Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/02/29 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularISt. Louis Park MINNESOTA 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. OFFICIAL MINUTES SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 29, 2016 Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Acme Mavity, and Thom Miller. Councilmember absent: Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Rec Center Manager (Mr. Eisold), Project Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Baha). Guests: None la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 2a. Outdoor Recreation Facility Project Ms. Walsh explained that the Outdoor Recreation Facility is a unique facility and there are no others like it in the country. The facility is architecturally significant and a lot of thought has been put into the design. Hockey and skating programs will use the facility during the winter, and turf will be installed for activities during the spring and summer. There are many opportunities for the City to utilize the space, including community activities, sports, and other events. The concept for an outdoor ice facility originated from the Hockey Association, and they have contributed $1.95 million to the project. Over time the project has changed and evolved into much more than an ice rink. Ms. Walsh noted that three of the recommended actions relate to the specific bid packages for this project. The fourth action is to amend the agreement with the Hockey Association as the Board has elected to commit another $400,000 to complete the project. Councilmember Brausen asked if the facility would be wired for sound and video. Mr. Eisold stated that the facility will have a PA system, but nothing is planned from a video perspective at this time. Councilmember Mavity asked for clarification regarding the PA system and questioned what type of system is budgeted for the project. Ms. Walsh explained that the City will be supplying a microphone for events such as speaker presentations. Councilmember Mavity questioned how often the roof would need to be replaced and whether or not the City had insurance for replacement or repair of the roof in the event Special City Council Meeting -2- February 29, 2016 weather-related damage occurred. Ms. Walsh responded that the roof would be expected to last 20 to 25 years and would be insured in a manner similar to that of other City facilities. Blois Olson, 1801 Flag Avenue, stated there have been a lot of discussions in the community about this facility. He suggested that the Council take a step back and look at the facility in a different way to see the endless possibilities this facility could bring to the City as a community asset. He believed this facility would be an opportunity to draw the community together beyond the use by the Hockey Association during the winter months. Susan Johnson, 3112 Idaho Avenue South, stated that St. Louis Park and Hopkins have a combined girls' hockey team that would greatly benefit from the Outdoor Recreation Facility. Nicole Epp, 1667 Virginia Avenue, stated she has three daughters and two play hockey and lacrosse. She believes that the girls get many positive qualities and experiences from sports and deserve a nice facility in the community to practice and play on. Councilmember Spano clarified that the total amount of the contracts to be awarded as a part of the first recommended action was $6,604,512. Greg Meyer, 3036 Rhode Island Avenue, stated he represents the Hockey Association and the Baseball Association and felt having an outdoor facility with ice and turf could be really beneficial for both programs. Chris Bixby, 720 W. Lake Street, stated that he is the St. Louis Park High School Lacrosse coach and represents the boys and girls in the program. He discussed trying to grow the sport in the community and overcoming the challenges associated with access and affordability. He stated currently there are no indoor facilities in the City for lacrosse during the off-season and the proposed facility would be great for the community. He added that he wants to build the program and excitement for the sport in St. Louis Park. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to designate 19 different contractors as the lowest responsible bidders, as identified in the attached staff report, and authorize execution of contracts with those firms for the Outdoor Recreation Facility - Project No. 24145019. The total value of the contracts is $6,604,512 to approve a bid alternate to bid package #1 of'the indoor refrigeration contract in the amount of $608,000 to include floor, piping and equipment for the outdoor facility; to approve a contract with RJM Construction in the amount of $562,821 for construction management, on-site supervision, and insurance; and to approve amendment to the financial agreement with the St. Louis Park Hockey Association for the outdoor recreation facility project increasing their contribution by $400,000 to a total $1.95 million. Councilmember Brausen thanked the community for sharing their collective thoughts in a constructive manner, because that made this decision easier. He discussed the reasons this project benefits the community and is an investment for the City. He explained everyone in the community would have an opportunity to use the facility to meet, recreate, and participate in a variety of activities. He recognized the contributions of the Hockey Association and their commitment to the project and a continued partnership Special City Council Meeting -3- February 29, 2016 with the City. He challenged citizens to come forward and ask to use the facility because it will be a community space. He also challenged staff to provide priority and opportunities to females and diverse cultural groups that want to use the space. Councilmember Lindberg stated this vote tonight is very important to him because the issue has taken a lot of energy and time from staffs perspective and has involved an incredible public process. When this project was first discussed, Councilmember Lindberg explained, he was a skeptic; however, he has been proven wrong through data and feedback from the community. He now sees the facility as a unique community gathering space. In addition, this facility provides the City with a competitive advantage to recreate in the community. He stated he is very confident that staff will make this facility a great success and provide diverse opportunities for the community. Councilmember Miller stated that he was in favor of this project because, in his opinion, the facility was a perfect public/private project. He explained that he is concerned about the increased costs, so he is not going to support the project. He stated that he hopes the Council will reflect back on this issue in the future when considering funding for other projects as this money could have a lot of other uses that would benefit many other groups and activities in the City. Councilmember Mavity stated she has received a lot of feedback from residents about this project. She explained she had been supportive of the project because she felt it was a very unique opportunity for a public/private partnership with the Hockey Association. She stated she does not support the project at this time due to the increased costs and the fact that she does not feel that the public process has been very dynamic over the past couple of weeks. She explained almost five years ago the Council asked the community what their vision was for St. Louis Park and the creation of a civic center where the community could gather was discussed and a lot of time was spent on planning that idea. She stated that public process was extraordinarily robust, however, the outdoor facility is not the vision that resulted out of that process. Originally she supported the project, but she does not support it any longer due to the escalation of cost. Councilmember Mavity stated that she appreciates that the community is attempting to grow the sport of hockey and increase diversity. However, there are no kids of color in hockey at the high school, so she is not sure if they are really represented in the community. She stated that the City should be investing in projects and resources that appeal and benefit to the entire community. One of her key takeaways from this process is that the City wants to keep families in St. Louis Park, and people are willing to pay for high quality resources, so maybe the project should be reassessed to reconsider the civic center vision. She noted if the facility does get approved, she wants to ensure that the project is done correctly, which includes the City evaluating the programming at the facility to address equity and accessibility to ensure that it will benefit as many people in the community as possible. Councilmember Hallfin stated he will be supporting the project, which was a difficult decision due to the cost. He explained that although the project is over the estimated cost, the civic center project would have cost even more, and the length of time this facility will be used by the community softens the blow. Regarding the gender and race equity issue, he stated that the facility will increase equity for both gender and race as there will be more opportunity and more space to be used. Special City Council Meeting -4- February 29, 2016 Councilmember Lindberg explained that he participated as a resident in the group that discussed the civic center idea and was elected to the Council thereafter. He stated that this project was presented to the City as an opportunity because of some creative planning from individuals, including the Hockey Association. The City has a partner contributing $2 million, with a $6 million capital investment, to make this project happen. He stated that community does desire recreation space and gathering space, and the community also values these concepts. He suggested the City continue to look at sponsorship or other creative opportunities to finance this project and have additional conversations about practicality. Mayor Spano stated his support of the project. He explained that this decision has been difficult due to the cost. He noted the Friends of the Arts program is thrilled at the prospect of using the facility for theater based programming. He referenced a study conducted by USA Hockey about the increased participation and diversity in hockey in the state. In his own experience, Mayor Spano explained that the faces in hockey are increasingly diverse, with many being female. He stated that associations work as a pipeline in that decisions made a long time ago have a negative impact. The trends now, however, are leading towards diversity. In addition, Mayor Spano explained that more access equals more opportunity, and how that opportunity is guided is up to the Hockey Association and the City. Mayor Spano explained that he was reading the book Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright to highlight the city's need to keep focused on future benefits of The Rec Center. Mayor Spano stated easy things are for other cities. St. Louis Park does tough things because decisions are made based on long-term best interest. The Park Association doesn't turn any child away for hockey, and if the Park Association accepted the challenge, the City should as well. The motion passed 4-2. (Councilmember Mavity and Councilmember Miller opposed and Councilmember Sanger absent.) 3. Public Hearings Councilmember Brausen left at 7:53 p.m. after noting that he supports the sidewalk plan as proposed. 3a. 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report regarding the 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Construction Project. He explained that this year the City is wrapping the Connect the Park! Sidewalk and Trail Plan into the Pavement Management Plan. Mr. Sullivan reviewed the project highlights, noting that asphalt replacement is the primary goal of the plan. Random curb and gutter replacement will be evaluated, in addition to selected watermain and service replacements, roadway narrowing and sidewalk construction. Mr. Sullivan discussed several project modifications, including reduction in tree impacts from watermain construction, roadway narrowing to minimize sidewalk impacts on Special City Council Meeting -5- February 29, 2016 streets with curb removal, and continuity of sidewalk on 34th Street across the Minnehaha Creek. Mr. Sullivan provided an overview of the Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Programs. He explained the infrastructure analysis that takes place and the sidewalk design considerations used to evaluate what needs to be replaced and where. He stated the City anticipates receiving bids at the end of March, awarding a bid in April, and constructing the project May through November. Mayor Spano opened public hearing. Carol Berger, 8211 34th Street West, stated she has been a resident since 1972. She stated that the public meetings were nice, but meant absolutely nothing as she believed the City didn't want her opinion. She stated 34th Street is a school bus route and in her opinion, narrowing will be a hazard and not beneficial. Mr. Wiesen stated that the only concern of the school transportation company was related to plowing and since other streets in the City are the same width, this one won't be a problem. Councilmember Lindberg asked if the average width of a street is between 28 and 30 feet. Mr. Sullivan confirmed that it is the average, noting some streets in the City are even narrower. He explained that there is a transition to narrower streets because streets are difficult to maintain and there are many benefits to reducing the size. Sherry Amelse, 8215 34th Street West, stated she understands that the Council has to make difficult decisions and does appreciate their work. She explained that many residents rely on street parking and some folks have no driveway or garage. She's concerned that the narrowing will lower the availability. In addition, she said that narrowing the streets will cause traffic issues, especially the hill on 34" and Wyoming due to poor visibility. Councilmember Lindberg asked a clarifying question regarding parking restrictions on 34th Street and traffic calming. Mr. Wiesen explained there are no proposed changes to on -street parking as 28 feet is the minimum width for parking on both sides. Bill Magdziarz-Rainey, 8610 34th Street West, stated he believed the project was already decided before the public hearing was held. Ile stated there is always a cost and noted that Councilmember Lindberg was the only Councilmember at the public meeting. Dalles Babe, 3355 Utah Avenue South, stated he had circulated a petition to stop the portion of the project for sidewalks and narrowing the street. He submitted the petition to Mayor Spano. He explained the reasons why he opposes narrowing the street, stating that it is safer to walk on the roadway rather than the sidewalks during winter and felt sidewalk maintenance would be an additional cost for the City. In his opinion, the money could be better spent to improve the sidewalks already in the neighborhood. Lisa Welke, 9100 Minnehaha Court, has lived at her residence for 16 years. She explained that she has three trees impacted by this plan. She lives on a corner and removing those three trees would greatly impact her privacy. In addition, she would lose 10 feet of property. She stated that the proposed sidewalk in front of her house does not lead to anywhere. She explained she has seen the City's work along Walker Sheet and is Special City Council Meeting -6- February 29, 2016 not excited about how it looks, namely the drainage grates. She asked the Council to remove the section on her property from the plan. Councilmember Lindberg asked staff to determine what products were used on Walker Street and verify whether they will also be used in this present case. Mr. Sullivan stated the Walker Street project is still under construction. He explained that he will specifically investigate the pedestrian curb drops and the catch basins for erosion control. Mary Morin, 3223 Aquila Lane, stated that Aquila Lane contains nine homes affected by the sidewalk switching from the east to the west side of the street. She explained her main concern is the loss of ten feet of land as her property is small. She stated that the Three Rivers Trail is right behind her property so, in her opinion, this sidewalk is redundant. She proposed that the process be extended so there is more room for public input. Susan Erickson, 4122 Salem Avenue, offered an alternative vision because her neighborhood went through this scenario. In spite of the difficulty, she has had a tremendous experience and thanked the Council for the Connect the Park! Plan. She felt the sidewalk has reunited the community as sidewalks are like the circulatory system, which enables the community to connect. Mary Karius, 3440 Sunset Ridge Road, stated her daughter walks on snow banks to get home safely from the bus stop. She explained that she will gladly pay more if it means that her daughter will have a sidewalk to walk on to keep her safe. Rachel Harris, 2821 Texas Avenue South, stated that Aquila Park is her virtual community center. She stated that this is a plan for now and a plan for the future. When speaking about biking and walking, she requested that Council think of it as inclusive transportation. Ms. Harris stated she supports the proposal and would like the sidewalks to be the trail through the City. In addition, she appreciates that the City will plow and maintain the sidewalks. Mary Kramer, 8107 34th Street West, asked if anyone came to look at the street. She stated that she supports the Connect the Park! Plan but doesn't think that these sidewalks make sense as it doesn't connect to anything. Vern Stephen, Texas Avenue and 34`h Street, stated he has lived at his residence since 1955 and feels that the sidewalk is not needed as no one has ever been killed there. Janis Klausing, 9025 34`' Street West, stated that she is opposed to the sidewalk. She expressed concern that the sidewalk would increase drainage into Minnehaha Creek. In addition, residents still walk on the street when there are sidewalks on both sides. She requested that the City leave small neighborhoods alone and suggested the City instead discuss alternatives, such as a pedestrian bikeway. Councilmember Lindberg asked staff to discuss the public right-of-way and boulevards and specific impacts on storm water. Mr. Sullivan explained that sustainability is a goal of the Council and storm water runoff is a sustainability issue. There is a three-foot reduction in surface area; therefore, a smaller storm runoff. Councilmember Miller clarified that a good portion of the storm water is running off into the boulevard. Special City Council Meeting -7- February 29, 2016 Pat Sikes, 9015 34" Street West, stated that she doesn't understand where the Connect the Park! Plan initiative originated. Mayor Spano explained that process. Ms. Sikes asked about the petition and if all residents didn't want the sidewalks whether it would go forward. Mayor Spann explained that is not how the process works. Councilmember Mavity explained that sidewalks are a community amenity. Councilmember Lindberg explained that, in his opinion, the public process was good. He stated that he tried to balance, address, and hear all feedback. Connie Iacono, 8900 34th Street West, stated that she walks every day with her dog. She explained that she's tried to walk on sidewalks, but they're never clear in the winter. She stated she fell five years ago on the sidewalk and that the streets are safer in winter. In addition, when salt is added to the sidewalk, chemicals will drain into the Creek. Cynthia Jones -Klausing, 9025 34th Street West, stated that the overwhelming majority do not want the sidewalks and yet nothing gets changed. Her neighborhood is not a place you drive through to get somewhere. She explained that her neighbors do socialize and know each other. She requested the Council listen to her feedback and challenged the Council to walk her neighborhood to determine whether the sidewalks are in the residents' best interest. Dalles Babe, 3355 Utah Avenue South, reviewed the number of signatures on the petition he had presented to the Council. Bill Magdziarz-Rainey, 8610 34th Street West, stated that part of the sidewalk doesn't make sense in his opinion. He stated that he drives a school bus and felt there would be a safety issue if there is parking on both sides. Councilmember Lindberg requested that staff clarify the plan for street width at Texas and 33"d and 34th Streets, to address some of the concerns specifically for right hand turns and larger vehicles. Mr. Wiesen explained that there is 200 -foot section of that intersection that is going to remain at 36 feet wide and will not be reduced to allow turns. In addition, staff had conversations with emergency services and determined 28 -feet is sufficient for parking on both sides. Carol Berger, 8211 34th Street West, stated that the City did a great job when updating 36th Street and the street was not narrowed. She doesn't understand why that option is not available. She explained that she is upset because the City did not want to listen to her opinion on the matter. Mary Karius, 3440 Sunset Ridge Road, stated it is important to remember that people only show up when they don't support the proposal and there may be some in favor of the project as well. Mayor Spano closed public hearing. t Councilmember Lindberg thanked the residents for coming to speak to the Council tonight. He explained there have been a lot of conversations over many months about this project. He stated that public process is very important so the Council can listen and validate the residents because the residents' opinions do count. Councilmember Lindberg stated his decision is not going to make everyone happy. He supports approval of these Special City Council Meeting -8- February 29, 2016 projects because there is a direct benefit to Ward 3 neighborhoods, noting that nobody disagreed with the fact that the street needs improving. Councilmember Lindberg stated in 2007, the City went through the last vision process. Each of the plans recognized that the comiections identified tonight are needed. He explained that his mind wasn't made up until tonight as he was still listening to feedback, considerations, and staff reports. Councilmember Lindberg stated he was walking through the affected neighborhood with his family, when his daughter asked why they were walking on the street and not a sidewalk. I -Ie stated that he takes a longer view of this project; he wants his daughter to choose the City as he did. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-035 accepting the project report, establishing Improvement Project No. 4016-1000 for the 2016 Pavement Management project, approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for this project; and, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-036 accepting the project report, establishing Improvement Project No. 4016-2000,for the 2016 Connect the Park! project, approving plans and specifications and authorizing advertisement for bids for this project. Councilmember Miller stated he really believes in sidewalks as stated in his campaign. That said, he also values residents having their opinions heard and would like to discuss changing this process so that residents feel validated. Councilmember Miller stated these sidewalks really do lead somewhere; they're thoroughfares. He felt public process had improved because Councilmember Lindberg and staff went an extra mile. For this reason, Councilmember Miller stated his support of the project as proposed. Councilmember Mavity requested staff look at enforcement of people or the City for maintaining the sidewalks in the winter. As to the salt, she requested that uses be guided to reduce run off. Councilmember Hallfin stated the sidewalk plans that come before the Council are usually tumultuous. Typically, those directly affected do not want the sidewalks. Last year he was directly affected and like the residents this evening, he didn't want the sidewalk. He explained the elected officials also live here and are also affected by the Council's decisions. Councilmember Hallfm noted that between now and the time the sidewalks are installed, there is still time to tweak the plans and staff will work with residents up until the day concrete is poured. Since the sidewalks were installed in Ward 2, the walk is more pleasant. He suggested that the residents pause to reserve judgment. Mayor Spano stated that he supports the proposed motion. He explained the City is trying to build a system, which means some residents that don't want sidewalks get them and vice versa. Every time this discussion is held, this is what it looks like. In closing, he noted this was supposed to be voted on in early February but was delayed only because Councilmember Lindberg requested more time. Last year, he stated that his aunt received a sidewalk that she didn't want but since installation, she has changed her mind and now likes having the sidewalks. Mayor Spano noted that Mr. Sullivan has worked and made things better where possible. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Sanger absent) Special City Council Meeting -9- February 29, 2016 4. Communications SWLRT Update Mr. Harmening stated that the project is moving very quickly and nearing 100% on the design. One thing in particular relates to the enhancement at the bridges at Louisiana and Beltline. The structure and fencing are very basic and the City needs to work more with SPO to determine the aesthetics due to the high profile location. In addition, there was no lighting proposed for that area, so the City is working to include that. He explained that the City would be responsible for any costs for this change, which would need to be added via change orders later in the process. Mr. Hannening stated that he wanted to make the Council aware of the needed improvements. Councilmember Mavity stated the Caucus is tomorrow night. She encouraged residents use the Secretary of State's website to find where to go in the City. Councilmember Hallfin stated that the Children First fundraiser breakfast is at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday morning. He directed anyone interested in attending to the Children First website for more information. 5. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at,9:39 p.m. , City Clerk