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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/10/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionAIR. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA OCTOBER 9, 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), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), Operations and Recreation Director (Ms. Walsh), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton Inspections Director (Mr. Hoffman), Chief Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Communications Manager (Ms. Larson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Elizabeth Griffin, Park and Recreation Advisory Commission; Charlie Gross and Amy Burns, Fastpitch Softball Association; Rebecca Ryan, Vision 3.0 consultant. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning —October 16 & 23, 2017 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for October 16 and 23, 2017. Councilmember Mavity asked about discussion of advanced notice of sale and if this would come to study session before it is put on a regular council meeting agenda. Mr. Harmening stated that the work group is meeting next Friday, and this topic will come back to a study session. 2. Review of Proposed 2018 CIP, LRFMP (Long Range Financial Management Plan) and Utility Rates Mr. Hatmening noted that Mr. Simon would present a high-level explanation of the capital plan. He stated there is roughly $31 million in capital projects in 2018, adding that Mr. Simon will also present an exercise on the updated debt modeling and walk through the impacts of utility funds. Mr. Simon presented information on the process involved in creating the 2018-2027 CIP and how it is used in the Long Range Financial Management Plan (LRFMP). Definitions for each LRFMP fund are provided, as well as some key items in the CIP. City staff directors who have a key role in the CIP will also discuss some significant proposed projects and answer any questions for council. Mr. Simon noted information on the Police and Fire Pension Fund; Housing Rehabilitation Fund; Development Fund; HRA Levy; Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund; Park Improvement Fund; Pavement Management Fund; Sidewalk and Trails Fund; Capital Replacement Fund; and Utility Funds, including water, sewer, storm water and solid waste. Ms. Walsh noted that the park improvement projects will be reviewed through the race equity lens, and in 2018 Shelard Park will be getting a new playground and community garden. She added that there will also be new playgrounds at Birchwood and Roxberry, as well as a new roof and a bathroom and kitchen remodels for the Rec Center. Study Session Minutes -2- October 9, 2017 Councilmember Brausen asked if bonds would also fund the Westwood Nature Center. Mr. Simon stated yes. Ms. Heiser noted that the 2018 pavement management projects would include alley projects. She stated that residents have been extremely satisfied with these alley pavement projects, and the next project would be in the Sorenson neighborhood. Along with this, she noted that the Walker historic district will be reviewed and the planning process started. Other projects include living streets on Texas Avenue and partnering with Hopkins on Division and Texas. Councilmember Sanger asked when staff would start communicating with Sorenson residents about the alley projects. Ms. Heiser stated that staff has already begun talking with residents, and the response has been very positive. Councilmember Lindberg asked about the long-term plan for alleys. Ms. Heiser stated that staff has a 10 -year plan that will cover all alleys in the city. Mr. Simon stated that the Sidewalks and Trails Fund is funded by federal grants and bond proceeds. Ms. Heiser noted that there will be a focus on Cedar Lake Road sidewalks and a bikeway off Louisiana Avenue near Meadowbrook to allow for safer connections to Louisiana. She added that the bridge near Methodist Hospital will be replaced and a roundabout added at Oxford and Louisiana Circle. Additionally, Ms. Heiser noted a couple of proposed projects - a bikeway at Excelsior and Monterey and a sidewalk on the west side of France in partnership with Edina. She added a bike pedestrian connection would also be added to connect to the West End. Mr. Pires noted upcoming technology projects, including Office 365, which will provide more functionality for staff and is less expensive to run. Also, he stated that body and dash cams will be reviewed further and a comprehensive program will be proposed to implement both on recommendation from the council. Mr. Pires also noted there will be a process to gain public input related to this project. He stated that the largest cost on this project is the storage of video from body cams and the time and money it will take for public data requests. Mr. Pires also noted that some of the current sewer and water systems SCADE system need to be updated. He added that the city will also make use of the fiber network, which will allow for a more robust system compared to the radio communication system currently used. Councilmember Sanger asked about a $50,000 expenditure for a patient management system for the fire department. She asked if this was in conjunction with Park Nicollet and why the city was paying for this system to manage Park Nicollet's patients instead of Park Nicollet paying. Mr. Harmening stated that these patients are St. Louis Park residents, and the city is involved in order to help lower 911 calls. He added this is about taking care of the people who live here. Councilmember Sanger asked Mr. Harmening for the cost calculations on what types of costs the city has avoided on 911 calls with this arrangement with Park Nicollet. She also asked how much staff time was involved in the process; if the city has actually minimized 911 calls; and how much money has been saved. Mr. Harmening later responded that the $50,000 for a patient management system has nothing to do with Park Nicollet. It is related to improving the method of how the city transmits data to EMS. Mr. Simon noted the Solid Waste Fund and the uncertainty of new contracts at this time. He stated that staff will continue to monitor this fund. Study Session Minutes -3- October 9, 2017 Councilmember Brausen agreed that council will need to review data on who is recycling and who is using organics recycling. Councilmember Sanger asked about the Walker Building, noting the recent purchase agreement had fallen through. She asked if the city were to purchase the Walker Building, if it would be included in the capital plan. Mr. Harmening stated that the purchase could be included in the city's Development Fund or funds could be borrowed. He added that council would need to discuss it further. Councilmember Sanger also asked about the contributions the city makes to non-profit organizations and if the city has policies in place on how the decisions about contributions are made. She asked specifically about the Cornerstone, Move Forward, and Cornerhouse non- profits. Mr. Harmening stated that these are related to youth and to police assistance for child services. He added that these programs have been found to be very useful to the city. Mayor Spano added that these funds are given to the non -profits for services provided to the city and not for the non-profit to run their program. Additionally, Mr. Harmening stated these contributions are all reviewed by council and must be approved before they are given. Mayor Spano noted that under the Housing Rehab Fund, there is a line item for neighborhood art, and it is $0 at this time. He stated that he would be interested in the city adding something there. One idea was to do sidewalk poetry, which has been popular in St. Paul. He stated that this can be discussed with the council at a later date. Mayor Spano stated that in anticipation of the race equity coordinator coming on board soon, he would also like to see a place holder line item for race equity grants, in conjunction with the Human Rights Commission and/or the Multicultural Advisory Commission, to help support programs in the city. Mr. Simon proceeded to present the debt modeling exercise to the council. The model shows what happens over time when bonds are added or retired and also the impact of utility rates. All the information is tied into the 10 year CIP. Councilmember Lindberg stated that the model points to results of good long-range management. 3. Fastpitch Softball Facility Update Ms. Walsh introduced Elizabeth Griffin, Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, and Charlie Gross and Amy Burns, Fastpitch Softball Association. Ms. Walsh stated that at the August 14 council meeting, staff was directed to pursue three options for softball fields at Aquila Park. She stated that all three options involve converting one adult softball field to a girl's fastpitch softball field. Layout and costs are noted in the staff report. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) reviewed the options at their October 2 meeting and recommended that option 1B be pursued. This option involved converting an adult softball field to a fastpitch softball field and keeping the fields in their current configuration. The Girl's Fastpitch Association would like to see option 1C selected with a goal of future improvements. Study Session Minutes -4- October 9, 2017 Councilmember Sanger asked if option 1B was implemented, if it would have to be redone if the City did IA or 1C in the future. Ms. Walsh stated yes and also that more money would need to be spent at a later date to start over and upgrade it. Councilmember Miller stated that he supports 1 C, and is in favor of spending the money now for the future versus having to go back at a later date and make improvements. Mr. Gross stated that 1C is a good compromise, and option 1B is a dead end, which prevents and does not fit the look of modern softball fields. He added that the association wants to set up a central home for girls' softball, and Option 1C would allow for growth into a full park and central home for softball. He added that concessions can be included later, as well. Ms. Burns stated that Option IC also helps with the association's vision of building a stronger community for girls and fits nicely with the city's Children First program. Councilmember Sanger stated that she is inclined to go with option 1C, but asked if the council decided on 1B, what the association would do. Ms. Burns stated that the association does not feel Option 1B is a good use of public funds. She added that for a slightly greater amount, Option 1 C can be implemented and can expand over time. Councilmember Brausen stated he discussed this issue with parents in his ward and noted many seniors are worried about tax increases. He stated that Option 1B looks adequate, but added that adult softball has not been involved in these discussions. There are a lot more adult softball players than girl softball players. He stated it is the council's responsibility to look at our tax dollars, and he is in favor of 1B. Councilmember Mavity thanked the group for their time spent on this issue. She noted that she is not an expert, but she is inclined to support 1 C, adding that she wants to put girls' softball in the position to grow. Mr. Gross added that if Option 1C were chosen, it would not disrupt adult softball. Ms. Walsh stated that the city would permanently lose one adult softball field either way, adding that hopefully they can keep the adult fields open during construction. Councilmember Lindberg stated that his initial response is more in line with the Park and Recreation Commission's recommendation, adding that is why we have these commissions. They are the experts. He stated that he does not see this as a gender equity issue, adding it is more about wants and less about needs. He added that if all the averages for property tax increases are considered, it would total $133, and that's real money to people. However, he also wants to see this come to a reasonable conclusion and see mutual responsibility with Raiding. He wants to make sure everyone takes a long, hard, realistic look at how to make these investment decisions and to be cautious. Councilmember Hallfin stated this is a good report, adding that he has much history with the fields in St. Louis Park. He agreed with the Park and Recreation Commission and was leaning towards Option 1B. He is frustrated that the association would not view 1B as positive addition to their program. He added, that he also knows what the association is trying to accomplish, and he can live with the decision of Option 1 C, if that is the council's decision. Study Session Minutes -5- October 9, 2017 Mayor Spano added that he is in favor of option IC, as well, as it lays all the groundwork for the association to build for the future, and to partner with the city on robust fundraising. He added that this is about the kids on the field, and he wants girls' fastpitch to have top notch facilities. He added that the 1.2 million to create the fields is a lot of money, but when viewed over the long term, it is money well -spent. He stated that there will be more fundraising as the program grows, and he also sees a role for the school district to support this, as well. Ms. Walsh stated that staff will need to have the site surveyed to gain additional information before starting. Mr. Harmening stated that construction would begin in the spring, and the earliest softball could be played there would be in the fall of 2019. Ms. Walsh asked if the council would like a cost estimate on LED lights at Dakota Park. They stated yes. Councilmember Sanger asked that staff ensure the light will not spill over into neighborhoods. Ms. Walsh stated that the lights are so advanced today that glare and spillover are almost non-existent. She added that all lights will be on a timer, as well. It was the consensus of the City Council to move ahead with option I C. 4. Vision 3.0 Report and Recommendations Ms. Barton noted that in August the council reviewed the draft Vision 3.0 document and requested a number of revisions to be made to the document to better reflect the input received from the community. Consultant Rebecca Ryan subsequently revised the report and recommendations, based on council feedback. Any additional recommendations will also be incorporated and brought back for a final approval. The current draft report includes five recommendations for the city: • develop creative housing solutions • develop future focused transit and mobility • update the park plan for St. Louis Park's future • prepare our next generation • commit to being a leader in racial equality and inclusion. Ms. Ryan was present via conference call. She noted the changes detailed in the report, and answered questions from the council. She pointed out one recommendation about climate change that was modified, as this did not come through strongly in resident's feedback. Councilmember Mavity stated that while she has loved this process in general, she has questions about the resident's values and overlay with trends in the consultant's report. Councilmember Mavity stated there is a disconnect related to housing and environmental issues. She noted the city's strong environmental concerns, and yet this is now missing from the report. She noted the city's creation of the Enviromnent and Sustainability Commission and the organics and recycling programs that have been so well-received in the community, and yet this value is missing in the vision report Councilmember Miller stated he appreciated the report but doesn't understand the comments related to the park plan, preparing for our next generation, and how social connections fit. Study Session Minutes -6- October 9, 2017 Councilmember Mavity added that in caring for the natural enviromnent, she finds it very narrow to just mention parks, especially when the city is so committed to and involved with the concept of sustainability. Councilmember Lindberg stated he sees this differently. The plan for the environment related to parks is a critical concept. He added that possibly the city will need to change parks in the future, but it is the social connections that happen in parks which make parks improvement a more desired goal. Councilmember Mavity added that the city would be missing the mark if it only concentrated on parks and had no recycling program and no other sustainable policies. Councilmember Hallfin stated he looks at this differently, stating that this is what our community has said to us, and council needs to listen and not pick the report to pieces. He stated the council should be reading it and adding to it, but ultimately he would like to listen to the people of St. Louis Park. Councilmember Sanger stated she sees this as an accurate report of what residents said to the vision team. However, she added this is only one piece of what the council needs to address, adding that the report is a skewed sample of the city's population, because older residents did not respond. She stated we need to remember that whatever the final document says will be the city's guiding principles for moving forward. She added that she agrees that the environment and sustainability need to be an overarching recommendation. Councilmember Hallfin corrected Councilmember Sanger, noting that more older residents responded than younger residents. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is happy with the work done on the report but is uncomfortable that there is nothing in the report related to maintaining a strong community. He also agrees with Councilmember Mavity's comments about sustainability and the environment, adding that these are primary aspects of the city's vision that have been worked on for years and should be included in the report. He also agrees with preparing the next generation, recommitting to racial equity and inclusion, and the overall content of the report. Mayor Spann agreed that the report is great, adding that he agreed with Councilmember Hallfin that the report is what the community said. It also builds on the last visioning, and layers a series of recommendations from the council and staff on top of that. He added that sustainability should be included as a recommendation and that updating the park plan seemed like a task, while the other values were more aspirational. Councilmember Mavity asked how the goals will align with the work of city staff. Mr. Harmening stated that in Vision 2.0, eight recommendations came out of the process. Then at the council retreat, the 8 recommendations were distilled down to 4. From there the council defined action steps, which were then manifested in the Comprehensive Plan. This will be the process at the January 2018 council retreat. Ms. Ryan added that when looking at the former visioning, the community sees that the city is doing many great things. The new values that came out of this visioning process were about equity and inclusion — not just race and diversity. Ms. Ryan added that while she does not think the community is saying environment does not matter, it is not top of mind because it has been a core value of this community and something that has been worked on. She noted it wasn't in the top 2, but was in the top 5 topics noted by residents. Study Session Minutes -7- October 9, 2017 Councilmember Sanger added that this report is one piece of input, and there must be more overarching goals and recommendations as the community moves forward. Related to inclusiveness, she was surprised how many seniors had negative comments which translate into equity and inclusion for everyone in the community, not just racial equity. Councilmember Sanger asked how the wish lists were collected. Ms. Ryan stated that the wish lists came from neighborhood meetings which had very diverse participation and the greatest engagement. She added that the same themes were heard at all meetings, and people asked also for more places and programming to help residents connect. Mayor Spano asked the council if Ms. Ryan should review the sustainability piece and rewrite that into the report. Ms. Barton suggested a change in the title of recommendation three to include care for the natural environment. Councilmember Mavity noted again that sustainability is not just about parks and to say so is to look at it through a limited lens. Mayor Spann agreed. Mr. Harmening stated that Ms. Ryan is a very well-known and recommended futurist, and she has presented feedback from our community, which needs to be accepted. He added at some point, council and staff will need to direct her to either change the language in the report, or accept it. Then the January retreat will focus on the vision and priorities that will go into the comprehensive plan. Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciates Ms. Ryan's desire to reflect what she heard from residents. Councilmember Miller added this may be one area where the future trend is more important than what residents have responded, and it will be important to be responsible to our city, when looking at it. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening stated he hopes that the solar installation will be on the fire station next week and then the municipal service center after that. Councilmember Brausen noted he is glad to see late fees for construction delays, in the written report. Councilmember Sanger asked if there is a fee for residents whose home irrigation system never shuts off, adding she hopes so as this is a total waste of water. Mayor Spano stated he appreciated the upcoming modifications to be made on the Wooddale Bridge. Mr. Harmening stated that the goal on this project will be to do the work next summer. He also said that he will check on lights and that widening the bridge will be helpful. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. 2018 Fee Schedule 6. Modifications of Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 7. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Consultant Contract 8. Perspectives- Resolution of Support for Brownfield Gap Financing Program Grant Study Session Minutes -8- October 9, 2017 9. Sidewalk Snow Removal Pilot Program Meliss Kennedy, City Clerk