Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/05/07 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularSt. LOUIS Park Official minutes M I N N E S O T A City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota May 7, 2018 1. Call to Order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin, Rachel Harris, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller, and Margaret Rog. Councilmembers absent: None. Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager/Human Resources Director (Ms. Deno) Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Associate Planner (Ms. Kramer), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Management Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas). Guests: St. Louis Park Residents Ia. Pledge of Allegiance 1b. Roll Call Presentations 2a. Bike Month Proclamation Mayor Spano read the proclamation, declaring the month of May as Bike Month in St. Louis Park. Throughout the entire month, businesses, community groups, and individuals are encouraged to host and participate in events and activities focusing on encouraging newer riders to try biking. 2b. Recognition of Donations Mayor Spano thanked Becky Finnigan for her donation of $1,000 for maintenance of the area around the John Finnigan memorial bench and other areas at Westwood Hills Nature Center as needed. 3. Approval of Minutes - None 4. Approval of Agenda and Items on Consent Calendar 4a. Accept for filing City Disbursement Claims for the period of March 24, through April 30, 2018. 4b. Moved to 8f. City Council Meeting -2- May 7, 2018 4c. Designate G.L. Contracting, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $639,433.40 for the 2018 Alley Reconstruction Project No. 4018-1500. 4d. Designate Northdale Construction Company, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize a contract with the firm in the amount of $646,142.23 for the 2018 MSA Aquila Avenue Rehabilitation Project (4018-1100). 4e. Designate S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. the lowest responsible bidder and authorize the City of Hopkins to execute a contract with the firm in the amount of $5,197,547.47 for the Texas Avenue S. and Division Street Improvement Project (4018-1101). 0. Adopt Resolution No. 18-067 calling for a public hearing relative to the establishment of the Bridgewater Bank Tax Increment Financing District within Redevelopment Project No. 1 (a redevelopment district). 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 18-068 to recognize Parks Field Supervisor Don Drennen for 41 years of service. 4h. Adopt Resolution No. 18-069 rescinding Resolution No. 17-076 and approving the attached revised list of snow removal exempt parking areas. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 18-070 approving acceptance of a monetary donation from Becky Finnigan in the amount of $1,000 to be used at Westwood Hills Nature Center to maintain the area around the John Finnigan memorial bench and other areas in Westwood Hills Nature Center as needed. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 18-071 amending Resolution Nos. 17-196 and 18-026 limiting the number of off -sale intoxicating liquor licenses issued in St. Louis Park. 4k. Adopt Resolution No. 18-072 recognizing staff in Operations, Police and Facilities Maintenance for their excellent work in removing the snow for the 2017 — 2018 season. 41. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 7, 2018. 4m. Approve for filing Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of March 21, 2018 Councilmember Brausen requested that Consent Calendar item 4b be removed and placed on the Regular Agenda as item 8F. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the agenda and items listed on the consent calendar as amended to move consent calendar item 4b to the regular agenda as item 8f and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Boards and Commissions - None 6. Public Hearings- None 7. Requests, Petitions, and Communications from the Public — None 8. Resolutions, Ordinances, Motions and Discussion Items City Council Meeting -3- May 7, 2018 8a. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Home Rule Charter by Adding Sec. 12.08 Related to Voting Method. Ordinance No. 2535-18. Ms. Deno explained the amendment would authorize a change in the voting method for municipal elections to elect the Mayor and City Council by single transferable voting, also known as "ranked -choice voting". She stated the first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously, and tonight's second reading must also be approved unanimously by all 7 councilmembers for approval. Councilmember Rog recognized her predecessor former Councilmember Sanger for all her work on this ordinance. It was moved by Councilmember Miller, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Ordinance No. 2535-18, amending the St. Louis Park Home Rule Charter by adding Sec. 12.08, Voting Method, to allow for the use of ranked -choice voting in municipal elections. (A unanimous vote of all 7 councilmembers is required for approval.) The motion passed 7-0. 8b. 2018-2019 Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) Local #206 Police Officers and Local #220 Public Safety Dispatchers Labor Agreements. Resolution No. 18- 073 and Resolution No. 18-074. Ms. Deno explained the two-year agreement and active negotiations noting the new agreement would provide for a 3% wage increase, for both police officer and public safety dispatchers. She stated this was completed in order to be more competitive with other city police departments and to meet market targets in 2019. She added all were pleased with this outcome. Mayor Spano pointed out the police and city staff are exceptional employees who deliver high quality services and it has become clear to the council that we need to compensate them for this great work, and to bring their compensation in line with other cities. It was moved by Councilmember Brousen, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 18-073 and Resolution No. 18-074, approving labor agreements between the city and two bargaining groups (police officers and dispatchers) establishing terms and conditions of employment for two years, from 1/1/18 —12/31/19. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -4- May 7, 2018 8c. Park Village Planned Unit Development (PUD) Ms. Kramer stated that Tower Place LLC applied for a major amendment to the Park Village PUD to renovate the former Mann Theater building at 5400 Excelsior Blvd for new uses. The application proposes medical office use on the entire first floor of the existing Mann Theater building and proposes to keep the second floor vacant in the near term. The application requests that future renovations to the second story for permitted uses in the district, including a medical office, be allowed to be approved administratively. Ms. Kramer continued a major amendment to the PUD is necessary because the original PUD ordinance included a specific mix of uses that were allowed for the site. The major amendment process includes rezoning the property from C-2 General Commercial to PUD and a zoning code text amendment. As part of this application, the previous PUD amendments would be rescinded. Councilmember Mavity stated this seems to be a perfectly reasonable use of this space, and is a good fit and appropriate use of space and she will support it. Councilmember Miller agreed, although noted he will be sad to lose the community theater, but understands this will be a higher and better use of the space. Councilmember Brausen added this reflects the current realities that less people go to movie theaters these days, and he appreciates the reusing and recycling of this building — noting it is a great reuse of the building Councilmember Harris agreed, noting she is pleased there is another significant use for this large building, and thanked Park Nicollet for their commitment and great use of the space. Mayor Spano added the theater building provides a great open canvas for public art, and he would like to see it used in this way if possible. It was moved by Councilmember Movity, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to rescind resolutions Nos. 93-183, 94-180, 02-084, 06-025, 06-042, 11-033, and 11-132, subject to adoption, and effective upon the effective date, of the Park Village PUD ordinance, and to approve the first reading of an ordinance adding Section 36 -268 -PUD 12 to the zoning code and amending the zoning map from C-2 General Commercial to PUD 12 for the land located at the following legal description: Lots 6 and 7, Block 1, Tower Place, Hennepin County, Minnesota, and setting the second reading for May 21, 2018. The motion passed 7-0. City Council Meeting -5- May 7, 2018 8d. Modifications of Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 — Project No. 4019-9007 Resolution No. 18-075. Mr. Sullivan noted the modifications to the Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7, stating the improvements will be made to consider safety at the very compact interchange. These phase 1 changes include restructuring sightlines by reducing retaining walls, and creating dedicated pedestrian and bike lanes. Mr. Sullivan stated phase 2 changes will consider the SWLRT in 2018 — 2022, and will include the installation of traffic signals at the top of both ramps, restriping, and changing the bridge deck to 4 lanes with a left turn lane onto ramps. He added the Cedar Lake Regional Trail underpass will be included during phase 2, at Wooddale Avenue. Mr. Sullivan stated the $2.4 million project will be paid for by the Elmwood TIF district and G.O. Bonds, and bids open June 6, with a contract scheduled to be awarded on June 18, 2018. Councilmember Mavity stated this project has been considered for a long time and she is glad to be moving forward on this. She stated the bridge has been challenging for pedestrians and bicyclists in particular, adding she is in favor of the plan. Councilmember Mavity added, in comments from neighbors, there is concern about the amount of concrete in this intersection, and she asked staff about landscaping improvements at the location. Mr. Sullivan stated there will be a reduction in hard surface, and a move toward the city's living streets policy. He added staff is working with the city forester on low plantings and trees for the bridge, which should help improve the area. He stated the landscaping will also play off the design features of PLACE, which is in close proximity to the bridge. Councilmember Harris added this project has long been desired by folks in the neighborhood, along with the added sense of safety. She gave kudos to staff for this design and plans for long term uses, especially taking into account PLACE and the SWLRT. She noted she is looking forward to the finished project, stating the face of the concrete wall could be used for public art, and to enhance the neighborhood with creativity and vitality. Mayor Spano asked if there was still time to do more public art here, and still remain on the timeline to complete the project. Mr. Sullivan stated that might be challenging as there are some stipulations, however opportunities could be reviewed within the area of the corridor, and still keep the project on schedule. Councilmember Rog asked about the impacts to the Sorenson residents and people passing on the bridge during the project. Mr. Sullivan stated the goal is to keep traffic moving and during construction there will be temporary enhancements that recognize the Sorenson and Elmwood neighborhoods usage of the bridge. He also noted during construction, one sidewalk will be kept open. City Council Meeting -6- May 7, 2018 Councilmember Miller stated he is in favor of moving forward on this plan adding he is proud the city is moving forward on this and correcting this situation. He also appreciated that traffic signals will be added soon and is glad staff is looking at this, but understands the constraints to getting the traffic lights installed sooner. Mayor Spano noted these improvements are much needed, and the project is a good opportunity to acknowledge the fact that not every design works, and sometimes staff needs to come back and correct it. He added this is a huge step in the right direction, and asked Mr. Sullivan to consider looking at a scramble configuration at the intersection near the high school and McDonalds, during the next cycle of street improvements. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Harris, to adopt Resolution No. 18-075, approving final plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids for the modifications to the Wooddale Bridge at Highway 7 — Project No. 4019-9007. The motion passed 7-0. 8e. Traffic Study No. 694 — 2018 Pavement Management Project (4018-1000) Traffic Control Resolutions. Resolution No. 18-076, Resolution No. 18-077, Resolution No. 18-078 and Resolution No. 18-079. Ms. Heiser noted the four resolutions establish new traffic controls for the 2018 Pavement Management Project, adding the background on each resolution is included in the staff report. She stated this year's pavement management project is located in the Elmwood, Brooklawns, and Brookside neighborhoods. Councilmember Miller stated the parking restriction on Zarthan is too restrictive and prevents neighbors from parking in front of their homes, and he will oppose all four resolutions. Councilmember Rog asked if these changes can be revisited at a later date and re- negotiated. Mr. Harmening stated the council can pass these resolutions now, and then and always request to revisit them after a certain time and see how they are working. He stated by adopting the resolution, nothing precludes council from coming back to reevaluate the area, adding the council always has that option. It was moved by Councilmember Mavity, seconded by Councilmember Hallfin, to adopt Resolution No. 18-076 authorizing the installation of parking restrictions on W. 36th Street and Brunswick Avenue, Resolution No. 18-077 authorizing installation of parking restrictions on Zarthan Avenue and W. 39th Street, Resolution No. 18-078 authorizing the removal of stop signs and installation of neighborhood traffic circles with yield signs on Oxford Street and Goodrich Avenue at Brunswick Avenue, and Resolution No. 18-079, City Council Meeting -7- May 7, 2018 authorizing the conversion of Oxford Street from Wooddale Avenue to Zarthan Avenue to two-way traffic and installation of stop signs at Oxford Street and Zarthan Avenue. The motion passed 6-1 (Councilmember Miller opposed.) 8f. Approve the 2018/2019 Neighborhood Grants. Councilmember Brausen stated this is a $50,000 award of grants, which is a small budget, but it's one of the biggest things the city does, in that we award grants to neighborhood groups for various programs, environmental projects, and initiatives. He added that 21 of the 35 neighborhoods applied for and received funds, noting the council would like to see this be 35 out of 35 neighborhoods. He encouraged every resident, especially those living in neighborhoods that are not organized, to come forward with ideas to build community in those neighborhoods and to bring those ideas to the council and city staff, specifically to Breanna Freedman, our community liaison with the police department. He explained assistance will be available to all residents with these endeavors. He also thanked those residents and neighborhood groups that are already participating. Councilmember Brausen added these efforts are appreciated by the city and neighbors, and the council is happy to spend this money on the programs folks feel will benefit their neighborhoods. Mayor Spano stated he was a neighborhood leader and sees this as a tremendous opportunity, noting these grants are incentives to get neighborhoods organized. He encouraged anyone who is not part of an organized neighborhood group to contact Breanna Freedman and get organized. He also noted the best part about being a neighborhood leader is that each leader can head up the organization any way they choose, adding it's a very flexible system. He again encouraged neighborhood groups to apply for the grant money the city provides. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Miller, to approve the 2018/2019 grants. The motion passed 7-0. 9. Communications Councilmember Rog noted there is a meeting on Thursday, May 10, with an opportunity to provide input on the historic Walker Lake area. The meeting is at city hall from 5:30- 7 p.m. in council chambers. Councilmember Harris noted an event on Tuesday, May 8, from 6:30 — 9 p.m. at the Lennox Community Center, which the Police Advisory Commission is co -hosting. This is an informational equity inclusive event. Councilmember Brausen noted an upcoming discussion in Mayon Westwood Nature Center, and he encouraged all residents to attend and weigh-in on their thoughts. City Council Meeting -8- May 7, 2018 Councilmember Hallfin stated not only is Sunday, May 13 Mother's Day, but it is the Children First Ice Cream Social from 2-5 p.m.. at the Rec Center and The ROC, and all are invited to attend. Mayor Spano noted an upcoming tree planting event on May 12 at Shelard Park from 9 a.m. —12 noon. He also recognized all Mother's on the upcoming Mother's Day holiday. Mayor Spano also noted that last week the council met with Congressman Ellison to communicate city priorities. Mayor Spano shared some information from Representative Ellison's thank you letter to the city, where he recognized St. Louis Park's work on affordable housing, inclusivity, and initiatives that are on the cutting edge, along with critical leadership and work with families. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.