HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/07/12 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
JULY 12, 2021
The St. Louis Park City Council is meeting in person in accordance with the most recent COVID-
19 guidelines. Members of the public may attend the July 12, 2021, meeting in person at St.
Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. The meeting may also be viewed live via webstream
at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil and on local cable (Comcast SD channel 17/HD channel 859). Visit
bit.ly/slpccagendas to view the agenda and reports.
6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION – council chambers
Discussion items
1. 6:30 p.m. Retirement recognition of Tom Harmening
2. 7:00 p.m. 2022 budget update
3. 8:00 p.m. Developer presentation - Beltline Boulevard Station
4. 8:45 p.m. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
8:50 p.m. Communications/updates (verbal)
8:55 p.m. Adjourn
Written reports
5. Application for medical marijuana dispensary
The agenda is posted on Fridays on the official city bulletin board in the lobby of city hall and on the text display
on civic TV cable channel 17. The agenda and full packet are available by noon on Friday on the city’s website.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952-924-2525.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Retirement recognition for Tom Harmening
Recommended action: Read resolution and present plaque to Tom for his years of service to
the City of St. Louis Park.
Policy consideration: None at this time.
Summary: City policy states that employees who retire or resign in good standing with over 20
years of service will be presented with a resolution from the mayor, city manager and city
council.
Tom will be in attendance for the presentation. The mayor is asked to read the resolution for
Tom in recognition of his years of service to the city and present him with a plaque. A consent
item will follow at the next regular meeting to officially adopt the resolution.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Resolution
Prepared by: Ali Timpone, interim human resources officer
Approved by: Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
City council meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Retirement recognition for Tom Harmening
Resolution No. 21-____
Resolution of the
City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota
recognizing the contributions and expressing appreciation to
City Manager Tom Harmening
Whereas, Thomas K. Harmening began his employment with the City of St. Louis Park 26
years ago on April 3, 1995, as community development director, where he was closely involved
in the $160 million-dollar premier revitalization project at Excelsior and Grand, among other
community renewal efforts and significant redevelopment and housing initiatives; and
Whereas, in the life cycle of a city, a handful of decisions become pivot points between
what was and what will be and mark whether a city will be dominated by its history or chart a
new path, and the city council has only a few opportunities to really impact the future of its
community; and
Whereas, the city council’s hiring of Tom as city manager in 2004 marked one of those pivot
points, changing the trajectory of St. Louis Park for the better through his leadership and
commitment to the basic principal of public service – that it is the responsibility of government
to be responsive and transparent to those it serves; and
Whereas, since becoming city manager Tom has led the community through important
milestones including visionary redevelopment at the West End and implementation of a variety
of groundbreaking efforts including the city’s climate action plan; intentional race equity and
inclusion efforts and affordable housing policies and initiatives; and
Whereas, Tom has positively affected the lives of residents, businesses and visitors to the
community through his leadership and his support for community partnerships, and served as a
tireless advocate for the community, which has included involvement in approval and
construction of Southwest Light Rail Transit; reconstruction of Highway 100; achievement of
the city’s AAA bond rating; two successful community visioning initiatives; EPA approval of an
updated 30-year consent decree for the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corp. site; and renovation,
construction or reconstruction of all city facilities, including the new interpretive center at
Westwood Hills Nature Center; and
Whereas, Tom’s unparalleled commitment to excellence in government has earned the
respect of city council and city staff, and has resulted in what he described as his most
significant accomplishment of an intentional and ongoing focus on internal culture that has led
to a high-functioning organization with outstanding staff who bring innovation, creativity and
dedication to their work in serving St. Louis Park; and
Whereas, Tom has not yet determined exactly what post-city-manager life will look like but
plans to make sure his time on the golf course, on his boat or with his family are given the
attention they deserve;
City council meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Retirement recognition for Tom Harmening
Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota,
by this resolution and public record, would like to thank Tom Harmening for his great
contributions and 26 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park and 39 years of
public service and wish him the best in his retirement.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the City Council August 2, 2021
Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager Jake Spano, mayor
Attest:
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
Discussion item: 2
Executive Summary
Title: 2022 budget update
Recommended action: No formal action required. The discussion at the study session is
intended to be a progress report on where things stand with the budget process and other
related matters.
Policy consideration: Does the 2022 budget process, outline and timeline meet council
expectations?
Summary: Staff is working on preparing budget recommendations for 2022. This discussion is
intended to be a progress report on where things stand currently.
Financial or budget considerations: Details regarding financials are provided in this report.
Strategic priority consideration: All strategic priorities are considered in the budget process.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Melanie Schmitt, chief financial officer
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: 2022 budget update
Discussion
Background: The purpose of the discussion is to make sure staff is in line with council
expectations in preparing 2022 budget recommendations. This study session discussion is
intended to be at the higher level and, based on the direction provided, will allow staff to then
prepare more detailed budgetary information for council to consider that will eventually assist
in setting property tax levies, fees and utility rates for 2022.
2022 budget preparation: At the August 23rd study session, the city council will be provided
with 2022 budget recommendations, with time allowed for review of materials and questions.
Directors or their designees will also be present for questions or sharing information as needed
or requested. All budgets, capital improvement plan (CIP), long range financial management
plan (LRFMP), debt model, fee schedules, utility rates and relevant information will be included
in future materials.
2022 American Recovery Funds: Staff is undertaking the calculation for lost revenue during the
COVID-19 emergency. These figures will be discussed with council in August. Staff is also
exploring programs allowable under the ARF guidelines at this time. The guidelines are
continually changing. We have until December of 2024 to designate our ARF funds and through
December of 2026 to spend them.
Legislative directives:
•There are no levy limits in place for 2022.
•St. Louis Park is not eligible for Local Government Aid for 2022. The last year we
received LGA was in 2020 in the amount of $267,271. Under current law and related
formulas, the City is not slated to receive these funds for 2022.
Staffing costs: Funds for staffing are the largest expenditure of the city’s operating budget. In
building the 2022 budget recommendations, staff is using a cost of living wage adjustment
assumption of 3% at this time. The preliminary budget will provide for movement through pay
plan steps/range and also if market adjustment is needed. Five of the five union contracts are
open for 2022 and we will now have a sixth union as the Police Lieutenants have organized.
We have requests to increase pay for our temporary staff. Our current pay rates are no longer
competitive with other cities seasonal staffing and we are having trouble filling and keeping
temporary employees in positions.
PERA: Coordinated Plan: Employee contribution of 6.50% of salary and employer contribution
of 7.50% of salary in 2021. PERA has not released information for 2022 at this time but it is
anticipated it will remain the same in 2022.
PERA Police and Fire: Employee contribution of 11.8% and employer contribution of 17.7% in
2021 will remain the same at this point in 2022.
Benefits: For 2022, we have a quote for renewal of not to exceed 9% with HealthPartners. We
estimated a 5% increase for dental and Long-Term Disability. A 0% increase is being factored in
for life insurance. These are all included in the budget estimates.
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: 2022 budget update
Operational costs: Department heads continue to review the services needed to make sure our
foundation continues to be strong. The focus is to continue providing a high level of quality and
responsive services to our constituents. We have some larger (over $10,000) budget requests for
an increase in the cost for EAB treatment and tree pruning. The increase maintains the same
level of service, the increase is due to market increases for the services. Another area with
requested increase is for our right of way maintenance. This increase is due to additional right of
way landscaping created by infrastructure projects. An example is the new roundabout being
installed at Monterey and 36th. The new green areas are increasing operational costs for
maintaining the space.
Strategic priorities: To the extent the final/adopted 2022 budget allows, staff will continue
efforts to further the five strategic priorities of the council. As discussed previously, to continue
to make progress with our climate action goals, we are looking at an EDA levy to fund some of
our climate initiatives. We would have the ability to levy around $1.5 million with an Economic
Development Authority levy. The initial amount being considered is $500,000. Of this amount
we are considering recommending $300,000 to be placed in the Climate Investment Fund and
the remaining $200,000 to the Development Fund to help offset staff salaries paid out of this
fund. Using preliminary estimates, we anticipate the following impact from an EDA levy:
Utility funds: The city operates various utilities and related funds, including water, sanitary
sewer, storm sewer and solid waste. The operational and capital needs for these utilities are
funded by revenues collected via utility bills paid by users. All utility funds will be presented
during the budget process as in previous years with a review of rates in accordance with the
city’s long-range financial management plan (LRFMP). We are currently undergoing an update
to our utility rate study with Ehlers. Staff is in the process of reviewing the utility funds and
evaluating rates in conjunction with short and long term operational and capital needs and cash
balances. Council will be presented with the results of the rate study at a future council work
session.
Franchise fees: The city collects franchise fees from Xcel and CenterPoint, which they in turn
pass on to their customers, which are our residents and businesses. These revenues are used
exclusively for the city’s annual pavement management capital plan. The collection of these
fees has allowed the city to not have to produce the necessary revenues to do these projects
via special assessments to the property owners abutting a project. In 2021, the fee increased by
$1.25 per residential utility/per month and $2.00 per commercial utility/per month. We are not
scheduled for another increase until 2023, at which time the fees will be reviewed during the
budget process. The city collects approximately $4.6M a year in franchise fees that fund
pavement management.
Fees, charges, and other revenues: Staff will continue to review current fee data based on cost
analyses and other communities before making recommendations for the 2022 fee schedules
for the council to consider later this year.
EDA Tax Rate 0.53%
Yearly Median home impact 17.12$
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: 2022 budget update
LRFMP (Long Range Financial Management Plan): This document is used to assist in setting
property tax levies, debt management, fees, utility rates and budgets. Recommendations for
levies and fees come from this plan.
CIP (Capital Improvement Plan): This information continues to be programmed into the LRFMP
as we work through the 2022 budget. The final capital numbers are due from all departments
on July 14th. Finance will be analyzing the results to ensure long-term sustainability in funds and
looking at where changes in funding or expenditures/expenses need to occur for the city
council and city manager to consider. The city council will see a draft of the plan on August 23,
2021 and again in the fall.
Fund balance recommendations: The fund balance recommendations will come to council at
the August 23rd meeting for discussion. As we work thought the 2022 budget process, we are
balancing how to use our reserves to keep the property tax levy stable now and in future years
while completing capital projects. We will request council to approve the fund balance
assignments at the meeting on September 20th.
Trends in valuations and possible property tax implications: For the 2022 assessment, St. Louis
Park’s taxable market value is estimated at $8,417,177,803 per Hennepin County as of July 6,
2021. This represents an approximate 5% increase from the city’s 2021 taxable market value.
This is not the final value, so we do anticipate a slight change in the future. Our median value
home has increased from $306,500 in 2021 to $330,500 in 2022 or a 7.8% increase. If we model
with the preliminary figures we have from the county, estimated tax impacts for a median
home are as follows:
As you can see from the chart above, even leaving our levy the same as 2021 (we had a 4.5%
increase in 2021) with no increase would result in higher taxes due to the property value
increase. As you know the value increase is different for every parcel in the City so we cannot
project with accuracy unless we are looking at a specific parcel and its value. The above table is
a good average that gives an idea of what type of increase/decrease the average property will
see at the differing levy levels. We will discuss other property types and values in August as our
numbers from the county become more accurate.
City property tax levy: The city’s property tax levy funds city operations, capital, and debt
repayment. The levy has several pieces that fund different areas. Below is a breakout and
what the fund is used for.
Val.Dollar Dollar Percent
Levy 2020 For 2021 For % 2021 2022 Change Change Change
Increase Pay 2021 Pay 2022 Change Annual Per Month
0%306,500 330,500 7.8%1,263.86$ 1,338.35$ 74.49$ 6.21$ 5.89%
3.00%306,500 330,500 7.8%1,263.86$ 1,381.93$ 118.07$ 9.84$ 9.34%
4.50%306,500 330,500 7.8%1,263.86$ 1,403.53$ 139.67$ 11.64$ 11.05%
6.02%306,500 330,500 7.8%1,263.86$ 1,425.43$ 161.57$ 13.46$ 12.78%
Assessed Market Value Estimated City Tax
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: 2022 budget update
Here is a preliminary look at tax rates with varying levy amounts:
HRA property tax levy: Since the city/EDA established this levy in 2001, the maximum dollar
amount allowed under state law was used to set this levy. Up until and including the levy
adopted for 2020, the revenues were used to fund infrastructure improvements in
redeveloping areas (e.g. Hwy 7/Louisiana interchange). For the 2020 HRA levy the council
changed its policy on the use of the proceeds and directed that the bulk of the dollars be placed
in the recently created Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund has a
fund balance of $1,034,380 as of December 31, 2020. The balance was approved for housing
staff salaries. For 2021 the HRA levy was set at the maximum amount allowed - $1,437,184. The
maximum HRA levy allowed for 2022 is estimated to be $1.58 million.
Property taxes in general: When determining the amount of a property tax levy, the council
should provide direction to staff on the desired level of services, programs and capital
improvements it wishes to see, and an estimated property tax levy amount is an outcome of
that direction. If the amount of the estimated levy needed is higher than the council is
comfortable with, adjustments are made to the level of services, programs and/or capital
improvements to achieve the desired amount.
In general, the approach noted above has been successfully used in past years. Our initial levy
increase is projected at 6.02%. Staff is working with the 2022 budget and healthy fund reserves
to bring this number down for the preliminary levy.
Setting city and special tax levies: The council and EDA will meet to adopt preliminary 2022 levies
on Sept. 20, 2021 for the city, HRA, and possibly EDA. After adoption of the preliminary property
tax levies, the levies may be reduced, but not increased. The preliminary property tax levies that
are adopted will then be used to determine the preliminary property taxes on the Truth in
Taxation statements that Hennepin County mails out in November to all property owners.
Levy 2021 amount Explanation
General Fund 29,601,811
General operations-largest fund in City, largest
expense staffing costs, little to no capital
expense in this fund
Park improvement Fund 860,000
Park capital improvements for park buildings
and citywide items such as playgrounds, trails,
park shelters, pool upgrades, etc. No operations
or staffing paid from this fund.
Capital Replacement Fund 1,312,700
Operations capital expense such as computer
software and hardware, maintenance on all city
buildings, City Hall, Police, Fire, MSC. No
operations or staffing costs in this fund.
Employee Benefit Fund 150,000
Employee expense including wellness, flex time
payout, unemployment, etc.
Debt Levies 4,410,814
Various debt levies to make our bond principal
and interest payments.
Total 36,335,325$
2021 2022 2022 2022 2022
Levy Increase N/A 0%3%4.50%6.02%
Total Levy 36,335,325 36,335,325 37,429,905 37,972,445 38,522,445
General Tax Rate 42.85%41.43%42.78%43.45%44.13%
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Title: 2022 budget update
Next steps: As the 2022 budget process continues, the following preliminary schedule snapshot
has been developed for council.
July 12 Study session with council to discuss 2022 budget and assumptions
Aug. 23 Review and discussion of 2022 budget and draft 2021-2030 CIP. This
meeting will be more of a proposed preliminary levy discussion with
direction provided to staff to prepare information for the September 20
meeting adopting preliminary levies.
Department directors or their designees will also be in attendance.
Sept. 13 (if necessary) High level 2021 budget, CIP, and City/HRA levy.
Sept. 20 Council sets 2022 preliminary property tax levies.
(Levies can be reduced, but not increased for final property tax levies.)
Oct. 11 Review and discussion of 2022 budget, CIP, utility rates and LRFMP.
Directors or their designees in attendance as needed.
Oct. 18 Public hearing - 1st reading of ordinance setting fees, and adoption of 2022
utility rates.
Nov. 22 (If necessary) Final budget or CIP discussion prior to truth in taxation public
hearing and budget presentation. Second reading of ordinance setting fees.
Dec. 6 Truth in taxation public hearing and budget presentation.
Dec. 13 (If necessary) Continuation of public hearing and any budget discussion.
Dec. 20 Council adopts 2022 budgets, final tax levies (city and HRA), and 2022 - 2031 CIP.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
Discussion item: 3
Executive summary
Title: Developer presentation - Beltline Boulevard Station
Recommended action: No action at this time; presentation for information and feedback only.
Policy consideration: Does the EDA continue to support Sherman Associates’ proposed Beltline
Boulevard Station development proposal? Is the EDA willing to consider reimbursing the
developer for up to $8.7 million in qualified costs through tax increment financing (TIF)
generated by the multi-phase project to enable it to achieve financial feasibility and is it willing
to consider providing $3.9 million in TIF assistance needed for construction of the park & ride
ramp required by the Metropolitan Council?
Summary: On June 14, 2021, the EDA/council received an update on Sherman Associates’
proposed Beltline Boulevard Station redevelopment and a related staff report about the
developer’s application for tax increment financing assistance. The Sherman team has been
invited to provide a presentation of its updated mixed-use, mixed-income, transit-oriented
development proposal as well as address questions related to the project and financial
assistance request.
Sherman proposes to construct the following building components on the 6.6-acre site at the
southeast corner of CSAH 25 and Beltline Boulevard adjacent to the SWLRT Beltline Station:
•Seven-story mixed-use building with six levels of market rate housing (159 units) and
approximately 20,000 square feet of neighborhood commercial space, potentially
anchored by a grocer.
•Five-story market rate apartment building with 160 units.
•Four-story all-affordable apartment building with 82 units: 77 units will be available at
60% AMI and five units will be available at 30% AMI. 22 units will have three-bedrooms.
•362-stall parking ramp, which is proposed to include 268 park & ride stalls, 79
commercial parking stalls and approximately 1,800 square feet of commercial space.
•Sustainable features include on- and off-site solar, high efficiency HVAC systems, solar
EV charging stations, and ample bike parking altogether exceeding the city’s green
building policy requirements.
Financial or budget considerations: Due to considerable extraordinary costs associated with
the redevelopment site and other costs associated with meeting city expectations and
requirements, the Developer applied to the EDA for tax increment financing (TIF) assistance.
After review, the EDA’s financial consultant determined that up to $8.7 million in TIF assistance
is warranted to enable this project to proceed, and up to $3.9 million in TIF assistance is
warranted for the park & ride ramp. Such assistance would be provided via a new TIF district.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Development concept plan
Prepared by: Greg Hunt, economic development coordinator
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, EDA executive director and city manager
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Developer presentation - Beltline Boulevard Station
Proposed Beltline Boulevard Station concept site plan
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
Discussion item: 4
Executive summary
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Recommended action: The city council and city manager to set the agenda for the regularly
scheduled study session on July 26, 2021.
Policy consideration: Not applicable.
Summary: This report summarizes the proposed agenda for the regularly scheduled study session
on July 26, 2021.
Also attached to this report is:
- Study session discussion topics and timeline
-Proposed topics for future study session discussion
Topic Proposed by Councilmember
Zoning and land use changes at Minnetonka & Hwy 100 Margaret Rog
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: Not applicable.
Supporting documents: Tentative agenda – July 26, 2021
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Proposed topics for future study session discussion
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, administrative services office assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
July 26, 2021.
6:30 p.m. Study Session – council chambers
Tentative discussion items
1.Annual financial report for year ended Dec. 31, 2020 – auditors discussion and review –
administrative services (30 minutes)
The city auditor (Redpath and Company) will present the annual audit results and opinion
issued on the 2020 comprehensive Annual Financial Report and be available for discussion.
2.Future study session agenda planning – administrative services (5 minutes)
Communications/meeting check-in – administrative services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
Written reports
3.June 2021 monthly financial report
4.Second quarter investment report (April – June 2021)
5.Beltline multi-family TIF request (Opus)
6.Proposed interfund load resolution – Bridgewater Bank TIF note
7.Building readiness ordinances
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Study session discussion topics and timeline
Future council items
Priority Discussion topic Comments Timeline for
discussion
1 Council meetings – agenda and video
presentation; proclamation policy TBD
3 Public process expectations and
outcomes
Staff is working on the approach for
undertaking this discussion. 8/23/21
5 Community and neighborhood
sidewalk designations
To be combined w/ Connect the Park
discussion. 3rd qtr. 2021
6 Transportation commission 9/27/21
7
Easy access to nature, across city,
starting w/ low-income
neighborhoods/ WHNC Access Fund
*On hold pending direction from school
district.*On hold
9 Public forums at council mtgs 9/23/19 SS. Staff is researching options. 3rd qtr. 2021
11 STEP discussion: facilities STEP has entered into purchase
agreement for two adjacent properties. On hold
+ Vehicle idling Written report 6/28/21; ESC to provide
a recommendation. TBD
+ Land acknowledgements TBD
Council items in progress
Priority Discussion topic Comments Next Steps
- Policing discussion Discussed 7/27/20, 9/29/20 & 2/22/21. TBD
4
Creating pathways to home ownership
for BIPOC individuals and families Discussed at 2/8/21 council meeting.
6/28/21 study session discussion
Staff moving
forward with
developing final
program details
10 Boards and commissions general
review
Discussed 1/25/21. Revisit after the
annual workplan process. 3rd qtr. 2021
+ Semi-trailer truck parking Discussed 5/24/21; 1st reading of
ordinance approved 7/6/21
2nd reading
8/2/21
- Conversion therapy ban
Report on 2/22/21. Resolution adopted
3/15/21. HRC to review and make
recommendations on ordinance.
TBD
Study session meeting of July 12, 2021 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: Future study session agenda planning and prioritization
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: July 12, 2021
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: Application for medical marijuana dispensary
Recommended action: None at this time. This report is to inform the city council of an
application received to amend the zoning ordinance to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in
the C-1 neighborhood commercial zoning district.
Policy consideration: Should the zoning code allow medical marijuana dispensaries? If so,
should they be allowed in the C-1 neighborhood commercial district? Should specific
performance standards or conditions be imposed?
Summary: The city received an application from Leafline Industries, LLC to amend the zoning
ordinance to allow medical marijuana dispensaries in the C-1 neighborhood commercial district.
The applicant wishes to open the medical marijuana dispensary in a multi-tenant building
located at 8225 Highway 7, which is zoned C-1 neighborhood commercial.
The medical marijuana dispensary land use is defined in the zoning ordinance. The use is not
allowed in any zoning district. The city council must first determine whether to allow the land
use. If it is allowed, then the city council must decide in which district(s) to allow the use. Also,
the city council may consider specific standards for this use to operate in the city. The zoning
code may not be the only city code that would need to be amended. The applicant identified
other potential conflicts with city regulations, including restrictions on electronic delivery
devices and prohibition of the sale of products containing marijuana. Building and energy staff
are working with the city attorney to review the city licensing regulations.
Staff does not support the application for the following reasons: It appears the state is trending
toward legalizing its recreational use, as a result, the future state laws surrounding marijuana
use is uncertain. Therefore, staff suggests we should not separate medical dispensaries from
recreational sales, and we should look ahead and determine where the city should allow the
sale of recreational and medical use marijuana in St. Louis Park should it be allowed by the
State of Minnesota. The C-2 general commercial district may be a more appropriate district
where uses such as pawnshops, payday loan/currency exchange, firearm sales and liquor stores
are allowed by conditional use permit with conditions, including 1,000 feet separation from
other uses on this list and separated from residential uses. Staff recommend the use should not
be permitted in the C-1 neighborhood commercial district where these uses are not allowed.
If the city council chooses to allow the use, staff has encouraged the applicant to avoid the C-1
neighborhood district and instead pursue locating in a C-2 general commercial district and at a
property that meets the above conditions.
Next steps: The planning commission will hold a public hearing on this application on July 21,
2021. The item is tentatively scheduled for city council consideration on August 2, 2021.
Financial, budget or strategic priority considerations: None.
Supporting documents: None.
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, assistant zoning administrator
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning and zoning supv.; Karen Barton, community development dir.
Approved by: Tom Harmening, city manager