HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/07/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
July 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), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Director of
Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms.
Deno), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Fire Chief Koering, Public Works
Superintendent (Mr. Hanson), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Engineering Director
(Ms. Heiser), Racial Equity Manager (Mx. Sojourner), Senior Planner (Mr. Walther), Building &
Energy Director (Mr. Hoffman), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Senior Management
Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
1. Racial equity update and check-in
Mx. Sojourner led the council through a grounding exercise. They asked the councilmember to
focus on the coming year and issues related to racial equity and policymaking. Councilmembers
noted their thoughts:
Nervous about good intentions and unintended consequences
Want to expand relationship with bipoc community but not sure how to do this in an
authentic way that’s not tokenizing
Want to be more deliberate about working on building relationships
Be effective in my new position that’s meaningful to residents and self
Feeling powerless with issues and concern about impacts on a meaningful scale
Feeling humility and amazement as to how much you do not know, and so much more
to learn
Real time for listening and understanding, putting things into action and not just words
Mx. Sojourner stated staff is working to increase recruitment for the bipoc population, as well
as development and retention of talent within the city.
Councilmember Rog asked if data and information on racial equity can be added to the city
website. Mx. Sojourner stated this is planned for by the end of 2020, with information
presented as a scorecard.
Councilmember Kraft asked if anything was learned before 2019 about retention during exit
interviews. Mx. Sojourner stated all employees do an exit interview upon leaving employment
with the city. They noted HR, Mr. Harmening and Ms. Deno have access to the exit interview
information adding that department heads also see this information as well. Mr. Harmening
stated the exit information is shared and used as an opportunity to improve and grow within
the department. Ms. Deno added this information also serves as a teachable moment for staff
members.
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Councilmember Rog asked if staff works with the school district on internships and
apprenticeships. Mx. Sojourner stated currently internships are paid and offered to college
undergrads or higher.
Councilmember Rog asked if all managers and leadership do REI, and if they are optional or
required. Mx. Sojourner stated all staff have one goal for themselves connected to racial equity,
as well as a team goal. She added soon fellowships will be offered to staff which will become
mandatory later for supervisors, managers and those aspiring to be as well.
Mayor Spano stated staff might want to discuss internships with the Citizens League, noting this
is an excellent program used by the state of Minnesota.
Mayor Spano asked how city employee recruitment practices have changed, noting the success
of the Pathways to Policing program. Mx. Sojourner stated this involves job descriptions and
how they are written, including education and skill requirements, as well as where jobs are
posted, such as in diversity postings and with members of specific groups. They added in
Minnesota, the bipoc community communicates to each other about where to work, where not
to work, and about culture in workplaces. They stated the city provides interview panels that
are racially and department diverse and include members of different races, ages , and genders.
Mx. Sojourner added staff does internal bias training before the panels as well and is always
reviewing this process.
Mx. Sojourner told the council they are not creating goals tonight, but building their house, and
reflecting on whose life will be made better as they work on policy. They asked them to think
about whether they are creating more or less barriers for bipoc members, what their role is
here, how they communicate with bipoc residents, staff, and people who work in St. Louis Park,
as well as what are the overall tools council will use to shift policy. They asked council to think
about accountability as they build their house, and to think about creating a more just and
inclusive community for all. They noted council will discuss this further at their October group
feedback session, as well as take the IDI survey again, to look at cultural competency and
diversity inclusion.
2. Connect the Park discussion
Mr. Walther presented council with a historical review of the Connect the Park project.
Mr. Sullivan reviewed the 10-year plan, which began in 2014, and noted where the project is
currently and where it is going. He noted the project is 2/3 of the way through as it connects
the system, adding most of the funding is from general obligation bonds in conjunction with
other transportation projects.
Mr. Harmening stated this is an implementation plan, adding that most councilmembers were
not on council when this was adopted. He asked the council to revisit it and discuss if the plan is
still relevant, or if there is a need to start over or look at the plan differently.
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Councilmember Mavity noted she and Mayor Spano were on the council when Connect the
Park was approved. She asked staff about projects not shown on the map, and why those
projects are not represented. Mr. Walther stated Councilmember Mavity is correct, the map
shown only refers to the actual capital improvement plan and does not include all the planned
segments and excludes some of the gaps that were connected within neighborhoods during the
same time period. Ms. Heiser added the additional gap sidewalks added made costs different,
so staff is showing council only the parts of the project that were also part of the
implementation plan, so there can be a direct comparison.
Councilmember Mavity noted that was helpful adding it is important to continue to build out
the plan as the council considers the next iteration. She added time and opportunity might be
lost if the plan did not continue, especially now, at a time when folks are on bikes more than
ever and bikes are sold out. She added there will also be need for prioritization and cost
considerations. She stated council needs to first agree on what the goal is now, what the city is
trying to accomplish, and if an updated goal is needed. She stated she supports continuing with
Connect the Park.
Councilmember Harris added there has been an evolution about bikers in St. Louis Park and
new consideration for those who fit into the “interested but concerned” biking category. She
noted one concern of council might be who will this be built for – the whole community, or
those already comfortable biking, confident bikers, or a combination of both.
Mr. Walther stated Councilmember Harris described this accurately, adding the plan was
focused on “interested but concerned” bikers and making improvements that would improve
safety and encourage a large segment of the population that fit that category to choose biking,
as well as to overcome physical barriers such as railroads, freeways, creeks and wetlands.
Councilmember Harris stated it would be valuable to map out secondary routes next, being this
the halfway mark of the plan. She also noted return on investment and is appreciative of
innovation and the use of bollards. She stated she has seen more families biking on Texas
Avenue where they have not in the past, and during this time of shelter in place, it seems
parents feel safe bringing children out to bike on streets when there are fewer interactions with
vehicles. She added this leads her to consider Louisiana Avenue being rebuilt with a grade
separated path for biking.
Councilmember Harris added with trails she knows it varies from community to community, but
she prefers working with Three Rivers Park District in order to create consistency on the grade
crossings in Hopkins, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park. She stated she is supportive of continuing
to build out the plan.
Councilmember Kraft stated in principle he supports the project and would like to see it
continue as soon as possible. He thanked staff and noted it is a great foundation . He also stated
the purpose and goals need modification.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is, in principle, supportive of Connect the Park and continuing it
as soon as possible, however an important tweak is needed around the purpose and goals of
the program. The goals have been to develop an interconnected network of bike and
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pedestrian routes linked to transit systems. The network is the end. Success is being measured
based on the number of miles of bikeways and sidewalks that have been built. During the
Wooddale discussion engineering stated this was not necessarily the best option, but it was the
next best thing in order to complete this segment, because the network is the goal. He stated
he would like to see goals shifted to be more explicitly tied to outcomes. Specifically, he
proposed the goals to be safely and equitably maximizing the percentage of trips taken within
and through St. Louis Park that don’t use cars. He added in changing the purpose and goals, it
will require thinking about each segment and maximizing the number of non-car trips, while
bringing data into each decision made. Councilmember Kraft added he would like to see cost
impacts over time as well.
Councilmember Rog stated outcomes and reframing will show what success looks like. She
added the work is not completed and real success is in use that aligns with the city’s strategic
priorities and climate goals. She stated she supports Connect the Park and wants more
connectivity, adding it is worth investing in. She wondered, however, if the city is getting the
best bang for the buck. She noted the several goals and stated it would be beneficial for the
council to prioritize these goals:
- Number of users, safety of users and comfort of users
- Reduction of car trips, demographics of users, cost, trees, pavement, homeowners
Councilmember Rog also suggested creating a check list which could serve as a clearer pathway
for staff, as well as for making recommendations to council. She stated it behooves the city to
look at all connectivity projects as one project vs. separated out. She stated lowering speed
limits should be considered, as well as narrower streets, and car-free streets. She stated the city
needs to expand thinking with the end goal of safer pedestrian and bike travel within the
community.
Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for their work on this. He noted that significant
segments in Ward 4 on Cedar Lake Road, Louisiana, and Minnetonka Boulevard have not been
addressed, citing safety issues, trees that would need to be removed, and large construction
projects. He added he is not sure about the tradeoff, while the only priority he did not see
included is racial equity and inclusion, which need to be part of the conversation. He stated
there is much more bike traffic and a grid system makes sense; however, he does not want to
re-prioritize the goals, adding Connect the Park supports the city’s strategic priorities.
Councilmember Brausen stated there will also be budgetary considerations, and he is
concerned about getting the most for the money spent and would prefer not to redevelop the
whole plan and methods used.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is in favor of keeping the project going and looks forward
to outcomes and moving forward. She added she would like to address racial equity as well and
stated she had never had access to bikes before coming to America. She stated she would like
to ask residents who are being encouraged to bike and walk, how they feel about these issues.
Mayor Spano stated he is very much in favor of Connect the Park, and likes the trails, sidewalks
and network. He noted he does, however, have concerns around core pieces of this plan which
were crafted over a decade ago. He noted at that time, race equity was not a key strategic goal,
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and now the city is committed to this. He added there are concerns around cost as well and
that the city will spend twice as much as originally thought versus 2013 estimates.
Mayor Spano also noted concerns for which target biker this is being built for. He stated if for
the interested but reluctant rider, which he considers himself, he would never ride on Dakota
or Wooddale. He added the plan’s target audience is the heavy-duty riders, or regular riders. He
added the city has no data on whether this plan is achieving the goals, and he does not feel it is
wise to continue. He stated if the city takes a pause on this, the council will need to revisit the
goals of the plan.
Mayor Spano also voiced concerns about the impact of the project on neighbors, adding he has
felt neighbors were not closer or more bonded on this project. He stated they will need to stay
more connected with residents if the goals change and create opportunities to bring neighbors
together to talk about it. He stated they will also need to examine the project now from a race
equity lens, look at costs and reinvent the public process. He added at this point, he cannot say
if the project is working.
Councilmember Rog added she supports the big picture view of the proj ect, assuring alignment
with city priorities and using data as it moves forward. She added there are also other things
that should not be done any longer based on data, including no more painted lanes as data
shows they are no longer needed. She suggested doing a scorecard on the project showing
users, cost and priorities for today versus finishing the network.
Councilmember Kraft stated he agreed especially with scorecards adding the big picture is
important. He added this is also an area where the city can move the needle on the
environmental side and get people out of cars. He stated this will be an important topic with
having neighborhood discussions. He added he appreciates how costs have changed and wants
to think differently about this moving forward, and not compare it any longer.
Councilmember Brausen has concerns over cost as well, noting it has doubled. He added he is
concerned about reimagining Connect the Park, noting there have been regular meetings and
the community supports this. He added it might be best to start over versus pausing the
program and reiterated there have been no connections created in Ward 4.
Councilmember Harris added the return on investment and costs and outcomes are a concern,
as well as public health and climate issues if this program is not built out.
It was the consensus of the council to have several deeper conversations on this program,
especially as it relates to race, data collection and costs, strategic priorities, biking and bike
lanes, walking, and how people move around.
Mr. Harmening added he sees the council is now less concerned about the project segments
and more concerned about the bigger picture on what the program is trying to accomplish. He
stated staff will come back to council on goals, priorities and the big picture and the request for
data.
3. Prioritizing transit options/operations update
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Mr. Hanson reported. He stated staff had a conversation with Metropolitan Transit on
developing a partnership for adding paved surfaces for bus stops in order to assist transit users
to get off the roadway when waiting for the bus. This especially is a concern in winter months
after large snowfalls.
Mr. Hanson explained how city staff opens the curb line at bus stops after a large snowfall. He
noted the city only cleans a small number of these areas within the city but noted the city will
conduct a pilot program to have a crew clean 25% of the bus stop locations after snowfall. He
stated these locations will be determined by city staff and they will work w ith Metro Transit as
well.
Councilmember Rog thanked Mr. Hanson for looking at realistic solutions and partnerships with
Metro Transit. She stated she is supportive of the pilot program, and still has major concerns
about bus stops, benches, and shelters that need cleaning 24 hours after snowfall. She noted
the city prioritizes commuters that drive cars, but does not think about other commuters, the
elderly, and disabled. Councilmember Rog added she would also like to include sidewalk travel
in winter as part of this conversation and make walking a priority year-round with the city
plowing all sidewalks.
Councilmember Harris asked how the city landed on 25% of the sites for the pilot program and
if more could be added. Mr. Hanson stated 25% will work on about 24 sites, in order to get
feedback on the program. He added they would have to reassign crews if they went above 25%
so staff felt this was a good pilot number to learn from . Afterwards, he noted, a proposal on
costs and implementation can be put together.
Councilmember Harris asked if the city has any choice on where Metro Transit puts bus stops or
pavement. Mr. Hanson stated these are Metro Transit’s stops and their decisions. He added the
city needs to engage with them to discuss partnerships and to better define what bus stops
should look like.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of the pilot and wants consideration for race
equity inclusion and NOAH housing.
Councilmember Mavity added she supports the pilot program and whatever the city can do to
ensure safety for pedestrians.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is impressed with this approach. He asked if the pilot shows an
increase in ridership, would moving bus stops be a consideration. Mr. Hanson stated this would
be up to Metro Transit. Councilmember Kraft added this would also need to be viewed through
an equity lens. He added if pedestrians are a priority in the city, then it would be logical to clear
all sidewalks, and he would like to pursue that conversation with the council.
Councilmember Mohamed added she is very much in agreement with the program, stated it
creatively addresses many issues at hand and should be discussed within the lens of racial
equity. She is also in favor of clearing sidewalks as well and is very interested in discussing this
further.
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Mayor Spano stated he is also supportive of the pilot and wants to continue to press Metro
Transit on clearing their bus stops and continue the conversation on them taking care of their
customers.
Councilmember Rog stressed the importance of making city sidewalks walkable adding it is a
strategic priority. She would like to discuss this again, asking how the city can justify not
clearing sidewalks when it is part of the strategic plan.
Councilmember Mavity stated she would not support this sidewalk clearing discussion at all,
adding that the comp plan does say this, but does not say how the city accomplishes that. She
stated this is not a priority now.
It was the consensus of the council to support the pilot program.
4. COVID-19 pandemic: face coverings
Ms. Solano stated some surrounding cities have implemented requ irements of face coverings,
including Minneapolis and Edina. She pointed to those cities’ resolutions in the council packet
about how those cities are enforcing the requirement. Ms. Solano stated St. Louis Park has
been conducting a face covering communications campaign and will continue to do so. Mx.
Sojourner pointed out that with face coverings, there is some racial profiling now happening in
St. Louis Park with the bipoc population, this is a concern to consider. Ms. Solano added
enforcement will need to be considered as well, noting it might not be practical and can also
increase higher anxiety, and confusion on expectations.
Mayor Spano noted a group of mayors met with Governor Walz recently and the governor is
considering a state-wide masking mandate so a decision will be forthcoming. He stated many
businesses prefer a mask ordinance if it will help them stay open, and to avoid another shut
down. He added the governor’s mandate could be statewide or a regional approach.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she understands the importance of masks and why they are
necessary; however, she is concerned if the policy is not enforceable, especially now when the
council is discussing the city’s policing approach. She asked if we will not enforce this policy, is
this just a piece of paper to pat ourselves on the back. She appreciates the communications
campaign on this but is not comfortable mandating a face mask policy because of issue that
might occur within the black and brown communities, and with citizen policing.
Councilmember Kraft noted there is a significant public health benefit to widespread mask
wearing, and it is obvious masks reduce virus transmission. He stated wearing masks protects
others and is especially beneficial indoors. He stated he is aware of comments that this is an
overreach to a person’s freedoms; however, they must take the long view here, and with fall
and winter months approaching, the community needs to prepare itself. He stated the best way
to do this is to get to 95% usage of face coverings, and that is the outcome he wants to see. He
added the city will need to continue the strong education campaign and asked what the city can
do to support businesses and residents and get masks to them. He stated he is in favor of a
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resolution to call on the governor for a statewide mandate, and a phased in approach to
enforcement.
Councilmember Mavity agreed and noted the impacts of the virus also have racial disparities in
them. She stated she is strongly in favor of passing a resolution to demand mask wearing,
adding these are resolutions and not ordinances and there may be some that are not
enforceable. She pointed out we have federal laws on seat belts, and this usage has increased
over time and saved lives. She added this is the right thing to do to protect the health of
residents and passing this will put more pressure on the governor to put more strategic press
on this. She stated she is in favor of a resolution like Edina did, and added this is the right thing
to do for the safety of all residents.
Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of wearing masks indoors and yet noted if the city
adopts a resolution that is largely symbolic, but does not have staff to enforce it, that will be
problematic. She added if the council does adopt mandating masks, then enforcement should
come from the building division instead of the police, as it is a health and human services issue .
She stated she is conscious of the impacts to the bipoc community and is reticent to add
enforcement that would be perceived as separating from neighbors. She stated she might be in
the minority on this, but this is where she stands, adding she is not in favor of a resolution and
that folks should wear masks on their own.
Councilmember Rog stated this is a complex issue and she is concerned about harm that might
be caused to bipoc residents. She stated she is worried the council will be misunderstood by
members of the community if they do not mandate masks, and they will feel the council did not
pass a resolution because they did not want to put residents of color in jeopardy. She stated
the message the council sends by refusing to pass an ordinance will be more harmful, adding
she does agree with Councilmember Kraft that wearing masks saves lives. She stated she will
support implementation of a resolution.
Councilmember Brausen agreed with the comments and will support a resolution. He stated he
hopes the city will find a good balance and he trusts staff to work out the details.
Mayor Spano stated he has discussed this with Commissioner Green; however, she reminded
him the county does not have a direct impact on the health departments of cities. He requested
staff look at the Minneapolis and Edina resolutions and see if it would be possible to align St.
Louis Park with them. He added wearing a mask will not solve everything, but it is one piece
along with washing hands and keeping distance. He stated science is changing over time and
this is in the early stages and will be around for some time. He added the state has done good
work on this, and he does not want to lose progress made. He added a plan to help suppress
the spread now will help school districts in the fall, and he agrees with the need to help protect
the bipoc population as well.
Councilmember Mohamed asked the city attorney for the differences between a proclamation,
resolution, and ordinance. Mr. Mattick stated some city mayors have done proclamations, and
some resolution and ordinance. He added in order to enforce, it would take an ordinance, while
a resolution creates awareness.
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Councilmember Mohamed stated she agrees with a resolution.
Councilmember Harris added she supports wearing masks when indoors or in close proximity to
others and is very aware of the value of wearing masks, especially as a courtesy to others. She
supports a resolution as well.
Councilmember Rog and Mavity agreed with a resolution also. Councilmember Kraft supported
an ordinance and a letter to the governor.
Mayor Spano agreed with a letter to the governor as well, adding he would favor a resolution
with an expanded education campaign.
It was the consensus of the council to consider a resolution along with another mask drive in
order to supply masks to those in need, along with creating a tool kit for businesses and
others to use.
Mr. Mattick stated the Mayor can do a proclamation which would be similar to an emergency
declaration or a resolution, which cannot be enforced with a citation.
Mx. Sojourner stated the council should use their white privilege to discuss the use of masks
with white neighbors and point out this is not about policing black and brown bodies.
5. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization – none
Communications/meeting check-in (verbal)
Councilmember Rog noted an upcoming online meeting on Tuesday evening related to changes
at the Beltline Station. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. and there is more information on the city’s
website.
Councilmember Harris stated Paster Properties will provide a pop-up ice cream cart at Texa-
Tonka on Sat. July 18 and all are welcome.
The meeting adjourned at 11:11 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
6. 2020 Census update
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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