HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/08/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Aug. 16, 2021
The meeting convened at 5:45 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Lynette Dumalag, Rachel Harris,
Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none
Staff present: City Manager (Ms. Keller), Deputy City Manger/Director of Operations and
Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Communications
and Marketing Manager (Ms. Smith), Racial Equity Manager (Ms. Salaam)
Guests: none
1. Racial equity and inclusion requirements for developers/developments requesting TIF
Ms. Walsh noted this is a council-initiated discussion.
Councilmember Dumalag stated the intent here is for developers to be partners with the city in
this initiative. She noted this is centered around BIPOC owned businesses, as well as
development executives of businesses coming to report to the city on their diversity programs
and hiring practices.
Councilmember Mohamed added she wants to be sure when the city gives TIF and dialogues
with developers, that they are prioritizing racial equity and putting it at the forefront of their
thoughts, similar to how the city prioritizes this.
Councilmember Dumalag added many of these businesses are 2nd and 3rd generation owned
and we are asking them to expand their network of who they do business with.
Councilmember Harris stated this is a two-fold initiative with developers including BIPOC
companies if they have not already. She noted this proposal provides an opportunity for the
city to reach another strategic priority and she supports it.
Councilmember Rog referenced the proposed participation goals and asked staff to discuss
these and how they fit into this. Ms. Barton stated this is different than the inclusionary housing
requirements approved by council. She continued it is more challenging to meet hiring goals,
especially given the current economic conditions, but it is important to put them out there and
it conveys the city’s expectations. Although it will not be a default of the contract if they don’t
meet goals, we do want them to show progress towards the goals.
Councilmember Rog asked how the city is proactive in looking for bids from BIPOC businesses.
Ms. Walsh stated staff does reach out to women and BIPOC owned businesses and has a list
that they reach out to. She stated they do everything they can to reach out to these businesses.
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Study session minutes -2- Aug. 16, 2021
Councilmember Rog asked the success rate here. Ms. Walsh stated it depends on the area and
noted they are still struggling to find them in some areas. She stated staff does invite them to
come to pre-bid meetings, so they can provide the appropriate bids.
Councilmember Kraft appreciated this discussion and is supportive of this. He quoted from an
article provided by staff and stated if there is a way to make this real, he is interested in real
gains and not perceived gains that hit a number. He added getting more training for BIPOC
businesses is also a concern and perhaps should be added to the city’s legislative priorities .
Ms. Salaam added developing relationships with BIPOC and women-owned businesses and
connecting with folks is important.
Councilmember Brausen stated he has worked on this in the past and supports this. He has
concerns about implementation and finding BIPOC companies that have the skill sets required.
He stated businesses have a difficult time finding employees, but he agreed this needs to be put
out there.
Mayor Spano added BIPOC entrepreneurship and workforce diversity are areas he has worked
with. He has some reservations on this, and while he likes the idea, feels it needs fine tuning.
He stated the secretary of state’s office has a list of businesses where the ownership is
immigrant or BIPOC, and what sector of the economy the business is in. He stated that list is
$100, can be purchased by the city, and would be worth having to share with contractors. He
would like to know what other cities are doing and look at this nationally. He stated it seems
there are opportunities to dig deeper, and not only look at straight employee numbers . Mayor
Spano added his concerns are that these are goals, not requirements, and if the city moved
ahead with this, he would expect these would be requirements ultimately .
Ms. Barton stated they will take council feedback, put together an informational handout and
language for contracts, and bring it back to council for review.
Councilmember Dumalag stated this is not only about hiring minority-owned businesses, and
she is not sure about going to the state or county as th ey have their own requirements.
Councilmember Rog stated she is supportive and the city needs to start somewhere.
Councilmember Harris stated she is inspired in that this is community wealth-building for the
BIPOC community, and she is pleased by these efforts.
Councilmember Mohamed agreed with council comments, adding she agrees with making
these requirements as well.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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