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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/10/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Oct. 4, 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: City Manager (Ms. Keller), Interim Deputy City Manager/Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Police Chief Harcey, Director of Building and Energy (Mr. Hoffman), Interim Human Resources Officer (Ms. Timpone), Recreation Superintendent (Mr. West), Sustainability Manager (Ms. Ziring), Sustainability Specialist, (Ms. Pottorff), Natural Resources Manager (Mr. Bahe), Office Assistant (Mr. Peterson-Etem) Guests: Officer Jon Fisher, Nancy Wolfe, Hannah Schoenman, David Unmacht 2. Presentations 2a. Jon Fisher years of service recognition Officer Fisher has served with the city of St. Louis Park since 1998 and is now retiring. Mayor Spano read a resolution into the record regarding Officer Fisher’s service. Officer Fisher thanked the city council, police force, and community stating it has been an honor to serve the city. Chief Harcey recognized Officer Fisher for his work stating it has been an honor to serve with him. He added the city will miss Officer Fisher and he wished him the best in his retirement. 2b. 2021 Evergreen Awards Natural Resources Manager Michael Bahe presented Hannah Schoenman and Nancy Wolfe with the 2021 Evergreen Award. Both winners received certificates and spruce trees from the city for their garden and landscaping work on their respective properties . Councilmember Harris congratulated Ms. Schoenman on her pollinator garden and stated she is an asset to the community. DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -2- Oct. 4, 2021 Councilmember Dumalag congratulated the winners and noted she has seen Ms. Wolfe’s gardens. She thanked Ms. Wolfe for teaching others about gardening and landscaping. 2c. First-place 2021 League of Minnesota Cities/Green Step Cities Sustainable City Award Dave Unmacht, Director of League of Minnesota Cities, presented the plaque award, and a $1,000 gift to the city. He also presented a video related to the city’s sustainability project involving the Westwood Nature Center. He applauded the staff and team who worked on the Westwood Nature Center project and stated this is an annual award that represents best practice. He noted the city was up against 10 other cities in receiving this award, and added judges are the city’s peers. Councilmember Brausen stated this was a community-wide undertaking as well as staff and donors to the project. He thanked all for their participation. Councilmember Harris stated Councilmember Brausen and former Councilmember Hallfin attended a conference about 6 years ago and brought the idea for this project to the council and staff. She thanked them for their ideas and vision and staff for their hard work on the project. Councilmember Kraft thanked the League and staff for their work, adding this is an important award as it integrates both nature and the uniqueness of the building . He added this is especially important as the city is part of a group working for more aggressive building codes at the state legislature to get to net zero energy by 2036. He stated this shows that this is possible and the direction we all should be going. Mayor Spano added he was glad Ms. Walsh and Mr. Hoffman were featured in the video, representing the passion both staff and residents have for the nature center . He stated the center is in St. Louis Park, but it is a regional center and folks come from all over the state to visit. He noted students come to learn and work there and he thanked the League for their recognition to the city. He also thanked the donor that left $300,000 in their will several years ago, for the Westwood Nature Center, which was the seed that funded all the studies and led to this project . He thanked that donor and their family for their support. 2d. Recognition of Donations The following donations were noted by Mayor Spano, who thanked the donors on behalf of the council and city: -$2,200 donation from Barbara Fischbein for a memorial bench -$2,200 donation from Lee and Eva Lockrem for a memorial bench -$2,200 donation from Beverly Zerbib-Berda for a memorial bench -$2,200 donation from Kim Pastor for a memorial bench -$35 donation from Constance Freed for park enhancements or program needs -$50 donation from Darcie Barden for park enhancements or program needs DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -3- Oct. 4, 2021 - $250 donation from Taichi and Robin Chen for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center - $2,200 donation from David, Jeff and Steve Hunter for a memorial bench and a memorial bench and concrete donation from Tim Kiernan Councilmember Rog stated she is appreciative of these donations and notes that the city can also accept donations into the affordable housing trust fund and wanted to make sure the city created clear pathways for people to be able to do this. 3. Approval of minutes – none 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Accept for filing city disbursement claims for the period of Aug. 28 through Sept. 24, 2021. 4b. Adopt Resolution No.21-112 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the League of Minnesota Cities as part of the first-place 2021 League of Minnesota Cities/GreenStep Cities Sustainable City Award in the amount of $1,000. 4c. Approve final plans and authorize advertisement for bids for the addition of solar to The Rec Center’s rooftop. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item 8a.) 4d. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2631-21 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 approve the Summary Ordinance for publication (required 4 affirmative votes). 4e. Approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2632-21 amending the zoning map from C-1 neighborhood commercial and R-3 two-family residence to R-4 multiple family residence and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication (requires five votes). 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 21-113 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the amount of $37,458.11 for the 2021 Street Maintenance (Area 5) with Bituminous Roadways, Inc. – city contract No. 37-21. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 21-114 to recognize Jon Fisher for his 23 years of service. 4h. Approve the premises amendment to the on-sale micro distiller cocktail room liquor license for The Dampfwerk Distillery located at 6311 Cambridge St. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 21-115 approving labor agreement between the city and the police lieutenant employee bargaining group, establishing terms and conditions of employment for 2.5 years, from July 20, 2021 – Dec. 31, 2023. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 21-116 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from Barbara Fischbein for a memorial bench, $2,200 donation from Lee and Eva Lockrem for a memorial bench, $2,200 donation from Beverly Zerbib -Berda for a memorial bench, $2,200 donation from Kim Pastor for a memorial bench, $35 donation from Constance Freed for park enhancements or program needs, $50 donation from Darcie Barden for park enhancements or program needs, $250 donation from Taichi and Robin Chen for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center, $2,200 donation from David, Jeff and Steve DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -4- Oct. 4, 2021 Hunter for a memorial bench and a memorial bench and concrete donatio n from Tim Kiernan. 4k. Adopt Resolution No. 21-117 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line 1430 Lancaster Avenue, St. Louis Park, MN. P.I.D. 01-117- 22-41-0084. 4l. Adopt resolution approving a COVID-19 vaccination incentive policy for eligible city employees. (This item was removed from the consent calendar and considered as regular agenda as item 8b.) Councilmember Brausen requested that consent calendar item 4c be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda to 8a. Councilmember Rog requested that consent calendar item 4l be removed and placed on Regular Agenda to 8b. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent calendar item 4b and 4l to the regular agenda as items 8a and 8b; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and commissions – none 6. Public hearings 6a. On-sale intoxicating liquor license – Hope West End LLC dba Hope Breakfast Bar Mr. Peterson-Etem presented the staff report. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Brausen noted for the record the council did accept public comment on this item and did not receive any response prior to the meeting . Councilmember Brausen asked what the operating hours are of the restaurant . Mr. Peterson-Etem stated the hours of operation allowed are set by state statute, but he could get the exact hours this business intends to be open to council. Councilmember Harris stated she has visited the St. Paul location , enjoyed it, and looks forward to attending this new location in the West End. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve application from Hope West End LLC dba Hope Breakfast Bar for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license located at 5377 W. 16th St., with a license term through March 1, 2022. DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -5- Oct. 4, 2021 The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none 8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items 8a. Final plans and authorize advertisement for bids for the addition of solar to The Rec Center’s rooftop Councilmember Brausen noted this is important for the city, as city operations comprise 1.5% of total community-wide greenhouse gas emissions. He added this gives the city an opportunity to lead on emissions reduction efforts. He continued within the city’s emissions profile buildings and lighting make up 56% of emissions and within this category, at 61% of gas emissions is the rec center. He stated the proposal is to reduce the emissions and this is a single installation of a 264-kw solar array on the roof above the east area. Councilmember Brausen noted this will be the single largest ever installed and double the city’s rooftop solar capacity from 291 kw to 555 kw across 4 facilities. He added it will provide 345.59 megawatt hours of electricity annually to offset 12% of the annual energy load of the building and save $27,000 per year in electricity costs, plus an additional savings with the Xcel Energy wind source program. Councilmember Brausen explained the approximate installation cost will be $485,000, giving the project a payback of 16.3 years. He added it makes sense to move to more solar, and greener and cleaner energy, and this is an area the city can lead with best practices. Councilmember Dumalag asked about the original plan to pay for this in three installments, which was budgeted in the capital improvement plan. She also asked if the city pays for this upfront, as staff recommends, will the city be taking additional debt for this project, use climate action funds, or use funds from the EDA levy to pay for this. Ms. Keller stated staff proposal used funds from the fund balance, which was proposed at the June 14th meeting. The council was supportive of this at that time. She added at the Oct. 18th meeting, this transfer will be on the agenda. Councilmember Harris asked if the city is already receiving 50% from wind source, why is there a need for solar array. Councilmember Kraft agreed and noted the city had subscribed to the Xcel wind source program for all energy. He asked if we are already doing that, how does this affect greenhouse gas emissions. Ms. Keller stated there is not enough wind source capacity for all, and there will be some changes in the Xcel program in the future . Also, by adding renewable energy generation to the grid, the city is reducing greenhouse gas emissions and by increasing the grid capacity, the city is reducing the peak events. She added there is a payback to the city also as electric rates continue to increase. DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -6- Oct. 4, 2021 Councilmember Kraft stated having solar on the rec center is a great example for the city and can help residents to see what they can also do in their own lives . Councilmember Rog stated she supports these investments and the punch they pack is how we convince others to get on board. Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for their work on this, noting the rec center is one of the biggest energy users in the city, but the city must continue to challenge itself on finding renewable energy and staff will be working on this. He added we do not do wrong when we try to do the right thing. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve final plans and authorize advertisement for bids for the addition of solar to the rec center’s rooftop. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. COVID-19 vaccination incentive policy for eligible city employees. Resolution No. 21-118 Ms. Timpone presented the report. She stated there are many unknowns currently related to the mandate, and staff is looking at the best way to prepare for this. The leadership team is looking at incentives for employees, which would provide a prepaid cash card of $300, a taxable item, where employees would provide their proof of vaccination. Councilmember Rog asked about legal issues related to this incentive. Mr. Mattick stated you can ask employees if they are vaccinated, and if someone refuses to take the vaccination, will it be treated as insubordination or will it be a voluntary request . He stated it is an ongoing process and changes are happening daily, noting there can be problems related to ADA or religious issues and there are limitations as to how far secondary inquiries can go. Councilmember Rog asked how the mandate will change this. Mr. Mattick stated this is all being worked on, including from a collective bargaining standpoint. Councilmember Rog stated she supports the safety of staff and wants all to get a vaccine but understands this is challenging. She noted this would be $87,000 in funds for the incentive package. She added these are federal funds for Covid response. Councilmember Rog asked if this is an investment to prevent future challenges and how will this investment address those challenges. Ms. Timpone stated the challenges are the unknowns that have been discussed, so by doing this incentive, the city will have information on how many staff are and are not vaccinated . Then the city can prepare for the costs of testing, as well as knowing what the mandate will require of the city. DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -7- Oct. 4, 2021 Councilmember Rog asked about continuity of city services to residents. Ms. Keller stated the vaccine will reduce the problem of employees being out ill. This will help to further potential adoption of the vaccines and streamline data collection. Ms. Timpone added the CDC and MDH are not requiring quarantines for those fully vaccinated, and if not vaccinated, there is a 14-day quarantine period, which is extremely disruptive to staff. She added the state provided a $100 incentive, however the city thought offering a larger incentive could convince more people to get vaccinated. Councilmember Kraft asked if this would provide data about who is and who is not vaccinated. Ms. Timpone stated yes if they apply for the incentive program. Councilmember Kraft asked if the city would keep track of dates. Ms. Timpone stated yes. Councilmember Kraft asked why the city should incentivize when this is already a mandate. He has some concerns but will support it. He added this money could also be used for education around vaccinations but will defer to staff . Ms. Keller stated the total expenditure would be $87,000 if all employees were vaccinated. She added while looking at these costs, they are also looking at testing costs, which are unknowns at this time. Mayor Spano added this is a one-time expenditure, and he does not see congress coming back to add more funds to pay for testing. Councilmember Brausen stated this is money well invested. Councilmember Rog asked if tests are covered by health insurance and if not, is that something the city would have to pay for. Ms. Keller noted that the state has not provided any information or restrictions about testing and those details are still to be determined. Councilmember Harris stated staff has done an opportunity cost analysis here and she is supportive of this to reduce illnesses and costs related. Councilmember Mohamed stated in the schools, they are required to do COVID testing, adding it is labor intensive and takes time. She noted insurance pays for test, but this assumes all have insurance and some are not insured by the city. She hopes the employee will not have to pay for the testing and she supports the incentive program, while adding she understands the costs. Councilmember Dumalag added she is also in favor of this. She stated this addresses staff only and not council. Ms. Keller stated yes this is for staff only. Councilmember Kraft encouraged all to get vaccinated as it is everyone’s civic duty to do so. He added he is interested in seeing the data on this. DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD City council meeting -8- Oct. 4, 2021 Councilmember Mohamed asked if the incentive applies to part-time or seasonal staff. Ms. Keller stated it would not apply to seasonal staff. Councilmember Rog stated this is more about the data and getting ahead of the curve . She does not feel the incentive is warranted and education is more effective . She stated paying people for what they have already done is not appropriate and she will oppose tonight. Mayor Spano asked if this were opened to non -benefit staff, what would this look like. Ms. Timpone stated staff would need to look at when they are employed, noting there would be election workers to add as well as seasonal staff, moving employee number from 295 up to 500-600. Mayor Spano agreed it is shocking how vaccines have become politicized . He asked staff to have a light touch as shaming or calling out people will not bring folks around – adding he is not suggesting council is saying this. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to approve a Covid-19 vaccination incentive policy for eligible city employees and adopt Resolution No. 21-118. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Rog opposed). 9. Communications Ms. Keller encouraged all to attend a free screening of a documentary film Youth vs. Gov at the Twin Cities Film Festival, Oct. 30, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Showplace ICON Theatres, which discusses issues related to the climate crisis. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 292D4F06-724D-4BB9-9BD0-F8FDC67674AD