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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022/12/19 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Dec. 19, 2022 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:54 p.m. 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Larry Kraft, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog Councilmembers absent: none. Staff present: City Manager (Ms. Keller), Finance Director (Ms. Schmitt), former Police Chief Harcey, Police Chief Kruelle, Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Communications and Technology Director (Ms. Smith) Guests: None. 2. Approve agenda. The agenda was approved as presented. 3. Presentations 3a. Retirement recognition for Police Chief Michael Harcey Mayor Spano read the proclamation in honor of the retirement of Police Chief Harcey after 31 years of service. Ms. Keller commented on Chief Harcey’s years of service to the community and highlighted his many accomplishments over the course of his career, including the ways he modeled servant leadership, commitment to policing, and treating people with dignity during his tenure. Councilmember Mohamed commented on her interactions with Chief Harcey, and the police department. She stated she has always felt secure and safe in her city and that is because she knew Chief Harcey and the police officers. She thanked Chief Harcey for his encouragement of her advocacy and policy work, as well as her work on the city council. Councilmember Brausen stated he has grown to know Chief Harcey adding he has a tremendous amount of respect for him and his work in the city, noting his calm and measured service during difficult challenges in the city and the metro area. He noted the city will miss him. DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -2- Dec. 19, 2022 Councilmember Dumalag stated she appreciated Chief Harcey always taking the time to proactively address and examine specific issues in her ward and throughout the city. She also thanked him for explaining issues to the council and how the police force deals with challenges. Councilmember Kraft thanked Chief Harcey for helping steer the council and the city through turbulent times, including COVID and the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd. He appreciated the open and transparent way he worked with the council on different approaches to policing. He stated culture in the police force is important and thanked Chief Harcey for his focus on that. He stated Chief Harcey is a great act to follow and thanked him for the foundation he laid in this position. He also stated residents support and are appreciative of the city’s approach to and he thanked Chief Harcey for his work to help foster relationships and trust within the community. Councilmember Rog thanked Chief Harcey for his calm leadership and demeanor and responsiveness to questions. She stated he took his job seriously and that built trust and confidence for herself and the council. She appreciated his leadership during many turbulent times and thanked Chief Harcey for his compassion. Councilmember Budd added her thanks for Chief Harcey’s work to welcome her to the council and for his leadership in the community. She added she appreciated his transparency and his openness to the council’s questions. Mayor Spano stated he has had many communications from residents and others about the work, service, and leadership of Chief Harcey and his team. He noted the city is a better and safer place because of Chief Harcey’s work and guidance over the years. He thanked Chief Harcey’s family for the sacrifices they made to allow him to serve the city for so many years. Chief Harcey thanked the council for their kind words and recognized his team, volunteers, and civilian staff members, who all helped him reach this point in his career. He thanked his wife and family for their support . He thanked the council for their support during turbulent times, former city manager Tom Harmening for promoting him and supporting his development, city manager Keller, and other city staff members for their support and collaboration. He thanked the officers in the department, adding he will miss everyone, and commended Bryan Kruelle, who has been deputy chief these past five years, and wished him all the best as he takes on the role of police chief. 3b. Administer oath of office to Police Chief Bryan Kruelle Ms. Kennedy administered the oath of office to new Police Chief Bryan Kruelle. Ms. Keller welcomed the new chief and his family and stated Chief Kruelle has been with the department for nearly 20 years. She stated he embodies the city’s values and will ensure that the department is a learning culture that will continue to build upon the model for community policing and extend that to mentorship within the ranks, especially for women and people of color. She noted everyone who knows him trusts DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -3- Dec. 19, 2022 Chief Kruelle and she is excited for the leadership and vision he will bring to the new role. The city council welcomed Chief Kruelle to his new role and stated they look forward to working with him to ensure the best possible service for the community. Chief Kruelle stated he is honored and humbled to serve as the departments next chief. He thanked former Chief Harcey for his guidance, support, and friendship. He also thanked city manager Keller for her confidence, support, and trust and he looks forward to being part of the leadership team. He noted nothing is more important than the trust of the council and community. He stated he is optimistic about the city and policing and is committed to working hard to advance policing in St. Louis Park. 3c. Recognition of Councilmember Larry Kraft Mayor Spano noted Councilmember Kraft was elected to the state legislature in November and this is his last meeting as a member of the council. He stated in his time on council, Councilmember Kraft has brought a different perspective, energy, and thoughtfulness to advancing the city’s strategic priorities. Mayor Spano presented a plaque to Councilmember Kraft. Councilmember Rog stated Councilmember Kraft has contributed so much during his time on the council, and she will miss how he studies, and researches every detail, and will also miss his humor, sense of delight, and his intellect. She noted Councilmember Kraft used his time on council well and was able to advance many topics and policies. She stated Councilmember Kraft showed courage and thoughtfulness, led the council in many ways, and thanked him for his service. Councilmember Mohamed stated Councilmember Kraft did not want to be a one i ssue member and noted he was extremely engaged and advocated for many policies, particularly around climate and affordable housing initiatives. She stated she hopes the council will be able to find the same type of energy Councilmember Kraft brought to the group and role. Councilmember Brausen stated Councilmember Kraft did a large amount of work these past three years and he is saddened that Councilmember Kraft will be leaving because he added so much to the council and city. He thanked Councilmember Kraft for his service. Councilmember Budd added Councilmember Kraft will be sorely missed and she loves his energy and commitment to the city, while she is also super excited about Councilmember Kraft’s new role at the legislature. Councilmember Dumalag stated she will miss having Councilmember Kraft on council, but she is grateful he is moving into his new role and will be representing a majority of DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -4- Dec. 19, 2022 St. Louis Park. She is jealous of the new relationships Councilmember Kraft will make, noting he is always ready to listen and understand many issues. Ms. Keller stated she has appreciated Councilmember Kraft’s read on complex problems, and added she loves when he asks, “what does success look like”. She stated he helps get everyone to a critical level of thought and noted in his new role, Councilmember Kraft will continue to bring a high level of personalized service to residents. Councilmember Kraft thanked the council for their comments, adding it means more than he can express. He stated this is a very bittersweet moment. He is very excited to serve at the state legislature, but will miss the councilmembers, staff, and the working relationships he has developed. He thanked his wife and children for their support and the young people of St. Louis Park who initiated the process of the climate action plan. He thanked Seth Roe and the Sun Sailor and the service he provides to the community, along with former City Manager Harmening for his guidance. He added thanks to city staff and stated he continues to be impressed on how much they care and take ownership of their work. Councilmember Kraft thanked Ms. Keller for her work and leadership, and stated he is excited to work with her in a different way for the city. He thanked his fellow councilmembers including Anne Mavity and Rachel Harris, who are no longer on council. He noted he respects each of them, their leadership, and their care for the community. He stated it has been energizing to work with this team and to help the city be the best it can be. He stated he is proud of the work they have done together. He also thanked the residents of St. Louis Park for giving him the chance to serve on council and now, in a different role, on the legislature. 3d. Recognition of donations Mayor Spano thanked Evan Toske for $30, Tom and Nance Wollette for $500, and Jay Jaffee for $47.40 for program supplies to be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4. Minutes – none. 5. Consent items 5a. Adopt Resolution No. 22-188 to recognize Michael Harcey for his 31 years of service. 5b. Adopt Resolution No. 22-189 confirming a 3% general increase for non-union employees effective 1/1/23. 5c. Adopt Resolution No. 22-190 approving fund creation and budget amendment. 5d. Approve Title VI Plan. 5e. Adopt Resolution No. 22-191 accepting work and authorizing final payment in the amount of $9,599.30 for project no. 2421-5005 with Bituminous Roadways, Inc., Contract No. 104-22. DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -5- Dec. 19, 2022 5f. Adopt Resolution No. 22-192 approving acceptance of program supplies and $577.40 to be used for park enhancements or program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 5g. Adopt Resolution No. 22-193 authorizing parking restrictions on roadways near the Beltline LRT Station. 5h. Authorize staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the 2023-2028 solid waste collection services. 5i. Reappoint Bob Tift to the Fire Civil Service Commission for a 3 -year term, expiring on December 31, 2025. 5j. Adopt Resolution No. 22-194 designating polling places for the 2023 election cycle. It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, 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 7-0. 6. Public hearings – none. 7. Regular business 7a. Adopt resolutions approving the 2023 budgets and authorizing the 2023 final property tax levy, authorizing the 2023 final HRA levy, authorizing the 2023 final EDA levy, and approving the 2023-2032 capital improvement plan. Resolution Nos. 22-195, 22-196, 22-197, 22-198 Ms. Schmitt presented the staff report. She explained the proposed levy includes a 7.02% increase for 2023, noting this is about 1% lower than the preliminary levy. She stated the proposed HRA levy is $1,582,696, which includes the housing rehabilitation and affordable housing trust funds. The EDA levy is proposed at $500,000, to be used for staff salaries in the development fund. The capital improvement plan includes items proposed to be completed in 2023 in the amount of $23,155,188. Ms. Schmitt noted the tax impact on a median value home is a 12.6% increase, which is a monthly change of approximately $15 per month. She reviewed the state tax relief programs available to residents. Councilmember Brausen thanked staff for their work. He stated adopting the annual budget is the single most important and challenging task the council takes on each year. He noted adopting of the budget involves allocating resources to provide core city services, rebuild and maintain infrastructure, and support programs to address pressing issues on climate, race equity, and affordable housing. Councilmember Brausen stated this is particularly challenging during a time when construction costs are rising, inflation is present, and there is an increase in debt service. Despite the extenuating circumstances, the levies allow the city to keep providing services while keeping the increased costs lower than the inflation rate. He stated the budget reflects the city’s DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -6- Dec. 19, 2022 values and this budget will continue to provide high -quality municipal services including public safety, plowing roads, and a host of other services while striving to provide help to those in our community who need it in a fair and equitable manner . He stated he will continue to support the proposed budgets and tax levies. He also thanked the residents of St. Louis Park and stated their willingness to pay the cost of doing this work is greatly appreciated. Councilmember Mohamed stated she is also in favor of the proposed levies and thanked staff for their work. She stated the first goal is to support the city’s 50,010 residents, while not taking anyone out of the city. This budget allows the city to invest in the community and focus on providing more affordable housing, promoting climate action, and race equity initiatives. She noted she understands inflation and the cost of living continues to rise, but she would rather do what is necessary to keep city services and levy increases consistent from year to year. Councilmember Rog stated she supports the general levy, but feels the council is not considering the year over year increases in tax burden, especially on seniors with fixed incomes. She supports the strategic priorities but stated the city cannot do it all. She referenced the impact of all three levies, as well as the school district levy, seem unduly burdensome and unsustainable. She stated, however, she will vote in favor of the general levy but will not be able to continue to support increases at this level in the future. She noted she wants to end or reduce subsidies in the form of TIF, suggesting if these funds were added into the general fund versus going back to the developers for payment over 20 years, this would make a difference. She looks forward to continuing this conversation with the council in 2023. Councilmember Dumalag thanked staff for their work, noting this has been a long process with discussions beginning in April. She stated she will support the proposed levies and noted the budget reflects the values and strategic priorities of the city as well as the importance of core city services. Councilmember Kraft added he will support the general and HRA levies as well. Councilmember Budd stated she also will support the levies. Mayor Spano stated he agrees with Councilmember Brausen’s comments and thanked staff for their work. He thanked residents, noting there are increasing demands on them, and council must be responsive to the needs of the community. He stated the council will continue to listen to residents and prioritize the work of the city. He added he will support the budget and levies as presented. It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to adopt Resolution No. 22- 195, approving the 2023 budgets and authorizing the 2023 final property tax levy. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A City council meeting -7- Dec. 19, 2022 It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to adopt Resolution No. 22-196, authorizing the 2023 final HRA levy. The motion passed 7-0. It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to adopt Resolution No. 22-197, authorizing the 2023 final EDA levy. The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Rog and Kraft opposed). It was moved by Councilmember Mohamed, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 22-198, approving the 2023-2032 capital improvement plan. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications Councilmember Brausen thanked City Attorney Mattick and his staff for all the work they do to support the council and the city’s work. Councilmember Mohamed wished all residents, Happy Hannukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays. Ms. Keller added Happy Kwanza and Happy Winter Solstice and noted there is no meeting next week. The next council meeting is January 3, 2023. a. November 2022 monthly financial report b. Planning commission study session minutes from Oct. 12, 2022 c. Planning commission study session minutes from Oct. 19, 2022 9. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: DFFF9340-D3BB-4895-924A-B8945204F30A