HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/07/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - RegularOfficial minutes
City council meeting
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
July 15, 2024
1. Call to order.
Mayor Mohamed called the meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
a. Pledge of allegiance
b. Roll call
Council members present: Mayor Nadia Mohamed, Tim Brausen, Sue Budd, Lynette Dumalag,
Yolanda Farris, Margaret Rog
Council members absent: Paul Baudhuin
Staff present: City manager (Ms. Keller), city attorney (Mr. Mattick), deputy city manager (Ms.
Walsh), community development director (Ms. Barton), administrative services director (Ms.
Brodeen), finance director (Ms. Cruver), facilities superintendent (Mr. Eisold), naturalist (Ms.
Fleck), recreation superintendent (Ms. Friederich), public works director (Mr. Hall), engineering
director (Ms. Heiser), building and energy director (Mr. Hoffman), police chief Kruelle, naturalist
(Ms. McConnell), nature center manager (Mr. Oestreich), housing supervisor (Ms. Olson),
interim fire chief Scott, communications and technology director (Ms. Smith), park
superintendent (Mr. Umphrey), parks and recreation director (Mr. West)
Guests: Anton, Laura, Lucy and Gibson Friant; Jamie Neldner of MN Park and Recreation
Association; Dan Walsh of Trellis Co.
2. Approve agenda.
It was moved by Council Member Dumalag, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the
agenda as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Baudhuin absent).
3. Presentations.
a. Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Awards of Excellence presentation
Mr. Neldner presented two awards of excellence to the City of St. Louis Park for programming
and events: the National Day of Racial Healing at Westwood Hills Nature Center and the Trail of
Small Wonders grand opening at Westwood Hills Nature Center.
Council Member Brausen encouraged all to visit the Trail of Small Wonders at the Nature
Center.
Council Member Rog congratulated staff for these awards and shared she had attended the
grand opening, describing it as amazing. Many families were there and enjoyed the wonderland
creations. She is so proud these events are conducted through parks and recreation and she
congratulated staff.
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b. Proclamation observing “National Disability Independence Day” on July 26, 2024
Mayor Mohamed read the proclamation into the record and noted she is proud to have this
proclamation on the agenda this evening.
4. Minutes.
a. Minutes of June 3, 2024 special study session
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Farris, to approve the
June 3, 2024, special study session minutes as presented.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Baudhuin absent).
5. Consent items.
a. Resolution No. 24-083 providing for the issuance and sale of bonds
b. Resolution No. 24-084 accepting donation from Minnesota Public Employer Labor
Relations Association (MNPELRA) for Rita Vorpahl to attend the summer MNPELRA
conference
c. Resolution No. 24-085 approving cooperative agreement regarding Hwy 7 Safe Road
Zone Grant Projects
Council Member Dumalag referenced item 5c and shared that when she spoke with residents,
she heard that the area near Highway 7 can be difficult to walk. She is glad more resources are
going into this project.
It was moved by Council Member Rog, seconded by Council Member Dumalag, to approve the
consent items as listed; and to waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
The motion passed 6-0 (Council Member Baudhuin absent).
6. Public hearings.
a. First reading of ordinance adopting fees for 2025.
Ms. Cruver presented the staff report. She noted the council discussed the proposed fee
schedule in-depth at last week’s council study session and explained changes to some licensing
fees are proposed to recoup costs for services.
Mayor Mohamed opened the public hearing. No speakers were present. Mayor Mohamed
closed the public hearing.
Council Member Brausen explained staff looks at the fees every year to have the fees pay for
services for residents. He stated staff has done a great job and the changes will better
compensate the city for the work being done, for which he thanked staff.
The city council will vote on the proposed ordinance at the city council meeting on August 5,
2024.
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7. Regular business
a. Resolution No. 24-086 approving assignment and assumption of Perspectives CDGB
deferred loan and transfer of ownership of property to Trellis Co. – Ward 3
Council Member Farris recused herself from the discussion and vote on this item due to a
conflict of interest.
Ms. Olson presented the staff report.
Mr. Walsh of Trellis Co. described the company in detail and noted the other properties Trellis
owns in Minnesota. He pointed out the supportive services Trellis provides and would like to
continue. Their current goal is to acquire the property and stabilize it.
Council Member Budd stated she is long-time fan of Perspectives as they have been a
wonderful contributor to her ward over the years. She asked about the difference between
Missions Inc. and Trellis Co. Ms. Olson stated Trellis will provide property management services
and Missions will provide the supportive housing services.
Council Member Budd asked if Section 8 vouchers have been approved yet. Ms. Olson
confirmed that the housing authority board approved assigning the project based voucher
contract to Trellis.
Council Member Budd asked what communication has taken place with residents. Ms. Olson
stated staff had received comment from some residents who had been notified by the current
property management, but staff has not been apprised of all communications. She added the
sale has not actually happened yet, but if it does, Trellis will need to follow the city ordinance
requirement of providing notice to all residents that the property is being purchased. She
explained that for the project-based residents, there will be no changes and they will continue
to receive their project-based assistance.
Council Member Budd asked when the sale is expected to take place. Ms. Olson noted the sale
is anticipated for August, 2024.
Council Member Dumalag asked if the wraparound services with Missions Inc. are similar to
what Perspectives provided in the past. Ms. Olson confirmed that is their intention. The
contracts between Hennepin County and Perspectives will be assigned to Missions Inc.
Council Member Dumalag stated she wants to be certain the services will be the same and
properly administered. She asked if this is subject to additional financing that Trellis Co. will be
seeking from Greater MN Housing Fund and others. Mr. Walsh stated Trellis Co. will acquire the
property with the existing financing and the loan from Greater MN Housing Fund in August. He
noted the fund has already been approved and now is just subject to closing. He added they will
apply to the state and county for renovation funding and that process has just begun.
Council Member Rog asked if this property is required under the Cares Act to provide a 30-day
notice to tenants before filing an eviction. Ms. Olson and Mr. Walsh indicated they did not
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know. Mr. Walsh stated Trellis Co.’s practices would follow the Cares Act and they do not
anticipate displacing any current residents.
Council Member Budd noted the child center across the block and asked if this includes that
center as well. Ms. Olson stated no and added this only includes the rental properties.
Council Member Dumalag stated she is glad there is a solution and is grateful staff have worked
on this. She added she is grateful also to the City of Edina who is able to help with the funding,
and for all the things that have fallen into place to provide new ownership and a new partner
for the city.
Mayor Mohamed agreed and stated her support. She added the whole Louisiana Court
neighborhood is special to everyone, noting she grew up there. She stated knowing those living
there will not be displaced and that a solution has come forth, makes her grateful to Edina and
to all who have stepped up to keep residents housed and keep a great program in place.
It was moved by Council Member Brausen, seconded by Council Member Budd, to adopt
Resolution No. 24-086, approving assignment and assumption of Perspectives CDGB deferred
loan and transfer of ownership of property to Trellis Co. – Ward 3
The motion passed 5-0-1 (Council Member Baudhuin absent and Council Member Farris
abstained).
8. Communications and announcements.
Ms. Keller gave an update on the city’s work to mitigate the recent storm damage. Staff were
on site by 1 a.m. to take care of generators and tree debris, as well as medical and distress calls
to emergency services. She thanked the community, staff, and the police and fire departments
for all their work during this time. Staff still is working 12 hour shifts and two city facilities are
still running on generators.
Ms. Keller stated staff is recruiting residents for positions on boards and commissions and the
Vision 4.0 process, noting positions are open until August 26, 2024.
Mayor Mohamed added she will do a tour throughout the city and attend numerous city events
during the summer, as noted on the city’s social media.
9. Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Melissa Kennedy, city clerk Nadia Mohamed, mayor
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