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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/05/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota May 24, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:39 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Rachel Harris, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog Councilmembers absent: Lynette Dumalag Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief Harcey, Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Interim Administrative Services Officer (Ms. Solano) Guests: none 1. Citywide speed limit evaluation update Mr. Manibog presented the report. He noted updates to speed limit recommendations, pointing out lowering speed limits can reduce high-rate speeders and overall crashes. Councilmember Harris stated she has been collecting feedback from residents and noted the comments gathered show that people think about this in many ways. She noted feedback included requests for more enforcement, as well as observations that cars are speeding. She added she discussed comments with the city’s mental health collaborative police representative, noting that slower speeds create safer neighborhoods and reduce fatalities. Councilmember Harris asked how this speed limit change would be enforced. Chief Harcey stated the police department hears from residents about problem areas, then they do speed limit testing, collect data, record speed collection, radar, determine if there is a speed problem, and then do citations and build in enforcement. He noted these same problem-solving techniques would be utilized even with lower speed limits within the city. Councilmember Harris stated a resident had concerns about the proposed speed limit at 36th Street and asked if it could be lowered. Mr. Manibog stated the recommendation there is to lower from 30 to 25 miles per hour, given ongoing construction in that area. Councilmember Harris also noted 36th Street is a wider road and people do drive faster. She asked if a lower speed is proposed for that area. Mr. Manibog stated yes, changing conditions can affect areas, and an engineering safety analysis can be done as well. Councilmember Harris asked if 36th Street could be lowered to 25 miles per hour. Councilmember Rog stated she supports lowering speed limits to lower fatalities. She stated the city is lowering speed limits to eliminate fear and increase comfort on streets, adding she has heard from residents about this issue consistently over time in support of lowering speed limits. She stated this will make streets more comfortable for pedestrians and bikers. She asked where Golden Valley and Edina are on this change. Mr. Manibog stated Golden Valley is not DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -2- May 24, 2021 moving forward with any changes and Edina is still working on recommendations in ongoing conversations with council. Councilmember Rog asked about the impact of inconsistent speed limits across the Twin Cities. Mr. Manibog stated it is currently so new, it has not been studied; however, the messaging is consistent across all cities. Councilmember Rog stated going 20 mph is very slow and it is a complete mind-set shift, which reminds folks that others are using the street . She will support this, especially in her ward. She stated earlier she recommended the Utica Avenue to 27th Street speed limit should be set at 20 mph and staff recommendation came back at 30 mph. She now would like to see this reduced to 25 mph or lower, being there are many driveways, trail entries, and high-density residential. She added this resembles a 25-mph street, but people currently go faster on that street. She asked to hear further from staff on this. Mr. Manibog stated staff works to meet the expectations of drivers and those living adjacent to the streets. He added 25 mph in this area will not meet those expectations. Councilmember Rog stated she would like 25 mph in this location as there are also two pedestrian crosswalks there, and WAT PROM folks agree it should be slower speeds there. She asked for an expedited change, especially with the ped estrian bridge there, adding she hopes the council will agree with this recommendation. Councilmember Kraft stated he read the data on this location , has walked the pedestrian bridge, and agrees with working to get folks to drive slower there. He noted there might be a temporary measure that could be added in the short term. He supports the lowering of speed limits and asked if the city plans on getting more funds by issuing more citations. Chief Harcey stated no, that is not the approach being taken with citations. Councilmember Kraft stated he had a concern on the communication process and the postcard, noting it seemed like a decision was already made so it was confusing to folks. He stated the last study session packet noted the informed spectrum approach and asked if that is a norm for council to use. Mr. Harmening stated that had been discussed in the past, but maybe not recently. He stated this will be discussed further with council later in the summer , noting staff recommended using this approach to base changes on reasoning and analysis to meet the statutory requirement. He explained uniformity needs to be the norm with speed limits, as well as continuity, stating that is why the informed approach is used. Councilmember Kraft stated if staff had been clearer to ask for input, it may have gone over better with residents. Mr. Harmening stated staff framed it with the “inform” approach based on council’s direction to utilize the statutory requirement. Councilmember Kraft stated he is supportive of this and views this as one part of an overall strategy for roads. He asked if staff learned anything in this process on how speed limits will change as it relates to how a street is designed. Mr. Manibog stated it is effective and changing speed limits is another tool in the toolbox. Mr. Harmening stated traffic calming can tie into speed limits as well, and an engineering concept. He stated when Louisiana Avenue is reviewed, that will come into consideration. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -3- May 24, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed referenced the postcard and stated the feeling from the council was that the intention is to lower speed limits, but the postcard had to do more with messaging. She added she loved the staff report as it was thoughtful and added there are concerns on Utica Avenue about fast drivers. She is fine with lowering the speed there to 25 mph but asked what would encourage folks to go 25 mph and whether traffic calming should be added on top of the speed limit as well. Councilmember Brausen stated he was fine with the postcard and the message that speeds will be lowered. He stated the question is where will speeds be lowered and when, adding Cedar Lake Road will be lowered to 30 mph from 35 mph. He stated this formalize s the existing speeds most folks drive on these streets currently. He asked about the public process. Mr. Harmening stated a public hearing is not proposed for this issue. Councilmember Brausen stated if folks do want to discuss this at the meeting, he assumes they will be able to. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the speed limits proposed. He noted the Utica Avenue issue also involved the entrance on Highway 100 and possibly the city could ask the county to close the entrance there onto Highway 100, with safety considerations noted. However, he noted that would inconvenience local residents and he would like to see more study on this from staff. He noted the staff report was helpful and the traffic and enforcement studies were very informative. He stated the city relies on voluntary compliance, on residents and how they drive on the streets, noting most do comply. Councilmember Brausen noted about half of the public comments, especially on Next Door, were very negative or insulting towards council. He encouraged folks to respect the fact that council is working to make streets safer in St. Louis Park, adding that no additional revenue will be collected. Councilmember Rog pointed out at Utica Avenue, speeds were lower in May 2019 and April 2020. She asked if enforcement was happening during that time. Chief Harcey stated he did not know if speed enforcement was going on during that time, although the police do enforce at various times. Mr. Manibog added speed boards were used there during those timef rames. Councilmember Rog stated the speed limit here should be lowered and safety is the main concern. She noted temporary solutions may be more effective than lower speed limits at this time. Mr. Harmening stated a permanent speed board could be placed there and be solar operated. He added possibly adding cones and enforcement as it represents a hot spot for traffic education. Mr. Manibog pointed out that anything added closer to that Highway 100 entrance would need to be reviewed by MnDOT. Councilmember Kraft stated reducing speed limits also enforces the outliers and if this prevents one death, it will be worth it, it fits the city’s priorities, and makes sense. Councilmember Harris asked how speed boards might get added to other streets permanently, at Louisiana Avenue between Minnetonka Boulevard and 33rd Street. Chief Harcey stated this is something that could be reviewed, adding he would speak with engineering about permanent DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -4- May 24, 2021 speed boards. Mr. Harmening stated this would be useful as another traffic education component as well. Councilmember Harris noted on Cedar Lake Road, there is a change of speed limits and it shifts from 30 mph to 25 mph and back again to 30 mph. She asked why that is. Mr. Harmening stated when looked at closely, that segment seemed to work best at 25 mph. Councilmember Harris asked if that would be confusing to drivers. Mr. Manibog explained the national guidance states changes in speed limits should only be changed at a minimum of one- half mile, and staff felt as part of the analysis, this was acceptable. Councilmember Harris asked if Hennepin County is looking to reduce any speed limits. Mr. Manibog stated he is not aware of any at this time and any reduction s to county road speed limits would need to be approved by MnDOT. Councilmember Harris asked what the current speed limit is on Minnetonka Boulevard. Mr. Manibog stated it is 35 mph. Councilmember Harris asked if there were any indication folks would move to the faster speed limit roads. Mr. Manibog stated there is nothing indicating this in the traffic analysis. Councilmember Harris stated she supports the recommendations of staff on the speed limit recommendations. Mayor Spano thanked staff for the report. He stated he is probably the least supportive of the speed limit changes. He asked about the physical enforcement comment and if that means having an officer issuing citations. He also asked if electronic cameras are used to give citations at traffic stops in the city. Chief Harcey stated no citations are allowed by electronic means by state law currently. Mayor Spano asked then if educational information could be sent to folks that may be driving over the speed limit or not driving safely. He would like to see what this might look like to educate drivers. He also asked if signs would all be updated within the project and where speeds change within streets. Mr. Manibog stated yes. Mayor Spano stated these changes seem to deter the fastest drivers. He asked what the net result has been on traffic fatalities and safety in other cities. Mr. Manibog stated Seattle saw a decrease in injury crashes. Mayor Spano asked to see this data and if there is any from Minneapolis as well. He added he would like to see more data on cities that are more comparable to St. Louis Park. Mayor Spano stated most of the injuries are happening at intersections and asked if there is data on this that could be reviewed. Mayor Spano asked how staff applied an equity view to the policy and what discussions staff had. Mr. Manibog stated the data showed in white neighborhoods, there is a tendency to drive slower, due to the existing system as it is, and other things that are not known yet. Also, in the 1970s and 1980s there were whiter and wealthier neighborhoods, and they were more successful in petitioning for lower speed limits. He added prioritizing where people live was another criterion that was reviewed. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -5- May 24, 2021 Mayor Spano noted he is not comfortable saying that streets are for walkers too and is ready to discuss that further. He stated streets are for biking, but he wants to be clear that folks understand we are not encouraging them to walk in the street. Councilmember Rog stated in the same way we make rules for driving, the reality is that people are walking in the streets because there are no other options and s lower speeds will help with safety for walkers. Councilmember Rog noted the “20 is Plenty” as a slogan is fine but do es the city want to use the same slogan that Minneapolis uses. Councilmember Brausen added the right-of-way are for folks walking, biking, and driving vehicles. He added most streets in St. Louis Park do not have sidewalks and the reality is that the right-of-way is for all three types of transportation modes. Councilmember Kraft asked when speed data is collected, how is it collected, from speed boards or in other ways. Mr. Manibog stated it was collected with speed boards and video data, as well as through construction projects. It was the consensus of the council to support the speed limit changes proposed by council and bring the first reading of the ordinance to the June 7, 2021 meeting. Mr. Harmening stated the Utica Avenue topic can be discussed at the June 7, 2021 meeting as well as several other items the council wished to review. 2. Semi-trailer parking update Councilmember Rog noted that semi-trailer parking on CSAH 25 is causing concern according to businesses and residents in the area. She stated this is the time to do something about this and an ordinance can be created, and restrictions posted. She proposed asking staff to initiate this process as soon as possible and asked the council for their support. Mr. Harmening stated currently there is nothing in city codes about semi-trailer parking, but it is becoming more of an issue in the community and more complaints are coming in from residents. He stated an ordinance could be created and once that is in place, the council or a resident could initiate the adoption of this ordinance in a specific location. Mr. Harmening noted if the city moves semi-trailers from one area, they may go to another area and park, so that is a concern. Mr. Harmening stated the ordinance would pertain to the whole city – like a “no parking” ordinance. The council would then approve the ordinance for a specific location. Councilmember Harris stated some residents are employed as truck drivers and asked if this would be considered and then provide outreach. Mr. Harmening stated he is not sure the issue can be resolved for the trucking community, but the city can work on this issue as it affects neighborhoods. Mayor Spano added there are trucking apps that show truckers where to park. Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of this. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -6- May 24, 2021 Councilmember Kraft stated he did go to the area in the winter and saw trucks idling in the area for days. He stated this stretch is not set up for truck parking and there are other more appropriate areas for this. He is supportive of the ordinance and no truck parking on CSAH 25. It was the consensus of the council to support creation of an ordinance to address this issue. 3. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization It was noted the June 7, 2021 meeting will include the speed ordinance and the city manager selection process. Councilmember Harris referenced items in progress, pointing out the issues of housing policy and family-sized units. She asked if there has been any information from developers yet on that topic and if any outreach or input has been gathered. Mr. Harmening stated he would find out and get back to council. Councilmember Kraft asked about noise and fireworks and noted a discussion is needed before July 4th to follow through on illegal fireworks going off late at night, noise problems for animals and folks with PTSD -- what can be done about this, and education. Mr. Harmening stated there are already laws on the books about illegal use of fireworks, but the problem is seeing it as it is happening. He stated staff could come to council with a robust communications and outreach plan. He added the law is there, but it is hard to enforce. Councilmember Kraft agreed with a communication plan and suggested adding there will be enforcement. Chief Harcey stated Fire Chief Koering is also very against fireworks and safety issues. He stated the police do their best to enforce this, but it does have obstacles. Councilmember Rog added pulling in neighborhood associations and block captains could help. Mr. Harmening stated staff will discuss this and bring it back to council at the next meeting. Councilmember Harris agreed it would be helpful to communicate enforcement and the dangers and safety measures of illegal fireworks. Councilmember Rog added regrouping with the HRC and further discussion should also be added for an agenda in the near future. Ms. Solano confirmed the HRC will be coming back with an ordinance recommendation. Councilmember Rog noted the Westwood Hills Nature Center is now fully operational so a conversation with the schools is now in order. She added the next joint city school board meeting would be a good time to have a conversation. Mr. Harmening stated he is very supportive of an intense on-boarding process for the new city manager, and the consultant has been asked to put together an on -boarding process so more will be communicated to the council on this. Councilmember Mohamed asked about the Pathways to Homeownership program and who is presenting that. Mr. Harmening stated it will be housing staff presenting. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD Study session minutes -7- May 24, 2021 Mayor Spano stated he is excited the art projects are moving forward with the SWLRT. Councilmember Harris noted the owners of Wok in the Park have recently purchased the building next door as well, so the auto repair service will remain. She also noted another taco restaurant and a hair salon will be added soon at Texa-tonka. Mayor Spano noted tomorrow is the one-year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. He asked what the council’s interest is in making a comment as a body or if each will make their own comment on social media. Councilmember Harris is in favor of a statement and would like it to convey impact as to what actions the city has taken related to racial equity. Ms. Solano stated the HRC is working with staff on releasing a communication tomorrow and inviting residents to the memorial walk event. Councilmember Kraft asked if the announcement can be presented to council now and what the target audience is of the communication. Ms. Solano presented the communication from HRC to the council. She stated the intent is to acknowledge and encourage people to attend the event and participate in community action. Councilmember Mohamed stated she agrees the HRC statement is sufficient communication and that each councilmember should put their own statement on social media. Councilmember Brausen stated he would like to include some acknowledgement that the city has spent significant time examining the role of police in the community and continues to address race and equity work. Councilmember Rog approved of the HRC statement also, marking the anniversary, and to encourage attending the city event. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 4 Update on SWLRT Community Works Places art initiative 5. April 2021 monthly financial report ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD