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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/03/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular���$t. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA MARCH 5, 2018 1. Call to Order Mayor Spann called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve I-Iallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: Thom Miller. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Community Development Director (Ms. Barton), Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Associate Planner (Mr. Kramer), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: Michelle Kornblit, Human Rights Commission; William Stoddard, Stoddard Companies; Matt Huggins, Kimley Horn. Ia. Pledge of Allegiance lb. Roll Call 2. Presentations 2a. 2017 Human Rights Award Presentation Ms. Kornblit recognized Fatuma Irshat as the 2017 Human Rights Award recipient. Ms. Kornblit noted that Ms. Irshat works to engage and inform the Somali and African community in the Oak Hill neighborhood and at the Oak Park Village Apartments, where she resides. Additionally, Ms. Kornblit noted that Ms. Irshat works on affordable housing, renters' rights, elections, and voting. She has worked for the Minnesota Department of Health to educate the Somali community about communicable disease control and prevention. Ms. Irshat also participated in and facilitated Vision 3.0 meetings and works closely with Allies of St. Louis Park and Jewish Community Action. Mayor Spano thanked Ms. Irshat for her dedication to the city and congratulated her on behalf of the council and the city. 3. Approval of Minutes 3a. City Council Special Study Session Minutes February 5, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the February S, 2018 City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0. City Council Meeting -2- March 5, 2018 3b. City Council Minutes February 5, 2018 Councilmember Mavity stated on page 7, in the 2 sentence, the following should be added, ".... distinction between permanent infrastructure improvements, and traffic controls that can be changed along the way." Councilmember Rog corrected the spelling of two residents' names, which should read Tatarek, and Adebisi Wilson. Councilmember Rog noted on page 10, 0' paragraph, the following line should be included, ".... adding that community education will be very important." Councilmember Rog also noted in the last paragraph, it should read, "Patty O'Keefe of the Sierra Club and a St. Louis Park High School raduate." It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Hallfrn, to approve the February 5, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes as revised. The motion passed 6-0. 3e. City Council Special Study Session Minutes February 12, 2018 Councilmember Mavity noted on page 5, in the 3rd sentence, related to The Nest funding, it should read, "...when council is asked for funding, usually the requests are from already well established non-profit organizations." Also, in the next sentence, it should read, "She stated a $200,000 budget is a heavy lift, and she has concerns about the sustainability of this business model." Councilmember Brausen noted on page 5 it should read, ".... it's the type of community building request he is generally supportive of" Councilmember Rog noted on page 2 in the last paragraph, 3rd line, it should read, "... city could incentivize the construction of more affordable housing and also fund more avenues to home ownership." It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to approve the February 12, 2018 City Council Special Study Session Meeting Minutes as revised The motion passed 6-0. 3d. Special Study Session Meeting Minutes February 20, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated on page 1, it should read "...Excelsior Blvd. between Quentin and Hwy 100 is not very walkable, being dominated by a strip mall on the south side and fast food restaurants and Park Nicollet on the north side." It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the February 20, 2018 Special Study Session Meeting Minutes as revised. The motion passed 6-0. City Council Meeting -3- March 5, 2018 4. 5. 3e. City Council Meeting Minutes February 20, 2018 It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the February 20, 2018 City Council Meeting Minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of January 27 through February 23, 2018. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 18-040 authorizing the city to enter into an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the 2018 Mill and Overlay of Highway 7 (MnDOT Agreement No. 1030148). 4c. Approve a Temporary On -Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Church of the Holy Family at 5900 West Lake Street for their Parish Spring Dinner to be held April 14, 2018. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 18-041 to recognize Appraiser II Debra Lynch for more than 29 years of service. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 18-042 approving final plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids for 2018 Hopkins Street and Utility Improvement Project (4018-1101). 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 18-043 which designates Specialized Environmental Technologies (SET) for residential organics recycling and yard waste processing services and authorizes the Mayor and City Manager to execute a contract with SET for that service. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 18-044 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from the National Association of Government Web Professionals in an amount not to exceed $1,200 for all related expenses for Jason Huber, Information Technology Manager, to attend the 2018 National Association of Government Web Professionals Board Member Retreat and Conference Planning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 4h. Approve the Memorandum of Understanding with Care Choice Cooperative (CC). 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 18-045 authorizing St. Louis Park Lions Club's request for placing temporary signs in the public right-of-way. 4j. Approve for filing Board of Zoning and Appeals Meeting Minutes of July 27, 2018. 4k. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of October 18, 2017. 41. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of December 6, 2017. 4m. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of December 20, 2017. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Agenda as presented and items listed on the Consent Calendar; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 6-0. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings City Council Meeting -4- March 5, 2018 6a. Tenant Protection Ordinance. Ms. Schnitker presented the staff report. She noted that council directed staff to convene a work group with representatives from Minnesota Multi -Housing Association, the St. Louis Park rental community, and agencies advocating for NOAH preservation strategies. The purpose of the group was to review and discuss the NOAH preservation strategies being considered by the council and to determine if there is any middle ground for a workable solution. Ms. Schnitker stated that although the group did not reach agreement or middle ground on three of the four strategies being considered by council, they did generate several NOAH preservation strategies where they were able to reach general agreement. Ms. Schnitker noted that one strategy proposed establishes a tenant protection period following the sale of a NOAH property. The draft ordinance implementing a three-month tenant protection period for residents of NOAH properties at the time of transfer of ownership was presented to council in February. The council supported the proposed ordinance at that time and directed staff to move forward with the implementation. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Kirsten Breken Albrights, 8607 Westmoreland Lane, stated she has lived at this residence for 24 years. She noted that she is a member of the housing work group and that due to a transfer in ownership at Meadowbrook Apartments, many residents were displaced. She stated that this ordinance is a step in the right direction; however, the lack of affordable housing in St. Louis Park continues to be an issue which can affect residents regarding schools, childcare, and loss of employment and friendships. She stated that the work group looks forward to partnering with the council on this issue. Kelly Zastro, 7505 North Street, stated that this ordinance moves the city in the right direction and will deter owners of affordable housing buildings from changes within a 90 -day period. She added that it is a positive step to protecting tenants but does not help them from being displaced. She noted that finding other affordable housing in St. Louis Park is a formidable task, and residents do not just lose housing but also lose schools, jobs, and childcare, which can all have a lifelong impact. Fatuma Irshat, 7227 Oak Park Village, stated that she will continue to advocate for affordable housing and the affordable housing trust fund for the city in order to protect tenants. Nancy Brown, 2625 Salem Avenue, stated she has lived at this address since 1978. She is a board member of Jewish Community Action and is passionate about renters' rights. She stated that she had worked on a lot of foreclosures on the north side of Minneapolis, adding that some residents had only 2-3 weeks to find new housing and had no rights at all. She wants to be sure that this does not happen to St. Louis Park renters. Ms. Brown added if the city breaks their commitment to these residents, it will be unhealthy for them and for St. Louis Park, also. Aaron Burke, Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, stated that he is a staff member at Jewish Community Action, adding that while the ordinance is modest in scope, it will protect City Council Meeting -5- March 5, 2018 tenants. He is very supportive of this but also noted that while helpful, it does nothing to address affordable housing or displaced persons. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Brausen asked if the notice of sale will apply to foreclosures. Ms. Schnitker stated yes, if it is a NOAH property. Councilmember Brausen asked if the notice will be required at the time of the sheriff's sale or at the end of the redemption period. City Attorney Mattick stated that it will be required at the end of the redemption period. Councilmember Mavity stated that she has concerns about the definitions of affordable rent and how those will be established. She asked about the scenario of a building owner anticipating a sale that might generate higher rents in order to make it more attractive for the buyer. She wondered at what point rent is established and stated that she would prefer rent to be established 12 months prior to. Ms. Schnitker explained that part of reason this ordinance would not be implemented until July is so that staff can work on these processes. Councilmember Mavity stated that she has some questions and concerns about this provision and when rents are certified, adding that it feels vulnerable to gaming. She added the ordinance must be worded clearly about this. City Attorney Mattick stated that this matter was discussed. Annual rental licensing will be a check point, when owners must self-report on how many units they have. Ms. Schnitker added that establishing rent would be part of the licensing information that the owner submits to the city Councilmember Mavity asked for further clarification on this issue before the March 19 second reading of the ordinance. She also noted that she will not be in attendance at the meeting on March 19. Councilmember Mavity stated that after working on affordable housing for most of her career, it wasn't until she was a councilmember and the situation at Meadowbrook came up that she realized what a great impact that displacement can have on individuals. She stated that it is heartbreaking and has been quite a learning experience for her. She thanked those involved in working on this problem. Councilmember Rog congratulated the housing work group members for doing great work. She added that Meadowbrook was actually a transfer of ownership, and not a sale, and this type of transfer should also be described and included this ordinance. Ms. Schnitker stated that the ordinance would not apply to this type of ownership transfer. Councilmember Rog asked about increasing the NOAH threshold percentage if the Inclusionary Housing Policy is amended. Ms. Schnitker stated that if council would like to change the percentage, they can amend the ordinance at a later date. Councilmember Hallfm asked if the information that owners must self-report to the city as part of the licensing process is private information and if the city can enforce owners to provide it. City Attorney Mattick stated that based on the ordinance, the city will ask for the information but will not do audits or ask to see their ledgers. He added that owners are expected to be truthful in this application, noting that they could lose their license if they don't report this information accurately. Ms. Schnitker added that if owners don't comply with the ordinance, residents can take legal action, as well. City Council Meeting -6- March 5, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated that he will support the ordinance, adding that it is a small step forward on affordable housing. He stated that he has the same concerns as Councilmember Mavity on rents and believes that stronger ordinances are needed in order to protect the rights of tenants. Further work will need to be done. Councilmember Harris thanked staff and the housing work group for their work and indicated that she will support it. Councilmember Rog added that the 90 -day period may not be enough time, and she would like to consider a longer time period. Mayor Spann stated that he is supporting the ordinance but would like the second reading to be rescheduled from the March 19 date. He proposed April 2. Mayor Spano stated that the Meadowbrook issue was a learning experience, and while this ordinance does not solve all the problems, it is a good first step. He added that he looks forward to meeting with Minneapolis Mayor Frey and other area mayors regarding regional housing strategies. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Halum, to approve the First Reading of an Ordinance amending Chapters 8, Section 8-336 of the St. Louis Park City Code relating to a Tenant Protection Period Following the Sale of an Affordable Housing Building and to set the second reading for April 2, 2018. The motion passed 6-0. 6b. First Reading of Ordinance Vacating Right -of -Way Adjacent to 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Blvd. Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. She stated that the city proposes to vacate the right-of-way that is located 15 feet from the north curb line of Wayzata Boulevard and adjacent to the parcels at 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Blvd. The land is proposed to be sold to a private developer in order to facilitate redevelopment of the adjacent parcels for an apartment building and hotel. Final plat and final PUD applications are also on the council's agenda for consideration later tonight. The second reading is scheduled for the March 19 meeting. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. Jerry Curn, 1155 Ford Road, stated that he lives right next to this parcel of land for 9 years. He stated that since the land has been vacant, it has become a dump site, adding that he has seen trucks come at 2 - 3 a.m. and dump mattresses and other trash. He stated that it is disgusting to look at. When he heard about this project, he was very happy. He asked the council to approve the project. The applicant, Mr. Stoddard, thanked the council and staff for their consideration and was available for answering questions. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing City Council Meeting -7- March 5, 2018 Councilmember Brausen stated this project will take care of the dumping problem, adding that while it took time to find the right applicant, he strongly supports the project. Mayor Spano thanked the applicant for the project. He noted that if residents see items being dumped at any time, they should contact city staff to report it. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to approve the fust reading of an Ordinance Vacating Right -of -Way and to set the second reading for March 19, 2018. The motion passed 6-0. 6c. Preliminary Layout for Louisiana Avenue Bridge & Road Reconstruction - Project 4018-1700. Resolution No. 18-046 Mr. Shamla presented the staff report. He noted that Phase 1 of the Louisiana Avenue Improvement Project will include replacement of the bridge over Minnehaha Creek and the rehabilitation of Louisiana Avenue between Louisiana Circle and Excelsior Boulevard. Kimley Horn developed a preliminary layout for the entire corridor, which was presented to the council. Mr. Shamla noted that a corridor study of Louisiana Avenue from Excelsior to the railroad tracks was completed to ensure that the Phase 1 project fits well with the future SWLRT and the ultimate corridor reconstruction. Mayor Spann opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Hallfin suggested, in light of the Climate Action Plan, to spend extra money in order to cut some seconds of car idling. He also asked why the traffic signal is needed at the entrance to Methodist Hospital. Ms. Heiser stated that it serves as their emergency vehicle entrance, and Methodist Hospital paid for the signal 7 years ago. Mr. Harmening added that another concern of the hospital is that employees walk across Louisiana Avenue at this point to access other hospital buildings, and they use this traffic signal. Councilmember Hallfin suggested changing this light to a pedestrian crossing light instead. Mr. Shamla, however, noted that the traffic light has emergency vehicle preemption, which helps an arnbulance turning into the entrance. Councilmember Mavity stated that she loves this project, especially because of the fiber optics that will be installed, which will be a great help and the most modern technology. She added that she likes the staff recommendations at this point, keeping in mind that this must be built for current and future traffic needs, while keeping in mind the Climate Action Plan. She stated that she supports the roundabout at Oxford but has concerns when pedestrians need to cross the two lanes of traffic. Councilmember Harris stated that she wonders how usable the roundabout design is for cyclists and how that will work. Ms. Heiser explained that a cyclist can either take the lane or use the cycle track to go through the roundabout. City Council Meeting -8- March 5, 2018 Councilmember Harris commented on the recommendation to raise the bridge to allow a trail crossing underneath, adding that this will be an opportunity to connect the existing trails, which is beneficial to all users and a valuable connection for the ERA at Excelsior Apartments. She added that she is in favor of the project. Councilmember Rog asked staff what the timing of phase 2 of the project will be. Mr. Shamla stated that phase 2 will need to coordinate with the light rail project, while also providing the least amount of inconvenience for Methodist Hospital and emergency vehicles. Councilmember Rog stated she is in favor of the project with a caveat for the Oxford and Louisiana roundabout. She would prefer to reassess that part of the project at a later date and determine if it is needed. Mr. Shamla stated that staff will be bringing Phase 2 back to the city council prior to developing final plans. Councilmember Rog added she liked the way -finding and signage and suggested that this would be a good opportunity to create a sense of place and add additional character to this project. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Holum, to adopt Resolution No. 18-046, accepting the project report, establishing improvement project No. 4018-1700, approval of the preliminary layout for Louisiana Avenue from Excelsior Boulevard to 400 feet north of Oxford Street and ordering development offinal plans for phase I construction. The motion passed 5-1. (Councilmember Rog opposed). 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items 8a. Proposed Redevelopment — 9808 and 9920 Wayzata Blvd (former Santorini's Site). Resolution No. 18-047 Ms. Kramer presented the staff report, noting that the applicant, Mr. Stoddard, proposes a redevelopment of the site including a 149 -unit apartment building and a 100 -room limited service hotel. She added that the apartment building will be 10% affordable at 50% AMI, per the city's policy. Councilmember Brausen noted that garbage collection was approved on the site. Mayor Spano stated two council members will not be in attendance at the March 19 meeting and asked how many are required to approve the second reading. Mr. Walther stated that the second reading can be considered on a different date, and he would work with staff on this, if needed. Councilmember Brausen asked Mr. Stoddard what led to the reduction of rooms in the project. Mr. Stoddard stated that they are going to make some of the room sizes larger and increase amenities, thereby lowering the number of rooms in the apartment building. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mavity, to adopt Resolution No. 18-047, approving a Final Plat, subject to conditions, and to approve City Council Meeting -9- March 5, 2018 First Reading of an Ordinance adding Section 36 -268 -PUD 9 to the Zoning Code and amending the Zoning Map from O -Office to PUD 9 far the land located at 9808 and 9920 t Wayzata Blvd., and setting the second reading -for March 19, 2018. The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications Mayor Spano noted that Waste Management would pick up tomorrow, as they did not pick up today. Councilmember Hallfm announced the State of the City presentation on Thursday, March 8, at 4:30 p.m., at the Ree Center. Councilmember Hallfin also noted on March 15, the Annual Empty Bowls Event will be held at Westwood Church on Cedar Lake Road, adding this is the largest yearly fundraiser for STEP. Councilmember Harris mentioned the City's Annual Tree Sale, noting details can be found on the city's website. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. i - Meliss Kenned , Ci Clerk J ke Sp ayor