HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/02/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Feb. 1, 2021
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:31 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), Deputy City
Manager/HR Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Principal
Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Senior Planner
(Ms. Monson), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Mike Sturdivant, Sheldon Berg, Paster Properties; Nkongo Cigolo and Jim Alexander,
Metro Transit
2. Presentations
2a. SWLRT construction overview and update
Mr. Jim Alexander and Mr. Nkongo Cigolo from the Southwest Project Office (SPO)
presented information to the council about the delay in timeline for the SWLRT
construction project. Mr. Alexander noted delays in construction at the Kenilworth
tunnel in Minneapolis, and along the BNSF line as it crosses under I-394.
Councilmember Kraft asked if this was a surprise. Mr. Alexander stated it was a surprise
to the construction crew, and they did not anticipate it would be as difficult to fix as it is.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if a parking garage is an issue at the site. Mr. Alexander
stated yes, that is correct, related to footings for the parking garage for the adjacent 10-
story condo building.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if any other issues are anticipated other than the issues
related to the secant wall. Mr. Alexander stated no, nothing additional of this magnitude
is anticipated.
Councilmember Dumalag asked which project takes longer, the secant wall or the
protection barrier. Mr. Alexander stated they are currently assessing this and will be
updating the schedule.
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Councilmember Mohamed asked when the project will be completed. Mr. Alexander
stated they are still sorting through this.
Mayor Spano asked when will the delay be announced. Mr. Alexander stated they are
looking years beyond 2023 for the project to be done now and are still trying to assess
the timetable, which is being worked on.
Councilmember Harris asked if the barrier wall was integrated into the project costs.
Mr. Alexander stated yes, adding there has been a change to projected costs now with
the additional two projects, but stated they do not have that amount yet.
Councilmember Harris asked if each city will be required to cover any of the project
costs. Mr. Alexander stated that will be assessed; however, contingency is in the project
to cover items that come up like this.
Councilmember Rog suggested this might be a project the Biden administration could
assist with – with federal funds.
Councilmember Brausen stated once the costs are determined, the project will go to the
corridor committee first and then state legislature before any monies would come to
the city.
Councilmember Kraft stated after seeing the presentation, that the message about the
delay is that we don’t know how long, don’t know how much, don’t know when we can
tell you how long or how much. He also stated that he’d want to know at least a dat e for
when we’ll know information.
Mr. Alexander agreed, but added they felt they needed to update the council on this
and hopefully folks will be patient, as they continue to get more information out as soon
as possible.
Councilmember Harris asked if the regional bikeway will be reopened to connect with
greenway. Mr. Alexander stated that is now going to be moved to 2022, as they
continue to try to pinpoint timing.
Councilmember Harris added this is a very popular bikeway and if there is any way to
open that segment sooner it would be helpful, especially as the city promotes less
carbon use and the CAP.
Mayor Spano agreed the sooner parts of the trails can be opened, the better.
Councilmember Rog stated as she thinks about the future of mass transit and COVID,
she wonders about ventilation systems and if they will be safe for riders in the future.
Mr. Alexander stated Metro Transit is working on this.
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Councilmember Dumalag asked if after another estimate is acquired from the contractor
on the secant wall and barrier, will there be any certainty about when the bike trails
might open. Mr. Alexander stated yes, they are looking at this as a holistic project, and
looking to see when trails can open.
Mayor Spano asked what percentage of construction is done on the project in St. Louis
Park. Mr. Alexander stated it is about 25% done in St. Louis Park at this time.
Mr. Cigolo referenced the communications plan and stated if residents have questions,
they can contact him at Nkongo.cigolo@metrotransit.org. Mr. Cigolo added they had
heard concerns from the city on safety and vibrations. He noted more information on
potential impacts, maps and visuals are available on SWLRT.org, and on Twitter,
Facebook, or Instagram.
Ms. McMonigal thanked Mr. Cigolo for his great work on communications, work with
Ms. Smith on city communications, and connecting with those who have questions.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Dec. 21, 2020
Councilmember Brausen stated on page 6, it should read, “…Marijuana dispensaries.”
Councilmember Kraft noted a change on page 5 in the 5th paragraph, stating it should
read, “…started to process a 3% increase and that is still where he is…that resulted in us
being outside the range.” He also noted later it should read, “…a difference between 3%
and 4.5% is a difference of about $300 on an average home, which is significant .”
He noted that “4D” should be added before the words “affordable housing incentive
program”.
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the Dec. 21, 2020 city council 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 the period of Dec. 26 , 2020 through
Jan. 22, 2021.
4b. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2604-21 imposing a franchise
fee on CenterPoint Energy, and approve the summary ordinance for publication.
4c. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2605-21 imposing a franchise
fee on Xcel Energy, and approve the summary ordinance for publication.
4d. Adopt resolution approving the final plans and specifications and authorizing
bidding documents for Monterey Drive, Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street
improvement project (4020-1101 and 4021-2000). (This item was removed from
the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item 8b.)
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Authorize an amendment of the professional services contract 144-18 with SRF
Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $90,000 for the final design of the
Monterey Drive-Beltline Blvd-36th Street improvement projects (4020-1101 and
4021-2000). (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered
as regular agenda as item 8b.)
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 21-010 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the
amount of $80,166.03 for project no. 4019-5000 rehabilitation of water treatment
plant #6, Zarthan Avenue, Contract No. 159-18.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 21-011 approving labor agreement between the city and
the Local 49 employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of
employment for one year, from effective Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 21-012 approving labor agreement between the city and
the police sergeant employee bargaining group, establishing terms and
conditions of employment for one year, from Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 21-013 declaring the official intent of the City of St. Louis
Park to reimburse certain expenditures from the proceeds of bonds to be issued
by the city.
4i. Approve an estoppel certificate for 3745 Louisiana Ave. S.
4j. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with Bolton & Menk Inc.,
in the amount of $229,444 to complete the preliminary plans for the 36th Street
and Wooddale Avenue Improvement Project (4022 -6000). (This item was
removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item 8c.)
Councilmember Dumalag requested that consent calendar item 4d and 4j be removed
and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8b and 8c.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve
the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent
calendar item 4d and 4j to the regular agenda as item 8b and 8c; and to waive reading
of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings - none
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items
8a. Texa-Tonka Apartments. Resolution No. 21-014, Resolution No. 21-015,
Ordinance No. 2606-21
Ms. Monson presented the staff report.
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Councilmember Harris stated this project is a vast improvement over the vacant lot that
has been here the past 20 years, adding the proposed project meets most of the criteria
and meets the affordable housing plans, as well as improves tree canopy. She stated no
project will be universally appreciated by all.
Councilmember Brausen agreed and stated this project reflects community goals
including creating housing and complies with green policy and the Texa Tonka small area
plan, which had community input and neighborhood approval. He stated he will support
this, and while no project is perfect, this one is strong.
Councilmember Kraft also agreed, noting he has talked with some residents and got
feedback on the city’s 500-foot rule and how the city notifies people. He did hear there
is concern here and it does not meet the needs of folks that want to be informed. He
stated he would like to bring this topic forward for future discussion, but added he is
supportive of the project.
Mayor Spano added he is also excited about the project, while acknowledging that not
everyone is excited about it. He stated he wants to ma ke sure this project brings new
energy to the area and activity spins off in other areas as well.
Councilmember Mohamed also agreed with the council, adding the neighborhood
desperately needs more going on and this new development will bring great
opportunities. She stated she also will support this.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-014, approving the amendments to the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan Future Land Use Plan Map, as well as related figures, tables, and text.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-015, approving the preliminary and final plat for Edith
Addition.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve Second Reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2606-21 adding Section 36-268-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 approve the Summary
Ordinance for publication.
The motion passed 7-0.
Councilmember Harris asked about the construction schedule. Mr. Sturdivant stated the
project will begin July 2021 and will take about 12 -14 months to complete.
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Councilmember Harris asked if there will be a groundbreaking or ribbon cutting
ceremony. Mr. Sturdivant stated yes.
8b. Final plans and specifications and authorizing bidding documents for Monterey Drive,
Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street improvement project (4020-1101 and 4021-2000)
and authorize an amendment of the professional services contract 144 -18 with SRF
Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $90,000 for the final design of the Monterey
Drive-Beltline Blvd-36th Street improvement projects (4020-1101 and 4021-2000).
Resolution No. 21-016
Councilmember Dumalag stated this area is in her ward and she lives close to it also. She
thanked staff for answering her questions and stated she is excited to see the
improvements for pedestrians and bikes.
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution 21-016 approving the final plans and specifications and authorizing bidding
documents for Monterey Drive, Beltline Boulevard and 36th Street improvement project
(4020-1101 and 4021-2000) and authorize an amendment of the professional services
contract 144-18 with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. in the amount of $90,000 for the final
design of the Monterey Drive-Beltline Blvd-36th Street improvement projects (4020-1101
and 4021-2000).
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with Bolton & Menk
Inc., in the amount of $229,444 to complete the preliminary plans for the 36th
Street and Wooddale Avenue Improvement Project (4022-6000)
Councilmember Dumalag stated this was an improvement and she is grateful to see this
on bike facilities and is excited to hear community input also.
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to
authorize execution of a professional services contract with Bolton & Menk Inc., in the
amount of $229,444 to complete the preliminary plans for the 36th Street and Wooddale
Avenue Improvement Project (4022-6000).
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Councilmember Rog asked if staff has any sense if SWLRT delays will impact financing
for Wooddale, and the Via Sol project. Mr. Harmening stated he would check on this but
added it should not delay moving forward on these development projects.
Councilmember Rog asked for an update on the Sherman project at the Beltline Station.
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Mr. Harmening stated there will be a lengthy negotiation on the tax increment request
from Sherman, which has not been finalized yet. He stated he will keep council
informed, but added if there are difficulties, council may need to discuss other options.
Councilmember Harris stated she is excited about the Texa Tonka development and new
restaurants coming including Revival and a taco-themed restaurant, along with a
chiropractor.
Councilmember Kraft noted he viewed the online artist showcase with St. Louis Park
Friends of the Arts and recommended everyone look at it also. It can be accessed at
slpfota.org.
Councilmember Brausen also promoted the 21-day racial equity challenge with access
on the city website, encouraging all to do this.
Councilmember Rog stated registration for the challenge has closed. Mr. Harmening
stated almost 600 people signed up for it, adding if anyone is still interested in signing
up, they should contact Mx. Sojourner at the city offices.
Ms. Solano reminded all that the city is accepting applications for boards and
commissions members until Feb. 28.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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