Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/06/14 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota June 14, 2021 The meeting convened at 6:30 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 (Mr. Harmening), CIO (Mr. Pires), Interim Deputy City Manager/Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), CFO (Ms. Schmitt), Police Chief Harcey, Housing Supervisor/Deputy Community Development Director (Ms. Schnitker), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), GIS Coordinator (Mr. Castaneda) and Interim Administrative Services Officer (Ms. Solano) Guests: Technology Advisory Commission members and Police Advisory Commission members 1. Community technology advisory commission smart cities initiative – part 2 and workplan review Mr. Pires introduced the commission members, noting this is part 2 of the workplan review for the commission. Mr. Levine presented the report. Councilmember Brausen asked if the NOAH housing information will be presented later in the meeting. Ms. Schnitker stated yes it will. Councilmember Kraft stated the dashboard information presented is fantastic. Ms. Schnitker noted the inclusionary housing policy began in 2015, stating this information has been updated on an ongoing basis and presented to the council, along with Met Council’s goals for multiple years. Councilmember Mohamed asked about the 50+ data. Ms. Schnitker stated it is data about senior designated buildings since 2015. Councilmember Mohamed added this is very understandable, friendly, and equitable information. Councilmember Harris thanked the commission for this data projection information. She stated data is the most important information a city can have. She asked if the data is live yet. Ms. Schnitker stated it is being worked on and finalized at this time. Councilmember Harris stated housing insecurity and mental health have been issues in the city, noting this data will be able to help. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -2- June 14, 2021 Councilmember Rog thanked the commission for this data and the level of detail. She asked about the room totals of 241 versus 403. Ms. Schnitker stated staff will look into this and correct the data. Councilmember Rog stated this data can help staff know which programs are working well and which need more help. She stated when the next Maxfield Housing Study is conducted, she hopes that data will not be redundant with this data. Ms. Schnitker explained this study is only conducted every 5 years and with the volatility of the housing market, it has been difficult to look at projections. Councilmember Rog stated this data can help other commissions with their work as well. Councilmember Dumalag stated she is glad NOAH information is being included and requested the age of the building be added to make sure it is kept affordable. Councilmember Rog asked if this refers to broadband access. Mr. Levine stated yes. Councilmember Rog noted under the service programs, the schools should be included. Councilmember Kraft asked if the data about Hennepin County noted the biggest issue is computers for folks. He also asked if that is a bigger issue than broadband, will that be considered. Mr. Siegler stated yes this will all be taken into consideration along with infrastructure. Councilmember Harris asked if there is an opportunity to share this information with the cable TV station of the city and any eco programming they have . Mr. Peterson stated yes, getting this out to a larger audience would be helpful, as well as presenting at the home remodeling show. Councilmember Harris stated this is relevant information and fits in with city goals, as well as lowering the carbon footprint. She encouraged the commission to share this information with others. Mr. Pires stated this information can help educate folks in the community to reduce their plug loads, and this can be shared on cable TV. Councilmember Kraft stated the overlap with climate and affordable housing might include a program to help address two issues, with energy efficiencies and lowering t he energy burden. Councilmember Rog stated she is thrilled with the workplan of the commission and the collaboration with staff and other commissions. Councilmember Harris agreed adding this is the most activated this commission has been and supporting staff in multiple divisions. Mayor Spano agreed with the comments of council adding he is really impressed with the commission’s work and collaboration with staff. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -3- June 14, 2021 2. Police advisory commission (PAC) 2-21 workplan review Chief Harcey introduced PAC members and the committee chair presented the report. Councilmember Harris asked if there have been any conversations on the commission about mental health in the community, or residents, and of peacekeeping members. Chair Rozlyn Tousignant noted the de-escalation information she reported on reflects training for police and residents and tools used to help reduce calls and deal with mental health crises . Councilmember Harris asked if there is a partnership with a mental health professional and police. Lt. Garland stated a social worker partner does work with police and this program will be used and worked on during the year. Currently, the social worker is working 50% of the time, receives referrals from the police, and attempts to do follow-up calls with residents. Councilmember Harris asked if the de-escalation program is for the public at large. Ms. Tousignant stated yes, adding the general model is typically a full-day training. During COVID, a two-hour zoom training is offered. Resources are provided for those doing the training, that can be utilized when in the community. Councilmember Harris asked if the PAC has the resources needed for their goals . Ms. Tousignant stated yes, the de-escalation program is funded. Councilmember Mohamed stated the de-escalation training is good, adding community members can contribute here also. Councilmember Brausen thanked the PAC for their work. He stated he hopes soon community relations events will be back on the calendar as they are important. He added he hopes the PAC is working with HRC on the summer of action program, noting the George Floyd event was very well attended and it is important to continue this work with the community. He added the council wants to continue to interact with the PAC on the use of force policy, and as racial data is collected to help work on future policies. Councilmember Rog stated the council has been working with consultant Sean Sorrell this past year on use of force, defining community safety, and mental health. She wants to make sure efforts are coordinated around this work and asked staff to be involved here, as well as improving capacity to work on mental health issues. Councilmember Rog noted public forums and community events in the report . Chair Tousignant stated depending on COVID, the PAC is looking at doing events. Councilmember Rog noted she is frequently asked about city crime trends and if this information is more easily available for residents and the community. Chief Harcey stated the police produce a monthly report on crime trends and it compares trends over the last 3 months and over the last year. He noted auto and catalytic converter thefts are up, as well as mental health calls and medical calls for overdoses. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -4- June 14, 2021 Councilmember Kraft stated the dashboard of data would be a good way to report information from the police department to council, as well as analysis from the Chief. Chief Harcey stated the dashboard could work for the use of force data and crime trends as well. Chair Tousignant added the social vulnerability data might also be included . Councilmember Dumalag stated this is a project for a dashboard. She noted, however, the raw data is helpful, but there needs to be caution on how data is reported so as not to disenfranchise or perpetuate stereotypes. She asked for more information about the PAC working with neighborhood cities and their police advisory groups. Lt. Garland stated Crystal and Bemidji reached out and in all cases the city did tell them they would be interested in partnering, but nothing has come of it as yet, other than questions about the PAC. Ms. Christenson added sharing strategies and best practices and brainstorming was the idea behind that goal. Councilmember Dumalag stated she also appreciates the idea of de -escalation. She asked if the mental health group COPE is used with Hennepin County. Chief Harcey stated yes, as well as the use of a part-time embedded social worker, who follows a short-term case model on mental health crisis issues. He stated this has been a great partnership, noting Hennepin County has stated this is the best model at this time with this pilot program partnership . He added the police would like to consider adding a full-time social worker for next year’s budget. Mayor Spano asked about hours for a social worker. Chief Harcey stated they flex their hours for early morning, or evening hours. Mayor Spano stated he is in favor of working with other cities and collaborating. He asked if there are any specific areas they are looking to collaborate on. Ms. Christenson stated they would be most interested on race equity data and taking that to the next step in understanding . Chair Tousignant agreed, adding this would be helpful information on how neighboring communities are handling this. Councilmember Rog asked when the next catalytic converter event would happen. Lt. Garland stated it would be in July, on the second or third Thursday . Mr. Kinney noted there are larger issues related to policing that can be discussed and asked the council what they would like the PAC to work on for policing, as it relates to future police modeling. Mayor Spano stated this is something the city attorney is looking at related to varying policing models, and the council is discussing this ongoing, while staff is looking at this more. He noted while the city’s policing model will not be changing, adding more social workers and mental health providers would be looked at. Councilmember Kraft added along with this, the PAC should look at the work that has been done with the consultant related to use of force, disparities, and mental health . Councilmember Harris stated addressing mental health concerns is falling into the laps of police and the PAC. She stated everyone is needed to have a socially connected community. Chief Harcey thanked the PAC for all their hard work, especially on use of force and with the HRC and MAC group. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -5- June 14, 2021 3. 2020 general fund balance/other funding options Mr. Harmening stated there is a fund balance that will need to be assigned by the council. Ms. Schmitt stated she would be available to answer questions related to the staff report . Councilmember Harris asked about a list of funds that earn revenue on an annual basis that has fluidity. She asked if this was related to parks and if there are funds that have flexibility here related to park improvement funds and the levy. She noted this had come up in past discussions adding she wants full transparency on discussions of funds and budgeting. Ms. Schmitt stated more on this will be presented at the July meeting . Councilmember Rog asked when the fund balance needs to be decided on . Ms. Schmitt stated it is best practice to leave 45% unassigned and assign anything above and beyond that. Councilmember Rog stated the council then would need to go back and look at which fund would best assist residents, and an investment in one fund might impact another . She added given the city’s goals, she would have to look at what is the best investment for the city. Mr. Harmening stated there are some practical things the fund balance can be used for, including employee development funds which will be short due to retirements this year. Also, he stated the backstop for inspection fees, and the climate fund also would be funds to look at . He noted it depends on what the council wants and taking into consideration the 5 strategic priorities. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the policies staff has in place. He added historically, funding has gone into the capital improvement plan, but they could also go into employee development, pavement management, and flattening the levy curve, especially as there are concerns with increases over the next few years. Councilmember Mohamed stated all the recommendations are practical . She agrees with Councilmember Rog’s comments and asked what other possibilities might be, such as affordable housing, climate action, or racial equity. Mr. Harmening stated part of the funds could be used for affordable housing or other strategic goals. However, he noted there are already other funding goals for housing from state and federal funding . Mayor Spano added these are all funds that will lower the debt levy, but he has concerns about if the city is ever sued, noting the city’s insurance will not cover it, and asked whether a plan for additional insurance should be looked at. Ms. Schmitt stated the city has standard coverage, but rates may increase exponentially depending on other pending cases. She stated a large reserve insurance fund plan could be put into place by council . Councilmember Dumalag asked historically what the EDA levy has been used for. Ms. Schmitt stated the city currently does not have an EDA levy but typically an EDA levy is used for development projects. Councilmember Dumalag stated she would be interested in dedicated funds for Connect the Park as well as the other recommendations presented. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -6- June 14, 2021 Councilmember Harris noted the EDA levy could be used for climate action. She asked if this would be used for the Climate Investment Fund presented earlier this year. Mr. Harmening stated yes, and an EDA levy could be used for this, or another property tax levy. Councilmember Kraft asked why the fund is so large this year. Ms. Schmitt stated the funds have carried forward from past years, and a large portion of it came from the Cares Act. Additionally, she noted the city manager asked staff to cut back on spending during COVID when operations were not running at full capacity. She also noted some positions were not back-filled which saved money this past year. Councilmember Kraft stated going over 3% on the tax levy was a concern this past year, but he is not opposed to going over that this year. He stated he agrees the additional funding for the employee development fund is fine as well as the other baseline adjustments totaling $1 million, as well as looking at how to smooth future levies. He added he is fine to put additional money into the insurance fund if we’re expecting premium increases, but he is not interested in putting a large amount into the fund in case of future lawsuits, as he’d rather invest to prevent the risk of lawsuits. He stated he is interested in transfor mational investments that can change the trajectory of the city on climate emissions or race equity. He gave possible examples including massive tree planting, an initiative related to making walking and biking/scooter substantially easier, and putting more into the climate investment fund. Councilmember Harris asked if there is a total amount that needs to be assigned. Ms. Schmitt stated the amounts can shift around depending on priorities . Councilmember Harris asked if the levy fund projections would remain the same as presented by staff last year if the council chose not to invest in those funds. Ms. Schmitt stated the largest years will be 2024 and 2025 due to the large MSA project in 2022 and 2023 . Councilmember Harris asked if the local option sales tax could come to fruition before making these decisions on allocations. Mayor Spano stated a local option sales tax would be several years out. Councilmember Harris stated she would like to use a portion of this to flatten the levy curve and for Connect the Park. She would like to see an EDA levy to increase affordable housing in the city. She noted this is a unique gift for the community and she would like to focus on the climate action plan also. Mayor Spano stated the insurance funding is important to look at, but this funding is not suitable for that. He added these funds are best spent on mitigating impacts of the levy . He also noted the EDA levy created a lot of questions and confusion by the community, and there will need to be lots of education in the community about it. Mayor Spano left the meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Kraft led the meeting. Councilmember Rog stated federal and state funds will be coming for housing. She asked how much $4 million would lower a levy. Ms. Schmitt stated there is concern about artificially deflating it, and then having it go up higher in future years. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -7- June 14, 2021 Councilmember Rog stated many actions can be taken to lower the levy. She added there seems to be so many unknowns around franchise fees, and she is not interested in investing in the insurance fund either. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of exploring an EDA levy, keeping in mind it impacts residents and he would like to see impacts here. He stated he would like to see these resources used for climate action. Councilmember Harris stated she is interested in an EDA levy for climate action . Councilmember Dumalag agreed and is interested in an EDA levy for climate action. Councilmember Rog stated she is interested in an EDA levy for climate action as well. She added she is also interested in how the public spaces are purchased in the community. Councilmember Mohamed stated she is interested in an EDA levy as well. Councilmember Kraft noted he is also interested in an EDA levy and climate action, as well as what other areas it could be used on. Mr. Harmening stated an EDA or HRA levy can be used for affordable housing or commercial. Councilmember Brausen stated he is interested in exploring the local option sales tax further. He added he does share the concerns on timing and legislative issues. Councilmember Harris stated she is in favor of exploring the local option sales tax. She added she is not counting on it as a revenue stream, but she would like to explore it . Councilmember Dumalag would like to explore the local option sales tax. Councilmember Rog agreed and would like to explore the local option sales tax as well. Councilmember Mohamed stated she is interested in exploring the local option sales tax also. Councilmember Kraft stated it is responsible of the council to investigate the local option sales tax, and he is interested in it. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of deferring the federal Cares funding for now. Councilmember Rog agreed with deferring these funds and wants to be strategic on how the funds are used. Mr. Harmening stated staff will provide more information on the EDA levy, information on the local option sales tax, and can come back with more specific dollar amounts on the fund balance assignments. DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -8- June 14, 2021 4. Future study session agenda planning and prioritization Councilmember Brausen stated the June 28 study session agenda looks very robu st with the ESC presenting their workplan. He has concerns about the length of the agenda. Councilmember Rog asked if there could be a written annual financial report . Mr. Harmening stated this can be done and the presentation can be moved into July. Councilmember Brausen noted the Wilder Foundation did a report on food insecurity issues and one of the recommendations was a task force, which he would like to discuss at a future study session. Mr. Harmening stated the chair from STEP could be involved in this discussion as well. Councilmember Brausen stated a written report could be included. Councilmember Harris stated a task force on food insecurity is duplicative with STEP, is not a good use of staff time, and does not seem warranted. Councilmember Mohamed stated she would like this discussion about the task force, especially considering COVID and food insecurity issues that may be related. Councilmember Dumalag added she is also in favor of this discussion and having a task force would be helpful. Councilmember Kraft stated he was very underwhelmed by the Wilder report but would be interested in a short discussion on a task force. Councilmember Rog stated she wants to have a discussion on the Sherman Associates project . Mr. Harmening stated council will be asked to consider a TIF request for the project at a meeting next month, and the developers can make a presentation at that time. Councilmember Rog stated when looking at multi-story parking and thinking about changes in commuting this last year, she is not convinced the parking is still warranted. Councilmember Brausen stated it is part of the agreement . Councilmember Rog stated if it must be built, then she would like to see it proposed to be used differently in the future. Councilmember Rog stated she appreciates staff’s creative efforts on this project over the year and to make the TIF request and the financing work, but she is not happy about using half of currently available affordable housing trust funds for this project. She is also not happy about all the affordable units being in just one building. Councilmember Brausen added he also has concerns about the affordable housing not being included in all 3 buildings. He has concerns about the phasing of the project and es pecially if DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE Study session minutes -9- June 14, 2021 there are any financial problems that come up. He did state, however, he is supportive of TIF if the developer looks further into these issues. Councilmember Dumalag stated each building has a different financing structure, and it would be helpful for her to understand this better. She asked who owns the parking ramp. Mr. Harmening stated the city received federal funds to have it built, and Sherman will build it, but the city will own it. He added the city would have a say if parking charges would be added in the future. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Housing Authority (HA) 2021 workplan review 6. Update on Sherman Associates proposed Beltline Boulevard Station Redevelopment 7. Application for Tax Increment Financing Assistance – Beltline Station 8. Food Access and Insecurity Study update 9. Amendments to chapter 6 and chapter 8 of the city code ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 5D116AE2-6310-4BB0-B941-B0D369EB1BCE