HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/02/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular (2) Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Feb. 16, 2021
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:52 p.m.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris,
Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Director of
Community Development (Ms. Barton), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Mr.
Deno), Operations & Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson),
Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and
Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas)
Guests: Kori Shingles, Jason West, Brenda Lano-Wolke, Becky Bakken
2. Presentations
2a. Recognition of Kori Shingles and Jason West for MRPA Presidential Award for
work on race, equity, and inclusion REI
Ms. Walsh presented awards for Ms. Shingles and Mr. West for their work on race,
equity, and inclusion. Ms. Walsh stated both were awarded the 2020 presidential award
for work on race equity and inclusion, adding St. Louis Park has done a great deal of
training and she is extremely proud of them, noting they are both outstanding assets for
the city.
Ms. Shingles stated she and Mr. West are both members of MRPA and very proud of the
work this group is doing, as this is an opportunity to show off St. Louis Park and the
city’s good work in this area.
Mr. West added his thanks to the city and for the opportunity to educate others and be
advocates. He thanked the council for the opportunity they have given to them as well.
Mayor Spano stated this is very important work, adding that both Ms. Shingles and Mr.
West are tremendous additions to the city. He stated on behalf of city residents, he
thanked them for their work and critical programming that can be accessed by all
residents.
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Councilmember Harris added her congratulations and asked how conversations with
colleagues are going. Ms. Shingles stated people have been very receptive and there
have been great conversations about tangible, actionable things they want to do to
move forward. She added there has been very exciting action and not just lip service.
Ms. Shingles added the goal is for the advisory board to be able to go away, and the
work being done becomes an automatic thing.
Councilmember Kraft stated he honors the leadership that both Mr. West and Ms.
Shingles have shown and added he loves that they are helping others on this journey.
Councilmember Mohamed stated it was good to see both Mr. West and Ms. Shingles
and she is happy for their reward, while encouraging them to continue to do their good
work.
2b. Recognition of donations
Mayor Spano thanked Linda Mell for a $200 donation for purchase of a tree in Wolfe
Park, and for a $300 donation from Lynn Camp and Lesley Dionne for purchase of a
memorial tree in Wolfe Park in honor of Dave and Ruth Bowman.
2c. Discover St. Louis Park (DSLP) update
Ms. Bakken provided a year-end summary. She noted 2020 was a difficult year and
highlighted both positive and negative aspects of the business.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if the city’s bulk of its hotel inventory is along Hwy. 394.
Ms. Bakken stated yes.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if most visitors to the city, prior to COVID, came
because of events. Ms. Bakken stated yes, including professional sporting events,
concerts, activities, and youth sports.
Councilmember Kraft thanked Ms. Bakken for the great job done in 2020, under the
circumstances, and noted the data on restaurants and hotels she presented. He asked
about marketing in 2021.
Ms. Bakken stated there is still concern with COVID and they are hopeful, adding a
vaccine will be a game changer, but noted their financial situation was worse than
feared. She stated Discover St. Louis Park made good decisions early in 2020 and while
their income was challenged, they reacted immediately and with their reserves and
CARES funding, were able to preserve the business. She added the PPP funding recently
received will allow them to stay cautious and careful, while being able to add funds to
their budget and begin marking again.
Councilmember Kraft asked Ms. Bakken to keep the council informed if there are
financial issues that arise again this year.
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Councilmember Harris stated she is looking forward to the time when the coffers are full
again. She added she is curious about other sectors of the business that are positively
impacted from hotel stays and food and beverage, along with transportation. She asked
how far out the ring of impact is from a hotel location . Ms. Bakken stated it is typically 5
miles out from the city’s hotel district.
Councilmember Harris asked about the hospitality industry, noting that the forecast of
50% insolvency is saddening, especially since it draws people to the city, and the West
End. She asked how the West End is doing. Ms. Bakken stated they have been
challenged, but stimulus has helped.
Councilmember Brausen stated this is a heartbreaking year for Ms. Bakken and her staff,
adding they have his greatest sympathy during this tragedy. He asked what Discover St.
Louis Park needs from the council, besides support. Ms. Bakken stated the council’s
support is very needed, and knowing the council is there for the business community is
huge.
Councilmember Rog agreed with Councilmember Brausen adding she hopes Discover St.
Louis Park can rebuild going forward. She stated corporate travel may not return to
business as usual and asked Ms. Bakken what her thoughts are about that, what
challenges there are, and how the council can provide support.
Ms. Bakken stated this is true and she is not sure how things will look in the future . She
stated they are working closely with Meet Minneapolis, adding that corporate travel will
return, but there will be a new normal going into 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Councilmember Rog stated Minneapolis and Edina have enacted ordinances related to
delivery fees to help small businesses by limiting fees charged. Ms. Bakken stated she
has not heard specifics from restaurants yet on this.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. City council meeting minutes of Jan. 4, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Jan. 4, 2021 city council meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session meeting minutes of Jan. 11, 2021
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 7, 3rd paragraph it should read, “…could…” instead
of should, and later “…onramp to climate action to the community…”
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 8, 2nd paragraph under NOAH housing, it should
read “…not be energy efficient…”
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It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Jan. 11, 2021 study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
After the motion, Councilmember Harris stated on page 3 in the 5 th paragraph, it should
read “Councilmember Rog…” and not Councilmember Harris.
An amendment was moved to the above motion by Councilmember Harris, seconded by
Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Jan. 11, 2021 study session meeting minutes
with additional amendments.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Adopt Resolution No. 21-017 approving renewal of liquor licenses for the license
term March 1, 2021 through March 1, 2022.
4b. Approve the amendment to the amended and restated agreement, between the
city and T-Mobile Central LLC, for communication antennas and related
equipment on the city’s water tower at 8301 West 34th Street for Agreement No.
21-17.
4c. Approve Amendment No. 2 to City Agreement No. 14-04, between the city and T-
Mobile for communication antennas on the city’s water tower at 2541 Nevada
Avenue South.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 21-018 approving acceptance of a $200 donation from Linda
Mell for the purchase of a tree in Wolfe Park and a $300 donation from Lynn Camp
and Lesley Dionne for the purchase of a memorial tree in Wolfe Park in honor of
Dave and Ruth Bowman.
4e. Designate Northdale Construction Company as the lowest responsible bidder and
authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $348,900 for the
Booster Station at Water Treatment Plant #8, Project No. 5321-5004.
4f. Adopt resolution authorizing staff to amend the cooperative agreement with
Hennepin County. The agreement is for a feasibility study to consider
connections across the BNSF Railroad adjacent to Highway 100 - Project No.
4018-2000. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as
regular agenda as item 8b.)
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 21-019 delegating authority to make electronic fund
transfers to the chief financial officer.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 21-020 setting liquor license fees for the license term
March 1, 2021 – March 1, 2022 pursuant to Minnesota statute 340A.408 and
section 3-59 of the St. Louis Park City Code.
4i. Designate Bituminous Roadways, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize
execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $557,979.17 for the 2021
Street Maintenance– Project No. 4021-1200.
4j. Adopt Resolution No. 21-021 providing for the sale of general obligation bonds in
the amount of approximately $12,385,000. (Requires 6 of 7 affirmative votes.)
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4k. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Jan. 6, 2021
Councilmember Brausen requested that consent calendar item 4f be removed and
placed on the Regular Agenda to 8b.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move
consent calendar item 4f to the regular agenda as item 8b; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. Public hearing to consider allocation of 2021 Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funds
Ms. Olson presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing and Ms. Lano-Wolke addressed the council
while the line was open for potential callers.
Ms. Lano-Wolke, the new Executive Director for Homes Within Reach, stated this is a
proven model and effective tool to address housing goals. She added this program
provides opportunities for hardworking individuals to live in communities they work in,
which helps them be more involved in their communities, become great citizens, and
helps reduce crime also.
Ms. Lano-Wolke added they buy homes that are not energy efficient and do extensive
rehab to make them energy efficient. She noted they rely on cities like St. Louis Park to
help and since 2006, she stated they have added 19 homes in the city. Ms. Lano-Wolke
stated the land trust model works and thanked the city for their support, addin g they
will continue to be good community partners and stewards of the land in St. Louis Park.
No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if the $30,000 designated to land in St. Louis Park is not
just an opportunity for this organization. Ms. Olson stated yes, the CDBG funds are
allocated to a home in a certain address in St. Louis Park property. She added the city
then funds the home as it becomes available and meets the criteria and funds are
allocated.
Councilmember Kraft asked if the city provides more than $30,000. Ms. Olson stated
yes, adding the city provides more and does allocate an additional $70,000 as well as
$10,000 if the property is foreclosed – for two homes per year.
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Councilmember Kraft asked if the city’s money is leveraged with the county or state.
Ms. Lano-Wolke stated yes, adding that funding is leveraged through the county and
super RFPs to MN housing financing. She added there is also housing infrastructure
bonding and funding from the Met Council as well, while small grants cover overhead.
Councilmember Kraft asked why the city settles on doing only two per year, and why
not do more. Ms. Lano-Wolke stated capacity is an issue. Ms. Olson stated the goal has
always been two homes, but it depends on the market also, and there is a limited
amount we are able to give to homes within reach .
Ms. Lano-Wolke added they would love to do more, but they are also competing with
home flippers and distant landlords. She added the goal is to do two homes and this is a
good fit in this economy with the market as it is.
Councilmember Mohamed added she is happy with this work that is helping families,
and these programs make it affordable – especially for those who work in hospitality.
She stated she is happy to see this as homeownership is the key to building wealth .
Councilmember Mohamed stated in St. Louis Park we are very much homeowners
versus renters and sometimes ideologies as to why homes are purchased leads to a
hierarchy of sorts, and then puts renters down. However, she stated overall she is happy
with this program.
Ms. Lano-Wolke agreed stating homeownership is not for everyone, and some prefer to
be renters, and still want the mobility. She stated there are studies behind the models
but giving people the chance to have home ownership should be there for all regardless
of what they choose to do for a living.
Councilmember Rog agreed with Councilmember Mohamed adding she believes in
homeownership as well and agrees with the studies but noted there is a nuance on
homeownership is viewed versus renting and she wants to avoid that.
Councilmember Rog asked if there is potential for St. Louis Park to apply for additional
funds through grants in the county. Ms. Olson stated prior to 2018 the city would get
the entire allocation and then would determine how the allocated funds were used and
could allocate up to 15%, adding this was how it was used for the Meadowbrook
program. Ms. Olson added now STEP is applying for those programs for a wide variety of
projects and she is not sure if the city is eligible but noted the city has provided support
letters for STEP.
Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the use of these funds and keeping housing
affordable.
Councilmember Harris noted the staff report says 44 households are on the waiting list
and asked what the process is for moving them off the wait list.
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Ms. Olson stated households will apply through Hennepin County and they determine
eligibility. She stated homeowners stay on the list and then emergency situations are
triaged and not everyone on the wait list chooses to move forward with a loan, and
some do move forward if they want to. She added some drop off and will go with a
different program as well.
Councilmember Harris asked how many are served per year. Ms. Olson stated the city
serves about 4-5 households per year.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 20-022, approving proposed use of 2021 Urban Hennepin County
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds an authorize execution of sub-
recipient agreement with Hennepin county and third-party agreements.
The motion passed 7-0.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items
8a. First reading of ordinance pertaining to outdoor seating in the I-G general
industrial zoning district
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano asked about the safety of having people seated outside and what the
ordinance says. Mr. Morrison stated the planning department does review this and
looks at safety. He stated it is a concern and is taken into consideration, adding when
the outdoor seating area encroaches into the public right-of-way, fencing is required. He
added on private property, however, they are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Councilmember Kraft asked about this use historically not being allowed and what the
downsides might be. Mr. Morrison stated outdoor seating that is open to the public is
not allowed. Seating is permitted for employees of businesses in this district. The city
recently allowed businesses such as taprooms and cocktail rooms in this district. These
uses typically utilize outdoor seating areas, which is why this application was submitted
to the city. He stated bringing commercial uses into industrial areas does raise some
concerns about safety and security. For the most part, outdoor seating will be utilized
when most industrial uses are closed for the day, but this can’t be guaranteed as some
industrial uses may have second or third shifts. Additionally, the industrial uses may
have concerns about security for their buildings or materials and equipment stored
outside.
Councilmember Kraft asked if this is looked at on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Morrison
stated yes, we review traffic patterns as well as where the seating is being placed and as
it relates to parking.
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Councilmember Dumalag asked what type of uses are permitted in the general
industrial district. Mr. Morrison stated common uses include manufacturing, outside
storage, office uses, automobile repair uses.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if this can be applied in that zoning area, but by staff
review. Mr. Morrison stated yes, adding this use as an accessory use gives the business a
right to do so, but only if they meet conditions will the application be approved .
Councilmember Dumalag asked if staff reviews the size also. Mr. Morrison stated yes,
size becomes an issue especially with parking, which can be restrictive and may limit the
size.
Councilmember Dumalag asked about impacts on capacity for restroom use and if
owners will be charged for sac and wac. Mr. Morrison stated yes. Staff also reviews the
emergency exits to make sure they are not blocked.
Councilmember Brausen stated he does not see much of a safety concern with this,
adding he thinks people are cautious. He noted if there is a problem in the future it can
be addressed, and this seems like it is leveling the playing field.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve the first reading of ordinance amending Section 36-244(e) pertaining to outdoor
seating in the I-G general industrial zoning district and set second reading for March 1,
2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. Cooperative agreement with Hennepin County for a feasibility study to
consider connections across the BNSF Railroad adjacent to Highway 100 –
project no. 4018-2000. Resolution No. 21-023
Councilmember Brausen stated it was previously agreed to enter into this agreement
with Hennepin County for a bike and pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks adjacent
to Highway 100. He added that Councilmember Rog and he have been interested in this
opportunity for a crossing there. Councilmember Brausen added given the Dakota and
Edgewood Bridge, this would be another great location for the purposes of “Connect the
Park”. He raised this issue for visibility of this project for area residents and
unfortunately, due to COVID, it was postponed a year. He noted options will continue to
be explored not on this project.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-023 authorize staff to amend the cooperative agreement with
Hennepin County for a feasibility study to consider connections across the BNSF Railroad
adjacent to Highway 100 – project no. 4018-2000.
The motion passed 7-0.
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9. Communications
Councilmember Rog thanked the council for reaching out to offer support this past week when
the community was reeling from a tragic death. She appreciated all and stated it meant a lot to
her.
Councilmember Harris stated the Texatonka shopping center has a new tenant which is a taco
burrito restaurant called Rito’s Burritos. She added Revival is also building out there space as
well.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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