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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/09/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota Sept. 14, 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), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), CFO (Ms. Lammers), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Police Chief Harcey, Fire Chief Koering, CIO (Mr. Pires), Building and Energy Director (Mr. Hoffman), Finance Manager (Ms. Sledge), Sustainability Manager (Mr. Ziring), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Sustainability Specialist (Ms. Pottorff), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Stacy Kilvang & Liz Diaz, Ehlers. 1. 2021 budget Ms. Lammers and Ms. Kvilvang presented the report. Councilmember Rog asked if 16% debt service is typical for a city like St. Louis Park, and where the city sits as debt service increases. Ms. Kvilvang stated St. Louis Park is at the mid -point for debt service, adding typically the mid-point is 12-16%, noting this benchmark is used as a guidepost. Councilmember Kraft asked how revenue from services impacts the levy. Ms. Kvilvang stated if more permit fees are received than anticipated, then council can look at reducing the tax levy, adding staff can average fees out against the levy. Councilmember Kraft asked if increases in services, such as at The Roc, will be budgeted for 2021. Ms. Kvilvang stated yes. Councilmember Harris asked what the city’s debt ceiling is and where the city is regarding debt capacity. Ms. Kvilvang stated this is based 100% on the tax levy, and improvements with special assessment do not count against the debt. She noted very little of the city’s debt is supported by taxes. Councilmember Harris asked if $32 million plus is representative of the city’s approved tax levy of 4.96% for 2020. Ms. Kvilvang stated yes this is based on the 2020 tax rate of 4.96%. Councilmember Rog asked for a definition of a robust capital replacement plan. Ms. Kvilvang stated this refers to the capital replacement plan being very well-articulated and laid out, and very detailed and specific. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -2- Sept. 14, 2020 Councilmember Rog stated given half of St. Louis Park citizens are renters, what are the levy impacts to rental properties, and can the council get a better sense of how property owners are impacted by the levy. Ms. Kvilvang stated that is not included in the report, but she will work on this with staff and present those impacts to the council. Councilmember Brausen confirmed that the city’s long-range capital improvement plan is budgeted out 10 years, while many cities only project out 5 years. Ms. Kvilvang confirmed this is correct. Ms. Lammers pointed out that with a 3% tax levy, the average homeowner would see a decrease in their taxes of $3 per month. She added with a tax levy at 6.1%, the average homeowner would see a $37 per month increase. Ms. Sledge noted proposed utility rate increases for 2021 include a 5% increase for water, solid waste and storm sewer. She noted this is $53 per year per household, adding this increase will allow the city to cover capital improvement projects, such as street improvements, and work on water treatment plants, sewer mainline rehab, stormwater, Minnehaha Creek projects, and alley projects. Councilmember Rog asked what happens if projects are postponed a year or two. Ms. Lammers stated staff evaluates this each year and will confer with Ehlers again to make sure the base rate matches uses. She pointed out this is not a fixed item but can vary depending on if it is a very dry or very wet year. Mr. Harmening added at a future meeting council will be presented a spreadsheet of every capital project proposed at the $5000 and higher level and by streets, and utilities, parks and playgrounds, along with other areas. Councilmember Harris asked for confirmation on the increasing quarterly utility rate at $14.43 for water, sewer, solid waste and storm water. Ms. Sledge confirmed the rate noting that is for the average homeowner using 30 units. Councilmember Harris asked what percentage increase that is. Ms. Sledge stated it is a 5% increase and then a 4% increase on sewer only. Mr. Harmening added water main replacement occurs based on the age or breakage on a particular segment, adding if this type of project moves out a year, there can be consequences. He stated council and staff will need to review capital projects, including playground equipment replacement, to look at what future costs might be. Councilmember Harris noted utility rates can be a challenge for families noting a family had been in touch with her about their rates. She asked what the increase was last year. Ms. Diaz stated in 2020 water was a 4.4% increase, sewer 4.7%, and solid waste was 6%. She added the proposed percentages for 2021 are in line with past figures. Mr. Harmening added the constituent noted by Councilmember Harris may have referred to the tiered rates the city had in 2020, noting there are consequences for larger families if they use large amounts of water. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -3- Sept. 14, 2020 Councilmember Harris stated it seems utility rates are higher than discussed in terms of an ideal levy, and she would like utility rates to be in line with the tax levy, however noted she does acknowledge the importance of maintaining city infrastructure. Councilmember Mavity stated she wants to be super thoughtful about utilities rates, noting the council took a deep dive into this a few years back to be sure rates reflect cost and create a reserve. She stated if rates are not stepped up and kept flat, if an infrastructure problem occurs with water or sewer, then costs are suddenly passed on to the homeowner, which the council was trying to avoid. She stated this was an intentional approach to shield residents from being hit with huge replacement costs in one year, adding it is better to plan and bid. Ms. Diaz stated the flat fees cover those costs and in general covers personnel and maintenance. Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Mavity’s comments, and added we recognize utility rate increases impact homeowners and everyone in the communit y, but the council studied the rates and needed to build them up over time in order to build the city’s infrastructure over time. He stated he appreciates building up the funds so unexpected issues can be handled when they come up, such as the water treatment plant #4 retrofit issue a few years back. He added the unassigned general fund is revenues collected over the past years that have exceeded budgeted amounts, and then there is always cash on hand at least 45% including excess funds which is the city’s reserve. Councilmember Kraft stated he is not interested in making short-term decisions that are ignorant of long-term considerations around infrastructure, which can be penny wise and pound foolish. He asked about increases that are built-in and that staff says there is a need to re-examine the capital plan around utility fee structure, and if that is correct. Mr. Harmening stated yes, adding this will include review around all of the capital plan items. Councilmember Kraft asked if this examination will happen before utility rates are finalized. Ms. Lammers stated the goal is to dig into those items, and have some idea of infrastructure and strategic goals, however she added this may take more time. Councilmember Kraft stated he hasn’t seen any data on the funds for capital infrastructure yet. He stated in principle he doesn’t want to make short-term decisions that will cause long-term pain, but added if there is a year to put off projects to keep utility rates increases at a minimum, while still being responsible to infrastructure, this might be the year to do so. Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss utility rates as they apply to commercial properties, noting businesses such as Japs Olson and Park Nicollet are not seeing the same increase as residential properties. Mr. Harmening stated last year the council increased commercial and residential rates significantly, and staff can provide council with more information on this. Ms. Diaz added in 2018 a utility rate analysis was conducted which looked at all rates in the city. Ms. Diaz explained there was a flat rate in industrial and commercial properties, which was changed to a tiered rate. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -4- Sept. 14, 2020 Mayor Spano asked for clarification about whether or not the city can charge different tax rates for different property values. Ms. Lammers stated no, there is one rate across the board for all homes. Mayor Spano asked about cash reserves within the budget and if there is one-half years’ worth of cash reserves held in the budget in the event of infrastructure problems. Ms. Lammers stated that is correct, adding this allows the city to be in a strong position for cash flow and to have reserves on hand. Mayor Spano asked what the crossover line is in the fund balance with a 3% levy increase. Ms. Lammers stated that depends on what is decided on the long-term capital plan, noting a fund balance of $300,000 will be used. Mayor Spano asked for the status of the development fund a nd housing fund. Ms. Lammers stated both funds are healthy and fine. Ms. Kvilvang noted there is $24 million within those funds currently, but they can be depleted quickly. Mayor Spano pointed out the council will need to make some decisions then to dir ect these funds in order to maintain healthy fund balances. Ms. Kvilvang agreed. Councilmember Mohamed thanked staff for the report, and council for asking good questions. She stated she is comfortable supporting the 4.5% levy to give staff flexibility, but she is hoping for the 3% levy. She added if there was a year to tighten our belts, this would be the year. She stated she really wants to be considerate of residents, impacts to rental properties and added she would also like information from staff on these impacts also. Councilmember Mavity stated with rental the city has the 4D program, and pointed out there are many efforts at the state level to ensure more affordability, as well as other ways to target for those willing to restrict their rents to receive those benefits. Councilmember Mavity added when looking at the tax levy, the council needs to remember that citizens are not only tax payers, but they are people who want value from the city as well. She noted the council does not want to lose sight that residents ask for the highest level of services from the city, and also ask the council to be financially responsible. She pointed out the city holding the AAA bond rating for many years is evidence the city is trusted by citizens. Councilmember Mavity pointed out that lower value homes and higher value homes are just reflections of the market and $250,000 homes are in high demand, are going up, adding that market value increases equal paying more taxes. She stated she is more interested in t he dollar impact vs. percentages, noting this levy is set yearly and then the council always brings it down. She stated the council will not want to keep it too low, so that they cannot bring it down later. Councilmember Kraft asked about several capital funds which have negative cash balances, which ones they are, and how bad that is. Ms. Lammers stated they don’t have negative balances yet, but they will go negative with anticipated capital plans. She continued they will need to be adjusted for 2021, including pavement management, franchise fees, the park improvement fund for park projects, sidewalks, and trails. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -5- Sept. 14, 2020 Councilmember Kraft asked if one particular levy percentage will be able to fix this and if there is justification for the 6.11% levy number. Ms. Lammers stated the tax levy will remove debt or the city will need to cut back on projects, adding this will need to be discussed and decided on. Councilmember Kraft asked about the general fund balance being maintained at 45% and where the city is on that. Ms. Lammers stated every year everything over 45% is assigned, and this will be evaluated after the 2020 audit again. Councilmember Kraft noted the funds received from the Cares Act and stated it seems like there should be an excess fund balance, and no need for the levy to increase in order to fix the fund balance. Mr. Harmening stated the Cares Act funds, which are $3.6 million, are being used in accordance with federal and state laws, with monthly reporting by the city. He stated the worst case of negative impacts will be related to the 2nd half of property tax payment at the end of 2020 and also in 2021. He continued assuming a 3% delinquency rate for 2020, the Cares Funds will be a backstop for that loss of revenue. He stated there are just too many unknowns with the economy, COVID, and the election and staff recommends a solid backstop. Councilmember Kraft noted the levy amount includes assumptions of certain levels of council projects at $150,000 and climate plans, which are the same amounts as last year but which were not spent at that level. He asked if this amount is included in the levy. Ms. Lammers stated yes, all council projects are included in the 2021 levy plans now. Councilmember Kraft stated folks at the lower end of home values will see levy increase; however, he was happy to see the ADUs and zoning discussions and noted these will be the only way to impact homes at the lower end. He stated he is uncomfortable at the 6.11% level, would prefer the 3% level, but would support the 4.5% tax levy for staff flexibility. Mayor Spano pointed out the Cares Act funds cannot be spent on just anything adding that from March through December of 2020, this can only be used for COVID-related items and cannot be used to offset the fund balance or the general fund. Mr. Harmening agreed, adding COVID funds pay for public safety time expenses as well. Councilmember Rog asked if Hennepin County is proposing a 0% levy increase. Ms. Lammers stated she did not know. Councilmember Rog asked if there is any relevance to the city’s decision making, related to Hennepin County’s levy. Ms. Lammers stated Hennepin County has their own financial situation adding she does not know their plans. Councilmember Rog stated it’s important to be aware of the full tax bill residents will have to help form council’s decision. She added with regard to new staff positions, 4 of 6 are in public safety, and while she supports public safety, she has pointed out in the past that public safety has the largest increases each year, and she does not support adding expenditures in that area without knowing more. She is curious to see where the savings will come from with the addition of 3-4 firefighters and wants to better understand this. Mr. Harmening stated staff can provide additional information on the financials in moving from a combination fire department to a total full-time department, noting that salary is the biggest component. He added this change in overtime and shifts showed a savings of $120,000. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -6- Sept. 14, 2020 Councilmember Rog stated these increases in public safety require more discussion by council, adding council gives it a pass too often. She is also uncomfortable with a slush fund on climate projects, stating she is for being more planful. She stated she supports the 4.5% tax levy at this time, to provide staff more flexibility. Councilmember Harris stated she is concerned about managing infrastructure debt and fund balances, noting the council needs to be stewards for residents, and for their children’s children, and for the city’s resources. She stated she originally endorsed the 3% levy, but now will support the 6.11% to provide for the city’s climate action goals, in light of climate change. Councilmember Brausen stated he is more concerned about impacts than optics, adding the impact of a 3% or 6% is $3 to $4 per month. He stated the higher levy will allow salaries for additional staff and essential services and give employees a well-deserved 2% cost of living increase, while giving funds to help support the climate action plan. He added COVID has been hard on many, but if we don’t increase the levy, the city won’t have funds to help at all, adding residents need to be asked to fund city government and provide city services. He noted 85% in the city are still employed and can handle the increases, and in the past residents in this community have supported good and effective government and voters have overwhelmingly approved school levies also, even though many don’t have kids in school. Councilmember Brausen added if climate action plans are delayed now, they will cost more down the road. He stated he supports the 6.11% levy increase and trusts staff will get it down to the 5% range. Mayor Spano thanked staff for being intentional with financials adding he is supportive of the 6.11% tax levy and working it down from there while allowing staff maximum flexibility. Mayor Spano also noted -- going back to Councilmember Rog’s earlier question -- both Hennepin and Ramsey counties are discussing a 0% tax increase for 2021. He added 4 councilmembers are at the 6.11% level at this time. Councilmember Kraft noted council started this at the 3% range, and clarified one of the reasons he moved from the 3% to 4.5% levy is because he sees a desperate need for climate action work. He agreed it would be good to see more planful work, but he is in favor of mo ney dedicated to climate action, resulting in direct reductions for folks and savings. He stated there might be creative ways to get savings here and he is dedicated to this work. He added he does not believe the 2% cost of living increase for staff is essential, as much as he appreciates staff’s work and given the recession, the responsible amount is less than that. He added the 4th position in firefighters is not essential, and given the time we are in, we need to look at essential items vs. non-essential. Councilmember Kraft added he does not want to see line items broken out for environmental sustainability and racial equity, adding this is a lens we must view for all city work and is part of the city’s top strategic goals. He stated it misrepresents city priorities by breaking them out separately. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -7- Sept. 14, 2020 Mayor Spano pointed out the council asked for the break out of climate and race equity work line items, so as to see the investment. He did , however, agree this needs to be embedded in the city’s work. Councilmember Rog, in reference to councilmember Brausen’s statement that 85% of us are working, noted that 50% of blacks in Minnesota have filed for unemployment benefits since March, and it’s important to not assume everyone is doing the same as others. She added she could get behind a larger investment in climate if she knew what it was, and also know outcomes being worked toward. Councilmember Mohamed added the climate change and racial equity breakout is helpful for a better understanding and she would like to keep it that way. She added it is important to see where the money is going. Ms. Lammers stated staff will return to council on Sept . 21, 2020 with details on the levy and the HRA levy. 2. Process for filling council ward 2 seat After discussion, it was the consensus of the council, that the process will involve applications, in-person interviews, and ranked choice voting (RCV) by the council, in appointing the replacement for the Ward 2 city council seat. Ms. Solano added staff will draft the interview questions for council to review and RCV will be used to select the candidate. Staff will present the full process, as directed by council, at an upcoming study session . 3. Climate change in response to Covid-19: Energy Efficiency Day/Home Energy Squad challenge proclamation Ms. Ziring and Ms. Pottorff presented information about the Xcel Energy home energy saving program. They stated it will be important to the city’s climate action program to promote this to citizens in order to create energy efficiency in as many homes as possible, and home energy reductions by 35% by 2030. Ms. Ziring stated the city that gains the highest number per capita for signing up with the program wins a traveling trophy and since the end of July, St. Louis Park has had 102 energy squad visits, and is in the lead. Ms. Pottorff added on Oct. 7, the fifth annual nation-wide energy efficiency day will occur with the goal to promote multiple benefits of energy efficiency. She stated they will work to combine the Xcel home energy efficiency program with this nation-wide energy efficiency day and include the council’s proclamation in the packet. Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of this, and commended staff for the great job. He stated he will call out the city of Edina and others at a meeting next week that he will attend. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -8- Sept. 14, 2020 Mayor Spano stated he also supports this and is happy to make the proclamation. He stated he has signed up for his home audit as well. Councilmember Kraft stated this is fantastic and he is excited for Councilmember Brausen to call out the other communities next week. He asked how the city can increase these numbers, possibly by reaching out to neighborhood associations, or create a competition, or engage the high school and Roots and Shoots group, along with the school district to promote this further. He stated he would like to see this go from 100 to 500 to 1,000 homes participating, and asked how he can help. Ms. Ziring stated staff has reached out to Roots and Shoots and connected with the schools and school district. She added the media kit has been sent out and much has been posted about the program to social media, mailed and included in the Park Perspective , plus information was distributed at the Westwood Nature Center ribbon cutting ceremony as well. Ms. Pottorff stated she is also working with community organizers on reaching out and working with houses of worship, as well as partners at centers for environment. She noted she is also working on a new flyer for homestead packets, and is also open to more creative ideas. Councilmember Mohamed stated she is very supportive of this and states she worked at the CCE housing authority, and recalled going into rental properties. She asked how this information is getting to renters and properties the city owns. Ms. Pott orff stated she has worked with Ms. Olson in housing on this, and they have done much outreach on this. She added she plans to follow up and collaborate more with Ms. Olson on this program, and noted they are looking for ways to collaborate. Information has also gone into the Sparks newsletter and into other departments as well. Councilmember Rog asked the councilmembers to give a show of hands if they have completed this program. She is supportive as well and asked about metrics, such as the number of light bulbs replaced, or number of doors weather stripped, or energy savin gs that are occurring. Ms. Ziring stated she is not sure this information is tracked, but she will follow up with the CCE. Councilmember Rog stated word of mouth outreach will be valuable, adding she will do this and encouraged others to as well. Councilmember Harris thanked staff for this program support and asked about outreach to rental properties. She encouraged making this a celebratory family-friendly competition, and asked if any single-family homes that are rentals have been involved. Ms. Ziring stated information has gone into the Park Perspective, so it has gone to owned properties, but noted they are trying to be mindful of budget concerns, and so are leaning on Spark and housing staff to get the word out. Councilmember Harris asked if information goes into the utility bill. Ms. Ziring stated since so many do not receive mailed bills any longer, staff decided not to spend money on this, and CCE stated it is not worth the money that goes into it. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -9- Sept. 14, 2020 Councilmember Kraft noted it would be possible to tie this program into the levy and for folks that have gone through the home energy process, note they have made an up -front investment. He asked if there is any way to tie in the quarter utility bill in the program or tie it into what the city funds for energy investments. 4. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization Mayor Spano and the councilmembers noted they supports future study session topics of: - Looking at black home ownership - Youth on commissions Councilmember Kraft added he would like more substantial discussion on youth on commissions, adding he would like to see a different process for youth competing for the same slots on commissions. He would like council to talk to all youth and also more spots open on commissions for youth members. Councilmember Rog agreed and added she would like to take more time on this also, noting these positions are important to youth, and an interview with city council is important to youth during these formative years. She continued this is part of the council’s role and responsibility and a good way to give youth a rich and positive experience. Mayor Spano stated that is fair and appropriate, and asked if it might be appropriate to have an interview panel of councilmembers to conduct the interviews. Ms. Solano stated staff will set a plan for this and bring back recommendations to the council for a panel interview process. Mayor Spano left the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Harris conducted the remainder of the meeting. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Written Reports Discussion: Councilmember Kraft referenced the Comcast franchise fees, noting at a high level it felt like it might be an underrepresentation of internet content. He stated more folks are disconnecting from cable, and he is not sure how that impacts fees going forward. He added there is no racial equity analysis in the report, and most respondents were white and with 94%+ he does not feel they are getting the full spectrum of viewpoints. Councilmember Rog agreed with Councilmember Kraft’s statements, and added programming in others languages is also missing, and that was called out. She hoped something can be done on this. She added with the decline in local print media, it is critical that local stories be told, and she is pleased this is a focus. She asked the status of federal renewal. Mr. Pires stated the 621 order by the FCC allows cable companies to reduce franchise fees. He stated a change of administration in Washington will impact this, adding there may be reversals in the future with new administrative appointments, so the impacts are not known as yet. DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -10- Sept. 14, 2020 Mr. Pires added some are cutting cable, but there are still over 10,000 households that subscribe in St. Louis Park, which is a decrease from 65% to 50% subscriptions. He stated if folks don’t have cable, then they typically have internet services to get programming. Councilmember Mavity stated the small businesses assistance report was helpful and she celebrates all the hard work staff did and thanked them. She added in the future, she would like to see the disaggregate information in order to get better tracking. Councilmember Rog requested to have a council discussion at a future study sessio n on zoning and ordinance and design at Walker Lake. Mr. Harmening stated if 4 council members want to do that, that can be added to a study session. Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciates the in-depth written reports from staff, and cautioned the council that the written reports are not to be discussed in-depth. She added she is comfortable with where staff is guiding on Walker Lake and supports staff direction on this. She stated it is not the time in study session to do a whole council discussio n on written reports. Councilmember Kraft stated he had sent emails to staff as he did not have background on several items and study session is the time to discuss topics like zoning changes. Councilmember Mohamed stated she read the written reports and does not see a need for a study session to go deeper into zoning, but if there is consensus she will participate. Mr. Harmening stated this is an ordinance and in terms of moving to a different zoning, that would come to council in the future, and to the planning commission. He stated staff is working on this, plus the design guidelines at Walker Lake, and if individual council members have questions or want to understand, staff can discuss it individually with them. He pointed out there will be two readings of the zoning ordinance before council would approve it. Councilmember Rog stated these changes late in the game concern her, she wants to see what we already allow, and wants the whole council to see it together. Mr. Harmening stated staff has kept council informed of changes here, and staff is following direction from council on this, but if council wants to discuss at a study session, he will need 4 councilmembers to advise staff. Councilmember Rog stated she will have a conversation with Ms. Barton on the zoning. Ms. Barton stated there will be a virtual neighborhood meeting Oct. 6 or 8, 2020 and a public hearing Oct. 21, 2020 with planning commission on the Walker Lake district. Councilmember Rog noted the ADU, asked why they are being limited, and how does the city define a family. She stated she is worried about certain populations being left out by the way it’s being permitted with ADU’s and single-family homes. Ms. Barton stated right now because properties are not rezoned for two-family, they are single- family and this is how occupancy is looked at on the entire lot. She noted the definition of a single-family is how either of those units can be occupied and goes by the city’s definition of family that is in the current zoning DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87 Study session minutes -11- Sept. 14, 2020 ordinance. She stated staff thought council would want to revisit the definition of family in the future, and added that the planning commission was very supportive of this as it currently is . Councilmember Rog agreed the council may want to revisit this in the future. She also expressed her support for owners needing to reside on properties in one of the two units vs. having renters in both units. She thanked staff for the Walker Lake report stating it was very well done. Councilmember Kraft asked if there were no zoning constraints, is this what staff would recommend. Ms. Barton stated when looking at the size of ADUs, typically they are not large enough for a larger family, and are usually for 1-2 people, so the way the zoning looks for single-family currently looks best. Councilmember Harris stated she has been excited about the concept of the ADU as a way to create more density. She stated this is a stepping stone to thinking about density in the city’s neighborhoods, pointing out that Minneapolis now allows duplexes, triplexes, and quads in single-family neighborhoods, which allows for home ownership for many that cannot afford homes. The meeting adjourned at 9:59 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Small business assistance update 6. Painted signs zoning code text amendment 7. Comcast franchise renewal updates 8. Accessory dwelling units 9. Update on Historic Walker Lake zoning ordinance and design guidelines 10. Livable Communities Act enrollment and life-cycle housing goals for 2021-2030 11. Update on PLACES art initiative ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 958E5687-1AEE-45B0-9F03-D9862F3C7D87