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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/09/11 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - City Council - Study SessionAGENDA SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 The St. Louis Park City Council meets in person at St. Louis Park City Hall, 5005 Minnetonka Blvd. Members of the public can attend the meeting in person, watch by webstream at bit.ly/watchslpcouncil, or watch on local cable (Comcast SD channel 17/HD channel 859). Recordings are available to watch on the city’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/slpcable, usually within 24 hours of the end of the council meeting or study session. 6:30 p.m. City council study session – council chambers Discussion items 1. 10 min. Race Equity and Inclusion system part two kickoff 2. 45 min. Requiring accepting cash as payment in St. Louis Park Written reports 3. Overview of recycling opportunities for multifamily buildings 4. Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up 5. Request for additional financial assistance for Union Park Flats - Ward 2 St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority and regular city council meetings are carried live on civic TV cable channel 17 and replays are frequent; check www.parktv.org for the schedule. The meetings are also streamed live on the internet at www.parktv.org, and saved for video on demand replays. If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call 952.924.2505. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 11, 2023 Discussion item: 1 Executive summary Title: Race Equity and Inclusion system part two Recommended action: None at this time. Policy consideration: None at this time. Summary: The purpose of this report is to update council on the work that was introduced in the Race Equity and Inclusion (REI) system part one and provide an overview of the topics and concepts that will be introduced during the REI system part two. The report and accompanying presentation outlines the path the City of St. Louis Park has taken in its race, equity and inclusion work. Specifically, it builds understanding of the issues in our organization and intentionally and proactively introduces measures that break down barriers to creating a just and inclusive community. As a learning intention, through this report council members will learn how the race equity and inclusion division is clearing the path and providing leadership and direction to support measures that advance race, equity and inclusion with competence and confidence. Financial or budget considerations: None at this time. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: Discussion Prepared by: Radious Guess, race, equity and inclusion director Reviewed by: Jocelyn Hernandez, race, equity and inclusion specialist Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 1) Page 2 Title: Race Equity and Inclusion system part two Discussion Background: The race equity and inclusion division continues to develop and implement strategic policy, programs, and training to assist departments in creating and meeting equity goals. Staff provides leadership and direction to support measures that break down barriers in creating a more just and inclusive community for all. Staff serves as equity coaches and provides training and development opportunities for the city manager, council, boards/commissions and staff to build capacity for ongoing work in racial equity. Present considerations: The following topics are scheduled to be part of the REI system part two discussions. Tentative date Topic Notes Sept. 11, 2023 REI Kickoff Council will learn more about the progress in implementing of the REI work introduced in system part one. Sept. 11, 2023 Requiring accepting cash as payment Council will learn what we know about the unbanked issue and how it manifests in St. Louis Park. Council will learn what it will take to regulate it, what it would require of businesses/staff, and what outcomes we could expect. Sept. 18, 2023 Internship and career pathways approaches Council will learn about existing internship and career pathways programs and their intended evolution. Oct. 2, 2023 Boards and Commissions Council will program purpose and structure for our boards & commissions. Oct. 2, 2023 Cultural Observances Council will learn about the work we are doing around cultural observances – including and beyond proclamations. Oct. 9, 2023 REI Policy Update Council members will review a draft REI policy and the engagement summary/analysis. Oct. 23, 2023 Wrap-up Council will receive a summary of what was learned during the REI system part two. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 11, 2023 Discussion item: 2 Executive summary Title: Requiring accepting cash as payment in St. Louis Park Recommended action: No action is recommended currently. The purpose of this discussion is to determine potential impacts of requiring businesses to accept cash for payment of services and products in the City of St. Louis Park. Policy consideration: Does the council wish staff to continue exploring the impacts of establishing a policy to require businesses to accept cash as a form of payment? Summary: The issue of requiring businesses in St. Louis Park to accept cash as payment is multifaceted, including legal, business and enforcement considerations. An equity impact analysis is also critical to understanding the impacts of the decision. Staff has made progress on these questions since the topic was brought to council in June 2023, however, research has proven challenging. Staff is bringing this update to council with the intention of determining whether, given the information gathered, council is interested in continuing the policy development process. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to being a leader in racial equity and inclusion in order to create a more just and inclusive community for all. Supporting documents: Discussion Prepared by: Radious Guess, race, equity and inclusion director Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, building and energy director and Karen Barton, community development director Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 2) Page 2 Title: Requiring accepting cash as payment in St. Louis Park Discussion Background: The City of St. Louis Park strives to be an equitable and inclusive community and encourage all residents to participate in the economic life of the city. A key aspect of participation in economic life is the ability to purchase food and consumer products and services. When local businesses refuse to accept cash payment for products and services, it can have a negative impact on persons who are unbanked or under-banked. It is unclear the number of residents in the city that are unbanked, meaning they do not use or do not have access to traditional financial services including bank accounts, credit cards or personal checks. It is also unclear how many residents in the city are underbanked, meaning they might have a bank account but might often rely on alternative financial services. Unbanked residents may rely on the use of money orders, check-cashing services and payday loans rather than on traditional loans and credit cards to fund purchases and manage their finances. According to an FDIC Survey, Black and Latino households make up just 32% of the US population and represent 64% of the country’s unbanked and 47% of its underbanked populations. Many people fall into the categories of un- or underbanked people including youth, those with documentation concerns and those who are unhoused. Additionally, there are people who prefer to use cash as their tender for reasons of convenience, privacy or trust in banking. The adoption of an ordinance requiring businesses to accept cash for payment of services and products would reflect promising practices around the city’s racial equity work. Other jurisdictions (the cities of New York, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, the District of Columbia and the states of Massachusetts and New Jersey) have imposed requirements that retailers accept cash for purchases of food and consumer goods. Based on current staff research, an ordinance in St. Louis Park would be the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota. Present considerations: For residents that are unbanked or underbanked, the ability to purchase food and consumer goods and services often depends on the ability to pay in cash. The shift to a cashless society will disproportionately impact and be a challenge for many, including youth and the elderly, undocumented residents and the poor. This societal shift exposes them to the heightened risks of exclusion and financial abuse. Legal considerations: Minnesota does not have a state law requiring businesses to accept cash, and it does not have a statute which expressly authorizes municipalities to impose such a requirement. However, the city does have jurisdiction under its charter to enact and enforce an ordinance on the topic. Economic vitality considerations: Despite attempts to understand the scope of the issue, it is unclear how many businesses in the City of St. Louis Park have gone fully cashless though staff believes it is only a handful. The trend appears to have gained momentum during the pandemic to avoid touching currency. Research indicates that businesses cite the following as reasons to go cashless: Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 2) Page 3 Title: Requiring accepting cash as payment in St. Louis Park •Retail establishments are less likely to have a burglary or robbery •Overhead operating costs are reduced when businesses do not need to contract with a cash transport service provider •Transaction efficiency is increased, which is especially helpful when staffing resources are stretched If council wishes to continue exploration of this ordinance, more research will be needed to determine how many businesses are cashless and whether their reasons for being so reflect what is heard more broadly through research. Enforcement considerations: If adopted, this ordinance would be enforced on a complaint basis by the city’s building and energy department, similar to other business- related regulations. Next steps: If council wishes staff to continue the policy development process, staff recommends additional engagement to better determine the number of businesses that would be affected and how an ordinance would impact them. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 11, 2023 Written report: 3 Executive summary Title: Overview of recycling opportunities for multifamily buildings Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the recycling requirements and opportunities for multifamily properties. Policy consideration: None. Summary: The City of St. Louis Park requires multifamily properties meet certain ordinance requirements so that residents have access to solid waste management services, including the opportunity to recycle. Solid waste staff communicate about these requirements regularly with property owners and managers. Staff has also created additional programs to expand waste reduction and recycling opportunities beyond what is required on-site to residents. Financial or budget considerations: None Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. Supporting documents: Discussion Prepared by: Katie Stelzner, solid waste specialist Reviewed by: Kala Fisher, public works superintendent/deputy public works director; Jay Hall, public works director Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 3) Page 2 Title: Overview of recycling opportunities for multifamily buildings Discussion Background: The City of St. Louis Park requires multifamily properties meet certain ordinance requirements so that residents have access to solid waste management services, including the opportunity to recycle. Solid waste staff communicate about these requirements regularly with property owners and managers. Staff has also created additional programs to expand waste reduction and recycling opportunities beyond what is required on-site to residents. As outlined in Sec. 35-41 of city code, multifamily properties are required to meet the following ordinance requirements: •Minimum capacity for recycling: buildings must have a minimum of 20 gallons of recycling per dwelling unit per week •Recycling location: the collection point for recycling must be available to tenants at all times and be located in close proximity to garbage containers •Container or chute labeling: garbage, recycling, and organics collection containers are required to be designated and labeled by material type •Education: property management is required to provide educational materials to all residents upon move-in and annually thereafter The city also requires new buildings with 5 or more dwelling units, that receive $200,000 or more in city financial assistance, designate space for the collection of organics under the Green Building Policy. The State of Minnesota (MN Statute 115A.151) and Hennepin County (Ordinance 13, Section III) have similar requirements for waste management at multifamily properties. Both require the collection of recyclable materials, and Hennepin County has the same education and bin labeling requirements as the city. Present considerations: Technical assistance: City staff assists multifamily properties that are interested in starting onsite organics collection by walking them through the process of working with solid waste haulers and directing them to financial and technical assistance opportunities provided by Hennepin County. The county has dedicated staff to provide technical assistance and a partnership with Minnesota Waste Wise, a foundation run by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce that handles technical assistance requests from multifamily properties. Waste Wise offers free on- site technical consultations to multifamily properties interested in waste reduction, through both recycling and organics collection. Assisting property managers and residents in this process is vital, as contamination rates and turnover remain high at multifamily properties, so haulers can be resistant to adding additional waste streams. The financial assistance provided by Hennepin County through grants helps to overcome the initial hurdles, but the biggest barrier to onsite collection remains the high cost of adding regular organics collection from private haulers. Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 3) Page 3 Title: Overview of recycling opportunities for multifamily buildings Multifamily organics drop-sites: To allow multifamily residents access to organics collection, the city piloted a drop site program in 2017 and made five of the sites permanent in 2018 (one being seasonal to prevent issues with snow removal). There are now 11 drop sites throughout the city, as six new sites were added in 2022. Locations were determined by trying to place a drop site in different sections in the city, near high concentrations of multifamily residents and on city property. Each site is locked in the spring, summer and fall to prevent contamination, and includes signage that has information on how to participate, including a QR code to sign up. Participation in this program is completely free — residents just have to sign up online and pick up their annual allotment of compostable bags from city offices. As part of the program, the city also has a list of multifamily residents participating and communicates with them regularly about program changes. Communication and outreach: Each year, solid waste staff partners with the housing division to present at the rental licensee training, as well as St. Louis Park Area Rental Coalition (SPARC) meetings. Solid waste staff also maintains a contact list for property managers and sends annual education reminders. Multifamily residents also receive citywide communications about recycling and waste reduction opportunities (annual recycling and organics guide, participation in Recycling Champion trainings and annual swap events). Next steps: Staff will continue to explore additional opportunities to grow and expand education on recycling and organics and identify opportunities to expand access to organics collection. Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 11, 2023 Written report: 4 Executive summary Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up Recommended action: None. The purpose of this report is to summarize the outcomes of the recent discussions within the Environmental Stewardship system study sessions. Policy consideration: None. Summary: From August 14 to September 11, 2023, the council held a series of discussions focused on advancing the city’s strategic priority related to environmental stewardship. The council’s discussions focused on public policy topics in energy, lithium-ion battery safety and tree preservation. Staff also provided the council with written reports to provide information on the numerous activities, programs, and policies underway across departments to further climate goals and support environmental stewardship. This report serves as a summary of all the discussions and reports and includes the council direction provided. Financial or budget considerations: Funds are budgeted in the 2023 budgets for a variety of programs related to environmental stewardship. Should the council desire a change in work, additional resources may be required. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to continue to lead in environmental stewardship. Supporting documents: Discussion Prepared by: Emily Ziring, sustainability manager Reviewed by: Brian Hoffman, director of building and energy Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 4) Page 2 Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up Discussion Background: This system included study sessions covering a range of topics from energy to trees to recycling. Reports on these topics were considered and discussed by the city council, and where appropriate, direction on future expectations and outcomes was provided to staff for implementation. A summary of the topics covered in this system includes: Meeting subject: Environmental stewardship system kick-off Date: August 14, 2023 Overview: Council was provided with a written report about environmental stewardship in St. Louis Park, including an overview of the staff whose work focuses on environmental issues, the Climate Action Plan, and the Climate Investment Fund. The topics proposed for study throughout the system included current programs and offered opportunities, identified by both council and staff, for expansion or adjustment where applicable. Outcomes: No questions or comments were received. Meeting subject: Sustainability division program status Date: August 14, 2023 Overview: Sustainability staff presented their division’s incentive programs including a description of their approach to factoring environmental justice into all of their community- facing programs. They described staff outreach and engagement strategies, publicity strategies, and historic and projected program participation data. Outcomes: Council indicated support for sustainability division programs. There were several specific questions on topics including advanced strategies of the Climate Action Plan, electrification, and regulatory options for requiring climate action in the community. A few council members pointed out that the world is in a climate crisis and that everyone in the community needs to participate or the world will be unlivable in a matter of decades. Meeting subject: Lithium-ion battery safety Date: August 14, 2023 Overview: Steve Koering and Brian Hoffman presented on fire safety concerns around the use and charging of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and in mobility devices such as e-bikes. The presentation explained why lithium-ion battery fires are more dangerous and fast-moving than other types of fires and what puts a battery or charger at higher risk of fire. Chief Koering added that regulatory changes to increase safety are underway at the state and national levels but that it is important to provide education to city leadership and to residents given that so many lithium-ion batteries are already in use. He also mentioned that the strategy necessary to deal with battery fires will demand changes to fire department response, including equipment, and that it is impossible to eliminate all risk of battery fires. Outcomes: It was the consensus of the council to have staff review adopted city codes and policies relevant to lithium-ion battery usage for potential amendments. Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 4) Page 3 Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up Meeting subject: Tree policies and programs Date: August 14, 2023 Overview: Council was provided with a written report intended to provide background information on tree planting and maintenance in St. Louis Park. The background information included existing policies and plans to develop tree programs, responding to requests from the public and identifying funding needs; staffing and budget; public and private tree planting programs; and current tree policies. The 2023 Urban Forestry Management Plan was attached to the report. Outcomes: No questions or comments were received. Meeting subject: Tree preservation and planting strategies for setting and reaching a canopy goal Date: August 28, 2023 Overview: Staff presented historical background about council’s interest in a tree inventory and in setting a tree canopy goal. Staff recommended that the inventory of public trees underway continue using AmeriCorps staff and that council adopt a tree canopy goal that reflects the near-term continued loss of trees due to emerald ash borer followed up an upturn until the goal is eventually achieved. Staff also presented a number of options for improving existing tree preservation strategies, including further enforcing tree protection during construction, protecting more trees through treatment, improving enforcement of approved landscaping plans and increasing resources to support young tree watering. New ideas for tree preservation and planting were then presented, including adopting a new heritage tree definition and rules, protecting heritage trees for removal from commercial lots and providing incentives in the landscaping section of the zoning code for preserving healthy trees. Staff discussed extending the private land tree removal ordinance to include existing single-family and two-family lots; however, staff did not recommend this due to significant barriers to enforce and administer such an ordinance and more resources than may be justified for minimal benefit. Outcomes: Council approved continuing to use AmeriCorps staff to complete the public tree inventory. Council also supported the idea of setting a tree canopy goal. Council requested that administrative changes be made to expand subsidies for treating private trees using monies from Climate Investment Fund and that additional work be put into educating residents about tree care. Council requested additional information and discussion about heritage tree preservation, including extending the private land tree removal ordinance to include existing single-family and two-family lots. Council also encouraged staff to put together a request for additional resources to fund education, enforcement and tree maintenance in preparation for future budget discussions. Meeting subject: End uses of compost Date: August 28, 2023 Overview: Council was provided with a written report explaining the process for turning food scraps and yard waste into finished compost. The report also details the many beneficial applications of compost and the creative ways that the compost is used in St. Louis Park. While staff continue to focus on food waste reduction and prevention, the compost process ensures that the organic waste remaining contributes to a healthier community. Outcomes: No questions or comments were received. Study session meeting of September 11, 2023 (Item No. 4) Page 4 Title: Environmental Stewardship system wrap-up Meeting subject: Overview of recycling opportunities for multifamily buildings Date: September 11, 2023 Overview: Council has been provided with a written report about current recycling requirements for multifamily buildings, education and outreach by staff, and technical assistance available to property owners/management to comply with requirements and improve their collection programs. The report also describes the additional programs created to expand waste reduction and recycling opportunities beyond what is required on-site to residents. Outcomes: Council questions and comments will not be known until after this wrap-up report is published. Any questions or comments received will be responded to via staff on or after September 11, 2023. Staff anticipates that the report provides council with a baseline understanding of the requirements for multifamily buildings ahead of staff developing additional options to improve or expanding recycling requirements for discussion with council next year. Next steps: • Fire department, planning and building & energy staff will: o Review adopted city codes and policies relevant to lithium-ion battery usage for potential amendments in an effort to reduce potential hazards • Natural resources, planning and sustainability staff will: o Continue with public tree inventory o Restructure the cost share program for private tree treatment and add an environmental justice element o Meet with communications to discuss additional resident education opportunities o Consider additional resource requests to support trees in future city budgets o Research and prepare future reports for:  Establishing a tree canopy goal and timeline for reaching it  Proposing a heritage tree definition and opportunities to apply it through programs and ordinances for public and private trees Meeting: Study session Meeting date: September 11, 2023 Written report: 5 Executive summary Title: Request for additional financial assistance for Union Park Flats – Ward 2 Recommended action: None at this time. The EDA and city council will be asked to consider the formal approval of additional financial assistance for the Union Park Flats development on September 18, 2023. Policy consideration: Does the EDA and city council support providing an additional $200,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) to facilitate the previously approved, all- affordable Union Park Flats development? Summary: The EDA and city council entered into a contract for private development with PPL SLP LLC, an affiliate of Project for Pride in Living (PPL) (“redeveloper”), on May 1, 2023. Under the contract, the redeveloper agreed to construct the proposed Union Park Flats development as specified under the PUD, and the EDA agreed to provide a $450,000 deferred loan from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF). At that time, the development was fully funded and was on track for a July 2023 closing. However, in early July, PPL’s upper-tier investor unexpectedly exited the deal, due in part to concerns about the instability in the nonprofit affordable housing sector and financial challenges across their LIHTC portfolio generally. That, combined with rising interest rates, made it impossible to find a new investor at the original credit pricing of $0.925. PPL has identified a new investor that is able to close quickly and provide a credit pricing of $0.835. This 9-cent difference created a $2 million gap in the project’s financial feasibility. PPL has taken the following steps to fill the latest gap: increasing its deferred developer fee to $500,000, assistance from Minnesota Housing Finance Assistance (MHFA) who will provide a $500,000 deferred loan, applications to Hennepin County for additional Pandemic Recovery funds for $500,000, and PPL has identified up to $525,000 of value engineering items, which it would like to keep as low as possible. Additionally, it has requested further financial assistance from the city. Financial or budget considerations: The EDA and city council previously agreed to provide a $450,000 loan from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) to reimburse the redeveloper for specified redevelopment and affordable housing costs in connection with the Union Park Flat’s development. Ehlers, the EDA’s financial consultant, and staff recommend the city provide an additional $200,000 from the AHTF to help close the financial gap and bring the project to fruition. The redeveloper would begin annual payments on the loan once the project is completed which is anticipated in late 2024. Strategic priority consideration: St. Louis Park is committed to providing a broad range of housing and neighborhood oriented development. Supporting documents: None Prepared by: Jennifer Monson, redevelopment admin Reviewed by: Greg Hunt, economic development manager Karen Barton, community development director, EDA executive director Approved by: Kim Keller, city manager