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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/09/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Sept. 19, 2022 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Larry Kraft, and Margaret Rog Councilmembers absent: Nadia Mohamed Staff present: Deputy City Manager (Ms. Walsh), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Finance Director (Ms. Schmitt), Planning Manager (Mr. Walther), Housing Manager (Ms. Schnitker), Economic Development Manager (Mr. Hunt), Communications and Technology Director (Ms. Smith) Guests: None. 2. Presentations 2a. Recognition of retirement for Housing Manager/Deputy CD Director Michelle Schnitker Mayor Pro Tem Budd recognized Ms. Schnitker, read the proclamation, and presented her with a plaque. She thanked her on behalf of the city for her over 23 years of service. Ms. Schnitker thanked the council and city for this recognition adding she is grateful for working in a very progressive city, which supports affordable housing. She added she is proud of all the accomplishments and thanked council and staff for their support. Mr. Walther added his appreciation of Ms. Schnitker and her work over the past 16 years and wished her well in her retirement. Councilmember Brausen stated he worked for many years with a group involved in affordable housing. He noted when he first started on council, he hoped Ms. Schnitker would be an ally, and found her to be a tremendous one, adding she advocated for affordable housing in the city and she and her staff have been very innovative and helpful. He stated the city owes her a great deal for her work. Mayor Spano added his thanks to Ms. Schnitker and her team. He stated Ms. Schnitker and her staff have been responsive to residents especially during difficult times related to housing. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -2- Sept. 19, 2022 Councilmember Kraft thanked Ms. Schnitker for her education on affordable housing issues within the city and commended her on the creation of a great team and programs. Councilmember Dumalag also added her thanks, noting their sharing of a mutual friend helped to form a great working relationship when she first came to the city. She thanked Ms. Schnitker and her staff for their work. Councilmember Rog agreed with the comments made and thanked Ms. Schnitker for all the information she provided her when she came onto the council . She suggested the creation of a Michele Schnitker affordable housing fund. Ms. Walsh noted Ms. Barton is out of the country and not able to be at the meeting tonight but shared staff’s perspective and thanks for Ms. Schnitker’s steady calmness, and humor in all her work. She stated staff will miss Ms. Schnitker. 3. Approval of minutes 3a. Special study session minutes of June 20, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the June 20, 2022, special study session minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 3b. Special city council meeting minutes of July 11, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve the July 11, 2022, special city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 3c. Study session minutes of July 11, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Budd, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the July 11, 2022, study session minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 3d. City council meeting minutes of July 18, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve the July 18, 2022, city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Mohamed absent, Councilmember Kraft abstained). DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -3- Sept. 19, 2022 3e. Special study session minutes of July 18, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Budd, seconded by Councilmember Rog, to approve the July 18, 2022, special study session minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0-1 (Councilmember Mohamed absent, Councilmember Kraft abstained). 3f. City council meeting minutes of Aug. 1, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Kraft, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to approve the Aug. 1, 2022, city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 4. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 4a. Adopt Resolution No. 22-131 authorizing two-way stop signs on Brownlow Avenue at First Street. 4b. Adopt Resolution No. 22-132 authorizing two-way yield signs on 28th Street at Webster Avenue. 4c. Adopt Resolution No. 22-133 rescinding Resolution 19-114, removing permit parking at 3224 Xenwood Avenue. 4d. Adopt Resolution No. 22-134 authorizing installation of permit parking restrictions in front of 4815 W 42 ½ Street. 4e. Adopt Resolution No. 22-135 authorizing installation of permit parking restrictions in front of 3277 Library Lane. 4f. Adopt Resolution No. 22-136 authorizing installation of permit parking restrictions in front of 4105 Utica Avenue. 4g. Adopt Resolution No. 22-137 rescinding Resolution 01-055, removing permit parking at 3962 Xenwood Avenue. 4h. Authorize execution of a contract amendment to a professional services contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc. in the amount of $365,924 for the 36th Street and Wooddale Avenue Improvements – Project 4022-6000. 4i. Adopt Resolution No. 22-138 to recognize Michele Schnitker for her 23 years of service. 4j. Adopt Resolution No. 22-139 authorizing the special assessment for the repair of the sewer service line at 2828 Kentucky Avenue South, St. Louis Park, Minnesota. P.I.D. 08-117-21-43-0088. 4k. Approve an agreement between the city and T-Mobile Central LLC for communication antennas and related equipment to be placed on the city’s water tower at 5100 Park Glen Road. 4l. Adopt Resolution No. 22-140 delegating authority to make electronic fund transfers to the finance director and designation authorized staff as credit card officers. 4m. Adopt Resolution No. 22-141 electing not to waive the statutory tort limits for liability insurance. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -4- Sept. 19, 2022 4n. Approve the purchase of a replacement for the 2008 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck. 4o. Adopt Resolution No. 22-142 approving a fiscal year 2023 grant awarded to the St. Louis Park police department to fund a full-time DWI/Traffic Safety police officer. 4p. Accept Park and recreation advisory commission minutes of May 18, 2022. 4q. Accept park and recreation advisory commission minutes of June 15, 2022. Councilmember Brausen asked to make a comment regarding consent calendar item 4o. He noted this is the resolution to authorize a DWI grant program where monies will be obtained from the State of MN to fund a full-time traffic safety officer. He stated the grant has been approved and it will be utilized for increased travel enforcement . He wanted to note this to the community as there will be heightened forces on the street . It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Kraft, 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 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 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 8a. Adopt resolution approving 2023 preliminary property tax levy and setting the budget public hearing date for Dec. 5, 2022. Resolution No. 22-143 Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. Councilmember Brausen noted costs are going up for residents, but for the city as well . He stated this budget and levy is required for the times and while we won’t go over the 8%, he noted staff will look at other ways to save. Councilmember Rog asked what amount of ARPA funds were slated for the budget this year and what amount of funds were diverted to assistance for the water main break. Ms. Schmitt stated the city has spent $1 million of general fund balance on the watermain break. $700k of ARPA funds are being spent in the general fund with $2 million of ARPA allocated for general fund expense over a 3-year period. Councilmember Brausen stated we don’t have final figures on the water main break, but the council did authorize up to $2 million on claims. He added ideally before we have the final budget vote, we will have more information on the claims and final costs on DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -5- Sept. 19, 2022 this unanticipated expense, noting this has been a wakeup call for the city to act on water main issues with new technology. Councilmember Kraft asked about the valuation numbers and median household figures. He stated the levy is set and then apportioned out based on market values . He stated with the way things have changed over last year, it will be a bit more disproportionate with both homes and rentals. He stated he points this out to show the levies set tonight will result in a maximum increase of 7.7%. He added it behooves us to look at ways to lower this, as it’s a tough year for many. He added if there are opportunities to mitigate this debt bubble that will be helpful and there is more reason to do it. Councilmember Kraft noted the increase in the general fund vs. the debt portion, is at 5.9%. He stated this is where the work needs to be done by staff, adding he will su pport this. Councilmember Rog added she will also support this and agrees with everything that has been said. Councilmember Budd agreed with the sentiments of council and will support this. She noted fuel costs will go up 49% and some of that has leveled off, so she hopes the numbers are not overly conservative. Councilmember Dumalag explained she supports this and looks forward to having more conversations on how the watermain break has affected the budget, and is hoping to see the numbers improve. Mayor Spano added usually the number has been within 2-3% point, but this year the ask was much bigger and it’s around 14%, while staff has worked it down to 8%. He noted his appreciation to staff for this work and hopes this number can go down further as well. He stated he will also support this levy as presented. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 22-143, approving 2023 preliminary property tax levy and set the budget public hearing date for Dec. 5, 2022. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 8b. Adopt resolution authorizing the 2023 preliminary HRA levy. Resolution No. 22-144 Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. Councilmember Brausen noted this is the historical level the council has set the levy since 2001, so this is no real change, and he is supportive. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -6- Sept. 19, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 22-144 authorizing the 2023 preliminary HRA levy. The motion passed 6-0 (Councilmember Mohamed absent). 8c. Adopt resolution authorizing the 2023 preliminary EDA levy. Resolution No. 22- 145 Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. Mayor Spano noted the EDA levy gives staff the flexibility they need, so he supports this and has indicated he is comfortable with the amount of $500,000 proposed. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 22-145 authorizing the 2023 preliminary EDA levy. The motion passed 4-2 (Councilmember Mohamed absent, Councilmembers Kraft and Rog opposed). 9. Communications Councilmember Brausen thanked everyone for attending the MN Thai Festival and celebration. He stated he enjoyed it, thanked police and fire for helping with additional security, and added it was well attended. It was noted there is no city council meeting Monday, Sept. 26 , due to Rosh Hashanah. Councilmember Rog noted an event on Oct. 1 from Shout out Loud, which is an event about suicide, at the Roc from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Councilmember Brausen noted a virtual open house at 2 p.m., Wed., Sept. 21, related to the Cedar Lake Rd. and Louisiana Ave. project proposed for next year. He stated there is a link on the city website and encouraged all to attend . Councilmember Rog noted on Oct. 6, there is an open house related to the Minnetonka Blvd. project, which has been discussed by the county for over 15 years. It will be at the Roc and more information is available on the city website. Councilmember Kraft noted a voter registration event at the high school on Tues ., Sept. 20. Ms. Walsh noted Fri., Sept. 23, begins early voting and voter registration will be taking place at Aquila School from 5:30 – 7 p.m. for national voter registration day. Ms. Walsh added Police Chief Harcey is retiring and there is recruitment information on the city website. She added the next catalytic converter event is Oct. 19 with more information on the city website. DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A City council meeting -7- Sept. 19, 2022 Ms. Walsh also noted a free ride and drive event with electric vehicles on Oct. 6 from 5- 7 p.m. at Lennox Community Center. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 1F759556-A1EA-4846-BFA7-C557E476401A