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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/02/06 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 6, 2023 1. Call to order Mayor Spano called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 1a. Pledge of allegiance 1b. Roll call Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog Councilmembers absent: none Staff present: City Manager (Ms. Keller), City Attorney (Mr. Mattick), Deputy City Manager (Ms. Walsh), Director of Community Development (Ms. Barton), Engineering Director (Ms. Heiser), Engineering Project Manager (Mr. Sullivan) Communications and Technology Director (Ms. Smith), Senior Project Manager (Ms. Shamla) Guests: Mr. Imholte, consultant 2. Approve agenda It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 6-0. 3. Presentations 3a. Nancy Weiman-Schmelzle retirement recognition Mayor Spano read the proclamation into the record honoring Ms. Weiman-Schmelzle for her work as a firefighter and community EMT, and as a social worker. Ms. Weiman- Schmelzle thanked the city council, Chief Koering, former Chief Gill, and Deputy Chief Severn. She encouraged the council to always be open to new ideas that would serve the community well. She also thanked her family for their love and support in her career with the city and stated she will miss the city but leaves with a feeling of pride and appreciation. Chief Koering added many things the fire department does today are because of Ms. Weiman-Schmelzle’s work and the framework she built, and they will miss her. Councilmember Rog also honored Ms. Weiman-Schmelzle for her work in the community and the fire department. She added seeing her at all the community events DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -2- Feb. 6, 2023 to represent fire and EMT made her proud to see a woman and a neighbor in that role and she wished her all the best. Mayor Spano added his compliments of Ms. Weiman-Schmelzle and the fire department. He thanked her family for their support and sacrifice, adding the city owes her family a huge debt as the community is safer and is in a better place because of her work. Rachel, Nancy’s eldest niece, thanked Mr. Weiman-Schmelzle, on behalf of all the cousins. She stated she showed her family how to exceed expectations and they support her. 3b. Recognition of donations Mayor Spano recognized the donations for a $50 gift card from Lunds & Byerlys and a $50 gift card from The Home Depot to be used for programs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 4. Approval of minutes - none 5. Approval of agenda and items on consent calendar 5a. Accept city disbursement claims for the period of Dec. 24, 2022 , through Jan. 27, 2023. 5b. Adopt Resolution No. 23-019 approving the renewal of liquor licenses for the license term March 1, 2023, through March 1, 2024. 5c. Reject the bid received on January 19, 2023, for the removal of nuisance trees on public property for 2023-2024 and authorize rebidding the project. 5d. Designate Shadywood Tree Experts as the lowest responsible bidder and authorize execution of a contract with the firm in the amount of $387,235 for the removal of nuisance trees on private property for 2023 – 2024. 5e. Adopt Resolution No. 23-020 approving the conditional use permit amendment to allow building and site improvements at St. Louis Park High School subject to the conditions recommended by staff. 5f. Adopt Resolution No. 23-021 authorizing the removal of weight restrictions on street segments identified in the report. 5g. Adopt Resolution No. 23-022 to recognize Fire Captain Paul Rosholt for more than 26 years of service. 5h. Approve the 2022 Pay Equity Report. 5i. Adopt Resolution No. 23-023 approving acceptance of a $50 gift card from Lund’s & Byerly’s and acceptance of a $50 gift card from The Home Depot to be used for program needs at Westwood Hills Nature Center. 5j. Appoint representatives to advisory boards and commissions as listed in Exhibit A. Mayor Spano commented on consent calendar item 5g, related to Fire Captain Paul Rosholt for his 26 years of service, and wished him well in his retirement. DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -3- Feb. 6, 2023 It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Mohamed, 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. 6. Public hearings 6a. First reading to rescind Ordinance 642 restricting parking on Minnetonka Boulevard, Traffic Study No. 772 Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report. Councilmember Rog asked when this goes into effect. Mr. Sullivan stated in 2024. Mayor Spano asked if this goes into effect in March . Mr. Sullivan stated it would go into effect 20 days after publication, but staff recommends it not be implemented until 2024, along with parking restrictions. He added this can be reorganized or the language can be updated. Mayor Spano stated the ordinance goes into effect in March but there is no enforcement of the plan until construction beings in 2024. Mr. Sullivan agreed. Councilmember Rog confirmed there will still be parking in front of YUM Restaurant. Mr. Sullivan stated yes, and noted the project will be located one block away from the restaurant. He noted stalls will be replaced where they are displaced in the area and parking is not affected until the project begins in 2024. Mayor Spano opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Spano closed the public hearing. Councilmember Rog stated she is still enthusiastic about this project especially being in Ward 1, and she will approve it. It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Dumalag, to approve the first reading to rescind Ordinance No. 642 restricting parking on Minnetonka Boulevard, Traffic Study No. 772. The motion passed 6-0. 7. Regular business 7a. Adopt resolution granting approval of the preferred alternative for the Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project and the Louisiana Avenue reconstruction project Resolution No. 23-024 DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -4- Feb. 6, 2023 Mr. Shamla presented the report. Mr. Imholte answered questions from the public hearing. He noted the feedback from the public included in the council report and provided answers to questions from the public. Councilmember Brausen asked about utility work in the fall of 2023. Mr. Shamla stated because the city was able to acquire some federal monies, the construction has been pushed back to begin with utilities in 2024. Councilmember Brausen asked if there will be any delays and if Louisiana Avenue would be completed in 2025 because of this delay. Mr. Shamla stated at this point the city does not anticipate this, but more will be known in the next month if this plan is approved. Councilmember Brausen noted the enhanced crosswalks and pedestrian activated lights, with two placed on Cedar Lake Road, and two on Louisiana Avenue. Mr. Imholte stated that is correct, with three lights on Cedar Lake Road and three along Louisiana Avenue. Councilmember Brausen added he has had questions related to intersections at Cedar Lake Road and Texas, and at Nevada Avenues, where it has not been determined if the signals will be moved. Mr. Imholte added both those intersections will be evaluated this spring. Councilmember Brausen added he presumed the public will have more opportunities to provide feedback related to these potential changes. Mr. Shamla stated yes, there will be additional public engagement before final designs are approved . Councilmember Brausen confirmed council will be asked to give final approvals in late 2023. Mr. Shamla stated yes. Councilmember Budd asked about safety of roundabouts and pedestrian traffic . She noted in the design the maximum proposed crossing lanes for pedestrian traffic is two, when currently it is five lanes of traffic, and asked if that is correct. Mr. Imholte stated yes. Councilmember Budd asked about driveways to the retail areas. Mr. Imholte reviewed this information for council. Councilmember Brausen asked about several other driveways. Mr. Shamla stated they will remain open. Councilmember Budd asked if truck aprons will be plowed. Mr. Shamla stated yes . Councilmember Budd asked if people are not familiar with roundabouts, will there be an education element to this project. Mr. Shamla stated that is a great idea and there are questions that still come up, adding he will work with communications to get this out . Ms. Keller added she is discussing this with Ms. Smith currently. DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -5- Feb. 6, 2023 Councilmember Budd stated she is hopeful the roundabouts can handle the heavy volume of traffic in the area. She asked about the studies conducted on this. Mr. Imholte stated MnDOT has conducted studies, and roundabouts reduce serious and fatal crashes by up to 80%. He added this roundabout has been designed with the higher traffic volumes in mind for today and projected 10 years from now as well. Councilmember Dumalag noted the roundabouts and asked if the city has data on existing roundabouts. Ms. Heiser stated the city participated in a MN study on roundabouts, but the results are not back yet. Councilmember Dumalag added roundabouts do reduce the number of accidents and seriousness of crashes and are safer for pedestrians, especially moving forward. Councilmember Rog added she is supportive of this project. She stated she likes sidewalks and protected bike lanes which are always safe for the community. She noted she appreciates alternative routes that avoid Louisiana Avenue for bikers, which provide cost savings and safety. Councilmember Rog noted bikers can be confused in roundabouts. She noted younger children who rides their bikes to school and asked how they would travel north on Louisiana Avenue and west on Cedar Lake Road to get to the middle school. Ms. Heiser stated today there is no bikeway on Louisiana Avenue or connection . She stated bikers should take the Dakota Bridge and then up to Cedar Lake Road bike facility with an activated flasher or go through the neighborhood on an alternate r oute. She added way-finding and the app “getting around town” will have these routes once they are constructed. She added there is also “Bikes for People” that can help with education. Mr. Imholte explained how bikers can navigate the roundabout, noting crossings with lights along the route and the one-way cycle tracks. Councilmember Rog encouraged using as much signage as possible. Councilmember Rog asked that the Q & A from today’s meeting be posted to the city website. Ms. Heiser stated it is posted and an email was sent out to the city’s project email list. Councilmember Rog asked about the landscaping. She noted some are confused if some landscaping can inhibit safety with traffic. Mr. Shamla stated the goal is to provide landscaping to block the view, so people only see what is coming from the left, adding this is the safest way. Councilmember Rog asked about impacts on businesses during construction and what impacts there may be. Mr. Imholte stated there will be impact to businesses and residents, adding the road will be shut down to thru traffic during construction, but open to businesses and residents with slower speeds in construction zones. He added more details will be forthcoming. DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -6- Feb. 6, 2023 Mr. Shamla added businesses can be asked to come in weekly to discuss with staff and construction staff to minimize impacts as much as possible. Ms. Heiser added they will work closely with the city communications team as well. Mayor Spano asked about the lanes approaching the roundabout and asked for clarification. Mr. Imholte stated all the pavement markings will match the standards required by MnDOT. Mayor Spano stated he uses the city roundabouts and is accustomed to them , adding predictability is helpful with these. He noted it looks like there is a split as traffic comes in eastbound and asked for clarification on this. Mr. Imholte stated the design will be more enhanced and larger, reducing conflict points. He stated this area will be signed appropriately. Mayor Spano stated he is supportive of this project generally, noting roundabouts are becoming more common in many cities across the country. Councilmember Brausen added he is also supportive of this design and the proposed improvements in Ward 4 will address the need to rebuild these two roadways that residents use every day. He stated these designs are the results of years of study, research, and community engagement. He thanked the engineering staff and consultants and all residents who have participated in this process. He stated each have had an impact on this design and represent a collective best effort to rebuild these roads. He added these roads need to be rebuilt and 10 years ago when he came on the council, this was scheduled for 2016, and now it will finally happen in 2024. Councilmember Brausen stated these improvements will support our infrastructure and road systems and will offer residents a variety of options to make their way around the city comfortably, safely, and reliably, by walking, driving or biking, and with new sidewalks, tracks and roadways. He added this looks to be environmentally sustainable by encouraging walking and bicycling and the use of the roundabout will facilitate safer and better traffic movement, and significant reduction s in carbon emissions due to traffic flow -- 8.5 tons of lesser emissions flow. Councilmember Brausen added the costs include design, materials, construction and property acquisitions and the city has been fortunate to get $2 million from federal funds and $7 million from the Met Council, to reduce these costs significantly. He thanked them both for their investment in local infrastructure and stated the balance will be paid from bonding and utility funds, so all residents of the city will share these costs. Councilmember Brausen stated there are cost impacts to the environment, including tree impacts, as the plans call for the removal of 70 trees on Cedar Lake Road and 15 more on Louisiana Avenue. He stated this is very personal to him as 10 of the trees are on nearby where he lives. While he noted the city replaces those trees, he stated he will DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C City council meeting -7- Feb. 6, 2023 not live long enough to enjoy those trees reaching their maximum growth and it saddens him. However, it is necessary to create these roads that will last for 50 to 100 years, and this is about investing in the future. He added there will be trees along the roadways in the future, and staff will preserve the mature ones . Councilmember Brausen noted the disruption to people’s property during the project, and that some will even have their properties acquired. To those folks, he stated the city is sorry and this is being done only because it must be to build these roads in a responsible manner and to fulfill goals for the transit system . He encouraged impacted property owners to reach out to the council or city staff with questions and concerns . Councilmember Brausen stated finally there is cost to all residents who drive these roadways adding this project will be disruptive for a while and he apologized for this, noting it will be necessary to improve these roadways. He thanked residents of Ward 4 and the rest of the city in advance for their courtesy, consideration, and patience in making this project work. He stated there is no perfect road construction project, but the proposed design represents the city’s best efforts to rebuild those roadways and improve them. It was moved by Councilmember Brausen, seconded by Councilmember Budd, to adopt Resolution No. 23-024, granting approval of the preferred alternatives for the Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project and the Louisiana Avenue reconstruction project. The motion passed 6-0. 9. Communications Ms. Keller noted the West Metro home remodeling fair is Feb . 26, 2023, in Hopkins at the Eisenhower community center, from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. and folks can connect with staff directly at the event. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 16EA2209-3D9A-42FD-A57D-ED28CFA9B43C