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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/02/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularAll St. Louis Park MINNESOTA 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 16, 2016 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), City Attorney (Mr. Mattiek), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Controller (Mr. Swanson), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), Housing Assistance Coordinator (Ms. Stromberg), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson), Communications Coordinator (Ms. Larson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Bill O'Meara with Community Action Partnerships Services. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. 2015 Human Rights Award Presentation Brian Johnson, Vice Chair for Human Rights Commission, recognized the St. Louis Park Students Organizing Against Racism (SOAR) as the recipient of the 2015 Human Rights Award. He stated the organization is doing a lot of great things at St. Louis Park High School and embodies what the Human Rights Commission is about in the City. Mayor Spano presented representatives of SOAR with the 2015 Human Rights Award. Cedar Thomas, SOAR Chair, explained how the group developed and their ongoing discussions related to racial equality issues at the high school and in the community. Councilmember Brausen commended the Human Rights Commission and SOAR for their work and thanked them for recognizing the importance of having an open dialogue in the community on the topic of race so people can be engaged and accepting of one another. Councilmember Miller stated he is very impressed with the Human Rights Commission and the members of SOAR for their poise and dedication to this issue. Councilmember Lindberg thanked the Human Rights Commission for recognizing SOAR with this award. He congratulated SOAR for working to advance racial equity and stated this is an important conversation to continue. City Council Meeting -2- February 16, 2016 2b. Retirement Recognition for Housing Assistance Coordinator Cindy Stromberg Mayor Spano presented Cindy Stromberg, Housing Assistance Coordinator, with a Resolution recognizing her dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park for 34 years. Ms. Stromberg stated the City of St. Louis Park has been a wonderful place to work and she will miss all of her colleagues. Councilmember Mavity stated Ms. Stromberg's work and contributions have helped shape one of the most effective, productive, fair, and welcoming Housing Departments in the region. Mr. Harmening thanked Ms. Stromberg for her work and stated she would be missed. 2c. Recognition of Controller Brian Swanson's 13 Years of Service Mayor Spano presented Brian Swanson, Controller, with a certificate recognizing his 13 years of dedicated service to the City of St. Louis Park. Mr. Swanson thanked the City Council, City staff, and the residents for the opportunity to serve the community. Councilmember Mavity thanked Mr. Swanson for his help in educating the Council to allow them to be able communicate with residents effectively regarding the City's finances. Councilmember Sanger stated she appreciated Mr. Swanson's clear focus on long-range financial planning and stability because it has allowed her to have confidence in the financial well-being of the community. Councilmember Lindberg stated he appreciated Mr. Swanson's service and his ability to clearly explain and articulate the City's financial position and decisions to the community. Councilmember Brausen thanked Mr. Swanson for his high level of service, adding he has been impressed by the quality of his work and his ability to present long range plans. Mr•. Harmening agreed with all of the comments made by the City Council, adding that Mr. Swanson has a great financial mind and he never worried about the City's finances under his stewardship. He added that Mr. Swanson would be missed. 2d. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano recognized the American Legion for their $750 donation to Westwood Hills Nature Center. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Meeting Minutes January 25, 2016 City Council Meeting -3- February 16, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember ,Sanger, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of January 25, 2016 as presented The motion passed 7-0. 3b. City Council Meeting Minutes February 1, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of February 1, 2016 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar NOTE: The Consent Calendar lists those items of business which are considered to be routine and/or which need no discussion. Consent items are acted upon by one motion. If discussion is desired by either a Councilmember or a member of the audience, that item may be moved to an appropriate section of the regular agenda for discussion. 4a. Execute a three-year contract with YTS Companies for the 2016 - 2018 Boulevard Tree and Stump Removal Program, in an amount not to exceed $57,100 annually. 4b. Execute a three-year contract with YTS Companies for the removal of diseased trees on private property for 2016- 2018, in an amount not to exceed $39,619.00 annually. 4c. Adopt Ordinance No. 2486-16 vacating two drainage and utility easements, and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 16-028 to recognize Housing Assistance Coordinator Cindy Stromberg for her 34 years of service to the City of St. Louis Park. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 16-029 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from American Legion in the amount of $750 for Westwood Hills Nature Center to print Westwood Hills Nature Center wildflower coloring books by Maggie Christiansen, Girl Scout Silver Award candidate. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 16-030 approving the First Amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE. 4g. Adopt Ordinance No. 2487-16 amending the zoning map, and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4h. Approve Amendment No. I to City Agreement No. 126-14, between the city and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) for communication antennas on the city's water tower at 2541 Nevada Avenue South. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 16-031 confirming the appointment of Steven Heintz as interim City Treasurer effective February 18, 2016. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 16-032 approving St. Louis Park Lions Club's request for placing temporary signs in the public right-of-way. 4k. Approve for filing Fire Civil Service Commission Minutes of December 16, 2015. City Council Meeting -4- February 16, 2016 41. Approve for filing Planning Commission Minutes of January 6, 2016. 4m. Adopt Resolution No. 16-033 in support of a grant application to the Hennepin County Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Program for development activities for PLACE. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Appointment of Torrey Kanne to the Planning Commission It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to appoint Torrey Kanne to the Planning Commission for a term to expire May 31, 2018. Councilmember Sanger stated she was looking forward to having Ms. Kanne on the Planning Commission as she brought a wealth of experience from her work in real estate and her level of involvement in the community. Councilmember Brausen thanked Ms. Kanne for her willingness to serve on the Planning Commission. He stated he opposes this appointment as there is no representation from Ward 3 on the Planning Commission and there are already three (3) representatives from Ward 2. He added he would like to see each of the geographic areas of the City represented. He noted he believes Ms. Kanne will do a good job on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Mavity stated this issue has been discussed previously by the Council. She acknowledged that geographic representation was important for all of the City's advisory commissions and encouraged citizens from all wards to apply. She noted diversity of perspective was also important to give the community fresh ideas and vibrancy. She stated she is excited to have Ms. Kanne serve on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Lindberg stated he shared Councilmember Brausen's concerns regarding geographic representation on the Planning Commission. He stated it is important to consider geographies and the equal representation of wards. He noted although he does not support Ms. Kanne's appointment, he does believe she will do a good job on the Planning Commission. Councilmember Hallfin stated he will not support Ms. Kanne's appointment either; however, he wishes her the best. The motion passed 4-3 (Councilmembers Brausen, Lindberg, and Hallfin). 6. Public Hearings City Council Meeting -5- February 16, 2016 6a. Public Hearing to Consider Allocation of 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds Ms. Olson presented the staff report regarding the proposed use of 2016 CDBG funds. She explained the City annually receives CDBG funds distributed through Hennepin County. The 2015 funding levels are being used for planning purposes until the 2016 allocation is received. The City will receive an estimated $179,231 in 2016. She noted the CDBG fiscal year runs from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. She stated from a policy perspective the City Council has typically focused CDBG funds on improvements to the housing stock for low income families. She added the proposed use of CDBG funds reflects the City's priorities to preserve existing housing and increase affordable home ownership opportunities. She stated for 2016 $45,000 is proposed to be allocated to the Low Income Single Family Emergency Repair Program, $70,000 to the Low Income Single Family Home Rehab Deferred Loan Program, $20,000 to the Affordable Housing Land Trust — Homes within Reach, $16,731 to the St. Louis Park Housing Authority, $20,000 to Perspectives, Inc., and $7,500 for Youth Park Programming at Meadowbrook Park. Councilmember Mavity stated the CDBG funds have been used very well to support many of the City's goals and initiatives. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Bill O'Meara, Community Action Partners for Suburban Hennepin County, thanked the City for supporting administration of the Emergency Repair Program again this year. He reviewed the programs that residents from St. Louis Park participated in over the past year. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 16-033, approving proposed use of 2016 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funds and authorize execution of Subrecipient Agreement with Hennepin County and any Third Party Agreements. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public Councilmember Brausen noted the City is proactively engaged in activities related to addressing racial equity issues. He thanked the other members of the Council and City staff for participating in the training events. Councilmember Hallfrn announced the Children First Fundraiser on March 3`d. He stated they are looking for more participants to sponsor tables and encouraged citizens to go to the Children First website to register. Mr. Harmening encouraged citizens to attend the annual Home Remodeling Fair on February 21" from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Eisenhower. He also noted the State of City address will be held at Steel Toe Brewing on February 29d'. City Council Meeting -6- February 16, 2016 Councilmember Brausen stated the bids for the outdoor ice project are coming in over budget and the Council is seriously considering whether or not to proceed with the project. He encouraged citizens to look at the project because it is an important decision for the community and the Council would appreciate feedback from residents. Mayor Spano stated precinct caucuses would be held on March Vt in Minnesota and encouraged citizens to participate. He added more information was available on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website. 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items — None 9. Communications — None 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m. qMelisKennedy, City Clerk