HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/05/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
M t N N E S o T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
MAY 9, 2016
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Deputy City
Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), Planning and
Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Communications Director (Ms. Larson), and Recording
Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: Ginny Gelms, Hennepin County Elections Manager; Tony Barranco, Vice President, Ryan;
Tom Rehwaldt, Ryan; Carl Drecktrah, Ryan; Tom Tracy, Excelsior Group
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning —May 16, 2016
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for May 16, 2016. He noted the
May 23`a meeting will be held at the St Louis Park Nature Center starting at 6:15 p.m.
Several Councilmembers noted additional topics for discussion at future Study Sessions:
• Rationale on minimum wage in the city
• Discussion of the local real estate market, demand and life cycle, possible saturation of
market, and getting ahead of the situation
• Housing status report, including price points and gaps, senior housing
Mr. Harmening said he would research and find an outside person to present an objective
viewpoint to the City Council on the aforementioned housing and real estate related topics.
2. Ranked Choice Voting
Ms. Kennedy presented information on Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in response to a request
from the council. She introduced Ginny Gelms, Hennepin County Elections Manager, who was
in attendance to answer questions regarding the Ranked Choice Voting method.
Ms. Kennedy noted the council had previously discussed this topic in 2006, 2010, and 2012. The
last time this topic was presented and discussed, the consensus of the council was that the city
should continue with the current voting model and not pursue a charter amendment for a switch
to Ranked Choice Voting. At that time the City Council also agreed not to pursue the RCV
method for municipal elections because it did not make sense from a financial or administrative
standpoint. Ms. Kennedy noted that the RCV model is used in Minneapolis and St. Paul,
Ms. Gelms addressed the role of the county in the implementation, preparation, and use of the
RCV method for municipal elections in St. Louis Park. She noted that the current voting
equipment was not capable of completing the count for a RCV race to completion. Staff would
still need to manually complete the count, which can delay final results for several days.
The council discussed the topic, noting the implications and merits of a potential switch to the
RCV model for municipal elections.
Study Session Minutes -2- May 9, 2016
Councilmember Brausen questioned why conducting a RCV election would potentially cost
more money.
Ms. Kennedy stated more election judges would be required at the precincts and the city would
have to make investments in a robust public education process as well as reprinting of many of
the materials used at the precincts on Election Day. She noted additional staff would be needed
after the election for completion of the final tabulation process.
The council also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of holding a municipal primary and
whether eliminating the option for a primary election may resolve the main concerns that need to
be addressed. Mr. Harmening stated a charter amendment would be required to eliminate the
option for a municipal primary. Ms. Kennedy clarified that the Charter currently requires the
city to hold a primary election any time 3 or more candidates file for a particular office.
Ms. Gelms noted that of the 45 cities in Hennepin County, only 10 have the option to hold
municipal primary elections.
Councilmember Lindberg stated that the school district does not have the statutory authority to
switch to a RCV model. He noted the school district does not currently hold a primary election.
This would need to be considered if changes are made to the current voting process because there
would be two voting styles on the same ballot.
Ms. Gelms explained that Hennepin County has not had experience with programming the voting
equipment to accept and tabulate ballots with two different voting styles. She noted it is not an
issue in Minneapolis because school district elections are conducted in even year elections.
Mayor Spano suggested the council may want to consider eliminating the option for municipal
primary elections and testing how that works for several election cycles before considering a
switch to the RCV model.
Councilmember Sanger stated the city may also want to consider increasing the filing fee and/or
the number of signature required on the petition for candidates, in order to attract serious
candidates for municipal offices.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is not in favor of raising filing fees, as it may discourage
people from becoming candidates.
Councilmember Lindberg stated he sees some value in primary elections and also in getting more
signatures on petitions for those filing. He agreed this would attract more serious candidates.
Councilmember Hallfin agreed and added if the cost to file was raised a bit, there might be more
serious candidates who become involved in the process.
Mayor Spano cautioned he would not want the raising of fees to deter candidates from applying.
He did agree with increasing the number of signatures candidates are required to obtain on
nominating petitions.
Councilmember Mavity agreed that fees should be raised, as well as signatures increased;
however, not to the point of being cost prohibitive.
Study Session Minutes -3- May 9, 2016
Councilmember Lindberg added there needs to be a balance in the process between costs and
signatures needed.
Mr. Harmening stated he will direct staff to work on this issue and gather information to be
presented to council at a future study session. This information will focus on a request to the
Charter Commission to consider amendments to eliminate the option for municipal primary
elections, as well increasing the number of signatures required on nominating petitions and filing
fees for candidates.
3. Off -Sale Liquor Licensing
Ms. Deno presented information to the council that was requested related to off -sale liquor
licensing. The council discussed the possibility of amending the off -sale liquor licensing
requirements. The council had requested staff to include past information, including
establishment size, zoning and proximity information, and the regulations implemented by the
City of Hopkins in 2014.
Councilmember Mavity stated she would support limiting the square footage of liquor stores to a
maximum size of 5,000 square feet.
Councilmember Lindberg noted he originally raised this question as an issue of proximity and
concentration of liquor stores in the Knollwood area. He stated if the council wants to limit the
size of stores the process of deciding the maximum size will be important.
Councilmember Brausen stated he is not in favor of setting additional limitations because the
market will regulate itself.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he is in favor of capping the square footage at the size of the
largest existing liquor store, also taking into consideration the proximity to other liquor stores.
Councilmember Sanger stated the city does not need limits on the number of stores and agreed
the marketplace regulate the issue.
Councilmember Miller stated he feels the free market will self -regulate and that limiting the size
of stores won't solve the issue.
Mayor Spano said the council is in the same place it was last year on this issue and no consensus
has been reached. He thanked staff for their work, adding that at this time, no changes will be
made and no further information or meetings are needed on this issue.
4. Ten West End Planned Unit Development
Nicole Mardell introduced the presentation from Ryan Companies related to the concept design
for the offices at the West End Phase 4 of Central Park West.
Tony Barranco, Vice President of Development - Ryan Companies, presented the development
concept, which will be two buildings built in separate phases and will include 700,000 feet of
office space in this corridor. The plans are to build the North building in the first phase. The
parking ramp would be built in two phases but will function as one ramp upon completion and
will include 6,700 feet of green space that is usable and also softens the area. The proposal also
Study Session Minutes -4- May 9, 2016
includes covering the loading dock and placing it between the office building and the ramp,
where is will be less noticeable. The structured parking will include 1,200 stalls, with additional
stalls in the surface area.
Councilmember Mavity asked if the ramp is being built to repurpose into offices later.
Karl Drecktrah, Director of Architecture - Ryan Companies, stated it could be repurposed;
however, the ramp should last 100 years. He added the ramp will be built to balance the
aesthetics of the area and will be lower than the office buildings. The ramp will be seen from
Hwy. 100; however, the view will mostly include the building and wall along Lilac Drive.
The developers also noted the proposed use of natural wood on the building and intermixed areas
in order to break up the tall mass of the building and to compliment the West End. Design
elements also include arches, a balanced brick fagade, shared outdoor space, texture and sheen
with the brick. The interior will have a more natural feel, not corporate, but active space and
interacting lobby areas; with lounge seating vs. benches; bridges - connecting spaces with a flow
and connections.
They also presented an open stair visual in a subtle effort to get people to move more.
Additionally, a secure bike storage room, showers and a locker room area are included in the
design.
Councilmember Sanger stated there is a need for better biking connections from Cedar Lake
Road. The developer noted they would pay more attention to this issue and could include a
second entrance area from the other side of the building.
Councilmember Mavity added the placement of the women's locker room feels isolated and
unsafe as shown. The developer stated they will review this.
It was noted the retail space will feature a deli style food service and coffee shop.
Councilmember Brausen asked about the shadow into the park/green area from the proposed
building. The developer stated they will provide a shadow study at the next study session.
The developer received a question regarding public accessibility to the outdoor and indoor
common spaces. He explained the common spaces and retail area will be for public use, and the
conference rooms may be reserved by appointment for public meetings.
Councilmember Sanger asked if there are any commitments from tenants to lease the building
yet. The developer said not at this time; however, they are talking to potential tenants and equity
partners.
Councilmember Sanger asked if the developers envision this as one large corporate campus for
one corporation. The developer noted the facility would likely be multi -tenant, with one or two
anchor tenants and additional smaller tenants.
Mr. Barranco explained the second phase of the building and ramp, points of access through the
ramp; and areas where the ramp would abut and connect with each phase of the building,
providing an additional area of green space to the linear park.
Study Session Minutes -5- May 9, 2016
Councilmember Brausen noted the renderings of both buildings look very dark and have a
warehouse feel. Mr. Barranco stated the next rendering will be improved and will not be as dark
as it currently looks.
Councilmember Mavity stated the concept is absolutely lovely and the buildings look like a nice
reputposed north loop warehouse -type building.
Councilmember Hallfln asked if the building materials conform to all St. Louis Park City
ordinances.
Mr. Walther stated the city usually does not allow a large percentage of wood on building
facades; however the Melrose building does have synthetic wood. He added the council can
decide ultimately which material to use as it is part of a Planned Unit Development
Mayor Spano noted the wood soffit concept resembles CHS Field in Lowertown St Paul, which
has won national awards. He added he likes the wood look.
Councilmember Hallfin added as long as it conforms to the city ordinance, he is not concerned
about what materials are used on the outside.
Councilmember Lindberg noted it looks great, and he is happy the project has the potential to
move forward. He noted the council will need to further discuss the use of the wood soffit on the
outside.
The consensus of the city council related to the following the developer should:
• provide plating details of the parking ramp to show potential reuse
• work with staff to identify improved bike connections
• add a southern exit to the building
• consider shifting the women's locker room
• provide a shadow study;
• provide percentage of building materials on each fayade, specifically of the wood soffit
• expand the trash room to include space for future organics disposal
The developer is planning on an application submittal in late summer. These items will be further
discussed at the Planning Commission Public Hearing and First Reading.
5. Assessment Policy Discussion (continued) Parking Lots
Ms. Heiser continued the assessment policy discussion with the council. Once all areas have
been reviewed by council, staff will bring back an overall assessment policy for city council
approval. She noted the park and ride lots were not built with assessments and with other parking
lots, the past practice has been to assess 100% of the costs. She added the majority of the users of
these lots are private property owners. The recommended option for these lots is to continue to
assess them. This process would include having the council order a feasibility report and later a
public hearing to decide if the lots should remain municipal lots or be used for other purposes.
Ms. Heiser noted that over half of these lots are on the public right-of-way. She added that staff
recommends moving ahead with a 6-7 year CIP.
Mayor Spano asked what the impetus is for this change. Mr. Harmening noted the city's
assessment policy is being completely updated, and this will be part of that policy.
Study Session Minutes -6- May 9, 2016
Councilmember Lindberg stated he recently drove through various city lots and noted many are
in rough shape. He asked how the city uses the parking lots and why they seem to be in the
business of parking lots.
Councilmember Sanger added she doesn't understand why the city owns these parking lots,
many of which are adjacent to private businesses. Additionally, she noted businesses should
provide parking, and the city should not own them. She suggested the city sell the lots.
Councilmember Hallfin stated many of the parking lots have no overnight parking allowed, but
this has not been enforced.
Councilmember Brausen asked if the city pubiically auctions parking lots or sells them to
adjacent land owners.
Ms. Heiser stated if parking lots were not available, then patrons would need to park in city
neighborhoods.
Councilmember Miller added the biggest concern is the process, which seems complicated,
especially as to who actually uses these lots.
Ms. Heiser noted the lots are relied upon to meet the property owners' parking needs.
Councilmember Sanger added the city cannot force businesses to purchase the lots, but what are
penalties for businesses that don't provide off street parking. This may be a negotiating point.
Councilmember Brausen added the city is better off assessing businesses, otherwise this would
force people to park in the streets if parking lots are not available.
Councilmember Mavity said she agrees costs should go back to businesses or the city should sell
the parking lots.
Mayor Spano noted consensus is to continue to assess property owners and asked staff to also
look at ways to include striping and snow removal.
6. Climate Inheritance Resolution of iMatter
Mr. Harmening noted that in March, the iMatter group and Environment and Sustainability
Commission members presented a report card and asked the city to adopt a climate action plan.
A draft resolution is included in the materials provided to the City Council. Mr. Haimening
noted the resolution is aspirational and if adopted as written, the city will need to create a climate
action plan going forward. It was noted that the youth representatives are asking that the council
adopt the resolution by May 16 - before school is out for the year.
Mr. Harmening explained if approved, staff would hire a consultant to write a climate action
plan, and the Environment & Sustainability Commission and staff would assist in the preparation
of the draft plan. He noted this could take at least six months, and costs would be $10,000-
15,000.
Study Session Minutes -7- May 9, 2016
Councilmember Sanger stated it would be wonderful to have the whole community involved in
this project, and there would be a need to conduct public forums and listening sessions. Then this
l could become part of the comprehensive plan.
Mr. Harmening added that writing the goals and planning would not be hard, but implementing
the plan would be more difficult.
Mayor Spano added that iMatter could become the youth advisory commission, giving feedback
to the council.
The resolution will be reviewed at the May 16 city council meeting.
Communications/Meeting Check-in
Councilmember Mavity asked when the council will see the first draft of the comprehensive
plan. Mr. Harmening noted the planning process begins in the fall.
It was noted the Children First Ice Cream Social is May 15 from 2-5 p.m.
Mayor Spano updated the council on his first Mornings with the Mayor session.
Councilmember Hallfin referenced written report #11 regarding the Legion Post 282 Liquor
Ordinance Amendment Request. He stated he did not know they were moving. Mr. Harmening
stated they have not determined a new location yet but wanted council consideration.
Councilmember Hallfin noted he would like to know where they want to move before the
council discusses this further.
Boards and Commissions
The council discussed interviews conducted and the candidates for appointment to the various
city commissions. The slate of candidates will be presented for approval at the May 16, 2016
City Council meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 pm
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Candidate Filing Fees
Acceptance of Southwest LRT Corridor -wide Housing Strategy
Update on SW Parcel at Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue (Project # 2012-0100)
City Hall/Police Station Sidewalk Improvements for Accessibility
Frank Lundberg American Legion Post 282 Liquor Ordinance Amendment Request
Series 2016 G.O. Bonds — Indoor/Outdoor Rec Center Projects
PLACE Concept Plan
S
Melissl Kennedy, City Clerk