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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/12/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA DECEMBER 19, 2016 Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve I-Iallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief (Mr. Luse), Deputy Police Chief (Mr. DiLorenzo), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Communications Manager (Ms. Larson), Transportation Coordinator (Mr. Iverson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Luse and DiLorenzo family members; Members of the St. Louis Park Police Department; Nick Mason and Joe Olson, Bicycle Alliance of MN; and Julie Eddington, Kennedy and Graven. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Retirement Recognition Resolutions for Police Chief John Luse and Deputy Chief Kirk DiLorenzo Mayor Spano and the City Council recognized the retirements of Police Chief John Luse and Deputy Police Chief Kirk DiLorenzo. Both were presented with plaques thanking them for their years of service to the city of St. Louis Park, Chief Luse for 39 years and Deputy Chief DiLorenzo for 35 years. Mayor Spano stated that the city has been fortunate to have both men patrolling the streets, and he thanked them both for their many years of service and dedication to the city. He added his interactions with both men have always been kind, professional, and warm, and stated both have created a culture of accountability and accessibility within the police force in St. Louis Park. Mr. Harmening commented on his experiences when he first met both Chief Luse and Deputy Chief DiLorenzo and expressed how much he will miss them both. He stated he is grateful for their friendship and leadership. He noted how Deputy Chief DiLorenzo has always provided great advice, humor and a sharp wit. Chief Luse has provided steady, incredible leadership and has taught Mr. Harmening much about life, principles, and values. He added the Chief has had a huge and lasting impact on the community, and the city will make sure Chief Luse's legacy lives on. City Council Meeting -2- December 19, 2016 Councilmember Sanger commented on Chief Luse's professionalism, integrity and sense of humor, noting how this has helped generate trust within the whole community. She stated she will miss both the Chief and Deputy Chief and wished them both well in their retirement. Councilmember Brausen stated he had a private meeting with both men at a celebration the evening before and noted how both said they will miss working in St. Louis Park, and also how proud they both are of this city. He added they have had a significant impact on the community, and he will miss them both. Councilmember Lindberg added the men have 74 years of combined experience and thanked them for their leadership and strong community -oriented policing. He also thanked them both for their service and stated the city will have big shoes to fill. Councilmember Mavity added that both men have worked at community policing, building relationships and connecting the community, while threading those values throughout the city. She stated she is proud to have worked with both over the years. Mr. Bob Gustafson, President of the St. Louis Park Rotary, thanked both men for their service over the years. He thanked Chief Luse for his passion and support of the Rotary and for his sense of community, giving and sharing. He stated the Chief was always there for the Rotary, and helped to bring in speakers and to raise funds. He added that today there are fewer than 50 cases of polio in the world because of the work of the Rotary, and the Chief was very much a part of this work. Ms. Julia Ross thanked both men for their commitment to the city and also to the City of Hopkins and for their help with race and equity programs. Chief Luse thanked everyone for their comments and thanked his wife and family for their support. He stated that he loves the City of St. Louis Park. He added he has been blessed to work with a great City Manager and City Council, and he has enjoyed helping to make St. Louis Park a better place. He stated anything can happen when folks work together and trust is built within a community. He also thanked Deputy Chief DiLorenzo for his friendship and support over the years. Deputy Chief DiLorenzo commented that Chief Luse has always been easy to follow, and this has been an incredible journey. He thanked his wife and family and stated it has been an honor and privilege to serve the City of St. Louis Park. 2b. Bicycle Friendly Community Recognition Ms. Heiser and Mr. Iverson explained the City of St. Louis Park was awarded designation as a "Bicycle Friendly Community". This bronze status award is a first-time recognition for "being a connected and engaged community." Mr. Mason and Ms. Olson, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, presented this award to the City Council. Mr. Mason stated that only Richfield and Edina have received this award in the Twin Cities suburbs, so St. Louis Park is in good company. He added that the award is about movability, sustainability and health and is also a big distinction, in light of the city's "Connect the Park" initiative. He congratulated the council and presented a sign to City Council Meeting -3- December 19, 2016 the Mayor. He stated that he sees a great sense of community in St. Louis Park, also noting the city's great leadership. Councilmember Brausen thanked Mr. Mason for presenting the city with this award and stated the city continues to have work to do. He added this award heightens the visibility of the efforts the city is malting, even though there may be opposition at times from residents. He thanked the folks who have been supportive and encouraged those watching to come forward and start supporting bicycling efforts. He added the city needs everyone's help in this effort. Mayor Spano added the profile of this distinction is for cities that are just beginning this journey, adding that the city has made a commitment to this effort. He thanked Mr. Mason and the Bicycle Alliance for the award. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Special Study Session Minutes December 5, 2016 Councilmember Lindberg requested a correction on page 4, 3`d paragraph from bottom regarding the Elmwood development, 2 sentence to strike the comment "...shote «,.,.••«, ged by the and insert "...is affordable enough for senior housing." It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the December 5, 2016 City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes as corrected The motion passed 7-0. 3b. City Council Minutes December 5, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the December 5, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 16-156 and Resolution No. 16-157 to recognize Police Chief John Luse for 39 years of service, and Deputy Chief Kirk DiLorenzo for 35 years of service. 4b. Moved to 8g. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 16-158 supporting Lisa Peilen's reappointment to the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 16-159 authorizing final payment in the amount of $75,443.99 for Project 4015-1100 MSA Street Rehabilitation — Walker Street / 36°i Street with Park Construction Company, City Contract No. 46-15. 4e. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson in the amount of $244,582 for Wooddale Bridge Improvements at Highway 7. 4f. Remove Louisiana Station Area Trail from Local Project Construction with SWLRT. City Council Meeting -4- December 19, 2016 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 16-160 authorizing execution of a one (1) year contract with Summit Envirosolutions, Inc. for consultant services related to the implementation of the Reilly Tar & Chemical Corporation (Reilly) Remedial Action Plan (RAP) during year 2017. 4h. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 5, 2016. Mr. Harmening asked to add an additional agenda item as 8f under Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items, related to an Update on Water Treatment Plant #4. Councilmember Sanger also requested that Consent Calendar item 4b be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda as item 8g, for discussion. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavh)y to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to add item 8f to the Regular Agenda, and to move Consent Calendar item 4b to the Regular Agenda as item 8g; and to waive reading of'all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings - None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Conditional Use Permit — Communication Tower, City of St. Louis Park. Resolution No. 16-161. Mr. Pan presented the staff report. A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is requested to allow a communication tower that is 70 feet in height. The tower is needed to mount an antenna that will collect data from water meters that the city recently installed in homes located in the northwest portion of the city. The city is having difficulty receiving signals from many homes in this area, and the antenna will resolve the issue. A neighborhood meeting was conducted on November 29, 2016, and two residents attended. Staff answered questions and also received three written comments in response to notices mailed for the neighborhood meeting. This information is summarized in the staff report. One neighbor attended the public hearing with questions about radio signal interference and concluded, based on information provided by staff, that it would not be a concern. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on December 7, 2016, and recommends approval of the CUP. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to adopt Resolution No. 16-161, granting a Conditional Use Permit for a 70 foot tall communication towner, subject to conditions as recommended by staff. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -5- December 19, 2016 8b. 2017 Budget, Final City and HRA Property Tax Levies, and 2017-2026 Capital Improvement Plan. Resolution No. 16-162, Resolution No. 16-163, Resolution No. 16-164. Mr. Simon presented the staff report. He stated that information pertaining to the adoption of the 2017 Budgets, 2017 General Property Tax and HRA levies, and 2017- 2026 CIP are included in the report to the council. Information is also provided on the tax impacts to a residential property, and a brief discussion regarding the 2017 utility rates that were approved on October 17, 2016. Mr. Simon thanked the council and staff for their long-range planning work. Mayor Spano noted the long-range planning work is something the auditors have always approved of, and it has also been helpful with bond ratings. Councilmember Mavity added that as council does their planning throughout the budget process, the preliminary levy is often set higher than where it is today. As noted, the levy is lower than projected, and that is important to keep in mind each year. We are always looking for ways to get the best value for St. Louis Park residents. She added this budget reflects this in a very thoughtful and strategic way. Councilmember Sanger noted the public hearing on this topic was held two weeks ago, and only one resident spoke at that time. She asked if anyone could speak publically at this time. Mayor Spano stated no as the public hearing had already been held, but residents could call staff for more information. Councilmember Brausen asked about storm water issues, specifically where the city has committed $1.5 million toward the Bass Lake rehab project and other money towards Walker Lake. Mr. Simon stated that these projects will come back to council next year for final approval. Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for all the work put into creating and shaping the budget, as the city continues to try to balance the needs of an aging city infrastructure and its residents with the limited revenue resources we have. Councilmember Brausen added that no one wants to raise taxes, and we as a council wish that less spending would be needed, with no revenue increases. This is sadly impossible as our community's needs grow. So council tries its best in a professional and competent manner to balance the needs and interests of our citizens and to continue to create an environment that works for all. Prior to today, council has spent many hours discussing this budget, at times eliminating or limiting spending and at other times increasing spending where necessary. Councilmember Brausen stated the budget that council is adopting (which is spelled out in detail in our Agenda packet in the aptly titled 2017 Budget, Final City & HRA Property Tax Levies and 2017-2026 Capital Improvements Program) includes a tax levy of $30.2 million, with necessary increases in utility fees. With this revenue and other sources, the city will be spending more than $34 million on capital improvements and operational spending, broken down with $6.8 million on governmental operations (a slight decrease from last year); $16 million on public safety; and $10.6 million on operations and recreation. This budget will include capital spending of over $9 million on City Council Meeting -6- December 19, 2016 road and street projects; $2 million on parks (including recent facilities updates this year); $1 million on public works and sewers; $2.1 million on storm water projects; more than $3 million on water treatment systems; and $3 million for Connect the Park sidewalks, bikeways and trails projects. Councilmember Brausen affirmed that adopting the budget is the single most important task he has as a council person because council is trusted with these taxing and spending decisions. The expenditures in the budget represent the things council views as important in our community and worthy of tax dollars. They are expenditures that we are all expected to share for our common need and good. Councilmember Brausen continued by stating that he views the adopted budget as responsible and sensible, designed to continue this city's history of reinvesting in our infrastructure and our people. Councilmember Brausen concluded by saying that some people may object to the spending priorities encompassed in this budget. He invited those people to share their concerns with him by email and also to participate in the upcoming city visioning process. Many of the current budget expenditures reflect the goals and priorities expressed to the Vision Committee, staff and council in 2005-2006. The city is now undertaking the visioning process again. Public participation in that process by sharing thoughts and concerns will shape how and why decisions are made in the future. He extended an invitation for people to participate. Mayor Spano added the population of St. Louis Park from the 1940's to the 1970's, went from 7,000 people to 47,000 people, and this is a tremendous amount of infrastructure added over the years. He added this infrastructure is getting to be 60-70 years old, and there are many things that need replacement. These items are outlined in the documents on the city website for all to review at www.stlouispark.org/fmance/city/budget. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 16-162 approving the 2017 budgets and 2017 final property tax levy, Resolution No. 16-163 authorizing the 201 7final HRA levy, and Resolution No. 16-164 approving the 2017-2026 capital improvementplan. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. PLACE Private Activity Revenue Bond Financing. Resolution No. 16-165 Mr. Simon presented the staff report. He noted PLACE has made application to the city for issuance of Private Activity Revenue Bonds. Approval of the preliminary resolution is necessary for an application to be submitted to the state for allocation of bonding authority. The preliminary resolution is the first step in the process and does not obligate the city to issue the bonds. That decision will depend on the successful conclusion of several other steps, including a public hearing and finalizing and approving the project plans, TIF request, and redevelopment contract. Councilmember Mavity stated this project has been ongoing for the past two years or more. It will continue to be reviewed as it is a unique project relative to the SWLRT station. She continued that through all the community meetings, issues have been raised. It is not the same development proposal as it was in the beginning. It needs to be the right fit and address all community concerns and questions. She added she is glad staff pointed City Council Meeting -7- December 19, 2016 out there are still many steps in the project, and voting on these bonds does not finalize the project at this point. She continued that if this vision moves forward, now is the time to act. There will be time to have a public hearing later in order to hear more comments. Councilmember Brausen asked if there is a maximum number of private activity bonds the city can issue. Ms. Eddington stated there is no maximum; however, the state gives away allocation for these bonds in a limited supply per year. She added that on January 3, 2017, there will be many more asking for bonds than the amount that is available. PLACE will submit their application, and after they receive their allocation, they will need to work on their next steps. Councihnember Miller stated he was initially opposed to this project and is concerned about traffic congestion, but he is not concerned any longer after seeing all the changes the developer has made. He continued that this project gives something back to the community, noting the plans now include wooded spaces, a coffee shop, woneruf's, public space, live/work units, and affordable units, as well. Councilmember Sanger noted she is not supporting the bonds and is not supporting the project as it is too dense for the amount of space. She continued that with the density of 300 apartments and commercial units, traffic will be an issue. Also, this is right next to the Wooddale Avenue Bridge, which already has so many traffic issues. Adding more traffic at this location does not seem like a good move. She added that the bridge is in need of improvements and will require more to handle the pedestrian and bicycle traffic generated from the project. Councilmember Sanger added that so far she has not seen the developer offer to contribute any money for changes that need to be made to the bridge. Additionally, she noted that 60% of the units will be "affordable" for lower income tenants. She added when you have that high of a concentration, management will not be able to raise rent very much, which leads to concerns about long-term maintenance issues, as well. Councilmember Sanger added that another project completed by this same developer in California showed there were unattended maintenance issues at that project, which does not lead to confidence that maintenance issues would be addressed at the St. Louis Park PLACE project. She stated for these reasons she will not support this project and will not support the private activity revenue bonds. Councilmember Mavity stated she was glad Councilmember Sanger brought up the Wooddale Bridge, noting the original design of the bridge created unsafe conditions for pedestrians and bikers. She continued that on the consent agenda the council approved improvements to this bridge. With or without this development, the improvements to the bridge have been absolutely needed and required. Additionally, she stated whether or not the PLACE project moves forward, the Wooddale Bridge is a completely separate issue and irrelevant to this project. She thanked residents for their work on the bridge improvements, as well as the city engineer. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 16-165, providing preliminary approval to the issuance of tax-exempt obligations under Minnesota Statues, Chapters 462C and 474A, as amended, and taking other actions in connection therewith. City Council Meeting -8- December 19, 2016 The motion passed 6-1. (Sanger opposed.) 8d. Resolution Supporting and Standing with All Members of the St. Louis Park Community. Resolution No. 16-166. Mr. Harmening stated that after several weeks of discussion, council directed staff to prepare a resolution that reinforces and clearly states the council's support for all members of the St. Louis Park community, no matter the color of their skin; their gender; the way they worship; where they were born; their age; their disability; their status regarding public assistance; their marital or familial status; their sexual orientation; or any other identity. He added that tonight this resolution is being brought forward for approval. Councilmember Mavity added we are universally proud of our community, and this resolution is being brought up this evening in light of the public dialogue that seems to be polarizing folks nationally. Also, we are seeing a rise in the number of folks in our community who are feeling less safe or less welcome. She added there is no change in policy that this resolution is proposing, but it is just to establish or affirm we are a welcoming and safe community for all. She added that parts of this resolution pull from our City Charter and preamble; from endorsed policies from our Human Rights Commission; and from the practices of our police force. Councilmember Mavity continued that the city's policing model is based on trust between the members of our community and our city. This resolution is also clarifying that it is in our public safety interest that all victims of crimes feel safe to call 911 when they need help. Likewise, if someone is a witness to a crime, they can feel safe to report it to the police and be a witness. Additionally, Councilmember Mavity noted she recently attended an Allies of St. Louis Park community meeting, where folks came together to stand up and raise these issues. They spoke about how to present this city as a welcoming community and to present welcoming and affirming values that are longstanding and will continue into the future in St. Louis Park. Mayor Spano read the resolution into the permanent public record. He stated this resolution reaffirms what we already do as a community and noted he and the council want to remind folks of this and want people to feel safe in the City of St. Louis Park. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 16-166, supporting and standing with all members of the St. Louis Park Community. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Vision St. Louis Park Steering Committee Appointments. Ms. McMonigal presented the staff report, noting that out of the 23 candidates who applied for the steering committee, 9 are being appointed and confirmed today by the council. Mayor Spano stated this committee will serve as a liaison between the community and the council. Councilmember Lindberg stated he is excited for this work. Councilmember City Council Meeting -9- December 19, 2016 Brausen added that the applicants were very qualified. He thanked the others who applied and stated that the council asks them to please stay engaged in other ways in this process. Councilmember Miller added he understands there are people in the community who might not be heard, such as the underserved or those who might not speak English well, adding that the council wants to be certain they hear from those folks. He continued that there are 60 some families in the city's Perspectives Program and others who the city needs to hear from, also. He looks forward to this process. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to appoint the following people to the Vision St. Louis Park Steering Committee: Lynette Dumalag, Matt Flory, Amaya Fokuo, Lisa Genis, Justin Grays, George Hagemann, Rachel Harris, Curt Rahman and Julie Sweitzer. The motion passed 7-0. 8f. Update on Water Treatment Plant #4. Mr. Harmening updated the council on Water Treatment Plant #4. He explained the city has been tracking vinyl chloride (VC) levels at the plant, along with the Minnesota Department of Health. While VC levels are under EPA requirements, the MDH has its own standards and expressed concerns to the city about that particular plant. Staff and council have been discussing a long-term fix for the VC issue, and in between a short- term measure has been implemented and has been showing progress in reducing VC. Mr. Harmening said if that were the extent of the problems, he wouldn't be talking about changing course. Testing has been increased significantly from quarterly to every two weeks. About two weeks ago testing detected TCE at Water Treatment Plant 114. While below EPA limits, the MDH has a much lower limit, and levels were above it for this chemical. This caught the city's attention based on concerns about that particular chemical. Mr. Harmening explained that the city has learned that all involved agencies will likely allow the city to take the plant out of service; therefore out of an abundance of caution and to preserve the public's trust, he is suggesting moving ahead with taking Water Treatment Plant #4 out of service by January 1, 2017, until it can be upgraded. The goal is to start construction in summer 2017, with completion in summer 2018. Mr. Harmening added that the city does have capacity to continue to serve the community and also to supplement the city's water supply from neighboring communities, if needed, in case of emergencies. If the council is comfortable with this recommendation, then staff will move forward. Councilmember Miller stated that he wanted to reiterate that drinking water is the council's and the city's number one priority. It is as important as policing or development. He supports this recommendation. Mayor Spano added this project was originally in the 2018 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) and was accelerated into the 2017 CIP, which was recently approved. City Council Meeting -10- December 19, 2016 Councilmember Lindberg stated this makes sense and thanked staff for doing their homework, as there were some unanswered questions, including dealing with Reilly, which is unrelated to this particular issue but still affected by taking Water Treatment Plant #4 out of service. He stated safe drinking water is one of the highest priorities he has for the city. He appreciated the fast work by city staff and said this makes the most sense moving forward. Councilmember Brausen added he relies on the professional staff, who are erring on the side of caution and making a decision in the best interest of the city. While it comes at a cost, the council is happy we are doing this. He also thanked citizens who are interested in this issue, as well, adding it is good to know our community cares. Councilmember Hallfin stated this is one of the issues that council has had to learn a lot about. Because the council is not experts on this topic, they have to rely on city staff and their expertise. He added that no one wants anyone to drink water that is unhealthy or unsafe. Now that the experts are recommending to take this plant off line, the council will do so. Councilmember Lindberg asked that staff develop a communication plan related to this shutdown and put it online so that everyone has easy access to the information and the details of the process. The council recommended staff move forward on the shutdown of Water Treatment Plant #4 with a target date of January 1, 2017, and to expedite design and construction of planned improvements to the water treatment plant. 8g. Accepting Report, Establishing and Approving Plans and Specifications, and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for the Replacement of the Skate Park. Councilmember Sanger stated this item to approve plans for the new skate park and send out bids has moved forward without input from neighbors. She asked to delay a vote on this issue and also that the item be brought back for discussion after the neighborhood meeting to see if people request any changes to this plan. She asked the City Attorney to comment on the process for this change. Mr. Mattick stated this can be moved to a later date for approval, but he was not sure about implications to the project timeline. Ms. Walsh stated there have been ongoing meetings on the plans, and staff is now simply asking for bids on the design. She added that once proposals come in, we can certainly still make changes to the plans and incorporate any information from the neighbors. Councilmember Sanger stated that the city has an established process for consulting with neighbors, and they may have concerns about building the skate park in this location at all. She stated the letting of bids is putting the cart before the horse, and does not contribute to public trust. She added she prefers to delay the vote until after the neighborhood meeting. Councilmember Mavity agreed there is a process in place for consulting with neighbors. She added there was significant outreach done in advance of the plans, noting there were City Council Meeting -11- December 19, 2016 advertisements about where the skate park would be located. There was a public meeting on May 18. There were online and cable TV notices; flyers distributed; information in the Sun Sailor and ECCO newspapers; and surveys where input was requested. Councilmember Sanger thanked Councilmember Mavity for this information but stated she still would like the neighbors who are concerned to have input. Councilmember Lindberg asked if there would be any possible loss of funding for the project if the timeline were delayed. Ms. Walsh stated no. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, and seconded by Councilmember Brausen to table consideration of the resolution accepting the report, establishing and approving plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids for the replacement of the skate park to January 16, 2017. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Mayor Spano delivered holiday greetings to all residents, stating Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. �/ Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk e Sp 4Mayor