Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/02/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionI01% Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 8, 2016 The meeting convened at 6:39 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spann, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Police Chief (Mr. Luse), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Director of Operations & Recreation (Ms. Walsh) Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Batra). Guest: Vic Moore (Franzen Moore, Peggy Flannigan (City of Hopkins), Ron Latz (Senator), Gail Dorfman (Met Council), Marion Greene (Commissioner, Hennepin County). 1. 2016 Legislative Priorities and Issues — Meeting with Elected and Appointed Representatives Mayor Spano introduced the item. The Council and guests briefly discussed each item on the list of Prioritization of 2016 Legislative Agenda Items, which included the Southwest Light Rail Transit (SWLRT) Project; affordable housing bonding support; establishing a Transit -Oriented Development (TOD) affordable housing fund; railway safety and hazardous materials and oil train operations; body and squad car dash cameras; Metropolitan Council governance; Minnesota Community Forestry Partnership Act; levy limits and unfunded mandate. In response to Ms. Flannigan's question about whistle quiet zones, Mayor Spano stated that the Council is revisiting the topic. Councilmember Sanger stated additional research needs to be done and decisions should not be made until updated research is complete. Councilmember Miller explained that the track in question is different than other tracks due to the curves so what works for other tracks will not necessarily work for this one. Councilmember Mavity asked for clarification on the top areas for bonding and if there is anything extra the Council can do to move things along. Also, she explained that the affordable housing piece is linked to the SWLRT Project and addresses the housing gap. Mayor Spann clarified that the City has been looking into "affordable" for an average family of four in the City based on set percentages. He explained that this particular policy and idea received national attention. In response to Ms. Flannigan's question about the number of ash trees in the City, Ms. Walsh responded approximately 20%. Ms. Walsh noted that the Council recently discussed treatment programs. The City is going to offer treatment of boulevard trees at no cost to the residents. To treat the trees on private property, the City is going to allow residents to piggyback on the contract to receive the treatment at cost. The challenge faced by the City is that cutting all the ash trees down would result in massive holes in the tree canopy. The Council and legislators discussed ground water and processing it for safe drinking. Mr. Harmening stated that, especially due to the Reilly Superfund site, the City is being held to standards that were developed 30 years ago and should be revisited to ensure the city is meeting Study Session Minutes -2- February 8, 2016 current standards. However, there is a lack of interest on the part of the agencies to revisit these standards with a fresh perspective. Ms. Dorfman asked for clarification on rail safety. Mr. Harmening stated it's a joint effort between the City, railroad, State, and City of Minneapolis. He explained that this issue deserves continued scrutiny and the City wants to be a part of that effort. Fortunately, fewer oil trains are traveling through the city due to completion of rail line work elsewhere. Senator Latz asked if Met Council is taking a position on staggered terms. The Council and legislators discussed different cities and their positions on this issue. Referencing the study that showed the trend on the suburbanization of poverty, Ms. Dorfinan asked if the City is seeing an increase in homelessness and poverty. Chief Luse stated the City's police force has not noticed an increase in homelessness. He explained kids are couch surfing and there is the usual homelessness along railways, parks, and trails, but homelessness has not been an increased issue for the City. Councilmember Sanger suggested highlighting transportation and transit funding. Senator Latz explained there is currently surplus for transportation and transit funding because one was not passed last year. He stated there is a big battle between greater Minnesota and the cities and a big battle between transit and roads and bridges. Rural Minnesota is where all the attention is currently heading. SWLRT is certainly going to be in the mix, and the Governor will have to make this project a priority to be granted. Senator Dibble is committed to getting SWLRT funded. Mr. Harmening explained that 12 years ago, when Glencoe was being discussed, $700,000 was set aside to help with that issue. If the money is not utilized in five years, the funding is lost. Mr. Loren was able to get this money reauthorized, but the funds will expire again in July. Mr. Loren explained the background on how he was able to get this reauthorized and put a hold on the money. He noted that's the plan he is looking to use again for rail, and the City could put up the $700,000 to get the ball rolling. This will be discussed further down the line with Senator Latz but it's going to require the Council to prioritize what's most important on these requests. Mr. Loren suggested that he really focus in on the City's highest priority so the City can work that priority. The next priority would be grade separation on Beltline. Mayor Spano clarified that SWLRT is just the vehicle as the City has been hying to work with these trails for quite some time. Councilmember Mavity stated that fixing Beltline is absolutely essential with or without light rail. Councilmember Miller asked if trail crossings should be pulled out to separate the issue. Mr. Loren responded that he can get the objective across without taking it apart. Mayor Spano clarified that the trail crossings are not just a City issue, but a regional issue as residents from the entire metro area come to use the trails. Mr. Locke stated there is a typo in the document on the regional trail way pass, "stairways" needs to be added to the funding. Councilmember Sanger stated another issue is fiscal disparities and how much the City's contribution has gone up. She explained the City's tax base has increased, which is a good thing; however, the City has more operating expenses and increased wear and tear on infrastructure yet the City is still paying large fiscal disparities. The residents are paying high property taxes. Mr. Study Session Minutes -3- February 8, 2016 Loren stated that this issue could possibly be revisited. Mr. Harmening stated the only way change will happen is if you look retrospectively not retroactively. The Council discussed possible ways to change the procedure. Mr. Harmening mentioned County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 25 to Commissioner Greene and the roads surrounding that area. In addition, some functional issues need to be addressed on Minnetonka Boulevard, such as bike safety issues, drainage, and pedestrian needs along the corridor. In response to CSAH 25, Commissioner Greene suggested the City take the lead and the County will then support. Mr. Harmening stated that conversation has started. Councilmember Mavity stated she participated in a Board that worked on early childhood issues and early education. Ms. Flannigan explained that a group of public and private providers got together to have a discussion about early childhood education and what things were needed from the State to make the process work more efficiently. The Board then wrote a letter to the Governor to explain their findings and what was needed to get the process going. Councilmember Brausen asked how the Council can support the legislators. Ms. Flannigan stated open communication would help them be successful. In addition, getting the priority items heard as quickly as possible is the biggest priority, so it is helpful to the legislators if the Council is available for questions at any hour. Commissioner Greene passed out the 2016 State Legislative Platform for Hennepin County 2. Water Production Capacity/Supply Update Mi•. Hanson presented the staff report regarding the water production capacity/ supply update. Mr. Hanson explained the City's water management system. Water capacity is calculated by using the firm system capacity, which is a factor of safety. He explained that the City's current production capacity verses production demand is calculated as shown in the chart in the report. The City is currently at about 80% capacity versus demand, which is very good. There is a lot of development coming to the City in the future. The discussion point of this evening is to reassure the Council that the City is sitting very well even with the development potential over the next five years. The City does have projects to include conservation efforts that will assist the City with staying in the 90%. In response to Mr. Harmening's suggestion regarding projects in the works, Mr. Locke went over the new developments in the City that would affect water supply/demand over the next five years. Mr. Hannening thought it was important for the Council to hear about the growth because it's important when discussing this item. Mayor Spano asked for clarification on Novartis and how that affected the numbers. Mr. Hanson said that it affected 6-7% of the City's water supply. Councilmember Miller asked for clarification on the Metropolitan Council numbers. Mr. Hanson explained that an engineering analysis can be done on the City's numbers; however, with the Metropolitan Council's numbers, it's a projection, or estimate, not an engineering analysis. Mayor Spano restated if all developments are constructed as planned, the City would be at 93%; however, the goal is to stay below 90%. As far as ways to save water, Mr. Hanson highlighted water conservation efforts. He suggested being more active on a sprinkling ban. He would prefer not to include emergency connections in Study Session Minutes -4- February 8, 2016 water capacity because it doesn't help in a natural disaster. Emergency connections do, however, add value if there is an equipment failure. He explained that emergency connections can help from a demand prospective, not a production prospective. In reference to exploring an increase of capacity at SLP 10 and SLP 15, Mr. Hanson explained that these two wells use the same aquifer and are limited by the capacity of the Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment, because it can only handle a certain capacity. Therefore, it can be assumed that water production could be increased if a vessel was added to the GAC treatment system. Mr. Hanson explained another option to increase production is to bring SLP6 online. Currently, this well is not being used due to Reilly -related water quality concerns. This option would most likely be very expensive because it would require treating the water with some sort of carbon treatment and possibly VOC treatment. Councilmember Hallfrn asked about SLP4 regarding the volatile organic compound (VOC). He asked for clarification and what happens once it's filtered. Mr. Hanson explained that the treatment doesn't filter out VOC's, which in this instance is vinyl chloride (unrelated to Reilly). Vinyl chloride is naturally occurring; however, the City has an increased concentration associated with a few companies that caused additional releases into the groundwater. The responsible parties may have been identified; enforcement and remediation recovery is in process. The City knows what treatment is required. The City is monitoring, in addition to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), to be doubly sure that the issue is under control. The Department of Health (MDH) is onboard to plan the first steps of treatment. The City is working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), MDH, and MPGA, because all three agencies must be onboard for any modifications for treatment at SLP4. The MDH is helping to push to get firm plans in place to navigate the bureaucracy, because the MDH knows the City is trying to be proactive. Mr. Harmening stated that SLP4 is a significant producer so we are trying to correct the problem before it worsens. The three suspected companies that are alleged to be responsible are no longer in the City as they are defunct. Councilmember Sanger asked about getting water from the pumps to the new developments and if there are materials and the means to replace these materials that are part of the system. Mr. Hanson stated the City has started working on the worst-case scenario distribution lines. When you have a new demand in an isolated location of the City, part of the development is to increase the lines to ensure adequate water supply. Mr. Hanson explained that he is comfortable with where the City is at with regard to the distribution system. Councilmember Sanger asked about charging higher water rates for excessive use in the summer (for irrigation) and if it applies to all land uses. Mr. Hanson stated that it's already in place for commercial uses so this component is for single-family residential. The commercial locations such as golf courses, large corporations, and multi -family apartment homes are already doing this as they have two separate meters for tracking. Councilmember Mavity stated she is concerned that current capacity is only reflected on how many pumps the City has and upstream users are limiting what downstream users can do. At some point, the City cannot just keep purnping more out to anticipate the developments in the future. She wants to make sure that the Council is thinking in more far-reaching, serious ways on how to impose and treat water as the valuable asset that it is and put in conservation practices Study Session Minutes -5- February 8, 2016 that will shift the whole strategy in fees, requirements for developers, and how to recapture water. Mr. Hanson stated the City is not on the leading edge; however, the City is above average because of the tiered rate structure used; the more you use, the more you pay. Metropolitan Council and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) do monitor the aquifer and uses and that's why Metropolitan Council is pushing for more surface options. The City is looking at a connection with Minneapolis to have the ability to purchase surface water, which is more expensive, but possible. Mayor Spann restated that conservation efforts are being employed, but the City needs to be more aggressive. Mr. Harmening stated there are several ways to increase conservation, such as education on use, physical things that can be done with storm water, reuse of gray water for bathrooms, and increased rates for excessive use. Councilmember Brausen asked for clarification on the rates. Councilmember Lindberg agreed and stated he would like to see the City's rates compared to other cities. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the suggestions by staff and he is wholly in favor of charging an irrigation surplus for watering lawns as it should be priced as a luxury item. Mr. Harmening stated, in response to Councilmember Lindberg's question, that the City does permit irrigation systems, but it would probably be a guess on whom and how many due to the length of time. Mr. Harmening suggested first quarter water usage be reviewed, which is used to develop the sewer rate, and anything above that during summer would be at the highest rate. Mr. Hanson explained the idea behind a tiered approach using irrigation levels. Mr. Hanson stated the first goal of tonight's discussion is awareness and the second goal is discussing the possible next steps to meet the projected increases in demand (including production and conservation). He stated the Council has already requested more education. In addition, he gathered feedback from the Council regarding rates. The Council is in favor of further evaluating rates as a conservation tool. Staff will work with finance and come back to present their findings to further discuss the irrigation issue. Councilmember Miller stated that he would like the opportunity to bring up the water quality education piece to show residents what's being done. He thinks the Council has an opportunity to step up and he would like to suggest this discussion for another Study Session topic. 3. 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Update Mr. Harmening stated that staff is getting close to deciding on a project. He noted there are very specific policy questions; one relates to the replacement of water services that could impact trees. Also, staff is requesting to add a sidewalk on 34 1h Street from Aquila Lane to Texas Avenue to facilitate connectivity. Mr. Sullivan explained the project and that staff has been diving in deeper and trying to streamline the process. There are three issues for discussion: pavement rehab, water main replacement on a few streets and some street narrowing ideas, and, some sidewalk segments that are being proposed. As far as street reconstruction, there is an aging infrastructure, which was built in approximately 1960. The method in which this is replaced needs to be decided, as some of the water pipes will disturb some large trees. Additionally, when the water main is replaced, the curb infrastructure Study Session Minutes -6- February 8, 2016 is disturbed, so one curb line needs to be removed. The location of the new curb needs to be decided. Mr. Sullivan discussed the plans for the section of Utah Avenue from Minnetonka Boulevard to 32"d Street. This area has experienced Dutch elm disease so there is a large variety of tree species. The copper water services could be replaced, as they are 65 years old, however, replacing these can bring about challenges. He explained the importance of the curb stop. Every home and business has a curb stop, as it's the first way to turn off water to the home. For the first alternative, Mr. Sullivan explained that the curb stop is replaced and the water service connection is moved to a different location on the water main and the service is looped around the tree roots, making a connection further into the resident's property. This option could potentially save the tree; however, the challenge is that the residence is impacted. Additionally, with this option, city -owned equipment is being installed on private property, which could present challenges. Mr. Sullivan discussed the second option, which is installation of a new water main under the street and a 3 -foot "patch" piece. This option is less work and more cost effective, however, it leaves a 65 -year old water service in the ground that would need to be replaced in the future. Mr. Sullivan stated that staff is looking for direction as their main focus in this project has been to save the trees. Staff will work with Mr. Vaughn and the homeowner to communicate about the trees and whether they should remain or what can be done later on. Councilmember Brausen asked about the projected life of a new copper water service. Mr. Sullivan stated that the average is approximately 50-70 years. Councilmember Mavity asked for clarification about the numbers and Councilmember Brausen confirmed that he was asking about an all new curb stop and water service, not just the patch. To put the project in context, Councilmember Lindberg confirmed that there are 35 boulevard trees and if we replace these lines, 20 trees would have to go so this project greatly impacts the canopy and aesthetic views of this neighborhood. With the reality that the City now owns the segment of water service lines, there is a benefit to replace them now and not cut into the new infrastructure in the near future. He explained that he wants to find a balance and ultimately land somewhere in the middle and clearly communicate to residents what's going to happen in the future, as some residents are confused. In response to Mayor Spano's questions, Mr. Sullivan confirmed that the entire area in question is a block and a half. Councilmernber Sanger asked if the same solution needs to be applied for all of the houses. Mr. Sullivan responded, no, the plan is to create a hierarchy. Councilmember Sanger stated that she does not want to put curb stops on private property. She suggested that each resident might prefer a different option due to landscaping, as there is not one solution that applies to all the residents. Councilmember Lindberg stated his agreement that some tier suggestions should be decided by the Council. He suggested that staff present some targeted solutions to the homeowners. Councilmember Lindberg stated that the City now owns the infrastructure, therefore, the City has the responsibility to get it right the first time. Councilmember Lindberg explained the priority is maintaining the urban canopy but that being said, give staff deference to go to homeowners with alternatives to discuss and help make a decision. Councilmember Mavity suggested the Council proceed cautiously in reference to the budget. She explained that budget parameters should be set for the staff to follow. The Council Study Session Minutes -7- February 8, 2016 discussed the different alternatives and the cost differences. To replace the copper water services is approximately $1000 and adding apiece to the current line would be about $200-300. In response to Councilmember Sanger's question, Mr. Sullivan explained that transplanting the trees are not an option due to several unfavorable factors. Mr. Harmening stated that staff will write up some language and bring it back to the Council for feedback. Then staff will be directed to bring these options to the residents for discussion. Ms. Heiser explained that the City is tearing out the curb for the water main on 33`d Street and 34`h Street. This is an opportunity to review and narrow the street at no extra cost to the City. Mr. Sullivan stated that narrowing the street has a traffic calming effect and the City is reducing the amount of hard surface, which costs less to maintain. Mr. Sullivan suggested 33`d Street be reduced to 30 feet and 34`1 Street be reduced to 28 feet. He noted both reductions would still enable parking on both sides of the street. Councilmember Lindberg stated that he has received a lot of feedback from residents on this issue and wants to respond to that feedback. One theme is concern for traffic in the area, which includes vehicle and operational ability such as plows. Councilmember Lindberg explained that staff has discussed this scenario and has found that 28 feet is more than adequate. School bus operations need to be followed up on as well so he asked staff to work on that issue so that he has the background information to present to residents. Councilmember Sanger stated there is a problem when the sidewalk gets to the bridge by the creel. She explained that there was a suggestion to wait on sidewalks and instead add a bike path. Her preference would be to approve the sidewalk all the way up to the bridge and not drag it out. In response to Councilmember Sanger's concern regarding informing the residents, Mr. Sullivan explained that there have been two open houses, and a mailing was sent out that asked for attendance at the meeting. The vetting process has been fair. Councilmember Lindberg stated that the residents have been very informed and engaged. Councilmember Lindberg stated the bridge over the creek needs to be replaced. Mr. Sullivan explained that when the bridge work happens, it will be a large public process. The City needs to spend the appropriate amount of money to make the solution last the next five years without spending too much because it will potentially be torn out in five years. Mr. Sullivan discussed the ideas staff has for this bridge area. There are five homeowners who will be effected if the street is narrowed. Councilmember Lindberg explained that this solution makes sense and provides good connections. He is supportive of putting this forward, however, these homeowners need to be on notice because of the reduction in parking and street size to give them the opportunity to discuss this further. The public hearing is scheduled for February 29"i. Ms. Heiser explained what will be up for vote at the public hearing and the reasoning for the timing of the meeting. 4. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — February 16 & 22, 2016 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for February 16 and 22, 2016. Study Session Minutes -8- February 8, 2016 Councilmember Lindberg stated there is a side conversation about the dynamic of living streets and community connectedness. He suggested putting some policies together surrounding that idea to bring some formality to the changes. Councilmember Sanger stated she is concerned with the timing for discussions regarding the proposed additions to Connect the Park! She stated that she would like the Council to bring it back for discussion soon. Mayor Spano suggested the Council consider having a Youth Advisory Commission. He would like to discuss how to start engaging young members to guide and shape what's going on in the City for the future. Councilmember Mavity suggested a youth summit. Mayor Spano stated he would like to bring this topic to a Study Session. Councilmember Miller voiced his support for both Mayor Spano's and Councilmember Mavity's ideas and, additionally, would like to discuss the possibility of a teen center. Councilmember Brausen suggested the Council figure out an active mechanism to involve the Environment and Sustainability Commission to get their feedback as the City currently does not have a standard mechanism. 5. Planning Commission Interviews The Council discussed interviews for the Planning Commission. After a vote, the Council came to the consensus that Torrey Kanne is the number one candidate for the position and Brad Carter is the runner up. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) In reference to the Hennepin County legislative platform, Councilmember Mavity stated that light rail is not listed as their top priority. Mr. Harmening stated he will look into that issue. Councilmember Mavity wanted to raise a few issues with staff in the written report about the 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment. She explained it appears that the developer, Weidner Apartment Homes, is changing decisions that have previously been acted upon by the Council. These decisions include the color, the materials, and the staircases. She explained that she is not comfortable with these changes moving forward without asking staff for clarifications on these issues. In reference to naming the light rail stations, Councilmember Mavity wanted to clarify it was decided that station names are the street name only, without the street, avenue or boulevard designation. Regarding the Metropolitan Council governance issue, Mr. Harmening explained that Minnetonka adopted a resolution to go along with Metro Cities' governance, and he was contacted to ask if the Council would support a similar resolution. Mayor Spano and Councilmember Mavity stated they do not support a resolution on the issue. The meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m. Study Session Minutes -9- February 8, 2016 Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. Request to Extend Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE 6. Proposed Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds 7. PLACE Grant Application to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Program 8. SWLRT Updates 9. Vescio'sNalu Stay Redevelopment Proposal 10. 4900 Excelsior Redevelopment i Melis a Kennedy, City Clerl