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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/06/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota June 7, 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: Deputy City Manager (Ms. Walsh), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Building and Energy Director (Mr. Hoffman), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Transportation Engineer (Mr. Manibog), Senior Planner (Ms. Monson), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Interim Administrative Services Officer (Ms. Solano) Guests: none 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Principal Planner Meg McMonigal’s years of service Staff and council commended Ms. McMonigal for her years of service over the past 2 decades, noting her leadership including work on visioning processes, comprehensive plan updates, race equity work, SWLRT, and many more projects. They thanked Ms. McMonigal for her many years of service in many areas of the city. Ms. McMonigal thanked the council and her colleagues for their comments, adding working for the city has been great. She appreciated many council members over the years coming together to make decisions, and staff who has also worked very hard for the community. She stated she feels lucky to have been a part of St. Louis Park. 2b. Recognition of donations It was noted the St. Louis Park American Legion donated $3,000 to purchase three BolaWraps to be evaluated in the field as less-than-lethal use tool for a force option. 2c. Sherrill Mozey Day proclamation On behalf of the city council and city, Mayor Spano read a proclamation declaring June 6, 2021, as Sherrill Mozey Day in St. Louis Park. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -2- June 7, 2021 3. Approval of minutes 3a. City council meeting minutes of April 19, 2021 Councilmember Rog noted on page 1 it should read, “Councilmember Rog noted that Hennepin County’s 2020 Levy was 0% and there may be more needs the city has to fill because of that. She also asked about a status update on federal Cares Funds for the city.” It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve the city council meeting minutes of April 19, 2021, as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. Special study session minutes of April 19, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the special study session minutes of April 19, 2021, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3c. Closed executive session meeting minutes of April 23, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to approve the closed executive session meeting minutes of April 23, 2021 , as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3d. LBAE meeting minutes of April 26, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the LBAE meeting minutes of April 26, 2021, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3e. Study session meeting minutes of April 26, 2021 Councilmember Kraft noted the following corrections on the bottom of page 6 and top of page 7, it should read, “He stated Edina is running out of properties and he fears there could also be more teardowns in St. Louis Park. He stated he wants council to consider how the city will look over time. He suggested the broad goals be to have significantly more single-family homes that are more significantly affordable in the city and prevent and epidemic of teardowns that are replaced by McMansion homes, to allow for St. Louis Park families to grow into their homes and stay in them.” DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -3- June 7, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the study session meeting minutes of April 26, 2021, as revised. The motion passed 7-0. 3f. City council meeting minutes of May 3, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to approve the city council meeting minutes of May 3, 2021, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of April 24 through May 28, 2021. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 21-056 approving acceptance of $3,000 to be used to purchase three BolaWraps to be evaluated in the field as a less-than-lethal use of force option. 4c. Designate Thomas and Sons Construction the lowest responsible bidder and authorize a contract with the firm in the amount of $1,132,245.06 for Belt Line SWLRT pedestrian improvements (4022-2000). 4d. Approve the amended inclusionary housing policy to require the inclusion of family size units (three bedrooms or larger) in developments with 50 or more units, to clarify language related to the provision of on-site vehicle parking for affordable units, and to add a definition for homeownership. (Moved to 8e). 4e. Approve Amendment No. 2 to City Agreement No. 20-17, between the city and T-Mobile Central LLC, for communication antennas on the city’s water tower at 5100 Park Glen Road (Site no. A1P0022A). 4f. Approve a temporary extension of the licensed premises for one-day events at Copperwing Distillery, located at 6409 Cambridge Street 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 21-057 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 2840 Florida Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 08-117-21-44-0066. 4h. Approve amendment to the on-sale intoxicating liquor license for Philips Investment Co. dba Park Tavern located at 3401 Louisiana Ave. S. 4i. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of April 7, 2021. 4j. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of May 5, 2021. Councilmember Rog requested that consent calendar item 4d be removed and placed on the regular agenda as item 8e. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended and to move consent calendar item 4d to the regular agenda as item 8e; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -4- June 7, 2021 The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and commissions 5a. Appointment of representatives to board and commissions Mayor Spano noted the original slate of candidates has one correction that Saiko is unable to serve and Katie Turnbull will take her place. Councilmember Kraft stated he was on the interview panel for two of these groups and noted it was difficult to make a decision, as there were a lot of great applicants. He also stated he would like to see the commissions come up with additional outlets where people not selected for commissions can be involved through committees or sub- committees. Councilmember Brausen stated there are additional opportunities for those who were not selected for boards or commissions to serve on other sub-committees and projects within the city. Mayor Spano agreed with these comments and asked folks to apply again next year for open positions. It was moved by Councilmember Harris, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to appoint representatives to the boards and commissions as listed in exhibit A. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearings - none 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items 8a. Costco parking lot expansion – Park Place Plaza. Resolution No. 21-058 and Resolution No. 21-059 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Councilmember Kraft asked if there were advantages to a pond versus underground storm storage. Mr. Morrison stated the benefit of an open water pond is aesthetics . This application proposes to move the water storage and treatment underground. The project will improve water treatment and containment by bring it up to today’s city and watershed standards. Councilmember Kraft thanked past councils for their decisions on electric vehicle charging stations, noting that there are several proposed here. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -5- June 7, 2021 Tom Meyer, Engineer for Costco, was available for questions from the council. Councilmember Kraft noted mulch volcanos on the parking lot and the tremendous amounts of mulch, which he felt was a waste of resources and not healthy for the trees. He asked if the landscaping company can make sure to pay attention to this issue. Councilmember Kraft stated he was happy with the changes in this project and is supportive of it. Councilmember Brausen stated he also appreciated the change in traffic flow and is supportive as well. He is happy for the improvements and enhanced water storage management. He stated in the future, the idea of solar energy should be explored as well as other climate change issues, before supporting PUDs. Mayor Spano added he also will support this. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to adopt Resolution No. 21-058 and Resolution No. 21-059 approving a preliminary and final plat of Park Place Plaza third addition and a planned unit development major amendment for expanded parking. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Park Place Plaza planned unit development major amendment. Resolution No. 21-060 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 21-060 approving the major amendment to the planned unit development (PUD) to construct a 7,000-square-foot retail building. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Text amendment to section 36-268-PUD 9 and rezoning of 5950-36th St. W. Ms. Monson presented the staff report. Councilmember Harris asked about the greenhouse and special considerations. Ms. Monson stated it was changed to allow for the greenhouse as a principle use versus an accessory use. Councilmember Dumalag asked if the change and cleanup being done now is more appropriate than if the parcel is replatted and then a text amendment is completed. Ms. Monson stated staff felt if was cleaner and smoother to do it this way for the zoning of the site. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -6- June 7, 2021 It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to approve first reading of an ordinance amending section 36-268-PUD 9 of the zoning code relating to previous development approvals at 5950-36th St. W. and to set the second reading for June 21, 2021, and to approve first reading of an ordinance rezoning 5950- 36th St. W. to MX-1 vertical mixed use and to set the second reading for June 21, 2021. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Rog absent). 8d. First reading of ordinance regarding speed limits Mr. Manibog presented the staff report. Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciated all the work staff has done on this issue. He has heard from constituents and thinks this is a good proposal for the city. He noted in Ward 4, east of Highway 100 and in the area from Zarthan Avenue to Louisiana Avenue, it is proposed at 25 mph. He noted that during traffic times, it is usually 30 to 35 mph, and he has concerns about compliance if the speed limit is moved to 25 mph here. He stated this will rely on voluntary compliance on Cedar Lake Road and for the sake of consistency, he proposes making the speed limit 30 mph there, reduced from 35 mph from Highway 169 to Highway 100. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris to approve first reading of an ordinance regarding speed limits and to set the second reading for June 21, 2021 with an amendment to make Cedar Lake Rd. from Louisiana Ave to Zarthan Ave 30 mph. Mr. Mattick noted the speed limits are not being changed yet, and the ordinance only is being changed at this time. Mayor Spano clarified there will be an opportunity for council to discuss the speed limit on this portion of Cedar Lake Road at a future time. Mr. Mattick stated that is correct. Councilmember Brausen withdrew his motion to approve first reading of the ordinance. Ms. Walsh stated staff can come back to council to further discuss speed limits and studying conditions at a future time. Councilmember Kraft stated he is very supportive of this approach for safety, values , and the city’s overall strategy. He stated reducing speed limits reduces outliers and this will make streets safer for bikes, pedestrians, and be an overall approach for getting around without using cars. His concerns relate to how the 25 mph was decided upon. He stated his experience is that no one travels 25 mph on Cedar Lake Road from Louisiana Avenue to Zarthan Avenue and asked if it is possible to have an analysis approach that leaves that at 30 mph. Mr. Manibog stated staff’s analysis is that the recommended speed in this stretch is 25 mph. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -7- June 7, 2021 Councilmember Kraft stated he has a hard time understanding the data on this and asked about the level of detail staff looked at. Mr. Manibog noted there is variability, and staff did take averages over many days, but the data is ultimately developed off the averages. Councilmember Harris stated her concerns on this stretch of Cedar Lake Road include the design of the road, curves, elevation changes, and narrow road areas . She stated those factors impact the way folks drive and when looking at speed as a tool and working to make it safer for bikers and walkers, she encouraged adding slight curves in the road so people drive slower. She also encouraged the use of road diets as well. Councilmember Harris added she is in favor of this ordinance and would like to revisit the data in the future as well. Councilmember Rog stated she is not on that part of Cedar Lake Road as much as others, adding the council has capacity to make changes in the future, if needed, so she is comfortable supporting this ordinance. She received 40+ emails in support of changing the city speed limit and feels there is strong community support . She noted cars do need to go more slowly as it relates to pedestrians and bikers, who use streets when sidewalks are not available. Councilmember Dumalag added her constituents are also in support of lowering speed limits and she is also in favor of the ordinance. Councilmember Kraft stated he will support this and appreciates being able to come back to this in the future. He added this was one of the top issues he has heard of from constituents as well. Councilmember Mohamed also will support the ordinance. Mayor Spano thanked Mr. Manibog and staff for all the work going into this ordinance. He trusts Mr. Manibog’s work here, noting the rigor he has applied shows. He added doing this work in St. Louis Park is about us as a community, making St. Louis Park safer, and relying on residents to do that. He stated he will support the ordinance. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the first reading of an ordinance regarding speed limits and to set the second reading for June 21, 2021. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Amended inclusionary housing policy to require the inclusion of family size units (3 bedrooms or larger) in developments with 50 or more units, to clarify language related to the provision of on-site vehicle parking for affordable units, and to add a definition for homeownership DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -8- June 7, 2021 Councilmember Rog stated she asked to move this item to the regular agenda to highlight the changes made to the inclusionary housing policy and update anyone interested in affordable housing in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Rog noted that as a council they regularly allocate community resources to support development both direct and indirect. She continued that in exchange for these community resources, developers are required to provide the community with benefits, sometimes these benefits clearly and directly benefit residents, but sometimes they are more general. Councilmember Rog stated there is a shortage of affordable housing in the city, noting the inclusionary policy has provided, up until now, mostly studio and one-bedroom affordable housing. With this policy change and the new 3-bedroom requirements, there will be a direct benefit to low-income families in the community, which is quite rare for this type of exchange between developers and city resource s. Councilmember Rog added she is pleased the city is looking out for low-income families in new developments and noted this is an improvement, commending staff for their work. Councilmember Rog added the changes in parking fees that require developers to offer reduced or free parking for low-income families is very positive and a great help. Councilmember Kraft thanked Councilmember Rog for her work on this with staff, which he stated, will make a difference. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the amended inclusionary housing policy to require the inclusion of family size units (3 bedrooms or larger) in developments with 50 or more units, to clarify language related to the provision of on-site vehicle parking for affordable units, and to add a definition for homeownership. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Brausen stated the George Floyd Memorial Walk was a marvelous, reflective, and energizing event. He thanked the HRC for their work on this and noted Councilmember Mohamed spoke as well. Mayor Spano agreed it was a great event, and Mr. Floyd’s family appreciated the event and the work of the HRC. Councilmember Kraft also thanked the HRC and the Friends of the Arts, adding it was an incredible intersection of work. DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD City council meeting -9- June 7, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed stated she loved how youth voices were incorporated into the event, and she loved the walk and art as well. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: FEB98609-CA28-471E-8D03-1A03F8E742BD