HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/07/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session`f1 St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
JULY 11, 2016
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Tim Brausen, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, Susan
Sanger
Councilmembers absent: Mayor Spano, Steve Hallfin
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Controller (Mr. Simon), City Clerk
(Ms. Kennedy), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Police Lieutenant
(Ms. Dreier), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: Kristine Strout, American Legion Post #282 Club Manager; Mark Ludeman, Commercial
Real Estate Representative for Post #282 and American Legion Members.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — July 18 & 25, 2016
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for July 18 and 25, 2016. He
stated there will be a briefing on Xcel Energy and the franchise ordinance at the July 18 meeting.
At the July 25 meeting, there will be a consultant present to discuss the Vision/Comprehensive
Plan process. Also there will be an update on race and equity training, along with updates on the
Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance and Water Treatment Plant #4.
Councilmember Sanger requested discussion on the finances related to snow shoveling of
sidewalks, before the 2017 budget is finalized.
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity asked staff for a running list of budget topics. Staff noted this will be
provided with the 2017 budget materials.
2. City Auditing Firm
Mr. Simon reviewed the City's auditing firm, Redpath and Company. In 2010, the city did an
RFP for auditing services, which resulted in the hiring of Redpath and Company under a 4 -year
contract. Given the high quality of services provided by the firm, in October 2013, council
authorized a 1 -year extension and up to 3 additional extensions through the 2017 audit.
Ms. Deno noted that with Mr. Simon being the new Chief Financial Officer, it would be helpful
to retain the current audit firm for one more year in order to complete this auditing cycle and
then to look at new firms after that time.
Councilmember Sanger noted she raised this topic, as did Councilmember Hallfin last year;
however, she has no issue with the current auditing firm. She added it is her understanding that
best practices recommend changing auditors periodically in order to provide a fresh perspective
on the city's finances. She agreed to having Redpath and Company serve as the city's auditors
for one more year and then to pursue another firm through another RFP process.
Councilmember Lindberg added he understands the need to review the auditing firm periodically
and for transparency in doing so. However, he feels a change can wait until next year, especially
given that Mr. Simon is also new to the city.
Study Session Minutes -2- July 11, 2016
Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Lindberg's comments.
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity concurred, as well, agreeing it is healthy to change auditors every 5
years. She also noted that there is fresh insight given by Mr. Simon as the new Chief Financial
Officer.
Councihnember Miller agreed with the opinions shared by the other councilmembers.
It was the consensus of the council to bring this back for discussion next year after the 2016 audit
is complete and to do an RFP in the fall of 2017. At that time, it will be decided if the council
would prefer a 3- or 5 -year contract.
3. Frank Lundberg American Legion Post 282 Liquor Ordinance Amendment Request
Ms. Kennedy stated council asked staff to bring this item back for a formal discussion with
American Legion members. She explained the American Legion Post #282 has asked for an
ordinance amendment that would exempt the holders of Club On -Sale Intoxicating liquor
licenses from the requirement that at least 50% of the gross receipts of the establishment be
attributable to the sale of food. The American Legion currently holds a Club On -Sale liquor
license and is considering relocating to a new facility on Walker Street. She noted for reasons
that are not clear, the Legion had not been required to meet the food to liquor ratio requirement
for a number of years. However, staff has made it clear that if the Legion moves to a new
location, it is expected they would meet the food to liquor ratio standard.
Councilmember Brausen asked if the city grants an exemption, would there be an ordinance or a
resolution. Ms. Kennedy stated the City Attorney has recommended an amendment to the
ordinance. Ms. Kennedy noted that the city currently has two establishments that hold a Club
On -Sale liquor license, the American Legion and the Minneapolis Gold Club,
Councilmember Miller asked if other entities might call themselves a "club" in order to be
included in this license classification. Ms. Kennedy said no, this would not be allowable, as they
would have to meet the statutory definition of a club.
Councilmember Sanger stated she did not understand how the Legion was allowed to function
without meeting the licensing requirements, adding she would like an assurance there are no
other entities within the city that are allowed to do this.
Ms. Kennedy stated she could not speak to what happened in the past prior to her tenure with the
city, however she noted that all other licensees that are subject to the food -liquor ratio
requirement did meet the 50-50 standard during the last licensing period.
Mr. Harmening stated past staff may have mistakenly misinterpreted the ordinance. He
explained staff is seeking clarification on how to handle this issue moving forward.
Councilmember Sanger stated 50-50 requirement was implemented as a public safety measure so
guests will eat when they drink. She added the policy should be applied to the American Legion
regardless of whether or not they move to a new location. She noted it is a slippery slope to not
enforce the requirement for this group, and enforce it for others.
Study Session Minutes -3- July 11, 2016
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity stated she interpreted the 50-50 ratio requirement differently, noting it is
a business or zoning model, to ensure the city does not have a bar district.
Councilmember Brausen said he hopes the Legion management will not allow patrons to be over
served and will provide food or alternative transportation for people who visit their
establishment. He added he would like to grant an exemption for the Legion.
Councilmember Lindberg asked if this is a zoning question, and noted if the council grants this
exception, there will be feedback from residents, along with concerns about proximity of the new
club location within neighborhoods. He added his concern is granting the exception and then
having concern from residents come up afterwards.
Councilmember Brausen asked where the new property is located. Mr. Ludeman stated it is at
6509 Walker Ave., and noted there is no residential close by. He added they have also conferred
with the city's zoning administrator on this location and no issues were found.
Councilmember Miller stated he is inclined to grant the exception, especially as it relates to a
veterans' organization. He added he did not think there had been any incidents at the Legion.
Ms. Kennedy responded there have been no public safety issues at the American Legion.
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity stated she leaned towards granting the exception as well. She added she
does not see the 50-50 requirement as a social behavior tool, but as a zoning and district usage
tool, to help control where the city wants to locate bars and restaurants.
Councilmember Lindberg also agreed with providing the exception to the ordinance for the
American Legion, stating there is no better group to provide this exception for. However, he
noted his broader concern is a policy that guides the granting of a liquor license depending on
where the location of the club will ultimately be.
Mr. Harrnening stated there may be a way to word the ordinance amendment so it only applies
specifically to veteran's organizations holding a Club liquor license. Ms. Kennedy stated she
would discuss the issue with the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amendment.
4. Council Chambers Security
Police Lt. Dreier presented the safety and security plan to the council. She noted a panic button
was added in 2014 to the council dais, using the best technology at that time. If the chambers is
remodeled, she added that newer technology would be used. Lt. Dreier explained that when the
panic button is pressed, the camera in Council Chambers immediately takes a photograph, which
is then sent to dispatch and also to the Lieutenant's cell phone. She stressed that in an emergency
situation, such as an active shooter, the most important thing would be for all eouncilmembers
and staff to get out of the room as soon as possible and call 911. This call would go immediately
to the St. Louis Park dispatch office. Likewise, if a 911 call was made from any landline phone
in city hall, dispatch would know immediately where the call was coming from within 1500 feet
of the phone.
Lt. Dreier added that the panic buttons are silent but also noted they should not be used for a
medical emergency. She added that if the panic button is pressed, councilmembers should try to
run and hide, but if they have to confront, they should do what they can. She added there are two
buttons at the reception desk in City Hall, as well.
Study Session Minutes -4- July 11, 2016
Additionally, Council Chambers and the Westwood Room have portable panic buttons that can
be brought into the rooms by staff. These buttons can also be used in the Community Room and
brought to each meeting. Lt. Dreier added that staff periodically tests all buttons to be sure they
are in working order. She added it is best to be prepared, not paranoid.
Mr. Harmening added that some cities offer to have a police officer, in uniform or plain clothes,
at their council meetings. He said this could be done in certain circumstances.
Councilmember Miller stated before he joined the council, he expected to see an officer at
meetings; however, he realizes there is a cost involved. He added also that if a police officer was
present at meetings, it might nip issues in the bud before they get out of control and would also
provide safety for the public, as well as for the councilmembers and staff.
Lt. Dreier stated going forward, staff will train the councilmembers each year in January,
especially if new members are on the council. She added this is a good time to refresh each year
on safety and security.
Councilmember Lindberg added he likes the idea of being prepared and having this
conversation; however, he was not sure if an officer is needed to be in attendance at meetings.
Councilmember Brausen added he is not interested in having a police officer attend meetings, as
he likes the idea of welcoming residents to the meeting. A police presence is in close proximity
with the police station close by.
Councilmember Sanger asked staff if the city bans people who have guns from coming into city
hall. Lt. Dreier said the city would have to add signage, banning firearms from the building.
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity stated this should be looked into.
Mr. Harmening noted the remodeling plan for the Council Chambers with details and cost will
come back to the council at a study session in September. He also commended Lt. Dreier and the
dispatch staff on the wonderful job they do for the city. The councilmembers also thanked Lt.
Dreier for her work and that of the dispatch center. They also agreed St. Louis Park having its
own dispatch center works best for the city and noted the good working relationship the city has
with the Minnetonka dispatch center, as well.
Mr. Harmening added the council should take a tour of the city's dispatch center at some point,
as well as of the second floor improvements.
Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal)
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity mentioned Natural Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH), and noted a
group of organizations in St. Louis Park is doing a proposal to request funding from the
McKnight Foundation for advocacy for affordable housing. She stated it would be helpful if the
city supported this as it is about preserving affordable housing, especially in the Meadowbrook
area.
Councilmember Lindberg stated the council should sign on with this. Councilmember Sanger
agreed this makes sense; however, she would like to know more specifics before doing so.
Study Session Minutes -5- July 11, 2016
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity indicated she would forward the email to the council so they can review
it and stated it is about how to bring in funding and work other strategies so owners have reasons
to ]seep housing affordable. She added it is a policy and a financial statement. Mayor Piro Tem
Mavity stated when the council discusses NOAH, this group will be present so they can discuss
the issue further.
It was the consensus of the council to support this request for funding
Councilmember Sanger recommended topics for future study session planning:
• Transportation and general policies
• Group home issue related to the release of sex offenders and their distance from schools
and dayeares. She asked if this should be looked into further, prior to it being legislated.
Mayor Pro Tem Mavity stated that her experience with this issue and community meetings is that
most residents were positive about having offenders live in their area.
Councilmember Sanger stated she was at a neighborhood meeting several years ago on this issue,
and there was a lot of anger and hostility. She suggested the council discuss this issue in the near
future.
Mr. Harmening stated he will look into the Brooklyn Park licensing of these group homes and
report back to the council.
Councilmember Brausen asked about the written report: Update on Park 25 and if it could be
discussed further as it relates to TIF.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
5. St. Louis Park Floodplain Ordinance
6. Update on Parkway 25 Planned Unit
7. Health in the Park Update
Meliss, Aennedy, ity Clerk