HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/08 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA
JANUARY 8, 2018
6:00 p.m. STUDY SESSION – Westwood Hills Nature Center (8300 W. Franklin Ave.)
Discussion Items
1. 6:00 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – January 16 & 22, 2018
2. 6:05 p.m. Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard
and Monterey Drive
3. 6:50 p.m. Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
4. 7:35 p.m. SLP Policing Model / Critical Incident Planning Follow Up
Discussion (Part 2)
5. 8:20 p.m. Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
6. 8:50 p.m. Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Priorities
9:20 p.m. Communications/Updates (Verbal)
9:25 p.m. Adjourn
Written Reports
7. Proposed Zoning Amendment for Architectural Materials for Greenhouses
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Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Future Study Session Agenda Planning January 16 & 22, 2018
RECOMMENDED ACTION: The City Council and the City Manager to set the agenda for the
Special Study Session scheduled for January 16 and the Regular Study Session on January 22,
2018.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the Council agree with the agendas as proposed?
SUMMARY: This report summarizes the proposed agenda for the Special Study Session
scheduled for January 16 and the Regular Study Session on January 22, 2018. Also attached to this
report is the Study Session Prioritizaton & Tentative Discussion Timeline. Note that the January
22 study session is scheduled to start at 5:30 pm.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Tentative Agenda – January 16 & 22, 2018
Study Session Prioritization & Projected Discussion Timeline
Prepared by: Debbie Fischer, Administrative Services Office Assistant
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 1) Page 2
Title: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – January 16 & 22, 2018
JANUARY 16, 2018 (Tuesday)
Immediately Following City Council Meeting – Special Study Session – Community Room
Tentative Discussion Items
1. 2018 Pavement Management Program – Engineering (60 minutes)
The city is scheduled to be in the Elmwood, Brooklawns, and Brookside neighborhoods in
2018 to reconstruct various segments of streets, and replace and repair utilities and sidewalks.
These construction activities are part of the annual Pavement Management Project. Staff will
provide the City Council with information regarding recommendations for new sidewalk
segments and traffic control modifications as a part of this project.
JANUARY 22, 2018
5:30 p.m. – Study Session – Community Room
Tentative Discussion Items
1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
2.Draft Ordinance Affordable Housing – Community Development (60 minutes)
Staff will review a draft 90 Day Tenant Protection ordinance that will require new owners of
NOAH multi-family residential rental properties to pay relocation benefits to existing tenants
if they choose to increase rents, execute non-renewals of leases without cause or implement
new screening criteria within the 90 days following the ownership transfer of the property.
3.Climate Action Plan – Administrative Services (60 minutes)
Details of the draft Climate Action Plan (CAP) will be shared and finalized in preparation for
final Council adoption. The CAP includes an overarching goal of the entire community of St.
Louis Park achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. An explanation of the goals, strategies, and
actions in the plan will be provided.
4.Preliminary Belt Line Development Agreement with Sherman Associates – Community
Development (45 minutes) Discussion with Sherman Associates relative to its redevelopment
vision for the Beltline Station Site and overview of the Preliminary Development Agreement
needed between the EDA, City and the developer to formalize the respective parties’
obligations relative to the proposed development.
5.Finalize 2018 Legislative Priorities – Administrative Services (30 minutes)
Details of the 2018 Legislative Priorities agenda will be shared and finalized in preparation
for the Council’s meeting on February 5 with our state legislators, Met Council representative
and Hennepin County Commissioner.
6.Louisiana Avenue Bridge / Road Reconstruction Project – Project 4018-1700 – Engineering
(30 minutes) In 2019, Louisiana Avenue between 500 feet north of Oxford Street and
Excelsior Boulevard is proposed to be rehabilitated. An inspection of the bridge over
Minnehaha Creek in 2017 indicated a need to replace the bridge by 2019. Staff will provide
the City Council with information regarding recommendations for this project and phasing.
Communications/Meeting Check-In – Administrative Services (5 minutes)
Time for communications between staff and Council will be set aside on every study session
agenda for the purposes of information sharing.
Written Reports
7. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
8.Historic Walker Lake Update
9.Platia Place TIF Request
End of Meeting: 9:35 p.m.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 1) Page 3
Title: Future Study Session Agenda Planning – January 16 & 22, 2018
Study Session Prioritization & Projected Discussion Timeline
Priority Discussion Topic Comments Date Scheduled
4 Preserving the Walker Building Combined w/Walker Lake Branding
Discussion (held on 8/28, 11/20 & 12/2017)
Ongoing; Report
1/22/18
4 Race Equity Communication to HRC
on Outreach & Next Steps Most recently discussed on 9/11/17 Ongoing
4 Race Equity/Inclusion
Courageous Conversations Most recently discussed on 9/11/17 Ongoing
4 Affordable Housing Preservation
Policies/Ordinance
Discussed 9/25/17; Work Group met and
meeting again in December.
Council review-
January 22, 2018
4 Climate Action Plan Consultant updating draft. Review by E&S
Commission & staff before Council
Council review -
January 22, 2018
3 Revitalization of Walker/Lake Area Part of Preserving Walker Building report
(held on 8/28/17) (report also provided 9/25)
Ongoing; Report
1/22/18
3 Utilization of DBE Vendors Discussed on 9/11/17 Ongoing
3 Ranked Choice Voting Sent to Charter Commission on 10/2/17;
Second meeting held 12/6/17;
Commission
meeting again 1/10
3 Policy for Funding Non-Profits Part of 2018 Budget discussion on 10/9/17 Ongoing
3 Field Imprvmts/Girls Fastpitch Softball Design consultant hired Const. starts 2018
3 Historical Society Space Part of Walker Bldg discussions on 8/28/17
& 11/20/17 and 12/11/17
Ongoing
3 The Nest Postponed to 2018 per their request February 2018
3 Living Streets Policy After Vision 3.0 work is completed 1st Qtr 2018
3 Develop a Youth Advisory Commission 1st Qtr 2018
2 Bird Friendly Glass
2 Dark Skies Ordinance (Light Pollution)
2 Community Center Project
? Overview of Crime Free Ordinance Priority not yet determined. ?
? SEED’s Community Green House /
Resiliant Cities Initiative Priority not yet determined ?
5 SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident
Planning Session 1 of 4 (held on 8/14/17) Completed/
Ongoing
5 SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident
Planning Session 2 of 4 (held on 9/25/17) Completed/
Ongoing
5 SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident
Planning Session 3 of 4 (held on 10/16/17) Completed/
Ongoing
5 SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident
Planning Session 4 of 4 (held on 11/27/17) Completed/
Ongoing
4 Flavored Tobacco Ordinance Second reading approved 12/4/17 Complete
TH 169 Mobility Study Direction provided on 9/11/17
3 Property Tax Relief for Seniors Part of 2018 Budget item (Councilmember
Brausen: "No further study needed.") October 9, 2017
2 Sidewalk Snow Removal Part of 2018 Budget item (Majority of council
determined no need to discuss further at this time.) October 9, 2017
2 Active Space Matching Grants w/
Multi- Family Communities
Part of 2018 Budget item (Will be included in
2018 Budget Proposal.) October 9, 2017
Priority Key
5 = High priority/discuss ASAP
4 = Discuss sooner than later
3 = Discuss when time allows
2 = Low priority/no rush
1 = No need to discuss
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time. Bridgewater Bank representatives will present
the site plan and discuss their proposed development program.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
•What is the city council’s feedback on the concept plans?
•Is the EDA willing to consider selling property to pursue this proposal?
•Is city council willing to consider a rezoning for the properties?
•Is the EDA willing to explore using TIF for this proposal?
SUMMARY: Bridgewater Bank proposes to locate their bank headquarters at 4424 and 4400
Excelsior Boulevard, and 3743 Monterey Drive. The applicant controls two of the parcels, and the
St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (EDA) owns the parcel at 3743 Monterey Drive.
The development cannot proceed as proposed without the EDA parcel.
Bridgewater Bank proposes a 4 story, 84,000 square foot office building that incorporates a bank
branch, retail and service uses and three levels of structured parking. The proposal includes a plaza
at the corner of Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive, with outdoor seating, space for public
art, and landscaping. Retail spaces front Excelsior Boulevard, and Bridgewater Bank’s customer
branch is also on the first floor. Floors two through four include the bank’s executive offices and
opportunities for service uses. A traffic study is being finalized, and will be presented to the City
Council at a future study session.
The building height, setbacks, stepbacks, site circulation, and the plaza are designed to respond to
comments raised during a previous process in 2015 for the same site.
The site is guided mixed-use in the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The majority of the 2.42 acre site
is zoned C-2 Commercial, with approximately 0.8 acres zoned R-4 Multi-family Residential.
Bridgewater Bank will request a rezoning of the entire site, which will require 5 affirmative votes
from city council.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: There are extraordinary costs associated with
the proposed redevelopment site and building. The developer will request tax increment financing
to mitigate the extraordinary costs.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Site Plan & Renderings
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, Planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 2) Page 2
Title: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
DISCUSSION
SITE INFORMATION: The proposed redevelopment site is located at 4424 and 4400 Excelsior
Boulevard, and 3743 Monterey Drive. The site is located in the Wolfe Park neighborhood at the
northeast quadrant of Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive. The proposed redevelopment is
east of Excelsior & Grand and Trader Joes.
Site Area: 2.42 acres
Current Uses: Vacant and occupied commercial buildings
Comprehensive Plan: MX-Mixed Use
Current Zoning: C-2 General Commercial & R4 Multi-family Residential
Proposed Zoning: PUD-Planned Unit Development
Surrounding Land Uses: North: Multi-family and nursing home uses
East: Small scale commercial
West: Excelsior & Grand / Trader Joes
South: Small scale commercial
BACKGROUND: In 2015, the city approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to guide the
properties at 4424 and 4400 Excelsior Boulevard, and 3743 Monterey Drive for Mixed Use. Also
in 2015, Dominium Development proposed a mixed-use development for the site. The original
development proposal included a 6-story building with 148 dwelling units, 17,500 square feet of
commercial space, 10,000 square feet for Bridgewater Bank, and three levels of structured parking.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 2) Page 3
Title: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
The city council and neighborhood shared concerns about the 2015 development proposal relative
to height, setbacks along Monterey Drive and Excelsior Boulevard, building mass, landscaping,
and circulation and access for the development. The original development proposal was denied.
Bridgewater Bank is now proposing an office development at this site to locate the Bridgewater
Bank Headquarters in St. Louis Park.
PRESENT CONSIDERATIONS:
Site and Building Design: The applicant proposes to construct a 4 story, 84,000 gross square foot
office building, with three levels of structured parking. The concept plan includes a large
pedestrian plaza at the corner of Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive with extensive
landscaping, outdoor seating, and space for public art. The plaza provides open space and a
protected area underneath a portion of the building. Ground floor retail and restaurant storefronts
are designed to face Excelsior Boulevard on the east side of the site and the public plaza, and 4,700
square feet will be used as a public lobby. The remaining 7,100 square feet of the ground floor will
be used as a commercial branch for Bridgewater Bank.
Floors two through four are each approximately 20,000 square feet in size and will be home to the
office headquarters of Bridgewater Bank, and small service uses.
The building’s setbacks and stepbacks have been designed in response to the prior development
proposal in 2015. Large first floor setbacks have been provided along Monterey Drive, and
setbacks and landscaping have been increased along Excelsior Boulevard. The second floor of the
building’s south side steps back from Excelsior Boulevard to lessen the overall massing of the
building and to provide a rooftop amenity. The use of the rooftop amenity space is yet to be
defined; however it is anticipated that it would be utilized by the office tenants or possibly a fitness
studio. The majority of the office building is stepped back significantly from Excelsior Boulevard,
compared to the buildings to the west of Monterey Drive.
Access: Ingress and egress from the site is proposed to occur from Excelsior Boulevard, Monterey
Drive, and 36 ½ Street. Access to and from the site will be limited along Monterey Drive, and
loading areas are proposed on the north side of the building with access from 36 ½ Street.
The city commissioned SRF Consulting to conduct a traffic study for the proposed development.
The traffic study is being finalized, and will be presented to the city council at a future study
session. SRF Consulting is also the city’s consultant for the 2018 Connect the Park improvement
plan, which includes pedestrian and other improvements on Monterey Drive.
The site is designed for the pedestrian. Wide sidewalks and landscaping are proposed along
Excelsior Boulevard, and wide sidewalks and a large setback are proposed along Monterey Drive.
The city proposes a bike lane along Monterey Drive, and the development will dedicate additional
right-of-way to accommodate these facilities.
Parking: Parking is provided in a three level structured parking garage. Due to significant
topographical changes within the site, the top floor of the parking structure is located at grade with
Excelsior Boulevard, and P1 and P2 are located underneath. The applicant is still determining final
parking numbers, which are dependent upon the amount of bank, office, retail, and service uses
within the building.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 2) Page 4
Title: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
NEXT STEPS: Bridgewater intends to apply for preliminary and final plat approval, and a
rezoning. A portion of the property is zoned R4. Any rezoning from residential to commercial
requires 5 affirmative votes from city council.
The applicant controls two of the parcels and is proposing to acquire the EDA parcel at 3743
Monterey Drive.
The developer also intends to request tax increment financing to defray a portion of extraordinary
costs associated with the project that would prevent the project from being financially feasible.
A traffic study is being finalized, and the developer will be seeking additional input from neighbors
and the council before or upon submitting formal applications. A neighborhood meeting is being
scheduled for late January or early February.
The developer and staff will schedule future study session(s) with the city council to discuss the
recommendations of the traffic study and the tax increment financing requests, prior to city council
consideration of formal applications.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 2) Page 5
Title: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
SITE PLAN
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 2) Page 6
Title: Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive
RENDERINGS
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Per Council directive this topic has been placed on the agenda for
further discussion. Staff also desires to update Council on work it has done with the architect to
address design issues brought up by the Council on December 11 and 18.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the revised schematic plan reflect the council’s comments
and suggestions as staff and consultants move into Design Development phase?
SUMMARY: On May 23, 2016 Council approved the Master Plan for Westwood Hills Nature
Center (WHNC). On December 11 and 18, 2017 the Council reviewed the schematic design plans
and provided various comments and suggestions. On December 18 the Council approved the
schematic design and staff was asked to bring this topic back for discussion in January. The
schematic design included in this packet has been modified to address some of the suggestions
made by Council members at the previous two meetings. The revised plan has resulted in the
project cost being reduced to approximately $12 million.
The HGA design team has been using the Master Plan as a guide to create a schematic design.
Through the Master Plan process it was discovered by receiving public and staff input that there
is definitely a need to have three multi-purpose rooms. The main users of the nature center are
walk-in visitors, youth/adult/family program participants, youth in day camps, grade school
groups, preschool groups, birthday parties, etc. The majority of people that participate in
programming and services are from St. Louis Park and represent 56% of the total program count.
Additionally, people from 78 other Minnesota cities and seven additional states have been recorded
attending programs at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Based on Council input, the design team is working towards a “Zero Energy” certified building,
which means one hundred percent of the building’s energy needs on a net annual basis are supplied
by on-site renewable energy https://www.living-future.org/net-zero/certification/.
Last fall staff ran this project through the City’s Race and Equity Toolkit to ensure the building
and programming is conducive for all demographics. The Discussion portion of this report outlines
those findings.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: The proposed source of funding is GO
Bonds. The issuance of GO Bonds requires an affirmative vote of at least 6 of 7 councilmembers.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city
business.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Discussion
Revised Schematic Design
Prepared by: Jason T. West, Recreation Superintendent
Cynthia S. Walsh, Operations and Recreation Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 2
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
DISCUSSION
BACKGROUND: On May 23, 2016 Council approved the master plan for Westwood Hills
Nature Center (WHNC). The poor conditions of this facility along with the success of the programs
we offer at this site, with limited program space, were the impetus behind a master planning
process. The building is in poor condition. When it rains, water seeps through the walls causing
puddles to form on the floor. The heating system is in poor condition and doesn’t function properly.
As a part of the Master Plan work, an extensive public process took place which included public
meetings, surveys at special events, online surveys, etc. Citizen input played a key role in shaping
this plan. There have also been recent events conducted where input was gathered from the
community in regards to the master plan and the proposed interpretive center.
FINDINGS FROM THE MASTER PLAN: The common themes that emerged from the master
plan are as follows:
•Moving the building location closer to the parking lot for convenience and accessibility yet
keeping it tucked into the trees to keep a more natural setting as much as possible.
•Create a gathering space where people can use the indoor space without interfering with the
classrooms.
•Increasing the size of multi-purpose rooms to allow for accommodating 50 people in each
small multi-purpose room and allowing them to open up to have capacity for 150 participants
for special events and large gathering space. It has been the experience in other recently built
nature centers that three multi-purpose rooms are very typical to accommodate facility needs.
By creating three multi-purpose rooms it allows staff flexibility in responding to
programming and rental requests.
•Increasing the number of parking stalls to accommodate all the users of the building and
outside amenities.
•Design the interpretive center building to be energy efficient.
•Current interpretive center location would be repurposed as an outdoor education/community
gathering space.
•Overall building condition is poor and the building size is too small for current use.
•Due to the number of deficiencies and poor conditions of the existing building, reusing the
building is not a wise investment.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN COMPONENTS: The revised schematic design addresses the
questions and suggestions provided by Council members as well as most of the program and space
desires of the original Master Plan. Included in the attached schematic design are spaces for: four
mews for raptors (used to be five), two multi-purpose rooms that facilitate 50 people and one that
facilitates 20 people (used to be 50 people with the possibility of opening up into the gathering
space). This area still opens up into one larger space that can be used for programs or rentals with
room for 120 (was 150). The plan still includes a catering kitchen for use by staff and people
renting the multi-purpose rooms, exhibit and gathering space, a lounge area for people to sit and
observe nature, a conference room for use by staff or resident gatherings, staff offices and all the
back of house space for storage, mechanical, raptor and animal care etc.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 3
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
Spatial Points of Reference:
•The current nature center program/exhibit space is about the same size as the “Exhibit”
gathering space shown on the schematic design (highlighted in yellow).
•Classrooms B and C together on the schematic plan (highlighted in green) are about the same
size as the Council chambers.
•The foot print of the proposed Nature Center building is about the same size as the footprint
of City Hall for one floor.
•Classroom A is slightly smaller than the Community Room at City Hall.
The original schematic design was presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
at their November 29 meeting. The Commissioners provided great suggestions about pedestrian
flow and trail circulation. They were supportive of a design that works towards zero energy hoping
that those elements could be used as teaching tools as well as part of the interpretive exhibits. They
recommended that the schematic design be presented to the City Council. On December 18, 2017
Council approved the Schematic Design.
CURRENT AND FUTURE PROGRAMMING NEEDS: Below are typical programs that
would be taking place in the multi-purpose rooms in the newly constructed nature center.
Current programming includes:
•Summer Camps
•Spring Break Camps
•Winter Break Camps
•Puppet Story Time
•Birthday Parties
•Tuesday Turtles Preschool
•Weekend Family Programs
•Campfire Programs
•Adult Bird Hikes
•Adult Continuing Education
•Homeschool Groups
•Preschool/Nursery School Groups
•Elementary School Groups
•Middle/High School Groups
•Boy Scouts
•Girl Scouts
•Venture Scouts
•Outreach
•Live Animal Programs
Programming ideas that could be accommodated in a new building:
•Adult/Family Assembly
o Book authors, speakers, photographers, artists, etc.
•Entire School Grade Groups
•Multiple Class Age Groups
•Weekend Larger/Smaller Groups Rentals
o Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, family reunions, neighborhood meetings, graduation
parties, etc.
•Weekday Larger/Smaller Groups Rentals
o Corporate meetings/retreats, senior men’s/women’s groups, hiking groups, book clubs,
parent/child groups, special interest groups, neighborhood meetings
•Professional staff trainings
o Master naturalist trainings, SLP staff trainings, etc.
•Indoor Space for Halloween party activities (600+ participants/night)
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 4
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
Three multi-purpose rooms provide the following opportunities.
•Ability to expand programs and services in more appropriate spaces than present conditions
allow.
•Able to accommodate over 100 participants at a time.
•Able to accommodate multiple school groups/school programs concurrently.
•Able to accommodate full day school programming including a lunch area.
•Able to offer other programs (adults, seniors, preschool) concurrently with school
programming.
•Indoor rental opportunities for events – weddings, graduations, family gatherings, groups.
•Indoor space for holding Halloween party events/activities.
•Able to offer multiple camps/age groups during the same time.
•Quiet indoor space for meetings, reading & gathering independent of other groups.
•Separate public visitor space from program space.
•Ability to offer birthday parties, public programs and rental space at the same time during
weekend hours.
•Live animal collections separate from rental spaces (no snakes in view of rental customers).
•Increased marketing of WHNC with a rental space.
•Increase adult programming by having a separate gathering space with amenities to
attract/hold them there – i.e. fireplace, comfortable seating, library, quiet space, multi-
purpose space.
•Increase senior programming – lectures, events, speakers.
•Increase summer camp offerings by having multiple classrooms and staff.
•Increase the number of young adults that can participate in the Jr. Naturalists program.
•Be able to offer large guest speaker programs with adequate gathering space.
•Be able to host meetings/workshops with professional organizations i.e. Minnesota
Naturalists Association, MN Master Naturalists Program, etc.
•Host teacher workshops for area schools.
PUBLIC PROCESS: Residents were included in the process listed below.
Program and facility survey for participants of the following events
•October 16 & 17, 2015: Halloween Party (Westwood Hills Nature Center)
o Approximately 200 participated in the survey
•October 20 & 21, 2017: Halloween Party (Westwood Hills Nature Center)
o Distributed informational flyer and conducted a survey (please see attached flyer)
•October 23, 2015: Halloween Party (The Rec Center)
o Information on public meetings distributed
•October 27, 2017: Halloween Party (The Rec Center)
o Distributed informational flyer and conducted a survey (please see attached flyer)
On-line survey
•35 on-line surveys were completed for the master plan
Public Input Meetings (Westwood Hills Nature Center)
•October 27, 2015, 6 – 8 p.m.
o 20 attendees at meeting
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 5
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
• January 12, 2016, 6 – 8 p.m.
o 35 attendees at meeting
Public Presentations
• Senior Men’s Group at Lenox on October 24, 2017
o 35 attendees
Citizen input played a key role in shaping this plan. This helped the architects understand the first-
hand issues with the current facility. Meetings were publicized via postcards mailed to residents,
the city’s website and social media, informing the School District, an email to past program users
and promoting the meeting on Park TV.
As the project moves forward a detailed communication plan will be implemented that addresses
strategies and tactics for reaching stakeholder groups, including Westwood Hills users, adjacent
neighborhood residents, St. Louis Park residents, school groups, Westwood Hills staff and
volunteers, city staff and more. The communication plan is designed to raise awareness, obtain
input, educate and build support regarding the Interpretive Center project. The plan will employ a
wide variety of tactics, each tailored to the specific public, along with a detailed timeline for
deploying information to start first quarter 2018. Examples include:
• Community Education Advisory Council
February 13, 2018, 7 – 9 p.m.
• Presentation to Rotary groups, Business Council etc
• Information available at Neighborhood Leaders’ forum (January)
• Presentations at neighborhood meetings
• Public Open Houses at Westwood Hills Nature Center
• Use of social media
• Continual project updates on the city’s website at www.stlouispark.org/WHNC/new-
interpretive-center.
RACE AND EQUITY LENS: The Race and Equity Toolkit was used by the Westwood Hills
staff last fall into early December as a part of planning for the building. The following were the
findings of this exercise where staff identified the impacts of building a new Interpretive Center
Building thru the lens of racial equity
Desired Outcomes & Results:
• Way finding – Clarity of building location and a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone
• Easier to find location – more likely for someone new to WHNC to visit building
• Physically decreasing distance to building – youth, elderly, disabilities, etc.
• Providing restroom facilities after hours year round as well as informational brochures,
drinking water, etc.
• More welcoming spaces for non-program visitors without the conflict of space, noise, etc.
• To be a community asset for the entire community to enjoy
• Location of new building will appear safer – see building from parking lot, staff can see
parking lot
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 6
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
Ability to affect:
• Children/youth
• Environment
• Health
• Community engagement
• Jobs
• Education
• Government practices
• Parks and recreation
How this project impacts racial equity:
• Creating a no cost space for anyone to gather both inside and outside year-round
• Increase awareness of Nature Center and its programming and services through increased
outreach programming in SLP as well as to develop relationships with underserved
populations
• Continue offering free programs each season
• Sliding scale or family rate for program fees for multiple family members
• Strengthen connections to schools & community education
• Create new programming opportunities with schools for topics related to Zero Energy,
sustainability, and resiliency
• Offer location for larger family units/groups to gather for events, rentals, etc.
ADDITIONAL WORK IN PROGRESS: Split Rock Studios has been chosen to design the
interpretive exhibits with the intent to integrate the building, site and exhibit design to support the
nature center’s educational programming. Designing the exhibits appropriately is important as we
consider working towards zero energy since exhibits can be one of the largest energy users in a
building.
Staff has also been working with consultants to complete the following:
• Wetland delineation
• Site survey
• Trees located within survey area
• All utilities located
• The proposed new building site has been staked
SUSTAINABILITY GOAL: As a firm, HGA brings a wealth of knowledge in the area of
sustainable design. HGA has also brought on consultant Chris Piche from Integral Group. Chris
brings a broad understanding of high performance building engineering systems to this project.
His approach is rooted in the philosophy that environmentally responsible design must constantly
evolve to suit the technology available in balance with the project. To that end, the design of this
building currently includes sustainable design that integrates HVAC, plumbing, solar, and a
number of other elements to achieve Zero Energy status. Zero Energy buildings are highly energy
efficient buildings in which the total consumption of energy from all sources is balanced by onsite
renewable energy generation on an annual basis. The Zero Energy Building Certification (ZE) is
a newly available certification (as of March 2017), and builds on years of leadership towards zero
energy building design from both the International Living Future’s Institute (ILFI) and the New
Building Institute (NBI). ILFI is the organization behind the Living Building Challenge –which is
arguably the most progressive green building certification available for buildings today. The New
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Page 7
Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update
Building’s Institute has been a third-party auditor and verifier for zero energy buildings since 2009
and is also responsible for establishing an industry-wide definition for Zero Energy buildings, as
well as documenting these projects through the Zero Energy Database.
As we move on to the next phase of Design Development, staff will work with the consultants to
provide information regarding the return on investment for making this a Zero Energy building.
Zero Energy buildings are among the most progressive sustainable design projects in the world
today. Due to the new and innovative nature of this goal, St. Louis Park has the opportunity to
create a project which is among the first (or perhaps be the first) non-residential Zero Energy
Project in Minnesota. This project would be leading the way for future sustainable design work in
our cold-climate region.
NEXT STEPS: The project is in the design development phase. Staff will check in with the City
Council midway through this phase and affirm direction in order to keep the project moving
forward. What follows is an estimated schedule for the project:
1. Late January 2018 and on-going - public process and information sharing
2. Spring 2018: Design Development completed; move into preparation of construction
documents
3. Early Fall of 2018: Construction Documents are finished and bids let
4. 2019: Construction begins
5. 2020: Finished project
LEGENDADMINBUILDINGSUPPORTCIRCULATIONEDUCATIONEXTERIORPROGRAMSUPPORTPUBLICGATHERINGGROUP ENTRYACCESS0102030 501005SERVICE ENTRYSTORSTORSTORRAPTOR CAGES/MEWSRAPTORCAREMULTIPURPOSE DECKMTLTWTLTMECHELECTMULTIPURPOSE ROOMSBCEXISTING PICNIC SHELTERMAINTUTILITYPROGRAM STORAGESTORAGE CUBBIESTR/RCMAIN PUBLIC ENTRYEXHIBIT/PUBLIC GATHERINGSTAFFOFFICEMGRQUIETPROGRAMSUPPLIESMECHCONFERENCE ROOMUNISEX TLTWELCOMEDISPLAY/ ANIMAL WORK RMCATERING STAGINGSTOROUTDOOR GATHERING SPACELOUNGEE CUBBIESStudy Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 3) Title: Westwood Hills Nature Center Project UpdatePage 8
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: SLP Policing Model / Critical Incident Planning Follow Up Discussion (Part 2)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Manager Harmening and Chief Harcey would like to hear
from the Council its observations and thoughts on what they learned from the four sessions and
discuss any follow-up action to take.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: None at this time.
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Park Police Department has built community trust through
Community Oriented Policing. Despite this strong support from the community, trust in the police
can be fragile. To help prepare the Council for questions about our police department in the event
of a critical incident, City Manager Tom Harmening, Police Chief Mike Harcey and staff have
conducted informational meetings with Council that covered the following four topics:
1. St. Louis Park Police service delivery model. This session included information on how we
police our community using Community Oriented Policing. It also provided information
about police officer hiring standards, including how we recruit, hire and train our officers.
2. Police policies and procedures. This session included information on biased policing, when
to initiate a stop or detention, arrest and booking procedures, vehicle pursuits, and use of
force procedures.
3. Current issues facing policing. This session included information on challenging citizen
contacts, mental health crisis calls, use-of-force decision making, and an interactive
demonstration of how our officers train using MILO.
4. Critical incident review and planning. This session included a presentation on a 2004 officer
involved shooting, a recent incident with a suicidal juvenile, how a critical incident is
investigated and a presentation from Jacque Larson and Bob McNany examining how
Council would work with the police department, city manager, communications manager
and consultants in the event of a critical incident.
The PowerPoint presentations from all four of the sessions are available to the Council and the
public at the following link: https://www.stlouispark.org/Home/Components/News/News/120/18.
On December 4th, 2017 Mayor Spano led a discussion of the four sessions with Councilmembers,
City Manager Harmening and Chief Harcey. During this meeting, Council completed discussions
of sessions 1 and 2. Council discussed the importance of the Community Oriented Policing service
delivery model and the culture of the department that is built on quality hiring and training. Council
also discussed what information is being collected on an individual’s immigration status, the
possibility of collecting race data on police calls for service and the development of a body worn
camera policy.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: None
Prepared by: Michael Harcey, Police Chief
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 5
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
RECOMMENDED ACTION: No formal action requested. Feedback is requested on the
proposed agenda outline for the Council Workshop.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Does the summary listed below meet Council’s expectations for
developing a detailed agenda for the workshop?
SUMMARY: At a recent Study Session, Council discussed the annual workshop. As in past
years, Council selected a planning team for the workshop and this year the team consists of
Councilmembers Brausen, Hallfin and Mavity. The planning team met with staff and consultants
twice and prepared a draft agenda which is attached. A quick summary is as follows:
Proposed Retreat Outcomes:
•To build a foundation for a high functioning/high performing City Council
•Understanding of where we have been and are at today as an organization and
community
•Understanding of each Councilmembers own vision, ideas and priorities for the future
•Begin to discuss and possibly reach consensus on Big Bowl priorities for the next ten
years.
Thursday, January 18
Relational Learning
Facilitator: Bridget Gothberg, BG Consulting
•Carver Governance: What is it, how are we doing and interactive exercise
•Groups: Forming-storming-norming-performing
•Unwritten Rules and Council Norms: Review, discussion, words from Mayor
•Relational Learning: Style Preferences/Gregorc
Friday, January 19
The Past, Present and Future
Facilitators: ML Rice, Leadership Consulting and Bridget Gothberg, BG Consulting
•Revisit the past 25 years: 1990 - 2015
•Discuss the present: 2016 & 2017
•Look to the future: 2018 - 2028
VISION CONSIDERATION: All areas of Vision are potentially impacted by Council
Workshop outcomes.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Council Workshop Draft Agenda
Facilitator Bios
Prepared by: Nancy Deno, Deputy City Manager/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 5) Page 2
Title: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
___________________________________________________________________
Thursday, January 18
--- Relational Learning ---
4:00 – 9:00 p.m. / Council Chambers – City Hall
Dress Casually
Facilitator: Bridget Gothberg, BG Consulting
Attendees: Mayor, Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Consultant ML Rice
4:00 p.m. Check in & Welcome
Carver Governance
•What is Carver Governance?
•How are we doing in using the governance model?
Groups:
The forming–storming–norming–performing model of group
development was first proposed by Bruce Tuckman in 1965, who said
that these phases are all necessary and inevitable in order for the team to
grow, face up to challenges, tackle problems, find solutions, plan work,
and deliver results.
-- Dinner--
Unwritten Rules and Council Norms
•Review discussion from last year
•Other thoughts/comments
•Words and thoughts from the mayor
Relational Learning
•Style Preferences/Gregorc
9:00 p.m. Adjourn
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 5) Page 3
Title: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
ST. LOUIS PARK CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP AGENDA
___________________________________________________________________
Friday, January 19
--- The past, present and future ---
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. / Council Chambers – City Hall
Dress Casually
Facilitator: ML Rice & Bridget Gothberg
Attendees: Mayor, Council, City Manager, Department Directors, Chief Financial Officer,
Communications and Marketing Manager
8:30 am Check in & Welcome – review of Thursday
9am The focus will be on deep and wide exploration. We have new councilmembers
and a new team. We will interact with a review that explores where the City has
been and informs where the City is currently will set the stage for a wide,
divergent discussion of future possibilities. This discussion of future possibilities
will then converge, leading to conversations about goals and priorities.
The past 25 years: 1990-2015
where the City has been
accomplishments, activities, impacts and issues over the past 25 years;
The present: 2016 – 2017
where the City is currently
what is approved, in process, planned and confirmed for 2018
Lunch
The future: 2018 – 2028
10 year concepts, visions, opportunities, challenges
what the future might look like.
Where do we go from here?
3:00 pm Adjourn
--- Attached are Bios of the facilitators ---
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 5) Page 4
Title: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
BG Consulting
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Community Building is developing authentic relationships between people. BG
Consulting combines both experts and disciplines for your company/organization/group
team to make you more effective and efficient. BG Consulting is adept at team building,
community connections, collaboration, dealing with change, and future trends. We use
these personal assessments: Myers-Briggs, Gregorc, “Discover Your Strengths”, and
Emotional Intelligence. When it comes to facilitation, we are skilled in World Café, Open
Space Technology, Appreciative Inquiry, Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, Small and
Large Group methodologies. Our areas of expertise include:
Leadership & Community Development • Community Partnerships • Environment
Entrepreneurship & Intrapreneurship • Citizen Engagement • Public Process
Meaningful Conversations • Cities/Counties/School • Supervision
Bridget Beck Gothberg
President of BG Consulting
Bridget Beck Gothberg is President of BG Consulting, a
firm specializing in leadership development, community
growth, facilitation and life coaching. She was a
community education director for 27 years, including
Cloquet, MN; Buffalo, MN; St. Louis Park, MN. She is an
adjunct professor for the University of St. Thomas
teaching courses to students seeking licensure in
Community Education. Her undergraduate degree in
Social Work and Psychology was from the University of
North Dakota. Her graduate degree is in Educational
Leadership from the University of St. Thomas.
www.bgconsulting.org
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 5) Page 5
Title: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
Facilitation
ML Rice Leadership Consulting specializes in designing and facilitating one-of-a-kind, multi-day
meetings, workshops, retreats, planning sessions and large group gatherings including open
space technology. Often meetings are co-created with an internal design team so that a unique
and effective retreat or planning session is the result.
Partial Client List
Rebuild Twin Cities Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce
McKnight Foundation Washington County Attorney Office
Roseville School District Allina Law Department
City of St. Louis Park Hampton Roads Sanitation District
Professional Coaching
Mary Lou (ML) Rice is a professional coach with training through both the international Coaches
Training Institute and the Newfield Network. Professional coaches work with individual and
group clients to help them achieve results and sustain life-changing behavior in their lives and
careers. Professional coaches address the whole person/team, with an emphasis on producing
action and deepening learning. ML’s signature style is to use a mix of intense listening, creativity,
humor, and heart-of-the matter conversation to allow clients to see their true potential as well
as the gap between where they are now and where they could be. She also includes movement
and body awareness in her coaching and consulting work.
Partial Client List
All individual coaching clients are confidential. In the past eighteen years, ML has
worked with more than 100 different individual clients ranging from corporate C
level officers and vice presidents to attorneys and engineers. In addition, she has
coached teams of managers and taught coaching skills to supervisors.
Training
ML Rice Leadership Consulting offers specialized training in the areas of leadership and
management skills, interpersonal communication, team building, human development including
Myers Briggs Type Indicator, emotional intelligence, gender communications, women working
together and coaching skill development.
Partial Client List
City of Akron, OH TwinWest Chamber of Commerce
St. Paul Public Schools Minneapolis Public Schools.
ML Rice Leadership Consulting
ML (Mary Lou)Rice
ML Rice Leadership Consulting Services
651.470.6856
ml@riceworks.net
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 5) Page 6
Title: Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop
Information about ML (Mary Lou) Rice
• MA in Organizational Leadership — College of St. Catherine in St. Paul
• Graduate of year-long Co-Active Space Leadership Program
• Bush Foundation Education Leadership Fellowship
• More than twenty years of progressive responsibility as an administrator, manager and
department director
• Eighteen years of experience as a consultant, coach and facilitator
• ML’s consulting, facilitation and coaching skills include the abilities to:
o engage people in learning and self-observation,
o listen deeply beneath the words,
o utilize intuition to help clients determine what’s really going on,
o present clear and succinct information,
o frame problems,
o ask questions which get at the “heart of the matter,”
o draw solutions from the individual and group,
o create learning environments, and
o design and deliver interactive facilitation and training sessions.
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Discussion Item: 6
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff has prepared a draft list of legislative issues and priorities,
a final version of which is intended to be reviewed at a special study session on February 5 with
Senator Ron Latz, Representative Cheryl Youakim, Representative Peggy Flanagan, Hennepin
County Commissioner Marion Greene and Metropolitan Council representative Gail Dorfman. In
preparation for that meeting staff asks for Council feedback on the attached draft document.
POLICY CONSIDERATION:
•Does the Council agree with the issues included in the draft document?
•Would the Council like staff and the city’s legislative delegation to pursue any other issues?
•Of all of the legislative issues identified, what are the Council’s highest priorities (very
helpful for our representatives to know this).
•Does the Council wish to continue retaining legislative consulting assistance for 2018 to help
promote the city’s legislative agenda?
SUMMARY: The state legislature will be reconvening on February 20, 2018. As has been done
in past years, staff has prepared the attached draft list of legislative issues for the Councils review.
Based on Council comments a final draft will be brought to the Council for its review at the study
session on January 22. As the 2018 legislative session progresses, additional issues may arise and
we can address those as necessary.
It has been our practice to retain lobbying services to assist with legislative and regulatory issues.
Administrative Services has used Doug Franzen and Vic Moore of Franzen & Associates, and
Emily Tranter of Lockridge, Grindal, and Nauen. Staff asks if Council would like to continue these
services for 2018.
FINANCIAL OR BUDGET CONSIDERATION: Funding for lobbyists is included in the
budget.
VISION CONSIDERATION: Not applicable.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities (Draft)
Prepared by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
[1]
City of St. Louis Park
2018 Legislative Issues (Draft)
Community Development Issues
Affordable Housing Financing
Bonding Authority (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: In the 2017 legislative session, the legislature provided $77 million in bonding authority to
construct and preserve affordable housing, improve existing public housing and to expand support
for homeless programs. Although the 2017 bonding authority amount is significant, the continued
demand for affordable housing warrants the need for additional Housing Infrastructure (HIB) and
General Obligation (GO) Bonds for affordable housing. GO bonds can be used to rehabilitate or
construct new public housing. HIB bonds can be used to finance several types of projects including
new construction or rehabilitation of supportive and affordable housing and preservation of
existing federally subsidized rental housing.
Position: The city supports an effective bonding bill that provides Housing Infrastructure (HIB)
and General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund affordable housing to serve low income households.
Establish a TOD Affordable Housing Fund (Request directed to State Leg./Hennepin Co)
Issue: Efforts are being made to develop a corridor-wide housing strategy for the SWLRT Corridor
for providing a full range of housing options specifically within a half-mile of the station areas. The
fundamental issue with respect to the traditional approaches to infill/redevelopment and mixed-
income housing production/preservation, is an absence of funds.
Position: The city supports the creation of a TOD Affordable Housing Fund and requests that
Hennepin County and the State provide a financial resource to be used to support the preservation
and creation of affordable housing along the SWLRT corridor.
Local Housing Trust Funds (LHTF) (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: In the 2017 session, the legislature passed language that enables cities, counties or regions
to set up and resource LHTFs. In 2018, local affordable housing agencies will be working to
identify a consistent funding source and incentivize communities to take advantage of this locally
controlled tool.
Position: The city supports legislation that establishes a dedicated revenue source for LHTFs,
encourages local jurisdictions, creates a state match and provides technical assistance dollars to
communities to set up their LHTF.
Reduce 4D Tax Classification Tax Rate and Expand Eligibility to Participation in the
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: Increasing property taxes are impacting multi-family residential rental properties. These
increasing costs are being passed on to renters as owners increase rents. At the same time, the
need for affordable housing continues to increase. Existing rent-restricted buildings are also
struggling with increased taxes and limited ability to increase rents to cover the cost. Reducing
the 4D tax classification rate would provide an incentive for market-rate properties to designate a
portion of their units as rent-restricted and provide tax relief to existing rent-restricted properties.
Expanding eligibility to include properties committing to accepting a minimum (20%) number of
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 2
[2]
Housing Choice Voucher participants would provide an incentive for more rental owners to accept
tenants receiving housing subsidy, which provides greater housing opportunities for program
participants.
Position: The city supports any legislation that would reduce the 4D tax classification rate to
encourage more rent-restricted units in market-rate buildings and/or expand eligibility
requirements to encourage more rental owner participation in the Housing Choice Voucher
Program.
Amend State Statute 471.9996 Rent Control Prohibited to Allow for a 90 Day Tenant
Protection Period Following the Transfer of (NOAH) Property Ownership (Request directed
to State Legislature)
Issue: Currently state statute prohibits any local adoption of an ordinance to control rents on private
residential properties unless the ordinance is approved in a general election. Investment buyers
have been purchasing NOAH multi-family residential properties, rehabbing properties and
increasing rents. In some cases, new owners have non-renewed the leases of existing tenants with
minimal notice and/or implemented substantial rent increases with minimal notice. A 90-day
period that would prohibit rent increases and non-renewals would allow time for existing residents
in these situations to seek alternative housing.
Position: The city supports legislation that would allow for a 90-day tenant protection period
following ownership transfer of a NOAH multi-family residential property.
Establish revenue resource for Inclusionary Housing Fund (Request directed to State
Legislature)
Issue: The Met Council partnered with the Family Housing Fund and the Urban Land Institute of
MN to support mixed-income (inclusionary) housing efforts in the region. Together they
developed a number of tools including the mixed-income calculator and the establishment of an
Inclusionary Housing Fund to assist in financing mixed income projects. A number of
communities in the metro region have adopted policies to ensure the inclusion of affordable
housing in new multi-family residential market-rate developments. To date, a funding source for
the Inclusionary Housing Fund has not been established.
Position: The City supports establishment of a financing resource to fund the Inclusionary
Housing Fund to facilitate mixed-income projects. An Inclusionary Housing Fund would support
local efforts to finance inclusionary housing projects, providing a financial resource for local
communities that adopt Inclusionary housing policies for new multi-family residential
development.
Other Community Development Issues
TIF District Statutory Modifications (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) remains the most viable tool for local economic
development and community reinvestment efforts. TIF is a method local governments use to pay
for the costs of qualifying improvements necessary to create new investment, redevelopment, or
publicly-assisted housing. The financing of the qualifying improvements is paid from the increased
property taxes generated from the new development, redevelopment, or housing that would not
occur “but for” such assistance. There are steps that the State could take that would enhance the
effectiveness of TIF, leverage additional private investment and create more jobs and tax base in
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 3
[3]
communities. The current types of State-authorized TIF districts lack flexibility and do not
adequately address the varied and unique redevelopment situations found in urban communities.
Currently, the Minnesota TIF Act requires more than 50% of the buildings in a project area be
found to be substandard to qualify as a Redevelopment TIF District. In redevelopment situations
involving only a small number of parcels, this can be an insurmountable standard to meet thus
preventing new investment from occurring.
Position: The City supports greater flexibility and the inclusion of additional uses within current
TIF districts.
• In particular, the City supports a minor modification of the Redevelopment TIF District
statute requiring 50% or more of buildings within project areas be found to be substandard.
• The City supports the elimination of the 5-year rule for districts that take longer to develop.
• To spur additional development, the City supports lengthening the duration of Economic
Development TIF Districts to a full 10 years, or nine years from first tax increment collection.
In addition, the City supports expanding authority to allow for the establishment of Economic
Development TIF Districts for assisting with commercial project development for the
purpose of retention and expansion of existing businesses and the attraction of new business
to the state to create and retain jobs.
• The City further supports the establishment of Transit Oriented TIF Districts within one-half
mile of light rail corridors and one mile from light rail corridor train stations for the purposes
of promoting economic development, redeveloping blighted areas, and the development of
housing near light rail corridors. Eligible expenditures within the district include but are not
limited to (1) the city's or authority’s share of the costs necessary to provide for the
construction of any southwest light rail transit station and related infrastructure, including
but not limited to parking facilities, including structured parking, pedestrian overpasses,
pedestrian connections, and walkways or trails; (2) infrastructure and roadway
improvements, including but not limited to sanitary sewer, water, storm sewer and utility
improvements; (3) land acquisition costs; (4) costs related to environmental remediation, soil
correction, demolition, and relocation; (5) site improvement costs; (6) costs incurred with
respect to the development of or rehabilitation of housing; and (7) related administrative
costs. Additionally, if two or more cities or authorities propose a joint development or
adjacent developments, the cities or authorities would be allowed to expend up to 25% of the
total revenue derived from tax increments generated from such a tax increment district to pay
for the eligible expenditures of another tax increment district located outside the city’s
corporate limits
DEED Program Funding (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: The Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) is critically important
in the support of communities and local economic development initiatives. DEED manages several
funding programs utilized by the City which have positively impacted St. Louis Park.
Position: St. Louis Park supports the continued annual funding of DEED programs at stable and
sustainable levels. The City believes that continued funding of DEED programs at the same, or an
increased level is vital to economic growth across Minnesota. The City supports legislative
initiatives that strengthen funding levels for economic development programs administered by
DEED and other state agencies such as Small Business Development Centers, the Minnesota
Investment Fund, the Job Creation Fund, Brownfield Cleanup and Redevelopment Grant Program,
Transportation Economic Development Program and proposed new financing tools that support
development along transit corridors. Minnesota communities rely on these programs to remain
competitive with neighboring states in their efforts to bring jobs and tax base back to Minnesota.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 4
[4]
Special Service Districts Statutory Authority (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: In 1988, cities were granted general authority under Minn. Stat. § 428A.01 to § 428A.101
to establish Special Service Districts. As currently written, only commercial properties can
financially participate within Special Service Districts. This is challenging for funding additional
services within mixed-use project areas. The City of St. Louis Park has established six Special
Service Districts, including multiple sections of Excelsior Boulevard. Providing infrastructure
improvements and on-going maintenance at the LRT station areas will also be a need
Position: The city supports the inclusion of multi-family housing developments as financial
participants within Special Service Districts and the establishment of Special Service Districts
around transit and LRT station areas.
Transportation Issues
Redesign and Reconstruction of CSAH 25 (Request directed to Hennepin County)
Issue: The City and County are working together to prepare a long term vision to transform the
CSAH 25 Corridor from the rural design through-route it is today to a multimodal urban boulevard
with well-designed landscape architecture and place-making features. The goal is to transform this
Hennepin County Road into an amenity rich, pedestrian and transit oriented, development friendly
Boulevard, between Trunk Highway 100 and France Avenue. A clear long-term vision for CSAH
25 will serve as a guide for both public and private investment in this corridor. Already, the
SWLRT Beltline station, park & ride and proposed Beltline Blvd Station redevelopment project is
beginning to transform the west end of this corridor. The Shoreham mixed-use project is beginning
transformation at the east end and the Parkway 25 project will continue the redevelopment pattern.
The new concept for CSAH 25, when finalized, will support this change to a more urban place and
provide good, attractive access to the Beltline LRT station in St. Louis Park and the neighboring
W. Lake LRT station in Minneapolis.
Analysis: To transform CSAH 25 into an urban boulevard will require the following actions and
considerations:
• A commitment from Hennepin County, with involvement from Minneapolis, to changing
the vision for the corridor.
• Integration into concept plans of both the planned improvements associated with SWLRT
between Beltline Boulevard and Lynn Avenue and the West Lake Street multi-modal
transportation plan into the vision for the corridor.
• Inclusion in concept plans of strong connections to existing and planned bicycle routes,
filling the existing gap in access to the Cedar Lake Trail from the north.
• Consideration in concept plans of the MCES interceptor along the south side, the lack of
width on north-south streets, the frontage roadway geometry, circulation/access needs,
future land use assumptions, rail/LRT, Beltline Station area plan and design guidelines.
• Addressing storm water treatment, landscape and pedestrians amenities as well as
opportunities for remnant right-of-way to be used for future additional bike and pedestrian
facilities.
• Consideration of the east end “triangle,” where Minnetonka Blvd, CSAH 25, France Avenue
and West Lake Street meet. This area presents both opportunities for gateway treatments
for both Minneapolis and St Louis Park as well as operational challenges for the movement
of traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists and local businesses.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 5
[5]
• Analysis of traffic operations analysis, crash/safety, 2040 forecasts (possibly interim year
related to SWLRT improvements), including review of all pedestrian- or bicycle-related
crashes. Limits of operations analysis should be the Hwy. 100 west ramp terminal to France
Avenue.
• Inclusion of multimodal improvements, future intersection locations, and lane arrangement
and circulation.
• Consideration of a new name for the roadway that provides a positive identity while
eliminating the currently existing address confusion. Just as CSAH 5 is also named
Minnetonka Boulevard, CSAH 25 needs a street name around which an image and identity
can be built. In the case of CSAH 25, there is added confusion because of its history of being
originally part of MN Highway 7, a name that continues to be used by many.
• CSAH 25 serves many important functions and is home to a surprising number of
businesses, residents and property owners. All stakeholders should be informed and
involved in the design processes from the beginning.
• Development of a funding and phasing plan will be necessary. Transforming CSAH 25 will
be a large project and will take time and significant resources to implement. New
development in the corridor may be able to play a significant role in funding the
transformation, but timing will be critical for that to happen.
Position: We thank Hennepin County for their participation in the redesign process and request
the County’s support and funding for the actual rehabilitation/ reconstruction of CSAH 25 as the
project moves forward.
Rehabilitation/ Reconstruction of Minnetonka Blvd. (Request directed to Hennepin Co.)
Issue: Minnetonka Boulevard between Trunk Highway (TH) 169 and France Avenue is a
Hennepin County road and is one of the few continuous west-to-east roadway connections in the
City of St. Louis Park. The Minnetonka Boulevard bridge over TH 100 was reconstructed in 2015
and includes bicycle, pedestrian and intersection improvements that have greatly increased the
efficiency and safety in this segment of the corridor. The road to the west and to the east of the
new bridge is in need of rehabilitation reconstruction to ensure that it accommodates the best
facility for bicycles, pedestrians and motorists.
Recently, the city was informed that the portion of Minnetonka Blvd. between France Ave. and
Hwy 100 has been placed in the County’s CIP for reconstruction in 2022 at an estimated cost of
$14 million.
Analysis: In order to extend the bicycle, pedestrian and roadway enhancements that were
completed at the Minnetonka Boulevard bridge the following items would need to be addressed.
• Curb height: Between TH 100 and France Avenue the road is concrete with a bituminous
overlay. While the overlay improves the ride for motorists, however, it also reduced the curb
height which places the roadway at nearly the same level as the sidewalk on the north side
of the street.
• Sidewalks/Landscaping: The sidewalks require updating to meet ADA requirements for
pedestrian ramps, width, and clearance from obstructions. To increase safety and provide a
more pedestrian-friendly environment the city would like the County to move the sidewalks
away from the street and plant trees in the boulevard.
• Pedestrian crosswalks: A number of pedestrian crossings should be considered for
enhancements. The addition of pedestrian refuge median or bump outs should be considered
to make the crossings safer on this four-lane road
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 6
[6]
• Bike lanes: The city and county bike plan include bike lanes on this road which could be
accomplished by creating a three-lane cross section for the corridor since currently a number
of segments are not wide enough to accommodate bike lanes.
• Intersection modifications: Signal systems and intersection geometrics in the corridor should
be studied and updated to include flashing yellow arrows and turn lanes as needed to improve
traffic flow.
Position: The city sincerely thanks Hennepin County for including in its CIP the reconstruction of
Minnetonka Blvd from France Ave to Hwy 100 in 2022. In 2018, the City reconstructed Texas
Avenue south of Minnetonka Boulevard, stopping just 400 feet south of the Minnetonka Blvd
intersection. This project was coordinated with Centerpoint Energy as a part of a 24 inch
distribution line replacement. Centerpoint has indicated that they will be coming back in 2020 to
continue this project through the Minnetonka Blvd/ Texas Avenue intersection. In order to develop
a comprehensive project that will address intersection design concerns and pavement condition,
the City has added the reconstruction of the Texas/ Minnetonka Boulevard intersection to it’s CIP
for 2020. We request that the County partner with the City and set aside funding for this much
needed intersection reconstruction in 2020.
Southwest LRT (Directed to State Legislature, Met Council & Hennepin County)
Position: The City continues to strongly support the Southwest LRT Project.
Transportation Funding (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: A comprehensive transportation system is a vital component in planning for and meeting
the physical, social and economic needs of our state and metropolitan region. Adequate and stable
sources of funding are necessary to ensure the development and maintenance of a high quality,
efficient and safe transportation system that meets these needs and that will position the state and
region to be economically competitive in the years ahead.
Analysis: Under current transportation financing structures, transportation needs in the
metropolitan region continue to be inadequate and underfunded. Our transportation funding system
relies primarily on local property taxes and fees and the motor vehicle sales tax (MVST) for transit.
Automobiles are becoming more fuel efficient and MVST receipts continue to lag behind
projections, resulting in funding levels that continually fail to meet demand. Transportation
funding and planning must be a high priority for state, regional and local policymakers so that the
transportation system can sufficiently meet the needs of the state’s residents and businesses and
its projected population growth. Funding and planning for our regional and statewide systems must
be coordinated at the federal, state, regional and local levels to optimally achieve long term needs
and goals. In addition, cities lack adequate tools and state resources for the maintenance and
improvement of municipal systems, with resources restricted to property taxes and special
assessments. Cost participation requirements have overburdened city budgets. It is imperative that
alternative revenue generating authority be granted to municipalities and state resources be made
available for this purpose to relieve the burden on the property tax system.
Position: The city:
• Supports stable and sufficient statewide transportation funding and local tools to meet the
long-term transportation system needs of the region and local municipal systems;
• Supports funding to assist cities overburdened by cost participation responsibilities;
• Supports state funding for state highway projects, including congestion and safety
improvements; and
• Supports state financial assistance, as well as innovations in design and construction.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 7
[7]
Transit Financing (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: The Twin Cities metropolitan area is served by a regional transit system that is expanding
to include rail transit and dedicated busways. Any operating subsidies necessary to support this
system should come from a regional or statewide funding source. The property taxpayers of
individual cities and counties should not be required to fund the operation of specific transit lines
or routes of service within this regional system.
Analysis: MVST revenue projections have not been reliable and the Legislature has repeatedly
reduced general fund support for Metropolitan Transit. As a result, the regional transit providers
continue to operate at a funding deficit. Shifting demographics in the metropolitan region will
mean increased demand for transit in areas with and without current transit service.
Position: The city supports stable and growing revenue sources to fund the operating budget for
all regional transit providers at a level sufficient to meet the growing operational and capital transit
needs of the region and to expand the system to areas that currently have little or no transit options.
The city also supports an increase in the regional sales tax to fund the expansion of regular route
service, the continuing capital expenses and expanded operational needs of the metropolitan transit
system, if the increase is accompanied by sufficient local controls over the collection and
expenditure of the new revenue and geographic balance is maintained in the expansion of service
to allow cities to appropriately plan for growth in population and service needs along new and
expanded transit service. The city opposes diversions of the uses of this tax for any other purposes.
Public Safety Issues
Railroad and Hazardous Substance Safety
Issue: The current situation within St Louis Park suggests that there will be the continued shipment
of hazardous material commodities through the community including but not limited to crude oil
and ethanol at current or increased levels in the future. In the interest of public safety, the fire
service and emergency managers’ commonly work together to secure various types of information
for emergency planning and response. Railroad companies are reluctant if not unwilling to provide
information about hazardous materials moving through communities due to security concerns,
which makes it difficult to undertake proper emergency planning.
Analysis: Detailed and local railroad planning information would assist emergency managers in
assessing rail hazards, finding local vulnerabilities, gauging response capabilities, and identifying
specific gaps. Examples of information which should be provided under a non-disclosure
agreement (to insure the informatin is secure) includes:
• A disclosure of the railroad company’s response capability
• Information that is available on-scene and response-oriented (i.e. identity and quantity of
HAZMAT carried aboard rail cars involved in an incident). This information should be
provided in a manner that is useable by responders at the scene in a web based format as well
as the Ask Rail phone app.
In addition to the above information, railroad companies should be required to partner with local
jurisdictions, emergency planners and responders on training for responding to an incident.
Position: The City supports legislation that requires railroads to address the concerns noted above.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 8
[8]
Oppose statutory prohibition on residential fire sprinklers (Request directed to State
Legislature)
Issue: The Appellate Court struck down the Department of Labor and Industries (DLI) adoption
of the latest International Residential Code (IRC). The IRC had a provision requiring residential
fire sprinklers in newly constructed one- and two-family homes that were 4,500 sq. feet and larger.
Analysis: The sprinkler provision was challenged as to whether it was done legally and
appropriately. The requirement to build these homes safer is no longer in effect. The sobering
reality is that, in terms of fire safety, the most dangerous place to be is at home. And most often
the victims of fire are the younger and older among us, who have a more difficult time getting out
in an emergency situation.
Residential fire sprinklers save lives. Fire sprinklers are cost-effective. In Minnesota recent studies
show the cost of installing residential fire sprinkler systems averages $1.15 per sprinkled square
foot, or approximately 1% of new home construction.
Position: Oppose efforts to prohibit future adoption of the Residential fire sprinkler code.
Oppose expansion of legal fireworks. (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: There is a continued effort to expand the sale and use of a wider variety of fireworks. In the
past, bills have been introduced that would expand the definition of legal fireworks to include
“aerial and audible”. These bills also proposed disallowing cities from banning the sale of
fireworks, but would allow cities to pass ordinances banning people from using fireworks.
Analysis: There is an inherent danger in aerial fireworks which cause a number of injuries and
pose a serious fire risk. Fireworks injuries in 2015 were the highest they have been in the last 10
years. 43% of the fireworks injuries in the past ten years happen to people 1-19 years of age
(children, teens, and young adults). Fire damage due to fireworks in 2014 was $1.75 million.
Position: Oppose the expansion of legal fireworks in Minnesota to include “aerial and audible”
Continued Health Insurance Coverage for Disabled Public Safety Officers (Request directed
to State Legislature)
Issue: MS299A.465 states that the employer is responsible for continued payment of their
contribution for health insurance coverage for police officers, firefighters, and dependents, if
applicable, that were disabled in the line of duty. The determination of disability in the line of
duty is made by the executive director of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA).
On October 1, 2013, the Minnesota Worker’s Compensation Act (MS 176.011) was amended to
include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a compensable work comp injury if it arises out
of employment. This has resulted in a drastic increase in the number of employees who qualify for
this benefit. Although cities may request a reimbursement of the health insurance payments, only
a fraction is reimbursed from the Department of Public Safety, resulting in increasing costs due to
this unfunded mandate.
Position: The City of St. Louis Park does not have issues with this type of program. The questions
come with the interpretation of “in the line of duty” and also with funding of this unfunded
mandate.
• The city has six former public safety employees who qualify for continued payment of health
insurance. In some cases, there were questions about the intent of this language as it relates
to the term “injury in the line of duty.” For example, should a slip and fall in the office be
considered “in the line of duty?”
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 9
[9]
• The city has only been partially reimbursed for the cost of this mandate, and requests that
this program be fully funded by the state.
Permit to Purchase Firearms/Permit to Carry
Issue: Currently the Permits to Purchase Firearms statute (MN Stat. 624.7131; 624.7132) requires
local law enforcement agencies to complete required background checks within 7 days and the
Permit to Carry (MN Stat. 624.714) statute requires the County Sheriff’s Department to complete
the required background checks within 30 days.
Analysis: The St. Louis Park Police Department completes approximately 300 permits to purchase
background checks per year. Aligning the two statutes to require the background checks to be
done in 30 days would allow local law enforcement agencies more time to complete thorough
background checks and also reduce the number of applicants who act on impulse for a permit to
purchase a firearm.
Position: St. Louis Park supports aligning the Permits to Purchase Firearms statutes (MN Stat.
624.7131; 624.7132) with the Permit to Carry (MN Stat. 624.714) statute in terms of the time
required for conducting background checks (from 7 to 30 days).
Protecting the Privacy and Safety of Public Officials and Peace Officers
Issue: Only five states (FL, CO, CA, ID, TX) have a law prohibiting the publishing, posting,
promotion of peace officers' and other public officials' home addresses, phones, spouse's addresses,
other contact information, etc., with intent to cause harm or harassment. Minnesota has no such
law, presenting an opportunity to join other states showing a commitment to protecting public
officials and peace officers from having their personal information, spousal information, and other
info published and/or shared on social media, with the intention of causing harassment or harm.
Analysis: This is increasingly a concern for public officials and law enforcement when those
seeking to cause harm recklessly share or publish emails or other correspondence that includes
personal information. Any measure that reduces the threat of reporters or demonstrators showing
up at public officials homes or those of relatives is a great option for addition to our
statutes. Statutes that include the component requiring the publication or posting to be done WITH
INTENT to cause harassment or harm seem likely to be more useful and defensible in the courts.
Colorado's law can be found here:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2009a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/44EE4D5921D1B7248725757400
783E91?open&file=1316_enr.pdf. With the proliferation of social media, there have been several
instances where public officials personal information was disseminated to cause harm. For
example, after the unfortunate death of Eric Garner in New York, the decedent’s daughter tweeted
the home address of one of the involved officers to 5,000 Twitter followers who, in turn, re-tweeted
this 500+ times.
Position: This issue can affect any public official and Police Officers, when opposing sides of a
discourse attract an element that wants to cause harm or harassment. The City supports an effort
in Minnesota to add this protection to public officials’ privacy and the safety of their families.
Affordable Housing - Limiting Local Authority (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: Recent discussions on affordable housing solutions include both agencies advocating for
housing programs for primarily multiple family developments, and local home builders pursuing
reduced regulatory authority by the state and cities. Last year the Builders Association of the Twin
Cities had worked toward a bill that was defeated which would essentially require new codes to
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 10
[10]
receive legislative approval before being adopted. This year an organization called Housing First
MN will be advancing the interests of the construction industry. This organization is advocating
for lesser code standards for affordable housing projects in order to reduce building costs.
Position: Although St. Louis Park strongly supports and encourages affordable housing, minimum
code requirements for energy conservation and building safety should not be compromised on the
concept of reducing construction costs to builders. In addition, local land use and zoning standards
for establishing quality of life standards in each community should not be limited by legislative
action.
General Issues
Levy Limits (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: During the 2008 legislative session, levy limits were imposed for three years (2009-2011)
on cities over 2,500 in population.
A one-time levy limit was applied to taxes levied in 2013, payable in 2014, only. This was in effect
for all counties with a population of 5,000 and over and cities with a population of 2,500 and over.
All cities with a population less than 2,500, all towns and all special taxing districts were exempt
from the limits.
Levy limits replace local accountability with a state judgment about the appropriate level of local
taxation and local services. Additionally, state restrictions on local budgets can have a negative
effect on a city’s bond rating due to the restriction on revenue flexibility.
Position: St. Louis Park opposes efforts to establish a levy limit or other proposed restrictions for
local government budgets. Based on our legislative policies that strongly support local budgetary
decision making, St. Louis Park opposes levy limits of any type.
Local Government Aid (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: St. Louis Park supports the LGA program as a means of ensuring all cities are able to
provide basic services without over-burdening the property tax system. In 2003 St. Louis Park
had its entire LGA allocation cut – approximately $2 million/yr. Several years ago a portion of
this cut was restored – approximately $500,000/yr. This funding has been extremely helpful,
particularly related to replacing aging infrastructure and equipment.
Position: St. Louis Park strongly opposes reductions of LGA
Legal Notices – Eliminate Requirement for Paid Publication (Request directed to State
Legislature)
Issue: Current law requires print ads for “proceedings, official notices, and summaries” in local
newspapers. In the 2011 Session, House File 162 called for allowing political subdivisions (cities,
counties, school boards, etc.) to replace the print ads with a single annual notice stating that all
such notices would appear on the political subdivision’s website (i.e. the city website).
Position: The city continues to support the elimination of this requirement, which would save cities
thousands of dollars in annual publishing costs. Publishing legal notices on the city website instead
allows the potential to reach a much greater audience in St. Louis Park than via the local
newspaper, which only reaches about half of the community. Additionally, businesses working
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 11
[11]
with the city or bidding on city projects find it cumbersome to monitor many different publications.
The city is currently publishing its legal notices at www.stlouispark.org in addition to publishing
them in the official newspaper.
Emerald Ash Borer – (Request directed to State Legislature)
Issue: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is the most destructive and economically costly forest pest ever
to invade North America. Ash trees killed by EAB become brittle very quickly and will begin to
fall apart and threaten overhead cables and power lines, vehicles, buildings and people. Few cities
are prepared and no city can easily afford the costs and the liability threats resulting from EAB.
Peer-reviewed studies have confirmed that a coordinated, landscape-based strategy is more cost
effective than fighting EAB city by city.
Position: St. Louis Park supports state funding to provide technical assistance and matching grants
to communities for EAB management/removal costs and related practices.
Records Retention Related to Correspondence
Issue: HF 1185 was introduced during the 2017 legislative session relating to data practices that
included changing the definition of “correspondence” in government record retention law to
include social media and text messaging and requiring a minimum three-year retention period for
correspondence.
Analysis: The proposed bill was designed to provide a statewide standard retention period for
correspondence. Concerns with the bill include an unfunded mandate on cities (especially small
ones) to meet the new requirements, and the burden of including social media and text messaging
in the definition of correspondence. Social media and text messaging capture typically requires
separate capture software / hardware than email, and thus contributes to increased costs.
Position: The city opposes the bill in its current form. State provided funding and restricting the
definition of correspondence to email at this point would be helpful. Delaying full inclusion of
social media and text messaging to future years so the State can include funding options (and
possibly some standards) would also be helpful. The city does support a standard correspondence
retention period and feels the proposed 3 year minimum is reasonable. That said, not every city is
funded or technically ready to do this. As a result, the city currently endorses the LMC position on
the role that should be fulfilled by existing records retention requirements. The current LMC
position is to oppose HF 1185.
Telecommunications and Information Technology
Issue: Telecommunications and information technology is essential public infrastructure for the
efficient, equitable, and affordable delivery of local government services to residents and
businesses. Telecommunications includes voice, video, data, and services delivered over cable,
telephone, fiber-optic, wireless, and all other platforms.
Analysis: The city and League of Minnesota Cities supports a balanced approach to
telecommunications policy that allows new technologies to flourish while preserving local
regulatory authority. Regulations and oversight of telecommunications services are important
prerogatives for local government to advance community interests, including the provision of high
quality basic services that meet local needs, spur economic development, and are available at
affordable rates to all consumers. For the City of St. Louis Park, this is also consistent with its
priority efforts to advance racial equity and to be a technology connected community. Supportive
policies should also not diminish local authority to work cooperatively with other public agencies,
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 12
[12]
non-profit organizations, and the private sector to broaden choice and competition of
telecommunications services to meet local needs.
Position: The city opposes the adoption of state and federal policies that restrict cities’ ability to
finance, construct, or operate telecommunications networks.
Competitive Cable Franchising Authority
Issue: Despite claims made by some in the cable industry, studies and evidence to date do not
support that state franchising is the solution for competition, lower consumer rates, and improved
customer service. Unlike the exercise of local franchising authority, state franchising models
frequently make no provision for staffing at the state level or for effective resolution of consumer
complaints. The transmission of video signals, regardless of how they are transported, remains
subject to local franchising authority. Maintaining local franchising most effectively creates and
preserves agreements that guarantee broad access to services throughout the community, ensuring
there is no digital divide for access to video programming services.
Analysis: State policy should maintain local cable franchise authority and oversight of the rights-
of-way, as well as ensure franchise agreements reflect new technology, and are reasonably tailored
to the technical and operational differences among providers and communities. Independent
studies clearly demonstrate that statewide franchising does not increase direct competition to
incumbent cable franchisees. In Minnesota, there are markets throughout the state with two
franchised cable service providers, which is further proof that state cable franchising is neither
necessary nor warranted in Minnesota. The Legislature, Federal Communications Commission
(FCC), and Congress should also continue to recognize, support and maintain the exercise of local
franchising authority to encourage increased competition between incumbent cable system
operators and new wireline competitive video service providers including: maintaining provisions
in Minn. Stat. ch. 238 that establish and uphold local franchising authority, including the authority
to receive a gross revenues based franchise fee and local authority over areas including: control
and access to public rights-of-way by all video and cable service providers; fees on providers to
ensure the provision of public, educational, and governmental (PEG) programming; video
channels and video streaming for PEG programming equivalent to that of the local broadcast
stations; ensuring programming is accessible and searchable through detailed Electronic
Programming Guide listings that are equivalent to that of local broadcast stations; access to
capacity on institutional networks (I-Nets) provided by local cable system operators for public
safety communications, libraries, schools, and other public institutions; and strengthening local
authority to enforce customer service standards and transparency in pricing.
Position: Given the depth and breadth of cable tv PEG operations and subscribership in St. Louis
Park, and the fact that franchise negotiations will likely begin no later than early 2019, the city
endorses this League of Minnesota Cities policy position.
Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 6)
Title: Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Issues and Priorities Page 13
Meeting: Study Session
Meeting Date: January 8, 2018
Written Report: 7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TITLE: Proposed Zoning Amendment for Architectural Materials for Greenhouses
RECOMMENDED ACTION: None at this time. Please inform staff of any questions or
concerns you might have.
POLICY CONSIDERATION: Would the City Council consider amending the Zoning
Ordinance to allow acrylic glass for greenhouses?
SUMMARY: In 2017 there was an increased interest by community members and developers to
provide opportunities for food growing facilities in St. Louis Park. The city council approved a
food producing greenhouse as part of the PLACE Planned Unit Development, and received interest
and a presentation from a local non-profit advocating for increased access to local, fresh food.
Staff researched the best materials for constructing greenhouses to grow food in Minnesota, and
are proposing amending the zoning code to allow high impact, non-yellowing, double-skinned
acrylic products to be used for accessory greenhouses. The planning commission reviewed the
material during their December 6, 2017 study session and are in favor of amending the zoning
code to allow this material for greenhouses.
The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Sustainable Building Research published the
Cold-Climate Greenhouse Resource which is a guidebook for designing greenhouses in
Minnesota. The guidebook provides specifications for determining materials that are best suited
for greenhouses, including insulation properties, light transmission, durability, and cost. The
guidebook suggests using a polycarbonate product; however, over time polycarbonate yellows.
Staff has contacted other greenhouse owners in the area, and has found the preferred product is
acrylic glass. Acrylic glass provides better growing environments than polycarbonate, it does not
yellow, has high thermal efficiencies, is strong and unlikely to break, and is more hygienic for
growing food in a sterile environment.
Staff also visited the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park which installed acrylic glass
for their production greenhouse over 15 years ago. The material was found to be clean, clear, and
well maintained compared to the traditional glass greenhouses on site.
The planning commission is tentatively scheduled to hold a public hearing on a draft ordinance on
February 7 followed by city council’s consideration on February 20 and March 5.
VISION CONSIDERATION: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in environmental
stewardship. We will increase environmental consciousness and responsibility in all areas of city
business.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS: Ordinance Draft
Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, Planner
Reviewed by: Sean Walther, Planning and Zoning Supervisor
Karen Barton, Community Development Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
Page 2 Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 7)
Title: Proposed Zoning Amendment for Architectural Materials for Greenhouses
ORDINANCE NO. ____-18
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 36 RELATING TO
ZONING TO PERMIT ACRYLIC GLASS AS A CLASS I BUILDING MATERIAL FOR
GREENHOUSES IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS.
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 36 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to zoning, City of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota, is hereby amended to add the underlined text to the subsections as shown
below:
Sec. 36-366. Architectural design.
***
(2)Building Materials. Exterior surface materials of buildings shall be installed in accordance
with the adopted building code and the manufacturer’s specifications, and shall be subject
to the following regulations:
a.Classes of materials. Materials shall be divided into class I, class II and class III
categories as follows:
1.Class I. Brick, marble, granite or other natural stone, textured cement stucco,
copper, porcelain and glass are class I exterior building materials on buildings
other than those used as dwellings which contain four or fewer dwelling units.
Wood, vinyl siding, fiber-reinforced cement board and prefinished metal are
class I materials on residential buildings containing four or fewer dwelling units
in addition to the other class I materials listed in this subsection. Wood is a class
I material on park buildings under 3,000 square feet. Acrylic glass that is high
impact, double-skinned, and a minimum eight (8) millimeter thick may be
classified as a Class I material for greenhouses. If a minimum of two other
Class I materials are in use, clapboard and shake-style fiber-reinforced cement
board with a minimum thickness of ¼ inch may be used as a Class I material
for up to 10 percent of the façade on residential buildings with more than four
(4) units. “Smooth” finish fiber-reinforced cement board is not permitted as a
Class I material.
***
(3)Additions and accessory structures. The exterior wall surface materials, roof treatment,
colors, textures, major divisions, proportion, rhythm of openings, and general architectural
character, including horizontal or vertical emphasis, scale, stylistic features of additions,
exterior alterations, and new accessory buildings shall address and respect the original
architectural design and general appearance of the principal buildings on the site and shall
comply with the requirements of this section. Acrylic glass that is high impact, double-
skinned, and a minimum eight (8) millimeter thick may be classified as a Class I material
for accessory greenhouses.
Page 3 Study Session Meeting of January 8, 2018 (Item No. 7)
Title: Proposed Zoning Amendment for Architectural Materials for Greenhouses
SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
Reviewed for Administration Adopted by the City Council (DATE)
Thomas K. Harmening, City Manager Jake Spano, Mayor
Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution:
Melissa Kennedy, City Clerk Soren Mattick, City Attorney
First Reading
Second Reading
Date of Publication
Date Ordinance takes effect