HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/09/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Sept. 20, 2021
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:48 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: City Manager (Ms. Keller), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), CFO (Ms. Schmitt),
Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), Communications and Marketing Manager (Ms.
Smith), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), Economic Development Manager (Mr. Hunt)
Guests: Stacy Kvilvang, Ehlers
2. Presentations
2a. Proclamation honoring Friends of the Arts Executive Director Jamie Marshall
Mayor Spano read the proclamation honoring Jamie Marshall, Executive Director, St.
Louis Park Friends of the Arts. He noted Mr. Marshall is leaving the city to take on a new
role. Mayor Spano thanked Mr. Marshall for his service to the city and his hard work. He
stated Mr. Marshall is loved, appreciated, and will be missed.
Councilmember Rog congratulated Mr. Marshall adding she was sorry to see him go. She
thanked Mr. Marshall for all the initiatives he led and his engagement with the
community on a deep level. She looks forward to seeing how his talents will benefit an
even broader community.
Councilmember Kraft stated he has been impressed with Mr. Marshall’s ability to make
art an expression of a community’s values. He appreciates how his work is tied into the
city’s strategic goals as well and he is excited for his new role.
Councilmember Harris added Mr. Marshall’s broad lens for inclusivity is appreciated as
well as his demeanor and thoughtfulness. She noted the city if more vibrant for his time
here and she is excited for his trajectory.
Mr. Marshall thanked the council for their comments. He stated the mission of Friends
of the Arts is to build community through art . He stated it is hard to leave with all the
friends and partners he has made in St. Louis Park, and he is proud about the expansion
of community he has been a part of in the community. He stated he is honored and
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moving forward Friends of the Arts will continue to play a big part in St. Louis Park. Mr.
Marshall hoped that arts will continue to empower people and stated he will miss the
community as he moves to the MN Arts Board in his new role .
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Study session minutes of July 12, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve the July 12, 2021, study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of July 26, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the July 26, 2021, study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3c. City council meeting minutes of Aug. 2, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve
the Aug 2, 2021, city council meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. City council meeting minutes of Aug. 16, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve the
Aug. 16, 2021, city council meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3e. Special study session minutes of Aug. 16, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the Aug. 16, 2021, special study session meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3f. Special city council meeting minutes of Aug. 23, 2021
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
approve the Aug. 23, 2021, special city council meeting minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
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3g. Study session minutes of Aug. 23, 2021
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 5 it should read “…assumes the projects are
bonded” and later “…to pay debt or reduce amount of debt taken out.”
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 6, it should read “…plus population and business
growth” and later “…it could go up more if adding services or structures.”
Councilmember Kraft noted later on page 6, 3rd paragraph, it should read “…2022…” and
later “…the combination of commercial climate investment and development staff
salaries.”
Councilmember Brausen noted on page 9 the correct spelling of “Rosh Hashanah”.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the Aug. 23, 2021, study session meeting minutes as amended.
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 July 24 through Aug. 27,
2021.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 21-094 appointing election workers for the Nov. 2, 2021,
municipal and school district general election.
4c. Authorize execution of a contract amendment to a professional services contract
with Bolton and Menk, Inc. in the amount of $598,297 for the 36th Street and
Wooddale Avenue Improvements – City project 4022-6000.
4d. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2626-21, Ordinance No.
2627-21, Ordinance No. 2628-21, Ordinance No. 2629-21, Ordinance No. 2630-
21 amending various sections of chapters 6 and 8 of the city code, establishing
fees, and approve summary ordinances for publication.
4e. Adopt resolution approving special legislation relating to the transfer of pooled
tax increment into the city’s affordable housing trust fund. (Moved to regular
agenda item 8f).
4f. Approve Amendment No. 4 to City Agreement No. 42-19, between the city and
Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, for communication antennas and
related equipment on the city’s water tower at 2541 Nevada Ave S.
4g. Adopt resolution authorizing removal of stop signs on 25th Street and Boone
Avenue and rescinding Resolution 6079. (Moved to regular agenda item 8g).
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 21-095 authorizing removal of parking restrictions on
Walker Street and rescinding Resolution 10-136.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 21-096 authorizing parking restrictions on 41st Street.
4j. Adopt resolution authorizing truck parking restrictions on N County Rd 25 Frontage
Road. (Moved to regular agenda item 8h).
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4k. Adopt resolution authorizing truck parking restrictions on the S County Rd 25
Frontage Road from Monterey Avenue to France Avenue. (Moved to regular
agenda item 8i).
4l. Adopt Resolution No. 21-097 removing permit parking restrictions at 2817
Brunswick Avenue.
4m. Adopt Resolution No. 21-098 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the
amount of $175,231.95 for the sanitary sewer mainline rehabilitation project with
Hydro-Klean, LLC - city contract No. 14-21.
4n. Authorize the mayor and city manager to adopt Resolution No. 21-111 and
execute the Joint Powers Agreement with the City of Edina for speed limits on
shared local streets.
4o. Adopt Resolution No. 21-099 accepting the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery
Fund established under the American Rescue Plan Act.
4p. Adopt Resolution No. 21-100 approving Community Charities of Minnesota to
conduct off-site gambling on September 25, 2021, at the St. Louis Park ROC, 3700
Monterey Drive.
4q. Approve for filing planning commission minutes of Aug. 4, 2021
4r. Approve for filing fire civil service commission minutes of May 18, 2021.
Councilmember Brausen noted that consent agenda items 4g through 4l deal with traffic
issues and if these are not stated publicly, people are not aware of these chan ges in their
neighborhoods.
Mayor Spano, Councilmembers Rog and Brausen requested that consent calendar item
4e, 4g, 4j, and 4k be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8f, 8g 8h, 8i.
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move
consent calendar item 4e, 4g, 4j, 4k to the regular agenda as item 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i; and to
waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions - none
6. Public hearings
6a. New Punch Bowl Minneapolis, LLC dba Punch Bowl Social – on-sale intoxicating
and Sunday liquor license.
Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report, noting this related to a corporate restructuring
and that the day-to-day operations of the business would not change.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano
closed the public hearing.
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Councilmember Brausen noted Punch Bowl Social is open and presumed it is operating
under the existing license. Ms. Kennedy confirmed.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
application from New Punch Bowl Minneapolis, LLC dba Punch Bowl Social for an on-sale
intoxicating and on-sale Sunday liquor license located at 1691 Park Place Blvd.
The motion passed 7-0.
6b. Establishment of the Beltline Residences Tax Increment Financing District
Resolution No. 21-101
Mr. Hunt presented the staff report.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Nick Murnane, 4047 Sunnyside Rd., thanked the council and city staff for the earlier
discussion and the consideration of the TIF district, noting if there are any questions, he
can answer them.
Mayor Spano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rog explained while she has no issues with the developer or staff, she
will oppose the establishment of the TIF district and feels a contradiction in approval of
TIF, especially given her concerns of its continued use in this manner .
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-101 approving the establishment of the Beltline Residences Tax
Increment Financing District (a redevelopment district).
The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Rog opposed).
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions and discussion items
8a. 2022 preliminary HRA levy certification Resolution No. 21-102
Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. She noted the HRA levy cannot exceed .0185%
of estimated market value of the city, which calculates to $1,517,799 for 2022 based on
Hennepin County data. Ms. Schmitt noted the proposed all-in city tax rate for 2022 with
general, HRA and EDA levies would be 46.11%.
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-102 authorizing the 2022 preliminary HRA levy.
Councilmember Brausen asked what 46.11% means and what is it a percentage of .
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Ms. Schmitt stated it relates to what is applied to an individual’s tax capacity.
Councilmember Harris asked if the percentages are items that influence the projected
levy. Ms. Schmitt stated the $837,000 is the Dakota Bridge project related to debt
service and this year there will be debt service with the Louisiana bridge project as well .
Councilmember Harris asked about the capital replacement increase as well . Ms.
Schmitt stated the $262,000 capital replacement fund includes IT equipment, vehicles,
and snowplows. She stated this is an increase in costs with all equipment.
Councilmember Harris asked the impact of a 5.7% levy increase. Ms. Schmitt stated she
did not have that information.
Councilmember Mohamed briefly left the meeting.
The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent).
8b. 2022 preliminary EDA levy certification Resolution No. 21-103
Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. She noted the EDA levy cannot exceed .01813%
of estimated market value and the maximum levy would account for $1,487,433. She
added EDA has requested council pass a preliminary EDA levy for $500,000 which is
.00610% of market value.
Councilmember Kraft stated he will not support the EDA levy and would like to see this
be a separate line item in the general levy. He stated while he will support the overall
size of the levy increase and when added up, they are a 7.8% increase over last year. He
stated the baseline should be inflation rate plus increase in business and population
growth, and this should be at 3-4%. He added the debt increase adds 2% more and the
last 1% is climate investment. He stated these will provide positive environmental,
health and investment return for the community, which will save residents and
businesses money. He asked for staff to communicate the full amount of levy increases,
including HRA and EDA, better to the community.
Councilmember Kraft stated last year there was a minor increase or a decrease for
residents in their property taxes. He stated the tax capacity is tied to market value and
this year residential properties are going up dramatically, more than commercial or
industrial. He added because of this, it will seem like more of an increase this year
versus last year.
Councilmember Rog agreed and added the county levied a 0% increase last year and it is
3.5% this year, so that will be a factor as well.
Councilmember Harris asked if the park improvement fund has a dedicated funding
stream and how it is generated. Ms. Schmitt stated this fund houses all capital expenses
for parks and park dedication fees go into this fund as well, but they are not a stable
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funding source. The employee benefits fund houses retiree’s health insurance and
disability claims from years ago – and is all employee related.
Councilmember Harris asked if a climate improvement fund to this section, would it
have a dedicated funding source. Ms. Schmitt stated a levy will be created in Oct. for
climate, so that would be a dedicated fund for climate. Ms. Schmitt added if budget cuts
are ever needed, having monies in a dedicated fund can protect it.
Councilmember Harris stated by creating an EDA levy for climate initiatives, there would
likely be a more secure funding stream over the long term. Ms. Schmitt agreed.
Councilmember Dumalag stated this is her reasoning for wanting the EDA funding to be
separate, so it is always safe. She added 2020-21 was a volatile market for real estate,
noting this is not predictable.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of the preliminary levy as well as the
EDA and HRA levies. He stated these are targets that will be approved later, but agreed
it is the council’s position to educate residents on the taxes and that these help to
provide essential services.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she will support the preliminary levy and the EDA and
HRA levies as well.
Councilmember Rog asked if at one time the HRA levy funds were redirected for an
interfund loan for Louisiana Ave improvements. Ms. Barton stated that is correct,
adding this is an eligible use of the funds.
Mayor Spano asked about the 14% of the budget going to debt service and what that
total dollar amount is. Ms. Schmitt stated that is a little over $5 million.
Mayor Spano asked what the average debt service for a city like St. Louis Park is. Ms.
Schmitt stated it is all over the board. Mayor Spano asked who operates without any
debt. Ms. Schmitt stated Dakota County does and there are some other cities that do as
well.
Mayor Spano stated he would like to look further into this, adding he will support the
levies being presented.
Councilmember Kraft stated he understands the arguments for it being a separate levy,
but he does not agree.
Councilmember Rog stated the line-item listing should be clearer to the community and
staff should provide an explanation as to what the additional tax will support.
Councilmember Mohamed returned to the meeting.
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It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-103 authorizing the 2022 preliminary EDA levy certification.
The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Kraft and Rog opposed).
8c. 2022 preliminary property tax levy certification Resolution No. 21-104
Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. She noted the preliminary general tax levy
proposed is 6.5%.
Councilmember Harris stated the proposed property tax amount is still higher than what
she has supported in the past, and she is only comfortable at a maximum amount of
5.7%, with a goal of moving it down to 4.5%. She stated while Ward 3 residents indicate
they appreciate the services, they are cost conscious given the current economy .
Councilmember Mohamed agreed.
Councilmember Rog stated she will approve this tonight while hoping to reach a lower
ultimate amount.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve Resolution No. 21-104 approving 2022 preliminary property tax levy and setting
budget public hearing date for Dec. 6, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
8d. Land use and zoning changes at Minnetonka Boulevard and Highway 100
Resolution No. 21-105
Ms. Kramer presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris asked about the right-of-way changes. Ms. Kramer stated the
eastern portion of the land is right-of-way. What is being proposed is codifying that into
the land use change.
Councilmember Kraft stated he read the comments and saw three areas of concern
including, on commercial at that location, traffic and fairness to the previous owner. He
stated given how the ingress and egress, the coming in and out of the site is changed, he
feels commercial is no longer a good fit, especially when exiting off Highway 100. He
added the traffic would be less than what is already proposed and fairness to the
previous owner relates to did they receive a fair price.
Ms. Kramer stated they did receive a fair price when MnDOT purchased the land, and
the former owner will have first right of refusal when MnDOT goes to sell the land.
Councilmember Kraft stated he is supportive of this.
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Councilmember Dumalag stated she agrees the land is no longer useful for commercial
any longer and because of the city priority for more affordable housing, she will support
this.
Councilmember Rog thanked all the residents for their participation in the meetings and
their comments. She stated this parcel was useful for a gas station in the past, but that
has changed, especially with the city’s priorities for affordable residential housing and
environmental sustainability. She agreed it should be reviewed for zoning and land use,
adding she looks forward to more discussions on this parcel of land in the future . She
thanked staff for their work on this.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she also approves of the rezoning as presented .
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-105 approving amendment to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Future
Land Use Map, as well as related figures, tables, and text; and, to approve first reading
of ordinance amending the zoning map from C-1 neighborhood commercial and R-3
two0family residence to R-4 multiple-family residence and set the second reading for
Oct. 4, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
8e. Mixed-use redevelopment proposal for 3510 Beltline Blvd. Resolution No. 21-
106
Ms. Monson presented the staff report.
Councilmember Harris asked about the floodplain and if the plans use the FEMA 100-
year flood accounts for changes due to climate change. Ms. Monson stated the
floodplain data used by FEMA was adopted in 2016, but the project is utilizing the more
up to date and accurate Atlas 14 floodplain data to establish the base flood elevation.
Councilmember Harris asked if there are situations when building in a flood plain is
disallowed. She added higher rain events and flash flooding might require the city to
reconsider standard practices, and while engineers are able to compensate for this, is
this in the community’s best interest. Councilmember Harris also asked about the PUD
and what advantage there is here in this situation. Ms. Monson stated there may be
communities that do not allow building in a flood plain, but St. Louis Park requires a
stricter standard at two feet above the base flood elevation versus the state
requirement at one foot above the base flood elevation. She added while the building is
located within a flood plain, they must maintain the same amount of flood storage on
the site, and this development will increase the storage amount. Ms. Monson stated to
get all the uses for the site, it would require a number of variances under the MX-1
zoning district, so therefore they are requesting a PUD instead. She added the PUD
provides the ability to require adherence to the city’s inclusionary housing policy and
the green building policy.
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Councilmember Rog asked if this building and the building at 3440 Beltline Boulevard
will complement each other. Ms. Monson stated yes, they will, and that the architects
have closely considered the design of the adjacent building and worked to create a
building that complements the building to the north to create a certain feel along
Beltline Boulevard.
Councilmember Rog asked if all utilities are required to be buried now. Ms. Monson
stated yes, this has been a requirement for at least the last 10 years.
Councilmember Rog asked if building materials and colors are submitted to staff . Ms.
Monson stated yes, building materials and colors are submitted prior to issuance of a
building permit.
Councilmember Dumalag asked if this is the only approval for this project. Ms. Monson
stated there is a plat and a PUD approval for this project. Councilmember Dumalag
asked if there is a TIF request for this project. Ms. Monson stated no there is no TIF
being requested.
Councilmember Dumalag asked the developer to tell the council a bit about them.
Mr. Andy Bollig with Roers, the developer, explained the project and their interest in
getting into St. Louis Park. He noted 70% of their projects are affordable housing, and
they also do property management. He stated the capital raised took 2 weeks and the
average is about 2-3 months.
Councilmember Dumalag stated TIF is a way to help look at the books and keep eyes on
who is coming into the area. She added a way to decrease cost is on labor and materials,
adding she will support this project.
Councilmember Kraft noted St. Louis Park is a very desirable area. Mr. Bollig agreed. He
stated they do projects with TIF occasionally, and there are some savings on cost, but
they do reach out to minority and women businesses, and they did not want to waste
additional time on applying for TIF.
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-106 approving the preliminary and final plat for Belt Line
Industrial Park 3rd Addition.
The motion passed 7-0.
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the first reading ordinance adding section 36-268-PUD 21 to the zoning code
and amending the zoning map from MX-1 vertical mixed-use to PUD 21 and set the
second reading for Oct. 4, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
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8f. Special legislation relating to the transfer of pooled tax increment into the
city’s affordable housing trust fund Resolution No. 21-107
Related to this special legislation, Mayor Spano thanked Vic Moore, the city lobbyist, as
well as Rep. Cheryl Youakim, Rep. Paul Marquart, Senator Ron Latz, Senator Anne Rest,
Senator Weber from Laverne, MN, and Senator Nelson from Rochester, MN, for helping
St. Louis Park with this initiative.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-107 approving special legislation relating to the transfer of pooled
tax increment into the city’s affordable housing trust fund.
The motion passed 7-0.
8g. Authorize removal of stop signs on 25th Street and Boone Avenue and
rescinding Resolution 6079 Resolution No. 21-108
Councilmember Brausen noted this is in Ward 4 and was reviewed by the city’s traffic
committee, made up of engineering, operations, police, and community development
staff, which meets monthly on updates or changes and then brings items to council for
approval. He stated the committee reviewed this intersection thoroughly and based on
the fact there are fewer than 2,000 people entering the intersection daily, the crash
history showing no accidents within the last 3 years, and the sight lines allow users to
apply the normal right-of-way rule. He wanted residents to be aware of these items.
Councilmember Kraft stated he will support this and asked staff to look at the crash
threshold for removing stop sign as it probably should not be the same threshold as for
when a stop sign is added.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-108 authorizing removal of stop signs on 25th Street and Boone
Avenue and rescinding Resolution 6079.
The motion passed 7-0.
8h. Authorize truck parking restrictions on N County Road 25 Frontage Road
Resolution No. 21-109
Councilmember Rog stated she is relieved to see these restrictions go into effect and
recognized that trucks play a key role in the economy and this needs to be addressed on
the local and national level. She added the council should bring these items forward to
state and federal government, adding there is currently a bipartisan bill to put $750
million of federal money into creating safe trucking across the country. She asked staff
to post signs as soon as possible.
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It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-109 authorizing truck parking restrictions on N County Road 25
Frontage Road.
The motion passed 7-0.
8i. Authorize truck parking restrictions on the S County Road 25 Frontage Road
from Monterey Avenue to France Avenue Resolution No. 21-110
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-110 authorizing truck parking restrictions on the S County Road 25
Frontage Rd from Monterey Ave to France Avenue.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications - none
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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