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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/04/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota April 26, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:42 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: Nadia Mohamed Staff present: Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Senior Management Analyst (Ms. Solano), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Jim Beneke, Matt Eckholm, Imran Dagane, Jessica Kraft, Bruce Canter 1. Parks and recreation advisory commission 2021 workplan review Mr. Canter presented the 2021 workplan for the parks and recreation advisory commission. Councilmember Harris asked if the commission is part of basketball in the park or if that is through public safety. Ms. Walsh stated the police run this program. Councilmember Harris asked if there are dedicated efforts to get kids outside and goals related to this. Mr. Canter stated every child has a park in their neighb orhood and the cost for activities is $0. He stated city parks are so used that trash cans are full and emptied every day. Councilmember Rog asked about the Webster Park master plan . Ms. Walsh stated the plan is a MnDot issue, adding that MnDot is in the process of turning back property that the city leased from them. She stated it is still a wait and see issue, but possibly a task force could be involved . Councilmember Rog stated she appreciates the gentle pressure the city is putting on MnDot related to Webster Park, and added residents have shared ideas and continue to be involved in the master plan as it takes shape. Ms. Walsh added staff will be involved and recommendations will be made to the parks commission and filtered out for best pra ctices. Councilmember Rog asked about access to programs and how is the city doing, are there metrics and how much is being spent. Ms. Walsh stated she will get a report on this to the council. Councilmember Rog stated she noticed there are no recycling bins at Birchwood Park. She asked about other ways the city is looking at equity for access, and if any progress has happened with the naturalist program. Ms. Walsh stated progress is being made, but there is a long way to go. She added staff and volunteers had great success last year, but with modifications for COVID-19. She noted the parks program is a great feeder program for the city to diversify the workforce also. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -2- April 26, 2021 Mr. Canter added the commission wants to see diversity, adding that young children do not notice color at all. He stated everyone has something to give and the commission is ready to help all they can to diversify. He added COVID-19 is also a mental health epidemic, and everyone needs to get out and moving in the parks as much as they can. Councilmember Rog asked about access to park programs that run a half day only and require parents to pick up children only after a few hours. She noted this type of program limits access to people at certain income levels. She asked the commission and staff to look at access barriers with time of day and transportation. Ms. Walsh stated there are all day programs at the Nature Center that are 2-3 weeks long or also for the entire summer. Mayor Spano added the neighborhood park programs also allow parents to sign up for morning and afternoon sessions and the cost is minimal for the whole summer. Ms. Walsh added rates are approximately $15 and families can sign up for multiple weeks all summer long. Councilmember Brausen stated the commission is doing a great job considering the challenges with the pandemic. He noted the city council has talked about access to programs and how to do more, but this has been on hold due to the pandemic. He added he hopes the city can get a response from the school systems on this and all can access the nature center, and he encouraged more work on this. Councilmember Kraft agreed with the comments about equity and thanked the commission for their good work on the plan. He added he likes the Westwood equity access plan and the electric blower and chain saws used by staff. He stated he heard about the ice cream for staff and noted the at-large councilmember could help serve. Councilmember Dumalag thanked the commission for their work. She also agreed with comments made about equity and hours of offerings. She added she would like to see how resources are allocated on keeping parks clean, noting she had feedback on this also. Councilmember Harris asked about the survey on park updates, and how folks can weigh in. Ms. Walsh stated postcards are sent to all neighborhoods regarding their parks . She stated the electronic survey conducted had a tremendous response, with more input online vs. at a meeting. She stated folks have really responded to this and the ability to reach people has quadrupled. Mayor Spano agreed parks are being used and cleaned on a regular basis, noting this is a great way to know parks are being used. He appreciates the projects and the diversity of projects the commission is working on, as well as the staff appreciation. He stated the parks and recreation commission have the most commission-initiated projects, with some direction from council. Mayor Spano asked how the commission was able to do this. Mr. Canter stated most of their projects are ongoing, including annual staff appreciation, annual Minnehaha Creek clean -up and speaking to youth sport associations. He stated more items were added by the council such as the Westwood Nature Center programs, and equity in programs. He stated if the council would like to add more, the commission is happy to work on additional projects. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -3- April 26, 2021 Councilmember Kraft stated as the commission works on the Westwood Nature Center anniversary event, think about how to get interest in climate action, or create an education tool on climate action. He encouraged the commission to look at equity throughout all their work and expand to all their projects as well. Councilmember Rog added the council’s study session priorities list, which includes easy access to nature, could be looked at as a priority and input given before it comes to council . Mayor Spano suggested Mr. Canter and Ms. Walsh discuss this and how it can fit into their work plan. Ms. Walsh stated this was an excellent idea and could be a main goal for the commission for 2021. She added in reviewing internal policies with an equity lens, staff may be unintentionally inviting or uninviting people without realizing it. Mayor Spano thanked the commission for their work, noting there are so many parks in St. Louis Park, and most people are only 2-3 blocks from a park. He added robust investment should go to neighborhood parks, as well as to neighborhood spaces. 2. Planning commission and board of zoning appeals 2021 workpla n review Planning commission and board of zoning appeals chair Eckholm presented the report. He noted key accomplishments and projects from 2020 including Historic Walker Lake zoning district (MX-2) and an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs). He also presented the work plan for 2021 which includes review of single family building scale regulations, home occupations, parking regulations, a new transit-oriented development zoning district for the light rail transit station areas, allowing two family dwellings in low density areas on appropriately-sized lots, review of the food security and access study, racial equity training, and consideration of a new transitional industrial district or amendments to current industrial districts. Councilmember Kraft stated there are interesting issues coming before the planning commission in 2021, which will have social impacts on racial equity and the climate crisis. He appreciates the work the commission does and is excited to look at two-family dwellings, which is a key tool for affordable housing. He stated electric vehicle parking is important but noted how some of the city’s electric vehicle parking requirements have already become obsolete. He asked if the commission will look at parking regulations more broadly. Mr. Walther stated they will look at the electric vehicle parking as one element of a broader review of off-street parking requirements, including some reductions in parking requirements around light rail transit areas. Councilmember Kraft noted the food security topic and stated he is interested that the commission is looking at this, adding he does a newsletter with Roots and Shoots at the high school on this topic. He noted an example in Denmark of persons walking everywhere they need to go within 5 minutes or less and asked the commission if they will discuss easy access for walking and biking. Mr. Eckholm stated they would like a discussion on this and ways to solve problems now for the future. He stated their intent is to find ways to improve and make better choices going forward and see if there are ways to support and connect people with existing resources. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -4- April 26, 2021 Councilmember Kraft noted the “parking lot” or lower priority issues listed in the work plan, water conservation and housing analysis, and asked how they came to be part of their workplan. Mr. Eckholm stated this was something a former commissioner was supportive of and the commission kept this on, noting they may be included in the 2022 work plan. Councilmember Harris stated the commission’s report was impressive and showed great teamwork. She stated she was interested in the industrial transition zone portion and agreed it is smart to look ahead on this. She asked how residents and area businesses will be engaged. Mr. Eckholm stated staff has done a great job on expanding outreach in new ways during the pandemic and bringing events to the community in an effective way. He noted Historic Walker Lake and Texa Tonka small area planning are both good examples of this engagement. He added the industrial transition zone is not intended to transition out of industrial, but to move to industrial without the traditional pollution or transportation issues, while also creating a more dynamic and flexible mix of uses. Councilmember Harris noted the duplexes and asked if there were considerations for triplexes and quads. Mr. Eckholm stated the commission will investigate duplexes first, as per the comprehensive plan, adding they want to be sure folks are supportive of them, and there is also buy-in. He noted a benefit may be to bring the tax burden down by spreading taxes amongst more homeowners, without changing the character of a neighborhood . He stated duplexes just allow more people to be your neighbors. Councilmember Harris stated with more businesses and live/work arrangements, this will be an important lens for viewing types of housing. She stated she would love to see quads and triplexes in the city as well. Mr. Eckholm stated this has been an “all of the above” proposition. The comprehensive plan also suggests rezoning certain corridors to allow medium density housing with attached townhomes, row homes, triplexes, and quads. This is an underrepresented housing type. He stated the planning commission will continue to seek ways to add more housing. Councilmember Rog noted comments from the planning commission about collaboration with other commissions and mentioned it is a great way to help merge expertise. She added this will reduce barriers to participation and is a goal for the council as well . She noted an upcoming study session will feature idea sharing with city staff. Councilmember Rog added she likes the idea of a housing analysis and asked if the commission looks at the Maxfield Housing Analysis every few years. She asked if targets are not prescriptive, what does the commission see policy targets being. Mr. Eckholm stated the commission was not as interested in policy targets regarding a specific renter versus owner occupied housing ratio, but on studying what we have currently, along with capacity, areas of the community that are established, and also have room to grow. Mr. Walther added Assistant Housing Supervisor Marney Olson has presented the Maxfield analysis to the commission regularly, and also shares the new and expanded programs the city offers to help provide context to the commission as they perform their duties. Councilmember Rog suggested they make sure to look at this document. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -5- April 26, 2021 Councilmember Rog added moving forward, if the city wants to change inequities, it might have to radically change, adding she is open to that and partnering with the commission going forward. Commissioner Weber noted if the council wants the commission to work on certain items or areas, or to have an expanded role, they could provide additional direction to the commission, adding this might help the commission move forward on certain areas. Councilmember Rog stated she appreciated that clarity, adding this is relevant to most of the city’s boards and commissions, and stated the council will continue to try to address this. Councilmember Dumalag stated she is impressed with the work of the planning commission, noting this is a robust set of items the council has tasked the commission to do. She will look forward to the commission’s recommendations related to the housing analysis and unintended consequences of one owner with multiple properties. Councilmember Dumalag added she likes the space for home-based businesses if it is allowed by the city from a land use perspective. She stated it is in the city’s best interest to make affordable housing safe. She appreciated the discussions around food security and access, stating the mobile market can help from a use perspective, and can be allowed in certain parts of the city. She stated she is also interested in the racial equity portion and the collaboration with the ESC. Councilmember Dumalag added she appreciates looking at parking, noting so often parking is the way a development gets evaluated. Councilmember Kraft asked what specific questions would the commission ask of council. Commissioner Weber stated an example of a parking lot issue at Costco. He noted the commission decided that asking for a redesign of the parking lot would not be within the commission’s scope. He stated if council had told them in advance to pursue this issue, the commission may have voted differently on it and asked businesses in that area to come together with a solution for all. Mr. Walther stated staff usually takes a role on this type of issue and is mindful of what the council has on its broad strategic priorities as well as its study session topics, and most importantly what has been formally adopted in the comprehensive plan or other policies. He added the commission has study sessions as time allows based on the volume of current planning and zoning applications, and noted they want to focus on the highest priorities. The purpose of this discussion is to receive input from the city council regarding the priorities identified in the work plan. Mayor Spano pointed out the commission has legal authorities, which is different than other commissions, adding those need to be looked at first in order to avoid legal problems for the city. Councilmember Brausen agreed with Mayor Spano on this and on the planning commission needing guard rails, adding it is not the proper scope for the planning commission to level any land use, noting it is up to staff and the city attorney. He stated it is important to conform with the city’s laws and policies. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -6- April 26, 2021 Mayor Spano stated he liked the idea of walking to a corner store, but noted the council and commission needs to be prepared that this might shift expectations with residents and change existing aspects of neighborhoods. He added with parking, the council and commission will need to know they will be faced with frustrated residents, need to preface a conversation shift with residents, and be conscious of that. Mayor Spano asked Commissioner Imran how different his experience is here on the planning commission versus when he served on a planning commission in Kenya. Commissioner Imran stated it was quite different especially related to zoning and city ordinances. Mayor Spano thanked Commissioner Imran for his work on the commission and taking responsibility for complicated issues. Councilmember Rog noted the commission’s input on a recent application and some of the challenges that are identified by commissioners or the public through the process. She stated this is where boards and commissions with public engagement can shine and get to best outcomes. She would like the commission to leverage their role to get best outcomes for our city, adding this is worth pursuing. 3. Zoning code size limits for houses Mr. Morrison presented to the council. He asked if council wants to revise the code size limits scale of additions and new construction for houses. Councilmember Rog stated she appreciated the report and the planning commission’s work on this. She noted it has been three years since this was discussed and she believes the council is now more systems focused and aligned with goals. She explained there are three outcomes that should be worked towards: affordability, move up options, and impact of large homes on neighbors. She felt the way it is being approached is piecemeal and the end impact would be limited, adding she thinks the council can do better. She suggested staff step back and take another look at the levers and focus on these outcomes. Councilmember Rog added the Move up in the Park program has become income restricted , a large group who do not qualify is being left out, and those folks are leaving the city. She also wants to see more data on allowing “McMansions”, and if that has an impact on people moving out of the city. She stated staff needs to get more formal input from neighbors and suggested council ask staff to explore more policy changes that help to achieve goals. She stated she will bring a new study session topic forward and asked staff to work on new goals that align with council priorities. Councilmember Kraft agreed with Councilmember Rog’s comments. He added it would be helpful to step back and look at this in a more holistic manner, noting there are 10 -15 teardowns per year in St. Louis Park and in Edina there are 150 per year . He stated Edina is running out of properties and he fears that, as a result, more teardowns could happen in St. Louis Park. He also stated that he wants council to consider how we want the community to look over time. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -7- April 26, 2021 Councilmember Kraft suggested that the broad goals should be; to have significantly more single-family homes in St. Louis Park that are significantly more affordable, to prevent an epidemic of teardowns replaced with large expensive ‘McMansion’ homes, and to allow for growing St. Louis Park families to improve their homes and stay in them. He added redevelopment should be balanced against incomes and priorities and questioned how the city meets these goals using the mix of policies it has. Councilmember Harris stated she keeps reflecting on light and shadow and noted one of the things that impacts the quality of life is access to natural light. She added the height of a structure is less of a concern, but it can become problematic if the grade is built up. Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of leaving room for expanding home sizes but is worried about people moving out. She supports the Move up in the Park program but is struggling with how encouraging expansion of homes will meet the city’s climate goals . She agrees with Councilmember Rog on the systems approach and wants to move forward on further discussion of this in the future. Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of this, noting over the years residents have pushed back on tear downs and McMansions. He stated if there is something the city can do to allow some without totally eliminating tear downs, he is willing to look at that . He added the council needs clarity on goals and which will be primary, climate impact or the desires of the homeowner. He worries about a systems approach, about scope of where this goes, and sees it as a heavy lift. Councilmember Dumalag stated she agrees with the council but noted there also needs to be a conversation on investment and how does one buy into St. Louis Park, and the idea of the creation of wealth through real estate. She added it is a conversation worth having, noting it is difficult for young families to move here. Mayor Spano stated he is not sure what the council is trying to fix here, noting St. Louis Park does not have the numbers that Edina or Minnetonka have with tear downs. He stated this is a lot of work for a very small return, which he does not favor. He noted it is not a good use of the planning commission’s or staff’s time, the majority of these are arbitrary, and staff shouldn’t be making subjective assessments on architectural style. Mayor Spano added when he looks at the scope of this, he is not interested in taking this up when it only affects 20 homes. Councilmember Rog stated she is not looking to prohibit people from expanding their homes or get rid of housing options for people, adding that many residents have a viewpoint on this issue. Councilmember Rog stated St. Louis Park is not Edina, but based on realtors’ perceptions, it could be another Edina, where fewer than 150 of their homes are less than $400,000. She has concerns the city could become like Edina as well, while adding all people should be supported to have ownership in the community, including BIPOC groups. She would like to take up this discussion sooner rather than later, and if the council is looking at creating more affordability, it will be remiss in not doing system-thinking. DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -8- April 26, 2021 Mayor Spano agreed this could be a problem in a year or two, but it hasn’t materialized yet, and added stepping back to take a broader view of this would be helpful, but he is not interested in these proposed policy changes. It was the consensus of the council to discontinue discussion of this item, and Councilmember Rog will resubmit this topic and rework it into a broader context for city council to consider adding to the future study session discussion list. 4. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization Mayor Spano and Councilmember Rog discussed Dakota Bridge and the idea of reaching out to the Dakota Sioux to see if they want to have a relationship with the city, related to the bridge. Mayor Spano stated this would also be about an art project involving the tribal community and St. Louis Park. Councilmember Rog stated Dakota Park is in her ward, adding she reached out to Jamie about this, and noted that all kinds of things can come along with land acknowledgements . She noted they would like to have staff investigate this further . Ms. Walsh stated staff will do this, and Ms. Solano stated she has been working with Jamie and can look further into this. Councilmember Brausen stated the May 10 agenda looks very long and he would like to reduce the time allotments of the commission presentations. Mayor Spano suggested one of the commission’s presentations be moved to another meeting, rather than shortening times. Councilmember Dumalag stated she does want to hear from the HRC as they are working on the Summer of Action events. Ms. Solano stated she will look at the council calendar to see what can move around. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Councilmember Harris stated Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine listed St. Louis Park three times in their latest issue, related to the Texa Tonka area, the Nordicware new café, and the Beehive. Councilmember Harris stated she would like an update on the Place project and also on Sidewalk Poetry. Ms. Barton stated the Place project is having cash flow and timing problems, but they have assured staff the work stoppage is only temporary, and they anticipate they will have their funding in the next couple of weeks. Ms. Solano noted the Sidewalk Poetry project launched its first ever contest near Walker Library as people stated they wanted to see art in unexpected places within the city. She stated poems can be submitted until May 23, and the next area to feature poetry is Texas Ave nue and 36th Street, which is considered an art desert, with no art nearby. Councilmember Kraft asked that staff put an explanation on the city website about St. Louis Park police involvement in Operation Safety Net. He stated there have been questions and it DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613 Study session minutes -9- April 26, 2021 needs to be made clear and transparent as to what occurred, and to allow residents to weigh in as well. Councilmember Rog agreed, adding how the explanation is phrased and first amendment rights being a top concern, are important. She stated it is unclear how taxes are supporting or not supporting police actions, and this should be addressed also. Councilmember Brausen stated while he supports the police in Operation Safety Net, if there were an emergency, the city would need this same type of support from police in the metro area so if a statement is made, it must be clear that the council supports the police and the work they are doing here. Mayor Spano stated the council can ask communications to reflect on this and have Chief Harcey review it prior to posting, with what should and should not be included . Councilmember Kraft referenced the written reports and stated he would like to scrutinize the TIF at 3440 Beltline Ave., adding this is a desirable location. Councilmember Dumalag added that a neighborhood meeting has been scheduled on Opus proposal and Beltline. The meeting adjourned at 9:44 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. March 2021 monthly financial report 6. First quarter investment report (January-March 2021) 7. Redistricting update 8. Sustainability division update for Q2 2021 9. Freight rail switching wye 10. Development update 11. Development proposal for 3440 Beltline Blvd. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 4F397AE4-255D-4F36-A6B0-4C278845F613