HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/01/22 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfficial minutes
City council study session
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Jan. 22, 2024
The meeting convened at 6:32 p.m.
Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd,
Yolanda Farris, Lynette Dumalag, and Margaret Rog
Council members absent: none
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), fire chief Koering,
sustainability specialist (Ms. Pottorff), finance director (Ms. Cruver), engineering project
manager (Mr. Shamla), administrative services director (Ms. Brodeen), community
development director (Ms. Barton), building and energy director (Mr. Hoffman)
Guests: State Senator Ron Latz, State Representatives Cheryl Youakim and Larry Kraft,
Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene, Metropolitan Council Representative Anjuli
Cameron, Park Street Public Representatives Melissa Reed and Molly Jansen
Discussion items.
1. 2024 legislative positions and priorities
The representatives and city council discussed the city’s 2024 legislative positions and priorities.
Senator Latz described how funds have been assigned after the legislature completed the two -
year budget process last year. He noted the budget for 2024 is not likely to be large; the focus
of this year’s budget will be upkeep of existing public buildings as well as public safety and
water treatment issues.
Rep. Kraft shared that his areas of work include climate concerns, the housing crisis along with
building codes and emissions focus, and regenerative agriculture practices. He also indicated
future work regarding the 6.25 million pounds of boat wrap plastic that go into landfills each
year. Rep. Kraft shared his focus on mental health; specifically transgender rights and
reproductive rights.
Rep. Youakim also pointed out the limits of the upcoming budget. She is involved with areas
including the Education Finance, Education Policy, Taxes and Ways and Means committees. She
is also working on property tax cuts for nonprofit daycares who lease their building as well as
other tax-related and TIF programs.
Commissioner Greene chairs the rail authority committee, noting her work focuses on
transportation, including the upcoming Minnetonka Boulevard project. She serves on the
Metropolitan Governance Task Force and works on a Minneapolis initiative which converts
hotels to affordable housing.
Metropolitan Council Representative Anjuli Cameron explained her work with the Corridor
Management Committee, which involves work with the Blue Line and Green Line management
committees and Southwest LRT PLACES that creates art and artistry at each station along the
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Southwest Light Rail line. She also sits on the Metropolitan Airports Commission and invited
conversations around flight departure route revisions. She also sits on the Transit Advisory and
Accessibility Committee Rep. Cameron described how the Met Council is focused on regional
planning and there are opportunities for communities to weigh in.
Mayor Mohamed thanked the elected representatives for their work, collaboration and specific
project communication within the community. She invited Ms. Heiser to speak to the Oxford
and Louisiana Area and Trunk Highway 100 infrastructure projects, noting that the roads are at
the end of their useful life.
Ms. Heiser explained the city’s two capital investments and plans for transportation and road
improvements. The emphasis is on pedestrians, bicyclists, transit and then vehicles. She also
described planning for Oxford and Louisiana Avenues regarding climate resiliency and
rebuilding roads, sidewalks, and roundabouts. The health of Minnehaha Creek depends on
regional stormwater treatment.
Rep. Youakim recommended conversation with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed; Ms. Heiser
confirmed this communication is currently taking place.
Senator Latz asked for a breakdown of how these two projects are staged; Ms. Heiser
responded that she would provide this information. The Oxford -Louisiana project is a two-year
project with the goal of completing the area nearest the light rail station first.
Council Member Rog pointed out that the Highway 100 crossing project has been in progress
under Connect the Park plans for a very long time. She admires the staff’s work on finding a
cost-effective solution that takes advantage of existing infrastructure along with the fact that
the pavement needs to be replaced. As a frequent trail user, she observed the fence near the
railroad tracks is in a constant cycle of being cut and then repaired. The current proposal is a
cost-effective solution and she asked that this solution be supported on the state level. Senator
Latz confirmed observing the railroad crossing issue as well, as a frequent trail u ser himself.
Council Member Dumalag referenced the Oxford Louisiana Avenue project; she looks forward
to having pedestrian access to commercial districts. She described attempting to bike this route
in the past and is happy to see the creative solutions to semi-truck parking. Utilizing the
Watershed District as a partner in this project is very positive as well.
Ms. Keller indicated that communication with Methodist Hospital and the other established
businesses in the area has highlighted the need for pedestrian access.
Rep. Youakim asked if staff has had conversations with Methodist Hospital about transportation
connections. Ms. Heiser responded that planning conversations have included transportation of
staff between the light rail station and Methodist Hospital, and this was part of a recent Arrive
and Thrive planning meeting.
Council Member Brausen noted his appreciation for the cannabis legislation. He expressed
appreciation for the state’s expansion of control of quality and quantity regulation, with many
businesses in St. Louis Park looking to the future of retail. Council Member Brausen referenced
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recycling and how plastic recycling is not being done well in St. Louis Park and nationwide. He
asked the visiting legislators about setting up an incentive program and structure of authority
to encourage better plastics recycling participation.
Rep. Kraft asked if there was a definition of cost, whether broad or narrow, to compare the cost
of recycling versus landfill. Council Member Brausen stated that conversations with staff would
address this topic.
Council Member Baudhuin stated he is grateful for the upcoming capital investment road
projects, especially at Minnetonka Boulevard, and expressed his full support. He stated staff will
need to be very proactive with communicating information to the Jewish community especially
as it relates to the Eruv. He asked for up-front communication regarding construction’s
potential impacts on the Eruv between sundown on Friday and sundown on Saturday, and to
ensure that folks can cross the street on foot to get to synagogue on Shabbat.
Commissioner Greene expressed appreciation for Council Member Baudhuin’s comments as did
Council Member Rog.
Council Member Rog asked Rep. Cameron to clarify what she meant by an earlier comment,
where Rep. Cameron had asked to be contacted if residents are hearing things. Rep. Cameron
clarified that there is currently concern about shifts in air traffic, and th at feedback from
constituents is important in the evaluation process by the FAA. Though the process is not yet
open for public comment, the Met Council is an avenue for gathering information.
Council Member Rog asked whether there has been a timeline for the feedback and decision-
making process regarding the proposed air traffic reroute. Rep. Cameron stated a plan is in
place but no timeline as yet. She stated any feedback from constituents can be sent to her, and
responses from the FAA and guidance will be forthcoming.
Council Member Rog emphasized that she and her constituents in Ward 1 want to be fully
engaged in this feedback process. Rep. Cameron stated that the Met Council will keep city
partners and the community informed as things develop.
Council Member Rog stated the open meeting law is a priority for the city, as allowing more
flexibility for city councils and other bodies would allow for greater participation. She asked the
legislators for allowances on these rules. In asking for a change to open meeting law, the goal is
to allow for greater flexibility, access and equity for board and commission members.
Rep. Youakim asked what authority a charter city structure already has to work with other
voting bodies, Ms. Keller responded that guidance from the city’s attorney is that open meeting
law in St. Louis Park applies to city council and boards and commissio ns. Board members and
commissioners – and other potential participants - have communicated directly that open
meeting law is a barrier to even applying to participate.
Council Member Rog added the state provided St. Louis Park t he flexibility to redirect
unobligated pooled TIF from housing and redevelopment TIF district to go into the local housing
trust fund, for the past three years. This allowed for gap financing to assist in the creation of
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376 affordable units. She stated this legislation is set to end in 2026, and the city is asking that
this be continued – and authority be expanded as an opportunity for all cities. Rep. Youakim
responded that she carried the bill, which was accepted as a pilot project. S he has reached out
for assistance to make sure it is expanded statewide, and this will be a priority based on the
success of the pilot project in St. Louis Park.
Council Member Budd noted emergency medical services legislation has not been updated in
decades. She pointed to the city’s innovation with the Community Health Alliance and asked for
funding and support. Rep. Latz asked if there are currently any particular proposals under
consideration.
Fire Chief Koering replied that of the many proposals currently in process, there is a high focus
on the MEDS task force – a Minnesota EMS delivery and sustainability task force that is working
alongside the League of Minnesota Cities. He added the goal of meetings between the task
force and the league was to come up with ideas to present to the legislature for action. Ideas
tied to funding, staffing, innovation, and retention are being formed during ongoing meetings
between industry leaders. Alongside this is the legislative task force - which has house and
senate members. Legislators are engaged in listening sessions and gathering feedback across
the state regarding emergency medical services across greater Minnesota. He concluded that
one goal of the MEDS task force is to make sure that local units of government have a say in
how emergency medical work is done.
Council Member Budd brought up the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center project and stated she
wants to elevate the impact that state level legislation can have. She pointed out there is much
that can be done by amending the state health code to reduce barriers on refillable food and
beverage containers. She asked the legislators to oppose legislation that would reduce the
current minimum building and energy code standards. Council Member Budd pointed out that
changing how we handle waste starts with changing how much waste we are producing.
Council Member Budd raised the concern of corporate ownership of single -family homes;
sharing that walking and talking with constituents about difference in upkeep and noise level
led her to dig into the statistics. Of single-family homes that are owned and rented out, over
one-third are owned by people who own and rent out multiple homes, which changes the
community.
Rep. Youakim stated this topic is also being discussed at the state level. She asked whether city
ordinance has been expanded to include rental licenses required for single-family home rentals.
Ms. Keller confirmed that this has been expanded in St. Louis Park. Rep. Kraft added there is a
balance to be struck between licensure and restriction, and the number of rental homes is a
component of what is being considered in the next legislative session.
Council Member Dumalag pointed out that another reason to consider rental of single -family
homes is the limited opportunity of ownership in St. Louis Park; who gets the opportunity to
invest in the city through ownership. She added it would be great to have support at the state
level on this and continued evaluation. Though it is up to staff to report on corporate
ownership, she asked for support on the state level.
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Council Member Dumalag voiced concerns about smart use of salt use, and asked whether
incentives might be appropriate at this point in time. Council Member Dumalag also stressed
affordable commercial land trusts, and making sure there are opportunities to encourage
growth in the city.
Council Member Rog thanked Commissioner Greene for supporting the potential of
underground utilities on Minnetonka Boulevard. She also thanked the legislators for the
Minnetonka Boulevard affordable home ownership program , which allowed for funding from
the county and the Met Council as well for the construction of four twin homes.
Mayor Mohamed summarized that St. Louis Park’s priority items include prohibition on
discrimination for housing and rental assistance programs, and support for voucher acceptance
incentives for suburban residents. She also highlighted the EMS program and local authority for
cities since city governments know their residents and neighbors best.
Senator Latz thanked the council for the opportunity to attend and speak, noting he has a lot of
trust in the decisions made at the local level for the City of St. Louis Park. He recognized that
the city council has a closer ear to the community.
Rep. Kraft asked if the legislative priorities meeting between legislators and city council
members should occur earlier in the year so there is time to work on the legislation prior to the
start of the session. Ms. Keller responded that the suggestion will be taken into consideration,
as the city’s annual processes and other organizations have agenda timelines to consider as
well.
2. Minnetonka Boulevard overhead utility undergrounding discussion – Ward 1
Mr. Shamla presented the staff report, noting the policy questions are whether the city should
underground electrical lines for the Minnetonka Boulevard project and, if so, how the work
should be funded.
Ms. Cruver presented details on the financing options, should the city decide to underground
electrical lines as a part of the project. The city’s estimated cost to underground is $650,000
and $70,000 is the estimated reconnection cost for affected buildings. She discussed three
funding mechanisms, including: pay for the undergrounding with borrowing (bonding), pay for
the undergrounding using community requested facilities surcharges (CRFS), or pay for the
undergrounding using CRFS and two-tiered charges.
Council Member Brausen observed that the difference between the proposals is that the
bonding option would spread the total over residents’ costs over a 10-year period and that the
CRFS surcharge would spread the cost to residents over a three-year period. Ms. Cruver replied
that was correct and added that the bonding option could be spread over five to ten years. She
went into further detail comparing monthly and annual rates for commercial, residential and
low-income-rate payers.
Council Member Rog stated she supports undergrounding electrical lines for the Minnetonka
Boulevard project, adding she is grateful to staff for locating almost half of the required funding
through the county. She shared that this proposal seems like the right choice.
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Both Council Members Dumalag and Farris voiced their support for the undergrounding
proposal. Council Member Farris asked if there were drawbacks if Xcel were to assist in
payments for the project. Mr. Shamla responded that the cost for undergrounding as part of
upcoming work is less because the lines must be relocated no matter what. In the future, that
cost would likely be greater.
Council Member Baudhuin stated he is also in favor of the first policy question. He observed
how the electrical poles can be an obstruction to sidewalk use and visibility between pedestrian
and traffic.
Council Member Budd stated she is also in favor of undergrounding, and asked how lighting is
planned with fewer poles. Mr. Shamla described how standard streetlights would be installed in
a staggered pattern to light the corridor to provide for bike and pedestrian traffic.
Council Member Brausen and Mayor Mohamed voiced their support of the undergrounding
proposal.
Council Member Budd asked where renters fit into the process. Ms. Cruver explained if a renter
is paying their own Xcel bill, then they would receive the charge. She added if a renter qualifies
for assistance, they will receive the lower rate. Ms. Cruver observed that multi-family is
considered residential and would pay the same charges as residential, but noted staff would
check to be certain.
Council Member Rog referenced the $70,000 charge for adjacent properties and asked for
details. Ms. Cruver stated it is not a cost that is bondable or can be paid for with a surcharge.
She stated it is a fee that is related to public purpose and is a utility so the city would need to
look for fund balance or cash to pay for this portion of the project.
Council Member Rog asked if there is a point when the city knows the cost will not fall on
residential property owners. Ms. Heiser responded that staff’s recommendation is for the city
to pay for the reconnection costs.
Council Member Brausen asked if additional work was needed for adjacent properties, who
would be responsible for bringing properties up to code or other required obligations. Ms.
Cruver replied that the homeowner would be responsible, as would be businesses located
along the corridor. She added that the legal precedent set in this project is important to
consider for future projects.
Ms. Heiser added that it is important to see the big picture behind the any infrastructure
proposal. She observed that utilities on Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Ave were
undergrounded many years ago, and that Minnetonka Boulevard west of Hwy. 100 is the
remaining large undergrounding project for the future, likely in the next 5-10 years.
Council Member Rog asked if additional work on residences or businesses related to the
undergrounding might qualify for special assessment. Ms. Heiser stated that could be reviewed
and discussed with the city attorney. Ms. Heiser offered that there are seven properties with
service that are affected.
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Council Member Rog asked if the $68,000 carrying fee is included in the scenarios presented.
Ms. Cruver confirmed the carrying fee was included in scenarios 3a and 3b and will be spread
out and not an additional cost.
It was the consensus of the city council to move forward with the underground utility project
and to support option 3b to fund the project. Council Member Dumalag added she prefers the
option that it is a shared cost. Council Member Brausen agreed he also prefers the shared cost
option.
Council Member Baudhuin asked if there is any protection if landlords are paying utilities
themselves and then raising rents because of these costs. Ms. Cruver stated it would be
important that the city communicate with residents, so they are aware if this occurs, especially
for those renters that do not receive a bill with explanation included.
Mayor Mohamed asked who qualifies for the lower payments. Ms. Keller stated it is based on
income and family size, aligning with the state program.
Ms. Heiser mentioned there is an open house for the Minnetonka Boulevard project coming up
on Jan. 31, and there will be a virtual meeting option as well.
Written Reports.
3. Quarterly development updated – 1st quarter 2024
4. Community and civic engagement system introduction
5. 2024 Cedar Lake Road reconstruction project (4023-1100) update – Ward 4
Council Member Brausen appreciated data on the development dashboard included in the
written report.
Council Member Rog noted the civic engagement written report and asked the status of the
boards and commissions project and next steps. Ms. Keller explained staff are planning a
workshop for council to discuss a plan for how to proceed and possible implications of decisions
the council will make. She stated they are hoping to have this workshop soon.
Council Member Rog noted it would be helpful for the council to review public comments prior
to any decisions being made. She asked if the workshop will be staff -led. Ms. Keller responded
that the format is still being discussed. She thanked commissioners and council for staying with
staff on this process.
Council Member Brausen added on the 2024 Cedar Lake Road project written report he is
supportive and noted trees will begin to be cut down in March.
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Communications/meeting check-in (verbal)
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
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