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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/03/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session11J'$t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S 0 T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 28, 2016 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Gregg Lindberg, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: Anne Mavity and Steve Hallfin. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Police Chief (Mr. Luse), City Assessor (Mr. Bultema), Commercial Appraiser (Ms. Nathanson), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Deputy Police Chief (Mr. DiLorenzo), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Kraayenbrink), Police Lieutenant (Mr. Harcey), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: City Attorney (Mr. Knetsch) 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — April 4, 11, & 18, 2016 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for April 4, 11, & 18, 2016. The agendas will include the following: April 18 - Environment and Sustainability Commission, along with the iMatters group, will present a Climate Action Plan. April 25 — Reconvene of the Board of Appeals and Equalization Mayor Spano requested hosting Study Sessions in other facilities around the City, and Mr. Harmening will look for opportunities to do this beginning in May. Mr. Hannening asked if the Walker Lake area and Community Center Expansion should be added to an upcoming Study Session also. Councilmember Brausen added he would like to discuss the "bring your own bag" ordinance at a future Study Session. He stated that the Council should ask the Environment and Sustainability Commission to send a written opinion on the ordinance and if it promotes a healthier, cleaner environment. Councilmember Lindberg asked how much staff time and effort it will take to educate the public on the Zero Waste Ordinance and to get it up and running. Additionally, what is the cost in time and energy resources that need to go into this effort? He noted he needs more information in order to make a decision. Mr. Harmening stated he will send the draft ordinance to the Council so they can review it again. He added that 150 St. Louis Park businesses will be impacted by a Zero Waste Ordinance. He noted that an ordinance regulating plastic and paper bags would have a much wider impact on businesses. IIe added there is concern about doing a good job of communicating and implementing this type of ordinance while staff is in the process of implementing the Zero Waste Ordinance. Study Session Minutes -2- March 28, 2016 Councilmember Sanger added staff needs to take time to find out what implementation of this ordinance would look like. Mr. Harmening added that he will ask the Environmental and Sustainability Commission for their views and recommendations on the latest draft of the ordinance Mayor Spano also noted the addition of a working meeting with the School Board. Councilmember Brausen asked the councilmembers if anyone was interested in serving on the CEAC as he is unable to attend these meetings, and it is required that two Councilmembers serve. Currently, he and Councilmember Lindberg attend the meetings. 2. 2016 Market Value Overview Mr. Bultema presented the report regarding the 2016 Market Value Overview. He explained the Minnesota property tax process with emphasis on the timing of the market, when assessed values are set, and when budgets and taxes are levied. He stated that the City Assessor maintains records on all city parcels with inspections on a five year schedule. He noted interim inspections and review of permits also occur. The initial assessment is a mass appraisal with computer- assisted modeling. As sales occur, they are tracked in order to provide a ratio. Values are then retargeted to bring the assessed values into balance with the market. The city's values are typically very close to the sale price for about 90% of homes. Condos and townhomes present a different market performance and can be more volatile in their assessments. Industrial and apartments are more complicated with more emphasis on income as well as sales. Staff verifies these sales personally with buyers and sellers. The staff works on relationships with commercial buyers. Mr. Bultema added that the process is reset every January 2 for Minnesota property taxes, and the appeals process begins. For the Board of Appeal, the meeting date has been set and at least one trained member must be in attendance at each Board meeting. The County Board appeals process begins in May; and tax court, the last appeal option, has a deadline of the following April. Mr. Bultema discussed the current real estate market, noting it is fairly stable at this time with single-family homes. Commercial and industrial are still growing fast in St. Louis Park, and apartment values continue to be aggressive. He added that some sales clearly indicate that the market is near the top of the value cycle. He noted that from a historical perspective, the market is late in the cycle, and return on investments in Class C rentals is pushing the envelope. Mr. Bultema explained that Class C refers to properties which are 30-50 years and older. Class B is properties in the 10-15 year-old range, and Class A is new properties. He noted that the majority of new construction assumes that rents will continue to go up every year, and Class C stock is selling at values not seen before for this type of product. Mayor Spano asked that given many of the properties are over 50 years old and half are apartments, if there is anything that should be done at this time. Mr. Bultema stated St. Louis Park is performing very well in this area, especially related to rental licenses, code inspections and crime -free training for landlords. Study Session Minutes -3- March 28, 2016 Councilmember Miller asked if investors are purchasing properties and then renovating them to make them Class A properties. Mr. Bultema said no. If an apartment building is Class C, it remains that. Subsequently, there are many being demolished and new builds are going up. Mr. Bultema presented various maps of the City showing median sales, where values have increased, and where more renovations are occurring. Values continue to be higher on the City's east side, nearer to the Minneapolis lakes area. However, all in all, St. Louis Park homes are a good value and hold their value, while residents continue to move into the City for location and schools. Mr. Bultema noted that the Housing Improvement Areas, where the City has acted as the lender of last resort for associations, have mitigated market trends, and these areas are recovering nicely through this program. Mr. Bultema reviewed the commercial, industrial and apartment sales in the City, stating that last year in St. Louis Park there were more of these types of sales than any other suburb in Hennepin County. The West End/394 Corridor is in high demand and at premium value, with significant redevelopment activity. Councilmember Sanger said it would be helpful to have a Study Session on the long-term implications of ongoing redevelopment efforts in the city. 3. Body Worn Cameras for Police Officers Police Chief Luse presented the staff report regarding body worn cameras for Police Officers Chief Luse noted the Police Department has been discussing the body camera concept over the past year and looked into two vendors. The trial period has gone well and favorable comments have been collected from officers. The concept of body worn cameras helps with transparency and evidence collection, while comments from the public have been generally positive. Some questions typically are asked by the public about the cameras, but most have been friendly, with only minor inhibitions. Chief Luse indicated vendors prefer that the Police Department partner with them on storage, but that combined with costs over time are a concern. Costs currently run in the $52,000 - $63,500 range for cameras and storage. Another option is for the Police Department to do their own backup and storage; however, this takes many hours of data review by officers and at least two additional hours per shift per officer. Additionally, if the public would like to review data, that involves many hours of pulling data by officers. Chief Luse stated that so far there have not been many public data requests. Chief Luse referred to the Burnsville and Duluth Police Departments, which are pioneers in this project, and noted that much can be learned from them. City Attorney Elliot Knetsch noted when the public requests data, the police are given 7-10 days to respond. Chief Luse added that there is no charge for staff time, but there is a charge for the media used to provide the data, such as the use of a DVD or jump drive. Chief Luse also pointed out that there have been discussions about police cameras that are used in evidence collection as it pertains to domestic violence cases. The debate involved relates to Study Session Minutes -4- March 28, 2016 the notion of when the video actually becomes public information and also which jurisdiction has authority over this evidence. Chief Luse added that the Police Department would like to spend time on writing policy and setting up training programs so this will be done correctly. He added they would like to discuss this with the St. Louis Park schools also, and review the program before it is put into place. Councihmember Sanger noted the costs, timing, and transparency, but asked if having the video has made any difference in the outcomes of cases. Chief Luse stated when the camera is on, they have seen behavior modification, but beyond that, he does not have an answer to this question. He added there was only one inquiry for data during the timeframe that the Police Department was piloting the body cameras. He also noted that there were no differences in outcomes of any cases during the time the body cameras were piloted. Mr. Knetsch stated that we have not always had body cameras; however, people are still convicted of crimes. Additionally, Exhibit A in a case is typically the testimony of a crime victim or police officer. Councilmember Lindberg noted that policy will need to be woven into the conversation on body cameras and will determine if the City goes forward on this. Mr. Harmening asked Chief Luse what his recommendation is on this issue. Chief Luse stated it is just a matter of time before they will be in use, but right now in St. Louis Park it may be too early to use body cameras. There are still many legal and legislative issues to address and policy to be written before the City moves ahead with this. The councilmembers agreed that body cameras would provide additional evidence in domestic violence cases. Mr. Knetsch added that a person can be prosecuted in a domestic violence case even if the person who initially brought charges drops them later, and body cameras can aid in this situation. Mayor Spano stated he believes schools and domestic violence advocacy groups are interested in the use of body cameras. He added the Council should hear from these groups prior to making a decision to move forward. He also stated he would be interested in conviction rates in Burnsville and how body cameras have worked for them. The councilmembers added they would like to get ahead of this process and be intentional when talking about body cameras in St. Louis Park. They agreed they would also like a clear statement of what role body cameras play and what they would solve if used. Chief Luse added the police would like to take their time, take measured steps, and write policy before the program is finally implemented. Mr. Hamening stated he would like staff to do more research, and monitor the State Legislature and experiences of other communities, while also having discussions with stakeholders, schools, and advocacy groups. He asked staff for another update on this topic before end of 2016. 4. Connect the Park! CIP Update Ms. Heiser and Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report regarding Connect the Park! CIP Update. Study Session Minutes -5- March 28, 2016 This is a community -wide effort involving the addition of sidewalks, trails, and bikeways. It was included in the Comprehensive Plan in 2013, involves no assessment to residents, and was part of the city's 10 -year plan. It involves 10 miles of sidewalks, 3 miles of trails, and 32 miles of bikeways. They noted that projects slated for this summer will be communicated to residents and meetings conducted in advance. Mr. Harmening stated that projects reviewed this evening are for 2017, and if councilmembers agree to proceed now, the projects will move forward. If approved, staff will begin contacting residents immediately. Mr. Sullivan pointed out sidewalk updates and gap segments for Xenwood, Wooddale, and Utica Avenues. Councilmember Sanger asked for a list of the blocks affected. Mr. Harmening explained the history of this project as part of community visioning first identified in 1995. It was revisited in 2005-06, and then the Connect the Park! plan emerged in 2013. Councilmember Sanger stated she agrees with taking next steps but cautioned that some residents might push back on some of the projects, while others may ask what took so long. She added if Webster Park is redeveloped afterwards, it would be helpful to have safe ways for people to get to the park. Councilmember Lindberg stated Connect the Park! is about greater good; getting out to the affected neighborhoods as soon as possible; and having broad conversations on particular projects, especially in relation to these gaps. He added this process will also bring out residents who are unhappy but will be part of navigating through this process. Councilmember Sanger noted a technique she has used with constituents in the past is to have them approach her if they are not inclined to speak up on an issue. She then counts the names but keeps them anonymous, pointing out this is an acceptable manner in which to gather feedback. Councilmember Brausen added the schools are in favor of this project, but groups need to be invited in for broader discussion so projects can be prioritized. Mayor Spano added he is worried about only hearing from people that support the project, adding that it is up to the Council to change that perception and make the meeting environment open to all residents, whether they support or disapprove of a project. Councilmember Lindberg added that they want to connect the City and don't want to lose sight that this is a community effort, for the common good and for schools, parks, and neighborhoods. Councilmember Sanger questioned the sidewalk on Utica Avenue south of 28`h Street, which is a dead-end street. She noted there is no point adding a sidewalk there or spending money on this. Ms. Heiser explained it is viewed as a system improvement. Study Session Minutes -6- March 28, 2016 Mr. Harmcning added that the Utica to Vernon sidewalk should be proposed; however, not a sidewalk south of 27th Street. Mayor Spano added that this can be discussed with the neighbors living in that area. Mr. Sullivan noted this area is only a portion to complete the entire gap. He stated they will remove the sidewalk on Utica, south of 281h. He stated the Browndale sidewalks are proposed for 2022. Councilmember Brausen asked about the Louisiana Avenue project north of Cedar Lake Road. Ms. Heiser stated staff is working on a scope for this area. She added it will need bike lanes, sidewalks, and possibly easements. Mr. Sullivan added that the area north of Japs Olson, involving the Minnehaha Creek Trail and the Watershed District, is also looking for funding sources in order to complete trails in that area. Mr. Harmening added that the tie-in with light rail also makes sense. Additionally, 2016 bikeways and share -the -road facilities are scheduled for spring implementation. France Avenue will be striped for bikeways and a pedestrian solar flasher will be added. Councilmember Sanger also asked about the following areas: - Many residents in the Lake Forest neighborhood did not want sidewalks; however, the area and sightlines need to be addressed, as folks will not walk in this area. - The area around the curve around Cedarwood Road and Parklands Road needs to be addressed. She added that trees would need to be removed, but noted this is public land. Ms. Heiser and Mr. Sullivan stated they would look into these two items; however, staff is working on multiple projects related to the 10 -year CIP. Mr. Harmening added that timing is an issue and projects are currently set for 2017, so staff will need to manage expectations. Councilmember Sanger asked for conceptual to be done, with input from neighbors. Ms. Heiser noted that conceptual work takes time. Mr. Harmening added staff doesn't want to overpromise and underperform but they will look at the CIP to see when they could get to this project. Councilmember Brausen asked about the area of Cedar Lake Road to 28t11 Street. Mr. Sullivan noted this will be part of the 2017-18 project. 5. Debrief on Boards and Commissions Annual Meeting Mr. Harmening presented the report on the Boards and Commissions Annual Meeting. He noted that information was provided in the staff report and asked the Council if they want to meet with any of the commissions for more in-depth conversations. Mayor Spano stated he did not see an immediate need for in-depth conversations. Councilmember Lindberg said he would like more conversations with the Human Rights Commission regarding race and equity but no more presentations. Study Session Minutes -7- March 28, 2016 Councilmember Brausen noted the suggestion by the Environment and Sustainability Commission to have a councilmember as part of their group or attend their meetings once per quarter. He added they would like more interaction with the Council, and he views this merely as an exchange of information. Councilmember Sanger stated she is not in favor of councilmembers attending commission meetings, pointing out that having a councilmember at their meeting is intimidating to the commissioners. She did agree with having a staff liaison who could be available to answer questions for the commissions. Mayor Spano pointed out it is not good for the Council to manage the commissions, stating that the Council only wants their recommendations. Councilmember Sanger stated this request is being driven by the Environment and Sustainability Commission, which feels they do not have enough face time with the Council. She added she does not want to start this process. Mayor Spano added this is the role of staff members, and it is Mr. Harmening's job to work with the commissions. He added that the commissions exist to advise the Council, and councilmembers need to tell the commissions what they need to do for them. Councilmember Miller agreed and added it would be helpful to direct the Police Advisory Commission to work with Police Department on the body camera issues. They would provide the community voice. Councilmember Brausen added we need a clear system to give assignments to the commissions and have them review policy. Mayor Spano asked if the Boards and Commissions are under-utilized and if the Council is making the best use of them. Councilmember Lindberg added the city's professional staff is the best resource for commissioners, and they need to be utilized. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening noted the Highway 7 bridge removal is slated for April 16 and 23. He also noted Highway 100 will be closed both weekends. Mr. Harmening stated the Rotary Club is donating $1,400 next Monday, during a presentation. These funds are from the Winter Fun Day at Oak Park and are open ended. The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 6. February 2016 Monthly Financial Report 7. Assessment Policy Discussion (continued) — Administrative Items 8. Zero Waste Packaging Update 9. Health in the Parc Update Study Session Minutes -8- March 28, 2016 10. 11. Update on MoneyGram's Minnesota Investment Fund Award from DEED Proposed Cooperative Agreement with Melis a Kennedy, City Clerk