HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006/06/12 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionCity Council Study Session
June 12, 2006
6:30 PM
Council Chambers
Discussion Items
Approximate
Times
1. 6:30 PM Police Annual Report
2. 7:30 PM Trail Crossings Three Rivers
3. 8:00 PM Flood Mitigation Areas
4. 9:00 PM Board and Commissions
5. 9:45 PM Future Agenda Planning
9:55 PM Adjourn
Written Items
6. Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties/Park Nicollet
7. Pilot Wireless Update
8. Private Activity Refunding Bonds
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: 061206 - 1 - Police Annual Report
Page 1
1. Police Department Activity Update Police
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
Staff officers from the St. Louis Park Police Department will meet with the City Council to
discuss activities involved in 2005 service delivery. Staff members will detail some of the
highlights, trends and challenges we observed during 2005.
Brief presentations will be made addressing each of the following categories:
• Patrol Operations
• Support Services Operations
• Public Safety Dispatch
• Emergency Response Team
• Information Management
Staff believes these presentations will be the catalyst for questions and input from the Council.
Attachments: 2005 Annual Report
Prepared By: John D. Luse, Chief of Police
Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 1
2. Trail Crossing Improvements Public Works
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
To provide the City Council an opportunity to discuss recent changes as well as possible future
changes to Regional Trail crossings of City streets (6 total crossings).
BACKGROUND:
The attached memo from Mike Rardin dated May 26, 2006 provides relevant background
information and possible changes which could be considered for the SWLRT Regional Trail
crossings on Beltline Boulevard and Wooddale Avenue. On Thursday, June 1, City staff
implemented the “immediate” actions at both crossings as described in the memo (removed the
white crosswalk pavement markings and increased size of trail signs so all trail users must now
stop and yield to vehicles). On June 1 staff made arrangements for a traffic consultant to
evaluate these two (2) crossings to determine if they can be converted to pedestrian crossings and
if so, how that could be done (signals, medians, etc.). Finally, city forces installed a temporary
paved trail on the east side of Wooddale Avenue from Highway 7 to W. 36th Street so
pedestrians desiring to use the trail may safely cross Wooddale Avenue at either W. 36th Street or
Highway 7.
In addition to the above two (2) crossings, there are four (4) trail crossings on the “Hutch Spur”
Regional Trail located at W. 36th Street, W. 34th Street, W. 31st Street, and Virginia Avenue.
These crossings are signed as “Trail Crossings”, but also have white crosswalk pavement
markings. As such, bicyclists are required to stop and yield to vehicles and vehicles are required
to stop and yield to pedestrians.
Problem Statement:
Safety at “midblock trail crossings” is a concern. The marking of midblock trail crossings with
crosswalk pavement markings leads to confusion over right of way between vehicles,
pedestrians, and bicyclists and thus raises concerns over the safety of all trail users. Regardless
of who has the right of way, when accidents happen pedestrians and bicyclists always lose to
vehicles. At this time safety does not appear to be a significant concern where volumes of
vehicles or trail users (or both) are low; with low being difficult to quantify. Other factors that
affect midblock trail crossing safety are:
1. Uniformity of trail crossing signing and marking.
2. Vehicle driver sight distances.
3. Driver distractions.
4. Crossing width.
Evaluation:
In general the following actions can be taken to increase trail user safety at midblock trail
crossings:
1. Eliminate confusion over user right of way (have either a trail crossing or a pedestrian
crossing).
2. Maximize signage and markings.
3. Minimize crossing widths.
4. Provide medians (safety havens)
5. Signalize crossings.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 2
Based on the above discussion, staff suggests Council consider the following changes be
implemented at the following Regional Trail crossings in the City:
1. Beltline Boulevard
Narrow the traffic lanes and add a median (safe haven) with appropriate warning
signs and markings.
Convert the trail crossing to a pedestrian crossing (feasibility currently being studied).
Support the Park District trail/street grade separation project funded for 2010.
2. Wooddale Avenue
Close the existing trail crossing and relocate it 250’ north to the signalized pedestrian
crossing on the south side of Highway 7.
Develop a future project to grade separate the Regional Trail from Wooddale Avenue.
3. “Hutch Spur” Crossings (4)
Remove the white crosswalk pavement markings.
Revise trail signs as follows:
o Increase the trail stop signs to 24”
o Add “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaque beneath the trail stop sign
o Replace the educational signs with larger signs saying “ALL TRAIL USERS
MUST STOP AND YIELD”.
Staff has increased public education efforts aimed at improving trail crossing safety. In addition,
Three Rivers Park District intends to:
1. Continue a Park District public safety presence aimed at public education and trail
stop sign enforcement.
2. Develop and implement a trail user safety education program.
3. Monitor trail crossings at Beltline Boulevard and Wooddale Avenue to assess the
effectiveness of the recent crossing changes made by the City.
SUMMARY:
Staff seeks input from Council on the recent changes made at the Beltline Boulevard and
Wooddale Avenue trail crossings as well as the suggested changes listed above.
Attachments: MPR Memo dated 5/26/06
Prepared By: Michael P. Rardin, Public Works Director
Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 3
Public Works Department
5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 924-2555
Fax: (952) 924-2663
TO: Tom Harmening, City Manager
FROM: Mike Rardin, Public Works Director
DATE: May 26, 2006
SUBJECT: SW Regional Trail - Crossing Improvements
(final) Wooddale Ave and Beltline Blvd
INTRODUCTION: This memo provides background information and proposed changes to the
SW Regional Trail crossings on Wooddale Ave and Beltline Blvd. These changes are being
proposed as a result of safety concerns at these two trail crossings. There is a very high volume
of both trail users and vehicle traffic at both of these crossings. In addition, there appears to be
confusion with both trail users and vehicle operators over right of way requirements at these
crossings.
These crossings were installed as part of a multi-year regional trail project by the Three Rivers
Park District about 2000. It appears these crossings were installed as a part of the project to
provide for convenient midblock trail crossings. It also appears the original intent at these
crossings was for trail users to stop and yield to vehicles on the roadway.
BACKGROUND: Since the SW Regional Trail was constructed, trail usage along with vehicle
traffic at these two crossings has increased to the point where safety of trail users at these
crossings is a concern. Late last year additional trail signs and trail pavement markings were
installed in an attempt to increase crossing safety by enhancing educational and enforcement
efforts - aimed primarily at trail users. It does not appear those efforts have had any significant
impact on safety at these two crossings. The main problems appear to be high volumes of trail
users and vehicle traffic, wide midblock street crossings, and confusion over right of way. To
clarify current state statute and regulations: vehicles are required to stop and yield to
pedestrians at crosswalks; trail users are required to stop and yield to vehicles at trail
crossings. These crossings were intended to be and are signed as trail crossings, but they also
have crosswalk pavement markings which legally establish them as crosswalks. It appears that
bicyclists are required to yield to vehicles on the roadway while vehicles on the roadway are
required to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks. This is confusing to trail users and vehicle
operators.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 4
EVALUATION: The situation at both crossings appears unacceptable and should be changed.
In general, remedies to this would be to eliminate the crossings; relocate them to a safer location;
or, revise them to provide for positive stop and right of way controls. Specifically, the following
options have been identified for consideration:
BELTLINE BLVD.
1. close the existing crossing for use
2. provide for a grade separated facility (currently funded for 2010)
3. relocation of the existing crossing:
a. north to County Road 25, or
b. south to Park Glen Road
4. convert the existing crossing to a trail crossing by removing the
crosswalk markings which would then provide vehicles with clear
right of way over all trail users
5. convert the existing crossing to a pedestrian crossing which would
then provide pedestrians with clear right of way over vehicle traffic
a. install a signed and marked crosswalk; or,
b. install a pedestrian activated traffic signal
WOODDALE AVE.
1. close the existing crossing for use
2. provide for a grade separated facility (requested but not funded)
3. relocation of the existing crossing:
a. north to Hwy 7, or
b. south to W36th Street
4. convert the existing crossing to a trail crossing by removing the
crosswalk markings which would then provide vehicles with clear
right of way over all trail users
The city is the legal authority for these street crossings and has the power to decide and act in the
manner it deems in the best interests of the public with regard to the situation described and
options provided above. In doing so, the City has the discretion to consider such environmental,
social, economic and/or financial impacts it deems warranted under the circumstances.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff recommends the immediate actions (in terms of days)
described below be taken at the earliest opportunity and the short term (in terms of months) and
long term (in terms of years) actions be considered for approval by the City Council.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 5
BELTLINE BLVD.
Immediate (days) – convert the existing crossing to a trail crossing (as originally
intended) which would then provide vehicle traffic with clear right of way over all
trail users crossing the street. To do so would entail:
1. removal of the white crosswalk pavement markings
2. replacement of the 18”x18” trail “stop” signs with 24”x24” stop signs
3. installation of a “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaque (R1-X2)
beneath the 24” trail stop sign
4. replacement of the black on white trail educational signs with larger
black on white educational signs stating “ALL TRAIL USERS MUST
STOP AND YIELD”
Short Term (months) – consider:
1. the possibility of improving the street crossing as follows
• narrow the traffic lanes to 11 feet wide
• installation of a 6 foot wide median through the area with a 14
foot gap at the trail location
• installation of a white stop “bar” and a “stop” pavement marking
for trail users in the median area
• installation of advance “street narrows” warning signs
• installation of reflectorized warning posts on the median along
with painting the median yellow
2. studying the feasibility of converting the existing crossing to a
pedestrian crossing which would then provide pedestrians with clear
right of way over vehicle traffic. This could possibly be accomplished
with the installation of a signed and marked crosswalk or a pedestrian
activated traffic signal.
Long Term (years) – support the Three Rivers Park District proposal/project
intended to grade separate the Regional Trail from Beltline Blvd.
WOODDALE AVE.
Immediate (days) – convert the existing crossing to a trail crossing (as originally
intended) which would then provide vehicle traffic with clear right of way over all
trail users crossing the street. To do so would entail:
1. removal of the white crosswalk pavement markings
2. replacement of the 18”x18” trail “stop” signs with 24”x24” stop signs
3. installation of a “Cross Traffic Does Not Stop” plaque (R1-X2)
beneath the 24” trail stop sign
4. replacement of the small black on white trail educational signs with
larger signs stating “ALL TRAIL USERS MUST STOP AND
YIELD”
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 2 - Trail Crossings
Page 6
Short Term (months) – close the existing crossing and relocate it north to the
signalized pedestrian crossing at Hwy 7 and construct an 8 foot wide bituminous
surfaced trail on the east side of Wooddale Ave from Hwy 7 to W36th Street.
Long Term (years) – support efforts to develop and fund a project to grade
separate the Regional Trail from Wooddale Ave.
SUMMARY: Based on the safety concerns at these two trail crossings, staff is proposing the
“immediate” actions described above be taken at both crossings at the earliest opportunity. A
staff report will be prepared for Council to consider the proposed short and long term actions
during June.
In addition to the actions proposed above, staff is determining ways to partner with Three Rivers
Park District to improve enforcement at these (and all other) trail crossings along with increased
educational efforts directed not only at trail users, but also at our city residents.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 1
3. Flood Mitigation Public Works
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this discussion is to provide the following for the Council:
1. Staff identified alternatives for Areas 10, 24, 25, and 26 (see attached location maps).
2. An overall picture of how these problem areas are inter-connected with the greater Twin
Lakes Area watershed, and identify other problem areas and issues that warrant further
future discussion and possible action.
3. The results of a financial evaluation of the storm water utility in relation to currently
proposed and potential future projects.
4. An opportunity to review current storm water project and financing practices and to
provide direction to staff for dealing with current and potential future projects.
BACKGROUND:
Council was briefed on these flood problem areas at the Study Session of April 11, 2005 (a copy
of the report is attached for reference). The following is a brief summary of that report with staff
recommendations which were accepted by Council along with Council direction provided at that
time:
Area 24 (Edgewood Drainage Area):
Over time, the entire Edgewood industrial area, which was primarily wetland, has been
filled and developed with no local or regional storm water ponding. Staff feels that
construction of a regional pond is the best long-term approach. However, no readily
available area exists to construct such a pond as previous attempts to develop a pond
mutually acceptable to all affected property owners were not successful.
Barr Engineering (Barr) identified 5 possible options for correction of the flooding at the
commercial properties. One of the options was to floodproof the two affected structures.
Costs for these options ranged from $530,000 to $2M. An additional 6 options were
identified that would correct the problems at all locations in the Edgewood study area
including the Hampshire Townhomes just east of Hampshire Ave and three (3) homes
and five (5) garages west of Hampshire Ave. The garages for all of the Townhomes
experience flooding for storms of a 5-year event or greater. Many of these are variations
of each other. The estimated cost for these options ranged from $2.6M to $4.4M.
Barr recommended that the downstream area be studied in more detail and that detailed
topographic data be obtained to further refine the hydraulic model to assist in the
preliminary design process.
Areas 10, 25, & 26 (Dakota and Jersey Drainage Area):
Although it was anticipated that separate studies would be completed for these areas, it
was determined by Barr that the flooding areas are linked by a lack of capacity in the
existing storm sewer system. Therefore, one study was prepared to discuss alternatives
that would provide improvements for both areas.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 2
The existing drainage area is roughly bounded by the railroad tracks on the north & east,
Louisiana Ave. on the west and Minnetonka Blvd. on the south. The area between 29th
Street & Minnetonka Blvd. from Yosemite Avenue to the railroad tracks also is included
in this drainage area. Storm sewer and overland flow route storm water to the railroad
ditches adjacent to the Peter Hobart school site. From there, the water eventually reaches
Twin Lake.
Like the Edgewood Study Area, pipe capacity as well as systematic filling and
development in low areas appears to be the major limiting factors in the Dakota and
Jersey systems. Besides the two areas identified under Area #26, this area also
encompasses flooding in the alley between Florida and Edgewood Avenue, north of W.
28th Street, which was identified as Area #10.
Approximately 22,000 feet (4 miles) of storm sewer were modeled for this study.
Anecdotal flood elevation data for the June 2003 event suggests that the water level was
2 to 3 feet above the lowest floor elevation at 2756 Jersey Avenue. Anecdotal
information from residents near the Dakota Avenue & 27th Street flooding area suggests
that the area floods several times a year. The modeling supports these statements.
Fourteen structures (2 homes and 12 garages) will experience flooding during a 100-year
event. Some of these structures will experience flooding during storms less than a 100-
year event. One home, 2724 Edgewood Avenue, has already undertaken work to raise
their garage out of the 100-year flood elevation. The City reimbursed them for the cost
of this work according to the Floodproofing Program.
Barr Engineering identified 4 possible options for correction of the flooding problem near
Dakota Avenue and an additional 5 that would correct the problems at all locations.
Many of these are variations of each other. The following intermediate option was
recommended by staff to correct the flooding problems in the two areas:
Intermediate Option Estimated Total Cost
Area 25 - purchase 2756 Jersey Ave. & floodproof
2800 Jersey Ave.
$416,500
Area 26 - Construct swale in Dakota Park; lower 27th
Street; install pipes under railroad tracks; raise
driveways
$540,000
Area 10 - Floodproof Edgewood Avenue garages $84,600
Total $1,041,100
However, since the storm sewer system just east of the study area was not modeled as a
part of the study, downstream capacity limitations could not be assessed. Also, detailed
topographic information and flood entry elevations were not available for the study area.
Before deciding on a preferred option, Barr Engineering recommended that:
• the scope of the study be extended to model the downstream area; and
• that the City obtain detailed topographic data to further refine the model to assist
in preliminary design.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 3
Council Direction April 2005: Based on the Study Session discussion, Council directed
staff to:
1. Pursue further study and development of the intermediate option for Areas #10,
#25, & #26. Staff is to identify where funding may be obtained, if needed.
2. Pursue further study and development of improvements to Area #24. Staff is to
identify where funding may be obtained, if needed.
3. Obtain additional topographic data to further develop / refine the model to the
outlet of Twin Lakes to further analyze the options identified in the Barr report.
4. Delay Minnehaha Creek flood area mitigations (to be accomplished with
additional state grant funds of about $.8 million) pending staff/Council review of
the cumulative effect these expenses could have on future utility rate increases.
CURRENT STUDY UPDATE:
Since last spring Barr Engineering has analyzed the problems further culminating in the
following three reports:
1. Report 1 – The original drainage study analyzing flood areas 25, 26, and 10 (referred to
as the Dakota and Jersey Drainage Area Study dated February 2005).
2. Report 2 - A revision to the previous report that deals specifically with Area 24 (referred
to as the Edgewood Drainage Area Study – dated May 2006).
3. Report 3 - An overall drainage study and hydraulic model to review the entire drainage
area between the above mentioned areas and Twin Lakes (referred to as the Twin Lakes
Area Study dated June 2006).
Finally, FEMA recently announced it is in the process of revising the 100 year floodplains and
their Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Hennepin County. The city should receive notice
requesting comments on their draft maps later this summer. City staff has been collaborating
with Barr for the past several months to prepare for this and to request FEMA include the area
Barr analyzed in its updated FIRMs. This request is necessary as the current FIRMs have been
proven to be in error.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Exhibits showing the specific locations of Areas 10, 24, 25, and 26 in the Twin Lakes watershed
area are attached to this report (see Exhibits 1, 2, and 3).
In order to consider and implement any of the alternatives presented, several issues require
consideration. These issues include the following:
1. Consideration of the problem areas as a part of the larger watershed Area.
2. Costs. Costs will be determined by the extent and the degree of protection provided
along with the ability of the city (and owners) to fund improvements.
3. Fixing individual property problems vs. fixes that considers all properties (public
and private) in the greater area.
4. Fixes that consider public need vs. private need.
5. Mutual cooperation of individual properties, or possible need to acquire properties
in order to implement solutions.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 4
As a result of the Twin Lakes study, it has been determined that improvements in Areas 24, 25,
and 26 can proceed without negative impacts to properties downstream. In addition, the Twin
Lakes study also identifies improvement opportunities in the greater watershed, including the
correcting and revising of FEMA flood zone maps. Based on this, staff recommends that the
Council also consider the alternatives and recommendations provided in the Twin Lakes Area
report later this summer as time and resources allow.
AREAS 10, 24, 25, AND 26 IMPROVEMENT ALTERNATIVES: Alternatives for these
areas are detailed as follows:
Area 24 (Edgewood Drainage Area) - Barr has developed a combination of 16 alternatives,
based on 7 basic options that can essentially be summarized as follows:
• Options 1-4 – Provide flood mitigation measures for the Edgewood Avenue Area
properties only. The options include individual property flood proof measures,
installation of a larger storm sewer system upgrade, stormwater detention ponds,
pumping stations, and various combinations of all of the above.
• Options 5 and 6 – Provide protection for both the Edgewood Avenue Area and
Hampshire Avenue properties by upgrading the existing storm sewer system, some flood
proofing, stormwater ponding, pumping stations, or some various combinations thereof .
• Option 7 – Provides various considerations that provide protection for the Hampshire
Avenue properties only by flood proofing, additional storm sewer pipe, pumping (under
and across the BN Railroad), and various combinations thereof.
For evaluation by staff, the 16 alternatives were summarized in a “matrix” (please see attached
Exhibit 4) that identifies 27 possible specific “fixes” (alone or in combination with other
alternatives) along with associated costs. For ease of discussion purposes, staff eliminated all
alternatives that would require right of way (condemnation) to construct which results in a
“matrix” with 11 possible “fixes” (please see attached Exhibit 5). Of those 11 possible solutions,
6 have a high degree of cost uncertainty associated with them so staff is further suggesting that
only three possible “fixes” developed by Barr actually be considered for Area 24. In addition,
staff has requested Barr develop one other “fix” which consists of “diking” all the Hampshire
residential properties. This option “fix” appears to be the one most consistent with past practice
and projects.
Staff will be available to present and discuss the alternatives and alternative matrix’s further at
the Study Session.
The estimated costs provided in the alternatives matrix (Exhibit 5) range from 0.7 million dollars
to over 5 million dollars, depending upon the combination of options that may be selected. Of
this amount, 50% of the costs up to about $767,000 are eligible for reimbursement from the State
of Minnesota through dollars remaining in the City’s a flood reimbursement grant program
administered through the Department of Natural Resources. Other funding mechanisms will
need to be developed to fund the additional costs such as property assessments, storm water
utility funds (as available), sale of general revenue bonds, or other. It should be mentioned that
estimated project costs above do not include estimates for significant unforeseen property
acquisition and/or utility relocations.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 5
Areas 10, 25, & 26 (Dakota and Jersey Drainage Area) - The Barr studies have confirmed that
the recommendation provided Council last April (the Intermediate Option described
above) is valid and should be pursued pending funding availability. That project(s) was
estimated to cost $1,041,100 a year ago; it is probably slightly higher now due to inflation.
These projects are also eligible for reimbursement from the State of Minnesota through dollars
remaining in the City’s a flood reimbursement grant program administered through the
Department of Natural Resources.
TWIN LAKES STUDY REPORT:
The Twin Lakes Area study was originally commissioned to investigate downstream tailwater
conditions from Areas 24, 10, 25, and 26. In other words, it was unknown at the time of the
initial Area 24, 10, 25, and 26 flood mitigation investigations if improvements in those areas
would negatively affect properties downstream, or vice versa. These properties would include
but not be limited to the Novartis Area, properties along 25 ½ Street, and properties even further
downstream near Twin Lakes. The results of a hydraulic model prepared by Barr indicate that
no such inter-related negative impacts are likely for the Dakota, Jersey, and Edgewood areas.
In addition to the above, the hydraulic model also identified other problem areas and issues as
follows:
1. Identification of flooding problems for one home along the north side of 25 ½ Street and
3 homes along the south side of 25 ½ Street between Alabama and Webster, along with
possible solutions.
2. Establishment of a 100-year flood elevation for the area between 25 ½ Street and the
Novartis property. It is our intent to utilize Barr’s model and study to revise the FEMA
floodplain and FIRMs. Currently, many property owners in this area are required to
obtain flood insurance while their homes are not located within the 100-year elevation as
determined by the Barr model.
3. Identify areas for flood plain management and water quality to accommodate possible
future redevelopment, long term water quality goals of the city, and possible state and
federal water quality treatment requirements.
As mentioned earlier in this report, staff intends to present this information with options and
recommendations to Council later this summer. Options which the Council could consider range
from $1,000,000 up to a possible $4,000,000.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
The Finance Department has evaluated the funds available to the storm water utility at this time
along with future revenue projections and has determined based on preliminary discussions that
the city has $280,884 available in fund balance as of 12-31-05. Our recommendation is that a
good portion of the fund balance be preserved for future contingencies/emergencies. Perhaps
50% of the current fund balance ($140,000) should be preserved. That leaves approximately
$140,000 available for future capital projects. In the 2006 budget session the council talked about
transferring $500,000 from the refuse utility fund to the water fund to help fund future projects.
The water utility has a more stable reserve at this time than the storm water utility and this
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 6
proposed transfer could provide some relief to the storm water fund. The City has $700,000
remaining in the first flood mitigation grant. City funds totaling $700,000 will have to be
committed and spent by 12-31-07 to match this grant. Additional proposed projects are listed
below and are estimated to total at least another $3.0 million. In order to complete these projects
over the next 2 to 3 years the City would have to internally borrow or issue bonds for
approximately $3.5 to $4.0 million. Staff feels that the available revenue from the storm water
utility would provide $300,000/350,000 each year towards new debt service. This would
probably be sufficient to support the annual debt service (15 year repayment schedule) on the
$3.5/4.0 million in new bonds. This second storm water bond issue (or internal borrowing)
would take nearly all of the additional revenue available from the increased storm sewer utility
rates proposed for 2007 and 2009.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
a. The City has a small amount of funds available to finance the storm water projects
discussed in this memo.
b. In order to fund a majority of these projects, the City will have to either internally borrow
from other Funds or issue approximately $3.5/4.0 million in new bonds.
c. The storm water utility rate structure currently calls for increases in 2007 and 2009.
Those increases would fund the debt service on the new bond issue (or internal
borrowing).
d. Additional storm water projects that are not included in this memo would not have a
funding source under the current rate structure. In other words, nearly all of the revenue
will be committed for operations and debt service until 2016.
Currently proposed flood mitigation projects and estimated costs discussed above are
summarized as follows:
AREA PROPERTY TYPE ESTIMATED COST
Area 24 Edgewood commercial properties $480,000
Hampshire residential properties $1, 550,000
Area 25 Jersey residential properties $416,500
Area 26 Dakota Park / Colorado residential prop $540,000
Area 10 Edgewood garages $84,600
Minnehaha Creek Residential properties $1.5 - $2.5 million
In addition, Council should be aware of potential flood mitigation and water quality
improvement projects they may be asked to consider later this year in deciding projects and
affordability:
AREA PROPERTY TYPE ESTIMATED COST
Twin Lakes Residential property $1 - $4 million
Financing for this potential work or any other future storm water work will have to be explored
through issuing revenue bonds, general obligation bonds, development funds, or a combination
of special assessment bonds, or increasing storm water utility rates further still.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 3 - Flood Mitigation Areas
Page 7
QUESTIONS:
Answers to the following questions will help determine Council desires and provide direction for
staff on how to proceed:
1. Protection of commercial properties has not been done to date. Should flood mitigation
projects for commercial properties be eligible for the city’s flood mitigation program?
2. Can project costs be reduced? Should the city be paying 100% of these costs? Should
some of these improvements / costs be at property owner expense?
3. Should some of these requested projects be delayed (how long) or denied?
4. If there are not adequate funds available for all the flood protection projects requested,
how should projects be prioritized?
5. The Minnehaha Creek projects have $700,000 in separate DNR grant funds available for
their implementation – should that make a difference in prioritizing projects?
6. Should storm water utility rates be increased beyond previously discussed / planned
increases?
7. Should general obligation bonds be considered for financing some of these
improvements?
8. Should development funds be considered for financing some of these improvements?
9. Should special assessments be considered for financing some of these improvements?
Attachments: Study Session Report of April 11, 2005 (supplement)
Exhibit 1 – location map of Area 24 (supplement)
Exhibit 2 – location map of Area 25 and 26 (supplement)
Exhibit 3 – location map of Twin Lakes Study Area (supplement)
Exhibit 4 - Area 24 Alternative and Cost Matrix (supplement)
Exhibit 5 – Simplified Area 24 Alternative and Cost Matrix (supplement)
Prepared By: Scott Brink, City Engineer
Mike Rardin, Director of Public Works
Fred Christiansen, Finance Director
Tim Simon, Finance
Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 4 - Boards And Commissions
Page 1
4. Boards and Commissions Administrative Services
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this discussion is to update Council about boards and commissions governance,
to discuss housekeeping changes to policies and Resolution No. 03-143, and to receive feedback
from Council about the future direction of boards and commissions.
BACKGROUND:
Administrative Services staff has been working closely with the liaisons for the Boards and
Commissions and is happy to report the staff liaisons are doing a great job and that the process is
working smoothly. Based on our conversations with the various departments, opportunities for
improvement internally include creating orientation materials and procedures for new
commissioners, providing training for liaisons and commissioners, and streamlining the
recruitment and placement processes.
With respect to the day-to-day operations of the boards and commissions, there are some minor
inconsistencies between the by-laws, Council Rules and Procedures, and the city ordinances that
require clarification. Some of these items are of a housekeeping nature and others are policy
related questions that will require Council’s direction so that the staff and the board members are
clear about the expectations of the Council.
Authority
Council has the legal authority to create and manage all aspects of boards and commissions as set
forth in Section 2.02 of the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter. St. Louis Park City Code,
Chapter 2, Article IV, Boards, Commissions and Committees contains the enabling language for
six boards and commissions: Telecommunication Advisory Commission (TAC); Human Rights
Commission (HRC); Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC); Planning
Commission (PC); Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA); and the Police Advisory Commission
(PAC).
For the purposes of this discussion, the proposed housekeeping changes apply to the
aforementioned boards and commissions. Fire Civil Service Commission’s creation is
authorized through Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 420. Housing Authority (HA) and the Economic
Development Authority (EDA) are authorized through M.S. Chapter 469.090 and St. Louis Park
Ordinance 1763-88. Charter Commission members are appointed by the Hennepin County
District Court Chief Judge and are subject to the provisions of M.S. Chapter 410.
Council Rules and Procedures & By-Laws
The City Code and the Councils Rules and Procedures, Appendix A, are the main documents that
staff uses to manage the business of the council’s boards and commissions. The by-laws,
ordinances and working documents have not been thoroughly reviewed since 2003. As part of
this review process, staff has made suggested language changes to the Council’s Rules and
Procedures, Appendix A, to help clarify inconsistencies. Changes include eliminating references
to the Charter Commission, the EDA and the HRA, expanding the by-laws section to include
review by City Council, inclusion of holidays to the meetings section, clarifications to the
interview section, removal of members, and changing the retention of applications from one year
to six months. All changes are underlined in the attached document.
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By-laws are mentioned in this section primarily because some of them contain minor
inconsistencies or omit certain procedures that are outlined in either the Rules or the Code. This
is not normally a problem unless a question arises regarding one of these items. Examples of
inconsistencies that current exist include observance of holidays and regularly scheduled
meetings, removal of members for poor attendance, and annual reporting requirements.
Policy Discussion:
Since the time that Council requested staff return to discuss boards and commissions, most of the
commissions have presented their work plans to Council and talked about their future activities.
For the purposes of this meeting with Council, staff would appreciate hearing Council’s thoughts
on the following:
• Do the activities and communication efforts from the various boards and commission meet
Council’s expectations? Is Council comfortable with and knowledgeable about the work
activities of the EDA, HA, Fire Civil Service Commission and the Charter Commission?
• Is the process for selecting and interviewing candidates working for Council? Do the Rules
and Procedures need to be more specific with respect to the selection and appointment of
commissioners? How can the Council and School District coordinate the selection of
commissioners to ensure the appointments happen in a timely manner? How can staff help
Council fill mid-term vacancies more efficiently?
• What is the best way to bring by-laws into conformance with the Council’s Rules and
Procedures and the City Code?
• How would Council like to recognize the efforts of the Commissioners? The Council Rules
and Procedures is the only document which sets forth expectations for recognition of boards
and commissions. Does the current language meet your expectations?
• Should the Council limit the terms of the commissioners? Should there be term limits for
leadership positions within the various boards and commissions?
Attachments: Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions
St. Louis Park City Code, Chapter 2, Administration, Article IV.
By-laws for Boards and Commissions
Prepared by: Marcia Honold, Management Assistant
Reviewed by: Nancy Gohman, Deputy City Manage/HR Director
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager
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Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions
Adopted as Appendix A to Resolution No. 03-143
October 7, 2003
A. Boards
The St. Louis Park City Charter grants the council authority to form various boards and
commissions by ordinance. Boards and commissions serve in an advisory capacity to the city
council and are conferred various degrees of decision making power. The City Council is the
sole policy making body of the city. Some boards and commissions include in their membership
persons appointed by the school board.
Boards and commissions of the city which have been created by ordinance and are governed by
the provisions of these rules and procedures are as follows:
• Board of Zoning Appeals
• Human Rights Commission
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
• Planning Commission
• Police Advisory Commission
• Telecommunications Commission
In addition, other ad hoc groups may be formed as needed by resolution of the council.
B. Staff Liaisons
Each board and commission is assigned a staff liaison. Duties of the staff liaison are, in general,
to facilitate or assist in the meetings, to record attendance and to provide information and
direction as requested by the commission. It is also the responsibility of the staff liaison to
inform the city council of any problems or issues that may arise.
C. Membership
Membership requirements are set by ordinance. All board and commission members are
appointed by the council or, in some cases, by the school board. Youth members may be
appointed and are conferred voting status except in the case of the Planning Commission and
Board of Zoning Appeals.
D. Qualifications
Members must be St. Louis Park residents, but need not have expertise in any particular area. A
willingness to serve and to be involved are the most important attributes of members. Per
Resolution #01-078, the city council will not consider applications for appointment to advisory
commissions from regular full-time or part-time employees.
E. Attendance
Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement for continued membership on any board or
commission. Irregular attendance and frequent absences are detrimental to the entire group and
put undue pressure on those members who do attend meetings. Regular attendance allows
members to learn about and discuss issues in depth which contributes to more effective decision
making. Continued absenteeism is considered grounds for dismissal by the council.
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By-Laws
Each board and commission shall create their own by-laws and meeting procedures. Copies of
the by-laws should be forwarded to the city manager’s office whenever changes are made for
Council’s review. Council has 30 days to review and amend by-laws per the City Code.
F. Meetings
Meeting times and locations are set according to each commission’s by-laws. Each commission
should follow the Council’s meeting policy for holidays as a guide to scheduling meetings. A
quorum of the board is made up of a majority of members currently appointed. All meetings
will be conducted in accordance with the Minnesota Open Meeting Law, the City Charter and the
Municipal Code of Ordinances. The proceedings of the meetings should be conducted using
standard parliamentary procedure. The City Council has adopted The Standard Code of
Parliamentary Procedure, as their guide and that publication is available in the clerk’s office. A
simplified summary of these procedures is also available for use by commission chairs and staff
liaisons.
G. Minutes and other Records
Minutes of each meeting should be prepared and maintained by the staff liaison or designee.
Following commission approval minutes should be forwarded to the city clerk for placement on
the city council agenda.
All board and commission records must be maintained in accordance with the city’s records
retention policy. Please contact the city clerk if you have questions regarding retention and
preferred storage medium.
H. Annual Report
Each board or commission must report to the council once per year. A written report should be
prepared which includes activities undertaken in the past year and goals for the coming year.
Council will then meet with the group in a study session to discuss the report and other issues of
concern to the commission. The report should be submitted to council for review prior to the
study session meeting.
Recruitment
When a vacancy occurs it is the responsibility of the staff liaison to inform the city manager’s
office of the vacancy. Recruitment is typically done using any combination of advertising
opportunity available. Local newspaper, Park Perspective, direct mailing, neighborhood
newsletter, the city’s web site, etc. are all acceptable forms of advertisement.
Applications are maintained by Administrative Services and are forwarded to interested citizens
upon request. In certain instances a supplemental application may be created to determine
suitability of candidates.
Upon receipt of the application, Administrative Services will contact the applicant to
acknowledge receipt of the application and to discuss the interview and appointment process.
Applications will be retained in the active file six months following receipt.
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Candidate Review Process
Written applications are forwarded to council for review as openings occur. Council will inform
Administrative Services of the candidates they wish to interview based upon their review of
written materials within two weeks of receiving the materials. Interviews are conducted by the
city council, usually prior to a Monday evening meeting. Following the interview, the Mayor
will inform Administrative Services about the status of each applicant. Administrative Services
will mail a thank you letter to each applicant with information regarding next steps in the
process.
I. Appointment
Appointments are made by the city council at a regular meeting of the council. Council will
inform Administrative Services when an appointment is to be made so that the appointment can
be added to the city council agenda.
Following the appointment, Administrative Services will contact the new member and inform
them of their appointment. A copy of the application will also be forwarded to the staff liaison.
The staff liaison will provide the new member with meeting information and discuss
expectations and pertinent issues with them prior to the next meeting of the board or
commission.
Appointments are sometimes made to unexpired terms, and often more than one vacancy exists
on a commission. In that case, the specific term occupied by the new member is determined by
the commission and communicated to Administrative Services.
J. Rosters
The staff liaison is responsible for keeping an up to date roster of the commission which should
include contact information, term of office and date of appointment. The liaison is responsible
for notifying Administrative Services about roster changes.
K. Reappointment
Reappointments are made as needed by the city council. Performance and attendance by Board
and Commission members requesting reappointment will be considered by the Council. Council
may choose to re-interview any commission member as a means to determine whether the
commission member should continue to serve. A member may continue to serve beyond their
expiration date until a reappointment is made.
L. Resignation and Removal of Members
When a resignation occurs, Administrative Services should be notified of the change.
Administrative Services will then initiate recruitment to fill the vacant position. A member may
continue to serve beyond their expiration date until a successor is appointed. Members may be
removed with or without cause by the city council.
M. Recognition
At the beginning of each year council will recognize members who have left their position
during the prior year. The city and school volunteer coordinators will plan appreciation activities
for all commission members every two years.
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Chapter 2
ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE IV. BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES*
DIVISION 1. GENERALLY
Secs. 2-161--2-180. Reserved.
DIVISION 2. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION*
Sec. 2-181. Membership; terms.
(a) Advisory status; composition. The telecommunications advisory commission shall be an advisory
commission to the city council. It shall consist of seven regular members, one youth member and one ex-
officio member, all appointed as set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. Six of the regular members of the commission shall be appointed by the city
council for three-year terms. One regular member shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
Board of Independent School District No. 283 of St. Louis Park for a term of three years, unless such
appointment shall be terminated by such school board. One alternate may be appointed by such school
board to serve in the absence of its regular member. Failure of such school board to appoint its member or
an alternate to serve on the telecommunications advisory commission shall in no way affect the validity of
the proceedings of the telecommunications advisory commission. The terms of the regular members shall
run until December 31 of the year in which their terms expire and until a successor is appointed and
qualified. Subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy, the council
shall appoint a person to complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission may be removed
with or without cause by the city council.
(c) Youth member. One voting youth member, who shall be a high school student of a private or
public school located in the city, may be appointed by the city council and serve a term of one year.
(d) Ex-officio member. One ex-officio member shall be appointed by the cable company which is
granted a franchise by the city. The ex-officio member shall not vote or be counted as part of the quorum,
but shall be present at all meetings.
(e) Qualifications. Regular members of the commission shall be qualified voters and residents of
the city. The regular member appointed by the Board of Independent School District No. 283 of St. Louis
Park shall also be a resident of the school district. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a member ceases
to meet the residency requirements. The regular members and youth members of the commission shall be
appointed from persons who have demonstrated an interest in the telecommunications advisory
commission by submission of appropriate city forms.
(Code 1976, § 1-320)
Sec. 2-182. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the telecommunications advisory commission shall be appointed by the city
manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as may be
imposed by the city council at any time. The telecommunications advisory commission shall provide its
own rules and procedures, determine the date and time of meetings, and, upon proper notice, it shall call
public hearings when necessary and desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local, state and
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federal laws. The bylaws of the commission and any amendments of such bylaws shall be submitted to
the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws and any amendments shall be deemed to be approved
by the city council unless the city council takes action to modify such bylaws or amendments within 30
days after submission. No member of the commission shall consider or vote upon any question in which
the member is directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The telecommunications advisory commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings.
Such records shall be maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
(Code 1976, § 1-321)
Sec. 2-183. Expenses of members.
The members of the telecommunications advisory commission shall serve without pay, but may be
reimbursed for actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget
adopted by the city council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of
monies in accordance with established city procedures.
(Code 1976, § 1-322)
Sec. 2-184. Powers and duties.
The telecommunications advisory commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Provide a public forum for the expression of cable television concerns of franchise
subscribers and public and private cable television users;
(2) Promote and encourage the widest range of use of the city's public access channels;
(3) Encourage a diversity of programs and services to cable subscribers through a working
relationship with the cable television company that fosters an examination of new programs
and services and of changing community needs;
(4) Oversee future interconnections with metropolitan communities;
(5) Monitor the day-to-day operations of the cable television system as well as any
experimentation that is done with new and specialized cable services;
(6) Assist in any evaluation of the cable television system that are conducted during the term of
the franchise or in anticipation of refranchising;
(7) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(8) Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as directed by
the city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council.
(Code 1976, § 1-323)
Secs. 2-185--2-210. Reserved.
DIVISION 3. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Sec. 2-211. Purpose.
The purpose of the human rights commission shall be to advise the city council in its efforts to
ensure all citizens protection of their human rights and full and equal opportunity for participation in the
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affairs of this community. The city declares, as a matter of public policy, that it is interested in securing
for all of its citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public services, public accommodations
and education, and that it is the public policy of the city to assist the state department of human rights in
implementing the Minnesota Human Rights Act (M.S.A. § 363.13) by the human rights commission's
investigation of complaints, development and implementation of a program of education and compliance
review, and through advising the city council on long range programs to improve human relations and
expand the protection of human rights in the city.
(Code 1976, § 1-340)
Sec. 2-212. Membership; terms.
(a) Advisory function; composition. The human rights commission shall be an advisory
commission to the city council and shall consist of 11 regular members and two youth members all
appointed as set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. Ten of the regular members of the human rights commission, at least one of
whom shall be an attorney, shall be appointed by the city council for a three-year term. One regular
member shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Board of Independent School District No.
283 for three-year terms unless such an appointment shall be sooner terminated by such board. Failure of
such school board to appoint its member to serve on the commission shall in no way affect the validity of
the proceedings of the commission. The terms of regular members shall run until December 31 of the year
in which their terms expire and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Subsequent appointments
shall be for three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy, the council shall appoint a person to complete the
unexpired term. A member of the commission may be removed with or without cause by the city council.
(c) Youth members. Two voting youth members may be appointed by the city council and serve a
term of one year.
(d) Qualifications. Regular members of the human rights commission shall be qualified voters and
residents of the city. The regular member appointed by the Board of Independent School District No. 283
of St. Louis Park shall also be a resident of the school district. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a
member ceases to meet the residency requirements.
(Code 1976, § 1-341)
Sec. 2-213. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the human rights commission shall be appointed by the city manager. The
liaison shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to the limitations as may be
imposed by the city council at any time, the commission shall provide its own rules and procedure, shall
determine the date and time of its meetings, and, upon proper notice, shall call public hearings when
necessary or desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the
commission and any amendments of such bylaws shall be submitted to the city council upon their
adoption. Such bylaws and any amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the
city council takes action to modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No
member of the commission shall consider or vote upon any question in which the member is directly or
indirectly interested.
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(c) The human rights commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records
shall be maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
Sec. 2-214. Expenses of members.
The members of the human rights commission shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed for
actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget adopted by the city
council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of monies in accordance
with established city procedures.
(Code 1976, § 1-343)
Sec. 2-215. Powers and duties.
(a) The human rights commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Study and review programs and policies and advise and aid the city council in enlisting
the cooperation of agencies, organizations and individuals in the city in an active
program directed to create equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination.
(2) Advise and aid the city council in developing and implementing programs of cooperation
with the state department of human rights to fulfill the purposes set out in section 2-211.
(3) Make recommendations to the city council regarding formulation and implementation of
human rights programs for the city. The programs shall be directed toward increasing the
effectiveness and direction of all individuals and agencies of the city through planning,
policy-making and education in the area of human rights.
(4) Advise the city council with respect to human rights issues arising out of or in connection
with the plans or operations of any city department or agency and recommend the
adoption of such specific policies or actions as may be needed to protect human rights in
the city.
(5) Advise and recommend to the city council programs or legislation to eliminate
inequalities of opportunity in the area of human rights.
(6) Publish and distribute to the public at large any materials necessary or advisable to carry
out its functions, subject to requirements of the city council.
(7) Make studies, surveys and investigations necessary or advisable to carry out its functions.
(8) Sponsor such meetings, institutes, forums and other educational activities as will lead to
clearer understanding of local human rights issues and contribute to their proper
resolution.
(9) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year.
(b) The commission shall have such additional powers and duties as the city council shall from time
to time determine.
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DIVISION 4. PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION*
Sec. 2-241. Membership; terms.
(a) Function; composition. The parks and recreation advisory commission shall be an advisory
commission to the city council. It shall consist of seven regular members and one youth member, all
appointed as set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. Four regular members of the commission shall be appointed by the city
council for three-year terms. Three regular members shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the
Board of Independent School District No. 283 for a three-year term. Failure of such school board to
appoint its membership to serve on the parks and recreation advisory commission shall in no way affect
the validity of the proceedings of the parks and recreation advisory commission. The terms of regular
members shall expire on December 31 of the third year of such term and until a successor is duly
appointed and qualified. Subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy,
the city council shall appoint a person to complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission may
be removed with or without cause by the city council.
(c) Youth member. One voting youth who shall be a high school student of a private or public
school located in the city may be appointed by the city council and serve a term of one year.
(d) Qualifications. Regular members of the parks and recreation advisory commission shall be
qualified voters and residents of the city. The regular member appointed by the Board of Independent
School District No. 283 of St. Louis Park shall also be a resident of the school district. A vacancy shall
deem to exist if a member ceases to meet the residency requirements. All members of the commission
shall be appointed from persons who have demonstrated an interest in the parks and recreation advisory
commission by submission of appropriate city forms.
(Code 1976, § 1-310)
Sec. 2-242. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the parks and recreation advisory commission shall be appointed by the city
manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as may be
imposed by the city council at any time, the commission shall provide its own rules and procedure,
determine the date and time of meetings and, upon proper notice, shall call public hearings when
necessary and desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the
commission and amendments shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws and
any amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city council takes action to
modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No member of the commission shall
consider or vote upon any question in which the member is directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records shall be
maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
(Code 1976, § 1-311)
Sec. 2-243. Expense of members.
The members of the parks and recreation advisory commission shall serve without pay but may
be reimbursed for actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget
adopted by the city council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of
monies in accordance with established city procedures.
(Code 1976, § 1-312)
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Sec. 2-244. Powers and duties.
The parks and recreation advisory commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Consider matters pertaining to public recreation programs in the city;
(2) Evaluate the city's current parks and recreation programs and desires of citizens for such
services;
(3) Keep acquainted with the current state, regional and national parks and recreation standards
for communities;
(4) Recommend programs and a budget of programs and expenditures for operations of the parks
and recreation department;
(5) Study and recommend long range parks and recreation plans for the city;
(6) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(7) Act in an advisory capacity to the city council in all matters which are requested by the city
council.
DIVISION 5. PLANNING COMMISSION*
Sec. 2-271. Membership; terms.
(a) Function; composition. The planning commission shall be an advisory commission to the city
council and shall consist of seven regular members and one youth member, all appointed as set forth in
this section.
(b) Regular members. Six of the regular members of the commission shall be appointed by the city
council for three-year terms. One regular member of the commission shall be appointed by and serve at
the pleasure of the Board of Independent School District No. 283 of St. Louis Park for a term of three
years unless such appointment shall be terminated by such school board. One alternate may be appointed
by such school board to serve in the absence of the regular member. Failure of such school board to
appoint its member or alternate to serve on the planning commission shall in no way affect the validity of
the proceedings of the planning commission. The terms of regular members shall run until December 31
of the year in which their terms expire and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Subsequent
appointments shall be for three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy, the council shall appoint a person to
complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission may be removed with or without cause by the
city council.
(c) Youth member. One nonvoting youth member, who shall be a high school student of a private
or public school located in the city, may be appointed by the city council and serve a term of one year.
(d) Qualifications. Regular members of the planning commission shall be qualified voters and
residents of the city. The regular member appointed by the Board of Independent School District No. 283
of St. Louis Park shall also be a resident of such school district. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist if a
member ceases to meet the residency requirements. The regular members and youth member of the
commission shall be appointed from persons who have demonstrated an interest in the planning
commission by submission of appropriate city forms.
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Sec. 2-272. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the planning commission shall be appointed by the city manager and shall be
subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair, vice-chair and secretary. Subject to such limitations
as may be imposed by the city council at any time, the commission shall provide its own rules and
procedure. The date and time of meetings, and, upon proper notice, shall call public hearings when
necessary and desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the
commission and any amendments shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws
and any amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city council takes
action to modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No member of the
commission shall consider or vote on any question in which the member is directly or indirectly
interested.
(c) The planning commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records shall
be maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
Sec. 2-273. Expenses of members.
The members of the planning commission shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for
actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget adopted by the city
council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of monies in accordance
with established city procedures.
(Code 1976, § 1-303)
Sec. 2-274. Powers and duties.
The planning commission shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Prepare a comprehensive plan for the future development of the city to be submitted to the
city council for implementation and to maintain such plan and recommend its amendment to
the city council as may become necessary.
(2) Initiate, direct and review, from time to time, a study of the provisions of the zoning chapter
and the subdivision regulations and to report to the city council its advice and
recommendations accordingly.
(3) Study applications and proposals for amendments to the zoning chapter and applications for
special permits and to advise the city council of its recommendations.
(4) Study preliminary and final plats and to advise the city council of its recommendations.
(5) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year.
(6) Act in an advisory capacity to the city council in all matters wherein powers are assigned to
the city council by state law or city Charter concerning land use, comprehensive planning,
zoning, platting, changes in streets and other matters of a general planning nature.
(Code 1976, § 1-304)
Secs. 2-275--2-300. Reserved.
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DIVISION 6. BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS*
Sec. 2-301. Membership; terms.
(a) Composition. The board of zoning appeals shall consist of five regular members, all appointed as
set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. The five regular members of the board shall be appointed by the city council
for three-year terms. Their terms shall run until December 31 of the year in which their terms expire and
until a successor is appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy, the council shall appoint a person
to complete the unexpired term. A member of the board may be removed with or without cause by the
city council.
(c) Qualifications. Members of the board shall be qualified voters and residents of the city. A
vacancy shall be deemed to exist in case a member ceases to meet the residency requirements. The regular
members of the board shall be appointed from persons who have demonstrated an interest in the board of
zoning appeals by submission of appropriate city forms.
(Code 1976, § 1-401)
Sec. 2-302. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the board of zoning appeals shall be appointed by the city manager and shall
be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The board shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as may be
imposed by the city council at any time, the board shall provide its own rules and procedure, determine
the date and time of meetings and, upon proper notice, shall conduct all public hearings when necessary
and desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the board
and any amendments shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws and any
amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city council takes action to
modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No member of the board shall
consider or vote upon any question in which the member is directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The board of zoning appeals shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records shall
be maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
(Code 1976, § 1-402)
Sec. 2-303. Expenses of members.
The members of the board of zoning appeals shall serve without pay, but may be reimbursed for
actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget adopted by the city
council. The board shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of monies in accordance with
established city procedures.
(Code 1976, § 1-403)
Sec. 2-304. Powers and duties.
The board of zoning appeals shall have the following powers and duties to:
(1) Hear and decide on appeals from any order, requirement, permit decision or refusal or
determination made by the zoning administrator under the zoning chapter and from any
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interpretation of the text of the zoning chapter, or any location of the boundary of a zoning
district as shown on the official zoning map made by the zoning administrator, in accordance
with all requirements of local and state laws.
(2) Hear and decide on requests for variances from the terms of the zoning chapter in the manner
and subject to the standards and requirements set forth in the zoning chapter and applicable
state laws.
(3) Communicate with the city council its recommendations, records of proceedings and any
other method of reporting as may be deemed appropriate by the city council.
(4) Act in an advisory capacity to the city council and hear and make recommendations to the
city council on all matters referred to the board or upon which it is required to act under the
zoning chapter.
(Code 1976, § 1-404)
Sec. 2-305. Decision subject to appeal to the city council.
Any party aggrieved by a decision of the board of zoning appeals may appeal the decision to the
city council in accordance with the procedures set forth in the zoning chapter of this Code. An appeal
shall be filed with the planning department within ten days of issuance of the board of zoning appeals'
decision.
(Code 1976, § 1-405)
DIVISION 7 POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sec. 2-321. Membership; terms.
(a) Function; composition. The police advisory commission shall be an advisory commission to the
city council. It shall consist of eleven regular members and one youth member, all appointed as set forth
in this section.
(b) Regular members. The City Council shall appoint four regular members of the commission for
terms to expire on December 31, 2004, four regular members for terms to expire on December 31, 2005,
and three regular members for terms to expire on December 31, 2006. All subsequent appointments shall
be for three-year terms which shall expire on December 31 of the third year of such term and until a
successor is duly appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy, the city council shall appoint a
person to complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission may be removed with or without
cause by the city council.
(c) Youth member. One voting youth who shall be a high school student of a private or public school
located in the city may be appointed by the city council and serve a term of one year.
(d) Qualifications. Regular members of the police advisory commission shall be qualified voters and
residents of the city. A vacancy shall deem to exist if a member ceases to meet the residency
requirements. All members of the commission shall be appointed from persons who have demonstrated an
interest in the police advisory commission by submission of appropriate city forms.
Sec. 2-322. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the police advisory commission shall be appointed by the city manager and shall
be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
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(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as may be
imposed by the city council at any time, the commission shall provide its own rules and procedure,
determine the date and time of meetings and, upon proper notice, shall call public hearings when
necessary and desirable and in accordance with all requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the
commission and amendments shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws and
any amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city council takes action to
modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No member of the commission shall
consider or vote upon any question in which the member is directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records shall be
maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
Sec. 2-323. Expense of members.
The members of the police advisory commission shall serve without pay but may be reimbursed
for actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city budget adopted by the
city council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and expenditures of monies in
accordance with established city procedures.
Sec. 2-324. Powers and duties.
Under the direction of the city council, the police advisory commission shall perform those
functions and duties necessary to:
(a) Carry out their stated mission to enhance the awareness of police department capabilities and
services; provide an opportunity for citizen involvement in police services and to encourage exchange
between the police department and the community.
(b) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(c) Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as directed by the
city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council.
(Ordinance No. 2242-03, 7-21-03)
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BYLAWS OF THE ST. LOUIS PARK
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Article I - Name and Authority
Section 1. The name shall be, THE ST. LOUIS PARK BOARD OF ZONING
APPEALS, called "Board" or "BOZA"' and shall be governed under part 4, Sec 1-401 of the St.
Louis Park Ordinance Code. (Amended November 28, 1995)
Article II - Officers and Their Duties
Section 1. At its regular meeting of May of each year, or the next regular meeting,
the Board shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chair. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Section 2. The Chair and Vice Chair shall take office immediately following their
election and shall hold office for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and
assume office. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Section 3. The Chair shall preside at all meetings, appoint committees and perform such
other duties as may be ordered by the Board. The Chair shall have the same voting rights as any
other member and may take an active role in the debate of matters coming before the board
except where the issue involves the Chair. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Section 4. The Vice Chair shall act in the capacity of the Chair in the absence of the
Chair. In the event the office of the Chair becomes vacant, the Vice Chair shall succeed to this
office for the unexpired term and the Board shall elect a successor to the office of Vice Chair for
the unexpired term. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Section 5. In the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, meetings shall be conducted by
the most senior member present. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Article III - Election of Officers
Section 1. Nomination of officers shall be made from the floor at the annual
organizational meeting, and the elections shall follow immediately thereafter.
Section 2. A candidate receiving a majority vote of the entire membership of the Board
shall be declared elected.
Section 3. Vacancies in offices shall be filled by regular election procedure for the
unexpired term.
Article IV - Meetings
Section 1. The Board shall hold regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month
at 7:00 p.m., provided, however, that when the day fixed for any regular meeting of the Board
falls upon a day designated by law as a legal holiday, or when there is a need for a special
meeting, such meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding Tuesday which is
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not a holiday. Lack of a quorum for a regular meeting shall constitute grounds for a special
meeting. All regular meetings of the Board shall be held in the City Hall of the City. (Amended
May 11, 1978 and December 29, 1981).
Section 2. The Chair or any members of the Board may call a special meeting of the
Board after having given notice not less than twenty-four hours in advance of such meeting to
each member of the Board. Such notice shall be delivered by United States First Class Mail or
personally delivered to each member or be left at the member's usual place of residence with a
person of suitable age and discretion then residing there, or written notice thereof shall be left in
a conspicuous place at the residence if no such person be found there. (Amended August 25,
1977).
Section 3. A quorum shall be 3 members of the Board. The affirmative vote of a majority
of the members present shall be required for the passage of any matter before the Board. If there
are no scheduled public hearings, no continued matters and no matters on the consent agenda,
then at the discretion of the Chair, a regular meeting need not be held. (Amended May 25 &
October 26, 1995)
Section 4. Voting shall be by voice or hand and must be recorded. Voting by proxy is
not permitted. (Amended May 25, 1995)
Section 5. A motion is not necessary prior to debating an issue.
Section 6. Commissioners are not limited in the number of times they can be recognized
during a debate.
Section 5. 7. In all points not covered by these rules, the Board shall be governed on its
procedure by Robert's Rules of Order.
Section 6. 8. All regular and special meetings, records and accounts shall be open to the
public.
Article V - Order of Business
Section 1. The order of business shall be as follows:
1. Roll
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Consent Agenda
4. Public Hearing
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Communications
8. Miscellaneous
9. Adjournment
Section 2. Unless objection is made by motion of the Board, the Presiding Officer may
modify the foregoing order of business in order to accommodate citizens present or to expedite
the business of the Board.
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Section 3. Unless a reading of the Board meeting minutes is requested by a member of
the Board, such minutes may be approved without reading if the City Staff has previously
furnished each member with a copy thereof.
Section 4. Any person desiring to address the Board shall first secure the permission of
the Presiding Officer so to do.
Section 5. Each person addressing the Board shall, if requested by the Presiding Officer,
step up in front of the podium provided for such purpose, shall give his name and address in an
audible tone for the records, and unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer, shall
limit his remarks to five minutes. At the discretion of the Presiding Officer, those addressing the
Board may be allowed to position themselves in other areas of the room. All remarks should be
addressed to the Board as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the
Board and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either
director or through a member of the Board, without the permission of the Presiding Officer. No
question shall be asked a Board member except through the Presiding Officer. (Amended April
27, 1995)
Section 6. No person, except City Officials, their representatives, and newspaper
reporters, shall be permitted within an area bounded by a line 10 feet in front of and parallel to
the area occupied by the Board without the express consent of the Board. (Amended April 27,
1995)
Section 7. The City Staff assigned to the BOZA shall keep the minutes of each meeting
and shall perform such other duties as the Board may direct. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Article VI - Hearings
Section 1. In addition to those required by law, the Board may at its discretion hold
public hearings when it declares such hearings will be in the public interest.
Section 2. In the event of a public hearing, notice of such hearing shall be published in
the official newspaper of the municipality not less than ten days before.
Section 3. Notice to the applicant or directly affected parties, by mail, shall be given
not less than five days prior to the date of the hearing.
Section 4. The case before the Board shall be presented in summary by the appropriate
City Staff person or a designated member of the Board and parties in interest shall have privilege
of the floor thereafter. (Amended April 27, 1995)
Section 5. The Board may postpone any case or continue any case for further study and
information until the next regular meeting or until a special meeting designated for this purpose.
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Article VII - Miscellaneous
Section 1. The Board may suspend any of these bylaws by a majority vote of the Board.
(Amended May 25, 1995; March 28, 1996)
Section 2. These bylaws may be amended at any regular or special meeting by a majority
vote of the quorum or members present after notices, in writing, containing the form of the
section as it will appear if amended as proposed, shall have been given at least five days prior to
the meeting at which such vote will be taken. (Amended March 28, 1996)
Section 3. Members of the Board shall be called "Commissioners". (Amended April 27,
1995)
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ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BY-LAWS
The St. Louis Park City Council passed Ordinance No. 1035 on May 20, 1968 establishing a
Human Rights Commission. In December, 1999 the Commission adopted the following revised
By-Laws and Rules to conduct its business.
Article I. Mission Statement and Goals
Section I. Mission
The Human Rights Commission of St. Louis Park advises the City Council about promoting
equal opportunity, thwarting discrimination, and encouraging an appreciation for the City’s
diverse ethnic and cultural populations among residents, workers, and visitors to St. Louis Park.
The Commission helps individuals and institutions cultivate a community that embraces
principals of equality, mutual respect, fair treatment, and social equity for all of its citizens.
Section 2. Goals
The Commission has adopted the following goals to accomplish its mission.
2.1 To develop awareness and sensitivity to the diversity and changing demographics of the
general population and business communities.
2.2 To build relationships with the School District, Community Education, the Library,
other human rights commissions or civic organizations, and to collaborate with them in
efforts related to human rights.
2.3 To define and strengthen the Commission's relationship with the St. Louis Park city
government.
2.4 To develop the Commission into an effective, cohesive, and knowledgeable work
group, creating a committee structure to meet both cyclical needs and specific project
objectives.
Article II. Membership
Section 1. Officers
Members of the Commission choose a chairperson and vice-chairperson.
Section 2. Election and Term
2.1 The chairperson and vice-chairperson are elected for a one-year term, from January 1 to
December 31. Elections are held at the regular meeting in December, or as shortly
thereafter as possible. The chairperson and vice-chairperson may be re-elected.
2.2 The Commission may select an acting chairperson or vice-chairperson with the full
authority described in section 3, below, until the regular elections are held.
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Section 3. Duties
3.1 The chairperson presides at all meetings and appoints Commission members to chair
committees.
3.2 The vice-chairperson presides in the absence of the chairperson.
3.3 Minutes are kept of all meetings as a public record. The City provides liaison staff to
the Commission responsible for recording Commission deliberations and actions. In
the temporary absence of such support, the Chair will appoint a Commission member
as recorder.
Section 4. General Membership (As stated in the ordinance code)
4.1 10 regular voting members, at least one of whom shall be an attorney, shall be
appointed by the city council for a three year term. One regular voting member shall be
appointed by and serve a the pleasure of the St. Louis Park Independent School District
283 school board for three year terms unless such an appointment shall be sooner
terminated by said board.
4.2 Two nonvoting youth members shall be appointed by the City Council and serve a
term of one year. At least one youth member shall be a student at the St. Louis Park
High School, the other shall be a high school student of a private or public school
located in St. Louis Park. Such members shall be appointed after the first day of
September each year and shall serve until the 31st of August of the following year and
until a successor is appointed and qualified. Such members shall attend all meetings.
Section 5. Staff Support (As stated in the ordinance code)
5.1 The City provides liaison staff and financial support to enable the Commission to carry
out its mission.
5.2 City staff records Commission meetings and proceedings, and furnishes clerical
support to Commissioners for official Commission business.
Article III. Commission Activities
Section 1. Work Plan
1.1 The Commission adopts an annual work plan that details activities and projected
timelines for the calendar year.
1.2 The Chairperson may appoint Commission members to be primarily responsible for
each work plan activity.
1.3 The Commission may establish committees to oversee work plan activities, chaired by
members appointed by the Chairperson.
1.4 Commission work plans are submitted to the City Council by March 1r as shortly
thereafter as practicable.
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Section 2. Committee
2.1 A Committee consists of at least two appointed Commission members, one of whom
will be designated as chair or co-chair. A majority of the committee must be present to
conduct business, including at least two commissioners.
2.2 The Commission may consolidate or dissolve existing committees at any time.
2.3 The Chairperson of a committee may appoint other Commission members and
representatives from the broader community to the committee.
2.4 Committee chairpersons shall report about committee activities as an agenda item at
regular Commission meetings.
Section 3. Report to the City Council
4.1 The Commission submits an annual report to the City Council summarizing the past
year’s activities. The report may highlight issues of concern and other information the
Commission wants to convey to the Council.
4.2 The Chairperson or designee prepares the report for approval by the Commission.
Commission members may submit signed addenda presenting alternative conclusions
or perspectives.
4.3 The report and addenda are submitted with the current year work plan in March or as
soon thereafter as practicable.
Article IV. Commission Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings
1.1 Regular Commission meetings are held once a month at City Hall at 7:00 PM. The
regular meeting date will be scheduled annually by the Commission. The Commission
may reschedule regular meetings due to holidays, religious observations, or other
compelling reasons.
1.2 The Commission will inform the City and the public of changes in time or location of
regular Commission meetings, in accordance with the Minnesota open meeting law.
Section 2. Special Meetings
2.1 The Chairperson may call special meetings of the Commission at any time.
2.2 The Chairperson must call a special meeting at the request of a City Council member
or two Commissioners.
2.3 Notice of special meetings shall be given to each Commissioner at least three days in
advance of the meeting. Notices of meetings will be posted in accordance with the
Minnesota open meeting law. Attendance by the Commissioner waives any defect in
the notice.
2.4 The chairperson without prior notice may call emergency meetings.
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Section 3. Meeting Agenda
3.1 The Chairperson and City staff liaison will prepare agenda for both regular and special
meetings.
3.2 The Commission prior to considering old business must approve meeting agenda.
Items may be added to the agenda by any Commissioner or at the request of the City
Council. Items submitted for agenda consideration may be placed on the next
available meeting agenda at the discretion of the Chairperson, except for City Council
requests.
3.3 Residents, businesses, or other interested parties may contact individual
Commissioners or the City staff liaison to request that an item be included on the
agenda.
3.4 The Chairperson will examine requests forwarded from the City staff liaison to
determine if they should be added to the agenda.
Section 4. Quorum and Voting
4.1 A quorum consists of a majority of all currently appointed members of the
Commission.
4.2 , Recommendations and motions must be approved by a majority of voting members
present, if a quorum exists.
Section 5. Attendance
5.1 Commission members are expected to attend regular, special, and committee meetings.
Members unable to make a meeting should notify the Commission chairperson or
committee chairperson for committee meetings.
5.2 Commission members are expected to adequately prepare for meetings. Members
unable to finish an assigned task should notify the Commission or committee
chairperson as soon as possible.
5.3 The Commission shall inform the City Council when a member misses three
unexcused regular meetings in a calendar year. The Commission may ask the Council
to review a member's appointment based upon its assessment of significant
nonperformance of duties.
Article V. By-Laws and Rules
Section 1. Amendments
1.1 These By-laws may be amended by a majority of all voting members of the
Commission.
1.2 Commission members, including student representatives, must be given one month’s
advance notice regarding proposed amendments prior to formal Commission action.
1.3 Amendments to these procedures can only be considered at a regular monthly meeting
of the Commission.
Section 2. Parliamentary Rules
2.1 Robert's Rules of Order shall be the governing authority for all regular, special, and
committee meetings of the Commission.
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PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
St. Louis Park, Minnesota 11/8/00
CURRENT BY-LAWS
(adopted March 13, 1957; amended April 10, 1963; amended November 8, 2000)
1. PURPOSE
This Commission shall study and consider all phases of public parks and recreation and
recommend to the City of St. Louis Park and Independent School District #283 a park and
public recreation program which best meets the needs of all residents of St. Louis Park.
2. DUTIES
Duties of the Commission shall be advisory, and shall be such as are set forth in
Ordinance #540 – dated September 4, 1956 and as amended by Ordinance #1403 dated
April 17, 1978 of the City of St. Louis Park and of the Agreement between School
District #283 and the City of St. Louis Park dated August 13, 1956, and as amended in
1972. They shall include the following:
a. Study of current park and recreation programs, and desires of citizens for such
services.
b. Keeping acquainted with the best recreation and park standards for communities.
c. Recommending, before each August first, a budget of program and expenditures
for the next fiscal year’s Recreation and Park operations, to be presented to the
City and School District.
d. Study and recommendation of long-range park and recreation plans for St. Louis
Park.
3. OFFICERS
a. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman whose
duties shall be such as their titles imply. A recording secretary shall be appointed
by the Chairman and need not be a member of the Commission.
b. All officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual meeting, which shall be the
first meeting in the calendar year, and shall continue in office one year, or until
the next annual election. No officer shall be elected to the same office more than
three years in succession.
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4. MEETINGS
a. Regular meetings of this Commission shall be held monthly on the third
Wednesday of each month, and special meetings may be held on other dates at the
call of the Chairman or any two members of the Commission.
b. All meetings shall be open to the public.
5. AMENDMENTS
These by-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the entire membership of this
Commission at any regular meeting, provided written notice of the proposed amendment
has been sent to all members ten days in advance.
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Planning Commission Adopted August 6, 1969
City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota Revised June 19, 1989 Revised November 18, 1992 Revised February 21, 2001 Revised May 18, 2005 RULES OF PROCEDURE Article I -Officers and Their Duties Section 1. At its first meeting of each calendar year, the Commission shall elect from its membership a Chair and a Vice-chair. The Community Development Director or his or her designate shall be the Secretary of the Commission. Section 2. The Chair and Vice-chair shall take office immediately following their
election and shall hold office for a term of one year and until their successors are elected and
assume office. Section 3. The Chair shall preside at all meetings, appoint committees, and perform such other duties as may be ordered by the Commission. Section 4. The Vice-chair shall act in the capacity of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. In the event the office of the Chair becomes vacant, the Vice-chair shall become Chair, and the Commission shall elect a successor to the office of Vice-chair for the unexpired term. Article II-Election of Officers Section 1. Nomination of officers shall be made from the floor at the annual organization meeting and the elections shall follow immediately thereafter. Section 2. A candidate receiving the vote of a majority of the entire membership of the Commission shall be declared elected. Section 3. Vacancies in offices shall be filled by regular election procedures for the unexpired term. Article Ill -Meetings Section 1. The Commission shall hold regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m., provided however, that when the day fixed for any regular meeting of the Commission falls upon any of the following holidays: Ash Wednesday, Chanukah, Christmas, Veterans Day, Independence Day, New Year's Day, Passover (first two nights and last two nights), Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur, such meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next succeeding Wednesday not a holiday. (For Chanukah, Christmas, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the holiday includes the evening before the holiday.) All regular meetings of the Commission shall be held in the City Hall of the City or other public building as noticed. Section 2. The Chair or any four members of the Commission may call a special meeting of the Commission after having given notice not less than twenty-four hours in advance of such meeting to each member of the Commission. Such notice shall be delivered personally to each member or be left at the member's usual place of residence with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein, or written notice thereof shall be left in a conspicuous place at the residence if no such person be found there.
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Section 3. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of the members eligible to vote on matters before the Commission. Without a quorum, the meeting cannot be opened, and Planning Commission business or voting cannot be conducted. Passage of any matter before the Commission shall require the presence of a quorum and the affirmative vote of a majority of the quorum. Section 4. Voting on regular motions shall be by voice and will be recorded by yeas and nays unless a roll call is requested by a member of the Commission. Section 5. In all points not covered by these rules, the Commission shall be governed on its procedure by Sturgis Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. Section 6. All regular and special meetings, records, and accounts shall be open to the public.
Section 7. In order to comply with the Open Meeting Law (Minn. Stat. §13D)
Commissioners should only communicate on issues pending or before the Commission during
scheduled Commission meetings. If a Commissioner wishes to transmit information regarding
the business of the Commission, the Commissioner should present it to the Community
Development Director or the Secretary of the Commission for distribution to the Commissioners.
Section 8. Any Commissioner that is unable to attend a scheduled meeting of the
Commission may submit written comments pertaining to an item on the agenda to the
Community Development Director or the Secretary of the Commission for distribution to the
Commissioners prior to the meeting or at the meeting and may request that such comments be
attached as an addendum to the minutes of the meeting.
Article IV - Order of Business Section 1. The order of business shall be as follows: 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Hearings 4. Unfinished Business 5. New Business a. Consent Items b. Other New Business 6. Communications 7. Miscellaneous 8. Adjournment Section 2. Unless objection is made by motion of the Commission, the Presiding Officer may modify the foregoing order of business in order to accommodate citizens present or to expedite the business of the Commission. Section 3. Unless a reading of the Commission meeting minutes is requested by a member of the Commission, such minutes may be approved without reading if the secretary has previously furnished each member with a copy thereof. Section 4. Unless there is objection from the Commission, Staff or anyone in attendance at the meeting, Consent Items may be acted upon without discussion.
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Section 5. The case before the Commission shall be presented in summary by Planning staff or a designated member of the Commission and parties in interest shall have privilege of the floor thereafter. In those instances where the matter is considered non-controversial and does not warrant a summary, the Presiding Officer may entertain a motion without presentation of the summary, unless an objection is expressed by anyone present. Section 6. The Commission may postpone any case or continue any case for further study and information until the next regular meeting unless otherwise designated. Section 7. Any person desiring to address the Commission shall first secure the permission of the Presiding Officer to do so. Section 8. Each person addressing the Commission, shall, if requested by the Presiding Officer, step up in front of the rail, shall give his/her name and address in an audible tone for the records, and unless further time is granted by the Presiding Officer, shall limit his/her remarks to five minutes. All remarks should be addressed to the Commission as a body and not to any member thereof. No person, other than the Commission and the person having the floor, shall be permitted to enter into any discussion, either directly or through a member of the Commission, without the permission of the Presiding Officer. No question shall be asked a Commission member except through the Presiding Officer . Section 9. No person, except City Officials and their representatives, shall be permitted on the elevated portions of the Council Chambers without the express consent of the Commission.
Article V - Hearings Section 1. In addition to those required by law, the Commission may, at its discretion, hold public hearings when it declares such hearings will be in the public interest. Section 2. In the event of a public hearing, notice of such hearing shall be published in the official newspaper of the municipality not less than ten days before the time of the hearing. Article VI - Miscellaneous Section 1. The Commission may suspend any of these rules by motion upon an affirmative vote of majority of the entire membership. Section 2. These rules may be amended at any regular or special meeting by an affirmative vote of a majority of the entire membership after notice in writing, containing the form of the section as it will appear if amended as proposed, shall have been given at least five days prior to the meeting at which such vote will be taken.
N/PLANNING COMMISSION
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ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA
POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION BY-LAWS
Adopted July 21, 2003
Article I - The Commission
1.1 Name of Commision. The name of the Commission shall be the “Police Advisory
Commission, which is referred to herein from time to time as “The Commission”.
1.2 Powers. The powers of the commission shall be vested in the Commissioners thereof in
office from time to time.
1.3 Mission, Vision, Values, and Goal Statements. The Commission shall operate under
the tenets of these mission, vision, values and goal statements.
1.31 Mission
• Enhance the awareness of police department capabilities and services
• Provide an opportunity for citizen involvement in police services
• Encourage exchange between police department and the community
1.32 Vision
• The St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission strives to create a
community that is proactive, safe, informed, inclusive, and healthy
• The St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission will make a difference by
serving as a connection to the community, supporting the efforts of the police
department, promoting partnerships, and encouraging involvement in
educational opportunities
1.33 Values
• The St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission values integrity, ethics,
safety, prevention, and quality of life
• The St. Louis Park Police Advisory Commission is motivated by
communication, relationship building, and problem solving
1.34 Goals
• Enhance the power of advocacy
• Create more public recognition and visibility of the Police Department,
Police Advisory Commission and Community Policing
• Provide a more systematic, comprehensive approach to addressing
community and individual issues
• Provide more opportunities to improve Community Policing
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Article II - Officers
2.1 Officers. The officers of the Commission shall be Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
2.2 Chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the commission. The chair shall also
be responsible for appointing Commission members to task force committees.
2.3 Vice-Chair. The vice-chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the absence or
incapacity of the chair; and in case of the resignation or death of the chair, the vice-
president shall perform such duties as imposed on the chair until such time as the
commission shall select a new chair.
2.4 Secretary. The secretary shall be responsible for ensuring proper notice of all meetings
is given. The secretary shall also be responsible for the minutes of all meetings and for
the recording of all official actions of the commission in accordance with MN Statute and
City policy. The secretary shall perform other duties as the commission shall prescribe.
2.5 Staff Liaison. A staff liaison to the Police Advisory Commission shall be appointed by
the city manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the
city. The staff liaison may facilitate or assist in the meetings and shall be responsible for
recording attendance of commission members. The staff liaison is responsible for
keeping the city manager informed regarding the business of the commission and shall
communicate to the city manager any problems or issues that may arise. The staff liaison
shall also be responsible for assisting the commission in considering their financial needs
and, if deemed necessary by the commission, shall request appropriate funding from the
city council through the annual budget process.
2.6 Delegation of Duties. Officers may delegate duties of their position to other personnel
as deemed appropriate by the commission.
Article III - Election of Officers
3.1 Elections and Terms of Office. The chair, vice-chair and secretary shall be elected from
the commission membership by its members at the regular meeting in December of each
year, or as shortly thereafter as possible. Terms of office shall be for one-year and shall
run from January 1st through December 31st of each year, or until a duly elected
successor takes office. Officers may be elected to an unlimited number of successive
terms.
3.2 Vacancies. Should the office of chair, vice-chair or secretary become vacant, the
commission shall elect a successor from its membership at the next regular meeting, and
such election shall be for the unexpired term of said office.
Article IV - Meetings
4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the commission shall be conducted in accordance with the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Format of the meetings may be informal, however, the
Chair may, at their discretion, determine that more formal proceedings are warranted. In
that event the meeting shall be conducted as outlined in the third edition of The Standard
Code of Parliamentary Procedures as adopted in city council rules and procedures.
4.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the commission shall be the regular meeting in
December at which time elections will be held and the schedule for the following year’s
regular meeting schedule will be considered.
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4.3 Regular Meetings. The regular meetings of the commission shall be held a minimum of
six times per year at dates, times and locations scheduled annually by the commission.
The commission may, by a majority vote, change the regular meeting dates for any
reason provided proper public notice of the changed meeting is provided to the public.
4.4 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Authority may be called by the chair or two
commissioners, or by the city council, for the purpose of transacting any business
designated in the call. The call for special meeting shall be delivered in compliance with
state law. The secretary must deliver to the commissioners at least three days prior to the
meeting a notice of the date, time, place and purpose of the special meeting. If however,
all commissioners attend and participate in the meeting, these notice requirements are not
necessary. The presence of any commissioner at a special meeting shall constitute a
waiver of any formal notice unless the commissioner appears for the special purpose of
objecting to the holding of such meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and purpose of a
special meeting must also be posted by the secretary on the principal bulletin board of the
city at least three days prior to the date of the meeting.
4.5 Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the chair due to
circumstances which require immediate consideration. The secretary may notify
commissioners by any means available. A good faith effort shall be made to provide
notice of the meeting to any news medium that has filed a written request for notice of
meetings. The notice shall include the purpose of the meeting.
4.5 Quorum and Voting. The presence of a majority of all currently appointed members of
the commission shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business and
exercising its powers and for all other purposes. In the event a quorum is not reached, a
smaller number of members may meet to discuss the business of the commission and
recommendations may be made, however, formal action must be reserved for such time
as a quorum of the commission is reached.
Article V - Agenda and Records of Proceedings
5.1 Agenda Preparation. The agenda for regular and special meetings of the commission
shall be prepared by the staff liaison subject to approval by the chair. Items to be placed
on the agenda may be proposed by the chair, a commission member, the staff liaison or at
the request of the city council. Residents, businesses, or other interested parties may
contact individual commission members or the staff liaison to request that an item be
placed on the agenda for consideration. All agenda topics presented by the city council
will be placed on an appropriate agenda, requests from other parties will be placed on an
appropriate future agenda at the discretion of the chair. .
5.2 Approval of the Agenda. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting prior to
discussion of any item on the agenda. At the time of agenda approval, items may be
removed and the order of business may be modified by a majority vote of members
present at the meeting. Prior to adjournment, members present may communicate items
recommended for inclusion on future agendas.
5.3 Record of Proceedings. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be
copied in the journal of the proceedings of the Authority. Records shall be kept in
accordance with MN Statute and Rules regarding preservation of public records and the
MN Data Privacy Act.
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Article VI - Attendance and Performance of Duties
6.1 Attendance. Regular attendance at meetings is a requirement for continued membership.
Commission members are expected to attend regular and special commission meetings
and assigned committee meetings. Planned absences communicated to the commission
chair or committee task force chair in advance of the meeting will be deemed excused.
Any other absence will be deemed unexcused. The commission will approve and record
the approval of all excused and unexcused absences.
6.2 Reporting. Council will be informed if a member receives three unexcused absences in
any calendar year, if a member attends scheduled meetings irregularly or if a member is
frequently absent from scheduled meetings.
6.3 Performance of Duties. Commissioners are expected to adequately prepare for
meetings. Commissioners unable to complete an assigned task should notify the
commission chair or task force chair as soon as possible. The commission may ask the
Council to review a member's appointment based upon its assessment of significant non-
performance of duties.
Article VII - Commission Activities
7.1 Annual Work Plan. The commission will adopt an annual work plan that details
activities and projected timelines for the calendar year.
• The chair may appoint commission members to be primarily responsible for each
work plan activity.
• The commission may establish task force committees to oversee work plan activities,
chaired by members appointed by the chair.
• Commission work plans will be submitted to the City Council by March 1st or as
shortly thereafter as practicable.
7.2 Task Forces. The commission may create task force committees to investigate and
perform duties related to subjects of interest to the commission and to oversee work plan
activities.
• Task force committees will be chaired by commission members appointed by the
commission chair
• A task force consists of at least two appointed commission members, one of whom
will be designated committee chair or committee co-chair by the commission chair.
A majority of the task force must be present to conduct business, including at least
two commission members.
• The commission may consolidate or dissolve existing task forces at any time.
• The task force chair may appoint other commission members and representatives
from the broader community to the task force.
• The task force chair shall report about task force activities as an agenda item at
regular commission meetings.
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7.3 City Council Annual Report. The commission will submit an annual report to the City
Council summarizing the past year's activities. The report may highlight issues of concern and
other information the commission feels appropriate to convey to the city council.
• The commission chair or designee will prepare the report for approval by the
commission. Commission members may submit signed addenda presenting
alternative conclusions or perspectives.
• The report and addenda are submitted with the current year work plan in March or as
soon thereafter as possible.
Article VIII - By-Laws and Rules
8.1 Amendments. These By-Laws may be amended by a majority of all voting member of
the commission. Commission members must be given one month's advance notice
regarding proposed amendments prior to formal commission action. Amendments to
these procedures can only be considered at a regular meeting of the commission.
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ORDINANCE NO. 2242-03
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ST. LOUIS PARK
ORDINANCE CODE RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION BY ADDING
ARTICLE IV DIVISION 7: POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK DOES ORDAIN:
Sec. 1. The City Council has considered the advice and recommendation of Police
Advisory Task Force.
Sec. 2. The St. Louis Park Ordinance Code, Chapter 2, Article IV: Boards, Commissions
and Committees is hereby amended to add Division 7 as follows:
DIVISION 7 POLICE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sec. 2-321. Membership; terms.
(a) Function; composition. The police advisory commission shall be an advisory commission
to the city council. It shall consist of eleven regular members and one youth member, all
appointed as set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. The City Council shall appoint four regular members of the
commission for terms to expire on December 31, 2004, four regular members for terms to
expire on December 31, 2005, and three regular members for terms to expire on
December 31, 2006. All subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms which
shall expire on December 31 of the third year of such term and until a successor is duly
appointed and qualified. In the event of a vacancy, the city council shall appoint a person
to complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission may be removed with or
without cause by the city council.
(c) Youth member. One voting youth who shall be a high school student of a private or public
school located in the city may be appointed by the city council and serve a term of one
year.
(d) Qualifications. Regular members of the police advisory commission shall be qualified
voters and residents of the city. A vacancy shall deem to exist if a member ceases to
meet the residency requirements. All members of the commission shall be appointed
from persons who have demonstrated an interest in the police advisory commission by
submission of appropriate city forms.
Sec. 2-322. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the police advisory commission shall be appointed by the city manager
and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as
may be imposed by the city council at any time, the commission shall provide its own
rules and procedure, determine the date and time of meetings and, upon proper notice,
shall call public hearings when necessary and desirable and in accordance with all
requirements of local and state laws. The bylaws of the commission and amendments
shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such bylaws and any
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amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city council
takes action to modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No
member of the commission shall consider or vote upon any question in which the
member is directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The commission shall keep proper records of its proceedings, and such records shall be
maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
Sec. 2-323. Expense of members.
The members of the police advisory commission shall serve without pay but may be
reimbursed for actual expenses to the extent that funds therefor are provided in the annual city
budget adopted by the city council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts and
expenditures of monies in accordance with established city procedures.
Sec. 2-324. Powers and duties.
Under the direction of the city council, the police advisory commission shall perform
those functions and duties necessary to
(a) carry out their stated mission to enhance the awareness of police department capabilities
and services; provide an opportunity for citizen involvement in police services and to
encourage exchange between the police department and the community.
(b) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of the
commission during the previous year; and
(c) Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as
directed by the city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council.
Sec.3. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen days after its publication.
Reviewed for Administration Adopted by the City Council July 21, 2003
City Manager Mayor
Attest: Approved as to Form and Execution:
City Clerk City Attorney
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OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
5005 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park MN 55416
(952) 928-2840
NOTE: By Laws ADOPTED 5/5/05 by
Telecommunications Commission
To: Telecommunications Advisory Board
Reg Dunlap, Cable TV Coordinator, Staff Liaison
From: Cindy Reichert, City Clerk
Subject: TAB By-Laws
Date: February 2, 2004
A review of the Telecommunications Advisory Board b y-laws is complete and recommended
changes are being presented to the Commissioners. These revisions have been reviewed by:
Reg Dunlap and Joel Jamnik, from out city attorney’s office.
The draft by-laws enclosed are in a format consistent with the by-laws and procedures of other
city commissions such as the Economic Development Authority, Housing Authority, Police
Advisory Commission and the City Council.
Due to the number of revisions, the proposed by-laws appear here in their entirety because of
concern that a standard strike-out/underline format would be confusing to the reader. In
summary, the recommendations are as follows:
1. Change numbering system from “Article I, Section 3” to “Article 1” with subsequent
sections identified as “1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.” This numbering system makes it easier to add
or delete sections in the future. Further additions between sections can then be identified
as “1.21, 1.22, etc.” This is format being used in other City documents like Personnel
Handbook, Council Rules, Administrative Policies, EDA By-Laws, etc.
2. Rearrange and group sections in more logical format.
3. Adopt Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedures (adopted by Council in 2000).
4. Note compliance with MN Data Privacy Act, MN Open Meeting Law, laws and rules
regarding government record retention and access.
5. Annual meeting schedules for the Commission should be kept on file at city hall as are
other board and commission schedules. All boards of the city should use the same list of
holidays as set by the Council each year (attached) and additional holidays may also be
declared by individual boards. This ensures uniformity between boards of the City.
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6. Reduce notice of special meeting to one day. In compliance with state law and conforms
with City Council, EDA and other boards of the City
7. Language regarding 60% attendance deleted – section revised to match council policy.
Please feel free to contact me prior to the meeting of May 4th if you wish to discuss this
information. I look forward to meeting with you.
Attachments: Proposed By-Laws
Comparative Table
Ordinance Creating Commission
Council Rules and Procedures for Boards and Commissions
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION BYLAWS
ARTICLE I – THE COMMISSION
1.1 Name of the Commission. The Commission was officially created as the Cable
Television Advisory Commission by Ordinance 1783-89 on April 17, 1989, and
reestablished and renamed the Telecommunications Advisory Commission (“The
Commission” by Ordinance 2216-01 effective January 1, 2002.
1.2 Powers. The powers of the Commission shall be as stated in section 2-184 of the St.
Louis Park City Code.
1.3 Relation to the Ordinance. These bylaws supplement the Ordinance, and in the case
of conflict, are subordinate to the Ordinance.
ARTICLE II – OFFICERS & STAFF
2.1 Officers. The officers of the Commission shall be the Chair and Vice-Chair.
2.2 Chair. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and is eligible to
vote on all matters coming before the Commission. The chair shall appoint all
committees. The chair shall have the responsibility for calling special meetings of
the Commission and for conducting all meetings in an orderly manner.
2.2 Vice-Chair. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the chair in the absence or
incapacity of the Chair.
2.3 Staff Liaison. A staff liaison to the Commission shall be appointed by the city manager
and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city. The staff
liaison may facilitate or assist in the meetings and shall be responsible for recording
attendance of commission members and for preparation of minutes. The staff liaison is
responsible for keeping the city manager informed regarding the business of the
commission and shall communicate to the city manager any problems or issues that may
arise. The staff liaison shall also be responsible for assisting the commission in
considering their financial needs and, if deemed necessary by the commission, shall
request appropriate funding from the city council through the annual budget process.
ARTICLE III - ELECTIONS
2.1 Elections. A regular election shall be held at the annual meeting each year. Officers
shall be nominated from the floor by any voting member of the commission.
2.2 Term of Office. Officers will assume office at the first meeting following an election.
The term for officers shall be one year and the chair shall be limited to serving two
consecutive one-year terms.
2.3 Succession of Office. The Vice-Chair shall succeed to the office of Chair in the event
the Chair is vacant by virtue of any inability to fulfill the duties of the office. Should
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the Vice-Chair thus move to the Chair, a special election shall be held to fill the
unexpired term of the Vice-Chair.
ARTICLE III – CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
3.1 Voting. Each regular member of the Commission including the Commissioner
appointed by the School Board and any Youth Member appointed by the City Council
shall be entitled to one vote on all matters brought to a vote.
3.2 Quorum. Four (4) commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of
transacting its business. A smaller number may adjourn from time to time until a quorum
is obtained.
3.3 Majority Vote Required. A majority vote of the members present and voting is
required for passage of all matters before the Commission.
ARTICLE IV – MEETINGS
4.1 Meetings. All meetings of the commission will be conducted in accordance with the
Minnesota Open Meeting Law. Proceedings of the Commission will be conducted as
outlined in the Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure.
4.2 Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Commission shall be held early each year
at which time elections will be held and a summation of progress made, work
accomplished and a proposed work program for the coming year shall be prepared for
delivery to the City Council.
4.3 Regular Meetings. The Commission will hold at least four regular meetings each year.
Regular meeting dates shall be set during the final meeting of each year for the upcoming
year and shall not be held on any of the holidays recognized by the St. Louis Park City
Council. The meeting time shall be 7:00 p.m. promptly. Meeting dates shall be posted in
advance in the city offices. The commission may change the regular meeting time or date
as deemed appropriate, provided the public notice requirement for a special meeting is
met.
4.4 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the chair or
three commissioners for the purpose of transacting any business designated in the call.
The call for special meeting shall be delivered in compliance with state law. At least one
day prior to the meeting, a notice must be delivered to the Commissioners of the date,
time, place and purpose of the special meeting. Notice of the date, time, place and
purpose of a special meeting must also be posted on the principal bulletin board of the
city at least three days prior to the date of the meeting.
4.5 Emergency Meetings. An emergency meeting may be called by the chair due to
circumstances which require immediate consideration. Notice must be made to
commissioners by any means available. A good faith effort shall be made to provide
notice of the meeting to any news medium that has filed a written request for notice of
meetings. The notice shall include the purpose of the meeting.
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4.6 Record of Proceedings. All minutes and resolutions shall be in writing and shall be
recorded in the journal of the proceedings of the commission. Records shall be kept in
accordance with MN Statute and rules regarding preservation of public records and the
MN Data Privacy Act.
ARTICLE V – ATTENDANCE
5.1 Absences. If a Commissioner is unable to attend a regularly scheduled or special
meeting of the Commission, that member shall notify the City staff liaison of this fact no
later than 4 p.m. the day of the meeting.
5.2 Attendance. Commission members are expected to attend regular and special
commission meetings and assigned committee meetings. A roster of attendance shall be
maintained. Repeated absences shall result in the chair contacting the member to
ascertain his/her intentions as to continuing involvement on this Commission.
5.3 Request for Council Action. Should the member not wish to continue to serve on the
Commission, or should the member have continuing absences, the chair shall inform the
City Council of this fact, recommending the Council appoint a replacement.
ARTICLE VI – AMENDMENTS
6.1 Amendments. Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any voting member.
All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to each member of the
Commission at least fifteen (15) days prior to the regular meeting of the Commission at
which that amendment is to be considered. A statement explaining the purpose and effect
of the proposed amendment shall be attached to the proposed amendment. Amendments
shall be considered only at regular meetings of the Commission.
Adopted January 27, 1983
Revised August 23, 1984
Revised March 10, 1997
Revised December 5, 2002
Revised May 5, 2005
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DIVISION 2. TELECOMMUNICATIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION
Sec. 2-181. Membership; terms.
(a) Advisory status; composition. The telecommunications advisory commission shall be an
advisory commission to the city council. It shall consist of seven regular members, one youth
member and one ex-officio member, all appointed as set forth in this section.
(b) Regular members. Six of the regular members of the commission shall be appointed by
the city council for three-year terms. One regular member shall be appointed by and serve at the
pleasure of the Board of Independent School District No. 283 of St. Louis Park for a term of
three years, unless such appointment shall be terminated by such school board. One alternate
may be appointed by such school board to serve in the absence of its regular member. Failure of
such school board to appoint its member or an alternate to serve on the telecommunications
advisory commission shall in no way affect the validity of the proceedings of the
telecommunications advisory commission. The terms of the regular members shall run until
December 31 of the year in which their terms expire and until a successor is appointed and
qualified. Subsequent appointments shall be for three-year terms. In the event of a vacancy, the
council shall appoint a person to complete the unexpired term. A member of the commission
may be removed with or without cause by the city council.
(c) Youth member. One voting youth member, who shall be a high school student of a
private or public school located in the city, may be appointed by the city council and serve a term
of one year.
(d) Ex-officio member. One ex-officio member shall be appointed by the cable company
which is granted a franchise by the city. The ex-officio member shall not vote or be counted as
part of the quorum, but shall be present at all meetings.
(e) Qualifications. Regular members of the commission shall be qualified voters and
residents of the city. The regular member appointed by the Board of Independent School District
No. 283 of St. Louis Park shall also be a resident of the school district. A vacancy shall be
deemed to exist if a member ceases to meet the residency requirements. The regular members
and youth members of the commission shall be appointed from persons who have demonstrated
an interest in the telecommunications advisory commission by submission of appropriate city
forms.
Sec. 2-182. Organization.
(a) A staff liaison to the telecommunications advisory commission shall be appointed by
the city manager and shall be subject to the administrative rules and regulations of the city.
(b) The commission shall elect its own chair and vice-chair. Subject to such limitations as
may be imposed by the city council at any time. The telecommunications advisory commission
shall provide its own rules and procedures, determine the date and time of meetings, and, upon
proper notice, it shall call public hearings when necessary and desirable and in accordance with
all requirements of local, state and federal laws. The bylaws of the commission and any
amendments of such bylaws shall be submitted to the city council upon their adoption. Such
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bylaws and any amendments shall be deemed to be approved by the city council unless the city
council takes action to modify such bylaws or amendments within 30 days after submission. No
member of the commission shall consider or vote upon any question in which the member is
directly or indirectly interested.
(c) The telecommunications advisory commission shall keep proper records of its
proceedings. Such records shall be maintained by the staff liaison or the liaison's designee.
Sec. 2-183. Expenses of members.
The members of the telecommunications advisory commission shall serve without pay, but may
be reimbursed for actual expenses to the extent that funds therefore are provided in the annual
city budget adopted by the city council. The commission shall properly account for its receipts
and expenditures of monies in accordance with established city procedures.
Sec. 2-184. Powers and duties.
The telecommunications advisory commission shall have the following powers and duties
to:
(1) Provide a public forum for the expression of cable television concerns of franchise
subscribers and public and private cable television users;
(2) Promote and encourage the widest range of use of the city's public access channels;
(3) Encourage a diversity of programs and services to cable subscribers through a
working relationship with the cable television company that fosters an examination of
new programs and services and of changing community needs;
(4) Oversee future interconnections with metropolitan communities;
(5) Monitor the day-to-day operations of the cable television system as well as any
experimentation that is done with new and specialized cable services;
(6) Assist in any evaluation of the cable television system that are conducted during the
term of the franchise or in anticipation of refranchising;
(7) Submit to the city council by April 1 of each year an annual report of the activities of
the commission during the previous year; and
(8) Perform other functions as needed to carry out these duties and responsibilities as
directed by the city council and to act in an advisory capacity to the city council
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Comparative Table
Existing By-Laws Proposed
Article I - Relation to the Ordinance
These bylaws supplement the Ordinance, and in the case of conflict, are
subordinate to the Ordinance.
1.3
Article II - Voting
Section 1. Each regular member of the Commission (henceforth, “Commissioner”)
including the Commissioner appointed by the School Board shall be entitled to
one vote on all matters brought to a vote during a regular or special meeting
providing a quorum is present at the time as specified in Article III.
3.1
Section 2. A majority vote of the members present and voting is required for passage
of all matters before the Commission.
3.3
Article III - Quorum
A majority of the Commission voting members officially holding appointments
from the appointing authority shall constitute a quorum and a quorum shall be
necessary for the transaction of any official business by the Commission.
3.2
Article IV - Officers, Election of
Section 1. The officers of the Commission shall be the chair and vice-chair. The
functions of the recording secretary shall be provided by the ex-officio
representative of the City administration.
2.1
2.3
Section 2. Officers shall be nominated from the floor by any voting member of the
Commission.
2.1
Section 3. Nominations shall be made and election held at the annual meeting each
year with officers assuming office the following meeting of the Commission. The
term for officers shall be one year and the chair shall be limited to serving two
consecutive one-year terms.
2.1
2.2
Section 4. The vice-chair shall succeed to the office of chair in the event the chair is
vacant by virtue of any inability to fulfill the duties of the office. Should the vice-
chair thus move to the chair, an election shall be held to fill the unexpired term of
the vice-chair.
2.3
Article V - Duties of Officers
Section 1. The chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and is eligible
to vote on all matters coming before the Commission. The chair shall appoint all
committees and is an ex-officio member thereof. The chair shall have the
responsibility for calling special meetings of the Commission and for conducting all
meetings in an orderly manner.
2.2
Section 2. The vice-chair shall perform all the duties and assume all the
responsibilities of the chair in his/her absence.
2.3
Article VI - Meeting Date
The regular meeting dates for the Commission shall be set during the final meeting
of each year for the upcoming year. The meeting time shall be 7:00 p.m. promptly.
The Commission will hold at least four regular meetings each year. Meeting dates
shall be published in advance.
4.1
4.2
Article VII - Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Commission shall be called by the chair, or in his/her 4.3
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absence, by the vice-chair. Notice received by letter or by phone, 48 hours previous
to the scheduled time, shall be considered ample notice.
Article VIII - Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Commission shall be held early each year, and the
following activities will take place: a. Summation of progress made, work
accomplished and of the proposed work program for the coming year shall be
prepared for delivery to the City Council. b. Officers shall be elected.
4.2
Article IX - Attendance
Section 1. If a Commissioner is unable to attend a regularly scheduled or special
meeting of the Commission, that member shall notify the City staff liaison of this
fact no later than 4 p.m. the day of the meeting.
5.1
Section 2. A roster of attendance at regular and special meetings of the Commission
shall be maintained by City staff. Repeated absences shall result in the chair
contacting the member to ascertain his/her intentions as to continuing involvement
on this Commission. Should the member not wish to continue to serve on the
Commission, the chair shall then inform the City Council of this fact, recommending
the Council appoint a replacement.
5.2
5.3
Section 3. To remain in good standing, a Commissioner must attend at least 60
percent of all regular meetings. Less than a 60 percent attendance rate will be
grounds for removal of a Commissioner by the Council.
deleted
Article X - Committees
The chair shall create and disband committees as needed. 2.2
Article XI - Amendments
Section 1. Amendments to these bylaws may be proposed by any voting member.
All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing to each member of the
Commission at least fifteen (15) days prior to the regular meeting of the Commission
at which that amendment is to be considered. A statement explaining the purpose
and effect of the proposed amendment shall be attached to the proposed amendment.
Amendments shall be considered only at regular meetings of the Commission.
6.1
Section 2. A majority vote of the members present and voting is required for
approval of an amendment to these bylaws.
6.1
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 5 - Future Study Session Agenda
Page 1
5. 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 June 26, 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: 061206 - 5 - Future Study Session Agenda
Page 2
Future Study Session Agenda Planning
Monday, June 26
7 p.m. Study Session starts
Discussion Items
A. Park and Recreation Advisory Commission Year End Report – Parks & Recreation (45
minutes)
Park and Recreation Advisory Commission will present Council with their year end
report. Council will have an opportunity to hear from the commission and ask questions
of staff.
B. Water Service Lines – Replacement Policy – Public Works (30 minutes)
Staff to provide an overview of water line replacement and the replacement policy.
Council to provide feedback to staff about the policy.
C. City Wireless Project Update – Technology and Support Services (60 minutes)
Staff will discuss the status of the current project and will present the current projections
for a potential city-wide wireless program.
D. Future Agenda Planning – Administrative Services (15 minutes)
Reports
9:30 p.m. End of Meeting
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 1
6. Proposed Preliminary Development Agreement with
United Properties.
Community Development
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
To present the proposed Preliminary Development Agreement with United Properties for the
possible location of a medical office building on the City’s Bass Lake property located at 3515
Belt Line Boulevard.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 22, 2006 Study Session the EDA/City Council expressed its general support to allow
a 90,000 square foot office building be constructed on a portion of the Bass Lake site and leased
by Methodist Hospital for it’s nationally recognized Eating Disorders Institute. As a result, staff
was asked to prepare a Preliminary Development Agreement with the project’s developer United
Properties.
Attached, for the EDA and Council’s review, is the Agreement negotiated with United
Properties. The purpose of this Agreement is to formalize the developer’s exclusivity, the
conditions of engagement, roles and responsibilities of the parties, due diligence, and feasibility
work to be completed, etc. It commits the EDA, City and the developer to work exclusively
together on the proposed project for a period of six months.
It should be noted that the concept site plans prepared by MFRA and United Properties and
discussed at the study session are not part of the Agreement. However, they will serve, along
with the EDA/City Council’s comments from the study session, as the starting point for
preparing a more definitive site plan for the property at a later date.
Furthermore, the proposed Agreement merely outlines next steps in the pre-development process
and the specific responsibilities of the respective parties. It is not meant as any kind purchase
agreement and therefore contains no such conditions or terms of sale.
NEXT STEPS:
EDA/Councilmembers should direct any questions or concerns with the proposed Agreement to
staff. Unless staff hears significant concerns from the Council/EDA about the draft agreement, it
will be brought to the June 19th EDA and City Council meetings for formal consideration.
Attachment: Preliminary Development Agreement
Prepared By: Greg Hunt, Economic Development Coordinator
Reviewed By: Kevin Locke, Community Development Director
Approved By: Tom Harmening, EDA Executive Director and City Manager
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 2
PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT dated this ___ day of June, 2006, by and between the City of St.
Louis Park, Minnesota, a municipal corporation (the “City”); the St. Louis Park Economic
Development Authority, a public body corporate and politic (the “Authority”); and United
Properties LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company (the “Developer”):
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Authority and the City desire to promote development of certain
property within Redevelopment Project No. 1 (the “Project”) in the City, which property is
described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Property is currently owned by the City; and
WHEREAS, the Developer has proposed to acquire approximately half the Property and
develop of a 90,000 square foot medical office facility thereon (the “Development”), to be leased
by Park Nicollet Health Services for its Eating Disorders Institute; and
WHEREAS, the Authority and City have determined that it is in their best interest that
Developer be designated sole developer of the Property during the term of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Authority, City and Developer are willing and desirous to undertake the
Development if (i) a satisfactory agreement can be reached regarding the portion of the Property
to be conveyed to Developer; (ii) satisfactory mortgage and equity financing, or adequate cash
resources, for the Development can be secured by Developer; (iii) satisfactory resolution of
zoning, land use and site design issues and (iv) the economic feasibility and soundness of the
Development and other necessary preconditions have been determined to the satisfaction of the
parties.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual covenants
and obligations set forth herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Negotiations between the parties shall proceed in an attempt to formulate a
definitive development contract (“Contract”) based on the following:
(a) Developer’s current proposal which shows the scope of the proposed
Development in its latest form as of the date of this Agreement, together with any
changes or modifications required by the Authority;
(b) A mutually satisfactory Contract to be negotiated and agreed upon in accordance
with this Agreement;
(c) Such documentation regarding economic feasibility of the Project as the Authority
may wish to undertake during the term of this Agreement; and
(d) Other terms and conditions of this Agreement.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 3
2. It is the intention of the parties that this Agreement (a) documents the present
understanding and commitments of the parties and (b) will lead to negotiation and execution of a
mutually satisfactory Contract for the Development prior to the termination date of this
Agreement. The Contract (together with any other agreements entered into between the parties
hereto contemporaneously therewith) when executed, will supersede all obligations of the parties
hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Authority and City shall have
no obligation to provide any financial assistance to the Developer or approve any action in
connection with the Development unless and until final approval by the Authority and City of a
definitive Contract.
3. During the term of this Agreement, the Developer, Authority and City agree to
undertake the respective actions described in Exhibit B attached hereto.
4. It is expressly understood that execution and implementation of a Contract shall
be subject to;
(a) A determination by the Authority and City that its undertakings are
feasible based on the purposes and objectives of the Authority’s Redevelopment Plan for
the Project;
(b) Agreement by the parties on a mechanism for recapture of public funds, if
any, provided to the Developer under certain conditions; and
(c) A determination by Developer that the Development is feasible and in the
best interests of the Developer.
5. This Agreement is effective for a term ending 180 days from its date, unless
extended by mutual agreement of the parties. The Executive Director of the Authority is
authorized to execute any such extension on behalf of the Authority and City.
6. Upon execution of this Agreement, the Authority acknowledges receipt from the
Developer of a deposit in the amount of $10,000, from which funds the Authority may pay any
third party out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Authority or City in connection with the Exhibit B
activities for furthering the Development from and after the date of this Agreement (hereafter,
the “Authority Costs”). If at any time after the date of this Agreement the Authority determines
that Authority Costs will exceed $10,000, the Authority may notify the Developer of the amount
of such additional costs. Within ten calendar days of receipt of said notice, the Developer shall
deliver to the Authority the required additional funds. If a Contract is successfully negotiated,
any unused balance in the funds deposited under this Section 6 shall be returned to the Developer
upon execution of the Contract (unless the parties specify otherwise in the Contract).
If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, the Authority will return to
the Developer the balance of any funds deposited under this section as of the date of receipt of
the notice of termination, and less any Authority Costs incurred through the date of receipt of the
notice of termination. For the purposes of this paragraph, Authority Costs are considered to be
incurred if they have been paid, relate to services performed, or are payable under a contract
entered into, on or before the date of receipt of the notice of termination. The Authority agrees
that it will promptly terminate any contract for Authority Costs (except as provided below) upon
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 4
receipt of the notice of termination, and Authority Costs include amounts payable under the
terms of such terminated contract, including without limitation costs payable prior to termination
and any damages or other amounts payable in connection with the termination. If the Authority
elects not to terminate the contract, Authority Costs will include only the lesser of: i) amounts
that would be payable to the contracting party if the contract were terminated or ii) amounts paid
or incurred under the contact as of the notice of termination. The Authority agrees to use its best
efforts to negotiate termination clauses in all contracts for Authority Costs that provide for no
penalties for termination, but only provide for payment of a prorata contract amount in the event
of such termination.
7. This Agreement may be terminated upon ten (10) days written notice by any party
to the others if:
(i) A party fails to perform any of its obligations hereunder, and fails to cure
the default within 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof; or
(ii) An impasse has been reached in the negotiation of any material term or
condition of the Contract.
Upon termination under this Section, no party thereafter shall have any liability or obligations to
the other except as otherwise provided in Section 6 hereof.
8. Developer is designated as sole developer of the Property during the term of this
Agreement. During the term of this Agreement, the Authority and City agree that they will not
negotiate or contract with any other party concerning the development or sale of any portion of
the Property. The Developer shall not assign or transfer its rights under this Agreement in full or
in part without the prior written consent of the Authority.
9. In the event that any party, its heirs, successors or assigns, fails to comply with
any of the provisions of this Agreement, the non-defaulting party may proceed to enforce this
Agreement by appropriate legal or equitable proceedings, or other similar proceedings.
10. If any portion of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of any remaining portion of the
Agreement.
11. In the event any covenant contained in this Agreement should be breached by one
party and subsequently waived by another party, such waiver shall be limited to the particular
breach so waived and shall not be deemed to waive any other concurrent, previous or subsequent
breach.
12. Notice or demand or other communication between or among the parties shall be
sufficiently given if sent by mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested or delivered
personally:
(a) As to the Authority: 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2216
Attn: EDA Executive Director
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 5
(b) As to the City: 5005 Minnetonka Boulevard
St. Louis Park, MN 55416-2216
Attn: City Manager
(c) As to the Developer: 3500 West 80th Street, Suite 200
Minneapolis, MN 55431
13. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts,
all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 6
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Authority has caused this Agreement to be duly
executed in its name and behalf and its seal to be duly affixed hereto and the Developer has
caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
Reviewed for Administration: Adopted by the Economic Development
Authority June 12, 2006
Executive Director President
Attest
Secretary
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 7
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
By: _______________________________
Mayor
By: _______________________________
City Manager
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 8
UNITED PROPERTIES LLC
By: ________________________________
Its ___________________________
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 9
EXHIBIT A
LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
PID: 0602824310017
County
Address:* 3515 BELT LINE BLVD
City
Address:* 3515 Belt Line Blvd
Zip: 55416
School Dist: 0283
Owner
Change: 1/1/1901
000
Block: 000
Addition #: 52360
Display PID: 06-028-24-31-0017
Subdivision: Westmoreland Park
Metes/Bounds: BLK 1 AND THAT PART OF
BLK 2 LYING SELY OF BELT
LINE BLVD ALSO THAT PART
OF BLK 7 LYING NELY OF
MONTEREY DR EX ST
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 10
EXHIBIT B TO
PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN UNITED PROPERTIES DEVELOPMENT, THE
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK AND
THE ST. LOUIS PARK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DEVELOPER
Review existing files regarding soils and environmental conditions of the Property.
Complete refinements to the preliminary concept site plan for the southern portion of the Property
including: proposed subdivision, location of improvements, development design, intensity issues,
parking options (ramp and surface), use mix, traffic management, pedestrian and transit linkages,
integration of green space, and preliminary elevation drawings of the project.
Evaluate long term market viability of the proposed Development beyond current proposed lessee.
Evaluate market viability of other possible uses for the north portion of the Property.
Prepare proposed project construction schedule based on site control assumptions or other factors
identified by Developer or the Authority.
Initiate discussions with City Planning and Zoning staff to advance any necessary approvals.
Coordinate with the City’s environmental consultant on how best to properly prepare the entire
Property for development (share cost with Authority).
Work with the Authority to prepare a Voluntary Remediation Action Plan (VRAP) for the entire
property and submit it to the MPCA for approval. (Developer’s expense).
Submit an escrow payment to the City to pay for a Traffic Impact Study relative to the proposed
Development if required.
Initiate discussions with City engineering staff re: traffic/transportation issues associated with the
site.
CITY OR AUTHORITY
Provide Developer access to all reports or materials on file with the Authority regarding planning
and zoning matters, soils, environmental, and title conditions of the Property.
Have an ALTA survey of the Property prepared (at Authority expense).
Explore any necessary changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance to allow for the
proposed Development.
Prepare a list of all the anticipated Planning and Zoning-related approvals necessary to enable the
proposed Development to be constructed along with a corresponding schedule of required
approvals.
City Council Study Session
Discussion Item: 061206 - 6 - Preliminary Development Agreement United Properties
Page 11
Determine what, if any, wetland regulations may impact the Property.
Explore what street right of ways may need to be vacated on the Property.
Retain an environmental consultant to better determine the environmental impacts present on the
Property and the City’s obligations relative to its appropriate cleanup (share cost with Developer).
Cooperate with the Developer in the filing of a VRAP for the entire Property.
Commence any work needed to clear title to the Property.
Have a limited appraisal conducted of the Property (at Authority’s expense).
Retain a traffic consultant (at Developer’s expense) and have a Traffic Impact Study conducted if
necessary.
City Council Study Session
Written Report: 061206 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update
Page 1
7. Wireless Pilot Update TSS
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
Staff desires to update the City Council on the pilot wireless project.
BACKGROUND:
The wireless pilot went live on April 20. Some 375 people have signed up and the Parkwifi team
continues to provision and support those in the four pilot areas (see
www.stlouispark.org/residents/wireless.htm for project and pilot area details). Overall, the pilot
is serving subscribers and there has been very little overall network downtime, even though
many network alterations and upgrades have been implemented. Major challenges in the pilot
learning areas include ensuring adequate help desk support, particularly for subscribers who use
Macintosh computers. Also, many users have required significant assistance in equipment setup,
not surprising as over half of pilot subscribers were dial-up Internet users or not Internet users at
all. Another part of the learning has been the detailed impact of tree foliage on wireless signal
reception and speed. Still, many subscribers who live farther away from the wireless radios (Pilot
Phases 2 and 3) have been able to receive an adequate signal. From a technical perspective, this
is promising.
Since the pilot began, six people have dropped the service; 29 have decided to join the pilot since
April 20. While the pilot areas are predominantly single-family residential due to location of
radio access points (nodes), we have a couple of commercial subscribers and are now adding
some apartment subscribers where adequate signal reception is available. While the pilot is
allowing us to test many of the assumptions of the 2005 study, in certain areas signal reception
and strength are not representative of a city wide build-out. There are fewer wireless radios in the
pilot areas, as compared with over 300 overlapping radios in a full citywide implementation.
Virtually all subscribers in Phase 1 of the pilot (subscribers living closest to the wireless radios)
have been provisioned with equipment and using the system. Data are now being compiled on
several dimensions to assist the staff and City Council on results from the pilot in general and
Phase 1 in particular. Fundamentally, the core question from the study is: “Can anticipated
revenues derived from retail subscribers cover both capital and operational costs of a wireless
network in St. Louis Park?” The answer to this question will not be perfect. However, Phase 1 is
providing some real world data on:
Costs – Given the pilot experience, how many wireless radios and fiber optic cable extensions
would it likely take to provide citywide coverage at desired speeds? What kind of subscriber
devices (bridges, routers, built-in wireless radios) will be necessary to provide an acceptable
Internet experience? What kinds of assistance to subscribers will be needed to effectively use a
wireless service? How many subscribers will require a site visit, professional installation, or
external antenna? What are the likely wireless network operation and maintenance costs, and
who will most effectively play what role?
City Council Study Session
Written Report: 061206 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update
Page 2
Revenues – Given the pilot experience, what kind of subscriber levels can we expect at various
tiers / speeds of service at prices affordable to all? From residents, businesses, other institutions?
What will be the interest in multiple dwelling / business unit managers in allowing their clients
access to wireless? What kind of visitor and roamer traffic could augment core subscriber
revenues? What is the willingness of people to pay for some portion of the costs of professional
installation? What value added services could be offered over a wireless network? What
revenues could be generated by selling network capacity to surrounding cities? What revenues
could be generated or costs reduced through innovative uses of a wireless infrastructure?
Other data from the pilot period to inform staff and Council analysis will come from addressing a
variety of questions including, but not limited to:
• How does the study’s financial, market, and technical projections compare with the pilot
experience (understanding the pilot is not a representative sample of the City and
provides only a crude estimate)? What other data might help us understand what is likely
to happen in a citywide implementation?
• How has the technical landscape changed since the study was completed? For example,
what other breakthrough technologies have come to market or usage patterns changed
since September 2005? What are their implications?
• What has been the experience of subscribers in the pilot areas, and what is their
likelihood of continuing to use the wireless service if it goes from pilot to an on-going
phase?
• What has been the experience of non-subscribers in the pilot areas, and what is their
likelihood of starting use of the wireless service if it goes from pilot to an on-going
phase?
• What does the data from and during the pilot suggest about achieving the goals of a
competitively-priced service; availability citywide to all residents, businesses, and other
institutions; mobile Internet access to subscribers throughout St. Louis Park; subscriber
service and help desk support at least as good as incumbent providers; and achieving the
above and necessary subscriber levels within 12 months?
• While not part of the core private-public partnership model, are there any identifiable and
tangible public safety, public service, and education-related benefits available only
through a high-speed wireless Internet service? How do we (or do we?) identify and
value any intangible benefits?
• While every community is different, what have been the experiences in other cities
exploring and using wireless, and what have they learned? How has St. Louis Park’s
approach compared with those approaches, and what are the implications?
City Council Study Session
Written Report: 061206 - 7 - Wireless Pilot Update
Page 3
By no means is St. Louis Park alone in asking and attempting to answer these questions (see
attached articles). Neither are the answers always clear. Without doubt, it will be a combination
of factors that interplay to help the City Council decide about St. Louis Park’s wireless future.
And the mark of success from the pilot experience is not whether St. Louis Park decides to
implement wireless citywide or not. It is to make the best conscious policy decision possible
given significant yet limited information. Making the best decision possible through public
process (which includes pilot experiences) is the mark of success.
NEXT STEPS
The City Council will be asked to deliberate on these questions and some initial data and
responses at its June 26 study session. Undoubtedly, Council will have additional questions and
information requests. The results of the conversation of that meeting will likely drive what
happens next from a schedule perspective. Options include the Council asking for more
information before it feels comfortable making a decision, asking staff to stop work on the pilot
project, or directing staff to bring the matter back to the Council for formal approval to proceed.
If the latter choice were made, staff would place the item on the Council’s July 17 meeting for
approval. If Council decides to direct a citywide network at that time, staff anticipates service
could be available to most, if not all, of St. Louis Park by the first quarter of 2007.
Attachments: “Munitechnology: Behind the boom in mesh networks” (supplement)
“WiFi Free-for-All” (supplement)
Prepared By: Clint Pires, Director of Technology and Support Services
Approved By: Tom Harmening, City Manager
City Council Study Session
Written Report: 061206 - 8 - Private Activity Refunding Bonds
Page 1
8. Private Activity Refunding Bonds - 3610 Phillips Pkwy Community Development
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
The City has received a request from the Sholom Community Alliance for issuance of Private
Activity Refunding Bonds. The purpose of this report is to provide background on this project,
and outline the process Sholom Community Alliance and the City will follow should the City
choose to issue the requested bonds. Essentially, Sholom Community Alliance is seeking to
refinance the debt on their facility.
BACKGROUND:
In May 2001 the City Council approved “conduit financing”, private activity revenue bonds, for
construction of the Roitenberg Family Assisted Living Residence built by Sholom Community
Alliance. The 76-unit multifamily assisted living housing development consists of fifty-two
units of conventional assisted living units and twenty-four special care units. They are housed in
a single four-story building of approximately 84,000 square feet, located at 3610 Phillips
Parkway.
Fifteen million dollars in bonds were sold in 2001 for this project. These funds are considered
“pass-through” or “conduit financing” because the bonds are issued by the City but the
repayment of the debt is the responsibility and obligation of the private party (in this case
Sholom Community Alliance), not the City. The City does receive annual payments of 1/8th of
one percent of the outstanding bonds as a fee for issuance of private activity bonds. This fee is
charged on all similar bond issues.
The issuance of private activity bonds starts with the submittal of a Private Activity Bond
Application to the City along with payment of a non-refundable $2500 fee. It is anticipated that
Sholom Community Alliance will submit their formal application very soon. The applicant will
work with the City’s bond counsel (Kennedy & Graven) and the Finance Department to evaluate
the consistency of their request with the City’s policies; and, to prepare the necessary documents.
Consideration of issuance of private activity bonds also requires a public hearing. It is
anticipated that a request to set a hearing date will be on the City Council’s June 19th meeting
agenda and that the hearing will be scheduled for a regular City Council meeting in July.
Considering that the City approved private activity bonds for this project in 2001; and, that
issuance of these bonds does not constitute a financial obligation for the City itself, it is expected
that it would be very appropriate to honor Sholom Community Alliance’s request for refunding
the bonds.
The City’s Private Activity Revenue Bond Financing guidelines also require that non-rated
bonds be sold to institutional or private investors with minimum denominations of at least
$100,000, unless the Council waives that requirement because the project is of a level of merit
and public purpose to justify the departure. The Council did approve such a waiver for the
original bonds in 2001, and will be requested to approve a similar waiver for the refunding
bonds.
Prepared by: Kevin Locke, Director of Community Development
Approved by: Tom Harmening, City Manager