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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/06/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JUNE 19, 2017 1. Call to Order Mayor Spann called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, and Thom Miller. Councilmember absent: Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Police Chief (Chief Harcey), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Finance Manager (Mr. Ebensteiner), Water Resource Manager (Mr. Francis), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser) and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: David Mol, Partner, Redpath; Stacy Kvilvang, Ehlers. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 City Finance Manager Mr. Ebensteiner and Mr. Mol from Redpath presented. They noted that the city is required to have an annual independent audit of its financial statements where the audit firm issues an opinion on the financial statements. The city received a clean, unmodified audit opinion, which means the financial statements as presented by city staff, present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the city as of December 31, 2016. Mr. Mol noted the city has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) award for excellence in financial reporting for 33 years in a row, and the city will apply for this award again for 2016. Councilmember Brausen stated there is a report in the staff packet that is 199 pages long which represents the work done by staff and reviewed by auditors. The fact that there are no issues is a testament to how well the city is managed. Councilmember Brausen added that the council's biggest responsibility is to make sure residents' tax dollars are spent well. This financial report confirms it, and he thanked city staff. Councilmember Mavity agreed with Councilmember Brausen stating that with an audit no news is good news. She also thanked staff for their good work and for helping the council be good stewards, as well. City Council Meeting -2- June 19, 2017 Mayor Spano added that the transparency from staff allowing the auditors full access is very important and part of the reason that the city has been awarded the GFOA award 33 years in a row. He also thanked everyone for their good work. 2b. 2016 Police Officer of the Year Chief Mike Harcey presented the 2016 Police Officer of the Year Award to Officer Siar Nadem. Chief Harcey noted that Officer Nadem is an example of what a police officer should be, or strive to be. He added that Officer Nadem was nominated by his peers, which is an honor in itself. Chief Harcey recognized Officer Nadem's exceptional performance, consistent level of quality professional service, and active partnership with the community. He added that Officer Nadem serves with integrity and fairness. Chief Harcey congratulated Officer Nadem and introduced his mother, wife and children. Officer Nadem stated he is truly thankful and humbled by this award and is honored to work for such a great organization. He added that he is blessed to work for a city that supports the Police Department and their goals. Councilmember Brausen noted that Police Department employees vote for the Officer of the Year, and this is a tremendous honor. He congratulated Officer Nadem. Mr. Harmening stated he is very happy with the selection of Officer Nadem as 2016 Officer of the Year, adding he has always appreciated his work. He added this is the first year the Officer of the Year has been recognized at a city council meeting, and he is happy that this will be an ongoing annual recognition going forward. Mayor Spano added he has known Officer Nadem for several years, prior to being on the council. He noted that Officer Nadem is unique but not out of the ordinary for St. Louis Park's police force. He noted that Officer Nadem exemplifies what all of the city's officers do on daily basis, and that is keeping our community safe. Mayor Spano thanked Officer Nadem, saying he deserves this honor, and offered his congratulations. 2c. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano noted a donation for $3,200 from David Litsey for Wolfe Park maintenance and the purchase and installation of a memorial bench honoring Merry Litsey. He thanked Mr. Litsey for this donation. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Special Study Session Minutes June 5, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2017as presented The motion passed 6-0. 3b. City Council Minutes June 5, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Haluin, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes of June S, 2017 cis presented The motion passed 6-0. City Council Meeting -3- June 19, 2017 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 17-104 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the water service line at 4824 41 st Street West, St. Louis Park, MN P.I.D. 07-028- 24-24-0044. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 17-105 designating polling places and appointing election judges for the August 8, 2017, Municipal Primary Election and the November 7, 2017, Municipal General Election. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 17-106 authorizing the City to enter into a maintenance agreement with Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) for the maintenance of the W. 37th Street Bridge and Road Reconstruction Project (between Boone Avenue and Aquila Avenue) Project No. 4017-1700. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 17-107 authorizing entering into Agency Agreement 1028268 with MnDOT for a grant for the W. 37th Street Bridge and Road Reconstruction Project (between Boone Avenue and Aquila Avenue) Project No. 4017-1700. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 17-108 authorizing the use of 2016 and 2017 Affordable Housing Incentive Funds (AHIF) in St. Louis Park. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 17-109 authorizing entering into a Joint Powers Agreement with Hopkins for the Texas Avenue Reconstruction Project (between Highway 7 and Lake Street) Project No. 4018-1101. 4g. Approve entering into an agreement with the firm of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) for design and architectural services of the Westwood Hills Nature Center's Interpretive Center Building and surrounding area. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 17-110 authorizing final payment in the amount of $50,828.11 for Project 4015-2000 Connect the Park sidewalk project with Sunram Construction, Inc., City Contract No. 49-15. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 17-111 approving acceptance of a $3,200 donation from David Litsey to maintain Wolfe Park ($1,000) and for the purchase and installation of a memorial bench in Wolfe Park ($2,200) honoring Merry Litsey. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 17-112 which updates the Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) between St. Louis Park and Hennepin County for participation in the Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program in Fiscal Years 2018-2020. 4k. Approve for filing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of March 15, 2017. 41. Approve for filing Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Minutes of May 3, 2017. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent Calendar and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings City Council Meeting -4- June 19, 2017 6a. Public Hearing — 2016 Annual MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Mr. Francis presented the staff report. He noted the report provides a summary of storm water activities conducted in 2016 in order to solicit comments from the public on the operation and management of the storm water system throughout the city, as a part of the city's Municipal Separate Storm Water System (MS4) permit. Mr. Francis noted that the city has a permit with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPGA) for the discharge of storm water from the city. This permit is required based on the 1987 amendment to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Water Act, through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. St. Louis Park along with over 200 other Minnesota cities, is permitted as a Municipal Separate Stormwater System. Mayor Spano opened the meeting for comments from the public. Mayor Spano noted an email from Nancy Rose with questions related to the 2017 projects of interest to the Friends of Bass Lake. Ms. Rose's e-mail will be entered into the record and responded to by Mr. Francis. Margaret Rog, 2817 Zarthan Ave., noted that 122 violations have happened on construction sites in the city. Mr. Francis stated that when there is significant rainfall during construction, the city provides verbal and written warnings to the construction companies. In an effort to keep projects moving forward, the city also collects damage deposits, so there is significant leverage for the city with construction companies. Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciates this city action, adding that stormwater pollution is a serious issue. He added it is also important for citizens to do their part to help by not allowing phosphorous, pet waste, fertilizers, and weed killers into the stormwater sewers. He stated it is important to reduce or eliminate chemicals. While many people like to keep their lawns nicely mowed and fertilized, it is okay for lawns to have creeping charley, clover, and weeds, in order to keep our groundwater safe. He added there is a rainwater rewards program available through the city for citizens to help reduce negative impacts to our groundwater. Councilmember Mavity noted the Friends of Bass Lake group and credited them with raising questions, bringing them to the council and monitoring the situation. Councilmember Mavity added that she has concerns that the city stays on top of this issue, noting stormwater management is also part of the city's climate action plan. She asked how staff engages the public in the development of stormwater management plans and if a new plan is developed each year. Mr. Francis stated plans are developed every 10 years, and minor updates are done periodically at the staff level. This is required by the Metropolitan Council. Ms. Heiser added that the Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years, and conununity engagement is part of that process. The city is hiring a consultant for the process of rewriting the Comprehensive Plan, and the approval of the consultant contract will come back to the council in August. The consultant will help in writing a draft, after public feedback is collected through outreach. Councilmember Mavity added that it will be important to learn from the current Vision 3.0 process about different ways to engage the City Council Meeting -5- June 19, 2017 public and do broad outreach to the community for the re -write of the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Miller asked for more details on the rainwater project. Mr. Francis stated the council provided funding for residents to help reduce water runoff with the use of barrels and raingardens. He added that if a homeowner is interested in developing a raingarden, they are invited to develop a plan and bring it to staff for approval. Then the city provides the funding of up to $3,000 for an infiltration system. Mr. Francis stated this program has been very successful. Councilmember Miller stated this is an extraordinary program, with dollars available, and he encouraged residents to participate. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Resolution Confirming Appointment of Karen Barton to the Position of Community Development Director. Resolution No. 17-113 Mr. Harmening stated that Ms. Barton will be replacing Mr. Locke, as Community Development Director. Mr. Locke is moving into a part-time role with the city. After an extensive recruitment process, Ms. Barton was hired from the City of Richfield, where she has served as Assistant Community Development Director. He noted that she has over 20 years of experience in city government. Over the years, the City of Richfield has had situations and issues that are similar to those in St. Louis Park. Ms. Barton stated she is very excited to work for the City of St. Louis Park, which is a very innovative and progressive city. She looks forward to joining the team here and to helping the community fulfill its goals. Mayor Spano added that the city is fortunate to have Ms. Barton. Mr. Harmening stated Ms. Barton's start date will be July 17. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg to adopt Resolution No. 17-113, confirming the appointment of Karen Barton to the position of Community Development Director. The motion passed 6-0. 8b. General Obligation Bonds, Series 2017A. Resolution No. 17-114 Mr. Simon gave an overview on the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2017A and noted that at the May 1 study session, staff and council reviewed the 2017 bond issue and future issues with a debt model. On May 15, the council approved a resolution authorizing the sale of the bonds. He continued that the bonds will fund the current year sidewalk and trail projects, fiber installation, and a portion of the city's SWLRT obligation. Additionally, the bonds will support water and sewer projects this year. Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, noted that the city has AAA rating, with a stable outlook from Standard and Poor's. She continued that this is in direct relation to the city's very strong management and strong budgetary performance, flexibility, and liquidity. City Council Meeting -6- June 19, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Lindberg, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 17-I14, awarding the sale of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2017A. The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Mavity commented on the wonderful Parktacular event held this past weekend and thanked all volunteers. Mayor Spano noted also that new ambassadors were selected during the event for 2017-2018. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Melis a Kennedy, City Clerk