HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020/11/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular
0 Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Nov. 16, 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, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris,
Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Ms. Conklin), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms.
Barton), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther),
Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), Housing
Supervisor/Community Development Deputy Director (Ms. Schnitker), and Recording Secretary
(Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Mr. Haaland, Urban Architecture; Mr. Shopek, Nordic Ware
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session minutes of Sept. 29, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 4, first paragraph it should read, “… the use of
force data indicates a possible…how should it be addressed…”
Councilmember Kraft also asked that the grid discussed be added to the minutes.
Councilmember Rog stated on page 7, 4th paragraph it should read, “…and that the
inclusion of a multiuse trail here clearly shows staff was listening to community input.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Sept. 29, 2020 study session minutes as revised.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. City council meeting minutes of Oct. 5, 2020
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Councilmember Rog noted on page 9, 1st paragraph it should read, “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 opportunities to buy up more affordable
homes and turn them into dual rental properties. She stated she thinks it is better to
start…”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
Oct. 5, 2020 city council meeting minutes as revised.
The motion passed 7-0.
3c. Study session minutes of Oct. 12, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 6 to remove the second to the last paragraph and
change the first sentence of the last paragraph to read “…for the general fund at the
end of the year.” On page 7 first paragraph it should read “…a reduction on pavement
from 70 to 60 ratio and…a cost savings.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Oct. 12, 2020 study session minutes as revised.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. City council meeting minutes of Oct. 19, 2020
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 5 the name Jayne Stevenson was misspelled.
On page 8, 5th paragraph, first sentence should read “…a contingency amount where
there is a 50% chance of going above or below it.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the Oct. 19, 2020 city council meeting minutes as revised.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2598-20 amending the zoning
ordinance text to create a new mixed-use division with two mixed-use zoning
districts: MX-1 and MX-2, including all associated zoning code amendments and
adopt the design guidelines as a supporting document to the MX-2 district, and
approve the Summary Ordinance for publication (requires 4 affirmative votes); and
approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2599-20 amending the zoning
map to rename the MX district to MX-1 and rezone all of Historic Walker Lake to
MX-2, and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication (requires 5
affirmative votes).
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4b. Approve second reading and adopt ordinance to amend the city code by adding
section 8-337 requiring rental property owners to provide seven days written
notice to tenants prior to initiating an eviction action for non-payment of rent or
other financial obligations and authorize publication of summary ordinance. (This
item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item
8d.)
4c. I. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 1 budget and
property owner service charges, accepting a contribution from Parkshores Senior
Campus, and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to Hennepin
County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular
agenda as item 8c.)
II. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 2 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service
charges to Hennepin County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and
considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
III. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 3 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service
charges to Hennepin County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and
considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
IV. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 4 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service
charges to Hennepin County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and
considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
V. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 5 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service
charges to Hennepin County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and
considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
VI. Adopt Resolution setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 6 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service
charges to Hennepin County. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and
considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
4d. Approve an extension until June 15, 2022, for Frauenshuh to act upon the
conditional use permit (CUP) for Bremer Bank at 7924 Highway 7.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 20-164 approving issuance of a premises permit for lawful
gambling to be conducted by Hopkins Raspberry Festival at The Block, 7007
Walker Street in St. Louis Park.
4f. Approve application from Lunds & Byerlys to continue using their on-sale
intoxicating liquor license under their parent company Lund Food Holding, Inc.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 20-165 authorizing the Hennepin County Grant Agreement
to fund the city’s residential curbside recycling and organics recycling programs.
4h. Designate Viking Industrial Painting the lowest responsible bidder and authorize
execution of a contract with the contractor in the amount of $1,463,000.00 for
Park Glen Water Tower Rehabilitation – project No. 4021-5000.
4i. Authorize a professional services contract with Short Elliot Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH)
in the amount of $161,321 for the final design and construction staking for the
Beltline Blvd SWLRT Pedestrian Improvements – (4022-2000).
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Councilmember Kraft requested that consent calendar items 4b and 4c be removed and
placed on the regular agenda as items 8c and 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent calendar
items 4b and 4c to the regular agenda as items 8d and 8c; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. Nordic Ware easement vacation
Ms. Kramer presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Harris asked about the drainage vacation, and if it will shift the water
main location to a new location, and if there will now be a jag in the map.
Ms. Kramer stated the water main will shift to the east and a new easement will be
created with a straightening of lines there. She noted the plans will reflect this change.
Councilmember Harris asked if this will use public lands, and what that means for the
city. She also asked about a long-term lease arrangement and how that would work. Ms.
Kramer stated the owners will sign an encroachment agreement, and this portion of the
lot is in a small corner of the parking lot area which is on public land. She added staff
evaluated this and noted this would not prevent the city from doing road improvements
in the future.
Councilmember Harris asked if the city will sell that portion of the land . Ms. Kramer
stated no, not at this time. Mr. Walther added because of the timing of this project , staff
will not pursue the title at this time, adding an encroachment agreement is in use, and if
the land were needed in future for a public purpose, it would be at no cost to the city.
Councilmember Kraft asked for further information related to the installation of solar
panels. Mr. Haaland stated the owners are looking at doing this on the south wall
because the rooftop areas have too much venting to allow for solar panels.
Councilmember Kraft encouraged the owners to install solar panels.
Councilmember Rog stated given this project is in ward 1, and she appreciates Nordic
Ware as a great community partner, it is interesting that the building is located so near
the light rail; however, she added she does support that. She asked if there are
additional approvals required for the project on building design, or if the design fits the
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parameters. Ms. Kramer stated if council approves the first reading and special permit
amendment, the project will continue under the normal process. She added staff would
continue to monitor construction plans and approve going forward.
Councilmember Rog asked about the materials to be used on the exterior of the
warehouse. Mr. Haaland stated it will be dark charcoal brick to match and blend with
that is there now. Councilmember Rog suggested if and when the owners replace the
landscaping they plant low maintenance and native plants.
Councilmember Dumalag asked about parking and potentially the addition of parking on
the frontage road. Ms. Kramer stated the parking for the project meets the city’s
parking requirements.
Council action on this item will take place in agenda item 8a.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. Nordic Ware special permit amendment and first reading of easement vacation
ordinance. Resolution No. 20-166
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
first reading of ordinance vacating portion of a public drainage and utility easement and
set the second reading for Dec. 7, 2020; and, to adopt Resolution No. 20-166, approving
the amendment to a special permit.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Traffic study 742 – adjusting timed parking restrictions on Xylon Avenue south
of Minnetonka Boulevard. Resolution No. 20-167
Mr. Manibog presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano asked if this is specific to only this school, and if staff has discussed this
with the school district to see if any other schools will have similar changes . Mr.
Manibog stated due to the pandemic, this issue has not been discussed with the school
district at this time.
Councilmember Harris noted she heard about challenges with parking in this area,
especially during snow emergencies. She noted many live adjacent to this school zone
and asked how parking enforcements are handled while school is not in session during
COVID. She also asked if parking is allowed on the west side of Xylon Avenue during the
pandemic.
Councilmember Harris asked if no parking on school days could be relaxed when kids ar e
not being sent to school during the pandemic and there are possibly more people
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working at home. She added this would be helpful to those at home. Ms. Heiser added
staff will discuss this with the police. Councilmember Harris stated she appreciated that.
Mayor Spano agreed, stating it would be helpful to be as flexible as possible when it
makes sense but added he would not want to see different treatment in different school
areas.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-167 extending timed parking restrictions on Xylon Avenue south of
Minnetonka Boulevard.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Special service districts
Councilmember Kraft stated staff worked hard to keep the service charges flat due to
COVID by using some flexibility and by tightening belts. He applauded this approach and
is interested in seeing a similar approach used on the levy to be set next month,
especially as it applies to the city’s general fund balances.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to:
I. Adopt Resolution No. 20-168 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 1 budget and
property owner service charges, accepting a contribution from Parkshores Senior Campus,
and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to Hennepin County.
II. Adopt Resolution No. 20-169 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 2 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to
Hennepin County.
III. Adopt Resolution No. 20-170 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 3 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to
Hennepin County.
IV. Adopt Resolution No. 20-171 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 4 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to
Hennepin County.
V. Adopt Resolution No. 20-172 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 5 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to
Hennepin County.
VI. Adopt Resolution No. 20-173 setting the 2021 Special Service District No. 6 budget and
property owner service charges and directing staff to certify the annual service charges to
Hennepin County.
The motion passed 7-0
8d. Ordinance amending the city code by adding section 8-337. Ordinance No.
2600-20
Councilmember Kraft requested the effective date of the ordinance be delayed to Feb.
1, 2021.
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Councilmember Brausen stated he is concerned about pushing this ordinance back a
month and if the city is educating both owners and renters on this issue , there is no
need to do so.
Ms. Schnitker added this will be a management practice that landlords will have to
change, so this will allow them more time to have everything in place before the
ordinance goes into effect.
Councilmember Harris added going forward, she supports having policies enacted 60
days after the council approves them.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog to approve
second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2600-20 amending the city code by adding
section 8-337 requiring rental property owners to provide seven-days written notice to
tenants prior to initiating an eviction action for non-payment of rent or other financial
obligations and authorize publication of summary ordinance, and to move the effective
date from Jan. 1, 2021 to Feb. 1, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Harris stated St. Louis Park Seeds is now known as St. Louis Park Seeds
Feeds and has received a $50,000 Hennepin County grant t o provide food to those in
need.
Councilmember Rog stated Seeds Feeds has been overwhelmed with requests and the
group has had to put things on hold for now. Councilmember Rog added this week is
Give to the Max Week and she suggested folks donate to Friends of the Arts in St. Louis
Park to support the arts.
Councilmember Harris noted on Thursday, Nov. 19, the Texatonka neighborhood
association along with Paster Properties will host a public information event ab out
affordable housing. She stated more information is available from City Planner Jennifer
Monson.
Councilmember Brausen stated four councilmembers will be participating in the
National League of Cities Conference virtually. He stated the group will share learnings
from the event in a written report afterwards. Councilmember Brausen encouraged
folks to donate to STEP also for Give to the Max Day, to help those in need, adding the
needs are tremendous this year.
Mayor Spano added the St. Louis Park Community Foundation is selling orange
facemasks with the St. Louis Park logo, and for each sold, one will be donated to
organizations in need.
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10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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