HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/05/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
May 4, 2020
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
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), CIO (Mr. Pires),
Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson), Traffic Engineer
(Mr. Manibog), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms.
Pappas).
Guests: none.
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of April 6, 2020
Councilmember Rog noted on the bottom of page 7 it should read, “...need to be
incentivizing new development that is 90% luxury apartments. She added it is important
to think about the signals we are sending developers about what our priorities are. She
also reiterated the importance of making sure the affordable units are aligned with the
market rate units in terms of size.”
Councilmember Rog noted on page 8 it should read, “… as residents have requested.
She added that the city’s light agreements may warrant revisiting in relation to this and
other projects in the city.”
Councilmember Kraft noted on the top of page 4, 2nd paragraph, it should read, “…and it
sized at 86 kilowatts.” He further noted on page 7, 2nd paragraph, it should read, “…
components, including the solar array and the green roof on parking structure …the
improvements in the bike and infrastructure should improve safety for pedestrians in
that area, especially for kids waiting at bus stop s.”
Councilmember Mavity asked if this is what Councilmembers Rog and Kraft said that
night at the meeting, that the record did not adequately say, or if this what you wished
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you said. She added she wants to make sure the record is reflecting what was said and
not what we hoped we said.
Councilmember Rog agreed but stated the portions she addressed had pieces missing.
Councilmember Kraft added he noted a couple areas where the meanin g was changed,
so he went back to gather the specific wording to make corrections.
Councilmember Brausen added a correction on page 6, 2nd paragraph, stating it should
read, “…to Natchez Avenue will be under 100 vehicles per day.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen to approve
the April 6, 2020 city council meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of March 30, 2020
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 2, 2nd paragraph it should read, “…and tracked so it
can be submitted to FEMA for reimbursement if and when reimbursement policies
become clear.” He added on page 7, it should read, “…what are the best and worst case
scenarios.”
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 10 it should read, “He asked staff if it is necessary
to do another detailed 4-hour COVID update in two weeks.”
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
March 20, 2020 study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of March 28, through
April 24, 2020.
4b. Approve Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2585-20 vacating the right-of-way
between 31st Street West and the Highway 7 Frontage Road between Glenhurst
Avenue South and Inglewood Avenue South and approve the Summary
Ordinance for publication.
4c. • Adopt Resolution No. 20-076 authorizing 2019 fund equity transfers.
• Adopt Resolution No. 20-077 authorizing 2020 budget amendments.
4d. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Feb. 19, 2020.
4e. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of March 4, 2020.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 20-078 approving relocation of polling place for Ward 3,
Precinct 9, from Knollwood Place Apartments to St. Louis Park Municipal Svc.
Center, 7305 Oxford St.
4g. Moved to 8b.
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4h. Adopt Resolution No. 20-079 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions
on the east side of Hampshire Avenue near the NW driveway of 6715
Minnetonka Blvd.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent
calendar item 4g to the regular agenda as item 8B; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions – none
6. Public hearings
6a. Public hearing on South Cedar Trails Homeowners Association Housing
Improvement Area (HIA)
Ms. Olson presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris stated the staff report noted the homeowner’s association
initially sought other financing, which was not available. She asked if the city is the only
hope for these improvements to move forward and if the city can count on the
association to fulfill its obligations for repayment. Councilmember Harris also asked
about the wide range in fees as well, being $11,000-22,000. Ms. Olson stated the
common elements are all divided evenly between the units, and the difference in costs
relates specifically to the number of windows installed in each unit.
Councilmember Mavity stated she did not see the factual context and background in the
staff report, adding this program within the city addresses affordable home ownership
and upholding housing quality standards. She noted it is used when certain quadrants of
city are not able to keep their properties up, and has been a tool to help those
homeowners, living in and owning affordable homes
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
stated the public hearing would remain open until May 18 so members of the public can
comment.
There was no action by the council this evening.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Traffic study 718 – authorize parking restrictions on the south CR 25 Service
Drive, Resolution No. 20-080
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Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He noted proposed parking restrictions on the
corridor and stated the traffic committee reviewed the proposed restrictions, as well as
residents’ concerns. Mr. Manibog stated the city sent communication to 1,100 residents
in the area asking for feedback and noted 25 comments were received. He added a
second mailing was sent to 1,100 residents and feedback was received from three
residents, with one for the proposal and two against.
Councilmember Rog noted that of the 20 comments received by staff the primary
presenting concern was semi-truck parking, followed by concern about not enough
parking, and then sight lines, visibility, and safety. She noted that the staff
recommended option addresses only one of those concerns. She expressed her wish for
staff to take more time to study this semi-truck parking issue and bring information back
to council before a final decision is made.
Councilmember Kraft asked where semi-trucks normally park in general, who owns
them, and do they typically park on city streets. Mr. Manibog stated semi-trucks are not
allowed to park adjacent to any residential areas, and the trucks parking there are not
from the area businesses. He added he is not aware who owns these trucks .
Mr. Harmening explained in general, people who own semi-trucks have a hard time
finding places to park them when they are not on the road . He added because many
cities have laws on parking in residential neighborhood, this becomes a challenge. He
stated he assumes semi-trucks are parking in this area when they are not on the road as
it is close to adjacent freeways and has good visibility.
Councilmember Kraft asked staff to talk through their reasoning as to why the semi-
truck parking was not addressed here. Mr. Manibog noted in the staff report, there is
more detail as to why the traffic committee made this particular recommendation . He
noted the area is non-residential, so parking there is allowable. He added the definition
of a truck is very broad and can include delivery vehicles and landscaping trucks, so
restricting trucks would mean restricting all trucks, as per the city attorney.
City Attorney Mattick noted the city code has a broad definition for trucks, and while
the code could limit semi-trucks, the definition of truck would need to be redone within
the code, as it is defined very broadly currently.
Councilmember Kraft asked Mr. Manibog if staff looked at changing the definition of
truck in the code as an option. Mr. Manibog stated the traffic committee did not
address this in their conversations.
Councilmember Harris stated the letter by staff sent to 1,100 people twice, was helpful
for getting feedback. She asked about parking on the frontage road. Mr. Manibog stated
the area Councilmember Harris was addressing is just east of this corridor , adjacent to
Parkway 25 and the Shoreham apartments. He noted this was a block away from the
area being discussed.
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Councilmember Harris stated she recalled residents in the area had concerns about
parking constraints there, and stated with more apartments going into this area, there
might be a ripple effect. She asked if there are trucks parked at the location 24 hours.
Mr. Manibog stated yes.
Councilmember Harris asked if the traffic committee discussed limiting overnight
parking on the corridor. Mr. Manibog stated restricting as a time issue was not
recommended by the committee. He added the enforcement of time restrictions are
typically complaint driven.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she understands the concerns about semis being
parked on the corridor. She noted her father was a trucker and would need to find
parking, so she understands the issue being faced by truckers and doesn’t want to add
more to their plate. She added if they park longer than 48 hours, then ticket them . She
noted what staff is proposing is a solution.
Councilmember Rog stated she has the same concerns, noting it is a challenge for
truckers to find a place to park. She asked about looking for alternative spaces for them
to park in the community, so as to increase community learning and empathy for
truckers. She added a resident had suggested a trucker’s park near the old Sam’s Club as
there is open commercial space there. She stated this issue has not been explored
enough to make a recommendation at this time.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is no fan of parking on public right of way; however,
added the traffic committee reviewed this based on city complaints and they proposed
a solution after public comment. He stated only two folks were against this and it seems
the council is micro-managing here, while proposed parking restrictions have been
made. He added the traffic committee does not see this as a safety issue, noting this is
being belabored, and he will support the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Harris asked why semi-truck parking couldn’t be restricted to the north
side of the corridor. Ms. Heiser stated the traffic committee had concerns over buses
traveling on that street, adding it would be difficult for buses to pass .
Councilmember Mavity agreed with Councilmember Brausen. She stated street parking
is public and she is not comfortable with micro-managing who can and cannot park
there.
Councilmember Rog stated the city has an important role to play here, adding that 16 of
20 residents indicated a strong concern with semi-trucks parking here. She added she
would be remiss in not asking that this be further looked into, and while she appreciates
the staff recommendation, she does not feel it goes far enough. She added this is an
opportunity for community education and she would like to come to the best solution .
Councilmember Kraft asked if the city restricts semi-truck parking in other parts of the
city. Ms. Heiser stated the city does not allow semi-trucks to park in residential areas,
adding this is the only place an issue like this exists in the city.
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Councilmember Kraft stated he was hoping staff would analyze this more. He added
what he is hearing from staff is that they did not analyze semis because the city can’t
change the definition of trucks in the code. He also said it feels to him that a resident
would think that’s a cop out.
Mayor Spano stated if he lived adjacent to this area, he might get tired of trucks parking
there as well. He asked if it might be possible to work with the trucking community to
create some spaces where they could park without complaints, in other areas of the
city. He asked about the Beltline development area, west of this area and if parking
restrictions will be discussed there also. Ms. Heiser stated in the next three years, that
area will all be redeveloped, and the frontage road will be gone.
Mayor Spano stated trucks need to be defined in the code a bit more, and added he
supports the staff recommendation as it is.
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to take more time to look at the truck issue,
and the comments of 16 residents. She will not support the motion as she would like
staff to research the truck definition and also look for alternative sites for trucks to park,
as well as community education. Councilmember Rog would then like staff to come back
to council with recommendations.
Councilmember Kraft agreed, adding he would like to see staff analyze semi -trucks
separately, and if it takes longer to do this, he is fine with that.
Councilmember Brausen stated this is letting perfect be the enemy of good, adding the
traffic committee looked at this, did not see any safety issues here, and is making
recommendations to the council. He stated he will not support Councilmember Rog’s
motion.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft to table the
recommendations of staff, work on the definition of trucks for the code, and come back
with another recommendation at a later date.
The motion failed 2-5 (Councilmembers Spano, Mohamed, Mavity, Harris, and Brausen
opposed).
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-080 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions on the north
side of the S County Road 25 Service Drive as well as the south side of the service drive
within 50 feet of each intersection between Beltline Boulevard and Inglewood Avenue.
The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Kraft and Rog opposed).
8b. Rescinding item 9 of Resolution 3681, authorizing the installation of parking
restrictions on both sides of the road within 50 feet of the intersection of 36 th
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½ Street and Kipling Avenue, and authorizing timed parking restrictions on the
west side of Kipling Avenue north of Excelsior Blvd, Resolution No. 20-081
Jeff and Joanie Meehan, 1900-37th Ave N, Plymouth, stated they are landlords of SLP
Enterprises and own the duplex at 3614-16 Kipling Ave. The proposed parking
restrictions will be a hardship for their tenants. They added there are many trucks in the
area and visibility is difficult during the week, due to construction in the area . They are
asking the council to consider their perspective and put signs on Kipling and 36th 1/2
Street, to not allow construction parking there, as well as add a 4-way stop at the
intersection.
Mr. Manibog stated the traffic committee discussed restricting parking on both sides of
the street on 30 feet of Kipling and 36th 1/2 street, noting there were concerns of safety
related to seeing oncoming vehicles.
Councilmember Mavity asked about the crosswalk size, and if there are stop signs at the
intersection. Mr. Manibog stated there are stop signs on the north and south sides of
the intersection.
Councilmember Mavity pointed out the Bridgewater Bank building is under construction
now, and construction vehicles are parking there. She stated these challenges will be
alleviated once Bridgewater opens, adding the city has had long-term conversations
with Opitz about parking limitations there as well. Councilmember Mavity asked about
daytime parking restrictions there and added city policy requires pedestrian safety first
as well as sightlines, adding she will support this motion .
Mr. Manibog stated there are daytime parking restrictions on the southwest side of
Kipling Ave., with all day 2-hour parking restrictions.
Councilmember Rog commented she is not prepared on this issue and will abstain from
this vote as she does not have enough information.
Councilmember Brausen stated most parking violations or concerns are addressed on a
complaint basis, so if the council adopts this restriction and it is utilized by residents in
the area to alert police if there are obstructions to sightlines, but there are no calls on
the weekend, this will not have an impact on the residents there.
Councilmember Mavity stated while the Bridgewater construction has contributed to
the issue, the council has prioritized pedestrians first. She noted that while
implementing and changing parking restrictions is not costly to the city, it is appropriate
to move ahead with changes recommended by the traffic committee, and stated if this
continues to be a problem, the situation can be adapted in the future.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-081 approving the installation of parking restrictions on both sides of
the road within 50 feet of the intersection of 36th ½ Street and Kipling Ave, and
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authorizing timed parking restrictions on the west side of Kipling Ave north of Excelsior
Blvd.
The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Rog abstained).
9. Communications
Mayor Spano stated Park Nicollet now has drive-up testing for Covid-19, with hours of
operation from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. He noted if a person is symptomatic, they need to contact their
doctor for an appointment to drive up for a test, if warranted. He added there is a link on the
city website with more information about Park Nicollet testin g.
Councilmember Harris encouraged all to put up their Blessed Ramadan signs in their yards.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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