HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/07/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
July 6, 2020
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:34 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), Economic
Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Planner (Ms. Kramer), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther),
Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: None
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session minutes of May 6, 2020
Councilmember Mavity noted on page 2 it should read, “She stated the city will need to
fund core services with some minimum fees, adding increases that had previously been
negotiated in water and sewer rates several years ago are important to ensure
resources to sustain our system, as well as looking at program costs.”
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 1 it should read “… as franchise fees are
regressive.” He noted on page 2, second paragraph from bottom it should read,
“…effect future debt payments.”
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 4, 3rd paragraph it should read, “…every year.”
On page 4 it should read Councilmember Kraft instead of Councilmember Rog in the 4th
paragraph. On page 6, 5th paragraph it should read, “….come back to council again,
ideally in one month, with conservation in the park goals tied to the climate action
plan…”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
May 6, 2020 study session minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
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3b. Study session minutes of June 8, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 6, 4th paragraph from the bottom, it should read,
“Councilmember Kraft noted they want to discuss the changes on immediate harm
reduction and outcomes-based information.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
June 8, 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 May 23, through June
26, 2020
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 20-099 appointing election judges for the August 11, 2020
state primary election
4c. Authorize execution of an amendment to the professional serv ices contract with
SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $89,749.82 for the final design of the
Dakota-Edgewood trail bridge project (4019-2000)
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 20-100 authorizing installation of permit parking restrictions
in front of 3715 Quebec Ave.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, 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
5a. Appointment of representatives to boards and commissions
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to appoint
representatives to the boards and commissions as listed in exhibit A.
The motion passed 7-0.
6. Public hearings - none
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Union Park Flats redevelopment Ordinance No. 2588-20
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Ms. Kramer presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris referenced the city’s green building policy. She asked what
considerations were made for making this building carbon neutral by 2040 and if the
current green building policy includes requirements for this building to be carbon
neutral by 2040. Mr. Walther stated the city’s green building policy is progressively
increasing requirements, meeting thresholds as each step is reached. He stated these
buildings are not required to be carbon neutral by 2040, not ing the applicant has
applied for grants on solar panels for the development.
Councilmember Rog thanked staff for the report and responses to questions from past
meetings, including details on traffic and roof pitch.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2588-20 adding Section 36-268-PUD
17 to the zoning code and amending the zoning map from R-3 two family residence to
PUD 17 and approve the summary ordinance for publication.
The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Mavity recused).
9. Communications
Councilmember Kraft stated he was interested in having a deeper discussion with staff
and council on masks and requiring or strongly encouraging them. He asked that it be
added to next week’s study session agenda.
Mayor Spano stated this issue is evolving rapidly and in his recent meeting with
Commissioner Green, this topic was discussed. He noted that the Commissioner will be
looking at this issue more closely.
Councilmember Harris reminded the council she had brought this topic up at the June 8,
2020 meeting, and asked Mr. Harmening for an update from staff. Mr. Harmening
stated staff can be prepared to discuss this with council on Monday , July 13, 2020 at the
study session, along with topics already on the agenda including, race equity check-in,
Connect the Park, mobility and movement via bike and pedestrians. He added staff has
been involved in an educational campaign on masks and in robust communication with
the community about the importance of using masks. He also noted staff has asked
Discover SLP and the Chamber of Commerce and all businesses to encourage customers
to use masks as well.
Councilmember Mohamed stated the conversation is worth having as we are exploring a
new way of life now.
Councilmember Mavity added she is happy to discuss, noting the city should do a
proclamation if the state does not do anything.
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Councilmember Rog asked if the city might call an emergency meeting to discuss this in
order to make this decision quickly if needed. She agreed it’s important to do what the
city can to encourage folks to wear masks as it is better for all.
Councilmember Brausen stated he has heard from constituents that they want an
ordinance around masks, but added he is hesitant as there will be a struggle enforcing it.
Mayor Spano added he is also interested in having this discussion but does share
Councilmember Brausen’s sense of restraint and the issue of enforcement. He stated
council should discuss and hear from the public, noting that several businesses in town
are supportive of using masks. He added several mayors are meeting with the governor
on Friday and the mask issue may be discussed.
It was the consensus of the council to add the mask topic to Monday’s study session
agenda.
Councilmember Brausen stated he received many emails on fireworks this week, noting
it is a public safety issue. He stated without organized fireworks this year, folks were
setting off fireworks on their own, which was quite disruptive . He noted the city does
have an ordinance on this, along with the state, and pointed out the city has noise
ordinances too. He stated it is unfortunate the city does not have voluntary compliance,
and he was asked by some folks to have the city prohibit fireworks altogether .
Councilmember Brausen added everyone needs to respect the rights of others and limit
use of fireworks, and neighbors should speak to one another vs. calling the police,
unless there is a violation of the ordinance. He asked all to cooperate.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she thought fireworks were banned in St. Louis Park
and asked if they are only allowed on July 4th. She added there is a sensitivity with her
family as her parents are survivors of war, and not fans of fireworks . However, she
added it is an overreach for the police to enforce this. She stat ed she is willing to have a
deeper conversation on this topic.
Councilmember Mavity stated the Department of Public Safety prohibits the use of
fireworks in Minnesota and it is against state law, unless one has a commercial license.
She stated this is not only a St. Louis Park project, but a larger community problem, and
needs both education and enforcement.
Councilmember Harris stated this issue is like the masking issue and is about neighbors
taking responsibility to look out for ourselves and others, and honoring state law. She
added it falls on local authority to enforce the law and in the absence of city fireworks,
there was more leeway this year, due to COVID. She stated she hesitates the city
enforcing this, adding there is room to mitigate. She stated she personally has asthma,
and the day after the air quality made it difficult to be outside. She stated she is not
alone on this issue.
Councilmember Kraft asked if this can be added to a study session agenda within the
next 6 months and enforce the ordinance that is on the books.
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Councilmember Brausen proposed this, but added he understands it is not a high
priority.
Councilmember Mavity stated she does not support discussing this issue as a study
session topic because it is state law.
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to return to discuss items on the TBD list for
future study sessions, and asked Mr. Harmening what the plan is now about getting
back to city business. Mr. Harmening stated he will ask department directors and work
with Ms. Solano on the longer-term agenda planning tool and see where items can be fit
into future agendas. He stated staff can be more proactive to schedule these items, and
more diligent in setting dates for conversations.
Councilmember Rog asked if the city’s boards and commissions are now meeting on
Zoom. Mr. Harmening stated the planning commission has met on Zoom, and others are
starting to.
Councilmember Brausen asked if any councilmembers are actively engaged with the
League of Minnesota Cities (LMC), adding there is benefit by being involved.
Councilmember Kraft stated he went to the LMC annual meeting, and the Metropolitan
Council meeting as well. He added he will also participate in the improving city services
group.
Councilmember Brausen suggested for Metro Cities, one representative be regularly
engaged on groups.
Councilmember Rog noted she also was on several committees last year but is not this
year.
Councilmember Kraft asked how soon the commissions will be back on council agendas
to review their work plans. Ms. Solano stated she is currently discussing this with the
staff liaisons, and reports can be made to council after the best method for doing this is
decided.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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