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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/04/25 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 25, 2016 The meeting convened at 8:10 p.m Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano. Gregg Lindberg, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: Mr. Harmening (City Manager), Mr. Sullivan (Senior Engineering Project Manager), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Batra). Guest: None 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning Mr. Harmening reviewed the topics scheduled for discussion at upcoming study sessions. Councilmember Brausen asked if the council could discuss increasing the city's minimum wage to $15 and whether the City of St. Louis Park has the legal authority to enforce an increase. Councilmember Sanger suggested the city work with surrounding suburbs to increase the minimum wage. Councilmember Mavity stated that she thinks this topic will be brought to a Metropolitan Cities policy committee. 2. SWLRT Potential Enhancements Mayor Spano explained that a letter was sent to Star Tribune from several mayors regarding the light rail. He explained that it was his intention to participate; however, he was not able to respond in time. Mr. Sullivan introduced the item and explained the topics for discussion, as outlined in the staff report. This includes the lighting on the Regional Trail Bridge and the type of fencing used. Mr. Sullivan discussed the specifications of the Regional Trail Bridge. The bridge will be 1700 feet long, 16 feet wide, and 25 to 27 feet off the ground. Ambient level lighting on the bridge is needed for security. He displayed illustrations of the bridge, which showed the bridge without light and with some low-level lighting. He noted Three Rivers Park District (Three Rivers) is also interested in adding lighting to this area. Mr. Sullivan explained that the base project does not have funding available for lighting. Hennepin County, Three Rivers and the city would need to contribute financially to add lighting to the bridge. Staff reached out to each of the organizations, but no reply has been received. Three Rivers will be the ultimate owner of the bridge and will be responsible for maintenance of the structure. Mayor Spano stated he supports the addition of lighting to the bridge and would like staff to continue to push to accomplish this goal. Councilmember Sanger stated that lighting is a necessity for visibility and for obvious safety reasons. Councilmember Mavity stated that the city needs to be thoughtful about how the lighting is done and place it strategically. Study Session Minutes -2- April 25, 2016 Mr. Sullivan explained the railing enhancements and the different types of fencing that can be used for the area. The three types are wood posts, galvanized chain link fence and galvanized decorative picket fence. He reviewed the three options in detail and explained the primary purpose of each type of fence. In response to Councilmember Mavity's question about height requirements, Mr. Sullivan responded that the height requirements are different, depending on what the bridge is going over (road, freight, tracks, etc.). Councilmember Mavity asked about the high cost of a bow shape in the fence when the effect is minimized because a chain link piece is required to be installed. Mr. Sullivan agreed that is the core issue. Mr. Sullivan explained that the lighting could be integrated in the fence structures and integrated into the railings. He then displayed several renderings that show the bridge using different railing structures and different shapes. There's a 10 -foot vertical fence that must be installed over the freight rail that's required by code. Mayor Spano stated that he doesn't want to invest money if it's not done right. Agreeing with Mayor Spano, Councilmember Sanger stated that she is onboard with the higher -grade black railing. In response to Councilmember Lindberg's question, Mr. Sullivan answered that there was a discussion to add trestles and make them less freight -orientated to soften the edges. Councilmember Miller stated that he is in agreement with a larger investment so that it is aesthetically pleasing. Mr. Sullivan confirmed the desire of the council to spend additional staff resources to continue this discussion, and the council agreed. Mr. Sullivan explained that there are two areas that must have fall protection railings over the Regional Trail at Louisiana. He asked if there is a desire to have enhanced railings at these locations. A trail user on either side of the bridge will see this chain link fence; therefore, there is a desire to enhance the fence. Councilmember Lindberg asked whether there has been discussion on the product quality of the chain link fence. Mr. Sullivan responded the issue has been discussed. He explained that the project office is looking at unity and cost effectiveness. Three Rivers prefers a coated black fence, which wears better over time. Mr. Locke stated that none of these items are built into the project budget so the money is going to need to come from somewhere. Mr. Locke noted that Three Rivers has stated that they will cover a decorative railing and bowed structure. In addition, Three Rivers agrees that no lighting would be a safety concern so they are strongly encouraging the project office to add lighting to this bridge. Mr. Locke stated that staff recognizes that lights are necessary, but spending more money is not desirable. Mr. Harmening asked if the city should be doing a formal request for lighting. Councilmember Brausen stated his agreement on a formal request. He explained that he is in favor of additional funding to make the railings look good. Mr. Locke explained that the city and SPO are not asking for a vote, but he would like to know if the council is directing the staff to keep pushing forward. In reference to funding, Councilmember Brausen stated the city is committed to the top $589,000, and he asked about the source of the recommended estimated costs. Mr. Harmening stated that he does not know at this time, and future estimated costs will have to be put in priority order. Study Session Minutes -3- April 25, 2016 The council agreed that staff should further explore lighting the bridge; adding aesthetically pleasing bridge upgrades with a piece of art; and upgrading the fences. In reference to the Park and Ride at Beltline, Councilmember Sanger would like to consider building more than 268 spaces because previous experience has shown that ridership participation goes higher than estimated, so the parking structure will become obsolete when it opens. In addition, expanding after construction is complete will become very disruptive and will cost more. She suggested that the amount of spaces be addressed now to avoid those pitfalls. Mayor Spano stated that this is a different type of line so he wants to be careful about not getting too far ahead of themselves. Mr. Locke explained that the city would rather the development add parking if it is needed. 3. Subdivision Code Amendments Mr. Morrison introduced the topic. The city adopted the subdivision ordinance in 1976. A few years ago a process was adopted to enact amendments. Mr. Morrison discussed each proposed amendment in the summary report. Councilmember Sanger asked for clarification on the requirement to have sidewalks on all frontages except if one of the frontages is not involved in Connect the Park! Mr. Morrison explained that the city then receives money from the applicant in lieu of the sidewalk. That money is then spent on a section of sidewalk called for in the Connect the Park! Plan. The council expressed their agreement with the proposed amendments. Communications/Mecting Check -In (Verbal) Mayor Spano stated that the Earth Day celebration was lightly attended. IIe explained that there was a lot of passion, a lot of energy, and a lot of ideas. Councilmember Mavity stated that the annual storm water meeting was on April 18. She stated that more of the public is interested and that the city could do a better job of advertising the meeting. Mr. Harmening stated that the meeting on April 18 was not the required annual storm water meeting. The meeting on April 18 was a meeting that staff added to the process to help prepare interested residents for the annual storm water meeting scheduled for June 6. Mr. Harmening noted that a subgroup of the school board and city council will be meeting soon to discuss the topic of facilities. Councilmembers Hallfin and Lindberg will be serving on this group. Councilmembers Brausen and Mavity have signed up to attend the National League of Cities Conference in Philadelphia in November. Mr. Ilarnening stated that he can sign up any councilmembers interested in the League of Minnesota Cities annual meeting scheduled to be held June 14-17, 2016, in St. Paul. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is signed up to go to the League of Minnesota Cities Conference The meeting adjourned at 9:33 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: Study Session Minutes -4- April 25, 2016 4. Update on Grant Applications 5. March 2016 Monthly Financial Report 6. First Quarter Investment Report January - March 2016 7. New Minnesota State Plumbing Code 8. 2015 Volunteers in the Park 9. Central Park West Redevelopment Contra If Meliss Kennedy, City Clerk