HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/08/01 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Aug. 1, 2022
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, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Larry
Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none
Staff present: City Manager (Ms. Keller), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Finance Director (Ms.
Schmitt), Recreation Supervisor (Ms. Abernathy)
Guests: Rebecca Peterson, Redpath & Co.
2. Presentations
2a. Recognition of junior leaders
Lisa Abernathy presented the report.
Mayor Spano congratulated each junior leader and presented them with a certificate of
recognition.
Councilmember Brausen noted his grandchildren enjoyed the program last year and he
thanked the junior playground leaders for their supervision at the playgrounds .
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 June 25 through July
22, 2022.
4b. Motion to approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2654-22 amending
the zoning map from C-1 neighborhood commercial to R-2 single-family
residence and approve the summary ordinance for publication (requires five
votes).
4c. Adopt Resolution No. 22-111 to authorize execution of the development
agreement between the city and the Bridgewalk Condominium Homeowners’
Association for the housing improvements within the established Bridgewalk
Housing Improvement Area (HIA).
4d. Wooddale Station Apartments – Ward 2
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• Motion to approve second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2655-22 adding
section 36-268-PUD 24 to the zoning code and amending the zoning map from
MX-1 – Vertical Mixed Use to PUD 24.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 22-112 authorizing parking restrictions on the south side of
16th Street.
4f. Adopt Resolution No. 22-113 approving fund closure and budget amendment.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 22-114 authorizing the use of Affordable Housing Incentive
Funds (AHIF) in St. Louis Park.
4h. Adopt Resolution No. 22-115 rescinding Resolution 16-072, removing permit
parking restrictions at 2725 Georgia Avenue.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, to approve
the agenda as presented and items listed on the consent calendar; 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. Approve the annual financial report for the year ended December 31, 2021 .
Ms. Schmitt noted that Ms. Peterson, Redpath & Co., would present the audit report.
Ms. Peterson reported there was a clean opinion of the city’s financial statements for
2021. She added in 2020 the city received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence
in Financial Reporting for the 38th year, and the 2021 results would be submitted for this
award again.
Mayor Spano asked for clarification on several points related to governmental and
business activities. Ms. Peterson noted the general funds are related to governmental
activities and rely on tax dollars for support. She added both sides had a $4 million
increase and net pension liabilities had a swing from last year which is impacting the
city, noting this is similar to what she sees across the metro area.
Mayor Spano asked for clarification on the adjustments noted in the report . Ms.
Peterson stated last year there were expenses associated with the bridge project that
were expensed in the city’s financial statements. This year they noted this should have
been on the balance sheet and this was a correction, but there are no changes to the
dollar amounts the city has.
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Councilmember Kraft asked which direction the swing was this year on pensions. Ms.
Peterson stated the net pension on liabilities was a significant swing. She pointed out
footnote 7 which shows how the net pension decreased significantly this year, noting
the police and fire pension plans.
Councilmember Kraft asked if the city is covered on this. Ms. Schmitt stated if that net
pension liability comes due, the city will have bigger problems because that would point
to the collapse of the state government. Ms. Peterson stated this is the state plan’s
liability, and the city is required to claim their share here.
Councilmember Kraft asked about an issue from last year that was caught. He stated he
hopes that was taken care of this year. Ms. Peterson stated Redpath did some staff
rotation, and now have three layers of review on the audit, as well as a quality review
process, to be certain there were no issues this year.
Councilmember Budd noted the graph on page 41 which showed program revenues
substantially higher than program expenses. She asked if this is indicative of an
adjustment. Ms. Peterson stated generally it is best practice to have your operating
revenues exceed your operating expenditures because there are significant capital
needs within those funds of water and sewer, so it is best to have the funds available.
Ms. Peterson also pointed out these fund amounts are city guidelines versus
benchmarks.
Ms. Schmitt added this is where the numbers will be plugged in to look at 10 years out
for capital projects and look at the rate structure to cover costs.
Councilmember Kraft stated this is a very positive report, presenting a AAA bond rating,
and strong balance sheet. He thanked and complimented the city’s finance team on
their work.
Councilmember Brausen also thanked Redpath for their work on the city’s audit report,
as well as the finance staff for their work.
Mayor Spano also thanked staff and pointed out how well they collaborate with the
auditors, adding he appreciates this.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to
approve the annual financial report of the year ended Dec. 31, 2021.
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Ms. Keller stated the water main break program deadline has been met today, Aug. 1,
and all materials including applications are now online. She noted 20 claims are now
closed out and those affected can access the city’s program now.
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Ms. Keller stated also that National Night Out is Tues., Aug. 2, from 6 – 9 p.m. She noted
there is a map on the city website for meeting locations. Mayor Spano thanked all those
involved in this event, noting it is a great way for residents to get to know each other.
Councilmember Dumalag stated the groundbreaking for Rise on 7 is Wednesday
morning, Aug. 3, and noting that Commonbond will be onsite.
Councilmember Rog noted that Ward 3 has the most National Night Out events, while
Ward 1 has the second most scheduled. She added St. Louis Park Summer Reading
Festival, hosted by community ed as well as other partners will be held Aug. 8-13 at
various parks and locations throughout the city. Councilmember Rog noted the
community ed website has more information.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is invited to four National Night Out events and he
will try to get to all of them.
Mayor Spano congratulated the St. Louis Park baseball program, which is doing very
well. He noted the high school team went to state this year, which is the first time in
many years. He also congratulated the 10-year-old team for being state champions this
year and the 12-year-old team who won the state championship last year.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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