HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/08/28 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionAll$t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES
MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
AUGUST 28, 2017
The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spann, Tim Brausen, Anne Mavity, and Thom Miller.
Councilmembers absent: Steve Hallfin, Gregg Lindberg, and Sue Sanger
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director
(Ms. Deno), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. hunt), Director of Community
Development (Ms. Barton), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Communications and
Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson), Assistant Zoning Manager (Mr. Morrison), Solid Waste
Program Specialist (Ms. Barker), Inspection Services Manager (Ms. Boettcher), Public Works
Services Manager (Mr. Merkley), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guests: Rebecca Ryan, Next Generation Consulting; Steering Committee Members: Larry North
Rachel Harris, Julie Sweitzer, Lisa Genis, Matt Flores, Justin Grays; Jim Harlin, Nemer Feiger;
Dr. Maggie Henjum.
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — September 25, 2017
Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for Sept. 25, 2017
Councilmember Mavity noted the Affordable Housing Preservation topic for Sept. 25 and asked
if additional information from recent SWLRT meetings regarding affordable housing could be
included in this discussion. Mr. Harmening stated yes, adding that updates on Section 8 housing
and advance notice of sale ordinance will also be included.
Councilmember Mavity added that she also has concerns about landlords being less willing to
rent to people with a criminal history, noting she wants to revisit this issue, especially as it
pertains to a tenant's past and not current behavior. Both Councilmembers Miller and Brausen
agreed and are in favor of this discussion.
Mr. Harmening also noted the recent talk given by graduating St. Louis Park High School senior
Jayne Stephenson on cornnunity gardens and greenhouses. He stated that he wants to understand
how much of a priority this topic might be for scheduling a study session.
2. Vision 3.0 Findings and Recommendations
Consultant Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting presented a summary of findings and her
recommendations from the Vision 3.0 process. The Vision 3.0 recommendations include five
aspirations for the future. These aspirations address the themes of: climate change, parks and
recreation, schools, transportation and racial equity. The five aspirations are: Confronting Climate
Change, Fostering Our Health and Well -Being, Caring for Our Youth, Getting around Town and
Embracing Diversity.
Ms. Ryan summarized the process of public input, overall trends and the Vision 3.0 aspirations. She
noted that the neighborhood meetings brought the greatest diversity, while the online survey
respondents were 93% white. She noted how important participation from a diverse group of
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residents was to the council during this process and added that children and high school students
participated, as well.
Mayor Spano asked how this compares to the demographics of age groups in St. Louis Park. Mr.
Ryan stated she did not know but would find out.
Ms. Ryan noted that there were 4999 comments from the community, with rich resident input. This
input will be tempered against critical trends in various areas and followed by recommendations. She
noted that overall, people in St. Louis Park are very happy, but added that there is some room for
improvement.
Ms. Ryan added the number one mention in the list of top values was equity and inclusion for all,
regardless of race, age, or other. Councilmember Brausen asked if this question was suggested in the
list or if it was spontaneously suggested by respondents. Ms. Ryan stated that the question was,
"How can this community be more welcoming to you, and how can you feel more at home in this
community?" She stated that she could not verify that the response was a result of this question, but
at 68% of neighborhood meetings, the topic of equity did make its way to the top. She added that at
the neighborhood meetings, people were more likely to express ideas of isolation or frustration,
noting that 42% were feeling isolated. Ms. Ryan added that social connections was the second most
preferred idea.
Additional concerns were transit and mobility (related to safety, ease, and convenience) and the
natural environment (including climate change, and parks and recreation).
Ms. Ryan noted that people are committed to supporting children and the schools in St. Louis Park;
embracing diversity and inclusion; and ending poverty for the middle class through transportation.
Ms. McMonigal stated that Ms. Larson was very instrumental in the visioning process and played a
large role in developing and carrying out the communications plan. Additionally, 9 staff members
formed a Communication and Outreach Committee for the project. They recruited potential Steering
Committee members; made decisions on outreach; helped staff chalkboards and sandwich boards
around the community; and led some of the neighborhood/community meetings.
Mayor Spano stated that this is a testament to the efforts of staff and volunteers and thanked all who
participated. He added that the meetings were great, yet there is one thing, there was a disparate
response between white and non-white persons in how they view their community. He stated that
there is a good number of people in the community who feel isolated and alone, and he feels sad
about it. He added that he hopes this process will lead to a place where this issue can be addressed.
Councilmember Brausen stated that he appreciated everyone's work. He noted that he would like
trends 2 and 3 to address caring for our youth and our elderly, stating that he would like this to be
explicit since St. Louis Park is an aging community. He also appreciated all the continents on racial
equity.
Ms. Ryan added that the Steering Committee discussed affordable housing quite a bit and noted that
residents look at this issue differently. She added that it not only involved Section 8 and inclusionary
housing, but apartment dwellers. Affordable housing means different things to different people,
including seniors being concerned about being able to continue to live here based on a fixed income;
longtime residents concerned that their children cannot afford to live here; residents wanting to move
up to their next home but not being able to afford it, and the working poor, who may not be able to
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stay in their housing and therefore have to uproot their children from the school district. She added
there will need to be clarity on this.
Councilmember Mavity asked why affordable housing falls out during the aspirations portion,
adding that it feels unresolved, incomplete, and not represented in all of the discussions. Ms. Ryan
stated that affordable housing was discussed in every communication, adding that it really is a
regional issue. She stated that while St. Louis Park is doing a lot to encourage availability of
affordable housing, if it is not a regional approach, the solution is unclear.
Councilmember Mavity stated that in the last vision process, there were four items that guided the
city. If those items correspond to the aspirations in this report, it feels like housing and growth and
single family is missing. Ms. Ryan stated that possibly housing is included in the transit piece, in the
same way sustainability became pat of the way the community does business. Councilmember
Mavity stated she is not sure if housing fits neatly into transit, especially considering the import role
it plays.
Councilmember Brausen stated he would not be averse to housing being the #6 aspiration. He added
that the other disconnect was that only parks were mentioned in the fostering well-being piece. He
noted that walking and biking trails all fit into well-being, also.
Councilmember Miller liked the Venn Diagram Ms. Ryan used in her presentation. He added that he
liked the fact that there was a great turnout from the non-white community and that he was glad to
get data on the racial equity topic. Councilmember Miller asked how the group came to the
conclusion that residents value climate change, noting that he does not see that listed as a value, and
wondered if the report took a big jump to reach all five aspirations. Ms. Ryan noted that each of the
five aspirations stemmed from trend conversations and community conversations. Councilmember
Miller stated that he did not see some of the values as feedback or futuristic trends but more as staff
concerns or city council concerns, adding that he did not understand some of the connections.
Councilmember Mavity added that the values represent council and staff feedback, resident
feedback, and futuristic data. Ms. Ryan stated that in the next version of the report she will do a
better job of calling out each aspiration and incorporating the trends with community input. She
added that the chalkboards were also a great and highly visible way to get a lot of ideas; however,
some items were not even mentioned. She noted that the neighborhood meetings were most
productive, as they were the most diverse.
Mayor Spano noted a comment related to how folks trust the city and how it is managed, adding that
this is a testament to Mr. Harmening, city staff, and past councils and how they have built trust. He
asked about a statement regarding neighbors wanting more accidental gatherings and what that
meant. Ms. Ryan stated that people want more neighborhood places like coffee shops or cafes where
they can gather and meet their neighbors or have small localized social gatherings. Mayor Spano
also noted the section related to equity and inclusion training and the idea of doing a series of
courageous conversations open to the community. He added that this type of conversation creates
energy. He also noted that children to seniors support the idea of "sustainability," adding that he
wants to discuss this further.
Councilmember Mavity stated that she is learning more from seniors and empty nesters and their
concerns about their ability to stay in their homes. She stated that the city values "children first,"
adding it might be time to look also at "seniors first" and caring for the elderly, with a more strategic
focus with housing, transportation and social services. She stated that she is not sure how to do this,
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but it needs to be addressed. Councilmember Mavity added that she was happy with the results of the
visioning process. She asked what was learned about the process, and what could be done differently
or better next time when gathering feedback. Ms. McMonigal noted that the wish chalkboards had
mixed results. The value of the chalkboard events might be increased if a survey were added. She
noted that the surveys were valuable and that going to where the people are and live is the best
model for getting surveys completed.
The Steering Committee Members also commented:
Rachel Harris stated that the sandwich board process worked well, along with taking it to the people.
It gave people pause. She added that some said they had never been talked to about the visioning
process, and the flip side chalk board allowed people to participate in short amounts of time.
Julie Sweitzer stated that she was at the Aquila Fair, which represented the most diverse group. She
noted that some comments were valuable and useful and serious, adding that she believes in going to
where people are.
Lisa Genis stated that she went to the library over the noon time during the week because she wanted
connect with as many people as possible. She noted that she met Somali and Russian immigrants;
moms with kids; and seniors. She also got a personal perspective on her neighbors' feelings. She
stated the Children First Ice Cream Social was also a very helpful event.
Justin Gray stated it was difficult to connect with people who work, it is important to make the
visioning process accessible for working parents, single parents, or those who don't have resources
to allow them to attend.
Larry North said he was at the Rec Center and noted that some residents wanted a survey to fill out
and send back to the city, especially if there was one place for them to make comments.
Ms. McMonigal stated that the next step will be to finalize the report and to get responses from the
three absent council members after Labor Day. She added that a timeline and a study session report
will then be presented to council. Ms. McMonigal added that there will be a celebration this fall to
thank all those involved in the visioning process, including the boards and commissions.
3. Walker Lake Area Update
Mr. Morrison presented the Walker Lake Area logo and branding that was chosen by the task force.
The group recommended "Historic Walker Lake," and with council's consent, the neighborhood
world like to begin implementing the new brand this fall. Establishing the brand and identifying the
area includes marketing and planning for area improvements such as way -funding and other
streetscape elements. It is important to the neighborhood to have the brand in place soon and to start
promoting the area and implementing place -making elements to generate more activity.
Councilmember Mavity stated that she assumes this will help guide people to the Walker Lake area
but asked how the new branding will stay consistent with other branding in the area. Mr. Hanlin
stated that the design stays true to the font and color palette of the current neighborhood, and also as
the area grows with the S WLRT
Councilmember Brausen stated that the council will want feedback from the two council members
who represent this area but noted that he felt positive about the way -finding signs.
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Mr. Hunt noted that the Walker Building is currently under contract to be purchased by Dr. Maggie
Henjum, who proceeded to present her renovation plans to the council. Dr. Henjum has a health and
wellness business in St. Paul and is looking to open another business in the Walker Building. She is
a resident of the Sorenson neighborhood and grew up in St. Louis Park, as well. Dr. Henjurn said
that her business focuses on patient -centered values and is community driven, with events and
relationships that are developed with other healthy businesses. She stated that phase I of the project
is complete, and phase 2 will review soil mitigation issues and costs.
Councilmember Miller asked if there will be a retail center in the building, noting this area would
like to recreate the retail that was meant to be there years ago. Dr. Henjum stated there will be
businesses related to wellness in the building, along with a People's Organic store, Mill City
Running, a physical therapy clinic, and a gym.
Councilmember Miller asked what other opportunities are available for Dr. Henjum in the area. She
noted that revitalizing the whole area; developing a sense of the city center; portraying more
youthfulness; and creating a destination would be additional opportunities.
Mayor Spano asked about her plan for aesthetics of the building. Dr. Henjum stated that she would
love to expose the natural original brick, seal cracks, take down the awnings, work on ventilation
and remove any asbestos. She added that the logo is perfect for her business, as well.
Mr. Hunt noted that some grant opportunities will also be brought forward related to revitalizing the
building.
4. Solid Waste Ordinance Revisions (Chapters 22 & 8)
Ms. Barker, Mr. Merkley, and Ms. Boettcher presented the report. Ms. Barker noted the changes
in Chapter 22 (Solid Waste Management), which includes a total re -write of the chapter to
update definitions; bring curbside program requirements in line with current practices; clarify
and improve recycling requirements for multi -family buildings; add recycling requirements for
new and expanding commercial buildings; revise standards for backyard compost bins; and
update bulk materials container (dumpster) requirements.
Ms. Barker also noted the change in Chapter 8 (Business and Licenses), which includes updating
relevant definitions with Chapter 22 and adding requirements for licensed solid waste collectors
to label collection containers for recycling and organics recycling used at multi -family and
commercial locations.
Among Chapter 22 changes, Ms. Barker noted that if a cart is stored in the alley right-of-way, it
is currently in violation. Councilmember Brausen asked for clarity as Ward 4 does not have
alleys. Ms. Barker stated that cats can be stored outside, behind the building line adjacent to any
street. The ordinance will be changed to allow residents to keep carts in the alley right-of-way
along the garage, as is currently the practice.
Councilmember Mavity asked about smaller homes with single car garages along Yosemite and
Zarthan. She noted that these folks are not doing organics because they are too close to the lot
lines, and doing organics in the back yard is burdensome. She asked Ms. Barker if the ordinance
should be clarified so organics recycling can work for these smaller lots. Ms. Barker stated that
they will look into this issue.
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Mayor Spano noted that in winter, it can be a challenge for people who have a sloped driveway,
because they are not always able to put the bins in the yard, and many end up in the street. Ms.
Barker noted that the ordinance states trash bins cannot be put onto snow banks, but it is a
constant challenge, especially when plows come through.
Ms. Barker also noted that a pilot project will be starting this fall with every -other -week garbage
collection. Councilmember Miller asked how many are in the pilot and what area it is in. Ms.
Barker stated the pilot would potentially be open to the 5,000 households that have a 20- or 30 -
gallon garbage cart and are also signed up for organics recycling. Councilmember Miller stated
that the garbage collection every -other -week will be fine, but recycling will need to be every
week collection. Ms. Barker noted that collection frequency will be discussed in depth when the
contracts are negotiated.
Ms. Barker added that weekly collection for multi -family recycling is already a necessity, and
the city will do more outreach and address this with multi -family residents. Ms. Barker noted
that at least 50% of household waste materials could be recycled, but space is often insufficient
in multi -family buildings to accommodate the necessary bins. Chapter 22 will be amended to
require that weekly recycling capacity be equal to or greater than weekly garbage capacity at
multi -family buildings.
Councilmember Brausen asked about delivered packages and boxes that come to homes and if
the city attorney has given an opinion about an ordinance that requires manufacturers to take
their packages back after an item is delivered to a household. Mr. Harmening stated this has been
discussed; however, there are limits as to what can be done. He noted he would check further
into this issue. Ms. Barker added that these types of policies are often better implemented on a
regional or industry level, but staff will watch for information on this when they attend an
upcoming recycling conference.
Ms. Barker noted that education is an important aspect for both multi -family residents and
businesses and will be required under the updated ordinance. Additionally, businesses will be
required to do recycling. There are state and county tax incentives for businesses to recycle and
do organics.
Another change in Chapter 22 will be to address soft -sided dumpster bags. Councilmember
Brausen noted construction and solid waste Bagsters® that sit on driveways for months. They
need to be used and moved out. He asked about license fees for using Bagsters®. Ms. Barker
stated that this issue is being defined now, and the city is enforcing a 14 -day limit under
temporary structures. Mr. Harmening added that staff will look into this further, as well.
Ms. Barker noted the Chapter 8 changes, including labeling requirements for what is accepted in
a recycling cart or dumpster placed at commercial or multi -family buildings.
She stated that the next step will be to forward all ordinance drafts to the city attorney and work
to get the word out in September to residents and impacted businesses about the changes.
Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for this summary, noting he appreciates this effort as it
reflects one of the city's goals of being a leader on environmental issues. He added that staff has
strong support from the city council on this issue.
The new ordinance would go into effect November 10, 2017
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Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal)
Councilmember Mavity had a question related to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
(MCWD) written report. She stated that she was concerned that there was no mention of Bass
Lake in the report. Mr. Harmening stated that Bass Lake is in the city stormwater plan, so it will
be addressed. However, this will need to be done in partnership with the MCWD plan in order to
help with costs. He added that he will check further on it and report back.
The meeting adjourned at 9:36 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
5. Update on Special Law Related to the Elmwood TIF District
6. July 2017 Monthly Financial Report
7. Resolution of Support for the MCWD Watershed Management Plan
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