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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/02/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionJ11I5t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E 5 0 T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 13, 2017 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spann, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfrn, Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Chief Information Office (Mr. Pires), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Senior Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Elkin), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Communications and Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Travis Carter, US Internet Co-founder and VP of Technology; Telecommunications Commission Members; Chris Velasco, PLACE Developer. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen called the meeting to order. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — February 27, March 6 and 13, 2017 Mr. Harmening noted the Boards and Commission's annual meeting scheduled for the February 27 meeting. Additionally at that meeting, there will be a written report on an ordinance related to flavored tobacco products. At the March 13 meeting, there will be a joint school board and council meeting. Also, St. Louis Park High School students want to present to the council on "The Nest," a place for young people to gather and socialize. Mr. Harmening stated this meeting will be set up before the end of the school year. Councilmember Sanger stated she has no problem discussing The Nest; however, she added the St. Louis Park Historical Society is also interested in this topic and asked if a wider discussion is warranted, with possible collaboration. Councilmember Miller suggested that possibly the student presentation on The Nest could be done at the joint school board and city council meeting. Councilmember Mavity, however, stated she is not sure about that, noting with so many other issues to discuss at the joint school board and council meeting, the council will want to be sure students are given enough time for their presentation. She added this may also include a wider discussion related to the civic center and aligning plans. Councilmember Sanger agreed. Councilmember Brausen added there could also be a discussion at the school board and city council joint meeting about sharing costs with the Westwood Nature Center. Councilmember Lindberg stated he and Councilmembers Hallfrn and Mr. Harmening have met regarding sharing financials with the nature center, but it has not been discussed with the school board. He added this joint meeting should focus on high-level strategic issues and the student presentation should be done at a different time. Mayor Spann added his concern is not giving the students enough time and attention, noting he would be in favor of dedicating a full study session to them. Study Session Minutes -2- February 13, 2017 Additionally, Mayor Spann noted some conversations on Next Door about trash pick-up and the possibility of moving to an every other week pick up or to a smaller bin. With organics going city-wide and folks not generating as much trash, he asked Mr. Harmening about alternative options. Mr. Harmening stated the current contract runs until October, 2018, and it will be discussed soon with the council in order to negotiate on the refuse program. He noted that staff will be sure to bring this to a study session this spring. Councilmember Mavity asked about doing a follow-up conversation with the Police Department related to the city resolution "Standing with all People." She noted there is a sense of urgency now to do this. Mr. Harmening stated staff will set this up for March or April. 2. US Internet Update Mr. Pires discussed the private sector Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) initiative of US Internet (USI) and potentially others expanding into St. Louis Park and thereby increasing competition and consumer choice of broadband providers. He stated that USI leadership believes St. Louis Park is a good community to build this infrastructure and that it would be received well in the community. Travis Carter, co-founder and VP of Technology for US Internet, discussed the work they have done throughout various areas of Minneapolis, noting they continue to build networks on an ongoing basis. He noted that today US Internet pass 56,000 households in Minneapolis and added that they sell internet services on a month-to-month basis, with no contracts. Mr. Carter stated their plan is to continue to expand in Minneapolis and currently are moving into Linden Hills and north, getting close to the St. Louis Park border. Also, he noted, they are working in Meadowbrook Manor, offering service to 551 apartments at Meadowbrook by this summer. He added that US Internet would want to look at building a central office in the center of the city and developing their infrastructure from there. A timeline is not set; however, Mr. Carter stated they would want to begin making inroads into St. Louis Park soon and provide fiber directly into homes, which allows high speed internet service and competitive pricing. Mr. Carter added that their biggest difficulty is the cold weather in Minnesota, which causes them to stop their progress when the ground is frozen from November to April. Mr. Carter added they charge a flat monthly fee; do not use contracts or bundles; and have seen their market share grow very quickly in the neighborhoods where they currently provide service in Minneapolis. Councilmember Mavity asked about the possibility of laying fiber in the highly industrial area of St. Louis Park, behind Methodist Hospital. Mr. Pires stated the city already has fiber surrounding that area, and during redevelopment following light rail would be the time to move forward with more fiber driven by that development. Councilmember Lindberg asked whether fiber conduit can be laid when the streets are worked on in Ward 3. Mr. Pires stated fiber conduit has already been installed there, and therefore the city would have the capacity to move forward there. Councilmember Lindberg noted this is an excellent opportunity to enter into a private/public partnership and to move this forward, while maximizing responsiveness. He encouraged this work to continue as it meets a goal and is a service that can be provided to many residents who have been unhappy with current options. Study Session Minutes -3- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Miller asked about liability in case USI were to go out of business. Mr. Pires stated there would be no liability on the part of the city since USI would be providing and paying for its infrastructure. Councilmember Sanger asked if USI were to come to St. Louis Park, how long it would be before the entire city was covered with their internet service. Mr. Carter stated USI is not legally obligated to cover the entire city, but it is their goal to do so. He added that the demographic of St. Louis Park works for USI and when they come into a city, their model is to reinvest money back into the city. Councilmember Sanger added she hoped there would be a contract with USI, as she has heard in Minneapolis there are some neighborhoods they refuse to come into, and that troubles her. Mr. Carter stated that they have received that complaint; however, they can only build from April to November as they have to lay cable underground. FIe added that USI can only grow at a rate their business can sustain, so their services do take time to reach into some communities. Councilmember Mavity asked about USI going into areas and if the city would provide easements or first rights of refusal. Mr. Pires stated that all conduit and pipes from all utilities are in the public right-of-way and that access to this is granted with city permits. He added USI could have obtained permits and started installation, but they chose to come to the Telecommunications Advisory Commission and City Council first to describe their services and work on this project together. Mr. Harmening asked if capital is an issue for USI taking so long to further their areas of service. Mr. Carter stated no and their biggest issue is the cold weather. He added that they have the capital, and USI will need to maintain a balance of investment in Minneapolis as it starts work in St. Louis Park. Councilmember Brausen stated he is generally supportive and likes the concept. Councilmember I-Iallfrn agreed, asking USI to move fast. Mr. Pires stated that if the project moves forward, USI would need to lease space from the city for equipment while it establishes a central office to facilitate deployment. Staff would also coordinate USI's installation with the city's construction schedule, and in that way be able to help facilitate deployment, much like is done with CenterPoint Energy and Xcel. He added that the Telecommunications Advisory Commission heard this same presentation last week and endorsed it for the quickest deployment. Telecommunications Advisory Commissioner Abe Levine added that this is the future of technology, and USI can deliver a caliber of service that other vendors cannot. He noted that USI does not use the old infrastructure that others use, adding that he recommends that the city should move ahead with this now. Councilmember Lindberg stated he is very interested in accelerating this work and asked if there is anything the city can do to move it along at a quicker pace. Mr. Pires stated this can be discussed further if the council approves moving forward. In the meantime, as is available to all qualified vendors, city staff will make available existing fiber leasing arrangements, add facility leasing opportunities, and collaborate and coordinate on construction projects as makes sense. Study Session Minutes -4- February 13, 2017 The consensus of the council is to move ahead on this, support deployment as described, and explore options for acceleration. 3. PLACE Project Update and Application for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Assistance Chris Velasco, PLACE, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Locke presented. Mr. Hunt stated that considerable progress has been made on the PLACE project. He noted there are four policy points on which staff would like feedback from the council: • Revised project plans and need for an Environmental Assessment Worksheet • Property Acquisition from Hennepin County HRA • Preliminary Development Agreement (PDA) Extension • TIF request and review status Mr. Velasco gave an update on the project, showing refinements that had been made from feedback received from council. The project is a landmark mixed use, mixed income, transit oriented, and environmentally sustainable development. Project components include two apartment buildings; a 110 -room hotel; a 10,000 square -foot e -generation greenhouse facility; 15,400 square -feet of ground floor commercial/retail space; and a one acre "urban forest." It is proposed that PLACE would acquire the assembled redevelopment site from the EDA and the city for $6 rmillion. The cost to construct the proposed PLACE project exceeds $133 million. Upon completion, it is estimated that the total taxable market value of the project would exceed $67 million. Due to over $8 million of extraordinary costs associated with redeveloping the site, all project components may not be financially feasible. In order for the project to proceed, tax increment financing (TIF) assistance will be needed. The exact amount remains under review by Ehlers and staff. Councilmember Brausen asked if there will be reflection over the solar panels. Mr. Velasco stated no, because the sun absorbs the heat into the anti -reflective glass panels. Mr. Velasco passed around design samples of the stone siding to be used on the project. He noted it will be graffiti resistant and will provide carbon sequestration, as well. Councilmember Mavity asked if a taxi can drop off in the woonerf area. Mr. Velasco stated yes, but the area will mostly be used by pedestrians and bikers. He noted also that a traffic and trip study had been conducted, and the data showed that the numbers are where they are supposed to be. Additionally, he stated there will be a shuttle from the airport to the hotel prior to the light rail being completed. Mayor Spano asked why there will be a coffee shop and cafe in the same area, adding he would like the coffee shop to be independently owned. Mr. Velasco stated there will be pedestrians and hotel guests who will use both. Councilmember Miller stated that he loves all of the project's aspects, including the setbacks on 361h Street and the woonerf. He asked about people coming from the northern neighborhoods and if the drop off for the light rail station will be on the north side. Mr. Velasco stated there will be a passenger drop off area on the northeast side of the site. Study Session Minutes -5- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Mavity commented the sight line near the woonerf does not allow for viewing if a car were driving into the woonerf near the building. She asked if there is a way to have cars slow down earlier, before they reach that point. Mr. Velasco stated that the pavement will have a level change and pavement change, so it will be a natural slow down for cars, plus there will be signage there, as well. Councilmember Mavity added she is happy about the change of the woonerf and the much more pedestrian friendly design. She also appreciates that the hotel is now only six floors and is more to scale. She added that neighbors will also be pleased with this change. Councilmember Mavity asked about operating costs and who gets paid to maintain the greenhouse and all the extra spaces. She said that it feels like lots of operating costs and asked if there is a Plan B in place. Mr. Velasco stated a farmer will be taking care of the greenhouse and will also teach folks about agricultural programs, helping to create a supportive community. Also, there will be a CSA program and amenities/spaces designed for those who live at PLACE to support and care for. Councilmember Mavity asked if Metro Plains is the commercial property manager and if they have experience with this kind of facility. Mr. Velasco stated yes. Councilmember Miller asked who will own the hotel. Mr. Velasco stated PLACE will own the whole project and never sell it. Councilmember Hallfin asked about razing the McGarvey Coffee building as people wanted to keep it and reuse it. Mr. Velasco stated that given the project redesigns the McGarvey building could not be kept and reused. Councilmember Hallfin also asked about the north side of the tracks and the trail and about the best and easiest way to get to the light rail station. Mr. Velasco stated that coming off the bike trail, there will be gates and crosswalks on Wooddale Avenue. Councilmember Hallfin asked if the trail will be fenced. Mr. Velasco stated yes. Councilmember Lindberg asked about the materials that will be used on the fence. Mr. Velasco stated it will be metal slats and chain link. Councilmember Lindberg also asked for more detail about the urban forest and regional trail connection. Mr. Velasco stated they are discussing with Three Rivers the plan for two on/off spots on the trail. Councilmember Lindberg added this is an impressive project, which exceeds his expectations. He stated the site plan makes sense, and he appreciates the process the developer took to get to this point. He added that the plan works from his perspective. Aesthetically it looks impressive and progressive. Ile does have concerns, however, about the project cost of PLACE at $133 million when the market value is $67 million. He noted that even though there is not great risk on TIF because it will be pay-as-you-go, he wants to be sure it is operational. Councilmember Sanger stated the developer has done an admirable job in including every possible politically correct entity in the project. However, she stated the project does not address traffic on the north frontage road of Highway 7, and with only 220 parking spaces and all traffic moving into the project on a dead-end street, it will be a traffic mess, which causes her great concern. Study Session Minutes -6- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Sanger added she has concerns about the unit mix, as well. With a large percentage of the apartments being studio and one bedroom, the units are not designed for families, adding she cannot support this. She also has concerns about the drop-off for pedestrians to the light rail and about parking at the light rail station. Councilmember Brausen asked if there are any green walls included in the design. Mr. Velasco stated yes. Mr. Hunt noted that construction costs typically exceed the value of projects. He added that many of the amenities do not translate into assessed value. Additionally, Mr. Locke stated the solar project, for example, does not translate into real estate marketable value. Mr. Velasco stated that PLACE is the long-term holder of the project and will not sell it down the road. He added this project is about community value and durability and makes economic sense. Councilmember Mavity stated that because of the 4% tax credits, the project has generated lots of chatter in the community related to affordable housing. She added this is a partnership with the city, and the project will be watched by every community on the transit. She asked if there will be any financial risk to the city. Mr. Locke stated the risk is low, and the city has already purchased the McGarvey building. If the project does not move ahead, the city is not out anything and is not at a financial risk; however, it may not look good for the city if it does not get approved. Mr. Locke added there are challenges in putting this project together, and the city can only do what it can, but we are careful not to take inappropriate risks. He added that during the next 90 days there will be critical decisions — zoning approval and securing the TIF. If the council approves, there will be more hurdles to cross to get financing in place. Councilmember Mavity added that they do not know the details of the TIF yet; however, this project is a signature project for the community and the system, and it will be to the city's advantage to move forward. Councilmember Sanger asked, since the developer only received half of the tax credits, how will the city make up the difference in financing, especially since previously the council has been told that TIF is not available to underwrite affordable housing? Mr. Hunt stated that the tax increment would be used for extraordinary costs, and that it appeared that the project had more than $8 million of such costs. Mr. Velasco noted PLACE applied for $55 million in tax exempt multifamily housing bonds and ended up with half of that. He added that in order to qualify, they needed to receive enough in housing bonds to lower the tax credits. Councilmember Sanger noted when the city has made TIF investments, they have done so with the expectation that the market value will increase enough over time so as to add to the tax base later on. She added she does not see this happening with this project and does not see payback later through market value. She stated that she is quite concerned because the estimated costs of the construction project are twice as high as the estimated market value of the project upon completion, so this does not seem like a good financial investment. Mr. Locke noted that market value will increase over a period of years. When it goes on the tax rolls, it will continue to increase in value. I -Ie added if nothing else, inflation will help the value to increase. Mr. Hunt stated that once the light rail is completed, the market value will further increase. Study Session Minutes -7- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Sanger stated that many areas in this development need staffing and ongoing k , maintenance. She added there have been issues with the developer's California project. She has concerns this project will not be kept in good shape, especially since there are so many affordable units in the complex, and there will be less rental income available for maintenance. Mr. Velasco stated he recently visited the California project, checked on this very issue, and stated there is no deferred maintenance at this location. The complex is in fine shape. He added that the City of St. Louis Park will require PLACE to build reserve accounts into the financing for replacement and capital, so having enough funds for maintenance will not be a problem. He stated that this is the 27`" community development he has been involved with, and everyone has been in the black and never come back for more funding. Councilmember Brausen stated he had concerns about the financing package but trusts the developer with the arrangements and how it will be presented to lenders. For the TIF request, there will be investment to pay for fire, streets, etc.; however, he added this is a marvelous project and encompasses the goals we want to have as a community. Councilmember Hallfin agreed with Councilmember Brausen. Councilmember Miller stated from a financial perspective, he is supportive of taking the full TIF, adding that if the TIF is not provided, the project might end up like 4900 Excelsior. Councilmember Lindberg stated he has been hesitant on a lengthy TIF because if something goes wrong, it is not good for the city or for the developer. However, the project reflects the city's core values, adding that the risk is worth the return, and the city has been smart about it. He added that this project reflects who St. Louis Park is. Similar to Excelsior & Grand, this is a defining moment. Councilmember Mavity pointed out there will be another community meeting regarding this project on February 23 at Fire Station #1, noting she will be there listening to any concerns that arise. Mayor Spano added he is still enthusiastic but wants final numbers back for review. He stated the project is high risk/high reward, adding this what we do in St. Louis Park. He likes the project's vibe, the modernity of materials, and the fact that it doesn't look like anything else. He complimented the developer and his team, saying he has never seen a project go through so many changes and still retain the original feel. He added that the developer has actually made the project more than it was originally, and it is an opportunity for St. Louis Park to get in on the ground floor. Mr. Harmening stated staff will bring back a more specific TIF request and analysis to the council, plus a call for a public TIF hearing at a later date. 4. Master License Agreement for Small Cell Antennas Mr. Elkin noted that in 2015 the city, along with a number of other metro cities, began to see requests by several wireless carriers to attach "small cell" communication antennas on city - owned infrastructure in its rights-of-way. These antenna proposals were for equipment significantly smaller than our current zoning code was intended to regulate. A task force was formed by staff to establish policies and procedures for review, approval, and installation of small cell antenna systems within rights-of-way. It was noted the council received the report and Study Session Minutes -8- February 13, 2017 summary of the task force work, background on small cell antennas, and a proposed administrative review process. Additionally, the council received the proposed master license agreement required for each vendor proposing antennas in the city. Mr. Elkin noted that as requests from various wireless carriers come to staff, they will be brought to the council for approval. In addition, Mr. Elkin noted that costs associated with installation and operation within the rights-of-way are the responsibility of the provider. Ms. Heiser stated there is more demand for these antenna cells in the West End. She pointed out they are not towers, are no more than 30-50 feet tall, and would be placed on city -owned assets, such as street lights. Mr. Harmening noted the cell providers need to locate these cells as repeaters to boost the signals. He added that this technology is coming, and it is to the city's advantage to work with the providers. Councilmember Sanger asked for clarification about the cells, in particular that they would not be set on the ground. Additionally, she asked if the master license agreement is in place; if the city attorney has weighed in; and if this agreement would be preempted if the Federal Government regulates this later. Ms. Heiser stated staff has not asked the city attorney, but they will check with him. Councilmember Miller asked if this agreement is only for the West End or for the rest of the city, as well. Mr. Elkin stated the task force looks at each individual pole agreement as it comes in, and each is reviewed on its own merits. Mayor Spano returned to the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Councilmember Lindberg asked if the city covers electrical costs. Mr. Elkin stated yes and that is paid per pole. Councilmember Lindberg stated that local tax payers should not pay for this. He added that he is supportive but also requests that this process be monitored. Councilmember Hallfin stated he takes the opposite view and thinks these antennas are an eye sore in the city, particularly at the West End where they are on every pole. He stated the city should not have to fix the phone company's problems, adding the city is too accommodating and doesn't need to be. Councilmember Lindberg stated, however, that the alternative is the cell companies will put poles in the public right-of-way, and that will be worse. Ms. Heiser added that current legislation would not allow cities to say "no" to cell companies, and there are currently discussions with the League of MN Cities related to this topic. Councilmember Mavity stated she is supportive because at the West End and other parts of the city, the service gets worse the larger the crowd, and the city does not want this to happen. She added the city needs to be proactive on this issue. Councilmember Brausen added he is supportive and stated the city should instruct the city lobbyist to be proactive on this issue. Councilmember Sanger asked if any trees will need to be removed. Ms. Heiser stated she will check on this. Mr. Harmening added the city does not have an obligation to take down trees. Study Session Minutes -9- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Sanger asked if the city has the ability to limit the number of poles that can be E purchased by providers for this purpose, and also if more than one antenna can go on the same pole. Ms. Heiser stated at this time no, but in the future possibly, although the antenna may then be smaller, also. Mayor Spano asked if there is a covering that can be placed over the antenna. Mr. Elkin stated that staff amended the original Verizon plan so that pole banners would mask the equipment. Mayor Spann added he is concerned because the antenna is not attractive, so he would like to have the plans amended to keep them from view. It was the consensus of the council to move forward with the master license agreement as presented. 5. 2017 City Council Workshop Follow-up Ms. Deno presented summary documents from the annual city council workshop (January 26-27, 2017) for review and asked if there are any changes or updates needed. Councilmember Brausen stated he was fine with the summary but noted that at study sessions, there should be an explanation on the agenda about the purpose of the study session, in order to manage the public's expectations up front. He added that when a council member replies to a resident in a ward, they need to copy the ward council member and Mr. Harmening. With regard to the visioning process and community outreach, Councilmember Brausen stated the council and city must raise the visibility of racial equity, and he wants to be sure the Steering Committee looks to the council for who to approach as part of the visioning process. Councilmember Mavity stated that under race equity action steps, the council needs a concerted and aligned strategy on starting this conversation. This relates to preparing a chart of roles, under the measure of success portion, and must be part of a strategy package. Mayor Spano added that related to one HRC member doing outreach, council needs to have a conversation with the full HRC to explain what the council wants from the commission. Mi•. Harmening commented on Councilmember Mavity's question regarding strategies, saying those will be developed as we go forward. Councilmember Mavity added she would like more depth and broad parameters. Mr. Harmening stated he has had a meeting with the Allies group. This group is motivated to do good work in the community and knows that Allies may overlap with what HRC is working on. He asked if the council should set up a subcommittee including staff to meet together with HRC and the Allies group in order to establish strategy and responsibilities for each group. He added each group should be aware of what the other is doing. Councilmember Miller stated it is most important to ensure moving forward that the council is adding a racial equity lens to everything we do. Mayor Spano added the council has talked about adding this as a policy pillar, or criteria, so it is addressed. Study Session Minutes -10- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Miller suggested starting a racial equity coalition for staff and council, as he sees this area as a gap. Councilmember Sanger stated the four points discussed at the workshop make sense but asked how the council will accomplish them. She noted the whole list may need to be broken down into more detail. She added that the council spent time talking about redevelopment, as well, but that is not listed here. Additionally, she pointed out, there may need to be an exception related to the mayor making motions, as this did occur last week when Councilmember Mavity was Mayor Pro Tem and also representing her ward. Mr. Harmening added there is nothing in the charter about the mayor not making a motion, but it has been an unwritten rule. Mr. Harmening noted that the points being discussed were only about the race equity portion of the retreat. Councilmember Lindberg added the council needs to take some personal accountability on racial equity, adding this is more about the council's development as a team. Mayor Spano agreed, stating he would be interested in having a coach come in and work with the council and give feedback. Councilmember Hallfin added he would like to attend some conferences on racial equity; however, his job does not allow for him to be away from work. He asked if there are any programs in the evenings and also asked if a future study session might be devoted to looking at items through a racial equity lens. Ms. Deno stated there is a speaker series that is early evening, and she will be sure all council members are aware of the dates and times of these opportunities. At this point, Ms. Larson and Ms. McMonigal updated the council on the visioning process. They stated that facilitator training will begin next week, and currently there are 37 people signed up to be facilitators. They noted there is room for 40-60 facilitators, so more are encouraged to sign up. Ms. McMonigal and Ms. Larson added that staff has been recruiting facilitators through postcard mailings; an article in the Park Perspectives; notifications on social media; announcements on Park TV; an article in the Sun Sailor; and a paid advertisement in the St. Louis Park Magazine and the Parks and Recreation brochure. Additionally, staff has communicated with neighborhood associations and commissions about the multiple opportunities available in the visioning process. Mr. Harmening added that staff is reaching out to people involved in non -profits across the city, asking them to contact people to be facilitators. Councilmember Sanger asked if facilitators are from all races, genders, and ages. Ms. Larson stated they are between the ages of 25-69; however, they are not certain about race as the question was not asked. She added that the same questions that were posed when recruiting Steering Committee members were asked of potential facilitators. Ms. McMonigal added that the consultant also has time set aside to meet with under -represented groups, while 8-12 staff members will be trained for the same purpose as a way to reach those groups. She added that census materials will be utilized to help staff find out where to concentrate efforts. Study Session Minutes -11- February 13, 2017 Councilmember Mavity asked if schools had been contacted. Ms. Larson stated yes, noting that information has gone out electronically to all students' families, and also through Karen Atkinson of Children First. Mr. Harmening added that rental communities throughout the city are being reached out to, as well. Ms. McMonigal added staff will send a one-page flyer electronically to council so they can forward to others. Mayor Spano asked for the council to receive any packets of information, email links, Twitter or Facebook posts, or PDF's, as well. Ms. Larson added that the Facebook live meeting will include a question of the week, and that feedback/information will be given to the consultant. Additionally, the consultant is working on the casual engagement meetings with chalkboards at coffee shops, schools, and community events. She noted that 100 lawn signs have been ordered to be placed around the city. Councilmember Brausen stated he would like to see the master schedule. Councilmember Mavity added she would like to have a website or place to tell people to go to comment on their vision for the city. Councilmember Sanger asked if anyone is tracking neighborhood association meetings and having white boards at meetings. Ms. McMonigal stated that invitations were sent for a neighborhood forum, and a few have signed up. Staff also requested that those who responded would ask others to participate. Ms. McMonigal asked the council if they have any specific questions that they want asked about racial equity, noting this is the time to insert that question into the process. Councilmember Mavity stated that question is needed, adding that she defers to staff on developing the question. Mayor Spano stated a possible question, "What would be an indicator that St. Louis Park has achieved racial equity?" Councilmember Sanger stated a more open-ended question might be more welcoming, such as "How can the city make people feel more a part of the community?" Mr. Harmening added that for facilitator training there may be some expense involved, so staff is proposing including a $25 prepaid card in the facilitator packet to help defray any expenses or costs, such as coffee or treats during meetings. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Councilmember Hallfin noted the Children First Breakfast on March 2, inviting all councilmembers to attend. Councilmember Sanger stated she had a question about boards and commissions membership, related to a mother and teenage son both serving on the same commission at the same time. Mayor Spano stated that it is not allowed. Councilmember Miller stated he is supportive of the written report on the residential stormwater cost share program. Study Session Minutes -12- February 13, 2017 The meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 6. Proposed Allocation of 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG Funds) 7. EMS Pathways Academy 8. Update on Excelsior & Monterey Redevelopment (Bridgewater/Dominium) 9. Residential Stormwater Cost Share Program Melis a Kenn y, City Clerk