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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/04/23 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Sessionfff St. Louis Park MINNESOTA OFFICIAL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION ST. LOUIS PARK, MINNESOTA APRIL 23, 2018 The meeting convened at 7:55 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), Maria Carrillo -Perez, and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guest: None. Future Study Session Agenda Planning — April 20, May 7 & 14, 2018 Mr. Harmening presented the proposed Study Session agenda for April 20, May 7 and 14, 2018. Mr. Harmening noted the upcoming study session discussion on transgender and race equity, courageous conversations and the HRC. Councilmember Mavity asked about the Comprehensive Plan review of sections, and would there be time to discuss again, after reviewing. Mr. Harmening stated yes, there will be time for further review and wrap up as well. Councilmember Rog mentioned bringing in Marsha Partington, a consultant with expertise in race and gender equity issues. Councilmember Rog stated Ms. Partington is affiliated with St. Louis Park community education. Mayor Spano stated it would be useful to get a resume from Ms. Partington. Mr. Harmening will check into this. Councilmember Mavity stated she wants to be sure the race equity issue is reviewed through each department, and not a general discussion only. Councilmember Miller also noted there is a charter change needed, to reflect gender equality. Mr. Harmening noted all public facilities will have gender neutral restrooms, as will the new nature center. He noted that Alicia Sojourner could be another resource or advisor to the council on how to operationalize gender and race equity issues. Councilmember Miller asked for an update on where the school district is on this topic as well. Councilmember Harris noted the Walker Lake historic district will be holding an update meeting in early May. Councilmember Rog suggested another study session item, that of adding a senior advisory commission, similar to the youth advisory commission. Mayor Spano agreed and pointed out there needs to be more discussion about a youth advisory commission, adding the iMatter youth are very interested in this, and ready to move ahead on it. He added he would also like a discussion on guns in St. Louis Park, and potential conflicts of interest of family members serving on commissions. Study Session Minutes -2- April 23, 2018 Councilmember Brausen would like to discuss encouraging all neighborhoods that merit $150 award grant, to do projects on environmental issues, while creating incentives for civic projects. He added he would like to hand out LED lightbulbs to the community and look at this as seed money to fund the climate action plan. Mr. Harmening stated there is $50,000 available for grants to the community. Councilmember Harris asked if any remaining amounts could be used to fund smaller projects or events for neighborhoods that may not be as organized as others. Mr. Harmening stated the grant program was created in order to intent neighborhoods to organize. Councilmember Mavity added the neighborhood groups need to be more formalized and reminders sent to them about responsibilities, while more training could be included. Councilmember Mavity noted a recent article in the New York Times regarding minimum wage impacts and the overall conclusion was positive, with incomes increasing. Mr. Harmening stated the city has some data on employees that work in St. Louis Park, but added the vast majority that work here, do not live here. Councilmember Mavity noted she still has some discomfort with sufficient protections being in place, in St. Louis Park, related to immigrant residents. She understands the city must comply with federal law, but still feels the city needs to be more proactive in this area. Mr. Harmening stated the city follows what the law requires it do. Councilmember Miller added he shares Councilmember Mavity's concerns, but through the discussions with Police Chief Harcey, his concerns were addressed. Councilmember Rog agreed. Mr. Harmening suggested he, Councilmember Mavity, and Chief Harcey meet for further discussion on this issue. Councilmember Harris stated she would like to discuss the divesting of retirement investment fossil fuel companies, as a way to support the city's commitment to its climate action plan. Mr. Harmening stated he will look into this. Councilmember Miller stated he has concerns about the Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 and would like to look at investing into traffic signals now, before final decisions are made related to the bridge construction, and before the bike trails are added. He added there may be a cost savings if this is looked at now vs. later. Mr. Harmening agreed this would be the less expensive option, adding he will look into this. Mayor Spano agreed with this, adding after staff reviews all problem area intersections, the city will need to spend more money in the areas where there are the most safety concerns. Councilmember Mavity agreed, saying the council and staff will need to be thoughtful about all intersections in the city, adding there are many problem intersections. She stressed there will need to be prioritization of intersections with safety concerns. Councilmember Rog noted there is need for discussion on stormwater management grants, and total infrastructure construction costs in the Walker Lake area. Mr. Harmening stated there may only be a range cost figure on the Walker Lake area, at this point, but that this will be presented to the council in the near future. Study Session Minutes -3- April 23, 2018 Councilmember Harris also asked about building readiness for cities and financial/budget considerations, and how ordinances will be implemented. Mr.. Harmening stated the ordinance will be triggered when there is a new project, and then design plans will need to be incorporated into the project, and only then will permits be issued. Councilmember Harris asked if utility lines will be put underground during the construction at Texatonka Mall. Mr. Harmening stated it is doubtful as there will only be limited improvements with this project. The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m. Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only: 2. March 2018 Monthly Financial Report 3.First Quarter Investment Report (Jan — Mar 2018) 4.Bridgewater Bank Application for Tax Increment Financing Assistance 5.2018/2019 Neighborhood Grants 6. Update on 2018 Hennepin County Infrastructure Projects 7. S WLRT Update — April 2018 8. Building Readiness for Smart Cities 9. Update on Activities/Initiatives in Historic Walker -Lake Area 10. Update - Modifications of Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 11. Removal of Weight Restrictions on Various Streets