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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/12/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Dec. 18, 2023 1. Call to order. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. and said the city council will honor outgoing Mayor Jake Spano this evening. 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), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh) community development director (Ms. Barton), finance director (Ms. Cruver), building and energy director (Mr. Hoffman), city clerk (Ms. Kennedy), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott- Lerdal), fire chief Koering, police chief Kruelle, police officer McNeely, police officer Peek, associate planner (Ms. Kramer), planning manager (Mr. Walther) Guests: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts Executive Director Mike Mellas and Friends of the Arts board chair Jen Kos, Lin Muangmode of the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, State Representative Joachim, State Representative Latz, State Representative Kraft, Mayor Patrick Hanlon, and St. Louis Park residents, family and friends 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Mohamed, seconded by Council Member Rog, to approve the agenda as amended with Item 5i removed from the consent items. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Recognition of service for Mayor Spano Mayor Pro Tem Brausen introduced Senator Amy Klobuchar who made comments by telephone. Senator Klobuchar congratulated Mayor Spano and his family for his service to the city. She also congratulated incoming Mayor-Elect Mohamed, noting she is the nation’s first Somali-American mayor. Senator Klobuchar noted Mayor Spano’s background in local government and recalled his support for her campaign when she began her bid for the U.S. Senate. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -2- Dec. 18, 2023 Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan congratulated Mayor Spano on his achievements in the City of St. Louis Park. As resident of St. Louis Park, she commended the city on being the best in the State of Minnesota and commented on how lucky she and her family feel to live here. Lt. Governor Flanagan illustrated the mayor’s ability to listen to all residents and the reasons that led her family to decide to live in St. Louis Park. These “phenomenal “ reasons included Mayor Spano’s deep commitment to families who are struggling, to racial equity; to making sure everyone in the community is seen, heard, valued and safe. She commended Mayor Spano for guiding the city in difficult times after the murder of George Floyd and for navigating the pandemic. She thanked him for his leadership and commitment to all who live within the city - not only as the Lt. Governor of the State of Minnesota, but also as a resident of St. Louis Park. Concluding her statements, Lt. Governor Flanagan read a Proclamation from herself and Governor Walz in commemoration of Mayor Spano and his work in the City of St. Louis Park. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon recognized the work Mayor Spano had done as his colleague in the Office of the Secretary of State. He also commented on Mayor Spano’s work during the pandemic, during the community’s struggles following the murder of George Floyd, and the election disinformation campaign. Secretary Simon admitted that when Mayor Spano left his office, he was happy to be one of the mayor’s “stepping-stones.” He went on to say that residents have not seen the last of Jake Spano; he has served thoughtfully and graciously, and also leaves a big footprint. Secretary Simon thanked the mayor for his service to the state and the City of St. Louis Park. St. Louis Park Friends of the Arts Executive Director Mike Mellas and Friends of the Arts board chair Jen Kos presented a gift to the Mayor on behalf of the Friends of the Arts and the city council. Mr. Mellas thanked Mayor Spano for his dedication to the city and the arts, and presented the Mayor with a customized work of art. Ms. Muangmode with the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota thanked Mayor Spano on behalf of the Wat Prom community. She thanked him for his support of the Thai and AAPI communities of MN, and his support of the Thai festival each year as well. She introduced the Abbot of Wat Prom who presented Mayor Spano with a handmade bouquet of fresh flowers. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen introduced attendees State Representative Joachim, State Representative Latz, and (former St. Louis Park city council member) State Representative Kraft. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen presented outgoing Mayor Spano with a plaque on behalf of the city and city council recognizing his 12 years of service to the city. Council Member Mohamed recognized Mayor Spano and his family and thanked them for their service and sacrifice over the years. Her recognition elevated their support for the mayor and his work over these many years. Council Member Rog thanked Mayor Spano, noting he has given so much of his time and energy these past 12 years. She pointed out that the mayor always showed up to lead the city, responding to emails, and reading proclamations. He was thoughtful in his leadership, thorough in communication, and energetic in his role, and she added how much he loves the city. She DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -3- Dec. 18, 2023 shared that though they may have “butted heads over the years,” St. Louis Park style is to carry no hard feelings. Council Member Rog gave examples of how Mayor Spano’s leadership guided the council during transitions of city managers, council members, and from old ways of doing things to new ways. She stated he is a protector who spoke and led to safeguard the city; she believes Mayor Spano has always had the best interests of the city at heart. She thanked him for everything he has provided for the city over the years. Council Member Farris shared that over the years, she came to know Mayor Spano through phone conversations as he sought her opinion. She thanked Mayor Spano’s wife Cate, who helped with Council Member Farris’ work with women and children during the pandemic. She thanked them for welcoming her to St. Louis Park, their friendship, and for the “hard conversations.” Council Member Dumalag recalled how she first met Mayor Spano and his wife Cate and thanked him for his work as councilmember and mayor. Mayor Spano connects with people, and especially one-on-one. She thanked him for his support during her campaign and his kindness during the time they had to connect. Council Member Budd added her thanks and noted the mayor’s support for her over the past two years as a ward council member. She expressed thanks for his support with complex issues since taking on her role. Ms. Keller shared that today is an important day that feels as though it has come upon the council quickly. She is honored to offer her congratulations and gratitude to Mayor Spano for bringing her on board and for shepherding the city during his 12 years on council. Ms. Keller said that residents see the public face of councilmembers; however, they do not always see who people are “behind the scenes.” Mayor Spano is an amazing advocate for the city residents’ needs. She added he gives of himself deeply, responds to concerns thoroughly, dives into complex issues, and is always willing to come to the table to problem solve no matter what the issue is. Ms. Keller added Mayor Spano can separate himself from what he wants and what the best interests of the city are, admitting that is not an easy charge. She thanked him on behalf of staff for the deep respect he shows to everyone, and his understanding of staff’s work. She stated this sets the tone for the city: how staff operates and helps to set purpose and dedication that staff embody toward the entire city. She stated it has been a privilege to work with Mayor Spano and she is excited to celebrate him. Ms. Keller concluded that she looks forward to the first email she receives from St. Louis Park resident Jake Spano. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen recalled that he ran against Mayor Spano for city council several years ago, and they met to discuss issues prior to the election. He and Mayor Spano had similar concerns and interests – he added Mayor Spano beat him by several hundred votes in that election. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen stated he supported Mayor Spano as a great representative of the city, and in the meantime, Mayor Spano stayed in touch with him. He noted Mayor Spano asked him his thoughts about environmental issues in the city and shared many of his DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -4- Dec. 18, 2023 concerns. He is honored to have collaborated closely with Mayor Spano; the direction he has steered the city has been wonderful, the city is in a much better place, and Mayor Spano’s steady leadership has been instrumental. Mayor Spano confided that the comments made by all have been greatly appreciated if not awkward. He noted we are sitting on lands that were stolen from native peoples in Minnesota and these same native peoples are thriving contemporary contributors of public life. He noted the Lt. Governor is a fact of that and he wanted to make note of this before he began his remarks. Mayor Spano thanked all in attendance for being here tonight. He stated he is not excited to be done being mayor and will miss it, but as the old adage goes, “you always want to leave 15 minutes before the party ends” and he wants to remember his time as mayor with fondness. He ran because he felt he had some skills that would benefit the community and has had the benefit of being able to carry the city’s story to many places, spaces and people; however, he does not “do halfway” very well. He has treated his mayoral role as a full-time position and that has kept him away from many things. Mayor Spano said he will miss the opportunities to help, but while he feels he still has skills to help, others do as well, and it feels right to support their growth in whatever way he can. He added there are other things he wants to accomplish in his life, and this is simply the right time to move on. Mayor Spano stated being on city council is fully about people and added he owes so much to so many. He thanked Senator Klobuchar who took a chance on him, and added she has been a fierce ally of his and a friend to the city. He also thanked Mayor Chris Coleman who showed him the possibilities of local government to change people’s lives. Additionally, he thanked Secretary Simon who reminds him daily you can be a decent person and an effective leader. He thanked Lt. Governor Flanagan who, he noted, was a friend long before she was a colleague, and who the state is fortunate to have protecting us daily. Mayor Spano thanked city staff, noting the council and staff are a team in city government. He added our staff makes this city the envy of every other city around, evidenced by other cities seeking to hire St. Louis Park staff. He thanked Tami Strohmeyer and Tim Pokorny. He explained how Ms. Strohmeyer oversees the front desk and carries her duties out with grace and professionalism. He also noted Mr. Pokorny is the overnight maintenance person who makes sure the city offices are always in good shape for the next day. Mr. Pokorny is always the last person he sees as Mayor Spano walks out of city hall and he always has a smile on his face no matter how hard either of their days had been. Mayor Spano thanked all city staff, past and present. Mayor Spano thanked his colleagues past and present as well, and for their caring so much about their neighbors. He added while they do not always agree on everything, that is not a bad thing, adding it is how they disagree that is important, and they have always found a way to disagree without being disagreeable. This is a total team effort. He thanked everyone for making him better at his job, and apologized for the many times he has made mistakes. He encouraged incoming Mayor-Elect Mohamed, and he hopes she loves this job as much as he has. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -5- Dec. 18, 2023 Mayor Spano thanked his neighbors and stated in the past 12 years, they have been through a lot as a community, noting the murder of St. Louis Park resident George Floyd as well as the pandemic, transit project, sidewalks and bike trails going through neighborhoods, the death of Officer Michael Pollitz, the Lilydale rockslide that took the lives of two students, bomb threats against Jewish neighbors, and the Pledge of Allegiance. He added through all of these challenges, the city thrived while adding community assets like the Recreation Outdoor Center and the Westwood Hills Nature Center, led the state through the climate action plan, made investments in affordable housing, developed the West End, and confronted racial inequities within the city and city hall with honesty, humility and kindness to one another. He noted that with over 50,000 people in the city, St. Louis Park is growing again and that has not happened in a generation. He added the city is embracing new people as well as those who have made the city what it is. Mayor Spano stated leaders act, good leaders know the right moment to act and great leaders know when not to act. He added a big part of the job of mayor is not what you choose to do, but what you choose not to do. He added to be at least as kind as you are compassionate, no one is indispensable, and you have to want to help others solve their problems and you have to love them. He stated there are no people he loves more than his friends and family – adding that leadership is a family business. Mayor Spano thanked his wife Cate, his secret weapon and his rock; his daughter Mia, who is a teacher and could not be here this evening, and who he loves and misses; and his son Flynn, who gave up a lot of time together so that Mayor Spano could serve. He added he could not have done this job without them at his side and asked all of his family to stand up so he could thank them all. Mayor Spano stated for 12 years, he has not had a bad Sunday evening and has always looked forward to coming to work as mayor of St. Louis Park. He concluded by saying thank you to all, so very much. Mayor Pro Tem Brausen noted there will be a reception for Mayor Spano after the meeting and invited all to stay to celebrate and recognize the mayor. b. Swearing in ceremony for Canine Officer Maverick Chief Kruelle presented Canine Officer Maverick and officially welcomed him into the community. He noted Canine Officer Maverick was chosen from Slovakia specifically for St. Louis Park and has recently completed a 12-week training with his handler, Officer Matt McNeely. Mayor Spano administered the oath of office to Canine Officer Maverick. c. Recognition of service for Officer Troy Peek Mayor Spano read a resolution and presented a plaque to Officer Troy Peek for his service to the city for the past 24 years. Officer Peek was recognized in honor of his retirement from the City of St. Louis Park. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -6- Dec. 18, 2023 Chief Kruelle thanked Officer Peek for his service and his passion for serving as a police officer. Chief Kruelle shared his experiences with Officer Peek over the years. Officer Peek thanked the city and council and stated he is honored to have served in St. Louis Park, hoping he has made a positive impact over the years. He stated he is blessed with family support and the support of his police force family as well. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Nov. 27, 2023 study session b. Minutes of Dec. 4, 2023 city council meeting c. Minutes of Dec. 4, 2023 special study session It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the city council study session minutes of Nov. 27 and Dec. 4, 2023, and the city council meeting minutes of Dec. 4, 2023 as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items. a. Resolution No. 23-159 recognizing Officer Troy Peek upon retirement from police department b. Resolution No. 23-160 accepting work and authorizing final payment for Louisiana Avenue Bridge (4018-1700) - Ward 2 c. Approve temporary liquor license - Beth El Synagogue d. Approve agreement for professional services with Campbell Knutson e. Resolution No. 23-161 approving 2024 non-union compensation f. Resolution No. 23-162 approving 2024 IUOE Local 49 labor agreement g. Resolution No. 23-163 approving 2022-2024 LELS #218 Police Sergeants Labor Agreement h. Resolution No. 23-164 approving 2024-2025 LELS Local #482 police lieutenants labor agreement i. Resolution approving 2024-2025 LELS Local #220 Public Safety Dispatchers Labor agreement (This item was removed from the consent items) j. Resolution No. 23-165 authorizing special assessment for sewer repairs at 3322 Library Lane k. Resolution No. 23-166 authorizing special assessment for sewer repairs at 3233 Florida Ave S. l. Resolution No. 23-167 authorizing special assessment for sewer service repairs at 2515 Xylon Ave S. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Mohamed, to approve the consent items as revised. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -7- Dec. 18, 2023 6. Public hearings - none. 7. Regular business. a. Resolutions No. 23-168, 23-169 and 23-170 authorizing final 2024 budget – levy and capital improvement plan adoption Ms. Cruver presented the staff report. She noted the policy consideration before the council is do they support the 2024 budget with a balanced budget consisting of an “all-inclusive” preliminary levy increase of 7.3% (down from 7.7%). Council Member Brausen stated a budget reflects a city’s priorities and values and this budget does that really well. He stated it is unfortunate to raise taxes ever, but it seems this must be done regularly. He pointed out that part of this need is driven by inflation which has been substantial, and part is driven by the desire to maintain the level of services that city residents have come to expect. He is proud to say the city has the best professional staff in the state and they are compensated for being exceptional. He added the 3.5% increase for staff is not excessive given the inflation rate and this is money well spent on the city’s behalf. He pointed out that staff additions include adding personnel to the police department and three new employees to the fire department. Council Member Brausen said that tree preservation is also a part of this funding and a large part of the climate action commitments of the city. He is happy with and supportive of the proposed budget plan. Council Member Rog added there have been many conversations about this topic over the last six months with staff and council. She is uncomfortable when residents come in and share the impression that their property taxes have increased 37% in the last five years, which took place at the truth in taxation hearing earlier month. When looking at next year’s budget; however, she sees there are items that residents widely support including investments in public safety, mental health response, water main replacement, road reconstruction (including Minnetonka Boulevard), tree canopy preservation, parks and much more. She added it is important to note that residents who own their own home will see a lesser increase of 6.3% for a median value home which is $57 per year. She observed renters and businesses may see higher increases. She noted that she likes that the increase will be modest for homeowners but does not like that the burden will fall disproportionally on multi-family properties and businesses. She understands that valuation changes are outside of the city’s control, but keeping the levy lower makes it easier for all types of property owners as much as possible. Council Member Rog commented on the EDA levy, TIF and taxes, her discomfort with the EDA levy being close to $900,000 this year and an 80% increase over what it was last year, to replenish funds that were supposed to be paid back by a developer for a $1 million cash loan made in good faith. She stated she will continue to be a voice for discernment and new ways of looking at developer subsidies at the level the city currently provides them. She reminded the council that developers must include affordable housing and sustainability components in their developments whether they receive any TIF or not and encouraged the council to continue to use discernment. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -8- Dec. 18, 2023 Council Member Rog added she would like to avoid large compounding property tax increases over five years by funneling more tax revenue from new developments to the general fund, spend on priorities and keep the levy increase lower. She stated she will support this budget with the hope and expectation that the discussion will continue. Council Member Budd stated she supports the budget as well and noted her support for the proposed $4 million being put aside for infrastructure, adding this is very important. She is looking forward to reports at the first of the year as to how this funding will be used. She stated many in her ward have ideas as to how this can be spent, and she is excited to see this as part of the budget. Council Member Mohamed added she is happy to see everything that the city is investing in including public safety and infrastructure. It is good to see the decertification of tax districts and was happy to see this action eased the burden. She agreed with Council Member Rog’s comments and wants to continue to look at the city’s strategic priorities. Council Member Dumalag stated she will also support the motions presented and thanked staff for their time on the proposed budget, particularly as this is an all-inclusive number versus what has been done in the past. She added the changes in the budget are additions of new staff members, noting the city is growing and planning for growth, and we are excited to welcome new people to the city. Council Member Farris added she also supports the proposed budget and thanked staff for their hard work. She agrees with comments made by the council and while not everything is perfect, there was a lot of hard work going into this plan and she is appreciative. Mayor Spano stated he supports the proposed budget and thanked staff for their work. He is glad to see investments in infrastructure, and stated water and water mains are services that cities must provide and are necessary investments in infrastructure. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Mohamed, to adopt Resolutions No. 23-168, 23-169 and 23-170 approving authorizing final 2024 budgets and authorizing the 2024 final general property tax levy, authorizing the 2024 final HRA levy, authorizing the final EDA levy and approving the 2024-2033 capital improvement plan as presented. The motion passed 7-0. b. Resolutions No. 23-171, 23-172 and 23-173 approving preliminary plan, special permit amendment, conditional use permit for 5775 Wayzata Blvd. (Park Place East) Ward 4 Ms. Kramer presented the staff report. Kevin Curry, 5970 W. 16th St., noted the goals of cohesive neighborhoods mentioned tonight do not speak to this project. He stated this development does not include what the city wants to do, it can be harmful to the garden center, and noted there are already 18 restaurants within a DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -9- Dec. 18, 2023 few blocks of this development. He added let us be patient to see if there are other developments that meet the needs of this area better. Council Member Brausen stated he has received public input on this project, noting the city does not own the property, and it is a legitimate use of the property. He added public comments have been both positive and negative with concerns about traffic, and he is happy to hear the owner will work with the garden center. He has discomfort with drive-through restaurants but this proposal is different, with orders being prepared in advance and the drive- through only used for pick-up, not ordering. He stated it is not fair to deny the conditional use permit and knows that many are looking forward to this development and he will support the proposal. Council Member Budd asked for more detail on tree and shrub requirements, and if they are part of the landscaping today. Ms. Kramer stated yes, and noted those are only the requirements for the new development. The plantings shown meet the requirements. Council Member Budd asked if trees will be removed in the island area. Ms. Kramer confirmed that one or two trees would be removed with the expectation that they would be replanted. Council Member Budd asked if the city would repair the walking trail. Ms. Kramer explained the walking trail is not the City’s trail and it is on private property and the owner would be responsible for repairs. Council Member Budd thanked staff for forwarding comments to the council and noted she would appreciate the buildings being turned around to face the street. Council Member Rog referenced the pickup window and asked about vehicle idle time versus patrons going in to pick up orders. Ms. Kramer stated when orders are placed on the app, there is a time given that the order will be ready so drivers would not be on site until their order is ready, rather than ordering and waiting for it to be ready. Council Member Rog stated she is also interested in discussing drive-through restaurants and whether they are healthy for the community. She asked if the garden center will definitely stay. Ms. Kramer clarified that the garden center and owner are looking at a revised lease at this time, with the same terms as before but in a different location. She added the city does not have a mechanism to require this as part of these resolutions. Council Member Rog stated she is not a fan of fast-food restaurants and drive-through pickups, although she knows many people are. She stated given the city does not own the property, it does not have a lot of discretion in aligning with the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Kramer confirmed that the uses are allowed in the district, and the zoning code does not break down uses where the city could restrict to small business only. Council Member Rog asked if there will be intentional synergy in the proposed murals at the development. Ms. Kramer stated those details have not been worked out yet, but added this could be a component of the request for proposal and it is up to the selection committee ultimately. Council Member Rog said she will support this. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -10- Dec. 18, 2023 Council Member Dumalag is also supportive of the proposal, noting this is a development which is privately owned, and the city has no part of the deal. She stated it will, however, de-pave the parking lot and allow use for an amenity that tenants, residents and workers can walk to. She is happy about the mural proposal, noting it would be nice to have a unified artistic project there that recognizes it as an entry to the neighborhood. Council Member Mohamed added she is also supportive of the proposal and shared that she loves drive-through pick up windows, and also likes the idea of the order ahead option through mobile app. She stated these types of restaurants add to the character of neighborhoods and noted in other areas of the city, different types of restaurants and shops are integral, such as Texa-Tonka. Council Member Farris stated she also supports this development. She stated the West End has many restaurants, but they are spendy so it will be nice to have something that is more affordable in this area. Mayor Spano stated this development is in alignment with this area and zoning requirements and he is supportive of it. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Mohamed, to adopt Resolutions No. 23-171, 23-172 and 23-173 approving preliminary plan, special permit amendment, conditional use permit for 5775 Wayzata Blvd (Park Place East) Ward 4. The motion passed 7-0. c. Resolution No. 23-174 approving Shops at West End PUD amendment Ms. Kramer presented the report. Council Member Brausen stated this does not seem intrusive at all and given the number of dogs in the apartments at West End, it makes good sense. It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to adopt Resolution No.23-174 approving Shops at West End PUD amendment as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements. Mayor Patrick Hanlon, Hopkins Mayor, thanked Mayor Spano on behalf of Hopkins and the entire West Metro, and for the work he put in to make sure these communities stay together. He noted the issues faced today by cities are much bigger and boundaries are arbitrary. He stated all members on the Council of Mayors and West Metro Mayor groups that meet and discuss affordable housing, climate action, and work with children, all thank Mayor Spano for his service to this entire region and state. Mayor Spano thanked Mayor Hanlon for his comments. DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C City council meeting -11- Dec. 18, 2023 Ms. Keller thanked everyone for tonight and invited all to join the celebration for Mayor Spano this evening. 9. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: FE2989CA-E567-44B5-B8EF-444314B5AD1C