HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/02/22 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session Official minutes
City council special study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Feb. 22, 2022
The meeting convened at 5:20 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen (arrived 6 p.m.), Sue Budd, Lynette
Dumalag, Larry Kraft, and Margaret Rog
Councilmember absent: Nadia Mohamed
Staff present: City Manager (Ms. Keller), Deputy City Manager/Director of Operations and
Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy),
Communications Manager (Ms. Smith), Elections Specialist (Mr. Sund)
Guests: none
1. Redistricting status update
Mr. Sund presented the report.
Councilmember Budd asked if there is a change between Districts 46A and 46B. Mr. Sund stated
yes and noted Senate district 46 includes all of St. Louis Park, the Senate district is split into two
house districts. The line was shifted south by state redistricting authorities.
Councilmember Budd noted she represents Ward 3 and asked if the boundary between
precincts 8 and 9 is a trail or a main road. Mr. Sund stated the boundary is Cedar Lake Regional
Trail.
Councilmember Kraft asked, in conforming with legislative guidelines, if that means precincts
cannot be split among different districts. Mr. Sund stated they are required to conform to the
legislative line drawn by the state. No precinct may be split by a legislative line.
Councilmember Kraft asked how racial equity is incorporated into these decisions. Ms. Kennedy
stated the inclusion of demographic data based on race as reported by the census, and the
additional considerations outlined in the staff report relate to the way voters seek service in St.
Louis Park. An effort was made to not unnecessarily divide community of interest and to
streamline overall voters services for various populations. Staff also looked at qualitative
information that has been shared with staff in recent election cycles or in the annual voter
survey to see if any of the feedback received could be incorporated into the plan. She noted
this is the first opportunity for staff to be able to tie 2020 census data to known data related to
voting behavior and data collected through annual voter surveys to identify gaps in
participation and start to learn more about why the gaps exist. She noted a map will not fix
everything. Elections are one opportunity to develop a connection with people and create a
sense of belonging or place within the community. When relationships are built and an effort is
consistently made to foster inclusion, the hope is that voter engagement and participation
across all populations will continue to increase.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 89238EAA-73DA-437A-A307-DC8DD1FECE14
Study session minutes -2- Feb. 22, 2022
Councilmember Kraft stated prior to being on council, he did not have the view of elections he
has now. He noted staff’s depth of analysis is great, adding this will contribute to the great
voter turnout in St. Louis Park.
Councilmember Rog stated the report is comprehensive and she appreciated the maps around
demographics and will benefit from the information in servicing Ward 1.
Mayor Spano stated St. Louis Park’s election staff is held in high esteem across the state and are
highly regarded for the work they do. He thanked staff for their work on elections and indicated
he will support staff recommendations.
Councilmember Brausen added he also appreciates all the work staff has done and is
supportive of the proposals.
Councilmember Budd asked if staff would send out a postcard to people asking for participation
in the survey. Mr. Sund answered yes and stated this will be done before the final adoption of
the redistricting plan so that council can see the feedback provided .
The meeting adjourned at 6:04 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
DocuSign Envelope ID: 89238EAA-73DA-437A-A307-DC8DD1FECE14