HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/07/24 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular
Official minutes
Special city council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
July 24, 2023
1. Call to order.
Mayor Spano called the special meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
a. Pledge of allegiance.
b. Roll call.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag,
Yolanda Farris, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog
Councilmembers absent: none.
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), finance director (Ms. Cruver), deputy city manager
(Ms. Walsh), community development director (Ms. Barton), communications and technology
director (Ms. Smith)
Guests: Will Anderson and Chris Sherman, Sherman Assoc.; Stacy Kvilvang, Ehlers
2. Approve agenda.
Councilmember Rog requested that item 5a be removed from consent to regular business as
item 7a.
It was moved by Councilmember Brausen and seconded by Councilmember Mohamed to
approve the agenda as revised.
The motion passed 7-0.
3. Presentations – none.
4. Minutes.
a. Special study session minutes of June 5, 2023
It was moved by Councilmember Rog, seconded by Councilmember Budd, to approve the June 5,
2023, special study session minutes as presented.
The motion passed 7-0.
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5. Consent items.
a. Resolution approving a business subsidy to Beltline Mixed-Use LLC and an amendment
to the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant agreement
This item was moved from consent to regular business as item 7a.)
6. Public hearings – none.
7. Regular business.
a. Resolution approving a business subsidy to Beltline Mixed-Use LLC and an amendment
to the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant agreement (Ward
1).
Councilmember Rog noted she is opposed to a portion of the staff recommendations for
additional direct financial assistance to the developer and will vote against the business
subsidy.
Councilmember Mohamed stated the council needs to have a conversation about how
developers put apartment units together. She raised concerns because only one building has
affordable income units and prefers mixed income. She noted data shows that when mixed
incomes come together, there are opportunities for breaking the cycle of poverty and she
would appreciate the council having a proactive stance or conversation around this.
Mayor Spano stated that at one time mixed income was done, and he agrees with the
comments made by Councilmember Mohamed. He has no current concerns about the fit and
finish of the affordable units in the Sherman project. Ms. Keller added staff is working toward
mixed income housing as well and added it to the legislative priorities list of the city.
It was moved by Councilmember Dumalag, seconded by Councilmember Brausen, to adopt
Resolution No. 23- 088, approving a business subsidy to Beltline Mixed-Use LLC and amendment
to the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant agreement.
The motion passed 5-2 (Councilmembers Rog and Budd opposed).
8. Communications and announcements.
• Citizens Police Academy will be offered this fall and is open to any interested adults who
live or work in St. Louis Park; More information is on the city website.
• Fall Tree sale starts on August 1, 2023 for St. Louis Park residents, up to 3 trees may be
purchased at the price of$35 each.
• Wednesday July 26, the city will host a candidate open house for anyone interested in
running for the offices of council member At Large A, B or mayor. Staff will be present to
meet with people and answer questions.
• August 24 at 10 a.m. at the ROC, the city will host its second Naturalization Ceremony.
Mayor Spano noted it is an impressive and moving event and a great opportunity for
people to experience. Councilmember Brausen agreed, stating it provides an
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opportunity to see how appreciative and excited people are to become citizens of the
United States. Councilmember Mohamed added it is the height of patriotism and she is
very excited about the event.
9. Adjournment
The special meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor
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