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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/01/29 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionfffSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES M I N N E S O T A CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA JANUARY 29, 2018 The meeting convened at 6:45 p.m Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spann, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator (Ms. Pine), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Ryan Griffin, ESC Chair; Lukas Wrede, ESC Member; and additional ESC members; Abby Finis, Great Plains Institute; George Sherman and Will Anderson, Sherman Associates. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning —Month February 5 & 12, 2018 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for Feb. 5 and 12, 2018. Councilmember Brausen mentioned adding a link to the upcoming council meeting agenda to Nextdoor and other city social media sites. He noted that this is a good way to notify people so they don't miss out on important meetings. Councilmember Brausen also stated that he would like to discuss lobbying the Public Utilities Commission as part of a regional cities cohort on climate action and renewable energy issues Councilmember Hallfin asked about discussing the speed limit on Louisiana Avenue, from Excelsior to Minnetonka Boulevard. Mr. Harmening stated that there is reasoning behind the speed limit at that location, and a policy is in place for lowering or raising the limit there. Councilmember Harris asked if there is a city policy in place for the funding of non -profits. She would like to discuss this sooner rather than later, in order to be fair and uniform. Mr. Harmening pointed out that the next few months' agendas are very busy, adding that the council may want to start meeting earlier or meet an additional day in order to devote more time to these items. Councilmember Rog stated she would like to discuss design guidelines for new home construction. Additionally, she would like to look at practices and policies for transgender individuals in the city. Councilmember Mavity asked about the moratorium on liquor licenses and when that might be discussed again. Councilmember Miller noted that he would like a discussion on amending City Charter language that might be discriminatory. He stated the charter needs to be brought up to date, specifically as it relates to gender identification. Councilmember Mavity pointed out that the council needs to address items in the charter where the city is more restrictive than the state. Study Session Minutes -2- January 29, 2018 Mayor Spano noted an issue with clearing off benches in the city after a large snowfall. He would like to explore the idea of having city maintenance crews clear snow from benches as soon as possible and then afterwards bill the owner of the bench for the snow removal. 2. Climate Action Plan (CAP) Discussion Ms. Pine, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Finis and Mr. Wrede presented the report. Mr. Griffin thanked the council for their time. He pointed out the guiding objectives and strategies to realize the city's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, including sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and achieving community -wide carbon neutrality by 2040. He stated that the CAP will become the roadmap for actions to achieve the greatest emission reductions in the most cost-effective manner. Mr. Griffin stated that council passed the Climate Inheritance Resolution on May 16, 2016. Mr. Griffin stressed the importance of this opportunity for the city to take a leadership position on climate action and to save human existence. He added that the commission has been working on this project with staff, residents, businesses and the council since 2014. He also noted the extensive work of community youth and the partnership with them on the CAP. Ms. Finis noted St. Louis Park's great commitment to climate change. She pointed out that city operations reflect only 1.5% of this plan, also noting the kick start projects for the plan including: • Youth led project • Climate action resource hub • Public electronic vehicle charging Mr. Wrede stated that he personally has been working on the climate action plan for years, and it has become a big part of his life. He added that he is working with other cities on their plans as well, basing that work on what St. Louis Park has done. He stated that he feels very strongly about it and is happy to have come to this point. Mayor Spano commended the group on the Climate Action Plan, adding that from a city staffing perspective, there will need to be additional staff hired to get this work done. He stated that additional communications, operations, and engineering staff will be needed, adding that the school district will also need to be a partner in this process. He noted that this is a great start and pointed out that there is work to be done that we are not even aware of yet. Councilmember Mavity stated that the report was well written, well organized, and accessible. She appreciates all the hard work that went into it. She added that it provides clarity for the choices being presented. She stated that the council is committed to and serious about the CAP, but pointed out that implementing it will present challenging choices and impact budgets. She stated that the plan cannot be accomplished with our existing staff. If the city truly wants to lead on, we will need to be in partnership with non -profits, academic groups, and funders with additional resources. Councilmember Harris added that she appreciates the report's layout, showing the big picture. She also noted that strong partnerships with the business community; education; communication; outreach; and adding more staff will be valuable. She stated that partnerships are a wise choice in order to meet these ambitious goals. She is eager to get started, also pointing out that it is a big step. Study Session Minutes -3- January 29, 2018 Councilmember Miller asked if the commercial portion of the CAP would have the bigger impact initially. He also asked if there are incentives for businesses to help bring the plan to reality. Ms. Finis stated that incentives will help, but they have been offered for quite some time already and have not really driven emissions down that much. She stated that it will have to be a mix of incentives, trade-offs, and figuring out the right balance. Councilmember Brausen noted that the CAP is very important work the city must do to be at net zero by 2040. He supports it, as well as organics recycling and composting. He recommended that the city accelerate the changeover of all street and public lighting to LED because it would reduce the cost and the payback is quick. He stated that collaboration is important and the public utilities should be included as partners in this plan. He noted that Twin West should also be invited to participate. Councilmember Rog stated that she concurs with all of her colleagues' comments and is impressed with the CAP. She added that she would like to know the costs of this plan before committing to it. She wants to be certain it is aligned with other city commitments, including racial equity. She pointed out the development projects, light rail stations, and Connect the Park projects which must be financially supported in the next few years as well. Councilmember Hallfin agreed with the councilmembers' comments, adding that the city needs to lead by example with the CAP plan. He pointed out that the Rec Center has the highest emissions in the city, and he would like to review this as the CAP is implemented. He added that he would also like to see the costs of the plan; however, the council must also consider the costs if the city does not implement the CAP. Councilmember Mavity stated that she does not think it is reasonable that all costs be summarized before the council adopts the CAP. She pointed out that the council will be adopting a vision, and individual action decisions will be made as time goes on. She is also concerned about language such as "encourage" used in the plan. She suggested implementing the policy similar to what was done with affordable housing. Mayor Spano agreed with all the comments made, agreeing that there are concerns about costs; however, the CAP is a vision, and decisions will be made by the council as the project moves along. He stated that he did not see much mention of the role of transit in the plan. He also hopes that wind power can be addressed, just as solar power is significantly addressed. He pointed out that it will be important to have the school district as a partner in this, especially since the youth will be the ones to develop the new technologies in the future. Councilmember Brausen suggested adding the CAP as a topic in the council's joint meeting with the school board in the spring. Mr. Wrede told the councilmembers that they can count on the students to be at the council's disposal on this project. Councilmember Rog stated for the record that she is definitely in favor of the CAP and yet thinks costs need to be considered and priorities developed. Mr. Griffin stated that he appreciated the council's concerns about costs but pointed out that the CAP will actually be a cost -savings program as it works to create environmental efficiencies over time. Study Session Minutes -4- January 29, 2018 Councilmember Harris asked Mr. Griffin what the "low -hanging fruit" is. Mr. Griffin said that the commission is asking the council to approve the vision for 2030 and 2040. He noted that the report gives examples of how to reach the goals and how things will evolve over time. He stated that they cannot provide a perfect cost analysis. The CAP is a visionary statement to get things started. Prioritization will be done along the journey and will evolve. He stated that the plan focuses on electricity and businesses as the easiest starting points. Ms. Finis added that the plan is a multi -pronged approach. Working with community businesses who also have their own sustainability programs could be a beginning. Additionally, an important first step will be having the youth help with energy audits and working to make this a part of the culture of the community. Mr. Harmening stated that councilmembers should send questions to him, and he will forward them to Ms. Pinc. Mayor Spano added that the CAP is in keeping with the council's expectations. Mr. I-Iarmening stated that the CAP will be on the Feb. 5, 2018, council meeting agenda for adoption. 3. Proposed Preliminary Development Agreement with Sherman Associates Mr. Hunt stated that at the November 20 Special Study Session, the EDA/Council selected Sherman Associates as the developer they want to partner with to redevelop the SWLRT Beltline Blvd. Station Site. He noted that staff was then directed to prepare a preliminary development agreement between the EDA, the city, and Sherman Associates. The purpose is to formalize the parties' obligations under the SWLRT funding agreements with the Metropolitan Council and under the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality federal grant for the structured public parking at the Beltline Station. Mr. Hunt added that the agreement also outlines the parties' respective responsibilities for further defining the Beltline Station redevelopment plan consistent with the parties' mutual objectives. Additionally, Sherman Associates needs formal permission to access the property in order to conduct its due diligence as well as exclusive rights to negotiate acquisition of the subject properties with the EDA and the City. The PDA also outlines the processes for applying for land use and zoning changes as well as tax increment financing assistance. Mr. Hunt noted that a draft of the proposed PDA was included in the report, and the agreement will be presented for formal consideration at the February 5th EDA and City Council meetings. Mr. Sherman and Mr. Anderson were in attendance to answer questions about their firm's preliminary plans for the Beltline Station Site. Mr. Anderson stated the redevelopment plan proposes a dynamic mixed use to provide products, set -vices, and housing, including 20% affordable housing at 50% AMI. He stated that they are proposing two residential buildings, with 120 units each. Additionally, they'd like to construct an office building with first floor retail, along with a Metro Transit park and ride for SWLRT users. Mr. Anderson stated this development will be a connection to the larger community and allow a flow of people through the site, with a strong connection point to the light rail and to the community. Mr. Sherman stated the prospective project would have a total development cost of $73 million, with estimated property taxes of $1,160,000 per year. He added that Sherman Associates is committed to environmental sustainability and would use its newly constructed off-site solar garden to provide energy to the development, as it would be a challenge to use on-site solar panels as there would not be enough solar energy to produce electricity for the individual units. Study Session Minutes -5- January 29, 2018 Mr. Sherman stated that they are supportive of the city's commitment to zero energy, but details would need to be further discussed. Councilmember Mavity recused herself from the conversation as Mr. Sherman serves on the board of her organization. Councilmember Hallfin asked if the Metropolitan Council would own the parking in this location. Mr. Hunt stated that the Metropolitan Council would own the land and the EDA would likely have a long-term land lease. The EDA would likely own the parking ramp and have a lease arrangement with the Metropolitan Council for the required 268 transit parking stalls. The rest of the stalls would be public parking. He added that there would be a maintenance agreement similar to that with the Park Nieollet/Methodist Hospital ramp. In that case, the city owns the ramp, and Park Nicollet maintains it. Councilmember Hallfin asked about TIF for zero energy buildings and if this could be part of the city's policy. Mr. Hunt stated that it is anticipated that the redevelopment site will likely have substantial infrastructure costs for which the TIF will be needed, but that TIF for energy efficient buildings is not an allowable use. Councilmember Hallfin asked if the land has been tested. Mr. Hunt stated some environmental testing was done prior to the EDA's purchase of the 4601 Hwy 7 property but that Sherman will have to conduct their own testing of the site. Councilmember Brausen asked how much of the site would be retained by the city. Mr. Hunt stated that the plan is to sell Sherman all the EDA and city properties in phases. Councilmember Brausen added that he hopes Sherman will commit to the city's Climate Action Plan. Mr. Hunt reminded the council this is a preliminary development agreement with Sherman. It is basically an agreement to work cooperatively together for 18 months, and it gives Sherman the assurance that the city is working exclusively with them on the redevelopment project. Councilmember Harris asked about the station site design and improving the biking and walking in that area. She asked about the placement of the parking structure in relation to the pedestrian experience. Councilmember Harris added that she hopes public art will be added to this area, as well. Mr. Anderson stated that the Metropolitan Council is acquiring the bank property for park and ride purposes so the ramp will have to be located there. However, the ramp will include pedestrian and biking areas, bike storage, and a plaza. Mr. Sherman agreed that public art will be incorporated into the redevelopment. Councilmember Rog noted that this redevelopment site is in her ward. She has heard many in the community say that they prefer aesthetically pleasing buildings, so she would like to advocate for a redevelopment project that is unique to St. Louis Park. She added that she has concerns about the size and location of the parking ramp, but she is pleased to see that construction will begin later and hopes the developer can be responsive to ever changing issues. This may include building a ramp that can be converted to apartments or reducing the size of the ramp as modes of transportation continue to evolve. She wondered if there was any benefit to splitting the parking, and she would also like to see the affordable housing that is part of this development provide more than studio or one -bedroom apartments to accommodate the many families who need affordable housing in our community. She added that she would like more neighborhood retail at the development and hopes to have more council input on future RFP's. Councilmember Miller asked about having more density in the area and more affordable units. Mr. Sherman pointed out that as the density grows and a building goes over six stories, costs Study Session Minutes -6- January 29, 2018 increase, and there will also be a need for more parking. He added that there are concerns already with the water table issue there. Also, zoning would need to be changed to allow for less parking per unit, especially if the city wants to meet their Climate Action Plan goals. Councilmember Miller noted that 8,000 feet of retail seems very low for this development. Mr. Sherman stated that 80% of developments that have retail on the first floor lose money. He stated that this requires deep subsidization, adding that in the next 10 years, there will be much less retail, so building more is not a solution. The need for retail is shrinking, pointing out that Target is no longer building big box stores and has gone to small neighborhood shops. He added that shoppers buy online, but noted that there will be a need for public gathering and restaurants in these developments. Mayor Spano stated that he is in favor of the preliminary development agreement and likes the mix of living and office space, as well as the affordability elements. He agreed with Councilmember Rog on aesthetics, adding that he would like to see more unique structures for St. Louis Park. He pointed out that it will be important for the future that the parking structures can be converted for other uses, such as office space. It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with the proposed preliminary development agreement, which will be presented for formal approval at the FDA and City Council meetings on February 5, 2018. 4. Updated Draft of 2018 Legislative Agenda Mr. Harmening confirmed with the council that the top legislative priorities are: - Community development & housing; specifically, affordable housing - Transportation - Funding around police training — Pathways to Policing program Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Councilmember Brausen noted that in the written report on the Comprehensive Plan, he would like to address the issue of food security and food access. Councilmember Rog also asked how information gathered at the neighborhood meetings is translated into action items in the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Barton stated that all information gathered is digested and incorporated in overarching policies and goals for the future. She also noted that small items from discussions are taken into consideration and used as examples or anecdotal material in the written plan. She added that she will ask the consultant and staff to inform residents of how their comments will be incorporated into the plan and what the next steps are in the process. Mr. Harmening noted that next week, the Police Department is invited to participate in a heroin overdose session that the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office is conducting. He added that there was a recent heroin overdose death in St. Louis Park. Mr. Harmening added that the Reilly Tar Consent Decree is near conclusion and will be on a council agenda in March for approval. Study Session Minutes -7- January 29, 2018 Mr. Harmening also noted that near the Uptown West apartment complex there is shallow groundwater that was contaminated many years ago. It has migrated south and east and has now been detected in high levels of soil vapor. He noted that these vapors can be dangerous for residents, and the PCA is testing. If there is a problem, the PCA will notify residents. The PCA has notified the owner of the apartment complex to install a venting system; however, the owners are pushing back. Mr. Harmening added that this could develop into a licensing ordinance issue, where the units will not be able to be rented in the buildings. He added that the Police Department building and City Hall will also be checked for soil vapor issues. Councilmember Mavity asked how the city plans to communicate with the residents. Mr. Harmening stated that the PCA will communicate with the residents, adding that if there is a danger, the PCA would tell the residents to move out. Mr. Harmening also noted that on March 12 there will be a joint meeting of the city council and school board. Staff will be planning the agenda with council input. Councilmember Rog asked about the process for selecting commissioners to boards and commission. Mr. Harmening stated that this will be discussed later in February so staff can get more specific direction from council. Mr. Harmening noted that the school district community education program is offering Courageous Conversations. He would like the council to be a part of that on February 16, 2018. Additionally, Mr. Harmening noted that with Sam's Club closing in St. Louis Park, an off -sale liquor license is open. He suggested bringing a resolution to council next week for approval to amend the resolution authorizing a moratorium on new liquor licenses, lowering the number of off -sale licenses and then automatically dropping the number as needed. He also proposed further study of the topic. Councilmember Brausen noted that there is a vacancy on the Community education Advisory Commission and a City Council Representative is needed. Mr. Harmening asked the council: How did we do tonight? Comments from councilmembers included: productive; substantive; long; loath after -meeting evaluation; no tension; want more collaborative deliberation; need to study and learn before taking formal action. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 5. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 6. Historic Walker Lake Update 7. Update—Modification of Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 8. Citywide Fiber Infrastructure Update 9. Via (PLACE) Project Update 10. Fourth Quarter Investment Report (Oct — Dec 2017) 11. Update on Charter Commission Study on Ranked Choice Voting 12. Parkshore Senior Campus — Minor PUD Amendment r--� Melissa nnedy, City Clerk 07 I i J ake Sp 03 ayor l