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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/08 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session/1ISt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JANUARY 8, 2018 The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Police Chief (Mr. Harcey), Planner (Ms. Monson), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Assistant Zoning Administrator (Mr. Morrison), Planning & Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Communications & Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson), Westwood Nature Center Manager (Mr. Oestreich), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Dean Dovolis, Architect; Peter Bruen, Bridgewater Bank; Nancy Blankfard, Glenn Waguespack, HGA Architect firm. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — January 16 & 22, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated that he would like to review the process for posting the city council meeting agendas on social media sites, on the Thursday or Friday before the meeting, so community members can see it in advance of the meetings. He added that he would like to discuss putting the consent agenda on the screen for the at-home audience, so that people can see what is being approved by the council. He considers this part of the public process and would like to address it at the next study session. Councilmember Brausen also noted that the January 22 study session agenda looks very long, especially with the Climate Action Plan, and asked if staff would consider moving the Louisiana Bridge replacement discussion back one week. Mayor Spano asked if there are timing issues related to the Louisiana Bridge discussion. Mr. Harmening stated that the bridge is slated to be replaced in 2019, and the only concern is getting into the queue for MnDOT funding this spring. He added that the February 12 study session will work for discussion of this item. Councilmember Miller stated that he would like to see the Walker Lake discussion on the agenda soon, adding that he would like to address a comprehensive plan for the area. Mr. Harmening stated that there will be a written report for the January 22 meeting. He added that after the council reviews the report, they should let him know if they would like more information, and the item can be brought back for further discussion. Councilmember Mavity asked when would be the appropriate time to bring up changes in the city's zoning code the zoning code as it relates to the windows along the street in order to see into developments to make them pedestrian friendly. Mr. FIarmening stated that Ms. Barton is currently working on a zoning code amendment, and this will come forward shortly to the council for discussion. 2. Bridgewater Bank Development Proposal at Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive Study Session Minutes -2- January 8, 2018 Ms. Monson stated that the developer, Bridgewater Bank, and the architect for the development will present the site plan, and council will be asked to comment on the concept plan. She noted that 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 EDA owns the parcel at Monterey Drive. Ms. Monson said that the development cannot proceed as proposed without the EDA parcel. She stated that the building height, setbacks, site circulation and plaza are designed to respond to comments raised during a previous process in 2015 for the same site. Ms. Monson noted that the proposal includes a plaza at the comer of Excelsior Boulevard and Monterey Drive, with outdoor seating, space for public art and landscaping. Retail spaces would be on Excelsior Boulevard, and Bridgewater Bank's customer branch on the first floor. Additionally, floors 2-4 include the bank's executive offices and opportunities for shared office uses. Ms. Monson stated that a traffic study is forthcoming for presentation to the council. She added that the development will include office, retail, and service businesses, and will be designed for mobility for pedestrians, bikes and cars. This total new development, including parking, is 53% smaller than the formerly proposed project and the occupied spaces are about one-third of the size of the last proposal. This size lessens the overall massing of the building on Excelsior and Monterey. She also said additional right-of-way will be dedicated for bike lanes on Monterey Drive. Ms. Monson stated that access to the site is being studied further as part of the traffic study. Mr. Dovolis added that this project will be a future gateway to the SWLRT, Excelsior and Grand, and Wolfe Park and will be a public place with stores, a restaurant, and a fitness center. The retail banking corporate headquarters, with 190 employees, will also be located there. Parking will be in back of and below the structure. Mr. Dovolis added that there will be substantial landscaping with the building scaled back for breathing room for bikes and pedestrians. Councilmember Mavity stated that she serves on a board with the COI of Bridgewater, and will need to recuse herself from voting on the project. She will, however, be involved as it relates to traffic and access issues along Monterey, where the city is separately proposing new improvements. Councilmember Rog stated that in Ward 1 there were some concerns about trucks idling and backing up. Mr. Dovolis agreed that the truck back up sounds can be bothersome, but they are required by federal regulation. He noted that this could be resolved with screening and scheduling and that they will work with city staff on this. Councilmember Rog stated that the plaza looks nice with the greenery and asked what it will look like in the winter. Mr. Dovolis stated that in the winter, the plaza could double as a skating rink with fire pits and as an area for other winter activities. Councilmember Harris added that the development is a beautiful design, stating that she is looking forward to the conversation as it evolves. She asked where the parking would be for drivers going to the restaurant. Mr. Dovolis stated that the parking area, lobby and entrance to the restaurant are in the back - a convenience for both pedestrians and drivers. Councilmember Miller stated that this plan is a huge improvement over the last one, adding that there are now wider setbacks with lower height and perceived density. He asked if there will be more people now going to and from the complex versus only residents in the last plan. Mr. Study Session Minutes -3- January 8, 2018 Dovolis stated that there will be different peal, times, adding that this will be reviewed in the traffic study. Councilmember Miller asked if the EDA would be willing to consider TIF, due to the extraordinary costs with this plan. Mr. Hunt stated that there are some challenges with the redevelopment, including significant demolition costs and parking garage construction costs in this very tight site. Councilmember Miller stated he is in favor of moving forward, and although he is concerned about traffic, he is open to hearing more from the traffic study. Mr. Dovolis added that the office space would be quiet during the weekends, as the bank's business would take place during the work week. He added that the retail and the restaurant would be busy on weekends. Councilmember Brausen asked what small service uses mean for the rest of the bank floors. Mr. Brodd, representing Bridgewater, stated that this means those who would rent space from the bank. He added that these businesses would partner with the bank to create a type of economic hub in St. Louis Park, with potential synergy for entrepreneurs and future bank customers. Councilmember Brausen stated that he likes the pedestrian friendly area presented, but he still wishes for affordable housing there. However, he added that the council limited the developer at this site, and in so doing, the plan was limited in affordable housing. He voiced concerns about using TIF, especially if affordable housing is not included, but he is open to having only commercial. Mayor Spano stated that he likes the proposal and is in favor of moving forward with the discussion. He likes the design's diversity of streetscape, the setbacks, and the fact that it is not parallel with the street. He likes the plaza and added that the office space helps to bring balance to all the housing in the area. He likes the bike lanes and appreciates the logo being discreet, adding that the business function in the development will positively impact the other businesses in the area. 3. Westwood Hills Nature Center Project Update Mr. Harmening reviewed the history of the project and that it has been discussed for two years. The master plan came to council in May of 2016, with further discussion and tours of other facilities in the fall of 2016. Staff then sought out architectural proposals, and HGA presented the schematic design. He stated that staff and HGA have presented the design and have revised it to offer other options now, shrinking the size of the building and reducing the cost to approximately $12 million. Mr. I-Iarmening stated that the $12 million has been set into the long range and capital improvement plans. Given the condition of the building and the demands on the facility, something will need to be done sooner rather than later. He asked the council if they have everything they need fiom staff to move forward. Councilmember Harris stated that she is interested in seeing what shifted in the interior space and asked if there is now more shared space for visitors who are not students. Mr. Waguespack stated that the square footage has been reduced; raptor cages are smaller; and the building is more efficient with the reconfiguration of the public space. There is now a balance of public and classroom space. Classroom A can open to public lobby space to provide a larger multipurpose space and more relationship between the exhibit and classroom space. Mr. Wageuspack stated that the east and west sides were also reduced, and the building is now approximately 12,750 square feet. He pointed out that the current building is 2,700 square feet. Councilmember Hallfrn stated that he did not want any changes and would prefer to go back to the other plan, but added he would agree with this in order to move the project forward. Study Session Minutes -4- January 8, 2018 Councilmember Brausen asked staff if this is adequate space for the vision and goals of the building. Mr. Oestreich stated that current programming allows for 60 in the classroom, but there are times when groups are turned away because of space limitations. He added that the space is not big enough for volunteer programs. With more space, there will be many opportunities for multi-age groups to visit in addition to school kids. Councilmember Brausen pointed out that the previous plan included 15,000 square feet and asked if there is enough space with this revised plan. Mr. Wageuspack stated that the public space can connect to classroom A, creating a multipurpose -space of 2,250 -square feet. Councilmember Rog stated she is fully supportive of a new nature center for the community; however, she added that she has spoken to many citizens who are asking about the high price of this project. She pointed out that several other facilities in the metro area were built in the $5.5 million range and asked why the additional $7-9 million is needed. Ms. Blankfard stated that much of this is the cost of the higher performance materials which are needed to provide the zero energy requirements. Ms. Walsh added that construction costs have risen 3-5% per year, and with inflation, costs have increased. Councilmember Rog asked if resources could be put toward other community sustainability projects versus channeling all resources into one facility. Councilmember Harris asked if when looking at the long-range climate action plan how imperative it is that the city meet zero energy with this building. Councilmember Mavity asked how much the project can be value -engineered to bring down costs. She stated that a new building is greatly needed and will have to last, adding that she is inclined to move forward. Councilmember Miller thanked HGA and staff for this plan; however, he stated he is opposed to the project as it is today. He stated that he has been in favor of doing something with the nature center; however, he would like to see lower cost alternatives in the $5-6 million range. He noted that as the year progresses, unforeseen projects come up in the city, which requires liquidity. He added that the 5% tax increases every year are not sustainable, and we are doing the same things that we criticize landlords for. Councilmember Miller stated that he would like to see alternative plans with a much lower price tag. Councilmember Brausen stated that he disagrees with Councilmember Miller, adding that the city did community visioning and determined the needs of nature center programs. He stated that there is a need for 2-3 classrooms. It is essential that the center be pleasant and a neighborhood amenity. If downsizing to 12,000 square feet is the option, he will approve that. Councilmember Brausen added that in recent years a lot of money has been spent on community amenities along the Excelsior Boulevard and Highway 100 corridors of the city. It is not unreasonable to see resources invested in developing community facilities on the west side of the city, including in Ward 4. The Nature Center is such an opportunity. Councilmember Harris stated that many residents have shared how much they like coming to the nature center; however, she has also heard from residents about affordable housing and the costs of daily life, as well. She stated that even though she is a strong environmentalist, she would like to see the costs of the center with 50 or 75% of the zero -energy plan. Additionally, she agreed with Councilmember Brausen that residents want to see more development on the west side of St. Louis Park. Study Session Minutes -5- January 8, 2018 Councilmember Rog stated that a bigger and better nature center is in order; however, she is having trouble with the costs and also wondering if there has been a full public process on the project. She added that she has talked to a lot of people, and there were fewer than five that knew about a new nature center. Less than three people knew about the costs. She said that she wants to make sure that residents know what they are signing on for. She stated that people may support nature center improvements, but in her estimation, the community is not informed about this plan. Councilmember Rog added that she has heard about other projects, such as affordable housing, money for kids in the park, forgivable loans in the Walker Lake District, and tax relief. However, she is not satisfied with the public process for the nature center improvements, adding that if she felt she was representing what residents wanted, she would support this; however right now, she does not. Councilmember Miller stated that there may be other entities interested in supporting the project, rather than St. Louis Park paying for all of it. He added that there may be regional dollars available to help offset the costs, adding that there are 70 counties that have visitors who come to the nature center. This, along with a capital campaign or securing private donors, would help. Councilmember Mavity stated she would not endorse private donors with naming rights. Councilmember Miller agreed. Councilmember Mavity added that the public outreach on this project was extensive. She added that the council has discussed this project for two years, and though she would like to see the cost reduced, residents wanted environmental and zero -based energy at the nature center. She added that she also has received emails about costs, noting that there will be more decisions coming with the climate action plan, as well. Councilmember Rog stated that to move this project forward, we need to see what other options are possible. Mayor Spano stated that coming up with a $5-6 million project would require going back to the drawing board, and that would be a disservice to the people who have been involved in the process. It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with the revised 12,000 -foot design, while asking for energy tiering alternatives. 4. SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident Planning Follow-up Discussion (Part 2) Chief Harcey was present to answer questions from the council. Councilmember Brausen asked what Iftar is. Chief Harcey stated that it is a celebration of the end of Ramadan. The police participated in the celebration as a partnership with the community, while also conducting some education. Councilmember Brausen added that he has gained further appreciation for the Police Department's understanding of diversity and thanked Chief Harcey for sharing this experience. He asked what specific training the police have regarding interacting with non-white residents. Chief Harcey stated that they have brought cultural diversity training to the department through the Joint Community Police Partnership Program and have had in-depth discussions with various groups, including the Multi -Cultural Advisory Committee and the Jewish Community Relations Council. He stated it is important to learn about the community we serve in order to serve them better. Study Session Minutes -6- January 8, 2018 Councilmember Miller stated that he appreciated the 4 sessions on the SLP Policing Model/Critical Incident Planning. They helped him to understand how the Police Department is increasing diversity from within. He asked what is being done to further the community policing model and also what the plan is for dash and body cameras. Chief Harcey stated that they are putting together a work plan on body and dash cameras, and will work with the PAC, MAC, HRC, the school district, and citizen groups to get input and feedback on what will work in St. Louis Park. He stated that it will be a 7 -8 -month process to put together a plan, and then there will be a public forum with open comments from the community. Implementation is proposed for 2019. Councilmember Rog thanked Chief Harcey for all four sessions and added that a memo by the HRC regarding body worn cameras had been shared with council last year that will lead to good discussion when it comes before council. Councilmember Mavity stated that she is also very proud of the Police Department. She asked about the police vision and mission being updated, since it has been in place for 20 years. She stated that community policing is embraced by St. Louis Park, and it adds value to the community. She also asked about data or metrics surrounding race equity goals within departments. She stated that she is interested in data regarding arrests, race -based interactions, and if there are any racial trends. She added this data is necessary in order to understand where the police can do better. Chief Harcey noted that traditionally the department has not collected race data on traffic stops and would need to dig deeper into how to collect and report the data properly. He stated this information could be collected from arrest data. He noted that he and the Deputy Chief will be attending a conference soon to learn how to collect data and report it. He added that data collection could begin next year. Mayor Spano noted the communications presentation and stated that he is glad the city has hired a firm to help during a crisis. He stated that he would like more discussion about social media; how issues can escalate; and what happens when the council unity starts to fall apart. Councilmember Harris agreed, noting that it might be helpful to add an experiential component to see how a situation might roll out. She added it would be helpful to talk with residents, and also the consultant, especially learning how to respond in a protest situation. Chief Harcey stated that he hopes the Police Department's community partners would help in a protest situation, so it could be worked through in advance. He also noted that the community engagement vehicle is still in the planning process and hopefully will be operational later this year as a way to engage the community where they live, work and play. 5. Review Draft Agenda for 2018 City Council Workshop Ms. Deno noted that Councilmembers Mavity, Brausen, and Hallfrn met to discuss and set the agenda for the upcoming City Council Workshop. She stated that the council will start with relational learning on Thursday and then look at the past, present, and future on Friday. Facilitators for the workshop will be Bridget Gothberg and M.L. Rice. The retreat will be held Thursday, January 18, and Friday, January 19. 6. Review Draft of 2018 Legislative Priorities Study Session Minutes -7- January 8, 2018 Mr. Harmening said staff has prepared a draft list of legislative issues and priorities. A final version will be reviewed at a special study session on February 5 with Senator Latz; Representatives Cheryl Youakim and Peggy Flanagan; Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene; and Metropolitan Council Representative Gail Dorfman. Mayor Spano noted the draft of legislative issues for council review. He said that in past years, items were ranked. He also stated that pre-emption is a concern and anything that limits local city control. He added that affordable housing and transportation are the most important issues to the city at this time. Councilmember Brausen agreed that affordable housing is a priority issue. Councilmember Rog emphasized that the Minnetonka Boulevard project (with no safety compromises) and affordable housing are priority issues. Councilmember Miller stated that he supports the draft presented by staff. Councilmember Mavity stated that the increased focus on immigration and ICE, and more articulation about what this means in St. Louis Park is an issue of concern, especially as it relates to Hennepin County. She proposed that the city would maintain public safety and abide by the law but the city does not want Hennepin County (as a representative of the city) to do any more than that. Councilmember Rog stated that improvement of crossing safety west of Highways 100 to 169 is a priority for Ward 1, adding safety needs must be clarified for the whole corridor from 100 to 169. Mayor Spano also noted that the Pathways to Policing Program as a priority and a very effective tool for increasing diversity on our police force. He stated that he would like to see more funding for this program to help it expand to other cities. Mayor Spano stated that the council will continue to look at this draft and will revisit the topics again prior to the February 5 meeting. Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Mr. Harmening reminded the council that Thursday is Sue Sanger's recognition party from 5-8 p.m. at the Rec Center. The Mayor will be in charge of the program. There will be speakers, and former Councilmember Sanger will speak, as well. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 7. Proposed Zoning Amendment for Architectural Materials for Greenhouses '�'a Meliss Kenne y, Cit Clerk