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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/03/15 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - RegularAGENDA MARCH 15, 2021 All meetings of the St. Louis Park City Council will be conducted by telephone or other electronic means starting March 30, 2020, and until further notice. This is in accordance with a local emergency declaration issued by the city council, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Governor Walz's “Stay Safe MN” executive order 20-056. The chief administrator has determined that in-person council or commission/committee meetings are not feasible at this time due to the pandemic. Economic development authority (EDA) at 6:20 p.m.; Regular city council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Following the special study session, some or all members of the St. Louis Park City Council will participate in the March 15, 2021 EDA and city council meeting by electronic device or telephone rather than by being personally present at the city council's regular meeting place at 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. Visit bit.ly/slpccagendas to view the agenda and reports. Members of the public can monitor the meeting by video and audio at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil and on local cable (Comcast SD channel 17 and HD channel 859). For audio only call +1.312.535.8110 and use access code 372 106 61. Members of the public who want to address the city council during the regular meeting about items on the agenda should call the number noted below next to the corresponding item. Call when the meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and follow instructions provided. Comments will be taken during each item in the order they are received and must relate to an item on the current city council agenda. •952.562.2886 – consent agenda items 4a-4i •952.562.2887 – item 8a – General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A •952.562.2888 – item 8b – Conversion therapy •952.562.2886 – item 8c – Residential picketing ordinance 6:20 p.m. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 1.Call to order 2.Roll call 3.Approval of minutes 3a. EDA meeting minutes of Feb. 16, 2021 4.Approval of agenda and items on EDA consent calendar Recommended action: **Motion to approve the agenda as presented and items listed on the consent calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. (Alternatively: Motion to add or remove items from agenda, or move items from consent calendar to regular agenda for discussion.) 4a. Adopt EDA Resolution consenting to the city’s proposed Lease Extension and temporary Lease of EDA property at 7250 State Highway 7. 4b . A dopt EDA Resolution approving amendment to the cooperative construction agreement with the Met Council for the SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride. Meeting of March 15, 2021 City c ouncil agenda 6:30 p.m. CITY COUNCIL MEETING 1. Call to order 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of donations 2b. Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno 3. Approval of minutes 3a. Study session meeting minutes of Jan. 25, 2021 3b. Special study session meeting minutes of Feb. 1, 2021 3c. Study session meeting minutes of Feb. 8, 2021 3d. Closed executive session minutes of Feb. 16, 2021 3e. Study session meeting minutes of Feb. 22, 2021 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar Recommended action: **Motion to approve the agenda as presented and items listed on the consent calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. (Alternatively: Motion to add or remove items from the agenda , or move items from consent calendar to regular agenda for discussion.) 4a. A dopt Resolutions to recognize Jim Vaughan for his 33 years of service and Nancy Deno for her 23 years of service. 4b . A pprove the second reading and adopt Ordinance amending Section 36-362(h) pertaining to signs on rooftop equipment screening structures and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4c. Adopt Resolution authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 3762 Colorado Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 16-117-21-33-0054. 4d . Adopt Resolution and approving vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease extension with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC. 4e . Adopt Resolution approving issuance of a premises permit for lawful gambling to be conducted by St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters at The Loop, 5331 West 16th Street. 4f . • Adopt Resolution approving the final plans and specifications and authorizing bidding documents for the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements (4022-2000). • Adopt Resolution restricting parking on the project segments and side streets. • Adopt Resolution approving agency agreement with MnDOT. 4g . Adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a $30 donation from Rebekah Foreman for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4h. Adopt Resolution approving labor agreement between the city and the police officer’s employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of employment for one year, from Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. 4i . Accept for filing planning commission minutes of Jan. 20, 2021. 5. Boards and commissions -- None 6. Public hearings -- None Meeting of March 15, 2021 City c ouncil agenda 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – None 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items 8a. General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution awarding the sale of Charter General Obligation (G.O.) Bonds, Series 2021A. 8b . Conversion therapy Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution opposing the practice of conversion therapy and support for the State Legislature to ban the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota. 8c . Targeted residential picketing Recommended action: Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance amending Chapter 18, offenses and miscellaneous provisions, of the St. Louis Park City Code related to targeted residential picketing, and set the second reading for March 22, 2021. 9. Communications – None **NOTE : The consent calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a councilmember or a member of the public, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and regular city council meetings are carried live on civic TV cable channel 17 and replays are frequent; check www.parktv.org for the schedule. The meetings are also streamed live on the internet at www.parktv.org, and saved for video on demand replays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, agendas will be posted on Fridays on the entrance doors to city hall and on the text display on civic TV cable channel 17. The agenda and full packet are available after noon on Friday on the city’s website. If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924 .2525. Meeting: Economic development authority Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3a Unofficial minutes EDA meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 16, 2021 1. Call to order President Harris called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. 2. Roll call Commissioners present: President Brausen, Rachel Harris, Lynette Dumalag, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, Margaret Rog, and Jake Spano Commissioners absent: none Staff present: Executive Director (Mr. Harmening) Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas) 3. Approval of minutes 3a. EDA meeting minutes of Feb. 1, 2021 It was moved by Commissioner Kraft, seconded by Commissioner Dumalag, to approve the EDA meeting minutes of Feb. 1, 2021 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on EDA consent calendar – none 5. Reports - none 6. Old business - none 7. New business 7a. Preliminary development agreement between the EDA and Wooddale Station LLC. EDA Resolution No. 21-02 Ms. Barton presented the staff report. Commissioner Dumalag asked about the timeline and when things need to happen for the applicant, as well as site control of the adjacent property. Ms. Barton stated that is required no later than July 31, 2021. Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 2 Title: EDA meeting minutes of February 16, 2021 Commissioner Dumalag asked if the timeline is late and there is no purchase agreement, what would happen. Ms. Barton stated then a new date would be proposed, and the EDA can either move forward or terminate the purchase agreement. She added this would be at the sole discretion of the EDA. Commissioner Dumalag asked if the city will move on to other applications from last summer. Ms. Barton stated the city will either go with previous proposals or do new RFP’s. It was moved by Commissioner Dumalag, seconded by Commissioner Harris, to adopt EDA Resolution No. 21-02, approving the preliminary development agreement between the EAD and Wooddale Station LLC. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications – none 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, secretary Tim Brausen, president Meeting: Economic development authority Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4a Executive summary Title: Consent to city impound lot lease e xtension and lease of 7250 State Highway 7 Recommended action: Motion to adopt EDA Resolution consenting to the city’s proposed Lease Extension and temporary Lease of EDA property at 7250 State Highway 7. Policy consideration: Does the EDA consent to the proposed city extension of the impound lot lease and temporary lease of EDA property located at 7250 State Highway 7? Summary: The city’s current towing contractor (Bobby & Steve’s Auto World) leases 5100 Park Glen Road from the city for use as the city’s impound lot. The lot surrounds the base of the city water tower which is scheduled for maintenance and repainting this year. So as not to interfere with that work, the impound lot must be temporarily vacated and relocated. The towing contractor does not currently have capacity in another impound lot to accommodate the city’s towed vehicles, nor would it be convenient for residents to travel long distances to retrieve a towed vehicle. As a result, a temporary location needed to be found within St. Louis Park for such use , the only viable and available property being one owned by the EDA at 7250 State Highway 7. The current Vehicle Towing and Impounding Agreement between the city and the towing contractor is proposed to be extended for an additional year. The agreement includes an extension of the lease agreement for 5100 Park Glen Road and an allowance to temporarily lease the EDA property at 7250 State Highway 7 until September 30, 2021 while work is performed on the water tower. Under the lease extension, the towing contractor is responsible, at its expense, for maintenance and upkeep of the EDA property, including installation of fencing, lighting, and snowplowing. The tow contractor will be allowed to temporarily park a trailer on the property for office usage. Once work on the water tower is completed (expected by mid -September 2021) the towing contractor will be required to relocate the impound lot back to its former location at 5100 Park Glen Road . Under the city’s proposed Lease Agreement with the towing contractor, the EDA is being asked, as the property owner, to consent to the temporary lease of 7250 State Highway 7. The EDA’s legal counsel has reviewed the proposed Lease Agreement and Consent to Lease of EDA Property and recommends its approval. Financial or budget considerations: Under the Lease Extension, the towing contractor will incur expenses related to the temporary installation of security fencing and rental of an office trailer on the EDA property as well as other miscellaneous expenses. As a result, lease payments will be suspended during the period the contractor occupies the EDA property and will resume once the impound lot is relocated back to 5100 Park Glen Road . Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: EDA resolution Lease extension (see corresponding city council staff report) Prepared by: Greg Hunt, economic development coordinator Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager, EDA executive director Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4a) Page 2 Title: Consent to city impound lot lease extension and lease of 7250 State Highway 7 EDA Resolution No. 21-____ R esolution consenting to Impound Lot Lease Extension betwe en the city of St. Louis Park and Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie LLC Whereas, the Board of Commissioners (the “Board”) of the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) currently administers its Redevelopment Project No. 1 ("Project") pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.001 to 469.047 ("HRA Act"), is authorized to operate within the Project; and Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park (“City”) and Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie LLC (the “Provider”) entered into (i) a Lease Agreement dated as of March 28, 2018 (the “Lease ”), regarding the lease of real property at 5100 Park Glen Road (“Water Tower Property”) for use as a city impound lot, and (ii) a related Vehicle Towing and Impounding Agreement dated March 28, 2018 (the “Impounding Agreement”), and propose to enter into an extension of the Lease and Impounding Agreement through March 31, 2022 (the “Extension”); and Whereas, the Water Tower Property is scheduled to be temporarily unavailable for use due to maintenance on the water tower during a portion of the term of the Extension, and therefore the City and the Provider propose to temporarily relocate the impound lot on other property within the City; and Whereas, the Authority owns vacant property located at 7250 State Highway 7 within the Project and the City (the “Authority Property”), which Authority Property has been proposed as the temporary location of the Provider’s activities under the Extension ; and Whereas, the City and Provider have requested that the Authority consent to the Extension and to the temporary use of the Authority Property as provided in the Extension; and Whereas, the Board finds that the services provided to the City under the Extension constitute an essential service; and Whereas, the Board has reviewed the Extension and the Landowner Consent (the “Consent”) attached thereto, and finds that the approval and execution of the Consent are in the best interest of the City and its residents. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority as follows: A.The Extension , including the Consent attached thereto, as presented to the Board is hereby in all respects approved, subject to modifications that do not alter the substance of the transaction and that are approved by the President and Executive Director, provided that execution of the Consent by such officials shall be conclusive evidence of approval. B.The President and Executive Director are hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Authority the Consent attached to the Extension. Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4a) Page 3 Title: Consent to city impound lot lease extension and lease of 7250 State Highway 7 C. Authority staff and consultants are authorized to take any actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the Economic Development Authority March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, executive director Tim Brausen, president Attest Melissa Kennedy, secretary Meeting: Economic development authority Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4b Executive summary Title: Amendment to agreement with M et Council for SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride Recommended action: Motion to adopt EDA Resolution approving amendment to the cooperative construction agreement with the Met Council for t he SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and rid e. Policy consideration: None. This is a minor amendment to a previously approved agreement and has no additional financial or budgetary impacts on the city. Summary: On Nov. 2, 2020 the EDA approved an agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride (staff report and resolution can be found here). The amendment corrects and reduces the length of the portion of the trail the city w ill be responsible to construct along CS AH 25. The city will construct the portion east from Beltline Boulevard to the Monterey Avenue alignment versus to the Lynn Avenue alignment. This is a minor amendment for clarification and has no additional financial or budgetary impacts on the city . The EDA’s legal counsel has reviewed the proposed amendment to the Construction Agreement and recommends its approval. Next steps: In 2021, the EDA w ill be ask ed to enter into a Purchase and Redevelopment Contract with Beltline Development LLC (Sherman Associates) where the Redeveloper agrees to construct, operate and maintain the park and ride facility on behalf of the EDA. This agreement will require consent of the Met Council. Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. Supporting documents: EDA resolution Amendment to agreement Prepared by: Meg McMonigal, principal planner Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b) Page 2 Title: Amendment to agreement with Met Council for SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority E DA Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution approving amendment number one to cooperative construction agreement between t he St. Louis Park Econ omic Development Authority and the Metropolitan Council Whereas, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (the “Authority”) is currently administering its Redevelopment Project No. 1 ("Project") pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.001 to 469.047 ("HRA Act"), and is pursuing the establishment of a tax increment financing district within the Project to finance a portion of the costs of expected mixed-use development in connection with the planned Southwest Light Rail Transit (“SWLRT”) Beltline Station; and Whereas, the Authority, the City of St. Louis Park (the “City”), and Beltline Development LLC (“Redeveloper”) have entered into a Preliminary Development Agreement dated as of February 5, 2018, as amended, memorializing the parties’ preliminary agreements as to the conveyance and redevelopment of certain Authority-owned property adjacent to the SWLRT Beltline Station (the “Development”), as well as the redevelopment of certain other property owned by the Redeveloper (the “Property”), in relevant part for the construction of a structured parking facility (the “Ramp”) in which 268 parking stalls will be reserved for SWLRT park and ride users, and 94 parking stalls will be for the use of other users of the Development; and Whereas, the City previously submitted a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (“CM AQ”) grant application to the Federal Transit Administration (“FTA”) to finance a portion of the costs of construction of the Ramp, and FTA awarded a CMAQ grant in the amount of $6,453,054 (the “Grant”) to be administered by the Metropolitan Council (“Met Council”) for the benefit of the Authority as subrecipient of the Grant, and on October 21, 2019, the Authority adopted a resolution approving a Subrecipient Agreement providing for disbursement of the Grant funds; and Whereas, Met Council and the Authority previously negotiated, approved, and executed a Cooperative Construction Agreement (the “Agreement”), memorializing the terms, conditions, and specifications for construction of the Ramp; and Whereas, Met Council and the Authority have now proposed an A mendment Number One to the Agreement (the “Amendment”) to clarify and revise certain agreed construction obligations of each party, and Met Council has approved the Amendment in the form presented to the Authority; and Whereas, the Board of Commissioners finds that the approval and execution of the Amendment and performance of the Authority's obligations thereunder are in the best interest of the City and its residents. Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b) Page 3 Title: Amendment to agreement with Met Council for SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Commissioners of the St. Louis Park Economic Dev elopment Authority as follows: A.The Amendment as presented to the Board is hereby in all respects approved, subject to modifications that do not alter the substance of the transaction and that are approved by the President and Executive Director, provided that execution of the Amendment by such officials shall be conclusive evidence of approval. B.The President and Executive Director are hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the Authority the Amendment and any documents referenced therein requiring execution by the Authority, and to carry out on behalf of the Authority its obligations thereunder. C.Authority staff and consultants are authorized to take any actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the Economic Development Authority March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, executive director Tim Brausen , president Attest: Melissa Kennedy, secretary Economic development authority meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b) Page 4 Title: Amendment to agreement with Met Council for SWLRT Beltline Blvd Station park and ride AMENDMENT NUMBER ONE to Metropolitan Council Contract No. 20I052 COOPERATIVE CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT Metropolitan Council, a public corporation and political subdivision of the State of Minnesota (the “Council”), and St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority, a public body corporate and politic and political subdivision of the State of Minnesota (“EDA ”) (the Council and EDA are sometimes referred to individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”) agree that the Cooperative Construction Agreement entered into effective Dec. 15, 2020 is amended in the following particulars: 1.S ection 3.1.8 is deleted, and the following is inserted in its place: “Trail along south side of CSAH 25 from Beltline Boulevard to Monterey Avenue S.;” 2.Section 3.2.8 is deleted, and the following is inserted in its place: “Trail along south side of CSAH 25 from Beltline Boulevard to Monterey Avenue S.;” IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Amendment to be executed by their duly authorized representatives on the dates indicated below. Furthermore, this Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which, taken together, shall constitute one and the same agreement. ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY By: ________________________________ Its: president Date: ______________________________ By: ________________________________ Its: executive director Date: ______________________________ METROPOLITAN COUNCIL By: _______________________________ Its: ____________________________ Date: _____________________________ Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Presentation: 2 a Executive summary Title: Recognition of donations Recommended action: Mayor to announce and express thanks and appreciation for the following donations being accepted at the meeting and listed on the consent agenda: From Donation For Rebekah Foreman $30 Park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: None Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, administrative services office assistant Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Presentation: 2b Executive summary Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Recommended action: Read resolutions and present plaques virtually to Jim and Nancy for their years of service to the City of St. Louis Park. Policy consideration: None at this time. Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20 years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city council. Jim and Nancy will be in attendance virtually for the presentation at the beginning of the meeting. The mayor is asked to read the resolutions for Jim and Nancy in recognition of their years of service to the city. Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Resolution s Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 2b ) Page 2 Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution of the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to Natural Resources Coordinator James Vaughan Whereas, Jim Vaughan began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park over 33 years ago on October 26, 1987; and Whereas, Jim has had major responsibility for the beautification of our city by planting over 20,000 trees, sending over 7,425 weed notices and planting thousands of annual and perennial flowers; and Whereas, Jim has proactively ensured the health and longevity of our city’s trees and other natural resources by developing plans to deal with Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, pollinator gardens, bee friendly plantings and controlled burns of prairie grass; and Whereas, Jim has represented the city by serving as President of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture board, International Society of Arboriculture (including speaking throughout the US and internationally); and Whereas, Jim will be missed greatly, especially when he introduces himself as “Vaughan. James Vaughan.”; and Whereas, Jim will enjoy his retirement by spending time with his wife, Jane , and kids, Ian and Tate , and traveling; Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Jim Vaughan for his great contributions and over 33 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish him the best in his retirement. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harme ning, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 2b ) Page 3 Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution of the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to Deputy City Manager/HR Director Nancy Deno Whereas, Nancy Deno began her employ ment with the City of St. Louis Park nearly 23 years ago on May 27, 1998; and Whereas, Nancy has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, evidenced by her ability to manage the human resources division first, then adding city clerk, environment/sustainability, finance and assessing, and racial equity; and Whereas, Nancy’s heart belongs to human resources and she’s excelled at working with staff on employee relations issues, creating relationships with union groups to negotiate bargaining agreements, and connecting and finding creative solutions to resolve issues; and Whereas, Nancy is so well-respected among her peers and other cities she was recognized as a finalist for the Women in City Government Leadership award in 2007; and Whereas, Nancy has provided wisdom and guidance to hundreds of staff, co-workers, city managers and council members and has inspired and motivated others to create change, perform at their highest level and do the right thing; and Whereas, Nancy has self lessly donated many hours of her time to local hospice centers with her dog Emma to provide comfort to end of life patients; and Whereas, Nancy will enjoy retirement as a St. Louis Park resident, floating at her cabin in Wisconsin, swing dancing at local venues and most importantly enjoying time with her grandson Owen and granddaughter due at the end of April; Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Nancy Deno for her great contributions and nearly 23 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish her the best in her retirement. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harme ning, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3a Unofficial minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota Jan. 25, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Mayor Pro Tem Margaret Rog Councilmembers absent: Mayor Jake Spano Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas) Guests: none 1. Citywide speed limit evaluation Mayor Pro Tem Rog opened the meeting. Mr. Manibog updated the council on the speed limit evaluation and the council discussed next steps. Councilmember Harris asked about light rail station areas within the city, adding she hoped they will be hubs. She asked why the proposed speed limits in these areas are at 30 mph. Mr. Manibog stated the study did consider light rail stations and they were prioritized. He stated the 36th Street area has currently met the characteristic for a 30-mph road, but also pointed out this street will be worked on in 2022, prior to light rail being added there. He noted the Louisiana Ave station is on Oxford Ave and that is proposed for 25 mph. Councilmember Harris stated she supports lowering speeds at all areas adjacent to the light rail stations, adding since the city knows this will be coming, she would prefer the speed limits be lowered now. She also asked if bikers must follow the same speed limits as vehicles. Mr. Manibog stated yes, noting bikes are vehicles, required to follow posted speed limits, and would have to abide by the same speed limits as motorized vehicles. He stated the police enforce this currently and he would defer to them on how they do so. Councilmember Harris stated there will need to be education on speed limits and a community adoption, so enforcement does not fall to police only. Councilmember Kraft asked what the goals are for this report. Mr. Manibog stated the overarching goal of resetting speed limits is to increase safety of the city’s roadways by decreasing speeds of vehicles. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 2 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Kraft asked if staff has evidence form other communities that lowering speed limits lowers speed travel. Mr. Manibog stated yes, adding it decreases the highest of the high speeders which are the most dangerous travelers, noting also there is a higher chance of survival in a lower speed crash. Councilmember Kraft asked when evaluations from this are presented to council in the future, is it expected the table of average speeds per street type will decrease. He asked what the key benefits are and what the key result will be. Mr. Manibog stated seeing a decrease in speed on the fastest of the fast and a decrease in speeds on the city’s busiest roads would be a key result. Councilmember Kraft asked what success will look like three years from now. Ms. Heiser stated all staff can point to are the studies they have already reviewed. This points to what Mr. Manibog stated and getting rid of outliers, the highest of the high speeders who go through neighborhoods at high rates. She added most people are going 20-25 mph, and best practice says to set limits to road and land use. Councilmember Kraft stated when this comes back, he wants to see the data, how many outliers there are, also the data on decreases in accidents and injury rates. He asked what percentage of crashes are on city roads versus country roads and if the city can work with the county on this initiative. Mr. Manibog stated overall county roads hold the largest number of crashes and hold the most volume of traffic. He stated the city works with the county on this, but state statutes do not allow the city to change speed limits on county roads. Ms. Heiser added for county roads, the Commissioner of Transportation has the final authority and jurisdiction on speed limits at this time. Councilmember Kraft asked if there is any way to help with speed at intersections. Mr. Manibog stated a citywide crash study did identify intersections where the most crashes happen and ways to improve the safety of those areas. He added the citywide crash study will come back to council later this year. Councilmember Kraft added the analysis on race equity and traffic was well done and he appreciated the use of targeted universalism framework. Councilmember Mohamed stated this was a very well-thought-out report and she is very much in favor of the recommended action. She does have concerns about higher speeds on streets where there are more multi-family homes and BIPOC populations and asked what the city is going to do to address that and what the city recommendations are. Mr. Manibog stated this is being reviewed and prioritization of where people live both in multi and single-family housing and the streets where they live is being reviewed. Councilmember Mohamed asked about education and racial considerations and how enforcement will be included in the education. Mr. Manibog stated this is being worked on now and will include virtual and print media, the park alert system, newspaper, and handouts. After COVID there will be more programs also including person-to-person outreach at city functions and with neighborhood groups. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 3 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed asked if the education will be happening with the BIPOC community also. Mr. Manibog stated yes. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports lowering speed limits across the city uniformly, which will result in a reduced number of serious injuries and maybe burning of less fossil fuels also, although there is no data. However, he has concerns about dropping the speed limit on Cedar Lake Road which is a major city arterial east to west and currently is at 25 mph. He pointed out this is the only arterial east-west through Ward 4, and during rush hour speeds are reduced to 20 mph. He added non-rush hour traffic seems to move along fine there with no major crashes and given the volume of vehicles there, he does not think 25 mph is practical. He stated folks have an expectation to move through there and there are sidewalks on the north side most of the way, as well as bike lanes. He also noted Cedar Lake Road will be enhanced as and he is uncomfortable telling residents they cannot go more than 25 mph anywhere in Ward 4 now, except near the West End. Councilmember Dumalag stated she liked the comprehensive report and the visual representation where incidents happen. She asked if there is any more data on that with both pedestrians and vehicles, and if they both live in the area, as well as the race between parties. She stated she is asking this because she is interested in how the city would educate on this and spend wisely on targeted events. She stated she is supportive of this for vehicle, pedestrians, and bikes. Councilmember Kraft asked what staff will do with the feedback on this. Ms. Heiser stated staff is still getting feedback and there is a lot of criteria left to review, along with data points. Mr. Harmening stated the council seems to have general support for staff’s approach on this and he would like to treat comments from the council the same as feedback from residents in the community and compile this. He stated in the end the council will decide what is adopted through the ordinance. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated she is supportive of the plan. She asked several questions related to Ward 1, specifically why 23rd through 27th Streets are set for 25 mph instead of 20, which is different from the rest of Utica. Mr. Manibog stated the existing pedestrian infrastructure and the trail there includes multi-family apartment complexes, adding this area holds more traffic and would allow for 25 mph, when compared to other areas. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated there are many NOAH family housing units there and this warrants a lower speed limit. She also pointed out there are many children waiting for school buses there, along with the Utica Trail, which is often quite icy, and she would like to see the speeds as low as possible. She also pointed out the frontage road under the freeway and that the two pedestrian crossings there already pose a risk, stating this is another reason for lower speed limits. She noted there are many driveways and apartments and crossings, along with speeding on that stretch at Utica, adding she prefers lower speeds there, as well as slowing folks down as they enter the Birchwood area. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 4 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Mayor Pro Tem Rog noted Walker Street, between West Lake and Louisiana Avenue and asked about 25 mph there. Mr. Manibog stated each segment was compared to the overall criteria as were the others. Mayor Pro Tem Rog requested staff look at that area to be 20 versus 25 mph. She pointed out that Perspectives is there as well as many families in that area, including The Block, which makes the area very busy. Mayor Pro Tem Rog asked why the frontage road between Parkwoods and Highway 100 entrance is 35 mph. Mr. Manibog pointed to the national guidance with urban roads, noting it should not be posted higher than 35 mph. He added there is no pedestrian access in this area up to the bridge and railroad which allows for the higher speed there, allowing vehicles to go through. Mayor Pro Tem Rog noted her concerns for lower speeds on Utica Avenue because of the temple’s presence there along with the bridge. It was the consensus of the council that staff review council’s comments and bring this back again for review. 2. Boards and commissions Ms. Solano reviewed the processes of recruitment, application, and scoring by council of applicants. She stated the annual meeting for boards and commissions has been rescheduled pending COVID-19 and the annual work plans presentations to council are set for April – May 2021. Councilmember Harris asked about term limits for board and commission members. Ms. Solano stated it is up to the council what they prefer with term limits. She added staff can check into this further and bring back information to the council. However, this year is probably too late to make a change related to term limits. Councilmember Harris asked if the boards and commissions chairs would be involved in the interview panels like last year. Ms. Solano stated yes, noting their knowledge and experience were appreciated and if a current chair is an applicant, then the vice chair will sit on the panel. Councilmember Harris noted Mayor Spano’s work on recruitment of people of color for boards and commissions, which led to 2-3 appointments. She acknowledged Mayor Spano for this work. Ms. Solano suggested council continue to share the opportunity with folks and staff will share also with neighborhood associations and work on getting a higher number of BIPOC applicants. Councilmember Kraft suggested if chairs mention they are recruiting someone, they should be added to the list to be interviewed. He wants the rating system this year to be very clear to council before the process begins, so it will not be debated afterwards. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 5 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Kraft asked about race equity on boards and commissions and asked staff to come back to council with what percentage of the city’s BIPOC community is represented on boards and commissions, with advice as to why and then actions that should be taken. Councilmember Kraft stated he feels quite disconnected from commissions, adding the org chart shows that they report to the council, but the council is not giving boards and commissions direction on what council wants them to work on. He would like to consider a different approach and give them directions before work plans are presented or have liaisons from council to the boards and commissions to leverage in a more significant way. Councilmember Dumalag stated she is interested in term limits, adding it is a good way to add new energy on boards and commissions, while noting there is some benefit to having institutional knowledge as well. She asked if there is a way to tell council the number of applications that come in during the process, and then council can encourage folks to apply so there are not too many vacancies. Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of this process. He stated the scoring process needs to be simplified, noting, however, the scoring from 1-5 is subjective. He stated simplifying the process might mean to not interview since that process gets long. He stated he has promoted term limits in the past but noted institutional knowledge from some folks is valuable to keep on commissions. He did want to also reflect the vision of the community in putting new folks on several commissions. Councilmember Mohamed stated last year’s process was smooth, while it did take a long time for the interviews, but all in all, it went well. Mayor Pro Tem Rog asked what kind of research would staff need to do related to term limits. Ms. Solano stated this would be looking into term limits further so as not to have any unintended consequences. She added staff would look at what other cities do just to be sure that in doing an ordinance change, the city would follow the right process. Mayor Pro Tem Rog asked if the time board and commission meetings are held is possibly exclusive for some folks and she asked what staff found out about this. Ms. Solano stated that Mx. Sojourner and their team have looked into this and found that doing virtual meetings has added options for many folks, as long as the meetings are compliant with open meeting laws. She stated staff will continue to look into this and find more ways to improve in this area. Mayor Pro Tem Rog liked the idea of a liaison from council to boards and commissions and agreed there is a disconnect in the ratings system. She agreed with Councilmember Brausen about interviews, but also preferred staying with the 1-5 rating system for now. Councilmember Kraft asked if the council should discuss race equity now or later. Ms. Solano stated this can be discussed further with Mx. Sojourner at a later date. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 6 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Brausen pointed out when liaisons were looked at in the past, there was a concern about bandwidth for the council and also how a councilmember might influence the direction of a commission or board and have an undue influence over their process. Councilmember Kraft stated he would like to discuss this further and more in-depth at a future study session. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated this seems like an evolving process that is improving, and staff continues to be responsive to council on this. She stated part of the onus is on council to come prepared to discuss this but added the process will most likely not change this year. Ms. Solano stated the council will review work plans in April and May, and recommended to let the process play out, and then see if the council wants to make changes. She stated staff is open to making changes and then figure out what areas need to improve and focus there. Councilmember Harris stated the commissions advisory role could be improved and she would like to see an engagement plan and response to public input during the processes. She added she would like to see how board and commission input fits into the resident engagement process so we can better utilize their subject matter expertise. 3. Tentative 2021 study session calendar Ms. Solano presented the tentative study session calendar for 2021. Ms. Solano stated there will be additional items such as redistricting this year and that item will take up some time on the calendar in 2021. Councilmember Kraft asked about holding a council retreat this year. Ms. Solano stated that a retreat has not been scheduled this year. Staff is working to incorporate some items into regular study sessions while waiting on COVID gathering guidelines to improve in the coming months. Mr. Harmening stated a virtual meeting can be done on norms and teams, but it is more challenging to have authentic conversations in a virtual setting. He added staff could put together an in-person retreat following COVID precautions. Councilmember Harris stated she would prefer in-person and possibly at the Nature Center. Councilmember Kraft preferred in-person also, and possibly on a Saturday or Sunday for a couple hours. Councilmember Mohamed agreed about in-person also while following COVID regulations. Councilmember Dumalag agreed about in-person but thought it would be better scheduled during quarter 2. Councilmember Brausen agreed adding a retreat could be held outdoors in June or July as well. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 7 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Harris added she also prefers June or July at the earliest and hopes that all would have received the vaccine before the council meets in person. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated this is not the year to come together in person for a COVID-safe event and she would hope to resume the retreat next year, stating she is not in favor of meeting in person. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of sending out a survey on the 2021 study session list again also. Ms. Solano stated a survey for prioritization of 2021 items is due and it gives staff guidance. She stated staff will explore the retreat, adding if anything is done in person, it will be later in 2021, and will be safe. She said staff will come back with recommendations. 4. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization Councilmember Brausen stated he is interested in discussing the 3-bedroom affordable apartment units at a future study session, as proposed by Mayor Pro Tem Rog. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated the city does not need more affordable studio and one-bedroom affordable units, so this would be discussing a separate category. Councilmember Harris agreed and added she has heard from residents and parents on the school board that housing for families is needed so children can go to school in St. Louis Park. She stated there is a gap in our housing stock for other than single-family and she would like to also discuss affordable family housing and filling that gap. Councilmember Dumalag agreed and is also in favor of reviewing this policy, adding it would be beneficial to families the school district loses. Councilmember Kraft stated he would appreciate a discussion on this also as he does not understand the issue that well. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Mr. Harmening promoted the 21-day race equity challenge with more information on the city website. Written reports discussion: Councilmember Harris asked about the results of the CTAC survey report. Mr. Harmening stated this was done quite some time ago. Mayor Pro Tem Rog stated on page 8 of the CTAC report related to security and surveillance, this is an area of concern to pay attention to. Mayor Pro Tem Rog asked when the housing report would be discussed. Mr. Harmening stated there would be an in-depth report on Feb. 8. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3a) Page 8 Title: Study session minutes of January 25, 2021 Councilmember Brausen asked if the topic of 3-bedroom affordable apartments could be added to the housing discussion. Mr. Harmening stated he will ask if staff can add this. Councilmember Harris asked if the topic of private development doing NOAH with a 20-year deed restriction could also be added to the housing discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Rog added that tenant protection ordinance data and how effective that has been would also be of interest in the housing discussion. Councilmember Kraft stated he would like to discuss home ownership, as well as CTAC with problems and solutions. He added he would like a sustainability update, and noted with the intercity challenge, St. Louis Park came in with the most participants on a per capita basis at double the number of participants. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Community technology advisory commission smart cities initiative 6. 2021 housing program and budget summary 7. Sustainability division update for Q1 2021 8. Fourth quarter investment report (Oct – Dec 2020) ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3b Unofficial minutes City council special study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 1, 2021 The meeting convened at 5:45 p.m. 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), 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: Emily Tranter, city lobbyist 1. Update on federal legislative issues and opportunities Ms. Tranter, city lobbyist in Washington, DC, updated the council on legislative issues and opportunities. She noted there are opportunities now for local governments, especially now that the house and senate are 50-50 with VP Harris breaking any ties. She added, however, this is a slim margin and not filibuster proof. Ms. Tranter added there will be two years of opportunities and then things will turn again to the 2022 election. She noted this will be the first time in a long time that cities will be asking for things rather than defending cuts to housing or grants. Ms. Tranter stated the stimulus bill will be a $1.9 trillion bill with $350 billion going to cities. There is also a $15 federal minimum wage proposal and robust unemployment through the end of 2021. Additionally, there will be more funding for COVID relief and vaccination distribution, plus immediate relief for HUD programs. She stated President Biden wants bipartisanship and compromise, adding the back-up plan is to pass this all through budget reconciliation. She stated the local aid piece of this bill has been lobbied hard and she is very optimistic on local dollars coming through. Ms. Tranter also noted there will be a long-term relief bill for infrastructure projects and bigger highway projects. She suggested the city start an inventory or register of items so they are ready to go when funding becomes available and noted this will be much more flexible than the CARES dollars and will help stimulate the economy with infrastructure type projects. Ms. Tranter added there will also be earmarks with congressionally directed spending and designated funding out of each appropriated bill. This would allow opportunities for more projects in the future also. Ms. Tranter noted the city’s priorities of racial equity and City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3b) Page 2 Title: Special study session minutes of February 1, 2021 sustainability are both especially important to the Biden administration, which will be beneficial to the city. Mayor Spano asked if there are any plans for funding for transportation and light rail. Ms. Tranter stated this is being reviewed now and more information will be forthcoming. Councilmember Kraft asked if the Biden administration will invest $2 trillion over 4 years on recovery and with a focus on energy and climate change as the platform noted. Ms. Tranter stated yes, the administration’s platform is all about sustainability, clean energy, and equity. Councilmember Harris stated this is an exciting time, noting the priorities of the city fit well with what the Biden Administration is focusing on. She asked for more details on how the city would be invited to the table to discuss issues with the administration. Ms. Tranter stated this administration is more proactive in hearing from cities and their priorities of equity and sustainability. She added the city should be proactive and meet with the right folks to show what the city is working on. She stated the city might be a pilot project, and more collaboration might come on environment through the MN senate office or the US conference of mayors. She added this is a great time for the city to present opportunities that highlight the city, and the administration should be aware of what St. Louis Park is working on. Councilmember Harris asked about HUD and the potential for earmark. She wondered if affordable family housing could be a project included in the infrastructure stimulus bill of the administration. Ms. Tranter stated yes, this would fit in. Councilmember Rog asked staff if the city is in a good position on projects that are ready to be presented to the administration if the opportunity arises. Mr. Harmening stated staff is working on this list now and is ready to go, noting some of these projects might include solar for the Rec Center, community solar gardens, radio towers and infrastructure project. Councilmember Rog asked if infrastructure projects include transportation, roads, and bridges. Mr. Harmening stated yes, this would all be part of it, as well as projects such as Minnetonka Blvd. Ms. Tranter confirmed roads and bridges will be part of this. Councilmember Brausen stated the city’s climate action plan will cost an additional $2 million per year to incentivize residents and businesses to work on this. He appreciated Ms. Tranter’s efforts on helping to gain funding for the city on this. Councilmember Dumalag stated she is interested in affordable housing and NOAH and is concerned about HUD and not increasing rents. Mayor Spano stated it is refreshing the focus of this administration is on race and equity. He added he hopes both large and small cities will be included in the funding packages as all will need help. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3b) Page 3 Title: Special study session minutes of February 1, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed added she is also happy this administration is focused on equity and noted there is so much diversity within the administration’s department heads and she loves seeing that. The meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3c Unofficial minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 8, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed Councilmembers absent: Margaret Rog Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening) Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), HR Manager (Ms. Timpone), Housing Supervisor/Deputy Community Development Director (Ms. Schnitker), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison) Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas) Guests: none 1.City manager recruitment discussion Mayor Spano announced the upcoming departure of city manager Mr. Harmening. He thanked him for all his work over the past 25 years, stating he will be sorry to see him go. Councilmember Brausen stated this is a loss for the city but thanked Mr. Harmening for his efforts and stated the city is a better place because of his work. Councilmember Mohamed stated Mr. Harmening is the council’s compass and she cannot imagine working without him in St. Louis Park. She added the person to be hired will carry the baton and she is sad to see Mr. Harmening go. Councilmember Kraft stated both Mr. Harmening and Ms. Deno have been fantastic with calm, wise leadership which has been invaluable. He added the strong foundation the team has built here is something that can be built on. He is saddened by their departures, but also very excited about the position the city is in to go forward, and he thanked them both. Councilmember Harris stated a few years ago Mr. Harmening won the statewide city manager award, acknowledged by his peers. She added she knows he cares deeply for the city and the staff and added his commitment and choice to depart now are both evidence of his confidence in the city at this time. She added Ms. Deno leaving shortly before is indicative of the staff’s confidence in the city. She thanked Mr. Harmening for his kind-hearted leadership and commitment to see the best in those around him. Page 2 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Councilmember Dumalag stated she is grateful for Mr. Harmening’s being available to her at short notice. She added as a resident she is grateful for his leadership and the confidence he has with staff leadership will help with a gentle handoff. She thanked Mr. Harmening for his leadership and looks forward to hearing about all the things he will do. Mayor Spano added he always felt Ms. Deno and Mr. Harmening were two sides of the same coin and he thanked her also for her leadership, and her work for many years on contract negotiations and having those tough conversations with professionalism. Both Mr. Harmening and Ms. Deno thanked the council for their comments. Ms. Deno stated there will be big shoes to fill with Mr. Harmening’s departure. She added that Ms. Timpone, HR Manager, will oversee the recruiting process and has experience with hiring both the police and fire chiefs of St. Louis Park. Ms. Timpone outlined the city manager recruitment process for the council. She stated a consultant will lead the process and work closely with herself and council on this process. Ms. Timpone also noted several consultants the city has worked with in the past noting that staff will approach them for proposals. Mayor Spano stated he is interested in both an internal and external search, and added he is not familiar with the consultants presented, although he is interested in hiring a consultant. He asked what the process is for hiring the consultant and the impact, adding he would like to know more about the consultants before moving forward. Ms. Deno stated the plan is that staff will reach out to the three consultants presented, adding that staff will also get proposals from other consultants. Councilmember Kraft asked about the process with hiring consultants. Ms. Deno stated an RFP will be developed and posted on the city website. Councilmember Kraft asked if all three consultants have city manager hiring experience. Ms. Deno stated they do. Councilmember Kraft asked what staff is looking for in a consultant. Ms. Timpone stated she wants someone who the council trusts, who listens to council, and has all the technology available to handle pandemic recruiting. Councilmember Kraft asked how the process will work. Ms. Timpone stated we will solicit for proposals first and then have them in for presentation if warranted. Councilmember Kraft agreed on the hiring of a consultant as this is the most important decision the council will make, and he would also prefer an external search as well as internal. Mayor Spano asked that Mr. Harmening stay until August 1 so there is overlap between him and the new city manager. Page 3 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Councilmember Kraft agreed and asked if an external search would be only done in Minnesota. Ms. Timpone stated it will most likely be a national search. Councilmember Harris asked about being patient on the front end. Ms. Deno stated this means the council does not need to figure this all out tonight and only needs to be able to move forward with the consultant search at this point. Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of external and internal search, and a nationwide search could generate some innovation as well. She is open to a broader search adding the consultant can help here. Councilmember Harris asked how the priorities of the city will be relayed to the recruitment process. Ms. Timpone stated staff will build this into the position profile and will tell the story both to the consultants and the candidates about the city’s values. Councilmember Harris asked if there is anything in place related to a salary cap, and if it is only at the city manager level or trickles down. Ms. Timpone stated there is a waiver in place. Ms. Deno added it is exclusive to the city manager position. Councilmember Harris stated she agrees with the timeline. She asked what advice staff can give to council on this process. Ms. Deno stated there will be some homework sent to the council to work on and Ms. Timpone will assist on this with the consultant. Councilmember Harris stated she is aware of the capacity of the consultants and it is fine to reach out to those three. She would like a chance to weigh in on the consultant choice. Councilmember Mohamed asked if the council will work on the job description. Ms. Timpone stated council will work on the profile for the job, and a job description does already exist for the city manager position. Councilmember Mohamed stated she would definitely like Mr. Harmening to stay until August 1, is also interested in both an internal and external search and would like to see a diverse pool of candidates. Mayor Spano asked if the consultants can be told to bring in a certain percentage of diverse candidates. Ms. Deno stated this can be done with strategic direction but cannot be done by a quota as it may reflect reverse discrimination. Councilmember Dumalag stated she is in favor of the three or more consultant, prefers the external and internal candidates, and asked about process and open meeting laws. Ms. Timpone stated the consultant would be asked to gather feedback from leadership within the city. Councilmember Brausen stated the discernment process is crucial at the beginning and he appreciates the timeline as well. He would not want to do anything to threaten the work culture of responsibility and responsiveness to the city. He stated he is concerned with too many changes to the system at the top and does not want to jeopardize the strong Page 4 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 administration of the city. He stated the city has a system that works well, and he agrees with the consultants’ process, adding he would like to see an internal search first, before going external or national. He stated the worst thing would be to make a bad hire and he hopes to work with the consultant closely to make a good decision. Mayor Spano stated this will be the most important decision the council will ever make because this will determine the direction of the city as it moves forward. 2.2021 housing program and budget summary Ms. Schnitker presented the report to the council. Mayor Spano asked what neighboring cities are doing with housing currently. Ms. Schnitker stated some cities are doing things, others are not. She noted Bloomington, Richfield, Brooklyn Park, and Minnetonka have housing programming, but St. Louis Park does much more comprehensive programming than those cities. Mayor Spano stated that is disappointing to hear especially since for many years regional affordable housing issues and policy have been discussed. He stated inclusionary affordable housing works and when he talks to colleagues, he does not hear them talking about affordability and he is proud St. Louis Park does work on this, adding there is still more to do. Mayor Spano asked if the revised 4d program is already offered to builders. Ms. Schnitker stated applications must be received by the end of February, but noted no new owner has applied, although there is still time. Mayor Spano stated he also wants to be sure staff keeps track of income guidelines for home improvements. Ms. Olson stated this can help meet the needs of a household and can be for a small addition to make a house function better. Councilmember Harris stated of the new initiatives she is pleased with the NOAH rental family trust preservation and is glad to see this is a priority in the community. She asked how the land trust is different than the 4D Tax program. Ms. Schnitker stated the 4D Tax program provides for a small financial incentive for a property and makes the property eligible to apply for the state 4d tax program for a 40% tax savings. For a land trust property, it would be similar to a land trust for a single-family home. The owner would buy the building and manage the renters, and the city would own the land. Councilmember Harris stated she is familiar with the Rondo Land Trust in St. Paul and the model does make affordable housing more accessible. She added the Minnetonka Boulevard land trust is an exciting project as well for multi-family housing. Councilmember Harris stated some programs are not overly utilized. She asked if there has been a survey of potential uses to find out what homeowners would find value in. Ms. Schnitker stated they have worked with developers but with market uncertainties it can be difficult for developers to commit. Ms. Schnitker stated staff does a yearly report that shows how much the Page 5 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 community uses these programs. She added staff work to try to meet the community’s needs, but the programs must have a financial incentive for folks to want to participate in them. Councilmember Harris asked if there are any programs that require renters to live in a property for 6 months of the year. Ms. Schnitker stated, in general no, but the rental subsidy programs are not available to residents if they do not reside in the unit. In order to get the rental assistance, they need to reside in the unit. Councilmember Kraft stated there are a lot of programs here but is it too much or can we consider administering more programming utilizing city staff. Ms. Schnitker stated yes, but staff capacity is maximized, and we will need to consider adding more staff next year. Councilmember Kraft asked how the programs are doing. Ms. Schnitker stated they are going well, we are able to try new things; however, not all programs are utilized. She added fortunately St. Louis Park is a desirable place to live, and the city is doing extremely well in creating affordable housing. She noted the city has increased affordable rental subsidies also which is significant. Ms. Olson added each year they evaluate how the programs are working, look at performance, and then adjust and present a different program that would be more beneficial. Councilmember Kraft stated he is very interested in being strategic in this area. He referenced the chart in appendix C and stated he would expect the money invested would be targeted better, and goals reviewed. Councilmember Kraft asked if on the 4D program, has the city learned anything here from Minneapolis and their success. Ms. Schnitker stated St. Louis Park is offering a higher financial incentive on the front end, but Minneapolis has more rental units than St. Louis Park. She added the programs are almost identical. She stated she does not see a big incentive for market rate owners and developers seem to have a fear about what will happen with the market. Councilmember Kraft asked if it is worth considering stripping out the upper affordability levels of the inclusionary housing policy. Ms. Schnitker stated possibly, but it has not been considered yet; they would need to look at what the impact would be. Ms. Barton added the city will continue to encourage builders to address affordability where the need is and then target public financing into those areas, without having to change the policy, since it is discretionary. Councilmember Brausen noted the city relies on federal programs for folks that need the deep subsidies, while the market forces continue to drive up the cost of housing. He continued he has worked on affordable housing for many years and noted city staff has always been open to trying new programs. He added this is a region-wide problem and he appreciates the city doing their best on this, while balancing other needs including climate change costs. Page 6 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Councilmember Brausen asked if these types of programs can be funded by legislative programs to fund housing trust funds. Ms. Barton stated the HRA levy could be used for the trust fund and could be utilized in the future to fund other programs. Councilmember Dumalag noted projects with 30% AMI are mostly 100% affordable. She asked if we would attract mostly tax credit developers. Ms. Barton stated that is a common way, but with the inclusionary housing policy and the trust fund, we can provide financial incentives to developers on projects. Councilmember Dumalag asked from appendix C if there is information on bedrooms. Ms. Schnitker stated there is no breakdown on bedrooms, but this is data that can be accessed. Councilmember Dumalag asked about the wait list for public housing programs. Ms. Schnitker stated the length of public housing wait lists depends on how long someone stays in the program and is determined by turnover and how they are able to access programs. Councilmember Dumalag noted the legacy program and asked if it is working for NOAH housing. Ms. Schnitker stated she is not sure it is working since we have not had any inquiries, it may appeal mostly to owners of small buildings. Councilmember Mohamed asked if people in the 60-80% range of AMI can apply for the new homeownership programs. Ms. Schnitker stated they hope to work with agencies that help potential homebuyers attain homeownership and offer a second mortgage that also meets the lowest income possible. She added staff has more work to do on this. Councilmember Mohamed asked about the NOAH rental land trust program and how the partnership would work. Ms. Schnitker stated the owner would own the building and the city owns the land. Councilmember Mohamed asked how 30% AMI would get more housing units, when sometimes they are left out. Ms. Schnitker stated federal funding is one way, and the affordable housing trust fund might be a resource for developers willing to do deeper subsidies. She stated it will take financial resources. Ms. Barton stated to get to 30% AMI it is a lot of subsidies, and local dollars will be needed to make that happen. 3.Home-based businesses Mayor Spano asked about form-based codes. Mr. Morrison stated form-based codes are more about the building form and less about the uses. He added it is used in more of the mixed-use areas versus residential areas. He stated our draft ordinance still regulates some uses. Councilmember Brausen stated he likes the proposed draft ordinance. He stated the 25% rule seems reasonable. He noted the criteria is changing a bit since many are home officing now, but he stated the draft ordinance seems reasonable. Councilmember Brausen noted registering a home business with the city makes sense and it would be useful for database purposes and a minimal fee would be appropriate. He noted having no more than one employee and added it Page 7 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 would be hard for the city to monitor. He stated the draft ordinance works well and he supports it. Mayor Spano stated much of the home-based business data is listed at the state offices. Councilmember Harris stated she has a purist approach with home-based businesses and ADU’s and appreciates the topics being separated by staff. She has been working with several residents on home businesses in the neighborhood that had staff coming and going, that are not presently legal but could be, adding this has caused some issues for the neighborhood. Councilmember Harris stated she is quite cautious in allowing home businesses in ADU’s and allowing non-occupants to work out of that space. She appreciates the intent of entrepreneurialism but feels co-working spaces in the community are more appropriate in neighborhoods versus in ADU’s. She added she does not want to see wide-scale confusion and disruption in neighborhoods for home-based businesses and therefore does not support home businesses in neighborhoods. Councilmember Kraft stated the example Councilmember Harris noted would not be allowable, even if the ordinance is adopted. Councilmember Harris agreed. Mr. Morrison stated this business is being operated out of a garage, and a person that lives in the home, works for the company as well. He noted there is a provision in the ordinance that addresses the issue of dropping off supplies and using the space as a warehouse. However, he noted, there is still the problem of enforcement and in this specific situation it would not compliant. Councilmember Kraft asked how violations would be enforced and how would it be harder or easier to enforce. Mr. Morrison stated the first violation is treated as education, so no citation is issued. We also don’t contact the homeowner unless the violation is witnessed by staff. Councilmember Kraft asked if this ordinance would make staff’s job harder. Mr. Morrison stated yes, it runs the risk of requiring more staff time. Councilmember Kraft stated he is generally cautiously supportive of this ordinance and encourages strong education to instruct what is allowable and what is not, adding it must be enforceable. Councilmember Mohamed stated she agrees with Councilmember Kraft and supports the spirit of this ordinance. She added outside of COVID she would be okay with more than one person as staff of the home business. Councilmember Dumalag asked if this issue was due to traffic coming and going. Mr. Walther stated the issue of most concern is the expansion of this into accessory buildings and garages. Mr. Walther added the most complaints staff receives are with businesses in garages. Page 8 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed noted garage sales and asked if they would fall under this ordinance. Mr. Morrison stated this would not fall under the ordinance and added garage sales are allowed for no more than 3 days at a time, and only two events in one year. Councilmember Kraft asked if this ordinance is getting too far in front of the community. Mr. Walther stated the change to allow home businesses in accessory buildings like garages, is a big change, and nuisance complaints will increase in this example. Councilmember Harris wanted to clarify this ordinance does not relate to garages. Mr. Walther stated the ordinance as written allows for home businesses both in accessory dwelling units and accessory buildings. Councilmember Harris noted at an earlier meeting, construction costs for an ADU above a garage were estimated at $200,000, which could be unaffordable for some. She asked if the ordinance could be limited to just ADU’s and not any other accessory structures. Mr. Walther stated there are no ADU’s in existence in the city, where there is a separate smaller building in a backyard. Councilmember Harris stated this seems like a problem that does not exist. Mr. Walther stated ADUs are allowed now, so it is a problem that has not yet emerged, but it could as some point. Staff is trying to be clear for someone who resides in an ADU and could use it for an occupation also. He added this gives another layer of flexibility. Councilmember Harris stated she is still not in favor of including a garage or an exterior building in addition to the primary residence for this proposed language. She added this will allow for an intensification of use on lots that are very small in many areas of the city. She noted this will not work for many neighbors and she would support entrepreneurship in other ways in the city. Mayor Spano stated this is coming about because folks live in neighborhoods which are being disrupted because of business uses in residential areas. Mr. Walther stated this ordinance does not address a specific nuisance, rather we are widening for additional activities to occur, so folks can use their home for a business and not detract from the neighborhood in doing so. Mr. Walther stated this ordinance is a way to avoid nuisance, rather than have a nuisance occur and adjust a situation after it happens. Mayor Spano stated this feels like the city already has tools to maintain stability or continuity and asked if the ordinance is necessary. Mr. Morrison stated staff is trying to find a balance with the ordinance, adding that the residence is a home first and a business second. Mayor Spano stated he needs to understand better, adding this is a lifestyle issue that neighbors are asking the city to make go away when it may not necessarily impact them. He added he wants to be sure the city uses the tools they have now, before creating new ones. Councilmember Brausen stated he understands the Mayor’s concerns about overregulation but added staff has come with examples of issues that have arisen, noting staff has created a structure of regulation and guardrails, and if opposed, the Mayor is free to vote against it. Page 9 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Mr. Walther stated the planning commission wanted input from council on the draft ordinance before starting the formal public hearing process. He thanked the council for their feedback and will bring this back to the planning commission. It was the consensus of the council to support this in general and send it back to the planning commission for further review and recommendations. 4.Future study session agenda planning and prioritization Mayor Spano stated the Feb. 22, 2021 meeting will include a policing discussion as well as setbacks, and affordable housing, and discussion of the city manager selection process. He suggested a focus on the city manager and setback discussion. Councilmember Kraft noted the policing discussion is a priority and he would like to keep it moving forward. Councilmember Brausen stated starting the meeting at 6 p.m. would help and agreed the policing discussion and city manager process would be best. Councilmember Mohamed and Harris agreed. The council agreed to move the housing discussion to a later date. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Mr. Harmening noted at the February 16, 2021 meeting there will be a closed session related to public safety measures. Councilmember Harris stated she has been in touch with several city restaurant owners regarding pandemic response to outdoor dining. Mr. Harmening stated the concern is that owners are worried about how long to rent tents, and/or if they should purchase them and the costs to do this. He suggested staff look at grants for owners to help them purchase tents, and leave the current policy that council approved in place. Councilmember Harris suggested the city let owners have their tents up all summer. Mr. Harmening stated when the restrictions are lifted, and if tents remain up, there may be concerns about parking, while being up at full occupancy. Councilmember Harris clarified and asked if tents could remain up until the Governor’s peacetime declaration ends or until September 30, 2021, whichever comes first. Ms. Barton stated the city is looking at allowing up to five months – one month at a time - of rental and providing half the cost of that. Mayor Spano asked how many businesses have concerns here. Mr. Harmening stated three businesses. Page 10 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3c) Title: Study session minutes of February 8, 2021 Ms. Barton stated this would be marketed to businesses, including restaurants and fitness studios. Councilmember Brausen asked that this be put on study session as a topic. Mr. Harmening stated staff is working on a solution and he will keep council informed. Councilmember Kraft noted the Children’s First Breakfast is next month and it is virtual this year. Mayor Spano will be hosting a table and invited the councilmembers to join. Councilmember Kraft stated there was a story in the Sun Sailor about the $2 million cost of the CAP. He stated this is an investment in the community that would generate a return for the community and encouraged councilmembers to use appropriate language when discussing the CAP with the community. Councilmember Kraft stated he feels a break is warranted during the meetings and he would appreciate a break being offered in future meetings. Councilmember Brausen stated there was a nice article in the business section of the Star Tribune on the Quentin Development, their promotion of fresh air, and all the qualitative things being included there. The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5.Proposed allocation of 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3d Unofficial minutes Closed executive session St. Louis Park, Minnesota February 16, 2020 The meeting convened at 5:30 p.m. 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), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Police Chief (Mr. Harcey), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), Communications and Marketing Manager (Ms. Smith), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick) Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Spano read the following statement: The meeting will be closed as permitted by MN Statute Section 13D.05 Subd. 3 (d) to receive a security briefing from Police Chief Harcey regarding procedures and plans to protect public buildings and infrastructure, to discuss issues related to security systems, to discuss emergency response procedures, and to discuss security deficiencies in or recommendations regarding public services, infrastructure and facilities in response to civil unrest. Disclosure of the information discussed would pose a danger to public safety or compromise security procedures or responses. Motion to enter closed executive session made by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft. 1.Police security briefing The city’s police chief, Mr. Harcey gave an overview of the procedures and plans regarding public safety in response to possible social unrest. The city’s attorney, Mr. Mattick, outlined legal considerations. Mr. Harcey and Mr. Mattick lead the council in a discussion and answered questions by the city council. This meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Minutes: 3e Unofficial minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 22, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. 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/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), HR Manager (Ms. Timpone), Police Chief Harcey, Deputy Chief Kruelle, Lt. Nadem, Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), Racial Equity Manager (Mx. Sojourner) Guests: Anne Lewis, Baker Tilly; Mark Casey, DBA; Charlene Stevens, GovHR; Joelle Allen, KP Companies; Mr. Sorrell, consultant 1. City manager recruitment Ms. Timpone noted there were 4 proposals for search firms on the city manager recruitment. Each firm will present for 5 minutes each and the council will ask questions and have a discussion after all the presentations. Anne Lewis stated she is a director with Baker Tilly Firm. She explained their work is nation- wide, including in Minnesota. She noted they have a diverse team and provide a diverse applicant pool. She stated they are experienced and passionate about local government and have recruited and placed over 1,500 positions over the years. She noted they believe in diversity and will work to establish a timeline with staff in finding high-quality candidates. Mark Casey stated he is with DBA Human Resources. He stated he would be the principal recruiter and serves on various boards in Minnesota and lectures. He stated 50% of applicants come from outside Minnesota. He noted St. Louis Park is a place for all people adding his firm will promote a deep and diverse pool of candidates and will work to find the best fit for the city while listening to what the council is saying. He added he is a former city manager in St. Anthony Village, and has worked in city government adding this search would be his number one priority. Charlene Stevens is from GovHR and she is the principal consultant and has worked in various areas of city government. She stated the firm is a female-owned business and works nationwide and locally to bring candidates and everyone in their firm has served in local government. She stated they work with women and diverse candidates in local government leadership roles. She added they have a commitment to communication with council and staff and are very responsive to both the council and candidates. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 2 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Joelle Allen from KP companies stated they create a more personalized search firm. She stated they work across the nation and across sectors. She noted they have done this work for 18 years and pride themselves in high touch with their clients and candidates. She stated she has been with KP since it started, and it is a women and black-owned firm. She noted searches they have done for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul adding they want to understand the communities they work with as well as the council, and work in focus groups to engage councils and groups, to find candidates that represent that community. She stated diversity and inclusion is baked into all that they do, and they are keenly aware of the role of systemic racism and make sure that all slates are diverse, and they are highly engaged with many sectors, communities, and groups, and will leverage those relationships on the city’s behalf. Councilmember Brausen stated the city would be well-suited to work with any of the firms. He asked about doing 360 follow up reviews and if all the firms do this. They each stated they do. Councilmember Brausen asked if the firms use assessments with candidates to look at their diversity and inclusion experience. Ms. Allen stated they use this diversity tool at her firm, and the others have not used it, but said they would be able to utilize it. Councilmember Rog asked Mr. Casey why his Minnesota work and headquarters are important to the outcomes. Mr. Casey stated he has connections within Minnesota at League of Minnesota Cities and other groups which helps draw quality candidates from Minnesota and from other areas. Councilmember Rog asked the firms about Minnesota culture and if they have thoughts on that. Mr. Casey stated this is a culture he knows well adding it is also changing. He stated they would look for the right person. Ms. Allen stated their business is based in St. Louis Park, and knows firsthand this is a difficult place to crack sometimes and requires some different onboarding for candidates. They also work with diverse candidates that are not from here and offer support. Ms. Stevens stated she did relocate here from out of Minnesota. She stated she knows what it is like to move here from elsewhere and can help in that transition. Ms. Lewis stated she is not from Minnesota, but they work on a recruitment team and she would rely on them to navigate understanding of Minnesota culture. Councilmember Kraft asked Ms. Lewis what concerns the city would have for running a search from Virginia, especially related to salaries. Ms. Lewis stated the technology to conduct a search and work with clients can be done. She stated she spends time with council at the onset getting to understand the council and city and leadership characteristics that are wanted. She added the difficult part is attracting a diverse candidate pool and encouraging them to move to Minnesota. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 3 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Kraft asked Mr. Casey about being a recent hire of DBA, if he was doing search before this, and with all DBA’s Minnesota experience, does it take people off the table. Mr. Casey stated he just moved from the public sector to this position and will work with a team at DBA. He stated they have a database of applicants and 50% come from outside of Minnesota, so the pool will be very deep. Councilmember Kraft asked what the best practice is in engaging the community. Ms. Allen stated expectations have changed about how involved communities want to be in these searches. She added focus groups are helpful with this and are a great gauge, adding that information can be brought to council and then act on that information. Ms. Stevens added the outreach needs to be tailored to the community and opportunities need to be created to have broad engagement and developing a profile. Mr. Casey added the most efficient use of his firm’s time would be to work through resources that already exist through visioning sessions conducted in the past. Ms. Lewis stated surveys, focus groups, and other means can all be used. She stated they would tailor interview questions the community has and their concerns as well as having representatives of the community give feedback as well. Councilmember Dumalag asked about the August 1 timeline and if the city is on track with this. Ms. Lewis stated the timeline is great and she anticipates a mid-June timeline, adding focus groups might add a few more weeks. Ms. Stevens stated August is very realistic for her firm. Ms. Allen stated the August timeline works well and Mr. Casey agreed also. Councilmember Dumalag stated she has been part of search groups in the past and asked how this should be approached as a council and as a team. Mr. Casey recommended that each and everyone of the council be involved in the process and in the final choice as well. Ms. Lewis stated she would like a staff person dedicated to her to organize documents and candidates’ schedules with interviews. She would keep the council informed and use email to communicate to help in decision making. Ms. Stevens stated they would work with a staff person as well and have the whole council be involved in the full process. She stated her firm can work through any open meeting process the council prefers, and the full council will need to be involved, while confidentiality maintained. Ms. Allen agreed, adding her firm works with a point of contact, makes sure the council is involved, and works with a subcommittee as well all while keeping confidentiality. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 4 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Harris asked how the firms establish and account for a city’s culture. Ms. Allen stated they do focus groups at all levels and learn about the city’s culture. Mr. Casey added meeting one-on-one with council and key staff will help them learn and communicate the culture to candidates. Ms. Lewis stated they also have one-on-one conversations with each councilmember to gain a sense of culture of the city to help create a candidate pool that best matches the city. Ms. Stevens added conversations and listening with council and staff, learning the organization, and also how she matches candidates’ skills with the city. Councilmember Harris asked what the ideal number of candidates is to bring forward and why. Ms. Stevens stated it depends on the candidate pool adding there is no specific number she uses. She stated it is tailored to the city’s needs and what they are looking for. Ms. Lewis agreed and stated her candidate pools vary in size and it is important she find alternatives in the selection process. She added as she narrows the candidates down, the process is very fluid to match the city’s needs. Mr. Casey agreed also and stated he works to meet the city’s needs as well. Ms. Allen stated it depends on how involved the council wants to be at each level of candidates and customized on what the council needs. Councilmember Harris stated there were a number of screening tools listed that the firms use and asked what tools would be utilized to determine best fit and are their additional fees beyond the quoted prices listed in your proposals, pertaining to those tools. Ms. Allen stated if there are screening tools the city typically uses they start there and work with suppliers the city already works with. She added they can also add IDI or Strengthbuilders, noting it is customized and comparative. Ms. Lewis stated they offer several tools, and all candidates respond to a questionnaire, related to the city itself. She also offers a video interview for candidates and an assessment is done with the council and candidates and then overlay where gaps fall, so interview questions can be developed. She added all tools are included in their fees. Ms. Stevens stated they work with the city on tools they want to use, as well as video interviews. Mr. Casey stated they do profiles and interviews which are all included in the price and can also use what the city prefers. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 5 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed stated the new city manager coming on will be during a new era. She stated the racial equity department of the city helps with this in all areas of the city, but as the council moves forward, she wants racial equity to be a part of all areas of what staff and the city do, beginning with the city manager. She asked what the number of diverse people is working within each firm. Ms. Casey stated DBA has 12 diverse persons. Ms. Lewis stated their public sector area has 3 people of color and 7 females. Ms. Stevens stated they have 31 consultants and 5 persons of color and 50% are women. Ms. Allen stated they have 8 persons which are women and of color and 70% are diverse. Councilmember Mohamed stated it is difficult for people of color to succeed in Minnesota, adding they have come a long way, especially in St. Louis Park. She asked how they plan to bring diverse candidates to Minnesota. Ms. Lewis stated they use a database to select candidates and utilize advertising outlets. She added they also do outreach into the associations and networks they work with as well as phone calls. Mr. Casey stated his firm will work with the city’s profile and that is how they reach out to databases and work with their contacts, adding that many will be interested in this position, and they will help them understand what the city is looking for. Ms. Allen stated she does not see trouble finding candidates, but the higher concern is after getting a candidate hired, how can they keep them. She stated if they understand change management, it helps across the board, and that will be an important part of the process. Ms. Stevens agreed with what the other firms stated and added they will work to bring diverse candidates adding the retention piece is important as well and will be important for staff to work on as well. Mayor Spano stated if council did not decide tonight on which firm, would a two-week delay impact the timeline. The firm representatives each stated this would not be a problem. Mayor Spano asked about the firms interviewing staff and if they could explain how they view the existing staff as this person will need to work closely with staff. Ms. Lewis stated she would definitely speak with staff and ask the same questions she would ask of council. She added she would use this information to help with searching candidates. Mr. Casey agreed, as did Ms. Stevens. and Ms. Allen. Mayor Spano asked about a time a search did not go well and what did you learn from that. Ms. Allen stated with COVID she learned how flexible they needed to be and how important partnerships with city staff were and how important communication was, as well as transparency. Ms. Allen stated also not fully preparing candidates for the cultural shift it might City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 6 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 take to come to this area. She stated learning through that is owning the culture and better preparing candidates for the reality that this culture is quite different from the south. Ms. Stevens stated an example where a candidate was not a good fit and owning that and understanding it and pushing back on the organization also, so they understood what they wanted. Mr. Casey noted a time when a timeline got pushed out, adding it should not have affected the process especially if qualified candidates are presented. Ms. Lewis noted an example where a competitive salary was not offered and how this could have been compensated outside of salary and would have been beneficial to recruitment. Councilmember Rog asked Ms. Allen why her firms’ proposal is 3 times the amounts of the other firms. Ms. Allen stated this is standard to be a percentage of first year salary and because diversity is a different search and requires different tools. She added they would be able to discuss this further and would not want to miss this project because of cost. Councilmember Rog asked why Ms. Allen did not provide a candidate brochure. Ms. Allen stated they use them, but she neglected to add one. Councilmember Rog asked if it makes sense for the council to indicate they would like a certain number of candidates be people of color, or women, or men, and if this would be an option. Ms. Deno had stated no numbers or quotas are acceptable but setting up a profile related to diversity and inclusion requirements can help when working with the firm to find pools of candidates. This along with the city’s strategic priorities would help, she added. Councilmember Rog asked why Ms. Allen’s firm’s guarantee was only 6 months versus 1-2 years for the other firms. Ms. Allen stated this is standard, but they do stand behind candidates and she would be happy to extend that to one year if the council prefers. Councilmember Kraft asked Ms. Stevens how her firm would overcome technology issues when working with the council and candidates, noting there were some technology issue when she was giving her presentation. Ms. Stevens apologized for the technology not working this evening and stated she would have it all working correctly. Councilmember Kraft asked how internal candidates would be incorporated. Ms. Allen stated they always do interviews with internal candidates to ensure a fair and equitable process. Ms. Stevens agreed adding they will also give a fair and honest assessment of the candidate. Ms. Lewis agreed adding they put all internal candidates through the same process as external candidates. Mr. Casey added he agreed and that is where that level of confidentiality comes in as well. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 7 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Brausen appreciated the firm candidates and thanked them for their interest. The firms’ representatives all left the meeting, and the council began their discussion. Mayor Spano asked if the council wants to make a decision tonight or hold off. Councilmember Harris would like to wait until next week to make a decision. She asked staff if KP would come down in price to come in line with the other three firms. Ms. Timpone will ask all 4 companies to come down in price. Councilmember Harris asked if we should ask for a 1-year onboarding. Ms. Timpone stated that is up to the council to create that process and that can be addressed later. Councilmember Harris asked what the budget is for hiring a firm. Ms. Timpone stated there is enough in the budget – at least $23,000 unspent and other funds that can be used as well. Ms. Deno added there are some contingency funds available also, and whichever firm is chosen by the council, staff can make this work. Councilmember Harris and Mayor Spano would like to wait one week to decide. Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss this tonight. Ms. Deno stated council can give staff direction tonight and it would not require formal action by the council; however, formal action can be taken at next week’s meeting if council prefers. Ms. Timpone stated there are four great firms here and encouraged council to not let budget become a factor. She stated the most important thing is the development of a profile and every firm will provide a good candidate pool. She added KP Companies will likely provide a deeper and more non-traditional applicant pool and the other three are all similar. She noted having a local rep is important. She recommended KP Companies and GovHR as her top recommendations to the council. Councilmember Kraft stated Baker Tilly is the most professional and polished proposal and not so personal. DBA spoke most about what is happening in St. Louis Park, but he is new at this. KP Companies had very interesting experience on diversity side and more backgrounds, but the structure of her proposal says they do not have the experience in doing a public sector search. He noted GovHR had technology issues but added they provided specific answers and with numbers of searches, and data, without being asked and he appreciated that level of specificity. He was impressed with that and the fact they had done many searches in Minnesota. Councilmember Mohamed was happy to hear from all the firms, but she felt KP Companies will do a deeper search and a better job for St. Louis Park. She is not worried about cost and she was happy the city is able to afford this and she does not think council should go back and ask them to lower prices. She added she agreed with the thinking of KP Companies and where they will lead the city. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 8 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Dumalag stated she has concerns with KP Companies, the number was way out of line, they do not do this work that often, and she cannot grasp why their quote was so different. She liked GovHR and the stats she had, the technical approach, and she was honest on the problem question posed. She added the council will want to direct any of the firms to have a deep and wide pool and she leans toward GovHR. Councilmember Rog agreed on the two firms of KP Companies and GovHR. She has concerns about KP not matching the caliber of what the city needs, especially never having done a city manager search. She added the high cost and lack of including a brochure shows possibly not a lot of experience in this area. She stated she was impressed with all the firms, but she also is in favor of GovHR. Councilmember Harris stated she rated the experience of each firm and she landed on KP and GovHR at the top. She added she understands the costs can be covered, but she has concerns about KP’s answer about corporate, and this is not corporate, noting it is important to know the audience for the presentation, as well as the work. Councilmember Harris appreciated how GovHR framed concepts. She added KP uses IDI indicator tools and asked if the city could request whoever is chosen to use IDI. She is comfortable with GovHR. Councilmember Brausen like Baker Tilly for their professionalism but would like something more locally. Mr. Casey is too new at doing this, although he has the local connections and experience in local government. He liked that KP uses the IDI tool, but given the council’s preference with GovHR, he is comfortable going with them. Mayor Spano agreed on the comments about the IDI tool. He also had concerns about the KP Companies price and noted they do not have experience hiring a city manager, but he is partial to KP Companies. He is willing to take a risk on KP but feels they are smart and capable of the job and will bring a diverse and deep pool of candidates. Councilmember Kraft was not concerned about the dollar amount of KP Companies, but the way they did not understand the recruitment process. Mayor Spano stated because their proposal was different is not because they do not get it, it is that they just do it differently. Councilmember Kraft stated except her answer was that they would lower their price, and he wished it would have been that they are at this cost because they do it differently. Ms. Timpone stated the 3 other companies matched each other and are similar. She stated KP will do the same work, but they might do it differently. She added staff can help and support their work and she did not find the proposal to be too divergent from the others. She felt it was done with more thought to the city versus what the others did. Councilmember Mohamed stated historically lower experience is why black and brown companies do not always get business. Mayor Spano agreed, as did Councilmember Rog. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 9 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Councilmember Rog asked how KP’s proposal is more unique than the others. Ms. Timpone stated they asked for a little more time to put the onboarding piece together and it just struck her that they did this specifically for the city versus using a template. Councilmember Rog asked about the plans for Mx. Sojourner’s replacement as well, and if a search will be done also. Ms. Deno stated HR will do the search with input from Mx. Sojourner. Councilmember Mohamed asked to what standard are we holding KP Companies to and is it a certain standard are we holding the proposals to, when we ask about ways that proposals were submitted. She asked council to reflect on this. Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated Councilmember Mohamed’s perspective on this. He added he is comfortable hiring any of the 4. Councilmember Dumalag also appreciated Councilmember Mohamed’s comments. She stated the city is hiring a search firm, but all KP Companies experience was not in city government. She stated she was really impressed with Baker Tilly’s placements. She added it was not number, but scale that was concerning for her. Councilmember Harris stated she appreciated Councilmember Mohamed’s comments, it helped her reorder her choices, and agreed this is important to the city during this time. Ms. Deno asked if council would like KP Companies and GovHR to resubmit information and then have council decide on Monday, March 1. Councilmember Kraft appreciated Councilmember Mohamed’s comments. He stated he did not notice KP Companies did not submit a brochure. He stated he is not interested in asking for a lower price on KP Companies and is interested in GovHR. He stated he would like to use KP Companies at a different time. It was the consensus of the council to move forward with GovHR as their search firm for the city manager position. Mayor Spano asked if KP Companies has interest in being involved in the process in some way, he would be comfortable with that. 2. Policing discussion- continued Mr. Sorrell presented to the council, noting themes, areas, and actions. Deputy Chief Kruelle noted in 2019 body cams were introduced in the city and audits and daily reviews are conducted. Lt. Nadem explained training sessions on racial equity impacts were conducted for the police force. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 10 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Chief Harcey noted the response to resistance report and the intent related to the outcomes. He stated some changes were made to the process, including documenting residents and non- residents. Chief Harcey explained fully implementing the 8 Can’t Wait policy and stated it is now on the city website. Chief Harcey also noted data used, including weekly and monthly updates to council and trends over time as well as looking at last year versus this year data. Councilmember Kraft asked if blue means completed. Mr. Sorrell stated it means completed and on track. Councilmember Kraft stated he did not hear why more African Americans are subject to use of force. Chief Harcey stated an outside consultant could help police research this item. Councilmember Kraft stated that when he saw that as completed, he felt it is not yet completed. Mr. Sorrell stated there will be a deeper conversation related to this topic, noting there are many components at play here. Lt. Garland addressed the role of police in achieving mental health outcomes. Mayor Spano asked about the embedded social worker versus co-responders. Chief Harcey stated this is similar to the fire department model, assisting on calls as needed. He stated the co-responder is having the licensed social worker with police 24/7. Mayor Spano asked about co-responders versus Hennepin County social workers, and if they would be working in the department. Chief Harcey stated he would like to have a full-time social worker devoted to St. Louis Park, and would like to see them in the car with police more often. Councilmember Rog asked about the 232 referrals over the last 12 months and asked whether it is possible to get more information on referrals to help understand how the city is doing, and if the weekly reports could have more detail around the mental health information. Chief Harcey stated outcomes of the referrals is private data, but some might be able to be shared. Councilmember Harris asked about the 232 referrals and how many were repeat clients. Chief Harcey stated he will need to get back to council on that information. Councilmember Harris stated this data would help households in need of these services. She asked if there is overlap with the fire departments visitation program and if there is an overlap that could involve the police also. Chief Harcey stated they will be onboarding a new person soon to partner with Fire related to this issue. Councilmember Harris asked if the police have the resources they need for training at this time. Chief Harcey stated there is always room for more resources, but it is included in the budget. Councilmember Harris stated this information would be helpful to know during budget time. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 3e) Page 11 Title: Study session minutes of February 22, 2021 Deputy Chief Kruelle explained details on alternative models for policing. Chief Harcey noted information on effectiveness of school partnerships, with school resource officers and the DARE curriculum no longer being taught by the police department. Councilmember Kraft stated it seems more needs to be done in other columns before addressing the items in the red column. Chief Harcey stated this will be a long-term ongoing conversation with council. Mr. Sorrell will provide a more concise packet for the next session. Councilmember Brausen agreed and indicated he appreciates the willingness in the police to be engaged in these discussions and continuing to try to learn how to improve. Mayor Spano also stated this conversation is about working together with the police to help determine resources that are needed to move forward. Due to time limitations, it was the consensus of the council to table this conversation and move it to a future study session. 3. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization - none Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Mr. Harmening noted target protesting information was discussed earlier and in 1976 an ordinance was adopted by the city regarding this. He stated it does however need updating. The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 4 January 2021 monthly financial report 5. Conversion therapy ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4a Executive summary Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolutions to recognize Jim Vaughan for his 33 years of service and Nancy Deno for her 23 years of service . Policy consideration: None at this time. Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20 years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city council. Jim and Nancy will be in attendance virtually for a presentation of their resolutions. This consent item will officially adopt the resolutions that honor Jim and Nancy for their years of service. Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Resolution s Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4a) Page 2 Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution of the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to Natural Resources Coordinator James Vaughan Whereas, Jim Vaughan began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park over 33 years ago on October 26, 1987; and Whereas, Jim has had major responsibility for the beautification of our city by planting over 20,000 trees, sending over 7,425 weed notices and planting thousands of annual and perennial flowers; and Whereas, Jim has proactively ensured the health and longevity of our city’s trees and other natural resources by developing plans to deal with Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, pollinator gardens, bee friendly plantings and controlled burns of prairie grass; and Whereas, Jim has represented the city by serving as President of the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee, Minnesota Society of Arboriculture board, International Society of Arboriculture (including speaking throughout the US and internationally); and Whereas, Jim will be missed greatly, especially when he introduces himself as “Vaughan. James Vaughan.”; and Whereas, Jim will enjoy his retirement by spending time with his wife, Jane , and kids, Ian and Tate , and traveling; Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Jim Vaughan for his great contributions and over 33 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish him the best in his retirement. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4a) Page 3 Title: Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan and Nancy Deno Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution of the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to Deputy City Manager/HR Director Nancy Deno Whereas, Nancy Deno began her employment with the City of St. Louis Park nearly 23 years ago on May 27, 1998; and Whereas, Nancy has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, evidenced by her ability to manage the human resources division first, then adding city clerk, environment/sustainability, finance and assessing, and racial equity; and Whereas, Nancy’s heart belongs to human resources and she’s excelled at working with staff on employee relations issues, creating relationships with union groups to negotiate bargaining agreements, and connecting and finding creative solutions to resolve issues; and Whereas, Nancy is so well-re spected among her peers and other cities she was recognized as a finalist for the Women in City Government Leadership award in 2007; and Whereas, Nancy has provided wisdom and guidance to hundreds of staff, co-workers, city managers and council members and has inspired and motivated others to create change, perform at their highest level and do the right thing; and Whereas, Nancy has selflessly donated many hours of her time to local hospice centers with her dog Emma to provide comfort to end of life patients; and Whereas, Nancy will enjoy retirement as a St. Louis Park resident, floating at her cabin in Wisconsin, swing dancing at local venues and most importantly enjoying time with her grandson Owen and granddaughter due at the end of April; Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Nancy Deno for her great contributions and nearly 23 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and wish her the best in her retirement. Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4b Executive summary Title: Second reading of ordinance pertaining to signs on rooftop screening Recommended action: Motion to approve the second reading and adopt Ordinance amending Section 36-362(h) pertaining to signs on rooftop equipment screening structures and approve the summary ordinance for publication. Policy consideration: Does the council wish to amend Section 36-362(h) to allow sign s on rooftop equipment screening structures? Summary: Audrey Janzen, on behalf of the Excelsior Group, applied for a zoning ordinance text amendment to allow rooftop signs when attached to a rooftop equipment screen wall. The Excelsior Group owns the new 10 West End office building. The office building includes a large rooftop equipment screening structure that they designed with the intent of mounting signs on it as described in the attached discussion section. They were, however, unaware that the city does not allow rooftop signs. Planning commission discussion: The planning commission heard the application on Jan. 20, 2021. The public hearing was closed with no comments received. Staff recommended denial of the application . The planning commission, however, tabled consideration of the ordinance so revisions could be made based on their discussion at the meeting. The planning commission reviewed the revised ordinance on Feb. 24, 2021, and recommended approval of the revised ordinance. The city council approved the first reading on March 1, 2021. Present considerations: A copy of the ordinance is attached and summarized below. The ordinance proposes to allow signs on rooftop equipment screening structures in the planned unit development districts with the following conditions: 1. The building is at least eight stories tall and is used for predominantly office uses. 2. The rooftop equipment screening structure must enclose at least 40% of the rooftop. 3. The sign cannot extend above the height of the rooftop screening structure. 4. The rooftop equipment screening structure shall be included in the building height. 5. The rooftop equipment screening structure must be included in the building elevation when calculating compliance to the architectural design and materials requirements. 6. Prior to installing any wall sign on the rooftop equipment screening structure, the rooftop equipment screen structure must be inspected and certified by an engineer to verify that the structure can support the proposed sign. Financial or budget considerations: None Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Ordinance Summary ordinance for publication Prepared by: Gary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning and zoning supervisor Karen Barton, community development director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b ) Page 2 Title: Second reading of ordinance pertaining to signs on rooftop screening Ordinance No. ____-21 Ordinance regarding signs on rooftop screening structures The City of St. Louis Park does ordain: Whereas, an application was received from 10 West End LLC to amend the sign ordinance to allow signs on rooftop equipment screening structures, and Whereas, the City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of the planning commission (case no. 20-30-ZA), and Now, therefore be it resolved that the following amendments shall be made to the City Code: Section 1. Chapter 36, Section 36-362(h) of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to add the following underlined text. (9) Rooftop screen signs. Notwithstanding Section 36-362(e)(4) wall signs are permitted on rooftop screening structures located in the planned unit development zoning districts subject to the following conditions: 1. The rooftop screen structure is located on a building that is at least eight stories tall and that is used for predominantly office uses. 2. The rooftop screen structure upon which the sign is mounted must enclose an area equal to at least 40% of the total rooftop area of the building. 3. For rooftop screen structures with multiple or varying heights, the signs cannot extend above the height of the shortest section of the rooftop screening structure . 4. The rooftop screen structure shall be included in the building height. 5. The rooftop screen structure must be included in the building elevation when calculating compliance to the architectural design and materials of each building elevation. 6. Prior to installing any wall sign on the rooftop screen structure, the rooftop screen structure must be inspected and certified by an engineer to verify that the structure can support the proposed sign. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect April 9, 2021. First Reading March 1, 2021 Second Reading March 15, 2021 Date of Publication March 25, 2021 Date Ordinance takes effect April 9, 2021 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b ) Page 3 Title: Second reading of ordinance pertaining to signs on rooftop screening Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Approved as to form and execution: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Soren Mattick, city attorney City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4b ) Page 4 Title: Second reading of ordinance pertaining to signs on rooftop screening Summary for publication Ordinance No. ____-21 An ordinance amending the St. Louis Park zoning ordinance pertaining to signs on rooftop screening structures This ordinance amends Chapter 36 of the City of St. Louis Park city code relating to zoning. The amendment allows signs on rooftop screening structures in the planned unit development zoning districts with conditions. This ordinance shall take effect 15 days after publication. Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Jake Spano /s/ Mayor A copy of the full text of this ordinance is available for inspection with the City Clerk. Published in St. Louis Park Sailor: March 25, 2021 Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4c Executive summary Title: Special assessment – sewer service line repair at 3762 Colorado Avenue South Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 3762 Colorado Avenue South , St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 16-117-21-33-0054. Policy consideration: The proposed action is consistent with policy previously established by the city council. Summary: Aaron Kock and Noah Bergan, owners of the single -family residence at 3762 Colorado Avenue South, have requested the city to authorize the repair of the sewer service line for their home and assess the cost against the property in accordance with the city’s special assessment policy. The city requires the repair of service lines to promote the general public health, safety and welfare within the community. The special assessment policy for the repair or replacement of water or sewer service lines for existing homes was adopted by the city council in 1996. This program was put into place because sometimes property owners face financial hardships when emergency repairs like this are unexpectedly required. Plans and permits for this service line repair work were completed, submitted, and approved by city staff. The property owner hired a contractor and repaired the sewer service lin e in compliance with current codes and regulations. Based on the completed work, this repair qualifies for the city’s special assessment program. The property owners have petitioned the city to authorize the sewer service line repair and special assess the cost of the repair. The total eligible cost of the repair has been determined to be $9,820. Financial or budget considerations: The city has funds in place to finance the cost of this special assessment. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Resolution Prepared by: Jay Hall, utility superintendent Reviewed by: Mark Hanson, public works superintendent Emily Carr, assessing technician Cynthia S. Walsh, director of operations and recreation Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4c ) Page 2 Title: Special assessment – sewer service line repair at 3762 Colorado Avenue South Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 3762 Colorado Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN P.I.D. 16-117-21-33-0054 Whereas, the property owners at 3762 Colorado Avenue South , have petitioned the City of St. Louis Park to authorize a special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line for the single family residence located at 3762 Colorado Avenue South ; and Whereas, the property owners have agreed to waive the right to a public hearing, right of notice and right of appeal pursuant to Minnesota Statute, Chapter 429; and Whereas, the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park has received a report from the Utility Superintendent related to the repair of the sewer service line. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, that: 1.The petition from the property owners requesting the approval and special assessment for the sewer service line repair is hereby accepted. 2.The sewer service line repair that was done in conformance with the plans and specifications approved by the Operations and Recreation Department and Department of Inspections is hereby accepted. 3.The total cost for the repair of the sewer service line is accepted at $9,820. 4.The property owners have agreed to waive the right to a public hearing, notice and appeal from the special assessment; whether provided by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 429, or by other statutes, or by ordinance, City Charter, the constitution, or common law. 5.The property owners have agreed to pay the city for the total cost of the above improvements through a special assessment over a ten (10) year period at the interest rate of 3.50%. 6.The property owners have executed an agreement with the city and all other documents necessary to implement the repair of the sewer service line and the special assessment of all costs associated therewith. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4d Executive summary Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution and approving vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease extension with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC. Policy consideration: Does council wish to approve the vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease extension with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC? Summary: The current vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC expires on March 31, 2021. To accommodate the water tower maintenance that is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2021 and to be completed by November 1, 2021, the current impound lot at 5100 Park Glen Road must be vacated. To assist in continuing to provide a local towing contractor and impound lot location within St. Louis Park as a convenience to residents, an alternative temporary impound lot has been identified at 7250 S tate Hwy 7, which is owned by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority. The proposed impound lot lease includes language that allows for the temporary relocation of the impound lot during the water tower maintenance. M arch 15, 2021 the Economic Development Authority will also be reviewing a report to authorize the temporary lease of the 7250 State Hwy 7 lot to Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC. Staff is recommending that the vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease be extended for one year to ensure the continuity of services for vehicle towing and impounding during the water tower rehabilitation. The vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease extension agreement has been reviewed and approved by St. Louis Park City Attorney. Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Resolution Vehicle towing and impounding agreement Impound lot lease extension Prepared by: Mike Harcey, chief of police Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 2 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution approving vehicle towing and impounding agreement and impound lot lease extension with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park (“City ”) and Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie LLC (the “Provider”) entered into (i) a Lease Agreement dated as of March 28, 2018 (the “Lease ”), regarding the lease of real property at 5100 Park Glen Road (“Water Tower Property”) for use as a city impound lot, and (ii) a related Vehicle Towing and Impounding Agreement dated March 28, 2018 (the “Impounding Agreement”), and propose to enter into an extension of the Lease and Impounding Agreement through March 31, 2022 (the “Extension”); and Whereas, the Water Tower Property is scheduled to be temporarily unavailable for use due to maintenance on the water tower during a portion of the term of the Extension, and therefore the City and the Provider propose to temporarily relocate the impound lot on other prope rty within the City; and Whereas, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (“Authority”) owns vacant property within the city located at 7250 State Highway 7 (the “Authority Property”), which Authority Property has been proposed as the temporary location of the Provider’s activities under the Extension ; and Whereas, the Authority has consented to the Extension and to the temporary use of the Authority Property as provided in the Extension through the execution of the Landowner Consent (the “Con sent”). Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park as follows: A.The Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute on behalf of the City the Lease Extension and the Impounding Agreement Extension . B. City staff and consultants are authorized to take any actions necessary to carry out the intent of this resolution. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 3 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK VEHICLE TOWING AND IMPOUNDING AGREEMENT A GREEMENT, made as of ________________, 2021, between the CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation ("City"), and Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC ("Contractor"). The City and the Contractor agree as follows: 1.WORK TO BE PERFORMED The Contractor agrees to perform the following services upon receipt of a specific request from the City: To remove, impound and transport, or tow to storage facilities, all stolen, abandoned, damaged, illegally parked or other vehicles upon proper police request found in the public streets or elsewhere in the City of St. Louis Park. The Contractor also agrees to care for and store all such cars when requested by the City and to preserve and deliver them to the owners or persons entitled to the possession of them upon payment of towing and storage fees, all in accordance with the provisions of the State and City statutes and ordinances and these Contract documents. The Contractor represents that the Contractor has a commitment for and agrees to maintain storage facilities large enough to accommodate at least two hundred (200) automobiles, at the following location, 5100 Park Glen Road St. Louis Park, MN 55416. 2.LEASE OF REQUIRED STORAGE FACILITY Contractor is leasing from the City a portion of the property commonly referred to as the Water Tower property located at 5100 Park Glen Road upon which its required storage facility is located (“Water Tower Property Lease). The City’s early termination of the Water Tower Property Lease as a result of a default of the Lease terms by Contractor shall constitute a breach of this Contract entitling the City to early termination pursuant to Paragraph 13 herein. The early termination of the Water Tower Property Lease as a result of a MnDOT acquisition shall also terminate this Agreement. 3.TERM This Contract will be for a term of three (1) years commencing April 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2022, unless terminated earlier pursuant to Paragraph 13 of this Contract. 4.DUTIES OF THE CONTRACTOR 4.1 The Contractor further agrees to pay all persons furnishing labor, supplies, equipment, space, or material to the Contractor in and about the performance of this Contract, these persons to be paid first, out of the amount due the Contractor, its agents or assigns. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 4 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension 4.2 The Contractor shall take immediate possession of any vehicle duly ordered impounded by the City and shall tow, not drive, such vehicle to the impounding storage facility. All vehicles being held for evidential or investigative reasons by the Police Department may not be released without authorization by the City Manager, Chief of Police or other designee. Other vehicles may be released as provided herein without formal authorization from the City Manager or Chief of Police. 4.3 The Contractor shall be responsible to check the theft status of any impounded vehicle in the Contractor’s possession at least once every week. 4.4 The Contractor also agrees to establish the identity of the registered owners and lien holders, if any, of impounded vehicles through the Department of Public Safety automobile titles, insurance papers, and dealer bills of sale. 4.5 It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor, immediately upon the deposit of a towed vehicle in the storage lot, to send the registered owner and lien holder of record a notice by certified mail specifying the date and place of the taking, the year, make, model, and serial number of the vehicle towed and the right to reclaim. Said notice shall include the procedure for reclaiming the impounded vehicle. The notice shall comply with Minn. Stat. 168B.06 and any other applicable law. A record of this notice shall be retained by the Contractor during the term of this Contract, and for an additional two (2) years after the expiration of this Contract. The cost of this notice is included in the Contractor’s portion of the administrative fee. If the owner of the impounded vehicle subject to a lien fails to reclaim the vehicle, the Contractor shall provide notice to the lien holder, if any, prior to disposition of the vehicle. Exception: When the vehicle is an abandoned vehicle (as defined by Minnesota law) more than seven model years of age, is not currently licensed, and is missing vital component parts, the Contractor may, with the approval of the Chief of Police, immediately dispose of such vehicle pursuant to Minn. Stat. 168B.01 et. seq. and any other applicable law. 4.6 The Contractor shall be solely responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the storage facilit y as provided for in the City Code. Said storage facility shall be fenced in a secure manner. 4.7 The Contractor agrees to keep safely all impounded vehicles, equipment and accessories contained therein, and personal property, and, notwithstanding the foregoing, to retain possession of same until all charges against the impounded vehicle have been satisfied, and to reimburse the City and the owners for any and all losses relating thereto. All personal property valued at One Hundred and no/100 Dollars ($100.00) or more shall be removed from the vehicle and stored in a secured place until returned to the owner at the time said vehicle is released. Personal property that, in the judgment of the Police Department is necessary for health and safety purposes, shall be released upon order of the Police Department. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 5 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension 4.8 The Contractor shall be required to keep, in a manner acceptable to the City, a monthly report of all vehicles towed, released, and still held. The report shall be forwarded to the Police Departme nt no later than the tenth day of the following month. The report shall also include the reason why vehicles, if any, towed in the preceding month have not been released. All clerical, administrative, and late fees due the City shall be paid no later than the tenth of the month following that in which the charges accrued. 4.9 To promote the general welfare and safety, in all cases where the Contractor shall fail to respond to any call for tow trucks within thirty (30) minutes, the City shall be paid Fift y and no/100 Dollars ($50.00) by the Contractor. If the Contractor fails to respond within sixty (60) minutes, another vendor may be contacted to provide services, and the Contractor shall be responsible for the cost of the tow. 4.10 Contractor shall insure that all employees dress in appropriate attire that is clean and well maintained. Clothing should display the name of the contractor displayed in a contrasting color visible on the front of the employee’s shirt. 5.TOWING CHARGES Towing charges for service provided by the Contractor under this Contract shall be $129.50 per tow. The Contractor will not charge additional fees for specific services provided nor particular circumstances relating to any individual tow. The prohibited fees include, but are not limited to the following: Show up but not hoisted; show up hoisted and dropped; use of one dolly; waiting time, regardless of the amount; unusual labor required (e.g., more than fifty feet off the roadway, in a lake, etc.); and winching more than fifty feet. No additional administrative fees or charges of any kind, other than those specifically listed in this Contract, shall be charged. Vehicles which are snowed in and require shoveling by tow truck operator prior to towing shall be charged a $25.00 labor charge in addition to the standard towing fee. Towed vehicles exceeding one ton capacity shall be charged the standard tow fee plus an additional labor charge pro-rated per hour or part thereof at $100.00 per hour, plus material costs. The fee charged for storage of towed cars by Contractor will be the sum of $35.00/ per car space per day, calculated from midnight to midnight. The Contractor's towing charges shall include an additional administrative fee of fifty and no/100 dollars ($50.00) per vehicle towed, of which twenty-five and no/100 dollars ($25.00) per vehicle towed shall be paid to the City monthly, within ten (10) days of the end of each month, by the Contractor for clerical and administrative expenses of the City. City vehicles that require towing shall be towed without charge to the City. Contractor will not be liable to tow oversized City vehicles (i.e. firetrucks and maintenance equipment) without charge. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 6 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension Vehicles towed and stored pursuant to seizure under state law, at the request of the City, shall be charged a storage fee by Contractor of $3.00 per day. Contractor’s storage fee and tow fee for vehicles held pursuant to seizure under state law shall not exceed $540.00 per vehicle. Any private cars towed and/or stored in error at the request of the City shall be returned to the registered owner at no charge to the registered owner or the City. All tow prices shall include the clean-up of the street or highway by the Contractor. 6. STORAGE AND RELEASE OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES Any vehicle directed to be impounded, from the time it is taken possession of by the Contractor and during the time it is impounded, and until it is reclaimed, shall be considered to be in the custody of the law, and no work shall be done on it by the Contractor, nor shall the Contractor permit anyone to do any work on it until the vehicle has been reclaimed. All vehicles, when ordered released by the City Manager or Police Department, shall be released to the registered owner without other charges other than the impounding and storage fees. During the time the vehicle is impounded, the Contractor shall not permit the owner or other persons to take or remove the vehicle or any parts or change or repair any parts. All vehicles impounded may be stored in inside garages or in fenced designated parking lots with a minimum fenced height of six (6) feet. The Contractor's hours of operation for release of impounded vehicles shall be as follows: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noo n Sunday and holidays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Contractor shall allow the vehicle owner to pick up a towed vehicle after Contractor’s hours of operation by paying an extra $100.00 fee. 7. RELEASE FORM No vehicles shall be released by the Contractor without authorization from the City. No vehicle shall be released without proper proof of ownership and proof of current automobile insurance. Vehicles ordered held by the Police Department shall not be released without written authorization from the Police Department. At the time of the return of the vehicle, the Contractor shall give a release in writing which shall state the date of such release together with the charges enumerated thereon and the purpose for which the charges were made. The release shall be made in one original and two copies, all of which shall be signed by the Contractor and the person to whom the release is made. The Contractor shall retain the original of the release and shall deliver one copy to the owner of the vehicle and one copy to the Police Department. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 7 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension 8.CHARGES FOR OPERATIONS To the extent allowed by law, all charges for towing and storage shall be secured by a lien against the vehicle and its contents impounded and carried on account until the sale or other proper disposition of such vehicle is authorized by the City. 9.COMMUNICATIONS The Contractor shall provide a constant telephone answering service 24 hours a day, seven days per week, for the purpose of receiving requests for service pursuant to this Contract. 10.INSURANCE During the term of this Contract, the Contractor shall secure and maintain all bonds and insurance policies as will protect them from claims arising out of or as a result of Contractor's operations under this Contract whether such operations be by Contractor or by a Subcontractor or Sub-subcontractor or anyone directly or indirectly employed by any one of them, or by anyone for whose acts any of them may be held liable. Approval of the insurance by the City shall not in any way relieve or decrease the liability of Contractor hereunder, and it is expressly understood that the City does not in any way represent that the required insurance or liability limits hereunder are sufficient or adequate to protect Contractor's liabilities, obligations or interests. Contractor shall furnish City an Insurance Certificate in the form approved by the City's Risk Assessment Manager and/or City Clerk. Any insurance agent for coverage required by this Contract shall have in force and effect errors and omissions coverage in limits of not less than $500,000 per occurrence and $500,000 aggregate. Contractor shall not begin any work until the City has reviewed and approved the Insurance Certificates and has so notified Contractor directly in writing. Notice to proceed shall be subject to such approval of the City. Certificate of Insurance shall show that the required insurance is currently in force, and providing that said coverage shall not be terminated or changed by the Insurer except upon sixty (60) days prior written notice to the City. Failure to comply with the provisions of this section shall au tomatically suspend this Contract until said insurance provisions have been satisfied. A notice of insurance renewal shall be provided to the City (30) days prior to the renewal date of this insurance or the annual anniversary date of this Contract. Failure to provide the City with evidence of renewal shall automatically suspend this Contract until satisfactory evidence of renewal is provided the City. No policy shall contain any provisions for exclusion from liability other than the provisions for exclusions from liability forming part of the standard, basic, unamended and unendorsed form or policy, except no exclusion will be permitted if it conflicts with the coverage expressly required by this Contract or which would conflict with or in any way impair coverage under the Contractual coverage applying to this Contract. Compliance by the Contractor with the foregoing requirements to carry insurance and furnish certificates shall not relieve Contractor from liability assumed under any provision of this Co ntract. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 8 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension 11.LIABILITY The Contractor will be liable for the loss of or damage to any impounded vehicle, including equipment thereon, and any personal property or other contents, which loss or damage is caused by the Contractor, its employees, agents or subcontractors. This liability would take effect from the time the Contractor or the Contractor’s agent signs the receipt for the vehicle provided by the Police Department or takes custody of the vehicle by hooking or hoisting, whichever occurs first. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to protect the public against injury, and will defend and hold the City harmless from all damages and claims of damage that may arise by reasons of the towing and storage of vehicles pursuant to this Contract. 12.INDEMNIFICATION The Contractor shall indemnify and hold harmless the City and its agents and employees from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses including attorneys' fees, which may be asserted against or incurred by the City or for which the City may be held liable because of bodily injury including death at any time resulting therefrom, property damage including loss of use thereof, economic loss of, or any other type of damage arising out of the performance of this Contract by the Contractor, its employees, agents or subcontractors. 13.EARLY TERMINATION The City shall have the right to terminate this Contract in the event of breach thereof by the Contractor, and a continuing breach shall not be deemed to be waived because it was not followed by prompt termination. Upon breach of this Contract, neither party shall be entitled to any administrative hearing to establish the fact of default or a party’s right to terminate. Rather, all parties retain any and all rights at common law to obtain redress for breach of this Contract. This Contract shall terminate, and neither party nor officer of the City shall be liable for further performance after such termination if the Contract shall become invalid by reason of any present or future law other than an ordinance of the City. 14.EXCUSE FOR PERFORMANCE The work shall be done with resources which are adequate to insure the satisfactory towing of vehicles under all adverse conditions. Weather, breakdown, and similar hindrance which on other work might be regarded as "acts of providence" shall not apply to relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for carrying out the work. 15.PERFORMANCE BOND The Contractor shall execute and deliver to the City Clerk a letter of credit or a performance bond executed by a corporate surety company authorized to do business in the State of Minnesota in the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($25,000.00) to secure the faithful performance of this Contract by said Contractor conditioned upon that the Contractor shall well and truly perform and carry out the City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 9 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension covenants, terms and conditions of this Contract in strict accordance with its provisions. This Contract shall be subject to termination by the City at any time if said bond shall be canceled or if the surety thereon is relieved from liability because of the Contractor's failure to pay the premium or upon the occurrence of the expiration of the period of the bond without renewal thereof. 16. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS The Contractor, its successors, executors, administrators, and assigns are bound jointly and severally to the City in respect to all covenants of this Contract. The Contractor shall not assign or transfer any part of the Contractor’s interest in this Contract, or sublet as a whole, nor shall the Contractor assign any moneys due, or to become due, without the City's prior written consent. 17. SALE AND/OR DISPOSAL OF VEHICLES When the total of all charges for towing, storage and necessary additional charges equals or exceeds the value of the vehicle impounded, the Contractor shall sell at sheriff's sale or dispose of by any other legal means the said vehicle. In disposing of impounded vehicles, the Contractor shall comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statute 168B.09, Subd. (1) and (2) and any other applicable law. The Contractor shall report all transactions of sale or disposal, and the proceeds received therefrom, to the Office of the City Manager within two business days. The Contractor shall keep a record of all losses and profits from the sale or disposal of said vehicles and report annually. 18. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR At all times and for all purposes herein, the Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of the City. No statement herein shall be construed so to find the Contractor an employee of the City. 19. NON-DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE During the performance of this Contract, the Contractor shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or other individual because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, age, sexual preference, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The Contractor shall post in places available to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this non-discrimination clause and stating that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The Contractor shall incorporate the foregoing requirements of this paragraph in all of its subcontractors for program work, and will require all of its subcontractors for such work to incorporate such requirements in all subcontractors for program work. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 10 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension 20.AFFIRMATIVE ACTION The Contractor recognizes that the City is an equal opportunity employer and agrees during the life of this Contract to take affirmative action to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual preference, physical or mental disability, membership or activity in a local committee or status with respect to public assistance. 21.COMPLIANCE In providing services pursuant to this Contract, Contractor shall abide by all statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to the performance of this Contract. Failure of the Contractor to comply with any of the obligations of this Contract shall constitute a breach of the Contractor's obligations and shall entitle the City to terminate the Contract and collect all damages, including the arrearages and all costs of collection including reasonable attorneys’ fees. 22.RECORDS AVAILABILITY AND RETENTION Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 16C.05, Subd. 4, Contractor agrees that the City, the State Auditor, or any of their duly authorized representatives at any time during normal business hours and as often as they may reasonably deem necessary, shall have access to and the right to examine, audit, excerpt, and transcribe any books, documents, papers, records, etc., which are pertinent to the accounting practices and procedures of Contractor and involve transactions relating to this Contract. 23.DATA PRACTICES A ll data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated or used for any purposes in the course of this Contract by any party is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, as amended, the Minnesota Rules implementing such Act now in force or as adopted, as well as federal regulations on data privacy. 24.N OTICES All notices, requests, demands, and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if personally delivered or mailed, certified mail, return receipt requested, to the following addresses: City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 11 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension If to City: City Manager City of St. Louis Park 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 With Copy to: St. Louis Park City Attorney Campbell Knutson, P.A. Grand Oak Office Center I 860 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 290 Eagan, MN 55121 If to Contractor: Bobby & Steve’s Auto World Eden Prairie, LLC 8100 Flying Cloud Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 25.WHOLE AGREEMENT This Contract embodies the entire agreement between the parties including all prior understandings and agreements and may not be modified except in writing signed by both parties. EXECUTED as of the day and year first written above . CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK By: Tom Harmening, City Manager CONTRACTOR: By: Its: City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 12 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension LEASE EXTENSION AGREEMENT (“Lease Extension”) made this _______ day of __________________, 2021 by and between CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation (“City”), as Lessor and the BOBBY & STEVE’S AUTO WORLD EDEN PRAIRIE, LLC , a Minnesota limited liability corporation (“Auto World”) as Lessee. W HEREAS, the parties entered into a Lease Agreement dated March 28, 2018 relating to the lease of real property at 5100 Park Glen Road (“Water Tower Property”) (City Contract No. 44-18); and W HEREAS, the Water Tower Property is scheduled to be temporarily unavailable for use due to maintenance on the water tower; and W HEREAS, contemporaneously with and as a condition of the execution of this Lease Extension, Auto World is entering into a Vehicle Towing and Impounding Agreement Extension with the City for a term of one (1) year (subject to early termination) (“City Towing Contract Extension”); and W HEREAS, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) owns vacant property located at 7250 State Highway 7, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426 as shown on Exhibit “A” hereto and made a part hereof (“EDA Property”), which EDA Property has been proposed as the temporary location of Auto World’s activities under this Lease Extension and the City Towing Contract Extension (the Permitted Activities”); and W HEREAS, the EDA has consented to this Lease Extension in the form of the Landowner Consent attached to this Lease Extension and incorporated by reference (“EDA Consent”); and W HEREAS, the parties desire to extend the term of the Lease by one (1) year. N OW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: 1.The term of the Lease Agreement shall be extended from March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. 2.During such time as the Water Tower Property is unavailable for use by Auto World, Auto World shall be authorized to carry out its Permitted Activities on the EDA Property (the “EDA Property Term”); provided that Auto World shall vacate the EDA Property and resume its Permitted Activities on the Water Tower Property no later than September 30, 2021, unless the City notifies Auto World that additional time is required to complete the Water Tower Property maintenance. In such event, the EDA Property Term shall be extended pursuant to such notice. 3.Auto World is responsible, at its expense, for installation, maintenance, and upkeep of the EDA Property during the EDA Property Term, including, but not limited to fencing, lighting, landscaping, and snowplowing. Auto World is also responsible, at its expense, for maintenance and upkeep of the asphalt customer/employee parking areas and driveways into and out of the City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 13 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension EDA Property including sweeping, snowplowing, patching, and seal coating. Auto World may use a temporary trailer on the property for office usage. 4. Auto World accepts the EDA Property in its “as is” condition existing at the commencement of the Lease term. 5. All references to the Water Tower Property in the Lease Agreement and in the City Towing Contract Extension shall be references to the EDA Property during the EDA Property Term. 6. All other terms and conditions of the Lease Agreement shall remain in full force and effect, including without limitation the requirement set forth in paragraph 7 of the Lease Agreement that all vehicles and equipment must be parked inside the fence . City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 14 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension BOBBY & STEVE’S AUTO WORLD By: STATE OF MINNESOTA) )ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ______ day of ______________, 2021, by _____________________, the _________________ of Randy’s Bobby & Steve ’s Auto World, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability partnership, on behalf of said partnership. Notary Public CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK By: Jake Spano, mayor By: Thomas K. Harmening, city manager STATE OF MINNESOTA) )ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of __________, 2021, by Jake Spano and Thomas K. Harmening, the Mayor and City Manager of the City of St. Louis Park, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation and pursuant to the authority granted by its City Council. notary public DRAFTED BY: CAMPBELL KNUTSON Professional Association Grand Oak Office Center I 860 Blue Gentian Road, Suite 290 Eagan, Minnesota 55121 Telephone: (651) 452-5000 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 15 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension EXHIBIT A Legal Description of Property [7250 State Highway 7, St. Louis Park, MN 55426] City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 16 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension LANDOWNER CONSENT TO LEASE OF EDA PROPERTY TH E ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY , a public body corporate and politic under the laws of the State of Minnesota (“Owner”) which owns certain real estate located at 7250 State Highway 7, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 (“EDA Property”) and described as: for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, does hereby join in, consent to, and is subject to the foregoing Lease Agreement Extension. ST LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUT HORITY By: ____________________________________ Tim Brausen, its president By: ___________________________________ Thomas K. Harmening, its executive director City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 17 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension VEHICLE TOWING AND IMPOUNDING AGREEMENT EXTENSION AGREEMENT made this _______ day of __________________, 2021 by and between CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK, a Minnesota municipal corporation (“City”), and BOBBY & STEVE’S AUTO WORLD EDEN PRAIRIE, LLC , (“Contractor”). WHEREAS, the parties entered into a Vehicle Towing and Impounding Agreement (“City Towing Contract”) dated March 28, 2018 relating to the impounding services (City Contract No. 43-18); and WHEREAS, the Water Tower Property is scheduled to be temporarily unavailable for use due to maintenance on the water tower; and WHEREAS, contemporaneously with and as a condition of the execution of this City Towing Contract Extension, Contractor is entering into a Lease Extension with the City for a term of one (1) year (subject to early termination) (“Lease Extension ”); and WHEREAS, the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) owns vacant property located at 7250 State Highway 7, St. Louis Park, Minnesota 55426 as shown on Exhibit “A” of the Lease Extension (“EDA Property”), which EDA Property has been proposed as the temporary location of Contractor’s activities under the Lease Extension and this City Towing Contract Extension (the Permitted Activities”); and WHEREAS, the EDA has consented to the Lease Extension in the form of the Landowner Consent attached to the Lease Extension and incorporated therein by reference (“EDA Consent”); and WHEREAS, the parties desire to extend the term of the City Towing Contract by one (1) year. NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows: 1. The term of the City Towing Contract shall be extended from March 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022. 2. During such time as the Water Tower Property is unavailable for use by Contractor, Contractor shall be authorized to carry out its Permitted Activities on the EDA Property (the “EDA Property Term”); provided that Contractor shall vacate the EDA Property and resume its Permitted Activities on the Water Tower Property no later than September 30, 2021, unless the City notifies Contractor that additional time is required to complete the Water Tower Property maintenance. In such event, the EDA Property Term shall be extended pursuant to such notice. 3. All other terms and conditions of the City Towing Contract and of the Parking Lot Lease Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4d ) Page 18 Title: Vehicle towing and impound agreement and impound lot lease extension BOBBY & STEVE’S AUTO WORLD By: STATE OF MINNESOTA) )ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ______ day of ______________, 2021, by _____________________, the _________________ of Randy’s Bobby & Steve ’s Auto World, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability partnership, on behalf of said partnership. Notary Public CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK By: Jake Spano, mayor By: Thomas K. Harmening, city manager STATE OF MINNESOTA) )ss. COUNTY OF HENNEPIN ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this ___ day of __________, 2021, by Jake Spano and Thomas K. Harmening, the Mayor and City Manager of the City of St. Louis Park, a Minnesota municipal corporation, on behalf of the corporation and pursuant to the authority granted by its City Council. notary public Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4e Executive summary Title: Gambling premises permit – St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution approving issuance of a premises permit for lawful gambling to be conducted by St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters at The Loop, 5331 West 16th Street. Policy consideration: Does the applicant meet the requirements to allow a lawful gambling premises permit to be issued? Summary: St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters has applied for a gambling premises permit to conduct lawful gambling at The Loop, 5331 West 16th Street. Gambling activities to be available include pull-tabs with dispensing device, electronic pull-tabs, and electronic linked bingo. Chadwick Nicholls is the gambling manager for St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters and will oversee the gambling operations at this location. St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters has been a long-time partner with Bunny’s in St. Louis Park where they operate a similar gaming arrangement. Both Chad and St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters are experienced in gambling operations and are working with The Loop to make sure all gambling regulations are followed. The police department has conducted a background investigation on the organization along with related personnel and found no concerns. If the city council approved the application the resolution of approval will be forwarded to the State Gambling Control Board, who is responsible for issuing the gambling premises permit. Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Resolution Prepared by: Chase Peterson-Etem, office assistant Reviewed by: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4e ) Page 2 Title: Gambling premises permit – St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution approving issuance of a premises permit for lawful gambling to be conducted by St. Louis Park Hockey Boosters at The Loop 5331 West 16th Street Whereas, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 349 and St. Louis Park ordinance code chapter 15 provide for lawful gambling licensing by the State Gambling Control Board; and Whereas, a licensed organization may not conduct lawful gambling at any site unless it has first obtained from the State Gambling Control Board a premise permit for the site; and Whereas, the Board may not issue a premises permit unless the organization submits a resolution from the City Council approving the premises permit; therefore, Now therefore be it resolved by the City of St. Louis Park City Council that the applicant listed above meets the criteria necessary to receive a premises permit, and the application is hereby approved. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4f Executive summary Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Recommended action: • Motion to adopt Resolution approving the final plans and specifications and authorizing bidding documents for the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements (4022-2000). • Motion to adopt Resolution restricting parking on the project segments and side stre ets. • Motion to adopt Resolution approving agency agreement with MnDOT. Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to pursue the installation of sidewalks and trails connecting to the future Beltline Blvd SWLRT station area? Summary: On Oct. 19, 2020, council approved the preliminary layout for the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements project. The layout includes pedestrian connections on Ottawa Ave nue and Lynn Avenue in the Triangle neighborhood, and Beltline Boulevard in the Wolfe Park ne ighborhood. The project will install 0.2 miles of new sidewalk and 1.0 mile of new trail as well as curb extensions, street crossings, a one-way road conversion, and utility burial. After the approval of final plans, staff will prepare bidding documents. Bid approval is expected in May 2021 and construction is expected to begin in June and end in October 2021. Financial or budget considerations: This project is included in the city’s 2021 Capital Improvement Plan and will be paid for using federal funds and general obligation bonds. The total cost estimate for the project is $1,627,838. Federal funding in the amount of $560,000 will be used to offset a portion of the construction costs. Details on the project cost and funding are discussed later in this report. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. Supporting documents: Discussion 2021 overall financial summary Resolutions 88-182 and 17-066 Resolution s for authorizing bidding documents, parking restrictions , and agency agreement Oct. 19, 2020 council action (pgs. 139 – 147) Jan. 4, 2021 council action (pgs. 86 – 89) Prepared by: Ben Manibog, transportation engineer Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 2 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Discussion Purpose: The purpose of the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements project is to complete gaps in the pedestrian network and provide safer and more comfortable connections to the future Beltline Blvd southwest light rail transit (SWLRT) station. The street segments (Beltline Boulevard , Ottawa Ave nue , and Lynn Avenue) are within comfortable walking/rolling distance from the Beltline Blvd station. The project also intends to either remove or mitigate barriers to access the pedestrian network. The largest barrier in accessing the station area is County Road 25, a four-lane highway that expands to six lanes at Beltline Blvd. Additional barriers include utility poles obstructing sidewalks and lack of separation between vehicles and pedestrian users. Project scope : The sidewalks and trail associated with this project are considered a retrofit project that utilize s the existing right of way to add more connected pedestrian infrastructure to a future light rail station. The approved design for the segments are: • Ottawa Avenue from Minnetonka Boulevard to County Road 25: o Remove west sidewalk and install a multi-use trail, narrowing Ottawa Avenue o Replace sections of the existing sidewalk on the east side to meet ADA requirements and repair broken panels o Curb exte nsion on west approach of 31st Street o Curb extension and removal of median on west approach of N County Road 25 Service Road o Surmountable curbs o Removal of on-street parking • Lynn Avenue from Minnetonka Boulevard to N County Road 25 Service Road: o Wide n sidewalk along west side o Complete sidewalk along east side o Converted to one-way southbound vehicle traffic o Curb extensions for each approach at N County Road 25 Service Road intersection o Pedestrian/bicycle connection to cross County Road 25  The intersection of County Road 25 at Lynn Avenue will be signalized with SWLRT construction. o Surmountable curbs o On-street parking moved from east side to west side of Lynn Avenue • Beltline Boulevard from Park Glen Road to 36th Street: o Install multi-use trail along the west side with boulevard and trees o Pedestrian/bicycle crossing at 35th Street  This element will be completed by the Beltline Bikeway project (4021- 2000) scheduled for implementation in 2021. In addition to these approved elements, we have been discussing with Xcel Energy the possibility of removing four Xcel-owned utility poles along the west side of Lynn Avenue and burying the lines. There is one utility pole, owned by Lumen (CenturyLink) at 3016 Lynn Avenue, City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 3 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) which must remain in place to meet the federal schedule deadlines for bidding this project. Removing these utility poles would improve sidewalk snow removal and aesthetics. Removing the four Xcel utility poles is estimated to cost $101,200, including the connection to each home, apartment building, and business. This cost carries a 10% contingency. Traffic and parking resolutions: By implementing this project, parking restrictions will be changed to reflect the approved design on Ottawa Ave nue, Lynn Ave nue , N County Road 25 Service Rd, and 31st St reet. The attached resolution removes existing parking on Ottawa Avenue (rescinding Resolution 88-182), moves parking on Lynn Avenue to the west side (rescinding Resolution 17-066), establishes Lynn Avenue as a one -way southbound road, and clarifyin g parking restrictions near curb extensions. Agency agreement: This project’s use of federal funding requires several procedural approvals and sign -offs by the State of Minnesota (MnDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) prior to advertising for bids. The Agency Agreement between the City of St. Louis Park and MnDOT is one of these approvals. The agreement is similar and consistent with agreements for other projects that the city has e xecuted with MnDOT in the past. Essentially, the agreement defines the responsibilities of MnDOT and the city regarding funding. Federal funds of up to $560,000 are available for this project. These funds are pay-as-you-go and will be passed to the city through MnDOT in fiscal year 2024. Financial considerations: A combination of general obligation (GO) bonds and federal funding are expected to be utilized to pay for this project. The updated engineer’s estimate is shown in the table below. CIP Engineer's estimate Construction cost $1,299,350 $902,413 Engineering and administration $324,837 $398,115 Right of way $0 $235,110 Utility undergrounding $0 $101,200 Total $1,624,187 $1,636,838.00 Funding sources Federal funds $560,000 $560,000 General Obligation bonds $1,064,187 $1,067,838 Total $1,624,187 $1,627,838 The engineer’s estimate is $3,651.00 more than the CIP estimate . Final numbers will depend on bids received. A ttached is the overall financial summary for the transportation and maintenance projects included in the 2021 CIP. As each project is brought to the council for final approval and for bid award, this summary will be updated to reflect the bids received. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 4 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) The total debt levy increase for 2023 is projected to be 3.80% for the projects included in the 2021 CIP. This assumes using 10-year term. It is recommended to issue a longer 15-year term for the Louisiana bridge project to reduce 2023 and 2024 levy impact to 2.3% debt levy increase ; this was discussed during the 2021 budget process and will be discussed again during the upcoming 2022 budget process. Operations and maintenance costs: This project creates new city infrastructure such as sidewalks, trails, and striping. This new infrastructure will require an increase to the operation and recreation (O&R) budget in 2022 totaling $2,700 to cover their maintenance. The new crosswalk markings have an expected lifespan of 7 years. To account for the new blocks, an additional $1,300 should be added to the O&R budget per year. Snow removal on the 1.2 miles of new sidewalk or trail will be operated by the city. An additional $1,400 should be added to the O&R budget per year to cover the cost for staff time and equipment maintenance. Schedule and next steps: Staff will bring construction bids back to council in May for approval. The project is expected to start construction in June and take approximately five months to complete. Approve final plans and order ad for bid March 15, 2021 Bid award May 2021 Construction June – Oct. 2021 Overall financial summary Table 1 shows the actual costs for the projects that the city council has authorized for bidding or has awarded. The highlighted $734,055 is the budget amount left after the project costs in the table. We have two projects remaining in 2021 with a budget estimate of $238,588 for those projects. We are on track to be under budget in total for our 2021 transportation and maintenance projects . City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Pag e 5 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 6 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Resolution No. 21-____ Approving the final plans and authorizing bidding for Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements; project no. 4022-2000 Whereas, the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park has received a report from the Project Manager related to the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements No. 4022-2000 on Oct. 19, 2020; and, Whereas, at the same October meeting, the preliminary layout was approved and final plans were ordered to be developed; and, Whereas, St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely, and reliably. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, that: 1. The final plans and specifications to construct these improvements, as prepared under the direction of the Project Manager, or designee, are approved. 2. The City Clerk shall prepare and cause to be inserted at least two weeks in the official City newspaper and in relevant industry publications an advertisement for bids for the making of said improvements under said-approved plans and specifications. The advertisement shall appear not less than ten (10) days prior to the date and time bids will be received electronically by t he Project Manager and accompanied by a bid bond payable to the City for five (5) percent of the amount of the bid. The electronic bids will only be available to view after the bids are closed and the City receives the passcode from the bidding host site. 3. The Project Manager, or designee, shall report the receipt of bids to the City Council shortly after the opening date. The report shall include a tabulation of the bid results and a recommendation to the City Council. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 7 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Resolution No. 21-____ Authorizing installation of parking restrictions on Ottawa Ave, Lynn Ave , and side streets in the Triangle neighborhood and designating Lynn Ave as one -way southbound road. Whereas, the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park has received a report from the Project Manager related to the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements No. 4022-2000 on Oct. 19, 2020; and, Whereas, at the same October meeting, the preliminary layout was approved and final plans were ordered to be developed; and, Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota has studied and determined that it is appropriate to install parking restrictions on Ottawa Ave , Lynn Ave, 31st St, and the north County Road 25 Service Rd in the Triangle neighborhood; and, Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota has studied and determined that it is appropriate to convert Lynn Avenue to one-way southbound traffic from Minnetonka Boulevard to the north County Road 25 Service Road; and, Whereas, St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely, and reliably. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, that the following are rescinded: • Resolution 88-182 (timed parking restrictions on the east side of Ottawa Ave) • Resolution 17-066 (parking restrictions on Lynn Ave) It is further resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, that the engineering director is hereby authorized to: 1. Install all-day parking restrictions on both sides of Ottawa Avenue from the south right of way line of Minnetonka Boulevard to County Road 25. 2. Install all-day parking restrictions on both sides of the north County Road 25 Service Road from the west right of way line of Natchez Avenue to the east right of way line of Ottawa Avenue. 3. Install all-day parking restrictions on both sides of 31st Street from the west right of way line of Ottawa Avenue to 30 feet west of the west right of way line of Ottawa Avenue. 4. Install all-day parking restrictions on the both side s of the north County Road 25 Service Road from 40 feet west of the west right of way line of Lynn Avenue to 55 feet east of the east right of way line of Lynn Avenue. 5. Install all-day parking restrictions on the east side of Lynn Avenue from the south right of way line of Minnetonka Boulevard to the north right of way line of the north County Road 25 Service Road. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 8 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) 6. Establish one -way southbound traffic on Lynn Avenue from Minnetonka Boulevard to the north County Road 25 Service Road. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4f) Page 9 Title: Beltline SWLRT pedestrian improvements - approve final plans, specs, and authorize ad for bid (4022-2000) Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution appointing the Commissioner of Transportation as Agent of St. Louis Park to receive and disburse transportation related federal funds in connection with Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvements project (city project 4022-2000, SP 163-291-008 and 163-080-003, TA 2721 (157) Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park will begin construction of the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian improvement project prior to the year it is designated in the STIP; and Whereas, MnDOT has requested that the city enter into an agreement to appoint MnDOT as the city’s agent to receive and disburse transportation related federal funds, Now therefore be it resolved that pursuant to Minnesota Stat. Sec. 161.36, the Commissioner of Transportation be appointed as Agent of St. Louis Park to accept as its agent, federal aid funds which may be made available for eligible transportation related projects. It is further resolved the mayor and the city manager are hereby authorized and directed for and on behalf of St. Louis Park to execute and enter into an agreement with the Commissioner of Transportation prescribing the terms and conditions of said federal aid participation as set forth and contained in “Minnesota Department of Transportation MnDOT Contract Number 1045869,” a copy of which said agreement was before the city council and which is made a part hereof by reference. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4g Executive summary Title: Accept donation to operations and recreation department Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution approving acceptance of a $30 donation from Rebekah Foreman for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to accept this gift with restrictions on its use? Summary: State statute requires city council’s acceptance of donations. This requirement is necessary in order to make sure the city council has knowledge of any restrictions placed on the use of each donation prior to it being expended. Rebekah Foreman graciously donated $30 to Westwood Hills Nature Center. The donation is given with the restriction that it be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Financial or budget considerations: This donation will be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. Supporting documents: Resolution Prepared by: Carrie Mandler, secretary program aide Reviewed by: Mark Oestreich, Westwood Hills Nature Center manager Cynthia S. Walsh, director of operations and recreation Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4g) Page 2 Title: Accept donation to operations and recreation department Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution approving acceptance of a donation in the amount of $30 to be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park is required by state statute to authorize acceptance of any donations; and Whereas, the city council must also ratify any restrictions placed on the donation by the donor; and Whereas, Rebekah Foreman donated $30. Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that the gift is hereby accepted with thanks to Rebekah Foreman with the understanding that it must be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Consent agenda item: 4h Executive summary Title: 2021 LELS Local #206 Police Officers Labor Agreement Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution approving labor agreement between the city and the police officer’s employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of employment for one year, from Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. Policy consideration: Does council approve the labor agreement between the city and the union? Summary: Staff has been in active negotiations with police officers since late 2020. We are pleased to bring this one -year contract to council for approval. Items listed follow the approved compensation plans, budget discussions, and is for one -year, effective Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. Our discussions in negotiation were productive and resulted in this agreement. Of our five bargaining groups, dispatchers were previously settled for 2021 with a multi-year contract, and sergeants and local 49 maintenance employees have settled a one -year contract. Firefighters are the remaining contract in active negotiations for 2021. Financial or budget considerations: The amount recommended has been included in the 2021 budget. Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Discussion Resolution Prepared by: Ali Timpone, HR manager Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4h ) Page 2 Title: 2021 LELS Local #206 Police Officers Labor Agreement Discussion Background: The city and the police officer union group have negotiated and come to agreement on the following changes to the contract: • Duration of one year (Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021). • Wage increase of 2% for 2021. • The step scale for pay increases to reach max pay has been shortened from 12 years to 8 years. − Comment: Faster advancement through the pay steps will help attract and retain skilled officers. The shortened span of time from minimum pay to max imum pay also aligns with our compensation plan for other groups. • Adding the designation of Mobile Field Force to the annual supplemental pay category that includes SWAT members and Crisis Negotiators. Mobile Field Force is a new designation that ensures regional response to public safety crowd management needs. The pay amount is unchanged at $365/year for those assigned to this work. • Employer contribution for benefits are the same as other groups for 2021. • Add double time for all hours worked on two premium holidays (Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day). − Comment: Pre viously, double time was only paid on these days if the employee was called in to work unscheduled overtime. This is consistent with what is provided to sergeants and local 49 maintenance employees. Next steps: Staff recommends approval. All items noted above are included within the 2021 budget. The proposed contract is on file with the city clerk. More detail is available upon request. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4h ) Page 3 Title: 2021 LELS Local #206 Police Officers Labor Agreement Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution approving labor agreement between the City of St. Louis Park an d Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local #206 Police Officers Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec . 31, 2021 Whereas, the city and the union have reached a negotiated settlement covering the terms and conditions of a labor agreement as permitted by the State of Minnesota Public Employees Labor Relations Act, and Whereas, the city council may enter into such agreements as authorized by its charter; Now therefore be it resolved by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that the mayor and city m anager are authorized to execute a collective bargaining agreement, city contract #______ between the City of St. Louis Park and LELS Local #206 Police Officers, effective Jan. 1, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2021. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15 , 2021 Consent agenda item: 4i Official minutes Planning commission St. Louis Park, Minnesota January 20, 2021, 6 p.m. Members present: Jim Beneke, Imran Dagane, Matt Eckholm, Courtney Erwin, Jessica Kraft, Tom Weber Members absent: None Staff present: Jacquelyn Kramer, Gary Morrison, Sean Walther 1.Call to order – roll call 2.Approval of minutes – Jan. 6, 2021 Commissioner Beneke made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Weber seconded the motion, and the motion passed on a vote of 6-0. 3.P ublic Hearings A.Sign zoning code amendments – 10 West End Applicant: Audrey Janzen Case Nos: 20-30-ZA G ary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator, presented the staff report. Mr. Walther stated this application was initiated by Excelsior Group to amend the zoning code related to signs. Commissioner Kraft asked if the city allows signage anywhere except the roof. Mr. Morrison stated yes, signage is allowed on walls and wall signs may extend up to 10% above a parapet or roof line, as well as ground mounted signs. Commissioner Beneke asked if a wall is around a rooftop terrace, is it called a wall if it is above the roofline. Mr. Morrison stated a parapet wall would be allowed to have signage. Commissioner Weber stated the language seems to be related to safety. He asked if safety was the concern fo this ban or was this the reason used and was council more concerned with the aesthetic side. Mr. Morrison stated safety was the reason, and aesthetics were not found in the ordinance as a reason. The applicant, Mr. Culp, spoke on behalf of Excelsior Group. He gave background and history on the project. Page 2 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4i) Title: Planning commission meeting minutes January 20, 2021 Commissioner Kraft asked if they always planned to put the sign on the screen wall and then realized it was not allowed. Mr. Culp stated yes, that is correct. He stated they were working with Ryan Companies when this was submitted, and they realize code overrides all, but that it was not a secret. Commissioner Weber asked if the sign is for a tenant or for the name of the development. Mr. Culp stated it is for a tenant. Commissioner Weber asked if the tenant would cancel if they do not get the sign. Mr. Culp stated he did not believe so. Ms. Janzen added this tenants sign would not work with what they wanted. Mr. Culp added by amending the zoning code, there would be better results, but no material change. Commissioner Weber stated the sign at the Verge does not look that different aesthetically and asked what the difference is. M r. Morrison stated the wall material is differen t and it is a wall with occupied space behind it and a roof. If this is adopted city-wide, others would be able to take advantage of the ordinance and then signs could be placed on the rooftop in various locations around the city. He stated the way the ordinance is drafted now allowing signs on parapet walls is the only way to allow signs on the roof screen. Mr. Culp agreed with Mr. Morrison and the subjectivity about the draft sign ordinance. He stated signs are a big part about getting tenants. He noted they could have made the parapet wall higher to accommodate the signage and use a material that is used across the rest of the building if they had known this would be a problem. Chair Eckholm opened the public hearing. There were not callers on the line. The Chair closed the public hearing. Commissioner Beneke stated he did not think this ordinance could be approved since it is so subjective. He stated he would vote against this adding he thought the commission could discuss this further at a later date in more depth. Chair Eckholm stated the way this is written, it is too broad for him to support. He encouraged the applicant to bring something else back to staff. Page 3 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4i) Title: Planning commission meeting minutes January 20, 2021 Commissioner Weber stated this development is up against two major highways and the marketing there does make sense, but he added the residential around there may or may not see the sign. He added he does not want to give up on this idea yet, and possibly the wording should be rewritten. Commissioner Kraft added her hesitation is the current ordinance is very broad and subjective and should be rewritten. She added if we are interested in allowing this, it would need to be less subjective and she would deny this tonight. Chair Eckholm made a motion, Commissioner Weber seconded, recommending tabling this issue while staff works on the ordinance language that works best for the city and the applicant. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0. B.I-G General Industrial zoning code amendments Applicant: Mary Loeffelholz Case Nos: 20-37-ZA G ary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator, presented the staff report. Commissioner Weber noted if Copperwing’s outdoor seating currently is for emergency use only now during Covid. Mr. Morrison stated yes and set to expire in 2021 when emergency rules end. Commissioner Beneke asked if there is a reason that industrial areas did not allow for this before. Mr. Morrison stated the rules have been adopted as they went along and have been business-driven, from district to district. Chair Eckholm noted the conditions referring to 500 feet distance from residential and asked if there is any residential within 500 feet . Mr. Morrison stated yes there is. Commissioner Erwin asked if approved how soon before it would go into effect. Mr. Walther stated once council takes action, it is published in the newspaper legal notices and it becomes effective 15 days after publication. Chair Kraft opened the public hearing. Ms. Loeffelholz, the applicant, stated they did have a temporary outdoor patio during the emergency order and had tremendous response. She stated they saw it as an important amenity and wanted to make it more year-round structure and more permanent for the community. There were no callers on the line. Page 4 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 4i) Title: Planning commission meeting minutes January 20, 2021 Chair Kraft closed the public hearing. Commissioner Weber made a motion, Commissioner Kraft seconded, recommending approval of the I-G General Industrial zoning code amendment as presented. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0. 4.Other Business 4a. SLP Living – final plat of A.P.H.A. Addition Applicant: Mortenson Development, Inc. Case No: 20-32-CP, 20-33-S, 20-34-PUD Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. Commissioner Weber made a motion, Commissioner Beneke seconded, recommending approval of the SLP Living final plat of A.P. H. A. Addition. The motion passed on a vote of 6-0. 5.Communications Mr. Walther stated the February 3rd meeting will be cancelled and the tabled item will be brought back to February 24, 2021 meeting. Mr. Walther added the city is still seeking candidates for a position on the planning commission and applications are being accepted through February 28. He added Commissioner Kraft and Eckholm’s terms are expiring and they would have to reapply to continue to serve on the commission. He also noted those interested in applying can contact Ms. Maria Solano in the city offices. Mr. Walther ad ded a report from the commission on home -based businesses was sent to the city council and staff will discuss this further with them at the February 8, 2021 city council study session. 6.Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Action agenda item: 8a Executive summary Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution awarding the sale of Charter General Obligation (G.O.) Bonds, Series 2021A. Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to accept the lowest bid for the sale of the Charter G.O. Bonds, Series 2021A? Summary: At the Feb. 16, 2021 council meeting , council authorized the sale of the 2021A Charter G.O. bonds. The charter G.O. bonds of $12,385,000 will fund the current year sidewalk and trails projects (pavement management), Beltline pedestrian improvements, Park improvement fund and Louisiana Bridge projects . On March 3, 2021 Standard and Poor’s (S&P) affirmed the Cities AAA credit rating. The competitive bids for the bonds will be received and tabulated by the city’s municipal advisor, Ehlers and Associates, Inc. on Monday March 15th at 11:30am. Ehlers will present the competitive bids received and recommendation to the city council at the March 15, 2021 city council meeting. The bond resolution will be filled out with the final bond sale information received on Monday. Financial or budget considerations: The proposed bond issues will be consolidated into one for potential inves tors to bid. The G.O. Bonds will have a term of 10 years, with the exception of the Louisiana Bridge, which is 15 years. These bonds will be repaid with tax levy and/or utility revenues at an estimated True Interest Cost (TIC) ranging from 1.20%-1.56%. Strategic priority consideration: •St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. •St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably. Ne xt steps: Tentatively on April 15, 2021, close on bonds, no council action required. Supporting documents: Resolution Prepared by: Melanie Schmitt, chief financial officer Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 2 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Resolution No. 21-____ A resolution awarding the sale of G eneral Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A, in the original aggregate principal amount of $_________; fixing their form and specifications; directing their execution and delivery; and providing for their payment Be it resolved by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “City”) as follows: Se ction 1. Sale of Bonds. 1.01. Authorization . (a)Pursuant to Section 6.15 of the City Charter (the “Charter”) and Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 475, as amended (the “Act”), the City is authorized to issue general obligation bonds for any purpose permitted by state law upon a vote of at least six (6) members of the City Council. (b)The City has determined to finance the construction of various park improvements, the City’s 2021 pavement management projects, and the construction of the Louisiana Avenue Bridge and Beltline pedestrian improvements (the “Capital Projects”). (c)The City Council finds it necessary and expedient to the sound financial management of the affairs of the City that the City issue its General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A (the “Bonds”), in the original aggregate principal amount of $_________, pursuant to the Act and the City Charter, in order to provide financing for the Capital Projects. (d)On February 16, 2021, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of the Bonds. The Authorizing Resolution was approved by a vote of at least six (6) members of the City Council. (e)The City is authorized by Section 475.60, subdivision 2(9) of the Act to negotiate the sale of the Bonds, it being determined that the City has retained an independent municipal advisor in connection with such sale. The actions of the City staff and municipal advisor in negotiating the sale of the Bonds are ratified and confirmed in all aspects. 1.02. Award to the Purchaser and Interest Rates. A tabulation of proposals received is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The proposal of ________________________ (the “Purchaser”) to purchase the Bonds is hereby found and determined to be a reasonable offer and is hereby accepted, the proposal being to purchase the Bonds at a price of $____________ (par amount of $_________, [plus original issue premium of $_________,] [less original issue discount of City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 3 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A $_________,] less underwriter’s discount of $__________), plus accrued interest, if any, to date of delivery for Bonds bearing interest as follows: Year Interest Rate Year Interest Rate 2023 % 2031 % 2024 2032 2025 2033 2026 2034 2027 2035 2028 2036 2029 2037 2030 2038 True interest cost: ______________% 1.03. Purchase Contract. The amount proposed by the Purchaser in excess of the minimum bid shall be credited to the Debt Service Fund hereinafter created or deposited in the Construction Fund hereinafter created, as determined by the Chief Financial Officer of the City in consultation with the City’s municipal advisor. The good faith deposit of the Purchaser shall be retained and deposited until the Bonds have been delivered and shall be deducted from the purchase price paid at settlement. The Mayor and City Manager are directed to execute a contract with the Purchaser on behalf of the City. 1.04. Terms and Principal Amounts of the Bonds. The City will forthwith issue and sell the Bonds pursuant to the Charter and the Act, in the total principal amount of $_________, originally dated April 15, 2021, in the denomination of $5,000 each or any integral multiple thereof, numbered No. R-1, upward, bearing interest as above set forth, and maturing serially on February 1 in the years and amounts as follows: Year Amount Year Amount 2023 $ 2031 $ 2024 2032 2025 2033 2026 2034 2027 2035 2028 2036 2029 2037 2030 2038 1.05. Optional Redemption. The City may elect on February 1, 2030, and on any day thereafter to prepay Bonds due on or after February 1, 2031. Redemption may be in whole or in part and if in part, at the option of the City and in such manner as the City will determine. If less than all Bonds of a maturity are called for redemption, the City will notify DTC (as defined in Section 7 hereof) of the particular amount of such maturity to be prepaid. DTC will determine by lot the amount of each participant’s interest in such maturity to be redeemed and each participant City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 4 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A will then select by lot the beneficial ownership interests in such maturity to be redeemed. Prepayments will be at a price of par plus accrued interest. [TO BE COMPLETED IF TERM BONDS ARE REQUESTED 1.06. Mandatory Redemption; Term Bonds. The Bonds maturing on February 1, 20____ and February 1, 20____ shall hereinafter be referred to collectively as the “Term Bonds.” The principal amount of the Term Bonds subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption on any date may be reduced through earlier optional redemptions, with any partial redemptions of the Term Bonds credited against future mandatory sinking fund redemptions of such Term Bond in such order as the City shall determine. The Term Bonds are subject to mandatory sinking fund redemption and shall be redeemed in part at par plus accrued interest on February 1 of the following years and in the principal amounts as follows:] Sinking Fund Installment Date February 1, 20___ Term Bond Principal Amount ____________________ * Maturity February 1, 20___ Term Bond Principal Amount ____________________ * Maturity Section 2. Registration and Payment. 2.01. Registered Form. The Bonds will be issued only in fully registered form. The interest thereon and, upon surrender of each Bond, the principal amount thereof, is payable by check or draft issued by the Registrar described herein. 2.02. Dates; Interest Payment Dates. Each Bond will be dated as of the last interest payment date preceding the date of authentication to which interest on the Bond has been paid or made available for payment, unless (i) the date of authentication is an interest payment date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment, in which case the Bond will be dated as of the date of authentication, or (ii) the date of authentication is prior to the first interest payment date, in which case the Bond will be dated as of the date of original issue. The interest on the Bonds is payable on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing February 1, 2022, to the registered owners of record thereof as of the close of business on the fifteenth day of the immediately preceding month, whether or not such day is a business day. 2.03. Registration. The City will appoint a bond registrar, transfer agent, authenticating agent and paying agent (the “Registrar”). The effect of registration and the rights and duties of the City and the Registrar with respect thereto are as follows: City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 5 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A (a) Register. The Registrar must keep at its principal corporate trust office a bond register in which the Registrar provides for the registration of ownership of Bonds and the registration of transfers and exchanges of Bonds entitled to be registered, transferred or exchanged. (b) Transfer of Bonds. Upon surrender for transfer of a Bond duly endorsed by the registered owner thereof or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Registrar, duly executed by the registered owner thereof or by an attorney duly authorized by the registered owner in writing, the Registrar will authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Bonds of a like aggregate principal amount and maturity, as requested by the transferor. The Registrar may, however, close the books for registration of any transfer after the fifteenth day of the month preceding each interest payment date and until that interest payment date. (c) Exchange of Bonds. When Bonds are surrendered by the registered owner for exchange the Registrar will authenticate and deliver one or more new Bonds of a like aggregate principal amount and maturity as requested by the registered owner or the owner’s attorney in writing. (d) Cancellation. Bonds surrendered upon transfer or exchange will be promptly cancelled by the Registrar and thereafter disposed of as directed by the City. (e) Improper or Unauthorized Transfer. When a Bond is presented to the Registrar for transfer, the Registrar may refuse to transfer the Bond until the Registrar is satisfied that the endorsement on the Bond or separate instrument of transfer is valid and genuine and that the requested transfer is legally authorized. The Registrar will incur no liability for the refusal, in good faith, to make transfers which it, in its judgment, deems improper or unauthorized. (f) Persons Deemed Owners. The City and the Registrar may treat the person in whose name a Bond is registered in the bond register as the absolute owner of the Bond, whether the Bond is overdue or not, for the purpose of receiving payment of, or on account of, the principal of and interest on the Bond and for all other purposes, and payments so made to a registered owner or upon the owner’s order will be valid and effectual to satisfy and discharge the liability upon the Bond to the extent of the sum or sums so paid. (g) Taxes, Fees and Charges. The Registrar may impose a charge upon the owner thereof for a transfer or exchange of Bonds sufficient to reimburse the Registrar for any tax, fee or other governmental charge required to be paid with respect to the transfer or exchange. (h) Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Bonds. If a Bond becomes mutilated or is destroyed, stolen or lost, the Registrar will deliver a new Bond of like amount, number, maturity date and tenor in exchange and substitution for and upon cancellation of the mutilated Bond or in lieu of and in substitution for any Bond destroyed, stolen or lost, upon the payment of the reasonable expenses and charges of the Registrar in connection therewith; and, in the case of a Bond destroyed, stolen or lost, upon filing with the City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 6 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Registrar of evidence satisfactory to it that the Bond was destroyed, stolen or lost, and of the ownership thereof, and upon furnishing to the Registrar an appropriate bond or indemnity in form, substance and amount satisfactory to it and as provided by law, in which both the City and the Registrar must be named as obligees. Bonds so surrendered to the Registrar will be cancelled by the Registrar and evidence of such cancellation must be given to the City. If the mutilated, destroyed, stolen or lost Bond has already matured or been called for redemption in accordance with its terms it is not necessary to issue a new Bond prior to payment. (i) Redemption. In the event any of the Bonds are called for redemption, notice thereof identifying the Bonds to be redeemed will be given by the Registrar by mailing a copy of the redemption notice by first class mail (postage prepaid) to the registered owner of each Bond to be redeemed at the address shown on the registration books kept by the Registrar and by publishing the notice if required by law. Failure to give notice by publication or by mail to any registered owner, or any defect therein, will not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of Bonds. Bonds so called for redemption will cease to bear interest after the specified redemption date, provided that the funds for the redemption are on deposit with the place of payment at that time. 2.04. Appointment of Initial Registrar. The City appoints Bond Trust Services Corporation, Roseville, Minnesota, as the initial Registrar. The Mayor and the City Manager are authorized to execute and deliver, on behalf of the City, a contract with the Registrar. Upon merger or consolidation of the Registrar with another corporation, if the resulting corporation is a bank or trust company authorized by law to conduct such business, the resulting corporation is authorized to act as successor Registrar. The City agrees to pay the reasonable and customary charges of the Registrar for the services performed. The City reserves the right to remove the Registrar upon thirty (30) days’ notice and upon the appointment of a successor Registrar, in which event the predecessor Registrar must deliver all cash and Bonds in its possession to the successor Registrar and must deliver the bond register to the successor Registrar. On or before each principal or interest due date, without further order of the City Council, the Chief Financial Officer must transmit to the Registrar moneys sufficient for the payment of all principal and interest then due. 2.05. Execution, Authentication and Delivery. The Bonds will be prepared under the direction of the City Manager and executed on behalf of the City by the signatures of the Mayor and the City Manager, provided that those signatures may be printed, engraved or lithographed facsimiles of the originals. If an officer whose signature or a facsimile of whose signature appears on the Bonds ceases to be such officer before the delivery of a Bond, that signature or facsimile will nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes, the same as if the officer had remained in office until delivery. Notwithstanding such execution, a Bond will not be valid or obligatory for any purpose or e ntitled to any security or benefit under this resolution unless and until a certificate of authentication on the Bond has been duly executed by the manual signature of an authorized representative of the Registrar. Certificates of authentication on different Bonds need not be signed by the same representative. The executed certificate of authentication on a Bond is conclusive evidence that it has been authenticated and delivered under this resolution. When the Bonds have been so prepared, executed and authe nticated, the City Manager will deliver the same to the Purchaser upon payment of the purchase price in accordance with the contract of sale City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 7 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A heretofore made and executed, and the Purchaser is not obligated to see to the application of the purchase price. Section 3. Form of Bond. 3.01. Execution of the Bonds. The Bonds will be printed or typewritten in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B. 3.02. Approving Legal Opinion. The City Manager is authorized and directed to obtain a copy of the proposed approving legal opinion of Kennedy & Graven, Chartered, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and cause the opinion to be printed on or accompany each Bond. Section 4. Payment; Security; Pledges and Covenants. 4.01. Debt Service Fund. The Bonds will be payable from the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Debt Service Fund (the “Debt Service Fund”) hereby created. The Debt Service Fund shall be administered and maintained by the Chief Financial Officer as a bookkee ping account separate and apart from all other funds maintained in the official financial records of the City. The Chief Financial Officer shall timely deposit in the Debt Service Fund the ad valorem taxes hereinafter levied (the “Taxes”), which Taxes are pledged to the Debt Service Fund. There is also appropriated to the Debt Service Fund (i) capitalized interest financed with proceeds of the Bonds; and (ii) amounts over the minimum purchase price paid by the Purchaser, to the extent designated for deposit in the Debt Service Fund in accordance with Section 1.03 hereof. 4.02. Construction Fund. The City hereby creates the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Construction Fund (the “Construction Fund”). Proceeds of the Bonds, less the appropriations made in Section 4.01, together with Taxes and any other funds appropriated for the Capital Projects collected during the construction of the Capital Projects, will be deposited in the Construction Fund to be used solely to defray expenses of the Capital Projects and the payment of principal and interest on the Bonds prior to the completion and payment of all costs of the Capital Projects. When the Capital Projects are completed and the cost thereof paid, the Construction Fund is to be closed and any funds re maining may be deposited in the Debt Service Fund. 4.03. General Obligation Pledge. For the prompt and full payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds, as the same respectively become due, the full faith, credit and taxing powers of the City will be and are hereby irrevocably pledged. If the balance in the Debt Service Fund is ever insufficient to pay all principal and interest then due on the Bonds and any other bonds payable therefrom, the deficiency will be promptly paid out of monies in the general fund of the City which are available for such purpose, and such general fund may be reimbursed with or without interest from the Debt Service Fund when a sufficient balance is available therein. 4.04. Pledge of Taxes. For the purpose of paying the principal of and interest on the Bonds, there is levied a direct annual irrepealable ad valorem tax upon all of the taxable property in the City, which will be spread upon the tax rolls and collected with and as part of other general taxes of the City. The Taxes will be credited to the Debt Service Fund above provided and will be in the years and amounts as attached hereto as Exhibit C. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 8 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A 4.05. Certification to Taxpayer Services Division Manager as to Debt Service Fund Amount. It is hereby determine d that the estimated collection of the foregoing Taxes will produce at least five percent (5%) in excess of the amount needed to meet when due the principal and interest payments on the Bonds. The tax levy herein provided is irrepealable until all of the Bonds are paid, provided that at the time the City makes its annual tax levies the Chief Financial Officer may certify to the Taxpayer Services Division Manager of Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “Taxpayer Services Division Manager”) the amount available in the Debt Service Fund to pay principal and interest due during the ensuing year, and the Taxpayer Services Division Manager will thereupon reduce the levy collectible during such year by the amount so certified. 4.06. Registration of Resolution. The City Manager is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Taxpayer Services Division Manager and to obtain the certificate required by Section 475.63 of the Act. Section 5. Authentication of Transcript. 5.01. City Proce edings and Records. The officers of the City are authorized and directed to prepare and furnish to the Purchaser and to the attorneys approving the Bonds certified copies of proceedings and records of the City relating to the Bonds and to the financial condition and affairs of the City, and such other certificates, affidavits and transcripts as may be required to show the facts within their knowledge or as shown by the books and records in their custody and under their control, relating to the validity and marketability of the Bonds, and such instruments, including any heretofore furnished, will be deemed representations of the City as to the facts stated therein. 5.02. Certification as to Official Statement. The Mayor, the City Manager, and the Chief Financial Officer are authorized and directed to certify that they have examined the Official Statement prepared and circulated in connection with the issuance and sale of the Bonds and that to the best of their knowledge and belief the Official Statement is a complete and accurate representation of the facts and representations made therein as of the date of the Official Statement. 5.03. Other Certificates. The Mayor, th e City Manager, and the Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed to furnish to the Purchaser at the closing such certificates as are required as a condition of sale. Unless litigation shall have been commenced and be pending questioning the Bonds or the organization of the City or incumbency of its officers, at the closing the Mayor, the City Manager, and the Chief Financial Officer shall also execute and deliver to the Purchaser a suitable certificate as to absence of material litigation, and the Chief Financial Officer shall also execute and deliver a certificate as to payment for and delivery of the Bonds. 5.04. Electronic Signatures. The electronic signature of the Mayor, the City Manager, the Chief Financial Officer, and/or the City Clerk to this resolution and any certificate authorized to be executed hereunder shall be as valid as an original signature of such party and shall be effective to bind the City thereto. For purposes hereof, (i) “electronic signature” means a manually sig ned original signature that is then transmitted by electronic means; and (ii) “transmitted by electronic means” means sent in the form of a facsimile or sent via the City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 9 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A internet as a portable document format (“pdf”) or other replicating image attached to an e lectronic mail or internet message. 5.05. Payment of Costs of Issuance. The City authorizes the Purchaser to forward the amount of Bond proceeds allocable to the payment of issuance expenses to Old National Bank, Chaska, Minnesota on the closing date for further distribution as directed by the City’s municipal advisor, Ehlers and Associates, Inc. Section 6. Tax Covenant. 6.01. Tax -Exempt Bonds. The City covenants and agrees with the holders from time to time of the Bonds that it will not take or pe rmit to be taken by any of its officers, employees or agents any action which would cause the interest on the Bonds to become subject to taxation under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, in effect at the time of such actions, and that it will take or cause its officers, employees or agents to take, all affirmative action within its power that may be necessary to ensure that such interest will not become subject to taxation under the Code and applicable Treasury Regulations, as presently existing or as hereafter amended and made applicable to the Bonds. 6.02. Rebate. The City will comply with requirements necessary under the Code to establish and maintain the exclusion from gross income of the interest on the Bonds under Section 103 of the Code, including without limitation requirements relating to temporary periods for investments, limitations on amounts invested at a yield greater than the yield on the Bonds, and the rebate of e xcess investment earnings to the United States. 6.03. Not Private Activity Bonds. The City further covenants not to use the proceeds of the Bonds or to cause or permit them or any of them to be used, in such a manner as to cause the Bonds to be “private activity bonds” within the meaning of Sections 103 and 141 through 150 of the Code. 6.04. Not Qualified Tax -Exempt Obligations. The Bonds are not designated as “qualified tax -exempt obligations” for purposes of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code. 6.05. Procedural Requirements. The City will use its best efforts to comply with any federal procedural requirements which may apply in order to effectuate the designations made by this section. Section 7. Book-Entry System; Limited Obligation of City. 7.01. DTC. The Bonds will be initially issued in the form of a separate single typewritten or printed fully registered Bond for each of the maturities set forth in Section 1.04 hereof. Upon initial issuance, the ownership of each Bond will be registered in the registration books kept by the Registrar in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, and its successors and assigns (“DTC”). Except as provided in this section, all of the outstanding Bonds will be registered in the registration books kept by the Registrar in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 10 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A 7.02. Participants. With respect to Bonds registered in the registration books kept by the Registrar in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, the City, the Registrar and the Paying Agent will have no responsibility or obligation to any broker dealers, banks and other financial institutions from time to time for which DTC holds Bonds as securities depository (the “Participants”) or to any other person on behalf of which a Participant holds an interest in the Bonds, including but not limited to any responsibility or obligation with respect to (i) the accuracy of the records of DTC, Cede & Co. or any Participant with respect to any ownership interest in the Bonds, (ii) the delivery to any Participant or any other person (other than a registered owner of Bonds, as shown by the registration books kept by the Registrar), of any notice with respect to the Bonds, including any notice of redemption, or (iii) the payment to any Participant or any other person, other than a registered owner of Bonds, of any amount with respect to principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds. The City, the Registrar and the Paying Agent may treat and consider the person in whose name each Bond is registered in the registration books kept by the Registrar as the holder and absolute owner of such Bond for the purpose of payment of principal, premium and interest with respect to such Bond, for the purpose of registering transfers with respect to such Bonds, and for all other purposes. The Paying Agent will pay all principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds only to or on the order of the respective registered owners, as shown in the registration books kept by the Registrar, and all such payments will be valid and effectual to fully satisfy and discharge the City’s obligations with respect to payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Bonds to the extent of the sum or sums so paid. No person other than a registered owner of Bonds, as shown in the registration books kept by the Registrar, will receive a certificated Bond evidencing the obligation of this resolution. Upon delivery by DTC to the City Manager of a written notice to the effect that DTC has determined to substitute a new nominee in place of Cede & Co., the words “Cede & Co.” will refer to such new nominee of DTC; and upon receipt of such a notice, the City Manager will promptly deliver a copy of the same to the Registrar and Paying Agent. 7.03. Representation Letter. The City has heretofore executed and delivered to DTC a Blanket Issuer Letter of Representations (the “Representation Letter”) which will govern payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bonds and notices with respect to the Bonds. Any Paying Agent or Registrar subsequently appointed by the City with respect to the Bonds will agree to take all action necessary for all representations of the City in the Representation Letter with respect to the Registrar and Paying Agent, respectively, to be complied with at all times. 7.04. Transfers Outside Book-Entry System. In the event the City, by resolution of the City Council, determines that it is in the best interests of the persons having beneficial interests in the Bonds that they be able to obtain Bond certificates, the City will notify DTC, whereupon DTC will notify the Participants, of the availability through DTC of Bond certificates. In such event the City will issue, transfer and exchange Bond certificates as requested by DTC and any other registered owners in accordance with the provisions of this resolution. DTC may determine to discontinue providing its services with respect to the Bonds at any time by giving notice to the City and discharging its responsibilities with respect thereto under applicable law. In such event, if no succe ssor securities depository is appointed, the City will issue and the Registrar will authenticate Bond certificates in accordance with this resolution and the provisions hereof will apply to the transfer, exchange and method of payment thereof. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 11 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A 7.05. Payments to Cede & Co. Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution to the contrary, so long as a Bond is registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, payments with respect to principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Bond and all notices with respect to the Bond will be made and given, respectively in the manner provided in DTC’s Operational Arrangements, as set forth in the Representation Letter. Section 8. Continuing Disclosure. 8.01. Execution of Continuing Disclosure Certificate. “Continuing Disclosure Certificate” means that certain Continuing Disclosure Certificate executed by the Mayor and City Manager and dated the date of issuance and delivery of the Bonds, as originally executed and as it may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof. 8.02. City Compliance with Provisions of Continuing Disclosure Certificate. The City hereby covenants and agrees that it will comply with and carry out all of the provisions of the Continuing Disclosure Certificate. Notwithstanding any other provision of this resolution, failure of the City to comply with the Continuing Disclosure Certificate is not to be considered an event of default with respect to the Bonds; however, any Bondholder may take such actions as may be necessary and appropriate, including seeking mandate or specific performance by court order, to cause the City to comply with its obligations under this section. Section 9. Defeasance. When all Bonds and all interest thereon have been discharged as provided in this section, all pledges, covenants and other rights granted by this resolution to the holders of the Bonds will cease, except that the pledge of the full faith and credit of the City for the prompt and full payment of the principal of and interest on the Bonds will remain in full force and effect. The City may discharge all Bonds which are due on any date by depositing with the Registrar on or before that date a sum sufficient for the payment thereof in full. If any Bond should not be paid when due, it may nevertheless be discharged by depositing with the Registrar a sum sufficient for the payment thereof in full with interest accrued to the date of such deposit. The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by City Council Member _______________, and, after full discussion thereof and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following City Council Members voted in favor thereof: And the following City Council Members voted in opposition: Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 12 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Exhibit A Proposals City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 13 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Exhibit B Form of bond No. R-__ $___________ United States of America State of Minnesota County of Hennepin City of St. Louis Park General Obligation Bond Series 2021B Rate Maturity Date of Original Issue CUSIP February 1, 20__ April 15, 2021 Registered Owner: Cede & Co. The City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, a duly organized and existing municipal corporation in Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “City”), acknowledges itself to be indebted and for value received hereby promises to pay to the Registered Owner specified above or registered assigns, the principal sum of $__________ on the maturity date specified above, with interest thereon from the date hereof at the annual rate specified above (calculated on the basis of a 360 day year of twelve 30 day months), payable February 1 and August 1 in each year, commencing February 1, 2022, to the person in whose name this Bond is registered at the close of business on the fifteenth day (whether or not a business day) of the immediately preceding month. The interest hereon and, upon presentation and surrender hereof, the principal hereof are payable in lawful money of the United States of America by check or draft by Bond Trust Services Corporation, Roseville, Minnesota, as Bond Registrar, Paying Agent, Transfer Agent and Authenticating Agent, or its designated successor under the Resolution described herein. For the prompt and full payment of such principal and interest as the same respectively become due, the full faith and credit and taxing powers of the City have been and are hereby irrevocably pledged. The City may elect on February 1, 2030, and on any day thereafter to prepay Bonds due on or after February 1, 2031. Redemption may be in whole or in part and if in part, at the option of the City and in such manner as the City will determine. If less than all Bonds of a maturity are called for redemption, the City will notify The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) of the particular amount of such maturity to be prepaid. DTC will determine by lot the amount of each participant’s interest in such maturity to be redeemed and each participant will then select by lot the beneficial ownership interests in such maturity to be redeemed. Prepayments will be at a price of par plus accrued interest. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 14 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A This Bond is one of an issue in the aggregate principal amount of $_________ all of like original issue date and tenor, except as to number, maturity date, redemption privilege, and interest rate, all issued pursuant to a resolution adopted by the City Council on March 15, 2021 (the “Resolution ”), for the purpose of providing money to aid in financing certain capital projects, pursuant to and in full conformity with the home rule charter of the City and the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota, including Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 475, as amended, and the principal hereof and interest hereon are payable from ad valorem taxes, as set forth in the Resolution to which reference is made for a full statement of rights and powers thereby conferred. The full faith and credit of the City are irrevocably pledged for payment of this Bond and the City Council has obligated itself to levy additional ad valorem taxes on all taxable property in the City in the event of any deficiency in taxes pledged, which taxes may be levied without limitation as to rate or amount. The Bonds of this series are issued only as fully registered Bonds in denominations of $5,000 or any integral multiple thereof of single maturities. This Bond is not a “qualified tax -exempt obligation” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As provided in the Resolution and subject to certain limitations set forth therein, this Bond is transferable upon the books of the City at the principal office of the Bond Registrar, by the registered owner hereof in person or by the owner’s attorney duly authorized in writing upon surrender hereof together with a written instrument of transfer satisfactory to the Bond Registrar, duly executed by the registered owner or the owner’s attorney; and may also be surrendered in exchange for Bonds of other authorized denominations. Upon such transfer or exchange the City will cause a new Bond or Bonds to be issued in the name of the transferee or registered owner, of the same aggregate principal amount, bearing interest at the same rate and maturing on the same date, subject to reimbursement for any tax, fee or governmental charge required to be paid with respect to such transfer or exchange. The City and the Bond Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name this Bond is registered as the absolute owner hereof, whether this Bond is overdue or not, for the purpose of receiving payment and for all other purposes, and neither the City nor the Bond Registrar will be affected by any notice to the contrary. IT IS HEREBY CERTIFIED, RECITED, COVENANTED AND AGREED that all acts, conditions and things required by the home rule charter of the City and the Constitution and laws of the State of Minnesota to be done, to exist, to happen and to be performed preliminary to and in the issuance of this Bond in order to make it a valid and binding general obligation of the City in accordance with its terms, have been done, do exist, have happened and have been performed as so required, and that the issuance of this Bond does not cause the indebtedness of the City to exceed any constitutional, charter, or statutory limitation of indebtedness. This Bond is not valid or obligatory for any purpose or entitled to any security or benefit under the Resolution until the Certificate of Authentication hereon has been executed by the Bond Registrar by manual signature of one of its authorized representatives. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 15 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota, by its City Council, has caused this Bond to be executed on its behalf by the facsimile or manual signatures of the Mayor and City Manager and has caused this Bond to be dated as of the date set forth below. Dated: April 15, 2021 City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota (Facsimile) (Facsimile) Mayor City Manager _________________________________ Certificate of Authentication This is one of the Bonds delivered pursuant to the Resolution mentioned within. Bond Trust Services Corporation By Authorized Representative _________________________________ Abbreviations The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Bond, will be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations: TEN COM -- as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT _________ Custodian _________ (Cust) (Minor) TEN ENT -- as tenants by entireties under Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, State of _______________ JT TEN -- as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list. ________________________________________ City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 16 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Assignment For value received, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers unto ________________________________________ the within Bond and all rights thereunder, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint _________________________ attorney to transfer the said Bond on the books kept for registration of the within Bond, with full power of substitution in the premises. Dated: Notice: The assignor’s signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as it appears upon the face of the within Bond in eve ry particular, without alteration or any change whatever. Signature Guaranteed: NOTICE: Signature(s) must be guaranteed by a financial institution that is a member of the Securities Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”), the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (“SEMP”), the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Medallion Signatures Program (“MSP”) or other such “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STEMP, SEMP or MSP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Registrar will not effect transfer of this Bond unless the information concerning the assignee requested below is provided. Name and Address: (Include information for all joint owners if this Bond is held by joint account.) Please insert social security or other identifying number of assignee _________________________________ City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 17 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Provisions as to Registration The ownership of the principal of and interest on the within Bond has been registered on the books of the Registrar in the name of the person last noted below. Date of Registration Registered Owner Signature of Officer of Registrar Cede & Co. Federal ID #13-2555119 City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 18 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A Exhibit C Tax levy schedule YEAR * TAX LEVY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 __________________________________ * Year tax levy collected. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8a) Page 19 Title: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A State of Minnesota ) ) County of Hennepin ) SS. ) City of St. Louis Park ) I, the undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting City Clerk of the City of St. Louis Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota (the “City”), do hereby certify that I have carefully compared the attached and foregoing extract of minutes of a special meeting of the City Council of the City held on March 15, 2021, with the original minutes on file in my office and the extract is a full, true and correct copy of the minutes insofar as they relate to the issuance and sale of the City’s General Obligation Bonds, Se ries 2021A , in the original aggregate principal amount of $_________. WITNESS My hand officially as such City Clerk and the corporate seal of the City this ______ day of _______________, 2021. City Clerk City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota (SEAL) Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Action agenda item: 8 b Executive summary Title: Conversion therapy Recommended action: Motion to adopt Resolution opposing the practice of conversion therapy and support for the State Legislature to ban the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota. Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to pass a resolution stating: • The p ractice of conversion therapy is not welcome in the City of St. Louis Park. • The City of St. Louis Park supports the State Legislature banning the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota. Summary: The city council added conversion therapy ban as a study session discussion topic in 2020. Conversion therapy is an ineffective and unsafe practice based on the discredited premise that a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation is a mental disorder that can be cured or corrected. Many medical associations and organizations including American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics have long opposed this practice. In Minnesota, the state regulates and licenses behavioral and mental health professionals and currently does not prohibit the practice of conversion therapy. Since this licensing is handled at the state level (not with local government), staff recommends a resolution be approved by the council stating that conversion therapy is not welcome in St. Louis Park and supporting a statewide ban by the Minnesota state legislature . Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable. Strategic priority consideration: • St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through community engagement. • St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: Discussion Resolution Feb. 22, 2021 study session report Prepared by: Alicia Sojourner, race equity manager Maria Solano, senior management analyst Reviewed by: Nancy Deno, deputy city manager/HR director Approve d by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8b ) Page 2 Title: Conversion therapy Discussion Background: Conversion therapy, also called reparative therapy, attempts to change the sexual orientation of individuals participating in the program. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has long opposed this practice stating, ”APA opposes any psychiatric treatment, such as “reparative” or “conversion” therapy, that is based on the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or is based on the a priori assumption that the patient should change his or her homosexual orientation.” Outfront Minnesota, states that this type of therapy includes "dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation, or efforts to change a person’s gender identity or expression. These harmful practices are based on the false claim that being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer (LGBTQ) is a mental illness that should be cured.” Minnesota cities including, Duluth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Red Wing, Saint Paul, West Saint Paul and Winona have banned conversion therapy in their communities. This practice has been banned in 20 U.S states but has failed to pass in the Minnesota Legislature. The City of Golden Valley passed a similar resolution to the one being proposed that encourages the state to ban the practice of conversion therapy. In Minnesota, the state regulates and licenses behavioral and mental health professionals but has so far not addressed the serious issue of conversion therapy. Staff recommends the city council pass the attached resolution opposing the practice of conversion therapy in St. Louis Park and asks the state legislature to issue a statewide ban. Staff will work with the cit y’s lobbyist on this issue. Council is asked to approve the attached resolution supporting the ban on a statewide level by supporting the Mental Health Protections Act that protects 2SLGBTQ+ Minnesotan’s from the harm of conversion therapy. According to Outfront Minnesota the bill: • Protects Minnesotans from being coerced into treatments which are ineffective and which lead to depression, decreased self-esteem, substance abuse, self-harm and suicide. • Prevents parents from being taken advantage of by deceptive agents of the conversion therapy industry. • Help s ensure that 2SLGBTQ people receive mental health care that is ethical, affirming, and culturally competent. • Does NOT affect religious or individual prayer practices. • Restrictions only apply for paid services rendered. • Statewide support on this would be most effective overall for Minnesota, as the state governs licensure. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8b ) Page 3 Title: Conversion therapy Resolution No. 21-____ Resolution opposing the practice of conversion therapy Whereas, conversion therapy or reparative therapy is a practice or treatment that seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, including, but limited to, efforts to change behaviors, to eliminate or reduce sexual, romantic attractions and/or feelings toward individuals of the same gender; and Whereas, conversion therapy is based on the discredited premise that being two- spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (2SLGBTQ+) is a mental disorder that can be cured or corrected; and Whereas, the American Medical Association and American Psychiatric Association oppose treatment based on the assumptions that homosexuality is a mental disorder or that a person should change their sexual orientation, and describe attempts to change a person's sexual orientation as unethical; and Whereas, medical, mental health, and child welfare experts have denounced conversion therapy as ineffective, unreliable, and unsafe for the people who undergo such treatment, including 2SLGBTQ+ people; and Whereas, conversion therapy has been shown to cause serious and dangerous harms to those who are subjected to such treatments, including depression, anxiety, increased suicidal behaviors, lowered self-esteem, internalized homophobia, self-blame, intrusive imagery, sexual dysfunction, and interpersonal harm, such as alienation, loneliness, social isolation, interference with intimate relationships and loss of social supports; and Whereas, 2SLGBTQ+ people must be free from ineffective and fraudulent conversion therapy that causes harm to the quality of life of 2SLGBTQ+ persons; and Whereas, the State of Minnesota regulates and licenses behavioral and mental health professionals but has so far not addressed the serious issue of conversion therapy; and Whereas, 20 U.S. states, two territories, and 67 municipalities have enacted legislation banning the practice of conversion therapy; and Whereas, the City of St. Louis Park believes the practice of conversion therapy is an ineffective and harmful practice that has no place in modern society. Now therefore be it resolved, by the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park that: 1. The practice of conversion therapy is not welcome in the City of St. Louis Park. 2. The City of St. Louis Park supports the state legis lature banning the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8b ) Page 4 Title: Conversion therapy Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 15, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Meeting: City council Meeting date: March 15, 2021 Action agenda item : 8c Executive summary Title: Targeted residential picketing Recommended action: Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance amending Chapter 18, offenses and miscellaneous provisions, of the St. Louis Park City Code related to targeted residential picketing, and set the second reading for March 22, 2021. Policy consideration: Should the city have an ordinance in place that prohibits targeted residential picketing to protect residential privacy so that all people can enjoy a feeling of well- being, tranquility, and privacy in their homes? Summary: Council asked that time be set aside to talk about this matter at a study session. Subsequently, it was discovered that the city already had an ordinance in place that prohibited targeted residential picketing. At the March 8, 2021 study session, the council discussed this topic and the draft ordinance provided by the city attorney which outlined proposed amendments to the existing code/ordinance. The council directed that a proposed ordinance be brought to the city council for consideration at an upcoming meeting. Based on the discussion at the study session the city attorney has prepared a revised draft of the ordinance which is attached. Also attached is correspondence from the city attorney regarding legal considerations having to do with the draft ordinance . Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable. Supporting documents: Draft amended ordinance Correspondence from city attorney Prepared by: Tom Harmening, city manager City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8c ) Page 2 Title: Targeted residential picketing Ordinance No. ____-21 An ordinance amending Chapter 18, offenses and miscellaneous provisions, of the S t. Louis P ark City C ode The City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, ordains: S ection 1. Section 18-64- Targeted residential picketing of the St. Louis Park City Code is hereby amended to read as follows: (a) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Dwelling means a building or one or more parts of a building occupied or intended to be occupied exclusively for residence purposes, but not including rooms in motels, hotels, nursing homes, boardinghouses, trailers, tents, cabins or trailer coaches. Targeted residential picketing means: any picketing by one or more persons focused on a single residential dwelling. (1)Marching, standing, or patrolling by one or more persons directed solely at a particular residential dwelling in a manner that adversely affects the safety, security, or privacy of an occupant of the dwelling ; or (2)Marching, standing, or patrolling by one or more persons which prevents an occupant of a residential dwelling from safely gaining access to or exiting from the property on which the residential dwelling is located; or 3.Standing, marching, patrolling or picketing by one or more persons focused in front of or adjacent to a particular residential dwelling without the consent of that dwelling's occupants. (b) Purpose of section. The city has an interest in the protection of residential privacy so that all people can enjoy a feeling of well-being, tranquility, and privacy in their homes. , the well-being and tranquility of the home, and protecting citizens from unwanted speech when they are a captive audience within their homes. The city council finds that, without resorting to targeted residential picketing, ample opportunities exist for those otherwise engaged in targeted residential picketing to exercise constitutionally protected freedoms of speech and expression. (c)Prohibited activity. No person shall engage in targeted residential picketing within the city. (d) Penalty. Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8c ) Page 3 Title: Targeted residential picketing (e) Severability. Should any section, subdivision, clause or other provision of this Ordinance be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole, or in any part thereof, other than the part held to be invalid. Section 2. This ordinance shall be effective immediately upon its passage and publication. Reviewed for administration: Adopted by the City Council March 22, 2021 Thomas K. Harmening, city manager Jake Spano, mayor Attest: Approved as to form and execution: Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Soren Mattick, city attorney City council meeting of March 15, 2021 (Item No. 8c ) Page 4 Title: Targeted residential picketing M E M O R A N D U M TO: ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL FROM: CITY ATTORNEY SOREN MATTICK DATE: MARCH 11, 2021 RE: RESIDENTIAL PICKETING This memorandum outlines the relevant caselaw and state law regarding targeted residential picketing and a city’s ability to regulate or ban such activity. Targeted residential picketing often is defined as any picketing, marching, standing, or patrolling focused or directed at a single residential dwelling. Caselaw The First Amendment jurisprudence on this issue is clear: municipalities may prohibit targeted residential picketing. Public streets and sidewalks are considered a public forum for the First Amendment and any restriction on free speech in a public forum must be very limited. Boos v. Barry, 485 U.S. 312, 318 (1988). A U.S. Supreme Court case Frisby v. Schultz upheld a town’s ordinance banning such picketing even though the ban directly implicates the First Amendment. 487 U.S. 474 (1988). Frisby was applied to a Minnesota township’s prohibition on targeted residential picketing in State v. Castellano , 506 N.W.2d 641 (Minn. App. 1993)(published). In both Frisby and Castellano the prohibitions on targeted residential picketing were upheld. Both courts concluded that a government may enact regulations around targeted residential picketing so long as the regulation is narrowly tailored to advance a significant government interest through specific time, place, and manner restrictions. Also, the regulation must be content neutral and there must remain ample alternative channels of communication. In both cases, the courts recognized that these ordinances seek to protect a significant government interest which is to preserve the peace and privacy of homes. Further, the ordinances were narrowly tailored to only advance that significant government interest and not quell other kinds of speech. The court in Castellano notes that even a complete prohibition on an activity can be narrowly tailored if the activity within the scope of the ordinance is appropriately targeted. By focusing on individual residences and the particular activity of picketing, the ban, although complete, is still narrowly tailored to that conduct. The ordinances are content neutral because there is no reference to the content of the regulated speech. This ordinance would apply evenly-handedly to any picketing no matter the goals of those persons picketing. Further, these ordinances allow other meaningful alternative channels of communication such as marching through a neighborhood or going door-to -door spreading their message.