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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/02/05 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 5, 2024 1. Call to order. Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog Council members absent: none Staff present: Deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), finance director (Ms. Cruver), public works director (Mr. Hall), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), fire chief Koering, police chief Kruelle, human resources director (Ms. Vorpahl), parks and recreation director (Mr. West), parks superintendent (Mr. Beane), project engineer (Mr. Wiesen), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal) Guests: Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) leaders and members, Karl Eicher (President, Haggard Barrel Brewing Co., LLC) 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. a. Introduce and welcome new Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members Fire Chief Koering introduced the new CERT team members. He remarked that this is the 10th year for CERT in the city and it has been an amazing investment. Meg McCormick and Brian Oberschmid lead the CERT group and made a presentation noting 2023 accomplishments, while also introducing new members. Council Member Rog recognized accomplishments of CERT members over the past year including helping during city celebrations such as Parktacular and the 4th of July with traffic control, information booths, assistance during the water main break, vaccine clinics, CPR and Stop the Bleed programs. She thanked CERT members for their work and their collaboration with the City of Minneapolis as well. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -2- Feb. 5, 2024 b. Recognition of Rick Beane upon retirement from parks and recreation department Ms. Walsh recognized Rick Beane on his retirement from the parks and recreation department and noted all his accomplishments over the past 21 years working with the city, especially with the Recreational Outdoor Center and Westwood Hills Nature Center. Mayor Mohamed read the resolution into the record. Mr. Beane noted his career with the city and thanked the council for helping staff build the infrastructure and the many great staff within the city and the residents of St. Louis Park. Council Member Brausen thanked Mr. Beane for many years of work on behalf of the council and the city and wished him luck in his next chapter. Council Member Budd also thanked Mr. Beane for his work and extended her appreciation. Council Member Rog added Mr. Beane leaves a great legacy and noted his incredible list of accomplishments. She also thanked him for his work on the three-family fireplace structure (known in the community as the beehive) and his work in Lilac Park, expressing her love for parks and recreation. Council Member Dumalag noted the city parks are 11.5% of the city’s landmass and thanked Mr. Beane for his work on many projects, recognizing the legacy he leaves the city. Council Member Baudhuin stated the city parks are such a wonderful part of the ci ty, and as a member of the clergy, he appreciates the memorial bench program. Council Member Baudhuin also thanked Mr. Beane for his work in the city. Mayor Mohamed shared memories of her experience as a child at the Oak Park splash pad and thanked Mr. Beane for helping make her childhood the best in the community. c. Recognition of donations to the parks and recreation department Mayor Mohamed noted a donation from the Becky Finnigan Charitable Gift Foundation for Westwood Hills Nature Center in the amount of $12,113.71. The donation will be used for enhancing the Chris Tulley art sculpture wall at Westwood Hills Nature Center. Council Member Dumalag remarked on the area where the art installation will be and expressed her thanks for this donation in making this location more beautiful. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Jan. 2, 2024 city council meeting It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the Jan. 2, 2024 city council meeting minutes as presented. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -3- Feb. 5, 2024 The motion passed 7-0. b. Minutes of Jan. 16, 2024 city council meeting Council Member Rog requested a revision to page 4, paragraph 3, to state: “Council Member Rog asked if some of the 40 trees can be preserved through sidewalk manipulation or other means.” It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the Jan. 16, 2023 city council meeting minutes as amended. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items. a. Resolution No. 24-016 recognizing Rick Beane for his years of service b. Adopt Ordinance No. 2675-24 amending city code chapter 3 related to alcoholic beverages c. Resolution No. 24-017 authorizing final payment for 2022 Pavement Management project (4021-1000) – Ward 1 d. Approve bid for Rotary Northside Park Water Quality Improvement project (4021- 1000) – Ward 4 e. Resolution No. 24-018 and order to abate hazardous building at 2519 Virginia – Ward 4 f. Authorize pre-bonding Resolutions No. 24-019, 24-020 and 240-021 g. Approve joint powers agreement between police department and Hennepin County (This item was removed from the consent items and considered as regular agenda item 7b.) h. Resolution No. 24-022 approving 2024-2025 LELS #206 labor agreement i. Resolution No. 24-023 approving letter of non-default for Beltline Station – Ward 1 j. Resolution No. 24-024 to renew liquor license for period March 1, 2024 through February 28, 2025 k. Resolution No. 24-025 accepting donations to the parks and recreation department Council Member Budd requested that consent item 5g be moved to regular business as item 7b. Council Member Farris requested to comment on item 5h. She thanked the human resources team and the bargaining group for their work on the labor agreement with the police department. She noted she has worked with the police department closely since 2016 and though there have been disagreements from time to time, the police have always been supportive, understanding and clear. She thanked the bargaining parties for keeping the community safe on behalf of herself and the council, residents, businesses, visitors, and all those the city serves. Council Member Brausen requested to comment on item 5e. He stated this is approval and order to abate hazardous building at 2519 Virginia in Ward 4. He noted this is the case of a resident found deceased in his home in April of 2023, with no heirs or family or next of kin. The DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -4- Feb. 5, 2024 city is taking responsibility for cleaning up the yard and property, which was found to be in hazardous condition and will need substantial work. He explained that once the council approves this resolution, the city attorney will be able to obtain a court order to continue to clean up the property. At that point, the property will stand vacant until 2027, when it will enter tax forfeiture and be sold by Hennepin County. He remarked that the neighbors will be living next to a vacant house for three to four years and that is a failure of existing law addressing vacant properties. He proposed that St. Louis Park should petition to the League of Minnesota Cities and legislators to better remedy these types of properties. Council Member Brausen concluded that he will support the resolution. Council Member Baudhuin added that the abatement work needs to be done, and there is also the human element of this situation. The owner’s name was Bruce Jordan, he was a veteran interred at Ft. Snelling upon his passing. Council Member Baudhuin asked council to take a moment to consider the humanity of the resident who passed away alone. He honored Mr. Jordan’s name by stating “may he rest in peace”. Council Member Brausen agreed with Mr. Jordan’s legacy as a neighbor and shared that his wife would regularly stop and talk with Mr. Jordan and got to know him over the years. Council Member Rog added she was also saddened to learn that a community member had passed away and neighbors were not aware. She indicated this situation is a gentle reminder for folks to check in on their neighbors. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the consent items as revised and to move consent item 5g to regular business. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearings. a. Public hearing to consider brewer’s off-sale malt liquor license for Ullsperger Brewing, LLC – Ward 4 Ms. Scott-Lerdal presented the staff report. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. Council Member Brausen commented that he has been to the brewery, it is a nice place, and he is happy they are there to provide their services for the area. Council Member Rog agreed and she applauds the owner for his entrepreneurship in opening a brewery in such a unique location, adding that she has also visited the business. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to issue the brewer’s off-sale malt liquor license for Ullsperger Brewing, LLC, as presented. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -5- Feb. 5, 2024 The motion passed 7-0. b. Public hearing to consider brewer’s off-sale malt liquor license for Haggard Barrel Brewing, LLC – Ward 2 Ms. Scott-Lerdal presented the staff report. Brewery President Karl Eicher was in attendance. He responded to council’s invitation to speak by saying that the owners are excited to be in St. Louis Park, in the area where they also reside. Council Member Dumalag observed that is section of Ward 2 is very spirited, and she is glad the brewery has decided to open in St. Louis Park. Council Member Rog asked if this is the business owners’ first venture into brewing. Mr. Eicher replied that he has prior experience as head brewer at Black Stack Brewing in St. Paul, among other brewing locations, in the past. Council Member Baudhuin asked for the story of the name of the brewery and its significance. Mr. Eicher stated it means “gnarly” because though it may not be as shiny as some breweries, Haggard Barrel Brewing Co. is brewer-funded and possesses a do-it-yourself attitude. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve brewer’s off-sale malt liquor license for Haggard Barrel Brewing, LLC, as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Regular business. a. Resolutions No. 24-026 and 24-027 establishing 2024 Pavement Management project (4024-1000) - Ward 2 Mr. Wiesen presented the staff report. MaryAnn Brower of 4824 Vallacher Avenue stated she has lived in the city for 35 years. Due to ongoing issues with parking, she is asking to maintain the residential parking permits on Princeton and Vallacher Avenues. She observed that many of the businesses in this area do not have adequate parking for patrons and employees, who instead park along the street in front of her home. She has sent a letter to the council and staff about the prob lem because her elderly mother lives with her and does not have handicapped parking. Ms. Brower gave an additional example of the parking problem by describing how waste management workers are blocked from getting to residential trash cans when people block residential access with parked cars. Richard Lange of 3655 Huntington Avenue South stated his concern is that his block will be narrowed. He expressed concern about backing out onto the street, and asked why the city is DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -6- Feb. 5, 2024 only working on one block with this project. He stated the city should narrow the entire section which would also help with traffic calming. He said the pavement surface is rough in spots, but the city should do the whole section from Excelsior Avenue to 39th Street and add a new water main as well. He added it is narrow now, and the width needs to stay at 30 feet because safety is his main concern. Tom Brower, also of 4824 Vallacher Avenue, stated there are issues with tow trucks, haulers and delivery trucks because they all park in the no parking zone and tear branches off the trees. He added they pull up next to the repair shop and block his driveway, ignoring the signs. He has tried to call the police, but law enforcement has had a hard time getting to his location because they have other issues to deal with. Mr. Brower stated the parking issue has been going on for 35 years, and the issue is bigger than cars parking there during business hours. Roxanne Lange, also of 3655 Huntington Avenue South, recalled that the pavement project was developed in 2018, and her concerns are environmental. She mentioned the pandemic and asked how this project - which will tear down trees - will help the environment. She asked if it is necessary and what safety factors are being considered, and how many injuries have happened due to projects like this. She asked that council consider the impact of this project on the environment within the city and neighborhoods. Ms. Lange pointed out that the public works department has said there is no need to replace the water main, but her main concern is the environmental impact. Council Member Dumalag asked about the Living Streets policy and noted she had heard from many residents about the narrowing of the street. She asked if there is a reason for this project recommendation from a safety and sustainability standpoint. Ms. Heiser stated the Living Streets policy was enacted by the council in 2018 and the principles of the policy are to manage traffic, slow it down, reduce impervious areas, make green spaces in the right-of-way, be effective with construction spending by building narrower streets. She stated one of the recommendations in the policy is to reduce the width of streets . Narrower streets have been proven to accomplish the Living Streets goals. Ms. Heiser added that if a water main must be replaced, they have to tear out the curb, but if the pavement alone needs replacing, workers only remove the pavement. The water main can last 100 years, but at some point, all water mains will need to be replaced. She noted these are all cost-effective practices. Council Member Dumalag noted one resident asked for the street to be narrowed down to 26 feet vs. 28 feet, which is occurring west of Inglewood Avenue, and noted this is an opportunity to take out the curb if the water main needs replacement. She noted 37 trees are slated to be removed and asked if this is a “not to exceed” number. Mr. Weisen responded that staff has worked with residents on this type of project in the past with minimal impact. Council Member Dumalag noted residents should speak to staff if this is an issue on their property. Council Member Dumalag noted permit parking that impacts 40 households in Ward 2 and asked staff to discuss utilization. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -7- Feb. 5, 2024 Ms. Heiser stated there are 41 properties that have permitted parking on their streets and adjacent streets. She explained permit parking is needed because there is not enough space for residents to utilize parking. She stated council’s direction on this was for staff to look at permitted parking as cases come up. Staff can then determine if it should be eliminated because land-use parking is a shared resource. The city does provide medical needs parking, which is different from handicapped parking, and can be installed for medical needs by the resident. Council Member Dumalag asked if anyone has reached out to staff about having issues within and outside the permit parking areas. Ms. Heiser stated there have been concerns from residents related to Princeton Avenue and there was a request to extend permit parking in the intersection. Council Member Dumalag noted there were also comments about school buses turning around in the area and asked if staff hears from police or fire. Mr. Wiesen stated he reached out to the bus company during the pilot project, and they did not foresee problems as long as parking in the intersection was not too close, but he noted staff will continue to monitor this. Council Member Baudhuin stated he is hearing a disconnect between what is best for the environment and what is safer. He shared his observation of a potential miscommunication. He asked staff to speak about these concerns further, as he wants to be sure residents’ questions are heard and answered and he is not sure he has heard the answers from staff. Mr. Wiesen replied that he hears this concern frequently and noted studies do show that narrowing of streets reduce traffic speed and increase safety, and also create a boulevard moving the sidewalk away from the street. He noted sidewalks do have a tree impact, but to make the neighborhood more walkable, they are needed, and it is a balancing act. To this point, the city has a policy to ensure that tree planting will continue where construction takes place. Ms. Heiser added other safety benefits include moving cars further away from sidewalks. Narrowing streets reduce the distance for pedestrians crossing from one side to another, and bump-outs help provide safer walking. She added with the narrower streets, cars need to take turns when coming at each other and ultimately slower is safer; promoting safety for cyclists on streets as well. Council Member Baudhuin noted that one resident had stated the water main did not need replacement and asked if that is correct. Mr. Wiesen stated public works and engineering evaluated the street on Huntington Avenue. The water main is 86 years old, so that is the challenge, with budget constraints and deciding which water mains to replace and when. Ms. Heiser added the capital plan is driven by pavement conditions. She explained how from Huntington Avenue moving north, the pavement condition was in worse shape and the water main does need replacement. The pavement condition to the south is not as bad, and with budget constraints being maximized on this project, all of Hu ntington Avenue cannot be completed at this time. The other section will most likely be worked on at a later date. Council Member Rog asked what specific markers indicated that this section needed to be replaced. Mr. Wiesen stated streets are evaluated once every four years to look for cracks and potholes. These are patched over time and that work is used in the evaluation of streets. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -8- Feb. 5, 2024 Council Member Rog noted Council Member Baudhuin’s comments on street narrowing, and stated she has had similar questions. The amount of narrowing is negligible and for those who had concerns previously, this has not been their experience ultimately. She observed the cost savings and the environmental benefits of using less materials is helpful. She described sidewalks which might need to be moved onto a resident’s private property, and residents are directed to reach out to staff about this. Council Member Rog asked if there is communication with residents who may not be aware of this opportunity before the trees come down. Ms. Heiser stated staff does notify residents about trees that need to be removed and added staff can look at each of the 37 trees affected by this project, and whether it may be possible to preserve a tree by taking the sidewalk behind it. Staff will reach out to those individual residents to explain that opportunity, Mr. Wiesen added that he estimates there are possibly seven or eight trees that can be saved. Council Member Rog observed a disconnect between staff reports on parking and residents’ experience concerning parking on their street, acknowledging this issue. She asked if staff would review Princeton Avenue’s parking concerns in particular. Ms. Heiser stated she cannot speak to Princeton Avenue specifically but noted she will report back to council. Council Member Rog asked how staff explains to residents when they relate their experience, but staff notes the small percentage of utilization. Ms. Heiser stated she would not be so bold to diminish the residents’ lived experience. Mr. Wiesen noted that when staff does parking counts, they look at mornings and evenings during the week and at weekends. He stated the under 30% parking was in relation to street widths, but added he does not have that information for Princeton Avenue. Council Member Rog asked why there is no parking for German Auto Works. Ms. Heiser responded that land use has existed for years and police can be called related to enforcement for parking. She noted that even though police may receive calls related to enforcing parking restrictions, they are also working with other calls that may be a higher urgency. Council Member Rog asked if there is an opportunity for more targeted parking in the area. Ms. Heiser stated if council believes street parking is a shared re source, this is why staff is making this recommendation. Council Member Rog added she shares concerns about environmental issues and that there is also a cost to not keeping streets in good repair. She shared that she does notice a different when driving in St. Louis Park versus driving in Minneapolis. Mayor Mohamed invited residents to write additional questions to staff and council regarding this project; residents will receive responses and answers to their questions. Council Member Budd asked if council does not move forward on this tonight, how would the project be affected. Mr. Wiesen stated he recommends approval of the pavement management portion so that can move forward, but noted if the council wants to delay the residential parking restrictions portion, that will not affect the construction of the project. Council Member Dumalag shared that change is hard and the city is dynamic, but we do have an obligation to our residents to make sure they have clean water, water that does not damage DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -9- Feb. 5, 2024 their property, and parking as a shared resource. In areas where permit parking exists, drivers may only park in front of their own property, which can create an opportunity for strife between residents. She noted the residents on Vallacher Avenue can work with staff, but permit parking is not shared equitably and there might be other ways to address concerns. Council Member Dumalag stated one of the biggest concerns for residents she hears about is speeding and recommendations for narrowing the street are helpful. She added this project does achieve environmental sustainability with less asphalt and surface, more storm water management and with tree replacement as well. She observed that two feet might seem like a large amount of space, but noted this project will make the area safer and more walkable and she will fully support both motions. Council Member Brausen acknowledged these pavement management projects do provide disruption and apologized for the challenges. He went on to say that pavement management is also about the future, preserving and improving infrastructure and addressing future transportation needs. He summarized that the city is trying to balance needs and he will support both motions. Council Member Rog stated she will support both motions, and noted residents will be able to continue the conversation of their concerns with staff. Council Member Baudhuin thanked residents, staff and council for helping him understand this issue and project, and stated he will be supporting both motions as well. Council Member Budd recalled the work council and staff did to respond to last year’s water main issues, particularly as the council member from Ward 3 where many residents were affected. She has gained a new appreciation for the wisdom behind the pavement management and water main replacement processes and the ways they are repaired in the most economical way possible, adding that she supports both motions. Council Member Farris added she will also support both motions, pointing out that the city resident who is 95 years old and lives on Vallacher Avenue is very important, and the city wants to be sure she is safe and able to get in and out of her house. Mayor Mohamed thanked council for their questions and comments and staff also for the report. She noted this is an aging city, and maintaining and promoting it to make it safer is an opportunity we need to take. She will support both motions and thanked residents for their comments as well. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to adopt Resolution No. 24-026 establishing 2024 Pavement Management project (4024-1000), approving plans and specifications, and authorizing advertisement for bids; and adopt Resolution No. 24-027 removing residential parking restrictions on Natchez, Princeton, and Vallacher Avenues. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -10- Feb. 5, 2024 b. Approve joint powers agreement between police department and Hennepin County Council Member Budd requested to move this item from the consent agenda to regular business for discussion. She summarized that the agreement is for the program by which a social worker is embedded in the police department. She asked if there are advantages to keeping the program with Hennepin County for another two years, rather than makin g the position internal to the city. Chief Kruelle replied that there are advantages to continuing to work through the county. Hennepin County started the program and currently provides a licensed clinical social worker to oversee and supervise this position within the city. This support has provided consistency during times of turnover. The police department has leveraged that skillset into a full-time position since 2021. Council Member Budd confirmed that the reason for working through Hennepin County is a reason of advantage, rather than any hesitation about the benefit of the program. Chief Kruelle agreed with her statement. Council Member Budd asked for Chief Kruelle’s observation on different models of approach: one model where a social worker and medical professional respond to mental health, substance, and social service 911 calls and the second model where a social worker and law enforcement officer respond to these calls. Chief Kruelle stated the police primarily use the social worker to guide an individual through resources and align them to achieve long -term health. He added the officers that respond to these calls have a high level of skills to navigate these calls for service and the outcomes. Council Member Rog observed that when a social worker is delivering follow-up and follow- through care, outcomes post- intervention can still be a concern. Chief Kruelle confirmed that follow-through is an area where police are seeing improvement; successfully attaining tracking and response metrics since the beginning of the year through the imbedded social worker program. It was moved by Council Member Budd, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve joint powers agreement between police department and Hennepin County. The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Walsh announced that city tennis courts are open and nets are set up due to the mild weather. Mayor Mohamed noted February is Black History month where Black Americans are honored, and she looks forward to being in the community to celebrate. Mayor Mohamed also noted Feb. 1 marked World Hijab Day and shared that she sent a video to the elementary school related to this celebration. DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF City council meeting -11- Feb. 5, 2024 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: E4EA3F89-8CB9-4097-A97E-35D0B551C6DF