 2019 council study session, the council reviewed and provided input on the
draft AHTF Use Guide which will direct the use of the fund including eligible uses of the funds,
program income requirements, the application process, minimum threshold requirements, and
preference considerations. The Guide was amended to reflect the input provided by the
council and provided for council’s review at the February 10, 2020 study session meeting.
The following two changes were made to the amended version of the guide based on council
feedback:
•V. Distribution of funds, 9: Developments with 10 or more units funded by the AHTF
program shall be required to adhere to the city’s inclusionary Housing Policy, at a
minimum.
•Section X. Review by St. Louis Park, Thresholds, Additional considerations, j.: For
permanent supportive housing, staff will consider whether the applicant’s plan for has
secureding on-going funding for supportive services that address the special needs of
the proposed target population.
Next steps: The AHTF Use Guide will be effective upon council approval and will be posted on
the city’s web site.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 3
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
City of St. Louis Park
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Policy
I.PURPOSE
The City of St. Louis Park has established an Affordable Housing Trust Fund to provide a
source of funds to facilitate the housing needs of low- and moderate-income individuals
and families of the City. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund shall be a permanent
endowment and continually renewable source of revenue to provide loans, loan
guarantees and grants to for-profit and non-profit housing developers for capital and
soft costs necessary for 1) the creation of new affordable rental and owner-occupied
housing; 2) for the rehabilitation and preservation of existing multi-family residential
rental housing including Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH); and 3) rental
assistance and homeownership assistance to low- and moderate-income individuals and
families.
This policy is intended to set forth the general requirements and guidelines regarding
the use of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The city council may modify the terms at
any time.
II.FUNDING THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND ACCOUNT
The primary source of funding for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is an annual
budgeted allocation of funds from the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) Tax Levy as approved by the city council. Other sources of funding for the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund may include, but are not limited to the following:
1.Private cash donations from individuals and corporations designated for the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
2.Payments in lieu of participation in current or future affordable housing
programs, as allowed.
3.Matching funds from a federal or state affordable housing trust fund; or a state
program designated to fund an affordable housing trust fund.
4.Principal and interest from Affordable Housing Trust Fund loan repayments and
all other income from Trust Fund activities.
5.The sale of real and personal property.
6.Federal and state grants.
7.Local government appropriations, development fees and other funds as
designated from time to time by the City Council.
8.Tax Increment Finance (TIF) pooled funds.
City staff is directed to take all actions necessary to capitalize and maintain the fund
balance in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to the extent that funds are subject to
restrictions as to their use by virtue of the source of such funds. The Affordable Housing
Trust Fund will contain sub-accounts to ensure that such restrictions as to the reuse of
the funds are met.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 4
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
III.OBJECTIVES
The objective of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is to assist in funding programs and
projects that create new affordable rental and homeownership housing opportunities
and to rehabilitate and preserve existing affordable housing units in St. Louis Park.
Initiatives will strive to provide balanced and sustainable affordable housing options
responsive to the present and future diversified needs in the community for extremely
low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households including: persons on fixed
incomes, such as seniors and persons with disabilities; young families just starting out;
indigenous persons; persons of color; and veterans.
The Affordable Housing Trust fund will promote community revitalization and
reinvestment by creating and preserving viable, safe and well-maintained affordable
housing developments and expanding options for affordable homeownership for
extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households.
IV.USE OF THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND
As a matter of policy, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will only be used to assist
proposed projects or programs to develop or preserve affordable housing opportunities
for extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
The following general guidelines will be followed in connection with the use of funds
from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund:
1.The types of uses of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will include, but not be
limited to the following: (i) the making of loans at interest rates below or at
market rates, including no-interest, deferred, and forgivable loans, in order to
strengthen the financial feasibility of proposed projects; (ii) the guaranteeing of
loans; (iii) the provision of gap financing for affordable housing developments;
(iv) the financing of acquisition, demolition, and disposition; (v) the financing of
the construction of public improvements and utilities to aid proposed affordable
residential developments; (vi) the financing of rehabilitation, remodeling, or new
construction of affordable housing; (vii) tenant and project based rental
assistance; (viii) administrative costs associated with affordable housing
programs (not to exceed 10 percent of the fund’s balance); and (ix) any other
uses as permitted by applicable law and approved by the council.
2.The Affordable Housing Trust Fund may be used to provide interim financing of
public cost for affordable housing projects in anticipation of a permanent
financing source (i.e. construction financing, bond sale, etc.).
3.To the extent possible the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will be secured by
liens, letters of credit, tax increment, or other forms of reasonable security.
4.Consideration regarding the establishment of applicable terms on loans from the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund, including interest rates and deferral provisions,
will be established by the city at the time of approval of a specific project or
program.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 5
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
V.PROCESS
In establishing projects and programs to be financed using the Affordable Housing Trust
Fund, the city shall to the extent possible:
1.Establish guidelines and criteria for each project or program to be assisted,
unless the project or program already exists.
2.Establish a timeframe for completing the project or program and the repayment
terms to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, if applicable.
3.Prepare a financing plan for the project or program for review and approval by
the city council and by other entities as may be required by state law.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 6
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
City of St. Louis Park
Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
I.AHTF FUNDING
The purpose of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund is to support the creation or
preservation of housing that is affordable to people with incomes that do not exceed
80% of the area median income (AMI), as defined by HUD. The St. Louis Park City
Council allocates resources to the AHTF as part of the annual city budget process. These
funds may include HRA Levy, Housing TIF and local dollars. The total available funding in
any given AHTF year may also include newly allocated resources or reallocated funds
from prior AHTF years. The city will allocate funding from the available sources to
projects as guided by the city’s annual budget and applicable policy. Not all funding may
be awarded in a given year.
II.ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Eligible applicants include non-profit, public or for-profit private developers.
1.To be funded, an applicant must have sufficient experience and/or demonstrate
sufficient capacity and training in housing development and management to
successfully secure financing, construct, complete, and operate the proposed
project, as determined by the city.
2.Applicants must show prior experience and current capacity to complete the
project. All members of the development team must demonstrate the
qualifications necessary to complete the project.
III.ELIGBLE HOUSING PROJECTS
Development projects which create and/or preserve affordable housing units are
eligible to receive funding, including affordable rental units, homeownership units and
rent subsidies. The residential portions of mixed-use and live/work projects that meet
the affordability requirements of these guidelines shall be eligible for assistance.
Funding may also be provided to assist in the creation of common areas, meeting space,
and other space for use by the residents of the subsidized units. Projects covered by the
City of St. Louis Park’s Inclusionary Housing Policy may be assisted, provided the
assistance from the AHTF is used to create a deeper level of affordability or an increase
in the number of affordable units than is required under the Inclusionary Policy.
IV.ELIGBLE AND INELIGIBLE ACTIVITES
The AHTF may be utilized for the housing activities as outlined in the Affordable
Housing Trust Fund Policy, Section IV. Use of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
which includes new construction; acquisition of property; conversion of non-
residential to residential use; conversion of rental units to limited-equity cooperative
housing, condominiums or co-housing; relocation; and/or rehabilitation costs,
provided that the conditions below are met.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 7
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
1. New Construction Activities: All reasonable costs associated with new
construction including:
a. Acquisition of property;
b. Gap financing for affordable units created at the 30%, 50%, 60% and 80%
AMI affordability level;
c. Enhancement of county, state and federal affordable housing programs;
d. Land acquisition and land banking for affordable housing creation;
e. Infrastructure improvements associated with the creation of affordable
housing units;
f. Low cost financing or grants in support of the creation of accessory dwelling
units affordable to households at or below 60% AMI;
2. Preservation of NOAH rental units and rent-restricted affordable rental units:
a. Reasonable costs associated with acquisition and/or rehab to secure long-
term preservation of NOAH units affordable at or below 60% AMI;
b. The purchase price of a property to be acquired shall not exceed its
appraised value, unless the Community Development Director finds that the
project has enough merit to justify paying a higher price, in which case the
price shall not exceed the appraised value by more than 10% without the
expressed consent of the city council.
c. Rehabilitation shall include activities to make the building code compliant
and to abate lead contamination or other health related contaminations.
3. Creation of affordable homeownership opportunities affordable to households
with incomes at or below 80% AMI:
a. Closing costs and down-payment assistance;
b. Long term affordability gap funding in the form of a subordinate mortgage;
c. Financial assistance of property acquisitions to promote homeownership
opportunities utilizing the land trust model.
4. Rent subsidy and tenant protection initiatives:
a. Rent subsidies to support paying the difference between affordable rents
and market rate rents;
b. Relocation assistance for low-income, displaced renters.
5. AHTF funds may also be used for permanent or transitional housing for homeless
families and individuals, and for the modernization, rehabilitation and repair of
public housing.
Other eligible activities may include affordable housing initiatives to support the
affordable goals as outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan, to meet housing needs as
defined in the city’s comprehensive housing market study and the Met Council
Affordable Housing Allocated Goal and other activities as determined by the city council.
V. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
The AHTF will function as an endowment fund to fund loans, provide loan guarantees
and grants in accordance with this section. The AHTF will be administered by the
Community Development Director. No disbursements shall be made from the AHTF
without the prior approval of the city council.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 8
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
Fund requirements:
1. Rental/Homeownership distribution
A minimum of sixty-five percent (65%) of fund must be used for rental
housing; up to twenty-five percent (25%) for homeownership housing; up to
ten percent (10%) for administrative costs.
2. Income targets
One hundred percent (100%) of the AHTF must benefit low-income
households at or below sixty percent (60%) AMI for rental housing and at or
below eighty percent (80%) AMI for homeownership housing.
3. AHTF low-income Five-year goals:
a. Rental
i. At least thirty percent (30%) of the funds eligible for disbursement
shall be targeted for use to create affordable units for households
whose incomes are at or below thirty percent (30%) AMI.
ii. At least fifty (50%) of the funds eligible for disbursement shall be
targeted for use to create affordable units for households whose
incomes are at or below fifty (50%) AMI.
b. Ownership
i. At least five (5%) of the funds eligible for disbursement should be
targeted for use to create affordable homeownership units for
household incomes at or below sixty percent (60%) AMI.
ii. Distribution of funds related to the AHTF low income targets will be
based on an average five-year rolling basis of actual funds distributed
and will be monitored annually for progress in attaining the five-year
goals.
4. AHTF can only be used to develop affordable housing units in a project located
within the City of St. Louis Park.
5. AHTF money may not be used for operating expenses of any program or
supporting services such as childcare or other social programs.
6. Costs covered by housing trust fund resources must not be covered by any other
resource.
7. Use of leveraged resources is strongly encouraged.
8. The city will provide assistance only to projects that require assistance to achieve
the AHTF Program’s goals and objectives.
9. Developments with 10 or more units funded by the AHTF program shall be
required to adhere to the city’s Inclusionary Housing Policy, at a minimum.
VI. DEVELOPMENT/PROGRAM AFFORDABILITY REQUIREMENTS
All applications for funding must meet the minimum requirements listed below.
1. Rents
The following guidelines shall apply to multi-family rental projects:
a. Eligible housing projects must have rents as follows:
i. Not less than forty percent (40%) of all the units must be affordable
to households whose income does not exceed sixty percent (60%) of
AMI; or
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 9
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
ii. Not less than twenty percent (20%) of all the units must be affordable
to households whose income does not exceed 50% of AMI;
In addition:
iii. Not less than five percent (5%) of all the units must be affordable to
households whose income does not exceed 30% of AMI;
iv. Preference may be given to projects that include additional units
affordable at 30% AMI exceeding the number of units as required
above;
v. Rents on the remaining units may be set at market rate;
vi. Income averaging may be allowed to achieve the affordability
requirements;
vii. Other lender requirements (such as the State of Minnesota programs
or financing requirements) may change these affordability
requirements. However, the affordability limits must still meet the
minimum affordability levels outlined in the AHTF guidelines unless
an exception is approved by the city council
b. All AHTF assisted rental units shall be occupied by households with incomes
at or below the targeted income category.
c. Applicants may propose to produce affordable units exceeding the required
number of units with lower income or affordability ranges than prescribed
herein, in which case, the lower income ranges shall be used to set rents for
the affordability term. The income limits apply to the initial occupancy of the
unit and all subsequent re-occupancy. Units whose construction is wholly or
in part funded by the AHTF shall be specified in the project's development
loan agreement executed with the City of St. Louis Park.
d. Rent ceilings are to be based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Statistical Area issued by the Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are to be adjusted annually to
reflect new area median income.
e. Rent ceilings shall include utilities based on the utilities schedule used for the
Federal Housing Choice Voucher Tenant-based Rental Assistance Program
administered by the St. Louis Park Housing Authority. Rent ceilings shall be
set for the units and are not based on the tenant’s household income. This
may result in households paying more than 30% of their incomes for rent or
paying less than 30%. Utility allowance, income and rent information data
does change over time and the most current data should be utilized at the
time of application submission.
f. All units shall be leased in accordance with the City of St. Louis Park’s
Inclusionary Housing Policy Guide or MN Housings Low Income Housing Tax
Credit (LIHTC) program requirements if a LIHTC development.
g. The rent ceilings of the restricted units shall be finalized prior to making the
final AHTF funding recommendation to the city council.
h. Projects receiving AHTFs must not discriminate against tenants who would
pay their rent with federal, state or local public assistance, including tenant
based federal, state or local subsidies, including, but not limited to rental
assistance, rent supplements, and Housing Choice Vouchers.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 10
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
2. Homeownership Housing Developments
The following guidelines shall apply to homeownership projects:
a. There are no minimum requirements for the number of affordable
homeownership units in a project or complex which can receive assistance
from the AHTF. However, homeownership units otherwise required to
provide these affordability levels through the Inclusionary Housing Policy are
not eligible for an AHTF subsidy.
b. Sale prices of affordable units funded with AHTF subsidy must be set at a
price affordable to households with incomes at or below 80% of AMI as
calculated and published annually by the Metropolitan Council.
Homeowner’s Association dues (if applicable) will be factored into the
affordable homeownership cost.
c. All affordable homeownership units shall be made available to first-time
homebuyers or persons who have not owned a home in the past three years
or previous owners of limited equity cooperatives or similar type of housing
that have occupancy restrictions.
d. The City shall develop procedures for addressing maximum sales prices,
methods of selection of buyers, types of units to be assisted, forms of
assistance, forms of resale controls and other administrative controls as
found necessary by the Director of Community Development to ensure that
units continue to be affordable to, and sold to, households in the appropriate
income category. Ownership projects shall contain resale affordability
controls to achieve compliance with the goal of long-term affordability.
e. Housing sale prices shall be set based upon prevailing mortgage interest
rates and may include the value of second mortgage assistance provided by
the AHTF.
f. Properties acquired for the purpose of becoming part of a limited equity
form of ownership shall be considered as homeownership housing rather
than rental properties. However, in occupied buildings, existing tenants will
have the right to remain in their units as tenants or limited equity owners.
The developer shall assist existing tenants obtain additional necessary
financing if they are interested in becoming limited-equity owners.
VII. AFFORDABILITY TERM
Affordability restrictions will apply to all AHTF funded projects. The AHTF will require
the longer of the 25-year term of affordability required by AHTF or the affordability
period pledged in the application. The term will be from the date of the project’s
completion or implementation.
VIII. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Funds from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund may be used flexibly to support
affordable housing initiatives and ensure the financial feasibility of the projects.
Funding awards will be made available in the form of a loan or a grant. The following
list is meant to be illustrative, but not exhaustive, of possible types of assistance
provided through the AHTF.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 11
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
1. Deferred payment loans.
2. Low or no interest amortizing loans.
3. Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers.
4. Credit enhancements and mortgage insurance guarantees.
5. Matching funds for public resources that sponsor affordable housing projects.
6. Matching funds for employer-based housing.
7. Funds for rental assistance
IX. APPLICATION SUBMISSION
1. AHTFs may be awarded through both:
a. Periodic funding competitions (Request for Proposals) to which housing
program and housing developers are invited to submit housing proposals for
AHTF awards; and/or
b. In response to developer and program requests for funding through an open
pipeline basis.
X. REVIEW BY ST. LOUIS PARK
In selecting projects for funding, preference will be given to those projects that will
create new housing units in a manner consistent with the St. Louis Park’s AHTF policy.
In order to ensure that these limited resources are utilized in the most effective
manner possible consistent with the policy, funding thresholds and preferences have
been established to guide the decision-making process. Principles of sound
underwriting, and risk management will be applied when reviewing proposals.
Thresholds
The following minimum threshold criteria must be met or exceeded by all projects to be
considered for AHTF financing. Projects exceeding these minimums will be given
preference.
1. The minimum term of affordability must be 25 years;
2. All AHTF units in the project must be affordable to households at or below 80%
of AMI for homeownership units and at or below 60% AMI for rental units;
3. Each project submitted for consideration for funding by the AHTF shall be
evaluated with respect to financial feasibility;
4. Applications must be consistent with the AHTF policy;
5. Each project submitted for consideration for funding by the AHTF shall be
evaluated with respect to its “readiness to proceed” based on the status of site
control, zoning, financing commitments, status of construction drawings,
selection of the general contractor, permitting and other commonly used
indicators. Funding preference may be given to those projects that are most
likely to be able to commence development in a timely manner upon approval of
funding; and
6. AHTF funds may not be used to support market-rate units.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 12
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
Additional consideration will be given to the following:
a. Review of underlying assumptions about construction costs, revenues, operating
expenses, and financing;
b. The level and type of assistance provided by the AHTF to a specific project must
be the minimum amount necessary to achieve the desired degree of affordability
without compromising the overall development quality;
c. The amount of the request for AHTF funds as a percentage of the total
development cost;
d. Income targeting presented in the application will be applied in the review;
e. Proposals will be underwritten and awards of AHTF funds will be structured to
ensure that funds will be repaid to the AHTF, whenever possible;
f. For rehabilitation projects, a physical inspection of the property by the city will be
necessary;
g. Developers must submit financial statements and documentation of experience in
housing development and demonstrate the following:
a. Professional development experience, reasonable financial strength, and the
ability to undertake the proposed project, at the discretion of the city;
b. Ability to obtain adequate financing; and
c. Capability to manage the project successfully after completion or hire a
professional management company with experience in managing affordable
housing in compliance with AHTF requirements.
h. Preference may be given to projects that provide housing affordable to
households for large families and projects that provide affordable housing for
households with incomes at or below 30% AMI; and
i. Secured permanent capital funding commitments must be project specific and
include written documentation stating the amount, terms, and conditions from
the designated contributor. Rental and operating assistance may also be accepted
with the amount, terms and conditions from the designated contributor. Words
synonymous with “consider” or “may” (as in “may award” or “pending”) are not
considered secured permanent capital funding.
j. For permanent supportive housing, staff will consider the applicant’s plan for
securing on-going funding for supportive services that address the special needs
of the proposed target population.
XI. REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS
City staff will review and evaluate applications. Staff will review the applications in
the context of other pending requests for capital funding and the community
development impacts of the recommended award. Following staff’s review and the
ranking of the proposals, funding recommendations shall be presented to the city
council for review and approval.
XII. THE CITY’S RIGHT TO REJECT AND MODIFY PROPOSALS
The city reserves the right to reject and modify all proposals.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 13
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
XIII. APPROVAL BY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The Community Development Director issues the award letters for projects selected
for funding by the AHTF. The award letter includes conditions that must be met by
the borrower prior to closing on the AHTF funding.
XIV. TENANT-BASED VOUCHER ASSISTANCE:
City-assisted housing projects, including projects receiving AHTFs, are required to
accept tenant-based rental housing assistance, including, but not limited to Housing
Choice Vouchers, HOME tenant-based assistance, Group Residential Housing, Kids in
the Park and Stable Home rent assistance and comply with affirmative marketing
requirements.
XV. FUNDING AWARDS MAY BE CONTINGENT UPON AVAILABILITY OF FUTURE FUNDING:
Due to the extended length of time that is typically required for projects to be fully
funded and minimum funding commitment and expenditure timeframes imposed by
HUD, the city council at its sole discretion may make contingent AHTF awards to
projects from projected future local funding that has not yet been budgeted or
projected federal funding that has not yet been committed to the city. The city
council may elect to make AHTF funding awards contingent upon the future
availability of funding.
XVI. FEES: PROPOSAL AND ORIGINATION
1. Origination Fee: If a project is awarded funding, an origination fee of 1% of the
AHTF award will be collected at closing.
2. The city will retain 12% of the AHTF Loan funds until the final draw after
construction completion.
XVII. FAIR HOUSING POLICY
It is the policy of the city to ensure fair housing opportunity in all city programs and to
administer its housing programs affirmatively, so that all residents of similar income
levels have equal access to city programs regardless of race, color, creed, religion,
national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability,
familial status or sexual orientation. Participants of the AHTF will be required to use
affirmative fair housing marketing practices in soliciting renters, determining
eligibility, and concluding all transactions as addressed in Title VIII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1968, as amended by the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, as well as the
fair housing protections provided by the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which adds
creed, marital status, status with regard to public housing, and sexual orientation. In
part, regarding rental housing issues, Title VIII, the Human Rights Act make it
unlawful to: (i) discriminate in the selection/acceptance of applicants in the rental of
housing units; (ii) discriminate in terms, conditions or privileges of the rental of a
dwelling unit; (iii) engage in any conduct relating to the provision of housing that
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 14
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
otherwise make unavailable or denies the rental of a dwelling unit; (iv) make or
publish (or have anyone else make or publish) advertisements that indicate
preferences or limitations based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, familial status, or
sexual orientation; (v) tell a person that because of race, color, creed, relation,
national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability,
familial status, or sexual orientation, a dwelling unit is not available when it is; and (vi)
deny access to, or membership or participation in, associations or other services
organizations or facilities relating to the business of renting a dwelling or discriminate
in the terms or conditions of membership or participation.
XVIII. ADMINISTRATION
The administration of the AHTF is the responsibility of the Community Development
Department. If there are questions about the AHTF Program, contact:
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Community Development Department
City of St Louis Park
5005 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Phone Number: 952-924-2684
E-mail address: kbarton@stlouispark.org
XIX. HOUSING TRUST FUND DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply to terms used within these Guidelines:
1. Affordable Housing: housing that is provided at an affordable rent or an
affordable housing cost to low-income (80% AMI), 60% AMI and/or very low-
income (50% AMI) and/or extremely low-income (30% AMI) households.
2. Applicant: any individual, person, firm, partnership, association, joint venture,
corporation, limited liability company, entity, combination of entities or
authorized representative who undertakes, proposes or applies to the City for an
affordable housing development project.
3. Area Median Income or “AMI:” is established for metropolitan areas or non-
metropolitan counties by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD), pursuant to 42 U. S. C. Chapter 1437 et seq., to establish
local income classification levels.
a. Extremely Low-Income Household: a household having an income not
exceeding thirty (30%) percent of AMI adjusted for household size and as
defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
b. Very Low-Income Household: A household having an income not exceeding
fifty (50%) percent of AMI adjusted for household size and as defined by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 15
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
c. Low Income Household: a household having an income not exceeding eighty
(80%) percent of the AMI adjusted for household size and as defined by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
d. Moderate-income Household: a household having an income not exceeding
one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the AMI adjusted for household size
and as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Households with income between 120% and 80% of AMI are considered
“moderate income.”
4. Bridge Loan: an interim or short-term loan which can be used to finance all or
part of the development project’s costs until a permanent loan or the next stage
of longer-term financing can be obtained. Money from the replacement
financing is generally used to "take out" (to pay back) the bridge loan.
5. City: The City of St. Louis Park
6. Co-housing: A living arrangement which is owned and managed by the residents
and combines private living quarters with common dining and activity areas in a
community whose residents share tasks.
7. Cooperative Housing: a legal agreement or arrangement in which an association
or corporation owns a group of housing units and the common areas for the use
of all the residents. The individual participants (shareholder) own a share in the
cooperative which entitles the shareholder to occupy an apartment or unit as if
they were owners, to have equal access to the common areas and to vote for
members of the Board of Directors which manages the cooperative.
8. Limited Equity Housing Cooperative: offers ownership opportunities to lower
income households while limiting the return from resale that the household can
receive from the housing. It contrasts with “market rate” cooperatives, where
memberships can be transferred at market value. Limited Equity Housing
Cooperatives are organized as nonprofit corporations.
9. Construction Loan: a short-term, interim loan for financing the cost of
construction. Payments from the loans are called construction draws and are
made at periodic intervals as the construction progresses. These loans are
typically converted or taken out by a “permanent loan” and or financing.
10. Development Project: means the new construction or the renovation of a
residential building or mixed-use building which includes residential units.
11. First-time Homebuyer: someone who has not owned a home in the past three
years.
12. Joint Venture Agreement: A legally binding contract which is formed by two or
more parties for a specific purpose. A Joint Venture is an enforceable agreement
formed by a partnership or other acceptable legal entity, and its scope is usually
limited to one development project.
13. Market Rate: Apartments and other residential dwellings that are available on
an unsubsidized basis to the general public for lease, rent, or for the purchase of
homeownership.
14. Permanent Loan: A long-term loan which is usually not less than 7 years and
which payments made by the borrower to the lender on the loan can be fully
amortized and/or deferred.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4f) Page 16
Title: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) Use Guide
15. Pre-development: Time period which includes project feasibility studies, site
acquisition and preliminary design studies for a development project usually (but
not always) preceding the acquisition of a property site.
16. Residual Receipts: The income remaining after expenses, in any given time
period.
17. Silent Second: A second mortgage or lien that is often obtained at preferential
(subsidized) terms. The second (or subordinate) lien might bear no interest and
may not be repayable until the first mortgage or deed of trust is repaid, or the
property is sold (and hence remains “silent”), or may be forgiven in whole or in
part after a certain period of time has elapsed.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4g
Executive summary
Title: Acceptance of donation to fire department from Park Coin
Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution accepting donation to the fire department
from Park Coin for fire prevention programs and equipment.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to accept this donation with restrictions on the
use?
Summary: State statute requires city council’s acceptance of donations. This requirement is
necessary in order to make sure the city council has knowledge of any restrictions placed on the
use of each donation prior to it being expended.
Park Coin is graciously donating to the fire department an amount of $250.00. The donation is
given with restrictions.
Financial or budget considerations: This donation will be used for fire prevention programs and
equipment.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Cary Smith, fire marshal
Reviewed by: Steve Koering, fire chief
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4g) Page 2
Title: Acceptance of donation to fire department from Park Coin
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution approving acceptance of donation to fire department
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park is required by state statute to authorize acceptance of
any donation; and
Whereas, the city council must ratify any restrictions placed on the donation by the
donors; and
Whereas, the donations from Park Coin is directed toward fire prevention programs and
equipment.
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of St. Louis Park that this donation is
hereby accepted with thanks and appreciation.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4h
Executive summary
Title: 2020-2021 Public Safety Dispatchers (LELS Local #220) Labor Agreement
Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution approving labor agreement between the
city and the dispatcher employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of
employment for two years, from 1/1/2020 – 12/31/2021.
Policy consideration: Does council approve the labor agreement between the city and the
union?
Summary: Staff is pleased to bring to council the details of a contract agreement between the
city and our dispatch group for 2020 and 2021. We currently have settlements in place for
sergeants and local 49 (maintenance employees) through 2020. We are currently in active
negotiations with police officers and firefighters.
Financial or budget considerations: The amount recommended has been included in the 2020
budget and will be built into the budget for subsequent years.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Resolution
Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4h) Page 2
Title: 2020-2021 Public Safety Dispatchers (LELS Local #220) Labor Agreement
Discussion
Background: The city and the dispatcher union group have negotiated and come to agreement
on the following changes to the contract:
• Duration of two years (1/1/2020 – 12/31/2021).
• Wage increase of 3% for 2020 and 2021.
− Comment: The 2020 wage increase is consistent with nonunion employees and our two
other settled groups for 2020. We conducted a review of our market to ensure that our
group remains at our target pay of the 85th percentile with this increase. We anticipate
3% in 2021 will continue to keep our pay competitive with our comparable cities.
• Increase assignment pay for lead dispatcher from $4.00 per hour to $5.00 per hour.
− Comment: We have one employee assigned as lead dispatcher; this increase will
ensure that this assignment is compensated above training/work alone pay.
• Increase differential for work alone pay from $0.75 per hour to $4.00 per hour.
− Comment: Our pay of $0.75 per hour was below market of comparable cities. The
increase makes work alone pay commensurate with training pay differential. Our
dispatchers are assigned to work alone from about 3 am to about 8 am each day and
this increase can be covered by funds available in the 2020 budget.
• Employer contribution for benefits same as other groups for 2020-2021.
• Change holidays designated for overtime or double time pay – replace day after
Thanksgiving with Christmas Eve.
− Comment: Most groups are eligible for overtime pay if they work on a holiday. The city
has designated ten holidays. The dispatch group requested to replace the day after
Thanksgiving with Christmas Eve. This is consistent with what our police officer union
group has done. It is a shift in a holiday, not an additional holiday.
Next steps: Staff recommends approval. The proposed contract is on file with the city clerk.
More detail is available upon request.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4h) Page 3
Title: 2020-2021 Public Safety Dispatchers (LELS Local #220) Labor Agreement
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution approving labor agreement between
the City of St. Louis Park and
Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local #220
January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021
Whereas, the city and the union have reached a negotiated settlement covering the
terms and conditions of a labor agreement as permitted by the State of Minnesota Public
Employees Labor Relations Act, and
Whereas, the city council may enter into such agreements as authorized by its charter;
Now therefore be it resolved by the city council of the City of St. Louis Park that the
mayor and city manager are authorized to execute a collective bargaining agreement, city
contract #______ between the City of St. Louis Park and LELS Local #220 Public Safety
Dispatchers, effective January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2021.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Consent agenda item: 4i
Executive summary
Title: Final payment resolution - Sanitary Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation – project No. 4019-3000
Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution accepting work and authorizing final
payment in the amount of $13,370.74 for the annual sanitary sewer mainline rehabilitation
project with Insituform Technologies - city contract No. 08-19.
Policy consideration: Not Applicable
Summary: On Jan. 7, 2019, the city council awarded the bid for the sanitary sewer mainline
rehabilitation project. The project was advertised, bid and awarded to Insituform Technologies
in the amount of $320,657.50. The project consisted of lining 12,328 feet of sanitary sewer
mains in various locations throughout the city. The lining process rehabilitates or renews
sections of aging pipe, and it extends their service life another fifty plus years.
While additional work was added to the contract as part of change order 1 ($13,169.83), last
summer’s weather conditions contributed to flooding, which prevented a portion of the project
from being completed. The contractor completed the work within the contract time allowed
according to approved plans and specifications. The final contract cost of $267,414.73 is an
underrun of $66,412.60 (-19.9%) from the revised contract amount of $333,827.33.
Financial or budget considerations: The final contract cost of the work performed by the
contractor under contract No. 08-19 has been calculated as follows:
Original contract price $ 320,657.50
Change order 1 $ 13,169.83
Underruns $ 66,412.60
Contract amount $ 267,414.73
Previous payments $ 254,043.99
Balance due $ 13,370.74
This project was included in the city’s capital improvement program (CIP). The work was paid
for using the sanitary sewer fund.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Phillip Elkin, senior engineering project manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4i) Page 2
Title: Final payment resolution - Sanitary Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation – project No. 4019-3000
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution authorizing final payment and accepting work
for the Sanitary Sewer Mainline Rehabilitation project
City project No. 4019-3000
Contract No. 08-19
Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
as follows:
1.Pursuant to a written contract with the city dated Jan. 7, 2019, Insituform Technologies,
has satisfactorily completed the annual sanitary sewer mainline rehabilitation project,
as per contract No. 08-19.
2.The Engineering Director has filed her recommendations for final acceptance of the
work.
3.The work completed under this contract is accepted and approved. The final contract
cost is $267,414.73.
4.The City Manager is directed to make final payment on the contract, taking the
contractor's receipt in full.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council Feb. 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 4j
OFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
November 20, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Beneke, Lynette Dumalag, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Claudia
Johnston-Madison, Jessica Kraft, Carl Robertson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
3.Public Hearings
A.Rezoning C-2 General Commercial properties to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case Nos: 19-26-ZA
Gary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator, presented the staff report.
The proposed rezoning is the final step taken with the intent of preserving and
encouraging small businesses in neighborhood settings. Earlier this year the council
rezoned several properties to be consistent with the comprehensive plan. That rezoning
was followed-up with a text amendment to the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district
to limit the size of retail and service establishments. The proposed rezoning of
properties to the C-1 district is now proposed with the C-1 text amendment in place.
Mr. Morrison showed slides of Cedar Lake Road/Louisiana Area, the Texa-Tonka area,
Knollwood Mall Area, several areas along Excelsior Blvd. and Hwy. 100 and Minnetonka
Blvd., all of which are proposed to change to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
Jim McGovern, representing the owner of 5825 Excelsior Blvd, commercial advisor,
stated they do not oppose the rezoning plan, but oppose rezoning 5825 Excelsior Blvd.
He stated this does not fit the intent or the purpose of the rezoning related to big box
stores. He added the purpose of the rezoning is not appropriate for this building, stating
there will not be small shops within the building. Mr. McGovern added even with
grandfathering the property in - it is difficult to find tenants that will use 75,000 square
feet when their leases run out, and several are about to run out soon. He asked that this
property be excluded from the rezoning plan.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 2 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Tom Goodrum, Loucks Consulting, stated he is representing 5825 Excelsior Blvd as well.
He stated this is difficult to deal with in making this C-1, adding not a lot of uses transfer
over from C2 to C1, and especially as it relates to tenants or proposed tenants that
might use this space. He stated this building does not fit the small retail building
purpose, adding it has residential behind it. He asked if the commission could take more
time to review this property. He added land uses can work together, but asked for
further review by the commission on this issue.
Brian Alton, 951 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105, stated he is representing the 5825
Excelsior Blvd property also. He stated this would have a devastating effect on the
property itself. He stated it is a unique parcel and on a busy street, near a railroad, built
well with large tenants and large spaces. He stated C-1 is not appropriate use for this
property. He added this is a restriction of good uses of properties such as this one. He
stated this is also inconsistent with the city’s comprehensive plan.
Andrew Hoffer, 3966 Alabama Ave, stated they like the way the commission is planning
the neighborhood, adding this is a very good way to maintain the integrity of their
neighborhood. He stated the residential neighborhood supports the commission’s
decision.
Larry Lessley, 2965 Brunswick Ave, stated this is a great move for the neighborhood. He
stated they are all for progress, and the development must fit the neighborhood. He
added they are supportive of the plan.
Chris Kasic, 3916 Colorado Ave, stated he is also in favor of the rezoning, and agrees
with the previous two speakers. He stated this fits well with the neighborhood as well,
adding this will help to not have large buildings built in this neighborhood area.
Susan Bloomgren, 3961 Brunswick Ave, stated she is also in support of the rezoning and
appreciates keeping the small neighborhood feel alive while also progressing and
developing the area.
Barb Castagna, 6002 Excelsior Blvd, she supports this and also owns Educational Outfitters,
noting her biggest concern is safety for children as they shop for their school uniforms. She
stated 50% of her business is done between July and Labor Day, and she is concerned
about parking near the business, and that it be safe for all who shop at this store.
The Chair closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison referred to the Party City building and asked staff for
clarification on the owner’s ability to lease the building.
Mr. Morrison stated the zoning refers to retail, and not to restaurants, showrooms,
banks, offices, indoor entertainment. He noted there are several uses that could go into
the building. Mr. Morrison added staff can work with the owners on the issues of
concern.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 3 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked about resale of the building, and if the space
leased can be continued.
Mr. Morrison stated the building and businesses can be sold and operated in the same
manner as they currently are. Non-conformities can continue as is, and they can be
replaced by a similar type use and similar size as what is in there currently.
Commissioner Robertson stated this is the first time the commission is hearing about
the 5825 Excelsior Ave. building issue. He stated he does not see a negative impact on
the building to rezone it, but added he is not the owner of the building. He stated this
could have been discussed further at study sessions.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked if later this building is sold to a different
developer who may want high density development, how it would be impacted, also in
light of the Brookside neighborhood, and what could be redeveloped there in a C-1
zone.
Commissioner Robertson stated this feels a bit awkward if it’s the only building zoned C-
2 within the C-1 district. He hopes the owner of the property has had an opportunity to
discuss this.
Chair Eckholm asked if this property could be removed from the zoning for further
discussion.
Mr. Walther stated action on this parcel could be tabled this evening and come back at a
later date for discussion and decision, and also re-opening the public hearing specific to
this parcel, or move it along with notes, or hold up the vote as a whole.
Mr. Walther added this was going to move to city council at the December 2 meeting for
a first reading.
Commissioner Robertson and Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated they would like
to move this forward to vote and then have council review in December.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison added if the council were to pull this building out for
further consideration, she recommends the neighborhood impacted would be involved
in future discussions and meetings.
Commissioner Beneke asked how far the non-conforming goes. Can they tear down the
building and re-build it, can they rearrange interior walls? What is allowed.
Mr. Morrison stated the building could be rebuilt if destroyed or torn down. It would
have to be re-built to the same dimensions and cannot be made more non-conforming.
Commissioner Erwin noted the 5825 building concerns about the ability to lease it in the
future, were addressed in that it can still utilized it in the same way without any further
hindering of the building.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 4 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Commissioner Dumalag stated the commission needs to look forward related to
development within the city, she hopes the owners work with the city staff on future
uses of the building, especially as leases roll over.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion, Commissioner Dumalag seconded,
recommending approval of the rezoning C-2 General Commercial properties to C-1
Neighborhood Commercial.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Mr. Walther stated this will come before the council at the December 2 meeting for first
reading and review.
B. Parking ordinance amendment – Historic Walker Lake
Applicant: City of St. Louis Park
Case Nos: 19-32-ZA
Gary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator, presented the staff report. This
ordinance includes regulations that apply to the Historic Walker Lake area only and
regulations that would apply to the whole city.
Mr. Morrison noted the amendments create regulations for the Historic Walker Lake
area, that require a reduced number of parking spaces for new structures, or expansion
of existing structures. It also waives the minimum parking requirements for existing
buildings. He stated the number of parking spaces that exist on the property cannot be
reduced.
Mr. Morrison noted that the city-wide amendments prohibit the aisles and driveways
from being used for any purpose that would prevent vehicle access to parking spaces or
inhibit circulation or emergency service response. Additionally, parking spaces shall be
open directly to an aisle or driveway, and parking spaces are to be clearly marked using
minimum four-inch wide painted lines as shows on an approved parking plan.
Mr. Morrison stated that staff recommends approval of the noted amendments as
proposed.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
Chair Eckholm closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Kraft asked about on-street parking and how it is delineated which
business the parking goes to.
Mr. Morrison stated that the on-street parking spaces are public, and cannot be
allocated to a specific business.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 5 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Chair Eckholm stated this is about as good as can be expected in this area, and he is in
support of this.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison also supports this, adding businesses will need to
figure out in the Walker Lake area how to include parking in their business plan, and the
commission will not be able to second guess this going forward.
Commissioner Robertson made a motion, Commissioner Johnston-Madison seconded,
recommending approval of the Parking ordinance amendment – to create parking
standards and miscellaneous parking standards within the Historic Walker Lake area and
the city.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
4. Other Business
5. Communications
Mr. Walther stated there is a study session immediately following the meeting.
He added the next meeting of the commission will be on December 4.
6. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Beneke, Lynette Dumalag, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Claudia
Johnston-Madison, Jessica Kraft, Carl Robertson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jacquelyn Kramer, Jennifer Monson, Gary Morrison, Sean Walther
GUEST PRESENT: Rita Trapp, consultant planner with Hoisington Koegler Group (HKGi)
The study session commenced at 7:00 p.m.
1. Zoning amendment – Accessory dwelling units
Ms. Trapp presented background information related to accessory dwelling units.
She noted they would discuss policy questions with the commission.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 6 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Ms. Trapp stated there are 3 types of accessory dwelling units including: attached, attached
interior, and detached structure which is separate from the original structure.
Ms. Trapp stated the building code involves single-family, two-family unit, and three-unit
complex. She noted if accessory dwelling units become two and three family, there are
requirements to create fire walls, and additional safety requirements.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison noted there are many rental units within the city currently
that rent out rooms with kitchen privileges.
Ms. Trapp noted take in borders into one’s home is allowed within the city, as long as it is not
creating two independent units, it’s considered a single-family home.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated the council had concerns about building two duplexes
on one lot, and when considering R1 and R2, this has not been discussed.
Mr. Walther stated the comp plan notes the R1 and R2 are in single family districts, but at this
point the conversation will focus on ADU’s. He added the council has not given specific direction
at this time. He added there is concern at this time about lot size and non-conforming lots.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked for the additional charts for reference for future
meetings. Mr. Walther added staff will provide links for the commission regarding this topic and
past meeting dates.
Mr. Walther added staff is also concerned about setting people up for certain expectations
related to ADU’s, so staff wants the information to be clear related to the ordinance.
Ms. Trapp noted the rental license requirements also.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked about a complete mother in law apartment.
Ms. Trapp stated as it is today, a kitchen is not allowed, just a room. Mr. Walther added there
are some with kitchenette’s which have been allowed.
The commissioners further discussed the ADU’s related to mother in law apartments and
allowing full kitchens vs. kitchenettes.
Ms. Trapp stated the owner occupancy requirement for ADU’s can be problematic for resale,
and buyers will be narrowed for properties with ADU’s.
The commissioners discussed this issue as it relates to resale and homeownership vs. rental
properties and possible limitations related to ADU’s.
Mr. Walther stated if an ADU is created, there will be costs related to water and sewer.
He stated the stack charge is based on a single-family unit, and with and ADU, this will help to
increase water and sewer charges.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4j) Page 7 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes November 20, 2019
Ms. Trapp pointed out some examples of policies. She noted currently the code limits accessory
structures (note ADU’s) only to the back yard, or in the side yard if there is a garage adjacent to
a street.
She asked the commissioners if this still sounds appropriate. Mr. Walther stated exceptions
have been made for side yard garages, and asked if the commission wants to allow this also for
ADU’s.
Commissioner Robertson stated this would be acceptable to him. He stated the setback could
be set at 5 feet. The commissioners agreed to this as a starting point.
The commissioners discussed height limits of ADU’s, and scale, along with increasing the
setback, as it relates to the proposed code.
Ms. Trapp noted staff recommends the existing limit on parking would be 3 vehicles, even if an
AUD was added, so there would not be an increase in vehicles allowed to park at the structure.
The commissioners agreed to this recommendation.
Ms. Trapp stated staff recommends 300-800 square feet for ADU’s, or 40% of the size of the
primary home, and allowing 2 occupants within the ADU. The commissioners agreed with this
recommendation.
Ms. Trapp stated staff recommends prohibiting short-term rentals city-wide, with exceptions
such as hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts. The commissioners agreed with this
recommendation.
Mr. Trapp noted next steps include the first draft of the ordinance will be brought back for
more discussion to the commission on December 4 or 18. He also noted the Friends of the Arts
would like to meet with the commissioners for feedback, and also noted the commissioners
should discuss the 2020 work plan.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 4k
OFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
Dec. 4, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Beneke, Lynette Dumalag, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Claudia
Johnston-Madison, Jessica Kraft, Carl Robertson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Meg McMonigal, Sean Walther
STUDY SESSION
The study session commenced at 6:00 p.m.
1.Arts and culture strategic framework focus group
Meg McMonigal, Principal Planner, provided background on the Friends of the Arts strategic
planning, and noted several meetings she had attended. She added a community group of
about 20 comprises the steering committee that is now conducting focus groups around the
community. This evening, she stated, she will ask the commission several questions related to
arts and culture within the city.
When you think about creativity and culture and arts in St. Louis Park, what type of activities,
opportunities or amenities come to mind? The commissioners noted the following items:
•Concerts at Wolfe Park
•Streetscape art
•Community education courses
•Playgrounds at Wolfe Park are welcoming
•Projects like artwork by Cub Foods and at Excelsior & Grand, the beehive-shaped
fireplace/grillrelocation to Lilac Park
What amenity are you most excited about? The commissioners noted the following items:
•The murals on the buildings at Parkway Pizza and at the Nest
•Amphitheatre and 36th Streetscape
•Artists who display at the ROC at the art fair in summer
•Lobby of city hall, could add more displays of local art
•Twin Cities Film festival is unique and spectacular
Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated it’s important to note many buildings and projects are
all starting to look the same within the city. She added she appreciates developers using art in
their creations.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4k) Page 2 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 4, 2019
Commissioner Johnston-Madison added the Moline Apartment in downtown Hopkins honors
the Moline Company, which is interesting, adding possibly the St. Louis Park historical society
could look into this type of feature could be incorporated into art and rotating features in
various sites throughout the city, and in the historic Walker Lake district as well.
Do cultural and artistic amenities and opportunities add to the unique identity of St. Louis Park,
in what ways, and do they contribute to vitality of the community?
• Film Festival – sense of pride, positive and vital to community – but doesn’t play into the
city’s identity – would like to see this more promoted
• Wolfe Park
• Amphitheater
• Westwood Hills Nature Center
• Dakota Bridge
• Minnehaha Creek bridge at Louisiana
• Sculpture at Excelsior and Grand
• Tower Light
• Full Circle at West End
• Sculpture at Ellipse on Excelsior
• Sculpture at Fresh Thyme
In what ways does the city thrive as a creative enterprise?
• Put in issues of Park Perspective 3 times per year, whatever emphasizes community
• School district – opportunity there with art classes and youth
Barriers:
• Outdated language in home occupations ordinance, and not knowing enough about
creative enterprise in the city, need a place to gather and collaborate in the city related
to art.
• Lennox Center – art classes there and community education classes, better utilizing
spaces within the city – having places to display vs. create art.
• Need for historical society/arts center in an old school building
• Need studio space or places for this to develop – i.e. at the PLACE development,
live/workspace – but not doable by PLACE on the south side – needs more long-term
planning.
• Would be nice to have maker spaces and places for artists to congregate and look to
incorporate this into buildings that are available and do an inventory of buildings - i.e.:
Lennox or the Roc – if have this, then can promote arts better.
• Find out of there is a center or place where art is congregated, where there are various
studios, a coffee shop, a brewery, and other areas where projects are started –
collaborative space. This might take place at Historic Walker Lake district.
• Turn former Nash Frame building into artist space on Wooddale Ave.
• Don’t think art when think of St. Louis Park, but the city has great parks, great bike trail
systems and amenities – so when think of art, might be better to think of outdoor
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4k) Page 3 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 4, 2019
spaces as art opportunity areas that are not necessarily manufactured locations to
specifically host art.
• Arts and spaces should evolve organically vs. fabrication, and not tear down old
buildings to create new.
2. Annual report and 2020 work plan
Sean Walther, Senior Planner noted some items that were previously in the 2019 work plan and
now shifted into the 2020 work plan because they have not yet been completed.
Chair Eckholm asked about the billboard ordinance item.
Mr. Walther noted the ordinance currently prohibits billboards and existing billboards are not
allowed to be relocated. A developer asked the city council to revisit the regulations to
accommodate a development proposal. This was reviewed by the city council and city council
agreed to consider potential options but did not commit to making any changes. Staff has
researched some potential options and will eventually share potential changes with the city
council at a future study session. Planning commission may be asked to make
recommendations if it proceeds further.
The commissioners reviewed the remaining items on the plan.
Mr. Walther stated the planning commission’s work has some limited overlap with water
conservation programming.
Commissioner Robertson stated this can be reviewed but there are many resources available,
so it’s not a high priority currently.
The commissioners agreed to leave all the “parking lot” items that were not high enough
priority to include in 2020 but may be items to explore in future years.
Chair Eckholm stated there should be something about affordable commercial properties on
the work plan.
Commissioner Kraft asked what the transitional industrial zoning is. Mr. Walther stated staff
this refers to expanding the uses allowed in the some of the city’s industrial lands, and perhaps
creating a third industrial district that could be deployed in specific locations in order to limit
the geographic scope of where these expanded uses would be allowed.
The commissioners agreed the affordable commercial item could be included in Q1 or Q2.
Chair Eckholm stated this could be reviewed as part of the city’s TIF program.
Mr. Walther stated the council will want to review the work plan for 2020 again with the
commissioners next year, and a joint meeting will be set up to do so.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 4l
OFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
December 18, 2019 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Beneke, Lynette Dumalag, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Claudia
Johnston-Madison, Jessica Kraft, Carl Robertson
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jacquelyn Kramer, Jennifer Monson, Sean Walther
1.Call to Order – Roll Call
2.Public Hearings
A.Parkway Residences: comprehensive plan amendment, preliminary and
final plat, and preliminary and final planned unit development.
Applicant: Sela Investments
Location: West 31st Street between Glenhurst Ave and Inglewood Ave
Case Nos: 19-27-CP; 19-28-S; 19-29-PUD
Jennifer Monson, Planner, presented the staff report for a comprehensive plan
amendment, preliminary and final plat, and preliminary and final planned unit
development for the Parkway Residences development. She mentioned that the
applicant is also requesting an alley vacation which will be presented to the council in
January. This will be the 2nd phase of the Parkway 25 project. The Parkway Residences
development is a collection of 15 properties currently consisting of single-family homes
and an assortment of smaller apartment buildings along both sides of 31st Street West
between Inglewood Avenue South and Glenhurst Avenue South. The development
properties are not all contiguous thus the project will be built amongst other existing
buildings. The development will remove twelve of the existing buildings and will reinvest
in the rehabilitation of three apartment buildings. The development consists of four new
multi-family buildings creating 211 new units plus 24 units from the rehabilitated
apartment buildings for a total of 235 residential units.
Ms. Monson explained there will be six affordable units included at Site 2 at 60% AMI
and the three rehabbed buildings will include 24 units all affordable at 50% AMI.
Ms. Monson reviewed the site plans, site access, vehicular parking, bicycle parking, and
electric vehicle parking requirements for each of the four development sites.
Ms. Monson stated 211 trees are required and 108 will be provided by the developer,
therefore the developer will pay $1,154 into the tree fund. She noted alternative
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4l) Page 2 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 18, 2019
landscaping will be used to meet the intent of the ordinance, including public art or site
amenities.
Ms. Monson stated that staff recommends a comprehensive plan amendment,
preliminary and final plat, and preliminary and final planned unit development subject
to the conditions recommended by staff in the staff report.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there is any plan to reguide the area as high density.
Ms. Monson stated this was reviewed and staff decided this would remain medium
density at this time.
Commissioner Beneke asked if tenants will be able to find other living arrangements.
Ms. Monson stated the developer is paying relocation costs and is trying to find similar
units in a similar location with the same or better rental rates for existing tenants that
are being relocated.
Chair Eckholm noted the properties directly south of France and asked if there was any
discussion with Met Council for a trail connection here in order to connect the two
planned SWLRT stations. Ms. Monson stated the path connection is on the south side of
the corridor, so a bridge would need to be constructed, and a bridge is already being
built at Beltline. However, she added, discussions are taking place for a sidewalk and
multi-use trail which could be on the south side of CSAH 25 to connect the development
to the Beltline and West Lake stations.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
The Chair closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison thanked the developer and staff for this thorough plan
and complimented the developer in regard to what they will do for folks in naturally
occurring affordable housing properties, adding this should be an expectation of all
developers on future projects.
Chair Eckholm agreed and the developer is doing right by them and this should be an
expectation of all developers.
Commissioner Robertson stated this is a large and complex project, which has been
discussed thoroughly by the commission. It has been worked on with staff for a long
time and all issues have been vetted early in the process. He agreed with his fellow
commissioners and stated it will be an asset for St. Louis Park.
Commission Erwin asked if those residents being displaced will be given first rights to
units if they meet the requirements.
The owner stated yes, that is correct.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4l) Page 3 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 18, 2019
Commissioner Robertson made a motion recommending approval of the Parkway
Residences: comprehensive plan amendment, preliminary and final plat, and preliminary
and final planned unit development, subject to conditions recommended by staff. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Johnston-Madison.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
B. Holy Family Academy conditional use permit and preliminary and final plat
Applicant: The Church of Holy Family Academy of St. Louis Park
Location: 5925 West Lake Street
Case Nos: 19-34-CUP; 19-35-S
Jacquelyn Kramer, Associate Planner, presented the staff report. The applicant is
requesting a CUP and preliminary and final plat.
Ms. Kramer explained the planned building expansion, new playground area, and
additional drop-off and pick-up area with additional green space. She noted this plan
meets all parking and landscape requirements within the zoning code. Ms. Kramer
noted the new floor plans and building elevations, explaining how they relate to the
existing school building.
The CUP application is an amendment for the application approved in 2012 and meets
all zoning requirements for an educational facility with more than 20 students in the R-2
zoning district. The preliminary and final plat will combine five parcels into one, and
includes right of way dedication and park dedication fees.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked if the project falls under the code requirement
for electric charging stations.
Ms. Kramer stated no as the ordinance requires EV infrastructure when there are 15
parking spaces or more. With only 12 off-street spaces, the applicant is not required to
have EV stations.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked who will use these parking spaces. Ms. Kramer
stated these spaces will be for after-hours parking.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated she is disappointed there are no requirements
for EV here, especially in light of the 2040 carbon requirements.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there are any water run-off concerns in the area.
Ms. Kramer stated this did come up at the neighborhood meeting, but the plan meets all
requirements of the city for water run-off. She added the applicant is working with the
MCWSD to comply with that organization’s permit requirements.
Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4l) Page 4 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 18, 2019
Chair Eckholm closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Robertson stated this is not that much of a change since the 2012
proposal and he has no issues with it, adding it is an improvement.
Commissioner Dumalag made a motion recommending approval of the conditional use
permit and preliminary and final plat. Commissioner Johnston-Madison seconded. The
motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
3. Other Business-none
4. Communications
Mr. Walther stated the next meeting will be on January 8, 2020 and will be a study
session regarding ADU’s. He added Feb 24, 2020 will be the annual boards and
commissions meeting with city council from 6-8 p.m.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked if a new chair will be elected for 2020. Mr.
Walther stated on January 15, 2020 a new chair will be elected and this will be added on
the agenda.
Commissioner Kraft nominated herself for 2020 chair. Chair Ekholm nominated
Commissioner Dumalag for Vice Chair. These nominations will be included in the
January 15, 2020 agenda.
5. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
STUDY SESSION
The study session commenced at 6:45 p.m.
1. Texa-Tonka small area plan update
Ms. Monson provided background on the final draft of the Texa-Tonka small area plan.
She noted most of the buildings were constructed in the 1950’s with lots of parking spaces. She
stated a market analysis was done and most of the redevelopment will be rental residential and
commercial, mixed use.
Ms. Monson stated this area is close to walking and biking trails, but sidewalks are in poor
condition.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4l) Page 5 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 18, 2019
Commissioner Robertson asked if bike lanes will be added to Texas Avenue. Ms. Monson stated
yes.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked if some of the apartments in the area are NOAH. Ms.
Monson stated some are and some are being upgraded as well.
Commissioner Robertson asked if there will be some affordable commercial spaces. Ms.
Monson stated yes and explained the recently adopted mixed-use zoning district includes
provisions for affordable commercial spaces. Ms. Monson also added that staff has been in
discussions about pop-up commercial space.
Commissioner Dumalag asked how the city can keep commercial affordable. Ms. Monson
stated a certain amount of space can be provided for commercial affordable, by the city, and
also a certain amount of micro-space.
Ms. Monson stated the plan process included several opportunities for public participation with
two community meetings, two surveys and two pot-up events. She stated most residents
participated twice in the outreach programs provided by the city. Questions were asked about
what brings folks to the commercial nodes, opinions about the height of buildings, and other
items. Many folks stated they wanted many different types of uses, 1-4 stories in height, with
walkable areas, and smaller buildings and uses, with safe and pleasantly landscaped
connections.
Ms. Monson added this area is one of St. Louis Park’s most diverse areas and making folks feel
welcome will be a large part of the plan. She added it may be a hybrid of a suburban and urban
mall, with parking in front of buildings, as has been the practice in this area. She added
residents were happy with this plan when asked.
Commissioner Robertson stated the south side of Minnetonka might be better than the north
side for larger buildings. Ms. Monson said residents felt 1-4 story buildings would be best on
the north side of Minnetonka because of the larger parcel sizes.
Commissioner Erwin asked if there are certain types of businesses that people would like to see
in the area.
Ms. Monson stated small, convenient shops, and a neighborhood coffee shop are all desired by
area residents.
Commissioner Robertson asked if EVS ordinance should be revisited in light of the development
at Texa-Tonka.
Chair Eckholm stated this might be a good time to install conduit in the area, during the design
phase vs. doing a retro fit later.
Commissioner Robertson asked about possibly doing a roundabout at Texas and Minnetonka,
along with walking and biking trails. He noted this will be an opportunity to add landscaping
and soften this area up.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4l) Page 6 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes December 18, 2019
Ms. Monson stated Minnetonka is a county road and the city is working with Hennepin County
on the design of the intersection. It is not on the county’s capital improvement plan for several
years.
Commissioner Johnson-Madison thanked staff for the document and great input from the
community.
Mr. Walther stated there will be some time before the council sees this in study session and can
accept the plan, however there may be a development application coming forward in the near
future.
Commissioner Robertson asked about the design of the buildings that residents requested,
adding he does not prefer design by committee. Mr. Walther stated the district and residents
requested these design elements, but will also be reviewed further, keeping the areas
uniqueness in mind.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison stated there will need to be discussions over time again with
residents, developers, the commission, council and staff related to design elements of the area.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Minutes: 4m
OFFICIAL MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
January 8, 2020 – 6:00 p.m.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Beneke, Lynette Dumalag, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Claudia
Johnston-Madison, Jessica Kraft
MEMBERS ABSENT: Carl Robertson
STAFF PRESENT: Jacquelyn Kramer, Sean Walther
STUDY SESSION
The study session commenced at 6:00 p.m.
1.Zoning amendment – accessory dwelling units (ADU)
Rita Trapp, HKGi, presented the update to the commissioners.
Ms. Trapp stated staff is recommending that this initial ADU ordinance be simplified to focus on
allowing ADUs in single-family homes and defining ADUs as self-contained units that are fire-
separated from the principal single-family dwelling. In conjunction with the adoption of the
ADU ordinance, the city policy regarding second kitchens will change so that they are allowed.
This change will allow homeowners to have family, friends or up to two borders stay in their
single-family dwelling without having to create a formal ADU.
Ms. Trapp explained that the ordinance does not include specific requirements related to rental
licensing or sewer and water connections as those provisions are already addressed in other
parts of the city code. Information about this requirement would be included in any handouts
prepared about ADUS.
Ms. Trapp added that staff followed up with the building and energy department to confirm
when there will be a sanitary sewer access charge or water access charge when a new ADU is
constructed. In addition, staff confirmed that there is at least five feet needed between building
openings for two buildings on the same lot.
Ms. Trapp noted that the ordinance as proposed would allow an accessory structure or an ADU
in the side yard.
Commissioner Johnston-Madison asked about the number of people allowed to live in the ADU.
Ms. Trapp indicated that the ordinance would allow up to two people over the age of 18 with
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 4m) Page 2 Title: Planning commission meeting minutes January 8, 2020
an unlimited number of children. Mr. Walther added that the building code would need to be
followed along with zoning, in order to limit the total number of people in the dwelling.
Ms. Trapp stated the parcel must meet parking requirements and will not require additional
parking.
She noted that an ADU that is attached or internal to the single-family dwelling shall be no
more than 40% of the principle structure. She also described how decks are proposed to be
handled for a detached ADU.
Commissioner Kraft asked about the height and setback restrictions. Ms. Trapp stated there will
be limits in height similar to an accessory structure, adding that in all likelihood ADUs could not
be built on top of an existing garage, but would likely need to be built as a new structure with a
new foundation with frost footings.
Ms. Trapp presented a diagram illustrating the yard definitions and a table showing the current
and proposed yard requirements for various structures. Commissioner Erwin stated the table
illustrating setbacks is helpful.
Ms. Trapp explained new ordinance language that prohibits short-term vacation rentals. Short-
term rentals are already prohibited in St. Louis Park, and this new language clarifies the current
interpretation of the zoning code.
Commissioners were comfortable with the information presented. Mr. Walther stated the
ordinance draft is ready for city council input and it will be reviewed with them soon at a study
session.
2. Communications
Mr. Walther stated on January 14th at 7 p.m. the state demographer will be at city hall
presenting on the implications of the 2020 census on Minnesota. Also, staff intends to give the
commission a short presentation related to the census, and efforts underway to engage and
inform residents. He added the U.S. Census Bureau is hiring census takers.
Mr. Walther confirmed there are no items scheduled for January 15 so that meeting will be
cancelled. Mr. Walther stated the next regular meeting of the commission will be February 5,
2020.
Mr. Walther added that on February 24, 2020 the annual boards and commissions meeting will
be held.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Public hearing: 6a
Executive summary
Title: Public hearing to consider allocation of 2020 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take testimony, and then close the
hearing. Motion to adopt Resolution approving proposed use of 2020 Urban Hennepin County
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and authorize execution of sub -recipient
agreement with Hennepin County and third-party agreements.
Policy consideration: Does the city council concur with the recommendations made for the
allocation of $147,050 in 2020 CDBG funds?
Summary: Each year the city must decide how to use its annual allocation of CDBG funds. CDBG
funds are U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds distributed thro ugh Hennepin
County. The city must submit its proposed use of the allocation to Hennepin County by
February 28, 2020. Prior to submittal, the city must hold a public hearing. The hearing and
official city council action is scheduled for February 18, 2020. The city’s estimated direct
allocation is $147,050 which is $9,950 less than our 2019 allocation.
This year’s proposed use of CDBG funds reflect the city’s priorities to preserve existing housing
and increase affordable home ownership opportunities with $117,050 for the low-income
deferred rehab loan and $30,000 to Homes Within Reach. Beginning in 2018 , fifteen percent of
the overall CDBG budget is being set aside by Hennepin County for public service activities and
awarded through a single combined, competitive RFP covering all the cities in the county
program.
Financial or budget considerations: CDBG funds allow cities discretion, within HUD guidelines,
to fund projects that meet the national low-income objectives and the needs of the cities. The
federal budget has not been finalized; however, Hennepin County estimates the St. Louis Park
2020 allocation will be $147,050. The 2020 CDBG year runs from July 1, 2020 through June 30,
2021.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Resolution
Prepared by: Marney Olson, assistant housing supervisor
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6a) Page 2
Title: Public hearing to consider allocation of 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
Discussion
Background: The national objectives of the CDBG program are to benefit low- and moderate-
income persons, prevention or elimination of slum or blight and/or to meet a particular urgent
community development need. The CDBG program allows for up to 15% of allocated funds to
be used to fund public services. The city council has typically focused CDBG funds on
improvements to the housing stock for low-income families or on affordable homeownership.
Beginning in 2018 Hennepin County sets aside fifteen percent of the overall CDBG budget for
public service activities awarded through a single combined, competitive RFP. Hennepin County
has advertised the RFP process and sent information to a long list of public service providers
including past recipients. The city has provided a letter of support to STEP for their applications.
Present considerations: The proposed use of the $147,050 estimated allocation include
$117,050 for the low-income single-family home deferred rehab loan administered by
Hennepin County and $30,000 to Homes Within Reach which is the affordable housing land
trust. If there are any increases or decreases to the allocation the deferred rehab loan will be
adjusted accordingly.
The low-income single-family deferred loan program is a deferred rehab loan program for
homeowners with annual incomes at or below 80% area median income. The rehab focuses on
improvements to bring homes into code compliance, address deferred maintenance and
provide long-term maintenance-free housing. The maximum loan amount is $30,000 and is
deferred until the sale of the home or forgiven after 15 years. There are currently 34
households on the waiting list, demonstrating the need to continue allocating CDBG dollars to
this program.
Homes Within Reach is a program of the West Hennepin Housing Land Trust (WHAHLT) that
purchases homes and sells them to low-income homeowners. Buyers pay for the cost of the
building only and lease the land for 99 years. St. Louis Park funds are leveraged with Met
Council and Hennepin County HOME funds. The city has partnered with Homes Within Reach
since 2006. To date, Homes Within Reach has purchased, rehabbed and sold 17 homes, two of
which were foreclosed and two were tax-forfeited properties. The city and Homes Within Reach
are currently partnering on an energy efficient demonstration home, and they also have a
purchase agreement for a tax forfeiture in St. Louis Park that will close in 2020.
Next steps: The deadline for submission of the city’s CDBG application to Hennepin County is
February 28, 2020.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6a) Page 3
Title: Public hearing to consider allocation of 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
Resolution No. 20-____
Resolution approving proposed allocation for 2020 Urban Hennepin County
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds and authorizing
execution of subrecipient agreement with urban Hennepin County and any
third-party agreements
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park, through execution of a Joint Cooperation Agreement
with Hennepin County, is cooperating in the Urban Hennepin County Community Development
Block Grant Program; and
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park has developed a proposal for the use of 2020 Urban
Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant funds;
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of St. Louis Park approves the following
projects for funding from the 2020 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block
Grant Program and authorizes submittal of the proposal to Urban Hennepin
County/Consolidated Pool.
Activity Budget
Low-Income Single-Family Home Rehab Loan $117,050
Affordable Housing Land Trust – Homes Within Reach $30,000
It is further resolved that the city council hereby authorizes and directs the Mayor and its’
City Manager to execute the subrecipient agreement and any required third-party agreement
on behalf of the city to implement the 2020 Community Development Block Grant program.
It is further resolved that should the actual amount of the FY2020 CDBG available to the
city be different from the preliminary amount provided to the city, the city council hereby
authorizes the city manager to adjust the following activity budget proportionally to reflect the
actual amount of funding available.
Activity Budget
Low-Income Single-Family Home Rehab Loan 100% of any increase or decrease
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council Feb. 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Public hearing: 6b
Executive summary
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
Recommended action: To conduct a public hearing and then consider a resolution authorizing the
issuance, sale, and delivery of multifamily housing revenue obligations for the benefit of Oak Park
Village Partners, LP and authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto.
Policy consideration: Is the City Council ok with issuing two series of private activity revenue
bonds for the Oak Park Village Apartments Project?
Summary: Oak Park Housing Partners, LP, a Minnesota limited partnership, whose general partner
is Oak Park Housing Management, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, or an affiliate (the
“Borrower”), intends to acquire, rehabilitate, and equip an approximately 100-unit existing
multifamily rental housing facility and facilities functionally related and subordinate thereto
located at 7267 Oak Park Village Drive in the City of St. Louis Park (the “City”) known as Oak Park
Village Apartments (the “Project”) for occupancy by persons of low and moderate income.
The owner is requesting that the two series of bonds (private activity bonds) be issued for an
approximately two-year term (bridge financing) in the amount of up to $14,013,459. The
owner will assume the existing Section 8 contract. Permanent financing for the project will be a
FHA insured mortgage loan. The bonds will be collateralized by U.S. Treasury securities and
cash. It is expected that the bonds will be rated AA+ by Standard and Poor’s. Upon closing the
owner plans to renew the Section 8 contact for 20 years.
The Preliminary Resolution was approved on June 17, 2019 which was necessary for an
application to be submitted to the State for housing allocation in order to issue bonds for the
Oak Park Village Apartments Project. On January 14, 2020 the project received an allocation of
bonding authority in the amount of $14,013,459 from the State of Minnesota.
Financial or budget considerations: The bonds will not impact the City’s debt capacity, does not
constitute a general or moral obligation of the City, and will not be secured by the taxing powers
of the City or any assets or property of the City. Per the City’s private activity revenue bond policy
the borrower will pay an administration fee in the amount of 1% of the outstanding principal of
the bonds. The Admin fee is currently estimated at $140,135 based on a $14,013,459 bond issue.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Kennedy and Graven attorney letter
Project executive summary
Prepared by: Tim Simon, chief financial officer
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 2
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
Resolution No. 20-_____
A resolution authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of multifamily housing
revenue obligations for the benefit of Oak Park Village Partners, LP and
authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto
Be it resolved by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of St. Louis Park,
Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “City”) as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
1.01. The City is a home rule city duly organized and existing under its Charter and the
Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota.
1.02. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 462C, as amended (the “Act”), the City
is authorized to issue revenue obligations to provide funds to finance multifamily rental housing
developments located within the City.
1.03. Oak Park Village Partners, LP, a Minnesota limited partnership, or its assigns or
affiliates (the “Borrower”), has proposed that the City issue its multifamily housing revenue
obligations in the approximate aggregate principal amount of $14,013,459, in one or more
series, as taxable or tax-exempt obligations (the “Obligations”), for the benefit of the Borrower
for the purposes of (i) financing the acquisition, rehabilitation, and equipping of an
approximately 100-unit existing multifamily rental housing facility and facilities functionally
related and subordinate thereto located at 7267 Oak Park Village Drive in the City, for
occupancy by persons of low and moderate income (the “Project”); (ii) funding of one or more
reserve funds to secure the timely payment of the Obligations, if necessary; (iii) paying interest
on the Obligations during the rehabilitation of the Project, if necessary; and (iv) paying the costs
of issuing the Obligations.
1.04. In accordance with the Act, the City has prepared a housing program (the
“Housing Program”) to authorize the City’s issuance of the Obligations to finance the
acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of the Project. The Housing Program was prepared
and submitted to the Metropolitan Council for its review and comment.
1.05. On June 17, 2019, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 19-070, authorizing
the submission of an application to the office of Minnesota Management & Budget for an
allocation of bonding authority with respect to the Obligations to finance the Project in
accordance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 474A, as amended, and
providing preliminary approval for the sale and issuance of the Obligations. Pursuant to
Certificate No. 378, the Obligations received an allocation of bonding authority from the State
of Minnesota in the principal amount of $14,013,459.
1.06. A notice of public hearing (the “Public Notice”) was published in the Sun Sailor,
the official newspaper of and a newspaper of general circulation in the City, with respect to the
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 3
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
required public hearing under Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”), and Section 462C.04, subdivision 2 of the Act.
1.07. The Public Notice was published at least fifteen (15) days before the regularly
scheduled meeting of the City Council, and on the date hereof, the City Council conducted a
public hearing at which a reasonable opportunity was provided for interested individuals to
express their views, both orally and in writing.
Section 2. Housing Program. The Housing Program, in the form substantially on file
with the City, is hereby approved.
Section 3. The Bonds.
3.01. The Borrower has requested that the City issue, sell, and deliver a portion of the
Obligations in the approximate principal amount of $9,510,000 (the “Bonds”). The Bonds are
proposed to be sold publicly and underwritten by Dougherty & Company LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company (the “Bond Underwriter”).
3.02. The Bonds are proposed to be issued pursuant to this resolution, the Act, and an
Indenture of Trust (the “Bond Indenture”) between the City and U.S. Bank National Association,
a national banking association (the “Bond Trustee”).
3.03. The proceeds derived from the sale of the Bonds will be loaned by the City to the
Borrower (the “Bond Loan”) pursuant to the terms of a Loan Agreement (the “Bond Loan
Agreement”) between the City and the Borrower.
3.04. The Bonds and the interest on the Bonds (i) shall be payable solely from the
revenues pledged therefor under the Bond Loan Agreement and additional sources of revenue
provided by or on behalf of the Borrower; (ii) shall not constitute a debt of the City within the
meaning of any constitutional or statutory limitation; (iii) shall not constitute or give rise to a
pecuniary liability of the City or a charge against its general credit or taxing powers; (iv) shall
not constitute a charge, lien, or encumbrance, legal or equitable, upon any property of the City
other than the City’s interest in the Bond Loan Agreement; and (v) shall not constitute a general
or moral obligation of the City.
3.05. The loan repayments to be made by the Borrower under the Bond Loan
Agreement will be fixed so as to produce revenue sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on the Bonds when due. Such loan repayments will be assigned to the Bond
Trustee under the terms of the Bond Indenture.
3.06. The Borrower’s repayment obligations in respect of the Bond Loan will be
evidenced by a Promissory Note (the “Bond Promissory Note”) from the Borrower to the City
and assigned to the Bond Trustee and may be secured by one or more mortgage agreements or
guaranties.
3.07. The City acknowledges, finds, determines, and declares that the issuance of the
Bonds is authorized by the Act and is consistent with the purposes of the Act and that the
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 4
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
issuance of the Bonds, and the other actions of the City under the Bond Indenture, the Bond
Loan Agreement, and this resolution constitute a public purpose and are in the interests of the
City. In authorizing the issuance of the Bonds to finance a portion of the Project and the related
costs, the City’s purpose is and the effect thereof will be to promote the public welfare of the
City and its residents by providing multifamily housing developments for low or moderate
income residents of the City and otherwise furthering the purposes and policies of the Act.
3.08. For the purposes set forth above, there is hereby authorized the issuance, sale,
and delivery of the Bonds in the approximate aggregate principal amount of $9,510,000. The
Bonds shall bear interest at the rates, shall be designated, shall be numbered, shall be dated,
shall mature, shall be in the aggregate principal amount, shall be subject to redemption prior to
maturity, shall be in such form, and shall have such other terms, details, and provisions as are
prescribed in the Bond Indenture, substantially in the form now on file with the City, with the
amendments referenced herein. The City hereby authorizes all or a portion of the Bonds to be
issued as “tax-exempt bonds,” the interest on which is not includable in gross income for
federal and State of Minnesota income tax purposes.
All of the provisions of the Bonds, when executed as authorized herein, shall be deemed
to be a part of this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein
and shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Bonds
shall be substantially in the form of the Bond Indenture on file with the City, which form is
hereby approved, with such necessary and appropriate variations, omissions, and insertions
(including changes to the aggregate principal amount of the Bonds, the stated maturities of the
Bonds, the interest rates on the Bonds and the terms of redemption of the Bonds) as the Mayor
and the City Manager, in their discretion, shall determine. The execution of the Bonds with the
manual or facsimile signatures of the Mayor and the City Manager and the delivery of the
Bonds by the City shall be conclusive evidence of such determination.
3.09. The Bonds shall be special, limited obligations of the City payable solely from the
revenues provided by the Borrower pursuant to the Bond Loan Agreement and other funds
pledged pursuant to the Bond Indenture. The City Council hereby authorizes and directs the
Mayor and the City Manager to execute the Bonds in accordance with the terms thereof.
3.10. All of the provisions of the Bond Indenture, when executed as authorized herein,
shall be deemed to be a part of this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated
verbatim herein and shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery
thereof. The Bond Indenture shall be substantially in the form on file with the City, which is
hereby approved, with such necessary and appropriate variations, omissions and insertions as
do not materially change the substance thereof, and as the Mayor and the City Manager, in
their discretion, shall determine, and the execution thereof by the Mayor and the City Manager
shall be conclusive evidence of such determination. The Mayor and the City Manager are
hereby authorized and directed to execute the Bond Indenture, and to deliver the Bond
Indenture to the Bond Trustee, and hereby authorizes and directs the execution of the Bonds in
accordance with the terms of the Bond Indenture, and hereby provides that the Bond
Indenture shall provide the terms and conditions, covenants, rights, obligations, duties, and
agreements of the owners of the Bonds, the City, and the Bond Trustee as set forth therein.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 5
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
3.11. The Mayor and the City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute
and deliver the Bond Loan Agreement, a Bond Purchase Agreement between the City, the
Borrower, and the Bond Underwriter, with respect to the Bonds, and all other documents and
assignments related to the Bond Loan required to be executed by the City. All of the provisions
of such documents, when executed and delivered as authorized herein, shall be deemed to be a
part of this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein and
shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The
aforementioned documents shall be substantially in the forms on file with the City which are
hereby approved, with such omissions and insertions as do not materially change the substance
thereof, and as the Mayor and the City Manager, in their discretion, shall determine, and the
execution thereof by the Mayor and the City Manager shall be conclusive evidence of such
determinations.
3.12. The City will not participate in the preparation of the Preliminary Official
Statement or the Official Statement relating to the offer and sale of the Bonds (together, the
“Official Statement”) and will make no independent investigation with respect to the
information contained therein, including the appendices thereto, except for the information set
forth in the Official Statement regarding the City and certain matters relating to litigation, and
the City assumes no responsibility for the sufficiency, accuracy, or completeness of such
information. Subject to the foregoing, the City hereby consents to the distribution and the use
by the Bond Underwriter of the Official Statement in connection with the offer and sale of the
Bonds. The Official Statement is the sole material consented to by the City for use in
connection with the offer and sale of the Bonds.
3.13. The City hereby authorizes the Borrower to provide such security for payment of
its obligations under the Bond Loan Agreement and for payment of the Bonds, and the City
hereby approves the execution and delivery of such security.
Section 4. The Note.
4.01. The Borrower has requested that the City issue, sell, and deliver a portion of the
Obligations in the approximate principal amount of $4,503,459 (the “Note”). The Note is
proposed to be purchased by TCF Investments Management, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (the
“Note Lender”).
4.02. The proceeds derived from the sale of the Note will be loaned by the City to the
Borrower (the “Note Loan”) pursuant to the terms of a Loan Agreement (the “Note Loan
Agreement”) between the City and the Borrower.
4.03. The Note will be issued pursuant to this resolution and the Act, and the Note and
the interest thereon (i) shall be payable solely from the revenues pledged therefor under the
Note Loan Agreement and additional sources of revenues provided by or on behalf of the
Borrower; (ii) shall not constitute a debt of the City within the meaning of any constitutional or
statutory limitation; (iii) shall not constitute or give rise to a pecuniary liability of the City or a
charge against its general credit or taxing powers; (iv) shall not constitute a charge, lien, or
encumbrance, legal or equitable, upon any property of the City other than the City’s interest in
the Note Loan Agreement; and (v) shall not constitute a general or moral obligation of the City.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 6
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
4.04. The loan repayments to be made by the Borrower under the Note Loan
Agreement will be fixed so as to produce revenue sufficient to pay the principal of, premium, if
any, and interest on the Note when due. The City will assign its rights to the basic payments
and certain other rights under the Note Loan Agreement to the Note Lender pursuant to the
terms of an Assignment of Loan Agreement (the “Assignment of Note Loan Agreement”)
between the City and the Note Lender.
4.05. To secure its obligations under the Note Loan Agreement, the Borrower will
pledge to the Note Lender a portion of equity installments attributable to low-income housing
tax credits for the Project. Additionally, the Borrower may cause one or more mortgages or
guaranties to be delivered to secure the Borrower’s obligations under the Note Loan Agreement.
4.06. The City acknowledges, finds, determines, and declares that the issuance of the
Note is authorized by the Act and is consistent with the purposes of the Act and that the
issuance of the Note, and the other actions of the City under the Note Loan Agreement and this
resolution, constitute a public purpose and are in the interests of the City. In authorizing the
issuance of the Note to finance a portion of the Project and the related costs, the City’s purpose
is and the effect thereof will be to promote the public welfare of the City and its residents by
providing multifamily housing developments for low or moderate income residents of the City
and otherwise furthering the purposes and policies of the Act.
4.07. For the purposes set forth above, there is hereby authorized the issuance, sale,
and delivery of the Note in the approximate aggregate principal amount of $4,503,459. The
Note shall bear interest at the rates, shall be designated, shall be numbered, shall be dated,
shall mature, shall be in the aggregate principal amount, shall be subject to redemption prior to
maturity, shall be in such form, and shall have such other terms, details, and provisions as are
prescribed in the form of Note now on file with the City, with the amendments referenced
herein. The City hereby authorizes the Note to be issued, in whole or in part, as “tax-exempt
bonds,” the interest on which is not includable in gross income for federal and State of
Minnesota income tax purposes.
All of the provisions of the Note, when executed as authorized herein, shall be deemed
to be a part of this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein
and shall be in full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Note
shall be substantially in the form on file with the City, which form is hereby approved, with such
necessary and appropriate variations, omissions, and insertions (including changes to the
aggregate principal amount of the Note, the stated maturity of the Note, the interest rate on
the Note and the terms of redemption of the Note) as the Mayor and the City Manager, in their
discretion, shall determine. The execution of the Note with the manual or facsimile signatures
of the Mayor and the City Manager and the delivery of the Note by the City shall be conclusive
evidence of such determination.
4.08. The Note shall be a special, limited obligation of the City payable solely from the
revenues provided by the Borrower pursuant to the Note Loan Agreement, including the equity
installments attributable to low-income housing tax credits for the Project. The City Council
hereby authorizes and directs the Mayor and the City Manager to execute the Note in
accordance with the terms thereof.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 7
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
4.09. The Mayor and the City Manager are hereby authorized and directed to execute
and deliver the Note Loan Agreement and the Assignment of Note Loan Agreement, and all
other documents and assignments related to the Note Loan required to be executed by the
City. All of the provisions of the Note Loan Agreement and the Assignment of Note Loan
Agreement, when executed and delivered as authorized herein, shall be deemed to be a part of
this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein and shall be in
full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Note Loan Agreement
and the Assignment of Note Loan Agreement shall be substantially in the forms on file with the
City which are hereby approved, with such omissions and insertions as do not materially change
the substance thereof, and as the Mayor and the City Manager, in their discretion, shall
determine, and the execution thereof by the Mayor and the City Manager shall be conclusive
evidence of such determinations.
4.10. The City hereby authorizes the Borrower to provide such security for payment of
its obligations under the Note Loan Agreement and for payment of the Note, and the City
hereby approves the execution and delivery of such security.
Section 5. Additional Findings and Certifications.
5.01. The Obligations are authorized to be issued in an amount not to exceed
$14,013,459. On the date hereof the Bonds are expected to be issued in the approximate
aggregate principal amount of $9,510,000, and the Note is expected to be issued in the
approximate aggregate principal amount of $4,503,459. However, the final principal amount of
the Obligations may change so long as the total aggregate principal amount of the Obligations
does not exceed $14,013,459.
5.02. To ensure compliance with certain rental and occupancy restrictions imposed by
the Act and Section 142(d) of the Code, and to ensure compliance with certain restrictions
imposed by the City, the Mayor and City Manager are also hereby authorized and directed to
execute and deliver a Regulatory Agreement (the “Regulatory Agreement”) between the City,
the Borrower, the Bond Trustee, and the Note Lender. All of the provisions of the Regulatory
Agreement, when executed and delivered as authorized herein, shall be deemed to be a part of
this resolution as fully and to the same extent as if incorporated verbatim herein and shall be in
full force and effect from the date of execution and delivery thereof. The Regulatory
Agreement shall be substantially in the form on file with the City which is hereby approved,
with such omissions and insertions as do not materially change the substance thereof, or as the
Mayor and the City Manager, in their discretion, shall determine, and the execution thereof by
the Mayor and the City Manager shall be conclusive evidence of such determination.
5.03. The Mayor and the City Manager are authorized and directed to execute any
additional documents deemed necessary to carry out the intentions of this resolution and to
complete the financing described herein, so long as City staff and legal counsel approve such
documents.
5.04. The Mayor, the City Manager, and the Chief Financial Officer are hereby
authorized to execute and deliver, on behalf of the City, such other documents and certificates
as are necessary or appropriate in connection with the issuance, sale, and delivery of the
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 8
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
Obligations, including various certificates of the City, one or more Information Returns for
Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bond Issues, Form 8038, one or more endorsements of the City to
the tax certificate of the Borrower, and similar documents, and all other documents and
certificates as shall be necessary and appropriate in connection with the issuance, sale, and
delivery of the Obligations. The City hereby authorizes Kennedy & Graven, Chartered, as bond
counsel (“Bond Counsel”), to prepare, execute, and deliver its approving legal opinions with
respect to the Obligations.
5.05. Except as otherwise provided in this resolution, all rights, powers, and privileges
conferred and duties and liabilities imposed upon the City or the City Council by the provisions
of this resolution or of the aforementioned documents shall be exercised or performed by the
City or by such members of the City Council, or such officers, board, body or agency thereof as
may be required or authorized by law to exercise such powers and to perform such duties.
No covenant, stipulation, obligation or agreement herein contained or contained in the
aforementioned documents shall be deemed to be a covenant, stipulation, obligation or
agreement of any member of the City Council, or any officer, agent or employee of the City in
that person’s individual capacity, and neither the City Council nor any officer or employee
executing the Obligations shall be personally liable on the Obligations or be subject to any
personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance thereof.
No provision, covenant or agreement contained in the aforementioned documents, the
Obligations, or in any other document relating to the Obligations, and no obligation therein or
herein imposed upon the City or the breach thereof, shall constitute or give rise to a general or
moral obligation of the City or any pecuniary liability of the City or any charge upon its general
credit or taxing powers. In making the agreements, provisions, covenants, and representations
set forth in such documents, the City has not obligated itself to pay or remit any funds or
revenues, other than funds and revenues as described herein which are to be applied to the
payment of the Obligations, as provided therein.
5.06. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this resolution or in
the aforementioned documents expressed or implied is intended or shall be construed to
confer upon any person or firm or corporation, other than the City, any holder of the
Obligations issued under the provisions of this resolution, any right, remedy or claim, legal or
equitable, under and by reason of this resolution or any provisions hereof, this resolution, the
aforementioned documents, and all of their provisions being intended to be and being for the
sole and exclusive benefit of the City, and any holder from time to time of the Obligations
issued under the provisions of this resolution.
5.07. In case any one or more of the provisions of this resolution, other than the
provisions contained in the first sentence of Sections 3.09 and 4.08 hereof, or of the
aforementioned documents, or of the Obligations issued hereunder shall for any reason be held
to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this
resolution, or of the aforementioned documents, or of the Obligations, but this resolution, the
aforementioned documents, and the Obligations shall be construed and endorsed as if such
illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained therein.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b) Page 9
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds
5.08. The Obligations, when executed and delivered, shall contain a recital that they
are issued pursuant to the Act, and such recital shall be conclusive evidence of the validity of
the Obligations and the regularity of the issuance thereof, and that all acts, conditions, and
things required by the laws of the State of Minnesota relating to the adoption of this resolution,
to the issuance of the Obligations, and to the execution of the aforementioned documents to
happen, exist, and be performed precedent to the execution of the aforementioned documents
have happened, exist, and have been performed as so required by law.
5.09. The officers of the City, Bond Counsel, other attorneys, engineers, and other
agents or employees of the City are hereby authorized to do all acts and things required of
them by or in connection with this resolution, the aforementioned documents, and the
Obligations, for the full, punctual, and complete performance of all the terms, covenants, and
agreements contained in the Obligations, the aforementioned documents, and this resolution.
If for any reason the Mayor or the City Manager is unable to execute and deliver the documents
referred to in this resolution, such documents may be executed by any member of the City
Council or any officer of the City delegated the duties of the Mayor or the City Manager with
the same force and effect as if such documents were executed and delivered by the Mayor or
the City Manager.
5.10. The Borrower shall pay the administrative fee of the City on the date of issuance
of the Obligations in the amount of one percent (1%) of the outstanding principal amount of
the Obligations. The Borrower will also pay, or, upon demand, reimburse the City for payment
of, any and all costs incurred by the City in connection with the Project and the issuance of the
Obligations, whether or not the Obligations are issued, including any costs for attorneys’ fees.
Section 6. Effective Date. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and
after its approval. The approvals contained in the resolution are effective for one year after the
date hereof.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by City Council
Member _______________, and, after full discussion thereof and upon a vote being taken
thereon, the following City Council Members voted in favor thereof:
And the following City Council Members voted in opposition:
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council February 18, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Offices in
Minneapolis
Saint Paul
St. Cloud
470 U.S. Bank Plaza
200 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 337-9300 telephone
(612) 337-9310 fax
www.kennedy-graven.com
Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer
JULIE A. EDDINGTON
Attorney at Law
Direct Dial (612) 337-9213
Email: jeddington@kennedy-graven.com
February 4, 2020
Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer
City of St. Louis Park
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2216
Re: Resolution approving the issuance of revenue obligations by the City of St. Louis Park for the
benefit of Oak Park Village Partners, LP
Dear Tim,
Oak Park Village Partners, LP, a Minnesota limited partnership (the “Borrower”), has requested that the
City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota (the “City”) issue one or more series of taxable or tax-exempt revenue
obligations (the “Obligations”) in the maximum principal amount of $14,013,459 and loan the proceeds
thereof to the Borrower to finance the costs of the acquisition, rehabilitation, and equipping of an
approximately 100-unit existing multifamily rental housing facility and facilities functionally related and
subordinate thereto located at 7267 Oak Park Village Drive in the City for occupancy by persons of low
and moderate income (the “Project”). A portion of the Obligations (the “Bonds”) is expected to be sold
publicly and underwritten by Dougherty & Company LLC, and the remainder of the Obligations (the
“Note”) is expected to be privately placed with TCF Investments Management, Inc.
The Obligations will be considered “housing bonds” issued pursuant to Minnesota Statutes,
Chapter 462C, as amended (the “Act”). Pursuant to Section 462C.04, subdivision 2 of the Act and
Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the City Council is
required to conduct a public hearing on the issuance of the Obligations, which will be held on
February 18, 2020. Following the public hearing, the City Council will be asked to consider the enclosed
resolution, which provides final approval to the issuance of the Obligations, adopts a housing program
required under Section 462C.04, subdivision 2 of the Act, and authorizes the execution of loan documents
and related documents.
The Obligations will be secured solely by the revenues derived from one or more loan agreements (the
“Loan Agreements”) to be executed by the City and the Borrower and from other security provided by the
Borrower, including a mortgage and a pledge of tax credit equity. The Obligations will not constitute a
general or moral obligation of the City and will not be secured by or payable from any property or assets
of the City (other than the interests of the City in the Loan Agreements) and will not be secured by any
taxing power of the City. The Obligations will not be subject to any debt limitation imposed on the City,
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b)
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds Page 10
and the issuance of the Obligations will not have any adverse impact on the credit rating of the City, even
in the event that the Borrower encounters financial difficulties with respect to the Project.
The Obligations have received allocation of bonding authority from the State of Minnesota pursuant to
the requirements of Section 146 of the Code. The Obligations will be “private activity bonds” within the
meaning of Section 141(a) of the Code but will be “exempt facility bonds” the net proceeds of which are
to be used to provide a “qualified residential rental project” within the meaning of Sections 142(a)(7) and
143(d) of the Code and will not affect the City’s ability to designate up to $10,000,000 in tax-exempt
bonds as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” (or “bank-qualified bonds”) for calendar year 2020.
The Borrower will agree to pay the out-of-pocket expenses of the City with respect to this transaction as
well as the City’s administrative fee.
I will be attending the City Council meeting on February 18, 2020 and can answer any questions that may
arise during the meeting. Please contact me with any questions you may have prior to the City Council
meeting.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Eddington
SA140-128 (JAE)
635872v1
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b)
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds Page 11
Oak Park Apartments Page 1
Oak Park Village Apartments
Executive Summary
Oak Park Village Apartments
7267 Oak Park Village Dr
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
The Project Oak Park Village is a multifamily apartment community located in St. Louis Park, MN
(marked on the map below) which Vitus intends to acquire and rehabilitate.
It is important to preserve Oak Park Village as quality, affordable housing. The
redevelopment and large-scale improvements will not only benefit the current
residents, but the surrounding neighborhood as well. The impact on the neighborhood
will be minimal as there is no new construction involved.
Location Map, Oak Park Village Apartments
The Property Oak Park Village consists of a 100-unit apartment community comprised of 10 two and
three story apartment buildings located on a 6.58-acre lot. The buildings were
originally constructed in 1978 and are made up of 27 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom
garden style apartments, and 37 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom townhome units.
Property amenities include unit amenities include blinds, patio/balcony, carpeting and
vinyl flooring, central heating and air conditioning, and coat closets. Kitchen appliances
include a range/oven and refrigerator. Post-renovation amenities will also include
dishwashers and microwaves. The Subject's community amenities include a central
laundry facility, on-site management, a playground, surface parking, and garage parking.
Post-renovation, the Oak Park Village's community amenities will include adult exercise
equipment co-located within the updated children's playground.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b)
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds Page 12
Oak Park Apartments Page 2
Of the 100 units, 100 are covered by a HAP contract. At closing, the HAP contract will
be renewed for a 20-year term, subject to federal appropriations.
The property consists of one parcel of land, adjacent to the Oak Hill Park. The nearby is
served by the 604 bus route, the St. Louis Park Library, St, louis Park High School, and is
a short distance from Cub Foods and Target.
Property Photo, Oak Park Village
Rehabilitation
Plan and Green
Design
The rehabilitation budget is approximately $41,000 per unit. The rehabilitation will
include improvements to the general site such as windows and siding repairs,
condensers to be replaced as needed, unit cabinets to be replaced and redesigned to
incorporate microwaves and dishwashers, all plumbing fixtures to be replaced with
low-flow fixtures, all lighting fixtures to be replaced with energy efficient fixtures, unit
flooring to be replaced as needed, interior painting as needed, replace unit appliances
as needed, incorporate outdoor adult exercise equipment co located with the
updated children's playground, implementation of the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency Approved Remedial Action Plan to cleanup preexisting site contamination, add
raised beds to the outdoor gardening area, quarterly gardening classes will be
provided, provide ADA parking signs and curb cuts, resurface and restripe as needed.
With these upgrades, the project will provide housing comparable to (or better than)
the quality of other housing in the market area. The rehabilitation will be completed
with minor disruption to the residents. Vitus maintains a commitment to
environmentally friendly construction and energy efficient housing. To honor this
commitment, upgrades will include high efficiency lighting packages, low-E coated
windows, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, and high efficiency plumbing fixtures.
Sponsor Vitus’ mission is to create positive social impact – one community, one family and one
life at a time. As an innovative leader in affordable housing across the nation, Vitus
specializes in the preservation of affordable properties in market areas where the need
is greatest. With an emphasis on the well-being of its residents, Vitus provides access to
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b)
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds Page 13
Oak Park Apartments Page 3
healthy choices by offering spaces for physical activity, community gardening, enhanced
walkways and stairwells, bicycle storage and a variety of health and wellness programs.
These active design elements establish wellness-centered communities that encourage
healthy lifestyles. Since 1996, Vitus has developed and/or acquired more than 10,000
units of affordable housing in more than 100 properties, located across 22 states. A
combined total of almost 25,000 residents now live in Vitus affordable housing
communities across the country. www.vitus.com
The company is based in Seattle, Washington with a regional office located in New York.
Organizational
Entities
Beneficial title in the project will be held Oak Park Village Partners, LP, of which the
managing general partner will be Oak Park Housing Management, LLC (a Minnesota LLC)
and to be determined equity investor will serve as the limited partner. The project
developer will be Vitus Development IV, LLC.
Project Timing The property renovation will commence immediately upon the bond closing and will be
completed within 12 months thereafter.
For Additional
Information
Craig Ratchford, Director Development Management
(206) 832-1330
Craig.Ratchford@vitus.com
Brian Moloney, Assistant Development Manager
(206) 832-1321
brian.moloney@vitus.com
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6b)
Title: Oak Park Village Apartments – private activity revenue bonds Page 14
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Public hearing: 6c
Executive summary
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic
control (TS 713)
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take public testimony, and close the
public hearing. Motion to approve first reading of the ordinance and set second reading for
March 2, 2020.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support staff’s recommendation to rescind
Ordinance 535 in order to eliminate conflicts between the ordinance and state statute, and to
simplify traffic control changes?
Summary: On Jan. 21, 2020, the city council approved staff’s recommendation to change the
traffic control at the intersection of Quebec Avenue and 29th Street from a single stop sign on
the east approach to two way stop control on the north and south approaches.
In a routine traffic approval process, council would approve a new resolution to enact the traffic
control change and rescind any resolution that conflicts with the change. However, the stop
sign at this intersection was approved through ordinance in 1959. As a result, approving the
traffic committee’s recommendation requires a change to the ordinance. Instead of simply
changing the ordinance with new language, staff recommends rescinding the ordinance in its
entirety and implementing the traffic controls included in it through resolutions.
The ordinance is currently scheduled for its second reading at the March 2 council meeting and
is scheduled to take effect on March 27, 2020.
Financial or budget considerations: Costs related to this ordinance change are minimal and will
come from the general operating budget.
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
Draft ordinance (posted online Feb. 6, 2020)
Ordinance 535 – to be rescinded
Location map
TS 713 study session report – Jan. 13, 2020 (pp. 72 – 116)
TS 713 council approval – Jan. 21, 2020 (pp. 145 – 146)
Prepared by: Ben Manibog, transportation engineer
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c) Page 2
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Discussion
Background: At the Jan. 13, 2020 study session, council received a report regarding Traffic
Study 713: Installation of stop controls on Quebec Avenue at 29th Street. The report is linked
for more detailed information regarding the study.
At the Jan. 21, 2020 council meeting, the city council approved the traffic committee’s
recommendation to change the traffic controls at the intersection of Quebec Avenue and 29th
Street from a single stop sign on the east approach to two-way stop controls on the north and
south approaches. This report is linked for more detailed information regarding the study.
In a routine traffic request approval process, council would approve a new resolution to enact
the traffic control change and rescind any resolution that conflicts with the change. However,
the legal document attached to the traffic controls at this intersection is an ordinance.
To modify an ordinance, another ordinance must be passed. Passing an ordinance requires a
public hearing and two readings prior to council approval.
Ordinance: Traffic controls at the intersection of Quebec Avenue and 29th Street are currently
governed by Ordinance 535. By rescinding Ordinance 535 and re-writing the traffic controls
therein as resolutions, it will simplify and shorten the process to perform routine traffic control
changes when requested by the public.
Ordinance 535 is broken up into five sections. Note, not all parts of Ordinance 535 are
necessary for staff to properly administer traffic controls on city streets. This ordinance was
approved in 1959, and changes to the roadway system and state statutes make parts of it
obsolete. For details on the ordinance, please refer to the Jan. 13 study session report.
Resolutions: Ordinance 535 established the traffic controls for 24 intersections across St. Louis
Park. Staff recommends that the existing traffic controls be preserved at all 24 intersections
except for Quebec Avenue at 29th Street, as previously explained. To do this, additional
resolutions must be rescinded or modified to properly reflect the existing traffic controls at
these intersections.
Because any ordinance must be read twice for it to take into effect, the related traffic
resolutions establishing the traffic controls at the 24 intersections will be brought to council for
approval at the ordinance’s second reading. To reiterate, the only recommended change to
traffic controls is at the intersection of Quebec Avenue and 29th Street, as explained above.
Next steps: Staff has developed the following steps for action on TS 713 and the adoption of
the ordinance (rescinding Ordinance 535).
First reading of ordinance Feb. 18, 2020
Second reading of ordinance (adopt ordinance, approve summary,
authorize summary publication, rescind resolutions, approve resolutions)
March 2, 2020
Submit summary to Sun Sailor March 5, 2020
Summary publication March 12, 2020
Ordinance effective date March 27, 2020
Ordinance No. ___-20
An ordinance rescinding Ordinance No. 535
The City of St. Louis Park does ordain:
Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park had established a list of thru streets and stop -
controlled intersections in Ordinance No. 535; and,
Whereas, in Traffic Study 713, staff recommended to re-write Ordinance No. 535 into
resolutions for better record keeping; and,
Whereas, the intent of re-writing the ordinances into resolutions is to reflect existing
traffic control conditions apart from the intersection of 29th Street and Quentin Avenue; and,
Whereas, St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make
their way around the city comfortably, safely, and reliably.
Section 1. Ordinance No. 535 is hereby rescinded.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 2, 2020
Thomas K. Harmening, City Manager Jake Spano, Mayor
Attest: Approved as to form and execution:
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Soren Mattick, City Attorney
First Reading Feb. 18, 2020
Second Reading Mar. 2, 2020
Date of Publication Mar. 12, 2020
Date Ordinance takes effect Mar. 27, 2020
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c)
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Page 3
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c)
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Page 4
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c)
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Page 5
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c)
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Page 6
TS 713 location map
2844
2906
2850 28502851
2900
2855
2900
2905
2840
2845
2931
2924
2915
2904
2831
2844
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2830
2850
2824 2824
2831
2854
2920
7623
2834
29102914
2835
2854
7617
2930
2844
2925
2904
2845
2825
2901
2824
2855
2851
2931
2921
2840
2924
2921
2854
2914
2834
2930
2830
2900
2910
2918
2920
2841
2834
2910
2925
2917
2841
2830
2914
2911
2840
2835
29TH ST W QUEBEC AVE SRHODE ISLAND AVE SQUEBEC AVE S´0 50 10025
Feet
Legend
Proposed stop sign installation
Proposed stop sign removal
Existing stop signs
Property lines
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6c)
Title: First Reading to rescind Ord. 535 and multiple resolutions supporting intersection traffic control (TS 713)
Page 7
Meeting: City council
Meeting date: February 18, 2020
Public hearing: 6d
Executive summary
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
Recommended action: Mayor to open public hearing, take public testimony, and close the public
hearing. Council is asked to take final action on this project at the March 2 meeting.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish staff to continue to pursue the installation of the
staff recommended layout for the bikeway segments identified in this report?
Summary: Council has requested staff to complete preliminary designs for bike facilities in the
southeast area of St. Louis Park as outlined in the Connect the Park plan. The segments create a
continuous bikeway from the Rec Center to the city’s south border with Edina as well as connect
Minneapolis and the Chain of Lakes to the Excelsior & Grand area. In all, the Southeast area
bikeways will add 1.72 miles to the network.
Staff has worked through an extensive community engagement process beginning in December
2017, working towards the best design for all road users. We have worked to refine our design
using the feedback received.
On Jan. 27, staff gave council a report and presentation regarding the southeast area bikeway
project. In this report, staff provides additional information based on council’s questions
regarding the project, stated during the Jan. 27 study session.
Staff has scheduled a council decision to approve the preliminary layout and authorize final plans
for this project at the March 2 meeting. If approved, this project would be constructed from Fall
2020 to Spring 2021.
Financial or budget considerations: This project is included in the city’s 2020 capital
improvement plan (CIP) and will be paid for using general obligation bonds. The total project cost
is estimated at $556,250.
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
Overview map
Jan. 27, 2020 study session report (pages 12-113)
Prepared by: Ben Manibog, transportation engineer
Jack Sullivan, senior engineering project manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 2
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
Discussion
Background: Staff was directed to recommend a design for a bikeway on the following segments
as a part of the Connect the Park capital improvement plan (CIP). All the segments, which make
up 1.72 miles of bikeways, are collectively called the Southeast Bikeway Improvements:
• 38th Street from Excelsior Boulevard to France Avenue (0.4 miles)
The four segments below together complete a bike route from the Rec Center to the Edina
border (1.32 miles):
• From the Rec Center west along the south side of Wolfe Park (0.32 miles)
• South from Wolfe Parkway on Park Commons Drive to the intersection with Quentin
Avenue (0.07 miles)
• South along Quentin Avenue from Park Commons Drive to Princeton Avenue at 42nd 1/2
Street (0.58 miles)
• South along Wooddale Avenue from 42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street (0.35 miles)
These segments were first identified as a part of the Active Living: Sidewalk and Trails Plan in
2007 and were then integrated into Connect the Park plan in 2012.
Connect the Park is designed to create a system that provides sidewalks approximately every
quarter mile and bikeways every half mile in order to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity
throughout the community. The proposed north-south and east-west corridors provide key
connections that will enhance walking and biking in the city by connecting destinations such as
parks, businesses, the Rec Center, the ROC, Edina, and Minneapolis.
As in the case with most of the bikeways in the Connect the Park initiative, this transportation
project is a retrofit project rather than a full reconstruction of the street. Reconstruction of any of
these segments is not on the current 10-year CIP. Instead, this project will make improvements at
key locations to further the city’s policy goals of safer travel for all modes of traffic.
At the Jan. 27, 2020 study session, staff provided the city council with a report and a presentation
regarding this project. Further project information can be found in that study session report.
Study session discussion and questions: The council asked staff several questions regarding the
overall project and staff’s recommended layout. The council’s questions, comments, and staff’s
responses are provided below grouped in categories:
Policy questions:
A question was asked about how this project fits in with the city’s Complete Streets Policy:
• The Complete Streets Policy is also relevant to this project and was not mentioned in the
study session report. The Complete Streets policy, approved by council in June 2013,
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.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 3
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
Why are the bikeways on busier streets?
• The location of the bikeway segments is based on the Connect the Park implementation
plan approved by council in 2013. The locations of the segments were originally identified
by the Community Advisory Committee in the Active Living: Sidewalks and Trails Plan,
which was completed in 2008.
The bikeways are proposed on streets with higher traffic volumes because those are the
most direct routes that connect the most desirable destinations and are the most
continuous routes through the city. Therefore, improvements are proposed to these routes
to make bicycling more attractive, less stressful, and safer for all modes of transportation.
Trees and parking:
What are the impacts and costs of adding more parking bays to the bikeway segment on
Wooddale Avenue from 42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street?
• The staff recommended layout provides 13 vehicle spaces distributed amongst 5 parking
bays. To install the parking bays, 10 trees (ash, elm, hackberry, maple, linden, and oak)
must be removed. There are currently 63 parking spaces on Wooddale Avenue and
approximately 75 trees in the city boulevard. Each parking stall costs about $14,000 to
construct.
• Additional parking could be added along this segment of Wooddale Avenue by either
extending some of the proposed bays or by creating new bays. Staff is limited to the
amount and location of additional parking proposed due to the location of existing
driveways and mature oak trees. The following illustrates options for incrementally
increasing the on-street parking count and associated tree removal.
o Parking could be increased to provide a total of 18 total spaces. This would require
5 additional trees to be removed for a total of 15 trees. The removed trees are ash,
maple, and lindens.
o Parking could be increased to provide a total of 29 spaces. This would require 11
additional trees to be removed for a total of 21 trees. The removed trees would be
larger maple, linden, elms, and one large oak tree at 4278 Wooddale.
o To provide beyond 29 total parking spaces, there is roughly a one-to-one
relationship between parking spaces gained and trees removed. One tree must be
removed for each parking space added to the corridor. The trees required to be
removed beyond providing 29 parking spaces would be impactful to the mature
oaks on Wooddale Avenue.
Could parking bays be spread more constantly throughout the bikeway segment on Wooddale
Avenue from 42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street?
• The recommended parking bay locations are based on minimizing impacts to the trees in
the corridor. Tree species, size, and health were the main factors in selecting parking bay
locations in order to not disturb large and mature oak trees. The homes south of
Morningside Road typically have more off-street parking (driveways and garages) when
compared to the homes located between 42nd 1/2 Street and Morningside Road. As a
result, if additional parking stalls were pursued, staff would recommend investigating
locating the parking in this northern segment.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 4
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
Bikeway design:
Why does the recommended layout include bike lanes versus shared lane bike infrastructure for
the bikeway segment on Wooddale Avenue from 42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street?
• The recommended layout includes bike lanes and shared lanes on different segments of
the project based on the context of the respective roadways.
• Bike lanes designate a preferential space for bicyclists using pavement markings and signs.
They can be an appropriate way to serve “Interested but Concerned” bicyclists.
• Shared lanes and their markings (often called “sharrows”) can be used on roadways to
confirm to drivers and bicyclists that bicycling on the roadway is appropriate. Shared lanes
provide people bicycling little to no physical separation from motor vehicles and are most
appropriate on low volume, low-speed roads. To clarify, bicycles are considered vehicles
and may be operated on all streets except where expressly prohibited (i.e., limited access
roadways).
• Staff uses bikeway selection guidance, including the Federal Highway Association (FHWA),
and MnDOT. Using this guidance and the existing vehicle volumes and speeds of the
roads, staff recommended bike lanes on Wooddale Avenue and shared lanes on Princeton
and Quentin Avenues.
o In urban and suburban contexts with a daily vehicle volume of 3200 and operating
speeds of 32 mph, a bike lane is the most appropriate bikeway (FHWA and
MnDOT). Those are the existing traffic conditions on Wooddale Avenue.
o In urban and suburban contexts with a daily vehicle volume of 1500 - 2000 and
operating speeds of 17 - 27 mph, a shared lane is the most appropriate bikeway
(FHWA and MnDOT). Those are the existing traffic conditions on Princeton and
Quentin Avenue.
Was an alternative bicycle route considered for Wooddale Avenue?
• During the community engagement process, an alternative bicycle route was explored
using Browndale Avenue, Morningside Road, Quentin Avenue, and an existing trail to get
to the intersection of Wooddale Avenue and 42nd 1/2 Street. When shown at the second
open house in September 2018, there was no strong support for the alternative over the
Wooddale Avenue route.
• According to the FHWA, effective bicycle networks lead to more people bicycling by
creating bicycling routes that are efficient, seamless, and easy to use. The three most
important principles (out of seven) are safety, comfort, and connectivity.
• Having a bikeway on Wooddale Avenue over an alternative route focuses on the
connectivity principle. Trips within a bicycle network should be direct and convenient and
offer access to the same destinations served by the roadway network.
• Excessive distance is frequently noted as the most powerful deterrent to bicycling.
Research indicates that for an alternative low-stress route to be viable, the increase in trip
length should be less than 30 percent. To change the route from Wooddale Avenue to the
Browndale Avenue route, it would increase the trip length by approximately 50 percent.
• Having a safe facility on the same routes as vehicles promote biking because they connect
directly to destinations that are desirable to everyone. Directing bicycles to take a more
circuitous route, at the convenience of vehicles, does not prioritize bicycling.
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 5
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
Could a multi-use trail design that replaces the existing sidewalk be considered instead of a bike
lane on the bikeway segment from Wooddale Avenue from 42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street?
A planning level review of this design was completed by staff. Replacing the east sidewalk with a
trail is technically feasible. A preliminary cost estimate is about $450,000 compared to the
recommended parking bay layout, which is approximately $200,000. Installing a multi-use trail on
the corridor would not change the existing parking on Wooddale Avenue; however, staff has
identified the following general design challenges. Additional data collection and design would be
needed for this option to determine precise impacts.
• A multi-use trail is not consistent with the guidance for bikeways from organizations such
as the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), and MnDOT.
o NACTO recommends a bicycle path only on high-speed limited access roadways or
roadways with greater than 6000 daily vehicles and greater than 26 mph operating
speeds.
o As previously stated, FHWA and MnDOT guidance recommend bike lanes on roads
with characteristics like Wooddale Avenue.
o A multi-use trail on either side of Wooddale Avenue could be a maximum of eight
feet wide without impacting most of the corridor’s trees.
o MnDOT recommends a minimum width of ten feet for shared use paths and side
paths. Only in physically constrained conditions for very short distances can an
eight-foot path be used for a bikeway. Side-by-side bicycle riding is possible but
less comfortable on this narrow width path. Constrained paths for long distances
can create frequent and inconsistent passing and meeting events between
bicyclists, walkers, and other path users. These can cause frustration, collisions,
and delay.
• Confident bicyclists would continue to use Wooddale Avenue even if a trail was present.
• Removal of the existing concrete sidewalk, excavation to widen for the multi-use trail, and
other construction activities will have impacts to the root structure of all the boulevard
trees on the east side of the road (approximately 41 trees).
• Some trees would be recommended to be removed due to their location and shallow root
structure.
• Additional excavation on the property owner side of the sidewalk would be required to
widen for the trail. This excavation would need temporary easements and potentially
permanent easements.
• Driveways would have to be removed, the slopes regraded and repaved to account for the
new width of the trail.
• Retaining walls would be needed in front yards to allow for the widening.
Traffic management:
Could additional stop signs be installed at the intersection of Wooddale Avenue and Morningside
Road?
• In order to make an informed recommendation, staff would need to collect additional
traffic data relating to Morningside Road. Because we use traffic tubes to collect this data,
that investigation would need to wait until the spring after the snow has melted.
• For staff to recommend stop sign installation, the first step would be to complete an
intersection study. This would not be done until the spring. However, based on staff’s
understanding of the traffic volumes, speeds, sightlines, and accident history at this
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 6
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
intersection, it is unlikely that it would meet the Minnesota Manual for Uniform Traffic
Control’s criteria for the installation of all-way stop controls. If it does not meet the
criteria, the traffic committee would not recommend the installation of additional stop
signs at this location. This is consistent with policy.
• When the traffic committee does not recommend installation of a traffic control, the city
council has the authority to approve signs that do not meet these all-way stop sign criteria
based on feedback from the neighborhood association.
Financial considerations: This project is funded using general obligation (GO) bonds. Estimated
project cost for all segments of the project is $556,250.
As prefaced in the Jan. 27, 2020 study session report, estimated construction costs for the
Southeast Area Bikeway are $445,000. Below are the preliminary construction estimates along
with costs for engineering and administration. Final project cost estimates will be modified based
on the design elements approved by council. Updates to the project costs will be provided when
the project is brought forward to council for final plan approval and authorization for bidding.
Southeast area bikeway CIP Engineer's
estimate
38th Street (France Avenue to CSAH 3) $15,000
Wolfe Park $20,000
Park Commons (Wolfe Park to Quentin Avenue) $160,000
Quentin/Princeton Avenues (Park Commons Drive to 42nd
1/2 Street)
$50,000
Wooddale Avenue (42nd 1/2 Street to 44th Street) $200,000
Construction total $450,000 $445,000
Engineering and administration $112,500 $111,250
Project total $562,500 $556,250
Funding sources
General obligation bonds $562,500 $556,250
General obligation bonds are expected to be used to fund the estimated $556,250 for bikeways.
The debt service levy for this project will be $64,323, starting in 2020 for ten years.
Other financial considerations:
Operation and maintenance costs:
This project creates new city infrastructure, including bikeways and enhanced pedestrian
crossings. With new infrastructure, there will be operation and maintenance costs. Annual
operational efforts include snow removal, pavement sweeping, and general upkeep. In addition,
there are long term costs associated with the replacement of new pavement markings for
bicycles and pedestrians that occur on longer cycles of every 3 to 5 years. Signs are replaced
every 15 to 20 years.
There is expected to be minimal increases with the annual operations costs since most of the
bikeway is a retrofit within the existing roadway. However, there will be more long-term costs
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d) Page 7
Title: Southeast area bikeway project
associated with the replacement and upkeep for the addition of on-street bicycle pavement
markings.
As final plans are developed, staff will work on identifying the new incremental costs and will
present them when this project is presented to council for final plan approval and authorization
for bids.
Proposed schedule: The proposed schedule for this project is as follows:
Public hearing Feb. 18, 2020
Approve preliminary layout and authorize final plans March 2, 2020
City council – approve final plans and order ad for bid Early summer 2020
Construction Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
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Southeast Bikeway Improvements
Legend
Proposed Bikeways
New Alignment
Existing Sidewalks
Existing Trails
City Limits
City council meeting of February 18, 2020 (Item No. 6d)
Title: Southeast area bikeway project Page 8