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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/02/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regularfff St. Louis Park MINNESOTA 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA FEBRUARY 20, 2018 Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Assistant Housing Supervisor (Ms. Olson), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), CIO Information Resources (Mr. Pires), City Clerk (Ms. Kennedy), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Becky Bakken, President of Discover St. Louis Park. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of Construction Codes Inspector Dean Blom's 12 Years of Service Mayor Spano recognized Mr. Blom for his 12 years of service to the City of St. Louis Park and presented him with a certificate on behalf of the city council. 2b. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano thanked the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture for their donation of $2,700 to pay for all related expenses for Natural Resources Coordinator Jim Vaughan to attend the 2018 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Mayor Spano also thanked Discover St. Louis Park for their donation of $2,000 to pay for registration and hotel for Recreation Superintendent Jason West to attend the 2018 National Association of Sports Commission Sports Event Symposium. 2c. Annual Update — Discover St. Louis Park Ms. Bakken, the President of Discover St. Louis Park, presented the 2017 year-end report. She stated that the primary role of Discover St. Louis Park is to promote the city. She provided facts on tourism in Minnesota and reviewed how results are realized in St. Louis Park through revenues. She added that without tourism, many city businesses would not exist, adding that tourism attracts new residents, a strong work force, businesses, and new development. Councilmember Brausen stated that Discover St. Louis Park is doing fantastic work, adding that he is proud that all seven St. Louis Park hotels are in Ward 4. City Council Meeting -2- February 20, 2018 Councilmember Harris thanked Ms. Bakken for the report and asked if they have enough resources to reach their 2018 goals. Ms. Bakken said yes, adding that they will have a staff of 5, with the addition of another business development manager. Councilmember Rog asked how the 200 hotel rooms being added to St. Louis Park would impact the occupancy rates and wondered what the threshold would be for having too many hotels. Ms. Bakken stated that there is always overflow from Minneapolis into St. Louis Park hotels; however, St. Louis Park does draw its own share of hotel business, as well. The market suggests the city can handle more hotels. Councilmember Rog added that she hopes Discover St. Louis Park will be promoting walking tours of the Walker Lake area in the near future. Ms. Bakken agreed and replied that people want to hear about unique things to do in the city. Mayor Spano asked how the partnership with Meet Minneapolis was conducted. Ms. Bakken stated that it is a greater -metro hotel membership. Discover St. Louis Park pays a membership fee to Minneapolis for the benefit of St. Louis Park hotels. Mayor Spano noted that he is glad to see this partnership with Minneapolis and also asked how the first year of the relationship with Golden Valley has impacted revenues. Ms. Bakken stated that Golden Valley, as part of Discover St. Louis Park, has added two hotels to the mix, which is 244 rooms along the I-394 corridor. She stated these extra rooms help St. Louis Park with overflow accommodations. Likewise, Golden Valley has some unique venues that visitors can enjoy, including Brookview and Theodore Wirth Parkway. Ms. Bakken stressed that with their additional staff coming on board, Discover St. Louis Park will continue to grow, adding that more dollars will be able to go to marketing, which puts the group in a good place. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Workshop Session Minutes January 18-19,2018 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3b. Study Session Minutes of January 29, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated on page 1, in the 2nd sentence, it should read..."like to discuss lobbying the public utilities commission as part of a regional cities cohort on climate action and renewable energy issues." He added on page 3, it should read.... "accelerate all street and public lighting to LED as the payback is quick and reduces cost." Councilmember Rog stated on page 5, in the 6`h paragraph, it should read, "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 is pleased to see that construction will begin later, and hopes the developer can be responsive to ever City Council Meeting -3- February 20, 2018 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 Mavity stated at the top of page 5, it should read, "Councilmember Mavity recused herself from the conversation as Mr. Sherman serves on the board of her organization." It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavh)y to approve the Study Session Meeting Minutes of January 29, 2018, as revised. The motion passed 7-0. 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 18-027 authorizing removal of weight restrictions on Joppa Avenue, Inglewood Avenue, and W. 31" Street. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 18-028 modifying parking restrictions on the north side of W. 39th Street from Quentin Avenue to the Park Nicollet access road. 4c. Adopt the following resolutions imposing civil penalties for liquor license violations according to the recommendation of the City Manager: • Resolution No. 18-029 imposing civil penalty for liquor license violation on December 29, 2017, at Yard House #8354, 1665 Park Place Blvd. • Resolution No. 18-030 imposing civil penalty for liquor license violation on December 29, 2017, at Blue Pox Bar & Grill, 5377 16" St. W. • Resolution No. 18-031 imposing civil penalty for liquor license violation on December 29, 2017 at Smashburger #1419, 8124 Highway 7 • Resolution No. 18-032 imposing civil penalty for liquor license violation on December 29, 2017 at Blaze Pizza, 8126 Highway 7 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-033 for 2018 Liquor License Renewals for the license term of March 1, 2018 through March 1, 2019. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 18-034 approving acceptance of a donation from the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture for all related expenses for Jim Vaughan, Natural Resources Coordinator, to attend the 2018 International Society of Arboriculture Conference in Columbus, Ohio in an amount not to exceed $2,700. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 18-035 approving acceptance of a donation from Discover St. Louis Park for registration and hotel for Jason West, Recreation Superintendent to attend the 2018 National Association of Sports Commission (NASC) Sports Event Symposium in an approximate amount not to exceed $2,000. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 18-036 for a Temporary Suspension of the Local Gambling Tax. 4h. Approve a temporary extension of the licensed premises for a one -day event at Copperwing Distillery, located at 6409 Cambridge Street. 4i. Approve entering into a Small Wireless Facility Co -location Agreement with Mobilitie. 4j. Designate Allied Blacktop Company the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $165,023.00 for Sealcoat Streets (Area 5) —Project No. 4018-1200. City Council Meeting . 4- February 20, 2018 5. 4k. Designate Ti -Zak Concrete, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder, and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $195,916.00 for Concrete Replacement ProjectNo.4018-0003. 41. Municipal Boundary Adjustment with Hopkins: • Adopt Resolution No. 18-038 for concurrent detachment from St. Louis Park and annexation to Hopkins of certain lands pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 414.061 • Adopt Resolution No. 18-039 for concurrent detachment from Hopkins and annexation to St. Louis Park of certain lands pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 414.061 4m. Approve for filing Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes of November 29, 2017. It was moved by Councilmember Halfn, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the Agenda as presented on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings 6a. LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. dba Life Cafe — On -Sale Wine & 3.2% Malt Liquor License. Ms. Kennedy explained the city received an application from LTF Club Operations, Inc. dba Life Cafe, for an on -sale wine and 3.2% malt liquor license for the property located at 5525 Cedar Lake Road. She noted the Life Cafe is located in Life Time Fitness. A full menu is currently served in the cafe, and the applicant would like to also allow guests to purchase and consume beer, wine, and/or food in the Life Cafe, golf simulator, and tennis lounge areas. She stated all three locations are defined spaces located on the 2"d floor of the club. She added that no outdoor seating is proposed, and the applicant will not allow alcoholic beverages to be carried or consumed in any other location in the club. She noted that all Life Cafe team members are required to successfully complete an Alcohol Server Training Certification Program. Councilmember Brausen asked if other private clubs in the city have limitations or restrictions on where drinking is allowed within their operation. Ms. Kennedy stated that that all liquor license holders are required to define the areas where the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol will occur. The additional measures being put into place by the applicant are their own business practices, not city requirements. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. The applicant stated he was available to answer any questions from the council. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve application from LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. dba Life Cafe, for an On -Sale City Council Meeting -5- February 20, 2018 Wine and 3.2% Malt Liquor License for the premises located at 5525 Cedar Lake Road, with a license term of March 1, 2018—March 1, 2019. The motion passed 7-0. 6b. Consider Allocation of 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. Resolution No. 18-039 Ms. Olson presented the staff report. She stated that each year the city must decide how to use its annual allocation of CDBG funds from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which are distributed through Hennepin County. The city must submit to Hennepin County the proposed use of its allocation by February 23, 2018. Prior to submittal, the city must hold a public hearing. Ms. Olson added that this year's proposed use of CDBG funds reflects the city's priorities to preserve existing housing and increase affordable home ownership opportunities. The allocation focuses on assisting low-income residents with emergency repairs, rehab loans, improvement projects, and affordable ownership opportunities. She added that new this year, 15% of the overall CDBG budget is being set aside by Hennepin County for public service activities and awarded through one combined, competitive RFP, covering all the cities in the county program. Mayor Spano asked how the county handled this 15% in the past. Ms. Olson stated that in the past there was an RFP process to apply for these funds. Mayor Spano asked if this new method is a more effective way to allocate dollars. Ms. Olson stated that St. Louis Park did not use the full 15% in the past, so this year it will be a different breakdown. Councilmember Mavity stressed that the council may need to have a conversation with the county about this, adding she believes the more local control, the better. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Bill O'Meara, 9481 West 81st St., stated that he administers the emergency repair program and is seeing evolving trends. He counsels people on refinancing their FHA loans and also works with low-income and first-time home buyers on pre -purchase counseling and energy assistance. Councilmember Brausen asked if the emergency repair program is over subscribed. Mr. O'Meara stated that because St. Louis Park has been so progressive in providing more housing and education, the program is holding its own at this point. Councilmember Rog asked if Mr. O'Meara works with community land developers. Mr. O'Meara said yes, with Land Trust, which is an affordable option. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Mayor Spano noted that for Homes Within Reach, these programs help leverage funds to help people purchase homes. He added that he is supportive of the slate of allocations and would like the council to also consider looking at the city's construction permits with consideration for the potential of utilizing these program resources. City Council Meeting -6- February 20, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated that he appreciates staff's hard work. With the consensus of the council being to work toward more affordable housing, this is money well spent. It was moved by Councilmember Hallfin, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 18-039, approving proposed use of 2018 Urban Hennepin County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Funds and authorize execution of5ubrecipient Agreement with Hennepin County and Third -Party Agreements. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items — None 9. Communications Councilmember Rog noted that tomorrow evening, Wednesday, February 21, from 5:30-7:30 the open house for the Walker -Lake design plans will be held at the Masonic Lodge. Councilmember Harris noted that on Thursday, February 22, and Wednesday, February 28, there will be meetings at the Westwood Hills Nature Center from 6-7:30 p.m. to discuss the design. Councilmember Hallfin stated that on Thursday morning, March 1, the Annual Children First Breakfast will be held at the St. Louis Park Doubletree Hotel. He encouraged people to visit the website for tickets, Additionally, Councilmember Hallfin stated that the STEP Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held at Westwood Lutheran Church on March 15. He encouraged people to attend either the lunch or dinner session. Councilmember Brausen noted that he and several other council members were contacted by several community members regarding the recent death of a pedestrian crossing the street at Highway 7 and Texas Avenue. He noted the council and the city feel very badly about this accident and want to express sympathy to the families and all those involved. He stated that in the near future the council will be discussing public safety at this corner. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. JM Melissa needy, City Clerk (3