HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/12/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
Special city council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Dec. 13, 2021
1. Call to order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:50 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), Interim Deputy City
Manager/Director of Parks and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), CFO (Ms. Schmitt), Director of
Community Development (Ms. Barton), Communications Manager (Ms. Smith)
Guests:
2. Presentations – none.
3. Approval of minutes
3a. Special city council meeting minutes of Nov. 8, 2021
Councilmember Brausen stated there was no public hearing at this meeting, and he
wants to strike the detailed comments of a caller and amend the comments to “Mr.
Warner called in to share comments about the election.”
Mayor Spano stated he did not think there was any issue with the minutes here and did
not think this comment should be excluded, even though it was not a public hearing .
Councilmember Rog agreed with Mayor Spano’s comments.
Councilmember Kraft asked if there was a policy on this type of item. Mr. Mattick stated
no, the council can take public comment on any item that is on the agenda.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to amend
the minutes as noted above.
The motion failed 2-5 (Mayor Spano, Councilmembers Kraft, Dumalag, Rog, Mohamed
opposed).
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Councilmember Harris noted councilmember-elect Sue Budd’s name should be changed
to Sue versus Susan.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve
the Nov. 8, 2021, special city council meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study session minutes of Nov.8, 2021
Councilmember Kraft stated on page 2 it should read, “…related to race and traffic
stops…to our climate investment fund like we are requesting for our housing investment
fund.” He stated the 3rd sentence should be removed.
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 3 it should read, “…aim to make it much easier to
for residents to understand and look to summarize this show how much we are
investing the total amount of tax dollars being captured, how much goes to the city and
where are dollars going and also what TIF gets the city, noting…”
Councilmember Kraft noted also on page 3 it should read, “…but the report does likely
overstate the impact of it as the valuation increase does not consider inflation nor does
it consider if another development would happen.”
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve the Nov. 8, 2021, study session minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3c. City council meeting minutes of Nov. 15, 2021
Councilmember Rog noted on page 8, it should read, “She stated that while she trusts
the superintendent, she wants to be sure the student voice is being heard on this.”
Councilmember Kraft noted on page 4, it should read, “…supportive of the utility
fees…the stormwater fees will be higher.”
It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the
Nov. 15, 2021, meeting minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. Special study session minutes of Nov. 15, 2021
Councilmember Rog noted on page 1, it should read, “…the Bronx Park Neighborhood.”
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the Nov. 15, 2021, special study session minutes as amended.
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The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar
4a. Approve the 2022 neighborhood grants.
4b. Adopt Resolution No. 21-154 designating polling places for the 2022 election
cycle.
4c. Adopt resolution approving the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the State
of Minnesota and local governments and authorizing participation in national opioid
settlements. (This item was removed from the consent agenda and considered as
regular agenda item 8d.)
Councilmember Mohamed requested that consent calendar item 4c be removed and
placed on the Regular Agenda to 8d.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move
consent calendar item 4c to the regular agenda as item 8d; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and commissions – none.
6. Public hearings – none.
7. Requests, petitions, and communications from the public – none.
8. Resolutions, ordinances, motions, and discussion items
8a. 2022 budget, final city, HRA and EDA property tax levies, and 2022-2031 capital
improvement plan (CIP). Resolution No. 21-155, Resolution No. 21-156,
Resolution No. 21-157, and Resolution No. 21-158
Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-157, authorizing the 2022 final EDA levy.
Councilmember Kraft stated if this item has been considered after the other proposed
budget actions, he would not have been able to vote against it because it could have
potentially resulted in not having the Climate Investment Fund, which was not rational.
Mayor Spano stated he wants the public to know that the council has been working on
and discussing the budget for most of the year. He added the council takes this decision
very seriously and have had many conversations to get to this point.
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The motion passed 5-2 (Kraft and Rog opposed).
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-155, approving 2022 budgets and authorizing 2022 final
property tax levy, Resolution No. 21-156 authorizing the 2022 final HRA levy, and
Resolution No. 21-158 approving the 2022-2031 capital improvement plan as presented.
Councilmember Brausen noted that during his eight years on council he has always
stated that the adoption of the tax levies to pay for the budget is the single most
important thing the group does as city council. He stated the council takes this
responsibility very seriously and has worked on this since April 2021, and staff since
before that. He also noted there have been multiple study sessions held discussing these
issues at great length, as well as at a public meeting. He stated a former councilmember
had stated, “a city’s budget reflects its values,” and he agrees with this statement. He
added the budget adopted will continue to help fund essential city services, and the
drink, drive, and flush services all have come to expect. He stated by paying staff
commensurate with their value including a general 3% pay increase, this level of service
is being maintained. Councilmember Brausen noted the general fund levy mostly pays
for the 270 city employees and municipal services, public safety and fire protection,
seasonal workers, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and machinery, as well as the city’s
facilities, 56 parks, the Westwood Hills Nature Center, Rec and Aquatic Center and the
ROC, as well as transportation and utility infrastructure. He stated the EDA and HRA
levies allow the city to address climate crisis and creating and maintaining affordable
housing in St. Louis Park. He stated he is confident the city and staff are working hard to
deliver a fair return on residents’ tax dollars, and city staff does an incredible job.
Councilmember Brausen stated no one likes tax increases, adding he relies on 2 part-
time jobs and is a senior who notices his property tax increases as well, at 32.6%. He
explained this is more a function of market value, noting buyers are willing to pay a
premium to live in this desirable area. He stated in some ways the city is a victim of its
own success. He added he was happy to learn about the assistance programs in Ms.
Schmitt’s presentation. He and his wife continue to live in St. Louis Park because it is a
great city to live in. It has a good economy, good schools, a good and improving
transportation system, nice public amenities and good neighbors who continue to be
willing to invest in their city in the form of property taxes to pay for services and
programs they view as essential to a good quality of life. He stated he will support
budget and levies as proposed.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she has heard and received input from residents and
their concerns about tax increases. She agreed this is the most important decision the
council makes; they discuss it in depth all year and do not take it lightly. She noted last
week she had some hesitation related to the EDA levy but is comfortable now and will
support the levies and budget for all the reasons noted by Councilmember Brausen. She
added that St. Louis Park is a great city that offers many very ambitious services and
programs. She stated as next year comes, she will continue to be mindful of allocations
and if anyone finds these taxes to be a burden, please contact the council or staff to ask
for information on assistance programs or resources.
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Councilmember Kraft thanked Councilmember Brausen for his comments, adding he will
support these two levies and capital improvement plan. He noted most of this goes to
fund staff and with COVID, staff continues to do an excellent job under trying
circumstances. He stated there are many examples, including one most recently when
streets were cleared in the middle of the night after a snowstorm.
Councilmember Kraft stated he previously thought the baseline for budget growth
should be the rate of inflation, plus population and business growth in the city which he
thought was in the 3-4% range this year. He noted without the increase in levy for debt,
that is about where they landed because the debt accounts for approximately 2.25% of
the increase and relative to the debt increase, these are for projects that he supported
so he also needs to support this level of spending. He added he heard the people who
spoke last week with concerns about their tax levels, but added council knew from the
beginning because of home valuations that taxes would be going up percentagewise for
properties at the low end of the range. He stated there is a good chance that this trend
will continue next year, so it behooves the city in 2022 to look closely at underlying
assumptions going forward. He added this reinforces the need to increase the council’s
attention on affordable home ownership in St. Louis Park and what kinds of things can
be done policy-wise to encourage more availability of homes to keep prices from going
up as much as they are.
Councilmember Rog stated she will support the proposed levies and capital
improvement plan as well. She stated the budget includes many items that will improve
services and programs in the community including a new climbing wall at Wolfe Park,
new rubber mats for skaters at the Rec Center, exercise equipment upgrades for first
responders, significant software investments at city hall for improving efficiencies, new
dispatch supervisor for police and fire, increased mental health professional services,
new sustainability specialist to facilitate the incentives programs to save residents and
businesses money, raises for high performing staff, infrastructure improvements to keep
roads and trails safe and in good condition, and debt service for projects that she has
supported. She noted she has heard from residents who feel city spending is out of
control and from residents who love everything the city is doing and are happy to pay
for it. She heard from those who worry about being priced out of their home and
referenced the assistance programs that are available. She heard from folks who want a
good return on investment, listened to and read every comment from residents , and
reviewed the materials to make the best decisions. She stated her individual position if
she opposed this, would not make a difference as there is majority support for this
increase and there has been majority support for increases each year she has been o n
council. She stated voting against past proposed levies did not change anything and only
sent an unintended message that she does not support the great work being done in the
city or staff’s efforts to respond effectively to council direction, which she does support.
Going forward she is committed to working toward more precision budgeting in the
future and with new city leadership there is interest in and support for doing that . She
explained every year she does what she can to understand where tax dolla rs are going
and how it benefits residents in order to make the most informed decision possible. In
the past two years, and this year, she has not voted against the proposed levy increases
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in part because she has sought out and been provided with informati on that helps her
understand how the budget reflects the city’s strategic priorities and how difficult it is to
find areas where cuts could be made and still meet resident expectations. She stated
this year’s increase is in large part due to the Dakota-Edgewood bridge, a long planned
and much wanted connecting point across the city, which she supported. She added this
budget is complex and has many interconnected parts. She stated under the new city
manager she looks forward to a more outcomes-based budgeting approach and
evaluating and communicating the return on investment of tax dollars spent . She noted
like Councilmember Kraft she does not believe the current rate of increase year after
year is desirable or sustainable and she is committed to working with council and staff
to develop a more precise approach to taxing and spending in the coming years.
Councilmember Dumalag stated she will also support the budget and levies presented
this evening and thanked staff for their work on this over the past year. She stated these
investments are worthwhile and noted the budget reflects the priorities of the city. She
added when she was campaigning, she spoke with residents who appreciate the services
and amenities of the city, but others did worry about being priced out of their homes.
She is happy to see there are assistance programs available for some folks to help pay
their taxes, and the council should be mindful of this, especially when the city has made
it a priority to offer programs that facilitate entry into homeownership and wealth
creation, and she would not want to leave a segment of neighbors behind.
Councilmember Harris thanked staff for their work over the months on a budget that
absolutely demonstrates shared commitments and priorities. She had advocated for a
4.5% levy increase versus the 5.58% and acknowledged it is difficult to articulate where
specifically the budget should be cut given the service level expected in the community.
She stated there has been an uptick in the need for public safety services, and the
inclusion of the new dispatch supervisor position will help maintain the high level of
public safety services provided in the city. She noted she has also heard from many
residents how much they appreciate the high level of day-to-day operational services
provided by the city and the quality-of-life indicators the city supports and facilitates.
She explained for all these reasons and more she is in support of the proposed budget
and levies as she believes they reflect the city’s strategic priorities and maintaining
service levels.
Mayor Spano stated he will also support this budget and levies as presented . He
highlighted the work of the staff members who all do a fine job of trying to deliver the
services that residents have come to expect. He agreed with Councilmember Brausen’s
comments and added the city’s infrastructure must be upgraded to maintain basic core
services and the people who work on and implement those services. He noted one of
the main things the proposed increase will do is moderate future increases. A lower levy
now would require double digit increases in subsequent years to maintain current
service levels and programs.
Councilmember Mohamed commented on the issue of equity and the way the council
talks about it as a group. She stated in the last couple of years, there has been a practice
of weaponizing equity among the council. She noted she is happy the council talks about
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equity and is willing to evaluate their decisions through that lens, but at times there
have been claims of inequity that were not backed by data or a lived experience and it
scares people. She explained every time she makes a decision, she fears that it will
negatively affect people who look like her and she puts this responsibility on herself
willingly. She stated as elected officials the council needs to be careful about what is
said, especially when talking about equity, because it affects real people. Equity is not a
buzz word. She hopes the council will reflect on this and consider new ways to discuss
equity and apply that lens to decisions going forward. She stated it is everyone’s right to
look at things in an equitable manner, but added the council needs to be sure before
they claim an issue of equity that they have data or lived experience to back those
claims. She stated people of color are not the council’s weapons or shields, and the
council should not be weaponizing equity, because it is too important of an issue. She
understands with the murder of George Floyd, the council has wanted to look at equity
in a new way, talk about it, and they all want to make sure they are doing it right, but
weaponizing it is not the way. She recognized this is a new journey for the council,
including herself, and everyone is learning but she wanted to bring it to council’s
attention that this is something she has noticed at times in council discussions .
Councilmember Dumalag thanked Councilmember Mohamed for her comments. She
stated when the council is making decisions and using phrases such as “we have to
make sure this is equitable” or “we have to make sure that our BIPOC residents aren’t
left behind”, such as when there was a pause at the last meeting with respect to a
budget decision, it felt like an instance where the two people of color on the council
were used to support the effort to change course or take a pause. She encouraged the
council to be mindful of bringing up topics like that because it does impact how people
make policy decisions.
The motion passed 7-0.
8b. 2022 non-union employee compensation. Resolution No. 21-159
Ms. Timpone presented the staff report.
Councilmember Brausen clarified the pay increase is dependent upon supervisor
recommendation and asked if exemplary employees may get double that increase, if
they are moving up in their pay grade towards the maximum, and unsatisfactory
performance will get no increase. Ms. Timpone stated that is correct.
Councilmember Mohamed stated she is supportive of this increase and is happy the city
is staying competitive in the market, especially considering the high level of resignations
across the country.
Councilmember Rog thanked staff for their work.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to adopt
Resolution No. 21-159 confirming a 3% general increase for non-union employees
effective Jan. 1, 2022.
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The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Recognition of Councilmember Rachel Harris
On behalf of the city council and city manager, Mayor Spano recognized Rachel Harris
for her years of service as a Councilmember of Ward 3 for St. Louis Park from Jan. 2,
2018 to Jan. 3, 2022.
Mayor Spano stated Councilmember Harris is one of the most pleasant and earnest
people he has served with, adding she listens and is an incredibly compassionate person
who cares for others, and in this world, we need more of that. He stated the council
values and appreciates her and her work and the people of Ward 3 were in great hands
for four years.
Councilmember Mohamed said Councilmember Harris was her representative for a
while and the first person she met when she was getting active in the community . She
stated it has been an honor to work beside Councilmember Harris, who is a caring
person. She added the Ward 3 residents have appreciated Councilmember Harris’ work
and will miss her.
Councilmember Dumalag said she remembered volunteering on Councilmember Harris’
campaign and participating with her on Vision 3.0. She stated she has known
Councilmember Harris personally and as a colleague and is impressed by her leadership
and service.
Councilmember Kraft stated Councilmember Harris encouraged him while on the ESC
and gave valuable advice when he decided to run for city council . He added he admires
that Councilmember Harris is relentlessly positive, noting it is a real talent, and she takes
care to highlight the good work that comes b efore council. He stated Councilmember
Harris’ steadfast support of the real West End is admirable, especially as Texa Tonka
continues to revitalize, adding it is something Councilmember Harris should have great
pride in. Councilmember Kraft wished Councilmember Harris the best and stated he will
miss her and looks forward to her joining the future Transportation Commission.
Councilmember Rog added she admires Councilmember Harris’ compassion and caring
attitude towards her colleagues, staff, and residents, adding she is deeply thoughtful,
responsive, and engaged. She noted Councilmember Harris has accomplished much in
the last 4 years, especially the revitalization of TexaTonka, and many will miss her. She
wished Councilmember Harris all the best.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is disappointed and personally sad as he will miss
working with Councilmember Harris. He found her combination of compassion, passion
and intelligence to be a gift to the council and the city. He added Councilmember Harris
brought a systems approach, is a strategic thinker, and looks at the details in depth. He
stated Councilmember Harris cares deeply about the transportation system and helped
improve it with pedestrian and biking systems. He noted residents in Ward 3 and the
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rest of the city are much better off because of Councilmember Harris’ service and he
thanked Councilmember Harris for her work.
Ms. Keller stated in the short time they have worked together she has admired
Councilmember Harris’ openness to new ways of thinking about the world, her
collaboration and welcoming nature. She stated she and staff have benefitted from this
and Councilmember Harris’ responsiveness to constituents and balancing their needs
with staff needs has been appreciated. She added Councilmember Harris’ work on
transportation, pedestrian, and bike-friendliness within the city, as well as advocacy on
health, mental health and wellness, teamwork and how thoughtful Councilmember
Harris is in researching decisions are all things that will be missed. She stated on behalf
of herself and staff, they wish Councilmember Harris all the best.
Councilmember Harris reflected on her time on council and areas she is proud of as well
as some areas for change. She stated on the council she learned a lot about teamwork
and during her campaign, she and her team walked through Ward 3 twice and together
did 220,000 steps. She stated during her campaign time, it was the longest job interview
she ever had. After coming on council, she worked on some tough projects and made
tough decisions. Councilmember Harris stated she is very proud of the Westwood Hills
Nature Center, where she had also worked during high school and college. She
referenced her work on the TexaTonka retail area that had laid dormant for 30 years.
She added the TexaTonka neighborhood association was developed, as well as the
TexaTonka small area plan committee, which were both efforts to help engage the
public on projects within the area.
Councilmember Harris stated the Dakota-Edgewood Bridge was another area she
worked on with colleagues from Wards 1 and 4. She also referenced the sidewalk poetry
program, first generation homeownership, and the Just Deeds program. She
appreciated Oak Park residents welcoming her in and to all staff , she is appreciative for
ride-alongs with both police and fire. She stated in the future, she would like to see
changes related to having additional staff support for city council, who can assist
councilmembers in managing engagements and public appearances. She stated with a
full-time job and now being married, she no longer has the bandwidth to give time to
city council. She asked the council to look at having more support so people will be able
to serve, which could also lead to further equitable representation on co uncil as well.
Councilmember Harris stated there has been a growing need for public health response
and urged the council to explore a Health for All policy, for mental health, physical
health and wellbeing, access to nature, mental health for staff , and transportation. She
stated she owes a debt of gratitude to the councilmembers and staff , all the teams, and
her husband Dan. She also thanked her parents for their help on the campaign and
continued support of her ambitions and political interests, adding that being a
councilmember does take a village.
8d. Memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the State of Minnesota and local
governments and authorizing participation in national opioid settlements.
Resolution No. 21-160
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Councilmember Mohamed stated she has some personal attachments to this topic,
noting the epidemic does not have boundaries. She stated she has had mothers come to
her about their child’s addiction and asking what they can do to address this . She stated
the city’s response to this is amazing and noted the epidemic is affecting the BIPOC
community disproportionately. She hopes the city continues to collaborate with other
cities including Minneapolis. She looks forward to addressing this issue with community
members, including the Somali, Black, and Native American communities.
It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to
adopt Resolution No. 21-160 approving the MOA between the State of Minnesota and
local governments and authorizing participation in national opioid settlements.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Ms. Keller encouraged everyone to sign up for snow emergency alerts at WWW.SLPsnow.org.
Mayor Spano stated last week there was news about car jackings in the city. He noted the
police are working diligently and offering rewards and collaborating with neighboring cities to
try to solve this problem. He noted police and staff are also putting out many messages about
how to avoid being a victim of crime and how to stay safe. He asked everyone to take all the
precautions they can.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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