HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/06/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularJ I!F St. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
JUNE 6, 2016
1. Call to Order
Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg,
Anne Mavity, Thorn Miller, and Susan Sanger.
Councilmembers absent: None.
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Assistant Zoning
Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Communications Specialist (Ms. Pribbenow), Water Resources
Manager (Mr. Francis), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Friends of Bass Lake Committee Members
la. Pledge of Allegiance
lb. Roll Call
2. Presentations - None
3. Approval of Minutes
3a. City Council Study Session Minutes April 25, 2016
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, and seconded by Councilmember Miller to
approve the April 25, 2016 Meeting Minutes as presented
The motion passed 7-0.
3b. Study Session Meeting Minutes May 9, 2016
Councilmember Hallfin noted a change adding a comment about the "proximity to other
liquor stores" within his statement.
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, and seconded by Councilmember Miller to
approve the May 9, 2016 Study Session Minutes with changes.
The motion passed 7-0.
3c. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes May 16, 2016
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, and seconded by Councilmember Miller to
approve the May 16, 2016 Special Study Session Minute as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
3d. City Council Meeting Minutes May 16, 2016
City Council Meeting -2- June 6, 2016
Councilmember Brausen noted several detailed changes to his comments related to the
Southwest Light Rail Corridor -wide Housing Strategy. His revisions will be forwarded
to staff to be included in the minutes and approved at the next meeting.
Councilmember Miller noted changes in section 8e, related to the sale of G.O. Bonds.
It should read: He stated the rec center services "primarily" upper class white males who
play hockey..."
Councilmember Sanger noted several changes regarding the ice rink. She stated it should
read: "She supported bonding for the indoor refrigerated ice project, but does not support
bonding for the outdoor refrigerated ice project. She also noted it should read: "we have
2 indoor ice rinks as well as 6 outdoor ice rinks". She also noted it should read:
"disproportionately young white males". She also said "we have no evidence to
substantiate this facility will be significantly used during the 8 months of the year..."
Councilmember Mavity noted a change in a comment she made on page 7, in the fourth
paragraph... "but will support the financing proposal tonight'.
The May 16, 2016 minutes will be brought back for approval at the next meeting with the
directed revisions.
3e. Study Session Meeting Minutes May 23, 2016
Councilmember Sanger noted a change on page 4 where she asked for analysis to include
future bonding for the new community center, not for the Ree Center.
Councilmember Sanger also noted a change on page 6, where she said the "city should
consider applying for such a grant' and not that she herself would consider applying for
the grant.
It was moved by Councilmember Halfn and seconded by Councilmember Mavity to
approve the May 23, 2016 Meeting Minutes with changes.
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. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of April 23 through May 27,
2016.
4b. Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2493-16 amending Chapter 26 of
the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances pertaining to Subdivisions, and to approve
ordinance summary for publication.
City Council Meeting -3- June 6, 2016
4c. Approve Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 2494-16 Vacating Public Right
of Way and Drainage and Utility Easements at 7250 and 7341 State IIwy 7 and
authorize publication.
4d. Approve a Temporary On -Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Parktacular Inc. for
their Annual Parktacular Celebration Rock the Block Party to be held June 17, 2016, at
the Town Green located at Excelsior and Grand, 3815 Grand Way.
4e. Moved to item 8b.
4f. Reject bids for the Concrete Replacement — Project No.4016-0003 and authorize re -
advertisement for bids.
4g. Adopt Resolution No. 16-072 authorizing installation of permit parking restrictions at
2725 Georgia Avenue So.
4h. Authorize execution of an amendment to a contract with WSB and Associates in the
amount of $142,510 for the design of 37th Street Roadway and Bridge Reconstruction
between Boone Ave and Aquila Ave - Project No. 4017-1700.
4i. Adopt Resolution No. 16-073 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the
sewer service line at 3225 Hampshire Avenue South, St. Louis Park, MN P.I.D. 17-
117-21-14-0106.
4j. Approve Change Order No. 1 to Contract/Project No. 5015-5001, Water Meter
Replacement.
4k. Approve for filing Telecommunications Commission Meeting Minutes of February 24,
2016.
41. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 4, 2016.
Councilmember Lindberg requested that Consent Calendar item 4e be removed and
placed on the Regular Agenda.
It nas moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to
approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar as amended to move
Consent Calendar item 4e to the Regular Agenda as item 8b; and to naive reading of all
resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 7-0.
5. Boards and Commissions — None
6. Public Hearings
6a. Public Hearing — 2015 Annual MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
(SWPPP) Meeting
Mr. Francis presented the staff report regarding the Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan. The purpose of the report is to provide the council with a summary of stormwater
activities conducted in 2015, to promote initiatives in 2016, and to solicit comments from
the public on the operation and management of the storrawater throughout the city as a
part of the Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) permit. The city has a permit
with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) for the discharge of Stormwater
City Council Meeting -4- June 6, 2016
from the city. As part of the permit, the city is required to hold a public meeting in which
residents have an opportunity to review the stormwater pollution prevention plan and
comment on the city's Stormwater Management Program. These comment are considered
for incorporation in the city's program and to increase awareness.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing.
Mr. Scott Carpenter, President of Friends of Bass Lake and a 35 -year resident of
Minnekanda Neighborhood, spoke to the Council. He stated the city must include a
capital project to reduce water volumes. He noted he has been a Boy Scout leader for six
years and has worked with scouts at Bass Lake on projects that have helped many of the
scouts become interested in a career in forestry and biology. He added these are boys who
are not involved in sports and who may be on medications for attention deficit issues.
This lake has provided them with an outlet and an area in which to learn. Mr. Carpenter
noted that while there are not large numbers of residents speaking out on Bass Lake, it is
a concern to many in the area. He read a letter written 30 years ago to the St. Louis Park
City Council that told of residents' deep concerns about the Bass Lake area and
encouraged the City Council to address the issues of concern at that time. He stated this
letter could have also been written today to address some of the same concerns about
preserving Bass Lake and the area around it.
Mayor Spann closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Hallfin asked where sediment goes when it is washed away. Mr. Francis
stated that this sediment typically is landfilled.
Councilmember Mavity acknowledged Mr. Carpenter's presentation and appreciated his
perspective. She agreed there are many underrepresented voices; however, she added this
does not mean it is not an important issue. She added she appreciates what Mr. Carpenter
and the Friends of Bass Lake are doing to make sure that Bass Lake remains on the City
Council's radar, and to guide the Council, even though complexities continue to be a
challenge.
Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciates all the work being done by staff on this
issue, and asked if the city is fully in compliance with the city's regulatory partners at this
time. She also asked about metrics that staff has for measuring the amormts of sediment
removed. Mr. Francis stated the city is making great strides to maintain compliance. He
noted the city would fare very well if audited by the MPCA.
Mr. Harmening added the city is in compliance with what the regulators require. The city
does have certain goals to meet and show progress on. He added the city must reduce its
levels of phosphorus and also show the MPCA that this is being worked on. He reiterated
he does not want anyone to think the city is not in compliance, because the city is in
compliance. Mr. Francis agreed.
Councilmember Mavity thanked Mr. Harmening for the clarification and stated it would
be helpful in the future to have year over year comparisons.
Councilmember Sanger thanked staff for the information and asked what steps the city
takes to educate the average home owner on storm sewer dumping. Mr. Francis stated
City Council Meeting -5- June 6, 2016
there is a lot of community outreach and education on this issue, such as the clean water
partnership program. The city needs to work on reaching more people and having a more
focused message on discharge, such as pollutants and pet waste.
Councilmember Sanger stated it is incumbent on the city to help educate homeowners on
this and asked what the penalty is if a homeowner dumps pollutants into the stormwater
sewer. Mr. Francis stated there are several levels of enforcement, and fines may be
levied. A major polluter would likely be handed over to the MPGA, and enforcements or
legal action would ensue.
Mayor Spann added the city has issued letters of warning and asked why the city does not
issue citations. Mr. Francis stated that most likely because the builders were able to clean
up and come back into compliance before a time limit expired. Typically, once notified,
builders respond quickly.
Mayor Spano stated if a resident did not clean up within the timeframe, he would suggest
a fine or citation. He also asked about the larger polluters that would be handled by the
MPCA and if these would be businesses or if it is volume based. Mr. Francis stated it
may be both, but the city typically handles smaller situations, and larger situations would
be referred to the regulatory agencies.
Councilmember Brausen noted the state outlawed phosphorus fertilizer for residential use
but not for commercial uses, such as golf courses. He asked about this and if it is correct.
Mr. Francis stated that phosphorus is allowed for one-time use for the establishment of
vegetation but not for subsequent uses.
6b. Zarthan Avenue South Right of way Vacation
Mr. Morrison presented the report. He explained that staff requests the vacation of
Zarthan Avenue right-of-way (located just north and east of 36"' Street and Wooddale
Avenue, near the future Wooddale LRT station) for the purpose of preparing the land for
future redevelopment. This property is currently owned by the city and used for public
parking. The right-of-way is not needed for public purposes; therefore, it can be vacated
and combined with the adjacent properties. The city owns the adjacent properties to the
west and east of the subject right-of-way, so it will receive the majority of the land. A
small piece of the right-of-way at the north end will go to the Hennepin County Regional
Rail Authority because it owns property located at the north end of the right-of-way.
Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. There were no speakers. Mayor Spano closed
the public hearing.
Councilmember Hallfin asked staff to clarify if this action is to allow for plarmed
redevelopment in this area. Mr. Morrison stated the vacation is being proposed in
anticipation of future development.
Councilmember Mavity asked if there is a specific development planned for this site,
noting that a proposal in this area will be discussed at the study session following the
meeting. Mr. Morrison confirmed that it is not in preparation for a specific development.
City Council Meeting -6- June 6, 2016
It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve
First Reading of the Ordinance vacating the right-of-way and set the Second Reading of
the Ordinance for June 20, 2016
The motion passed 7-0.
7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None
8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items
8a. Conditional Use Permit — Super America Express, 6405 Minnetonka Blvd.
Resolution No. 16-074
Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. He noted the applicant wants to reopen the
vacant motor fuel station located at the intersection of Minnetonka Blvd. and Dakota
Avenue and operate it as a Super America Express gas station. A motor fuel station is
allowed in the Cl Neighborhood Commercial zoning district by Conditional Use Permit
(CUP). A CUP, however, was not previously approved on this site; therefore, a CUP
must be approved before the fuel station can reopen. The applicant intends to reopen the
fuel station as it exists today, with some minor site changes to improve traffic flow
through the site, and to bring the property closer to compliance with landscaping and
lighting. There was a neighborhood meeting on April 14, 2016, and ten residents attended
and were supportive of the proposal to reopen the station. Screening of the station from
the residential properties to the west and south was an important concern. The hours of
operation for the station will be 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Mr. Morrison added that the Planning
Commission recommends approval of the CUP.
Councilmember Hallfin asked if the applicant wants to change the station's hours in the
future, would he have to come back to the city to do so. Mr. Morrison stated the applicant
would need to come back because the hours of operation are regulated by Conditional
Use Permit in the C-1 District.
Councilmember Sanger asked if given that the station will be closed overnight, will the
city require the applicant to turn off all exterior lighting during the overnight howl. Mr.
Morrison stated this is not written into the CUP, adding that the applicant would want to
have some overnight lighting for security purposes.
Councilmember Sanger stated she is concerned about lights shining into resident's homes
at night. Mr. Morrison said staff will work with the applicant so the overnight lighting
will be dim and not intrusive.
Councilmember Lindberg asked if all issues have been reasonably addressed in this CUP
and everyone is in agreement on all. Mr. Morrison said yes, except for the southwest
corner where staff is recommending additional landscaping.
Councilmember Lindberg asked if all has been taken care of in terms of property
maintenance. Mr. Morrison stated yes. All sidewalks will be repaired and all pumps
replaced with new ones. The building will be branded with new Super America signage.
City Council Meeting -7- June 6, 2016
Councilmember Brausen asked if any trees will impact the line of sight at the
intersection. Mr. Morrison stated the plan has been reviewed by the city forester, and
what is proposed meets all requirements.
Councilmember Lindberg asked about the county requirements of the grass grid, what
they are trying to accomplish here, and what the city's role is related to this. Mr.
Morrison stated the grass grid provides a visual barrier designed to discourage use of the
access by motorists, but to allow access for the fuel delivery truck. The city is facilitating
the discussion between the applicant and county.
Mayor Spano asked with all the new trees, new landscaping, new signage, and the use of
an old building, which has not been used in a while, what is the applicant's plan to
upgrade.
Mr. Morrison stated that the applicant has been addressing graffiti and maintenance
issues over the years while the building was vacant. Recently, the applicant painted and
cleaned the building in preparation for reopening. He -will add new signage,
It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to
waive the reading and adopt Resolution No. 16-079, Conditional Use Permit to allow a
motor fuel station with conditions as recommended by staff
8b. Authorize execution of a professional services contract with Kimley Horn in
the amount of $195,200 for the Municipal State Aid (MSA) Rehabilitation
Project - Texas Ave (Highway 7 to Minnetonka Blvd) Project No. 4017-1101.
Councilmember Lindberg noted this is a reconstruction project at Oakhill and Aquila.
He thanked staff for their hard work on this and on engaging the public in this
infrastructure project. Councilmember Lindberg explained if council moves forward
with this item, a letter will immediately go out to residents regarding the survey work
that will be conducted. He added a summer open house will be held to gather public
input, including information on traffic redesign and the potential of more bike facilities
on Texas Ave.
Councilmember Lindberg added there will be a decision by council in early 2017, which
would require a discussion about parking and other impacts for residents. He stated he
wants the public to be aware of this. He noted there will be a lot of opportunities for
public input on this project, and he invited citizens to participate.
It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to
authorize execution of a professional services contract with Kimley Horn in the amount
of $195,200 for the Municipal State Aid Rehabilitation Project — Texas Ave (Highway 7
to Minnetonka Blvd).
The motion passed 7-0.
9. Communications
Mr. Harmening noted there will be a clean-up event from 8 a.m.—I p.m. on Saturday, at
the Municipal Service Center on Oxford Street. He added that there will be an open
City Council Meeting -8- June 6, 2016
house next Tuesday at the Fire Department -Station 1, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., near
Wooddale and Oxford St.
Councilmember Brausen commented on an item from the consent agenda, noting that city
staff recommended the city reject bids on a concrete project. He thanked staff for helping
to maintain fiscal integrity.
Mayor Spano recognized the St. Louis Park historical society, and pointed out the great
information that is available on their website.
10. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Melissa ennedy, /City Clerk