HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018/05/29 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionSt. Louis Park Official minutes
M I N N E 5 0 TA City council study session
E-Xryiomw UfE m the Pavk St. Louis Park, Minnesota
May 29, 2018
The meeting convened at 6:00 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), Management
Assistant (Ms. Carrillo Perez) Principal Planner (Ms. McMonigal), Associate Planner (Ms.
Kramer), Economic Development Coordinator (Mr. Hunt), Director of Community Development
(Ms. Barton), Planning and Zoning Supervisor (Mr. Walther), Senior Engineering Project
Manager (Mr. Sullivan), Transportation Coordinator (Mr. Manibog), Communications Manager
(Ms. Larson), and Recording Secretary (Ms. Pappas).
Guest: St. Louis Park High School students, parent volunteers and board members supporting The
Nest; David Serato, Architect; Jill Rassmusen, United Properties; Mr. Davis, Davis Properties
Future study session agenda planning —June 4 & 11, 2018
Mr. Harmening noted the June 11 meeting will include a conversation about rules and
guidelines related to ranked -choice voting. He added the minimum wage discussion will also be
held that same day, with direction given to staff by the council.
Councilmember Rog mentioned her associate, Marsha Partington, is available to speak on
transgender issues to the council at the June 4th meeting. Mr. Harmening stated that the city's
racial equity coordinator, Alicia Sojourner, will lead this discussion. He noted that Ms.
Partington can be invited to attend the discussion.
Councilmember Miller asked about the climate action plan, it being tasked to the sustainability
commission, and if the council should find a consultant to assist. Mr. Harmening stated this is in
process now, and Ms. Pinc is working with all city departments on this currently.
2. Update and request for funding for SLP Nest
Students from St. Louis Park High School, along with Ms. Julia Schmelzer and Ms. Emily Bucholz
(legal counsel) spoke to the council and gave an update on their plans for the SLP Nest. They
stated the group has organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit business, created a business plan, and
started fundraising. The group provided their initial concept to the council at the May 1, 2017
meeting and an update on February 12, 2018. This evening they provided additional updates
and requested funding in the amount of $25,000 to assist with lease payments, space
improvements, staff salary and programming expenses.
Ms. Emily Bucholz stated the group expects a lease draft shortly and the lease agreement to
begin on July 1st
Study Session Minutes -2- May 29, 2018
Ms. Julia Schmelzer stated the group plans to hire a staff person to be a youth coordinator and
onsite staff person reporting to the Nest's Board of Directors. The coordinator would also plan
all activities, events, be responsible for the building/site, update the website, handle
programming and manage the coffee shop. The Muddy Paws coffee shop idea has been
changed now, but the group is still working with the owner of the coffee shop to set up an
onsite snack area providing coffee in carafes, and pre-packaged treats.
Ms. Julia Schmelzer stated their fundraising efforts have raised over $18,000 in community
donations, and several more events have been planned this summer, while the team is working
on writing grants. She stated the goal is to raise $55,000 by August 2018 and the group has
School Board and District support on the endeavor.
J.J. Harcene, a student at St Louis Park High School and Nest board member, stated she became
involved with the group in February. She is learning life skills through her work on this project,
giving presentations, and planning fundraisers. She stated the Nest will provide poetry nights
and students will work with adults to provide connections.
Ms. Barton stated the space found for the Nest is by far the best space, and the group can move
in right away. There is green space, it's not in a high traffic area, and is in a safe venue. Mr.
Harmening stated city staff participated in the inspections of various properties the group
looked at and helped with selecting a space for the Nest.
Councilmember Harris thanked the group for their presentation, stating it is great to see this
support, and clear that the group has put a great deal of thought into this project. She asked
about the partnerships and who they are with. Ms. Schmelzer stated they are listed in the
materials given to council, and include Gleason Printing, Perspectives, the police department,
and DECA.
Councilmember Brausen asked about the lease and liability insurance. Ms. Bucholz stated the
rent is a flat rate, and the group will pay for their own utilities, while the owner will pay for
snow removal. She added there are some general insurance packages available, but they have
not reviewed them yet. She noted they will have insurance for the building.
Councilmember Brausen stated the city attorney has reviewed this, adding he wants the Nest
and the city protected.
Councilmember Rog asked with the $55,000 goal, if the group did receive the $25,000 from the
city, would that include the $18,000 already raised. Ms. Schmelzer stated yes.
Councilmember Hallfin asked what the current zoning allows for. Ms. Barton stated the
maximum occupancy is 50 people, but the zoning does not allow for a traditional coffee shop,
and only allows for convenience and packaged foods and thermos pots of coffee.
Councilmember Hallfin stated he understood from the beginning the group wanted a coffee
shop and asked if they might ask for a zoning change later.
Study Session Minutes -3- May 29, 2018
Ms. Schmelzer stated the coffee shop would need high -paying patrons, so after further review,
they decided not to go this route, and feature air pots, I<eurig machines, and the feel of a coffee
shop.
Councilmember Mavity stated if the budget is $81,000 and the group has raised only $18,000,
does the group have a contingency plan if they only raise $50,000, while also pointing out the
July 1 planned opening date. Ms. Schmelzer stated the group has discussed contingencies and
what are the bare essentials needed to start. She noted they would need wifi and to have
enough money set aside to pay the rent and pay staff for 1 -year guarantee, while doing more
fundraising.
Councilmember Mavity asked what kind of ongoing volunteer or paid fundraising support the
group has to sustain over time. Ms. Schmelzer stated they plan to sell more food products and
generate revenue through events such as open mic night, ticket sales, selling student art, and
other programming in order to ramp up —and not ask the city for money beyond the third year.
She stated everyone involved is a volunteer, they will continue to pursue grants, and also plan
to do an annual gala, while tapping into the community. She also added the DECA students will
help with marketing and the business model.
Councilmember Mavity asked about outcomes, and how will the group know if they have
succeeded. Ms. Schmelzer stated outcomes will be both qualitative and quantitative, adding
they hope to see many demographic groups involved, the space will be for everyone — and will
reach diverse groups.
Councilmember Mavity stated it all sounds good and these are great ideas with lots of energy,
but she wants to understand the plans fully. Councilmember Mavity asked when they will have
numbers on their metrics and goals. Ms. Schmelzer stated the group has their expected
revenue goal for the first year and occupancy expectations also.
Mayor Spano stated he is curious how the group plans to open their doors in 90 days, if they
are still so far from their monetary goal and asked if the council approves the $25,000 for
funding, does the group have anyone to match that figure. Ms. Schmelzer stated even if they
are not at the $55,000 goal, they still plan to open the Nest.
Mayor Spano added if one small thing goes wrong, or the coordinator leaves, there is a thin
margin of error. Ms. Schmelzer stated if they lose their staff person, parent volunteers will help,
and if they need to close doors or decrease hours, they will do so, depending on the situation.
Mayor Spano stated he had a conversation with the Hopkins' Mayor related to The Depot, and
their success has come from foot traffic and the business of Excelsior Boulevard. He added he
has concerns about the person running the food service being someone with experience.
Mayor Spano stated this is a profound shift from what the council was presented in February,
when the Nest was pitched as a teen center and coffee shop idea, and now it's been scaled way
back. He asked the group to describe the potential funders, adding when presenting face-to-
face with funders, who is at the meetings and what is being said.
Study Session Minutes -4- May 29, 2018
Ms. Cleveland stated she is a parent and volunteer board member with some grant writing
experience, who has been working on some of the grant writing. She stated the group has a
team of grant writers now, and 2-3 people present, including students. She noted the
presentations have been with medium -range funders, and the meetings have been
enthusiastic, with about 7 students attending.
Mayor Spano stated it will be important for the students, including JJ., to be in attendance at
the funding presentations, as it is about the impact and the story and connection with the
students that will make a difference in whether or not the group is funded.
Councilmember Mavity stated she has concerns about the project and stated the council is
acting like a foundation board, which they are not. She noted she finds the stories of the
students compelling and wants this to be successful; however, the questions she has raised
have not been addressed. She noted she will not support this now, as she does not think it is a
viable or sustainable plan, and not yet a true partnership. She stated she is a steward of
resident's money, and she is not comfortable with this business plan.
Councilmembers Hallfin, Rog, Brausen and Harris stated they will support it.
Mayor Spano added he will support it as well; however, does share the same concerns as
Councilmember Mavity. He added that $25,000 is not a massive investment, but there is more
work to be done. He stated to the students in the room, this will be a place for everyone which
means that even people who disagree with you must also be made to feel welcome there. He
added there needs to be a place for all kids in the city to go and he is putting this out as a
challenge to the students — to create a space for their friends and for those who are not their
friends. He stated this will help everyone learn to respect one another.
The consensus of the council was to move forward with the funding request of $25,000. This
item will be on the council agenda with the draft agreement for approval at the June 4, 2018
meeting.
3. Bicycle sharing discussion
Ms. Heiser stated in January, Lime approached city staff to discuss implementation of dockless
bicycles in St. Louis Park. An interdepartmental dockless bicycle taskforce was formed to discuss
the emerging technology and how it relates to St. Louis Park. The group met monthly and had a
demonstration of dockless bike sharing technology from Lime. The taskforce has developed two
options for the city to pursue at this time and are seeking council direction on next steps.
a. No action at this time/Monitor activities in other cities
b. Actively pursue bicycle sharing in St. Louis Park
Ms. Heiser stated before a final decision is made, staff recommends engaging the public to
receive feedback regarding bicycle sharing in the community. She added staff does not want to
take this to the public before receiving direction from the council.
Study Session Minutes -5- May 29, 2018
Councilmember Mavity stated she had a conversation with the head of Nice Ride, who is
designing a plan for Minneapolis, about how to manage this for the two cities. She
recommended the city just leap into the program, especially since technology is moving so fast.
She stated it will be important to participate with Edina and Golden Valley jumping in, adding it
should provide a north/south route option as well.
Councilmember Miller agreed the technology is moving quickly, adding it will be important for
the city to get into the game and actively pursue this.
Councilmember Brausen stated he wholeheartedly believes the city should dive in now;
however, he noted the problem of bike litter some cities are facing.
Councilmember Hallfin stated the bike litter problem in other cities is concerning, and while he
is not against bikes, he does not want to be the first one in the pool, and would like to see the
problems figured out before jumping in.
Councilmember Brausen asked staff for information on cities that have the program, to see the
usage rates. He added he does not want t'o see the bikes litter the city, especially if the demand
is for only a few dozen bikes. He noted there will need to be rules, yet he is in favor of moving
ahead, and taking time to implement some controls, while listening to the public to see if there
is a demand.
Councilmember Harris stated she likes the options staff has laid out. She added she reached out
to the Bike and Walk the Park Facebook group, and people do favor it, as it gets them where
they want to go. She suggested the Motivate program might be better. She noted when looking
at this from an equity lens, it would be good for the folks in the Aquila neighborhood and
apartment buildings in non-commercial areas. She said the city should dive in and be flexible as
the technology unfolds.
Councilmember Rog stated she was undecided and suggested St. Louis Park wait to see what
other communities are doing first.
Mr. Manibog stated by 2020, docked bike stations will be phased out and replaced by dockless
bikes.
Mayor Spano stated he does want to do this, but is not confident yet. He stated in Lawrence,
KS, they have this program and he never saw them littered there, but has heard about the
stories, adding that in some cities dockless does not work. He stated he would like to explore
this further, would like to see what form the program takes, and how it goes this summer in
Edina and Golden Valley.
Mr. Harmening stated with this technology is it just a matter of time before this will be in St.
Louis Park and other areas. He noted this is in alignment with city transportation goals. He
added he would like to reach out to other communities as well to hear from them, noting this
would not be able to roll out in St. Louis Park before 2019.
Study Session Minutes -6- May 29, 2018
Councilmember Rog added if the city does not use corrals or locks, it will be more work to
retrain folks; however, now may not be a good time to do this since staff is very busy.
Councilmember Rog stated she also likes the idea of electric bikes as an option for some folks,
and when the program is rolled out - it would be nice to have the maximum number of
residents participate.
Mayor Spano stated the council is interested, but added public process is part of the city's
brand and the council will want to have a conversation with the community first about what
residents prefer.
Ms. Heiser stated there will be more information on this as the summer progresses.
4. Office development proposal at 6009 Wayzata Boulevard
The council was presented concept plans by the Davis Group and United Properties
representatives and asked for their initial feedback and comments on the proposed office
development and proposed relocation of the existing billboards.
Councilmember Brausen stated this project is in his ward and asked what is on the site
currently.
Mr. Davis, Davis Group, stated Westside Office Park is there currently, noting the existing
buildings are in poor condition and in disrepair. Mr. Davis noted the current name of the
project is Xchange and the developers envision it as a busy, active, and social place, with a
cutting-edge design that would attract tenants from downtown. He added it will be a Class A
development and will attract many jobs to St. Louis Park.
Mr. Serato, the architect, stated the area has been totally underutilized and they are looking to
utilize it as best as possible. He noted the concept will be LEED certified as well.
Ms. Rasmussen, United Properties, stated in planning for the property, they researched the
history of the area and hope to create a design that fits in with the area, which features the
West End and creates a flow.
Mr. Davis stated they are asking for the council's partnership on the issue with Clear Channel
and removing the sign, in order to move the project forward. He noted Clear Channel will
remove the billboard and ask the city to do digital signage in another location of the city, as
they own the piece of land the billboard currently sits on.
Councilmember Brausen asked the square footage per employee. Mr. Davis stated the 115,000
square foot multi -tenant office building would feature approximately 175-225 square feet per
employee.
Councilmember Brausen asked about an anchor tenant and what the plans were. Mr. Davis
stated they need a single tenant to move forward and currently have two companies
interested.
Study Session Minutes -7- May 29, 2018
Councilmember Brausen stated he represents Ward 4 and today is the first he has heard of the
project. He noted he likes the concept and would be interested in a Class A office building in
this location. He stated he has concerns there is no anchor tenant, which makes it the second
project in the West End that cannot identify an anchor tenant. He added he struggles with the
billboard issue, noting the city has relocated billboards before, stating he is not comfortable
with digital billboards.
Councilmember Harris stated she is generally in favor of the project, and it presents a good use
of space for the area. She noted the townhouses to the east will have a big change in the area
with this design, and she would appreciate hearing more.
Mr. Davis stated a buffer would be included with trees and green space, similar to a project
they completed recently in Maple Grove.
Councilmember Harris asked about travel management, noting most folks would arrive by car
to the building. She asked if there is anything in the city code that requires activating a living
streets policy, including sidewalks or bike parking.
Mr. Walther stated there are a number of requirements, including sidewalks and bike parking.
He added the site also benefits from reducing parking on site and other amenities to promote
biking.
Councilmember Rog added she shares concerns about not having an anchor tenant, as
Councilmember Brausen stated. She asked about the developer's approach on building the
parking ramp in a way that it could be used in a different way in the future. Mr. Serato stated
that can be explored further.
Councilmember Rog stated she has also heard some folks say the LEED certification is not worth
it. Mr. Serato stated there are some benefits to the benchmarking of LEED certification along
with a healthy intent. He added they are also ready to create a green building, adding that LEED
is a robust check list for certification of the project. He also stated they will approach
sustainability as well as engage more with the city.
Councilmember Mavity stated this is a great concept and she would be supportive of it. She
asked staff if the city has a policy in place to eliminate billboards when they can, and if
elimination is an eligible expense. Mr. Hunt noted Clear Channel would be willing to sell the
billboard for $3 million; however, the city is not interested in moving the billboard elsewhere,
and there is a policy in place to remove billboards as we can.
Councilmember Mavity stated since the city does have policies and this project would add value
to the city, she would be willing to look at how the city can problem -solve this issue.
Councilmember Miller stated this is valuable and a good use of space, adding he likes the
design, and would be interested in removing the billboard to make the space function better.
Mr. Harmening stated the city has a decades -old policy on billboard removal, noting this might
need to be explored and the policy be reviewed further.
Study Session Minutes -8- May 29, 2018
It was the consensus of the council to have staff move forward on this concept plan and to
explore options for removing the billboard.
5. Draft 2040 comprehensive plan
Ms. McMonigal reviewed the timeline of the plan with the council, noting the summary in the
staff packet. She stated the draft plan was changed to reflect council's comments from the May
14 study session, and the new outline was provided to the council along with a general
description of each section of the plan.
Ms. McMonigal noted a community on-line survey of several proposed goals/strategies/
directions began on May 14 and will continue through June 20. She noted the survey is being
advertised widely, including the city's website and social media sites, along with Nextdoor,
ParkTV, and at neighborhood meetings. As of today, over 1000 surveys had been received.
Councilmember Harris asked how the feedback from residents is being incorporated into the
plan. Ms. McMonigal stated the consultant will summarize and review the feedback and see if it
impacts any of the goals or plans.
Councilmember Harris asked from a user perspective, how residents will know if they were
heard. Mr. Barton stated the feedback will be included on the city website and can be
advertised as well, after being shared with the council first.
Councilmember Rog stated she would like to see stronger wording related to the food access
issue.
Ms. McMonigal stated this would go back to council for further discussion and decision, to
address what the city's role is.
Mr. Harmening stated just because there is a group in St. Louis Park that has a passion about
food, the city cannot assume this is the only issue of certain groups in the city and it may be
triggered by other issues.
Mayor Spano stated the council is not challenging that food security issues exist, and it is in the
hierarchy of needs, adding the city will need to talk more to families about this and find out
what are the issues that lead to food insecurity.
Councilmember Mavity added the city will not want to pre -suppose the results of a study, so it
will need to be evidence -based.
Councilmember Miller stated the plan will need to give the correct amount of weight to visions
and translating strategic directions. He added he did not see youth under social capital, but saw
parks there, noting there is more to preparing the next generation than improving parks. He
noted this should include mental health in the city and security around schools.
Study Session Minutes -9- May 29, 2018
Ms. McMonigal noted schools are embedded in the youth sections, including what the school
district is doing. She noted education is not the city's role and she is not certain how this would
be framed in the plan. Ms. McMonigal noted she would look at revising these areas to make
them more prominent.
Councilmember Mavity stated the alignment of the themes are disjointed and the How We
Govern section does not seem to align with the six bullets. Ms. Barton noted the icons in the
document speak to the strategic directions.
Councilmember Brausen stated the Metropolitan Council does not ask the city to put
everything into the comprehensive plan that we want to do in our city.
Ms. McMonigal noted the draft plan will come back to the council on June 18tH
Communications/Meeting Check -In (Verbal)
Councilmember Mavity asked about the League of MN Cities conference, and if staff is
attending. She stated it is in St. Cloud, June 20, 21, 22, and noted she will be presenting 1 hour
on housing and helping to identify affordable housing supporters around the state. Mr.
Harmening stated he has not yet heard of anyone attending. He did note that at the
conference, Chief Harcey will accept an award on behalf of the police department related to
the Pathways to Policing program.
Councilmember Rog noted she has contacted staff related to a concern about some multi-
family homes in the Inglewood area at West 31st Street. She noted they are NOAH properties
and single-family homes, many of which are owned by the same person. She stated the
residents there are really vulnerable to being displaced, and this is an opportunity to be
proactive in whatever way the city can. She stated she is working with staff to get more
information.
Councilmember Harris noted there are three neighborhoods not organized in Texatonka, and
there will be a meeting on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. to address this, and to find 5 people to start
up a neighborhood group in their areas.
Councilmember Brausen stated he and Councilmember Mavity will attend the Democratic
Convention in Rochester, June 1-3, and if anyone has any issues they would like brought forth,
please let him know.
Mr. Harmening stated the July 2 council meeting will be cancelled. He felt the council was
taking on too much and too many topics, and in some cases, is not well prepared. He noted
with the amount of work the council is pursuing and the number of meetings being held each
month, the pace cannot be sustained. He also stated he is concerned about the quality of
decisions being made and felt there was an urgent need for more prioritization.
Councilmember Mavity asked if staff can present ideas in a more developed format, so council
can review at a higher level.
Study Session Minutes -10- May 29, 2018
Councilmember Brausen asked if some topics can be presented as a written report only vs. an
in-depth conversation.
Councilmember Rog appreciated Mr. Harmening's comments, and asked if staff could hold off
some topics before they are brought to council for discussion.
Mayor Spano stated it is very important that all councilmembers, including himself, read all of
the staff materials prior to the meetings, so everyone is aware in advance of topics on the
agenda prior to the meeting.
Mr. Harmening added staff can develop a template for council members regarding discussions.
He noted he will send out some ideas to the council on this concept.
The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
Written Reports provided and documented for recording purposes only:
6. Buckthorn management program
7. Utility improvements at 2837 Ottawa Ave. S.
8. April 2018 monthly financial report