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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/09/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 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, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: Gregg Lindberg. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Public Works Superintendent (Mr. Hanson), Environmental Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Renee Beer, Joan Abbott, Karen Roehl, 2017 Evergreen Award winners. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. 2017 Evergreen Awards Mr. Jim Vaughan stated this award has been given to residents since 1990, and this year there were eight nominations, with two winners. The winners were Renee Beer, 3025 Oregon Ave.; and Joan Abbott and Karen Roehl, 4383 Glen Place. 2b. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano noted the donations and thanked each donor on behalf of the city. • MN Twins and Toro each donated $10,000 to help renovate the fields at Dakota Park. • Zita Zogg donated $2,200 for a bench at Westwood Hills Nature Center in honor of Willi Zogg. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Minutes August 21, 2017 Councilmember Brausen noted on page 2, it should read: Councilmember Brausen also noted, assuming the referendum is approved, this is a large amount of spending being given to the city's and district's interest in racial equity and minority businesses, and there should be provisions for minority hiring. Mr. Osai stated yes, and noted further the St. Louis Parkpopulation is changing. City Council Meeting -2- September 18, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the August 21, 2017 Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0. 3b. City Council Study Session Minutes August 28, 2017 Mayor Spano stated on page 2 in the Yd paragraph from bottom, it should read: "...yet there was one thing, there was a disparate response. " It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the August 28, 2017 Meeting Minutes as amended. The motion passed 6-0. 3c. City Council Special Study Session Minutes September 5, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the September 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes as presented The motion passed 6-0. 3d. City Council Minutes September 5, 2017 Councilmember Miller stated on the top of page 4, is should read: "....City of Minneapolis will reimburse St. Louis Park. " It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the September 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes as amended The motion passed 6-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 17-136 Authorizing the 2018 Preliminary HRA Levy. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 17-137 approving issuance of a Premises Permit for lawful gambling to be conducted by Community Charities of Minnesota at the proposed new location of Frank Lundberg American Legion Post 282 - 6509 Walker Street conditioned on City Council approval of a CUP for the American Legion to operate at this location. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 17-138 authorizing the installation of east -west stop signs at the intersection of W. Franklin Avenue & W. 18th Street/ Edgewood Avenue and rescind a portion of Resolution 5319 ("on the Edgewood and Franklin Avenues approach to W. 18th Street"). 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 17-139 authorizing installation of "No Parking" restrictions along Virginia Avenue, W. 28th Sheet, and Texas Avenue in accordance with the 2017 Connect The Park Bikeways (City Project #4017-2000) as well as to rescind Resolution Nos. 02-070 and 4943. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 17-140 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the Minnesota Twins ($10,000) and The Toro Company ($10,000) to renovate the City Council Meeting -3- September 18, 2017 baseball and softball fields at Dakota Park. In addition to the monetary donation, the Minnesota Twins and Toro Company will provide volunteers for the renovation of the fields, scheduled for October 4, 2017. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 17-141 approving acceptance of a $2,200 donation from Zita Zogg for the purchase and installation of a memorial bench in Westwood Hills Nature Center ($2,200) honoring Willi Zogg. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 17-142 appointing additional election judges needed to staff the polls at the General Election to be held November 7, 2017. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, 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 6-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings - None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. The Elmwood — Major Amendment to Section 36 -268 -PUD 8 Ms. Monson presented the staff report. She explained that the applicant requests a major amendment to the Elmwood Planned Unit Development to reduce the project size. The request is due to higher than anticipated final construction cost estimates. The proposed changes and reductions to the development include the following: 85 to 70 dwelling units; 6 to 5 stories; 20% to 24% of affordable units; 188 to 127 parking spaces; and 21.2% to 20.5% DORA. Ms. Monson stated that the Planning Commission voted 3 to 1 to recommend approval with conditions recommended by staff, including the addition of a parking management plan. Ms. Monson stated that staff recommends approval. Councilmember Miller noted that he has voted against this project in the last several months. While he appreciates that the development will be less dense, he has stated that all along this area is prime for walking with retail, which is complementary to PLACE. The Elmwood does not include that element. He continued that the retail spaces proposed do not seem to be for the public, and he thinks the developer could do better. He will vote against this proposal this evening. Mayor Spano stated that this project has important pieces, including much needed affordable housing, as well as housing for seniors. He added that The Elmwood will be a good balance with the retail at Hoigaard Village. Mayor Spano stated that he will support the proposal. Councilmember Mavity agreed with Mayor Spano and also appreciated the developer retaining the affordable units. She stressed that she has spoken to many seniors in St. City Council Meeting -4- September 18, 2017 Louis Park who have lived here all of their lives. They want to stay in St. Louis Park and do not have many options, so this will be a great addition to the city's housing stock. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve First Reading of an ordinance amending Section 36 -268 -PUD 8 of the Zoning Code relating to the Major Amendment for The Elmwood, and to set the Second Reading for October 2, 2017. The motion passed 5-1. (Councilmember Miller opposed). 8b. Conditional Use Permit — American Legion Post 282. Resolution No. 17-143 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. He noted that the Masonic Center is in the process of remodeling their building as they reduce the size of their operation and will convert it from a single -use to a two -tenant building. The Masonic Center will operate as a one tenant space and the second tenant space is proposed to be leased to the American Legion Post 282. Mr. Morrison stated that a neighborhood meeting was conducted and comments were positive. Several comments expressed concerns about the proximity of the sale of alcohol to the Central Community Center, where children are present. Mr. Morrison noted that the City Code requires that the proposed use be at least 100 feet away from a parcel zoned residential, and the Central Community Center is over 400 feet away. Mr. Morrison stated that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing and recommended approval of the project. Councilmember Hallfin stated that he is a United States Army Veteran, and it is organizations such as the American Legion and VFW that support veterans in many ways. He added that the American Legion Post 282 has always been a great steward in the city and supported veterans in the community through charitable gaming and donations. Councilmember Hallfin stated that it is his honor to move approval on this project. Councilmember Miller added that he is very happy the project is moving forward, especially since this area will soon be developed into the historic Walker district. He added that the neighborhood is fully in favor of this project, as is the city of St. Louis Park. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 17-143, granting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow Places of Assembly at 6509 and 6515 Walker Street with conditions recommended by the planning commission. The motion passed 6-0. 8c. 2018 Preliminary Property Tax Levy Certification and Preliminary General Fund Budget Adoption. Resolution No. 17-144 Mr. Simon presented the report. He stated that the HRA levy was originally implemented in St. Louis Park due to legislative changes in 2001 which reduced future tax increment City Council Meeting -5- September 18, 2017 revenues. The city council elected at that time to use the levy proceeds for future infrastructure improvements in redevelopment areas. By law, these funds could also be used for other housing and redevelopment purposes. However, they are committed to repaying the development fund via an interfund loan for the Highway 7 and Louisiana Avenue project until 2019 or 2020 based on the current Long Range Financial Management Plan. Given this obligation, staff recommends the HRA levy continue at the maximum allowed by law for the 2018 budget year. Mr. Simon added that the HRA Levy cannot exceed 0.0185% of the estimated market value of the city. Therefore, staff has calculated the maximum HRA levy for 2018 to be $1,172,786 based on valuation data from Hennepin County which is an increase of $86,325 or 7.95% from 2017. Mr. Simon stated that staff will provide a live Facebook chat on this topic to gain feedback and answer questions from citizens regarding the 2018 budget. Councilmember Hallfrn asked for examples of what miscellaneous revenues include. Mr. Simon stated miscellaneous revenues would be items such as ice rental, rent revenues from the Housing Authority, and items that are more general in nature. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 17-144, approving 2018 Preliminary General Fund Budget, 2018 Preliminary Property Tax Levy, and Setting Budget Public Hearing date for December 4, 2017. The motion passed 6-0. 8d. First Reading of Right -of -Way Ordinance Ms. Heiser presented the staff report. She stated that Minnesota's Telecommunications Right -of -Way User Law was updated in May of 2017. The amendments clear up confusion about whether wireless providers are treated the same under state law as other telecommunications right-of-way users. Additionally, it created a separate permit for placement of small wireless facilities in the right-of-way. Ms. Heiser said that staff has received inquiries regarding the process for installing small cell wireless facilities within the right-of-way. City Attorney Mattick advised that in order to regulate these facilities and have them located within the right-of-way, the city needs to incorporate the provisions of the new law into city code. Ms. Heiser noted that an updated ordinance has been written, which is based on the League of Minnesota Cities Model Right -of -Way Ordinance. Councilmember Brausen asked if utilities can come into the city at any time and put items in the right-of-way. Ms. Heiser answered yes, but the city can coordinate timing to prevent them from blocking roads during high traffic times. Councilmember Brausen asked with the high demand for wireless service increasing, especially in areas such as the West End, if the city has authority to deny utilities the access to do this. Ms. Heiser stated no, adding that the utilities are allowed by state law to be in the right- of- way. Councilmember Brausen stated he will support these changes. Councilmember Sanger agreed. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve First Reading of the Right -of -Way Ordinance and set Second Reading for October 2, 2017. City Council Meeting -6- September 18, 2017 The motion passed 6-0. 8e. Water Treatment Plan #4 Rehabilitation — Approve Plans & Specs and Authorize Advertisement for Bids. Resolution No. 17-145 Mr. Hanson presented the staff report. He stated that Water Treatment Plan #4 was removed from service on December 28, 2016. Staff has been working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on a retrofit of the treatment plant, and on July 17, 2017 the council approved the consultant contract to finalize plans for construction. The new treatment plant design will remove the current contaminants and is designed with the flexibility to add additional treatment processes in the future. Mr. Hanson stated that the estimated cost for this project is $4,715,300 and is included in the City's Capital Improvement Program. Funding will be provided using General Obligation Revenue Bonds to be repaid by the water fund. Mr. Hanson added that project updates for residents will be available by email, and completion date is set for fall 2018. Councilmember Mavity stated that she appreciated the information on this needed improvement. She asked how long this facility has been in operation and if there any concerns of vapors or odors being released in the Susan Lindgren neighborhood during construction. Mr. Hanson stated that the treatment plant was built pre -1950, and the current design was upgraded in the mid -1990's. He stated that there are safety measures in place, and there are no concerns with the project. Mr. Hanson added that he has been in contact with the principal at Susan Lindgren to update him on the project. He added that he has also forwarded the principal information for parents to sign up for,email updates related to construction and parking. Councilmember Miller commended staff on their work, adding that drinking water safety is a #1 concern and responsibility of council members. He added this type of expenditure needs to occasionally be spent in order to make our water safe. Additionally, the ozone equipment being added to the project is very much needed and welcome. Councilmember Brausen agreed, adding that he supports this project and appreciates the much-needed improvements and proactive response relative to the ozone equipment. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 17-145, approving final plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisementfor bids (Project No. 5318-5004). The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications — None 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.