HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/11/14 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
NOV. 14, 2022
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6:30 p.m. STUDY SESSION – council chambers
Discussion items
1. 60 min. Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
2. 60 min 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Written reports
3. Proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance
4. Public art in new developments and public art update
5. Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
6. Solid waste program update
7. Twin Lake subwatershed improvements
The agenda is posted on Fridays on the official city bulletin board in the lobby of city hall and on the text display on
civic TV cable channel 17. The agenda and full packet are available after noon on Friday on the city’s website.
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924.2505.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Discussion item: 1
Executive summary
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Recommended action: No action at this time. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss
proposed amendments to the inclusionary housing policy.
Policy consideration: Does the council wish to amend the inclusionary housing policy to:
1. Modify the for-sale property requirements
2. Increase the affordability period to 26 years
3. Add flexibility around the development mix for senior housing developments
4. Provide additional clarity in the policy
Summary: The inclusionary housing policy was first approved in June 2015 and has been
amended four times since the initial adoption. The current policy requires affordable units in
new market-rate multifamily (10+ units) rental properties when the development: receives
financial assistance from the city, is seeking PUD land use approvals, or is requesting a
comprehensive plan amendment. In the case of a for-sale property, developers are required to
make a payment to the city in lieu of including affordable units in the project. The most recent
amendment to the policy in 2021 added the requirement of three bedroom or larger sized units
in developments with at least 50 units. A clarification was also made to the parking
requirements for the policy.
The inclusionary housing policy is directly responsible for the creation of over 800 affordable
rental units in St. Louis Park and is achieving the goal of creating affordable housing
opportunities in the community. Staff regularly monitor the implementation of the policy and
make appropriate recommendations to amend the policy as needed. As part of the housing
and neighborhood development systems discussion, staff is bringing forth several proposed
amendments to the policy for the city council’s consideration.
Financial or budget considerations: City staff time to implement, manage, and monitor
compliance of the inclusionary housing policy as the number of developments subject to the
policy continue to increase.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Inclusionary Housing Policy
Prepared by: Marney Olson, housing supervisor
Nicole Randall, housing assistance administrator
Reviewed by: Karen Barton, community development director/Housing Authority executive
director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Discussion
Background
In June 2015, the city council adopted an Inclusionary Housing Policy that requires the inclusion
of affordable housing units for lower income households in new, market rate, multi-unit
residential developments receiving financial assistance from the city. The goal of the
Inclusionary Housing Policy is to increase the supply of affordable housing and promote
economic and social integration.
Updates to the inclusionary housing policy since its adoption in 2015 include:
• 2017: increased the percentage of affordable units required and added a requirement
that developments covered by the policy must not discriminate against tenants who pay
their rent with government provided Housing Choice Vouchers or other public rent
subsidies.
• 2018: increased the percentage of required affordable units at 60% AMI, added a 30%
AMI option, and changed the ownership to require a payment-in-lieu. Payment-in-lieu
provides the city the opportunity to create long-term affordable homeownership
housing, as opposed to the home being affordable to the initial buyer only. The income
limit eligibility for existing tenants was also amended in 2018 to be consistent with the
tax credit income limits.
• 2019: in an effort to expand the eligibility of developments obligated to comply with the
policy requirements, the policy was updated to include one-for-one replacement or
naturally occurring affordable housing units (NOAH) that would be lost due to
multifamily residential development. The policy was also updated to include market rate
multi-unit residential developments that seek PUD land use approvals or request a
comprehensive plan amendment.
• 2021: based on the council’s interest in creating rental opportunities for larger size
families and the need to clarify language related to parking requirements, the policy
was updated to require developments with 50 or more units to include a minimum
number of family-sized units (three bedroom or larger) in the development. Parking
requirements were also updated in situations where underground or enclosed parking is
the only on-site parking option available for residents and requires a discount from the
market rate fee.
Current inclusionary housing policy requirements
• Applies to developments with 10 or more units that receive financial assistance from the
city, seek PUD land use approvals or request a comprehensive plan amendment
• A minimum of 25 years affordability
• Bedroom mix of affordable units must reflect the market rate units
• Affordability level for rental units:
o 20% of units at 60% AMI, or
o 10% of units at 50% AMI, or
o 5% of units at 30%, and/or
o One-for-one replacement
o Family size unit requirement applies to developments with 50 or more units
o Requires at least one on-site parking stall provided for each affordable unit.
• Ownership: payment in lieu required
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Affordable housing goals and results
Inclusionary housing policies exist because there is a gap between what the market will develop
naturally and the affordability and unit size needs of the community. As part of the decennial
comprehensive plan update, the Metropolitan Council provides affordable housing goals for the
city over the upcoming 10-year period. The city incorporates these goals into its planning
efforts to facilitate achieving those goals. The Metropolitan Council affordable housing goal for
St. Louis Park between 2021 and 2030 is a total of 326 units broken down by 30%, 50% and 80%
AMI. The chart below shows the number of affordable units completed and under construction
since 2021:
Area median
income
Met Council
goal
Completed Under
Construction
Total completed and
under construction
compared to Met
Council AMI goals
30% AMI 169 0 24 24
40% AMI 0 22
50% AMI 98 54 140 216*
60% AMI 23 170
80% AMI 59 130 0 323*
Total 326 207 356 563*
*Goal met
The city has surpassed the Met Council goals for new units at 80% and 60% AMI, and is on track
to meet the goal for 30% AMI units by 2030. Units at 30% AMI continue to be the most difficult
to create and are also the most needed.
In addition to the Met Council housing goals, the city conducts an independent housing study
approximately every 5 years to better understand the community’s needs. The last housing
study was completed in 2017. A housing study update is currently underway and is anticipated
to be completed in late spring/early summer 2023. The updated study will include need broken
down by unit size as well as affordability. This is a change from the previous study, when unit
size was not included in the scope.
Staff continually monitors the performance of the inclusionary housing policy and the needs of
the community and work with developers to direct efforts to meet the current needs. As such,
staff has been focusing efforts on the creation of 30% AMI units and larger, family-sized units.
Staff created a multi-family housing dashboard to provide current data on the city’s progress
towards achieving these goals. The Metropolitan Council does not count units toward the goal
until they are complete.
Additional information and background of proposed, approved, and completed development
projects within the city can be found by clicking on the development dashboard and in the table
below.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 4
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Development Total #
of Units
Total Number
of Affordable
Units
Affordabi
lity Level
O-bedroom
Affordable
Units
1-bedroom
Affordable
Units
2-bedroom
Affordable
Units
3-bedroom
Affordable
Units
Completed projects
Shoreham** 148 30 50% 4 13 13
4800 Excelsior 164 18 60% 1 10 7
Central Park West
Phase 1*
119 in
SLP (199
total)
6 60% 1 2 2 1
Elan West End* 164 5 50% 1 1 2 1
The Quentin 79 8 50% 3 4 1 0
Elmwood 70 17 60% 5 12
Urban Park
Apartments
61 0
Parkway 25 112 0
Via Sol (PLACE) 217 22
130
50%
80%
66 53 17 16
Totals 1134 236 N/A 76 88 54 18
Under construction
Mera 233 47 50% 10 19 16 2
Parkway
Residences
235 24
6
50%
60%
1 15 8
6
Caraway/Luxe* 207 8* 60% 2 3 2 1
Risor 177 18 50% 1 11 5 1
Corsa 250 26 50% 5 16 3 2
Arbor House 114 5
5
104
30%
50%
60%
27 50 37
Rise on 7 120 19
22
21
58
30%
40%
50%
60%
57 39 24
Volo at Texa
Tonka
112 23 50% 7 12 4 0
Totals 1448 386 N/A 26 160 133 67
Approved
Beltline Station
Dev. Bldg. 1-3
384 77
5
60%
30%
15 45 22
Union Park Flats
(2021)
60 10
40
10
30%
60%
80%
3 12 30 15
OlyHi*** 315 32
32
50%
60%
18
25 (includes
1 live/work)
17 (includes
1 live/work)
4
Totals 759 206 N/A 21 52 92 41
Total created/in pipeline 123 300 279 126
Table notes: *(Central Park West, Elan West End and Caraway/Luxe were not subject to the Inclusionary
Housing Policy but voluntarily included affordable units); **(Shoreham is a tax credit property resulting
in 20% of units affordable at 50% AM)I; ***(OlyHi includes two affordable live/work units)
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 5
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Affordability level chart
The chart to the right shows the number
of units approved, under construction
and completed at affordability levels
ranging from 30% AMI to 80% AMI.
Affordable units by bedroom size
The chart to the right shows the
number of affordable units that are
approved, under construction and
completed by bedroom size.
Financial investment in affordable housing: Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF)
The average subsidy needed In a multi-family development ranges from $150,000-$350,000 per
unit, depending on the number of bedrooms.
The AHFT exists to support the preservation and production of affordable housing and
complements the inclusionary housing policy. The use of the AHTF has created deeper
affordability and larger units. The chart below shows the impact of the AHTF on new
construction. Without the AHTF, the developments below could not have been built with the
affordability levels that are included in the developments.
39 22
256
371
140
AFFORDABILITY LEVEL
30% AMI 40% AMI 50% AMI 60% AMI 80% AMI
123
300279
126
BEDROOM SIZE
0/studio One Two Three
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 6
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
AHTF Impact on new construction
Development AHTF
dollars
Units created Impact of AHTF
Rise on 7 $1,800,000 120 affordable units:
19 units @ 30% AMI,
22 units @ 40% AMI,
21 units @ 50% AMI,
58 units @ 60% AMI
24 affordable three-bedroom
units
This development could not have
been built as a 100% affordable
project without AHTF dollars. Under
the inclusionary housing policy, this
development was required to
include one of the following
options: six units @ 30% AMI; 12
units @ 50% AMI; or 24 units @ 60%
AMI.
Beltline $618,238 Five units @ 30% AMI,
77 units @ 60% AMI
22 affordable three-bedroom
units
The AHTF bought down five units to
30% AMI affordability. Under the
inclusionary housing policy, this
development was only required to
include 77 units @ 60% AMI.
Arbor House $850,000 Five units @ 30% AMI,
Five units @ 50% AMI,
104 units @ 60% AMI
37 affordable three-bedroom
units
The AHTF bought down five units to
30% AMI affordability.
Under the inclusionary housing
policy, this development was only
required to include one of the
following options: six units @ 30%
AMI; 12 units @ 50% AMI; or 23
units @ 60% AMI.
Inclusionary housing policy updates
As depicted in the chart above, the inclusionary housing policy is working as intended and is
meeting the city’s housing goals. Affordable units are being developed at various affordability
levels and bedroom sizes. Many areas of the inclusionary housing policy continue to be
contributing to achieving the goals of the policy and staff do not recommend making changes,
at this time, to those aspects. A few key areas include:
Rental property requirements
The requirement of 20% of units at 60% AMI or 10% of units at 50% AMI or 5% of units
at 30% AMI are appropriate and resulting in the creation of hundreds of affordable
units. Staff are continuously looking at community needs and the units that are being
created. Staff continue to work with developers and direct developments to achieve the
affordability level based on community needs. The AHTF is also being used to create
deeper affordability levels. The city’s updated housing study will be completed in 2023
and will assist in determining the housing need for St. Louis Park, in addition to the Met
Council goals adopted by the city council by resolution and included in the 2040 comp
plan.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 7
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Three-bedroom units
126 three-bedroom units have been created, are under construction, or approved. Staff
recommend waiting for the updated housing study to determine if a change is needed
to the three-bedroom requirement.
ADA (American Disability Act) units
Council expressed interest in adding a requirement for affordable ADA units. All new
developments are required to meet ADA requirements. The policy currently states “the
mix of unit types, both bedroom and accessible units, of the affordable dwelling units
shall be approved by the city”; therefore, no changes are needed. In addition,
developments can choose fixed or floating units. If a development has an applicant that
requires an ADA unit they can “float” the affordable unit to an ADA unit for that tenant.
All new buildings are more accessible to all tenants than our standard NOAH stock with
accessible entrances, wider hallways, and elevators, making newer buildings more
accessible for both tenants and guests.
There are several aspects to the policy which staff do recommend updating. Those include:
Affordability period
Staff recommend changing the affordability period to 26 years to be consistent with the
requirement for housing TIF districts. This change will add an additional year of
affordability to all developments whether they are in a housing TIF district and will
create clarity for developments in a housing TIF district.
For-sale requirements
For-sale home ownership developments are required to remit a payment in lieu of
including affordable units in the development. The current policy states, “the payment
in lieu will be an amount equal to the difference between the average market rate sale
price of the for-sale units in the development and the for-sale home purchase amount
affordable to a household with an income at or below 80% AMI. The amount of the
difference will be multiplied by a number equal to 15% of the total number of for-sale
units in the development.” Staff have found that this requirement is a deterrent to the
construction of new, ownership housing.
Staff recommend placing a cap on the payment in lieu equal to the for-sale home
purchase amount affordable to a household with an income at or below 80% AMI. The
current affordable home price for a household at 80% AMI is $355,600 and is calculated
each year by the Metropolitan Council. If the average market sale price in the
development exceeds twice that of the affordable purchase price, the payment in lieu
would be set at the affordable purchase price.
Housing cooperatives are listed as a for-sale home ownership development. The master
mortgage will be taken into consideration, in addition to the sale price, when
determining the payment in lieu.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 8
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Number of bedrooms in the affordable units in senior housing developments
The policy states the affordable dwelling units shall have a number of bedrooms in the
approximate proportion as the market rate units. Staff recommend modifying the policy
to allow staff to make administrative adjustments to the number of bedrooms in the
affordable units for senior housing developments. Recently a senior housing
development has struggled to lease up their affordable two-bedroom units and had to
request a waiver to allow them to increase the number of one-bedroom affordable
units.
Recorded agreements, conditions, and restrictions
Staff recommend adding language to XI. E. of the inclusionary housing policy to make it
clear that the requirement of the affordable units to be managed and operated in
compliance with rules and regulations outlined in the Inclusionary Housing Program
Guide and apply to all of the affordable units.
Parking requirement update
Staff recommend clarifying that if a parking stall is provided with the affordable unit in
structured parking, the stall must be offered at a discounted rate.
Compliance
St. Louis Park is unique in having staff who can monitor compliance and ensure that the
affordable units being developed by the inclusionary housing policy are using the correct rents
and are correctly determining eligibility of households based on income. Several cities that have
adopted inclusionary housing policies in the metro area are either outsourcing compliance to a
third party or have yet to determine who will monitor compliance.
One of the primary benefits of doing compliance in house is the relationship building between
the development and the city. In September, housing staff held a “boot camp” for inclusionary
housing policy property managers to review compliance requirements, issues and help them be
successful in complying with the policy. Having a hands-on trainer on staff is a benefit to the
property management company and developer since many of the properties that are
developing affordable units are market rate developers with little or no experience in
affordable housing.
As the number of affordable units developed through the inclusionary housing policy grows,
additional staff may be needed to monitor compliance. An inclusionary housing policy is only as
good as the compliance and fortunately, St. Louis Park has the tools to do compliance.
Future and/or increased affordability period
Units developed under the inclusionary housing policy are set to expire after 25 years. There
are tools that exist to address future affordability. Properties that receive tax credits can renew
tax credits and extend the affordability period. The city could also create future incentive
programs for developments where the affordability period is expiring.
If council wishes to make changes that exceed the recommended changes in this report, such as
increasing the affordability period beyond 26 years or increasing the number of units required,
a feasibility study is recommended. A feasibility study evaluates the economic tradeoffs of
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 9
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
requiring a certain percentage of affordable units in new residential or mixed-use projects over
a certain period of time.
Feasibility studies help policymakers assure that new or revised policies and programs are
economically sound and will not deter development, while still delivering the types of new
affordable units needed by the local community. A feasibility study determines how a new
inclusionary policy would affect market-rate housing development costs and profits.
Next steps
Staff will bring the amended Inclusionary Housing Policy to a future city council meeting for
adoption. Upon approval of the amended Inclusionary Housing Policy the new requirements
will become effective immediately for any future residential housing developments required to
comply with the policy.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 10
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Inclusionary Housing Policy
This policy promotes high quality housing for households with a variety of income levels, ages,
and sizes in order to meet the city's goal of preserving and promoting economically diverse
housing options in our community.
The city recognizes the need to provide affordable housing to households of a broad range of
income levels in order to maintain a diverse population and to provide housing for those who
live or work in the city. Without intervention, the trend toward rising housing prices in new
developments will continue to increase. As a result, this policy is being adopted to ensure that a
reasonable proportion of each new development receiving city financial assistance, seeking
PUD land use approvals or requesting a comprehensive plan amendment include units
affordable to low-and-moderate income households and working families or in the case of for-
sale units, make a payment in lieu of including affordable units.
The requirements set forth in this policy further the city’s housing goals and the city’s
comprehensive plan to create and preserve affordable housing opportunities. These
requirements are intended to provide a structure for participation by both the public and
private sectors in the production of affordable housing.
I. Applicability and minimum project size
This policy applies to market rate multi-unit residential developments that receive financial
assistance from the city, seek PUD land use approvals or request a comprehensive plan
amendment, and includes:
a) new developments that create at least 10 multi-family dwelling units; or
b) any mixed-use building that creates at least 10 multi-family dwelling units; or
c) renovation or reconstruction of an existing building that contains multi-family
dwelling units that includes at least 10 dwelling units; or
d) any change in use of all or part of an existing building from a non- residential use to
a residential use that includes at least 10 dwelling units.
The development must comply with the Inclusionary Housing Policy as amended and approved
by the city council as of the date the development enters into a development agreement with
the city or submits a planned unit development application for the project, whichever action
comes first.
II. Affordable dwelling units
General requirement
Rental developments and for-sale developments subject to this policy shall provide a minimum
number of affordable dwelling units or a payment in lieu subject to the requirements listed
below.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 11
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Calculation of units and payment in lieu required.
For development of multi-family dwelling units:
a) The required number of affordable dwelling units or corresponding payment in lieu is
based on the total number of dwelling units that are approved by the city or the number
of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) dwelling units that are being
demolished or converted to a use other than low-income dwelling units in connection
with construction of the development.
b) To calculate the number of affordable dwelling units or payment in lieu required in a
development the total number of approved dwelling units shall be multiplied by five
percent (5%), ten percent (10%), fifteen percent (15%) or twenty (20%) depending on
the affordability standard. If the final calculation includes a fraction, the fraction of a
unit shall be rounded to the nearest whole number.
c) If an occupied rental property with existing dwelling units is remodeled and/or
expanded, the number of affordable dwelling units shall be based on the total number
of units following completion of renovation/expansion. At least five percent (5%), ten
percent (10%) or twenty percent (20%) shall be affordable, depending on the
affordability standard.
d) NOAH dwelling units that are being demolished or converted to a use other than low-
income dwelling units in connection with construction of the development must be
replaced in the new development on a one-for-one basis. New developments must
include a minimum number of affordable dwelling units equal to at least five percent
(5%) to twenty percent (20%) of the total number of dwelling units in the development
or the number of naturally occurring affordable housing dwelling units that are being
demolished or converted, whichever is greater. Any deviation from replacing NOAH
units on a one-for-one basis requires city approval.
*A NOAH unit is defined as a unit in which the amount of rent charged is affordable
to a household whose income is at or below 60% area median income based on
bedroom size, or for a for-sale unit, affordable to a household whose income is at or
below 80% AMI.
e) For-sale home ownership developments will be required to pay a payment in lieu of
including affordable units in the development. The payment in lieu will be an amount
equal to the difference between the average market rate sale price of the for-sale units
in the development and the for-sale home purchase amount affordable to a household
with an income at or below eighty percent (80%) AMI, not to exceed for-sale home
purchase amount at the 80% AMI. The amount of the difference will be multiplied by a
number equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of for-sale units in the
development. Home-ownership housing is defined as a form of housing tenure in which
a person, called the owner-occupier, owner-occupant, or homeowner, owns the home in
which they live. The home can be a house, such as a single-family house, an apartment,
condominium, or a housing cooperative.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 12
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
III. Affordability level
The required number of affordable dwelling units within a residential project subject to this policy
shall meet an income eligibility and rent affordability standard for the term of the restriction as
follows:
a) Rental Projects:
1. At least twenty percent (20%) of the units shall be affordable for households at
sixty percent (60%) Area Median Income (AMI), or
2. At least ten percent (10%) of the units shall be at affordable for households at
fifty percent (50%) AMI, or
3. At least five percent (5%) of the units shall be affordable for households at thirty
percent (30%) AMI.
b) Demolished or converted NOAH units:
NOAH units demolished or converted to a use other than affordable housing in
connection with the construction of the new development must be replaced on a one-
for-one basis or at rate and affordability level as noted in III. a, whichever is greater. The
new units must be comparable in bedroom size to the units demolished or converted
and be affordable to households at 60% AMI or below.
*A NOAH unit is defined as a rental unit in which the amount of rent charged is
affordable to a household whose income is at or below 60% area median income
based on bedroom size or a for-sale unit affordable to a household whose
income is at or below 80% AMI. NOAH status for rental units will be based on
the rents charged on the date 6 months prior to the submitting of a
development application.
c) For-sale projects:
For-sale home ownership developments will pay a payment in lieu of including
affordable units in the development. The payment in lieu will be an amount equal to
the difference between the average market rate sale price of the for-sale units in the
development and the current for-sale home purchase amount affordable to a
household with an income at or below eighty percent (80%) AMI. The payment will be
multiplied by a number equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the total number of for-sale
units in the development. NOAH pricing for for-sale dwelling units shall be determined
at time of issuance of the occupancy permit. The master mortgage, in addition to the
sale price, will be considered when determining the payment in lieu for housing
cooperatives.
d) Rent and sale price level
Rental unit: The monthly rental cost for an affordable dwelling unit shall include rent,
utility costs, and any other non-optional monthly occupancy charges. Surface parking for
all inclusionary units, if available, or enclosed parking for inclusionary units at the 30%
AMI affordability level shall also be included in the monthly rent for the unit. The
maximum rent amount shall be based on the metropolitan area that includes St. Louis
Park adjusted for bedroom size and calculated annually by the Department of Housing
and Urban Development and posted by Minnesota Housing for establishing rent limits
for the Housing Tax Credit Program.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 13
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
For-sale projects: The qualifying affordable sale price for an owner-occupied affordable
dwelling unit shall be based on a homeownership unit affordable to a household with
income at or below eighty percent (80%) AMI for the metropolitan area that includes St.
Louis Park calculated annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development
and posted by the Metropolitan Council.
e) Period of affordability
For rental developments subject to this policy, the period of affordability for the
affordable dwelling units shall be at least twenty-five (25) twenty six (26) years.
IV. Family sized unit requirement
Developments with 50 units or greater are required to include a minimum number of three-or
four bedroom or larger size units. The specific number of three-or four bedroom or larger size
units required per development is based on the total number of units in the development as
noted in the table below.
Building Development size –
total residential units
Required Minimum Number of 3
and/or 4- three-bedroom or larger
size units
50 - 74 2
75 – 99 3
100 - 124 4
125 - 149 5
150 – 174 6
175 + 7
Developments with age restrictions that are 100% age restricted serving households 55 years of
age or older are exempt from this requirement. Any deviation from the family size unit policy
requires city approval.
V. Parking requirement
The Inclusionary Policy requires that at least one on-site parking stall (either surface or
enclosed) be provided for each affordable unit. If adequate on-site surface parking exists as
determined by the city based on the development’s parking plan, the requirement will be met
by providing a surface parking space at no additional cost to the tenant. If underground or
enclosed parking is the only on-site parking option available for residents, an enclosed parking
stall must be offered to the tenant at a discounted rate. The market rate parking fee will be
discounted based on the affordability level of the inclusionary units as follows:
Inclusionary affordability level Parking fee cost to resident
30 % AMI Free – included in rent
50% AMI 50% of the market rate fee *
60% AMI 60% of the market rate fee
*Example: if the market rate fee for parking is $100 per month, residents of inclusionary units at the 50%
AMI affordability level will pay $50 per month.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 14
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
For developments utilizing a combination of surface parking and enclosed parking to meet the
inclusionary parking requirements, a waiting list will be established, and parking options will be
offered based on the resident’s placement on the list. Only inclusionary unit residents with a
tenant owned vehicle are eligible for parking at no or a reduced charge.
City approval must be obtained for any proposed alternative to the parking requirements noted
in the policy.
VI. Location of affordable rental dwelling units
Except as otherwise specifically authorized by this policy, the affordable dwelling units
shall be located within the development.
IV. Standards for inclusionary rental units
Size and design of affordable units
The size and design of the affordable dwelling units should be consistent and comparable with the
market rate units in the rest of the project and is subject to the approval of the city. The interior
of affordable dwelling units is not required to be identical to the market rate units but if units are
smaller than the other units with the same number of bedrooms in the development, city
approval must be obtained.
If naturally occurring affordable housing dwelling units are being demolished or converted to a use
other than lower-income dwelling units in connection with construction of the development, an
equal number of affordable units with a comparable number of bedrooms to the units demolished
or converted must be included in the new development.
Exterior/interior appearance.
The exterior materials and design of the affordable dwelling units in any development subject to
these regulations shall be indistinguishable in style and quality with the market rate units in the
development. The interior finish and quality of construction of the affordable dwelling units shall
at a minimum be comparable to entry level rental housing in the city. Construction of the
affordable dwelling units shall be concurrent with construction of market rate dwelling units.
VII. Integration of affordable dwelling units
Distribution of affordable rental housing units.
The affordable dwelling units shall be incorporated into the overall project unless expressly
allowed to be located in a separate building or a different location approved by the city
council. Affordable dwelling units shall be distributed throughout the building.
Number of bedrooms in the affordable units.
The affordable dwelling units shall have a number of bedrooms in the approximate proportion
as the market rate units. The mix of unit types, both bedroom and accessible units, of the
affordable dwelling units shall be approved by the city. Developments that are 100% age
restricted serving households 55 years of age or older are exempt from this requirement. Any
deviation from this policy requires city approval.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 15
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
Tenants
Rental affordable dwelling units shall be rented only to income eligible families during the
period of affordability. A household that was income eligible at initial occupancy may remain in
the affordable dwelling unit for additional rental periods as long as the income of the
household does not exceed one-hundred forty percent (140%) of the applicable AMI.
Affordable units must be administered in compliance with the rules and procedures stated in
St. Louis Park’s Inclusionary Housing Program Guide.
VIII. Alternatives to on-site development of affordable dwelling units
This section provides alternatives to the construction of affordable dwelling unit’s onsite. The
alternatives are listed in subsection (c), below.
a) The alternatives must be:
1. Approved by the city council; and
2. Agreed to by the applicant in an Affordable Housing Performance
Agreement with the city; and
3. Applicant must show evidence acceptable to the city that a formal
commitment to the proposed alternative is in place.
b) This section does not apply unless the applicant demonstrates:
1. The alternative provides an equivalent or greater amount of affordable
dwelling units in a way that the city determines better achieves the goals,
objectives and policies of the city’s housing goals and Comprehensive
Plan than providing them onsite; and
2. Will not cause the city to incur any net cost as a result of the alternative
compliance mechanism.
c) If the conditions in (b) are met, the city may approve one or more of the
following options to providing affordable dwelling units that are required by this
policy.
1. Dedication of existing units: Restricting existing dwelling units which are
approved by the city as suitable affordable housing dwelling units
through covenants or contractual arrangements. The city shall determine
whether the form and content of the restrictions comply with this policy.
Off-site units shall be located within the City of St. Louis Park. The
restriction of such existing units must result in the creation of units that
are of equivalent quality and size of the affordable dwelling units which
would have been constructed on-site if this alternative had not been
utilized.
2. Off-site construction: Offsite construction of affordable units must be
constructed within the city and should be located in proximity to public
transit service at a site approved by the city.
3. Partnering with an affordable housing developer: Participation in the
construction of affordable dwelling units by another developer on a
different site within the city.
4. Proposed alternative: An alternative proposed by the applicant that
directly provides or enables the provision of affordable housing units
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 16
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
within the city. The alternative must be approved by the city and made a
condition of approval of the Affordable Housing Performance Agreement.
IX. Non-discrimination based on rent subsidies:
Developments covered by the policy must not discriminate against tenants who would pay their
rent with federal, state or local public assistance, including tenant based federal, state or local
subsidies, including, but not limited to rental assistance, rent supplements, and Housing Choice
Vouchers.
X. Affordable housing plan
a) Applicability
Developments that are subject to this policy shall include an Affordable Housing
Plan as described below. An Affordable Housing Plan describes how the developer
complies with each of the applicable requirements of this policy.
b) Approval
1. The Affordable Housing Plan shall be approved by the city.
2. Minor modifications to the plan are subject to approval by the city
manager. Major modifications are subject to approval by the city council.
Items that are considered major and minor will be designated in the
Affordable Housing Plan.
c) Contents
The Affordable Housing Plan shall include at least the following:
1. General information about the nature and scope of the
development subject to these regulations.
2. For requests of an alternative to on-site provision of affordable
housing, evidence that the proposed alternative will further affordably
housing opportunities in the city to an equivalent or greater extent than
compliance with the otherwise applicable on-site requirements of this
policy.
3. The total number of market rate units, and for rental
developments, the number of affordable dwelling units in the rental
development.
4. The floor plans for the affordable dwelling units showing the
number of bedrooms and bathrooms in each unit.
5. The approximate square footage of each affordable dwelling unit
and average square foot of market rate unit by types.
6. Building floor plans and site plans showing the location of each
affordable dwelling unit.
7. The pricing of each ownership dwelling unit shall be determined
at time of issuance of the occupancy permit. At time of sale this price
may be adjusted if there has been a change in the median income or a
change in the formulas used in this ordinance.
8. The order of completion of market rate and affordable dwelling
units.
9. Documentation and specifications regarding the exterior
appearance, materials and finishes of the development for each of the
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 17
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
affordable dwelling units illustrating that the appearance of affordable
units are comparable to the appearance of the market-rate units.
10. An Affordable Dwelling Unit Management Plan documenting
policies and procedures for administering the affordable dwelling units in
accordance with the Affordable Housing Performance Agreement.
11. Any and all other information that the city manager may require
that is needed to achieve the council’s affordable housing goals.
XI. Recorded agreements, conditions, and restrictions
a) An Affordable Housing Performance Agreement shall be executed between the city
and a developer, in a form approved by the city attorney, based on the Affordable
Housing Plan described in Section VII, which formally sets forth development approval
and requirements to achieve affordable housing in accordance with this policy and
location criteria. The Agreement shall identify:
1. the location, number, type, and size of affordable housing units to be
constructed;
2. sales and/or rental terms; occupancy requirements;
3. a timetable for completion of the units; and
4. restrictions to be placed on the units to ensure their affordability and any
terms contained in the approval resolution by the city as applicable.
b) The applicant or owner shall execute any and all documents deemed necessary by the
city manager, including, without limitation, restrictive covenants, and other related
instruments, to ensure the affordability of the affordable housing units in accordance
with this policy.
c) The applicant or owner must prepare and record all documents, restrictions,
easements, covenants, and/or agreements that are specified by the city as conditions
of approval of the application prior to issuance of a zoning compliance permit for any
development subject to this policy.
d) Documents described above shall be recorded in the Hennepin County
Registry of Deeds as appropriate.
e) Inclusionary Housing Program Guide: The All affordable units in the affordable
housing performance agreement will be managed and operated in compliance with
rules and regulations outlined in the Inclusionary Housing Program Guide.
XII. Definitions
a) Affordable Dwelling Unit: The required affordable dwelling units within a residential
project subject to this policy shall meet an income eligibility and rent affordability
standard for the term of the restriction as follows:
1) Rental Projects:
a. At least twenty percent (20%) of the units shall be affordable for
households at sixty percent (60%) Area Median Income (AMI), or
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 18
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
b. At least ten percent (10%) of the units shall be at affordable for
households at fifty percent (50%) Area Median Income.
c. At least five percent (5%) of the units shall be affordable for households at
thirty percent (30%) Area Medium Income.
2) For-Sale Projects:
The qualifying affordable sale price for an owner-occupied affordable dwelling
unit shall be based on a household income of eighty percent (80%) AMI for the
metropolitan area that includes St. Louis Park calculated annually by the
Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Home-ownership housing is defined as a form of housing tenure in which a person,
called the owner-occupier, owner-occupant, or homeowner, owns the home in which
they live. The home can be a house, such as a single-family house, an apartment,
condominium, or a housing cooperative.
b) Affordable Housing Plan: A plan that documents policies and procedures for administering
the affordable dwelling units in accordance with the Affordable Housing Performance
Agreement.
c) Affordable Housing Performance Agreement: Agreement between the city and the
developer which formally sets forth development approval and requirements to achieve
Affordable Housing in accordance with this policy.
d) Financial Assistance: The Inclusionary Affordable Housing Policy applies to all new and
renovated multifamily residential buildings receiving city financial assistance, seeking PUD
land use approvals or request an amendment to the comprehensive plan.
Financial Assistance is defined as funds derived from the city and includes but is not
limited to the following:
1. City of St. Louis Park Funds
2. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
3. City Housing Rehabilitation Funds
4. Revenue Bonds (private activity bonds are negotiable)
5. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) & Tax Abatement
6. Housing Authority (HA) Funds
7. Land Write-downs
e) NOAH units:
1. Rental units: A rental unit is defined as a NOAH unit if the amount of rent charged is
affordable to a household whose income is at or below 60% area median income
based on bedroom size.
2. Ownership unit: A for-sale unit is defined as a NOAH unit if the price of the home is
affordable to a household whose income is at or below 80% AMI.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 1) Page 19
Title: Inclusionary housing policy proposed amendments
f) Tenant paid rent: The monthly rent for an affordable dwelling unit shall include rent,
utility costs and any other non-optional monthly occupancy charges. Surface parking for
all inclusionary units if available and enclosed parking for inclusionary units at the 30% AMI
affordability level shall also be included in the monthly rent for the unit. The rent shall be
based on the metropolitan area that includes St. Louis Park adjusted for bedroom size and
calculated annually by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and posted by
Minnesota Housing for establishing rent limits for the Housing Tax Credit Program.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Discussion item: 2
Executive summary
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Recommended action: There is no formal action required at this meeting.
Policy consideration:
1. Is the council in support of a 2023 budget which relies on the following tax levies?
a. General property tax levy of $41,115,251, which is a 7.02% increase over the
2022 final property tax levy
b. Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) levy of $1,582,696, which is a 4.28%
increase over the 2022 final HRA levy
c. Economic Development Authority levy of $500,000, which is a 0% increase over
the 2022 final EDA levy
Summary: Included is information pertaining to the 2023 budget and 2023 general property
tax, HRA & EDA levies. Information is also provided on the tax impacts to a median value
residential homestead property.
The 2023 preliminary property tax levy increase adopted on September 19 was 8% (General
Levy), 0.0185% of estimated market value (HRA) and $500,000 (EDA). This would have resulted
in a cumulative 7.76% increase. The updated budget is based on the tax levies listed in the
“policy consideration” and results in a cumulative increase of 6.83%.
Financial or budget considerations: The proposed tax levies support city services, capital
improvements, and debt service obligations for fiscal year 2023.
Strategic priority consideration:
All areas of the adopted strategic priorities are impacted by the city’s budget.
• St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to
create a more just and inclusive community for all.
• St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship.
• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood-
oriented development.
• St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for people to make their
way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
• St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build social capital through
community engagement.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Melanie Schmitt, finance director
Reviewed by: Cheyenne Brodeen, administrative services director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Background
A city budget is not one big policy decision, but a host of smaller ones that shape the
organizational financial future. It addresses financial realities and responsibilities while also
making progress on established priorities. The 2023 budget was developed with the council’s
strategic priorities, Vision 3.0, and comprehensive plan in mind. The budget addresses the need
to maintain city infrastructure (city roads, parks, building etc.), technology, debt service, and
responsive and high-quality service to the residents and businesses.
To date, the 2023 budget process has consisted of the following discussions and action steps:
• August 22, 2022: Review preliminary budget numbers and capital plan, detail fund
balance projections, and provide estimates on tax impacts for property owners. Policy
direction to include a fire cadet program and rooftop solar panels on the fire station if
possible.
• September 19, 2022: Review preliminary levy/budget and pass the preliminary levies
with direction to continue to try and bring down the levy increases while still making
progress on priorities.
• October 3, 2022: Discussion on capital plan and debt and continued staff direction to
prioritize inclusion of rooftop solar panels.
• October 24, 2022: Tax increment financing discussion including final direction to
continue pooling TIF for affordable housing.
As a reminder, the main drivers of increases in the 2023 budget are debt and salaries. Debt is
projected to increase 21.24% and salaries 6.56%. All union contracts were renegotiated in 2022.
The August 22 proposed budget included a number of assumptions based on preliminary data.
Since that time, the assumptions have been replaced with final numbers and the following
important updates have been incorporated into the proposed budget.
• A 9% increase was budgeted for health insurance premiums, with a final increase of 7%.
• Updated pricing for service contracts.
• Updated state aid amounts for Police and Fire.
• All union contracts have been settled.
Proposed changes from the preliminary budget proposal
The preliminary 2023 budget was passed on September 19 and included the following
preliminary levies: an 8% general levy increase, a maximum HRA levy ($1,582,696), and a
$500,000 EDA levy. Cumulatively, this represented a potential 7.76% increase over 2022. Staff
received council direction to bring down the general levy increase as much as possible while
also working to include two additional council priorities. Staff has updated figures including
anticipated income along with expense. The final budget being proposed is now a 6.83%
cumulative increase. The prioritized additional council priorities have been added to the
updated budget. In addition to this, staff updated the proposed budget to include two new staff
recommended additions.
Council priority (General Fund): Addition of fire cadet program (net impact $67,629),
down from the original estimate of $98,000.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Council priority (Capital): Staff added solar panels for the fire station back into the 2023
capital plan ($175,000) and proposes using ARPA dollars.
Staff addition (General Fund): The updated 2023 budget includes two additional officer
full time employees (FTE). The first is an entirely new FTE after being awarded a fully
renewable DUI officer grant. The second is a converted vacant FTE. The 2023 net cost of
the officers is $14,843.
Staff addition (Capital): Replacing the walking bridge that goes over the storm water
pond in Dakota Park is part of the 2023 capital plan with identified funding sources
coming from storm water utility and park improvement funds. During the final
construction evaluation this fall the cost of the project rose substantially due to inflation
and increased material costs, leaving a $220,000 gap. Staff recommends utilizing ARPA
funds for $110,000 of this gap and storm utility funds for the remainder.
Watermain break program
Council established a financial program to recover from the May 21 and June 3 watermain
breaks. For the purposes of this report, this program will be referred to as “watermain break
program”, which is in place specifically to assist with recovery from those two breaks.
Council originally earmarked $4 million to the watermain break program for reimbursement
dollars and a loan program. No applications have been received for the loan program. As of
Nov. 9, $234,056 in expense has been submitted to the watermain break program.
Extrapolating from existing claims, staff recommends adjusting the anticipated cost of the
program down to $1.5 million. With $1 million of General Fund balance having been transferred
earlier this fall, staff proposes transferring $500,000 of additional General fund balance to the
program. Staff will re-evaluate in early 2023 and may have additional recommendations.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
In 2021, the city was awarded $5,149,268 of ARPA funds. Previous council direction dedicated
$2 million toward levy relief over the next three years. The draft budget anticipates utilizing
$700,000 of this in 2023. The updated proposed budget utilizes an additional $175,000 to install
solar panels at Fire Station 1, and $110,000 for the walking bridge in Dakota bridge.
General Fund balance
The city’s general fund balance policy is to keep a balance of 45% of the subsequent years
budget. For 2021, the amount over the 45% in the general fund was $3,038,802. As indicated
above, $1,000,000 of this amount has already been transferred for the watermain break
program. The remaining assignments/transfers are recommended as outlined below. Further
narrative follows.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
In addition to the usual permit/revenue loss and tax court petition assignments, staff
recommends two transfers. First, staff recommends transferring $500,000 to the insurance
fund to fund the balance of the watermain break program and cover insurance deductible
expense for 2023. The insurance fund does not have a regular revenue source; transfers are
made as needed.
Second, staff anticipate a cash deficit in the employee benefits fund this year due to a large
number of retirements. It is recommended that $488,000 is transferred to pay for severance
payouts of retiring employees. The employee benefits fund has a limited regular revenue
source; supplemental transfers are made as needed. Since additional long-term employees may
announce retirements at the end of the year, additional cash may be needed above and beyond
the $488,000 transfer.
2023 final levy recommendations
General levy
The city’s general levy funds city operations, capital, and debt repayment. During the 2022
budget process, staff projected the 2023 general levy at a 7% increase. As noted earlier in this
budget process, due to changing conditions, initial work showed a potential needed increase of
14.5%. Ultimately, staff recommended, and council adopted, a preliminary general levy
increase of 8%. This final report requests a 7.02% general levy increase. Staff has worked hard
to trim costs while still holding true to city priorities.
2022 2023 2022 to 2023
adopted proposed Increase (decrease)
Proposed Final Levy levy levy $ %
General Fund $30,532,470 $32,041,296 $1,508,826 4.94 %
Debt service funds $5,248,040 $6,362,813 $1,114,773 21.24 %
Capital replacement
funds 1,575,240 1,646,142 70,902 4.50 %
Park improvement fund 860,000 860,000 - 0.00 %
Employee benefits fund 150,000 150,000 - 0.00 %
Total $38,365,750 $41,060,251 $2,694,501 7.02 %
Assigned Fund Balance recommendations
Permit/revenue loss 550,000 potential revenue loss
Tax court petitions 500,000 tax court cases
Fund Balance Transfers
Insurance fund 500,000 Watermain break program
Employee benefit fund 488,000 Used for retiring employee obligations
General fund available for assignment/transfer $3,038,802
Prior transfer of $1million authorized for watermain break program
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
HRA Levy
The HRA levy funds housing programs, including the low income deferred rehab loan, staff
salaries and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The city/EDA established this levy in 2001 and
elected at that time to use the levy proceeds for future infrastructure improvements in
redevelopment areas. Since then, the council has directed staff to use pooled tax increment for
future infrastructure projects. Based on current and future infrastructure needs, the HRA levy is
recommended to be set at the maximum allowed of 0.0185% of estimated market value. This is
estimated at $1,582,696 in 2023, equating to $5.03 per month for an individual property.
EDA Levy
The city/EDA established this levy in 2021 with a dollar amount of $500,000, which is lower
than the maximum allowable. $500,000 equates to $1.59 per month for an individual property.
In 2022, the funds were directed to offset a portion of salaries related to development fund
activities, freeing up monies for climate investment activities. For 2023, staff recommend again
levying $500,000; this time directing the funding toward the development fund. The chart
below shows the development fund’s recent cash balance trajectory.
The city uses the development fund to invest in opportunities it otherwise would need to pass
up or take out debt to fund. A recently purchased commercial building to be used for affordable
commercial space contributed to the 2022 reduction in cash along with a loan to Bridgewalk
Condos, which enabled homeowners to tackle significant deferred maintenance.
Without a sustainable funding source, the development fund relies on sales of city-held
properties. There is a proposed land sale in the works that would increase the cash balance,
however, that sale is not final and cannot be relied upon. (Note: the sale was also budgeted in
2021.) For 2023, the salaries are budgeted at $790,000 from the fund in addition to any
activities such as those listed above.
$15,212,343
$12,329,641 $11,821,080
$10,983,794
$7,231,334
0
2,000,000
4,000,000
6,000,000
8,000,000
10,000,000
12,000,000
14,000,000
16,000,000
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Development Fund Cash
Development Fund Cash
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Estimated city impact for 2023 – example on median value home
Residents are taxed by several jurisdictions including county, school, metropolitan, and other.
This graph depicts the overall breakdown of the total amount of taxes for residents in St. Louis
Park. This report and the action the council takes each year only sets the city portion.
Earlier in the budget process, staff presented an estimated property tax impact based on a
cumulative 7.76% levy increase (preliminary levy). On a median value residential homestead
property with a value that increased from $330,250 to $371,800, the city’s portion of the
property taxes were estimated to increase by about $210 in 2023, or $18 per month.
Staff have recalculated, based on the updated proposal of a cumulative 6.83% levy increase. For
a median value residential homestead property that increased in value from $330,250 to
$371,800, the city’s portion of the property taxes are now estimated to increase by $181 in
2023, or $15 per month.
7% general increase, HRA, EDA
Assessed Market
Value 2022 for
Pay 2023 Valuation % Change
Estimated 2023
all City tax $ Annual Change $ Monthly Change
287,000 12.2% $1,230 $135 $11
331,300 10.6% $1,445 $134 $11
371,800 12.6% $1,641 $179 $15
423,300 10.8% $1,886 $170 $14
586,950 11.4% $2,615 $231 $19
Hennepin
County, 29%
St. Louis
Park-City,
33%
St. Louis
Park-School,
30%
Special
taxing
districts , 7%
Metropolitan
special
districts, 2%
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 2) Page 7
Title: 2023 final proposed budget and tax levies
Budget communication
The city continues to strive for the most transparent budget process possible. Information is
provided through the webpage (City Budget | St. Louis Park, MN (stlouispark.org) and having an
active e-mail address (budget@stlouispark.org) for any questions that arise. Staff have
received several e-mail questions this year and long comments. Comments received will be
included the council packet for the truth in taxation hearing.
2024 budget preview
As a very slight preview for 2024, council will have significant decisions to make in 2023 around
ARPA allocation and decertifying or continuing to pool TIF districts. Additionally, staff has a
significant grant application in for the Cedar Lake Road project. These three variables will
impact the 2024 tax rate and could impact the 2024 levy increase. Staff continue to track and
plan for these upcoming decisions.
Next steps
As the 2023 budget process nears completion, the following steps remain.
December 5 Truth in taxation hearing
December 12 Council adopts 2023 budget, final tax levies, and 2023 - 2032 Capital
Improvement Plan
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Written report: 3
Executive summary
Title: Proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance
Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview and
framework of the proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance.
Policy consideration: The proposed zoning code amendments have minimal impact on current
policy, and therefore, can be made relatively quickly to provide immediate, positive impact for
those affected by these specific issues.
Summary: Throughout the year, zoning codes are reviewed in context of council priorities, 2040
comprehensive plan goals, and present considerations. In this context, changes are made
toward the city’s goal to provide for a livable community and a business-friendly climate.
Examples of recent changes include amendments to home occupations rules to support cottage
industries and desired neighborhood services, group day care regulation reforms, and parking
requirement reforms. Other proposed changes simply clarify the city’s interpretation of current
regulations that staff identified while administering the code.
Detailed in the discussion portion of this staff report is a summary of proposed amendments to
the zoning ordinance staff assembled throughout the year.
The proposed amendments are in response to comments and requests made by residents and
small business owners over the past year. As noted, some of the requests may be more
consistent with the city’s strategic policies and 2040 comprehensive plan than others.
While reviewing the requests, staff considered the following:
1. The city’s strategic policy to encourage reinvestment in neighborhood-oriented
businesses especially those that are locally owned and owned by indigenous, immigrant
and communities of color.
2. The 2040 Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals to reduce greenhouse gases.
3. Livable Communities goals and strategies.
4. The planning commission work plan.
Financial or budget considerations: The proposed ordinances do not have financial or budget
considerations.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of
housing and neighborhood oriented development.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Prepared by: Gary Morrison, zoning administrator
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, planning manager/deputy cd director
Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Page 2 Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 3)
Title: Proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance
Discussion
Small business-related zoning amendments
Painting class 1 and 2 materials. While working with a small business owner in the Historic
Walker Lake area, it was discovered that many small businesses have painted their buildings
over the past several years. While this activity is typically illegal under today’s code as it results
in making the building non-conforming to the architectural materials section of the zoning
ordinance, it is consistent with some of the council’s strategic priorities such as fostering and
facilitating reinvestment of neighborhood-oriented businesses and services. It is a relatively
inexpensive method for the business owner to improve the aesthetics of their building,
business, and by extension, the neighborhood. Additionally, it is also a means for the business
owner to express their personality and culture in the community. As a result of this discussion,
staff will be proposing an amendment to allow class 1 and 2 materials to be painted in all
zoning districts.
Temporary structures. During the pandemic, the city acted to help small businesses by deferring
enforcement on some zoning regulations. This allowed small businesses to utilize tents and
other temporary structures during the winter to meet the financial needs of running their
business and meet the safety requirements of the pandemic. Now that the pandemic has
reached a more endemic-like phase, some restaurants are requesting the ability to continue
enclosing patios for use during the winter months. Heating tents in the winter months,
however, may conflict with the environmental stewardship goal to reduce greenhouse gases as
tents tend to be very energy inefficient. City code currently allows temporary structures for up
to 14 days per calendar year. Building code, however, allows them for up to six months per
calendar year. Staff is reviewing options and it is likely an amendment that proposes to balance
the needs of the business and residential communities and the environmental stewardship
goals will be proposed.
Curbside pickup. While the pandemic made curbside pickup and food delivery services more
popular, they were gaining in popularity even before the pandemic. These services continue to
be used by businesses, large and small, today. The land use definition of in-vehicle service
needs to be amended to exempt curbside pick-up. Doing this will assist small businesses
because, in-vehicle service, commonly known as a “drive-thru” is not allowed in all of the non-
residential districts and it requires a conditional use permit. Exempting curbside pickup from
the in-vehicle service definition, allows big and small businesses to provide this service in all
non-residential districts without paying for and going through a conditional use permit process.
Food service and restaurant setbacks. The food service and restaurant industry is a desirable
start-up business for many people. These uses, however, are allowed with a condition that they
be located a specified distance from residential properties. These setbacks can be a barrier for
people who struggle to start a business because many of the affordable and desirable locations
do not meet these setbacks. Promoting locally owned small business, especially in indigenous,
immigrant and communities of color is a strategic priority of the council. Staff proposes
amendments to the code to reduce and/or remove the setback requirements and also create
consistency in the variety of setbacks pertaining to restaurants with or without liquor licenses.
Clarifications and minor amendments. Some clarifications and minor amendments are needed
to assist businesses in their planning and daily operation. For example:
Page 3 Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 3)
Title: Proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance
•Outdoor dining area.
•ATMs, banks, and pharmacies.
Housing-related zoning amendments
Fences. A strategy of the 2040 comprehensive plan is to provide appropriate buffers and
mitigate impacts from commercial uses to residential areas. To this end, the code allows fences
up to eight feet in height on residential properties when adjacent to non-residential properties
instead of the standard six feet. The code, however, does not include the Mixed Use and
Planned Unit Development districts in this exception. Staff proposes to amend the code to
include these districts. A taller fence is typically considered a means to protect the residential
uses from the impacts of the commercial activity, but from the business owner’s perspective, it
allows the commercial activity to operate in a manner that minimizes potential for complaints.
Driveways. It is a goal of the 2040 comprehensive plan to create, preserve, and improve the
city’s single-family housing stock. Strategies identified to meet this goal include promoting the
creation of family-sized, owner-occupied, single-family homes that meet the needs and desires
of current and future residents through the expansion of existing homes and through
construction of new homes. Staff has noted several occurrences where a homeowner
constructs either a third stall garage, or a parking space alongside an existing two car garage
but our current average driveway width limitation of 22 feet prevents reasonable access to
them. Staff proposes to amend driveway regulations to provide reasonable space in the front
yard for parking and driveway purposes when the parking cannot be accommodated in the rear
and side yards.
Clarifications and minor amendments. Some clarifications and minor amendments are needed
to either simplify the code or address unintended consequences that have come to staff’s
attention. For example:
•Detached deck regulations.
•Accessory structures.
•Pool equipment.
•Driveway width requirements for two-family dwellings.
Next steps: The topics listed above will be brought to the planning commission for review and
discussion in 2022 and 2023. Subsequent ordinance changes will be made accordingly.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Written report: 4
Executive summary
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Recommended action: None at this time.
Policy consideration: Does the city council support staff’s approach to public art initiatives?
Summary: St. Louis Park has embraced public art in the community and taken steps to proactively
integrate it into the community fabric. Art has been incorporated throughout the city in new
developments and public infrastructure improvements, project grants through the annual Arts
and Culture Grant Program; placement in city buildings, parks, and public spaces; as well as
through the creation of other art opportunities. The breadth of arts and cultural programs has
had an important impact on community cohesion, on economies, and on the health and
wellbeing of the community.
The city and Friends of the Arts (FOTA) worked to create a strategic roadmap for advancing arts
and culture in the community. It has helped focus our efforts, expressed art’s importance to
being a vital community, and build cross-sector support as arts and culture affects all elements
and aspects of a community. Arts and culture can be a key contributor to economic and
community development when approached strategically and included as part of the solution to
our community’s challenges.
This report has two main parts: 1) a description of public art in new developments, and 2) several
public art updates. The first part describes the mechanism that has generated much of the public
art that has been installed in private developments in the city, as well as some details about the
process we use to identify opportunities and select artists and artwork. The second part shares
many updates about the public art studies, partnerships, programs, and projects that have
occurred as part of the strategic roadmap in which the city and St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts
have collaborated.
Financial or budget considerations: Not applicable.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to creating opportunities to build
social capital through community engagement.
Supporting documents: discussion
Prepared by: Sean Walther, planning manager
Julie Grove, community and economic development analyst
Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, economic development manager
Karen Barton, community development director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 2
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Discussion
Types of public art
When referring to types of public art, there is a spectrum ranging from more permanent art
installations to more short-term art, as noted in the Types of Public Art image below. The city
focuses on all types of art across this spectrum. Typically, art in private developments is more
permanent, while the range of art types varies throughout the city. For example, art resulting
from the city’s Arts and Culture grants are often event-based performances whereas several
living art pieces have been installed at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Source: Forecast Public Art
Locations for public art
When considering location, public art is usually very visible from adjacent public streets,
sidewalks, or parks, and fall on the right side of the spectrum shown in the Locations for Public
Art figure below. For example, when determining the locations of sidewalk poetry, staff first
determined where art was missing within the city, next considered demographics and tried to
focus on underserved populations. Visibility, accessibility, and durability were also factors. Newly
installed sidewalks in areas with high foot traffic are ideal.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 3
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Source: Forecast Public Art
The following two sections describe the process for determining public art installations within
private developments and provide an update on the various art programs within the city. The
first part describes the details about the process used to identify art opportunities, select artists
and artwork. The second part shares many updates about the public art studies, partnerships,
programs, and projects that have occurred as part of the strategic roadmap in which the city and
St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts have collaborated.
Public art in private development
When discussing public art in private developments, it is standard to expect that the art is in a
location that is visible or accessible to the public and involves community participation. This
participation can include identifying opportunities on a site, selecting the type of art, and
selecting the artists. In some case, there is also community participation that inspires or
influences the artwork that the artists create, or even participation in making the art. Ideally, that
input helps the final product better reflect the values, culture, and heritage of the community;
not just the branding or image of the company that develops or will use the site.
City requirements
Most of the public art in private development was installed in response to the city’s alternative
landscaping provision in the zoning code. The landscaping requirements in St. Louis Park are
robust. The code requires a high number of trees and shrubs and encourages perennial native
plantings as much as possible. These plantings need space to grow and thrive, and enough space
to live when they reach full size. In the city’s high density development areas, it is challenging to
fit all the required plantings on a site. Because of this, the ordinance allows alternatives to
enhance the landscape and designed outdoor recreational areas for people on the property,
neighbors, and those passing by.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 4
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
The alternative landscape code provision is shown below. There are many options that
developers can utilize to meet the alternative requirement. Staff encourages the use of public art
as an alternative landscape in highly visible commercial and mixed-use developments.
Alternative landscape options. The city encourages the use of special design features such
as xeriscaping, raingardens/bioswales, rooftop gardens, native landscapes, integrated
pedestrian facilities, and public art. To encourage the use of these special design features
the city acknowledges a degree of flexibility may be necessary to adjust to unique
situations. This subsection provides such flexibility and presents alternative ways to meet
the standards set for in this section. The alternatives provided below are discretionary and
are subject to approval of the zoning administrator, unless the development application
requires approval by the city council, in which case the city council shall approve the
alternative landscape plan. Landscaping requirements may be modified if the proposal
meets one or more of the following:
1. It is of exceptional design that includes amenities such as public art, public seating,
an outdoor plaza, green rooftop, recreational benefit, and/or transit shelter.
2. It is deemed equivalent to the minimum requirements of this section and complies
with the purpose and objectives of this section.
3. It will allow a site plan that is more consistent with the character of the area.
4. It will result in the retention of more existing significant trees.
5. It better accommodates or improves the existing physical conditions of the subject
property.
6. The topography decreases or eliminates the need for visual screening.
7. It does not reduce the effect of required screening.
8. Efforts are made to create interest by providing a variety of colors and textures.
Developers most often choose public art as the alternative landscaping option or in combination
with modest applications of the other options.
Types of public art in private developments
“More permanent” artwork for public art identified on the left side of the Types of Public Art
image above is often used for alternative landscaping. While other programs, such as Arts and
Culture grant recipients, seem more suited to the temporary art and events shown on the right
side of the image. The public art collection throughout the city includes a wide variety of types
and scales of art including artistic bike racks and a wall relief at 4800 Excelsior Boulevard, artist
design seating at Shoppes at Knollwood, murals and sculptures at Via Sol, public benches and a
lighted tower at 36th Street and Wooddale Avenue, and iconic sculptures and monuments along
Excelsior Boulevard and the West End, to name a few.
Locations for public art in private developments
As mentioned above, the locations of art are usually very visible from the adjacent public streets,
sidewalks, or parks, and fall on the right side of the spectrum shown in the Locations for Public
Art image above. While there are local examples that run the gamut, staff strive for art that is
installed to meet landscaping requirements in private developments to be privately owned,
privately maintained, and located entirely on private property. The complexities that arise from
other combinations are generally unnecessary and avoided.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 5
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Costs
Public art expenditures vary by development depending on project size, scope, the amount of
landscaping provided on-site, and the amount of landscaping required by code. Historically, the
budget for artwork installed in development projects has ranged from $60,000 to $175,000.
When public art is approved as an alternative landscaping for a project, this becomes a
requirement of the planning and development contract between the developer and the city,
including a minimum dollar amount required to be spent on the public art.
Staff have found when developers are truly engaged in the process and get excited about it, they
will spend more than the minimum amount that is agreed to in the contracts to realize the full
potential of the artwork and its positive impact on their development.
At one time, the city funded all costs for the public art process, including identifying locations,
preparing requests for qualifications/proposals, providing a stipend to artist finalists to develop
ideas into proposals and build models or prepare sketches, facilitating meetings to select artists
and the artwork. The city also contracted directly for professional services from Forecast Public
Art, a local arts organization that is a leader in the nation in the area public art, to help inform
and facilitate the process. Realizing the significant public costs associated with this model, staff
now requires the process and artwork be funded by the development.
In some cases, especially in the city’s first public artwork projects, the city bore the cost of the
major maintenance responsibilities for public art. Recognizing these added costs over time,
developers are now responsible for these costs long-term.
Approach to developing art in private developments
There is an inherent need for both structure and flexibility in the process. The city has
experimented with several different models and the process continues to evolve over time. We
strive to engage the community to better reflect the community and its goals.
Even though the art in private developments is privately owned, privately maintained, and on
private property, a public process is conducted in collaboration with the developer, surrounding
community members, and staff. This process is usually led by a consultant. The process provides
an opportunity for community members to have direct input into the public art. The artist/art
selection process includes the following steps:
• Developer contracts with an arts organization like Forecast Public Art, or FOTA when they
have the capacity to lead the process.
• An art committee is assembled which includes the developer, staff and at least 2
community members (this varies between residents in the neighborhood, artists in the
area, or new residents of the project), and FOTA, if they are not the lead.
• The art committee helps create the call for artists.
o Determine artist pool of local or national artists.
o Goals for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
o May specify types of art mediums preferred.
o May identify the location(s) for art on the property.
• The consultant sends out the call to artists and brings the top 10 to 15 qualified artists to
the art committee.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 6
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
• Art committee reviews submissions and picks top three to interview and pays a stipend to
the artists to develop their proposals and sketches or small-scale models to present.
• Art committee conducts in-person interview of top candidates to review the designs and
selects the artist and art piece.
• Developer contracts directly with the artist and the art consultant Forecast or consultants
help to facilitate the installation of the public art.
Community response
The flexibility that is built into the city’s alternative landscaping ordinance has allowed for an
abundance of public artworks to be installed throughout the city, which has created a unique
sense of place and local identity. Art committee members, especially members of the community,
have provided positive feedback about the process and resulting public art installations. For
example, during the process for Central Park West, the artist teamed with a local poet who met
with people at community events in St. Louis Park and Golden Valley. The project ultimately
included a poem inscribed in benches surrounding the sculptures inspired by the input from
community members in both cities.
Public art will continue to be encouraged in new developments as a way to meet alternative
landscape requirements. Future art process and installations will continue to evolve to better
meet the city’s strategic priories.
Recent Development project arts installations (these can be viewed on the public art map)
• PLACE-Via Sol: In December 2021 three artists were selected for art installations at
PLACE’s Via Sol development. Below is information on each artist and art piece.
o Mural-Kada Goalen
As a local Twin Cities artist with over 20 years of experience, Kada Goalen painted the
mural located on the south side of Via Sol. The features a background of bold colors
and shapes, with leaves, and natural elements interspersed. The focal points of the
mural are five birds, each native to Minnesota, and characterized by their unique traits
and qualities.
o Branches, Randy Walker
Randy Walker, a nationally recognized artist who has designed several art pieces in St.
Louis Park created a tree-like sculpture located in front of Via Sol along the frontage
road. Titled Branches, it stands nearly 20-feet tall and will have a planting bed at its
base. The colors of the tubes reflect colors of trees in each of the four seasons in
Minnesota. Its treelike form is composed of linear ‘branches’ referencing lines that
define the Via Sol site.
o Sculpture in Urban Forest, Jendayi Berry
Jendayi Berry, an emerging artist, was born and raised in Minneapolis. This will be
Jendayi's first public artwork commission. His piece is located in the urban forest and
was created from poured resin, rolled into a helix shape to suggest a crashing wave.
Atop the wave sits an illuminated sphere: the moon, to provide balance with the
building "Via Sol."
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 7
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Public art update
St. Louis Park is dedicated to promoting and integrating arts, culture, and community aesthetics
in all city initiatives. The following discussion provides an update on the city’s public art initiatives
during 2022.
Public Art Map – link
The public art map on the city’s website provides locations of public art in the city as well as
descriptions of the installations and information about the artists. This map is updated
continually to share the community’s most current public artworks.
Creative Minnesota arts economic impact study – link
Creative Minnesota, conducts research throughout the state to look at the effects the arts has on
our quality of life and economy. St. Louis Park was one of seven studies conducted in 2021 and it
examined the impacts the arts have had on the city’s local economy. A past 2016 study
conducted by Creative Minnesota found that St. Louis Park’s vibrant nonprofit arts and culture
sector generates more than $1.5 million in total economic impact. This most recent 2021 study
revealed that the art and culture sector continue to grow and play an important role in the city’s
quality of life and economy. The combined economic impact of nonprofit arts organizations and
their audiences is nearly $3.7 million annually. This includes over $2 million spent by nonprofit
arts organizations and nearly $1.7 spent by over 60,000 attendees.
Twenty-nine nonprofit arts and culture organizations participated in this study. It was found that
they served 60,432 attendees at arts and cultural events in 2018, including 9,160 youth under 18.
Their spending on staff, rents, and supplies was $2,029,487. Their audience spending at
restaurants, bars and shops (at an average of $27.58 per person) was $1,666,715. The combined,
nonprofit arts and cultural organization and audience spending generated an economic impact of
$3,696,202 and had the potential to generate 102 full-time jobs in support of this activity while
contributing $397,745 in local and state government revenues.
This research demonstrates that not only are arts and culture activities vital to our community by
helping people grow, connect, and feel inspired in St. Louis Park; but investing in the arts and
culture also yields economic benefits including supporting jobs, generating government revenue,
supporting businesses, and is a cornerstone of tourism in St. Louis Park. The link above provides a
two-page summary of the study.
Equity Audit -link
In 2020 Forecast Public Art conducted an “Equity Audit” of the public art in St. Louis Park. It
provides an assessment and recommendations that helps us to collect data and better address
equity in public art in terms of collecting artist data, reviewing public art processes and locations
for future art.
Strategic Framework - link
The St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts (FOTA) and the city strategized with a consultant to create
the “Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Arts and Culture”. The city and FOTA worked with a
steering committee, focus groups and community members to create the roadmap and a vision
for the future. The roadmap serves as a blueprint, outlining paths along which St. Louis Park can
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 8
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
strengthen the cultural life of the city as an important element of achieving Vision 3.0 to be a
place for all people, the city’s livable community principles and its strategic priorities.
PLACES (public art and community engagement Southwest)
PLACES (public art and community engagement Southwest) was created in 2015 by Hennepin
County SWLRT Community Works to facilitate public art along SWLRT station areas after public
art was removed from the SWLRT project. Today, the PLACES committee continues working to
facilitate public art along the SWLRT corridor. In the past year, PLACES acquired a temporary pop-
up art installation that will be used at station areas along the SWLRT line to raise awareness,
generate interest and enthusiasm along the SWRLT corridor, and create opportunities to build
identity and a sense of belonging among community members. The PLACES committee recently
conducted a tour of each station to get a better idea of the unique characteristics of each
location and how art can unify the entire SWLRT line.
Recent public facilities art installations (these can be viewed on the public art map)
• Louisiana Bridge Art
o Perennial Flow, by Randy Walker, Gita Ghei, Lori Greene.
Perennial Flow is a collaborative public artwork located on the Louisiana Avenue
bridge over Minnehaha Creek. The artwork speaks to uplifting transformation and
movement, infinite cycle and renewal. It references the reaching across from past to
present, from seed to life, and the movement of a butterfly.
• Dakota Bridge Art
o Because We Are, Joe DeCamillis
For mural design, St Louis Park resident and artist Joseph DeCamillis merged his onsite
concept sketches with drawings of native plants and pollinators by students at Peter
Hobart Elementary. DeCamillis's mural honors the City’s commitment as a “Bee
Friendly City”. Bee populations survive and grow because of the hive concept—
working together to thrive as a community of unique individuals—just like our Public
Schools, community gardens, neighborhoods and city as a whole. Thus, a honeycomb
design was chosen to showcase the student drawings.
Arts and Culture Grant Program
The Arts & Culture Grant Program is a collaborative program between the City of St. Louis Park,
the Park Public Schools & Community Foundation and St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts. The
program facilitates the creation of arts and culture projects and activities by making grant dollars
available every year for music, visual arts, theater, film, multimedia, dance, and other art
projects. It provides funding for new arts programs that advance equity and inclusion, connect
people ideas and communities, enliven public spaces, and promote health and wellbeing.
In 2022, four arts & culture grants were awarded for:
• Community Storytelling Forum
• MinnesoThai cultural celebration
• Winter Solstice Lantern Walk at Westwood Hills Nature Center
• Fall Sound Garden at Texa-Tonka Park.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 4) Page 9
Title: Public art in new developments and public art update
Applications have been received for the 2023 grant program. The grant committee is currently
reviewing the applications and anticipates providing award recommendations to the city council
in December 2022.
Sidewalk Poetry
In 2020, the city initiated a sidewalk poetry program as an opportunity to place poetry into the
new sidewalks in the Historic Walker Lake area. Nine poems were sandblasted into sidewalk
sections along Walker St. and Lake St. In 2021, 13 new sidewalk poems were installed near bus
stops on Texas Avenue South between Minnetonka Boulevard and 36th Street, and near the bus
stops on 36th Street West from Aquila Avenue South to Texas Avenue South. A storymap
detailing the locations of all of the poems has been created– Links: Historic Walker Lake, Texas
Ave and 36th St.
Friends of the Arts is currently leading the process to select new poems and poets for the next
sidewalk poetry installation. The next location selected is in Fern Hill neighborhood south and
east of Beth El Synagogue where new sidewalks were installed in 2022. This is an area currently
lacking public art and has a high amount of pedestrian traffic. It is within the Eruv, the
symbolically bound space within the Orthodox Jewish community. The poem selection process
will be conducted over the winter and new poems are anticipated to be installed spring 2023.
Paint the Drain program
In 2022, the paint the drain pilot project installed drain artwork across the street from Aquilla
Elementary School. This art project was designed to raise awareness about the importance of
keeping our streets and waterways clean. The city continues to partner with Friends of the Art,
local artists, neighborhood groups and others to install several storm drain art pieces around the
city. This fall 2022, three additional drains were be painted at 24th and France, near Aquila
Elementary, and at the SE corner of Library Ln and Kentucky Ave (near the library).
Utility box wraps
St. Louis Park’s utility box wrap program has been used to add artistic flare to neighborhoods and
create a sense of community connection and pride. The most recent utility box wraps are located
at the corner of Texas Ave and 36th Street behind Knollwood, and across from Hamilton House at
the corner of Cedar Lake Road and Nevada Ave. Utility box wraps can be viewed on the city’s
public art map.
City hall third floor art
The third-floor city hall lobby public art display has been used to showcase and elevate local art
and artists. Due to staff changes this art display has been placed on hold during the past year.
Staff is currently in discussions with FOTA to reestablish this program and begin displaying art on
a rotating four- six-month basis in 2023. The goal is to make the art display inclusive by forming
new relationships and partnerships in order to provide representation of artists from different
backgrounds and disciplines.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Written report: 5
Executive summary
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)- Ward 1
Recommended action: None at this time. This report is intended to provide an overview of the
proposed Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project. This project will have a public hearing
at the Nov. 21 city council meeting. At the Dec. 5 meeting, Council will be asked to consider the
following policy questions and take action on this project.
Policy consideration:
1. Does the city council support the preferred alternative design for the Minnetonka
Boulevard reconstruction project?
2. Does the city council wish to pursue the undergrounding of overhead utilities within this
corridor?
Summary: Hennepin County is proposing to reconstruct Minnetonka Boulevard (County Road 5)
between Highway 100 and France Avenue in St. Louis Park in 2024 and 2025. They hired Bolton
and Menk, Inc. as their consultant to complete the project planning and engagement.
Since 2021, engineering, communications, and public works staff have been working with their
project team to develop a preferred design for this project. In addition to working with city
staff, the project team has done extensive community engagement to help inform the
recommended design. The planning phase to develop and evaluate alternatives for Minnetonka
Boulevard is now complete. The project team has prepared a 30% layout of the preferred
alternative that will be presented at the public hearing.
Financial or budget considerations: Most of this project will be paid for by Hennepin County.
The city’s portion of the project cost is included in the city’s capital improvement plan (CIP) and
will be paid for using utility funds, and general obligation bonds. A construction cost estimate is
being finalized and will be provided as a part of the Nov. 21 public hearing report.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a variety of options for
people to make their way around the city comfortably, safely and reliably.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Attachment #1: Layout of preferred alternative
Attachment #2: Public engagement summaries
Prepared by: Joseph Shamla, engineering project manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
Discussion
Background
Minnetonka Boulevard, between Highway 100 and France Avenue, is a concrete roadway
overlaid with 4 inches of bituminous. Due to the bituminous overlays of this road, there are
many locations where the curb is only 1 or 2 inches high. It was constructed in 1952 and is
nearing the end of its useful life. Hennepin County plans to reconstruct the roadway because
routine maintenance activities such as bituminous overlays and crack seals are no longer cost-
effective in preserving the road. In addition, the current design poses challenges for people
biking, walking, and with limited mobility.
The existing sidewalk facilities are located adjacent to the road at the back of curb, which can
be uncomfortable for pedestrians. People with limited mobility have a difficult time using the
sidewalks as there are utility poles, hydrants, and other obstacles located within the sidewalks
that narrow the usable width of the sidewalk. Also, many intersections along the corridor do
not meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are also safety
concerns for pedestrians crossing the existing four-lane, undivided road.
Additionally, the county’s storm sewer on Minnetonka Boulevard needs to be upgraded and
expanded. In most areas, the stormwater is accommodated by the adjacent city stormwater
system. This project will design and accommodate the stormwater for this corridor.
Project description
The proposed improvements for Minnetonka Boulevard includes the following:
• Lane reconfigurations, such as reducing lanes from 4 to 3 (one general traffic lane in
each direction with a center turn lane) to better facilitate vehicle turns and provide
traffic calming
• Realignment of the Minnetonka Boulevard and County Road 25 intersection to
encourage drivers who are going to Highway 100 to stay on County Road 25 versus
entering the neighborhood
• Improved first- and last-mile connections for people biking, walking, and rolling to
the Beltline Boulevard and West Lake Street light rail stations
• Crosswalk enhancements for people walking and rolling, including raised medians
and flashing beacons
• Accommodations for bikers
• Installation of street trees
• Storm sewer construction and best management practices for treatment
• City watermain replacement
• City sanitary sewer repairs
• Possible relocation of above-ground utilities to below ground
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
Concept design and evaluation
Upon completion of the initial public engagement and data collection efforts, the project team
developed the following project goals and considerations to help develop and evaluate corridor
alternatives.
• Equitable, safe, and health-promoting corridor for all residents and visitors
• Safe and high-quality pedestrian facilities
• Safe and connective bicycle infrastructure
• Continued and improved transit service
• Robust, sustainable, and inviting public realm
• Safe vehicle traffic operations
• Sustainable and implementable plan
The project team developed and evaluated numerous roadway and multi-modal alternatives for
the Minnetonka Boulevard corridor, generally including three lanes for vehicle traffic and
improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the project corridor. Many concepts were
considered, including:
• Multi-use trail on both sides
• Two-way raised bike lane and sidewalks
• On-street striped bike lane
• On-street striped bike lane with delineators
• On-street bike lane separated from traffic with a curb
• Off-street one-way dedicated bike lanes with sidewalks
• On-street/off-street hybrid bike lanes
• Sidewalk with large boulevards and no dedicated bike lanes
Of the concepts listed above, only two – the multi-use trail on both sides and the two-way
raised bike lane – met project goals.
Public process
The county project team was intentional in trying to meet with and engage the public. The
public engagement process started in the spring of 2021. Notifications were sent in many ways
including via letters, postcards, NextDoor, GovDelivery, social media, neighborhood signs, and
sidewalk decals. They also met with religious groups, businesses, and neighborhood
associations. In order to reach an audience that may not attend public meetings, the project
team also attended St. Louis Park events such as Parktacular and Bike to Work day. An online
Story Map was also created so that stakeholders could also provide feedback on the project
website.
There were three phases of engagement. See below to learn more about each phase.
Phase 1 engagement – data collection phase (May 2021 – November 2021)
The project team met with the community via pop-up events and visited religious
institutions, schools, businesses, and community groups. The project team also posted
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
signage and decals and notified residents and business owners by mail so that they
could provide written comments, or they could also provide comments via the online
map and survey. Approximately 600 comments were received through Phase 1 of the
engagement.
Using the information gathered during Phase 1 engagement, the project team
developed alternatives that reflected the feedback and concerns of the residents,
businesses, and community stakeholders. Please see attached report summarizing the
feedback received during this phase of engagement.
Phase 2 engagement – concept evaluation phase (November 2021 – September 2022)
The project team re-engaged stakeholders to evaluate project alternatives. In the winter
of 2021-22, two potential roadway concepts for the project were introduced. They
created an online input experience that allowed folks to learn more about the roadway
concepts, rank them, and provide location-specific comments as well as general
feedback. Paper copies of the survey and flyers were also distributed to local businesses
and organizations. An open house was held on April 26 at city hall and the project team
also attended Ecotacular on June 18.
During the second phase of engagement, stakeholders submitted feedback via comment
cards, the Story Map, the project survey, and in-person conversations. Four hundred
forty comments were received during the Phase 2 engagement. Please see attached
report summarizing the feedback during this phase of engagement.
Phase 3 engagement – concept evaluation phase (September 2022 – present)
The project team updated the project website and Story Map to present the preferred
alternative and held an Open House on Oct. 6 at the Rec Center. The project team
presented the preferred alternative, including the revised intersection alternative for
the Minnetonka Boulevard/ County Road 25 intersection. Project information boards
and a presentation of the project history, timeline, goals, and summary of the project
engagement were also provided. Thirty-two people attended the open house.
Preferred Alternative
Two potential roadway concepts were shared with the public during the engagement process.
The preferred alternative (also called Concept A) emerged as a result of the project team’s
evaluation of the project goals and the public engagement efforts.
Key features of the preferred alternative are:
• 3-lane roadway
• Multi-use trail on both sides
• Boulevards (green space) on both sides
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
Below are summaries of the technical evaluation and public feedback received.
Preferred alternative details: On-street parking
On-street parking is currently restricted and will continue to be restricted in the preferred
alternative west of Inglewood Avenue.
Currently, parking is allowed on the north side of Minnetonka Boulevard, east of
Inglewood Avenue. The preferred alternative does not reduce the amount of on-street
parking available.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 6
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
Preferred alternative details: Storm sewer
The project team has identified stormwater best management practices (BMPs) opportunities
in order to reduce runoff volume, remove pollutants, and improve stormwater quality. The
proposed plan reduces the amount of impervious surface in the project area, and the intent of
the project team is to implement additional facilities to treat more runoff than required by the
permitting agencies.
Preferred alternative details: Street trees
Hennepin County’s arborist will complete a tree inventory in the project area. This inventory
will review the size, species, health, and condition of all the trees within the project limits. As a
part of the design, the project team worked to preserve existing trees on private parcels that
may be impacted by construction to the maximum extent possible. There are a number of trees
that are likely to be impacted due to construction operations. However, the introduction of 6-
foot boulevards along Minnetonka Boulevard and the additional greenspace in the reconfigured
Minnetonka Boulevard/ County Road 25 intersection will allow ample room for planting new
trees.
Coordinating work: City utility replacement
The most cost-effective time to replace underground utilities is when streets are being
replaced. City staff has looked at the existing city utility infrastructure under this segment of
Minnetonka Boulevard and asked that the county incorporate the following city utility work
into their project:
• The existing 12-inch watermain in this corridor was installed in 1952. Due to break
history and age, staff recommends replacing the watermain and water services
within the right of way. The cost to replace the watermain is significantly cheaper
during a road reconstruction project as the road and concrete work is already
included in the project. The watermain replacement will be paid for by the city with
water utility funds.
• Lift station #4 discharges to a sanitary manhole on Minnetonka Boulevard, near the
intersection of Raleigh Avenue. The piping in the Minnetonka Boulevard right of way
that connects lift station #4 to the manhole needs to be adjusted to improve flow
and make it easier to clean and televise the line. This will be paid for using sanitary
sewer utility funds.
Coordinating work: Undergrounding of overhead utilities
City staff is currently working with Xcel Energy for pricing to underground the utility lines along
Minnetonka Boulevard. The cost to underground these facilities would be a shared cost
between Hennepin County and the city.
The current location of the poles is in the middle of the sidewalk, which makes it difficult for
users of the corridor. The preferred alternative design can still be built if the overhead utilities
are not buried. In that situation, the poles would be relocated to the boulevard space between
the curb and the trail.
There are many benefits to underground the utilities in this corridor, including:
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5) Page 7
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000)
• Visual aesthetics
• More available space in the right of way for sidewalks, bikeways, and bus stops
• Eliminates impacts to street trees due to trimming around overhead lines
• Allows for more flexibility in tree species selection
• Reduces the risk of potential outages during a storm
• Sidewalks/ trails will not be blocked or narrowed by the presence of a utility pole
• More room for snow removal and storage
The cost to underground the utilities varies depending on how many utilities are on the utility
poles and the type of facility on the poles. In addition to the public cost, there is also a private
cost for homes or businesses to modify their wiring to accommodate underground service. City
staff has a cost estimate for this work and will be sharing it as a part of the overall financial
information in the Nov. 21 report.
If this work is pursued, it will be completed separately by the utility companies in advance of
the Hennepin County project.
Next steps
The proposed schedule is as follows:
Council study session report Nov. 14, 2022
Council public hearing Nov. 21, 2022
Council project approval Dec. 5, 2022
Private utility relocations begin 2023
Road reconstruction 2024 and 2025
u
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PILGIM
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RODEO DRIVE
REALTY
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REALTOR
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THOMAS CHARLES
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CITY LIMITS
CONNECTION UNDER REVEIW
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BIKE FACILITY
EXISTING OR PLANNED
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Hennepin Co. Project No. 1681
CSAH 5 - Minnetonka Blvd.
PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE LAYOUT
PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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CONNECTION UNDER REVIEW
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TIE INTO SWLRT AND ST. LOUIS PARK
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TO BE REFINED IN
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PARCEL LINES
SIGNALIZED INTERSECTION
RETAINING WALL
UNDER REVIEW
NOTE: FINAL BUS STOP LOCATIONS
MILL AND OVERLAY
CITY LIMITS
CONNECTION UNDER REVEIW
FUTURE BIKE FACILITY
BIKE FACILITY
EXISTING OR PLANNED
PRELIMINARY - SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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TYPICAL SECTION A-A
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 8
Hennepin County is reevaluating the current use and design of Minnetonka Boulevard between Highway
100 and France Avenue, and is developing a plan for the corridor to better serve current and future users.
From May 2021-September 2021, the project team went out into the community, posted signage and decals,
sent out a mailing, and offered an online commenting map to hear from as many stakeholders as possible.
This report summarizes all the feedback we received during this phase of engagement.
The project team will use the input gathered from the public and begin
to create different improvement options for the project corridor. These
improvements will be shared online at hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard
in early 2022.
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction
We heard you!
Next steps
At a glance
Contact us
Jason Staebell, P.E., project
engineer for design
jason.staebell@hennepin.us
Phone: 612-596-0371
221
online comment
mapping comments
266
survey
responses
May 2021 -
November 2021
Phase 1
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 9
Survey results
Pedestrian safety is a concern, with a desire for improved lighting and crosswalks.
266responses
There is a need for better biking infrastructure, protected bike lanes and bikeway connections.
Results showed that residents worry about traffic speeds and desire calming measures.
Survey results favor redirecting traffic to higher volume roads (like Hwy 7) to help reduce congestion.
There is some interest in adding public transportation stops and shelters.
Many people are in favor of adding trees and plantings along the roadway.
Sidewalks and streets are poorly maintained. Many of the sidewalks are currently too close to the roadway.
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction
Engagement timeline
Key
Demographic research Open houses and pop-up events
Project website, social media, and email updates Sidewalk decals and outdoor signage
Summer 2021 survey
A M J J A S
2021 2022
O N D J F M A M J J A S
In June, we mailed out a survey to residents
and businesses within approximately two
blocks of the project area. The survey was
also available to take online.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 10
Online comment map
Common themes
Prioritize pedestrian
and bicycle safety
Speeding is
a concernDesire for safer
crossings and sidewalks
Many areas have
sightline issues
Main themes at key areas
HWY 100 & MINNETONKA QUENTIN & MINNETONKA PRINCETON & MINNETONKA
& OTTAWA
JOPPA & MINNETONKA
MONTEREY & MINNETONKA
SALEM & MINNETONKA
• Traffic calming measures are needed
• Traffic flow and access issues
• Consider adding trees
• Desire for crosswalk
• Drainage issues
• Consider reducing lanes
• Sightline issues
• Pedestrian and bike
safety concerns
• Pedestrian navigation
• Sightline issues
• Pedestrian and bike
safety concerns
• Unsafe traffic
speeds
• Traffic flow issues
• Sidewalk placement and
quality issues
• Pedestrian and bike
safety concerns
• Consider reducing lanes
• Sightline issues
• Pedestrian and bike
safety concerns
• Sidewalk accessibility
issues
• Add a pedestrian crossing
• Pedestrian and bike
safety concerns
• Poorly maintained sidewalks
• Consider adding trees or
reducing lanes
• Traffic calming measures
Traffic flow issues
need resolving
In May 2021, we launched an online comment map that allowed people to provide location-specific feedback
on ideas and opportunities (shown as purple icons with a lightbulb), concerns (shown as orange icons with
a safety triangle), or general comments (shown as yellow icons with a speech bubble). Folks were given the
option of adding new comments or replying to existing comments. People could also participate by “liking”
or “disliking” comments. 221 comments were received and 147 replies were made.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 11
Parktacular
• Don’t take street lanes away
• Existing street trees need water
• Protected 4 lanes with a center turn lane
• Put in a flashing light for pedestrians
• Put in downward street lights to reduce light pollution
• Direct traffic to higher-volume roads
• Consider adding a roundabout
Participant
comments
Visual preference board activity summary
Improvement type preferences mason jar activity
Yes: 21
No: 4
Yes: 23
No: 1
Yes: 21
No: 2
Yes: 15
No: 7
Yes: 10
No: 4
Yes: 20
No: 1
Transit
stops
Bike
lanes
Street
trees Crosswalks
Sidewalks Street
lighting
The visual preference board was designed to collect input on concepts for improvements to Minnetonka Boulevard.
People were asked to place green stickers on things that they liked, and orange stickers on things they did not.
The voting exercise invited participants to place colorful pompoms in jars corresponding with several potential
improvements to Minnetonka Boulevard, to indicate which ones they would like to see the most.
We hosted a booth at the St. Louis Park Parktacular community event on June 19, 2021. Around 100 people
of all ages participated in two interactive activities to provide their feedback for the project.
Bike lanes Sidewalks
Street trees Transit stops
Street lighting Crosswalks
79 81
79 38
45 65
votes
387
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 12
We hosted a booth at the St. Louis Park Skateapalooza community event on July 27, 2021. Around 50 people
of all ages participated in two interactive activities to provide their feedback for the project.
Skateapalooza
• Plant native trees — plan for a hot future
• Consider recruiting organizations or volunteers to maintain
plantings & trees
• Consider adding more benches/outdoor chairs for people with
disabilities
Participant
comments
Visual preference board activity summary
Improvement type preferences mason jar activity
Yes: 11
No: 2
Yes: 7
No: 0
Yes: 7
No: 0
No: 5
Yes: 2
Yes: 7
No: 0
Yes: 7
No: 1
Transit
stops
Bike
lanes
Street
trees Crosswalks
Sidewalks Street
lighting
The visual preference board was designed to collect input on concepts for improvements to Minnetonka Boulevard.
People were asked to place green stickers on things that they liked, and orange stickers on things they did not.
The voting exercise invited participants to place colorful pompoms in jars corresponding with several potential
improvements to Minnetonka Boulevard, to indicate which ones they would like to see the most.
Bike lanes Sidewalks
Street trees Transit stops
Street lighting Crosswalks
23 16
19 6
4 14
votes
82
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 13
Skateapalooza event summaryOutdoor signage and sidewalk decals
Outdoor signs, which included a brief summary of the project, a text-to-vote activity, and a way to stay
informed, were placed outside of city hall and along the corridor near the Minnetonka Boulevard and
Highway 100 intersection. The signs provided an innovative way to engage with folks who have little to no
access to the Internet.
Outdoor sign design
Sidewalk decal design Sidewalk decal at pedestrian crossing across from city hall
Outdoor sign in front of city hall
Similar to the outdoor signage, sidewalk decals were placed along the corridor at intersections with
pedestrian crossings and/or stop lights to notify interested parties about the project and engage with them
outside of the traditional online and in-person methods.
Outdoor signage
Sidewalk decals
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction
County Road 5 in St. Louis Park
Vote for what you want to see on Minnetonka Boulevard
Text your favorites to 612-524-9087 — vote for as many options as you want! We are using this information to learn what the community prefers/prioitizes.
Jason Staebell, project engineer for design
jason.staebell@hennepin.us
612-596-0371
Project contact Check out our online virtual experience!
Scan the QR code with your smartphone or visit
tinyurl.com/minnetonka-boulevard to learn more about the project, provide comments on an interactive
comment map, and take a short survey.
TO VOTE FOR BIKE LANES
TEXT “1” TO 612-524-9087
BIKE LANES
TO VOTE FOR STREET LIGHTS
TEXT “2” TO 612-524-9087
STREET LIGHTS
TO VOTE FOR STREET TREES
TEXT “3” TO 612-524-9087
STREET TREES
TO VOTE FOR TRANSIT STOPS
TEXT “4” TO 612-524-9087
TRANSIT STOPS
TO VOTE FOR SIDEWALKS
TEXT “5” TO 612-524-9087
SIDEWALKS
TO VOTE FOR CROSSWALKS
TEXT “6” TO 612-524-9087
CROSSWALKS
Reimagine
Minnetonka Boulevard
tinyurl.com/minnetonka-boulevard Scan to
learn more!
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 14
Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction
• 3-lane roadway
• Multi-use trail on both sides
• Boulevards on both sides
• 3-lane roadway
• Sidewalks on both sides
• Boulevards on both sides
• Two-way raised bike lane on north side
Concept A Concept B
We heard you!
In winter of 2021-22, we introduced two potential roadway concepts for the project. We created an online
input experience that allowed folks to learn more about the roadway concepts, rank how they felt about
them, and provide location-specific comments as well as general feedback. We also distributed paper copies
of the ranking survey and flyers to local businesses and organizations, held an open house on April 26 and
attended Ecotacular on June 18. Between the feedback submitted via comment cards, the online comment
map, the survey, and in person conversation, we received over 440 comments.
At a glance
~330
online comments/reactions ~110in person commentsDecember 2021 - June 2022
Phase 2
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 15
Comment summary
Main themes
General support for
4-3 lane conversion
To stay updated on project progress, visit the website at:
hennepin.us/minnetonka-boulevard
Concept A Concept B
Results
Top comment themes Top comment themes
Support SupportNeutral NeutralOppose Oppose
Results
43%33%28%16%29%51%
Prioritize additional
green space
Prioritize pedestrian
and bicycle safety
Concern with buses
blocking traffic
• Strong support for additional green space
• Support for 4-3 lane conversion
• Appreciate that this design requires less
pedestrian and bicycle crossing
• Desire for additional safety measures for
pedestrians and bikers (putting flashing lights
at some intersections or adding crosswalks)
• Concern with buses blocking traffic
• Some desire to look at alternatives to
traditional asphalt/concrete roads
• Some access concerns
• Support for 4-3 lane conversion
• Concern with buses blocking traffic
• Support for the two-way raised bike lane
• Concern with less green space
• Desire for additional safety measures for
pedestrians and bikers (putting flashing lights at
some intersections or adding crosswalks)
• Appreciate that this design separates bicycle
and pedestrian traffic
• Desire to have a turn in spot for buses
• Some concern about traffic backups
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 5)
Title: Minnetonka Boulevard reconstruction project update (4023-7000) - Ward 1 Page 16
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Written report: 6
Executive summary
Title: Solid waste program update
Recommended action: The purpose of this report is to provide council with current program
information and a timeframe for solid waste program changes as we renegotiate collection
service contracts.
Policy consideration: Does council have any questions related to the solid waste program,
proposed changes or timeline outlined in this report?
Summary: The current 5 year (October 2018 – September 30, 2023) solid waste collection
contract is with Waste Management. Staff have begun preparing Requests for Proposals (RFP)
for the upcoming five-years. Because of the lead time needed for contractors in hire staff and
increase inventory, the industry standard is to start negotiating contracts 5-6 months in
advance.
This report includes the current solid waste program description and history, future program
change considerations, and a timeline for the RFP and contract process.
Because of staffing challenges in the hauling industry, Staff recommends maintaining the
current program and limiting major changes to ensure the most cost-effective program.
Financial or budget considerations: None at this time.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion
Attachment A – Existing Solid Waste Residential Program
Attachment B – History of the Solid Waste Program
Prepared by: Kala Fisher, solid waste manager
Reviewed by: Jay Hall, public works director
Cindy Walsh, deputy city manager
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 2
Title: Solid waste program update
Discussion
Background
Below is an overview of the existing organized residential solid waste collection program and
program history. For detailed descriptions, see Attachments A and B.
Existing program
The city provides organized garbage, recycling, organics recycling and yard waste collection for
residents including single family through four-unit dwellings. They must opt-in for an organics
cart. This is a best management practice to ensure the residents participating understand
guidelines. Residents without city solid waste service (5+ unit buildings, some townhomes and
condos) receive service through private contracts and have access to city sponsored 11
multifamily organics drop sites strategically located throughout the city.
All St. Louis Park residents have access the city’s clean-up day and paper shredding events held
twice per year. In addition, staff organizes several swap events to encourage reuse. Residents
also have access to the city’s brush drop-off site at 2501 Edgewood Avenue (entrance on Cedar
Lake Road) for yard waste and large branches/brush from April through November.
Contract timeframe
The city currently holds a five-year contract (October 1, 2018 – September 30, 2023) for
residential solid waste services with Waste Management (WM).
Waste Management currently uses a subcontractor for the collection of yard waste, which is
expected to continue through the end of the current city contract.
Present considerations
With the current 2018 - 2023 solid waste collection contract expiring in less than a year, staff
have begun preparing Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the upcoming five years. The
information below includes program change considerations.
Proposed residential program change considerations
Staff have generated program change considerations as part of the ongoing evaluation of the
solid waste program. Recommended changes are minimal due to ongoing impacts of staffing
shortages throughout the heavy-truck industry and the well-established solid waste program in
place. Instead, staff would focus on ensuring consistent services and fine-tuning education,
outreach and participation in existing programs.
Residential program considerations
The following are future program changes for consideration:
• Continue to evaluate and revise Pay-As-You Throw (PAYT) rates to encourage waste
reduction, recycling and organics recycling.
• Evaluate the possibility of changing bulky item collection to a voucher-based program
that would include a set number of items to be collected outside carts per year at no
additional cost.
• Add curbside mattress recycling rather than having to recycle them at clean-up events.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 3
Title: Solid waste program update
• Add times in addition to Saturdays to cleanup day events to make the events more
accessible.
Communication and education considerations
• Identify existing or additional opportunities to use app-based technology to inform
residents on accepted materials for recycling and organics, collection day schedule and
updates.
• Update educational tags to “oops tags” that rely more on images than text.
• Focused outreach in multifamily buildings to encourage compliance and participation.
Next steps
Listed below is a draft schedule showing the major steps to develop and award new collection
contracts. Staff will be in attendance to the November 28 council meeting to discuss the draft
request for proposals and draft contract.
New contracts for garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste collection should be awarded
before the end of March 2023 to allow contractors time to adequately prepare for the work. If
this deadline cannot be met, extensions of the current contract will need to be negotiated.
Future actions Governing
body
Date
Determine proposal and contract requirements Staff/council Nov. 28, 2022
Draft Request for Proposal and contract completed Staff Dec., 2022
Council authorizes Request for Proposal Council Dec, 2022
Proposals received by staff Staff Jan., 2023
Proposals and staff recommendations reviewed with council Staff/council Feb., 2023
Staff negotiates collection contracts with vendors Staff Feb., 2023
Council approves new collection contracts Council March, 2023
Staff conducts public education outreach with residents Staff April-Sept. 2023
New collection contracts begin Staff Oct. 1, 2023
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 4
Title: Solid waste program update
ATTACHMENT A
2018 – 2023
EXISTING SOLID WASTE PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
The City of St. Louis Park has organized garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste collection
for single family and multi-family dwellings of four units or less. In an organized collection
system, the city provides collection services through a contract(s). The city has a five-year
contract with Waste Management for all materials that is effective October 1, 2018 –
September 30, 2023. Staff in the public works department (solid waste division) manage the
contract and oversee day-to-day operations, with billing support from the finance department’s
utility billing division.
GARBAGE
• Pay-As-You Throw (PAYT) Program for single family to four-unit residential properties
where the garbage rate increases as garbage service level (cart capacity) increases
• 11 Levels of Service (20* and 30-gallon every-other-week and 20*, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150,
180, 270, 360-gallon weekly) *20-gallon service levels being phased out, removed in 2023
• Garbage must fit in cart with lid completely closed
• Residents may purchase “extra garbage stickers” from the city for bags of household
garbage that does not fit in their carts
• Weekly collection (5 days / week) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• City owned carts (30-,60-,90-gallon)
• Hauler provides cart storage, distribution and inventory
• Collection on city approved routes (routes determined and mapped by contractor
approved by city)
• Disposal (incinerated) at the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) or alternatively at
a Hennepin County approved facility
• Optional walk-up service for garbage collection (at additional cost)
• Extra collection upon request (additional pick-up of regular, carted household garbage at
additional cost)
• Bulk collection upon request (pick-up of large, non-carted garbage at additional cost)
• Emergency or disaster services agreement in place
RECYCLING
• Single-sort collection (all materials comingled)
• Materials collected inside the cart include paper: newspaper, magazines, mail,
phonebooks, soft cover books, box board (i.e. crackers, cereal, pasta, toothpaste, pop
and beer boxes), corrugated cardboard (3’x3’); metal: steel and aluminum cans; glass:
bottles and jars; plastic: bottles, cups, containers, and jugs; cartons: aseptic (shelf-stable
cartons for soup, wine, non-refrigerated items) and table top (refrigerated cartons for
milk and juice) cartons.
• Materials collected outside the cart include scrap metal: 2’ x 2’ maximum; large,
corrugated cardboard: greater than 3’ x 3’; extra recyclables
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 5
Title: Solid waste program update
• Unlimited material collection, extra cart(s) at no cost
• Every other week collection (5 days / week) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• City owned carts (30-, 60-, 90-gallon)
• Extra collection upon request (additional pick-up at additional cost)
• Collection on city approved routes (routes determined by contractor and mapped by
city)
• Optional walk-up service (at additional cost)
• Appliance and electronics recycling collection upon request (pick-up at additional cost)
• Contractor provides revenue sharing with city
• Annual material composition analysis and report of end-market sales by contractor
• Contractor provides end market information (upon city request)
• Emergency or disaster services agreement in place
ORGANICS
• Collection of food scraps, certified compostable products, and food-soiled paper like
napkins and paper towels, and greasy pizza delivery boxes
• Weekly collection (5 days / week) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• City-owned carts (30- and 60-gallon)
• Organics must be bagged in certified compostable bags and be placed inside city-owned
organics carts
• Service to 11 multifamily drop-sites and six city buildings
YARD WASTE
• Collection of grass clippings, leaves, weeds, brush, and tree limbs
• Weekly collection (5 days / week, 2 routes / day) from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Collection from April to November
• Material for collection must be in a container or compostable bag, or tied and bundled
• Containers owned by residents
• Containers must be 40 pounds or less when filled
• Brush must be bundles in lengths of 4’ or less
• Tree limbs must be 4’ or less and have a diameter of 4” or less
• Special collection upon request (additional pick-up at additional cost)
CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Contractor staffed call center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday – Friday), 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Saturdays when collecting during holiday weeks)
• Calls or emails responded to with 30 minutes or by 9 a.m. if received after hours
• Calls documented by contractor and city staff in city database (Cartegraph)
EDUCATION
• Educational tags issued to residents by contractor when collection material isn’t
properly prepared, or items not accepted are found
• Education letters to residents by city if education tag issues are not corrected
• Resident education prepared by city (website, Park Perspective, Sun Sailor, social media,
email, mailings, brochures)
• Community outreach at city and community events
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 6
Title: Solid waste program update
• Recycling Champion program to train residents to educate their neighbors
• Annual recycling guide by city
BUSINESSES
• Allow garbage, recycling, and organics collection from small businesses that have the
same collection parameters as residential customers (cart collection, level of service,
and along existing routes) and as long as one type of recycling service is also used
• Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance education and enforcement for affected businesses
OTHER
• Holiday tree collection in first three weeks of January
• Two clean-up day events per year by city and contractor for recycling of mattresses, box
springs, scrap metal, tires, appliances, bicycles, TVs, computers and other electronics,
holiday lights, textiles, reuse of building materials and disposal of large trash items.
• Two paper shredding events per year by city
• Three swap events to encourage reuse of clothing, gardening supplies, books, music and
other media
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 7
Title: Solid waste program update
ATTACHMENT B
HISTORY OF SOLID WASTE PROGRAM
IN ST. LOUIS PARK
(Revised 11/7/2022)
2022 Expand multifamily organics drop-sites to total of 11 sites. Every-other-week yard
waste collection June 6 – September 12 due to ongoing staffing shortage at Waste
Management. City staff supplement yard waste collection. City Council approves
memorandum of understanding to allow Waste Management to use subcontractor
Waste Container Systems for yard waste collection through September 30, 2023.
2021 Expand materials accepted from residents at the city brush-site to include yard
waste. Every-other-week yard waste collection for the month of September, followed
by city staff assisting with collection. City adopts resolution to enter a 2022 - 2025
SCORE (recycling + organics) agreement with Hennepin County.
2020 Service interruptions and no Spring Cleanup or paper shredding events due to
COVID-19 Pandemic; supplemental curbside cleanup option used for Spring event
and updated event layout and procedures created for Fall event. Termination of
agreement for recycling of textiles with Simple Recycling. City adopts resolution to
amend the 2017 - 2020 SCORE (recycling + organics) agreement with Hennepin
County to extend for one year through December 31, 2021.
2019 Held the first building material donation event in collaboration with local non-profits,
city and county partnership. Updated Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance for clarity and
expanding requirements for straws, utensils, cups. Received $13,700 Hennepin
County Public Space Recycling Grant for collection containers.
2018
5-year contract (2018 - 2023) for garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste collection with
Waste Management begins.
1. Multifamily organics drop-sites begin at five locations in city
2. Organics and yard waste collection occur separately (January 1, 2019)
4-year contract (2018 – 2022) for processing of organics and yard waste with Specialized
Environmental Technologies (SET)/The Mulch Store begins to ensure options for
processing organics during the transition from co-collected with yard waste to
separate collection in 2019.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 8
Title: Solid waste program update
2017 City implements Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance, drops opt-in fee for organics
recycling program. City adds curbside textile and home goods recycling/reuse
program through contract with Simple Recycling, develops Recycling Champion
program. MN GreenCorps host site with member focused on multifamily recycling,
curbside organics and parks recycling. City adopts resolution to enter a 2017 - 2020
SCORE (recycling + organics) agreement with Hennepin County. Council approves
updated Chapter 22 to include minimum capacity requirements for multifamily
recycling and other code updates.
2016 City provides incentive to residents to sign up for organics recycling and receives a
$15,190 grant from Hennepin County to increase recycling collection in city parks.
2015 City adopts Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance requiring all licensed food
establishments to serve food and beverages in-house or to-go in reusable,
returnable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and provide in-house collection for
recyclable or compostable packaging used on-site. City adopts resolution to amend
the 2012 - 2015 SCORE (recycling) agreement with Hennepin County to extend for
one year through December 31, 2016.
2014 City conducts a survey of licensed food establishments on polystyrene plastic product
use and recycling practices. City begins providing compost each spring and fall to
residents. Compost comes from the commercial composter that composts organic
material from the city’s program.
2013 City brush drop-off site (2501 Edgewood Avenue) opens to residents to discard
branches, brush and logs.
5-year contracts (2013 - 2018) for garbage and recycling collection with Waste Management;
organics recycling and yard waste collection with Advanced Disposal begin.
1. Single-sort recycling begins, and city requires use of city-owned carts for
recycling collection.
2. Organics recycling begins and requires use of city carts and city provided
compostable bags for organics recycling collection. Organics customers are also
allowed to put un-bagged yard waste in the organics recycling cart.
3. Organics recycling and yard waste are co-collected in the same truck.
4. Scrap metal curbside recycling begins.
5. Textile recycling is no longer available.
2012 Council approves Amendment No. 2 to contract with Eureka Recycling to expand
plastics accepted to #1 - 5 and #7 plastics containers/lids and clear rigid packaging
and a revised revenue sharing agreement with Eureka in response to new materials
accepted. City adopts resolution to enter into a 2012 - 2015 SCORE (recycling)
agreement with Hennepin County which requires the city to collect #1 thru #5 plastic
containers and lids by January 1, 2013.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 9
Title: Solid waste program update
2011 City conducts program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste
program. City adds pizza delivery boxes to the list of recycling items collected. City
provides recycling bin wheel kits to assist residents in transporting their bins to the
collection location.
2010 City adds pumpkins to the list of yard waste items collected. City conducts customer
service survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste customer
service. City amends backyard composting ordinance to allow food scraps and the
container size and material. City adopts resolution to amend the 2008 - 2010 SCORE
(recycling) agreement with Hennepin County to extend for one year through
December 31, 2011. State law requires residents who bag their yard waste to use
compostable bags (either paper bags or compostable plastic bags).
2009 City approves Amendment No. 1 to contract with Eureka Recycling to modify the
financial terms related to revenue sharing and bond requirements. City conducts
program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste program.
2008 Five-year contracts (2008 - 2013) for garbage and yard waste collection with Waste
Management and recycling collection with Eureka Recycling begin.
1. Curbside textile recycling begins.
2. City adds pop and beer boxes, aseptic juice and milk cartons to the list of
recycling items collected in recycling bins.
3. City adds Field Inspector position to solid waste staff.
2007 Council authorizes staff to solicit proposals for recycling, garbage and yard waste
collection services for the period of October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2013. City
conducts program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the proposed solid
waste program changes.
2006 City receives a $3,000 Keep America Beautiful grant from Waste Management to
create a Green Business Program. State law prohibits electronic products containing
cathode-ray tubes (TVs and computer monitors) from disposal in the garbage. City
conducts program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste
program.
2005 City received $14,000 grant from Hennepin County to create a recycling project in city
parks. City adopts resolution to enter into a 2005 - 2007 SCORE (recycling) agreement
with Hennepin County. Decision Resources conducts customer service survey to
measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste customer service.
2004 New rates for Pay-As-You-Throw program become effective.
2003 New contract with Waste Management becomes effective.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 6) Page 10
Title: Solid waste program update
2002 Solid Waste Program changes approved by council. Decision Resources conducts
program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste program. City
authorizes one year extension of contract with Waste Management to allow staff
time to complete program changes process.
2000 City conducts program survey to measure resident’s satisfaction with the solid waste
program.
1997 City authorizes a 5-year agreement with Waste Management, Inc. beginning October
1, 1997.
1989 City amends Ordinance #1794-89, relating to garbage collection by adding new
sections 9-310 through 9-320 relating to environmental preservation.
1988 City passes Resolution #88-99 Supporting Recycling Collection by Garbage Haulers at
Multiple Family Residential Dwellings. City also hears task force recommendation to
have county do more commercial recycling so that cities could concentrate on
residential recycling.
1987 The city passes Resolution #87-202 Intent for Implementing City-Wide Recycling
Programs. City establishes goals for a city sponsored recycling program: recycling goal
of 50% participation from all single-family homes, multiple-family dwellings, and
businesses by 1990. City authorizes agreement for a recycling and composting
program. City enters into recycling collection agreement with Super Cycle.
1986 City terminates recycling contract with US Recyco. City contracts with Beermann
Services to provide interim services until May 3, 1986.
1978 Newspaper recycling containers regulated.
1958 First documentation of Garbage Collection available.
Meeting: Study session
Meeting date: November 14, 2022
Written report: 7
Executive summary
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements – Wards 1 and 4
Recommended action: None at this time. Council will be asked to approve a cooperative
agreement with Minnehaha Creek MCWD at the Nov. 21 council meeting to move forward with
design on the work in Northside Park.
Policy consideration: Does the city council wish to proceed with these projects to improve
water quality in the Twin Lake subwatershed?
Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of stormwater projects in the
Twin Lake subwatershed. There are two components, detailed below.
The drainage area of the Twin Lakes subwatershed is 1,639 acres in size and was largely
developed before there were water quality requirements. There are limited opportunities to
provide water quality improvements within the subwatershed due to this area being fully
developed. The city needs to be creative to find ways to provide stormwater runoff treatment
to meet our water quality goals. The projects are as follows.
• Northside Park water quality filtration system: Led by Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD)
o The MCWD is proposing to construct a water quality project at Northside Park. The
purpose of this project is to provide mitigation for stormwater runoff treatment from a
redevelopment project that occurred at the Lifetime Fitness facility located at 5525
Cedar Lake Road, which occurred in 2018. The MCWD and Lifetime Fitness water quality
mitigation project will be located within the Twin Lake subwatershed.
• Lamplighter Pond maintenance project: Led by St. Louis Park
o Perform a baseline fishery survey to estimate the population of invasive common carp
within the pond. This survey will be used to determine the impacts the common carp
are having on the water quality and overall habitat of the pond. The survey will also
inform common carp harvest activities.
o Determine the volume of accumulated sediment and assess the condition of existing
infrastructure to prepare plans and specifications for a maintenance project.
This work is scheduled to be completed in 2023.
Financial or budget considerations: The Lamplighter Pond maintenance project is included in
the city’s 2023 capital improvement plan (CIP) and will be paid for with stormwater funds. The
MCWD project will use an escrow fund provided by Lifetime Fitness, which will cover the
project costs. Additional information on the funding can be found in the discussion section of
this report.
Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in
environmental stewardship.
Supporting documents: Discussion, Twin Lakes subwatershed map, Project location map
Prepared by: Erick Francis, water resources manager
Reviewed by: Debra Heiser, engineering director; Phillip Elkin, engineering services manager
Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 7) Page 2
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements – Wards 1 and 4
Discussion
Background
The drainage area of the Twin Lakes subwatershed is 1,639 acres in size and was largely
developed before there were any water quality requirements. There are limited opportunities
to provide water quality improvements within the subwatershed due to this area being fully
developed. The city needs to be creative to find ways to provide stormwater runoff treatment
to meet our water quality goals. The projects are as follows:
Project descriptions
Northside Park water quality filtration system: In 2018, Lifetime Fitness applied to the
MCWD for a stormwater management permit for the expansion of its St. Louis Park facility,
located at 5525 Cedar Lake Road. As a result of Lifetime Fitness site limitations, a variance
was issued by the MCWD, allowing Lifetime Fitness to provide an escrow, in the amount of
$490,000, in lieu of constructing stormwater management facilities on their site. The
escrow affords the MCWD the right to use the funds to provide stormwater treatment
within the Twin Lake subwatershed to meet the water quality treatment needed for the
Lifetime Fitness site redevelopment. The stormwater treatment requirements for the 10.4-
acre Lifetime Fitness are the removal of 7.2-lbs of Total Phosphorus on an average annual
basis.
Since approving the variance in 2018, MCWD and city staff have been working to identify
locations for stormwater treatment within the Twin Lake subwatershed. Several potential
treatment sites and Best Management Practices (BMPs) on public and private property were
evaluated. After extensive review, it was determined that there were limited locations within
the Twin Lake subwatershed that had the available space, runoff volumes, existing storm sewer
infrastructure, and suitable soils to provide the treatment that met the water quality treatment
requirements. This is mainly due to its fully developed status and limited open spaces.
MCWD and city staff concluded that the preferred BMP would be a Contech Storm Filter (CSF)
system to be installed on the west side of Northside Park. The CSF unit is an underground
concrete vault that is 8 feet wide, 14 feet long, and 6 feet tall and uses a filtration media
cartridge to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. Lamplighter Pond is upstream from
the proposed filter system. To increase the effectiveness of this improvement, engineering
staff reviewed the condition of the pond to better understand if there were additional
improvements that could be done in conjunction with the work at Northside Park.
Lamplighter Pond maintenance project
Fish survey
Engineering staff is conducting a baseline fisheries survey in Lamplighter Pond this fall.
Lamplighter Pond is a valued resource that has been a part of the Minnesota DNR’s Fishing in
the Neighborhood program, stocking game fish for many years. However, over the past few
years, more common carp have been observed in the pond than game fish.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 7) Page 3
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements – Wards 1 and 4
Common carp are a significant driver of poor water quality parameters, while carp forage and
root around in pond sediments where nutrients, like phosphorous, are reintroduced to the
water column where it becomes available for algae. Electrofishing surveys were completed over
a three-day period in late September to quantify carp abundance and biomass density. Carp are
captured, measured, weighed, and implanted with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag.
PIT tags are permanent, unique identifiers to indicate the previous capture, which is important
when an accurate understanding of when the fish was initially captured is needed. A fin was
also clipped to identify captured carp; the fin will grow back and be indistinguishable within a
few months. This survey served as an index value to help determine the trend of the carp
population. During these three survey days, we noted all fish species, which included carp,
along with a small number of crappies, bluegills, and bullheads. The final report is pending;
however, an initial finding is that there are too many carp within the pond to maintain a healthy
ecosystem, and we will be investigating harvesting the carp in 2023.
Lastly, staff was lucky to be joined by the Middle School’s MN Outdoors science students on
one of the survey days. The students observed the fisheries survey, which included
electrofishing by using a small boat, baiting, and trap netting of fish, and assisted with
identifying the fish.
Pond maintenance
Lamplighter Pond was significantly expanded in the early 2000s to restore the pond to its
function as a stormwater holding basin and improve its aesthetics. In addition, the project also
provided flood protection to adjacent homes that were impacted by heavy storms.
Lamplighter Pond has been functioning well since it was expanded, but in the last few years,
sediment deltas became observable in a few areas of the pond, and it was determined that
further investigation was necessary to calculate sediment volume for removal. Routine and
long-term maintenance of stormwater ponds is essential to continue to effectively remove
pollutants and to maintain storage for stormwater runoff.
The city performed a GPS bathometric survey, which recorded pond edge and pond depths to
estimate the underwater contours by using a grid pattern with an approximate cross-section
spacing of about 50 feet. The survey determined the volume of accumulated sediment within
the pond. In addition, the storm sewer outfalls and retaining walls were also inspected. It was
determined that just under 10,000 cubic yards of sediment has accumulated over the last 20
years, and the pond’s overall volume is about 40,000 cubic yards. Most of the accumulated
sediment is located adjacent to the pond outfalls, where access is relatively easy for removal.
To efficiently remove the accumulated sediment, the water levels will need to be drawn down
about two feet. There is also a small retaining wall in the southeast corner of the pond,
surrounding the existing lift station, which needs replacement. Otherwise, the overall pond is in
good condition.
Financial or budget considerations
The following table outlines the estimated project cost and anticipated funding sources for
these projects.
Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 7) Page 4
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements – Wards 1 and 4
2023 Capital expenses
Northside Park - water quality filtration system Lamplighter Pond
Cost Cost
Construction cost $289,000 Construction cost $212,000
Engineering and administration $72,000 Engineering and administration $31,800
Total $361,000 Total $243,800
Funding Source Funding Source
Lifetime Fitness escrow $361,000 Stormwater utility $243,800
Total $361,000 Total $243,800
Operation and maintenance costs
The city will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Northside Park water
quality filtration system (CSF). The city will inspect the CSF as part of our annual cycle to ensure
its proper operation and determine necessary maintenance. The city currently maintains a
similar filter system at Carpenter Park, with a maintenance cost that ranges from $8,000 to
$12,000 every one to three years, depending on annual rainfall amounts. Once the project is
constructed, it is estimated that there will be $129,000 remaining from the Lifetime fitness
escrow funds. MCWD will transfer these funds to the city to cover the cost of the maintenance
activities of the CSF. It is estimated that the escrow funds will cover the city’s cost for 22-32
years, depending on the performance of the system.
Present considerations
To formalize the partnership between MCWD and the city for the Northside Park water quality
improvement project and move forward with project design, a cooperative agreement with
Minnehaha Creek MCWD will be brought to the council for approval at the Nov. 21 council
meeting. The agreement will detail how project development and construction management
will proceed. To provide streamlined project coordination, MCWD’s consultant, Stantec, will
complete the final project design. Engineering staff will manage bidding, and construction
oversight, with the concurrence of MCWD. The city will invoice MCWD for design and
construction costs incurred, and MCWD will disburse escrow funds in reimbursement to the
city.
Next steps
The proposed schedule to facilitate construction in 2023 is as follows:
Council study session report Nov. 14, 2022
Council to approve MCWD agreement Nov. 21, 2022
Final design November to December 2022
Council awards construction bids Summer 2023
Construction August 2023
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Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 7)
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements - Ward 1 and 4 Page 5
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Study session meeting of November 14, 2022 (Item No. 7)
Title: Twin Lake subwatershed improvements - Ward 1 and 4 Page 6