HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/01/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 19, 2021
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 (Mr. Mattick), Engineering Director
(Ms. Heiser), CIO (Mr. Pires), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Senior Planner (Ms.
Monson), CFO (Ms. Schmitt), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Senior
Management Analyst (Ms. Solano)
Guests: Mike Strudivant and Sheldon Berg, Paster Properties
2. Presentations - none
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Nov. 16, 2020
Councilmember Rog stated on page 4, last paragraph it should read: “…Councilmember
Rog stated…” and not Councilmember Kraft.
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 5, 2nd paragraph it should read: “Councilmember
Rog suggested if and when the owners replace the landscaping, the plantings should be
low maintenance and native.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Nov. 16, 2020 city council meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Closed executive session minutes of Nov. 23, 2020
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Nov. 23, 2020 closed executive session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -2- Jan. 19, 2021
3c. Study session minutes of Nov. 23, 2020
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 1 it should read: “… capital improvement changes
presented, if all of them impact 2022 and beyond and would not impact the 2021 levy.”
Councilmember Kraft added on page 2, 3rd paragraph, it should read: “…will be a fund
balance of approximately 50%....and reducing the levy would still give the city a greater
than 45% fund balance by his calculations.”
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 4, 5th paragraph, it should read, “…that of these
two options he prefers the 4.5% increase….and he stated he believes climate work
should be funded at $1-2 million per year.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Nov. 23, 2020 study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. City council meeting minutes of Dec. 7, 2020
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve
the Dec. 7, 2020 city council meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3e. Study session minutes of Dec. 14, 2020
Councilmember Rog noted on page 8 it should read: “Councilmember Rog stressed the
need for comprehensive outreach to meet goals for the solar sundown program this
year.”
Councilmember Dumalag stated on page 6 the following should be added:
“Councilmember Dumalag asked the applicants “…if they had ever worked together
before… and also asked if agreements will be dependent on acquisition of the site.”
Councilmember Kraft asked that the last sentence on page 8 be removed.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Dec. 14, 2020 study session minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2603-21 amending the St.
Louis Park Code of Ordinances Chapter 2 to add a second voting youth member to
the Community Technology Advisory Commission, Human Rights Commission, Parks
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -3- Jan. 19, 2021
and Recreation Advisory Commission and Police Advisory Commission and
authorize publication.
4b. Authorize replacement of 2006 Ford E450 van equipped with visual sewer inspection
equipment.
4c. Adopt Resolution authorizing the award of the 2021 arts and culture grants. (This
item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda
as item 8b.)
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 21-008 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of
the sewer service line at 2748 Brunswick Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D.
09-117-21-32-0079.
4e. Designate Hydro-Klean, LLC as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize
execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $399,685.60 for the sanitary
sewer mainline rehabilitation project no. 4021-3000.
4f. Approve for filing parks & recreation advisory commission minutes of Sept. 16,
2020
4g. Approve for filing board of zoning appeals minutes of Oct. 21, 2020
4h. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Dec. 2, 2020
Councilmember Kraft requested that consent calendar item 4c be removed and placed
on the Regular Agenda to 8b.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent
calendar item 4c to the regular agenda as item 8b; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. First reading of ordinance implementing a franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy
Resources Corporation
Ms. Heiser presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Kraft asked why CenterPoint asked the city to keep the fee the same.
Ms. Heiser stated they asked us to be equitable and keep it at the same level.
Councilmember Kraft asked why we have franchise fees versus having higher taxes. Ms.
Heiser stated for building roads but noted property taxes could also be used for this as
well. She added another option would be to use an assessment . She stated franchise
fees are a sustained way to generate funds to be able to maintain city roads.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -4- Jan. 19, 2021
Mr. Harmening added franchise fees are applied to all properties in the city and not only
tax paying properties, such as non-profits like Methodist Hospital and Park Nicollet.
Ms. Schmitt stated this is an equitable way to spread out the fees throughout the city.
Councilmember Rog asked the council to consider having more flexibility in spending
franchise fees for city projects such as sidewalks being cleaned in the winter and other
initiatives around walking, biking, and mass transportation. She stated there are other
goals that are more important.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve first reading of ordinance imposing a franchise fee on CenterPoint Energy and
set second reading for Feb. 1, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
6b. First reading of ordinance implementing a franchise fee on Northern States
Power Co. (dba Xcel Energy)
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Harris asked about the utility providers, how the cost is absorbed, and if
they pass it on to customers. Ms. Heiser stated there is a fee on utility bills, and there is
no administration fee for collecting this or sending it to the city.
Ms. Schmitt stated the franchise fees are collected by utilities on our behalf and then
sent to the city. Ms. Schmitt added the utilities send the city a quarterly payment.
Councilmember Kraft stated he supports this. He noted it is interesting franchise fees
are used and a mechanism to collect taxes from residents in a different way . He added
he is interested in pursuing a different approach over time.
Councilmember Rog supports this also but noted it is interesting how much the council
is concerned with levy increases, and not as concerned about impacts on residents of
franchise fees.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve first reading of ordinance imposing a franchise fee on Xcel Energy and set
second reading for Feb. 1, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -5- Jan. 19, 2021
8a. Texa-Tonka Apartments
Ms. Monson presented the report to the council. She noted due to technical difficulties
on this topic at the planning commission public hearing, the council will take public
comment on this topic this evening. She added additional comments in writing from
residents were accepted and additional communication was sent to residents within 500
feet of the development.
Mayor Spano asked for public comments. There were no callers currently.
Councilmember Harris noted the landscape plan and pointed out the majority of the
area is a paved over blacktop parking lot. She asked how many trees are on the site
presently. Ms. Monson stated she did not know but will get that information to the
council. Councilmember Harris stated there might be two dozen trees there and more
will be added according to the plan.
Councilmember Harris stated she attended the neighborhood meeting and noted the
developer has been working on plans for one year and the plans have evolved. She
stated the main area where they have negotiated the design is the addition of
townhouses on the north end of the site. After council input, the developer also
increased the amount of walk out units to provide a more neighborhood feel and give
direct access to the mall across the street. She stated the multiple sessions allowed for
much public comment and she is aware there is not unanimous agreement on the
project. She noted it has been a parking lot for two decades so the changes are
definitive and will be different for the neighborhood.
Councilmember Harris added some residents want more shops to walk to and visit, and
this will help. She stated there are apartments nearby but not close to the shopping
center. She also stated the proposal has lower density than could be allowed there,
adding this was done to reflect the desire of the neighbors.
Councilmember Harris stated this project is a dramatic improvement from what has
been there, the design is a mid-century clean line-look, and the neighbors prefer that.
She added the developer lives in the neighborhood and there will be 20 units at 50%
AMI. She asked if this will be the case for 25 years given the TIF. Ms. Barton stated yes,
that is correct.
Councilmember Harris stated she supports this project and feels it is the right project for
the area.
Councilmember Rog asked about the five stories. Ms. Monson stated it is three full
stories along Minnetonka with a fourth story stepped back and there is a grade change
as the site goes north, which turns the fourth story into the fifth story on the norther n
half of the site.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -6- Jan. 19, 2021
Councilmember Rog asked about the size of the affordable units and if there are 13 two-
bedroom affordable units in the apartments. Ms. Monson stated the affordable units
are spread evenly throughout the various unit types.
Councilmember Rog stated we are missing an opportunity here until and unless we
commit to requiring affordable units that are larger than 2-bedroom. She stated the
development is terrific and a great design, but what is missing is the opportunity for
those that need more bedrooms for their family to live there.
Councilmember Dumalag stated this is an exciting project for this area . She asked what
the genesis of this project was, and all the steps taken and what was initially proposed .
Ms. Monson stated staff did much outreach as well as the Vision 3.0 process. She stated
there has been a long-term property owner and they are now ready to divest their
property. She stated public feedback was given about what should be proposed there.
She stated council voiced support for a PUD approach for the site in January 2020.
Mr. Sturdivant, Paster Properties, stated he is part of the project team and lives in the
neighborhood at Burd Place. He stated they started looking at the site and initially
thought a large apartment building would not be acceptable for the site . He added at
that point they started looking at the townhome concept and less density and then after
getting feedback, refined the project. He stated initially they looked at apartments
there, but then landed on the current unit mix.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if they are self-managing this or is there a 3rd party
involved. Mr. Sturdivant stated this is in conjunction with Stevens Scott for leasing.
Councilmember Kraft asked if there will be natural gas used in the building. Mr. Berg
stated the units will be electrically heated, but that hot water heating and corridors will
utilize gas. He stated there is a premium paid when heating with electricity even though
in the long run that is a better green path than gas.
Councilmember Kraft noted parking on Sumter that is a concern. He asked if there are
other options if that did become an issue. Ms. Monson stated there are other options.
City code allows for compact parking and there are opportunities for metro transit
reduced passes for residents. She added the mall adjacent to the development has
opposite peak parking times, so there are opportunities to create a shared parking
agreement there. Since they do meet the parking requirements for the city, the city
cannot mandate there is an agreement between p arties. She added there are not any
concerns about parking.
Councilmember Kraft stated he supports this project but agrees with Councilmember
Rog’s points on larger affordable units and is pleased to see the green initiatives added.
He also appreciates the level of EV charging stations which is far above the
requirements. Councilmember Kraft noted that some people expressed concerns about
property taxes going up or down but added he will support this.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -7- Jan. 19, 2021
Councilmember Brausen stated his wife grew up in this area and her mom still lives
there. He stated he also owned a home on Burd Place a few years ago, so he is excited
about this redevelopment, especially as it is in line with strategic priorities, green
initiatives, building policies, solar, and the Texa-Tonka small area plan. He stated he will
support this.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she grew up in this area adding this area needs more
movement, which she has shared with Councilmember Harris. She is also excited about
the development and expressed her interest in affordability and larger apartment units
for families.
Mayor Spano noted the design and stated he wanted this to be a visually creative
signature project. He stated he thinks the project is partway there and added the city
needs to be aesthetically aggressive and show off artists’ work and the community. He
stated he would have liked to see something more daring as far as design, but otherwise
he will support the PUD request.
Mayor Spano also noted the amount of tax revenue to be brought in from the project
will be much better than the abandoned parking lot has brought in, so this is a positive .
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve first reading of ordinance adding Section 36-368-PUD 18 to the zoning code and
amending the Zoning Map from C-1 Neighborhood Commercial and R-3 Two-Family
Residential to PUD 18 and set the second reading for Feb. 1, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Authorizing the award of the 2021 arts and culture grants . Resolution No. 21-
009
Councilmember Kraft stated one of the applicants used to teach ballet to his daughter
and noted there are several very good projects to be funded here. He pointed out a
project at Wat Thai, as well as several others, and he thanked Friends of the Arts and
others working on this.
Councilmember Rog asked why the amount awarded this year is less than the $20,000
allocated. Ms. Solano stated this happens from time to time depending on what
applications are received.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-009 authorizing the award of the 2021 arts and culture grants.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Mayor Spano noted a Lego art project that is available online to view.
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6
City council meeting -8- Jan. 19, 2021
Ms. Solano announced applications for board and commissions are now being accepted
until the end of February and more information is on the city website or through Ms.
Solano.
Councilmember Brausen commented on a 6 ft. snow structure with lights along Cedar
Lake Road which is quite nice to view.
Mayor Spano referenced several art projects throughout the city, noting there is a list
available on the city website. Ms. Solano stated an interactive city art map is on the city
website and will continue to be updated.
Councilmember Harris asked if the mural on the side of the Texa -Tonka shopping center
has been added to the public art map. Ms. Solano stated she would check and get back
to council.
Councilmember Harris acknowledged the neighborhood association system and pointed
out the Texa-Tonka area developed one prior to the Paster project and revitalization of
the area. She noted Scott and Adra who are involved in this initiative .
Councilmember Kraft stated a community art exhibit is going to be available online
beginning January 22 at the Friends of the Arts website SLPFOTA.ORG.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
DocuSign Envelope ID: B501868A-E80A-4600-99C7-9D058325E1B6