HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/10/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Oct. 19, 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), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
(Ms. Deno), CFO (Ms. Lammers), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Planning
and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Finance Manager
(Ms. Sledge), Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Liz Diaz, Ehlers
2. Presentations
2a. Community Media Day
Mayor Spano read the proclamation stating that Community Media Day is Oct. 20, 2020,
and adding on behalf of the council, he appreciates the work of the city’s media team
who are especially important during this time of COVID, when virtual meetings are so
important to the council, staff, and community.
2b. Recognition of Councilmember Anne Mavity
Mayor Spano stated after 10-11 years on the council, Councilmember Mavity will be
leaving St. Louis Park and moving to Minneapolis. He stated she has been dedicated to
serving the City of St. Louis Park, and she will be missed.
Councilmember Rog stated she and Councilmember Mavity have known each other
through their connections in the community for a long time . She added when she was
running for council, she met with Councilmember Mavity who encouraged her ,
answered her questions, and rode a bike to the meeting – which Councilmember Rog
admired. Councilmember Rog said Councilmember Mavity gave her good advice and
also said “it’s a lot of work.” Councilmember Rog stated she often hears these words,
knowing she was warned by someone who knows well the work that goes into being a
councilmember.
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Councilmember Rog stated Councilmember Mavity’s capacity to give feedback is not
couched in an apology, similar to what many women do, and added Councilmember
Mavity has forced her to develop more clarity and develop a better case and become a
better councilmember. She stated we did not always agree – but that kept it interesting.
Councilmember Rog thanked Councilmember Mavity for her work on Connect the Park,
Excelsior Boulevard, affordable housing and housing policies, and wished her well.
Councilmember Kraft stated he ran for office because previous councils have done a
good job and laid a strong foundation, adding Councilmember Mavity has been such a
big part of that. He stated he is indebted to her for what she has done and others before
her. He appreciates the context and guidance and strength of vision she provided,
adding she made it happen with Connect the Park and affordable housing. He stated
these are things to be proud of and he appreciates how sharp Councilmember Mavity is,
her strong opinions, and not being afraid to stand up for what is right. He stated they
will all miss her and wished her well.
Councilmember Mohamed agreed with her fellow councilmembers and thanked
Councilmember Mavity for her instruction on Connect the Park and for also inviting her
to her home and hosting a house party for her. She stated Councilmember Mavity is
always sharp and knows what she is talking about, adding she has learned a lot from
her, and while she will miss her, Councilmember Mohamed stated she wishes
Councilmember Mavity all the luck in the world.
Councilmember Brausen stated Councilmember Mavity was his neighbor over 20 years
ago on Virginia Circle, and then later moved across the city. He stated he was pleasantly
surprised when she came on the council, and then also when she reached out to him to
run for council because of his background in racial equit y and affordable housing.
Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated the opportunity to work with and learn
from Councilmember Mavity and also occasionally disagree with her. He added she
modeled how to handle issues with constituents and how to do it professionally. He
stated this is the city’s loss and he will miss Councilmember Mavity, but he understands.
Mr. Harmening added he worked with Councilmember Mavity for the past 11 years
adding she has been active in the League of MN Cites and in policy making and has
interacted with other city managers. He stated other city managers would ask him what
it is like to work with Councilmember Mavity and he would say “it’s a ride, and you have
to be ready and not get off until she stops the ride.” He added Councilmember Mavity
is a very passionate, smart, energetic, enthusiastic, creative, articulate, and a principled
person. He stated he learned much from her and she has made a big difference in the
community in many ways and her mark here is evident.
Mayor Spano added he echoes what the other councilmembers have said, stating the
council are 7 individuals who make the best possible decisions as they see fit. He added
individually they all have their own perspective on things and don’t always agree, but
that’s a good thing and makes each position stronger. He stated he has not met anyone
who is a more strategic thinker than Councilmember Mavity. He stated Councilmember
Mavity played a huge role in moving SWLRT ahead, as well as Connect the Park, and
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affordable housing initiatives. He thanked Councilmember Mavity on behalf of the
council.
Councilmember Mavity thanked the councilmembers for all their kind words, adding she
will miss her job very much as it allows her to be in the space she enjoys the most. She
stated it has been a privilege to work with the council, staff and residents . She added
the city has amazing residents, and a great staff and council as well.
Councilmember Mavity stated she learned lessons through this work, and has disagreed
with folks along the way, but she knows everyone loves their community and they are
so engaged and want the best for the city. She added the community has also helped
the council sharpen the city’s vision. Councilmember Mavity thanked staff, which she
called amazing, and Mr. Harmening, who she stated is an incredible city manager. She
also thanked the engineering staff and Ms. Heiser and her team.
Councilmember Mavity stated her new home is literally 100 yards away from St. Louis
Park adding she will continue to be engaged in the city. She stated this is a good time to
pass the baton to someone who will bring fresh vision and continue to do great work.
She added it’s been a privilege to live and serve in St. Louis Park.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session meeting minutes of Sept. 14, 2020
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 5, 6th paragraph, last sentence should read, “…
would prefer the 3% level but would support the 4.5% level…” He continued on page 9,
2nd to the last paragraph, it should read, “…internet content.racial equity analysis.”
Councilmember Rog stated on page 7, 3rd paragraph down it should read,
“Councilmember Rog, in reference to Councilmember Brausen’s statement that 85% in
the city are working, noted that 50% of blacks in MN have filed for unemployment
benefits since March and it’s important not to assume…”
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the Sept. 14, 2020 study session meeting minutes as revised.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
3b. City council meeting minutes of Sept. 21, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 7, 3rd paragraph it should read, “…was part of
moving to 6.11%.” and on page 9, 5th paragraph it should read, “…negotiations with only
one union, our smallest… and on Page 9, last sentence, it should read “…argument…”
Councilmember Rog noted on page 7, 3rd paragraph, it should read, “…she read two of
the emails she received on the topic to the council…”
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It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
Sept. 21, 2020 city council meeting minutes as revised.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
3. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance amending Section 36 of the City
Code to allow accessory dwelling units and approve the summary ordinance for
publication. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as
regular agenda as item 8c.)
4b. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2594-20 amending Section
36-362 pertaining to painted signs and approve summary ordinance for publication.
4c. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2595-20 amending Section
36-366 pertaining to architectural design and approve summary ordinance for
publication.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 20-143 authorizing the special assessment for the repair
of the water service line at 2915 Huntington Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN.
P.I.D. 31-029-24-44-0023.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-144 authorizing yield signs on Alabama Avenue at 35th
Street.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 20-145 authorizing stop signs on Hampshire Avenue at
33rd Street.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 20-146 authorizing stop signs on Maryland Avenue at
Franklin Avenue.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 20-147 authorizing a yield sign on Wyoming Avenue at 33rd
Street.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 20-148 authorizing a yield sign on 18th Street at Hillsboro
Avenue.
4j. Approve an amendment to the cooperative agreement between Hennepin
County and City of St. Louis Park to further the goals of the Southwest Light Rail
Transit / Green Line Extension (SWLRT) and the Southwest Community Works
Investment Framework.
4k. Approve the 2021 Acceptable Materials and Exemptions list and Administrative
Rules.
4l. Adopt Resolutions Nos. 20-149, 20-150, and 20-151 to recognize Electrical
Inspector Bernie Riley and Part Time Firefighters Nancy Weiman -Schmelzle and
Mark Flumerfelt for their years of service.
4m. Adopt Resolution No. 20-152 establishing the employer contribution for benefits
in 2021.
4n. Approve for filing parks & rec advisory commission minutes of Jan. 14, 2020.
4o. Approve for filing parks & rec advisory commission minutes of Aug. 12, 2020.
Councilmember Rog requested that consent calendar item 4a be removed and placed
on the Regular Agenda to 8c.
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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 4a to the regular agenda as item 8c; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
5. Boards and commissions
5a. Appointment of youth representatives to boards and commissions
Councilmember Kraft stated Councilmembers Rog, Mohamed, and he interviewed a
great group and were impressed with each candidate. He added a youth member was
head of the HRC, and Jayne Stephenson while on the ESC, began the climate action plan
a few years ago. He stated the youth hold us accountable and he wants to see youth
expanded on commissions, while adding he wants to discuss this further at a future
study session.
Councilmember Rog agreed with Councilmember Kraft adding it was valuable spending
time with the youth and the decision to interview them was a good one and she hopes
this will continue.
Mayor Spano agreed adding the city needs more youth voices and he is very interested
in this study session conversation.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the appointment of the youth representatives to boards and commissions as listed in
exhibit A.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
6. Public hearings
6a. Public hearing to consider first reading of 2021 fee ordinance
Ms. Sledge presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Brausen asked staff if the council has authority to amend the fee
schedule during the year, if they want to make a correction. Mr. Harmening stated yes.
Councilmember Rog asked when park and recreation and pool fees are reviewed by
council. Mr. Harmening stated the park and rec staff have a good handle on costs
associated with the various programs of the city, as well as looking at what other
communities are charging to make sure St. Louis Park stays competitive . He added the
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city has a program in place for families that cannot afford enrolling in a park program
and the city underwrites that as well.
Ms. Deno added that certain fees are set administratively by the city manager, and the
fees being set this evening are fees the council has authority to set, adding that those
fees are reviewed each year as well.
Councilmember Rog asked if the installation for a permanent sign without footings
noted on page 5 of the staff report, applies to the painted sign ordinance. Ms. Sledge
stated she would have to verify that with the community development department and
get back to Councilmember Rog.
Councilmember Rog asked about temporary private use of public property and why the
fee was increased from $550 to $750. Ms. Heiser stated the application is for
encroachment agreements and right of way or an easement.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the first reading of an ordinance adopting fees for 2021 and set second reading
scheduled for Nov. 2, 2020.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
6b. Assessment of delinquent charges
Ms. Sledge stated 1,283 letters were sent to residents in order to collect delinquent
fees. She stated staff will continue to collect payments and anything collected after the
due date will be certified to Hennepin County.
Mayor Spano opened public hearing.
Jessica Freeman, 1641 Utah Ave. S., stated she had two false alarm fees from one year
ago, and noted she had set off the alarms in error when she was suffering from
postpartum depression, after the birth of her third child . She stated she hopes the city
will consider her condition at the time and hers and her children’s wellness and forgo
the fees. She added she is a good upstanding citizen in St. Louis Park and hoped the
council would waive the fees.
Mayor Spano stated he assumed staff will have a conversation with Ms. Freeman before
the final vote of council on Nov. 2.
Joy Geislinger, 2853 Louisiana Ave. S., stated she received a notice of a past due fee of
$125 with the description of mowing. She asked if this could be dismissed, adding she
had tried calling staff in the past to discuss, but never could connect with them. She
asked that the fee be dismissed, noting she is an upstanding citizen of St. Louis Park.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
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Councilmember Brausen stated he is self-employed and received a green letter at home,
which he took care of. He thanked staff for sending out these notices on bright colored
paper and hoped this works for others as well.
Councilmember Rog asked in this year of financial distress, what is staff’s takeaway that
fee payments are better this year vs. other years. Ms. Sledge stated the city has not
been charging the late penalties since March of this year, it may have helped residents
to pay off their balances.
Councilmember Rog stated perhaps in the future, this should continue . She asked what
the protocol is if a resident asks for a fee dismissal. Ms. Deno stated staff will contact
the resident and try to resolve the issue.
Mayor Spano asked what the most common delinquent fee is. Ms. Sledge stated
utilities.
Councilmember Mavity added the State of Minnesota has provided $100 million for
housing assistance so if residents are stressed due to Covid-related situation, and are
struggling to pay, they can apply to the state for help.
No further action was taken by the council tonight, and approval of the resolution will
take place at the Nov 2, 2020 meeting.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Beltline Blvd. SWLRT pedestrian improvement – (4022-2000). Resolution No.
20-153
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report.
Councilmember Mavity stated it is exciting to be at this point in the process of approvals
and thanked staff for working on this project for a long time, stating staff has done an
excellent job of engaging residents and getting input. She added the changes here have
been positive and allows access to businesses and future developments to have access
to parks and the SWLRT.
Councilmember Rog added she is very appreciative of Councilmember Mavity’s efforts
on this city-wide network and staff’s efforts also. She stated she is pleased with
including the multi-use trail in the improvements as well as with the public meetings
and the 400 responses to the online survey. She added she hopes to see more multiuse
trails in the future to help the concerned biker and appreciated this also along Ottawa
Ave. as well.
Councilmember Rog asked staff why the first information session had many who
attended and was robust, the second one did not have the same level of participation ,
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and what staff learned from this. Mr. Manibog stated staff did not know why there was
a difference in attendance but added there is always more outreach to do and staff will
continue to work on this.
Councilmember Kraft stated this was a great project and a great job. He noted the 20%
contingency built into construction costs and asked how that is determined and where
the actual costs will come out.
Mr. Manibog stated contingency is one process that is developed between staff and the
consultant for items not yet completed or things that come up unexpectedly. He noted
the percentage comes down the more staff learns about the project design process .
Councilmember Kraft asked if staff aims for a contingency amount where there is 50%
chance of going above or below it. Ms. Heiser stated staff would like to go below, but it
is what the contractors charge. She added staff continues to work on this, and the other
concern is that the city sets utility rates based on estimates of costs, so staff continues
to work on finding a balance.
Councilmember Brausen stated the bidding environment has been so hard to predict
and the Dakota pedestrian bridge is a good example of that. He stated with all the city’s
polluted soil and construction costs accelerating, the contingency should be larger. He
stated he will support this plan and noted this is an example of working through a
process over time to come up with best possible solution.
Councilmember Rog asked about the $150,000 consultant costs and if the engineering
position will not be added this year, if this will be an additional cost. Mr. Harmening
stated not necessarily, noting staff is looking at delays of other capital projects and
perhaps managing this project without having extensive consultant costs. He stated staff
will talk more to council on this issue at the November study session.
Councilmember Mohamed noted she is generally in support of this.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-153, accepting the project report, establishing improvement project
no. 4022-2000, approving staff recommended concept designs and authorizing the
design of final plans.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
8b. Traffic Study 734 – Authorize yield signs on Vallacher Avenue at Quentin
Avenue and Princeton Avenue. Resolution No. 20-154
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. He noted the traffic committee recommends
this item.
Councilmember Mavity stated she understands why staff is recommending yield signs
here; however, the comments from neighbors about stop signs being more definitive is
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what she prefers also. She added stop signs provide a level of safety to pedestrians,
while they also provide traffic calming measures. She states she appreciated the
comments and concerns of residents noted in the report.
Councilmember Mavity stated in this whole area, every intersection impacts the other
and a remaining intersection that will need attention is Raleigh and Wooddale, where it
meets Browndale Avenue. She stated this intersection is difficult with children walking
to the park there, and while it is not on the agenda tonight, this is an important crossing
that will need better safety measures.
Councilmember Kraft asked why there is no yield on Princeton instead of Vallacher . Mr.
Manibog stated traffic flow is considered when a yield sign is recommended, and here
when looking southbound, traffic is on a shorter block. He added these two
intersections were looked at in tandem and the traffic committee developed this
recommendation.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-154 authorizing yield signs on Vallacher Avenue at Quentin Avenue
and Princeton Avenue.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
8c. Ordinance amending section 36 of the city code to allow ADU’s. Ordinance No.
2596-20
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss this issue before final approval.
She stated she is supportive of the ADU ordinance and is pleased to provide this form of
housing in the community for the benefit of residents.
Councilmember Rog asked Mr. Walther where the planning commission stood on owner
occupancy and why they recommended the owner must own the property to build an
ADU and then both units can be available for rent. Mr. Walther stated the best practice
to promote production of more ADUs is not to require owner occupancy, and initially
the planning commission did not include the owner occupancy requirement. He added
they were concerned an outside investment group might acquire multiple properties to
build ADUs, maximize the rental rates, and that may make properties less attainable for
other traditional homebuyers.
Councilmember Rog stated the challenge here is there are multiple valid perspectives.
She added she does not understand how this is a break for develo pers. She stated she is
concerned in this community where the highest demand is for the most modest homes,
the concern is if these ADUs become investment properties for absent landlords, the
city will lose home ownership, and homeownership is recognized as addressing the
wealth gap.
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Councilmember Rog added focusing on housing low income or BIPOC residents is always
about rentals and she is tired of that. She stated the council can do better here and this
is one example of where they can do better for these families.
Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciates Councilmember Rog’s focus on race
equity and home ownership as a tool to advance that and agreed that generational
wealth is accrued through home ownership. She added, however, the city does do this
for first-time homeowners and will continue to do so but added she does not support
limitations. She stated she supports the proposal as drafted, adding this will be a good
way to help folks stay in their homes longer and have rental income to help with
upkeep.
Councilmember Mavity added the restriction of only home ownership suddenly
dramatically reduces who the home can be sold to and the city should not play that role.
She stated she understands about absentee landlords but doesn’t want to lose sight
that this will double single-family homes from one to two families and that needs to be
leveraged.
Councilmember Mavity added she is also concerned about the idea that somehow being
a renter is something folks do not want to do. She stated she is concerned about
devaluation of community members if they are renters vs. being a homeowner. She
stated even if this is not the city’s intent, it could send that message.
Councilmember Mohamed added home ownership is important for generational wealth,
but St. Louis Park is different in that it is all built out . She stated, however, this is worth
doing even if it brings community members one step closer to addressing housing
issues. She agreed with Councilmember Mavity that this is helpful for older residents
who want to rent out their home and gain income.
Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmembers Mavity and Mohamed and will
support the recommendation. He stated he wants to create additional housing units in
the community, and he is fine with the owner occupant creating the unit ; however, he
might want to limit the number of units they can create.
Councilmember Brausen added he also worries about if this is made permanent owner
occupancy, the burden is on staff to monitor this and deed restrictions will be required,
and then lenders will start backing off.
Councilmember Kraft stated he will support the motion, adding that rents are growing
fastest at the lower end of the market, and the city will need to be creative and allow
ADUs to be one tool in the toolbox. He added he has concerns with permanent owner
occupancy requirements, which might require eviction if the owner needs to sell the
home.
Councilmember Kraft added the core issue is allowing more housing as this will make it
easier for home ownership and the council should spend more time discussing this. He
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encouraged staff to bring this to council with zoning related changes on single-family
properties around the city.
Councilmember Rog stated this all depends on the lens you are looking through adding
her lens is on home ownership. She added if ADUs are created with absentee landlords,
it will work against this. She stated she will support the ADU ordinance and hopes there
will not be a lot of absentee investment that takes us away from where we want to go
as a community.
Mayor Spano agreed Councilmember Rog is right in raising this issue, especially about
how to increase home ownership in the BIPOC community. He stated Minneapolis has
created approximately 140 ADUs and Minneapolis has home ownership requirements.
He stated in St. Louis Park, this would be about 3 – 3.5 ADUs per year and this policy will
increase housing options and housing stock, while keeping them more affordable.
Mayor Spano pointed to a study done in Seattle and noted no matter how this is
structured, it will help white middle class people disproportionately, noting that the
council will want to discuss this as well as all of the city housing policies to drive BIPOC
ownerships. He stated he will support this but does appreciate this conversation.
Councilmember Mavity added the city has not been tracking first-time home ownership
by race, and this will need to happen to see the impacts here .
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2596-20 amending Section 36 of the
City Code to allow accessory dwelling units and approve the summary ordinance for
publication.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Harris absent).
9. Communications
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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