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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/04/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 17, 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), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), Solid Waste Program Specialist (Ms. Barker), Natural Resources Coordinator (Mr. Vaughan), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Marla Dustash, St. Louis Park Ambassadors Organizer; Parktacular members and ambassadors; Curtis Wilson, SEEDS; Julie Eddington, Kennedy & Graven; and additional community members. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations a. St. Louis Park Parktacular Ambassadors Introduction & Recap of Year Ms. Dustash stated that the ambassador program started in 1940 as Miss St. Louis Park. In 2002, young men were allowed to enter the program, and titles changed to "ambassadors." She continued that during the year, the ambassadors attend over 90 events, parades, coronations, and service projects. The 2016-17 ambassadors introduced themselves to the council and noted their favorite event for the year. Mayor Spano thanked the group for their service, noting that $32,000 was raised this year at the Empty Bowls event, which is a new record for St. Louis Park. He added that the Holiday Train will be invited back to the city next winter and stated it is an honor to have these ambassadors represent the city. Councilmember Brausen added his thanks for the great job the group is doing, stating they honor the city by representing St. Louis Park to those outstate, adding that it would be good to see many of them serving as council members someday. b. Volunteer Proclamation Mayor Spano read the volunteer proclamation and thanked the boards and commissions volunteers and city volunteers for their service and commitment to the city. City Council Meeting -2- April 17, 2017 Councilmember Hallfin stated he is an alumni of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, noting that boards and commissions do influence the council's decisions, and he appreciates their volunteerism. C. 2017 Arbor Day Proclamation Mayor Spano read the proclamation stating May 6 is Arbor Day and the month of May is Arbor month. Mr. Vaughan thanked the mayor and council members for their support and noted that 60 trees will be planted at the Ree Center on May 6. He invited the community to come out for the event. d. 2017 International Compost Awareness Week Proclamation Mayor Spano read the proclamation stating that May 7-13, 2017, is International Compost Awareness Week in St. Louis Park. Ms. Barker stated the city is working to promote organics recycling, noting the program was changed in January to an opt -in program with no cost. She stated that since January, over 700 additional households have joined the program. She encouraged people to join the program, noting it is a great way to recycle 30% of their garbage. Mayor Spano stated this is a very easy program in which to participate and encouraged people to sign up. e. 3rd Annual SLP Earth Day Proclamation and Dinner with Town Hall Visioning Program Mayor Spano read the proclamation to St. Louis Park SEEDS organization members regarding the third annual Earth Day celebration to be held April 25 at the Lenox Community Center beginning at 5:30 p.m. All community members are invited to attend the free dinner and town visioning forum. Mr. Wilson stated he is honored to be at this city council meeting and also invited all to attend the event on April 25. A St. Louis Park High School student and second year intern with SEEDS, stated that the SEEDS program showed her that people are trying to better the city, better the school, and better the community, and that kids can be active in the community. She added that students have obtained over 600 signatures in support of building a green house in St. Louis Park in order to promote better nutrition, and sustainable food options. She noted SEEDS will present this to the council at a future date. Mayor Spano stated that the council and city are very proud of SEEDS and thankful for all you do. f. Recognition of Donations It was noted that the Minneapolis Auto Club Foundation has donated $1,000 for Annual Safety Camp Program T -Shirts. Ms. Becky Finnigan donated $1,000 for park maintenance and enhancements at the Westwood Hills Nature Center. The Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association has donated $2,300 for travel and conference registration for CFO Tim Simon to attend the 2017 Advanced Government Finance Institute on July 30 — August 4, 2017 in Madison, WI. City Council Meeting -3- April 17, 2017 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Special Study Session Minutes March 20, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Minutes Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Hallftn absent). 3b. City Council Minutes March 20, 2017 Councilmember Brausen noted on page 7, it said he served soup, which was incorrect and it should read, he attended the event where Councilmember Hallfin and Mayor Spano served soup. Councilmember Mavity noted a change on page 5 under item 8c related to the PLACE private activity revenue bonds, it should read the city would be a partner in identifying financial gaps. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes with changes. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Hallfin absent). 3e. City Council Special Study Session Minutes April 3, 2017 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Sanger, to approve the City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Hallfin absent). Councilmember Hallfin returned to the meeting at 8:35 p.m. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Approve a Temporary On -Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Finnegans Community Fund at Gamble Drive and the adjacent privately owned parking lot in West End for May 20, 2017. 4b. Authorize execution of an amendment to a professional services contract with WSB and Associates in the amount of $346,216 for the W. 37th Street Bridge and Road Reconstruction Project (Boone Ave, to Aquila Ave.) Project No. 4017-1700. 4c. Designate Allied Blacktop Co. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $360,172.79 for Sealcoat Streets (Area 2 & 3) — Project No. 4017-1200). 4d. Designate G.L. Contracting, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $708,909.67 for the 2017 Connect the Park Bikeway, Sidewalk and Trail - Project No. 4017-2000. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 17-068 authorizing entering into Agency Agreement No. 1027745 with MnDOT for the W. 37th Street Bridge and Road Reconstruction Project (Boone Ave. to Aquila Ave.) Project No. 4017-1700. City Council Meeting -4- April 17, 2017 4f. Approve the 2017/2018 Neighborhood Grants. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 17-069 approving acceptance of a grant from the Minneapolis Auto Club Foundation for Safety in the amount of $1,000 for the purchase of Safety Camp t -shirts as a part of the annual Safety Camp event. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 17-070 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Becky Finnigan in the amount of $1,000 for park maintenance and enhancements at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 17-071 approving acceptance of a scholarship fi•om Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association (MNGFOA) for registration, hotel, and transportation expenses for Tim Simon, Chief Financial Officer to attend the 2017 Advanced Government Finance Institute held July 30 — August 4, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin in an approximate amount not to exceed $2,300. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 17-072 authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the joint powers agreement for the Criminal Justice Data Communications Network as maintained by the BCA. 4k. Approve for filing Planning Commission Minutes of March 8, 2017. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the Agenda and items listed on the Consent 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 — Ordinance Related to Municipal Primary Elections and Candidate Filing Requirements. Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report. She stated that in 2016 the council discussed several topics related to elections, including Ranked Choice Voting and the filing requirements for candidates for municipal offices. During this discussion, a number of concerns were raised by the council related to municipal elections, including the cost of holding primary elections; staff resources related to the administration of primary elections; historically low voter turnout at primary elections; perceived lack of serious candidates filing for municipal office; and the undue burdens placed on candidates to run campaigns for potentially both a primary and general election. At that time, it was the consensus of the council that a switch to Ranked Choice Voting was not warranted, primarily because the school district does not have the option to switch voting methods, and it was thought that other measures could be taken to address the identified concerns. Staff was directed to refer the issue to the Charter Commission for a recommendation on a potential amendment to the charter. The Charter Commission met on February 22 and approved sending a proposed amendment to the City Charter that would achieve several objectives, including eliminating the need for a municipal primary election when 3 or more candidates file for a specific office and amending the filing requirements for candidates by increasing the number of signatures required on a nominating petition from 15 to 50. Ms. Kennedy noted that the Charter Commission also discussed increasing the candidate filing fee from its current rate of $20, but ultimately decided against an City Council Meeting -5- April 17, 2017 increase because they did not want running for office to become cost -prohibitive. Ms. q Kennedy explained approval of the proposed amendment would require a unanimous vote of all members of the council, and, if approved, the amendment would not take effect until 90 days after passage and publication. Councilmember Mavity questioned if the proposed changes would be in effect for the 2017 election cycle. Ms. Kennedy stated the amendment would not apply to the 2017 municipal election. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Carl Gamradt, 3347 Virginia Ave. S., stated he is present on behalf of Our Revolution Twin Cities in support of Ranked Choice Voting. He stated people are no longer voting for the candidate of their choice. They are voting for the opposite candidate, in order to get their candidate in. He added they are voting for the person they hate the least, adding that voting is too complicated. Mr. Gamradt stated we can give people the option to vote for more than one person. Then votes are not wasted, and everyone gets to vote for who they believe in. Councilmember Brausen cautioned that the topic of Ranked Choice Voting is not before the council tonight and that the council can only vote on the amendment as proposed. Bruce Fischer, 4359 Browndale Ave., stated he has been voting for a long time and has not missed an election. He is a resident of St. Louis Park and graduated from the high school in 1963. He stated that implementing Ranked Choice Voting may cause candidates to be more responsive to each other in a positive manner. Additionally, a candidate may not be a voter's first choice but he or she might be their second choice. It might be easier for a voter who doesn't want to cast a negative vote. Deb Brinkman, 4327 Alabama Ave. S., stated she is with League of Women Voters and hopes the council would consider Ranked Choice Voting. She noted it is not new and has been used in many local elections in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She added the benefits are that it restores majority rule, and voters never feel like their vote is wasted. It also allows for more voter choice and levels the playing field. Suzann Willhite, 3905 Glenhurst Ave. S., encouraged all to vote, as it promotes participation and active campaigns. Jeanne Massey, 3606 Harriet Ave., commended Deb Brinkman and stated the way to eliminate low voter turnout for primaries is to replace it with Ranked Choice Voting. She stated it has been used for years in a dozen plus U.S. cities with a smooth transition. She added it is well liked, preferred over the old system, and includes the benefit of reduction of rancor between candidates. Machines are used to scan and count ballots quickly and efficiently because the process is in place, and it is fast and transparent. Diane Steen-Hinderlie, 2829 Yosemite Ave. S., stated she has lived in St. Louis Park for over 30 years. She encouraged the council to eliminate the primary and adopt Ranked Choice Voting as it ensures the majority rule and is legally proven to work. City Council Meeting -6- April 17, 2017 Denise Konen, 4228 Salem Ave. S., stated she has lived in St Louis Park since 1980 and raised her children here. She would like to eliminate primaries and believes in Ranked Choice Voting. She feels the city could be a role model to other cities, our state, and the nation. She voted for everyone who did not win in the last election, and she would love the idea that her vote could count. She would like elections where candidates treat each other with more respect. Sean Brown, 4228 Salem Ave. S., stated she is a 22 -year resident of St. Louis Park. She supports the amendment and encourages the council to adopt Ranked Choice Voting. Kay Drache, 3067 Zarthan Ave. S., stated she is a longtime resident and has served as an election judge since the 1990's. She supports the amendment and Ranked Choice Voting. Susana Presseller, 2200 Nevada Ave. S., stated she agrees with everything Deb Brinkman said. Loren Botner, 3067 Zarthan Ave. S, stated he prefers Ranked Choice Voting, adding it will give a better opportunity to voters, while candidates need plurality. He added he has been an election judge, as well, and would like to work the General Election only. He stated there is now more national acceptance of Ranked Choice Voting as it allows for a more statesman-like competition, eliminating all of the rancor. He asked the council to consider it as an option. Jun Levthur, 3128 Florida Ave. S., stated it would be better to vote against the proposed amendment and do a new amendment for Ranked Choice Voting. Douglas Johnson, 4093 Utica Ave. S., agreed with everything that has been said. He noted when there are more than three candidates, the third -party candidate is usually the spoiler. If primaries are eliminated, everything is moved to the General Election. He added that Ranked Choice Voting respects all of our neighbors and our country. David Pacheco, 8001 Victoria Lane, agreed with all that was said. He added that he agrees with not increasing the primary fee and thinks Ranked Choice Voting is the next step. He stated it makes every vote count, and since we are looking to promote diversity, this is very important. He asked the council to support the proposal to eliminate the primary and approve Ranked Choice Voting. Luke Varian, 1345 Idaho Ave. S., stated Ranked Choice Voting allows people to run on core ideals, adding it helps voters from polarizing their opinions. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Mavity stated this had been a great discussion. She noted that before the council tonight is a recommendation from the Charter Commission to eliminate the primary, so there will be no vote on Ranked Choice Voting tonight. However, she noted it is the first time the council has heard from residents on this issue. She stated she is certainly listening and hopes her colleagues are, also. She would like to approve what is before the council now and also to direct the Charter Commission to consider Ranked Choice Voting and come back with an overall recommendation. City Council Meeting -7- April 17, 2017 Councilmember Sanger stated one comment from a speaker tonight asked the council to include Ranked Choice Voting in the motion. She asked the attorney if that was an option for tonight. Mr. Mattick stated it was not, and that he would prefer a vote on the amendment as proposed without any additional direction. Councilmember Sanger said she was supportive of changes to election laws, including eliminating the primary election and also raising the number of signatures needed on the nominating petition. She stated she also prefers raising the filing fee so candidates won't file last minute or for personal or frivolous reasons. She noted this proves costly and undercuts the process, if candidates are not filing for office for the right reasons. She added that raising the signatures to 50 is not enough either. She supports Ranked Choice Voting and also requesting that the Charter Commission review and present a new recommendation to the council. Councilmember Brausen stated he supports the amendment as proposed, adding the council did have a study session discussion on this, and the issue was raised related to the the ability of the school district to implement Ranked Choice Voting. He added he is also in favor of the Charter Commission looking further into Ranked Choice Voting, noting that adopting this ordinance amendment without adopting Ranked Choice Voting will result in plurality winning. Councilmember Lindberg stated he will support this amendment tonight and thanked everyone for coming to the meeting because it is always informative and helpful to the council. He stated that when this was discussed by the council at the earlier study session, they talked about Ranked Choice Voting. The issue of the school district not being able to adopt Ranked Choice Voting means that the city will have to run dual elections. He stated that while he appreciates the motion to have the Charter Commission look further into Ranked Choice Voting, he would prefer to take this back to a study session first for more discussion and information. Councilmember Hallfrn agreed with Councilmember Lindberg, indicating that instead of a motion, he would prefer another discussion on Ranked Choice Voting in study session. Mayor Spano stated he is in support of the motion in front of the council. He added he would also like to further discuss this at a future study session. It was moved by Councilmember Mavily, seconded by Councilmember Sanger to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter related to Municipal Primary Elections and Candidate Filing Requirements. The motion passed 7-0. Councilmember Mavity stated this discussion has come up repeatedly, and the majority of her colleagues have not recommended Ranked Choice Voting. She added this is the first conversation where the community has spoken out. She hopes the council will consider this at a study session soon. Councilmember Sanger added she would be fine with having another study session on this issue and wants it to include Ranked Choice Voting and other modifications to the election system, along with further information about school board elections. City Council Meeting -8- April 17, 2017 6b. Public Hearing — PLACE Private Activity Revenue Bonds Financing (Housing). Resolution 17-073 Mr. Simon and Mr. Locke introduced Julie Eddington, the city's bond attorney from Kennedy and Graven, who noted that PLACE received a multi -family housing bond allocation from the state for $27,185,503, in January, 2017. This was less than the original request, due to the oversubscription of housing bonds, but it is still sufficient for PLACE to accept the allocation. As part of the acceptance, they have to issue bonds within 120 days of the allocation award date. Since financing approvals are necessary to issue the bonds, the Private Activity Bond issue will not be complete prior to the allocation expiration date. The borrower has requested the city issue a short -terns Private Activity Multi -Family Revenue Note, which will be a private placement. Within one year of the issuance of the short-term note, bonds will be issued which will refund the note and finance the remaining costs of the housing project. She stated these bonds/notes will not impact the city's ability to issue bank qualified bonds for its own purposes this year, and if something catastrophic happened, any default on the part of the borrower has no effect on the city's credit rating and no effect on an audit with the IRS either. Further, it will not impact the city's bottom line. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. John Standal, 9955 Spring Rd., Eden Prairie, stated he owns two buildings in St. Louis Park at the location, and this is a big deal. He thought he would hold the building until light rail came in and then sell it, and now he does not want to sell the building. He noted the developer's plan put the PLACE building too close to his building. There is no setback, and shading is now a problem. He added there will be traffic and parking issues, with the access from Yosemite, stating he does not think it is a good development. He stated the developer is not the one for this project, and he asked the council to look for something better. Pat Wells, 3379 Brunswick Ave. S., stated he has been communicating with council members and thinks the council are idealists, although the Mayor has an open mind. He stated he is against the PLACE project but knows that he may be outnumbered. He stated the developer submitted a patent request to the US Patent office. It was rejected. The project is not as cutting edge as the council thinks. He added the city will have to help the developer if he goes broke, noting the developer has gone into foreclosure in the past. He has concerns and would like the council to reject the project. J.W. Sterad, 5825 Goodrich Ave., stated that many in the community are very excited about this project as the plans and vision fit with our community. He did, however, note he lives 1,000 feet from PLACE, and traffic will be an issue. He asked that the council apply the brakes and do this properly. Christina Ridley, 3381 Gorham Ave., stated she is speaking on behalf of Perspectives, a non-profit that helps women and children in the community. She stated the housing will help these people. It will change the city and help those who need it most. She added they are excited for what is going to be available for them. Roger Ankin, 3600 Wooddale Ave. S., stated he spoke to the Planning Commission about this project. He noted he lives across from the project, and it does not fit into the area. He City Council Meeting -9- April 17, 2017 stated that the building will tower over and close in the area rather than keeping it nice and open, as the comer is now. He added the wildlife in the area will be lost, and he is not happy about wind turbines on top of a 100 -foot building. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Mavity stated a lot is happening in Ward 2, and she appreciates the comments made. She stated that the council has been discussing this project for three to four years. While she understands these comments, there have been many community meetings over the years and many opportunities for input. She added she has been in support of this project. She agreed it is a complex project but added at this point the city has invested so much time and energy that it makes sense to continue to move it forward. She added this conversation is not over and stated the council wants to be sure the developer has all the input from the community to continue to improve the project. Councilmember Miller stated he appreciates this development and actively supports it. He stated that while he has not supported it in its entirety, this project does give something back to the community, and this is the threshold he uses. He noted there are lots of great spaces in the development - retail, coffee shop, hotel, trees - as well as the wonerf, which is open space in the middle. He added it meets the vision that has been articulated by residents, and he supports it. Councilmember Sanger stated she is not going to support the proposal and objects to the timing of considering the land use proposals tonight, since the deadline for EAW comments is only two days away, and all the comments have not yet been received. She stated the timing of taking action on the project now makes the project's EAW a sham, and she has many concerns. She stated the positives include the environmentally sustainable concept and space for artists, but there are many negatives, as well. She stated there is not enough parking for residents and guests. The consultant miscalculated the panting needed and identified a number of unreasonable and unrealistic assumptions that went into this miscalculation of the supposedly needed parking. She added that the ride share numbers were overestimated, as well. Traffic is a concern, and two-thirds of the units being affordable is too high of a concentration. She noted that if rents cannot be raised, there will be a downward spiral in the maintenance and quality of the buildings, noting the Cedar Riverside Apartments in Minneapolis as an example of a mixed income project gone awry. She stated she does not want the city of St. Louis Park to have to bail out the developer on this project. Councilmember Sanger stated the developer has no financial skin in the game and is still $23 million short. She is deeply concerned about the financial issues, noting the project will be valued at $67 million. She stated that since the city owns the parcels, we should wait for a better proposal with fewer impacts to the community. Councilmember Brausen stated he will support this motion to approve the project. He assured tax payers the council and staff have vetted this project for two years, and the developer has worked with the city to develop, modify and improve the project. He added this supports a larger purpose, and people in this community need affordable housing. He stated the council needs to be more proactive on this, adding the project incorporates wonderful environmental aspects, as well. He again stressed this is a challenging project for the developer, but the taxpayers are protected. There have been many letters of City Council Meeting -10- April 17, 2017 support from residents on this project. He added also that St. Louis Park is a built-up suburban area, and traffic will always be a challenge. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to adopt Resolution No. 17-073, authorizing issuance and sale of multifamily housing revenue obligations for the benefit of VIA Affordable Living Limited Partnership: authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto; adopting a housing program; and taking certain other actions. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed). 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. PLACE — Comprehensive Plan 2030 Land Use Map Amendment; Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development. Resolution No. 17-074 Ms. Monson gave a complete overview of the PLACE project. She noted that the PUD is needed to rezone the property from I -G General Industrial and MX mixed use to allow for a mixed-use building. The PUD also provides flexibility on height, density, and parking. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. I7-074, approving the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map Amendment The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Sanger opposed). It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to approve first reading of Ordinance adding Section 36 -268 -PUD 9 to the Zoning Code and amending the Zoning Map from IG -General Industrial and MX -Mixed Use to PUD 9 for the property located at the southeast quadrant ol'Highway 7 and Wooddale Avenue and the northeast corner of West 361h Street and Wooddale Avenue, and set the second reading for May 1, 2017. The motion passed 6-1. (Councilmember Sanger opposed). Councilmember Mavity stated she appreciated Ms. Monson's presentation, adding it was very thorough and clear. She noted this is an enormous step forward, stating we can cautiously celebrate each step along the way. When the project is completed, there will be a big celebration. Mayor Spano stated this is a bold project and not without risk. He added that the council understands this, is willing to take these risks, and is not willfully ignorant. He added the council has also been talking about this project and these risks for many years. 8b. Excelsior & Monterey (Bridgewater Dominium Addition) Preliminary Plat and Preliminary PUD. Resolution No. 17-075 City Council Meeting -11- April 17, 2017 Mr. Walther presented the staff report. He stated the council reviewed the proposal on April 3, 2017, and approved a motion to direct staff to prepare the resolution and findings of fact supporting the denial of the Preliminary Plat with variances and Preliminary Planned Unit Development for the proposed Excelsior & Monterey development and Bridgewater Dominium addition. Mayor Spano noted that Councilmember Brausen left the meeting at 10:15 p.m., adding he has been a strong advocate and supporter of this project and hopes that a new development will come back at a future date. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Lindberg, to adopt Resolution No. 17-075, denying rezoning to Planned Unit Development and denying preliminary plat with variances. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Brausen absent) 8e. Traffic Study No. 679: Snow Removal Exempt Parking List Revisions. Resolution No. 17-076 Ms. Heiser presented the staff report. She stated the city's snow removal ordinance restricts on -street parking after a three inch snowfall until streets are plowed from curb to curb and snowfall has ended. She noted additionally that there are some exceptions to the winter parking ordinance, where parking is limited due to nearby apartment buildings or commercial businesses. In these areas, parking is allowed within the first 24 hours of the snow emergency. After the first 24 hours, vehicles must be moved to a plowed street and vehicles not moved are subject to ticketing and towing. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 17-076 rescinding Resolution No. 03-180 and approving the revised list of snow removal exempt parking areas. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Brausen absent). 8d. Resolution Supporting Local Decision Making Authority. Resolution No. 17- 077 Mr. Locke presented and explained that the League of Minnesota Cities has drafted a model resolution for city councils concerned about the proliferation of 2017 legislative initiatives aimed at restricting local decision -malting. The resolution supports local decision-making authority and opposes legislation that removes the ability for local elected officials to respond to the needs of their businesses and constituents. Mayor Spano stated there are currently 35 bills in the legislature which penalize local governments for certain decisions they make. Councilmember Mavity stated she serves on the League of Minnesota Cities Board and this issue is the single most important issue cities are fighting for. She added this undermining is unprecedented, and the more we can stand in alignment, the better it is for our city. City Council Meeting -12- April 17, 2017 Councilmember Miller added he hopes other municipalities continue to do this, as it is about taking away local decision making, which includes affordable housing and sanctuary cities. He asked that residents contact their legislators on this issue. It was moved by Councilmember Sanger, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No, 17-077 supporting local decision-making authority. The motion passed 6-0. (Councilmember Brausen absent). 9. Communications - none 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 10:26 p.m. MeqsaKennedy, City Clerk