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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/02/21 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular11ISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 21, 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, Gregg Lindberg Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Susan Sanger. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Water Resources Manager (Mr. Francis), Ree Center Manager (Mr. Eisold), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson); and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Katherine Arnold, Human Rights Commission Chair; Chana Shagalow, Human Rights Award recipient, and Sha'arim instructors. la. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations — 2016 Human Rights Award Ms. Katherine Arnold, Human Rights Commission Chair, introduced the 2016 Human Rights Award recipient, Ms. Chana Shagalow, who 18 years ago founded Sha'arim: Gateways to Learning. Ms. Shagalow founded the program to help children with special needs after discovering the school her daughter attended did not have resources to meet her needs. The program provides students with quality education, support, and resources while fully participating in the Jewish community. Additionally, Ms. Shagalow's organization provides fun social activities for children and their families to connect and gather as a community. Her hard work and dedication has proven to be successful as several different schools and organizations participate, regardless of their religious affiliation. Ms. Shagalow thanked the community and recognized instructors in the room who do the day-to- day work at Sha'arim, thanking each for their commitment and engagement with the children who attend the school and their parents. She added she is honored and loves St. Louis Park, so this is a win-win. Mayor Spano stated that what makes Ms. Shagalow a great representative of the community is typical of people in St. Louis Park, and he is very grateful for that. Councilmember Hallfin stated he had the pleasure of coaching Ms. Shagalow's son in baseball many years ago and remembers the family would come out to watch. He added the family has been involved in the community for many years, and it does not surprise him that she earned this honor tonight. City Council Meeting -2- February 21, 2017 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Workshop Minutes January 26-27,2017 It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to approve the City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes of January 26-27, 2017 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. City Council Special Study Session Minutes February 6, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes of February 6, 2017, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 17-035 approving the arbitration award and labor agreement between the City and the LELS Local 4206 Police Officers, establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/16 — 12/31/17. 4b. Approve a Subordinate Funding Agreements (SFA) between the City and Met Council for SWLRT Local Work— Construction. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 17-036 to participate in PERA's Phased Retirement Option (PRO). 4d. Approve additions to ownership entity and Resolution No. 17-037 approving renewal of the On -Sale Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License for Azeka, Inc. dba Brush Studio, located at 1651 Park Place Blvd. for the license term March 1, 2017 —March 1, 2018. 4e. Designate Insituform Technologies as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $315,642.40 for the Sanitary Sewer Main Rehab Project No. 4017-3000. 4f. Approve Amendment No. 3 to City Agreement No. 4219, between the City and Verizon Wireless (VAW) LLC dba Verizon Wireless for communication antennas on the City's water tower at 2541 Nevada Ave. S. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 17-038 reversing the Board of Zoning Appeals denial of Library Lane LLC's application for a 256 square foot variance to allow 1,056 square feet of ground floor area for accessory buildings instead of the 800 square feet maximum allowed. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 17-039 reversing the Board of Zoning Appeals denial of Kim Erickson's application for a 20.7 foot variance to the required 25.0 foot rear yard, and a 2.0 foot variance to the required 7.4 foot side yard required for a proposed addition to a home located at 3951 Quentin Ave S. 4i. Authorize the issuance of purchasing cards for residents conducting community meetings to collect information as part of the St. Louis Park Vision 3.0 process. 4j. Accept for filing Fire Civil Service Commission Minutes of November 2, 2016 4k. Accept for filing Planning Commission Minutes of January 18, 2017 City Council Meeting -3- February 21, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, 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 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings 6a. Public Hearing to Consider Allocation of 2017 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. Resolution No. 17-040 Ms. Olson presented the staff report. She explained that each year the city must decide how to use its annual allocation of CDBG funds. The funds are distributed through Hennepin County, and the city must submit its proposed use of the allocation to Hennepin County by February 24, 2017. This year's proposed use of funds reflects the city's priorities to preserve existing housing and increase affordable ownership opportunities, focusing on assisting low-income residents with emergency repairs, rehab loans, improvement projects and affordable ownership opportunities. The remaining amount is proposed for youth park programming at Meadowbrook Manor Part,. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Bill O'Meara, Community Action Partnership, stated the city has worked with the organization for the last 18 years, noting that this year the Emergency Repair Program served 22 families. He added that the partnership allows people to live independently or to make a simple repair in order to make their home stable. He also pointed out that literacy classes are offered for first time home buyers; counseling is offered for foreclosure and refinancing; assistance is offered on reverse mortgages for seniors; and 600 families received energy assistance. He thanked the council and city for their work in this area. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing Councilmember Brausen stated he appreciates the work this agency does, adding this is a safety net to help citizens and is a wonderful use of resources. Councilmember Sanger asked if the 600 households who got energy assistance were all residents of St. Louis Park. Mr. O'Meara stated yes, adding that if residents are on energy assistance and their furnace breaks, this funding helps them. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 17-040, approving proposed use of 2017 Urban Hennepin County Communi0i Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funds and authorizing execution ofSubrecipient Agreement with. Hennepin County and Third Party Agreements. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None City Council Meeting -4- February 21, 2017 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Third Amendment to the Preliminary Development Agreement with PLACE. Resolution No. 17-041. Mr. Locke presented the staff report. He stated PLACE, the EDA, and the city are currently parties to a Preliminary Development Agreement in which they agreed to work cooperatively toward a mutually supportable Transit Oriented Development project on the subject properties and to negotiate in good faith toward a definitive purchase and redevelopment contract and related planning development contract. The agreement expires February 28, 2017, unless extended. PLACE has requested the agreement be extended 6 months until August 31, 2017, in order to complete negotiations on the contracts and present them for formal consideration. Mr. Locke pointed out the timeline of the project and council meetings regarding actions on PLACE over the next few months. Some dates may change; however, the council will be updated on an ongoing basis. Councilmember Sanger stated she will vote no on this motion because the redevelopment has too many negative impacts, including traffic congestion, insufficient parking, and a high concentration of lower income families. She continued when the project is finished, the market value will be approximately half of its total construction costs. Councilmember Brausen stated he admired Councilmember Sanger for her consistency. He stated he believes this project is a good use of city resources and has no issues with traffic, as proven by traffic studies that have been completed. He stated he looks forward to this project. Councilmember Mavity noted this is simply the extension of the agreement to continue the development project, with final approval yet to come in the future. She noted an upcoming meeting at Fire Station One, where the project will be discussed further. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 17-041, approving the Third Amendment to the Preliminary Development with PLACE. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed). 8b. First Reading of Parks and Recreation Ordinance Amendment to Allow Alcohol at the ROC. Ms. Walsh and Mr. Eisold presented the staff report. They stated staff is requesting an ordinance amendment to allow alcohol to be served at the ROC by a city approved alcohol vendor. Currently, the ordinance only allows alcohol in the banquet room at the Rec Center for banquets, receptions or other social functions, and is subject to the terms of a user agreement between the host and the city. The intent of this ordinance is to increase the variety of use of the ROC. The ROC will be marketed as a wedding reception venue, as well as a variety of other functions, which may want to have alcohol as part of their event. City Council Meeting -5- February 21, 2017 Councilmember Brausen asked if alcohol will be available regularly or only for special events. Mr. Eisold stated just for special events. Councilmember Lindberg asked if during private events the city requires people to have their own security or if the city provides security for the banquet room. Mr. Eisold stated the city requires that the renter uses an off-duty police officer in the banquet room for a minimum of three hours and until closing time. This practice would continue with the ROC, as well. It was moved by Councilmember Movity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the First Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 20-5 of the St. Louis Park Code of Ordinances relating to prohibited acts to allow alcohol at the ROC; regulations for Parks and Recreation, and to set the second reading for March 6, 2017. The motion passed 7-0. 8c. Residential Stormwater Cost Share Program. Mr. Francis presented the staff report. He stated staff has developed a Residential Stormwater Cost Share program (RSCSP) that will offer financial and technical assistance to homeowners who implement projects on their property. The types of projects that would be considered for funding through the RSCSP would: • Protect and restore stormwater by capturing pollutants in rainwater runoff • Increase the watershed's ability to store water • Preserve and restore native plant and wildlife communities • Protect and preserve groundwater quality and quantity Mr. Francis added the program will start in the spring of 2017. Information on the program will be sent out in the Park Perspective; by direct mail to a specific watershed; by emails to neighborhood groups; and with information on Next Door and other social media. The goal will be to encourage residents to implement stormwater management projects on their property to reduce the volume of stonnwater runoff and pollutants entering the city's storm sewer system. In addition to cost sharing, the program will have an educational component for property owners regarding the importance of stormwater management and how to best manage, protect, and improve surface waters. Mr. Francis stated that staff recommends an annual budget of $25,000 for the 2017 program, and additional funds may be requested for 2018. Councilmember Sanger thanked Mr. Francis for the information on the program. She noted that the watershed used to have this program in the past, but now it has been suspended. She asked if there are any lessons the city can learn from the previous program. Mr. Francis stated the watershed received about 50 applications annually and had one person managing the grant program. He added that staff is in touch with the watershed and asking questions. Councilmember Miller stated he supports this program and noted that Eric Reed, a resident in St. Louis Park, has included many elements of stormwater management in his yard. He would be a great resource to people who would like more information. City Council Meeting -6- February 21, 2017 Councilmember Brausen stated he is also very supportive of this program and asked about the commitment of staff resources involved here. Mr. Francis stated that it was difficult to determine the initial workload, but once the program is up and running, additional staff members may be needed to administer the grant program depending on the interest level. Mr. Harmening stated that the need for additional staff will be reviewed. Ms. Heiser added that staff will get the program started and keep the council apprised of how many applications come in. Councilmember Brausen stated there will be tremendous interest in this program as an incentive to be intentional on managing stormwater. He added he had asked earlier today if there are resources in our storm utility fund and if the city could increase funding if it is well -subscribed. He thanked staff for this work, noting it is something that the city definitely needs to do for the community. Mayor Spano stated we want people to use this program, as it is one of many programs St. Louis Park offers supporting environmental stewardship. He added that residents can also purchase trees through the Tree Trust beginning March 1. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember approve Residential Stormwater Cost Share Program. 8d. Traffic Study No. 675: Authorize Parking Restrictions on the 3700 Block of Oregon Avenue South. Resolution No. 17-042 Ms. Heiser presented the staff report. She noted staff has received complaints regarding the on -street parking conditions along the 3700 block of Oregon Avenue. Nearby businesses and residents have observed a large quantity of vehicles parked on the street for extended periods of time, occasionally violating the city's parking ordinance. Staff is proposing to restrict on -street parking from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. in this area. Additionally, residences with frontage on the 3700 block of Oregon Avenue will be able to receive parking permits that will allow them to park overnight in the area. Councilmember Mavity stated she supports this very strongly, noting residents and businesses have suffered fi•om parking violations, so this will be an important tool. She asked her colleagues to approve the resolution. Mayor Spano concurred. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to adopt Resolution No. 17-042, authorizing the implementation of overnight parking restrictions and residential permitparking on the 3700 block of Oregon Avenue South. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Master License Agreement with Verizon. Mr. Elkin presented the staff report. He noted the city developed a taskforce to study and develop policy and procedures around small cell antennas being attached to city owned infrastructure in the rights-of-way. These antenna proposals were for equipment significantly smaller than what the city's current zoning code was intended to regulate. City Council Meeting -7- February 21, 2017 Councilmember Hallfin stated this topic was discussed at last week's study session. He asked if the city's Telecom Commission had reviewed the issue and given their opinion. Mr. Elkin stated that the commission is aware of the issues and strongly agrees with this technology but also has no recommendations for council at this time. Councilmember Mavity asked what the implications are of a Master License Agreement in light of state legislation. City Attorney Mattick stated staff is monitoring the legislation, and if anything were to pass this session, any agreement the city approves would become null and void. Then, what might be negotiated here with a Master License Agreement, would be lost. Councilmember Mavity stated if residents have opinions on this issue, they can share those with state legislators and refer to Bill #HF739 and Senate File #561. Mayor Spano stated he is not necessarily in favor of having these antennas on light poles, adding they are an eyesore. He and Councilmember Hallfin are concerned that every cell company will want to put an antenna on every light pole. He stated he is most concerned with aesthetics but will support this resolution as small cell antennas are viewed as a utility, and some feel the utilities could do this with or without the council's approval. Councilmember Brausen agreed that each of these cell providers could come in and erect antennas, which would not be aesthetically preferable. He added that this Master License Agreement is consistent with one of St. Louis Park's goals of being technologically connected, so he will support this. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve a Master Licensing Agreement with Verizon. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Hallfin opposed). 8f. Resolution Approving Annual City Manager Evaluation. Resolution No. 17- 043 Ms. Deno presented the staff report. Mayor Spano read a summary of the City Manager evaluation, noting feedback was very positive, and Mr. Harmening is universally well- respected. Mayor Spano noted that Mr. Harmening is an invaluable resource to him in his role as Mayor. Councilmember Lindberg stated he truly believes St. Louis Park is a better community because they have Mr. Harmening as their City Manager. Councilmember Sanger echoed this statement, stating that in 2014, the League of Minnesota Cities presented the Leadership Award to Mr. Harmening. She said to Mr. Harmening, "Please don't go anywhere." Councilmember Mavity stated that she is grateful Mr. Harmening is the City Manager. She added when the council was exploring what they could do better on race equity issues, Mr. Harmening found a way to launch the work. Without his leadership, it would not have happened. City Council Meeting -8- February 21, 2017 Councilmember Brausen stated he is very impressed that the city is so professionally run. He added the council comes up with an idea, and then it is actualized by staff. That due to Mr. Harmening's leadership. Councilmember Brausen added this is very evident in the process involved in hiring a new police chief, stating it is a well thought out process being handled in a thoughtful and considerate manner. He stated he trusts Mr. Harrnening for this job. Mayor Spann stated many people have told him how efficiently the city runs and added, on behalf of the council, that we are fortunate to have Mr. Harmening as City Manager. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 17-043, for formal acceptance of the final City Manager annual evaluation. The motion passed 7-0. 8g. Resolution Approving 2017 City Manager Compensation. Resolution No. 17- 044 Ms. Deno presented the staff report. She explained the newly approved pay philosophy. The City Manager's salary now has a cap. She also furnished the City Manager's car allowance amount and paid time off hours for 2017. Councilmember Brausen stated the council has adopted this pay philosophy and also has high standards for staff performance. He added this is money well spent, and he is in favor of this resolution. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 17-044, to approve the 2017 compensation for the City Manager. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Lindberg noted the neighborhood meeting regarding the Knollwood development project related to Chic-Fil-A, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22, in the Knollwood Commons Room. Mr. Hatmening stated the Vision 3.0 project now has 55 citizens who are being trained as facilitators this evening. He noted this process is about working with citizens on the future vision of St. Louis Park. Mr. Harmening noted tomorrow will be the first town ball meeting at City Hall, allowing residents to give input to the process. He added that those interested should go to the city's website for further information. Additional town hall meetings will be held on March 2, 16, and April 13 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Ms. Deno noted there is an Advanced Race Equity Speaker Session tomorrow at the downtown Minneapolis Library from 3-5 p.m. if council members are interested in attending. City Council Meeting -9- February 21, 2017 Councilmember Hallfin noted the March 2 Children First breakfast at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park and the March 9 Empty Bowls soup lunch at Westwood Lutheran Church to support STEP. Mayor Spano added on March 23, the State of the City address will be given at 4:30 p.m. at the non-profit Matter, 7005 Oxford Street. He encouraged all to attend. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Melfi?nnedy, City Clerk J ke Sp Mayor