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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/02/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial Minutes City council meeting St. Louis Park, Minnesota Feb. 20, 2024 1. Call to order. Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. a. Pledge of allegiance b. Roll call Mayor Mohamed offered a moment of silence for the loss of two Burnsville police officers and one firefighter on Sunday. She expressed that the community’s hearts and thoughts go out to the Burnsville community and our support is with St. Louis Park’s emergency responders as well. Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Paul Baudhuin, Tim Brausen (arrived 6:33 p.m.), Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag, Yolanda Farris, and Margaret Rog Council members absent: none Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Ms. Schmidt), deputy city manager (Ms. Walsh), engineering director (Ms. Heiser), police chief Kruelle, zoning administrator (Mr. Morrison), housing supervisor (Ms. Olson), planning manager (Mr. Walther), engineering project manager (Mr. Shamla), deputy city clerk (Ms. Scott-Lerdal) Guests: Joshua Aaron, applicant; Sheldon Berg and Dean Dovolis, principal architects at DJR; Mark Anderson, civil engineer with Somba Tech 2. Approve agenda. It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 3. Presentations. a. Police officer oath of office Police Chief Kruelle began his presentation by reflecting on the three fallen heroes from Burnsville’s emergency response forces whose lives were lost on Sunday. He presented the five officers who would take the oath of office this evening and shared each officer’s pathway to joining the police force. The oath of office was administered by Ms. Scott-Lerdal to: officers Timothy Saatzer, Nathan Sawtelle, Ryan Falls, Isaiah Moore and Jillian Congdon. Mayor Mohamed congratulated the new officers and thanked them, as well as the other police officers and fire fighters in the room, for their dedication. She added their sacrifice and the risks taken each day are not forgotten. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -2- Feb. 20, 2024 Council Member Farris congratulated all the new officers and stated the council and city will do their best to support them in all that they do. Council Member Brausen added his thanks to the officers and their families for their service and support to the community, the nature of which involves risk. b. Proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month Council Member Dumalag read the proclamation into the record. Council Member Brausen noted that there are links on the city’s web page to learn more about women’s history and the impacts of climate change that disproportionately affect women. He expressed the tragedy of inequality, especially in pay. Council Member Brausen encouraged his male colleagues to take necessary steps to address inequality by treating women equally. c. Proclamation celebrating Ramadan Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation into the record noting March 11, 2023 as the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Mayor Mohamed thanked staff for authoring the proclamation, and mentioned how special it is for her to read and sign it as Mayor of St. Louis Park. Council Member Baudhuin added he has learned a lot of about the Muslim faith, especially from the high school students he works with, and remarked how beautiful the faith is. 4. Minutes. a. Minutes of Jan. 22, 2024 study session b. Minutes of Feb. 5, 2024 city council meeting It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the Jan. 22, 2024 study session and the Feb. 5, 2024 city council meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 5. Consent items. a. Approve city disbursements b. Resolution No. 24-028 authorizing final payment for 36th St. and Wooddale Ave. improvement project (4022-6000) - Ward 2 c. Approval of plat extension for Beltline Station Development - Ward 1 Council Member Brausen commented that the city disbursements were $5.9 million, he considered the disbursement as well spent and pointed out the amount included tax increment finance disbursements to developers. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -3- Feb. 20, 2024 It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Budd, to approve the consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances. The motion passed 7-0. 6. Public hearings. a. Public Hearing and Resolution No. 24-029 approving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Ms. Olson presented the staff report. Council Member Budd asked about the estimate of the dollar amount. Ms. Olson stated this is only an estimate and if there are any changes, that amount will be reflected with final CDBG documentation from the county. Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed closed the public hearing. Council Member Farris stated she supports approval of the grant 100% and asked how the funds have been used historically. Ms. Olson responded that in the past, the funds have been used for programs and funding opportunities. She added that the amount received by St. Louis Park has dropped significantly over the years. She described how the public funds have been used in the past for multi-family properties that have over eight units. The amount allocated to St. Louis Park for CDBG and to additional requirements to properties with over 8 units do not balance out to provide funding to those programs any longer. The city also provides funds to the deferred loan program, so all the CDBG funds can be put to use. Council Member Brausen asked about additional funding that has been allocated, as all of the funds go to those with 80% area median income or below. Ms. Olson stated that is correct. Council Member Brausen asked if the funds are still available to be used. Ms. Olson confirmed this and noted there is information both on the city website and Hennepin County website about how to apply for funds. She added noted there is a state program that can be applied to as well for those who are eligible. Council Member Brausen encouraged St. Louis Park residents to inquire and if they quality for the funds, they can help folks make necessary repairs to their homes. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to adopt Resolution No. 24-029, approving the Community Development Block Grant as presented. The motion passed 7-0. 7. Regular business. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -4- Feb. 20, 2024 a. First reading of rezoning ordinance; Resolution No. 24-030 approving plat; and Resolution No. 24-031 approving conditional use permit applications for 6013 and 6019 Cedar Lake Road – Ward 4 Mr. Morrison presented the staff report. Council Member Rog asked about this rezoning and an example of a legal finding that might support a denial of a zoning change. Mr. Walther gave an example and referenced the comprehensive plan, noting the rezoning to Residential-4 (R4) in this application is consistent with up to 30 units per acre. Council Member Brausen commented on the proposed height of three stories. He asked if there is a limit on the height in an R4 district, and if it is different than in the R3 district. Mr. Morrison stated the height maximum in R4 is three stories or 40 feet and height maximum in the R3 district is 35 feet. He noted in this development, it is 36 feet to the roof with a three-foot parapet, so almost 39 feet and ten inches total height. Council Member Brausen noted this is within the guidelines. Council Member Brausen observed that the map of the storm water retention area shows an underground retention pond, and asked if that is correct. Mr. Morrison confirmed this and noted it will be an underground structure, and from there, the water goes to the wetland and not into the city’s water sewer system. Council Member Brausen noted there is some contamination in the wetland from the railroad and other uses over the years. Mr. Morrison agreed that there is contamination in the wetland. Council Member Brausen stated traffic is a major concern, but noted staff said the road is able to hold over 17,000 trips per day. He asked about parking spots. Mr. Morrison confirmed there are 51 spots for onsite parking, and 54 including on street parking. He pointed out that city zoning only requires 43 spots. Council Member Brausen stated that is a sufficient number. Council Member Brausen noted there is neighborhood concern about spill-over parking on the north side of Cedar Lake Road. He asked if there have been complaints made to the city about this. Mr. Morrison stated parking complaints do vary, and typically the complaints are about consistent parking challenges versus one time holidays or parties. Council Member Brausen asked to confirm that the developer is not asking for any city assistance or TIF or a grant. Mr. Morrison responded that is correct. Council Member Brausen pointed out that in this case, the city has no authority to enforce the city’s green building policy or inclusionary housing or hiring policies and asked if that is correct. Mr. Morrison said yes, that is correct. Council Member Brausen stated he sees some “green” measures from the developer that are consistent with state code, but noted the city is not allowed to impose additional requirements above and beyond state building code. Mr. Morrison supplied that the developer would speak about the green features in the project. Mr. Berg (with the architectural firm) and Mr. Aaron (the owner) spoke. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -5- Feb. 20, 2024 Mr. Aaron thanked city staff for their guidance and support. He thanked the planning commission as well for their recognition of the development. He stated over the years, there have been no police called to the property. He noted the current tenant’s rent has been left artificially low, compared to the tenant next door. He stated the tenant has been given six months’ notice to relocate and he is assisting the tenant in finding new housing. Mr. Aaron stated the development will be a good addition to the area, with private outdoor spaces, and many indoor and outdoor amenities within this peaceful, tranquil setting, with connection to parks, trails and entertainment. He added the goal is to attract existing long-term residents who are looking for an alternative to high density living. Mr. Aaron stated the project will have electrical charging stations and the project will take one year to complete, with minimal interruption to the area. Council Member Dumalag asked about the current tenant and noted that was her concern. She stated it sounds like the developer is working with the current tenant and asked if the notice period was met. Mr. Walther stated there is a fourteen-day notice requirement, and the owner is giving the tenant up to six months to relocate. Council Member Dumalag pointed out that her concern also relates to eviction notices. Ms. Olson agreed and stated the tenant protection notice requires 90-day notice and if certain criteria are met, then a relocation benefit is available. Council Member Brausen asked who will handle the construction of this development. Mr. Dovolis stated his company will be in charge of the project, and it will be built by union labor offering prevailing wages. Mr. Berg added he has done developments within St. Louis Park for over 20 years and is familiar with the green policy of the city, which he has work on with staff and with other projects. He stated sustainable features of the building include solar-ready roof, high efficiency appliances, heating, mechanical and lighting systems, native plantings and irrigation features. He added they have also incorporated many of the green policies of the city into the development, even though they are not required, because they are part of the typical projects they do as a firm. Council Member Baudhuin referenced the wetlands and asked if they had worked with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the DNR and if there are any concerns around the wetland on the project. Mr. Anderson (civil engineer) stated this project meets the watershed and city requirements, and noted there is a wetland buffer that will support vegetation and protect the wetland. He also noted the underground treatment will treat the sediment and will also infiltrate water back into the ground to reestablish the ground water levels. Council Member Rog referenced the location of the 16-foot wall and noted that may violate the city’s rules for height. Mr. Walther stated that is the wall and fence and noted the wall is ten feet. Council Member Rog stated ten feet is higher than allowed. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -6- Feb. 20, 2024 Mr. Morrison explained the overall height is allowed when they are built as two separate structures. Mr. Morrison reviewed the fence and grade on the site plan slide. Council Member Rog asked what the rationale is for having such a high wall. Mr. Morrison stated it is needed to correct grades. He noted staff recommended a six-foot fence but at the neighborhood meeting, the neighbor requested the fence be as high as possible and eight feet is supported by code. Council Member Rog asked if shadow studies are required for this project. Mr. Morrison responded that yes, shadow studies were done and were well within code. Council Member Rog stated it will be a change for the neighborhood, if approved, and she understands that. The floor was opened for comments from the audience. Mark Mack, 5912 Cedar Lake Road, stated his questions are not being answered, adding he is not against the project per se. He said it seems like it is being thrust, noting some that were speaking on this project are not here tonight. He asked what the wall was supposed to do. He added the rentals properties in the area are all single-family homes and he is concerned about developers coming in to buy up single-family homes and replacing them with apartments. He stated he has lived in St. Louis Park for 20 years and his kids graduated from the high school. He noted the city has always been family focused and that is why they moved here, but now there are a lot of apartments going up. He stated he is biased against buildings going up everywhere and found out most of the single-family homes in his neighborhood are actually rentals, which is disturbing. He asked what was to keep others from coming in and all of a sudden, the neighborhood looks different. He also asked if there is a way to review landlords, whether they are meeting expectations, and is there documentation to make sure these things will happen. He added parking and snowplows on driveways are an issue also. Sue Mack, 5912 Cedar Lake Road, added they have lived in that location for 15 years, lived behind Knollwood for ten years, and they love it here. They moved from Pennsylvania and liked the Children’s First initiative and family-oriented city when they moved here. She stated her comment at the planning commission about drawing in more families was misunderstood by the commission member. She explained what she meant was that the health of the community is the health of the school and we have the best school district. They moved here because of the schools and the small-town feel in a first ring suburb. Ms. Mack stated she is not 100% opposed to this project but prefers townhouses instead of another apartment building. She is shocked at how many apartments are at West End, adding that many units are empty. She noted there are lots of empty units in Sienna as well. She asked why another apartment building, but understands it is for the middle. She would not be opposed if there were a waiting list for apartments, but noted there will be more apartments that are empty. She added the owners’ properties are not well-maintained and asked who will manage it and is it going to be kept up with grass, snow and ice. She noted one of the tenants who lives in the owner’s home said he does not take care of his properties as he should. Rosland Toozna, 4636 Cedar Lake Road, stated she is concerned about the level of parking even though this is not her neighborhood. She has concerns about traffic in the corridor and noted DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -7- Feb. 20, 2024 that cars speed in the roundabout there. She stated when the plan review comes up, significant attention should be given to traffic management and parking. Mr. Berg pointed out the city is still looking for housing and many different types of housing and this provides for the “missing middle”, for people to become part of the neighborhood, but not in a higher density area, which they might not be interested in. He stated the dense housing will be on the transit routes. He added the area is walkable to get groceries and go to the theater also. Mr. Berg stated the design makes the building smaller scale and moves the setback farther back than required, so as to make it less intrusive in the neighborhood. He added another element of the comprehensive plan is for housing have high-quality architectural design - which it will have - as well as sustainable features. He pointed out the design quality features and larger balconies, allowing residents to be inside and outside, noting glass and stucco are long lasting with enduring character. Council Member Brausen stated he supports the project because is follows city codes and requirements and brings housing into the community. He disagrees with the statement that there is too much housing in the city and referenced housing studies that are done annually as well as check-ins with landlords. He stated there are plenty of people who want to live in this community and occasionally he hears people say we do not want rental, adding that is unfortunate because 45% of the community is rental. Council Member Brausen stated that renters are welcome and unfortunately there is a lack of developable land in St. Louis Park, so the only way to build these structures is by building up instead of out. He remarked that this project does it in a fairly responsible manner and noted this could not happen on the north side of Cedar Lake Road as it is zoned single-family Residential-1. On the south side is a more commercial area, and this will be an improvement to some of the housing in the area. Council Member Brausen added that traffic is always a concern, but usually does not develop into a problem. He has been in the neighborhood and the ward for almost 40 years and understands the concerns. He would also like to see sustainable measures, and would like to also see solar roofs, but added the city cannot require that with the building code. He added the concerns about parking can be addressed through parking restrictions and other measures. He noted most single-family homes have more cars than those living in apartments. Council Member Brausen added there is no obligation to provide on-street parking and there will be off-street parking. He is happy to see the developer using union labor and that they will hire more women and people of color. He is also happy about the storm water plans as well. He stated he has heard the concerns about the landowner and noted all the litigation was settled and if there was a judgement, it was paid. He has not observed here the history of a bad landlord, we should not prejudge anyone, and staff will be making their best efforts to watch carefully for permits and codes. Council Member Brausen apologized in advance for construction dislocation and added his hopes that it will be minimal. Council Member Dumalag commented that she will also support this project. She addressed concerns by neighbors about the watershed, and stated every type of application that comes through has to be approved by the watershed district before the project begins. She pointed DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -8- Feb. 20, 2024 out there is currently single-digit vacancy in St. Louis Park, and we do need to have more affordable units as well as units in general. She added also there is still a problem with the “missing middle.” It is a nation-wide problem, and the city is trying to do their best to mitigate. Council Member Baudhuin shared that he drove by the proposed development and wants the residents to know the council takes their concerns seriously. He asked how much affordable housing the city has created in the last few years. Mr. Walther responded that it is over 800 affordable units since the creation of the affordable housing trust in 2016. Council Member Baudhuin stated he also will support this as the project meets the criteria, and he appreciates that residents got involved as it speaks to how much they care about their city. Council Member Budd stated she will also support the proposal presented. She appreciated hearing from residents, and noted she is concerned that residents stated they did not get all their questions answered. She would like to have staff and council look into issues related to the watershed and with landlords and encouraged residents to keep going to staff for answers. Council Member Farris stated she will also be supporting this project. She thanked staff for their work, adding we do need more affordable housing in St. Louis Park. She stated there is a need for nice affordable rental units in the city. Council Member Rog agreed with what had been stated. She agreed with Council Member Budd that staff can provide the answers that residents are looking for. Fernhill Place is in her ward and there have been concerns there. She hopes this development will be different and that staff will stay on top of things to ensure they are in order. She prefers townhouses also, but noted the city is limited in what can be done here, and the comprehensive plan shows where dense housing can be located. She added she appreciates Council Member Brausen’s thoughtful responses to residents. Mayor Mohamed stated she will also support this project. She noted housing solutions will include our ability to provide all kinds of homes. She added she would also like more townhomes in St. Louis Park, but noted this development meets a need also with the “missing middle” and provides 36 housing units. She looks forward to Vision 4.0 conversations that will be forthcoming soon as an opportunity for the community to engage and provide their thoughts about the city and the future. Council Member Brausen added he also heard concerns from residents about the short notice sent out regarding the public hearings. He suggested the council may need to look at adopting a policy about earlier notice when rezoning is part of a project and noted it would be helpful to have community comments earlier in the process. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Brausen, to approve first reading of rezoning ordinance, adopt Resolution No. 24-030 approving plat; and adopt Resolution No. 24-031 approving conditional use permit applications for 6013 and 6019 Cedar Lake Road – Ward 4. The motion passed 7-0. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -9- Feb. 20, 2024 b. Resolutions No. 24-032 and 24-033 establishing Cedar Lake Road improvements project (4023-1100) – Ward 4. Mr. Shamla presented the staff report. Council Member Rog asked whether entry into Northside Park is being considered. Ms. Heiser stated that is outside the scope of the project. She noted that there is a bike trail through the park, and the parking lot is accessed off of Nevada Ave. Ms. Heiser added there is no road connection to allow for an entrance to the parking lot from Louisiana Avenue. Council Member Baudhuin asked about West 28th Street near Highway 169 and with the construction, how will residents get out of that area. Mr. Shamla stated they will provide access to all residents during the project and will not involve the Cedar Lake Road/ Jordan Avenue intersection so the neighborhood can get access during project. Rosland Toozna, 4636 Cedar Lake Road, stated she sent a follow-up email to her commentary. She added she is not opposed to rental properties, but noted there is congestion in her area. She added she is excited and supports this project and is happy about trails and cyclists. Council Member Brausen stated he supports the proposal today and noted the approval of this in 2024 will allow for this reconstruction project, which will be a major undertaking. He noted this is work that will be significant and has had a great deal of public engagement in the process. Council Member Brausen added that the plan is a costly endeavor. City staff and the past and current Mayor have assisted in finding local, regional and state funding, and he appreciates that. He stated this is not a perfect plan and no plan ever is when dealing with infrastructure, but it is a plan that is working to serve the community for the next 30 – 50 years. He added there is also some dislocation and sadly some trees will be removed and some yards impacted. He pointed out that the city will do their best to mitigate these impacts but some are unavoidable. Council Member Brausen agreed that construction work is always messy and disruptive and this project will go on for three summers. He apologized to all neighbors now for the community needs that will allow for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles along the corridor. He added it provides community utility service also that needs to be done and this project will meet the goals and needs of the community in maintaining and enhancing the system. Council Member Dumalag added she will also support this and appreciates staff’s work finding the multiple funding sources. It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Baudhuin, to adopt Resolution No. 24-032 approving Cedar Lake Road improvements project; to adopt Resolution No. 24-033 rescinding four resolutions and authorizing parking restrictions on Cedar Lake Road; and, to authorize execution of contract for professional services with Kimley-Horn in the amount of $1,768,470 for Phase 2 of the Cedar Lake Road and Louisiana Avenue improvements project - (4023-1100, 4024-1100) - Ward 4. DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB City council meeting -10- Feb. 20, 2024 The motion passed 7-0. 8. Communications and announcements. Ms. Keller noted the free West Metro Home Remodeling Fair is this Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins. She stated more information is available on the city website. 9. Adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor DocuSign Envelope ID: B796E180-3E2D-41A9-A1D0-14459EEA43EB