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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/05/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S 0 T A CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MAY 16, 2016 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Arne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Controller (Mr. Simon), Finance Supervisor (Mr. Heintz), Sr. Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Shamla) Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Fire Chief (Mr. Koering), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Stacy Culver (Roots and Shoots Student Group) and Stacie Kvilvang (Ehlers & Associates). Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Retirement Recognition of Firefighter Eric Curran-Baldcen Mayor Spano read the proclamation for retiring firefighter Eric Curran -Bakken, and congratulated him for his years of service. He noted Firefighter Curran -Bakken was a great asset to the community and that the city owes him a great debt of thanks. Firefighter Curran -Bakken said he began this career at age 40 and thanked his wife and children for their support over the years. He said it is a great privilege working and living in the City of St. Louis Park, and he thanked the City Council. Chief Koering also recognized Mr. Curran -Bakken and noted how as a firefighter Mr. Curran -Bakken sacrificed much and did many things for his own self-improvement and the improvement of others. He wished him luck in retirement and said he will miss Mr. Curran-Bakken's calming leadership. Mr. Harmening also congratulated Mr. Curran -Bakken and thanked him for his set -vice, integrity, professionalism and leadership. Mayor Spano thanked Mr. Curran -Bakken for his regular post hospital visits in the city's partnership with Park Nicollet Health Services, which continues to be a tremendous service. 2b. Recognition of Donations City Council Meeting -2- May 16, 2016 Mayor Spano noted the St. Louis Park Home Depot donated $7,000 for Gardens in the Park. The Minneapolis Auto Club donated $1,000 to purchase Safety Camp t -shirts, and George Hageman donated a canoe to Westwood Hills Nature Center. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Special Study Session Minutes April 18, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Special Study Session Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2016 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. City Council Meeting Minutes April 18, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the April 18, 2016 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3e. City Council Meeting Minutes May 2, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the May 2, 2016 Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar CONSENT CALENDAR 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 16-063 confirming the appointment of Timothy Simon as City Treasurer, effective May 16, 2016. 4b. Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 16-2492 amending the zoning code relating to microdistilleries and cocktail rooms, and to approve the Summary Ordinance for publication. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 16-064 approving acceptance of wood -based, raised garden beds for the Summer Playground Edible Garden Program at Louisiana Oaks Park from the St. Louis Park Home Depot ($7,000 value). 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 16-065 approving acceptance of a grant from the Minneapolis Auto Club Foundation for Safety in the amount of $1,000 for the purchase of Safety Camp t -shirts as a part of the annual Safety Camp event. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 16-066 approving acceptance of a canoe from George Hagemann to Westwood Hills Nature Center for program use. 4f. Approve for filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of March 16, 2016, 4g. Approve for filing Planning Commission Minutes of April 20, 2016. City Council Meeting -3- May 16, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Hallfn, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions 5a. Approve Appointment of Citizen Representatives to Boards and Commissions Mayor Spano described the appointment process and read the slate of appointees. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve the appointment of citizen representatives as listed in ExhibitA. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public Hearings 6a. First Reading of Ordinance Vacating Easements, ROW at 7250 & 7341 State Hwy 7 Mr. Shamla presented the staff report. Mayor Spann opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve first reading of an Ordinance Vacating Public Right of Way and Drainage and Utility Easements and set second reading of Ordinance for June 6, 2016 The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Climate Inheritance Resolution. Resolution No. 16-067 Ms. Deno and Ms. Pinc presented the resolution for approval. Roots and Shoots representatives from St. Louis Park High School appeared before the City Council. Nathan Kempf, 3937 Kipling, thanked the council for their interest in this issue. He stated it is empowering to know that a group can come together to begin a commitment for a sustainable society. Sophia Skinner, 4521 Vallaeher Ave., stated this is a momentous thing that has been accomplished for the city and other cities. She thanked the council and acknowledged this is not easy work, but stated if we work together we can create a brighter future. City Council Meeting -4- May 16, 2016 Lukas Wiede, 1624 Nevada Ave., stated when Roots and Shoots presented in March, they were just beginning this process. He noted that most of the group are not seniors, and next year they plan to continue this work and make sustainability a big issue in St. Louis Park. I -Ie added the momentum they have built is exciting, and it is empowering to think about what has been accomplished. He added that while this is a controversial issue, the group believes they can move beyond this. He also noted a quote from Roots and Shoots member and Environment and Sustainability Commissioner Jayne Stevenson that none should be afraid of our future. He thanked the council for caring about the future as much as the members of the Roots and Shoots program. Councilmember Brausen agreed this is hard work, but it is essential, and our survival on this planet depends on our commitment to it. He stated he appreciates the group's optimism. Councilmember Miller recognized and appreciated the group for their hard work. Councilmember Sanger thanked the students for pushing the City Council and said she is impressed with all the work they have done. She noted their work will help develop goals and strategies for everyone in the community - businesses, residents, and city services - as the community begins to work on the comprehensive plan. Councilmember Lindberg thanked the students for helping the council get to this point. I -Ie added there have been many conversations on this, and the council desires to be a leader on this sustainability journey. He looks forward to a continued partnership on this issue. Mayor Spano stated this council and prior councils have done good work on environment and sustainability in the past, but those efforts have been targeted on one issue. Now more work will be done on high level issues. He complimented the students on their lobbying of the council and their clear vision, which ultimately helped the council commit to do this work. It ragas moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-067, Climate Inheritance Resolution. The motion passed 7-0. Paul Thompson, of Edina, commented that the City of Edina will begin working with iMatter shortly, and he thanked the St. Louis Park City Council for their example and leadership in this work. 8b. Acceptance of the Southwest Light Rail Corridor -wide Housing Strategy. Resolution No. 16-068 Ms. Schnitker gave a brief overview of the resolution relating to a corridor -wide housing strategy for future housing planning and policy in the station areas. It was explained that the work to develop this plan has involved an inventory of all current houses and future needs for housing along the corridor. These efforts have helped form a base for a corridor -wide housing strategy and an understanding of the current and potential local, county, state and federal technical and financial resources to support a full range of City Council Meeting -5- May 16, 2016 housing. Input was gathered from various stakeholders, and a final plan was presented and approved in January of 2016 by the SW Corridor Works Steering Committee and is now being referred to member cities and partner organizations for action as appropriate. Next steps involve the Housing Committee continuing to meet to review implementation of the strategies identified in the plan. Councilmember Mavity recognized Ms. Schnitker's work on this strategy and her leadership role. She added this policy overall will be extraordinarily important for Southwest Light Rail's competitiveness and for receiving future funding. St. Louis Park has been a leader in housing, and this plan along the corridor will be a model for what other cities should also be doing. Councilmember Brausen noted that growth will occur around these transit connections, and we will be challenged to guide the development of the 11,000 housing units and to make sure that the 2,300 units of affordable housing be built, so that all people have access to the opportunities that will occur along the LRT line. Gentrification along the corridor is a real possibility. Although we welcome the higher property values that go with this type of development, all of us need to realize the benefits of this major public works project. This strategy lays out goals and strategies for us as a corridor. We in St. Louis Park need to be willing to carry our fair share while demanding that our adjoining neighbors shoulder their fair share of new housing and affordable housing. All communities benefit when we pursue a common vision where we all have housing options. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-068 Accepting the Southwest Corridor -wide Housing Strategy as a means to inform fitture housing planning and policy in the station areas. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Conditional Use Permit — Marriott Minneapolis West Hotel, 9960 Wayzata Blvd. Resolution No. 16-069 Mr. Morrison presented the report. He noted the existing conditions of the property which include a seven -story, 195 room Marriott hotel with a restaurant and a conference center. The proposed hotel would be a Courtyard by Marriott constructed on the north side of the current Marriott. It would be six stories and have 142 rooms. It would be connected to the Marriott with an enclosed walkway, allowing guests to utilize the amenities of the Marriott. Both hotels will cater to business clients and will not be extended stay hotels. Mr. Morrison stated a neighborhood meeting was conducted, and construction noise, parking and landscaping was discussed. A parking study found that during peak hours, only 378 spaces are required for these hotels. There is a surplus of 182 parking spaces in the plan. Councilmember Brausen stated the developer did a nice job of discussing this project at the neighborhood meeting, and he encouraged support of this Conditional Use Permit resolution. City Council Meeting -6- May 16, 2016 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-069 Approving the Conditional Use Permit to permit two principal buildings on one property with conditions as recommended by stuff. The motion passed 7-0. 8d. First Reading of Ordinance Amendment Related to the Subdivision Code. Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. The proposed ordinance is to update the design standards and make clarifications around sidewalks and easement. The ordinance had been presented to council in March, 2016, and also discussed in study session in April, 2016, and the council was supportive of the proposed amendments. Councilmember Brausen noted the council had spent a lot of time during the study session discussing this issue. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Halm, to approve the first reading of an Ordinance amending the subdivision code, and to set the second readingfor June 6, 2016 The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Authorize Sale of Series 2016A G.O. Bonds — Indoor/Outdoor Rec Center Projects. Resolution No. 16-070 Mr. Simon was introduced and presented along with Mr. Heintz. Staff recommends issuing bonds for both the indoor refrigeration replacement and the outdoor recreation facility at the Rec Center in an amount not to exceed $10 million in aggregate. The issuance of bonds for these projects is consistent with the City's Long Range Financial Management Plan and best allows the City to keep its very strong financial position. The issuance also allows the costs to be paid over the course of 11 years. In order to preserve the ability to bond for all of the city's construction costs, a pre-existing declaration of intent by the city to use bond proceeds to finance all or a portion of the expenditures is required prior to incurring those costs. Other project costs will be financed using internal sources, along with grants and contributions from outside entities. Municipal bonds are still at historically low interest rates, and the first payment will be part of the tax levy payable 2017. Staff will bring back the results of the competitive bond sale on June 20°i. Ms. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, confirmed the bonds are still available at low rates and also noted that St. Louis Park has an AAA credit rating. Councilmember Miller stated he will oppose this bonding. He stated he sees no separation between the construction project and the bonding, and the project is too expensive and will be used by too few residents. He felt there was way too little public process involved in the project, and he suggested there are perhaps other ways to finance it. He suggested financing through the hockey association and by other means so as not to burden tax payers. He added this is a big risk with big expenditures in St. Louis Park, especially with the coming expenditures of the light rail, which will add more tax burden. He is also concerned that other projects may not be completed in the city due to this City Council Meeting -7- May 16, 2016 project and stated St. Louis Park is in need of a community center that would serve more citizens across the board. He stated the Rec Center project serves primarily upper class white males who play hockey, adding they need to consider further tax burdens to the schools also with this project. Councilmember Sanger stated she is very reluctantly supporting this bond initiative. She supported bonding for the indoor refrigerated ice project, but does not support bonding for the outdoor refrigerated ice project. She also disagrees with the public process that occurred with the 4-2 vote. She noted the city never identified the need for this project, and originally the hockey association stated they would contribute one-third of the cost for the project. Councilmember Sanger added St. Louis Park already has two indoor ice rinks, as well as six outdoor ice rinks, and there are many other things that could be done with this money. She agreed a community center would be a more favorable project and would serve a far more diverse population within the community - people of all ages, all abilities and demographic backgrounds. She said the ice rink serves a disproportionately small group of young white males. She said the city never did a needs assessment on the project, and we have no evidence to substantiate this facility will be significantly used during the 8 months of the year. Additionally, Councilmember Sanger stated the city never informed the public that the price had increased significantly on this project. She added the City Council had scheduled another meeting to vote on the project but did not allow for public feedback at that time. She is concerned this was very different from the way the city normally gathers public feedback and added that the city owes the residents of this community an apology. She also stated she was out of the country during the time of that meeting, but would have voted no on the proposal. However, Councilmember Sanger stated she will support the bonding because the city could face legal issues and financial penalties if the contract was cancelled. She stated she would not want to jeopardize the city's AAA rating. Even though she does not agree with the project, it is more important to protect the city, and added it would be irresponsible to vote no. Councilmember Sanger stated she will reluctantly support the bond sale. Councilmember Mavity stated she did not support this project at fust, but will support the financing proposal tonight, as it is the will of the council to approve this project. She also wants to protect the city's good credit rating and wants to look forward to make sure the city gets the best project possible, and what is best and most cost effective for all residents. Councilmember Mavity stated she takes exception with Councilmember Sanger's comments and said this was not nefarious. She noted all public meetings on this topic were posted and there was robust conversation. She stated she received 40-50 emails from the public and it was a very transparent process. Councilmember Brausen thanked his colleagues for supporting the bonding proposal, even though they don't support the project. IIe noted after all the study sessions and retreats on this topic, he feels it is a valuable reinvestment in the community and he will support this item. City Council Meeting -8- May 16, 2016 Councilmember Hallfin stated this project is like other past projects, where upgrades have been made in twenty-year intervals. He sees this as the right thing to do for the city and an upgrade for the Rec Center — one of the signature buildings in St. Louis Park. He said he is bothered by these same grievances, and construction has already begun on the project. He disagreed with the opinion that consideration of the project was not conducted as a public process, adding the bonding is a prudent way to pay for this project and he will support it. Councilmember Lindberg stated the facts and staff report are clear. The issuance of these bonds will provide financing at a rate less than inflation. I -Ie pointed out the Hockey Association contributed close to $2 million towards this project. He supports this project and takes great offense with comments implying that this project flies in the face of what the city is trying to do for racial equity in St. Louis Park. He added he trusts city staff and Park and Recreation to make use of this facility the other eight months out of year. He stated a vast majority of residents approved of this project, and the public process was alive and well throughout. Mayor Spano stated this project is supported by Parks and Recreation, and the financing is no different from what was done for Oak Hill Park and Fern Hill Park, along with donations and city contributions. He added there are people already booking the new space for multiple uses, and it is not fair to classify the hockey program as a white, middle class, male program. There are many children who participate in hockey who are on scholarship, and if we want more kids of color to participate, as well as girls, we need more facilities, not fewer. Mayor Spano stated he supports this item. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-070 Providing for the Sale of $10,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016A. The motion passed 6-1. (Councilmember Miller opposed). 8f. Approval of Reimbursement Resolution for Rec Center Projects. Resolution No. 16-071 It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-071 Declaring theOfficial Intent of the City of St Louis Park to Reimburse Certain Expenditures firom the Proceeds of Bonds to be Issued by the City. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Hallfin noted the Children First Ice Cream Social held this past weekend had a great turnout and photos were posted on social media. Councilmember Miller invited the community to the Bike to Work Day Event. Bikers will meet at the Rec Center, 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 20t". Mayor Spano invited all to a fundraiser at St. Louis Park High School on Friday, May 20, 10 a.m. — 12 noon, featuring author Tom Friedman. Tickets are available on the St. Louis Park Schools Foundation website. City Council Meeting -9- May 16, 2016 10. Adjournment g-adjo e 9:00 P. et . Meli sa Kennedy, City Clerk