Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/04/04 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular1Jl St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 4, 2016 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 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), City Attorney (Ms. McDowell Poehler), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Recreation Supervisor (Ms. Abernathy), Solid Waste Program Coordinator (Ms. Fisher), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Planning/Zoning Supervisor (Ms. McMonigal), HKGi Planning Consultant (Mr. Miller), Project Engineer (Mr. Wiesen), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Batra). Guests: Greg Palmer (President, St. Louis Park Rotary Club) and Peter Hilger (New Horizons Architect). Ia. Pledge of Allegiance 1b. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. 2nd Annual SLP Earth Day Proclamation Mayor Spano introduced and read the proclamation. He explained that this is St. Louis Parks' second annual Earth Day celebration and the event will take place at the Lenox Community Center on April 24, 2016. He thanked SLP SEEDS and the Environment and Sustainability Commission for hosting the celebration. 2b. Presentation Accepting Monetary Donation from Rotary Club of St. Louis Park for the Summer Concert Series ($1,300) Lisa Abernathy, Recreation Supervisor, was in attendance to accept a donation of $1,300 for the summer concert series from the St. Louis Park Rotary Club. Greg Palmer, president of the Rotary Club, explained that the club was chartered in 1947 to make the world a better place. In January, the SLP Rotary Club, along with the Operations and Recreation Department, hosted Bundled Up Winter Fun Day. Through this event, additional funds were raised to help with the concert series. Mayor Spano expressed his appreciation for all of the help the Rotary Club provides to the City. 2c. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano thanked the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture for their $2,500 donation for Mr. Vaughan, Environmental Coordinator, to attend the 2016 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. City Council Meeting -2- April 4, 2016 2d. Proclamation — National Service Recognition Day Mayor Spano recognized AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, and other national service programs for all of the services they provide to the City. Mayor Spano proclaimed that April 5, 2016, is National Service Recognition Day in St. Louis Park. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. Special City Council Meeting Minutes February 29, 2016 Councilmember Miller requested on page 3 a change to his statement. It should state that he was in favor of the project and that the facility was a perfect private project. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen and seconded by Councilmember Lindberg to approve the February 29, 2016 Special City Council Meeting Minutes with changes. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. Joint City Council/School Board Meeting Minutes March 14, 2016 The minutes were approved as presented. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin and seconded by Councilmember Mavity to approve the March 14, 2016 Joint City Council/School Board Meeting Minutes 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. Approve the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 16-2488 creating Section 36- 268 -PUD 4 of the Zoning Code and amending the Zoning Map from the O -Office to PUD 4 for the property located at 5075 Wayzata Boulevard, and approve the summary ordinance for publication. 4b. Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 16-2489 creating Section 36 -268 - PUD 5 of the Zoning Code and amending the Zoning Map from R-3 Two Family Residence to Planned Unit Development (PUD) 5 for property on the 7700 block of Wayzata Boulevard, and approve the Summary Ordinance for publication. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 16-050 ratifying the EDA's application to Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for Minnesota Investment Funds (MIF) on behalf of MoneyGram. City Council Meeting -3- April 4, 2016 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 16-051 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture in an amount not to exceed $2,500 for all related expenses for Jim Vaughan, Natural Resources Coordinator, to attend the 2016 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 16-052 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the Rotary Club of St. Louis Park in the amount of $1,300 for the Recreation Division's Summer Concert Series. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 16-053 approving a Master Partnership Contract with MnDOT relating to Laboratory Testing Services. 4g. Approve for filing Planning Commission Minutes of February 17, 2016. 4h. Approve for filing Planning Commission Minutes of March 2, 2016. 4i. Approve for filing Board of Zoning Appeals Minutes of July 23, 2015. 4j. Approve for filing Environment & Sustainability Commission: Sustainable SLP Minutes of February 3, 2016. 4k. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of January 23 through March 25, 2016. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the Agenda as presented on the Consent Calendar; 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. Bid Tabulation: 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Project (4016-1000 & 4016-2000). Resolution No. 16-054 Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report regarding the 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Program. He discussed the recommended actions. Ivlr. Wiesen explained that the City opened bids for the project on March 24, 2016. Park Construction Company submitted the lowest bid. He discussed the funding sources and the amounts dedicated to the proposed project. The public hearing was held on Feb. 29, 2016, in which residents discussed the plan. Mr. Wiesen discussed the actions taken by staff as a result of the feedback received at the public hearing. City Council Meeting -4- April 4, 2016 In reference to the no parking restriction on 34th Street, Mr. Wiesen discussed the design constraints around the bridge. He displayed a visual aid on what the area would look like, and discussed why the street must be narrowed. Mr. Harmening stated that one thing the residents expressed concern about is why new sidewalks were being added when others are in disrepair. Another issue brought up by the residents is drainage issues in Aquila Park. He explained that Area 5 is now being focused on, and the sidewalks are being evaluated without any adding new costs to the project. In addition, a resolution regarding a low point over the trail in Aquila Park is in the works. Councilmember Sanger discussed a communication she received from a resident stating that narrowing the street would make it less safe for pedestrians. From previous discussions, she learned that narrowing a roadway tends to make drivers slow down so it is actually safer. Councilmember Sanger asked staff to confirm that. Mr. Wiesen stated that narrowing a street does tend to calm traffic and improve safety. Mr. Sullivan added that the sidewalk connection is being made from the east and west because sidewalks that end negate safety for pedestrians. Councilmember Lindberg stated that the bids are much lower than anticipated. He added that the proposed sidewalk connection made sense. Marcia Oleisky, 8905 34th St. W., stated that she commends Councilmember Lindberg for his work on this issue. She explained that she understands the project; however, she hopes that this issue has been well discussed. Mayor Spano stated that narrowing the street does produce a calming effect on traffic. Councilmember Lindberg noted staff is looking at options to study either signage or paint on the street to address traffic control. It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to designate Park Construction Company as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $2,743,053.02 for the 2016 Pavement Management and Connect the Park! Project No. 4016-1000; and adopt Resolution No. 16-054 authorizing the installation of "No Parking" restrictions on the north side of 34th Street from Decatur Lane to 415 feet east of Decatur Lane. The motion passed 7-0. 8b. Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and Variance — New Horizons Academy, 2460 Hwy 100. Resolution No. 16-055 and No. 16-056 Mr. Miller presented the staff report regarding the New Horizon Daycare facility. He discussed the proposed resolutions recommended by staff and outlined the staff report. Mr. Miller explained that the site is to the right of Westside Volkswagen. The building is a single story structure, approximately 10,000 square feet in size, with off-street parking City Council Meeting -5- April 4, 2016 beside and behind the building. He discussed the Comprehensive Land Use Map and the zoning map for the area in question, which defined the different zones in the surrounding areas. IIe reviewed the plan for the outdoor play area and the 200 -foot setback due to the casement that has limited space. New Horizon's proposed site plan includes a play area on both the south and north sides of the building. Mr. Miller explained the reasons for the requested variance that would allow this play area to be built. He displayed a photo that showed the existing safety barrier and the building to the left. The existing barrier and the higher elevation of the highway are good for the daycare center. New Horizons has agreed to provide a trail that would provide access to the regional trail to the north. At the public hearing on March 2, 2016, two residents expressed concern with the traffic on Utica Avenue. The Planning Commission discussed the proposed amount of outdoor play area space versus the number of kids that can be licensed for this daycare facility. The Planning Commission recommended approval. In addition, staff is recommending approval of the three motions. Councilmember Sanger asked staff about the trail and whether there was sufficient space for the trail along Utica Avenue so it would not be isolated. Ms. McMonigal stated that there is sufficient room. Peter Hilger, New Horizons architect, introduced himself and stated that this is the center's third attempt to have a daycare center in the city. In reference to the number of children at the daycare, Councilmember Sanger asked where that number came from. Mr. Hilger explained that the number of children is mandated by state licensing guidelines. Councilmember Sanger noted that the daycare is closed evenings and weekends. She expressed the concern of residents regarding traffic and asked staff to look at what the traffic may look like if the business was something other than a daycare facility. She explained that staff found that the traffic from a different business at this site would be the same, possibly even more. Councilmember Brausen asked for affirmation that an existing building would be reused, and Mr. Hilger confirmed that is the case. Councilmember Branson asked about screening the children from the highway. Mr. Hilger explained screening is in the proposed plans. Councilmember Miller stated that he thinks this facility would be an excellent addition for this neighborhood. He asked about New Horizon's cost for daycare. Mr. Hilger responded that New Horizons is rated one of the highest in quality for daycare centers in the metro area. Councilmember Mavity stated that when looking at Connect the Park! trails, the connections for this area are scheduled for 2018. Councilmember Sanger asked when the center would plan to open. Mr. Hilger responded the goal is for the center to be open for fall enrollment. It ivas moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councibnember Mavily, to adopt Resolution No. I6-055, for a Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map Amendment and City Council Meeting -6- April 4, 2016 authorize summary publication; to approve the First Reading of the Ordinance amending the Zoning Map to rezone the subject propertyfrom Office to Neighborhood Commercial, and set a second reading for April 18, 2016; and to adopt Resolution No. 16-056 approving a variance to allow the outdoor play area to be less than 200 feet from a principal arterial, subject to conditions recommended by staff The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Zero Waste Packaging — Acceptable & Exempt Materials. Ms. Fisher, Solid Waste Coordinator, presented the staff report regarding the acceptable and exempt materials list for the Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance. Ms. Fisher discussed the history, intent, and requirements of the Zero Waste Packaging Ordinance. To allow the acceptable and exempt materials list to be flexible, the Council will review the list annually to add/delete materials. Ms. Fisher stated that acceptable recycling materials must be accepted locally and marketed to existing robust recycling markets. The list that was put together as acceptable includes select plastics and metal packaging materials. Ms. Fisher displayed images of both acceptable recyclable and unacceptable materials. In reference to acceptable compostable materials, Ms. Fisher noted the types of packaging that are compliant with the ordinance must be accepted by local commercial composting facilities. The list of acceptable compostable materials includes unlined paper products, wax paper, and certified compostable products. She f irther explained that the polyethylene (plastic) coating on paper packaging is a contaminant which ends up in the finished compost and there is no way to remove it. Ms. Fisher explained that packaging exemptions are made only where there is no commercially available alternative product. The ordinance does not require staff to take cost into consideration when considering exemption. Staff proposes a one-year exemption for paper food wrappers. Currently, this paper has a coating so that grease does not soak through. There is no alternative on the market at this time. Mayor Spano asked for clarification regarding the coating on packaging materials such as coffee cups and whether there is an easy tip to identify compostable versus non- compostable. Ms. Fisher explained that coffee cups typically have a non-compostable plastic lining. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is really excited and is proud that the City is taking the lead on this issue. He explained that the City wants to work with the residents to accomplish this goal. Mayor Spano stated that he has learned a lot through this process, and he is excited because it increases the city's organic collection. City Council Meeting -7- April 4, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the acceptable recyclable and compostable material lists and exempt products as noted in the staff report. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. Resolution Approving Annual City Manager Evaluation. Resolution No. 16-057 Ms. Deno presented the staff report regarding the proposal to approve the annual City Manager evaluation. To finalize this process, staff is asking the Mayor to read the proposed resolution for approval. Mayor Spano stated that Mr. Harmening has been leading the City for many years. He pushes the Council in a proactive way to be successful and manages the City with grace. When talking with City staff, his influence is invaluable. Mayor Spano recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. I6-057 approving formal acceptance of the final City Manager annual evaluation. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Ms. Deno stated that on May I I"', Tim Simon will be starting as the City's new Controller. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk