HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/03/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
March 15, 2021
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1a. Pledge of allegiance
1b. Roll call
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris,
Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), CFO (Ms. Schmitt), Parks & Recreation
Director (Ms. Walsh), Natural Resources Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan), Police Chief Harcey, Senior
Management Analyst (Ms. Solano)
Guests: Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers
2. Presentations
2a. Recognition of donations
Mayor Spano recognized Rebekah Foreman for her $30 donation for park
enhancements and program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
2b. Retirement recognition for Jim Vaughan (33 years) and Nancy Deno (23 years)
Mayor Spano thanked Mr. Vaughan for his years of service to the city as natural
resources coordinator and read the proclamation.
Mr. Harmening stated Mr. Vaughan was also involved in the city’s wildlife management,
including deer and coyote management, and he appreciated his work with the city these
many years.
Ms. Walsh added she also will miss Mr. Vaughan and his work with trees and natural
resources. She stated he is a team player and will be missed by all.
The councilmembers also commented and thanked Mr. Vaughan for his many years
of service related to environmental issues and policy, assisting with trees and tree
planting, his wealth of knowledge related to natural resources, and value he has brought
to the city including his interactions with the Friends of Bass Lake . They all wished him
the best in his future endeavors.
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Mr. Vaughan thanked the council and the constituents of St. Louis Park for their
commitment to natural resources. He also thanked them all for the opportunity to
serve the city these many years.
Mayor Spano thanked Ms. Deno for her years of service to the city as Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director and read the proclamation.
Ms. Deno commented the city is in good hands with the staff and thanked Mr.
Harmening for his confidence in her, which made them a good team . She added St.
Louis Park has been a rewarding and challenging career and HR has been her favorite
area to work in. She thanked staff and council for their support as well.
Mr. Harmening stated it is bittersweet, adding he is happy for Ms. Deno, but sad for the
city to lose her. He stated the city was fortunate to have Ms. Deno working for the city,
noting she is top-notch and the best person working in HR in the state. He stated she
will be missed especially with her work on the union negotiations.
The councilmembers agreed and noted that Ms. Deno has been a rock star and her
attitude is always very positive, steady, and calm. They thanked her for her leadership in
HR, the way she takes care of staff, and her work on labor negotiations. They also
recognized her help with onboarding new council members, as well as her concern and
caring and professional advice.
Mayor Spano added the city is known for great service delivery and it’s people like Ms.
Deno and Mr. Vaughan that have assisted with this as members of city staff.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session meeting minutes of Jan. 25, 2021
Councilmember Brausen noted on page 3 it should read, “…35 miles per hour…reduced
to 20-25 miles per hour…and 30 miles per hour is more consistent …except near the
West End, as Cedar Lake Road moves almost all residents through Ward 4.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Jan. 25, 20201 study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Special study session meeting minutes of Feb. 1, 2021
Councilmember Dumalag noted on page 2 it should read “…above 30% threshold.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve
the Feb 1, 2021 special study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
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3c. Study session meeting minutes of Feb. 8, 2021
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 5, it should read, “…programs and money invested
would be based on goals and how we achieved them would be based on this data.”
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the Feb. 8, 2021 study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. Closed executive session minutes of minutes of Feb. 16, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the Feb. 16, 2020 closed executive session minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3e. Study session meeting minutes of minutes of Feb. 22, 2021
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 5, it should read “Mr. Casey stated DBA has 12
employees and none are people of color.”
Councilmember Brausen noted on page 2 it should read, “…IDI assessments.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve the Feb. 22, 2021 study session meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Adopt Resolution No. 21-028 and Resolution No. 21-029 to recognize Jim
Vaughan for his 33 years of service and Nancy Deno for her 23 years of service.
4b. 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. (This item was removed from the consent
calendar and considered as regular agenda item 8d).
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 21-030 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 No. 21-031 and approving vehicle towing and impounding
agreement and impound lot lease extension with Bobby & Steve’s Auto World
Eden Prairie, LLC.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 21-032 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.
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4f. Adopt Resolution No. 21-033 approving the final plans and specifications and
authorizing bidding documents for the Beltline Blvd SWLRT pedestrian
improvements (4022-2000).
Adopt Resolution No. 21-034 restricting parking on the project segments and side
streets.
Adopt Resolution No. 21-035 approving agency agreement with MnDOT.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 21-036 approving acceptance of a $30 donation from
Rebekah Foreman for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills
Nature Center.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 21-037 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.
Councilmember Dumalag requested that consent calendar item 4b be removed and
placed on the Regular Agenda to 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move
consent calendar item 4b to the regular agenda as item 8d; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings- none
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items
8a. General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021A. Resolution No. 21-038
Ms. Kvilvang presented the staff report. She noted the bonding was rated for AAA with a
stable outlook and the true interest cost was 1.31% for pavement management and the
Louisiana Bridge project.
Councilmember Brausen noted the outstanding job Ehlers and city financial staff does
each year to maintain the AAA bond rating.
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-038 awarding the sale of Charter General Obligation (G.O. Bonds,
Series 2021A.
The motion passed 7-0.
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8b. Conversion therapy. Resolution No. 21-039
Ms. Solano presented the staff report. She noted in 2020 the council asked staff to
research conversation therapy and bring back information to the council. She noted the
recommendation is to pass a resolution stating the city does not support conversion
therapy and ask the state legislature to take up this issue statewide.
Councilmember Harris asked if this can be enforced. Ms. Solano stated the way it is
proposed, it is not enforceable, and the city wants the state to move forward with
legislation to make it enforceable. She noted some cities have created ordinances with
fines and those ordinances do not apply to faith-based programs, noting that most
known conversion therapy is done under those programs.
Councilmember Harris asked if there are any incidences of complaints. Ms. Solano
stated last year staff did know of a faith-based program in the city, which would not
have been affected by an ordinance.
Councilmember Harris stated this does not have a place in the city and added she does
have concerns because it is not enforceable.
Councilmember Rog stated she and Councilmember Kraft brought this issue forward .
She stated this was to protect LGTBQ youth in the city and she stands for this as well as
to build momentum for a state-wide ban. She added concerns that the resolution is not
enforceable. She stated she had asked Out Front MN about these issues and the hope is
that we do move forward with a ban in the city and modify our resolution to ask for a
ban at the state level and also include asking for financial resources to implement the
ban successfully.
Councilmember Rog stated on the performative concern, the helpful response from Out
Front is that a resolution or a ban are both performative and with the right energy can
become institutional change. She added she would like to ask staff to set up a
committee to carry forward this concern on this ban in tandem with passing a resolution
or a ban.
Mr. Mattick stated to enforce this, an ordinance would be needed versus a resolution,
so staff would need to bring it back to council for approval, if there is general support
for this by the council.
Councilmember Mohamed agreed with Councilmember Rog and would like to pass the
resolution and come back with an ordinance as well. She added the idea of asking the
state for resources and monitor the ordinance would also be welcomed .
Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the motion as presented and added he
does not want to see this practice go on in St. Louis Park. He noted this is not going on in
the city at this time, so it may not need any further discussion at this time and if
additional discussion is needed regarding an ordinance in the future, then it can be
done.
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Mayor Spano stated he agreed with Councilmember Brausen adding the practice of
conversion therapy is a joke. He stated the work on T21 was enforceable because it falls
under the city’s purview and this was not performative. He agreed it is good to go to the
legislature to lobby on this but added he does have concerns about asking for financing
from the state to fund this for the city. He asked if the city would need to create a
health department to enforce this, adding he would agree to discuss forming a sub-
group to work on this but creating a commission at this time would not be appropriate .
Councilmember Kraft asked if the HRC has been involved in this issue. Ms. Solano stated
staff has kept the HRC informed on this but the HRC has not provided a
recommendation on an ordinance.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is supportive of the resolution and asked the HRC to
weigh in on this issue and give feedback to the council on the items Councilmember Rog
raised.
Councilmember Dumalag will also support this and asked the HRC to give their input on
this issue, as well as look at an ordinance.
Councilmember Harris stated conversion therapy is abhorrent and inhumane. She stated
the city does not have a health department and she is interested in passing ordinances
that are enforceable for the city. Presently, the city is not able to do this. She added this
resolution is appropriate at this time, noting it would be enforceable at the state level.
Ms. Solano stated an ordinance passed by the council would be enforceable either by
fines or other means. She added if the state passed a ban on this, the city already has
unfunded mandates as a legislative issue of concern that can be used to request
financial resources.
Councilmember Rog stated her efforts tonight were in the spirit of the work of Out
Front and in support of the viewpoints of residents. She stated she appreciated moving
forward with more discussion on an ordinance.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-039 opposing the practice of conversion therapy and support for the
State Legislature to ban the practice of conversion therapy in the state of Minnesota.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Targeted residential picketing
Mr. Harmening presented the staff report.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is not in favor of people being able to picket someone’s
place of residence. He does have concerns of not violating freedom of speech. He asked
if the multi-family residence part is breaking new ground in the city’s ordinance .
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Mr. Mattick stated it was originally written for single-family homes, and the definition
included was not part of litigation in other city ordinances. He stated the definition of
dwelling is new, but on firm ground from a constitutional standpoint .
Councilmember Kraft asked if tenants wanted to picket a landlord, how would that work
with the ordinance. Mr. Mattick stated he does not think this would challenge the
ordinance. He stated if the landlord does not live on site, that picketing does not violate
the ordinance.
Councilmember Brausen stated he was not in favor of these changes at the last meeting
and was only in favor of repealing. He appreciated the changes made , adding he will
support this with the revisions presented.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is glad this was extended on the residential
aspect. She asked if this means people cannot protest where there are homes, or they
can protest but they cannot block people’s access to their homes .
Mr. Mattick stated this ordinance does not prohibit anyone from protesting or marching
in a neighborhood. He added what this does mean is stopping and blocking a home
would violate the ordinance.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she does not want to silence people in any way, so
she will not support the ordinance.
Councilmember Rog added she got emails from residents and 100% were in support and
she will support the ordinance.
Councilmember Kraft stated he will support the ordinance.
Mayor Spano stated some will do this for intimidation in residential areas. He stated this
does not prevent someone from protesting and this ordinance is not about elected
officials. He continued it is about regular people who may find themselves as the subject
of someone’s anger and frustration and the council provides opportunities for residents
to express their opinions, adding that is the place for this to happen . He stated for this
reason and others, he will support the ordinance.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, 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.
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Mohamed opposed).
8d. 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. Ordinance No. 2608-21
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Councilmember Dumalag recused herself from this discussion and vote .
Councilmember Brausen stated he will support these changes to the ordinance.
Mayor Spano stated he is not concerned about this type of signage. He noted
sometimes these signs become iconic in cities, are featured prominently, and can be
something that binds a community together, adding he would als o support this.
It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2608-21 amending Section 36-362(h)
pertaining to signs on rooftop equipment screening structures and approve the summary
ordinance for publication.
The motion passed 6-0-1 (Councilmember Dumalag abstained).
9. Communications
Mr. Harmening stated with the snow fall today, because the temperatures are warmer, a snow
emergency was not declared. All main thoroughfares have been plowed and will be again in the
morning.
Mr. Harmening announced that Angelfood Bakery from downtown Minneapolis is moving to
the TexaTonka Shopping area.
Councilmember Mohamed noted a new business in St. Louis Park that presents virtual games,
as well as a racial equity program.
Councilmember Rog noted STEPS Empty Bowls will be virtual this year and is being held next
week. Mayor Spano also noted donations can be made on the STEP website.
Mayor Spano stated Westwood Lutheran Church held a race equity zoom meeting recently and
he will be speaking on March 21st on the history of use of restrictive racial covenants in St. Louis
Park. He noted Just Deeds is a group that supports and educates people about this issue.
Councilmember Kraft asked if there is something the city can do related to this issue . Mr.
Harmening stated staff will be explaining this issue and the harm it caused. He stated Mx.
Sojourner looked at this as a critical component and removing the covenant is a legal process .
He stated the education process to residents will be critical on this issue and it is staff’s intent
to do that.
Mr. Mattick added there is an educational component and removing the applications can help
in this education process.
Councilmember Kraft added these covenants, redlining as well as zoning issues, can be part of
the education process as well.
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Mayor Spano stated he has learned a lot about St. Louis Park, and the fact that they were very
aggressive about keeping black and brown folks out of the city in the past.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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