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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/04/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session (2) Official minutes City council study session St. Louis Park, Minnesota April 24, 2023 The meeting convened at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, Nadia Mohamed Councilmembers absent: Margaret Rog Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), building and energy director (Mr. Hoffman), community development director (Ms. Barton), housing specialist (Ms. Olson), racial equity and inclusion director (Ms. Guess) communications and technology director (Ms. Smith). Guests: Jim Alexander, project director, Metropolitan Council 1. Metro Green Line extension light rail construction overview and update Mr. Alexander presented the report providing construction updates and stated there are no new financial or budget considerations. The staff report noted the city has already contributed a total of $5.61 million to the project. Mayor Spano asked if the trail at Louisiana Avenue could be opened sooner. Mr. Alexander stated it’s best to open the whole segment, noting there is more grading and paving to be done and the hope is that work can be completed this summer. Once the work is complete, this segment could be opened. Mr. Alexander added he will continue to work with the contractor to improve on these dates where possible. Councilmember Dumalag asked if the change order is due to the civil engineering changes that triggered the systems changes. Mr. Alexander stated yes, that is correct. Councilmember Brausen asked if there will be any lane closures anticipated near H ighway 100 in 2023. Mr. Alexander stated there will be some and noted this will be added to the map after it is clarified. Councilmember Dumalag stated a resident had reached out related to some disruption in their home, possibly due to pile driving. Mr. Alexander noted the tracks should be completed by November 2023 and the stations by December 2023. He added the trail will be completed in St. Louis Park in 2024 and noted pile driving is completed at this point in St. Louis Park, with less disruption now than earlier. Councilmember Budd asked about the Luce Line connection completion in 2025 . Mr. Alexander stated that is correct, noting the station work is a bit behind, and they are working to see if it can be completed a bit earlier. Mr. Alexander introduced Diane Anastos as the city’s contact person, and noted additional information on Metro Green Line Extension can be found at www.greenlineext.org. He added DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C4A41F2-D338-43F4-8B8A-998653FC63CD Study session minutes -2- April 24, 2023 anyone can sign up to receive weekly construction updates on this site and the 24-hour hotline number for construction-related issues is 612.373.3933. He noted a virtual town hall meeting will be held on Wed., April 26, from 6-7 p.m., and the link is located on the “meetings and events” page of the website, as well as a walking tour May 18 at 12:30 p.m. at the Louisiana Station . Mayor Spano asked about complaints from residents, noting he has not heard many and residents seem to have adapted to the project. He asked Mr. Sullivan for an update. Mr. Sullivan stated there has been a reduction in emails and calls, explaining early on most of the calls were related to pile driving. There were some comments about construction start times, which have since been addressed. He noted staff also fields more questions when new detours are established, and typically people are directed to the website for more information. Mayor Spano noted the inclusion of people of color and women in the construction of the project has been a priority, and he appreciates the attention to this by the Metropolitan Council. 2. Tenant protection ordinance Ms. Olson presented the staff report. She asked if the council continues to support this ordinance and, if they do, do they want to remove the July 1, 2023, expiration date and adopt a formula to calculate relocation benefit amounts. Councilmember Brausen stated he is supportive of the ordinance, and believes it is meeting the intended purpose. Councilmember Mohamed agreed, stating she is also supportive. She asked if after the 90 days expire, will the benefits continue to be paid. Ms. Olson stated if the rent increases, and if residents stay in the property beyond the 3 months, there is no relocation benefit . She explained to date there have been no relocation benefits paid out as the buyer has not made any changes within the 90-day period. Councilmember Dumalag added she is also supportive and asked why it expires July 1, 2023. Ms. Olson stated St. Louis Park was the first to adopt an ordinance of this type, so the council wanted to be sure this approach would work for residents. Councilmember Budd asked who wrote the NOAH definition. Ms. Olson stated at the time that the inclusionary housing policy required 18% of units at 60% AMI . The inclusionary housing policy now has a higher percentage, but a change is not recommended. She explained if the percentage increased to 20% affordable there would be more affordable units required to meet the NOAH definition, so no change keeps the threshold lower. Councilmember Budd stated she is also supportive of the proposed amendments. Mayor Spano stated he too is supportive of the proposal. He asked if any complaints have been received from owners or renters on the policy. Ms. Olson stated there have been no complaints, but sometimes tenants receive a letter and are confused because they don’t understand what it DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C4A41F2-D338-43F4-8B8A-998653FC63CD Study session minutes -3- April 24, 2023 means. She noted if they have a relationship with the city, folks call in w ith questions and staff can help provide clarification. Mayor Spano stated he is glad to hear folks are calling the city for clarification and understanding . He noted this is to be as smooth as possible of a transition. Councilmember Farris stated she will support this. Councilmember Budd asked if legislation passes related to housing in the state, will the city have to adjust its policy. Ms. Olson stated not for this policy, but changes would be required to the regulations related to eviction notices. If the state passes the 14-day policy, then the city would need to adjust. Councilmember Budd asked where she can direct residents that have issues at their building residence. Ms. Olson noted staff in the building and energy department will inspect properties if tenants ask for assistance. Communications/meeting check-in (verbal) Councilmember Dumalag thanked staff for their update on hiring targets , noting it is great information. She asked for an update on PLACE and e-generation completion. Ms. Barton stated the PLACE E-Gen facility and greenhouse will not be completed by the deadline and the receiver is focused on getting the building leased, stating it’s at 15% leased right now, so they are working on this. She stated staff meets with PLACE representatives regularly, adding they may come to council with a request for formal amendments in the future. Councilmember Dumalag asked if the delays are related to business terms, occupancy, or construction. Ms. Barton stated the building is fully completed, but they have had issues with the size of units compared to the rent charged, and now have reduced the rent to help get more units leased. They are also offering 2-months of free rent and assistance with utilities and parking to get units rented. She stated the 50% AMI units are fully leased. She noted the qualifications for the 80% AMI units are very narrow, and the receiver is looking at ways to adjust the 80% AMI requirements. Ms. Keller announced a press release will be coming out on the city being a SMART 911 city, and residents can now provide important information upfront to emergency services about their homes and situations to aid in response services. Councilmember Budd stated this is very proactive and great information, especially for those who may call 911 more frequently. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. Written Reports 3. Quarterly development update – 2nd quarter 2023 4. Quarterly investment report – 1st quarter 2023 ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 4C4A41F2-D338-43F4-8B8A-998653FC63CD