HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/08/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
August 17, 2020
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Larry Kraft, Anne Mavity, Nadia
Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: Rachel Harris
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), CFO (Ms. Lammers),
CIO (Mr. Pires), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Senior Planner (Ms. Monson), Planning and
Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Housing
Supervisor/Deputy Community Development Director (Ms. Schnitker), Senior Management
Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Barb Person, MN League of Women Voters; Patrick Giordan, Architect; Mark Davis,
Developer
2. Presentations
2a. Proclamation – 19th Amendment and the 100-Year Journey of Women Voting
Councilmember Rog read the proclamation regarding the 19 th Amendment and 100-year
journey of Women Voting. Aug. 26, 2020 is the day to honor the 19th Amendment.
Barb Person accepted on behalf of League of Women Voters. She expressed her thanks
to the city council and staff for their support over the years.
Councilmember Mavity thanked the St. Louis Park League of Women voters for their
work and assistance for voters, which she said makes a difference in the city . She stated
while the city celebrates this enormous step forward for white women, it is not
sufficient, as this anniversary leaves out women of color. She noted when she hears the
phrase “all men are created equal” she feels left out, adding if a person of privilege feels
left out, it shows how frustrated others are by not having basic voting rights. She added
she hopes this will honor those who fought for women voters, and also remind
everyone of the work ahead.
2b. Recognition of donations
$2,200 donation from Scott and Beth Puchtel for the purchase of a memorial
bench at Westwood Hills Nature Center in honor of Alan and Ione Stiegler
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$2,200 donation from the Tangney Family for the purchase of a memorial
bench at Aquila Park in honor of Mark Tangney
$2,200 donation from Jean Edin for the purchase of a memorial bench at
Louisiana Oaks Park in honor of Robert Edin
$2,200 donation from John and Paula Koch for the purchase of a memorial
bench at Wolfe Park in honor of Brian Koch
$2,200 donation from Minikahda Vista Neighborhood Association for the
purchase of a memorial bench at Minikahda Vista Park in honor of George
Floyd.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session meeting minutes of June 22, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 8 under Communications it should read: “…in the
interview process for commissions adding that 4 people are now on commissions who
would not have been without the change.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
study session meeting minutes of June 22, 2020 as amended.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
3b. City council meeting minutes of July 20, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted in the 2nd paragraph last sentence it should read: “… and
whether would necessarily make violations a crime, which they would not have to…”
and in the 5th paragraph it should read, “…that would have the same clauses as the
proposed resolution but would replace the words strongly urged with require, he added,
violations should be a petty misdemeanor, it should require businesses….”
Councilmember Kraft also noted on page 7, in the 3rd paragraph, the motion he claimed
to have made was not made. He was only asking if he should make the motion. He
stated the paragraph should be stricken from record.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
city council meeting minutes of July 20, 2020 as amended.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
3c. Reconvened city council meeting minutes of July 21, 2020
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the reconvened city council meeting minutes of July 21, 2020 as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
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4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Designate GL Contracting, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize a
contract with the firm in the amount of $347,676.50 for the Southeast Bikeways –
project 4018-2000.
Adopt Resolution No. 20-109 to install all-way stop controls on Quentin Ave. at
Park Commons Dr.
4b. Approve second reading and adopt revised Ordinance No. 2590-20 repealing:
- Sections 8-331 and 8-332 of city code requiring a crime-free, drug-free lease
addendum, notices of violations and termination of tenancy for violation of the
ordinance in their entirety, and
- Section 8-333 allowing the city to change a rental license to provisional status
upon determination of ongoing public safety concerns, without regard to the
number of reported incidents and allowing landlords and involved tenants to
appeal this decision before the provisional license takes effect.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 20-107 to authorize execution of the development
agreement between the city and the South Cedar Trails Homeowners Association
for housing improvements within the established South Cedar Trails Housing
Improvement Area (HIA).
Adopt Resolution No. 20-108 authorizing an internal loan for funds in connection
with housing improvements within the established South Cedar Trails
Homeowners Association (HIA).
4d. Approve a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Church of the Holy
Family at 5900 West Lake Street for their event to be held September 12, 2020.
4e. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2591-20 amending Chapter
20-5 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances relating to prohibited acts to allow
alcohol at the Westwood Hills Nature Center (“WHNC”) and to approve the
ordinance summary for publication.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 20-110 to recognize Public Service Worker Dean Backaus
and Resolution No. 20-111 Property Maintenance and Licensing Manager Ann
Boettcher for their years of service.
4g. Authorize a comment letter to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission
regarding CenterPoint Energy’s rate increase and Inclusive Financing.
4h. Authorize a comment letter to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission
regarding Xcel Energy’s 2020-2034 Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 20-112 approving the CUP for excavation of more than 400
cubic yards of material.
4j. Adopt Resolution No. 20-113 accepting work and authorizing final payment in
the amount of $28,502.62 for project no. 5318 -5004 Water Treatment Plant #4
rehabilitation w/ Municipal Builders, Inc., Contract No. 175-17.
4k. Accept the Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Arts and Culture in St. Louis Park.
4l. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with WSB Engineering
fora GIS study of underground utilities and above ground structures.
4m. Adopt Resolution No. 20-114 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from
Scott and Beth Puchtel for the purchase of a memorial bench at Westwood Hills
Nature Center in honor of Alan and Ione Stiegler, a $2,200 donation from the
Tangney Family for the purchase of a memorial bench at Aquila Park in honor of
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Mark Tangney, a $2,200 donation from Jean Edin for the purchase of a memorial
bench at Louisiana Oaks Park in honor of Robert Edin, a $2,200 donation from
John and Paula Koch for the purchase of a memorial bench at Wolfe Park in
honor of Brian Koch and a $2,200 donation from Minikahda Vista Neighborhood
Association for the purchase of a memorial bench at Minikahda Vista Park in
honor of George Floyd.
4n. Adopt Resolution No. 20-115 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 1440 Kilmer Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 01-117-
22-41-0112.
4o. Adopt Resolution No. 20-116 to authorize a loading zone on 36th Street adjacent
to The Elmwood.
4p. Adopt Resolution No. 20-117 rescinding Res. 19-087, removing permit parking
restrictions at 2600 Raleigh Ave.
Councilmember Kraft requested that consent calendar item 4k be removed and placed
on the regular agenda to 8c and also requested item 4h be removed and placed on the
regular agenda to 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended, and to move consent
calendar item 4k to the regular agenda as item 8c; and consent calendar item 4h to
regular agenda as item 8d, and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. Vacation for a portion of 14th Street east of Colorado Ave, west of the railroad
Ms. Monson presented the report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
It was noted the council will vote on actions related to vacation of this right-of-way
during consideration of agenda item 8a.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Medical office building - 6009 Wayzata Blvd. Resolution No. 20-118, Resolution
No. 20-119, Resolution No. 20-120
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Councilmember Brausen stated he has studied this and will support it. He noted this
complex will add additional office space for medical procedures and surgeries and the
developer, while not required to do so, is incorporating a number of desirable
sustainable features into the building. He stated it is the type of redevelopment needed
in St. Louis Park and it has both his support and that of his colleagues.
Councilmember Kraft stated he will support this as well and asked how many jobs will
be created in St. Louis Park because of the project. Ms. Monson stated 140-150 jobs.
Councilmember Kraft asked how much will be added to the tax base. Ms. Monson
stated right now the property is valued at $4.5 million and the redevelopment adds $19-
22 million in value, so it will bring in approximately $16 million in value every year from
the tax base.
Councilmember Kraft asked the developer if they have considered a solar car port,
which provides the benefit of covered parking and is convenient for people seeking
medical attention. Mr. Davis stated the site was purchased 5 years ago, and they are
excited to move forward with it. He noted their goal is to include solar on the rooftop
and relocating the cell tower and putting a boiler into the building, that is all they can
plan for at this time in order to keep expenses at a minimum. He stated they have done
solar car ports in Arizona, but doing them here may put them o ver cost, adding they will
try to get solar on the roof for now.
Councilmember Kraft asked about parking with a variance and what is the ratio to
square foot. Ms. Monson stated it is 1 space for every 224 square feet . Councilmember
Kraft asked if this includes proof of parking. Ms. Monson answered yes.
Councilmember Kraft noted comparative places had significant surplus parking at peak
hours and asked if there is an opportunity to increase proof of parking and decrease the
size of the lot and the amount of pavement. Ms. Monson stated staff did take this into
consideration and noted places that had significant surplus of parking in peak hours . She
stated Colorado Avenue is still very narrow, so the number of parking spaces included in
report is comfortable for the parking needed. She stated staff would not be comfortable
recommending less parking on the site.
Councilmember Kraft stated city policy says to send out notices to folks within 500 feet
and added 500 feet does not go very far. He noted he has heard comments in the past
and stated this policy needs to be looked at . Ms. Monson stated the 500-foot distance is
dictated by city code. She noted staff also posts information on Next Door and does
emails and mailings in order to get the word out to residents.
Mr. Davis added they also mailed to all occupants, which included 350 people, all of
which were invited to the neighborhood meeting.
Councilmember Rog asked if small businesses are impacted by this change and if so,
which ones. Mr. David stated no occupants of any buildings at this point are impacted
except the Elliot Auto Shop. He stated when the developer originally purchased the site,
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an agreement was worked out to relocate the auto shop and that process has just
begun. He stated all others on the property are all moved out now.
Councilmember Rog asked if the developer is working to keep the auto shop in St. Louis
Park. Mr. Davis stated yes.
Councilmember Rog asked about the timeline to plant new trees. Mr. Harmening stated
the city spends $70-80,000 per year for tree replacement, which comes from the
general budget. He noted if more is collected for tree replacement, then more trees are
planted, or the budget is offset.
Councilmember Rog asked about the 400 cubic yards of dirt moved and why a
conditional use permit is needed for this. Mr. Walther stated he would like to adjust this
at some point and noted for a time there were a number of excavation businesses in
town and other projects that might not get reviewed, but more significant ones are
reviewed if needed.
Councilmember Rog stated she is supportive of this and asked if flood storage will be
built on the site. Ms. Monson stated flood storage will be under the parking lot , with an
underground storm water vault, and will be built at the developer’s expense.
Councilmember Mohamed noted she is supportive of the project
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve first reading of ordinance vacating portion of 14th Street east of Colorado
Avenue west of the railroad and set the Second Reading of the Ordinance for Sept . 8,
2020; adoption of Resolution No. 20-118 approving the preliminary and final plat for
Xchange Additional; adoption of Resolution No. 20-119 approving conditional use
permit (CUP) for excavation of more than 400 cubic yards of fill; and, adoption of
Resolution No. 20-120 approving variance for a reduction of 25 parking spaces.
The motion passed 6-0. (Harris absent)
8b. Bid tab for Dakota Avenue Bikeways and Dakota-Edgewood Trail Bridge –
project 4019-2000
Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report.
Councilmember Brausen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Mavity to
designate Redstone Construction, LLC the lowest responsible bidder and authorize a
contract with the firm in the amount of $7,340,684.26 for Dakota-Edgewood Trail Bridge
– project 4019-2000 and to approve the construction administration services contract
with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $836,973.
Councilmember Rog asked what has been spent on the project to date . Mr. Sullivan
stated $1.3 million has been spent to date on easements and staff engineering time,
tree planting and utility relocations.
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Councilmember Rog asked if the total cost to the city is $7.5 million. Mr. Sullivan stated
yes, it is just under $7.5 million. He added the overall project is $9.5 million, with $3
million in federal funding and $6.5 million is the rest including what has been spent to
date.
Councilmember Rog noted she confirmed with Ms. Lammers today that the property tax
impacts in 2022 and 10 years forward, for a home owner with a median value home is
about $64 per year or $5.30 per month for 10 years. Ms. Lammers pointed out this is
only an estimate at this point, adding staff cannot predict home values .
Councilmember Rog asked what is the consideration staff uses when they recommend
projects, and if levy impacts are considered or if the pandemic was considered . Mr.
Harmening stated staff takes direction from council on projects and assumed council
was interested in undertaking this project now or in future based on the federal monies
available. He stated council will need to move forward very soon as this project will not
get cheaper over time, and the federal funds could then be in jeopardy . He stated levy
impacts are noted by staff and that information is included in the staff report for council
to review.
Mr. Harmening added another reason staff recommends moving ahead on this project is
it is based on a study and work which has gone on for the last 10 years related to
Connect the Park. He stated this link is viewed as an important connection in the
community between north and south, while other plans have not been as high priority.
Councilmember Rog stated there is interest in the area east of here, near the Highway
100 Bridge, and asked why the Dakota area was chosen instead of the area near
Highway 100, which has more flexibility and fewer costs. She suggested pausing on this
project to look at Highway 100 as an alternative location for the bridge. Ms. Heiser
stated from a cost perspective a Highway 100 bridge would be in the $5-6 million range,
similar to this project; however, there has not been a feasibility study done there and
the Dakota area was seen as a higher priority and originally scheduled to be built two
years ago. She stated it was pushed back in order to use federal funding that the city
received.
Councilmember Rog stated the Highway 100 bridge is where folks are crossing, and
while she is not criticizing, it is a huge investment at a difficult time. She wants to do due
diligence, in this time of great uncertainty. She asked if federal funding is guaranteed or
is possibly in jeopardy. Mr. Harmening stated the federal funding dollars have been
allocated to the city and MnDot has the funding in an account ready to be distributed .
Councilmember Rog asked if the funding is tied to the Dakota Avenue project . Ms.
Heiser stated yes, it is tied to this location.
Councilmember Rog added that if there is a change in leadership, our limited recourses
may need to be dedicated to other things. Mr. Harmening stated there is no way to
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know if costs could go down. He stated if the council wants to wait and bid the project
later this year or next year, that can happen.
Mr. Harmening noted the other consideration is the bond market right now, which is an
attractive market in which to borrow money. Ms. Lammers noted the rates are under
2% for bonds currently.
Councilmember Rog noted earlier designs of the bridge had it shorter, with more
landings and steeper inclines, less concrete. Then plans moved on for a different bridge.
She asked if, in light of these higher costs and during these difficult times, there is a
want to revisit less expensive ways of creating this connection and what kind of
flexibility does the city have to do this. Mr. Sullivan stated staff looked at the bridge
designs that consider ADA compliance, noting the bridge length is the same cost, but it’s
what material the bridge is built of that costs more. He noted the ground has poor soils,
and much fill will be needed in this area so the bridge will not sink.
Councilmember Rog asked if the bid needs to be approved tonight. Mr. Harmening
stated there is a timeline for accepting or rejecting the bids .
Councilmember Mavity stated she is very much in favor of this project. She stated this
project has been part of Connect the Park’s vision for 7 – 13 years, and is a connection
needed in the community. She stated if delayed in order to get more information on
items not already known, she is not sure there would be any more information
forthcoming at this point. Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciates the
professional expertise presented for cost effectiveness and outcomes and trusts staff’s
judgement and the process and levels of community involvement .
Councilmember Mavity stated she would also rather the city pay less for this bridge but
added it will only get more expensive and there is an opportunity now with the
historically low bond rates, which will save residents money over time . She added the
council approves the pavement management plan each year and that plan repaves
roads at a cost that is five times the cost of this bridge. She pointed out this cost is also
borne by the levy and the council does not knit pick on pavement management costs.
She stated the costs paid for pavement management for cars do not get the same level
of scrutiny as bikes. She stated she respects this process, which has been vetted
thoroughly.
Councilmember Kraft asked if pavement management comes from the city levy. Mr.
Harmening stated it comes from franchise fees of Xcel and CenterPoint Energy and is
used exclusively for that, adding that residents and businesses owners pay for pavement
management in this way.
Councilmember Kraft asked what the cost of pavement management per year is. Ms.
Heiser answered $2.9-3.5 million per year.
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Councilmember Kraft asked about the contingency amounts. Mr. Sullivan stated the
contingency is carried for uncertainty of how the project progresses, noting there are
always changes and risks.
Councilmember Kraft asked with the amount spent to date, and if council does not
approve the project, what would happen to the contingency money . Ms. Heiser stated
the GO bonds would need to be part of the bond sale.
Councilmember Kraft stated right now the city is spending more than the estimates
from two years ago, and while the idea of this connection is great, it seems at every
point in the process the cost goes up substantially. He asked at what point do we say it’s
just too much. He stated he was concerned a few months ago, and now the cost has
gone up again, adding we are in a recession which is likely to continue, and he fears the
price will continue to go up. He continued, stating at this point the project costs more
than The ROC, and is starting to get into Nature Center cost territory. He stated his
concern is that the project cost continues to increase, and it is a big red flag that
something is fundamentally wrong, adding he is concerned in moving forward without
more study.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she shares a lot of what Councilmembers Rog and
Kraft stated and has hesitation also. She is concerned about spending that much money
with a recession around the corner, and while it’s a great idea to build a connection, she
is concerned about at what cost this project moves forward.
Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciates staff efforts to keep costs as low as
possible. He stated he supports this bid which has been in discussion since 2013, adding
the need is still there and with almost $3 million in federal funding available to build it.
He stated the city will not be able to secure this type of federal funding in the future,
and the project is essential to the city. He stated his ward has wanted this completed
since 2011, adding there is no other north south connection. He pointed out in his seven
years on the council, he has not seen this project get any cheaper and the cost has been
built into the long-range capital plan for a while now. He stated he trusts the finance
staff to do their job and bonding over a longer period, if necessary, is fine by him
especially since interest rates are so low. He said the project needs to get going.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is supportive of the bikeway portion of the project and
noted the figures he quoted were for the bridge portion only.
Councilmember Kraft asked to delay the motion for the project for two weeks, noting
that Councilmember Harris was not there this evening. Mr. Mattick stated the council
needs to handle the motion on the table currently .
Mayor Spano stated he supports this project ; but has concerns also about the costs. He
stated Councilmembers Kraft and Rog made excellent points; however, the need for this
project will not go away anytime soon and the north south crossing is very important .
He added he appreciated Councilmember Mavity’s points about costs and that delaying
this further will not make it any less expensive. He added this design seems the most
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cost effective to achieve the city’s goals, noting prices will continue to increase. He
stated he will support the project as it is.
Councilmember Rog stated it would behoove the process to have Councilmember Harris
present; however, she also supports the bikeway project, regardless of the bridge. She
stated she is troubled by the bridge project and added this reveals the challenges in the
city’s processes. She stated she does not want to spend local funds when federal funds
are available, but what if a better spot is found for soil, or a different location might be
better or cheaper.
Councilmember Rog stated she is interested in an eastern project in a couple of years
when the timing is better, noting this is a terrible time to make this d ecision given all the
unknowns and needs in the community. She thinks it would be irresponsible to add 2%
to the levy for this project, and proposed the council pause on this , consider the project
for several more months, engage Councilmember Harris in the conversation, and also
talk to the community more. She requested to postpone the vote and rebid it in January
2021.
Mr. Mattick stated the bid document must be accepted within 33 days, so it must be
passed at the Aug. 24, 2020 council meeting, or there would need to be a special
meeting scheduled before Aug. 31, 2020.
Councilmember Mavity stated we are in extraordinary times, but the council instructed
staff to do the work and get the bids, adding if the council is no t going to approve
projects, they need to tell staff earlier and not have them invest time in this process.
She added 10-20% increases are expected on costs of all projects and this project is not
unique. She stated delaying it will not bring down costs, adding she does not want the
council to be in some illusion that it will get cheaper, as it won’t. She stated she
appreciates that the council disagrees on this and will withdraw her original motion in
order to discuss next steps.
Councilmember Brausen withdrew his motion from the floor. Councilmember Mavity
withdrew her second to the motion.
Councilmember Brausen pointed out if the country is headed for a recession, this
project would create jobs in our community and be an opportunity for communities o f
color to work. He added this project has been built into the levy and the long-range
capital plan, as well as basing it on the GO bond rate for this year.
Mayor Spano stated the council reserves the right to change their minds, and he
respects colleagues who have concerns about it.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she echoes what Mayor Spano said, the council can
change its mind over time on projects. She stated she is hesitant on the perception of it
as well when there are folks who cannot afford to have a house and yet, we want to
build this bridge. She stated everyone is on edge about this, especially when you see
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your city spending money on this, and families are struggling. She asked how the council
can justify this project and costs to a mother who cannot afford their rent .
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to table
consideration the bids for the Dakota Edgewood trail bridge - project 4019-2000 until a
special meeting is called to consider the bridge project bid later in August.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to
designate S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize a
contract with the firm in the amount of $876,696.10 for Dakota Avenue bikeways –
project 4019-2000 with the value engineering savings.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
8c. Accept the strategic roadmap for advancing arts and culture in St. Louis Park
Councilmember Kraft stated he participated on the FOA committee work prior to joining
the council, adding he was impressed with Jamie Marshall’s work. He stated this work
connects people, ideas, and communities with significant race equity and inclusion
focus, alive in public spaces, and promoting health and well-being. He stated what
struck home was identifying the arts to help make the city’s values visible. He added he
wanted to discuss this with Jamie Marshall to see if the strategic framework is useful.
Councilmember Kraft stated it is already having an impact in guiding his work. He noted
the art fair, which was recently canceled, is an example of this. He also noted they are
working with Mx. Sojourner to develop the capacity to complete this through an equity
and inclusion lens.
Mayor Spano also complimented Jamie Marshall’s work, adding the owner of Mexico
City Café - Julio – also appreciates his work.
Ms. Solano added Mr. Marshall is great to work with and provides great collaboration .
She stated city business owners are excited to get this strategic roadmap.
Councilmember Rog thanked Ms. Solano for her work on this in support of the arts also.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
strategic roadmap for advancing arts and culture in St. Louis Park.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
8d. Authorize a comment letter to be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission
regarding Xcel Energy’s 2020-2034 upper Midwest integrated resource plan
Councilmember Kraft asked for various changes to this let ter to be submitted to the
Public Utilities Commission.
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Councilmember Mavity stated the ESC approved this letter and if staff is in agreement,
then these changes can be done. She stated, however, she is nervous about the council
mandating these changes without understanding staff’s feedback first .
Mr. Harmening stated staff is not in a position to answer that this evening and would
need to review the letter and proposed changes before finalizing the letter.
Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Mavity and stated the more
appropriate action is to ask staff to review the proposed changes and get feedback from
the ESC first.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to table
consideration of the comment letter to the Public Utilities Commission and ask staff to
work with ESC to make the changes suggested.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
9. Communications - none
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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