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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/11/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOf5t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 28, 2016 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Community Development Director (Mr. Locke), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), Deputy Fire Chief (Mr. Wolff), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Cindy Nagel, KOMA. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — December 5 & 12, 2016 Councilmember Miller asked for an update on Water Treatment Plan #4, in conjunction with the Reilly Superfund Site update on December 12. Councilmember Sanger asked to look at the city's smoking ordinance as it relates to teens, flavored cigarettes, and what convenience stores are selling. She also asked to review and consider what other cities around St. Louis Park are adopting related to this. 2. Remodeling City Council Chambers Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Nagel (Krech, O'Brien, Mueller and Associates - KOMA) presented the updated plans for the city Council Chambers. They discussed reorientation of the room and reviewed detailed drawings in order to complete the requested cost analysis. Mr. Hoffinan presented a detailed breakdown of the proposed costs totaling $620,000. Mr. Hoffman stated the Council Chambers is public space, used by outside groups in addition to the council. He added that the room is currently used about 15 hours per week by the public. Ms. Nagel described some of the design elements, noting reorientation of the room; replacing the common wall from the lobby with openable sliding glass; constructing a new dais on the south side of the room; adding a new acoustic ceiling with integrated LED lighting and recessed lighting; redistributing lighting; possibly installing a sink/food prep area in the storage room; and adding new wood doors and trim. She also noted the opportunity to enlarge the west -facing exterior windows for a better view from the room. She stated that enlarging the openings and installing two large windows with darkening glass is an extensive project, and costs are estimated at approximately $250,000. She noted another alternative would be to replace the existing ten windows with new frames and variable darkening theimo-pane glass to avoid using blinds for a cost of less than $50,000. Mr. Hoffman also discussed the security measures that were incorporated into the bid, including panic switches, cameras and ballistic materials to be used in the dais. Ms. Nagel asked the council about how to maintain the Wall of Mayors and the stained glass at the front of the current chambers. Study Session Minutes -2- November 28, 2016 Mr. Pires stated he had visited a few other city's chambers and noted that in some cases, they used iPads and monitors in the dais. He asked if the council was interested in including this feature into the project. He added that monitors would be wall mounted and also hang from the ceiling, with a clear view for both council and meeting participants. Ms. Nagel also noted the monitors would present on both sides of the screen. The podium would be moveable and be flexible. Councilmember Miller stated he is in favor of changing the orientation of the chambers and agreed with adding the ballistic materials to the dais. He added he thinks changing out the windows is worthwhile to do now, also. Councilmember Sanger asked about the number of people who currently attend meetings and if more seating is actually needed. Mayor Spano noted that it would be best to build the room to allow for maximum capacity for meetings, especially when sometimes there is standing room only available. He agreed with reorienting the room. He asked that the room be easier to move around in, without long rows of chairs, to allow people to more easily approach the podium. He added he likes the idea of using frosted glass on the moveable glass wall and is in favor of bulletproofing the dais and adding an exit door in the AV room in order to allow for quick exit out of the chambers, if needed. Ms. Nagel stated they did look at adding doors off the AV room; however, because of height issues, a ramp would need to be added. Mayor Spano noted the current windows are small and do not allow enough light into the room, stating it would be helpful to open up the windows to bring more light into the space. Councilmember Sanger stated she does not want to spend a lot to bulletproof the whole AV room, but noted a safe room might be a good alternative. She added she does not think a food prep area is needed and is too costly. She would like to find a way to keep the stained glass and incorporate it into the new room. Councilmember Sanger noted that while it is dark in the room with the small windows, she is not certain she wants to spend the money to change out the windows. She added the glare from the lights is outrageous and asked if a dimmer or diffuser can be added so the lighting is more indirect. Councilmember Brausen stated he has two ideas on this project. He noted that a multimillion dollar project on the Council Chambers will be scrutinized, so he would prefer not to raise costs too high. He would love to open up the window area to the gardens, and asked also if a door could be added to access the outside. He added the city cannot protect against everything, and spending thousands of dollars to create a safe room does not make sense to him. He stated he would like to make sure the new Council Chambers complies with green building practices and the Climate Action Plan and also receives cost -savings on environmental and energy aspects. Councilmember Brausen stated the city needs to lead on this and be as innovative as they can be as it relates to energy savings. Councilmember Sanger added she likes the Wall of Mayors and would like it to remain. Councilmember Lindberg agreed with the room reorientation and the glass moveable wall to allow for interaction with those in the lobby. He agreed with opening the windows, and if that decision is made, he would like it to be done right with much thought going into better indoor Study Session Minutes -3- November 28, 2016 lighting. He stated he is not interested in a safe room, saying it sends the wrong message. The costs would need to be weighed if considering additional doors in the back for quick escape. Councilmember Hallfin stated the city has one shot to do this right. He stated that after reading through the report and considering the prices, he would like this to be the most modern and up- to-date council facility that the city can afford. He noted this is being done for future councils, and it has been 30 years since the room was redone. He added it is better to spend the money now vs. later, as it may be another 50-60 years before the room is remodeled again. Councilmember Hallfin added the bulletproof dais is fine, but the doors to get out may not be practical and could be used as doors to get into the chambers. He stated it would be best to do the windows now, and he likes the glass design. He added he is fine with the sink and counter space, adding it could then be used for other meetings and for staff to utilize the room, as well. Councilmember Brausen asked if the space could be split for possible use by two groups at the same time. Mr. Pires stated this is a good idea, but added that it's important to remember that the council chambers is a symbolic space for council use. Councilmember Brausen stated he likes the Council Chambers to be wide open into the lobby as it sends a message that this is an open and transparent government. Councilmember Lindberg agreed. Mayor Spano stated he likes the idea of the open space; however, he noted that hallway conversations can sometimes become too loud, so that issue will need to be dealt with. It is the consensus of the council that they favor reorientation of the room and updating the windows. They are uncertain on the kitchen/amenities; however, a small sink might be fine. Additionally, the council is in favor of keeping the Wall of Mayors and the stained glass. They also prefer a bulletproof dais and fixed glass wall between the chambers and the lobby. The council noted they are in favor of iPads at the dais and monitors with viewing on both sides. Mr. Hoffman added that staff will look further into the idea of a safe room to escape to and will report back to council on that item. Additionally, the dais will be designed to be lower and closer to the audience. Mayor Spano added it would be helpful to spend more time learning about emerging technologies prior to construction of the new room. Mr. Pires stated he will report back on this item. Mayor Spano stated the carpet in the chambers is a tan color and the step is a tan color currently, as well. He is hoping when the new carpet is installed, there will be a color of high contrast on the step, so folks who may be visually impaired will be able to see it clearly and not trip on the step. Mr. Hoffman stated staff will begin working on this and come back for more input. He noted that the project would most likely begin in June, 2017, and take approximately 3 months to complete. In the meantime, the Community Room would be used for meetings. 3. SWLRT — Agreements for City Contributions for Local and Project Work Ms. McMonigal presented the list of capital improvements to be included in the SWLRT project. The city previously approved agreements for design costs for these items. With construction Study Session Minutes -4- November 28, 2016 beginning next year, the city was asked to commit to funding construction of these improvements. The overall cost for the items noted in the report is estimated to be $6,267,525. This amount would be paid in increments from 2017 to 2020. Sources for the funds are a combination of bonding, tax increment financing and levy. Mr. Sullivan explained the enhancements and features at each station. The Louisiana trail connection to Brunswick Avenue will be designed at street grade with a trail underpass created. There will be upgrades to the bridge railing, with enhancements and a fence at both sides of the regional trail Councilmember Sanger stated she did not realize there would be noise walls along this trail. Mr. Sullivan stated there will be noise walls due to the proximity to neighborhoods to the south from the trail. Ms. McMonigal added- _that the wall will not be visible to anyone in the Elmwood Neighborhood, as it will be located between the bike and freight trails. She noted that a neighborhood meeting about the wall was held last spring. Councilmember Lindberg asked staff to explain this trail and if there are any safety concerns. Mr. Sullivan stated there will be less ability to go north and south to neighborhoods after construction. He added that the design should provide ways to safely get folks to the crossing stations in the corridors and to safely utilize the right-of-way with the underpass. He added that staff is working on enhancing access all over the system. Councilmember Hallfin asked about access to Wooddale to get onto the trail, noting it seems like too much money to create this access. Councilmember Miller agreed, noting to go east without this trail would be difficult. Councilmember Lindberg agreed also, noting it is a significant amount of money. Mayor Spann noted that neighborhoods such as his would be cut off, and it will be a challenge to access the trail from the Brooklawn Neighborhood. He added it seems like quite a lot of money to do this. Mr. Harmening asked if this was not built now, could space be reserved to build it later. Mr. Sullivan explained that the space would remain and the only difference between doing it now and later is related to infrastructure. He added it could be built later with some modifications in the retaining wall; however, it might be costlier later. He added it could be re-evaluated in the future. Councilmember Hallfin asked about finding partners for this portion. Councilmember Mavity arrived at 7:55 p.m. It was the consensus of the council to not continue with agreement #2 related to the Louisiana Beltline Trail as it is too costly. Councilmember Brausen asked about the stairs to the Wooddale Trail underpass and if the steps will be iron grate so the snow goes doesn't accumulate. He also asked who maintains the steps during the winter. Mr. Sullivan stated the steps will be concrete, and staff is discussing who will maintain them. He added they might possibly be chained off in winter; however, they are hoping there is a demand to leave them open. He added they have also discussed covering the steps with a canopy. Study Session Minutes -5- November 28, 2016 Councilmember Brausen asked why steps are needed and if folks can walk on the ramps. Mr. Sullivan stated this has been discussed; however, there have been challenges with the grade. Councilmember Sanger stated if only 1 or 2 people use it, the cost is outrageous for the stairs. Ms. McMonigal stated staff feels they will be able to keep it open all winter as it will allow people to get under Wooddale and to the station quickly. Councilmember Brausen commented that the city is building a system. Councilmember Lindberg agreed. Councilmember Mavity added that the stairs provide access to Wooddale from the trail, noting that no one coming from the north uses the stairs. She stated she wants to see how this is modeled in order to understand usage. She added she is in favor of the stairs. Ms. McMonigal stated the stairs would give access to the regional trail and help reduce the number of folks crossing Wooddale. The council agreed to keep the stairs in the project at the Wooddale Trail underpass. Councilmember Mavity asked about the width of the Beltline Trail Bridge, noting over time she hopes to see more lanes here for bike traffic, with more commuter bikes, as well as pedestrians. Mr. Sullivan stated most walking bridges are 10-12 feet, but this one would be wider, in order to allow for smaller emergency vehicles and snow plows/maintenance vehicles. Councilmember Sanger asked how folks will go from the north over the bridge. Mr. Sullivan explained that the bridge will tie into the trail at the same location it does today, adding that the ramp will be about 400-600 feet and go west to go east. Councilmember Sanger noted people might not do that and instead might go down to Ottawa Avenue. She added she is concerned about this intersection and how this can be eased. Mr. Sullivan added the only opportunity is to add stairs on both sides at a cost of $126,000. Councilmember Sanger stated the city has applied for a grant for Beltline improvements, and she hopes the grant is awarded to St. Louis Park. She asked if the grant is received, to what extent that will influence these costs. Mr. Sullivan stated that the grant would fund enhancements to what was already being built. It would create a trail from the old Fed Ex building to Citizens Bank on 3611 Street and then east to Lynn Avenue on CSAH #25. He noted this project is to enhance that area, and the grant would not be for the items being discussed this evening. He added that the grant is for the creation of periphery trails and sidewalks and to ensure that these projects would not be delayed in case the light rail project did not get approved. Mayor Spano noted small lifts for hauling bikes up and down stairs could be incorporated into the project. Mr. Sullivan stated these lifts will be integrated in the stairs. Councilmember Brausen stated he favors all of these projects, with the exception of the one that was removed earlier. He noted that just over 2 years ago, the cost was $200 million. Staff has done a great job of getting a wonderful return on investment for a cost of $7 million. Study Session Minutes -6- November 28, 2016 Councilmember Mavity stated that as staff and council look toward the park and ride on CSAH 25, she would like to ensure the city incorporates smart urban visioning, including retail on the first floor and not only cars and a wall of parking. Councilmember Sanger asked about the status of the park and ride agreement. Mr. Locke stated that staff is working with Met Council on it and will have a "letter of intent" for the city council to consider at upcoming meetings. Councilmember Mavity asked if the city can do an RFP for this project. Mr. Locke stated yes, this is the plan. It will be most likely distributed early next year, and a developer would be identified at that time. The developer would partner with the city to provide the parking ramp. He added that a more detailed agreement would be worked out, all fitting into the timeframe for SWLRT and the city's requirements. Mayor Spano stated the council is on board with the 5 projects discussed. Ms. McMonigal noted staff will schedule time to come back with further information at a future study session. 4. PulsePoint Respond Smart Phone App Chief Koering and Deputy Chief Wolff reported. Chief Koering stated that earlier this year, they had attended a conference that discussed how to do a better job of integrating police and fire. The concept of PulsePoint Respond was presented. It is a smart phone app that creates a pre -arrival solution designed to support public safety agencies working to improve cardiac arrest survival rates through improved bystander performance and active citizenship. Chief Koering added that the application empowers everyday citizens to provide life-saving assistance to victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Application users, who are trained in CPR and are willing to assist in case of emergency, can now be notified if someone nearby is having a cardiac emergency and may require CPR. If the cardiac emergency is in a public place, the location aware application will alert trained citizens in the vicinity of the need for bystander CPR. Additionally, there is simultaneous dispatch of advanced medical care, and the citizens are directed to the nearest location of the closest public accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Chief Koering noted that the annual cost is expected to be less than $10,000 per year. Initial implementation and programming could be covered by a portion of the Trainer Estate funds which were donated and earmarked for the Fire Department in 2018. Deputy Chief Wolff stated that if approved, St. Louis Park would be the first city in Minnesota to implement this application. He noted that in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this application has been in use for 4 years, and over 75% of the CPR events in public places have bystander CPR underway when EMS/FIRE arrives. He added that the alert is similar to an Amber Alert on a smart phone. People registered for the app, who are within a quarter of a mile of a public event, will be alerted. The alert shows on the smart phone, along with a map and the location of the AED. Study Session Minutes -7- November 28, 2016 Mayor Spano noted the $10,000 per year cost and asked if there is a down side. Deputy Wolff stated it really is a win-win for citizens and for the city, noting in St. Louis Park there are many healthcare workers. Mayor Spano noted there is opportunity to certify more folks in CPR and utilize more AED's. Councilmember Sanger stated the city should do this and couple it with more CPR training, starting with councilmembers. Councilmember Mavity asked if this is something the city should also discuss with Hennepin County to see if they help deploy this throughout the area. Chief Koering stated the use of this app is something the community needs to own. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of it and noted the Good Samaritan laws will cover citizen involvement, so there would be no legal issues. Councilmember Miller noted there are many incidents that happen in private residences and asked if the application can be used in these situations. Chief Koering stated there are legal issues, so this application may only be used in public areas. It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with this proposal. 5. Possible Resolution for Council Adoption — Standing with All Members of the St. Louis Park Community Councilmember Mavity indicated she had drafted some language based on the Minneapolis ordinance and distributed it to the council. She asked if this is something St. Louis Park wants to address and make a statement as a city, in light of the political climate which is making people feel more fearful. Councilmember Mavity noted this is a proposal. If, when and how the council decides to do this, she thinks it is important to make a public statement, but not about being a sanctuary city. She added that the city would leave it to the federal government to enforce the policies of homeland security. Councilmember Sanger stated she would like to adopt a resolution; however, she feels the statement should be more general. She also suggested the council review and update the preamble to the city charter with the intention of adding more language regarding immigration status. The updates could be added when the revisions related to elections are incorporated. Mayor Spano stated he would like to see more language directly from the preamble, as well, and see this written as succinctly as possible, without getting into specifics. Mr. Harmening stated staff will need to make sure that what council wants from a policy perspective is consistent with what the Police Department currently does. He added that the city's Police Department does not proactively search out undocumented persons. el Councilmember Hallfin stated he is not in favor of doing this whatsoever, noting the council is crossing a line into the political arena — something the council is not elected to do. He stated he approves of how the Police Department handles these types of situations, and he would like to know more about that. He noted this bothers him and feels this is a reaction to the recent election. Study Session Minutes -8- November 28, 2016 Councilmember Brausen stated he wants more clarity. The "who we love" statement is confusing in the draft. He stated he can be supportive of making a statement, but it seems to be stating the obvious, because of St. Louis Park's ongoing values and the values of the majority of the council's constituents. Councilmember Hallfin asked why the city needs to reiterate it. Councilmember Brausen stated because it is about how intrusive government will be in people's lives if rules are handed down from the Federal Government. Councilmember Miller stated there seems to be a bit of a "partisan twist" to this, and it bothers him. He would like to go back to the charter and simply say St. Louis Park has always stood with the charter. He added that he would like to review the practices of the city's Police Department. Mr. Harmening stated there are a myriad of scenarios where the Police Department may have contact with undocumented persons, and he would like to have representatives from the Police Department attend a meeting to discuss this with the council. Councilmember Mavity stated that according to statistics, being poor usually means you have a criminal record. Her concern is with those who have a record of misdemeanors and how this would be handled. Councilmember Mavity stated she wants to be sure the bar is set high before the city starts upsetting families, and she added she is not certain that the bar is set high enough at this point. She added this is not about her candidate losing the election, noting it is about statements from federal policy makers who want to ban Muslims and set up a registry, and detainment camps, and use a deportation force. She stated this policy would be in direct response to federal policies, adding the council needs to draw a line at the beginning and do this now. Councilmember Lindberg stated that in terms of representing and reflecting the community, making a statement and reaffirming our commitment is warranted. He added he wants to be cautious that this is not a partisan reaction and noted that word choices matter. He stated reviewing the charter is a good suggestion to start with, but he is a bit concerned about sounding political when this should be more about the need of everyone in our community to live a safe and happy life. Councilmember Lindberg said he does not agree with the language used by Minneapolis, stating it "gets into the weeds," and St. Louis Park does not need to make these statements. He added he would like to know the specifics of how the Police Department does their work in affirming and building the community, noting trust is of the essence here. He asked if the city is saying we will not cooperate with DHS, and if so, he would like to know what that would actually look like. Councilmember Sanger stated she has concerns apart from the decision on what the council's action will be, adding that she is currently getting questions from the public about St. Louis Park becoming a sanctuary city. She stated the council may need a response for residents as to the city's current policies and practices, and she will leave this to staff to put together. Mr. Harmening asked who the statement's audience would be, and if this is adopted, is it for the general community? Councilmember Mavity answered that this is for the general community; however, the council will need to send policy direction to staff, so there are no surprises. She Study Session Minutes -9- November 28, 2016 added if council is saying it wants a lighter touch from the Police Department and how they engage with INS, the community will need to know this. Mayor Spano stated the council first needs to know what the Police Department is currently doing. Then there should be a high-level discussion. He added he wants to be careful that the council sets the goal, and staff implements it. Councilmember Hallfin added he does not want the statement to discuss specifically the President Elect. He added one person e-mailed him stating the council should not be doing this as this is not where our community is. He added he wants to confirm the existing practice of the Police Department. Councilmember Mavity stated that on December 8, there is a gathering at a church to discuss this issue. She added this group has been in contact with her, and this discussion may be filling a void the city has not addressed. Councilmember Miller stated when Obama was elected, people were scared guns would get taken away. This is a similar issue, and it has the potential to appear partisan. Councilmember Lindberg stated the city may face risks in losing federal funding for taking a stance on this. Mayor Spano stated we do not know the answer on this yet; however, it has been stated the new administration would take away federal funding from sanctuary cities. Councilmember Sanger stated she is also concerned about federal funding if St. Louis Park becomes a sanctuary city. Councilmember Mavity stated she would like to complete the resolution by the end of the year. It was the consensus of the City Council to have staff bring back language for this document and more information about the Police Department's current base practices. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Mayor Spano reported on his conversation with Katherine Arnold, chair of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). He noted the HRC and MAC were not happy with how the city council study session went two weeks ago, and that the groups were frustrated. I -Ie added they had come to the meeting with a different sense about what it was going to be about. They felt there was hostility in the room, and the council was being unreasonable about what the HRC was saying. The HRC is writing a letter to the council, expressing their desire for further discussion on the race equity work, with clearer expectations. Councilmember Sanger asked what the HRC and MAC felt the purpose of the meeting was. Mayor Spano stated they felt it was to be more of a dialogue and wanted to have more input on the race equity content. Mayor Spano stated he is sensing there is a growing level of frustration on their part, and they are concerned why they were not a part of the race equity initiative sooner. The HRC and MAC Study Session Minutes -10- November 28, 2016 are also wondering why this is only being done as an internal city staff initiative and not being done in the community. He stated they would like to have a more substantive role in this process. Mayor Spano stated the council needs alignment and a clearer process on interaction with all of the city's commissions. He added that the council needs to solidify their relationships and their understanding of each commission. Also, the council needs to have its own house to be in order. If the council can't have good conversations with this group, we will have a problem. Councilmember Brausen agreed and would like real clarity of the mission of the HRC. He added the council needs annual meetings with all commissions and to inform the HRC what the city is doing with race equity work. Mayor Spano added he told the HRC the council wants to be open; however, he gets upset when folks say the council is not doing enough, and not fast enough. Councilmember Miller stated he strongly agrees and asked about having the HRC meet with a smaller group of council representatives and HRC representatives instead of the full groups. Councilmember Mavity stated currently the council meets with the commissions annually, and this needs to continue. She added, however, she does not agree with a one-off meeting. Councilmember Sanger agreed that meeting with the full HRC is preferred; however, the council needs a pre -arranged purpose and an agenda for the meeting. She noted the meeting purpose must be crystal clear, with discussion on how they can get involved in the race equity discussion. Councilmember Mavity noted the HRC coffee and culture conversations are much aligned, and it is time to discuss their annual plan and the council's expectations. Mayor Spano agreed, adding that the HRC and MAC wanted to tell the council what they felt about the race equity effort and how they could make it better. He added the council will meet with them, but it will need to be a constructive discussion, with agenda topics from the commission, also. Councilmember Hallfin stated he is happy to hear from all the commissions, either with their chairperson in a large meeting with the full commission. But the commissions need to speak with one voice and not many differing positions. Councilmember Mavity pointed out when the council and staff started race equity work last year, they were going to get their house in order before they did any public conversations. So the city will have staff trained first, by end of this year, and then decide on the process going forward. She stated now is the time to have the public conversation. Councilmember Brausen agreed the conversation needs to continue with the full commission and possibly with the trainer as facilitator. Mayor Spano stated the discussion with the HRC and MAC can be a listening session or a back and forth dialogue. After this, there will be more public conversations, and the commission can help the council take the next step. He will then contact the chair and state the council is open to meeting again with a set purpose. Study Session Minutes -11- November 28, 2016 Councilmember Mavity asked if staff can write a summary about what has already been done regarding race equity training and where we are going, so there is some context. Mr. Harmening stated that staff will prepare this summary and the steps to get our house in order in preparation to reach out to the community. He added the HRC and MAC can play an important role in this discussion, as the HRC is the council's commission and are to advise and work for the council. He stated they are also to be a resource to the council, noting this commission is very motivated. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 6. October 2016 Monthly Financial Report