HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/10/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Oct. 5, 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, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Anne
Mavity, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: None
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton),
City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Building and Energy Director (Mr. Hoffman), Engineering Director
(Ms. Heiser), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Ms. Morrison), Planning and Zoning Supervisor
(Mr. Walther), Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior
Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Rita Trapp, consultant
2. Presentations
2a. Recognition of Donors
Mayor Spano recognized the following donations:
$2,200 donation from Howard and Marla Solender for the purchase of a
memorial bench near George Haun trail
$2,200 donation from Krishna and Savitri Seeley for the purchase of a memorial
bench at Lamplighter Park in honor of Krishna and Savitri Seeley
$2,200 donation from Paul Thorson for the purchase of a memorial bench in
Wolfe Park in honor of Joan Larson Thorson
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Sept. 8, 2020
Councilmember Brausen noted on page 6, first paragraph, it should read, “…2.9 million
federal grant…”
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the Sept. 8, 2020 city council meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
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3b. Study session meeting minutes of Sept. 8, 2020
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
Sept. 8, 2020 study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for period of Aug. 29 through Sept. 25,
2020.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 20-138 approving the modification of the tax increment
financing plan for the Shoreham TIF District to allow for additional pooling for
eligible rental housing.
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 20-139 approving the modification of the tax increment
financing plan for the Eliot Park TIF District to allow for additional pooling for
eligible rental housing.
4d. Authorize an amendment of the professional services contract 144-18 with SRF
Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $178,610 for the final design of the
Monterey Drive-Beltline Blvd-36th Street bikeway and street improvements
projects nos. 4020-1101 and 4021-2000. (This item was removed from the
consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item 8d.)
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-140 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 1600 Hampshire Avenue South, St . Louis Park, MN.
P.I.D. 05-117-21-43-0004.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 20-141 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from
Howard and Marla Solender for the purchase of a memorial bench near George
Haun trail, a $2,200 donation from Krishna and Savitri Seeley for the purchase of
a memorial bench at Lamplighter Park in honor of Krishna and Savitri Seeley and
a $2,200 donation from Paul Thorson for the purchase of a memorial bench in
Wolfe Park in honor of Joan Larson Thorson.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 20-142 appointing election judges for the Nov. 3, 2020
state general election.
4h. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Aug. 5, 2020.
4i. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Aug. 19, 2020.
4j. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Sept. 2, 2020.
Councilmember Rog requested that consent calendar item 4d be removed and placed
on the Regular Agenda to 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move
consent calendar item 4d to the regular agenda as item 8d; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
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The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. Beltline Blvd. SWLRT pedestrian improvements
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Jolene Wallace, 3028 Ottawa Ave. S., asked about existing retaining walls within the
pedestrian improvements project and if they would be damaged or removed when the
new sidewalk is put into place. She noted 4-8 homes that have retaining walls in the
area. Mr. Manibog stated staff is aware of the retaining walls and more information will
be provided in the next report.
Ron Hobson, 4156 Alabama Ave., stated he supports the project, adding it is a needed
connection for the Green Line station. He added he likes what is being done on Ottawa
and Beltline with the larger trail, noting the process feels inclusive and he appreciated
the feedback from residents being incorporated . He stated the crosswalk added at 35th
Street and the northwest corner of the frontage road will help cars slow down and
improve safety there.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rog asked about potential increase in engineering costs with the hiring
of a consultant for the project and for clarification on that. Ms. Heiser stated due to
current staffing levels and the workload perspective, in order to move ahead with the
project, there was a need to hire a consultant .
Mr. Harmening added staff requested the consultant as part of the 2021 budget, but if
council decides to downsize the capital plan, this could have a bearing on a consultant
position.
Councilmember Rog commended staff and Mr. Manibog for facilitating good public
meetings online for this project and led to a responsive plan.
Councilmember Harris added her thanks to staff on public engagement and attendance
of 50 persons each time for the online meetings, stating this was a tremendous turnout .
She stated in future she hopes staff will continue to supplement in-person engagement
with online participation as well, adding this is a valuable addition to the city’s suite of
engagement tools.
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Councilmember Harris asked about the bird’s eye view photograph in the report. Mr.
Manibog stated the consultant was able to take photos from the street and utilize a
drone.
Councilmember Harris stated she will not be at the council meeting on Oct. 19, 2020 but
will relay her comments to Mayor Spano and Mr. Harmening to be read into the record
that evening.
Councilmember Kraft asked if this will be a multi-use trail for both pedestrians and
bicyclists. Mr. Manibog stated yes.
Councilmember Kraft asked if the Beltline project, outside of this area, is a separate
project. Mr. Manibog stated yes, adding this project includes installations on the west
side, and the other Beltline project involves restriping. He noted the latter project was
already approved by council in 2019.
There is no action required by the council on this item tonight and final action will be
taken on Oct. 19, 2020.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. First reading of ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units
Ms. Trapp, planning consultant, presented the staff report.
Clayton Keim, 2837 Quentin Ave., noted he had ADU roof pitch concerns. He stated if an
ADU is built on top of a garage, it makes sense to have a higher pitched roof on the
garage to match any of the roof pitches of the house. He asked the council to take this
into consideration, adding he would like to build a garage with a half bath, but would
not use it as an ADU.
Karen Dorn, 2817 Quentin Ave., stated she is concerned about the statement in the
presentation that a similar amount of parking would be required of properties with an
ADU and asked what that means. She also has concerns about absentee landlords and
would prefer to have these be owner-occupied homes. She asked what happens if a
landlord occupies a home long enough to build an ADU structure and then it becomes a
rental home, adding this concerns her. She stated she is also concerned if this will be
looked at as affordable housing, noting she can’t think of additional structures in
people’s back yards. She stated it might be reasonable to add to the top of a garage, but
not put an additional structure in a back yard. She noted in the Minneapolis
Longfellow neighborhood, a second-story garage ADU costs $210,000, adding this was
not using high end materials. She stated this is not affordable housing, and it is curious
how this can fit in. She stated she has a lot of questions about the wisdom of doing this,
noting St. Louis Park does not have large lots and has a lot of on-street parking already.
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She stated this is not a cost-effective way to care for folks vs. a nursing home, and she
asked the council to carefully consider this.
Councilmember Mavity thanked staff for this work adding it is a great step forward.
However, she noted this will not solve all of the city’s affordable housing problems, but
it does show how we can be smarter about how land is used. She asked about the
guidance in the comprehensive plan allowing homeowners to use their properties for
more than one unit and how staff sees additional units working with ADUs and the
timing of this.
Mr. Walther stated currently the ADU ordinance permits only single-family properties to
have an ADU, so a duplex could not have one. He added the comprehensive plan did
adjust the low-density residential category and the allowed density was increased as
well. He stated the city could approach allowing duplexes in low density residential
areas in the future, and staff would likely begin with a review of the R3 district
standards, where duplexes are allowed, and then also look back at the city’s rules from
the past which would likely align with the way properties have been subdivided in the
city.
Councilmember Mavity stated she is very supportive of this and in general giving folks
the ability to use their own property in this way is helpful. She recommended moving
forward at a good pace and implement other elements of the comprehensive plan as
well.
Councilmember Mavity asked regarding the rental issue, if someone constructs an ADU,
it must be owner occupied, but if afterward the owner goes into assisted living, can the
property continue as an ADU. Mr. Walther stated yes.
Councilmember Mavity noted also that family housing fund support for ADU with
guidelines would be helpful.
Councilmember Rog asked if most cities do require owner occupancy and how it is done
in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mr. Walther stated according to family housing fund
research, most cities in the metro area do require owner occupancy, including
Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Councilmember Rog stated she is concerned home flippers will come in and create two
rental properties. She prefers to start with owner-occupied requirements like most
cities and then go from there.
Councilmember Rog asked about the roof pitch requirement that ADUs match the
primary roof pitch and where the planning commission stood on this.
Ms. Trapp stated the planning commission didn’t have a strong feeling about this and
decided to maintain the current requirement to use the primary pitch as a starting
point, with the intention to try to match that. She stated this is open to a change from
the council, adding that roof pitch becomes a factor when the detached ADU will be
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taller than 15 feet. She stated if the principle dwelling has a lesser pitch, there is then no
room to do an ADU, so it usually follows the primary roof pitch.
Mr. Walther added the general approach to developing the ordinance was to allow
ADUs without changing current policies related to houses and detached accessory
buildings. This approach would help ensure ADUs fit with what is allowed currently for
houses and garages. He stated the planning commission was neutral on this issue and it
remains a policy question for the council.
Councilmember Rog asked if there are any downsides in allowing primary or secondary
rooflines being part of an ADU plan. Mr. Walther stated no and added the height of the
detached accessory building is still limited to being taller than the principle building and
might invite people to make small changes to the principal building and take advantage
of a secondary roof pitch for ADU. He added it would provide more flexibility.
Councilmember Rog asked about the 300 square foot minimum, and if 200 square feet
could be the minimum.
Ms. Walther stated the planning commission felt 300 square feet was appropriate ,
which is the size of the smallest studio apartment in St . Louis Park.
Councilmember Rog stated she is concerned about smaller lots in the community, with
setbacks, a 300 square foot requirement, and affordability. She noted the smaller
square foot size may be more affordable and could be a tiny living option.
Councilmember Rog added she hopes to incentivize green space and solar power and
provide low interest loans and assistance as it relates to roof pitch and owner
occupancy.
Councilmember Kraft stated he would also support going down to a 200 square foot
requirement, adding there is much innovation at the low end of the tiny home market.
He asked what the reason is for being so strict on roof pitches. Mr. Walther stated this
was initially adopted when the city allowed detached garages to be taller than 15 feet in
order to allow roof pitches that matched the house. He added the present rule is the
roof pitch must match the primary roof pitch of the principal building, but added if the
council made a change to allow for secondary roof pitch, staff would also propose the
change for detached garages and not only for ADUs.
Councilmember Kraft stated he would prefer to lean to more flexibility on the owner
occupancy issue. Mr. Walther stated the planning commission recommended owner
occupied only to initially establish the ADU ordinance. He continued, afterwards if the
property were sold, this would no longer be required .
Councilmember Kraft stated if it becomes an issue, it can it be addressed in the future.
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Mayor Spano asked if council proceeds with the staff recommendation, and then finds
that no one is building ADUs, would council have the flexibility to change this
requirement. Mr. Walther stated yes council could change this rule later.
Councilmember Kraft stated he would be comfortable with moving forward with the
planning commission recommendations.
Councilmember Brausen stated he will support the ordinance as proposed but added he
does have misgivings on owner-occupancy if the goal and intention is to develop as
many ADUs and housing options as possible. He asked why we would restrict this to
homeowners that could afford to build ADUs only. He added he would be willing to
adopt this and see how it works. He stated he does not like to stigmatize renters and
this restriction only allows rich homeowners to build. He stated he will support this
today but wants to revisit it in one year and open it to all single-family homes and
possibly duplexes as well.
Councilmember Harris stated she supports and celebrates this undertaking and noted as
a community the city is expanding its views of what housing looks like in the first ring
suburbs.
Councilmember Harris asked about the sizes of a single and double garage and if the 300
square foot minimum is close to a double garage size. Mr. Walther stated a small double
garage is usually 400 square feet and a larger double can be up to 550 square feet .
Councilmember Harris asked if an ADU could be built on top of a single stall garage. Mr.
Walther stated yes, but it is unlikely because of the type of foundation existing detached
garages are typically built upon. He added in that situation it is more likely that a new
one-car garage would be built and then an ADU attached.
Councilmember Harris asked if ADUs typically have a separate entrance. Mr. Walther
stated yes.
Councilmember Harris asked if staff could develop a map where ADUs can be built in the
city, similar to the city’s map on solar panels. She asked also how much a typical ADU
costs to build. Mr. Walther stated he had seen estimates that construction costs are
$200,000-400,000 in Minneapolis. He stated it is basically the same cost of building a
new home, but without having to purchase the land, so it’s not inexpensive. He added it
is affordable housing in a non-traditional sense, as many ADUs are rented for low-cost
or free to relatives. He stated for the individual renter(s) it is affordable, otherwise an
ADU would garner typical market rents of an apartment or house.
Councilmember Harris stated she does not see this as a source of affordable housing
and wonders if it is a valid goal. She wondered if there are unintended consequences by
allowing ADUs, which although are another housing type, can be cost prohibitive. She
stated most will not have the money to invest in building an ADU for a family member
or rent out. She added she is in favor of allowing flexibility for owner-occupied when the
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ADU is built and then removing that requirement when allowing for more rentals . She
stated she supports the ordinance as proposed.
Councilmember Mohamed agreed with points mentioned by the councilmembers,
adding she is supportive of the recommended action. She added in order to accomplish
this goal, there should be less restriction and she favors revisiting this again in one year
to make adjustments. She added this would be cost prohibitive for large families such as
her own adding, however, she does not want perfect to be the enemy of good.
Mayor Spano stated he is interested in allowing smaller units and is not concerned
about the roof pitch issue. He stated if staff needs to be flexible to make this more
workable, he supports that recommendation, and revisiting it later if they see ADUs not
being built. He stated the city has tools to enforce neighborhood safety and security,
and if going with smaller units and roof pitch makes a project more affordable, then he
is also fine with that.
Councilmember Mavity stated there are about 150 ADUs in Minneapolis since this
ordinance was enacted there in 2014, adding this is merely one tool for housing in St .
Louis Park. She asked what the city’s assumption is behind owner occupancy and stated
if put into policy, would be discriminatory.
Councilmember Kraft asked what the minimum square footage is for Minneapolis ADUs.
Mr. Walther stated it is a 300-square-foot minimum.
Councilmember Kraft stated tiny houses are not costly, take less green space and are
more energy efficient.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
staff recommendation with changes to allow ADUs at 200 square fe et and also roof pitch
flexibility to primary or secondary roof pitch.
After further discussion, Councilmembers Kraft and Rog withdrew their motion.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the city code to allow accessory
dwelling units as amended to modify the minimum size of an ADU to be more than 200
square feet and set the second reading for Oct. 19, 2020.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to direct staff
to amend the ordinance to allow flexibility to match the primary or secondary roof pitch
when building an ADU.
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Brausen opposed).
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Councilmember Rog clarified her push for owner occupancy is not anti-renter; rather
her interest is in providing more opportunities for affordable ownership. Her concern is
that outside investment groups will take advantage of the opportunity to buy up mor e
affordable homes and make them into dual rental properties. She stated she thinks it is
better to start restrictive vs. loose and then go back and make changes at a later date.
8b. First reading of ordinance pertaining to painted signs
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris stated she appreciates this, adding painted signs require less
resources and environmental impacts and could potentially be less expensive, while
encouraging small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community. She thanked
Councilmember Rog for bringing this forward.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
first reading of ordinance amending section 36-362 pertaining to painted signs and set
second reading for Oct. 19, 2020.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. First reading of ordinance pertaining to architectural materials
Ms. Morrison presented the staff report.
Councilmember Mavity stated she was surprised this had not been updated since 1990,
adding this will help facilitate more creative design and avoid monotony in design,
allowing for more creativity. She wanted to confirm this ordinance will not change the
hard work completed on the transparency and glass ordinance. Mr. Morrison stated the
transparency and glass ordinance will remain the same.
Councilmember Brausen stated he supports this and appreciates the hard work of the
planning commission and their willingness to do an in-depth dive. The council values
their work and recommendations, as well as staff’s.
Councilmember Harris stated she is also glad to see this update on materials and asked
if the city will allow exceptions to developers that propose a higher-class material than
what is in the code. She asked if this revision will prevent those requests from being
brought forward in the future. She stated she will support this. Mr. Morrison stated no,
requests can still come forward from developers.
Councilmember Rog stated she appreciated the links in the report and Councilmember
Mavity’s comments about sameness in developments. She added she has heard
comments about the Shoreham apartments, and concerns about sameness here also ,
adding she hopes this change is communicated to those projects currently in process.
Mr. Morrison stated this can be communicated, but staff will also need to watch dates .
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It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the first reading of ordinance amending Section 36-366 pertaining to
architectural design and set second reading for Oct. 19, 2020.
The motion passed 7-0.
8d. Authorize an amendment of the professional services contract 144-18 with SRF
Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $178,610 for the final design of the
Monterey Drive-Beltline Boulevard-36th Street bikeway and street
improvements projects nos. 4020-1101 and 4021-2000
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the amendment as stated.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Kraft reminded citizens to vote and either drop off their ballots at city
hall or vote early in person.
Mayor Spano thanked Ms. Kennedy and the elections staff for their work on the
election, noting the set up at city hall is wonderful. He added if voting by mail to check
the secretary of state website to see when your vote has been counted.
Mr. Harmening also thanked Ms. Kennedy and staff for their work on elections. He
stated council will receive an email from Ms. Solano regarding the application and
interview process for the council seat being vacated by Councilmember Mavity.
Councilmember Mohamed stated aftereffects of the recent ballot harvesting story in
Minneapolis has caused the Somali community to be afraid to vote. She encouraged
community members to please go out and vote, adding that state officials are also
working to get the word out for all to vote.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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