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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/09/11 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 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), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Shamla), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Public Works Services Manager (Mr. Merkley), Solid Waste Program Coordinator (Ms. Fisher), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Margaret Rog, Human Rights Commission (HRC) Member; and, Mona Elabbady, Consultant. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — September 18 & 25, 2017 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agendas for September 18 and 25, 2017. He noted that there will be a discussion on ranked choice voting on Septemberl8, and the second police presentation, along with housing preservation policies, on September 25. Councilmember Miller asked if Chief Harcy will discuss the city's ICE policy at the meeting on September 25. Mr. Harmening said yes. Councilmember Mavity stated she wants the focus of the conversation on ranked choice voting to be clear and with a goal in mind. Mr. Harmening stated the focus will be on what the council wants to do and how they want to move forward on this related to policy. Councilmember Mavity stated she would like the staff report to explain all the paths involved and have them clearly outlined, as well. 2. Solid Waste Program Update Mr. Merkley explained the items and program changes that are being proposed in the upcoming RFP for garbage, recycling, organics recycling, and yard waste haulers. Details of the changes are in the staff report. He noted that staff recently completed a survey to gauge residents' satisfaction with the solid waste program and what changes they would like to see. Results showed that overall residents have been very satisfied with the current program, and details are included in the staff report, as well. Mr. Merkley added that staff has listened to council's concerns and are looking at every week recycling and every other week garbage collection, along with increased recycling for multi -family units. He added that the 2017 organics goal of 30% will be achieved by the end of this year. Ms. Fisher stated that pilot projects are underway or will soon roll-out for multi -family organics drop -sites and every other week garbage collection, and this has helped staff understand the options before the RFP process is completed. She added that with regard to the zero waste packaging ordinance, staff is proposing that the exemptions remain the same for 2018. Ms. Fisher stated that Ms. Barker has been attending a regional collaboration group regarding food and beverage packaging with other staff from the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The group is Study Session Minutes -2- September 11, 2017 working on utilizing regional Green -To -Go branding while incorporating the city's branding, also. Mr. Harmening asked if any information was missing and if the council had further directions for the RFP. Councilmember Mavity asked if the RFP is clear on the goals and targets of the council in order to prevent random responses from haulers. Mr. Merkley stated that the solid waste goals that staff has previously discussed with council are addressed in the RFP. Ms. Fisher added that the city programs must also align with county and state goals. Councilmember Brausen stated he likes everything in the staff report, including the requirements on recycling. However, he asked how promotion of racial equity will be handled with hauler contracts and noted that he would like this incorporated into the process. Councilmember Hallfin stated that while the report was great, he would like staff to work on the zero waste package ordinance. He asked what can be done to not have future packaging exemptions. Ms. Fisher stated that staff would like to work regionally on more uniformity regarding packaging exemptions in cities with similar packaging ordinances. She added that the city has been more restrictive by not providing exemptions for some packaging that others have chosen to exempt due to cost. Ms. Fisher stated that by encouraging other cities with packaging ordinances to remove some of their exemptions, St. Louis Park can help move the process to reduce the number of exemptions. Councilmember Hallfin added that with the next zero waste information that is sent to city restaurants, we should let them know that the city is exempting these items now but may not exempt them in the future. Mayor Spano asked if there is an issue with availability, cost, or something else. Ms. Fisher stated cost is not able to be a determining factor in creating exemptions as part of the city's ordinance. It is more about availability and packaging performance. Councilmember Sanger asked if there is any type of mechanism to facilitate joint purchase and pools among multiple restaurants. Ms. Fisher stated that while she is not aware of any, she will check further into it and return with a response for the council. Councilmember Lindberg expressed appreciation for Councilmember Hallfin's point. He stated that staff is doing the work that is needed and making the connection with restaurants. He added that he would prefer not to change the exemption list each time the council discusses it but wants to be sure that staff has latitude with business owners related to the list. Councilmember Sanger asked about seeing quotes for alternative methods of organics recycling collection and what this actually means. Mr. Medley stated that the ordinance will require that all items are collected; however, staff will consider if items are collected in the same cart or not. He added that staff will want to allow all haulers to propose alternative methods to accomplish the same goal, while not lowering the city's collection standards. Councilmember Sanger asked why the city is not requesting bids for the use of smaller garbage size carts — smaller than 30 gallons. She also presented a collection bag from Georgetown, Texas, that they put recycled bags in and then put that bag into the recycle bin. She stated that it Study Session Minutes -3- September 11, 2017 is easier for residents to recycle plastic bags and for the city to get them to the proper recycling center. She asked staff to research this option called "bag the bag." Ms. Fisher stated she did reach out to Georgetown's recycling coordinator on this issue, adding that this is the only community in Texas currently implementing this program. She explained that the roadblocks would be the cost of the special bag and ensuring that residents were clear about the instructions as bags that are placed loose in carts cause major problems at material recovery facilities. Ms. Fisher noted that one of the metro regions biggest haulers had recently tried a similar collection program and chose to discontinue it. However, she stated that staff can continue to look into this. Councilmember Mavity stated she would not support the promotion of an additional plastic bag and would prefer the city promote a "bring your own bag" ordinance instead, stating that this would provide a better outcome. Mr. Harmening stated that staff will look into it further. Councilmember Miller asked about getting alternate bids for alternate collection methods and why this could not include larger multi -family buildings, as well. Ms. Fisher stated that staff can certainly look into it in the future, as well. Councilmember Miller added that the city brush drop- off area is a great service, noting that few residents are aware of it. Councilmember Mavity asked about RFP hauler costs and if the staff collects all bids and analyzes them and then makes recommendations to council based on the pricing received. She added that the city's goal needs to be to reduce the amount of garbage and to increase recycling. Councilmember Mavity also noted that she has been talking to residents about how much they pay for recycling, adding that as an incentive, she would like to have a base rate for recycling and a variable cost for garbage. Mr. Merkley stated that staff will continue to work on this and on creating a base price for garbage collection and variable pay -as -you -throw increases for higher service levels to create incentives to reduce waste. Councilmember Lindberg added that costs for residents are a concern and he wants the council to be cautious and not make home ownership more challenging for residents. He stated that he wants to be careful about making changes that might have a negative impact or create an additional burden on residents, and he also wants the city's solid waste service to remain competitive in cost. Councilmember Sanger noted that costs charged to residents will be dependent on bids the city receives, so the city will not have a lot of control on prices. She added that many of the people who complain about garbage prices are those who throw their recycling into the garbage carts, so staff will need to continue to educate residents who are resistant to recycling. many of the people who complain are also those who throw their garbage in the recycling bin, so staff will need to continue to educate residents who are resistant to recycling. Mr. Harmening pointed out that there is a correlation with what is in the RFP and the bid, adding that if the city moves to weekly recycling, bids will be higher. Mayor Spano stated that the goal is to intent recycling, and he is supportive of the direction staff is going. He stated that he would be interested in seeing some of the comments from the residents' survey, adding that when he mentions the city's organics program and the free bags to residents, people are interested. He stated that the compostable bags used by the city are the best, and he would want to continue to provide these high-quality bags. Mayor Spano added that continuing to educate residents, while keeping things as simple as possible, is important if we Study Session Minutes -4- September 11, 2017 want people to participate. He stated that clarity and simplicity will make this more successful, noting that staff has done great work. 3. Advancing Racial equity Update and Council Discussion Ms. Deno presented the update, noting that the staff report is a summary and a living document that can be changed and updated. She noted that work on advancing racial equity is a high priority for council, and this is a journey for staff, council, and the city. Mr. Harmening commented on recent meetings on racial equity with the League of Minnesota Cities, stating that St. Louis Park is further along on this work than most cities, except for Minneapolis and St. Paul. He added that some cities are having trouble moving this issue along to policy makers, and people are struggling with why it is important, outside of it being just the right thing to do. Mr. Harmening added that the city's demographics will continue to change, and the city is a service industry, which works to meet the needs of residents. Racial equity work will help our neighborhoods to be successful, and it is an economic development initiative. Mayor Spano stated when the city is focused on the issue of racial equity, it will make all of our service delivery better. He pointed to data from the visioning study, which stated that 44% of residents in St. Louis Park feel sad or not part of this community. He added that it is the city's and the council's responsibility to fix that and make sure all are treated fairly and equitably. Ms. Deno added that it is good for the city to keep talking and thinking about it, in order to help close the gaps and improve outcomes for all. She added that racial equity is predominant because it is the predictor of success, and noted it is important not to lose sight of that. Ms. Deno pointed out that the council has helped staff address racial equity in their day-to-day work by adopting the 4 areas in the council action plan. 1. Gather information during Vision process on advancing racial equity; hear voices and include this in all areas of Vision/Comp Plan. 2. Implement Workforce Initiatives: • Staffing initiatives to include avenues for success in hiring and advancing racial equity at our workplace. • Contractors and wealth creation initiatives to open up opportunities for underrepresented groups/vendors). 3. Council to work on connecting with potential leaders in the community to diversify boards, commissions and involvement in other areas. 4. Council to work with HRC to continue increasing awareness in advancement of racial equity in the cornmunity, including outreach. Ms. Deno noted that the 4 areas of policy direction on advancing racial equity that were set by the council were incorporated into staff department action plans. Council reviewed the department action plans and discussed examples from each department. She also noted that in the staff report, neighborhood maps are included which show areas where non-white residents live. She stated that these maps will help staff review overall service delivery as it relates to demographics. Mr. Harinening noted that the purchase of a vehicle/van that could be used by any department to facilitate pop-up meetings at various locations around the city is proposed in the capital plan for outreach. It could be utilized in parks, playgrounds, or neighborhood meetings versus having all Study Session Minutes -5- September 11, 2017 meetings at city hall. Mr. Harmening added that this type of outreach will take city hall to the residents, especially to those who may not be inclined to come to city hall for a meeting. Councilmember Mavity stated that staff has been responsive to what council was looking for. She asked about dashboard indicators and how the baseline is determined for employee data. Ms. Deno stated that employee statistics and data collection is being conducted, and staff can document statistics on city boards and commissions, as well. Documentation and statistics will be gathered as staff continues to work on the department action plans. Councilmember Brausen stated that he appreciates this report and hopes this information will be distributed across departments and shared with the HRC and other commissions, as well. He noted the importance of contracting with minority and women -run businesses. Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Brausen on the importance of contracting with minority and women -run businesses, adding that some larger contracts can be broken down into smaller pieces and minority businesses hired as subcontractors. Ms. Deno then divided the council up into three sub -groups to work on an exercise related to the racial equity tool process, asking them to report back on an idea, walk through steps, and explain how to look at new programs or projects through the equity process. After the group process and reporting of how the process worked, Ms. Deno stated that using the tool is to help stimulate staff's and council's thinking, to help all of us look at all projects and processes through the racial equity lens. The Council further discussed the definition of Council Action Plan items 3 and 4 that was drafted by consultant Gordon Goodwin, particularly related to providing guidance to the HRC as a follow-up to the January joint meeting. Item 3 - Council to work on connecting with potential leaders in the community to diversify boards, commissions and involvement in other areas: Outreach in Community with other Groups/Partners. • As a way of preparing for the community information sessions, the Mayor, City Manager and two councilmembers will coordinate a meeting with a number of interested parties to connect on what is happening with advancement of race equity. The initial meeting will be set up and a future check-in will be determined. -City of St. Louis Park -School District/Community Education -Allies -Interfaith -HRC Chair -Other Item 4 - Council to work with HRC to continue to increase awareness in advancement of racial equity in the community, including outreach. Communication to HRC: Council respectfully requests that HRC host up to six City of St. Louis Park racial equity information sessions for St. Louis Park resident associations Study Session Minutes -6- September 11, 2017 (timeframe to be determined). These sessions should engage all segments of our community, especially reputational leaders of ethnic and racially diverse groups living in St. Louis Park. These information sessions will serve as an orientation to the City of St. Louis Park's racial equity approach. Questions that will be discussed in these sessions include: • Why is racial equity the focus of our work? • What are some desired results for racial equity in the City of St. Louis Park? • How might St. Louis Park residents' lives be positively impacted by City of St. Louis Park racial equity? • How can St. Louis Park residents help with this effort? Council discussed Item 3 - outreach with others in the community. Mayor Spano explained that there were lots of groups in the community working on racial equity issues and ideas. Mr. Harmening stated that these sessions started in May and have been very positive and informative. Councilmember Mavity asked about the goals and outcomes anticipated from the HRC. Mr. Harmening stated that this was discussed by the group at the last meeting, and it is on the list for discussion for the upcoming meeting. Councilmember Lindberg added this has provided the ability for people who care about the community to come together and share their common concerns, which can lead to better communication, ideas, and outcomes. Councilmember Mavity stated as racial equity has been discussed over the last year and a half, the council has discussed how to make this topic a community discussion and how to increase community engagement. She stated she wants to be certain they are all aligned with the HRC, as well. Mayor Spano stated that HRC and MAC are aware and a member is in attendance if available. He noted that the next meeting is being planned for October. Council discussed Item 4 regarding HRC. Councilmember Hallfin stated that he would like to have the council offer some guidance to the HRC but also to have them collect ideas and make it more of a grassroots versus a top down initiative. Councilmember Brausen disagreed and stated that he would like the council to give the HRC a structure to help them facilitate discussion. Councilmember Miller agreed with both Councilmembers Brausen and Hallfin but would like to leave it up to the HRC on how to engage with the community and then have HRC come back to council with suggestions and recaps. Councilmember Sanger agreed with Councilmember Miller and does not want to tell the HRC what to do. She suggested that they might have conversations and get input from high school age leaders, where there is a much greater number of persons of color. Councilmember Miller asked Ms. Rog, an HRC member, for her perspective. Ms. Rog stated that the HRC is a small group that meets monthly. She noted the problem of miscommunication between the council and the HRC. She stated that the HRC had prepared Study Session Minutes -7- September 11, 2017 input on body cameras for police, but the council did not want the input. She added the group is limited by time and there is a question if council wants input from the HRC at all. She added that the HRC is still looking for their mission. Mayor Spano stated that the council sees the HRC as being of value in that they are facilitating community conversations. He noted that there was a lot of energy in the room at the meeting in January. Ms. Rog stated that without direction from the council, they don't know how to facilitate action, and maybe they can do better mainly with cultural conversations. Ms. Deno noted that maybe council race equity action items 3 and 4 do not need to be further defined and can be left as originally written, without further definition. Councilmember Sanger asked Ms. Rog what is needed as far as resources or assistance to make it easier for the I -IRC. Ms. Rog stated that she will take this question back to the HRC. Councilmember Mavity stated that there has been a lot more going on than she was aware of and that going forward she would like more communications on all the meetings and activities. She added that she would like the new Racial Equity Coordinator being hired to be available to assist the HRC in their work, as well 4. Highway 169 Mobility Study Councilmember Brausen asked that this topic be discussed at a study session. He has been attending the Highway 169 Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) for over two years and wants to gather council input on the mobility study to bring back to the PAC. Mr. Shamla noted that the project goals are to improve access, mobility, ridership, ROI, supportive conditions, and to preserve the environment. He noted the considerations for St. Louis Park, pointing out two routes being considered for BRT and MNPass - 1394 and Hwy 55. Additionally, he pointed out alternatives for the Cedar Lake Road/Hwy 169 interchange being considered. Councilmember Brausen also noted that this commission is weighted to Scott County as Highway 494 to Shakopee is their interest, and they deal with congestion there. Ms. Elabbady noted that the costs for this project are in the $300-600 million range, which far exceeds the MaDOT budget over the next few years. However, she added that because of the congestion mitigation project, Hwy. 169 would rank higher as an unfunded project. Therefore, a feasibility study was conducted in order to have an option ready for the future in case funding becomes available. Ms. Elabbady added that a workshop conducted pointed out that Cedar Lake Road was a better option than Minnetonka Boulevard. Ms. McMonigal added that because Minnetonka Boulevard has larger intersections at Highway 169 than Cedar Lake Road, it would be looked at as a better option. Mr. Harmening stated staff recommendation is that the council advise Council Member Brausen that the city supports Alternative 2 described as: BRT fi-om Marschall Road to downtown Minneapolis via Highway 55 and MnPASS between Marschall Road and Highway 55. Ms. Elabbady pointed out that with no funding identified at this time, the study is looking only to see if the project is feasible. If so, a plan can be developed to work on it in incremental improvements over a 10 -15 -year period. She added that federal funding can also be applied for. Study Session Minutes -8- September 11, 2017 Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. 2018 Budget & Service Charges for Special Service District (SSD) Nos. 1-6 6. Right -of -Way Ordinance Update — Small Wireless Facility Permit AMelissaennedy, City Cleric