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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/11/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Regular Official minutes Special city council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Nov. 13, 2023 1. Call to order. Mayor Spano called the special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Council members present: Mayor Jake Spano, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, Nadia Mohamed, and Margaret Rog Council members absent: none Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal), and engineering project manager (Mr. Sullivan) Guests: Kelly Grissman and Stephen Shurson, Three Rivers Park District 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations – none. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Oct. 16, 2023 city council meeting b. Minutes of Oct. 16, 2023 special study session It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Mohamed, to approve the Oct. 16, 2023 city council and special study session minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items – none. 6. Public hearings – none. 7. Regular business. a. Resolution No. 23-143 canvassing results of the Nov. 7, 2023 municipal election DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -2- Nov. 13, 2023 Ms. Kennedy presented the staff report. The following are the results of the Nov. 7, 2023 municipal election: • Mayor – Nadia Mohamed • Council Member At Large A – Yolanda Farris • Council Member At Large B – Paul Bauduin Ms. Kennedy noted there was 24.2% voter turnout, which was the highest turnout for a municipal election since at least 1987. Of those who voted, 21% voted before Election Day, either by mail or in person at city hall. She added the rate of spoiled ballots was 1.2%, significantly lower than in many other communities who typically see a spoiled ballot rate of 3- 4%. She thanked those who worked as election workers, noting they are the reason elections are successful in St. Louis Park. Mayor Spano thanked all candidates for running and described candidacy as a wonderful opportunity to get to know the community. He also thanked Ms. Kennedy and her staff for their hard work on the election. He thanked voters as well for getting out and voting. Council Member Mohamed expressed her gratitude for being an elected representative and thanked voters. She pointed out that every candidate worked hard on getting voters to turn out, so the high voter turnout is not surprising. She stated that she will abstain from the certification vote. Council Member Farris also thanked all voters and was thankful to get to know many new people during the campaign process. She added she also will abstain from the certification vote. Mayor Spano pointed out that abstaining from a certification vote is not an uncommon practice when a council member’s name appeared on the ballot. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag , seconded by Council Member Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 23-143, canvassing results of the Nov. 7, 2023 municipal election. The motion passed 5-0-2 (Council Members Mohamed and Farris abstaining). Ms. Kennedy described the post-election review process, during which a hand count one office in each of two precincts will be conducted to verify the accuracy of the equipment used in the election. A random drawing was conducted and precincts #8 and #4 were selected for the post- election review. The office of Council Member At Large A was selected to be the contest reviewed. She noted the hand count would verify the total number of votes recorded for the office at each position on the ballot. The review is scheduled for Tues., Nov. 14, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the council chambers at city hall. b. Three Rivers Park District CP Rail regional trail – St. Louis Park recommendations with public comment Mr. Sullivan presented the staff report. Ms. Grissman and Mr. Shurson from Three Rivers Park District presented the details of the project. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -3- Nov. 13, 2023 Mayor Spano opened the public comment portion of the meeting. Zach Kindt, 2732 Dakota Ave., said he has attended several of the public engagement hearings. He asked about the bike lane restriping on Dakota and Louisiana Avenues and about mitigation efforts. Near the new light rail, he noted traffic going directly over the tracks is a concern. He stated that residents were given a choice between preserving trees or parking, and he felt Mr. Shurson was dismissive of his questions. He stated there has been public input, but he does not think feedback has been addressed, nor have concerns been dealt with by Three Rivers. He asked council to get answers from Three Rivers before deciding on this project. Jennifer Zupan Maiser, 29th and Colorado Ave., asked for careful consideration on this project, that trees not be removed from Dakota Avenue, and that another option be utilized. She added the community has already lost many mature trees due to development of light rail and other connections within the city. She stated the city’s response is to plant more, but with environmental factors, new trees have less chance of survival. She asked the council to look at other options for a trail connection down Dakota Avenue. Tom Weber, 2800 block of Dakota Ave., noted he recently moved to Dakota Avenue, and he sits on the planning commission. He stated the city does work hard to do right by its residents and build trust. He noted that about two years after the city built the Dakota Avenue bikeway, there is now a proposal for a bike path by the park district. He is not sure the public will differentiate between the projects. Consecutive projects may seem like sloppy planning, decreasing trust in government. He encouraged the council to consider this. The current bikeway has separate designs along Minnetonka Avenue, and he is hesitant to support this new project unless the park district incorporates the city’s bike plan findings from two years ago. He asked the council to secure this guarantee from the park district before signing off on this project. He added the postcards residents received show a wider bike path and smaller trees and he would like to hear more about this before the council moves forward. He stated there is already a connection on Dakota, and the regional trail should be moved to the Louisiana Station area to make traffic there safer. He added he likes bike paths and likes construction less, especially when it seems duplicative and makes changes that the city seemed to want to avoid originally. Colleen Kroeten, 3221 Dakota Ave., noted she is not sure if this project will be on her side of the street and if there will be a sidewalk for her to walk her dogs. She pointed out there is a bike path currently on Dakota Avenue. If a new bike path were built, this would be an excellent opportunity to expand for Louisiana Avenue, adding there are other options without reconstructing the bridge or impacting trees. She stated if the regional trail is built on Dakota Avenue, she has many questions especially since there is already a bike path there. Laurie Folz, 3247 Dakota Ave., requested if the regional trail moves forward, council make the sidewalk less than 10 feet wide, as expected bike and foot traffic would not need that much space. She pointed out that with a wide sidewalk, she does not know where the snow will go during the winter. She added the street is really dark, so please consider lighting and she would like parking back on her side of street. She asked about tax implications for homeowners over the long term. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -4- Nov. 13, 2023 Cynthia Maldonado, 3243 Dakota Ave., shared that she met with Council Member Budd regarding the proposed route. She observed that traffic on Dakota Avenue tends to move fast. If the area will be used for biking, traffic needs to be slower, especially with the high and elementary school locations. She expressed concern about the level of engagement with residents on Dakota Avenue, adding she had not heard about this project until August and would like to have more time to discuss it prior to moving forward. She would like more options vs. just the one offered. David Sievin, Florida Ave., said the question is whether there be a north/south bike trail and if it is decided that there will be a trail, folks will be impacted regardless of the location. He added the city does not have enough land for a regional trail. He stated that Dakota Avenue makes the most sense, especially with the new bridge over the railroad tracks and the rail station. Marc Berg, Webster Ave., asked what is happening on segments B and D, noting that was not clear to him and he would like clarification to figure out the preferred route. He reviewed the comments posted publicly to Three Rivers and observed a lot of opposition to putting the trail on Dakota Avenue, adding he sympathizes. He stated Dakota Avenue is pretty good for biking as it is, and he is not sure why Three Rivers would not be fine with just leaving this segment in place as opposed to putting in a new mixed-use bike trail. He asked why Louisiana Avenue is not a better alternative to result in more traffic calming, asking that this option be looked at also. Robert Kip, 3041 Louisiana Ave., shared that as a resident of Louisiana Avenue, he welcomes any and all improvements to his area. He noted the Louisiana Avenue segment keeps getting pushed back for Connect the Park improvements, adding Louisiana Avenue needs improvements. He pointed out a proposed development at the southeast corner of Louisiana Avenue and the railroad for a street level connection, and asked if this proposal was configured into the bike trail project. He added the north/south corridor is important to the city as there is so much need for improvement on Louisiana Avenue and this bike project could be folded into improvements there. Gene Genelinko, 3129 Dakota Ave., said he works from home and his office overlooks Dakota Avenue. He observes that younger people and those with children do not use the bike lanes, they use the sidewalk. When he asks them why, they say they use the sidewalks because the bike lane is not safe, and Dakota Avenue is too busy. He noted traffic is much faster than 25 mph and 30 mph also. He commended the Three Rivers public engagement process. Colleen (gave her first name only), 29th and Louisiana Ave., asked if there are still plans for a roundabout on Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue. Mayor Spano replied yes, that is a separate project that staff can speak about. Brittany (gave her first name only), 31st and Dakota Ave., stated she often works from home and rarely sees bikes going along Dakota Avenue, so there does not seem to be a need for it. She added she has current concerns about where snow is removed from sidewalks. She drives her child to Peter Hobart Elementary and observes very heavy traffic. She added she has her child ride his bike to school on the sidewalk for safety and she is concerned about how the proposed construction would further complicate school traffic. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -5- Nov. 13, 2023 Shawn Talberg, 3248 Dakota Ave., shared he is at the corner of the high school and Dakota Avenue and consistently observes high speeds on Dakota Avenue, adding the 25-mph speed limit is not enforced. He suggested the Connect the Park project should be added to this bike trail project. He pointed out that patrons of Parkway Pizza generally park on the east side of Dakota Avenue. Business parking would be redistributed through the neighborhoods if a trail were to replace that parking option. Anne (gave her first name only), 29th & Nevada Ave., said she is excited about having a north/south trail on Dakota Avenue to reach retail in the area. She stated whether it is Louisiana Avenue or Dakota Avenue, she trusts the council and Three Rivers to build and maintain safe trails. Peggy Flanagan, Dakota Ave., shared she recently moved to the area and is now a homeowner after renting for approximately a decade. She does not know if they would have purchased their home on Dakota Avenue had they known about the potential bike trail route. She stated the tree canopy on their street is notable and she does worry about children who walk to Peter Hobart Elementary. She appreciates the council’s thoughtfulness and urges them to carefully consider this project, noting we do need more trails for folks to bike, adding they enjoy the Greenway. She summarized that the route is troubling in regard to tree canopy plans. Council Member Budd stated most of her questions have been answered by Three Rivers Park District. Council Member Dumalag thanked the residents for testifying. If council had more questions for staff on December 4, she asked if the December 15 timeline could still be met. Mr. Sullivan replied the schedule provided was at the direction of Three Rivers. He noted Three Rivers would like to apply for federal funding for the project on December 15, but they do realize this is a public process and defining the right route is very important to the process. Mr. Sullivan pointed out that engagement and direction is more important than the timeline. He added if they choose to pass this deadline, the next funding application opportunity would be in two years. Mr. Shurson agreed with Mr. Sullivan’s comments. Council Member Budd asked if Three Rivers will apply for this funding opportunity only if the council agrees to the recommended route of Dakota Avenue. Mr. Shurson indicated the application would be strongest with city support. Mr. Sullivan added a recommended route is preferred and if it is a different route, there will be additional work, and ultimately it is frowned upon to have to make changes and can prevent the project from being funded. Council Member Rog asked about potential tree impacts on Dakota Avenue and on the north side of Minnetonka Avenue. Mr. Shurson showed a slide with two different trail options, preserving certain variables of parking, sidewalk and tree canopy. In the option where priority was set for parking on both sides of the street, trees would not be preserved. In the other option where trees are prioritized, the plan provides parking on one side of the street only. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -6- Nov. 13, 2023 Council Member Rog asked what the Three Rivers Park tree philosophy or policy is in preserving trees. Mr. Shurson stated they are a natural resource-based organization and value trees as much as residents do. Ms. Grissman added that tree loss is part of any regional trail corridors development. She added this is unfortunately an impact of developing trail systems. Council Member Rog asked which stakeholders will make the decision between prioritizing parking or trees. Mr. Sullivan explained a process similar to how other city infrastructure projects are done; the council would be making those decisions, informed by the public process and engagement. Council Member Rog observed several residents made good cases about how work has already been completed along this corridor and has been determined to be safe by city standards. She asked what the differences are between the city’s project from two years ago and this proposed project. Ms. Grissman pointed out the facilities in place now have a focus of serving a local neighborhood benefit and connections, while adding a regional trail it is adding a regional benefit and extending routes beyond the neighborhood. She added the corridors extend to multiple parts of the city as well as multiple cities. She noted with additional folks using the trails there are added benefits to the city, such as more money spent at city businesses. She noted also that some folks today stated they do not think the trails in place are safe for children to bike on, so that is also a consideration. The city has shared the road conditions and Three Rivers is proposing to put in a bike trail where a sidewalk is and having a curb and boulevard that is separate from motor vehicles. She added this is a different and higher level of safety than is currently in place. Council Member Rog asked if, in the metro area, there are other segments of regional trails that are not separated from traffic. Ms. Grissman recalled a few instances where there is a share- the-road area and no public right of way; these segments are typically half a block. Council Member Rog reiterated there is an opportunity to apply for this particular funding every two years. Mr. Grissman stated that is correct, adding if the trail is changed from Dakota to Louisiana Avenue, they would most likely not be able to apply for the funding as it is a different project. She noted the Dakota Avenue project is a regional trail and the Louisiana Avenue project would require complete road reconstruction and Three Rivers would likely not take the lead or financial responsibility of completed reconstructing Louisiana Avenue but would be a partner. Council Member Brausen asked if there would be a first and second reading on this proposal. Mr. Sullivan clarified that at this time, staff is asking only for council direction. Ms. Grissman added Three Rivers is not interested in pushing the route forward at a speed that is uncomfortable for the city or the community. She restated that Three Rivers is interested in getting the route right and having the full support of council. The December 15th deadline is merely an opportunity. DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -7- Nov. 13, 2023 Council Member Brausen asked where Golden Valley stands on this currently and if the connection would go on Florida across the bridge. Mr. Shurson confirmed that is correct. He noted Three Rivers has presented this route to the Golden Valley Park Commission, but not yet to their city council. Council Member Brausen asked if St. Louis Park preferred the Louisiana Avenue route; would that cause substantial friction with the Golden Valley portion of the project. Mr. Shurson replied they would need to work with Golden Valley and possibly re-route. Council Member Brausen asked if part of the Golden Valley route would go along Winnetka Avenue, if the council were to select something along the west side of Louisiana Avenue. Mr. Shurson explained that would be too far west, and the farthest west option would be through Laurel Avenue to Greenbelt Park and Pennsylvania Avenue. Council Member Brausen asked if this project is dependent on the federal funding. Ms. Grissman clarified most of their funding comes from federal sources, and that Three Rivers has taxing authority, which is not their preferred option. She reiterated if they are not able to apply this year, there will still be another opportunity for federal funding in two years. Council Member Brausen asked if Three Rivers would be responsible for all maintenance costs after the project was completed. Ms. Grissman confirmed Three Rivers would be responsible for all maintenance costs of the trail, except for winter maintenance, which local communities are better situated to provide. For winter maintenance, Three Rivers reimburses by the mile. Council Member Brausen asked if this project would be done in 2029. Ms. Grissman replied that is correct. He also asked if the project proceeds and then the council does not like it, can it be vetoed. Ms. Grissman said typically the route is determined, then the council approves, then Met Council approves, and the project moves forward. At that point, a corporate agreement is written between Three Rivers and the city and there are design determinations involved along with additional public engagement. Mayor Spano asked if this would involve municipal consent. Mr. Sullivan stated yes, this would follow a municipal consent process. Mayor Spano added then once council gives approval on this plan, then that is final. Ms. Grissman responded that municipal consent would not be on December 15, but would come years later with a design plan in place. Mayor Spano asked Mr. Sullivan to provide the milestones on this to the council. Mayor Spano asked if federal leadership changes, what is the likelihood that program parameters may also change. He asked what the city’s timeline is around Louisiana Avenue, noting that timeline would be helpful to know also. He asked on the maintenance piece, would the city end up carrying more. He would like more information on this from public works. Council Member Rog asked how much money this project will cost. Mr. Shurson shared it is in the $5-7 million range, he could not venture a guess on Louisiana Avenue. Council Member Rog added that Louisiana Avenue is currently not in the CIP. She noted that is a choice made by council, and possibly, the council might decide this is a priority project and they would like to create synergy with the Three Rivers project also. She added there may be DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F Special city council meeting -8- Nov. 13, 2023 more transportation funds available from the state and federal funding for roads could support the Louisiana Avenue project as well. She asked Mr. Sullivan to confirm the Louisiana Avenue project is not in the CIP currently. Mr. Sullivan said that is correct. Council Member Rog asked if there is a reason for that. Mr. Sullivan replied he will follow up to provide more details as well as other federal funding opportunities. Council Member Mohamed thanked all those who commented this evening. For those that were not able to be at the meeting, she encouraged them to reach out to city staff. She thanked staff and council for the information provided and questions asked. Mayor Spano thanked the council and Three Rivers for stating they want to get this right. No action is required this evening. 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Keller shared that fall leaves and brush will still be collected up through this weekend and then this is done for the season. She also noted bins are the police department for Toys for Tots collection until December 8, and for any size coats collection through Nov. 30. Ms. Keller also noted a boards and commissions workshop, will be held Nov. 21 at the Nature Center to gather additional input regarding proposed changes to the program. 9. Adjournment. The special meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Jake Spano, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: 7405E1C3-D81A-4CDB-8E52-422F2F12164F