HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/06/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular11ISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
JUNE 20, 2016
1. Call to Order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfn, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Controller (Mr. Simon), Director of
Community Development (Mr. Locke), Planner (Ms. Monson), Planning and Zoning Supervisor
(Mr. Walther), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms.
Wirth).
Guests: David J. Mol, Redpath and Company, and Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates.
Ia. Pledge of Allegiance
lb. Roll Call
2. Presentations
2a. Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Day Proclamation
Annette Sandler and Jonathan Lips, St. Louis Part, ACT on Alzheimer action team co-chairs, and
Karen Hoppe, Alzheimer's Association Minnesota -North Dakota chief financial officer,
introduced themselves.
Mayor Spano read a proclamation recognizing Alzheimer's disease Awareness Day on June 20,
2016.
Ms. Sandler described the goals and activities of the St. Louis Park action team to educate and
train people about Alzheimer's disease. Ms. Hoppe relayed an incident that occurred with a
family member who had Alzheimer's disease and thanked all who work tirelessly to help those
with this disease. Mr. Lips stated June 20, 2016, is the longest day of the year, which is symbolic
to Alzheimer's caregivers as there is more to do than hours in the day. Ms. Sanders advised of
how to obtain training and donate to this cause.
Mr. Harmening stated purple identifies with the issue of Alzheimer's disease, and in recognition
of this day, the Highway 7 bridge will be lit purple.
2b. Lenox Foundation 30th Anniversary Proclamation
Lenox Foundation Board President Sherrill Mozey introduced Foundation Board members Betty
Pickle, Shirley Carlson, Carol Kohler, Barb Person, Judy Cook, and Adult Services Manager
Linda Asche.
City Council Meeting -2- June 20, 2016
Ms. Mozey stated they are thrilled with this recognition that is being received 28 years after the
first such recognition by the city. She also thanked councilmembers and Foundation Board
members Greg Lindberg and Susan Sanger for their contributions. Ms. Asche thanked the board,
on behalf of the senior program, for their many contributions.
Mayor Spano read a proclamation celebrating the 40`h anniversary of the Lenox Foundation.
Councilmember Lindberg commented on the commitment and work of this group.
Councilmember Sanger concurred with Councilmember Lindberg's comments.
2c. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year Ending December 31,
2015
Mr. Simon introduced David Mol, CPA and partner with Redpath and Company, noting a clean
and unqualified opinion has been received on the 2015 audit.
Mr. Mol presented Redpath's opinion on the city's financial statement and reports, including an
opinion on the fair presentation of the financial statements; internal controls; Minnesota legal
compliance; and communication to those charged with governance. Mr. Mol announced the city
received the Government Finance Officers Association's Award for Excellence in Financial
Reporting for the 32nd consecutive year, showing the city's commitment to clear and transparent
reporting. Mr. Mol explained the auditor's role to determine whether statutory requirements have
been complied with and described the seven guides used to make that determination. Mr. Mol
stated with the report on internal controls, one item was noted relating to adjustments of financial
statements as a result of audit procedures. With regard to the report on Minnesota legal
compliance, their role is to determine whether statutory financial requirements are complied
with. Mr. Mol provided several examples of that compliance evaluation and stated they noted no
items of noncompliance. He reviewed the items listed in the report on communication with those
charged with governance that addressed changes in accounting policies or standards. He noted
Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 68 was implemented in 2015 and
requires pension reporting in the financial statements. Mr. Mol stated there were no difficulties in
performing the audit or disagreements with management. He advised of changes in 2016
accounting standards and stated in summary, a clean and unqualified opinion was issued. There
were no items in legal compliance, and only one item noted on internal control relating to
changes in financial statements as a result of an audit.
Councilmember Brausen noted this is a quick summary of a 202 page report that the council has
reviewed to assure accuracy. He stated the full report is available on line.
Mayor Spano asked what is meant by an `unqualified' audit. Mr. Mol explained it is the technical
term to say the audit opinion includes no qualifications. Mayor Spano referenced the bulleted
points that he felt were important to point out indicating there had been no difficulties in
performing the audit, meaning the auditors experienced no interference in obtaining the
information needed to perform the audit.
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. City Council Meeting Minutes May 16, 2016
City Council Meeting -3- June 20, 2016
Councilmember Mavity requested a correction to page 5, second paragraph, second
sentence, indicating: "...She added this policy overall will be extraordinarily important
for Qty Southwest Light Rail's competitiveness and for receiving future
funding."
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
approve the May 16, 2016, Meeting Minutes as amended.
The motion passed 7-0.
4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar
4a. Moved to Item 8c.
4b. Approve the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2495-16 vacating right-of-
way, and to approve the ordinance summary for publication.
4e. Adopt Resolution No. 16-075 designating 2016 polling places and appointing Election
Judges for the August 9, 2016, State Primary Election and the November 8, 2016,
Presidential General Election.
4d. Adopt Resolution No. 16-076 and Resolution No. 16-077 authorizing the submission
of grant applications as part of the Metropolitan Council Regional Solicitations
process.
1) Dakota-Edgewood Trail Bridge Crossing
2) CSAH 25/Beltline Pedestrian Improvements
Councilmember Sanger requested that Consent Calendar item 4a be removed and placed
on the Regular Agenda.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move
Consent Calendar item 4a to the Regular Agenda as item 8d; and to waive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
Councilmember Brausen commented on the action taken with item 4d to authorize
submission of grant applications as part of the Metropolitan Council's regional
solicitation process for trail and pedestrian improvements.
5. Boards and Commissions — None
6. Public Hearings — None
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items
8a. Series 2016A G.O. Bonds — Indoor/Outdoor Rec Center Projects. Resolution
No. 16-078
City Council Meeting -4- June 20, 2016
Mr. Simon presented the staff report, noting on May 16, 2016, the council had authorized
the issuance of $10 million general obligation bonds, series 2016A. On June 1, staff
conducted a credit review with Standard and Poor's and on June 14, Standard and Poor's
affirmed the city's AAA rating with a stable outlook. Mr. Simon stated only 19
Minnesota cities are rated as AAA by Standard and Poor's. He introduced Stacie
Kvilvang, Municipal Advisor with Ehlers & Associates, to present the bid results.
Ms. Kvilvang reviewed the Standard and Poor's report and explained the significance of
the city receiving a strong rating in five rating categories. She stated the city received
five bids with the lowest responsible bidder being Stifel Nicolaus and Company, with a
true interest rate of 1.37%. Ms. Kvilvang noted the bid included a premium bid of nearly
$400,000 for the construction fund so the city won't need to use as much planned general
fund dollars and could reprogram those dollars for future capital projects when interest
rates may be higher.
It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive
the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-078, Awarding the sale of General Obligation
Bonds, Series 2016A.
8b. Floodwall CUP and a Variance Request for Compensatory Flood Storage.
Resolution No. 16-079 and Resolution No. 16-080
Ms. Monson presented the staff report and request of Park Nicollet Health Services
(PNHS) for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to construct a floodwall, storm sewer
modifications, and compensatory flood storage through wetland restoration. She
explained a CUP is required to place fill in the floodplain and for any project that
involves the import or export of more than 400 cubic yards of soil. This request proposes
construction of 1,175 cubic yards of floodwall within the floodplain and the export of
approximately 1,815 cubic yards of soil from the existing wetland. Ms. Monson reviewed
the anticipated construction schedule. She stated staff and the Planning Commission
reviewed this request in detail and presented their findings.
Ms. Monson also presented the request of PNHS for a variance to construct
compensatory flood storage within the existing floodplain. City ordinance requires
compensating storage to be provided outside of the existing floodplain boundary. She
displayed a graphic depicting the wetland boundaries and elevations. Ms. Monson
indicated no one made comment at the Planning Commission's public hearing on May
18, 2016, The Planning Commission unanimously recommends approval of the CUP and
variance, both with conditions as recommended by staff.
Councilmember Mavity asked about the location of the floodplain and how, if at all, it
would impact the vision developed as part of the Southwest LRT planning area. She also
asked if this area was envisioned for other uses and indicated she does not want to impact
those plans. Mr. Walther stated the area under this requested permit does not conflict with
previous plans for the Louisiana LRT station.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to waive
the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-079, Granting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
to add 1,175 cubic yards of fill due to construction of a floodwall subject to conditions
recommended by staff and to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-080,
City Council Meeting -5- June 20, 2016
granting a Variance to allow excavation of 1,815 cubic yards of material to provide
compensatory storage within a floodplain subject to conditions recommended by staff.
Councilmember Lindberg noted this project would only have benefit upstream with
floodwater. Ms. Monson stated that is correct.
Councilmember Brausen asked whether this project will be able to deal with a flood such
as experienced in 2014. Robert Riesselman, Park Nicollet Health Services, stated that
they took that flood seriously and described the options they had considered. Mr.
Riesselman explained the proposed floodwall runs along the most vulnerable location,
and they will provide additional sandbagging, if needed, for a flood event.
Councilmember Brausen stated Methodist Hospital is such a tremendous community
asset, he wants to assure it is adequately protected.
Mayor Spano stated he lives near this site and knows hours of operation during
construction activity will be a concern for nearby residents. Mr. Riesselman concurred
and stated if they exceed those hours of activity, he quickly receives an e-mail from Mr.
Harmening. He explained that Barr Engineering designed this project, and the
compensatory storage was partnered with the watershed to improve the degraded
wetlands.
The motion passed 7-0.
8c. Second Amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement with
PLACE. Resolution No. 16-081
Mr. Locke stated this is a companion item to the item acted on by the EDA relating to the
second amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE to expand
the site area for future redevelopment.
Councilmember Sanger explained she had asked to pull this item from the consent
calendar for discussion and to advise the community why she is not supportive of the
current PLACE proposal. Councilmember Sanger stated she thinks the developer who is
proposing this project is putting more emphasis on having trendy, politically correct
amenities and features in the plan rather than putting an emphasis on the impact of the
plan on the larger surrounding community. With the current proposal, she has two items
of concern. One is the traffic impact with 300 apartments, 100 hotel units, and
commercial space in the area of Wooddale Avenue, 36th Street, and the frontage road of
Hwy. 7. She stated the traffic generated on Wooddale Avenue and that intersection and
bridge will also impact the Sorensen neighborhood, and she finds that traffic impact to be
too overwhelming as there already are traffic issues at that intersection and bridge.
Councilmember Sanger stated her second concern deals with the developer wanting to
include 60% "affordable" housing units, which in theory sounds fine until you think
about what happens with that many lower income people confined into a dense
development. She thinks that much concentration of lower income people results in
maintenance issues, which will be a huge issue on the surrounding community.
Councilmember Sanger stated St. Louis Park has a 100% rating on affordable housing
through the Met Council Housing Performance Index, so the city is not deficient in
providing affordable housing. She stated there is a big need for affordable housing, but
City Council Meeting -6- June 20, 2016
she preferred to see it spread out and de -concentrated. Councilmember Sanger stated
those are the reasons she is not supportive of this proposal.
Councilmember Miller stated he also does not support this preliminary development
amendment. He has no issue with the affordable housing component but does not support
the location in which it is proposed. Councilmember Miller stated when thinking where
else it could be located, there are difficulties, but Highway 7 and Louisiana has
infrastructure in place. He noted the proposed intersection has light rail coming into that
space, and there is a bridge with design difficulties. Councilmember Miller stated he
thinks the proposed development at this intersection will be a huge issue for the Sorensen
neighborhood and those living south of the intersection. He does like the live, work,
affordable, and open space components; however, he believes the proposed project is too
dense at that intersection.
Councilmember Brausen stated a traffic study has been done for the proposed location
and the amendment will expand the footprint and allow the ability to address the traffic
issues that Engineering and the study felt Wooddale Avenue would deal with.
Councilmember Brausen stated he supports this project and amending the agreement so
the developer has the opportunity to develop a plan that works for all. He stated the
council will do all it can to make sure the project does fit and incorporates the design
features and densities the city wants along the light rail system. Councilmember Brausen
felt this project would be a community asset at this location.
Councilmember Lindberg stated he is supportive of this action. From a broad community
standpoint and after taking input received from community members, he thinks
expanding the site will allow density and height and other issues to be further vetted
through the development process. He pointed out that the council is not taking a vote on
the project tonight, noting that will involve more discussion. Councilmember Lindberg
stated this developer has brought a robust public process. In addition, this project
involves transit oriented development, to which the council has committed, as well as
partnering with the community along this corridor. This project fits from that perspective,
too. Councilmember Lindberg reminded the audience that the council is not making
decisions on the development tonight but, rather agreeing to continue the conversation
about the vision for the area.
Councilmember Mavity stated the framing provided by Councilmember Lindberg is
helpful as this land is owned by public entities, including the city, and will never be
developed into anything unless the city offers a development agreement so that a
developer can explore it with neighbors and the council. She stated this amendment
allows that conversation, discussion, and ability to envision what it will look like.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has never seen a development agreement remain the
same from the start to the finish. She stated her kids spent many years at Kids' Place, and
those taking care of them probably made a salary well below the maximum income levels
allowed under the current proposal of this developer. Councilmember Mavity stated that
these residents could be those who cared for her kids, live in St. Louis Park already, and
may be struggling to pay their rent.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to waive
the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-081, Approving the Second Amendment to the
Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE.
City Council Meeting -7- June 20, 2016
The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmember Miller and Sanger opposed).
9. Communications
Councilmember Brausen reported on the success of this year's Parktacular. He thanked
all committee workers, volunteers and community members, whose hard work made it a
great event.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m.
�D
MeVsaennedy, City Clerk