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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/11/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session11ISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA NOVEMBER 13, 2017 The meeting convened at 6:25 p.m. Councilmembers present. Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, and Gregg Lindberg. Councilmembers absent: Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, Susan Sanger. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Chief Financial Officer (Mr. Simon), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Rachel Harris, Margaret Rog, Rick Speckmann, MRA Corporation 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning —November 20 & 27, 2017 Mr. Harmcning presented the proposed Study Session agenda for November 20 and 27, 2017. He noted that on November 20, there will be an update on the Walker Building, adding that STEP has an interest in becoming a tenant in the building, along with the historical society and possibly the NEST. Councilmember Hallfin confirmed that this was discussed at the last STEP board meeting, and it is a good time to further discuss this issue with the council at the study session. f, Mayor Spano requested bringing back for discussion the limiting of off sale liquor licenses in St. Louis Park. He noted that he would like to discuss this issue before the end of the year and also revisit the topic in 2018 with the new city councilmembers. 2. City Manager 2017 Performanee Evaluation Mr. Harmening proposed using an instrument called the Checkpoint 360 Degree Feedback System for his 2017 evaluation. He noted that it was last used in 2008 for the city manager's evaluation. Mr. Speckmann, Senior Business Advisor and consultant from MRA, will collect the data and facilitate the discussion to review feedback and set goals for 2018. Mr. Speckmann stated that there are 70 questions on the evaluation, which will address 8 core competencies and also subset points. He added that Mr. Harmening will complete a self -review, and a review will also be completed by the Mayor and councilmembers and by his direct reports - all directors. All responses are anonymous and are compiled by supervisors (Mayor and councilmembers) and by direct reports (directors). There is also space provided for written comments. It was the consensus of the council to pursue the Checkpoint 360 Degree Feedback System for Mr. Harmening's 2017 performance evaluation. 3. 2018 Budget Update Mr. Harmening provided an update on the 2018 budget and current tax levy. He stated that December 4 will be the truth in taxation hearing with the council on the 2018 levy and budget. The preliminary levy was set for 5.35% higher than the final 2017 levy, and current updates bring it down to 4.90%. Study Session Minutes -2- November 13, 2017 Mr. Simon noted that staff worked to incorporate revenue adjustments and expenditure assumptions, where appropriate, which resulted in bringing the necessary levy adjustment down to approximately 4.90%. Mr. Simon also proposed that the council programs line item of $198,000 be included as a budget line -item in the general fund. He also noted it would be a transparent method of tracking and is a better long-term approach. Councilmember Hallfin stated this plan looks good and makes sense. Councilmember Lindberg stated that he was very pleased with this plan and thanked staff for their fiscally responsible work. Councilmember Brausen added that he was also pleased with the 4.9% levy increase. Mayor Spano noted that he is fine with this levy, also. He asked about the school levies that just passed and when these increases will begin for taxpayers. 4. On -Sale Liquor Establishments — Special 4 AM Closing Permit During Super Bowl Ms. Deno stated that the city is considering later closing hours to 4 a.m, for existing on -sale liquor license establishments from February 2-5, 2018. She added that in October, an email was sent to all 22 St. Louis Park current on -sale intoxicating license holders regarding their potential interest in obtaining a special extended hours permit. Of these, 6 indicated that they would have an interest in obtaining a permit for extended hours during the Super Bowl, and 5 of the 6 are located in the West End. Mr. Haimening added that the council will need to adopt a resolution framing this. Councilmember Brausen stated that he is supportive of this option. Councilmember Lindberg asked if the city will add additional police patrols during this time. Mr. Harmening stated yes - not because of the extended on -sale liquor hours, but because of the Super Bowl event in Minneapolis. Mayor Spano stated that for the establishments that are in residential areas, he would like to discuss with Chief Harcey what can be done to raise awareness with bar owners about the potential of more noise and cars in the area during this timeframe. Mr. Harmening stated this can be done for the establishments as part of the permitting process. Councilmember Brausen stated that he would be interested in a follow-up report of any disturbances or complaints that occur during that timeframe Mayor Spano added that while he wants folks to have a good time, he also wants to be sure the establishments adjacent to multi -family neighborhoods understand they will need to be good stewards. 4. 2018 City Council Workshop Mr. Harmening stated with the 2 new councilmembers, there will be a new City Council, beginning in January, 2018. He noted that on Friday of the workshop, the council will have deep conversations and discuss policies, especially after having just completed the Visioning 3.0 Study Session Minutes -3- November 13, 2017 process. He added that the council will look at where they have been since 1995 and where they are today, and allow time for everyone to share what is important to them for the future of the city. Mr. Harmening added that later, the council will converge on a set of priorities that will make up goals for the city. Staff is proposing to utilize consultants Bridget Gothberg and Mary Lou Rice as facilitators of the workshop. A follow up meeting will take place in February or March, 2018. Mr. Harmening stated that a sub -committee of the council is needed to do advance work on the agenda for the workshop. He also noted that there will be some reading required of all council members prior to the workshop. Councilmembers Hallfrn and Brausen volunteered for the subcommittee. Mayor Spano suggested that Councilmember Mavity also be included; however, if she is unable to participate, the Mayor stated that be will work with the group in her place. Mr. Harmening stated that the sub -committee could have two meetings prior to the retreat and one afterwards. The following written reports were brought forward for discussion: 5. Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Open House Presentation Summary Mayor Spano stated that he attended the MAC presentation, and noted that there is much frustration with airplane noise in the community. MAC stated they are not able to address residents' concerns about the noise at this time, due to FAA regulations. He added that some people noted that while MAC is not able to do anything about the noise at this time, they have stepped up their efforts to be more engaged with the community, which was appreciated. 6. Proposed Property Acquisition — 5639 Minnetonka Boulevard Councilmember Brausen stated that he hopes the city will consider looking at senior affordable housing for this location, and he hopes also to learn how other communities are utilizing tiny houses. Mayor Spano added that Kansas City is doing a lot of work with tiny houses for homeless veterans. Communications/Updates Mr. Harmening noted that he and Mr. Simon will be doing their first Facebook live event regarding the budget on Tuesday, November 14, at 12 noon. He encouraged questions from the community. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. "i,�y E!I� .ILuv