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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/04/09 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionSt. Louis Park OFFICIAL MINUTES MINNESOTA CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 9, 2018 The meeting convened at 6:35 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Recreation Superintendent (Mr. West), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: Susan Niz, Allies of St. Louis Park; Andrew Lataya, MNDOT; Glenn Waguespack, Nancy Blankford, Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. 1. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — April 16 & 23, 2018 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for April 16 and 23, 2018. Councilmember Brausen asked about discussing climate action, affordable housing, and the upcoming NLC Summit at a future study session. Councilmember Hallfin noted the City of Boulder brought a youth contingency to the NLC meeting when he attended last, and suggested St. Louis Park do the same, adding he would like to discuss this at a future study session as well. 2. Petition for Safer Highway 7 Intersections It was noted that on February 15, 2018, a 15 -year-old boy died when struck by vehicles traveling on Highway 7 in St. Louis Park. The victim, Daunte Jamal Moore, was crossing Highway 7 in a southbound direction several car lengths west of the Texas Avenue S. intersection. In response to this tragic incident the Allies of St. Louis Park developed a petition and Ms. Niz presented it with 1,300 signatures, to the council. It states the following: "We, the Allies of St. Louis Park, and in partnership with our neighboring Hopkins community, respecyully demand immediate action toward increased safety of Highway 7 intersections and pedestrian crossings at the Knollwood Mall area. We ask for improved lighting reduced speed limits, and improved walk signals and signage for pedestrians. These intersections lie between grocery stores and rental complexes and the increased safety for pedestrians as well as drivers must be a priority. We do not want one more accident, such as the one that led to the death of 15 -year-old Hopkins student Daunte Jamal Moore on Thursday, February 15. We ask that changes be implemented expeditiously and collaboratively and that our elected leaders courageously advocate for the completion of these improvements. " Study Session Minutes -2- April 9, 2018 Ms. Niz stated there needs to be a reduction in harm of intersections and more listening to community input, while looking at this issue through a racial diversity lens. She questioned the consideration of chain link fence barriers and would like more discussion on this. She stated she herself crossed the intersections at Blake and Highway 7 and at Texas and Highway 7, and the crosswalks are very old and worn out, and the intersections are not safe, with the speed of cars on Highway 7. Ms. Niz pointed out this is an equity issue, and with the car speed and poor lighting in the area, she asked the city to follow-up with MNDOT on a speed study. Ms. Niz also asked the council about the possibility of pedestrian bridges across Highway 7 at Texas Avenue, adding that folks risk their lives daily here, while crossing the highway. She asked for the city to continue this conversation and gather input from the community, while also conducting a survey. She noted how St. Louis Park speaks extensively about walkability and race equity, adding the council needs to raise these discussions higher on the priorities list. Ms. Niz stated her concerns are having a speed study conducted by MNDOT, gather community input on lighting following the renovations of Highway 7, discuss pedestrian bridges, and develop a plan while looking through an equity lens. Councilmember Mavity thanked Ms. Niz for her presentation, adding she is heartsick over what happened to NIr. Moore. She noted that over the years, the council has reviewed many intersections within the city, noting we will need to look at what can be done to increase safety. Ms. Niz noted the chain link fence is creating more barriers, without creating safer crossing and addressing speeds. Councilmember Mavity agreed with her on this, and also noted sidewalks should be added to the area as well. Councilmember Harris noted pedestrians are the priority and any time anyone parks their car, they become a pedestrian. She asked Ms. Niz to share more about the survey and what she would like to see as an end result that the city could work towards. Ms. Niz stated she learned much going door-to-door with the petition and noted the city could gather more comprehensive input on resident's needs and preferences by engaging with the community. She stated this is race equity issue, and this is a chance for the city to go to these folks, and not just get them to come to city hall. Ms. Niz added these folks are children, the elderly, and disabled who do not have privilege, and the city needs to gather their perspectives. Councilmember Harris stated the city did a study 9 years ago on intersections that had accidents. She noted she met with Ms. Heiser to discuss this, adding the city could review this past study, and update this information now. Councilmember Mavity added when Connect the Park was developed, the city collected information on where pedestrian bridges were needed, to make areas safer. She noted there was a lot of research done at that time. Study Session Minutes -3- April 9, 2018 Ms. Heiser added a study was conducted in 2007 and included in the comprehensive plan, discussing bikes and pedestrians, and who uses intersections. She added today we add the racial equity lens to these studies, while considering safety and ADA accessibility. Councilmember Miller thanked Ms. Niz for her comments and for bringing this issue forward. He stated he thinks of Highway 7 as a highway that goes through our community without any safety measures, and cars travel 50-55 miles per hour. He stated he would like MNDOT to conduct a study, agreeing this is a race equity and economic equity issue. He stated he would like to move forward as quickly as possible, adding this is a spending priority. Mayor Spann asked Mr. Lutaya, MNDOT, how much authority the city has to do anything on Highway 7. Mr. Lataya stated the city does not have authority, as Highway 7 is in the state's right-of-way, all changes or improvements must be approved by MNDOT. He added if MNDOT conducts a speed study, there is potential the speed on Highway 7 could increase. Mayor Spano asked if MNDOT takes pedestrians into consideration. Mr. Lataya stated yes; however, noting that Highway 7 is a freeway with wide open lanes, and the tendency for drivers is to drive faster to make it through the lights. He added if most cars are speeding, the state's recommendation is to raise the speed limit. Councilmember Hallfin pointed out to the council that he recently met with the Hopkins mayor, and noted while St. Louis Park is adding sidewalks on Texas Avenue, Hopkins is not. Councilmember Hallfin asked the Hopkins mayor why they are not adding sidewalks, and the Hopkins mayor stated if 75% of people say they do not want a sidewalk in a certain location, the city of Hopkins will not add them. Mr. Lataya stated MNDOT will include ADA improvements on all renovated sidewalks, and all signals will be upgraded to accommodate pedestrian push buttons, lanes will be realigned to force vehicles to slow down before turning onto Highway 7 from Texas Avenue, and lighting will be on all four corners. He added similar improvements will be made for the Highway 7 and Blake and Aquila intersections, adding refuge islands, and closing the on ramp from Aquila to Highway 7. Ms. Heiser added the city will include bike lanes on Texas connecting Lake Street to 28th Avenue and the North Cedar Regional trail, as well as building sidewalks along the east side from the frontage road to Lake Street, and on the west side as well to Division Street. She noted the chain link fence is a barrier to encourage pedestrians to cross Highway 7 at the intersection and to prevent mid -block crossing. Ms. Niz asked about adding a pedestrian bridge near Knollwood vs. policing pedestrians. She asked instead of the chain link fence, for a more -user friendly and beautiful area, with plants and artwork, to create a source of pride — while preserving equity. Study Session Minutes -4- April 9, 2018 Councilmember Miller stated he would be very interested in looking at this as an option, noting the city shows its values by where it spends its dollars. Councilmember Brausen stated he is in favor of a speed study. Councilmember Mavity disagreed, saying she would not be in favor of a speed study if speeds were to increase. Councilmember Rog asked how the city could look at pedestrian bridges if they must be approved by MNDOT, adding these types of changes seem to stop the conversation. Ms. Heiser stated if the council would like staff to review a pedestrian bridge for the area, they can; however, a bridge could not be completed this year or as part of the current renovation project. She added if the council wanted a pedestrian bridge, the city would need to purchase land from Knollwood. Mayor Spano noted he has walked these intersections and noticed MNDOT is not clearing the crossings or landings. He stated they were completely covered with snow and ice and sidewalks were non -passable. He asked city staff to look into St. Louis Park city staff clearing snow from these areas and being paid to ensure those facilities are accessible to residents. Mayor Spano stated he is not happy with the state on this, nor with Metro Transit — as they are not keeping these areas free of snow for pedestrians crossing, or those waiting for transportation. He stated these are issues of equity also, adding he is hoping to develop tools for city departments to look at these issues through a racial equity lens as well. Mayor Spano thanked Ms. Niz for her comments and for the good conversation on this issue, adding it is important to have data about what is happening and where. Mr. Harmening stated in the short term, MNDOT will move forward with the renovation project; however, adding a pedestrian bridge could take years to be built. He stated he would still advocate for a fence on the north side of the highway, especially because it saves lives. Councilmember Brausen agreed with having a fence. Councilmember Miller stated he would also like to study the possible purchase of property from I nollwood. Ms. Niz added she would like to acquire more information from residents as a baseline, but is not suggesting delaying the Highway 7 improvement project. Mr. Lataya stated MNDOT is continuing to improve on community engagement and wants to promote community communication. 3. Westwood Hills Nature Center Project — Update on Design Development Mr. Hoffman provided a summary background on city facilities condition, construction, and CIP development over the past ten years to help create a long term financial plan. Noting the Westwood Hills Nature Center project Master Plan, completed by Miller Dunwiddie Architecture, was approved by council on May 23, 2016. The design goals identified were Study Session Minutes -5- April 9, 2018 provided to the project architect/engineering firm of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson, Inc. (HGA) to further develop. Council authorized the schematic design phase of the project HGA presented on December 18, 2017. Mr. Hoffman explained sustainability strategies and energy analyses were developed and rating systems reviewed. Based on council direction, the design team is working towards a zero -energy certified building, which means 100% of the building's energy needs on a net annual basis are supplied by on-site renewable energy. He noted if council continues to direct staff towards a certified Zero Energy building, all components in the Life Cycle Analysis are integrated and need to be included to achieve the energy goal. The design team from HGA presented updates to the design, noting the whole project will be a teaching tool. Exhibits will still allow for movement, and an expanded lounge area will be added to the west, along with offices, a conference room and multipurpose rooms, which can be subdivided into 3 rooms. Mr. Waguespack stated the storm water area will become a turtle pond, and the roof design will be adjusted with the gutter in the center to allow access for cleaning off snow and managing debris. He added bird safe glass will be included and adjustments can be made towards the energy goal. Mr. Hoffman explained the life cycle and energy cost analysis, adding the building design reflects a reduced carbon footprint from being all electric with geo thermal as a source for heating and cooling. He noted the design will save energy and is in compliance with the climate action plan. Mr. Harmening stated if the council is satisfied with plan at this point, the next decision is authorizing construction plans, which will then lead to going for construction bids. He added that staff will need to know if council wants to take this next step. Councilmember Mavity stated the design is in line with the climate action plan and she likes how this is looking. She stated, however, she strongly dislikes the poles that support the building, which seem to create a cluttered feeling, and stand in the way of actually seeing nature. Mr. Waguespack stated the poles are actually farther apart than they look, and not all are structural. He added he appreciated Councilmember Mavity's comments. Councilmember Harris stated she likes seeing how the project and design all interconnect to create a zero energy and carbon neutral building. She added she is excited about the approach and moving forward. Councilmember Brausen agreed with Councilmember Harris. Councilmember Rog asked if staff would be on the roof cleaning off debris and whether that will take staff time away from programming or planning. Mr. Hoffman stated facilities staff, not programming staff, will clear debris from the roof and maintain the building as is currently done. Study Session Minutes -6- April 9, 2018 Councilmember Brausen asked if any of this is new technology, never before been used. Mr. Waguespack stated the project uses proven technology that has already been used. Mayor Spano stated the project feels more like a combination of things to get to zero energy. Mi•. Waguespack added they are not relying on cutting edge technologies and are using known strategies to get to zero energy. Councilmember Rog stated she thinks all the goals for this building could have been accomplished without using all of these resources. She stated she is frustrated, but hopes to broaden access to the facility for the schools and communities of color, adding programming resources, while resting on the backs of PTOs, and developing curriculum also. She hopes for opportunities for transportation on after school care and more partnering with schools to ensure access to the broadest school populations. Councilmember Brausen stated he agrees with Councilmember Rog's comments. Mayor Spano stated he is very supportive of the project and looks forward to exploring ways to work with the school district as well, adding there are ways to make sure this happens. Councilmember Harris added this will also be a way to align science education with school curriculum. A majority of the City Council directed staff to move forward with the design development and zero energy plans. 4. Funding of Non -Profit Organizations Mr. Harmening and Ms. Deno gave background information on how and who the city has funded in past. Ms. Deno noted the council has had a long-standing policy of only allocating CDGB dollars to eligible non -profits in the community for brick and mortar type improvements or for programs the city sponsored. Mayor Spano stated he appreciated staff's sharing all of the funding amounts, but wanted to know how the decision was made to fund certain non -profits, and in which amounts. Mr. Harmening stated the non-profit must demonstrate that public dollars are used for a public purpose, and that they are achieving a goal or initiative or filling a resource need that the city does not provide. He added that the city has had long relationships over time with various non- profits, and he does not know how some dollar amounts were arrived at. Mr. Harmening added in each of these cases, a decision was made at some point by the council to support a social service provider the city could turn to, if needed, adding one example of this would be STEP. Study Session Minutes -7- April 9, 2018 Councilmember Hallfin noted he is a STEP board member and someone had asked him if funding for STEP might decrease, and how it compares to the city funding the new nature center. He stated the way he answered this question was that it's mutually exclusive, and the way a building is funded by the city has nothing to do with how STEP is funded. Mr. Harmening added it all comes down to decisions the council makes each year on budget. Councilmember Harris stated typically cities don't fund human services, counties do this. She stated it would be helpful to have a checklist, and look at parameters, linking funding back to the city's comprehensive plan or vision for the city, in order to have some clarity about funding. Mayor Spano asked if the council wants to have rules about what the city does and does not fund, or do they want to take requests for funding on an ad hoc basis, one at a time. He added if there are guidelines, they should be aligned with Vision 3.0, noting this might be the first question the council will want to ask. Councilmember Miller agreed with Mayor Spano, adding it would be helpful to have guidelines so the council is not perceived as giving dollars only to certain areas. Councilmember Mavity agreed also, stating the city is not here to be a foundation, and the city's role is not to be a safety net. She stated she wants to be sure the council articulates clearly what the benefit is for the city and city services, to fund certain non -profits, adding the city needs to be cautious about giving out money. Councilmember Brausen stated when considering this type of funding, the city is responding to a specific need, and he agrees a set process would be helpful to define why certain non -profits are supported. Councilmember Rog stated it is the job of the city to care for its citizens, especially as the federal government becomes more unpredictable in its funding. She hopes the city is able to continue to take on that responsibility, within legal limits, adding that STEP continues to be funded. Councilmember Brausen agreed he is in favor of continuing to fund STEP. Councilmember Rog added the city's historical society does not get any financial support, and it seems like it provides a community benefit, noting she would like to see the city support them as well. Councilmember Brausen stated he would like the city to pursue buying land to give to non- profits for building affordable housing. He stated he hopes staff is monitoring the situation at Texatonka, as a portion of that land may become available. It was the consensus of the council to have staff develop basic guidelines for funding non -profits Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal) Study Session Minutes -8- April 9, 2018 Councilmember Miller pulled out the written report on street parking restrictions, pointing out the area in Elmwood at 39th and Zarthan Ave., and it being a burden to park on one side of street there. He asked if there would be any flexibility around the policy for contextual situations. Ms. Heiser stated parking restrictions are approved through council -approved resolutions, and because of reductions in the size of a street, staff will recommend parking on one side only, for emergency vehicle passage. Mr. Harmening pointed out if council had good reasons for a contextual situation, that could be added to the policy. He noted that all policies must go to council for final approval. Councilmember Miller asked as council reviews these issues to narrow streets, will they be able to review the policies first. Mr. Harmening stated yes, adding in general the city policies will be looking to narrow streets, to be in line with the Living Streets policy, however, he added these policies will all come back to council for review before final approval. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: Annual Housing Programs