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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/04/10 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionCity Council Study Session April 10, 2006 6:30 PM Council Chambers (Councilmember Omodt Out) Discussion Items Approximate Times 1. 6:30 PM Community Arts Grant Program 2. 7:00 PM Communication Focus Group Discussion 3. 7:45 PM 2005 – 2006 Visioning Update 4. 8:45 PM Review Agenda for City Council Workshop 5. 9:00 PM Status Report on Bass Lake Site 6. 9:10 PM Future Study Session Agenda Planning 9:25 PM Adjourn Written Reports for Council Review 7. Wireless Pilot Update and Evaluation Criteria 8. 36th Street Art Corridor Planning Auxiliary aids for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. To make arrangements, please call the Administration Department at 952/924-2525 (TDD 952/924-2518) at least 96 hours in advance of meeting. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 1 1. Community Arts Grant Program Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: At the November 28, 2005 study session, Council affirmed their support for a community arts grant program and asked staff to return at a future date to discuss how such a program might work. City staff and Friends of the Arts have created the St. Louis Park Arts and Culture Grants program, whereby arts and cultural activities may be funded for the benefit of the community. Staff will lead a discussion with Council about the proposed arts grant program for two purposes: to see if this meets the Council’s expectations and to determine the level of involvement Council wants to have with this process. Background: The 2006 budget includes $40,000 for arts related activities; $20,000 is dedicated to community arts grants and the remaining $20,000 is allocated to Friends of the Arts (FOTA) for a new position to help promote arts within St. Louis Park. FOTA has recently hired Margaret Rog as their director of planning and development. Staff and FOTA have met several times over the last few months to develop an arts grant program for your review and discussion. Incorporated into the program are the items that were discussed at the previous study session, including the change in focus from neighborhoods to community-wide grants, the emphasis on art in parks and public places, and the criteria for evaluative purposes. Attached please find a copy of the meeting minutes from the November study session and the grant application. Staff and FOTA look forward to hearing your thoughts on the grant program and the process that we have developed. Representatives of FOTA will also be in attendance. Attachment: St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grants Program Arts & Culture Grant Proposal form Official Minutes of November 28, 2005 Study Session Prepared by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 2 St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grants Program Description The St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grant Program is a catalyst for the creation of art projects and cultural activities in St. Louis Park. It is designed to fund proposals which: ● support community pride and build bridges between artists and communities in St. Louis Park, ● engage people in creative learning experiences through the arts, ● provide opportunities to increase and promote artistic production and cultural experiences. Eligibility & Requirements 1. Art projects or cultural events must be arts-related and community-based, provide artistic enrichment, and create opportunities for artistic collaboration. 2. Applications which include an in-kind contribution or match will be rated more favorably. Examples of in-kind donations include organizational support, resources to promote the project, outreach activities, time, personnel and project partners. 3. A total of $20,000 will be awarded in 2006; minimum grant request is $250. 4. Organizations or artists must complete their proposed projects by December 31, 2006 unless the grantee has received prior approval to extend the grant. 5. Grantees must document the results of the project, demonstrate in-kind match (if applicable) and complete a final report and evaluation. The final report must include copies of receipts for all expenses. Grantees cannot be considered for future funding until all documentation is submitted. 6. Proposals for art intended to remain in the community must include a letter of permission to remain in a location and the proposal must discuss what will be needed to maintain the piece of art, proposed lifespan and removal suggestions. 2006 Grant Timeline Application Available Application Deadline Committee Review Award Notification Earliest Project Start Date Project Completion Deadline May 21 July 31 August Early Sept. Sept. 15 December 31 Review Process Applications will be reviewed by a committee comprised of city staff, community representatives and St. Louis Park’s Friends of the Arts. The Committee will review the applications and will forward their recommendations for the City Council for approval. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 3 Preference will be given to; community involvement/support; proposals that benefit parks and other public areas; percentage of match, evaluation of the ability of the group to manage the proposed project and evidence of a plan to provide accommodation and inclusiveness for diverse populations. Grant recipients will be notified of awards in September 2006. About Friends of the Arts Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is a community organization committed to supporting, promoting and enhancing the arts in St. Louis Park. Since 1995 they have worked to sponsor and/or promote musical, performing and visual arts events that the whole community may access. Friends of the Arts is comprised of citizens of St. Louis Park who have come together to strengthen and support the arts in our city. Grant Informational Meeting An Arts & Culture Grant informational meeting will held in late May or early June for prospective applicants. Friends of the Arts and the City of St. Louis Park will host the meeting. The new St. Louis Park Arts & Culture Grants Program will be announced at the Children First Ice Cream Social on May 21. Criteria Applications will be rated on the following criteria:  Project Proposal and Feasibility of Project  Community Involvement  Artistic Involvement  Project Outcomes  Budget Contact(s) If your proposal involved will require use of public land or facilities, please contact the following staff for more information: Questions For questions about the grant guidelines or to request additional application forms, contact: Marcia Honold City of St. Louis Park 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard St. Louis Park, MN 55416 Phone: 952-924-2651 E-mail: mhonold@stlouispark.org City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 4 Arts & Culture Grant Proposal Form for the City of St. Louis Park Total amount requested ______________________ Organization Information Name of organization/neighborhood association: Organization’s mailing address Contact person Contact’s mailing address Work Phone # Home Phone # Cell phone # Contact person’s email Is your organization an IRS 501c(3) nonprofit? ____ Yes ___ No If not, provide the name an agency to act as your fiscal agent. ___________________________ Artist Information Name of partnering artist or cultural organization Mailing address Phone # email Web page address Please indicate the artistic discipline of the proposed project: □ Visual Arts □ Theatre □ Literature □ Dance □ Film □ Music □ Multi Media □ Other __________ City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 5 Proposal Information & Project Feasibility Describe your project in detail and address the following information in your proposal.  Why are you applying for funding and how will it meet the purpose of this grant? Please include information about project purpose, timing, location, the intended audience, and participants.  If this project will result in permanent installations of art, who will be responsible for maintenance?  If this project involves use of a facility, please provide a letter support with your application and describe how the facility will be involved in your project.  Discuss how this project will be completed as proposed. Community involvement  How does your proposal encourage community participation and collaboration?  What do you hope the community will gain from this project?  What efforts will be made to include diverse populations or accommodate people with differing abilities? Artistic involvement  How will your proposal promote arts and culture in St. Louis Park?  Is a performer/musician/artist involved with the planning and implementation of this proposal?  What specific services will an artist or cultural organization provide and how does this relate to the project? Project Outcomes Describe how your proposal will:  support community pride and build bridges among communities and artists,  engage people in creative learning experiences through the arts,  provide opportunities to increase and promote artistic production and cultural experiences. Budget Page Grant budgets may include costs for artists and other personnel, printing, postage, supplies, equipment, advertising, refreshments and other expenses necessary to carry out the project. Use an estimated value of $10 an hour to calculate contributions of volunteer time and $30 an hour for time donated by professional artists. Please address how the scope of the project relates to the budget. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 6 Project Budget Itemized Expenses Grant Funds Requested Match Resources, Describe donations of cash, goods, time or services Match $ value $ value $ value $ value $ value $ value $ value Total Grant Funds Requested Project Timeline & Outcomes Major Task Completion Date Expected Outcome City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 7 OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION November 28, 2005 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: John Basill, Phil Finkelstein, Susan Sanger, Sue Santa, Jim Brimeyer and Mayor Jeff Jacobs. Councilmember Paul Omodt was absent. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Public Works Director (Mr. Rardin); Director of Park and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Operations Superintendent (Mr. Hanson), and City Clerk (Ms. Stroth). 1. Arts Programming and Fund Sue Schneck, from Friends of the Arts, was present. City Manager Mr. Harmening indicated money had been set aside for staff and program assistance. Mr. Harmening would like to know if, conceptually, the Council is comfortable with the two ideas/initiatives to further arts and cultural activities in the community. The 2006 budget includes funding for arts related activities as follows: 1) $20,000 for an arts related program; and 2) $20,000 to provide staffing resources to the City and Friends of the Arts. Mr. Harmening stated it need not be just a one year commitment, and that some day it should be self-sufficient. Mr. Harmening introduced Ms. Walsh and Ms. Schneck. Councilmember Finkelstein thinks it is a great idea; he would like people of all ages to use the parks. He added, to find arts opportunities, the City must invest. Councilmember Santa is supportive but would not want it to become a battleground. Ms. Schneck said the objective would have to be clearly defined to establish criteria. Councilmember Sanger stated she likes the idea, but favors having an administrator to get a more global picture of where arts programming and funding would be headed. Councilmember Sanger’s concerns are: $20,000 is not much and anything that is done should be visible to the community; and that this is tied to parks projects. Councilmember Sanger asked how to deal with this in those neighborhoods that are not organized. Councilmember Brimeyer suggested the Council decide what this will look like in four years. He was interested in a percentage of the funding used for public school arts program and events for adults and youth. Ideas for events could include a “Youth Sculpture Walk” at Park Commons. He indicated the need to hire or contract with someone who meets the objectives with all the components included. Ms. Schneck suggested a presentation be prepared for Community Education. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 8 Councilmember Finkelstein would like to reach out to include residents who live in apartments and condominiums and are not active in neighborhood associations. Mayor Jacobs said the niche could be children first, i.e., a collaboration between youth and arts. Mr. Harmening remarked, there is conceptual support and the need to bring back specifics to move forward. The Council is supportive of funding in 2006 but more details are needed. 2. Executive Session – City Manager Evaluation The closed Executive Session regarding the evaluation of the City Manager took place from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. 3. Sidewalk Snow Removal Mr. Rardin presented a Staff report regarding sidewalk snow removal. Councilmember Sanger wants passable sidewalks, and she listed some suggestions. Discussion took place whether this was a community wide problem and whether an aggressive response was needed. Councilmember Basill felt there was no problem regarding snow removal and to provide more information to residents how to report problems. Councilmember Sanger recommended a stronger communication plan. Councilmember Brimeyer said a task force may be a good start to determine the seriousness of impassable sidewalks; and one remedy might be rigid enforcement. Mr. Harmening said an aggressive ticketing process during the first snowstorm last year was a good idea, but needed a better design method of enforcement. Councilmember Basill would like to consider changing six hours to 12 hours for snow removal completion by residents, or at least have a discussion on the appropriate time frame. Mr. Rardin suggested staff use this winter to assess how bad the problem is, and to educate residents with more communication on snow removal. 4. TH 7 Wooddale Avenue Intersection Improvements Mr. Rardin led the discussion for this item. He reviewed the two interchange concepts considered and current funding. He said there would be nothing for the next few months and are waiting to hear the outcome of the City’s request for funds. Legislative consideration is expected between February and April of 2006. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 1 - Arts Programming & Funding Page 9 5. TH 100 Interim Improvements Mr. Rardin reviewed the timeframe and schedule. He stated Mn/DOT has started the Municipal Consent Approval Process. Councilmember Sanger is disappointed with the MnDOT plans because the public process is missing. Discussion took place regarding the design of new interchange and the safety of narrow lanes. Steps have been identified by Staff to respond to Mn/DOT’s interim project submittal and their expected response to the City’s concerns. 6. Pool Pump Enclosures Councilmember Sanger reported that noise from motors for above-ground pools is problematic. The request is to amend an ordinance on pools to require that motors be enclosed. Councilmember Sanger sees no downside to making this type of requirement. Councilmember Brimeyer said to justify such a change, it would have to be tied to a decibel level and frequency. The Council discussed options. Mr. Harmening summarized that from an ordinance change perspective, only installation of new pools would be affected. The new policy shall require enclosures for circulating pumps and motors. The meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ City Clerk Mayor City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 2 - Communications Focus Group Discussion Page 1 2. Communications Focus Group Discussion Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: Council will be asked to take time to give input on the effectiveness of the city’s current communications practices, and examine potential future changes. This focus group discussion will be facilitated by Tom Bullington, Consultant from CityImage and Bridget Gothberg, Organizational Development. Background: As you are aware, we have hired CityImage to develop a Communications Plan for the City (attached). As part of plan development we are conducting focus groups, with one group being the City Council. On Monday evening the Council will be asked questions regarding communication methods and also what types and methods they are interested in for our residents and our City. We are hopeful that by the end of the month we will have a general communications plan to use to help support us in plans to move forward in all of our efforts. Attachment: Communications Plan summary Prepared by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manager Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 2 - Communications Focus Group Discussion Page 2 City of St. Louis Park Communications Plan Development Conducted by CityImage, Tom Bullington PURPOSE OF PLAN: To review current city communications program methods and make recommendations on options for communications and marketing to meet future needs. DISCOVERY PROCESS 1.) Audit. CityImage will conduct a thorough audit of the city’s current communications practices and a comprehensive review of its elements. (includes but is not limited to: newsletters, brochures, cable tv, media relations, press releases, email etc.) 2.) Focus groups. We will gauge the effectiveness of the city’s current communications practices, and examine potential future changes with focus groups with the following: • Three community focus groups of 5-7 individuals. These groups will include a mix of residents and businesspeople. and • St. Louis Park department heads. • Several groups consisting of various staff members, from a variety of departments and various St. Louis Park residents. • St. Louis Park City Council members. 3.) Review results of most-recent Decision Resources resident opinion survey for comparison purposes and to identify areas in need of improvement. Review results of 2005-06 Vision St. Louis Park process as they relate to the city’s communications efforts. FORMATION OF PLAN St. Louis Park Communications Plan will include: • Results of a communications audit • Development of an outcome statement – what the city intends to accomplish with such a communications plan • Recommendations on communications function needs for the city • Key themes and opinions expressed by focus group members • Recommendations for changes to city’s overall communications process • Recommendations for potential city branding and identity work • Projected schedule of communications work for next two years (Spring 2006-08) City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 2 - Communications Focus Group Discussion Page 3 4.) Upon completion of draft plan, CityImage will confer with city staff to ensure accuracy of communications plan and receive recommendations for changes. Finalize and deliver new communications plan to City of St. Louis Park. MEASUREMENT: Conduct follow-up interviews regarding effectiveness of city communications with residents, staff, and elected officials in 9-12 months. TIMEFRAME: Communications audit will start in February 2006. Focus groups, to be conducted in March and April 2006. First draft of St. Louis Park communications plan could be completed and delivered to staff for review by end of April 2006. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 1 3. 2005 – 2006 Visioning Update Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: Staff desires to inform Council of progress on Vision St. Louis Park and proposed next steps. Background: We have analyzed the data obtained from the Vision St. Louis Park process and have identified next steps which should be taken. The Vision Partnership Team has reviewed this information and is supportive of moving forward. The Vision Partnership Team consists of the City, School District, TwinWest Chamber, Children First, and Park Nicollet. The attached document contains background on the Vision St. Louis Park process and story. It highlights the areas that our residents tell us are working well, should grow and should be celebrated. It also contains two parallel tracks for moving forward. 1. The first track includes vision areas that need Vision Action Teams to study data obtained during the vision process, undertake other research as necessary, and present recommendations for moving forward One of these Vision areas is new - Environment. The other Vision areas involve going deeper into the original vision areas. We are proposing vision teams for different subsets of the Vision areas, thus making the groups more focused. Proposed areas for Vision Action Teams are: a. Environment b. Transportation c. Community Gathering Places d. Community Events and Celebrations e. Arts and Cultural Activities f. Housing g. Diversity City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 2 2. The second track includes the five original vision areas that did not show up as concerns to our residents during the Vision process. Even though there were no red flags and, in many cases positive feedback, we believe that none of these areas will ever stay the same. They will either grow or decline. Hence, we want to make sure that we continue the growth. Therefore, we plan to ask groups already connected to these areas to look at what we have accomplished over the last 10 years, the vision data and make recommendations for improvement. These five vision areas and assigned groups are: a. Safety: Police Advisory Commission b. Children First: Children First Vision Team and Executive Committee c. Lifelong Learning: Community Education Advisory Council d. Business: St. Louis Park Business Council e. Responsive Government: City Council Staff and the consultants involved in the visioning process will provide a more detailed explanation of the proposed “next steps” and answer any questions you may have Attachments: 2005/2006 Vision Report Prepared by: Bridget Gothberg, Organizational Development Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 3 Vision St. Louis Park 2006: The Unfolding Story Discover, Dream, Design St. Louis Park is a community with a vision. Leaders and residents can point with pride to the results of the 1995 Vision St. Louis Park process – a new town center and dramatic progress on eight goals. In 2006 members of the community partnership that emerged in 1994 decided to invite the community to revisit the 1995 vision. The Community Partners – the City of St. Louis Park, the St. Louis Park School District, TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, Park Nicollet Health Services and Children First – wanted to: • Continue the successful Partnership begun with Children First and Vision 1995. • Develop new ways to hear from citizens and workers. • Involve as many people as possible, both residents and workers, in St. Louis Park (not just “the usual suspects” but a true cross-section of the community). • Identify priorities to guide decision-making by the Partners. • Encourage citizens and workers to take initiative on ideas outside of the normal channels. In 1995 eight goals emerged from the work of nearly 200 citizens participating in task groups charged to assess problem areas in the community and make recommendations to address those problems. For Vision 2006 the Partners wanted to include more people in the process and build on past success by using an Appreciative Inquiry process to learn:  What is already working in St. Louis Park that gives life and vitality to the community; what we want to preserve and build on?  Ideas, dreams and wishes that participants most was to realize over the next 5- 10 years Vision 2006 involved more than a 1000 people including those who work but do not live in St. Louis Park. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 4 THE PROCESS Key milestones in this community-wide vision process included: • June 2005, Kick-off meeting: Diverse group of 65 citizens and workers met and identified four topics for inquiry – Connectivity, Transportation, Health, and Special Urban Place. • June 05-January 06, Individual, Group and online interviews conducted with 750 people. • Feb. 2, 06, Summit I, 70 people; a cross-section of the community and members of the Partner organizations met to review the interview data, identify common ground and propose Challenging Possibilities for the future to be brought to a larger group of people at Summit II. • February 12, 06, Summit II (Town Meeting) 200 people met, heard the Challenging Possibilities from the participants of Summit I and responded by: o Proposing priorities (among the existing goals and the new, Challenging Possibilities), o Identifying promising actions, and o Signing up to participate in future action steps • The City website has been enhanced to support the work of action groups and to promote city-wide dialogue about the community’s Vision, Priorities and Initiatives currently underway. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 5 THE VISION 2006 RESULTS TO DATE The 2006 vision process was an opportunity to review progress on 1995 goals and to point new directions for growth. The results are outlined below: • The first section indicates (in order or priority) what participants most appreciate about St. Louis Park – what is working well. o These are community assets that citizens want to maintain and build on. o It is clear that they are pleased with progress on the 1995 vision and are happy that the City is committed to continue working on these goals. • The second section identifies Challenging Possibilities (in order of priority) – new directions to grow. o One new area of Challenge was identified – Environment o Key Challenges were also identified in three existing goals – Community Connections, Housing, Diversity o Children First continues to be a priority – the community wants children and youth involved in responding to the Challenges. What residents and workers appreciate most about this community • Good Schools -- reflect the value we place on children in St. Louis Park o We put dollars into schools o Teachers care about kids o The community is involved o Alternative programs and schools o Mentorship program at the high school • Great neighborhoods – give this community a small town feel within a great urban center. o Neighborhood associations o Volunteers o Lots of activities in the neighborhoods – National Night Out, Block Parties, Clean up days • Excelsior and Grand – is a visible expression of the success of Vision St. Louis Park 1995 o Good restaurants o Wolfe Park and green spaces nearby o Mix of retail and housing o Safe place to shop o Rec Center close by City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 6 • Trails and Parks – provide beautiful, safe, fun, outdoor recreation o Opportunity to keep fit by walking, biking, skating o Westwood Nature Center offers educational opportunities and kosher food o Green spaces throughout the community • Diversity – is seen as a contribution to the richness of life in St. Louis Park o Rich diversity o Kids play together o Good place to learn from each other – religion, race, different cultures o Many opportunities to learn • Location – very accessible to two great cities o Lots of activities close by o City lakes easily accessible o Easy commute (except rush hour on Hwy 100) • Children First – children and youth are truly valued members of the community o Children and youth are included in all aspects of community life o Community decisions consider the impact on children and youth o Youth Summit • Good Healthcare – is available at nearby, high quality clinics and hospital o Quality care o Methodist Hospital gives a sense of safety o Great to have specialists in one place o Park-Nicollet • Good government – the leadership of St. Louis Park is seen as a great asset o Accessible leaders o Support for Neighborhood Associations o Police and fire, recycling, snow removal o Bookmark in the Park o Parktacular City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 7 What participants challenge Community Partners, residents and workers to grow and improve in St. Louis Park. The challenges below emerged as the passionately felt desires of participants in the 2006, year-long, community-wide vision process. Each Challenging Possibility from the Town Meeting has been placed in the context of the existing (8) goals or vision areas from Vision St. Louis Park 1995. While most point to new challenges related to existing goals, one new goal emerged: St. Louis Park’s outdoor and built environment is clean, green, healthy, safe and aesthetically pleasing. Action Groups can now be charged to identify effective actions for realizing measurable outcomes for each goal. • The phrases in bold (below) identify possible new action groups that can be drawn from participants in the vision process. • The charge for other goals can be given to existing groups already responsible for outcomes. (The charge to these action groups is outlined on page 9.) Vision Goals and Challenging Possibilities I Goal (Environment) – St. Louis Park’s outdoor and built environment is clean, green, healthy, safe and aesthetically pleasing. ► The Governor of the state of Minnesota has declared St. Louis Park to be a “Fit Community” because of conveniently located recreational opportunities and facilities that are easily accessible to all generations. ► St. Louis Park has a connected network of safe sidewalks and trails with informational stopping points of interest, to ensure a fit city by 2008. II Goal (Community Connections) – All who live and work in St. Louis Park have strong connections to our neighborhoods, businesses and community. ► St. Louis Park offers a variety of transportation modes – sidewalks and trails roads, public transit, light rail – for getting anywhere in St. Louis Park in a safe and enjoyable manner and for connecting to the metro area. ► Families, residents and workers enjoy the many gathering places available in St. Louis Park – including Recreation Centers, Youth Centers and a Malt Shop where teens can gather and Community Art Centers, parks, and shopping centers; they frequently visit the City website to see what is happening. ► There is an urban village at each of the three LRT stations that is dense, diverse and walkable ► Community events and celebrations through the year provide ways for residents, workers and visitors to come together for fun, entertainment and learning. ► Diverse arts and cultural activities permeate all aspects of life in St. Louis Park. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 8 III Goal (Housing) – St. Louis Park has expanded the stock of balanced housing so residents will be able to live here through all life stages. ► … (outcome measures to be added by action group) IV Goal (Diversity) – St. Louis Park is a city where everyone feels and experiences a sense of belonging ► St. Louis Park is free of institutional oppression – racism, class, gender, sexual affinity etc. ► … (outcome measures to be added by action group) V Goal (Children First) – Children and youth are a top priority for the entire community. ► Children and youth participate in every aspect of community life (including the city-wide vision process and the actions to realize the vision). ► … (outcome measures to be added by Children First Vision Team and Executive Committee) VI Goal (Safety) – Our community is a safe environment in which to live, work and learn ► … (outcome measures to be added by Police Advisory Committee) VII Goal (Business) – Diverse businesses provide a solid economic base for community and benefits from strong support from residents, schools and government. ► … (outcome measures to be added by SLP Business Council) VIII Goal (Lifelong Learning) – Educational opportunities for all ages abound because a high value is placed on education. ► … (outcome measures to be added by the Community Education Advisory Council) IX Goal (Responsive Government) -- Responsive services is a hallmark of City Government ► … (outcome measures to be added by the City Council) City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 9 POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS: Possible action by the Community Partners, who initiated this vision process, • Review the vision and priorities that emerged from the Town Meeting (Summit II) • Declare their commitment to be guided by the vision and priorities • Identify actions they will take • Invite participants in the Town Meeting and any others, who live or work in St. Louis Park to: o Join an action group to propose initiatives, or o Form/join an action group to take on one of the many initiatives identified at the February 12, 2006 Town Meeting o See that existing groups for the eight original goals are charged to review successes, note unfinished items and set new challenges. o Create a tool that can be seen and used city-wide for tracking actions and accomplishments on existing goals and new challenges. POSSIBLE ACTION GROUPS New Action Groups: Action groups 1-8 are associated with “Challenging Possibilities” identified by participants in Vision St. Louis Park 2006. New groups can be formed from participants who volunteered at the Town Meeting. (The charge to each action group is outlined on page 9) Action Group 1: Environment – St. Louis Park’s outdoor and built environment is clean, green, healthy, safe and aesthetically pleasing. Action Group 2: Transportation – St. Louis Park offers a variety of transportation modes – sidewalks, trails, roads, public transit, and light rail – to get anywhere St. Louis Park in a safe and enjoyable manner and to connect to the metro region. Action Group 3: Sidewalks and Trails – St. Louis Park has a connected network of safe sidewalks and trails with informational stopping points of interest, to ensure a fit city by 2008. Action Group 4: Gathering places – Families, residents and workers enjoy the many gathering places available in St. Louis Park – including Recreation Centers, youth Centers and a Malt Shop were teens can gather and Community Arts Centers, parks and shopping centers; they frequently visit the City website to see what is happening. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 10 Action Group 5: Community events – Activities and celebrations throughout the year provide ways for residents, workers and visitors to come together for fun, entertainment and learning. Action Group 6: Housing – St. Louis Park has expanded the stock of balanced housing to residents will be able to live here through all life stages. Action Group 7: Arts and culture – Diverse Arts and cultural activities permeate all aspects of life in St. Louis Park. Action Group 8: Diversity – St. Louis Park is a city where everyone feels and experiences a sense of belonging. Existing Groups as Action Groups: Action groups 9-13 are associated with Goals from Vision St. Louis Park 1995 that participants in the Vision St. Louis Park 2006 identified as continuing commitments. Existing groups responsible for outcomes related to each goal can be asked to respond to the action group charge. (The charge to each action group is outlined on page 9) Action Group 9: Children First – Children and youth are a top priority for the entire community. Action Group 10: Safety – Our community is a safe environment in which to live, work and learn. Action Group 11: Business – Diverse businesses provide a solid economic base for community and benefit from strong support from residents, schools and government. Action Group 12: Lifelong Learning – Educational opportunities for all ages abound because a high value is placed on education. Action Group 13: Responsive Government – Responsive service is a hallmark of City Government. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 3 - Visioning Update Page 11 Action Group Charge Vision St. Louis Park 2006 One thousand active members of our community have identified new, Challenging Possibilities for the future of St. Louis Park and recommitted to the existing 1995 Vision Goals. In fact, continuing improvement for 1995 goals has become a part of the way we do business in this city. The Community Partners request that each Action Group recommend additional outcome measures and actions/programs to make the new Challenging Possibilities and outcomes for existing goals a reality by 2016. Please prepare and submit your group’s recommendations by October 30, 2006. The Partners request that your group: • Recruit members for this group who are passionately interested in responding to the challenge • Agree to meeting times and choose a leader • Review the summary data from the 750 interviews from Vision 2006 • Review the pertinent recommendations made by Task Groups for Vision 1995 • Review the report of the Outcomes Committee to see what has been accomplished to date on Vision St. Louis Park 1995 • Review the proposed actions developed by participants in the 2006 Vision Town Meeting, Feb 12th • Learn which groups/organizations in our community have responsibilities or interests in this challenge • Develop clear 12 month measures of success for this action group • Develop markers of success for 5 years out • Brainstorm actions to achieve the 12 month goal and the five year goal • Propose a plan and priorities for action that ensure success • Prepare your recommendations to be presented by October 30, 2006 City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 4 - Review Agenda For City Council Workshop Page 1 4. Review Agenda for City Council Workshop Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: Staff desires to review with the City Council the proposed agenda for the upcoming City Council Workshop. Background: As part of the City Manager’s performance evaluation last fall, the Council asked the Manager to help the Council with goal setting. One productive way of doing this is for the Council to take time to meet and discuss issues in a retreat or workshop setting. The City Council's Workshop is scheduled for the late afternoon/early evening of April 28 and during the day on April 29. The workshop will be held in the Community Room of the condo building within which Councilmember Finkelstein resides. Bridget Gothberg will facilitate the workshop. The City Manager and Deputy City Manager Nancy Gohman will also participate. Attached is the proposed agenda and the intended outcomes of the workshop. Although I have generally identified the intended purpose and topics of the workshop in the past, I felt it appropriate to discuss this matter with the Council to insure there was agreement and an understanding of what was proposed to be accomplished. Staff looks forward to discussing the specifics of the workshop with you during the study session. Attachment: Proposed Agenda Prepared By: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 4 - Review Agenda For City Council Workshop Page 2 City Council Workshop Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2006 DETAILED AGENDA DRAFT Proposed Outcomes: • To enhance the working relationship of the City Council • To revisit and recommit to the Carver Governance Model • To set City Council “Priorities” and “Ends” for the next 18 months Friday, April 28, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 1. Check-in (30 minutes) You will spend a little time getting to know each other. Bridget will ask ice-breaker questions. This is important because with two new council members, dynamics have changed. Research tells us that this kind of exercise is key in building healthy groups. 2. Review Learning Styles and Group Dynamics (60 minutes) Paul and Loran will need to take the Gregorc ahead of time. You will review each person’s style tendencies—both plus and shadow side as well as the relationship of the styles to group dynamics. DINNER (30 minutes) 3. Carver Governance Model (90 minutes) a. Overall Review b. Role of Council c. Role of City Manager This session will be both educational as well as a time for Council dialogue. 4. Summary (30 minutes) We will follow good theory of adult learning and find out what people learned and how they want to use it and check in about day two. City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 4 - Review Agenda For City Council Workshop Page 3 Saturday, April 29, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 5. Check-in (15 minutes) This is not a long thing. Bridget will ask if you had any thoughts or insights based on what we talked about on Friday night. 6. Priorities (15 minutes) Council will review the purpose of priorities/ends so that everyone is “on the same page” with the purpose and meaning of priorities and ends. 7. Environmental Scan (90 minutes with dialogue) Council will have a chance to look at data from Vision, and other information deemed important. You will also add to the “environmental scan” from your perspective. There will be time for some global conversation after reviewing the environmental information. 8. Getting to Ends I (15 minutes) Tom will give council some examples of priority/ends statements—making it real by sharing things we did but didn’t write down. LUNCH (30 minutes) 9. Getting to Ends II (2 hours) Council will have a conversation on types of priorities/ends that might interest it. Following this Council will use a nominal group process to get all the priorities on the table, select key ones, etc. 10. Next Steps and Closure (30 minutes) Council will restate its agreement. Talk about next steps for priorities/ends and then debrief the workshop. City Council Study Session Item: 041006 - 5 - Status Report On Bass Lake Site Page 1 5. Status Report on Bass Lake Site Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: Staff desires to provide the City Council with a brief update on the status of concept planning being undertaken by Park Nicollet for this site and the likelihood that Park Nicollet will be available to make a presentation to the City Council in May. Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 6 - Future Study Session Agenda Page 1 6. Future Study Session Agenda Planning Administrative Services PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION: To assist the City Council and the City Manager in setting the next Study Session agenda. Background: At each study session, approximately 15 minutes is set aside to discuss the next study session agenda. For this purpose, attached please find the tentative agenda and proposed discussion items for the regularly scheduled April 24, 2006 study session. Attachments: Future Study Session Agenda Planning Prepared By: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Discussion Item: 041006 - 6 - Future Study Session Agenda Page 2 Future Study Session Agenda Planning Monday, April 24 6:00 p.m. Board of Appeals 7:00 p.m. Study Session A. Children First, STEP, Meadowbrook Collaborative – Community Development (45minutes) Representatives from Children First, STEP and Meadowbrook Collaborative will appear before Council to discuss short term funding challenges they are experiencing and the potential for creating greater collaboration between the three organizations. B. WiFi Update / Evaluation Criteria- TSS (45minutes) Staff to provide an update to Council about WiFi and review pilot program evaluation criteria. C. Motor Vehicle Sales Tax (MVST) – Admin. Services (15 minutes) Should the City Council pass a resolution in support of the motor vehicle sales tax transfer? E. 36th Street Streetscape Plan – Community Development (30 minutes) Staff to present preliminary ideas for the West 36th Street streetscape. F. Hwy. 7 Corporate Center Redev. Contract – Community Development (30 minutes) Staff to review the business terms of the Hwy 7. Corporate Center Redevelopment Contract with Council. G. Future Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (10 minutes) 10:00 p.m. End of Meeting City Council Study Session Written Item: 041006 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update & Evaluation Criteria Page 1 7. Wireless Pilot Update and Evaluation Criteria TSS PURPOSE OF REPORT: To provide an update to the City Council on the pilot wireless program and to present pilot evaluation criteria previously requested and approved by Council. Both the update and evaluation criteria will be the subject of discussion at the April 24 study session. Staff supports Council discussion of evaluation criteria to ensure they continue to be relevant in view of pilot implementation and current Council goals. BACKGROUND: Here is the latest information on the pilot wireless project. This information is similar to that e- mailed to Council on April 3. This is an update on what’s happening, what’s going well, what’s challenging, and what the schedule currently suggests. What’s Happening Now? • We continue to receive some sign-ups for the pilot, though the majority of these are in. At this time we have approximately 320 sign-ups. Over half of the sign-ups thus far are from folks without access to the Internet at all or dial-up customers. • We continue to answer phone calls and e-mails, although most people receive their information from www.stlouispark.org, the new www.parkwifi.com web site, or the Parkwifi phone number -- (952) 928-2859. What’s Going Well? • People with whom we have had contact seem quite interested in the service, and are hoping the pilot areas can be extended. Current sign-up numbers are encouraging both in terms of current Internet use (significant number of current dial-up and non-Internet users) and the fact that subscribers are willing to pay for a service that is not guaranteed to continue – they are sharing the risk! • Equipment continues to arrive on a timely basis and we currently do not anticipate equipment delivery issues. • Fiber connection to the Internet is complete. • Wireless access points are now mounted on street light poles (one is mounted at Aquila School). • Necessary arrangements and agreements with Xcel have been completed and Xcel staff has been very helpful in providing advice as we move through this process. • www.parkwifi.com is the wireless web site designed primarily to accept sign-ups. It also provides other program information. The site will be developed much more if we go citywide with wireless. • The subscriber Frequently Asked Questions document, Privacy Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and Subscriber Agreement have been completed and posted at www.parkwifi.com. City Council Study Session Written Item: 041006 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update & Evaluation Criteria Page 2 • We are visiting potential public Showcase Sites, where people who are not in the pilot areas can “test drive and compare” the wireless service to their current service. We are working with vendors who may be willing to loan equipment for this purpose with minimal impact to the pilot budget. What’s Challenging? • Pilot areas can never be large enough. Staff members mounting the wireless access points recently were approached by several citizens excited about pilot and wishing it extended in to their areas. • Excelsior & Grand is an area that continues to express significant interest in the pilot project. Staff continues to meet with E & G staff to consider what is possible – how at least certain areas of E & G and the Town Green could be served during the pilot. Budget limitations in the pilot mean we cannot serve all parts of any residential or commercial multi-unit complex without that complex’s participation. We also recognize the high profile nature of E & G. Staff is working with vendors and E & G to consider partnerships that may enable some service at E & G during the pilot. • Fiber extensions to support the wireless access points (equipment mounted on street light poles) are one of the last phases. Staffing resources to complete this work are scarce and City staff is focusing heavily on this at this time. • Experience in other cities suggest the wireless access points (mounted on the street lights) and subscriber equipment to connect to the wireless network, also known as the wireless bridge, have presented some technical challenges to maximize desired signal strength and reliability. We have already addressed some known issues; other issues will certainly emerge. We are working with the equipment vendors to move towards resolution. What’s the Current Schedule? In a Nutshell… • Pilot: March/April – June 2006 • Council Decision: June / July 2006 • Citywide Service Availability (if approved): Q1 2007 In Several Nutshells… March 14 – Pilot Subscription Materials Arrive March 21 – Reminder Pilot Subscription (Pulse) Postcard Arrives March 28 -- Receive Final Pilot Sign-Ups March 29 -- Complete Fiber Extensions March 31 -- E-Mail Update to Subscribers Internet Connection Completed City Council Study Session Written Item: 041006 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update & Evaluation Criteria Page 3 March 31/April 1 -- Complete Wireless Access Point Installs Complete Xcel Agreement April 4 -- Receive Wireless Bridges April 7 Mail Follow-Up Materials to Pilot Subscribers (checklist, complete subscriber agreement, mail to those w/o Internet) and Solicit Additional Subscribers in Selected Areas Connect Fiber Extensions April 14 -- Complete Beta Test with Selected Users Complete Testing Billing Process April 17 (week of) -- Subscriber Agreement / CPE Distribution / Demo – Go Live! April 20 – 23 Initial Subscriber Follow-Up Calls / Contacts April 24 Discuss project evaluation criteria with City Council April 27-- Begin Testing Municipal / School Applications Activate Showcase Sites April 27 – 30 Pilot Wi-Fi Forum I – Q & A / Tips / Problem Discovery / Free E-Mail / SPAM / Virus / Pop-Up Blockers May 22 - 26 Pilot Wi-Fi Forum II – Check In, Follow-Ups, Pilot Evaluation June 12 & 19 Study Session / Regular Council Meeting to Evaluate Pilot and Decide Future Pilot Evaluation Criteria The June Council meetings noted above suggest an earlier review of project evaluation criteria would be helpful. Here are the evaluation criteria Council approved at its November 21 meeting along with the pilot wireless project: Monitor pilot area network performance and measure success of Pilot based upon RFI responses and agreements with vendor and partners. Performance measurements to judge success of pilot include (but not limited to): A. Equipment Vendor Evaluation  Document upload and download data rates  Document system availability  Understand ease (or difficulty) of installation (example: What percentage of installations required truck-rolls? External antennas?).  Understand any variations of performance based on time-of-day  Compare pilot test results to network performance specifications  Pilot results support business plan assumptions  B. Partner Evaluation  Response time for call center (sales fulfillment, general help desk, other)  Customer satisfaction survey results (see task 8)  Public safety and service benefit projections (shared public safety-service benefit model) City Council Study Session Written Item: 041006 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update & Evaluation Criteria Page 4  Customer experiences with on-site installation and trouble shooting  E-mail access and performance (access times, spam blocking, etc.)  Performance of features such as parental control  Performance of core-network and system integration  Interaction with St. Louis Park staff for billing and other operational coordination  Pilot results relative to business plan assumptions  C. Customer Evaluation  Conduct customer satisfaction survey and discussion forum of pilot participants  What worked, what did not, and what modifications are required?  Will they continue service?  Will they make positive recommendations and serve as a reference for quotes, etc.? Staff feels it is certainly reasonable to re-visit these criteria and detail them as we move forward with the pilot and the many turns in the road. Given emerging information, we should discuss the project evaluation criteria in light of current and projected conditions and, more importantly, current Council goals. Most importantly, what data will Council need to inform their decision regarding the wireless project? Staff is seeking Council policy direction on these criteria and hopes such criteria will be the focus of discussion on April 24. Prepared By: Clint Pires, Director of Technology and Support Services Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager City Council Study Session Written Item: 041006 - 8 - 36th Street Art Corridor Plan Page 1 8. West 36th Street Art Corridor Plan Parks and Recreation Department PURPOSE OF REPORT: To inform the City Council of a planning process staff is proposing to undertake to incorporate public art in the 36th Street Corridor between Wooddale Ave and Beltline Blvd. Background As discussions began regarding the upcoming redevelopment projects along West 36th Street, staff realized this corridor would become a high profile area in the next few years. Through the development approval process, three of the developers (Rottlund/David Bernard, Mike Gould, and Frank Dunbar) have agreed to a financial contribution for public art in the area. Because of this, staff recommends the initiation of a public art planning process for the West 36th Street area. Why is the timing right to do this planning now? There is a window of opportunity that staff felt was right for planning. Rather than complete an art project individually each year in the vicinity of 36th St, undertaking a planning process now would allow the City the chance to think about the corridor as a whole from an arts perspective. From a timing perspective, there are three existing developments that are willing to assist with public art by providing financial support. This is an opportunity for good planning that we don’t want to miss. Proposed Process Staff from Parks and Recreation and Community Development met with Jack Becker from FORECAST Public Artworks to discuss ideas for how to move planning process idea forward. Staff suggests that Jack Becker assist in facilitating a vision for the West 36th Street corridor. An initial meeting will be held at the Rec Center on Thursday, April 27. The stakeholders (existing businesses, developers, staff, neighborhoods, and Friends of the Arts representatives) would be invited to share their ideas as part of a visioning process. A subsequent meeting(s) would follow to share the emerging themes and project ideas and locations. Once project ideas and locations have been discussed, staff proposes selecting an artist(s) using a similar selection process as for the projects at Louisiana Oaks Park, the Allegory of Excelsior, and the art in the park shelter buildings. Selecting an artist(s) is a step that is a few months out, however, the process used by the City in previous projects has worked well. Jack Becker and other staff from FORECAST Public Artworks have an excellent database of artists. Next Steps The stakeholders in the 36th St. Corridor area will be invited to the meeting on April 27. After that meeting, staff will provide council with an update on the emerging themes for public art. Prior to initiating further process regarding the selection of public art, staff will discuss with the Council the options, funding possibilities, and timelines. Prepared By: Cindy S. Walsh, Director of Parks and Recreation Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager